Meg

In a house full of the paranormal it's hard being extra normal.

I absolutely adored this book! This was a 6/5 star read for me. The family dynamic in this book is so fun and heartwarming even while things were going sideways. First, the characters. The Greer family as a whole is heartwarming but each character felt so well developed. They each had their own flaws and strengths that made them who they are and made their interaction in the family unit and with outside characters that much better. Even the villains of the story are fun and frightening, making the perfect villains for young readers. The weight that Charlie feels of trying to navigate a world that she feels she doesn't fit into but is needed in is so relatable (even if I don't have a supernatural mom and siblings). I loved how the agents/ babysitters/ uncles fit into the story along with the other co-works/ family friends of the parents.

As an adult reading middle grade books I always find the parents to be somewhat negligent that always baffles me. But KAT writes a pair of great parents that also happen to have flaws. You can see how much they love their kids and want to keep them safe while also being passionate about their work but also losing a bit of themselves in the chaos. That's a feeling that I know many adults and parents feel. The example of two adults in a relationship needing to find time for themselves and each other in the busyness of their lives is something I know many adults feel, parents and non-parents. And to see that played out and how intuitive Charlie is about it and the weight it put on her was both beautiful and heart breaking.

The way the plot plays out with the new and strange neighbors is, of course, fantastical but so fun. Each of the siblings play a significant role in overcoming the many obstacles they face in trying to keep themselves and the town safe. They each learn so much about themselves and each other. And a HUGE shout out to Miss Sinister. When first learning about this cursed doll I was creeped out but she really became the MVP of the whole book for me.

For years four horror authors have been getting together for drinks once a month. But each time they get together they seem less like friends and more like jaded competitors. Each wanting to be respected by their peers and labeled the scariest/best writer of them all. So when one of the authors has access to a machine that will allow them to all really live within each others horror novels they realize this is their best chance to see once and for all who is the scariest horror author.

This is a fairly quick read and it is so perfect. They hit on numerous different horror genres and each one has some scary moments. The characters are both lovable and also annoying - they're the type where one minute you're cheering them on and the next you're rolling your eyes. The way the foundation that is laid by using each authors ego makes the conclusion of this book so understandable yet I did not see it coming.

I know that Darcy Coates is the queen of horror but she's working on becoming the queen of thrillers too.

Christa is still struggling with a tragedy. But her new boyfriend is helping her every day work towards finding peace and when he suggests they take a trip to a resort in the mountains she agrees. On a bus to the resort with 8 other strangers a severe snow storm hits the Rocky Mountains and they're forced to take shelter in a cabin. In an already uncomfortable situation cramped in a tiny cabin with strangers in an intense snow storm things soon turn into a nightmare. When the group wakes up from their first morning in the cabin they find their tour guides head has been cut off and put on display in a tree. With each day another member of the group is found decapitated and Christa finds herself not trusting anyone. Someone in this group is a brutal killer. Isolated in this remote cabin there's no where to go and everyone in the cabin is a suspect.

Darcy always does an amazing job at setting the scene and making an amazing (and stressful) atmosphere. Though it was 90 degrees (Fahrenheit) in my area I was reading with a warm cup of tea and a blanket because I was so engrossed in the weather conditions I was reading about. Not only was the terrain and weather scary but you throw a claustrophobic cabin with strangers in there and it's even more terrifying (as that sounds like a nightmare in itself to me). And then the cherry on top there's someone murdering people.

Darcy didn't let anything fall through the cracks. From the setting to the characters I could feel the tension and Christa was such a sympathetic and strong FMC. While I called who the killer was pretty early on that didn't stop me from second guessing myself with each page. There was just enough clues that when the killer was revealed I wasn't surprised but it definitely was not obvious. And the motives and behind the scenes are revealed as in any great thriller.

I both loved and hated the end. I won't elaborate on that to not spoil anything but IYKYK. I highly recommend this!

This book sounds so interesting and I was so excited to read it. From being described as scientifically accurate and the fact Jay gets swallowed by a whale I was intrigued. The ocean is such a terrifying mystery to me and I thought this kind of book would be great to get my heart rate up but, unfortunately, it didn't do that at all.

