I am back after being away for over a week and I am easing back in today with the 5 (!) reviews I have in the September 2025 issue of Booklist. None of these were starred but all were very good reads and are going to have wide appeal.
I figured, since I was gone for over a week, I was going to give you a MASSIVE post to mark my return.
As always you can find my draft review with bonus info posted below:
By Brian McAuley
Sept. 2025. 320p. Poisoned Pen, paper, $17.99 (9781464238208).
First published September 1, 2025 (Booklist).
Screenwriting professor and novelist McAuley returns with another pitch perfect, Scream-esque slasher. Hannah is struggling with grief and survivor guilt a year after she went on a hike with her fiance Ben, but only she returned. Barely sleeping, popping too much Xanax, and haunted by Ben’s ghost, she accepts an invitation from her best friend Tess to join their college friend group on a wellness retreat in the middle of the California desert, Hannah understands that this may be her last chance to heal. Except, this is a slasher, so instead of concentrating on restorative practices, Hannah must become a final girl. McAuley delivers readers interesting and flawed but always sympathetic characters, cinematic storytelling, a brisk pace, a tone that combines the darkly humorous with introspection, and most importantly, kills that are creatively over-the-top. Suggest confidently to fans of meta slashers like The Final Girl Support Group by Hendrix or I Was a Teenaged Slasher by Jones but to those who enjoy the emerging health influencer horror subgenre like in Youthjuice by Sathue.
Three Words That Describe This Book: cinematic, dark humor, health influencer slasher
Further Appeal: First things first, if this is your first McAuley-- go read everything he has written after this. You will love them all.
Second-- LOVE THE TITLE. It fits the book-- its plot, its vibe, its humor-- all of it perfectly.
This is consciously a SCREAM (the movie) style slasher on the page and it is done very well. Consciously constructed slasher that is darkly fun and also thought provoking along the way.
McAuley is a screenwriting professor and his work is very cinematic. He understands the beats of a slasher that need to happen., He understands the characters need to be both slightly exaggerated from known real humans and even when slightly awful in heavier are good solid people who you sympathize with and yet you know they are going to be killed when the POV moves to them and you are fine with it.
The kills have to be creative and over the top as well and McAuley delivers here (and in all his books). So many ways to kill with a pick ax!
The haunted mine history, the isolated health retreat that seems a bit off, the Native worker at the retreat and the known atrocities done to Natives in that place, the conflict between the friends.
Hannah is clearly the final girl. She will be from the start. But she is a damaged final girl. She is mourning the death of her fiancé Ben. He died while they were on a hike and only she made it out alive. We hear the full story as the book goes on. The addition of this strong grief horror subplot is excellent. It adds to the emotions of the story and to Hannah's character. Ben is haunting Hannah still and whether it is actually his ghost or her brain-- that is handled well and honestly it could be either which I liked a lot.
I will say though, I am not sure I love what this novel says about the mental health industry. The wellness industry is definitely skewered perfectly but the mental health industry.... I am leaving that comment here without more info.
There are many creative kills here-- as there should be. So there is gore, but readers know it is coming and it is expected-- again in the SCREAM frame of mind.
This book also flys by. Each chapter is like a scene and the writing is great. just the right amount of details and adjective, the story moves as the characters are developed along the way. You can read it in 1-2 sitting even though it is pushing 300 pages. That was impressive. This will be VERY popular in libraries.
Although Hannah and her friends are a few years out of college, I think teens will love it. The characters are emotionally younger than their ages and they are really struggling with their next steps in their lives after college. And the focus is on their friendship which was cemented in college but they have grown apart as people. Are trying to come back together.
Further Readlaikes: Above I mention other meta slashers, but don't sleep on the fact that health influencer horror might become a thing as well.
Again, check out everything McAuley has written.
A few other titles to suggest here:
- How to Survive a Horror Story by Arnold (same publisher too). Same level of gore with humor and mystery elements
- Similar in tone and gore level-- This Wretched Valley by Keifer and Heads will Roll by Winning
This book made the September 2025 LibraryReads list. Get on it!
by Carson Faust
Oct. 2025. 400p. Viking, $30 (9780593830895).
First published September 1, 2025 (Booklist).
