6 Forthcoming Horror Books that Will Make You Keep the Lights On

Neil McRobert is a major force in the horror community with his fabulous podcast, Talking Scared. Now with the release of his novella, Good Boy, he’s showing everyone in the genre that he’s also a supremely talented fiction writer.

When a young boy goes missing, the secrets of a small town start to unravel in shocking and horrifying ways. Add in a very beloved dog, and this is one book that’s sure to draw in readers.

Good Boy has been getting rave reviews, with everyone from Stephen Graham Jones to Stephen King declaring this novella a true masterpiece.

Needless to say, with a release date of October 9th from Wild Hunt Books, this is a must-read for the upcoming spooky season.

I’ve been a fan of Sara Tantlinger’s poetry and fiction for nearly 10 years now. And yes, we’re both Pittsburgh authors, but that’s not why I’m including her on this list.

Her debut collection is on my most anticipated list of releases because she writes horror like no one else. She’s a Bram Stoker Award winner for her poetry collection, The Devil’s Dreamland, while her novella, To Be Devoured (also an award nominee) is still going strong five years after its release.

Tantlinger’s writing has serious staying power, and I predict this collection will only further cement her as one of the major voices in horror today.

And if that’s not enough to reel you in, Cyanide Constellations and Other Stories features a brand-new novelette that’s an ode to “Rappaccini’s Daughter.”

Be still, my horror heart.

By now, virtually everyone who’s reading modern horror already knows who T. Kingfisher is. With her smash hit novella series, Sworn Soldier, which includes What Moves the Dead, she’s an absolute force within the horror genre.

And she isn’t slowing down any time soon.

Coming in December from 47 North, Snake-Eater is unlike anything Kingfisher has written before. There are ancient gods, a fantastic desert landscape, and one of the most fearsome birds of all: the road runner.

Yes, the namesake of that Warner Brothers cartoon character is in fact fairly terrifying in real life. And T. Kingfisher knows exactly how to dial up the tension.

With a blend of horror, fantasy, and comedy, this book is a perfect winter read, so put this title on your TBR list as soon as you can.

A Bram Stoker Award Lifetime Achievement winner, Nuzo Onoh has been rightfully dubbed the “Queen of African Horror,” which means if you aren’t reading her books yet, you need to start immediately.

And there’s no better place than her upcoming novel about love, revenge, and a hot pepper soup with a very special ingredient.

Set in Nigeria, Futility follows two scorned women who decide to transform their rage over being betrayed into sweet revenge, all with the help of a certain trickster spirit.

Plus, with that absolutely incredible cover, this is sure to be a fantastic ride from start to finish.

Out in October from Titan Books, Futility should be added to your TBR pile immediately.

I’m a huge fan of Vincent Price and William Castle; in particular, their collaborations on House on Haunted Hill and The Tingler are two of the most inventive and memorable entries into 20th century horror.

Author Haley Newlin is also a major fan, and she’s paying homage to their work in her fantastic book, The Film You Are About to See.

Coming in October from Mad Axe Media, this one has been racking up early praise, and for good reason: the concept is top-notch, and it’s a truly wild time.

Set in 1959 rural Indiana, a local drive-in decides to host a horror movie marathon complete with over-the-top gimmicks. But as the screams start to sound all too real, the patrons might just have to fight for their lives if they hope to see the end credits.

Newlin has been making a name for herself both as a horror reviewer and a horror fiction author, and this book is destined to bring even more richly deserved attention to her amazing talent.

A must-read of the fall.

Out in September from Uncomfortably Dark, this is one book you’re going to want as soon as it comes out.

The story follows Beatrix Beaumont, who’s on the run from her own family and trying to start over. But when she takes on a job as a caretaker of a home owned by a powerful local leader, she quickly finds herself in over her head, as she must decide just how far she’s willing to go to survive.

With an absolutely breathtaking cover, This Is How a Villain Is Made looks like everything you could hope for in a horror book, so get your pre-order in today.

Also, mark my words: Amanda Headlee is a serious author to watch.