I enjoyed the backstory of Jay's relationship with his father and how he ended up in the predicament he's in. I enjoyed all of the knowledge that is jam packed in this book of diving culture, technique, diving equipment, and the ocean in general. The description of the ocean and the habitat that the narrator was describing was great and put me in the setting. I also enjoyed the way each chapter was a mix between past and present.

However, with all of that I was also bored and annoyed. For me, personally, I found Jay extremely annoying even though I sympathize with him. I found all of the information and descriptions fascinating but I also felt like it went on for far too long. At 39% the event described in the description is finally happening and I was rather uninterested. I've been coming back and trying to read more but haven't been able to keep my attention on it or get into it. So, at 40% I've officially given up, HOWEVER, I am still very interested in where the story goes. I think Jay has such potential to grow during this event and would love to see how that plays out. So while I'm giving up at the moment I fully plan on returning to this book at a later time even though I have no idea when that will be. When that happens I will update my review.

It's been a while since I truly loved a thriller book and this book made me feel like when I first read Sager's earlier books.

Kit is sent on a in home care assignment to Hope Ends, an infamous mansion that was the scene of horrific murders over 50 years ago. In 1929 Lenora Hope was accused of murdering her mother, father, and sister but was never found guilty. After a series of strokes Lenora Hope is now mute and is confined to a wheelchair with only the use of her left arm. Lenora uses a typewriter to communicate with Kit where she says she would like to tell Kit everything. And the more Kit learns the more she realizes there's far more to the story and it has present day consequences.

Sager does a very good job at making all of the twists and turns throughout the book compelling. The need to know what the answers to the mysteries propelled me to the end pretty quickly. Both Lenora and Kit are both likable but throughout the book I kept feeling like I couldn't trust either. And with every question answered several more popped up.

The setting of this book was also perfect. Set in New England, the run down mansion is set on a cliff that overlooks the ocean. Not only does the setting add to the creep factor, the fact that Kit is now tending to a possible murderer in a creepy mansion, but also the state of the mansion adds even more tension to the already strange circumstances.

A story with many mysteries sometimes ends with disappointment or a bit of lackluster but I truly loved the ending to this book. It all made sense in a reality is stranger than fiction sort of way even though this is a work of fiction. I also love when an ending gives you a little bit more than just the answers you're looking for and this book delivered.

Highly recommend this as a fun thriller read.

This is my favorite book of 2023 so far.

Alejandra is a wife and a mother and is seriously struggling. She feels as though she has no identity other than those two things and she isn't even good at them. As her depression gets deeper she starts to see a ghostly figure of a woman in white - La Llorona. After deciding to get therapy this entity starts wreaking havoc on not only her but her children. This leads Alejandra to connect more with her birth mother who gave her up at birth and to learn more about her family history. She wants to learn more about this woman in white and how she can get rid of her for good.

This book is the epitome of how much heart horror can have. To start, Alejandra is such a beautiful, flawed character. I am not married and have no children but as someone who has depression I felt her agony. I have many friends who have felt the way she felt about their own partners and children and I know that Alejandra's struggle will resonate with so many. Yet the strength and love she has for her children will have you cheering for her the whole way through the book.

I also loved the exploration of her family history and heritage. Alejandra is a woman that was adopted and raised by people that had no ties to her heritage which made her feel even more lost in her identity. Getting to go with her has she learned and connected with her family and the strength it gave her had me crying. It was truly beautiful seeing her and the women of her family line experience the very real emotions that come with being human but specifically Mexican American women.

Finally, La Llorona is terrifying. I know enough about this legend and this take on it was so unique. The way that the moments of horror were paced seriously left me on edge. This book is told through multiple POV's and multiple timelines that made the story unfold in a way that made it hard to put the book down. I highly recommend this book!

It was so hard to put this book down.

Grace books her vacation in a small, middle of nowhere town in Wyoming. She has a high stress job in New York City and decides booking an Airbnb in Wyoming is the perfect getaway. She arrives and finds the town and the people strange but quickly takes to the host, Calvin. Even though there's no WiFi or cell service and she feels a little uneasy she decides to make the most of being off the grid. Calvin, who has some tragedy he's trying to get over, quickly becomes smitten with Grace. As Grace's stay continues and Grace and Calvin become closer Grace starts experiencing things that make her more and more suspicious while Calvin is trying his hardest to get closer to Grace but feels she's hiding something from him.

