10 Most Anticipated Horror Novels of April 2023

As the weather warms up and the flowers begin to bloom, horror fans are gearing up for an exciting month of scares and thrills. April 2023 promises to be an exciting time for readers of the macabre, as some of the most highly anticipated horror novels are set to hit bookshelves. From spine-chilling tales of the supernatural to gruesome tales of terror, this list of the 10 most anticipated horror novels of April 2023 has something for every fan of the genre. So, get ready to add these upcoming releases to your reading list and prepare to be haunted by the horrors that await.

The Last Word by Taylor Adams

This psychological suspense novel follows the story of Emma Carpenter, who lives in seclusion with her dog in a remote house in Washington. After reading a poorly written horror novel by author H. G. Kane, Emma posts a one-star review, sparking an online argument with the author. Following this, Emma begins experiencing disturbing incidents at night, leading her to suspect that Kane may be stalking her. As Emma delves into Kane’s past work, she discovers that all of his novels involve sadistic tales of murder and stalking. As Emma uncovers more about Kane’s identity, she realizes that her safety may be in grave danger.

This Delicious Death by Kayla Cottingham

Kayla Cottingham, the New York Times bestselling author, has written a new sapphic horror standalone that will appeal to fans of Jennifer’s Body. The story is set in Southern California, where a pathogen released from the melting of arctic permafrost causes a small percentage of people to undergo a transformation known as the Hollowing. Those affected become intolerant to normal food and must consume human flesh to survive, leading to fear and distrust from those who dub them ghouls. Four ghouls attend a musical festival in the desert as a last hurrah before graduation. However, when one of them goes feral and kills a boy, they discover someone is drugging ghouls and making them feral, putting everyone at the festival in danger.

Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina

Anna Horn lives in constant fear of being bullied, harassed by entitled casino visitors, and stalked by an unknown entity that embodies an ancient tribal myth, threatening to consume her entirely. Sinister events occur around the reservation’s casino, leading Anna to believe that not all the horrors on the reservation are old. As girls go missing, Anna seeks answers in the legends of her tribe’s past, struggling to find her place on the reservation. When her little sister disappears, Anna is determined to bring her home, but the ancient and new demons plaguing the reservation prove to be a formidable challenge. Nick Medina’s novel is a gripping thriller and mythological horror that explores themes of isolation, tradition, and the courage it takes to confront one’s fears.

The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro

Alejandra is lost in her own life. Despite being a wife and mother to her family, she feels like someone else entirely. A ghostly vision of a crying woman in a ragged white gown appears to her in times of despair, but nobody else can see her. Seeking answers, Alejandra delves into her family’s history, starting with her biological mother, who she never knew. As she uncovers more about the women in her family, she learns of their shared tragedy and their connection to La Llorona, the vengeful mother of Mexican legend. Alejandra must use the strength and courage passed down by her foremothers to banish La Llorona and reclaim her own identity.

The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown

Jacklyn Albright, acting captain of the starship Calypso, is responsible for bringing the last of humanity back to Earth after their forebears’ colony failed on a distant planet. The crew faces constant threats of starvation and destruction in interstellar space. The situation worsens when crew members are killed in gruesome ways, and unrest spreads throughout the ship’s Wards. As a new threat emerges, Jacklyn and her team must find and stop the intruder to ensure their survival and return to their solar system.

Fractured Oak by Dannie Boyd

After being murdered for pursuing a career as a doctor, Catherine Miller is transformed into a sentient Northern Red Oak through a molecular fusion of human decay and natural rebirth. In present day, she is rooted near a secluded house in Northeast Ohio and witnesses a murder committed by the new homeowner. Despite being mute, Catherine is determined to ensure justice is served. Meanwhile, Detective Lani Whitaker, facing mandatory retirement and frustration with her young chief of police, investigates the murder of the same PhD student whose body was found in the woods. The two women, separated by generations but linked through murder, work to solve the case and bring closure to Catherine’s tragic story from the nineteenth century.

A Girl Called Samson by Amy Harmon

Deborah Samson, born to Puritan parents in Plympton, Massachusetts in 1760, faces a difficult childhood when her father leaves the family and her mother is unable to provide for them. Yearning for freedom and excitement, Deborah decides to join the Continental Army twenty years later as the American colonies fight for their independence. Driven by her passion for the cause, she disguises herself as a male soldier, using her tall and lean figure to her advantage. Despite the challenges of war, Deborah remains steadfast in her determination to fight for what she believes in.

The Marigold by Andrew F. Sullivan

The Marigold is a Toronto condo tower that is half-empty and decaying, with a mysterious sludge spreading slowly throughout the building. Cathy Jin, a public health inspector, investigates the toxic mold as it infests the city’s infrastructure. Sam “Soda” Dalipagic discovers a dangerous cache of data while driving for his next rideshare, while Henrietta Brakes chases a friend deep underground after he’s snatched by a creature from below. Meanwhile, construction of the city’s newest luxury tower, Marigold II, has stalled, prompting Stanley Marigold, the struggling son of the legendary developer, to tap into a hidden reserve of old power to make his dream a reality, no matter the human cost. The Marigold weaves together various storylines and explores the fragility of community and the delicate designs that connect us.

House of Cotton by Monica Brashears

Magnolia is nineteen, broke, and orphaned, with little to look forward to except a ghostly memory of her grandmother. She feels stuck and haunted by her overdrawn bank account, predatory landlord, and lack of opportunities. One night, Cotton, a mysterious stranger, offers her a modeling job at his family’s funeral home. Magnolia accepts, but her problems only multiply as Cotton’s requests become increasingly bizarre. This sly social commentary on life in the American South, post-plantation, exposes the harsh realities of being poor, black, and a woman in a God-fearing community, cutting straight to the bone.

The Insatiable Volt Sisters by Rachel Eve Moulton

Beatrice and Henrietta Volt spend their childhood on Fowler Island, where they plan their futures. But unbeknownst to them, their parents are separating, and their mother’s plan is to separate the sisters. Ten years later, Henrie receives a call from her sister asking her to return to the island for their father’s funeral, but Henrie doesn’t want to go back as she left the island without any memory of the night she left, and she is filled with fear about the quarry pond behind their house. Told from the perspectives of four women, The Insatiable Volt Sisters is a haunting fable about family, legacy, and the monsters that lurk within us.

Also Read: Why Younger Generations are Losing Interest in Books