Six Books in 2025 I Have Already Read & Reviewed
The Undoing of Violet Claybourne by Emily Critchley (March 4th, 2025) from Sourcebooks. I read the UK edition. I recommend this to readers who enjoy toxic female friendships and family relationships. A strong sense of dread, a cozy, Gothic setting, and unexpected twists and turns. This story goes so much harder than the cover suggests. Reminds me of a sinister Anne of Green Gables. I enjoyed it so much
FULL REVIEWThe Ghost Woods by C. J. Cooke (April 29th, 2025) from Berkley. I read the UK edition. You need a hot cup of strong tea, a cozy blanket, and a few hours to lose yourself at Lichen Hall. See the ghosts lurking in the shadows. Light a candle to walk down a long hallway. Hear a child laughing in the woods. Hear a woman screaming in the middle of the night. Make friends with a young woman on the staff who tells you secrets and stories about Lichen Hall and the owners that you aren't allowed to know... FULL REVIEW
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix (January 14th, 2025) from Berkley. This is now my favorite Grady book. It used to be My Best Friend's Exorcism, then it was How to Sell A Haunted House, and now it's the one. Anyhoo, this is a gold-standard book for me. This is how you win a million hearts.
FULL REVIEWVictorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (February 4th, 2025) from Liveright Publishing Corporation. This is the story of a female psychopath completely void of empathy who is casually cruel, and a blood lust. Like all quality horror stories, the author brings the characters to life on the page so that the stakes feel high--this isn't just a serial killer slashing through a body count. There is substance and weight behind every action coupled with a sharp wit and dark humor.
here are some early expectations with zero spoilers.
You're going to want to read this book if you:
-enjoy historical fiction
-are not squeamish
-read & enjoyed The Laws of Skies by Grégoire Courtois (very similar vibes, storytelling style)
-read and enjoyed Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind
-can endure disturbing accounts of gruesome violent acts against people of all ages and animals
-are fascinated by stories centered on people who are casually cruel with zero provocation
-"bad seeds"
In other words, you need it. FULL REVIEWGothictown by Emily Carpenter (March 25th, 2025) from Kensington Publishing Corporation. Perfect for fans of slow burn, Southern Gothic, small rural town drama, and couples who try to escape their big city problems by moving to an idyllic community in the country. A cautionary tale for the old adage, "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." A fast-paced, popcorn thriller with just a touch of horror.
The Crimson Road by A. G. Slatter (February 11th, 2025) from Titan Books UK
Ok, I haven’t quite finished this book yet, but I’m 100 pages into it and I’m obsessed with it. Joining three other novels in the Sourdough Universe (All the Murmuring Bones, The Path of Thorns, and The Briar Witch of the Dead) The Crimson Road expands on the lore, introduces yet another badass female protagonist, and showcases Slatter’s impressive knack for immersive storytelling. Full Review SOON
I put all these down on the TBR list. Thank you for your recommendations. There was only one I didn't write down--Victorian Psycho--too close with personal issues. And I am squeamish, lol. Thank you again, Sadie! Happy New Year!
I am so excited to read Witchcraft for Wayward Girls and Victorian Psycho!