4 Upcoming Horror Books to Watch For—and 4 You May Have Missed in 2022

At this point, the prolific and award-winning author Stephen Graham Jones needs no introduction, especially among horror fans—after all, his work has consistently been ranking as the very best fiction you can find anywhere. So needless to say, his forthcoming novel, Don’t Fear the Reaper, is one of the most highly anticipated titles this year.

A sequel to My Heart Is a Chainsaw, expect more gruesome slasher fun to await you in the lake town of Proofrock. If that doesn’t make every horror fan’s heart sing, then I don’t know what will.  

Without a doubt, Christi Nogle is one of my favorite new horror authors writing today, and her forthcoming short fiction collection from Flame Tree Press is yet another example of her incredible talent. Packed with powerful and strange tales about small towns and rural life, Nogle will take you through a kaleidoscope of emotions with these immersive worlds brought to life by her beautifully rendered prose. With a release date set for February, get a copy of this collection as soon as you can—it’s sure to be among the best books of 2023.

With an extensive bibliography that includes short stories, novels, and nonfiction, Lucy A. Snyder has long been an indelible mainstay of the horror genre, and her latest book is destined to continue her well-lauded streak. Based on her award-winning short story, “Magdala Amygdala,” this genre-blending tale is a potent mix of monsters and pandemic-era horror. Last year, I was fortunate enough to blurb this fantastically creepy novel, so let me say it loud and clear: you’ll want this on your nightstand as soon as it’s released. 

So full disclosure: this one isn’t entirely a horror book—in fact, Margot Douaihy’s upcoming novel is more decidedly a fast-paced thriller. That being said, it’s got arson, a ton of mystery, and a former punk rocker-turned-nun at its center, so it will certainly appeal to those who like their genre fiction weird and wild. Set for release in February, Scorched Grace is like no other book you’ve ever read, so be sure to pre-order a copy ASAP. 

I’ve spent the last six months singing the praises of this incredible novel, but in case you haven’t heard me already, consider this your notice: put this imaginative Frankenstein-inspired book on your TBR list immediately. Addie Tsai is among the most vibrant voices in speculative fiction today, and their work is sure to amaze you and break your heart at the same time. Unwieldy Creatures gives a serious nod to its source material while simultaneously crafting an entirely new world filled with fantasy, fear, and so much more. For fans of retellings and brand-new horror novels alike, this is one you don’t want to miss. 

An accomplished author, editor, and reviewer, Rebecca Rowland is a force to be reckoned with, her distinct style making her one of the preeminent rising stars in horror today. In her latest book, Shagging the Boss, released last year from Filthy Loot, she explores the perils of the workplace in ways that are more than a little surprising. This fabulous and unusual novelette follows a recent graduate who lands a job in publishing, only to realize too late that her new boss is not quite what he seems. Fast-paced and thrilling, this unique look at the monster trope will undoubtedly keep you entertained and even make you laugh aloud as Rowland’s wit and writing prowess are on full display. Highly recommended for fans of quick, fun bursts of horror.

Short fiction collections are my favorite way to find new authors, giving you a chance to see their writing style across a wide range of tales. And if you’re looking for one of the most powerful collections from last year, then R.J. Joseph’s devastating and unforgettable Hell Hath No Sorrow like a Woman Haunted is precisely the book to read right now. These stories run the gamut from horror to hopeful and everything in between, with top-notch prose and heartbreaking characters. This book is proof positive that R.J. Joseph is only just getting started with her already incredible horror writing career. 

These days, Patrick Barb is quickly emerging as one of the most exciting new writers in the horror genre. 2022 saw the debut of his latest short stories in numerous anthologies and journals, and in October, Grey Matter Press released Gargantuana’s Ghost, a strange and moving novella about a kaiju-sized primate in New York City. An ode to the forgotten, the outsiders, and those that society is all too eager to leave behind, this poignant and beautifully written horror tale is one that sticks with you long after the final page. Read this book, and be sure to keep Patrick Barb’s name on your radar; you’re going to hear a lot more from him in the years to come.