This book starts out almost like a Romance. While there are some suspenseful moments, the main vibe I was getting was a cozy Romance. Though, I'm not mad about it - it really set up for the suspense to build. I'd have read this if it was just a Romance. And when everything comes to a head I was tearing through the (electronic) pages.

The book is told from dual POV's, Grace and Calvin, which made it both easier and harder to put together what is actually happening with each of the characters. I had my suspicions about how this would end and while it did end the way I expected, the motivation behind it had me very caught off guard. So, there's also a great twist!

Also, shout out to the author adding some bookish pop culture throughout the book. From popular BookTok authors to calling out bookish cliches, it was fun to see those things throughout.

Highly recommend!

The perfect addition to my Found Footage arsenal.

18 stories that embody the Found Footage genre.

Every one of these stories truly brings that feeling of dread that the Found Footage genre generates. Each story brings a different aspect of the genre with some that embody the good ole VHS tape to some that shows how all of the technology we have today can capture a horrific reality. Both of the editors open it up on a superb note and this selection of authors are some that I've heard of, some that I've read their work, and some that are brand new to me but all create a perfect story for the genre. Each story is also unique and none felt like they were similar.

Highly recommend for horror fans (specifically fans of the found footage genre) and fans of anthologies.

Growing up the only horror books I even knew of was Goosebumps. Now, the middle grade horror genre is growing and Lindsay Currie is one of the best. I've enjoyed all of her books so far, but I have to say this is her best one in my opinion!

First, Mallory is a great character. That young angst of feeling like the world is out to get you is caught perfectly. You constantly see Mallory wanting to be a good daughter and friend while also longing for her old city and friends. Coming from Chicago to a small town on the East Coast that is obsessed with legends, curses, and ghosts (and gives big Sleepy Hollow and Salem vibes) has been a huge change for her and not a good one in her eyes. She doesn't believe any of it and thinks the town and the people in it are plain strange for how obsessed they are.

Second, the town! I love this town even though that changes throughout the book. I'm a huge fan of anything creepy, spooky, and weird and towns like Salem are my favorite places to go. However, this book opened my eyes to how exploitive and disrespectful using the tragedies of the past to lure tourists and with that, money, can be. Seeing it from the perspective of children, and also the ghost of one of those legends, made me view everything in a different way.

Third, the side characters. Everyone from Mallory's friends and family to the townspeople were perfect. They added to the story and the way Lindsay writes them, I felt like I was in the town. The dynamic between the friends is fun to read. They each have their own niche and interest that is talked about throughout and gives them each a unique way handling the impending disaster.

Finally, the story! I loved it. I enjoyed the idea that there is some truth to every legend but sometimes they're spot on and sometimes they're way off. But it takes some investigation and sleuthing and watching the kids find the truth is fun. The idea that someone's tragedy is celebrated for years and basically makes a town is heartbreaking. There were some seriously scary parts in this book that gave me goosebumps. Right from the beginning Mallory is unable to sleep from nightmares and as a kid that suffered from night terrors I thought it was written perfectly. The only difference is Mallory's nightmares start happening while she's awake and are connected with her neighbors. This being the lead into the rest of the adventure and horror was seamless. Between the legend of Sweet Molly and the course that she puts the kids on, it was story telling at its best.

Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend!

As always, Stephen Graham Jones makes an incredible horror story.

Charlotte is spending her Halloween prepping for the SAT's and making some money babysitting a local family's twin children. She's the ideal babysitter and has made a positive reputation among the families in her area. She's prepared for another normal night that is hopefully uneventful. However, when the kids start to show her the quirky “fun” the house has to offer and learns the tragic history of the house she soon starts to feel uneasy. Next, this easy night of babysitting turns into a waking nightmare that she is not prepared for.

This quick audiobook gave me everything I wanted from a SGJ book. The FMC is smart and the things she faces are twisted and down right weird. However, she does it with wit and determination. If my focus wandered for just a minute I found myself rewinding the audiobook as I missed something small but important. The world created was wild and I had no idea what the conclusion would be.

