"When the Night Comes Knocking" by Katherine Daniel

 


















The Mist meets Scream! When the Night Comes Knocking by Katherine Daniel is an intense Appalachian horror novel following two estranged siblings who find themselves in a horror movie, literally.

On the way to their family's rented cabin in the Appalachian Mountains, the estranged siblings, Jane and Thomas, find themselves trapped in a roadside convenience store with some other patrons. The store is under attack by a monster, known in local legend as the Mimic, a creature said to hold up the bones of the mountains and feast on people with guilty hearts. Since the accident that nearly took their lives, Thomas has stopped talking to Jane, blaming her for all his woes. Now, they must settle their differences to survive. As the Mimic claims more victims, fear gives way to paranoia, and the survivors turn against one another in a desperate search for the guilty party. Alas, all of them have something to hide. Unless they cooperate, none will survive.

Told from multiple third-person perspectives, the story moves between characters. This is a story of grief, guilt, regret, and redemption, full of Appalachian folklore. Think The Mist, but with a twist and less scary, which is a good thing, as I am not too fond of scary books. It is chilly, suspenseful, and claustrophobic, with compelling characters that kept me turning the pages. The story explores humanity, trauma, and relationships through the bizarre circumstances the characters find themselves in.

The characters are richly drawn. I liked Jane, whom I thought was brave, but I thought her older brother, Thomas, was a jerk. As an older brother, he sucked. At first, I didn't understand the reason for their estrangement. When I did, I found his behavior unjustified, not to say silly. He did grow throughout the story, so good for him. Among the side characters, I especially liked Jackson and his dog. And yes, the dog survived! I was worried about that. I was angry at the other patrons and the lengths they went to in order to stay alive. Much like Lord of the Flies, the story shows how far people will go to survive.

Overall, I enjoyed the story and found it to be a great tale. Others have mentioned that it would make a good movie, and I agree. Don't get me wrong, that is a good thing. As I read, the story unfolded before me as though I were watching a movie. I loved the chapter names, which connected to each other and had meaning. The only issue I had with the book was the epilogue, which I found unsatisfying. While I liked its implication that some horrors never truly stay buried, it jumps ahead a couple of decades without telling us what became of the characters, except for Kimi, the store's owner, and even then, it wasn't enough.

If you like a good atmospheric horror novel that isn't too scary to stop your heart from beating, this is the book for you. Warning: when the night comes knocking, don't answer the door. I certainly wouldn't...

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book:  "When the Night Comes Knocking" by Katherine Daniel

"Demonology for Overachievers" by Lily Anderson

 

"Demonology for Overachievers" by Lily Anderson wears many hats. It is a YA paranormal dark academia novel with Poe and Mary Shelley's vibes. It takes the classic deal-with-the-devil motif (think Faust) to another level.

Told in the first person, the story follows Merritt Maldonado, a seventeen-year-old introverted girl who, in her own words, is "a fat goth Afro-Latina orphan." Raised by her grandmother after losing her parents, Merritt is a loner with social anxiety and only one good friend, Fancy. Determined to win the Lexington Scholarship and secure a place at a good college, she creates bogus clubs to pad her résumé.

Her fiercest competition comes from her academic nemesis, Linus Lexington, who is charismatic and outgoing. Afraid of failure, she strikes a bargain with a demon in the hope of securing the scholarship. Little does she know that Linus has the same idea. The plot thickens when other scholarship applicants start dropping dead in bizarre accidents, forcing the two rivals to work together to break their pacts before more people die.

I enjoyed the book immensely and found it a quick read. It is well written, with an engaging storyline and well-rounded characters. I loved the concept, the way the demon's name is marked with dashes, and the representation. I loved both protagonists. They're both overachievers, but I especially appreciated that Merritt isn't the typical heroine. At the same time, I felt that she made some very stupid choices for someone so smart. Every time she made a dumb decision, I wanted to shake her. 

The story was largely believable, well, as believable as a paranormal novel can be, but one scene felt particularly ridiculous. In the middle of trying not to get caught in a dorm room, the protagonists somehow found time to kiss instead of running away. The scene that followed that was brillant, though.  

The horror leans more toward an eerie atmosphere than outright terror, although there are a couple of graphic deaths that made me wince. The author also gives enough detail to make the side characters memorable. I liked Fancy's personality, a transgender girl who is accepted by everyone, and disliked one of the other side characters. I also found the nickname Merritt is given rather cruel. But then, kids can be cruel. 

The book explores themes of found family, learning from mistakes, choices and their consequences, not judging people by appearance or lineage, and how far one will go to succeed. Merritt learns that there is no such thing as a free lunch and that everything comes at a price. If I were to sum up the message in one sentence, it would be: be careful what you wish for.
 
