by Charlie Fabre & Vic Bromley
Even though the UK weather might not know it yet, it’s autumn and we’re fully prepared to curl up with a nice spooky book by the fire, wrapped up in blankets, hot chocolate and slice of pumpkin pie in hand! Isn’t this just the best season for book lovers?
Ahead of issue 05: haunt, we want to give some love to all things creepy and chilling to get you in the mood and maybe get that inspiration flowing. Think lingering shadows and ghosts, things that go bump in the night…
The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
Probably the most critically acclaimed gothic horror short story collection, Angela Carter’s writing will transport you to bewitching and horrifying places that’ll keep you up at night. A few of the stories are interesting twists and plays on common fairy tales; the words will haunt you long after finishing this book.
Cursed Bunny by Bora Chung
Translated from Korean, these bizarre and moving short stories span many genres from horror to science fiction. The collection isn’t shy of eccentricity and the magical realism employed isn’t far off perfection! Proceed with caution though as many of the stories are rather violent and gory; but definitely worth the read.
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield
A spectacular novel about a woman returning from a deep sea submarine expedition where she had been submerged for too long. Haunted by the dark waters of the bottom of the ocean, her body begins to morph into something inhumane. Rubbing salt water into her bleeding gums, she’s not quite the same as before, and her wife struggles to connect with this changed woman in front of her.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Quite possibly the best gothic novel of all time! An unnamed narrator marries the wealthy Mr. de Winter and is brought to live in his stately manor. But the house is haunted by the memory of his late wife, Rebecca. In every hallways and wing there are traces of her presence leaving our protagonist and the reader with shivers as you both uncover the hidden truth about her relationship with Mr. de Winter. A spine tingling classic you must read if you haven’t already!
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enriquez
Yet another short story collection, except no one does it better than miss Enriquez. Drawing from the real life socio-political troubles of Argentinian life, The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, as well as this author’s first short story collection Things We Lost in the Fire, Enriquez paints a truly bleak and haunting image using frequent horror themes such as lingering spirits and possessed items, as well as religions iconography. Expect the unexpected though, as both these collections really pack a punch for spooky season!
Bunny by Mona Awad
Surely you’ve heard of Bunny by now, but if you haven’t it’s a completely manic and captivating tale of girls being girls in the most deliciously unhinged ways. Pulling on Dark Academia tropes and also reminding us of the classic Heathers, this novel is a wild ride and you’ll be left wondering did any of it even happen at all?
Swamplandia! by Karen Russel
Set in the murky depths of Floridian swamp-lands on a family-run alligator sanctuary and ‘circus’, two daughters set off on some dark paths and fall astray. Love affairs with ghosts, a fascination for the occult, and a dark and cloudy atmosphere to wrap it all up; Swamplandia! is truly an underrated gem. A few trigger warnings ahead though.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
Haunting in a different more existential kind of way, a group of women are locked in an underground jail and one day emerge to the surface, discovering that they are the only people here. The group travel over the land and as the story unravels the sense of loneliness and loss really starts to set in. It’s not scary per se, there are no horror tricks here, but it’ll leave you with a chill down your spine anyway.
Some honorable mentions:
I’m the King of the Castle by Susan Black
We’ve Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde
The Turning of the Screw by Henry James
swim press 