Overall, I highly recommend for fans of horror. This audiobook narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life.

I need this to be made into a movie in true 90's horror movie fashion.

In the early 90's. Daniel, a psychologist, moves his pregnant wife, Nora, and teenage daughter, Alice, to live in a farmhouse in the country with the plan to fix it up and flip it. Though Nora and Alice were reluctant at first, they start coming around to the charming property. Even with the knowledge that the previous owner died in the house. Even after learning that previous owner was an exorcist. Once they find the secret room with the well that's sealed shut, though, things start to change and it soon becomes a nightmare.

I VERY much enjoyed this read. Specifically the first half. The whole book is great but the first half is *chefs kiss. It had that signature horror movie anticipation where the family is happy and hopeful but you know they're about to have a hell of a time. You get glimpses of the evil they're facing but they are still in blissful ignorance. The horror moments are perfectly paced to really build the story. And the back half does not disappoint. There's some truly horrific scenes and all of the best aspects of a possesion/exorcism story.

The writing made it easy to fly through this book. It's written in a way that allows you to get to know all of the characters in an intimate way. It also allows you to see things the characters are unaware of which, again, builds that suspense and anticipation for when these characters are going to learn what the reader knows. The characters are written in the typical 90's stereotypes but also has depth that makes them more well rounded characters and not caricatures.

Highly recommend for horror fans!

This was a twisted yet fun, wild ride from start to finish.

Ben Bookman is a famous horror author and the heir of a family that has an interesting legacy. Not only is the Blackwood estate creepy with its black, bare trees but an asylum sits on it's property that was built by his grandfather. Ben spends a weekend at the estate to finish his newest horror novel, The Scarecrow. Before the book has even been released, murders start to happen that are exactly like what transpires in his book. Detective Mills, a veteran detective that is familiar with the Blackwood estate and the Bookmans, starts investigating and begins to piece together how old cases may be connected to these new ones. And, of course, Ben Bookman is a suspect. Could it be that something was released?

This book has so many moving parts. There's a bit of a detective novel, a bit of thriller, and all of it is definitely a horror book. It made me think if Goosebumps was set in a country version of Gotham and was rated R. There's definitely a lot going on and I can see people getting confused as I did in brief moments throughout, but if you stick with it it's completely worth it. I loved how the book jumped between perspectives and also we got to see some glimpses into the past that made the twists come together so well. While the main twist wasn't a huge shock as it seemed to be hinted throughout the book, there are plenty of bombshells that will leave your jaw on the floor.

I very much enjoyed this read and recommend it!

This book built the dread and uneasiness a good horror story can invoke with each page.

Mackenzie, a young Cree woman, is still fresh with the grief of her sisters death. Miles from her family and her home she begins having vivid nightmares where she sees her sister. So vivid that when she wakes up she brings a bit of her dream back; a branch, a crow's head. When she almost drowns in her dream and wakes up throwing up water she knows this is serious. Then she receives a text from her dead sister, Sabrina. This leads Mackenzie to head home and turn to her family for help, even though there's some strain between her and them. This will take Mackenzie on a trip down memory lane and must confront her relationship with her family, herself, and the grief she feels for the loss she's experienced.

I know very little about Cree people but I thoroughly enjoyed being immersed in this Cree families life. I loved learning the different words and beliefs and it took me down a research journey. The dynamics in Mackenzie's family are so beautiful yet heartbreaking but it made me want to join the family nonetheless.

The horror elements in this book I would say are slow burn. It's more that feeling of dread you get in your gut. At times your heart may speed up but it's more from the not knowing and mystery of it. The more you learn, you're still on edge but you are more and more ready to face it which is what Mackenzie experiences.

I truly enjoyed the way this story unfolded. I felt so deeply for Mackenzie and the members of her family. I don't want to give too much away, but the horror element in this book is so perfect. There's also a lot of heart and the FMC learns a lesson that will change her life. I highly recommend.

This book definitely takes some focus to get through but it's definitely worth it!

