What Have You Read - 2023

[WendyB , Witchy Woman]

A new year and a new thread for 2023!

Not every book will be a 5 star read but I hope most of your time reading is enjoyable.

[Hannah]

i have read both The Children of Red Peak and Sour Candy

[Sean]

‘Salem’s Lot

Great book. King reminds us that vampires can be real when he makes reference to Peter Kürten, the German serial killer who was known as “The Vampire of Düsseldorf”. his final words before his head was beheaded by a guillotine were horrific.

My favourite character is the school boy Mark who has the courage to stand up to all the bad guys in the book.

[Eden]

I've only read through two horror novels this year. The first one I read was #thighgap by Chandler Morrison. It is about a thin model named Helen Troy who, after seeing another model who she describes as perfect, tailspins into paranoia, hallucinations, and just pure hell. I'm sure you could tell by the title, but the novel deals a lot with anorexia, bulimia, and body dysmorphia, so just keep that in mind if you go into the novel. However, it is a very good book and I highly recommend it to everyone here.

The other horror novel I read was Amygdalatropolis by B.R. Yeager, and so far it's my favourite book I've read in 2023. Essentially, it is about computer addiction, -chan culture, disconnecting from reality, and it all blending together until you completely lose your sense of self. I can't really do it justice with that brief summary, though. You'll just have to read it! The only warning I would give is that a lot of the rhetoric and language are reflective of those corners of the internet, so you'll see a lot of homophobia, racism, etc. However, it was a great read. Honestly was one of the most genuine depictions of imageboard culture I've ever read.

[Alondra]

For Horror; I read Gone to See the River Man. This was pretty gross, and not just the murders. This was more of a thriller, than horror. The MC is one of those women who write serial killers thinking they're in love. She goes beyond and is equally psychotic. I am not giving anything away, because you have no idea ....

Highly recommended. I think its also mild splatter punk/gore based on the serial killers past deeds.

[Travis]

So far the only book I've read this year is my own book that I just published. Madworlds: The Seven. Though I have a Stephen King book I've started (If it Bleeds)

[David]

I just finished The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman and loved it!

[Squire]

Just finished If It Bleeds, Better than average for a King book, but nowhere near his best.

[Kimberly]

David wrote: "I just finished The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman and loved it!"

I loved that one, too!

[Cal]

Just finished Cardinal Black and loved it! McCammon is king. Loved every minute of this one, gave it a 5, deservedly. Can't wait to read more of this series!

[Rachel]

finished this last night! it had a good start, but sort of petered out the longer it went. had some interesting commentary tho.

[Char]

Calvin wrote: "Just finished Cardinal Black and loved it! McCammon is king. Loved every minute of this one, gave it a 5, deservedly. Can't wait to read more of this series!"

That is one of my top series'. That one and John Connolly's Charlie Parker series.

[Char]

Rachel wrote: "

finished this last night! it had a good start, but sort of petered out the longer it went. had some interesting commentary tho."

I'm nearly done listening to this one. I'm enjoying it!

[Cal]

Char wrote: "Calvin wrote: "Just finished Cardinal Black and loved it! McCammon is king. Loved every minute of this one, gave it a 5, deservedly. Can't wait to read more of this series!"

That i..."

I really can't wait to start it from the beginning man!

[Kim]

I just finished reading The Last Storm by Sam Sisavath and I'd say it's my favorite of the year so far. I've also read Don't Move by James S. Murray, House of Skin by Jonathan Janz, Head Like a Hole by Andrew Van Wey, Snowblind by Michael McBride, Charnel House by Graham Masterton. and The Wehrwolf by Alma Katsu. I gave them all 4 or 5 stars, except Snowblind.

[Char]

Sounds like some great reading there, Kim!

[Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem)]

My first read was a five star book. Not a new book, but I'm still catching up on all the great horror and thrillers I've missed over the past couple of decades. :)
Bone White by Ronald Malfi. I can't quit talking about this book and I finished it a week ago!

My review is here if anyone's interested: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Happy reading everyone! 😊

[WendyB , Witchy Woman]

Kim wrote: "I just finished reading The Last Storm by Sam Sisavath and I'd say it's my favorite of the year so far. I've also read Don't Move by [author:James S..."

I read Don't Move and was really creeped out. I hate spiders.

[Marie]

I have read six books so far this year:

Abominable Snowman
Cold Sanctuary
The Shuddering
The Vessel
Kiss Me Where It Smells Funny
The Ghost Pirates: Sea Horror Novel

[Alan]

[Jacqueline]

I've read House of Leaves and it's amazing, I really like it. Also; The Final Girl Support Group and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde [The latter of which is actually my favourite book, which should be quite obvious considering the pun in my name]

[Theresa (mysteries.and.mayhem)]

@Jacqueline I love your punny name!! Very clever. I read House of Leaves last year and also enjoyed it! It's such an interesting concept for a book.

[Char]

I loved House of Leaves as well.

I just finished Tiffany McDaniel's latest: .
This woman is freaking amazing-she's written three books and each of them is a masterpiece in my book.

