[How it Works](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/how-it-works/) [Bookshop](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/books/bindery/) [Publishing](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/publishing/) [Team](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/team/) [Contact](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/contact/) Log in or Sign up The Reformatory: A Novel Tananarive Due Save to Your Books [Bookshop](https://bookshop.org/a/84139/9781982188344) 100% of affiliate revenue supports Celestial A New York Times Notable Book “You’re in for a treat. _The Reformatory_ is one of those books you can’t put down. Tananarive Due hit it out of the park.” —Stephen King A gripping, page-turning novel set in Jim Crow Florida that follows Robert Stephens Jr. as he’s sent to a segregated reform school that is a chamber of terrors where he sees the horrors of racism and injustice, for the living, and the dead. Gracetown, Florida June 1950 Twelve-year-old Robbie Stephens, Jr., is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys, a reformatory, for kicking the son of the largest landowner in town in defense of his older sister, Gloria. So begins Robbie’s journey further into the terrors of the Jim Crow South and the very real horror of the school they call _The Reformatory_. Robbie has a talent for seeing ghosts, or haints. But what was once a comfort to him after the loss of his mother has become a window to the truth of what happens at the reformatory. Boys forced to work to remediate their so-called crimes have gone missing, but the haints Robbie sees hint at worse things. Through his friends Redbone and Blue, Robbie is learning not just the rules but how to survive. Meanwhile, Gloria is rallying every family member and connection in Florida to find a way to get Robbie out before it’s too late. _The Reformatory_ is a haunting work of historical fiction written as only American Book Award–winning author Tananarive Due could, by piecing together the life of the relative her family never spoke of and bringing his tragedy and those of so many others at the infamous Dozier School for Boys to the light in this riveting novel. Show more Get the Bindery app * * * Posts about this title from Celestial [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Mar 27](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [spooky, crumbling, eerie, haunted buildings? LET’S GO.](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/zy54Us686RnwHVGeH0AP/) spooky, crumbling, eerie, haunted buildings? LET’S GO. 📚 books mentioned: \- Infested by Angel Luis Colón \- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia \- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due 👗💄: \- dress is from Hill House Home, rented from Nuuly \- eyeshadow is Ellis Atlantis Palette from Blend Bunny Cosmetics \- eyeshadow shimmer is Mirage from Ourbella Cosmetics \- mascara is Cloud Mascara from Sweed Beauty \- lip combo is Suede Matte Lip Liner (Moonwalk) from NYX Cosmetics and Magic Drip Lip Gloss (Virtual BFF) from Half Magic \- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!) thank you to MTV Books / Simon Teen and Saga Press for the gifted copies! #horrorbooks #disturbingbooks #scarybooks #nycinfluencer #bookstagram @simonteen @mtvbooks @delreybooks @sagapressbooks @hillhouse @dandylionsco . horror books • spooky books • disturbing books • haunted house books • gothic books •spooky building books • horror trope books • horror book recommendations • diverse books • Del Rey * * * 3 books [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Jan 7](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [💭 what was your favorite horror read from last year?](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/iIj3g8n7jhEAN5lKr1Zx/) 💭 what was your favorite horror read from last year? if you’re wondering if it was hard to narrow these down, i initially tried to do a top 3. and then a top 5. and failed both times, so now we’re at a top 6 and even then i wanted to include more! it’s been a great few years for horror books. 📚 books mentioned: \- The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones \- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due \- You Weren’t Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White \- The Children by Melissa Albert \- Mexican Gothic bu Silvia Moreno-Garcia \- Model Home by Rivers Solomon 👗💄: \- eyeshadow is The Crawl Face & Eye Multi-Palette from Covergirl and The Lord of the Rings Middle-Earth Palette from Glamlite \- shimmer is Lucid Dream from Ourbella \- lip combo is Lip Lingerie Liner Stain (Up To No Good) from NYX Cosmetics and 3D Volumizing Lip Gloss (Cherry Cola) from Fwee \- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!) thank you to Saga Press and William Morrow for the gifted copies! #horrorbooks #horrorbookrecs #besthorrorbooks #nycinfluencer #bookstagram @sagapressbooks @williammorrowbooks @delreybooks @mcdbooks @covergirl @glamlite @ourbella.us @nyxcosmetics @fwee\_makeup . horror book recommendations • best horror books of 2025 • favorite horror books • mystery and thriller books • horror book recs • diverse books • diverse horror reads • Saga Press • William Morrow • Del Rey • MCD * * * 6 books [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Nov 11 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [11/11 is 👹STEPH DAY 👹!!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/V5SSHFrtWZ8QnCdcQBh5/) 11/11 is 👹STEPH DAY 👹!! 📚 books mentioned: \- The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar \- Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker \- Somadina by Akwaeke Emezi \- Saltcrop by Yume Kitasei \- The Maiden and Her Monster by Maddie Martinez \- You Weren’t Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White \- The Maid and the Crocodile by Jordan Ifueko \- Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar \- The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones \- The Coven Tendency by Zoe Hana Mikuta \- Model Home by Rivers Solomon \- Enter Ghost by Isabella Hammad \- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due \- These Vengeful Gods by Gabe Cole Novoa 👗💄: \- dress is from Chelsea Reece \- eyeshadow is Mírame Eyeshadow Palette from Aora \- duochrome eyeshadow is from Ourbella \- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!) thank you to Tordotcom, MIRA Books/HTP Hive, Get Underlined, Flatiron, Tor Books, Saga Press, and Disney Hyperion for the gifted copies! #fantasybooks #horrorbooks #scifibooks #bookrecs #birthdaybooks #starrysteph #nycinfluencer #diversebookstagram #nycbookstagram #bookstagram #FlatironPartner #SagaSaysCrew #sagapressbooks #SagaSays #TorPartner #FlatironPartner #GetUnderlinedPartner #HTPHivePartner @tordotcompub @readmirabooks @htp\_hive @getunderlined @flatiron\_books @torbooks @sagapressbooks @abramsbooks @aaknopf @disneybooks @mcdbooks @groveatlantic @bychelseareece @aoramakeup @ourbella\_cosmetics * * * 14 books 5 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Oct 1 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [horror books that you NEED TO READ.](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/tAhcQXQ09QiBaqoyFBP3/) horror books that you NEED TO READ THIS SPOOKY SEASON!!! 