Title: The Summer Fun Massacre

Author: Craig DiLouie

Release date: June 16th, 2026

*Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this one!*

Of all the subgenres of Horror and Dark Fiction, one of my least favorites is the slasher. I’m not sure why, it’s just never been one I’ve enjoyed, and that even extends to movies. A lot of the lauded slasher films of the 80s that are considered horror classics today didn’t grab my attention back then and even now, I’m kind of meh about them.

Saying that, there’s always been a few that have managed to break through my hardened exterior and though I typically stay away from reading slasher books, when one of your favorite authors has a slasher horror novel coming out, you take a chance with it, hoping their steady hand will break through that previously mentioned exterior.

DiLouie’s writing has always connected with me, and he’s written three of my all-time favorite books. ‘Suffer the Children’ and ‘One of US’ are masterpieces, but it’s the third book of those three that had me take a chance on this slasher. ‘Episode Thirteen’ was a revelation, and as a reader who dislikes most mixed media/epistolary stories, DiLouie managed to take those aspects and transform them into a book I absolutely loved. So, with that in mind, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give this one a chance.

What I liked: The novel throws us into the deep end immediately. 1992. Summer Camp. And teen campers are being slaughtered. Tom, a local police officer, was just there, and found nothing from the initial call. When a second call is made, he thinks somethings up and returns, finding chaos, carnage and a sole survivor – Laura. Shades of a similar summer camp massacre in 1982 come racing back and when Laura tells him that a man wearing a rabbit head mask was behind it, he knows somethings up.

From there, DiLouie showcases the struggle that Tom goes through internally and externally. On one hand, his former girlfriend, Mary, was the lone survivor of the ’82 murders. Since then, she’s lived on the periphery of society, angry that the police didn’t help her back then. That event was his kick in the pants to become a police officer. He doesn’t believe the rumors of ‘The Hungry Hare’ that surround the town. Suggesting that a huge rabbit lurks in the woods and kills those who sing his rhyme. Though that’s who both Mary and Laura claim was behind the murders. His boss – and fellow officers, a rag tag mix of members – all want to wrap things up in a neat bow, there’s an election coming after all, but Tom doesn’t see how the man they’ve targeted as the suspect was the one who did it. But looking deeper into the clues only gets him in trouble from all ends.

Tom’s battle between what feels right and what he should be doing as an officer becomes the major narrative for the majority of the novel. DiLouie uses it perfectly to force the reader to ask themselves what they’d do in a similar situation.

The final quarter of the novel is pure cinematic glee. We get twists, turns, reveals, acceptance and resolution. DiLouie even manages to pack in some unseen backstory twists that add a layer of craziness, while also pushing Tom further in one direction, before he needs to head back in the other. It makes the ending a very solid, complicated affair where we learn some truths while also coming to grips with the ‘why.’

What I didn’t like: I don’t think this is spoilery, but for me, I wished there was significantly more about The Hungry Hare. It felt like it was going to be a major part of the novel itself but felt minimal overall. That could be explained, or expanded upon in the sequel coming later this year, but as a singular novel, I just wanted much, much more.

Why you should buy this: If you love slasher novels/movies, this one will be right up your alley. If you enjoy police procedurals, this also ticks all those boxes. And if you love layered, twisty novels that make you second guess everything every few chapters, this one’s perfect for you. DiLouie has delivered another fantastic novel, one filled with fun, gore and difficult decisions, which has become a bit of his trademark it seems.

And once again, he’s managed to make this jaded reader enjoy a book he wasn’t so sure about. Well done, Craig.

Title: The Thirteenth Mark

Author: James Lincoln

Release date: November 13th, 2025

*Huge thanks to James for sending me a digital review copy of this one!*

Some time ago, I received a DM on Instagram from a reader who’d read my Father of Lies compendium and let me know they really enjoyed it. I thanked them and shared that ‘When I Look…’ is related to that, they let me know they were snagging it, and then, as two book fans often do, we went on our way, liking some posts by each other.

Recently, they DM’d me again (and I’m hoping you don’t mind me sharing this!) and they mentioned that their husband had released a novella and asked some questions about ways to increase visibility etc. etc. Now, if you’ve been following me for any length of time – and this goes all the way back to my time with the mighty Kendall Reviews and even my feature there, Books From the Crypt – I love reading and reviewing and promoting books that haven’t been plastered everywhere. You know the ones I mean. Books From the Crypt was focused on sharing books with less than 50 Goodreads ratings. There’s an entire world of books waiting for readers to discover that don’t have big press push and influencer posting. And by all means – read those books, post those books, love those books. Big books are as amazing as little books. But if I can share some of my online platform space by showcasing those other books, I will.

