Horror fans, hello! I’m back with more horror talk for you on this fabulous Monday. I’m hanging here with my orange cat Murray, which is perfect because, fun fact: all cats believe in ghosts. And we’re talking about ghost stories this week. Let’s go.
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Bookish Goods
The Green Ribbon Magnetic Bookmark by artMARRRT
If you’re a real horror fan, then you know the story of the green ribbon. And you probably still have nightmares about it. Now you can continue to have those nightmares, no matter what book you’re reading, because you can use this magnetic bookmark. Only $6!
New Releases
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
Here’s a new ghosty book to get us started: the supernatural historical horror novel The Warm Hands of Ghosts. During the First World War, Laura Iven is a combat nurse who is discharged only to find out shortly after that her brother Freddie died in combat. Only, Laura is sure it isn’t true. Searching for the truth, Laura returns to Belgium in search of her brother. Everywhere, people whisper about ghosts in the trenches. Laura wonders if her brother really is still alive or if something else has happened to him.
What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher
Also out now is the highly anticipated sequel to What Moves the Dead. Retired soldier Alex Easton has escaped the Usher manor and heads to their family’s hunting lodge in the country of Gallacia. But when they arrive, nothing is as it should be. The caretaker has died, and there is talk in the village of a horrible monster who has taken residence there.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Let’s talk ghost stories. Specifically, ghost stories by Black authors in honor of Black History Month. And while this might seem like an obvious pick, we can’t talk about ghost stories without talking about Beloved, one of my favorite novels of all time. Set after the Civil War, this unforgettable novel is the story of a formerly enslaved woman named Sethe who is haunted by the ghosts of her past (both literal and metaphorical).
The Good House by Tananarive Due
Here’s another chilling ghost story about a woman facing the traumas of her past. Angela Toussant has lost her son to suicide, and she has decided to return to the same home where her son died. When it comes to death by suicide, there really are no satisfying answers to make the grief any easier. And yet Angela is hoping to find closure. Instead, she finds a sinister presence that drives people to acts of violence.
Enjoy your ghost stories, and I’ll see you next week to talk more horror books. In the meantime, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!