📚 books mentioned: \- You Weren’t Meant to Be Human by Andrew Joseph White \- Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker \- The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones \- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due 👗💄: \- dress is from @freepeople, rented from @nuuly \- eyeliner is waterproof eyeliner (maroon) from @personacosmetics \- eyeshadow is brilliant eye brightener from @thrivecausemetics \- shimmer is magical guardians palette from @yvaexpressions \- (also if you have a question about my makeup or something i’m wearing, most of it is curated in my shopmy!) thank you to Saga Press and MIRA Books/HTP Hive for the gifted copies! #horrorbooks #horrorbookrecs #horrorbookreviews #besthorrorbooks #SagaSaysCrew #sagapressbooks #SagaSays #htphive #starrysteph #nycinfluencer #diversebookstagram #nycbookstagram #bookstagram @sagapressbooks @htp\_hive @readmirabooks @htpbooks * * * 4 books 7 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Jul 26 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [you’d better be reading these 5 horror books this summer!!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/kaiYl6OQ8DCql2QvkBWD/) you’d better be reading these 5 horror books this summer!! 📚 books mentioned: \- Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker \- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due \- I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea \- The Coven Tendency by Zoe Hana Mikuta (Disney Hyperion) \- Model Home by Rivers Solomon thank you to The Hive/MIRA Books, Saga Press, and Disney Hyperion for the gifted copies! #horrorbooks #horrorbookrecs #horrorbookreview #besthorrorbooks #SagaSaysCrew #sagapressbooks #SagaSays #starrysteph #nycinfluencer #bookstagram #nycbookstagram @htp\_hive @readmirabooks @sagapressbooks @henryholtbooks @fiercereads @disneybooks @mcdbooks * * * 5 books [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Apr 5 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [hauntingly real supernatural historical horror that you NEED TO READ!!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/WzQlV7SD7uI4POOg7FlE/) hauntingly real supernatural historical horror that you NEED TO READ!! 📚 books mentioned: \- The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones \- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due thank you so much to Saga for gifting me these review copies! @sagapressbooks #horrorbooks #historicalhorror #horrorbookrecs #horrorbookreviews #SagaSaysCrew #sagasays #sagapressbooks #bookrecommendations #starrysteph #nycinfluencer #bookstagram #diversebooks * * * 2 books 1 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Mar 17 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [Hi friends,\\ \\ I had SUCH a fun time chatting with Aubrei, Naomi, Natalie, and everyone who joined us for our Women in Horror chat. \\ \\ Thank you so much to the Celestial friends who stopped by, but if you missed it, I don't want you to miss out! Natalie (superstar notetaker that she is) jotted down all the books mentioned, and we also recorded the Zoom.\\ \\ First, you should 1000% be following the three of them if you're not already:\\ \\ **Aubrei** ( _earlgreypls_): https://egp.binderybooks.com/\\ \\ **Naomi** ( _fromthemixedupdesk_): https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/\\ \\ **Natalie** ( _weirdobookclub_): https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/\\ \\ Second, **click here** for that YouTube recording!\\ \\ And third, here's the beautifully long list of books we discussed (some were recommendations and others were books that we're looking forward to) (also a few non-women snuck in; forgive us):\\ \\ 01. And Then She Fell by Aligia Elliot\\ \\ 02. Infested by Angel Luis Colon\\ \\ 03. Brother by Ania Ahlborn\\ \\ 04. Seed by Ania Ahlborn\\ \\ 05. The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn\\ \\ 06. Within These Walls by Ania Ahlborn\\ \\ 07. Men, Women and Chainsaws by Carol J Clover\\ \\ 08. Ghost Eaters by Clay McLeod Chapman\\ \\ 09. Wake Up and Open Your Eyes by Clay McLeod Chapman\\ \\ 10. Delicate Condition by Danielle Valentine\\ \\ 11. Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson\\ \\ 12. Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson\\ \\ 13. Jackal by Erin E. Adams\\ \\ 14. One of You by Erin E. Adams \\ \\ 15. Diavola by Jennifer Marie Thorne\\ \\ 16. The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington\\ \\ 17. Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington\\ \\ 18. Hungerstone by Kat Dunn\\ \\ 19. House of Psychotic Women by Kier-la Jannise\\ \\ 20. Bat Eater and Other Names For Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker\\ \\ 21. Sick Houses: Haunted Homes and the Architecture of Dread by Leila Taylor\\ \\ 22. Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury\\ \\ 23. Lakewood by Megan Giddings\\ \\ 24. The Women Could Fly by Megan Giddings\\ \\ 25. Shy Girl by Mia Ballard\\ \\ 26. Sugar by Mia Ballard\\ \\ 27. Feast While You Can by Mikaella Clements\\ \\ 28. Into the Drowning Deep by Mira Grant\\ \\ 29. Feed by Mira Grant\\ \\ 30. Overgrowth by Mira Grant\\ \\ 31. The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim\\ \\ 32. Tantrum by Rachel Eve Moulton\\ \\ 33. Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison\\ \\ 34. Come Closer by Sara Gran\\ \\ 35. Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey\\ \\ 36. Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria Griffin\\ \\ 37. Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 38. The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 39. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 40. Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 41. The Tiger Came to the Mountains by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 42. The Lover by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 43. The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 44. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ 45. The Good House by Tananarive Due\\ \\ 46. The Reformatory by Tananarive Due\\ \\ 47. The Between by Tananarive Due\\ \\ 48. Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson\\ \\ 49. Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson\\ \\ 50. The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson\\ \\ 51. White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson\\ \\ 52. Green Fuse Burning by Tiffany Morris\\ \\ 53. Goddess of Filth by V Castro\\ \\ 54. Immortal Pleasures by V Castro\\ \\ 55. The Queen of the Cicadas by V Castro\\ \\ 56. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by VE Schwab\\ \\ 57. The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas\\ \\ 58. Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas\\ \\ 59. The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Cañas\\ \\ \\ Thanks, folks, and we can't wait to do this again sometime!!!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/Ynh3e373WnJLKY5amDuH/) [Women in Horror (60 recs!) \| recording & thank you](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/Ynh3e373WnJLKY5amDuH/) * * * 24 books 2 Posts about this book from across Bindery [Bee's Books\\ \\ Bailee Russo\\ \\ • Jun 26](https://bookishbailee.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Wronggggggg.\\ \\ Now, we can have a conversation about how publishing house conglomerates and the trend-led mass-market led by an overwhelming white, straight, etc, majority creates a homogeneity of stories...sure. We can talk about that all day long.