Who else struggles with reading ’cause of the time it takes to get invested in & to complete a book? 🙋
Between work and life stuff, sometimes it can be difficult to dedicate the amount of time to reading that I feel the hobby truly deserves. This is where short fiction often comes in handy for me – short story collections, or novellas specifically!
I love bite-sized literature for its accessibility to the average, overworked, super busy adult. That isn’t to say I dislike longer works – I have a bunch of books lining my shelves that prove I love huge tomes just as much as the next bookworm – but these shorter stories are really great at getting me out of a reading slump, or even helping me hit a reading goal!
I put together a list of 10 that I’ve read written by ladies writing in the horror genre, in honor of & participation with Women in Horror Month! Have I mentioned how much I love February? Women are killing it in the horror biz, and I am so grateful for all the awesome recommendations, interviews, stories, and articles posted so far this month!! 🥰
1) To Be Devoured by Sara Tantlinger (131 pages)
This debut novella by Sara Tantlinger came out last year, and I knew I had to have it. The cover is gorgeous, and while I was familiar with Tantlinger’s writing, I did not expect how good this one was. I loved how raw and unflinching it was, and how visceral Sara’s writing always is – in such an evocative, gorgeous way. I’ve recommended it several times since, and reviewed it here!
2) Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant (123 pages)
Another one I’ve recommended more times than I can count, and for good reason: I love murderous mermaids, science-y horror, and diverse representation. This has a good amount of all, packed into an easy-to-read & carry little package! There’s a full length book after you can pick up too, if you want something a bit longer after – INTO THE DROWNING DEEP! I reviewed the novella here, and would highly recommend it especially to fans of scary oceanic creatures & sci-fi!
3) Dear Laura by Gemma Amor (111 pages)
This was such an incredible little book that I almost don’t even know what to say, other than just go buy it. Emotional, horrifying, painful – it’s so good. This is the only thing I’ve read by Gemma Amor so far, but based on this, I’m going to love everything else! I’ll have a full review on this one coming soon, but don’t wait to read it before you buy this one ’cause it’s stellar & you won’t regret the purchase for a single second!
4) True Crime by Samantha Kolesnik (143 pages)
One of the more recent released on here, Samantha Kolesnik recently made waves in the horror community with this novella’s release. It’s such a brutal look at trauma, and how it can shape a person from being someone who is hurt, to someone that hurts. I loved it. Full review here!
5) The Festering Ones by S.H. Cooper (133 pages)
Do you like terrifying, otherworldly gods, freaky cults, and scary many-armed-women? If yes, you’re going to love this one! It’s packed with action and fun. If you’re in the middle of a reading slump or just looking to grab an absorbing book that’ll pull you in until you finish, check it out. I posted my full review here!
6) The Possession of Natalie Glasgow by Hailey Piper (108 pages)
The ‘possessed kid’ theme in books isn’t new to the horror genre, so finding ways that it can be written about creatively can be quite the task. With Hailey Piper’s novella, I got one of the most unique and inventive possession stories I’d ever read – and I loved it! Hailey wrote another book that I read recently, too – Benny Rose, the Cannibal King. I only have a review up for POSSESSION right now, but I’ve finished BENNY ROSE this month and also really loved it! Definitely an auto-buy author for me!
7) The Bone Weaver’s Orchard by Sarah Read (192 pages)
I’m actually only partway into this one for this month’s TBR for Women In Horror Month, and I’m loving it so much that I’m already recommending it. With a creepy gothic horror atmosphere and incredibly beautiful writing, I’m absolutely loving my reading experience!
8) Pretty Marys All in a Row by Gwendolyn Kiste (86 pages)
Gwendolyn Kiste is one of my favorite women writing horror right now, and I’ve loved everything that I’ve read by her! My first was this short little novella, which I’m very excited to say I’m in the process of making a customized Kiste bookmark inspired by right now! It’s magical and haunting and I recommend it as often as possible. Read my full review of the book here!
9) Halloween Fiend by C.V. Hunt (112 pages)
This is perfect if you’re looking for an amazing little book to read in October – but, really, why wait? Buy it & read it now, and then read it again when Halloween rolls around! Holiday fiction is a favorite of mine, and this one doesn’t disappoint.
10) Come Closer by Sara Gran (194 pages)
I own & have read a copy of this one digitally, but then lucked out by finding a donated physical copy at my local library for sale! It’s a fun little possession story, and while it’s a bit slower than some of the other titles on the list, it’s still one I’d recommend!
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Excellent list. Sara Gran’s COME CLOSER is so good, and I love Sarah Read’s book, too.
Thank you so much, Richard!! Totally agreed – both are stunning! I’m almost done with Sarah Read’s right now and am LOVING IT so much!
Reblogged this on – What Does Not Kill Me – and commented:
Great list of authors and titles. Love Come Closer and The Bone Weaver’s Orchard.
Great list! Haha, I put To Be Devoured on my TBR before I even read the blurb because the cover is so pretty. I’ve read Come Closer; it’s awesome. I have The Bone Weaver’s Orchard on my TBR, too. I’m looking forward to that one for sure.
Thanks for this list! I’ve not heard of any of these titles, but I’ve been on the lookout for new horror recommendations!
I definitely need more horror lit in my life. Excellent list!
Horrors not a genre that I read often so I appreciate the recs starting with shorter reads might be a good place to go. I have trouble committing to reading a larger horror novel. So many of these sound great!
Aw, of course! I’m so happy to help spread my love of the genre! I know it’s not for everyone, but it’s so varied that I really think people could find SOMETHING they enjoy within it if they found the right book. I appreciate you!