This atmospheric debut, steeped in Native folklore, throws readers into the story of Nadine, a Wisconsin high schooler living with her alcoholic Mother and spiritual Aunt just four hours after her little sister, Laurel, has disappeared. As the family searches for Laurel over the course of a few months, the action moves between narrators and across time and space (to South Carolina, the family’s ancestral home); however, ultimately, it all falls on Nadine to step up, reconcile her family’s difficult past, and actively connect with her Native heritage, all in an attempt to be the bridge moving the family into the future with or without Laurel. Chilling, unsettling, and even bleak at times, this honest and heartbreakingly beautiful story will immerse readers in a world where they will feel the generational trauma, but also, see the hope. For fans of horror by marginalized voices that contemplate generational trauma, delivering stories fit for all readers like Bad Cree by Johns, Listen to Your Sister by Viel, and House of Bone and Rain by Iglesias.
Three Words That Describe This Book: generational trauma, atmospheric, multi pov and timelines
Further Appeal: The coming of age theme is STRONG here.
Overall this story is bleak in tone but also very immersive. This Native family has been through hell, both from society, domestic abuse, and their connection to the supernatural spirits from their storytelling traditions. The average reader is not going to be Native so I appreciated that Faust took the time to explain the folklore (a scene in the library where Nadine looks it up to understand better) and make sure the reader understood the generations of hurt involved here. Some may say this book is too depressing, but I think it is the author trying to get the bleak truth across. And it is done without sacrificing the pacing and story. That's why I say bleak but immersive. The reader is invested here and Faust works hard to make sure of that. Impressive for a debut.
There is beautiful writing during the parts where Nadine connects with the spiritual world. But there is also blunt and descriptive writing about the very real life in WI which while not flowery (rightly so), hits the reader head on so that we can feel the not only the hurt and sorrow but the physical place they live-- rural and small town.
The multiple points of view and timelines enhance this story. The book begins with a family tree and the story goes back and forth-- clearly labeled-- in time and who is speaking to see other family members and understand how Nadine-- the main protagonist here-- got to where she is as a daughter, granddaughter, niece, sister, and human.
This is a well crafted debut. I would read more by this author. Like all but a few debuts, the third act is the weakest part but it this is way better than your average debut.
Readalikes: The three books in the review-- taken together give a great sense of what to expect here. The Marrow Thieves would be good as well by Dimaline.
The Iglesias is a great example of generational trauma horror based in traditions with a strong coming of age theme. A bit more violent than this one, but like the Faust, both are focused on the generational/identity based trauma and the pull between worlds.
I think this is also a good moment to point out that just because this is Native horror, not all Native writers work here. They all write differently. Bad Cree is the best readalike of the slew of Native Horror writers- both in theme and writing style.
If you want more Native Folk Horror: Never Whistle at Night is where you should go next. This will give you a fuller sense of what is out there.
Folk horror from other traditions is also great readalike, such as the work of Neil Sharpson, anything by Adam Nevil, T. Kingfisher also works.
By Jim C. Hines
Oct. 2025. 336p. DAW, $29 (9780756419684); e-book (9780756419691).
First published September 1, 2025 (Booklist).Imagine if The Thursday Murder Club worked with Harry Dresden out of the Legends and Lattes shop and can understand who will enjoy Hines’ original tale of found family, second chances, and oh, an end of the world event. Salem, MA, home to Second Life Books and Gifts, is a storefront in the home of three retired “Chosen Ones”-- Jenny (50s) a former Hunter of Artemis, Annette (60s) a half demon, paranormal PI, and Temple (99) a powerful, if declining, sorcerer. When a threat to bring a powerful monster into the real world emerges, the retired heroes must overcome their personal demons to, once again, save the world. Narrated by all three protagonists, the plot will keep readers engaged from the very first page; however it is the characters that will fill readers’ hearts and have them demanding a sequel. Highlighting the best of two trends- the blending of dark fantasy with the cozy and the appeal of the mature protagonist– Slayers of Old will open a portal to new worlds for a wide swath of readers.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Cozy Dark Fantasy, found family, great characters
Three Words That Describe This Book: Cozy Dark Fantasy, found family, great characters
Jenny, the youngest, but quite possibly the most traumatized. A mid 50s, former Hunter and Healer of Artemis-- now only healing, hunter to fight anymore
Annette-- in her 60s a half demon who also was a paranormal PI for many years. Trying to heal th wounds and fix the mistakes she made with her son by being a better grandmother.
Temple-- 99 years old. A powerful sorcerer. The owner of the house. His magic is still strong although he is definitely beginning to fail physically. The house holds much magic itself and it is controlled by Temple.
