10 Most Anticipated Horror Books of December 2023

As we approach the end of 2023, horror literature fans have much to be excited about. December is set to unveil some of the most spine-chilling and thought-provoking horror novels of the year. In this blog, we delve into the “10 Most Anticipated Horror Books of December 2023”, exploring what makes each book a must-read for horror enthusiasts.

Heavy Oceans (Tyler Jones)

Tyler Jones, author of acclaimed horror books like “MIDAS” and “BURN THE PLANS,” brings readers a chilling tale of deep-sea terror and cosmic horror. The story revolves around Jamie Fletcher, a new father burdened by regrets, who travels to Hawaii in an attempt to reconnect with his estranged brother, Eric. However, a shocking act of violence throws them together on a fishing boat in the middle of the ocean. There, they encounter an eerie and terrifying phenomenon that hints at a profound shift in the world’s evolution. This novel promises a gripping exploration of fear, family, and the unknown.

They Will Dream in the Garden (Gabriela Damian)

In a gripping tale where the voices of vanished women and girls in Mexico are powerfully reclaimed, “They Will Dream in the Garden” by Gabriela Damian emerges as a poignant and politically charged narrative. Echoing an anti-monument in Mexico City, the novel serves as a stark reminder of an ongoing tragedy. It advocates for transformation from despair to collective action and underscores the importance of preserving memory amidst widespread horror. Damian’s writing acts as a critical societal alert, mirroring the role of canaries in coal mines, signaling the urgent need for change.

The Daughters of Block Island (Christa Carmen)

Amidst the eerie backdrop of an isolated island, Christa Carmen’s ‘The Daughters of Block Island’ weaves a captivating gothic mystery. Two sisters, long estranged yet bound by hidden family secrets, are drawn into a web of scandal, secrets, and murder at the heart of a century-old enigma. The story unfolds as Blake Bronson, in search of her birth mother, arrives at the haunting White Hall mansion on Block Island, only to meet a tragic end. Her sister, Thalia Mills, drawn back to the island by a letter from Blake, must unravel the mansion’s dark past to uncover the truth before she becomes its next victim.

But A Dream (Caitlin Marceau)

Four friends embark on a fateful camping trip in the Canadian wilderness in Caitlin Marceau’s ‘But A Dream’, seeking self-discovery and a connection with nature. Their journey takes a horrifying turn after an encounter with a witch disguised as a deer, leading to psychedelic and terrifying effects. This novel creatively reimagines Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, weaving a story that blurs the boundaries between reality, imagination, and nightmares, and explores the consequences of venturing into the dark unknown.

The Folly (Gemma Amor)

Gemma Amor’s “The Folly” presents an enthralling gothic mystery set against the Cornish coast. Morgan, convinced of her father Owen’s innocence in her mother’s murder, faces new challenges after his release from prison. Their relocation to ‘The Folly’, a mysterious granite tower, seems like a fresh start. However, the arrival of a stranger, bearing a disturbing resemblance to Morgan’s late mother, unravels a dark narrative. Echoing “The Lighthouse” and “Rebecca,” this novel explores deep themes of love, loyalty, guilt, and the profound horror of betrayal by the ones we hold dearest.

Where the Dead Wait (Ally Wilkes)

Plunging into the icy depths of Arctic exploration and redemption, “Where the Dead Wait” is a Polar Gothic novel by Ally Wilkes that tells the tale of William Day. Once a prominent Victorian explorer, Day faces a journey back into the frozen waters that witnessed his greatest failure. Tasked with finding his missing second-in-command, Jesse Stevens, Day confronts the haunting memories of his past and the harrowing choices made for survival. This atmospheric narrative blends exploration, haunting pasts, and psychological depth, immersing the reader in a world of eerie suspense and Gothic horror.

Transcendental Mutilation (Ryan Harding)

Ryan Harding’s “Transcendental Mutilation” is a harrowing anthology, a decade after “Genital Grinder,” exploring the depths of human depravity. From tales of individuals stranded on a horrifying island to narratives delving into degenerative diseases and obsessive desires, this collection pushes the boundaries of horror. Harding’s stories, including award-winning “The Seacretor” and “Angelbait,” offer a gruesome yet profound examination of the macabre, marking a significant return to the genre.

Never Dead (Joe Scipione)

In the shadowy backdrop of 1920s Chicago, “Never Dead” by Joe Scipione unfolds a story of grave robberies and clandestine activities. Journalist Michael Jacobs, investigating the robberies, finds himself entwined in a dangerous plot led by Edmund Creighton, a wealthy businessman with a penchant for illegal experiments. As Jacobs inches closer to unveiling the truth, the line between observer and participant blurs, plunging him into the heart of the mystery. The novel navigates the treacherous waters of ambition, secrecy, and the consequences of unbridled curiosity.

The Plastic Priest (Nicole Cushing)

Nicole Cushing’s novella takes readers on a surreal journey into the Weird, where faith, reality, and madness intersect. An Episcopal priest grapples with existential questions when he encounters a madwoman in a deranged town. As the soul becomes poisoned, the body must sever ties with it, leading to an eerie exploration of existence and belief. This work, by the Bram Stoker Award® winning author, delves into unsettling and thought-provoking territory, challenging the very essence of reality.

Alien: Bishop (T. R. Napper)

In the sequel to “Aliens” and “Alien 3,” the synthetic android Bishop is pursued by various parties, including Colonial Marines Captain Marcel Apone and Weyland-Yutani’s “Dog Catchers,” all seeking the deadly Xenomorph data stored in his brain. Bishop’s creator, Michael Bishop, revives him with the goal of advancing medical research, but his true intentions remain unclear. As the android becomes a coveted asset, questions arise about allegiances and who stands to benefit from his knowledge of the galaxy’s deadliest creatures. Written by T. R. Napper, this story delves into themes of artificial intelligence and humanity.

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