Happy Hanukkah, horror fans! It’s me, Emily, your friend in all things frightful. In honor of Hanukkah, I thought we could look at a few horror novels from Jewish authors today. But before we get to that, let’s look at what’s new in the world of horror. You know the drill.
The holidays have arrived, and so has our new paperback level at TBR! If you (or a reader you know) are just over-carrying around bulky hardcovers or are looking for a more budget-friendly option, we’ve got you. Check out all the offerings at mybtro.com/gift, and give personalized reading recommendations customized for any and every reader.
Bookish Goods
Gothic Journal by CurioPopRelics
Okay, my journaling fiends! If you love horror and you love a beautiful journal, you need this gothic journal with a haunting ghostie pic on the cover. Measures 5.75″x8″, with 150-lined pages. $24
New Releases
Where the Dead Wait by Ally Wilkes
It’s cold outside, so it’s the perfect time to pick up this chilly, gothic story of Arctic explorer William Day. Thirteen years ago, William was the sole survivor of a failed expedition where men ate each other to stay alive. Now, on a similar expedition, William’s second-in-command, Jesse Stevens, has gone missing. Is this William’s chance to redeem himself? Or is he doomed to repeat the past?
They Will Dream in the Garden by Gabriela Damián Miravete, translated by Adrian Demopulos
This collection of short stories in translation blends multiple genres (horror, science fiction, fantasy, literary fiction) to tell stories of violence, activism, and resistance. This is the first full book in translation from Miravete, translated by Adrian Demopulos. So definitely check it out!
Dazzling by Chikọdịlị Emelụmadụ
This debut novel mixes horror with fantasy and West African mythology. After Treasure’s father died, her family lost everything. So when she meets a spirit who promises to bring her father back, she’s eager to do whatever he asks, even when it’s the most terrible thing imaginable. Meanwhile, Ozoemena is just trying to fit in at her new boarding school, but when her fellow students start to disappear, her destiny to become a Leopard and the protector of her people collides with Treasure’s mission to get her father back.
For a more comprehensive list of new releases, check out our New Books newsletter.
Riot Recommendations
The Tribe by Bari Wood
Let’s highlight some Jewish horror, starting with the iconic Paperbacks from Hell novel The Tribe. Back in 1945, Jewish captives were liberated from the Belzec concentration camp, but no one could understand how they survived. Thirty-five years later, in 1980, a rabbi’s son is murdered, and those responsible are found slaughtered and covered in a strange gray substance. Now, Rachel Levy and Detective Roger Hawkins are determined to uncover what happened in both cases and how they’re connected.
36 Righteous Men by Steven Pressfield
The Tzadikim Nistarim, or Lamed Vav Tzadikim, is a Jewish legend that says that in each generation there exist 36 righteous people. But when detectives James Manning and Covina “Dewey” Duwai are called to investigate a series of brutal murders, they discover that the 36 righteous men are not a myth at all.
Well, everyone. My cat has fallen asleep on my arm, and I’m typing one-handed, so I guess that means it’s time to wrap this up. Thanks so much for joining me. If you celebrate, I hope you have a happy Hanukkah. And until next time, you can follow me (and message me) on Instagram at emandhercat. Sweet dreams, horror fans!