\\ \\ But if we do, we _also_ need to talk about how consumers drive that market, and how our choices -- on social media feeds, on review platforms, at the bookstore -- make an impact on those publishing trends. That, I think, is a more interesting conversation.\\ \\ Because if we put in the effort to follow book reviewers from a diversity of perspectives, to support indie and underrepresented authors, to review the books we read with critical self-reflection, to support our local book vendors, libraries, etc...then we will find a huge, wide world of weird and wonderful literature just waiting for its audience. And in doing so, we can make an impact on publishing as a whole, too.\\ \\ So, here are a few unique books that I think you might love, featuring cannibalistic nuns, Faustian bargains, shape-shifting mermaids, talking animals, alternate futures, parasitic aliens, swampcore haunted cabins, cryptids, and more.\\ \\ Herculine by Grace Byron: an all Trans girls commune haunted by demons.\\ \\ The Reformatory by Tanarive Due: a segregated reform school and the evil inside.\\ \\ Wife Shaped Bodies by Laura Cranehill: the trad wives are sprouting mushrooms.\\ \\ A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft: a dark academia quest for a magic spring.\\ \\ Sky Full of Elephants by Cebo Campbell: a new world where all the white people have disappeared.\\ \\ The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones: A Blackfeet vampire seeking vengeance.\\ \\ The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling: a medieval castle under siege and the cannibalistic fever dream that unfolds inside.\\ \\ What We Feed to the Manticore by Talia Lakshmi Kolluri: a collection of compelling short stories all told from the perspectives of animals.\\ \\ After Love by Tanya Byrne: a fantastical lesbian love story that literally transcends death itself.\\ \\ Green Fuse Burning by Tiffany Morris: a grief-stricken Indigenous artist who arrives at a cabin in a remote, swampy forest, before strange things start to happen.\\ \\ Fate's Bane by CL Clark: sword-wielding, star-crossed lovers from rival clans, inspired by Celtic folklore.\\ \\ As Many Souls as Stars by Natasha Siegel: a Faustian Bargain between a witch and a demon, and their game of cat-and-mouse that spans multiple lifetimes.\\ \\ A Feast for the Eyes by Alex Crespo: four teenagers hunting the local cryptic that feeds on secrets.\\ \\ They Bloom at Night by Trang Thanh Tran: a red algae bloom causes strange mutations in a small Louisiana town.\\ \\ The Seep by Chana Porter: a parasitic alien invasion that creates a strange utopia, and one woman's quest to stop its spread.\\ \\ The Gloaming by Kirsty Logan: a hungry sea, a family beset by grief, and a strange woman who climbs up from the water.\\ \\ Happy reading!\\ \\ -B](https://bookishbailee.binderybooks.com/item/5eRHbyzAYWZvRfCJMAF9/) ["Books are all the same now."](https://bookishbailee.binderybooks.com/item/5eRHbyzAYWZvRfCJMAF9/) * * * 15 books 2 [Children of Diaspora\\ \\ Rae the Reviewer\\ \\ • Jun 8](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [40+ Books to Celebrate the World Cup!](https://children-of-diaspora.binderybooks.com/item/9RGZMc5j98qeHDaTXw0K/) What team are you rooting for? Thank you so much @librosmeansbooks for helping me put this list together. We’ve been gushing about the friendlies and upcoming matches and the World Cup overall since @booknetfest and I’m super excited for the real action to begin ⚽️ 🥅 Please let me know any other books from these countries that you loved in the comments, there are so many on this list that I hadn’t even heard of before that have peaked my interest #worldcup #booklist #readingrecommendations #bookstagram #readtheworld * * * 18 books 3 [Bee's Books\\ \\ Bailee Russo\\ \\ • Jun 1](https://bookishbailee.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Some unique books for your TBR stack #weirdlit #weirdbooks #uniquebooks #bookrecs #lgbtbooks](https://bookishbailee.binderybooks.com/item/gPv9MpufSQsLyYIWpRDM/) Some unique books for your TBR stack #weirdlit #weirdbooks #uniquebooks #bookrecs #lgbtbooks * * * 7 books 1 [ash.reads.horror\\ \\ ash\\ \\ • May 8](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Welcome back to another Author Interview! Today I am joined by Haley Newlin, author of T _ake Your Turn Teddy, Not Another Sarah Halls ,_ and _The Film You Are About To See._\\ \\ \\ \\ **1\. I always use this first question as an introduction. Tell us as much or as little about yourself as you would like!**\\ \\ > I grew up on the theatrical terror of William Castle's gimmicks and Vincent Price films — both of which have heavily influenced my work. I have published three novels, including _Take Your Turn, Teddy_, and my latest release, _The Film You Are About To See_ which was featured on the 2025 Bram Stoker Reading List. I have written several short stories, including "The Butcher on Blue Jay Way," featured in Kandisha Press's _SLASH-HER: An Anthology of Women in Horror_, and a story in Nick Roberts’s forthcoming _Haunted Minds: Tales of Possession_ anthology. \\ > \\ > I am the managing editor for Cemetery Dance Magazine. When I’m not writing, I’m watching black-and-white horror films or reading horror books. I live in Indiana with my boyfriend and three dogs.\\ \\ **2\. I just saw the amazing news that you are the new Managing Editor for Cemetery Dance Magazine. That is so exciting. Care to tell us a little about what all that will entail?**\\ \\ > Thank you! I’m really excited about this new role. I’ve written for Cemetery Dance Magazine for about five years, mostly book reviews and author interviews. The managing editor curates this content, edits it, and publishes it. \\ > \\ > I’m excited to work on the next print magazine release.\\ \\ **3\. You currently have three books out. Do you have a favorite that you have written? Was there one that was harder to write than the others? One you have more of a personal connection to?**\\ \\ > _The Film You Are About To See_ is definitely my favorite. When I treat myself to some me time, I’m always watching an old horror flick like _The Tingler_(1959), _House On Haunted Hill_(1959), or _Cat People_(1942). \\ > \\ > I’ve always really loved Vincent Price and William Castle and have dreamed of seeing one of their films at the drive-in, my favorite place to watch horror movies. Then, I got to thinking about if I could host my own dusk til dawn night at the drive-in, what kind of movies would I show? How could I bring William Castle’s theatrical gimmicks to the drive-in setting? And the result -- _The Film You Are About To See_. \\ > \\ > I still can’t believe I got to write a book like _The Film You Are About To See_. It was just a blast. And the best part has been readers going and watching some of the films included on the marquee. I love nothing more than a tag on Instagram and someone shares that they read _The Film You Are About To See_ and are watching _Shock_ (1946), Vincent Price’s first starring role, or _The Tingler_, for the very first time. \\ > \\ > _Take Your Turn, Teddy_ was the most difficult book to write, and maybe that’s because it is the most personal. \\ > \\ > For a while, I said that _Take Your Turn, Teddy_ broke my brain. This story came together about a young boy who lives in an abusive home situation, and when he and his mother flee to a house in Indiana, he befriends a dark entity. \\ > \\ > In my childhood and teen years, most days just felt like survival. I didn’t feel that there was a lot of consistency in my life aside from abandonment, disappointment, and isolation. This is the type of narrative the shadow feeds to Teddy. He comes to believe the bad is his only constant. \\ > \\ > So, basically, I’d written some personal elements into what this road looks like for Teddy. Which, eventually, was cathartic. At first, it was grueling. Like pulling teeth. I’d leave the writing desk just feeling gutted and utterly exposed. But for some reason, I pushed through and kept writing. \\ > \\ > I’m glad I did.