If you’re looking to add some spine-tingling stories to your May reading list, you’re in luck. The horror genre is serving up some exciting new titles this month, from haunted settings to unsettling characters. Here are the most anticipated horror books of May 2025 you won’t want to miss.
Most Anticipated Horror Books of May 2025
Never Flinch: By Stephen King
Stephen King’s Never Flinch, releasing on May 27, 2025, is the fourth installment in the Holly Gibney series, following The Outsider, If It Bleeds, and Holly. The novel intertwines two gripping narratives: one follows a killer who sends a letter to the Buckeye City Police Department, threatening to “kill thirteen innocents and one guilty” as retribution for the wrongful death of an innocent man. Detective Izzy Jaynes, disturbed by the letter, seeks assistance from private investigator Holly Gibney. Simultaneously, feminist activist Kate McKay becomes the target of a stalker, prompting her to hire Holly as her bodyguard.
As the story unfolds, Holly navigates these converging threats, uncovering a chilling connection between the two cases. The novel features a diverse cast, including gospel singer Sista Bessie and a villain driven by a twisted sense of justice. King’s narrative delves into themes of vengeance, morality, and the complexities of justice, delivering a suspenseful and thought-provoking read.
When Devils Sing: By Xan Kaur
When Devils Sing by Xan Kaur, releasing on May 27, 2025, is a Southern Gothic horror novel set in the eerie town of Carrion, Georgia. The story follows four unlikely allies—Neera, Isaiah, Reid, and Sam—as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of a local teen named Dawson Sumter. Their search uncovers sinister secrets tied to the town’s founding and an ancient legend about three devils.
As they delve deeper, the teens confront a web of lies and a terrifying source of power linked to the adjacent Lake Clearwater community. The novel explores themes of classism, racism, and the corrupting influence of power, all set against a backdrop of Southern folklore and atmospheric horror.
The Starving Saints: By Caitlin Starling
The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling, releasing on May 20, 2025, is a dark medieval horror novel set in the besieged Aymar Castle. After six months of starvation, the castle’s inhabitants are miraculously saved by the arrival of the Constant Lady and her saints, who provide abundant feasts and healing. However, the origins of these miracles are dubious, and the castle’s descent into hedonistic madness raises questions about the true nature of their saviors.
The story follows three women: Phosyne, a paranoid nun-turned-sorceress; Ser Voyne, a war hero loyal to the Constant Lady; and Treila, a serving girl seeking vengeance. As the castle’s reality warps under the influence of the saints’ bee-based faith system, these women must navigate shifting alliances and uncover the truth to save themselves and the castle from impending doom.
The Devils: By Joe Abercrombie
The Devils by Joe Abercrombie, releasing on May 6, 2025, marks the beginning of a new fantasy series set in an alternate medieval Europe. The story follows Brother Diaz, a devout priest who is unexpectedly assigned to lead the Chapel of Holy Expediency—a covert branch of the Church tasked with unorthodox missions. His new congregation comprises a group of dangerous individuals, including a werewolf, a necromancer, and other outcasts. Their mission: escort a lost princess across the continent to claim her rightful throne, all while facing threats from rival claimants and a looming elvish invasion.
Abercrombie infuses the narrative with his signature dark humor, gritty action, and morally complex characters. The novel explores themes of faith, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. With a cast of vividly drawn antiheroes and a fast-paced plot, The Devils offers a fresh take on epic fantasy, blending elements of horror and satire.
The Man Made of Smoke: By Alex North
The Man Made of Smoke by Alex North, set to release on May 13, 2025, is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the haunting legacy of childhood trauma. The story follows Dan Garvie, a criminal profiler who narrowly escaped an encounter with a notorious serial killer known as “The Pied Piper” during his youth. Years later, Dan returns to his small island hometown after his father’s suspicious death, only to find that the nightmares of his past may not be over. As he investigates, Dan uncovers unsettling connections between his father’s demise and the long-dormant case that has haunted him for decades.
North masterfully weaves a narrative that oscillates between past and present, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the complex bonds between fathers and sons. The novel’s atmospheric setting and introspective character development create a sense of creeping dread that intensifies with each page. With its intricate plot and chilling antagonist, The Man Made of Smoke is a testament to North’s ability to craft stories that are both emotionally resonant and deeply unsettling.
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