Overall, I loved the book. I came for the demons and stayed for the plot. If you love dark academia, rivals to lovers, a strong heroine, and light horror vibes, this is the book for you. The romance is a subplot and never overshadows the mystery. There is no spice, making it appropriate for YA readers. I definitely recommend it. Full stars from me!

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Demonology for Overachievers" by Lily Anderson


 

"Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith

 

"Little Shop of Horrors" meets "Murder on the Orient Express" in this YA horror gem. "Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith is a thrilling ride, chronicling a teen girl's odyssey to escape her past, only to discover that no one can truly outrun their history.

Lara Williams' dream job aboard a luxury train quickly turns into a nightmare when it’s overrun with botanical cargo. Taking a gap year from school, Lara hoped this job would be her chance to reinvent herself after a toxic relationship left her reeling. At first, she enjoys the escape—even when her ex-friend Rhys turns out to be one of her co-workers. With only a handful of passengers and crew, the job doesn’t seem too demanding. But things take a sinister turn when two mysterious passengers, Gwen and Gwydion, board the train with their peculiar botanical cargo, setting off a series of strange and deadly events.

I loved this book. As a YA horror, it isn’t overly scary, but it has its fair share of creepy moments, violent deaths, and angst. Amy Goldsmith’s writing is taut and suspenseful, expertly building tension and a chilling atmosphere throughout. The dark, gritty setting and the lore surrounding the predatory plants were especially captivating.

The storytelling instills unease, with a strong sense of claustrophobia and dread. The tense atmosphere and eerie occurrences linger, getting into the reader’s head. Goldsmith’s vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there on the train, hurtling toward an uncertain fate. The book features a solid cast of supporting characters, a relatable heroine, and a beautifully constructed setting that truly makes it shine.

Written in the first-person POV of Lara, interspersed with flashbacks to her past, we get a deep understanding of what drives her. Lara is a strong female heroine, and I loved watching her character grow. Her toxic relationship and the control her ex exerted over her were hard to read about, but her journey of self-discovery was incredibly satisfying. It took her far too long to realize that molding yourself into someone else’s idea of perfection brings nothing but unhappiness and prioritizing someone else’s needs at the expense of your own comes at too high a price. This is an important message for teenagers and adults alike.
 
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of strong female protagonists, personal growth, gripping drama, intrigue, predatory plants, and even a touch of romance, this is the book for you. With themes of friendship, greed, toxic relationships, and flawed human nature, Amy Goldsmith has woven a tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Nature may be predatory, but some people are even more so.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own. 

* For more info about the book: "Predatory Natures" BY Amy Goldsmith

"How to Survive a Horror Story" by Mallory Arnold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locked-room mystery, predator house, creepy setting? This book has it all. How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold is a chilling tale about a group of horror authors  trapped in a man-eating mansion.

Seven authors enter the manor, but not all of them will make it out alive. They’re invited to the reading of the last will of legendary horror author Mortimer Queen, only to find themselves locked inside his mansion. Mortimer seeks revenge from beyond the grave, holding them accountable for their past misdeeds.

To escape, they must play a dangerous game, solving riddles that force them to confront their pasts. Success moves them to the next level; failure leads to the house devouring them —literally. As seasoned horror writers, you’d think they’d know the rules for survival, but will they make it? Before you can say “Jack Robinson,” the body count rises, and creepy moments abound.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and this tale takes that motto to heart. Written in the third-person present tense, the story introduces us to Scott Clay, Buck Grimm, Petey March, Chester Plumage, Winnie Roach, Crystal Flowers, and Melanie Brown, along with their connections to Mortimer. Their personalities and histories unfold through their interactions, conflicting accounts, and short stories interspersed between the chapters.

We also meet Felix (a gay character), and the housekeeper.  And let me tell you — none of the characters are likable. They all have skeletons in their closets. That said, the “crimes” that brought them to Mortimer’s black book vary in severity, and some seem much less deserving of their fates. And let’s be honest, Mortimer wasn’t exactly a saint himself. His idea of justice feels excessive.

With themes of trust, revenge, toxic relationships, abuse, and moral conflicts, the author weaves a gripping tale. After a slow start where the characters are introduced, the plot picks up, and I raced through the rest. The author’s writing style works well, and the characters are fleshed out. Even the ones I initially liked turned out to be just as bad as the others. The quirky character names fit their personalities and actions, adding moments of humor. I also appreciated the nods to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

While I didn’t entirely agree with the book’s message that authors need life experiences to write good stories, the idea isn’t without merit. The execution was uneven at times — inconsistent pacing, shallow characters, and repetitive backstories — but the story kept me hooked. This isn’t heavy horror (which I appreciated, as I’m not a die-hard horror fan), but it delivers plenty of creepy moments. The creepy undertone lingers throughout, even if it’s not overwhelmingly scary.

Overall, this was an intriguing and suspenseful read. I was eager to discover who would survive and what sins landed each character in Mortimer’s black book. With an engaging premise and a reasonably satisfying conclusion, I recommend it to fans of light horror looking for a thrilling ride. To know how to survive — or not survive — a horror story, read this book!

*Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

*For more info about the book: "How to Survive a Horror Story" by Mallory Arnold

 

"The Vanishing at Echo Lake" by Joseph Falank

 

"The Vanishing at Echo Lake" by Joseph Falank is a horror tale following three couples on a weekend getaway at a secluded lake house. I love the vacation-gone-wrong trope, so the blurb caught my eye.

Six friends go on vacation after not seeing each other for months due to COVID. Each deals with their own issues. The marriage of Ben and Kelsey is on the rocks; Teddy and Denna are childless and fighting over job prospects and having kids; Pete and Carrie need a break from daily life. Arriving at the lake, they find troubles have followed them. Something odd is going on at Echo Lake, and their weekend getaway takes a dark turn.

I liked the premise of the book and the setting. It was a quick read with an interesting premise. Unfortunately, its execution fell short. The book is written from a third-person point of view, and the focus shifts from one character to another. The characters are mostly likable, and I enjoyed the dynamics between them. I also appreciated the insertion of real-world issues such as COVID, livelihood problems, and vaccination in the tale.

The book has potential but needs some serious editing. The “bones” of the story are good; however, the execution needs improvement. The pacing is uneven, with moments of high tension followed by slower, less engaging passages. The suspense occasionally fizzles due to overwritten internal monologues and repetitive descriptions, such as the rehashing of marriage problems or the toppings on pizza in dialogues. It could have been scaled down and tightened up a bit.

In addition, I found the writing style a bit clunky and repetitive. There were some run-on sentences, repetitive thoughts, and redundant descriptions. It felt repetitive to be told about the couples' issues multiple times or to read similar descriptions of situations from different perspectives.

While there are some horror vibes, it never actually feels tense enough to be scary. Also, some questions remain open, and the explanations given were not sufficient. While I liked the exploration of the characters' emotions, I think the story would benefit from culling the repetitive descriptions and inner reflections.

Overall, it’s a decent read with plenty of potential. It definitely had moments that kept me engaged, and I appreciated the real-world issues interwoven into the narrative. With some more refinement, it could really shine. I rate the book 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it to fans of light horror.


* Thank you Edelweiss and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Vanishing at Echo Lake" by Joseph Falank

"Red in Tooth and Claw" by Lish McBride

 

"Red in Tooth and Claw" by Lish McBride is a captivating Western fantasy following seventeen-year-old Faolan Kelly. I love Westerns and Fantasy; as a child, I watched a lot of Western movies with my pop, just like the author, so the combination of the two stirred my imagination. And let me tell you from the outset, I absolutely LOVED the book.

Faolan Kelly is a young woman raised by her pop as a lad (the reasons are explained later). After he passes away, she keeps her disguise for safety measures, not that it helps her much. The Mayor wants to take over her homestead, so he whisks her away to a remote fort run as a cult by the fanatic religious leader Gideon Dillard (HisBen). A gunslinger named Will is hired to take her there.

At first, the Settlement seems too good to be true. There is plenty of food, Miss Moon (the woman in charge of all the children) is strict but decent, and she even befriends two teenagers, Jesse and Dai Lo. But then, HisBen (Gideon Dillard) starts to show his true colors. Also, there are strange noises during the night. The plot thickens when she meets Tallis and his sister from the Rovers people, and a mangled body is found in the forest. Troubles seem to follow Faolan around, and she has to stay one step ahead of the game to survive.

Wow, the book absolutely blew me away! From the moment I opened this book, I was sucked into the pages. The opening is extremely attention-grabbing, and the story never loses momentum. I loved the Western settings, the detailed, flushed out characters, and the romance. The story is told from Faolan's POV, and what a great character she is! She is outspoken, has a short fuse and smart mouth, she is a redhead after all, rash at times, and one can't help but like her and root for her. Whatever she does, she does with panache.
 
The book may not be hardcore horror, but it does have some horror elements and chilling moments. This is a story about loss and betrayal, family, trust, love, relationships, and friendship. I enjoyed the way the relationship between characters was portrayed with great passion but without being trite.

I also loved the wit, dialogue, and interactions between the characters. The cleverly crafted, versatile main characters endeared themselves to me from the word go. Though it's written for a YA audience, it will appeal to older readers as well, and to anyone who loves fantasy and Western books. The characters, setting, and dialogue are realistic and maintain a genuine Western feel throughout the novel.

If you are looking for something fresh, alive with mystery, mysticism, a strong heroine, and just overall an incredibly well-written and fantastic book, then this book is right down your alley! I loved the message that even strong characters need alliances and friendship to survive. It is written in a way that you will remember these characters, care for them, and root for them. Full stars from me!

* Thank you Edelweiss and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Red in Tooth and Claw" by Lish McBride