\\ \\ **4\. Are you working on any new projects at the moment?**\\ \\ > Too many! I am a firm believer in working on one project at a time. I want all of my creativity and ideas to channel into one project. But, my current project calendar has me working on a screenplay and two short stories, simultaneously, so it’s been an adjustment for sure. \\ > \\ > I begin drafting my next novel in June. I won’t say too much but it sort of feels like a sister novel to _Take Your Turn, Teddy_. It’s bleak and set in rural Indiana during the 1940s.\\ \\ **5\. I know you are a HUGE Vincent Price fan. What are your top three Vincent Price movies?**\\ \\ > I never get tired of answering questions like this! \\ > \\ > I really prefer Vincent Price’s films prior to the 1960s, but there is one exception and it’s first on my list. \\ > \\ > 1. _Diary of a Madman_ (1963) \\ > \\ > 2. _The Tingler_ (1959) \\ > \\ > 3. _House of Wax_(1953)\\ \\ **6\. Do you have any writing rituals or routines that help you get in the writing zone?**\\ \\ > I like to start each writing session by listing out a few things I’m most excited about within the project. Maybe it’s the setting, like 1959 at a dusk til dawn Spooktacular, hosted by the local drive-in (as in _The Film You Are About To See_), or a new piece of research I stumbled upon. Sometimes just being reminded of the passion and taking a moment to reconnect to it, makes a blank page less intimidating.\\ \\ **7\. What have been your top 2026 horror book releases?**\\ \\ > I can’t stop recommending _The Curse of Hester Gardens_ by Tamika Thompson and _I’ll Watch Your Baby_ by Neena Viel. \\ > \\ > _The Curse of Hester Gardens_ should be studied on college campuses. It’s a story about poverty, gun violence, familial bonds, curses and ghosts. It’s an unshakable and incredibly emotional read. \\ > \\ > _I’ll Watch Your Baby_ by Neena Viel (May 26, 2026) is inspired by Linda Taylor, known as the original Welfare Queen, who Ronald Reagan caricatured as the ultimate cheat of the system and by extension, the American people. I recommend going into this somewhat blind. The supernatural element and secondary POV come together so powerfully. \\ > \\ > It’s about generational and historical trauma, oppression, and the power of friendship. \\ > \\ > It’s quite visceral, terrifying, and unforgettable.\\ \\ **8\. Some of your favorite backlist titles?**\\ \\ > My favorite read of 2025 was Tananarive Due’s _The Reformatory_. I think everyone should read this book. It’s just brilliant. I’m actually currently reading a book recommended to fans of _The Reformatory_, called _Burn Down Master’s House_ by Clay Cane. It will absolutely make it on my list of top reads of the year. I can’t put it down. \\ > \\ > I also really enjoyed _The Possession of Alba Diaz_ by Isabel Canas. It has one of the most memorable endings I’ve ever read. I wanted to leap from my seat and yell “GOOD FOR HER!” \\ > \\ > A favorite nonfiction read that I can’t recommend enough is _Scream With Me_: _Horror Films and the Rise of American Feminism_ by Eleanor Johnson. It totally changed how I see adaptations of horror books like _The Shining_ and _The Exorcist._\\ \\ **9\. Being an indie author yourself, who are some of your favorite indie horror authors/books?**\\ \\ > I love the _Paisley Mott_ series by Kalvin Ellis, _Squirming All The Way Up_ by Joey Powell, _The Long Low Whistle_ by Laurel Hightower (my scariest read of 2025), and you can’t go wrong with anything from Viggy Parr Hampton, Spencer Hamilton, Briana Morgan, or RJ Joseph.\\ \\ **10\. What horror movies have you been watching lately/are on your radar?**\\ \\ > After reading _Your Favorite Scary Movie:_ by Ashley Cullins, I am looking forward to seeing _Scream 7_ once it hits streaming. I had no idea that the original screenwriter, Kevin Williamson, directed it. He’s been through so much with this franchise and the woes of Hollywood, that I was really excited to hear that he’s back. He always wanted _Scream_ to have a queer director, he said he just never would’ve thought that it would be himself. \\ > \\ > I’m rewatching the whole franchise. I’m currently on the second film, which I’m realizing is a lot better than people give it credit for.\\ \\ **Use the space below to add anything else you want to say in! Such as website, social media handles, etc…**\\ \\ I love connecting with horror fans! I’m most active on Instagram and TikTok - @haleynewlin\_author \\ \\ You can also find me on my website - haleynewlinauthor.com\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/39YvCPe9U648szUThS9B/) [AUTHOR INTERVIEW: HALEY NEWLIN](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/39YvCPe9U648szUThS9B/) * * * 15 books [Boozhoo Books\\ \\ Naomi\\ \\ • Apr 28](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [**WIN A BOOK, and other important updates!**\\ \\ In case you missed it, I'm partnering with the Bay Area Book Festival and giving away a copy of The Reformatory by Tananarive Due! (Also if you're able to attend the festival, you get a meet and greet!) To enter: like this post and tag a friend.\\ \\ **Panels and Reading Updates**\\ \\ If you missed the news, I will be moderating an Indigenous romance panel at the festival this year!\\ \\ Here are the books I'm reading in preparation:\\ \\ _Native Love Jams_ by Tashia Hart\\ \\ _When Stars Have Teeth_ by Dani Trujilo\\ \\ _Heartbeat Braves_ by Pamela Sanderson\\ \\ I'm also moderating a chat at a local bookstore on June 6, with author Élan Les Vies, to celebrate his new book _The Lemon Twist_, so I'll be reading that this month, too!\\ \\ Moderating at Bookcon was a dream! I was very prepared! (I read 8 thrillers in like 8 days!) and people even told me it was their favorite panel of the entire weekend! \\ \\ I am very behind on book club books and the Toni Morrison read along and I don't see that improving much in May! (Thank GOD I leave the discord channels up for months, because I am the problem now, lol) I should have May's channels up this weekend. \\ \\ I am also covering for coworker who's going to be out for 3 months, on deadline for an essay due in June, the Stanford Pow Wow is approaching, Florence and The Machine is in 2 weeks! and I'm hitting the road on Memorial Day weekend. You could say IM BOOKED AND BUSY!\\ \\ While I may be participating less in bookclubs this month, my goal is to run Reading Sprints at least twice a week in the Discord! (TONIGHT 4pm PST/7pm EST) \\ \\ When I was in NYC, I wanted to treat myself for all of my recent accomplishments. AND I DID. And the day after.... MY MACBOOK AIR crashed. Lmao. LIFE. I'm going to be listing a TON of special editions (probably everything except the horror) to Pango and a lot of other books to Pango to help me pay for a new laptop. I can't write this essay without a laptop. So if you're not following me on Pango yet, follow me now!