4 Terrifying New Releases from Indie and Small Presses in November 2024

Let the darkness in this month with these terrifying tales.

Covers of "The Keeper of the Key" by Nicole Willson, "Bestial Mouths" by Brenda S. Tolian, "Sundown in San Ojuela" by M.M. Olivas, and "The Incubations" by Ramsey Campbell.
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  • Photo Credit: Kristina Kashtanova/Unsplash

November has us in its chilly grip. As the leaves wither and die around us, autumn is the perfect time for a good spooky read.

Don't let your horror TBR fall to the wayside just because Halloween is over! There are new and unique tales of terror hitting the shelves every month—and we're here to highlight the best.

From slow-burning Gothic horrors to surreal screams, this month's releases will have you shaking in your boots. Here are four of our most anticipated horror books from indie and small presses this November!

The Keeper of the Key

The Keeper of the Key

By Nicole Willson

The last thing 16-year-old Rachel wants to do is turn her whole life upside down to move into the decrepit mansion owned by her mom's boyfriend, Geoff. Moving to St. Mary, Virginia, and into Morgan House means that Rachel can kiss all of her friends—and life as she knows it—goodbye.

St. Mary is in the middle of nowhere, and it seems like the loneliest place she's ever been. Until she meets Nick, who is so cool that he even takes her to a cemetery on their first date.

At home, Geoff institutes a series of ridiculous house rules that make him even harder to get along with. Rachel is forbidden from going into the basement, but something in Morgan House is drawing her down there…

In this eerie cellar, Rachel has visions of a strangely familiar man. And as tragedy befalls her family these visions—urgent warnings from the dead—become more frequent.

This book is now available for pre-order, and will be released on November 12th by Parliament House Press!

The Keeper of the Key
Bestial Mouths

Bestial Mouths

By Brenda S. Tolian

In this grippingly grotesque debut horror poetry collection, Brenda S. Tolian's work drags you down into a nightmarish labyrinth of the human psyche.

Showing the dichotomy of human and beast, intimacy and violence, life and death, Tolian's collection takes a poignant stand for the exploited.

This book is now available for pre-order, and will be released on November 14th by Raw Dog Screaming Press!

Bestial Mouths
Sundown in San Ojuela

Sundown in San Ojuela

By M.M. Olivas

Liz Remolina returns to San Ojuela in the wake of her aunt's death. She dreads coming home to the remote desert town that was the site of the horrible childhood accident that made her clairvoyant.

She has spent most of her life in the company of wraiths and ghosts. But maybe she can come to terms with her dark family history—as well as her own identity—in the place where it all began.

With her younger sister, Mary, at her side, she sets out by train, only to discover the withered landscape is decorated by monsters and ancient gods. Her one comfort is the fact that Julian, her childhood best friend, still lives in San Ojuela.

But Julian is haunted now, too. Only with his help can Liz escape the darkness that is quickly closing in.

This book is now available for pre-order, and will be released on November 19th by Lanternfish Press!

Sundown in San Ojuela
The Incubations

The Incubations

By Ramsey Campbell

Leo Parker has had a lovely stay in Alphafen. But once he leaves the idyllic locale, his life spirals into torment.

An airport devolves into a labyrinth, his on words become deadly, and his photographs are plagued by strange creatures. It seems even the therapy he has desperately sought refuge in has become a danger.

It's possible that Leo awoke an ancient Alpine legend… But understanding what he's roused is just the first step to overcoming it's treacherous influence.

This book is now available for pre-order, and will be released on November 26th by Flame Tree Press!

The Incubations

Want more indie horror? Check these books out:

Featured image: Kristina Kashtanova/Unsplash