When Katie was younger a stranger's seemingly random act of violence left her younger brother injured and Katie racked with guilt. Years later Katie has a child of her own she's desperate to always protect and a tumultuous relationship with her brother that she still feels guilty for what happened years ago. Though they haven't spoken in a while when Katie learns her brother is missing she sets out to find him and gets thrown into a dangerous world.

This is a book that has a lot of moving parts. There's multiple story lines, multiple time-lines, and multiple characters that it hops between. While it's hard to keep up with at times, these aspects made the story that much more intriguing. This may be Alex North's most intense book yet. There's always a bit of paranormal undertones in North's books and this book takes more of a philosophical approach that had me really using my noggin.

If you're looking for a book that makes you think I recommend this one! The characters are interesting and the many different moving parts had me feeling like a detective and a academic.

There's nothing like a good haunted house book.

Eric is on the run with his two daughters. Money is tight and he's doing his best for his daughters but living in motels and barely having enough money to eat isn't really cutting it. When Eric spots an ad looking for someone to stay in their haunted house and record what they experience Eric believes he may have found the answer. With a small fortune as the payout once completed and a desire to see if this house could provide answers for his own supernatural experience within his family Eric and his daughters are on their way to Texas to stay in what some call the most haunted house in the state.

This is a short book yet it fits everything needed within it. It's told from multiple POV's and different timelines. I love books like this when done well and this one was done well. There's many different mysteries that keep you turning the pages and they all come together and are revealed with the perfect pace.

I don't want to reveal too much because I think going into this as blind as possible is best. But I can say that I highly recommend this book and it delivers a great haunted house story and so much. more.

Darcy does it again in the third book of her Gravekeeper series.

I flew threw the first two books in this series and eagerly awaited this third installment. And it did not disappoint. Darcy writes some of the most intriguing and versatile stories that always leave me creeped out yet feeling warm. So far the Gravekeepers series has the most heartwarming characters and plot I've read while also providing the paranormal and eerie atmosphere I love. Keira, Zoe, and Mason are the best trio and they each provide an aspect to the group that makes this book so great. All of the side characters have their own charm (or villainous quality) to make this an intriguing story. Darcy Coates writes amazing books in general, but the characters in this one are what particularly make me love it so much. Also, Blighty is such a great setting and as someone who loves graveyards, they're a focal point in this series.

While we get some well deserved answers we're also left with more questions. I'm so excited to see what the next book in this series brings. I'll be patiently (anxiously) waiting.

If you're looking for a cozy horror with plenty of mystery and adventure, I HIGHLY recommend reading this series!

A family legacy that comes with a curse. What could go wrong?

Cecily suffered a tragedy as a child when she lost her mother to suicide. Though she remembers a supernatural figure stalking her and her mother the night she died she has come to terms with that being something her mind conjured up when she was a child. Now, she learns her great-grandmother is dying in France and requests her last living relative, Cecily, to come to meet her in person as she needs to speak with her. Cecily agrees and takes a trip to France that turns into a nightmare and fight for her life.

This was a pleasant surprise for me. I chose to read this on the cover/title alone and went in totally blind so I had zero expectations. The mystery surrounding the curse and Cecily's family history kept me intrigued through every chapter. Cecily and the side characters are well thought out and most of them are easy to like (except the ones you aren't supposed to like). Wheaton's writing is also easy to follow along and keeps you paying attention.

The only two slight issues I had with this was. First, there wasn't a clear cut answer that I was hoping for. However, I wouldn't say the ending leaves you hanging, but it wasn't the tidy ending I like. Which, of course, is just a personal preference. Second, time would jump mid paragraph with no indication of it. For example, the MC will be walking through the forest and the next sentence she is back at her apartment. Wasn't too big a deal but definitely kept me on my toes throughout the book.

Overall, I recommend!

This book sucked me in, had me flipping through pages, and then left me with so many questions. It was perfect.

After Grayson Hale's father dies he decides to explore the legacy his father left by enrolling in the University of Edinburgh. However, his time in Scotland morphs into him becoming one of the most infamous murderers in Scotland and he becomes the Devil's Advocate as the headlines name him. The reason Grayson is written about in every major Scotland news outlet is not just because he is an American who murders his classmate, but because he claimed the Devil made him do it. Grayson doesn't seem to be your typical murderer and after Grayson commits suicide while in prison people are left with even more questions.

