Happy Monday, Fear Fanatics!
It’s me, Emily, your fellow horrorphile, here to chat with you about all things scary. I just watched one of the latest true crime documentaries on Netflix, What Jennifer Did, which got me thinking about horror novels with documentary sensibilities. Because there are quite a few. Stay tuned for some of my faves.
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Bookish Goods
Dracula Clock by WaveFromTheGrave
While Dracula isn’t really a found-footage or a documentary-style novel, it is epistolary. And, hey, letters were basically the found footage of the Victorian era. So, to celebrate Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which we have just established is the first found footage horror novel ever, grab yourself one of these super cool swinging pendulum Dracula clocks. You’ll be the envy of all your vampire friends for only $46.
New Releases
Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina
You’ll also hear me mention this one on this week’s All the Books podcast. Noemi Broussard longs to leave the reservation she grew up on behind, but her plans are dashed when her boyfriend, Roddy, dies under mysterious circumstances. Everyone assumes it was by suicide, but to Noemi, the story just isn’t adding up. Something strange is happening on the reservation, and Noemi is determined to get to the bottom of it, no matter how terrifying the truth may be.
Weird Black Girls by Elwin Cotman
From Philip K. Dick Award finalist Elwin Cotman comes a thought-provoking short story collection that explores the horrors of living in the world as a Black person. These seven literary horror stories call upon the fantastical and the supernatural to explore the very real fears and anxieties of being Black in our contemporary world. From a town controlled by a violent tree that punishes children to a day of LARPing that takes a surprising turn, these inventive stories will definitely surprise you.
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Riot Recommendations
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
I am such a huge fan of Tiffany D. Jackson, and this book is one of the many reasons why. While you might have heard that The Weight of Blood is a retelling of Carrie, what you might not know is that this version of the story is told in the style of a true crime podcast. As the podcast retraces the events that lead up to one fateful (and deadly) prom, the question is never who is responsible, but why did she do it?
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay
We’re ending with what is probably my favorite documentary-style horror novel. I know I’ve mentioned it before, and this won’t be the last time. This story uses reality television and online commentary to tell the story of The Barretts, a seemingly normal suburban family dealing with what might be a demonic possession. With nowhere else to turn, the family agrees to become a part of a reality TV program called The Possession.
Who said reality TV can’t be scary? I’ll be back next week with more horror new releases and recommendations. Until then, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!