The plot is how they are all dragged back into their jobs and I am not giving much away because it is original, and quirky, and fun. But also sad and dark and violent at times. This will be enjoyed by a wide swath of readers because it had enough horror, enough cozy book store vibes, enough mystery, an uplifting found family theme, and GREAT characters who you will want to revisit.
This is as I said above-- DARK fantasy cozy. it is still hopeful as a good cozy, but there is very real danger and violence.
As I mention in the review: this book can be easily hand sold as The Thursday Murder Club if they worked with Harry Dresden and used the Legends and Lattes shop as their homebase. And that will allow many readers to decide for themselves.
It is not a gimmick of a book. This is an original and very thought provoking story. It is part of the larger trend of cozy genre titles that will make you think about the world around you and how you react to it, even as you are immersed in the characters' lives.
I am reviewing it for Booklist because their SF/F/H reviews all go under one header. This is dark fantasy all the way, not Horror, but Horror fans can enjoy it as well. There is a lot of classic Horror stories and foundational texts that are used here.
Readalikes: As I mention in the review, this book can be easily hand sold as The Thursday Murder Club if they worked with Harry Dresden and used the Legends and Lattes shop as their home base. But just becauseI could boil it down to that statement, I need you to understand, this is not a gimmick of a book. This is an original and very thought provoking story. It is part of the larger trend of cozy genre titles that will make you think about the world around you and how you react to it, even as you are immersed in the characters' lives.
Here are a few more options-- Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune, Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan, Autumn Spring Retirement Massacre by Fracassi, Nettle and Bone by Kingfisher.
By A. Rushby
Sept. 2025. 384p. Berkley, $30 (9780593954645); e-book (9780593954652).
First published September 1, 2025 (Booklist).
Debut novelist Rushby has given readers a macabre, feminist Gothic that stretches its waxen hands across time. Alys, a current day antiques dealer, is about to take possession of the third of three infamous Anatomical Venuses (ultrarealistic models of Victorian sex workers historically used to keep the attention of male medical students) for the purpose of destroying them. While it is said this trio of mannequins came to life at night, killing the men who wronged them, 250 years later, they still hold dangerous power. In alternating chapters, readers are also swept back to 1769, following Eleanor as she meets the other two women. As the timelines converge, readers will be treated to a bewitching tale that shines a light on the horrific realities for women of the era and an original, terrifying, and compelling supernatural horror story. For fans of horror that centers female rage like The Eyes Are The Best Part by Kim or has an immersive and honest Victorian setting like The Butcher’s Daughter by Demchuck and Clark.
Three Words That Describe This Book: 2 time frames, Feminist Gothic, Original
Further Appeal: First shout out to the perfect cover. Accurate in so many ways as to what you will find inside both plot and appeal.
If you like a book where you are highly entertained and learn something new from history, you should read this book! Slashed Beauties of Anatomical Venuses-- were an actual thing. They were anatomical wax models of sex workers for medical school students to use to study. It was found that they paid better attention is the models were beautiful-- GROSS.
From the author's note:
"Readers have asked me where they might see an anatomical Venus in the flesh (so to speak) for themselves. Some of the finest examples can be seen at La Specola Anatomical Collection, in Florence, but there are also some to be found at the Semmelweis Medical Museum, in Budapest; at the Josephinum Medical Museum, in Vienna; and at the Museo di Palazzo Poggi Anatomy and Obstetrics Collection, in Bologna."
Also the details about like in London surrounding the "pleasure gardens" in 1769 is also well done.
The setting is great. It feels real and if you read the entire author's note you see that it is because it is all based on very real stuff and lots of research.
The 2 timelines-- 1 is told to us by Alys in the present day. She is an antiques dealer whose family is related to Eleanor-- one of the Venuses. And the other timeline is 1769 as Eleanor meets Elizabeth and Emily and begins to work for Elizabeth in the upscale sex industry.
It is rumored that the Venuses came to life and killed the men who wronged them. In the current time line the stories open as Alys, who has had Eleanor in storage and has important items linked to Emily (who burned at one point we are told), is finally getting her hands on Elizabeth. She is trying to destroy all three together to stop their evil reign. Because, yes, it is clear to the reader from the start that the stories about the power of these wax women hold a lot of truth. But how much truth, that is what we read for.
Readers will get lost in the part of the book set in 1769-- Eleanor is a great narrator, historically accurate, inquisitive, and shares the world very well.
