The days are getting shorter and colder, the fog is rolling in every morning. Fall has arrived, and with it, spooky season! Many may be familiar with local sparkly vampires, but for horror fans looking for a more menacing take on the creature, check out these three titles.
My Soul to Keep by Tananarive Due
This ’90s classic was written by must-read horror author Tananarive Due and is book one in the African Immortals tetralogy. This novel explores the question of which is stronger – love for family, the desire for immortality, or the need to protect one’s soul? With its compelling plotting and complex characters, it is easy to understand why this book was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award. As you read on in the series, the books become more menacing, and full of political intrigue and social commentary.
Tananarive Due will be in conversation with Nisi Shawl at the Central Library on Wednesday, November 1st at 7:00 p.m. to talk about her newest novel, The Reformatory, out October 31st. Register for this in-person event here.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
Horror expert Becky Spratford put it perfectly, this book is “an ode to the demeaned housewife, an action-packed tale of vampire menace, and a celebration of book clubs all wrapped up in one thought-provoking, darkly humorous, and terrifying package.” This book will have you howling with laughter and squealing with tension and fright; it’s truly a wild ride! Many people expect horror in a city and specifically seek out the suburbs for perceived safety. Set in 1990s Charleston, South Carolina, The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires joins the great tradition of stories such as The Stepford Wives, Carrie, and Halloween that show just how frightening the suburbs can be.
Carmilla: The First Vampire by Amy Chu & Soo Lee
This is a graphic novel retelling of Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 Carmilla, now set in 1990s New York. It stars Athena, a Chinese American lesbian social worker taking on the role of an amateur sleuth dedicated to finding the murderer of several women. Along the way Athena meets Violet, a charismatic free-spirit who seems obsessively attached to Athena. I won’t share more of the plot so as to not spoil anything, but please read this. The story is suspenseful and haunting, and the full-color artwork is stunning. The languid lines and gorgeous color palette draws you into every frame. This is one seductive vampire story you won’t want to miss!
~ posted by Genesee R.
Leave a Comment