Welcome, fellow lovers of all things spine-chilllinggg! As the autumn leaves fall and Halloween approaches, our cravings for tales of the supernatural, the eerie, and the macabre tend to grow stronger. If you’re on the hunt for a literary scare or a cozy pumpkin-spiced cozy vibe, some of ALASC’s executive committee members have gathered around a digital campfire to share their favorite spine-tingling book recommendations.
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
Recommended by Missy McCollum, Events Co-Coordinator
Gideon the Ninth has completely captivated me with its unique blend of horror and humor. Tamsyn Muir has crafted a world and story defying convention, and I love every moment of it. The audiobook experience is elevated by the reader’s comical and engaging performance, which brings the characters and their quirks to life in a delightful way.
What makes this book stand out even more is Muir’s thoughtful storytelling. The characters are complex, the world-building is meticulous, and the plot is full of unexpected twists and turns. The humor is sharp, and the wit is undeniable. Muir doesn’t just tell jokes; she punches them up, making every humorous moment hit the mark perfectly.
As I near the end of the series’ second book, I eagerly anticipate the third installment. Muir has created a world I can’t get enough of, and I’m invested in the characters’ fates. The mix of horror, humor, and imagination in this series is a breath of fresh air, and it’s the perfect choice for this season with its just-right spookiness. “Gideon the Ninth” has earned two enthusiastic thumbs up from me, and I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker
Recommended by Cat Tang, Social Media Assistant
My spooky book pick is Mooncakes, a graphic novel by Wendy Xu & Suzanne Walker! I initially read this book during the Mid-Autumn Festival last year, as I assumed from the title it would be an appropriate read, but it’s actually more suited for the Halloween season. With queer, POC, disability representation, a fluffy romance featuring my favorite childhood-friends-to-lovers trope, depictions of healthy friendship and loving family relationships, and—the best part—womxn-witches kicking evil’s butt(!!!), Mooncakes is spooky but cute and wholesome, perfect for those who prefer their spookiness low-stakes and not leaving them jumping out of their skin. If you like witches, wolves, and spooky-cute fun, this is the story for you!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
Recommended by Brianna Morales, Chair
TJ Klune, an absolute favorite of mine, introduces you to a new host of characters in The House in the Cerulean Sea. Although it does not necessarily fall into the horror genre it is definitely a mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Linus, a man stuck in a disconnected daily loop as an orphanage case worker, is forced to face the reality of his work when he meets Arthur Parnassus and the magical kids that reside at the house by the cerulean sea.
These kids are no ordinary group, amongst them is a gnome, sprite, wyvern, green mass, were-Pomeranian, and did I almost forget to mention the antichrist! Will Linus be able to see these kids as more than dangerous beings meant to be separate from society? Find out in your next read, The House in the Cerulean Sea.
It Came From the Closet: Queer Reflections on Horror, Edited by Joe Vallese
Recommended by DiAndra, Blogging Assistant
Anyone who have always been fascinated and obsessed with horror movies like me will love this book! It Came From the Closet is a collection of essays that explores the interconnectedness between horror films and queerness. It’s refreshing to see some of my favorite movies like Friday the 13th Part II, Hereditary, Jennifer’s Body, and Halloween in new thought-provoking ways. The authors provide unique insights into the portrayal of queer characters in horror. The authors offer unique perspectives on the depiction of queer characters, the relationship between queerness and monstrosity, and how horror can be a medium for exploring complex issues of identity and sexuality. I really enjoyed the mix of personal anecdotes with academic analyses, making the essays both fun and engaging, but also informative and challenging!
We’d love to hear from you! Share your own eerie discoveries and discuss your favorite spooky tales with us on our ALASC Goodreads. Let us know about your favorite books, recommendations, and stories that have left you sleepless on stormy nights. 🕯️🔮🕸️🍬
