What I'm Reading: Even More Booklist Reviews including Clay McLeod Chapman

I have had a HUGE backlog of reviews in the queue for Booklist. I was writing 2 a week for a while there in April and May. Some got pushed further out and others moved to online only. And still others (sorry Clay) in my brain I posted here on the blog but in reality, I did not post them. 

So I am rectifying that here today and giving the lost posts that appeared in Booklist's June issue from the print and an online exclusive. And thankfully, my list of written but unpublished reviews is now much more manageable.

I also have room for this today because while my July Horror Preview is in the July 2026 print issue of Library Journal, it will not go online until 7/15 which means I cannot post it here on the blog until 7/16 (the 15th is always LibraryReads day)

So today even more glowing reviews of upcoming Fall Horror titles beginning with one that will be a huge hit this Fall

Devil Inside
by Clay McLeod Chapman 

Aug. 2026. 384p. MIRA, paper, $18.99  (9780778306214). 
First published June 1, 2026 (Booklist).

Swoon and screams abound in Chapman’s, perfectly titled, Horroromance. It’s 2002 and Jordan is loving his life as a bike messenger in Richmond. But when the book opens, readers are taken on the ride when a rushed delivery leads to a crash that leaves Jordan dead for 2.5 minutes before being revived. Now, one year later, Jordan is out with friends for the first time since the accident when he meets Lilith and they share one night of intense passion. Finding her again, however, proves difficult, because Lilith is a demon who skips from body to body, burrowing into humans through their darkest thoughts. Lilith tasted something special in Jordan, something she cannot quit, and she may not be the only one who wants him. Told from both Jordan and Lilith's perspective, this macabre but sweet (and spicy) love story explores consent from an original angle, contemplates how love is a type of possession, and opens readers up to the existentially terrifying idea of the demons among us. While horror takes the lead here, both unfold as superb examples of their genres on the page, reliably hitting all the beats fans of each demand. For readers who were captivated by Spread Me by Gailey or My Sister the Serial Killer by Braithwaite and fans of the obsessive love portrayed in Eric LaRocca’s horror. 

Three Words The Describe This Book: Horroromance, existentially terrifying, possession/obsession 

Further Appeal: Love is messy— literally. But it is. 

Horror first, romance second. Both excellent. But romance fans, beware, this is Horror with a very good romance. The only thing keeping this from 5 stars is that there were some details that were either missing or introduced and then not returned to. But that is a minor quibble. This is a VERY fun read and a great example of how the Horroromance genre could be a thing. It is NOT paranormal romance (which many are and that is romance first).

Let's explore that more. Both are genres that appeal to the emotions. Neither works if you cannot feel the fear and the love. Check on both. The terror is full body. It begins uneasy and tricks you into thinking is is going to be quirky only, but NO, this is full out existential terror by the end. Jordan was dead for 2.5 mins after his accident. We know this from the start. But he came back. And that allows him to be able to see the demons in our midst. 

Intersting….okay but then as the romance heats up so does the information behind Jordan’s place in this world. We see into more of the demons and their power and what it means about human nature, and more. Existential terror.

But also, the romance. It is a satisfying romance, it honors the story beats that are required while introducing it’s own unique characters and frame. We get both sides of the romances parties POV. Jordan as he deals with healing reentering the able bodied world— one that is changing quickly as he was a bike messenger in 2002 and now it is 2003 and phones and the internet are expanding and bike messengers are going the way of dinosaurs. That was also a nice touch for frame and to increase unease. 

When Jordan meet Lilith, she was perfect for him. But as we know from the start— Lilith is a demon. Not human and she has her own relationship scars— just different kind of relationship— she committed to a body that kept her trapped for years (read you will see). We follow Lilith as she jumps from body to body as people touch each other— tasting their souls and comparing them to wines (nice touch) . We watch her deal with her issues and see how the two compromise to have the love relationships that works best for them. There are bumps but they are very believable even considering the fast that she is a demon.

That was vague but I don’t want to give away the chills and love. The Swoons and Screams-- I will work that into the review. Also the title is great— literal yes, but then it surprises you how deep it goes. Their happily ever after is also there but it a horror one too.

