Alright, I have three more horror reviews to share before the monthly wrap up tomorrow. I thought I was only going to have one more but I managed to sneak in three before the end of the month. I’m also kind of liking the concept of combining reviews into the genres like this.
Thanks to Saga Press for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review – the other two books were ones I got at KillerCon earlier in the month.
Mini Reviews – August 2023 – Horror Books Part Two:
BELOW – Laurel Hightower (Released March 29th, 2022)
HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO HELP A STRANGER?
While driving through the mountains of West Virginia during a late-night snowstorm, a recently divorced woman experiences bizarre electrical problems, leaving her with little choice but to place her trust with a charismatic truck driver. But when an unexplainable creature with haunting red eyes gets between them, she is forced to make one of the toughest decisions of her life. Will she abandon the stranger who kept her safe—or will she climb down below, where reality has shapeshifted into a living nightmare?
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars – The cover alone is incredible. As a Minnesotan, I completely understand the hazards of driving in the snow and through a storm. I’ve seen my fair share of spin outs into the ditches (thankfully, I’ve never been one to go off the road). After reading this, I don’t know how likely I am to go investigate in the woods up here to check on a car – call for emergency services and wait.
As if living in the woods isn’t creepy enough, but now I can imagine this monster hiding in the trees. I love anything that has to do with cryptids and creatures, and I gotta say, well done Laurel, this one got under my skin. Claustrophobic, suspenseful, dread, and a haunting presence. I highly recommend this, as well as her other book, Whispers in the Dark!
THE HANDYMAN METHOD – Nick Cutter & Andrew F. Sullivan (Released August 8th, 2023 – Thanks to Saga Press for the copy)
A chilling domestic story of terror for fans of Black Mirror and The Amityville Horror.
When a young family moves into an unfinished development community, cracks begin to emerge in both their new residence and their lives, as a mysterious online DIY instructor delivers dark subliminal suggestions about how to handle any problem around the house. The trials of home improvement, destructive insecurities, and haunted house horror all collide in this thrilling story perfect for fans of Nick Cutter’s bestsellers The Troop and The Deep.
My Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars – Oh boy, so I gotta put the warning out there now. There is some very graphic animal death in this, and I know quite a few people where this is a hard pass. This is gruesome and detailed and just wanted to make sure to pass on the message.
Now, I had very high expectations going into this. Black Phone meets Amityville Horror – I’m instantly excited and ready for some spooky stuff. The writing paints such a vivid picture for the reader. I like anything with haunted houses. There were some bits that felt lacking, like some character development, and I had more questions than answers at times.
This is bloody, eerie, and had some cringe worthy moments. I wanted to love this more than I did, but it also wasn’t a bad read. I’d still highly recommend this to anyone wanting a good haunted house story, but just know that there is quite a bit of violence inside.
ALL MEN ARE TRASH – Gina Ranalli (Released December 14th, 2020)
Calm down. You’re overreacting. Make me a sammich. Don’t get so emotional. What, are you on your period or something? Nice tits. You should smile more. Moody bitch. I said I was sorry, didn’t I? Feminazi.
If a man has said any or all of these things to you, you may be entitled to compensation!
You may be entitled to it, but you won’t get it. What will you get? Microaggressions, harassment, gaslighting, less pay for the same job, little say over your own body and reproductive rights … but wait!
There’s more! So much more! It never ends. And aren’t you goddamn sick of it? Haven’t you had e-fucking-nough? Well, good news! The moment has come. The hour is nigh. The women of the world are ready to stand up, stand together, and make themselves heard as if with one voice.
Ladies, it’s time to take out the trash.”
My Thoughts: 5/5 stars – Not only is this title perfect, but this book was violent and fun. The first four chapters were perfection in setting the tone. I was cheering for all of these women and got such satisfaction when the men were asked all the ridiculous things women are asked and accused of in similar situations. I read this in a few hours and couldn’t stop. Since it’s short, I don’t want to risk ruining any other specifics!.
Jessicamap Reviews 