\\ \\ I brought 74 books home from NYC, so I'll likely unhaul 100 books in addition to the special editions. I have to start being more realistic about what I actually am going to read. \\ \\ If you don't see anything on Pango that you want, but you want to support the new laptop fund, buy any book you want from my bookshop link (easily accessible by clicking on any book in this post.) I get a small percentage (usually $1-2 per book) but they do add up and everything helps. AND IF YOU HAVEN'T PREORDERED WHAT FEEDS BELOW YET...baby, now is the time! LOL.\\ \\ Let me know if you want a more detailed blog post about my time in NYC: publisher parties, Bookcon, What Feeds Below arc handout!, Bookshopping, Megan Thee Stallion on Broadway!](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/item/edrvMuDKesppQGsmnLY4/) [Win A Copy of The Reformatory by Tananarive Due](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/item/edrvMuDKesppQGsmnLY4/) * * * 6 books 14 [8](https://boozhoo.binderybooks.com/item/edrvMuDKesppQGsmnLY4/#comments) [ash.reads.horror\\ \\ ash\\ \\ • Apr 17](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ I'm bringing author interviews back on Bindery! Today I'm joined by the amazing Annie Neugebauer. Neugebauer is the author of several horror books that we will be talking about today!\\ \\ \\ \\ I have read both The Extra and The Other and loved them! I will definitely be checking out You Have To Let Them Bleed.\\ \\ Let's Dive into the interview!\\ \\ 1\. I love to use this first question as an introduction. Feel free to tell us as much or as little as you want about yourself!\\ \\ > Hi! Right now most people know me as the author of _The Extra,_ a novella from Shortwave that has expanded into The Outsiders Sequence, a shared-universe sequence of novellas consisting of _The Extra_, _The Other_ (this June), and _The Spare_ (next March). I’m also the author of _You Have to Let Them Bleed_, a short story collection that’s out now. I’m also a poet, blogger, and novelist.\\ \\ 2.When did you first start writing? Was it always horror or did you write genres as well?\\ \\ > I’ve always been writing, even as a young child, but I began pursuing it seriously when I graduated from college in 2007. I’ve written many novels, but I’ve built my way toward publication with poems and short stories. I love writing in many genres, but I’d say horror is my home base. I’ve been drawn to the dark side for as long as I can remember.\\ \\ 3\. @blankets\_books from instagram/bindery would like to know What was your inspiration behind The Extra? Any books or media that helped influence the book?\\ \\ > _The Extra_ wasn’t directly influenced by any other media, believe it or not. I had not yet even seen _The Thing_, its most common comparison. (I have now; it’s stellar!) The idea of an extra person came to me organically, and the protagonist and situation were inspired by my husband’s former job.\\ \\ 4.Do you go camping and hiking? If so, what has been your favorite trail/campground?\\ \\ > I love camping and hiking! I’m never happier than when I’m outside somewhere beautiful. Camping in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado is by far my favorite area to return to. I’ve also had beautiful experiences in Austria, Hawaii, Arkansas, Texas, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. One of my most memorable hikes was the Glacier Gorge trail (9 miles) in the Rocky Mountain National Park.\\ \\ 5\. You also have a short story collection called You Have to Let Them Bleed that released in March. Care to tell us a little more about that one? Do you have a favorite story from it?\\ \\ > _You Have to Let Them Bleed_ brings together some of my most successful short fiction from almost two decades of publishing stories. It’s framed by a “collector” who’s gathering shadowlings and sorting them by color. Probably the most well-known story is “So Sings the Siren.” I don’t have a favorite per say, but I’m really proud of and excited about the original in the collection, “The Baby.” It’s just wackadoo in the best way. Folks are loving it.\\ \\ 6\. What can you tell us about The Spare (releasing 3/9/27), the third book in The Outsiders Sequence? \\ \\ > _The Spare_ takes place in the Texas Panhandle at a family camping reunion. As with each of these novellas, the less you know about it going in, the more enjoyable the actual read is. I will say that it, like _The Other_, is not a direct continuation of storyline and characters from the first two books, but it does bring in elements from each in a way that makes them all most satisfying when read in order. It shares the same tense vibes and unsettling concepts as the first two.\\ \\ 7\. Do you have any writing routines or rituals that help you write?\\ \\ > I wish! I prefer to write at home in a quiet setting, no music or background noise, with my computer setup that includes a special mouse that helps my wrists/shoulder. Other than that, I write when I can through the hecticness of parenting and working. Weekends, evenings, mini-trips, nap times, days off, whatever I can pack in.\\ \\ 8.What have been your top three 2026 horror releases? Movies?\\ \\ > I don’t know that I’ve read any 2026 releases so far this year. I’m a backlist reader for sure. My most recent favorites are all at least from last year: _The God of the Woods_ by Liz Moore, _The Buffalo Hunter Hunter_ by Stephen Graham Jones, and _Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng_ by Kylie Lee Baker. Movies are the same way. Recent favorites were _Sinners_ and _Weapons_.\\ \\ 9\. What are a few of your favorite backlist horror books?\\ \\ > Kind of working my way back from when I read them: _Nestlings_ by Nat Cassidy, _We Used to Live Here_ by Marcus Kliewer, _Incidents Around the House_ by Josh Malerman, the whole Cal Hooper trilogy by Tana French, _The Reformatory_ by Tananarive Due, _Mister Magic_ by Kiersten White, and then I get so far back everyone probably knows them all. (At this phase in my life, the only time I’m on top of a trend is if I’m lucky enough to set one.)\\ \\ 10\. Any upcoming horror books you're excited about? Movies?\\ \\ > I love Paul Tremblay and hate A.I., so I’m really looking forward to _Dead but Dreaming of Electric Sheep_, and Rachel Harrison’s _Kiss Slay Replay_ sounds super fun. I’m even further behind the curve on movies than I am on books, so I usually wait until something is so good that my close friends literally force me to watch it. (It’s not cool, but it’s a pretty effective screening process.) I’m cautiously optimistic about two of my favorite scary books being adapted for film: Josh Malerman's _Incidents Around the House_ and Paul Tremblay's _A Head Full of Ghosts_. I have that book-lover’s fear of a movie not doing my mind’s vision of a beloved book justice.\\ \\ Use the space below to add in anything else you'd like to say! \\ \\ > I have a couple of really big pieces of news coming any day now, so be sure to follow me online @AnnieNeugebauer and subscribe to my blog newsletter here https://annieneugebauer.com/subscribe/ to get the good stuff. :)\\ \\ Special thanks again to Annie Neugebauer for the opportunity to interview her! All books mentioned here can be found below. If you have not read any of Annie's works, be sure to pick up The Extra (out now) and pre-order The Other (June).