First, the way this book is written really pulled me in. Reading the details through Grayson's eyes with anecdotes from the case and media reporter helped answer questions while also providing more questions. Grayson was an academic student and reading what was his words I very much felt that's what I was reading - an academic manuscript. While that lead me to have to look up some words, I'll never be upset to add to my vocabulary.

As a horror fan and someone that appreciates the mental health struggles that many people face, I do enjoy stories that make you question if things are “real” or apart of a mental health episode, if done well, and this book delivered on that. After finishing this book and allowing days to pass to let it sink in I still am not sure what was what. There was also an LGBTQ+ undercurrent throughout the book that came full circle by the end of the book that I really understood.

Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. There are parts that are very sad and horrific so I recommend checking TW's but if you're cool with them I highly recommend!

There is something about Rachel Harrison's writing that makes me can't stop reading it. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors.

Rory leaves her big city life to come back home and help out her twin sister, who is pregnant and estranged from the father. As much as Rory loves her sister she is less than thrilled to be back home where she was more than happy to run away from. Soon after she's back she is attacked by an animal after hitting it with her car. From there life for Rory drastically changes and has her googling werewolves.

I loved this book! Harrison has a talent for writing books with witty female characters that are both cozy and horrific. She can really write a disgusting scene then turn around and make you want to roast marshmallows. And make you crave a good group of girlfriends. I could have easily read this in one sitting if I didn't need to sleep or work.

This is the classic story of werewolf with no new or earth shattering take but also made me think my best friend could come out to me about being a werewolf and I wouldn't bat an eye - well, after the initial shock. The parallels of Rory's transformation and her twin sister's pregnancy I thought was brilliant. The sprinkle of feminism throughout was chef's kiss. Rory is someone I'd like to be friends with. She's also written as a real person and not a fantasy version you sometimes run into with strong female characters. The side characters were also wonderful and so fun to read. They perfectly complimented the story.

This is a perfect October read. Highly recommend.

This was a wild and twist ride that this FMC take you on whether you want to or not.

Abby wished for a great relationship with her mother-in-law, Laura but it was less than ideal. Then after a tragedy that left Laura dead she will never be able to have the relationship she dreamed of. In the wake of Laura's death everything around Abby starts to unravel. Her husband, Ralph, is slowly losing it after his mothers death, Ms. Bondy, Abby's favorite person in her care in the old folks home is in danger of leaving, and Abby is haunted by the past trauma her own mother left her with. But Abby is no quitter and she sets out on a path to fix everything.

This is wonderfully twisted. Between the writing and the characters I was cringing (in a good way). The path that Abby takes you on is both surprising and at the same time completely predictable. She's both a character you love and are rooting for and also a character that you wish would get a grip.

While these are all good things it's also the reason I didn't care for this book as much as I could have. The writing, the characters, how twisted it is are all good things in my opinion. However, you are basically just hearing what's going on inside Abby's head for the whole book. While this was wonderfully done by making you questions certain aspects of the plot, it also left me a bit bored (or I should say more tired of hearing Abby). This left this book being just okay for me, however I am happy I read it and would read more from this author!

This was a fever dream of a read.

Erin is still trying to find her grounding and get her life started after graduating college. One thing that's always a constant, however, is her lack of boundaries when it comes to her enigmatic on again, off again college boyfriend Silas. Silas is constantly getting himself into trouble and jumping in and out of rehab and always asking Erin to bail him out. Erin is always there to help him, even against her better judgment, until one day she doesn't. After Silas dies of an overdose, Erin starts to spiral until she learns about Ghost, a drug that Silas was working on that allows users to see the dead. In her grief she tries it hoping to see Silas one last time, but soon she's spiraling very deep and very quickly into the life of an addict.

Clay McLeod Chapman does a great job with his world building of the most horrific trip. I felt myself shudder quite a few times at certain scenes throughout. I mean, he definitely can write gross stuff incredibly well. And while it was enjoyable for the most part, I found myself wanting more of the story as a whole and not just Erin in a drug induced haze even though that's where I saw the best horror scenes. I just wished it was more balanced with the real world implications of what she was seeing and doing, however, that's just my personal opinion and overall I think horror fans will love this book!

