Spring may be in the air, but horror never takes a break. April 2025 is filled with terrifying tales that will make your skin crawl and your heart race. From eerie ghost stories to blood-curdling thrillers, these upcoming books are perfect for those who love a good scare. If you’re looking for your next horror obsession, here are the Most Anticipated Horror Books Of April 2025.
The Staircase in the Woods: By Chuck Wendig
Chuck Wendig’s The Staircase in the Woods is a gripping horror novel that delves into the complexities of friendship, trauma, and the supernatural. The story centers on five high school friends—Matty, Nick, Hamish, Lore, and Owen—who, in 1998, form a pact known as “The Covenant” to always protect each other. During a camping trip in the Pennsylvania woods, they discover a mysterious staircase leading to nowhere. In a moment of impulsivity, Matty ascends the staircase and vanishes without a trace, leaving the group shattered and their bond broken.
Two decades later, the enigmatic staircase reappears, prompting the estranged friends to reunite and confront the unresolved mystery of Matty’s disappearance. As they ascend the staircase once more, they are thrust into a nightmarish realm that forces them to confront their deepest fears and buried secrets. Wendig masterfully intertwines elements of psychological horror and supernatural suspense, crafting a narrative that explores the enduring impact of childhood trauma and the fragility of human connections.
Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng: By Kylie Lee Baker
”Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng” by Kylie Lee Baker is a gripping horror novel that delves into the complexities of identity, cultural heritage, and supernatural horror. The story follows Cora Zeng, a young woman of Chinese descent, who returns to her ancestral village in rural China after the mysterious death of her grandmother. Upon arrival, Cora discovers that her family is entangled in ancient rituals and dark secrets involving a creature known as the “Bat Eater,” a vampiric entity from local folklore.
As Cora delves deeper into her family’s past, she uncovers unsettling truths about her lineage and the sinister legacy that binds her to the Bat Eater. The novel masterfully blends traditional Chinese myths with contemporary horror, creating a narrative that is both culturally rich and deeply unsettling. Baker’s evocative prose and intricate character development immerse readers in a world where the lines between reality and superstition blur, culminating in a chilling exploration of what it means to confront one’s demons—both personal and supernatural.
Their Monstrous Hearts: By Yiğit Turhan
Yiğit Turhan’s debut novel, Their Monstrous Hearts, slated for release on April 8, 2025, is a gothic horror tale that delves into the depths of human ambition and the lengths one will go to preserve their dreams. The story follows Riccardo, a struggling writer who inherits his grandmother Perihan’s villa in Milan, along with her renowned butterfly collection. Hoping for inspiration and financial relief, Riccardo returns to the decaying estate, only to find himself ensnared in a web of eerie occurrences and unsettling discoveries. As he uncovers Perihan’s diary, Riccardo is drawn into a suspenseful mystery that challenges his perceptions of reality and threatens his very survival.
Critics have praised Turhan’s atmospheric writing and the novel’s slow-burning tension. One reviewer noted, “A haunting and atmospheric novel about human determination and the lengths one will go to preserve their dream… Incredibly unsettling and eerie, there’s a permanent sense of disquiet throughout.” Another highlighted the book’s unique blend of genres, stating, “This story has everything. ✔️Horror ✔️Supernatural ✔️Magical Realism ✔️Romance (M/M, just a sprinkle).” With its rich prose and intricate exploration of human desires, Their Monstrous Hearts promises to be a standout addition to the horror genre.
The Summer I Ate the Rich: By Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite
In “The Summer I Ate the Rich,” Maika and Maritza Moulite weave a chilling tale that intertwines Haitian folklore with contemporary societal critique. The story centers on Brielle Petitfour, a Haitian American teenager in Miami who harbors a passion for cooking. With her mother battling chronic illness and financial strains mounting, Brielle’s aspiration of becoming a chef seems unattainable. However, when her mother loses her job, Brielle turns to her culinary skills to support her family. Her dishes captivate the affluent clientele, who are intrigued by her unique flavors and textures. Unbeknownst to them, the secret ingredient is human flesh—a macabre twist that underscores the novel’s exploration of socioeconomic and racial disparities.
Inspired by Haitian zombie lore, the Moulite sisters craft a narrative that delves into themes of power, privilege, and survival. Brielle’s journey is further complicated by her inherent zombie nature, a metaphorical device that amplifies the story’s examination of identity and otherness. As she navigates the treacherous waters of high society and her own dark impulses, readers are prompted to reflect on the lengths one might go to in the face of systemic oppression. This modern-day fable not only delivers spine-tingling horror but also serves as a poignant commentary on the inequities that pervade our contemporary world.
Also Read: 10 Most Anticipated Books of April 2025
