Spooky stories abound this season, including four recent books by Washington authors. Whether set locally or farther afield, enjoy this scary, atmospheric reads.
The Possession of Alba Díaz by Isabel Cañas
Plague has broken out in 1765 Mexico, and Alba Díaz has fled with her family to a remote village near the silver mine owned by her fiancé. But what lurks in the mine may be more dangerous than the plague. As she suffers hallucinations and sleepwalking, Alba turns to her fiancé’s cousin Elías to root out the possession.
It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest
Ronnie Mitchell, beset by runaway anxiety after the death of her brother, moves into a house in West Seattle. But she’s not alone – the ghost of silent film star Venita Rost remains, haunting the space since her 1932 death. Also present is the ghost of Bartholomew Sloan, a detective wrapped up in Venita’s saga. Can Ronnie outlast the vengeful duo?
Rain Shadows by Tamara Kaye Sellman and Clay Vermulm
This collection of short stories, inspired by the podcast Beneath the Rain Shadows, includes a range of horror and dark fantasy stories inspired by the life and terrain of the Pacific Northwest.
Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel
25-year-old Calla Williams looks after her two younger brothers but is haunted by the Nightmare – a recurring dream in which her brothers die. After a night where mysterious figures save both her brothers from death but leave destruction in their wake, the three siblings retreat to a remote mountain Airbnb, where they find themselves battling subconscious demons made real.
And a special treat for local horror fans: Clay Vermulm and Tamara Sellman discuss their podcast-turned book Rain Shadows, in conversation with Neena Viel, Tuesday October 28 7:30-9:00pm at the Central Library.
See these titles and more on our booklist Washington State Horror Authors
~ posted by Andrea G.