Check out the fifth annual Summer Scares list!
This year Summer Scares welcomes New York Times Bestselling author, Daniel Kraus as their 2023 spokesperson. "My love of reading began at a public library — but I had to hunt for the horror," said Kraus. "I would have been giddy to have a slate like our 2023 choices presented to me when I walked in. I am, in fact, giddy about it right now. It's a tremendously far-reaching group of titles that epitomizes the breadth of creativity going on in the genre."
Ring Shout by P. Djèlí Clark
A dark fantasy historical novella that gives a supernatural twist to the Ku Klux Klan's reign of terror.
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
Catherine House is a school of higher learning like no other. Within this secluded, elite university, a dangerously curious, rebellious undergraduate uncovers a shocking secret about an exclusive circle of students… and the dark truth beneath her school's promise of prestige.
The Merry Spinster by Daniel M. Lavery
Sinister and inviting, familiar and alien all at the same time, The Merry Spinster twists traditional children’s stories and fairy tales with elements of psychological horror, emotional clarity, and a keen sense of feminist mischief.
In the Shadow of Blackbirds by Cat Winters
In San Diego in 1918, as deadly influenza and World War I take their toll, sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort and, despite her scientific leanings, must consider if ghosts are real when her first love, killed in battle, returns.
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall and Lisa Sterle
Becca moves to an upscale Silicon Valley suburb and is surprised when she develops a bond with girls who belong to the popular clique-and even more surprised when she learns their secrets (YA).
Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker and Wendy Xu
When teen witch Nova Huang discovers that her childhood crush, Tam Lang, is a werewolf, they team together to face dark forces who are eager to claim the magic of wolves (YA).
Small Spaces by Katherine Arden
After eleven-year-old Ollie's school bus mysteriously breaks down on a field trip, she must take a trip through scary woods and use all of her wits to survive — and one message: “Avoid large places. Keep to small." Ages 10-14.
A Small Zombie Problem by K.G. Campbell
When August DuPont, eleven, leaves his eccentric Aunt Hydrangea's crumbling mansion for the first time, he meets family, makes a friend, and attracts a zombie. Ages 8-12.