I loved a few themes, plot points here. First, love is a kind of obsession or is it a possession. The possession stuff in general was used to perfection in the romance parts here. Dubious consent was an obvious one-- If Lilith is possessing the bodies Jordan is having sex with-- is that consent. Chapman explores this through the narrative and it was well done. But also, Jordan is so obsessed with Lilith and she with him that it feels like possession. Chapman explores this through a ramping up of the horror angles here. But also when you are in love-- it becomes an obsession. That line is very thin. 

Another theme-- the darkness inside all humans. Even if it is small. But often it is not. It is hidden, and demons exploit it to possess people.

The idea that demons are out there possessing people all the time even if for a moment. Terrifying and felt with your whole body as a reader.

Further Readalikes:  The best readalike is Spread Me by Gailey. If you liked that you will like this. My Sister the Serial Killer fans would love this as well. After you read this one, you will see it too. Hellbound Heart by Barker is another good option. Thing Have Gotten Worse Since we Last Spoke by LaRocca is the vibes here as well.

Horroromace is about to explode and this will be the title that sets the high water mark for the genre for the near future. 

And finally, the online only review which went live in June.

Witches of the Wheel

By Lindsay Merbaum

Sept. 2026. 264p. Creature, paper, $18.95  (9781951971540); e-book (9781951971557). First published June 8, 2026 (Booklist Online).

Dark feminist fantasy, witches, and an ancient goddess collide at the (literal) underground lesbian bar, The Wheel. Raised by a neglectful mother, Gold spent many hours alone, hours during which she realized she could see and talk to ghosts. One in particular, a strong, battle-clad woman, was clearly older and stronger than the others. When Gold’s mother dies suddenly, 17 year-old she finds shelter, a job, and friendship at The Wheel. Gold enters by making the sacrifice the bar’s old magic demands and begins working as a barback, immersing herself in the bar’s ancient history, the dark and serious power it holds over employees and visitors alike, and longing to learn more about the coven of witches who meet there. Gold is not perfect, but her conversational narration and honesty will draw readers in quickly, as they root for her to find her place, embrace her magic, and claim the destiny she wants for herself. A perfect choice for readers who like Cackle by Harrison, Queen of Teeth by Piper, and Goddess of Filth by Castro. 

Three Words That Describe This Book: conversational storytelling, atmospheric, lesbians/goddesses/ witches (I know that last one is three words but they go together)

Further Appeal: Other words, immersive, strong sense of place, coming of age, single pov, compelling (but not fast), dark fantasy

 
Gold had a tough childhood, her mother was borderline abusive, but once her mother realized that Gold had the power to talk to the dead, she used her daughter to make money. But even before her mom monetizes her powers, Gold knew one of the spirits that visited her was older and stronger than the more common ghosts. 

After her mom dies suddenly while Gold is still a teenager, she finds shelter, friendship, and a purpose at The Wheel, a lesbian bar, hidden underground, and guarded by an old magic.

Taken in a taught the ways of The Wheel, readers join Gold as she takes it all in. Learns about the ancient history of the bar, the dark and serious power it holds over those in charge, and the coven who meet there weekly. Gold yearns to be accepted. She is wearing for a place to belong, a family to be a part of, but she also holds more power than anyone realizes. And her connection to an ancient goddess has the potential to put everything her new friends hold dear at risk. But also, it could save them all.
Gold is forced to make tough choices as she embraces her magic, her connection to the ancient goddess who has been visiting her since she was a child, shakes of her trauma and decides how she is going to live her adult life. She’s not perfect, but readers will root for Gold.

With the conversational storytelling narration from Gold, readers will be immersed in the world and encouraged to sit back and take it all in. 

Dark fantasy, queer, witchy  feminist vibes, ancient evil, and coming of age story collide in a place (The Wheel) that readers will not soon forget, and wish they could actually visit. 

Readalikes: I really feel like the three books above if considered together, they capture what you can expect here. You like all three you will enjoy this book.