[RJ - Slayer of Trolls]

I finished this small collection of the two short stories that inspired the Nutcracker ballet which has become a Christmas classic:


Nutcracker and Mouse King and The Tale of the Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann and Alexandre Dumas
Rating: 3 stars
Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Rachel]

[Erin]

Fairy Tale

[Gregg]

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.c...
Finished After Life by Rich Hoseck, Arnold Rudnick, and Loyd Auerbach. It is a paranormal suspense based on a true story, and the second book in the series. Loved it as much as the first book.

[Char]

RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "I finished this small collection of the two short stories that inspired the Nutcracker ballet which has become a Christmas classic:

[bookcover:Nutcracker and Mouse King and The Tale of the Nutcra..."

You know, I loved Count of Monte Cristo so much I read it twice, but I've never heard of that Dumas tale.

[Addi]

I’ve read The Woods Are always Watching, Supernova, Don’t Let In The Cold, and Cursed

[Char]

You're off to a good start for the year, Add!

[Hannah ⚔️ Jaedia]

Finished a couple days ago. My second King, my first for this year, and my first since July?! Woot!

[Rachel]

it was a fun read! will definitely be checking out more ramsey campbell. :)

[Char]

Rachel wrote: "

it was a fun read! will definitely be checking out more ramsey campbell. :)"

I'm almost halfway through this one right now. I'm enjoying it too. :)

[Diane]

I haven’t finished, but am reading The Black Guy Dies First, for any horror movie history fan out there. So far, I think it’s a worthwhile addition to anyone's horror centric library.

[Char]

Diane wrote: "I haven’t finished, but am reading The Black Guy Dies First, for any horror movie history fan out there. So far, I think it’s a worthwhile addition to anyone's horror centric library."

Is it funny, Diane?

[Diane]

Char wrote: "Diane wrote: "I haven’t finished, but am reading The Black Guy Dies First, for any horror movie history fan out there. So far, I think it’s a worthwhile addition to anyone's horror centric library...."
It's both funny and informative. It kinda takes the sting out of some of those embarrassing things we accepted in the past and puts them in a historical context. So great topics of discussion.

[Rachel]

[Aaron]

In horror this January I've enjoyed A Child Alone With Strangers by Phillip Fracassi (Very good). Also The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn, We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson, as well as Corpsemouth and Other Autobiographies by John Langan. Happy reading friends!

[Dawn]

Currently trying to read the Witching Hour by Anne Rice and am struggling, about 20 hours in and she is still just going on and on about the smallest details…it’s making me crazy so this may be the moment I finally have to give it up!

[Char]

Life is too short to keep reading a book you're not enjoying!

I like all of the authors you just listed, Aaron!

I finished Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell last night. I enjoyed the hell out of it!

[Kimberly]

Char wrote: "Life is too short to keep reading a book you're not enjoying!

I like all of the authors you just listed, Aaron!

I finished Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell last night. I enjoyed ..."
So glad to hear that! I just got approve and can't wait to read it!

[Christopher]

Char wrote: "Life is too short to keep reading a book you're not enjoying!

I like all of the authors you just listed, Aaron!

I finished Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell last night. I enjoyed ..."

The Grin of the Dark features some similar themes to Ancient Images and is even better! Sez me.

[Char]

Christopher wrote: "Char wrote: "Life is too short to keep reading a book you're not enjoying!

I like all of the authors you just listed, Aaron!

I finished Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell last nigh..."

It's on my list! I just keep getting distracted by newer books!

[Rachel]

Char wrote: "I finished Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell last night. I enjoyed the hell out of it!"

yay! i had fun with that one too! :)

[Catherine]

Rachel wrote: "Char wrote: "I finished Ancient Images by Ramsey Campbell last night. I enjoyed the hell out of it!"

yay! i had fun with that one too! :)"
Ramsey Campbell is always excellent. Ancient Images is one of my favourites and his latest new release - Fellstones - is no exception. Ramsey was writing folk horror way before it became
a 'thing'!

[Christopher]

In a Lonely Place by Karl Edward Wagner

Man! Given its sterling reputation and the praise it’s received from numerous horror luminaries over the years, this is one of the most disappointing collections I’ve read in a long time. As a devotee of the likes of Ramsey Campbell, Dennis Etchison and Charles L. Grant I was anticipating something similar in terms of atmosphere, mood, and beautiful prose, but I got none of these from this book. The first tale, while well-written, is a completely ordinary ghost story that hits all the beats you expect and none you don’t. The second is a fun creature feature, but that’s about all. The third, the famous “Sticks”—praised by Stephen King, Peter Straub and many others as one of the all-time great horror stories—is a fairly routine Lovecraft pastiche with a clever meta-fictional ending. That’s literally all it is.

As for the rest, it all goes downhill from there.

I’m perfectly willing to admit that I may have missed something, but damn, this book didn’t work for me at all.

[J]

THE DISMEMBERED

[Rachel]

[Alondra]

Just finished Something is Killing the Children, Vol. 2. Now, this is a fun horror series.

Also finished Robogenesis. Not as good as the first, but entertaining nonetheless.

[Alan]

What a disappointment.