If you’re a fan of horror novels—or you’re just getting started and want to know where to begin—then this book is absolutely f*cking essential.”
— Chuck Wendig, bestselling author of The Book of Accidents and Wanderers
“Part reading guide, part love letter to the modern era of horror fiction, this book is fun, insightful, and beautifully illustrated. A true celebration of the genre.”
— Rachel Harrison, bestselling author of Cackle and Such Sharp Teeth
“There’s plenty in here for every horror reader to enjoy, mull over, and argue about. You need this book.”
— Ellen Datlow, editor of the annual Best Horror of the Year
“If you aren’t a horror fan after reading this, then check your pulse. No, seriously, check it, just in case.”
— Paul Tremblay, bestselling author of The Cabin at the End of the World
"Move over Necronomicon, our own Mother Horror brings us a new dark compendium. From cosmic horror to body horror, to slashers and serial killers and straight up creepy ass kids, Sadie Hartmann offers up recommendations for some of the most memorable works of horror in our times. A fantastic guide for anyone looking to feed the devouring empty void in their soul—or fill up a bookshelf."
— P. Djèlí Clark, author of Ring Shout and A Master of Djinn
"Hartmann’s writing is enthusiastic and infectious; reading about these books feels like you’re getting the most exciting recommendations from your best friend while pausing for tea at a bookstore cafe. This book is about very dark subjects, but it’s so much fun."
— Screen Anarchy
06/01/2023
Horror's most well-known fan, Hartmann (the Bram Stoker-nominated editor of Dark Hart Books) presents a volume for readers and library workers to rejoice over, whether they are established fear fiends or terror newbies. An excellent introduction lays out Hartmann's mission to take readers on a tour through the horror genre. Most of the book is focused on specific titles, organized into five overarching categories, each capped with an original essay by one of the genre's hottest authors. Within each section, Hartmann presents her conversational review of the titles, each on a single page with a sidebar summarizing the book's appeal. Fun quizzes, illustrations that enhance the book's atmosphere and tone, and lengthier author overviews are also sprinkled throughout. The result is a gorgeously creepy book, told in an engaging and authoritative voice. VERDICT This book can be enjoyed from cover to cover or as a choose-your-own spooky adventure; either way, it will entice all who encounter it to seek out more horror. Libraries should consider having a reference and a circulating copy and may want to make extra copies of the reading checklist in the back to hand out.
