Horror Book Recommendations for May Birthdays

Taurus readers understand the need for stability and comfort. That’s why they should read The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas. The main character has been reduced to a servant with no personal agency and no future after her father was murdered in the Mexican War for Independence. At a party, she meets a wealthy widower who owns a large estate; she seizes the opportunity to change her destiny and become the woman of The Hacienda Isidro. Of course, things don’t go according to plan. Taurus readers will love the hidden love story and the haunted house vibes. 

If I know anything about Taurus readers, it’s that they like their books to have a little bit of smut and spice. The Book of the Most Precious Substance is about a rare book dealer who makes a startling discovery; a 17th-century sex magic manual said to be the most powerful book of the occult. An erotic thriller about books and sexual pleasure? What more would a Taurus desire?

Read an excerpt of Come Closer by Sara Gran

This is a debut novel about a young vampire’s relationship with food and her personal, inner turmoil fighting inner demons. Taurus readers will enjoy delving into Lydia’s development as she struggles to find a balance between living a normal life as an artist and her insatiable (morally questionable) appetite for human blood. 

This book might appeal to Taurus readers due to the nature of the main character; a middle-aged woman trying to do her best to be invisible to everyone. However, Mary has been feeling different. There are voices in her head and changes to her physical health. Looking to do some serious introspection, Mary moves back to her hometown. However, her strange, new behaviors begin to overwhelm her. She discovers they may be connected to an infamous serial killer. 

Taurus readers will delight in discovering what exactly is happening to Mary. 

Taurus readers will be enthralled with themes of the limits women face at the core of this dystopian novel. Witches are real and single women are closely monitored to see if they are exhibiting any suspicious behavior. The state mandates all women to be married by thirty years of age. Josephine Thomas is not ready to surrender her autonomy. At twenty-eight years of age, letting go of control seems like her imminent future. She’s offered the opportunity to honor one last request from her mother’s will-her mother disappeared fourteen years ago, but this recent development brings Josephine closer to her mother than ever before. 

Gemini readers like a little bit of everything and this one promises to have it all. A psychological horror about the feminine experience and sexuality, mother/daughter relationships, dark academia, and an opportunity to enjoy a book unlike anything else out there right now. The literary style will appeal to Gemini’s intelligence, while the cultural references and riffing off of classic horror tropes will entice Gemini to stay invested. 

Related: The Most Anticipated 2022 Indie Horror and Thriller Books

Another new release with a little bit of everything, just like Gemini readers want. Part psychological thriller, part ‘story-in-a-story’, Gemini will love the non-stop revelations and discoveries they get to make throughout this entire story. And as a special treat, the main character is a twin! Catriona Ward is a master at building tension with layered storytelling. Gemini readers will enjoy being kept on their toes!

Geminis will see this phrase in the book’s description, “false narratives” and perk right up! A disease affects how reality is perceived making it difficult to know what is true and what is a lie. Spence is one of the few people able to navigate the new landscape but is unable to face reality. 

Given Gemini’s uncanny ability to sniff out bullsh*t, they are sure to enjoy this novella. 

Given Geminis desire for the limelight and their ability to be the life of the party, May birthday readers might enjoy this story about a young Chinise American woman eager to do whatever it takes to be a star. She finds out that Hollywood is controlled by monsters in positions of power. The system is run by an ancient magic that sacrifices the blood of young starlets like her in order to stay successful. Luli discovers that she is willing to risk it all to achieve stardom. 

There’s nothing a Gemini reader loves more than a nostalgic, coming-of-age horror novel in the tradition of Stephen King’s IT. Black Mouth is the story of Jamie Warren, a young man haunted by a traumatic childhood. A series of unusual events draws Jamie back to his estranged brother and their childhood friends. It becomes increasingly clear that fate has plans for them. They must confront the darkness in their past in order to face a new danger.

I already see my Gemini brethren lining up for this one!

Related: Ronald Malfi: Where to Begin with the Bestselling Horror Author