\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/Gk3QQWupgqWgsqwYTC7E/) [Author Interview: Annie Neugebauer](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/Gk3QQWupgqWgsqwYTC7E/) * * * 15 books 3 [Thought Daughters HQ\\ \\ Sabrina\\ \\ • Apr 12](https://thought-daughters-hq.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [You’re anti-Black if you don’t swipe till the end. I don’t make the rules but I do enforce them.](https://thought-daughters-hq.binderybooks.com/item/4Aq9mbXyzwPDxKNVcEKi/) The Sinners hype won't die until we get more Black movies that aren't made by Tyler Perry. * * * 7 books [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Mar 27](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [spooky, crumbling, eerie, haunted buildings? LET’S GO.](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/zy54Us686RnwHVGeH0AP/) spooky, crumbling, eerie, haunted buildings? LET’S GO. 📚 books mentioned: \- Infested by Angel Luis Colón \- Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia \- The Reformatory by Tananarive Due thank you to MTV Books / Simon Teen and Saga Press for the gifted copies! #horrorbooks #disturbingbooks #scarybooks #nycinfluencer #bookstagram @simonteen @mtvbooks @delreybooks @sagapressbooks @hillhouse @dandylionsco . * * * 3 books [ash.reads.horror\\ \\ ash\\ \\ • Feb 22](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [👻 some haunting tales to fill your tbr 👻 \\ \\ These tales will haunt you with haunted houses and ghos](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/cwb5KidBXWbi2HbONmcu/) 👻 some haunting tales to fill your tbr 👻 These tales will haunt you with haunted houses and ghosts a plenty. #horrorbooks horrorbooksta #horror * * * 18 books [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Jan 7](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [💭 what was your favorite horror read from last year?](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/iIj3g8n7jhEAN5lKr1Zx/) 💭 what was your favorite horror read from last year? thank you to Saga Press and William Morrow for the gifted copies! . * * * 6 books [ash.reads.horror\\ \\ ash\\ \\ • Jan 6](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ I kicked off this year reading the fantastic Why I Love Horror: Essays on Horror Literature edited by Becky Siegel Spratford.\\ \\ You can find my review HERE, but I wanted to take this space to dive a little further on my own personal Horror journey.\\ \\ I'm often asked "What's the scariest book you've ever read?" And this is a very valid question. But it's also a loaded question as well, because what is scary to me may not be scary to you. This is because horror is subjective.\\ \\ What scares me? I think what gets under my skin the most is bleak horror. When there's no hope. One book that does this well is The Ruins by Scott Smith. It's a survival horror about four friends that take a vacation to Mexico and wind up getting stuck in some ancient ruins. One by one the characters are picked off, with hope dwindling with each life lost. While the characters annoyed me in this book, the hopelessness really got to me.\\ \\ Where did my love for Horror start? Let's take a journey into the past. As stated in my Instagram post, watching my dad play Resident Evil One really stuck with me as a kid. The scene with the giant snake truly traumatized little me. Looking back on it now, it makes me laugh. Everything was so cringy. The graphics weren't great and the dialogue was corny. But its a classic for a reason and I still love it dearly. "You were almost a Jill Sandwich!"\\ \\ Another instance was when I was flipping through the channels, looking for something to watch. Stephen King's IT was on television. My young, innocent mind believed that someone would truly make a movie involving kids playing Tag Your It...So you best believe I was in shock when I see a clown holding balloons, inviting children to float. Then blood spewing out of the sink all over Beverly's bathroom. You best believe I hit the guide button on that TV remote and figured out that it was rated R. I ran to my room in terror as my mom laughed at me. And yes Child's Play did the same thing to me too. Who knew a movie involving a doll was actually a slasher in disguise.\\ \\ So what made me stop being such a scaredy cat? Honestly, I think playing Resident Evil 4 made me start appreciating horror more. I slowly started building myself up, until I could handle movies like Sinister (WHICH PHEW terrified me a lot). Final Destination also terrified me. To think that near death experiences had become a death sentence had me on the edge of my seat. And death definitely gets creative when taking back what it's owed.\\ \\ I love chasing that rush I feel when watching something scary. I love looking in the background for something subtly creepy (i.e. Haunting of Hill House ghosts in the background). I feeling my heart race as I wait for the jump-scare to pop up on the screen, or the fake out to cue the scare when I least expect it.\\ \\ So what books got me into reading horror?\\ \\ Well of course Stephen King kick started me. Now you may think I'm going to mention The Shining. While that is a FANTASTIC book of his and an all time favorite, Misery was one of my first and favorite works.\\ \\ When I joined bookstagram, my world was opened to all kinds of horror novels. I never knew so many horror books/authors existed.\\ \\ Some of the wonderful books I've discovered and will forever recommend are as follows:\\ \\ Come Closer by Sara Gran\\ \\ The Reformatory by Tananarive Due\\ \\ Below by Laurel Hightower\\ \\ I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid\\ \\ Mary by Nat Cassidy\\ \\ Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven\\ \\ Bat Eater and Other Names by Cora Zeng\\ \\ Night Film by Marisha Pessl\\ \\ We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer\\ \\ Slewfoot by Brom\\ \\ The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher\\ \\ Eynhallow by Tim McGregor\\ \\ ...and so many more books!\\ \\ I love that Horror has a little bit of something for everyone.\\ \\ Love Romance? How about a gothic horror with a dash of romance on the side?\\ \\ Love Thrillers? So many horror books toe the line of thrillers.\\ \\ Love History? There are so many historical horrors out there to try out.\\ \\ Your favorite genre has a place in horror. There is a horror book out there for everyone! Want a rec to get you kickstarted? As for a rec on my profile page.\\ \\ Thanks for coming to my TED talk lol.\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/eSRBVSlLmBBDQSFv3TEq/) [Why I Love Horror](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/eSRBVSlLmBBDQSFv3TEq/) * * * 15 books 3 [Written Reveries\\ \\ Krystal\\ \\ • Jan 1](https://writtenreveries.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Top Five Books of 2025](https://writtenreveries.binderybooks.com/item/RQpGudY92QQE2gUrM9iO/) Top Five Books of 2025 * * * 4 books 1 [Written Reveries\\ \\ Krystal\\ \\ • Dec 31 2025](https://writtenreveries.