Overall, a fun and terrifying horror book that I'd recommend.

Novellas for me are either love or hate and this one was LOVE for me. I fell in love with the characters right from the beginning. The story drew me in and kept me intrigued the whole way through. And I didn't feel like anything was left unexplained. There's a romantic love story and a friends love story. There's representation as well - and it's done tastefully. Oh, and there are some sexy scenes AND some horrifying scenes - I cannot ask for more. The writing was superb and everything flowed well.

Overall I consider this a feel-good horror story. What is that you may ask? It's a horror story that in spite of all of the horror, you feel good when you've finished reading. And since it's a shorter book everything got right to the point. 5 stars from me!

First I'm going to pick my jaw up from the floor.....Now I'll proceed.

Go Ask Alice was a very influential book for me in middle school and in high school (2000's era). I took so much away from the book and connected with it on such a personal level. It shaped me.

With that being said, the deep dive into the history of the publication, along with other diary style titles and how they impacted a toxic culture blew my mind. Satanic panic has been a topic I find endlessly fascinating and this book did not disappoint me in adding to my growing knowledge. The details on drugs and the war on drugs had me shocked. And I won't even begin to discuss Beatrice Sparks and the endless ways she slipped through every filter there was because I think reading about her with fresh eyes is the best way to go. The state of publishing, libraries, and bookselling is touched on and another interesting aspect of the book. I went through the emotions of shocked, sad, mad, furious, and heartbroken. This is a story that took so long to tell, which is such a shame, but Rick Emerson did a great job.

When it comes to non-fiction books, I enjoy them, but I tend to take a longer time to read. I need to really let the information sink in. With Unmask Alice, however, I couldn't read it fast enough. I needed all of the information ASAP. Emerson's writing is very readable and the mix of his personal touches (and opinions) I felt added to the readability. While authors' opinions can detract from the information in non-fiction, I thought it added to it (maybe this is because I agreed with all of them, but you never know).

There's so much more I want to add, but I don't want to spoil anything for readers. I highly recommend reading Unmask Alice!

A spin on the Headless Horseman legend - in the modern world.

Kat van Tassel is the direct descendent of Katrina van Tassel and has lived with the responsibility of carrying the name her whole life. As the 200th anniversary of the Headless Horseman haunting approaches Kat wants nothing more than to be kept out of the whole superstitious town and their celebration. She's feeling more and more confined by the pressure of continuing her family legacy, marrying her long time boyfriend, and managing the family estate. When Isadora moves to town Kat starts to see a world where she leaves Sleepy Hollow and has a life outside of the confines of her legacy. With her family fearing this they give her Katrina's diary so Kat can see just how real the legend is. As Kat learns more about her ancestor and namesake she learns that she may not be so different from her.

I really enjoyed this book. I love any book that has spooky undertones (or overtones) and this book set in the town of Sleepy Hollow has just that. The legend of the Headless Horseman is so engrained in the town and it's people that a lot of the curriculum in the high school centers on it.

Getting to read from the perspective of both Kat and Katrina made me connect with both of them - they are both so much alike and I loved seeing Kat learn more about herself from Katrina's experiences. Then, the tie in of the legend was perfect.

I'm familiar with the legend of Sleepy Hollow (as I believe most are) but I haven't read the book. This book made me bump up that book on my reading list so I can see, first had, what allowed this book to be created so many years later. Highly recommend!

J.W. Ocker has hit the spot with this one! If you're a fan of cryptids, travel, or US weird history this is the book for you. Ocker goes across the US and shares some of the most celebrated Cryptid towns. While this is in no way a deep dive into any particular cryptid, it showcases the towns that have made a name for themselves (or just have a fun story) for their history with certain unidentifiable creatures that are without scientific proof.

Each chapter is a bite size story of a cryptid, how it became known in the town, and what that town does to celebrate it today broken up into 4 regions of the US. His writing style is so easy to read and entertain. This would be perfect for people that don't know much about cryptids and just want a brief breakdown or those that are die hard cryptid fans and may want to add some vacation spots to their travel list.