I know what some of you are thinking as you Strat reading today's post-- "Becky, Halloween is over, why are you still on this Horror kick?"

Well the answer is-- I am not-- and for a couple of reasons.

First of all the new Frankenstein movie directed by Guillermo del Toro is out and people are talking about it. Frankenstein, the novel, by Mary Shelley is considered the beginning of Gothic Fiction and this movie clearly subscribes to that belief.

Second, Frankenstein retellings are popular. I am currently reading, The Glowing Hours by Leila Siddiqui, which reports to be the story behind the "Arabian" character of Safie in the original novel. Set to come out in February, this novel is one in a LONG line of Frankenstein retellings.

Which leads to my final point, people still read Gothic Fiction, and they read it all year long. They do not see it as acceptable only for season reading like some other casual readers seem teat other works of Horror. In fact, many readers see it as distinct from "Horror." 

That is why I am reposting Emily Hughes' piece from the October 30th New York Times here today, a few days into November. Because you absolutely still need to read it. 

Emily Hughes gets it. She begins her 13 book (wink, wink) list with Frankenstein-- the foundational text. And then moves on to include more books by living authors than dead ones. A perfect list for us as we make displays in libraries and introduce people to "new to them" titles that they would love if only they knew the books existed. And by authors who are still writing in case they want more.

But wait, there is more. Hughes also gives readers 3 "if you like" suggestions for each book. hat is 52 books! Again, more of which are by living, breathing (not reanimated), still creating authors

This Gothic Fiction Starer Pack is exactly what you need to promote chilling titles that your patrons are craving. Make sure you have all of the books and the readalikes. Put them out on display. I would call the display "Halloween Hangover" if you are allowed. If not, either use the title of the article or make it a "What to Read After Watching del Toro's Frankenstein.

Click here to access the gift link I provided or read the introduction below and click at the bottom of this post.

Gothic Fiction: A Starter PackWith roots in the 18th century, this haunted genre’s hallmarks can be found throughout modern horror. Here’s where to start.

First things first: I won’t attempt to provide one clear-cut definition of the Gothic, lest I incur the wrath of a horde of angry postgrads. When the genre emerged in the mid-18th century, early novels and short stories shared a set of common trademarks — good-hearted female characters under the thumb of cruel, powerful men; melodrama and high emotion; supernatural events — and were laden with the social, political and moral anxieties of a rapidly changing moment in European society. But as time has gone on, and the genre has evolved, things have gotten murkier.

Today, the Gothic label is used less to describe (or prescribe) a genre and more to evoke an aesthetic, a mode or (forgive me) a vibe. There are still some common elements and themes to look out for: a foreboding atmosphere; an isolated setting; explorations of otherness, fear and madness; the domestic sphere recast as a place of dread; tension between tradition and desire. But the key hallmark of a Gothic tale for me is the past’s insistent encroachment on the present. Bygone transgressions, old wounds, long-forgotten grudges — in a Gothic story, you can never run far enough to escape history.

Getting your arms around the Gothic, with its meandering history and myriad variations, is no easy feat. It casts a long shadow over a number of genres — romance, thrillers, dark fantasy. But horror is the Gothic’s closest living relative. Here are 13 Gothic horror picks to get you started.

Click here to peruse the full list with readalikes (gift link)