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Best Book Read Each Month in 2025 Part II](https://writtenreveries.binderybooks.com/item/97nQaPfWnSPfYiV670bx/) Best Book Read Each Month in 2025 Part 2 * * * 6 books 1 [Boneyard Picnic\\ \\ Natalie Meagan\\ \\ • Dec 22 2025](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/nokCVVsPvMoYoexZ1Hov/) [The 2025 Book Club Art Print](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/nokCVVsPvMoYoexZ1Hov/) I made a few postcards and I'd love to send you! * * * 12 books 11 [Boneyard Picnic\\ \\ Natalie Meagan\\ \\ • Dec 16 2025](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/QPfU5A9T2q1rQwE0fuwp/) [Tech Tuesday \| 2025 Book Club Reads](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/QPfU5A9T2q1rQwE0fuwp/) I drew a matchbook for every book we read together in 2025 book club! * * * 12 books 3 [ash.reads.horror\\ \\ ash\\ \\ • Dec 3 2025](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ It's time to explore a favorite trope of mine--Haunted Houses.\\ \\ I'm a sucker for a haunted house. The slow building dread. The subtle scares that lead to a horrifying climax. \\ \\ I love when author's take these common tropes and find a way to make it different and stand out. The below books are some that I feel take the haunted house trope and give it a unique spin. \\ \\ **The Reformatory by Tananarrive Due--** THIS BOOK. This book destroyed me. It tackles so much. Do not let the page count intimidate you. It flies by. Due breathes life into her characters. While not a haunted house per se, it's a haunted reformatory. The ghosts are not the villains here. The humans are. \\ \\ **The September House by Carrissa Orlando**\- Imagine knowing you live in a haunted house but because it's your dream house you just accept the haunting. I had such a good time with this book. It's got humor and spooks. \\ \\ **This House Isn't Haunted But We Are by Stephen Howard--** This one is quick and packs a punch. It has an extremely unique premise. I can't say much without giving it away, but know it involves a "fresh start" and grief. \\ \\ **The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell-** This historical horror is down right terrifying! It's got some scenes that still haunt my brain. Think haunted life-like wooden figures with creepy smiles. Purcell is an excellent writer!\\ \\ **The Graveyard Apartment by Mariko Koike-**\- This translated book goes from zero to sixty. It follows a couple who moves into an apartment that is built next to a graveyard. The graveyard is not happy about that in the least... This apartment complex gets spooky!\\ \\ What are some of your favorite haunted house stories?\\ \\ Join for free or login](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/cHVzHgnjDQe7qlUeYH5T/) [Haunted Houses](https://ashreadshorror.binderybooks.com/item/cHVzHgnjDQe7qlUeYH5T/) * * * 5 books 1 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Nov 11 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [11/11 is 👹STEPH DAY 👹!!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/V5SSHFrtWZ8QnCdcQBh5/) 11/11 is 👹STEPH DAY 👹!! thank you to Tordotcom, MIRA Books/HTP Hive, Get Underlined, Flatiron, Tor Books, Saga Press, and Disney Hyperion for the gifted copies! * * * 14 books 5 [Boneyard Picnic\\ \\ Natalie Meagan\\ \\ • Nov 6 2025](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/FBee6DRAiLYWaFjyVjL8/) [October Snapshot \| All the Media I Enjoy in October](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/FBee6DRAiLYWaFjyVjL8/) Let's discuss all the fun stuff I was up to last month! * * * 5 books 8 [Peppered Ink\\ \\ Mary\\ \\ • Oct 31 2025](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Liquor in the Library, Halloween Edition!](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/Vcf9DGBzRctx5BSIOJWh/) Now, if I were REALLY a vampire, maybe I’d have enough time to get through the TBR… 😭 * * * 10 books 3 [Boneyard Picnic\\ \\ Natalie Meagan\\ \\ • Oct 6 2025](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/) Join for free \\ \\ Join for free or login](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/TWIhGeaqMsk3MTpx4ArD/) [September Snapshot \| All the Media I Enjoy in September](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/TWIhGeaqMsk3MTpx4ArD/) Everything I read, watched, listened to, made and enjoyed in September! * * * 2 books 1 [1](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/TWIhGeaqMsk3MTpx4ArD/#comments) [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Oct 1 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [horror books that you NEED TO READ.](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/tAhcQXQ09QiBaqoyFBP3/) thank you to Saga Press and MIRA Books/HTP Hive for the gifted copies! * * * 4 books 7 [Beverly Books\\ \\ Kristian\\ \\ • Sep 22 2025](https://beverlybooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Poll:\\ \\ Have You Been?\\ \\ After visiting Friends To Lovers, Jelaina and I began our walk to Old Town Books.\\ \\ \\ \\ Founded in 2018, Old Town Books is a large indie bookstore in Historic Alexandria that exclusively sells new books.\\ \\ \\ \\ There was a diverse range of books with nice displays.\\ \\ \\ \\ It is a beautiful space.\\ \\ \\ \\ I love seeing shelf talkers and what booksellers are recommending.\\ \\ \\ \\ They had a nice amount of romance too!\\ \\ \\ \\ I of course found Beverly Jenkins (if you're a bookstore reading this and you don't have any Beverly Jenkins in your store, what are you doing? And if you're a reader that likes romance and haven't read anything by her, go grab one).\\ \\ \\ \\ Anyways, I saw some other favorites. Love In Bloom is perfect if you enjoyed Lucy Score's The Things We Never Got Over.\\ \\ \\ \\ Jelaina and I kept walking and eventually entered Old Town Books Junior, the teen and younger section.\\ \\ \\ \\ It was so cute and welcoming to younger readers.\\ \\ \\ \\ I was happy to see Ruta Sepetys. I love her novels which are historic fiction. They have a ton of crossover appeal too. I read her in high school and still read her now. _Between Shades of Gray_ shredded my heart along with _Salt To The Sea._\\ \\ \\ \\ I left with a bookseller recommendation of _Every Time You Hear That Song_ by Jenna Voris. Jenna Voris is also local to the store too! That was the end of our Apollycon bookstore crawl. I realize now that I forgot to take a picture of myself there!](https://beverlybooks.binderybooks.com/item/nGYpgRdhJnELvpKuVavw/) [Old Town Books](https://beverlybooks.binderybooks.com/item/nGYpgRdhJnELvpKuVavw/) * * * 7 books 2 [Kurryreads\\ \\ Kerry\\ \\ • Sep 22 2025](https://kurryreads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [5 Books I Would Sell My Soul to Read for the First Time Again](https://kurryreads.binderybooks.com/item/pp8TxpXiEZPJlRSKXEBq/) My 6 star, favorite books 📚📖 If you’re confused why Nestlings isn’t on this list, I do truly love it as much as WTWCH reads.. however WTWCH truly healed something deep within me that is unmatched and I didn’t want to repeat authors #favoritebooks #6starbooks #booktok #bokrecommendations #booksiwouldsellmysoultoreadagain * * * 5 books [Boneyard Picnic\\ \\ Natalie Meagan\\ \\ • Sep 20 2025](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [October Book Club Poll is Live!](https://boneyardpicnic.binderybooks.com/item/2Qb5e4wB9Ijohcv6y6OJ/) We are voting for our October book right now so come on! * * * 3 books 3 [Madisoncanread\\ \\ Madison\\ \\ • Aug 15 2025](https://madisoncanread.