And ‘The Thirteenth Mark’ is one of those books that I hope I share, one of you buys it, loves it, recommends it and more and more people find it, because this is a book worthy of being on all of our horror shelves – digital and physical.

After receiving that DM, I mentioned a few different ways that they might increase visibility, but then also offered to review it. I wasn’t sure when I’d get to it, but wanted to try and get in read sooner. Then, the other night, I had a bit of insomnia and cracked it open on my Kindle. 50% later, I forced myself to go to sleep, knowing that if I didn’t close my Kindle cover, I’d have to finish it.

What I liked: Is Liminal Isolated Forest Horror a subgenre? I know I’ve kind of tried to write some stuff that borders on that description before, but I can’t think of anything that even came close to what I read in this one.

The book follows our unnamed main character, who awakens disoriented somewhere in a forest. He’s relatively unscathed, but doesn’t know his own name, where he is, why he’s there or even what he looks like. He starts walking. The forest around him is calm, quiet and unnerving. Is the forest even real? Is he?

Soon, he comes upon a cabin. The cabin seems familiar, but he’s not sure why. He thinks he’s been there before, but he can’t be positive. He enters and finds a place that’s walking the line between abandoned and lived in.

Lincoln does a great job of subtle sightline shifts. For a first release, his mastery of atmosphere is phenomenal and its that aspect that he slowly adjusts – to the readers frayed edges of anxiety’s detriment – as the novella goes on.

On its surface, the book is ‘simple.’ A sort of Ground Hog Day idea, where this character goes to sleep, wakes up, repeats. But there’s these unseen, but felt, volume adjustments to the tension with each passing page that really snap into you as you read.

We get the addition of a Polaroid camera and pictures left behind that seem to shift with each glance. We get a dense fog that arrive and noise within. We get shadows that suggest someone else is there. And we get a growing dread that when we finally get to the grand revelation, we won’t like what we discover.

I won’t share where this one goes – for me it was a fantastic ending, one that really does the idea the author was trying to accomplish justice – but I think even if you don’t like the ending, the story that leads up to it was absolutely captivating.

What I didn’t like: While this one grabbed me and never let me go, if you’re looking for a book packed with action and gore, you won’t find it here. Some readers will find this book doesn’t move along fast enough for them. This one is like a Skinamarink or The Backrooms style story set in the forest and if that doesn’t appeal to you, then this might not be a good fit.

Why you should read this: In his afterword, James doesn’t allude to any of his own personal influences in writing this, but the closest atmosphere I’ve come across to this one was in Adam Nevill’s ‘Last Days.’ A growing dread where each page feels heavier to read and every paragraph seems to stack another weight on your chest.

‘The Thirteenth Mark’ hits all the high-notes and for me it’s one that is easily a hidden gem. I’m hopeful more people discover this one because it was fantastic and I think it’s one that will grow and grow over the next few years as more readers find it.

Outstanding.

Title: Monsters: Unsettling Short Stories

Release date: October 6th, 2026

*Huge thanks to Rare Machines/Dundurn Press & Edelweiss for the digital ARC of this one!*

I think it’s safe to say that most people will know my interest in this anthology was purely based on the fact that this contains a new, previously unpublished Andrew Pyper story, ‘The Sanctuary.’ Prior to this release, the last time Andrew had a story in an anthology was way back in a 2012 Canadian Christmas anthology titled ‘Best Canadian Christmas Stories.’ I once asked Andrew about the lack of short story appearances over the last decade plus, and his reply was along the lines of he wasn’t overly interested in devoting time to short stories. Fair game.

When I saw the other contributors that Russell Smith wrangled up for this anthology, I knew this anthology was going to be a home run. And, after reading Russell’s introduction, the excitement ramped up even more.

I do want to note how engaging that introduction is. I often bypass mentioning forewords or introductions to books, simply because they’re all usually the same, but Russell took an education direction with this one, detailing the origins of the term ‘monster,’ the different ways it shows up and is used in literature and the various regional connotations of the word. He also did a splendid job of briefly sharing what to expect with each of the stories within while not falling into spoiler or platitude territory, which was nice.

What I liked: The anthology runs the gamut of what each writer themselves understood what a ‘monster’ is. We get some very straightforward entries, as well as some that defiantly fall into the speculative world. A number of the stories really stood out for me.

First up was Naben Ruthnum’s ‘The Lair.’ The story follows Mark, who fell in love with action figures and video games as a young kid. That love becomes his life and, after finding no direction and having no desire to achieve anything, his family holds an intervention. Instead of making progressive choices, Mark leaves, and moves into his grandparents place. There, he has a shed, which he transforms into his video game and online lair. Not long after, his grandma passes away and it’s from there that he discovers his grandpa’s newfound online habits. Naben does a wonderful job of making Mark both a character you want to sympathize with, while also making him one of the skeeziest characters you’ll come across. This one walks the line of ‘is he or isn’t he’ a monster so very well.

