March 2025 is bringing some exciting new horror books for fans of the genre. Whether you enjoy ghost stories, psychological thrillers, or classic horror scares, there’s something to look forward to. Here are 5 of the most anticipated horror books coming out this month.
The Unworthy: By Agustina Bazterrica
“The Unworthy” by Agustina Bazterrica is a dystopian novel that follows a woman confined within a mysterious convent amidst a world in chaos. As a lower member of the Sacred Sisterhood, labeled an “unworthy,” she aspires to join the ranks of the Enlightened and seeks approval from the formidable Superior Sister. Outside the convent’s walls, environmental catastrophes have submerged cities, and society has collapsed into survivalist factions.
Within the convent’s confines, the protagonist’s controlled existence is disrupted by the arrival of a new unworthy, prompting her to confront suppressed memories and question the true nature of the Enlightened. As their bond deepens, she grapples with her past, the convent’s secrets, and the grim reality of the outside world. Bazterrica weaves a chilling narrative exploring themes of ideological extremism and human resilience in the face of environmental collapse.
The Buffalo Hunter Hunter: By Stephen Graham Jones
“The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones is a historical horror novel set in the American West of 1912. The narrative unfolds through transcribed confessions of a Blackfeet man named Good Stab, who recounts his transformation into a vampire after a traumatic event. This metamorphosis grants him supernatural abilities but also curses him with an insatiable thirst for blood. As he grapples with his new identity, Good Stab becomes a predator, targeting the white buffalo hunters responsible for decimating the buffalo herds and, by extension, his people’s way of life.
The novel delves into themes of vengeance and survival, intertwining Good Stab’s personal vendetta with the broader historical context of the Marias Massacre, where over 200 Blackfeet were killed by U.S. forces. Through Good Stab’s chilling accounts, the story critiques the atrocities committed against Indigenous populations and the resulting cultural and environmental devastation. Jones masterfully blends elements of horror with historical events, offering readers a haunting reflection on the consequences of colonialism and the enduring spirit of resistance.
They Bloom at Night: By Trang Thanh Tran
“They Bloom at Night” by Trang Thanh Tran is a horror novel set in Mercy, Louisiana, a town plagued by a persistent red algae bloom following a devastating hurricane. The protagonist, Noon, and her mother survive by capturing mutated wildlife in the rising waters, trading their catches to the corrupt harbormaster. Noon is haunted by a traumatic event at the Cove and struggles with her own identity.
As residents begin to disappear under mysterious circumstances, whispers of underwater shadows and warnings about answering nocturnal knocks spread through the community. The harbormaster coerces Noon into hunting the creature responsible for the drownings, pairing her with his daughter, Covey. Together, they confront the lurking horrors in Mercy’s waters, compelling Noon to face her past and the internal monster she fears.
Blood on Her Tongue: By Johanna van Veen
“Blood on Her Tongue” by Johanna van Veen is a gothic horror novel set in 1887 Netherlands. The story follows Lucy, who becomes increasingly concerned about her twin sister Sarah’s declining mental state. Sarah exhibits erratic behavior and develops an obsession with a centuries-old corpse recently unearthed on her husband’s estate. Diagnosed with “temporary insanity” by a doctor, Sarah faces the grim prospect of confinement in a lunatic asylum. Determined to protect her sister, Lucy delves into the mystery surrounding the ancient body and Sarah’s condition, uncovering unsettling secrets that blur the lines between reality and madness.
As Lucy investigates, she confronts societal constraints and the limited agency afforded to women in the 19th century. The novel explores themes of sisterhood, obsession, and the supernatural, weaving a tale that combines shiver-inducing horror with sharp-fanged social commentary. Van Veen’s narrative has been lauded for its atmospheric storytelling and complex characters, drawing comparisons to classic works like “Dracula.”
Gothictown: By Emily Carpenter
In Emily Carpenter’s novel Gothictown, Billie Hope, a restaurateur from New York City, seizes the opportunity to purchase a spacious Victorian home in Juliana, Georgia, for just $100—part of the town’s post-pandemic initiative to attract new residents. Eager to leave behind her cramped apartment and the closure of her once-thriving restaurant, Billie moves her family to this seemingly idyllic Southern town.
However, Juliana harbors dark secrets beneath its sun-dappled streets and Southern hospitality. The town’s founders’ descendants believe they must perform sacrifices to appease Juliana, a deceased girl they revere, ensuring the town’s continued prosperity. As Billie settles into her new home, she notices unsettling changes in her husband and even their cat, leading her to uncover the town’s chilling history and the true cost of its charm.
Also Read: Most Anticipated Books of March 2025