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Alright I have made videos in the past for this but I wanted to really sit down and make you a list that should be required reading for spooky season. Fall vibes that will keep you cozy or terrified? Whatever you're wanting! \\ \\ ****WITCHY RECS**** \\ \\ Cackle by Rachel Harrison: The ultimate cozy read! Annie is going through a breakup and moves to a small picturesque town where she meets a woman named Sophie and the 2 form a bond. I desperately wish I could read this again for the first time! \\ \\ Maggies Grave by David Sodergren: A woman named Maggie Wall was murdered for being a witch in the 1600s. Now she's back for revenge. If you want INSANE body horror, pick this one up! \\ \\ Slewfoot by Brom: This one I may revisit this fall. Abitha's husband died under strange circumstances and now his brother is trying to come after their farm. Abitha teams up with an unlikely friend to keep her home.\\ \\ The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson: Imanuelle has grown up in a very strict cult. She goes into the forbidden woods and finds power within herself. If you read and loved Slewfoot, you have to pick this book up! \\ \\ ****Haunted Recs**** \\ \\ The Spite House by Johnny Compton: Eric and his 2 daughters live on the run. He accepts a job to stay at a rumored haunted house. This will give him and and his daughters more stability than a life on the run. He'll find out quickly that there's definitely some fact behind these rumors.\\ \\ The September House by Carissa Orlando: A woman moves into her dream home and refuses to leave even though it's very haunted, the walls bleed every September, and her husband has gone missing.\\ \\ Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno Garcia: Noemi receives strange letters from her newly married cousin. She goes to check on her and can tell somethings off with her cousins husband's family. \\ \\ The Reformatory by Tananarive Due: Set in 1950's Florida where a young Black boy named Robbie gets sent to a reformatory school for defending his sister. This place is haunted by it's horrific past.\\ \\ ****CREATURE FEATURE**** \\ \\ When The Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy: Jess goes home after a shift a the diner she works at and finds a child who has clearly run away and is terrified. Once his dad shows up it is CLEAR why he's so scared. At this point, this is my favorite book of the year! \\ \\ Eynhallow by Tim McGregor: Agnes lives on an island with her husband and 4 children. She knows that there has to be more to life than what she has been given and she may have found that in the stranger who shows up in her tiny village \\ \\ Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison: Rory moves back to her hometown. She goes to a bar one night and is on her way home when she's attacked by a large animal. She somehow survives and now she's seeing some changes within herself.\\ \\ The Shuddering by Ania Ahlborn: A group of friends go on a cabin vacation where there is something in the woods waiting for them.\\ \\ ****VAMPIRES**** \\ \\ So Thirsy by Rachel Harrison: Rachel Harrison is a Vampire Diaries fan, I just know it! If you love Elijah from The Originals, READ THIS.\\ \\ A Dowry of Blood by ST Gibson: Letters from Draculas first wife. This is stunning and atmospheric. \\ \\ The Southern Bookclubs Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix: A group of suburban women start a book club where they read crime novels. They team up when a stranger shows up captivating their town.\\ \\ ****THRILLERS SET IN FALL**** \\ \\ Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson: Halloween night Jett is brutally attacked leaving her with a head wound that she won't survive. She can get a risky surgery with a small chance to live or she can live for the next week before she dies of aneurysm. She's decided she'll take her last week and solve her own murder. \\ \\ None of This is True by Lisa Jewell: Alix is a successful podcaster who interviews incredible women. Josie approaches her letting her know she hasn't done anything great, but she's about to. Alix agrees and then Josie has turned her podcast into a true crime podcast. \\ \\ Jackal by Erin Adams: Liz returns to her small hometown for her best friends wedding. She's tasked with watching her best friends daughter at the wedding and she goes missing. Now Liz is on hunt to find out who took her and who is responsible for young Black girls going missing in this town year after year. \\ \\ ****ON MY TBR**** \\ \\ The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia\\ \\ The Buffalo Hunter Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones\\ \\ We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinbrough\\ \\ The Good House by Tananarive Due\\ \\ Upgrade for $5 or login](https://madisoncanread.binderybooks.com/item/HDmjYf9ObrxLN0Yb38wy/) [ULTIMATE SPOOKY SEASON TBR](https://madisoncanread.binderybooks.com/item/HDmjYf9ObrxLN0Yb38wy/) * * * 22 books 1 [Kurryreads\\ \\ Kerry\\ \\ • Aug 14 2025](https://kurryreads.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Ultimate Guide to Spooky Season Reading v2](https://kurryreads.binderybooks.com/item/8tHZjNYAvQi0eW9n04Qv/) Replying to @Kerry \| Booktok 📖 Ultimate Guide to Spooky Season Reading - Version 2 📚👻🔪 Timestamps: 00:28 Stranger Than Fiction 00:39 Witchy 00:47 Creature Feature 1:03 Dark Past-Potentially Paranormal 1:14 Possession 1:19 Slashers 1:32 Haunted House 1:42 Eco Horror/Plant Horror 1:48 Supernatural 1:57 Demonic/Occult 2:06 Cosmic 2:13 Folklore 2:26 Speculative 2:35 Young Adult 2:46 Paranormal 2:55 Psychological 3:03 Crime 3:13 Historical Fiction 3:29 Cult 3:43 Vampires 3:51 Weird Girl/Feminine Rage 4:00 Sci-Fi 4:08 Cannibalism #guidetospookyseasonreading #spookyreads #horrorbooks #cultbooks #paranormalbooks #hauntedhousebooks #possessionbooks #creaturefeature #booktok #booktoker #bookrecommendations #whattoread #vampirebooks #speculativehorror #youngadulthorror #folklorebooks #ecohorrorbooks #scifihorrorbooks #slasherbooks #scarybooks * * * 55 books 2 [Celestial\\ \\ Steph\\ \\ • Jul 26 2025](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/) [you’d better be reading these 5 horror books this summer!!](https://celestial.binderybooks.com/item/kaiYl6OQ8DCql2QvkBWD/) you’d better be reading these 5 horror books this summer!! thank you to The Hive/MIRA Books, Saga Press, and Disney Hyperion for the gifted copies! * * * 5 books [Madisoncanread\\ \\ Madison\\ \\ • Jun 27 2025](https://madisoncanread.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [ICYMI - Horror Books I Will Never Stop Recommending](https://madisoncanread.binderybooks.com/item/tlizNDVwBrtn18Y8BBHg/) All Books Linked * * * 5 books 1 [Peppered Ink\\ \\ Mary\\ \\ • Jun 19 2025](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Happy Hour with a Haul!](https://marysmanybooks.binderybooks.com/item/e9jALRtkUrEI9YTc1DhC/) In which Mary is foolish with both her bubbles and her sound... * * * 15 books 4 [Left Unread Books\\ \\ Michael LaBorn\\ \\ • Jun 13 2025](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/) Join for free [Why Black Horror Matters](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/5EALCa3H04S0LDugZROc/) * * * 5 books 18 [4](https://leftunreadbooks.binderybooks.com/item/5EALCa3H04S0LDugZROc/#comments)