At a recent New York Comic Con panel, four giants of horror – Nick Cutter, Tananarive Due, Stephen Graham Jones, and paranormal investigator Steve Gonsalves – gathered to discuss their craft. For horror fans, it was a rare chance to be in the same room with their favorite authors.
One interesting topic at the panel was whether we’re currently in a “golden age” of horror. People have been debating this, especially as the genre gains more respect in literature and movies. But one thing is sure: horror has always had a devoted fan base. It’s always held a special place in the hearts of those who love the thrill of being scared.
The rise of “literary” horror and the popularity of spine-tingling TV series like “The Haunting of Hill House” have made horror more visible. It’s always meant a lot to those passionate about it, and its impact is undeniable.
What excites horror enthusiasts, as discussed by the panelists, is the emergence of many new voices in horror. Gone are the days when you had to rely only on old John Saul books or massive Stephen King novels. While classics like Edgar Allan Poe and Shirley Jackson will always be loved, modern horror is rising. New authors and their works make a name for themselves in the horror world. Here, we are going to introduce you to some of the best ones.
Tananarive Due: “The Reformatory”
Tananarive Due has been a powerhouse in horror since the late ’90s. Her latest book, “The Reformatory,” is about a haunted reform school with tormented spirits. What sets her apart is her ability to blend issues of race and identity into supernatural stories. Think of it like Toni Morrison’s “Beloved” with ghosts.
Victor LaValle: “Victor LaValle’s Destroyer”
Victor LaValle, known for “The Changeling” and “My Best Friend’s Exorcism,” gives a fresh twist to horror with “Victor LaValle’s Destroyer.” This book pays homage to Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” and shows LaValle’s talent for bringing new life to classic themes. His latest book, “Lone Women,” promises more spine-tingling stories.
Kingfisher: “A House with Good Bones”
Under the pen name T. Kingfisher, Ursula Vernon has been enchanting readers with fantasy stories since 2008. In 2013, she ventured into horror and has been wowing audiences ever since. “A House with Good Bones” is her latest eerie tale about a woman returning to her childhood home and discovering something very unsettling.
Grady Hendrix: “How to Sell a Haunted House”
Grady Hendrix is known for his campy and comedic horror works like “Horrorstör” and “My Best Friend’s Exorcism.” He takes it to the next level with “How to Sell a Haunted House,” where estranged siblings try to sell their parents’ haunted house, complete with creepy puppets. Hendrix’s irreverent approach to horror makes his work stand out.
Paul Tremblay: “A Head Full of Ghosts”
Paul Tremblay is a must-read for horror fans, and his book “A Head Full of Ghosts” is a gripping story about a young woman who might be possessed. It’s a bit like a modern take on “The Exorcist.”
Rachel Harrison: “The Return”
Rachel Harrison is a newer voice in horror, but her debut novel “The Return” made a big splash. It’s about a woman who vanishes and returns two years later, changed in a disturbing way. Her blend of humor and female friendships adds depth to her horror stories.
Stephen Graham Jones: “The Only Good Indians”
Stephen Graham Jones brings a unique perspective to horror with “The Only Good Indians.” It’s about four American Indian men trying to escape their past, but ancient spirits won’t let them. Jones blends traditional horror with cultural elements, making him a trailblazer in the genre.
Lauren Beukes: “Bridge”
Lauren Beukes is known for her speculative fiction, and her book “Bridge” takes you on a wild journey through parallel dimensions as a woman searches for her deceased mother. It’s like a mix of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds” and Arthur C. Clarke’s “Childhood’s End,” with a horror twist.
Alma Katsu: “The Hunger”
Alma Katsu’s “The Hunger” adds a supernatural twist to the true story of the Donner Party, pioneers who faced starvation in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It’s a bit like blending history with the horror of Thomas Harris’ “The Silence of the Lambs.”
James Tynion IV: “The Nice House on the Lake”
If you’re into horror comics, James Tynion IV is your guy. “The Nice House on the Lake” is a standout in his collection. It’s about friends gathering for a lakeside getaway and discovering their host’s otherworldly secret. Think of it like a graphic novel version of H.G. Wells’ “The War of the Worlds.”
Silvia Moreno-Garcia: “Mexican Gothic”
In “Mexican Gothic,” Silvia Moreno-Garcia weaves a chilling tale set in 1950s Mexico. The story follows Noemí Taboada, a brilliant and fearless socialite, as she is sent to the remote town of High Place to check on her cousin Catalina. She encounters a decaying mansion filled with secrets, a disturbing family, and a sinister presence lurking in the shadows.
Grady Hendrix: “The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires”
Grady Hendrix delivers a unique and thrilling take on the vampire genre in this darkly humorous novel. Set in the 1990s, the story revolves around Patricia Campbell, a housewife and book club member. When a mysterious stranger moves into their quiet Southern neighborhood, Patricia and her book club friends begin to suspect that he may not be what he seems. As they investigate, they uncover a sinister world of vampires. Patricia is then forced to confront her deepest fears to protect her family.
Alex North: “The Whisper Man”
“The Whisper Man” by Alex North introduces readers to Tom Kennedy and his young son Jake, who move to a seemingly peaceful town after the death of Tom’s wife. However, their new home holds a dark history, as it was once the residence of a notorious serial killer known as “The Whisper Man.” When a series of child disappearances haunt the town again, Tom and Jake find themselves drawn into a terrifying mystery that may be connected to the past.
Riley Sager: “Home Before Dark”
Riley Sager crafts a gripping psychological horror novel in “Home Before Dark.” Maggie Holt, the daughter of a famous horror writer, returns to her family’s haunted mansion, Baneberry Hall, years after escaping its evil influence. She plans to renovate and sell the property, but as she uncovers the dark secrets hidden within the house’s walls, she realizes that her father’s chilling stories might not be entirely fictional.
Alex Michaelides: “The Shadows”
Alex Michaelides, known for “The Silent Patient,” ventures into the realm of psychological horror in “The Shadows.” The story revolves around psychiatrist Sophie, who is called to treat a new patient, Alicia Berenson. She is a painter who has been mute since she was convicted of murdering her husband. As Sophie delves into Alicia’s past and her hauntingly enigmatic art, she uncovers a series of dark secrets that connect her patient to a childhood friend with a shared traumatic experience.
Summing Up
These modern authors and their works are making a big impact in the horror world. They’re joining the ranks of classic authors who paved the way for the genre. Horror is a place where fear, suspense, and the supernatural come together to give you an experience that stays with you long after you finish reading. So, which one of you are you going to start reading? Let us know if it left you spooked.
Uncover captivating reads in our book recommendation category. Elevate your reading journey now!
Garima Bais, a content creator since 2015, delivers unmatched quality with a personal touch. She is an expert in niches like beauty, fashion, digital marketing, health, parenting, travel, and home improvement. An Extremely positive person, she wishes to extend a helping hand to people dealing with problems who have no one to share them with.
