Rather than create a book of top 5 for 2024, I am going to list some of the books I am most looking forward to in 2025. I've read a few but most of these are listed based upon the description or the author alone. I will have to do an updated post as more titles are announced and titles published in October - December 2025 are available.
If you are interested in horror or dark literature, Emily Hughes' website should be your first stop when planning your future reads. She assembles an upcoming horror list that is essential. Her book, Horror for Weenies, is a great read that summarizes horror movies and provides books that have similar themes. I used Emily's site to compile my list so check out her site.
I am certain that there are other titles that will catch my attention!
January
Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman (Quirk) My starred Library Journal review is here. This will be one of the most memorable books of the year.
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (Berkeley) Becky Spratford's starred review for Booklist is here.
At Dark I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca (Big Bald Head Blackstone) Becky Spratford's starred review for Library Journal is here.
February
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito - Anyone who already read this title told me it was amazing after I posted a picture of the advanced copy I had received.
The Poorly Made and Other Things by Sam Rebelein (William Morrow) -Rebelein's debut, Edenville, was very well received. It was a work of dark academia with a cultic vibe. This book adds to the story of Redfield County. Becky Spratford's rave review is here.
Haunted Ecologies: Stories by Corey Farrenkopf (JournalStone)- Corey's debut novel, Living in Cemeteries, was creative and unique take on the ghost story. Becky Spratford's review is here. Library Journal's review by Jeremiah Paddock is here.
March
The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica, trans. Sarah Moses (Scribner) - The new novel by the author of Tender is the Flesh is about a cloistered order of women. Sign me up...
Vanishing Daughters by Cynthia Pelayo (Thomas & Mercer) - Cina Pelayo's books blending modern day Chicago, it's fascinating history, and dark retellings of fairy tales have captured my heart while terrifying me since Children of Chicago. She weaves grief and loss within this book while also rethinking ghosts and haunting. My Library Journal review is here.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Stephen Graham Jones (Saga) - One of the current masters of horror, this book weaves historical fiction into horror using mulitple narrators to move the story forward. Jones' rethinking of the vampire trope is incredible. My Library Journal review will be posted soon.
The Haunting of Room 904 by Erika T. Wurth (Flatiron) - A blend of horror and mystery by the author of the incredible White Horse. This has a great cast of characters with some wonderful friendships between women. I hope to see more of them in the future! My Library Journal review is upcoming.
April
Another Fine Mess by Lindy Ryan (Minotaur)- The sequel to Bless Your Heart which was a delightful novel. The Evans women keep the dead from rising in their small Texas town. The trouble from the first book is far from over... My Library Journal review is upcoming.
When the Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy (Nightfire): I loved Nestlings by Cassidy and this promises to be another winner.
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker (Mira): Hungry ghosts and a serial killer during the pandemic in NYC. So much to like here.
May
Requiem, John Palisano (Flame Tree): Gothic horror in space. I have loved John's short stories and I'm looking forward to reading this novel.
We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough (Flatiron) - We seem to be in a time for gothic novels. A haunted house and a crumbling marriage.
Silk and Sinew: A Collection of Folk Horror from the Asian Diaspora by K.P. Kulski (Bad Hand) - I love folk horror and this anthology looks to be something special. Bad Hand has come out with some great books recently.
June
Maria the Wanted by V. Castro (Titan) - A thriller about a Mexican vampire who is finding her place in the world, facing conspiracies and a vampire boss.
Ecstasy by Ivy Pochoda (Putnam) - A retelling of a Greek tragedy about empowerment and desire.
The Nut House by Patrick Barb (Undertaker): A squirrel horror novella.
July
My Ex, the Antichrist by Craig DiLouie (Redhook) - A punk band and the antichrist. Occult/possession horror is another favorite of mine.
The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Del Rey): Women in different eras fighting witchcraft by the author of Mexican Gothic. More occult horror!
Angel Down by Daniel Kraus (Atria) - The premise of this book is fascinating. Five soldiers encountering an angel during WWI. Kraus is a phenomenal writer with an amazing range.
August
Game in Yellow by Hailey Piper (Saga) - Hailey Piper is one of the most original voices in horror. She reimagined the vampire novel in All the Hearts We Eat. (My Library Journal review is here) I can't wait to read her take on a couple trying to spice up their sex life.
Feral & Hysterical: Mother Horror’s Ultimate Reading Guide to Dark and Disturbing Fiction by Women by Sadie Hartmann (Page Street) - Horror by women is something that I look out for. I loved Sadie's (Mother Horror) first book, the Bram Stoker Award winning 101 Horror Books to Read Before You're Murdered.
The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas (Berkley): A demon possession in 18th century Mexico. From the author of Vampires of El Norte and The Hacienda.
Secret Lives of the Dead by Tim Lebbon (Titan) Dark folk horror about a deadly family curse...Lebbon is an award winning author who's The Silence is now a Netflix movie.
September
Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (Berkley) - Harrison's books are always delightful. She surprises readers by switching subgenres with each book. This time it's haunted houses. I love the way she writes about female friendships so I will be checking out this title.
Roots of My Fears: An Anthology of Ancestral Horror, ed. Gemma Amor (Titan): This has such an interesting premise and the line up of authors is incredible.
Fiend by Alma Katsu (Putnam): A wealthy family dynasty with an ancient cure. It's wonderful to see another Katsu horror novel on the horizon.
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