What else is new? Playing catch up after the holidays is just a normal occurrence over here!
Some horror books from November, and then I’m almost all caught up and ready for December
I’LL MAKE A SPECTACLE OF YOU – Beatrice Winifred Iker (Released November 18th, 2025 – Thanks Run For It! and Novel Suspects for the gifted copy)
This heart-pounding horror debut from Beatrice Winifred Iker, takes readers to Bricksbury University, the oldest and most storied HBCUs in the nation. But as one student is about to find out, a long history comes with a legacy of secrets.
Zora Robinson is an ambitious grad student at her dream program, the Appalachian Studies at Bricksbury university. When her thesis advisor suggests she research the local folklore about a beast roaming the woods surrounding campus, Zora finds a local population uneager to talk to an outsider.
As she delves into the history of the beast, she uncovers a rumored secret society called the Keepers that has tenuous ties to the beast…and Bricksbury itself. Zora soon finds herself plagued by visions, and her grip on reality starts to slip as she struggles to uncover what is real and what is folklore. But when a student goes missing, Zora starts to wonder if the Keepers ever really disbanded.
There’s something in the woods and it has its eyes on Zora.
My Thoughts: 4.5 stars – Dark academia, southern gothic, hoodoo, creatures, secret societies, folklore? I was immediately intrigued and this was an incredible debut for Beatrice Winifred Iker. This was creepy, atmospheric, suspenseful, and full of mystery surrounding so many pieces in the story. Zora really was a fascinating protagonist and she truly had no idea what she was getting herself into. I loved the history of the university – it basically came to life and became another character in the novel. I learned a lot about hoodoo and I need more recommendations to learn more!
This is a slower paced read, but the build up made it so worth it. While I may have been able to predict part of the reveal, I still enjoyed every moment of the journey.
HOUSE OF IDYLL – Delilah S. Dawson (Released September 9th, 2025 – Thanks to Titan Books for the gifted copy)
From the New York Times bestselling author of Bloom and Guillotine comes a darkly seductive tale of beautiful rock stars, sinister cults, and a magical oasis where dreams come true… for a price.
Angelina Yves is a struggling singer/songwriter offered the chance of a lifetime to join the experimental luxury compound sponsored by the most famous band in the world, Black Idyll. With her every need accommodated, she finally has the time and space to perfect her music. Her muse? Reclusive rock star Jesper Idyll, who lives up to her every high school daydream. But this paradise has a haunted underbelly heralded by screaming horses, mysterious figures in the night, and dreams too twisted to be real. When people start to disappear and Jesper’s ex turns up dead and hideously mutilated, Angelina begins to suspect that something malevolent lurks behind the cult that’s grown around the band…
A disturbing, decadent and wickedly compelling tale of a Hollywood dream turned nightmare, Delilah S. Dawson’s darkly delicious prose will seduce you, tie you up, and never let you go….
My Thoughts: 4/5 stars – I love Delilah S. Dawson’s books – I saw her name and the cover and had to snag this one. Don’t worry, everyone, the cover does come into play and I loved every moment. Being a novella, I don’t want to accidentally spoil anything but if you like the rock and roll lifestyle, cults, drama, demons, and obsession, then this is the book for you! I saw another reviewer had said it had similar vibes to the movie HIM, and I definitely agree. The cult around fans and those they idolize borders on insane for some.
MOONSICK – Tom O’Donnell (Released September 23rd, 2025 – Thanks to Wednesday Books for the gifted copy)
Scream meets Stephen King in this fast paced debut YA horror novel about a girl trying to survive a world where becoming a werewolf is a contagious disease.
High school senior Heidi Mills seemingly has it all: a charming (arrogant) boyfriend, loving (wealthy) parents, and an acceptance letter to Harvard (well, not yet). With her mom and stepdad away on vacation, she’s going to host a rager at their mansion to celebrate the end of high school.
The party is tomorrow. But the full moon is tonight—when the worldwide werewolf epidemic that has run rampant for the past few years turns deadly, and the infected transform into beasts.
Safe in her home, with its state-of-the-art lockdown system to keep the monsters out, Heidi expects to wait out the night. But when two intruders show up to rob what they think will be an empty home, the life of privilege, ease, and safety that Heidi has taken for granted comes crashing down. Suddenly exposed to the realities of this virus and the way that the rest of the world has been living all this time, Heidi embarks on a dark adventure accompanied by the mysterious–but intriguing–boy who broke into her house. As she fights to survive the underbelly of a post-pandemic society, she’ll learn that not all monsters have fangs.
With flourishes of Wes Craven and The Purge, this comedic horror novel is perfect for fans Grady Hendrix, Adam Cesare, and things that go bump in the night.
My Thoughts: 3.5/5 stars – I loved this take on werewolves and epidemics! Something unique and memorable and it’s a bonus that it’s super quick to read. One thing I do enjoy about the occasional YA horror book is that they always seem to fly by. There is a good amount of blood and gore in this, but nothing excessive or over the top.
Heidi is a senior in high school and is anxiously waiting for an acceptance letter from Harvard. When home alone during a full moon, there’s a break-in and her worst nightmare becomes a reality. She becomes infected. With what, you might ask? Well, becoming a werewolf is now a highly contagious disease.
Heidi can’t let anyone know and she now has to find a cure before the wrong people learn of the infection. She’ll either be sent away or worse. As if being a teenager isn’t bad enough. Government enforced curfews, task forces, and restrictions on full moons and other danger lurks as Heidi tries to save her own life and all of those who are infected.
Jessicamap Reviews 