Next, was ‘Throne’ by Andrew F. Sullivan. A biting commentary on the ultra-rich’s quest for acceptance and finding one’s ‘tribe,’ the story follows 20something Murphy. She’s bounced from job to job, and after being let go of her most recent position, doesn’t know what comes next. Then her former coworker, Carrie, invites her to check out a hip new place called Yggdrasil, where a brother and sister having found a group of people willing to change their lives if they follow the groups instructions to prune and regrow. Murphy takes to it and soon becomes a class leader, holding sway over those who attend the classes and are willing to go the extra step for her. The socioeconomical examination within this one is fantastic, if not a little frustrating over its accuracy, and the subtle changes Murphy goes through really highlighted what a small dose of power can do to an individual. This was a cult story told with only the implications of it being so.

Pasha Malla’s ‘The Undreamed’ was perhaps the most speculative story of the anthology, which set it nicely aside from all the others. The only way I can really do any justice to this story without being a spoiler is this – Things appear in the bedroom. Sometimes they are only on the periphery of vision. Sometimes they seem to be tangible. But they infiltrate the lives of those within the story and good Lord is this one unsettling. Not to take away from the title of the story, but this was an excellent fever dream experienced through prose.

Next up, I loved Emily Weedon’s ‘The Golem Suit.’ And while the title does suggest what is going to happen in here, the delivery mechanism and story vehicle reinvents what I expected to read. Following Felix, a man with a predatory mindset, he becomes a working crew member in the film industry which gives him access to women who sometimes believe if they scratch his back, he’ll scratch theirs allowing for career advancement. But it’s in these moments of vulnerability where Felix’s darkest predatory mechanisms come to the surface and he does what he will, rougher and more violent with each passing year. That is, until he meets a traumatized woman who seems to be his match. Weedon masterfully makes you despise Felix while also forcing you to stay for the ride and see how it ends. Unflinchingly impactful.

The last story that stood out for me was Andrew Pyper’s ‘The Sanctuary.’ Truth be told, I read this one first, then went back and reread all the stories, finishing with this one a second time. The story takes places in a remote wooded ‘campground,’ which continues Andrew’s examinations of such locations. In fact, Andrew first based a story in a summer camp back in 1994’s ‘Camp Sacred Heart,’ which was republished in his 1996 collection, ‘Kiss Me.’ His 1999 novel ‘Lost Girls’ mentions a summer camp, and we see a revisit to an area very similar to ‘Camp Sacred Heart’ in his 2019 novel ‘The Homecoming.’ And, an unpublished novel of Andrew’s also focuses on a similar style location. Throughout his literary career, remote wooded locations were settings Andrew utilized time and time again, and with ‘The Sanctuary’ he bolstered the oddness of where it takes place by having it occur in a sort of Canadian version of Bohemian Grove. If you’re unfamiliar with Bohemian Grove, it is a private campground in California where the elite of the elite congregate and take place in discussions and debauchery. The story follows a young man, who gets a summer job with his friend Ty, while at University. Once there, they learn their roles, and our main character is ‘befriended’ by The Secretary, a mysterious older man who seems to know everyone and everything that’s going on. Andrew warns us to not walk down the paths surrounding the campground at night, yet our character still does so, and it’s here where the monstrous revelation arrives. This one has all the classic hallmarks of a Pyper story, and told with the prose that only Andrew was capable of.

What I didn’t like: As always in an anthology some stories just didn’t connect with me. While I enjoyed every story, some were a bit on the nose and didn’t feel as impactful as they could’ve been. But as always, those might be the stories that you enjoy the most!

Why you should buy this: Filled to the brim with phenomenal stories, this anthology curated by Russell Smith will undoubtably have something for every reader. Taking the simply idea of ‘what is a monster,’ the authors of each story really out did themselves with the variety of subject matter we get. Fans of each of these writers will snag this to experience what they created, and will most likely find another new-to-them writer to check out more of their work.

This is a fantastic anthology collecting some of the most exciting Canadian writers creating dark fiction today, and throughout the stories tackle some very bleak subject matter really well. I for one am glad I read this, and as a Pyper super fan, this anthology will always hold a special place for giving me one more piece of his fiction to read and to cherish.

Title: Windigo Plague: Fort Saskatchewan Volume 1

Author: MJ Preston

Release date: April 29th, 2026

*Huge thanks to MJ for sending me a digital ARC of this one!*

I’m a huge sucker for historical horror that’s based on real events, especially when they took place near where I’m currently living. When MJ reached out about this book, I was swamped, but so very, very intrigued, I agreed to fit it in.

