By Ben Robinson
This month, I offer you some brilliant books from the horror genre. It is a category of book I don’t often delve into, but I have read some fantastic horror novels as of late, which were too good not to share; these range from classics to new releases. Just a word of warning before you start: you may need to sleep with the lights on after reading some of these…
The Lamb – Lucy Rose
The Lamb is a haunting gothic debut novel that merges the folk horror and coming‑of‑age genres. The story is told through young Margot’s eyes, tracking her isolated life in a remote cottage, far away from civilisation. The cottage becomes a place shrouded in darkness, where she and her mother prey on stray humans. When Eden arrives, however, the family dynamic shifts instantly. Young Eden is sharp, alive, and cunning, and threatens to change Margot and her mother’s lives for the better (or for the worse). Amidst blood and bones, there’s a deeper exploration of mother-daughter bonds, and the gory side of human nature. With its unsettling atmosphere and emotional storytelling, this book will stick with you long after you finish it…
The Witching Tide – Margaret Meyer
Whilst this book may not explicitly be packed with horror, it certainly leaves the reader unsettled and reflective. Set 600 years ago amidst the witch trials in the United Kingdom, The Witching Tide tells the story of several midwives accused of witchcraft, and details what it took to survive in the thatched hideouts and disease-ridden prisons. Packed with executions, enchantment, and tension, this book left me uneasy about the fragility of the world, and it certainly begs the question: is everything really as we perceive? Perhaps once you delve into the medieval world of witchcraft, you’ll want to watch your back…
Something Wicked This Way Comes – Ray Bradbury
‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ is another dark fantasy classic that blends nostalgia, terror, and whimsical reverie, in a tale of two boys confronting evil in a small, forgotten American town. When a mysterious carnival rolls into Green Town, it brings with it a dark magic that promises both youth and dreams, but comes at a terrible cost. The book instils a sense of dread for the passing of time, and an eerie unease creeps in from its exploration of good and bad choices, and the lasting impact they can have on us all…
Frankenstein – Mary Shelley
If you’re looking for a horror classic to read, then look no further than Frankenstein. In this gothic novel, Shelley tells the story of a young scientist who creates a creature from a collection of body parts, which comes to be known as Frankenstein’s Monster. After the scientist had fled from the terror of his monstrosity, he eventually returned to find no sign of the creature, and so begins the monster’s rampage across Europe. What will happen when the monster is unleashed and unburdened, with only furious anger for his creator? This is a brilliant classic for both horror fans and new readers alike.
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