Alys, in our current time line is a little more chaotic and is clearly holding back info from everyone. The reader gets more than the others, but not much more. This is on purpose because the timelines slowly collide and the Anatomical Venuses are physically brought together for the first time in 250+ years. It all comes together, but as a reading experience, the "now" timeline is less satisfying on its own. But to be fair, you are not supposed to read it on its own.
This is a feminist Gothic that reaches its hands across time. It is original in that the author is not only sharing a little known history, but the story she has created around it is compelling and terrifying both in its reality and in the supernatural parts she made up.
It is also a story that deals with trauma and sex workers with the care both deserve.
Readalikes: Any female rage/feminist historical titles will work here.
There were quite a few novels that I thought of while reading this. Some for very specific reasons, others for more of the overall feel:
- Centuries of June by Keith Donohue. Also The Motion of Puppets by him as well.
- The Taxidermist Lover by Polly Hall
- Old Soul by Susan Barker
- Midnight Rooms by Coles
- Out by Natsuo Kirino
By John Horner Jacobs
Oct. 2025. 336p. Putnam, $30 (9780593853436); e-book (9780593853443).
First published September 1, 2025 (Booklist).
Between her ship needing an overhaul and barely functional alcoholism, Sam Vines’ business is about to implode. When an old seafaring friend offers her a job to help move the Blackwatch (an ornate, 100 year old, wooden tall-ship) from Puget Sound to England, she accepts knowing the job will give her both money and forced sobriety. Tthere is one catch, the ship is reportedly haunted. Sam’s flawed but sympathetic character and conversational narration draw readers in quickly, while Jacobs’ effortless world building layers in the necessary nautical details and ship’s haunted history without sacrificing the compelling pace. As strange events slowly overlap, Sam is skeptical but nervous. With each port, however, the very real dangers increase, until it all reaches a terrifying peak in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Awash in dread, this nightmarish story of survival is an easy handsell to those who enjoy nautical horror like Where the Dead Wait by Wilkes or its space version Barnes’ Dead Silence, and survival horror in the vein of Keifer’s This Wretched Valley.
Three Words That Describe this Book: cursed ship, conversational narration, awash in dread
This is an intense story told by a very sympathetic but very flawed narrator-- Sam Vines. She is an experienced boat captain but on hard times-- her ship needs a major overhaul to keep up with the gulf industry of taking out tourists and she is a barely functional alcoholic. When an old friend hires her as the engine master on a beautiful old wooden tall ship-- 100 years old-- to move it from Pugent Sound to England, she figures the time on board will help her get clean and the money will allow her to fix her ship. But there is one thing-- the ship is reported to be haunted.
So begins an intensely uneasy nautical horror story of a cursed ship. The jargon and nautical details are spot on, Sam's narration is conversations-- she is speaking directly to the reader telling her story of this journey, but of course, she and the reader question the strange things she is seeing-- both of us.
Things go from bad to worse quickly. Although they start small and unsettling but build to straight out terror. I know it is punny to say this book is awash in dread but it is. The dread washes over the reader as well.
Sam finds the journal of the wife of the boat's first owner which adds the necessary backstory elements to this story.
This story will root its readers on dry land for a good long while after finishing this one.
It is claustrophobic, terrifying. The world building is well done-- the reader is on the ship, hears the sounds, feels the movement, and the ghost aspects are well done. The stretches of nothingness between stops is described well but also without slowing the pace. fewer sittings you read this in, the better it will be-- especially when you get to the end and understand how Sam wrote this story to us.
Readalikes-- Obviously other nautical horror titles are a great option here, especially those that are about a cursed ship such as From Below by Darcy Coates or the anthology The Devil and the Deep edited by Ellen Datlow. But also, the narrator (Sam) here and her story overlapped with the story of the cursed ship also reminded me a lot of Dead Silence by S.A. Barnes. The appeal connection between the two stories is STRONG. Also the works of Ally Wilkes and her nautical horror stories also work very well here-- Where the Dead Wait and All the White Spaces.
Speaking of strong appeal-- the book this most reminded me of is This Wretched Valley by Jenny Keifer. 100% this is the best readalike option.
And I am reminding you all that books are readalikes based on more than what happens in them. For example The Deep by Alma Katsu is a boat horror story but it is NOT a readalike here in terms of the way the story is told and the horror aspects.
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