Based on the true story of a Plains Cree trapper named Ka ki si Kutchin who was the first person legally executed by hanging for cannibalism in Canada at Fort Saskatchewan, on December 20, 1879. The English translation of his name was Swift Runner. Preston uses that as the back drop for the story, and because of that, you know you’re in for a dark ride.

What I liked: The book begins in early 1879, when Swift Runner stumbles into town, claiming his family have all perished during the harsh winter prior. After a bit of prodding, it’s revealed that in order for him to survive, he consumed his family, shocking those who learn this truth. Saying that, they suspect Swift Runner maybe under the influence of a dark traveler, a Windigo who has taken up residence within the man and is giving him his lust for blood.

From there, Preston details the search for Swift Runner as he’s kicked out of town and what happens to those who come into contact with the man. It’s a really well laid out mix of historical fact and author fictionalization of events.

Because of that, we get some truly blood-curdling moments, where Preston is able to unnerve even the most stoic of readers. One particular moment early on, where Swift Runner is trying to lure some local kids away with him was pristine, and even near the end, when a man (I won’t name him to prevent spoilers) arrives to search for his friend, after receiving a letter from them, will stay with you after you finish. The description of what happens to him when he encounters two other figures was horrifically perfect.

One thing I really enjoyed was the attention to detail and research Preston did, which he lays out nicely after the book is done. It was great to see his own notes on how he used some of the details on the public record, which helped to highlight the disturbing nature of this case as well as the timeframe it took place in.

What I didn’t like: I’ve never been a reader who processes dates well, so when each chapter begins with a date, it’s often lost on my reading brain. And though that is necessary for the historical fact aspect of this book, it wasn’t something that heightened the tension of the events anymore than if it was simply ‘chapter one,’ ‘chapter two’ and so on.

Why you should buy this: MJ’s done a wonderful job of taking a horrific true story and turning it into a dark, bleak thriller that had me captivated. As we get new characters introduced and their part in the story takes place, they’re given depth and weight, making sure they have purpose and are not simply a Redshirt character.

For fans of historical horror, this one hits all the high notes and you’ll be greatly rewarded. But beware, this one doesn’t hold back. Which makes it that much better.

Title: Carry Me to My Grave

Author: Christopher Golden

Release date: July 21st, 2026

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC!*

Though I’ve not read near enough of Golden’s books (I think this is my 6th?), every book I have read has been a lot of fun. When the publisher sent me an email asking if I’d like a digital ARC, I jumped at the chance. I was very intrigued by the synopsis and considering ‘Road of Bones’ had a snow-skull cover and this one has a smoke-skull cover, I figured I’d be in for a fun ride.

What I liked: The story takes place during the mid-century, in the US. Malcolm is a Korean war vet, living back at home with his sister-in-law, Violet and his mother Maggie. Maggie has a reputation and there was a childhood rhyme about her – ‘Maggie Wise will take your eyes.’ Townsfolk believe she’s a witch. Malcolm always scoffed at those words and that thought, but right before she dies, she gives him specific instructions – bring her body back to Maine where she was born and bury her before sunrise within a few days or the world as we know it will cease to exist.

Golden takes us on a rampaging ride once Maggie dies. Strange figures appear and attempt to thwart Malcolm and Violet’s journey. They manage to get on a train with Maggie’s coffin, but still the bad guys arrive. And within all this, Golden introduces us to Root, a nightmarish creature hellbent on retrieving Maggie’s body before she can be buried.

I loved the action within this one. Each scene was vibrant and cinematic, and thankfully Golden doesn’t shy away from carnage and brutality. Nothing is watered down here and nobody is safe. As the book progresses, things get darker and darker and as the truth about Maggie is revealed and more of Malcolm’s family appear, things grow complicated. It’s within those complications that the emotional weight of the book exists and its those emotional weights that lift this book up a notch from similar books.

The ending works really well considering the journey the characters go on. Thankfully, it wasn’t a case of 300 pages to get to the climactic moment, only to have things wrap up in two paragraphs. Golden took his time finishing this one and this reader greatly appreciated it.

What I didn’t like: For me, I found one moment of slowdown that I wasn’t sure worked for me. It took place right after a train crash, where Malcolm and another character end up incarcerated for a brief time. As I was reading it, it kind of sucked some of the momentum out of the story for a short few chapters. That very well might’ve been Golden’s decision, to have a pause there considering the pedal-to-the-metal nature up to those scenes, but for me, it felt jarring.

Why you should buy this: This novel takes a really fun premise – bury a body to save the world – and then escalates the stakes within a few short chapters. Golden’s writing is world class and the pacing throughout was fantastic, practically forcing me to read ‘just one more chapter’ every night. If you’ve never read a Golden book, this would be a really great spot to jump in. If you’re a long time fan of his, you’ll be very happy with the book he’s delivered.