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Something Followed Us Home: Tales of Latiné Horror
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26Dive into the chilling depths of Latiné horror with Something Followed Us Home, edited by Bram Stoker Award–winner Cynthia Pelayo, a groundbreaking anthology where each story reimagines immigration, colonization, faith, and folklore as the fears we inherit and carry across borders and generations.
Something followed us home. It crawled in with our prayers, slipped into our beds, watched from mirrors, waited in water, and learned our names. In these stories, horror does not announce itself. It possesses, feeds, whispers, and waits.
Gathering chilling work from some of today’s most acclaimed Latiné voices, this anthology moves through haunted households, brutal landscapes, sacred spaces turned dangerous, and bodies claimed by forces both ancient and intimate. The dead murmur behind locked doors. Bones rebuild themselves under merciless suns. Love becomes a doorway for demonic hunger. Prayers summon answers that arrive too late…or too fully. Blood, devotion, and memory intertwine as the past presses back with teeth.
Something Followed Us Home is a landmark anthology of Latiné horror. These stories remind us that the past is never gone, the dead are never silent, and the places we come from will always find their way back to us. Featuring stories Agustina Bazterrica, Ann Dávila Cardinal, Cynthia Pelayo, Isabel Cañas, Gerardo Sámano Córdova, Zoraida Córdova, Mariana Enriquez, Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro, Ananda Lima, Xochitl Gonzalez, Leopoldo Goût, Juan Martinez, Mónica Ojeda, Daniel Jóse Older, Lilliam Rivera, Alex Segura, Diana Rodriguez Wallach
Something followed us home. It crawled in with our prayers, slipped into our beds, watched from mirrors, waited in water, and learned our names. In these stories, horror does not announce itself. It possesses, feeds, whispers, and waits.
Gathering chilling work from some of today’s most acclaimed Latiné voices, this anthology moves through haunted households, brutal landscapes, sacred spaces turned dangerous, and bodies claimed by forces both ancient and intimate. The dead murmur behind locked doors. Bones rebuild themselves under merciless suns. Love becomes a doorway for demonic hunger. Prayers summon answers that arrive too late…or too fully. Blood, devotion, and memory intertwine as the past presses back with teeth.
Something Followed Us Home is a landmark anthology of Latiné horror. These stories remind us that the past is never gone, the dead are never silent, and the places we come from will always find their way back to us. Featuring stories Agustina Bazterrica, Ann Dávila Cardinal, Cynthia Pelayo, Isabel Cañas, Gerardo Sámano Córdova, Zoraida Córdova, Mariana Enriquez, Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro, Ananda Lima, Xochitl Gonzalez, Leopoldo Goût, Juan Martinez, Mónica Ojeda, Daniel Jóse Older, Lilliam Rivera, Alex Segura, Diana Rodriguez Wallach
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Cynthia Pelayo
69 books733 followersCynthia Pelayo is a Bram Stoker Award winning and International Latino Book Award winning author and poet.
Pelayo writes fairy tales that blend genre and explore concepts of grief, mourning, and cycles of violence. She is the author of Loteria, Santa Muerte, The Missing, Poems of My Night, Into the Forest and All the Way Through, Children of Chicago, Crime Scene, The Shoemaker’s Magician, as well as dozens of standalone short stories and poems.
Loteria, which was her MFA in Writing thesis at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, was re-released to praise with Esquire calling it one of the ‘Best Horror Books of 2023.’ Santa Muerte and The Missing, her young adult horror novels were each nominated for International Latino Book Awards. Poems of My Night was nominated for an Elgin Award. Into the Forest and All the Way Through was nominated for an Elgin Award and was also nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Poetry Collection. Children of Chicago was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award in Superior Achievement in a Novel and won an International Latino Book Award for Best Mystery. Crime Scene won the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Poetry Collection. The Shoemaker’s Magician has been released to praise with Library Journal awarding it a starred review.
Her forthcoming novel, The Forgotten Sisters, will be released by Thomas and Mercer in 2024 and is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.”
Her works have been reviewed in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, LA Review of Books, and more.
Pelayo writes fairy tales that blend genre and explore concepts of grief, mourning, and cycles of violence. She is the author of Loteria, Santa Muerte, The Missing, Poems of My Night, Into the Forest and All the Way Through, Children of Chicago, Crime Scene, The Shoemaker’s Magician, as well as dozens of standalone short stories and poems.
Loteria, which was her MFA in Writing thesis at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, was re-released to praise with Esquire calling it one of the ‘Best Horror Books of 2023.’ Santa Muerte and The Missing, her young adult horror novels were each nominated for International Latino Book Awards. Poems of My Night was nominated for an Elgin Award. Into the Forest and All the Way Through was nominated for an Elgin Award and was also nominated for a Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Poetry Collection. Children of Chicago was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award in Superior Achievement in a Novel and won an International Latino Book Award for Best Mystery. Crime Scene won the Bram Stoker Award for Superior Achievement in a Poetry Collection. The Shoemaker’s Magician has been released to praise with Library Journal awarding it a starred review.
Her forthcoming novel, The Forgotten Sisters, will be released by Thomas and Mercer in 2024 and is an adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.”
Her works have been reviewed in The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, LA Review of Books, and more.
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July 4, 2026a diverse anthology of latin american horror stories. there's a great deal of tonal variation from piece to piece, so it doesn't feel very cohesive - and many of the pieces are lighter than the book's presentation would lead me to expect. as with any anthology, some pieces are stronger than others.
there are some glimmers of spanish language here and there among these stories, but the majority of the pieces shy away from bilingual content, despite the fact that some were originally written in english and some were written in spanish and appear in translation here. i wish there was more indulgence in the mingling of languages, though it's wonderful that this collection is being published in both languages.
BLUE FLOWERS by agustina bazterrica - a powerful and haunting ghost story about the loss and guilt that afflict one farm girl when she remembers what she has done.
THE HAND THAT FEEDS by isabel cañas - the dark folktale of la loba, a wolf woman who takes off her wolfskin and becomes human to marry a controlling man who keeps her wolfskin locked away. this feels like a variation on the legend of the selkie.
HER FIRST CRUISE SHIP by ann dávila cardinal - zombie tourists arrive in a puerto rico city in droves, doing immense damage but providing economic benefit - the tradeoff that comes with being a colonized tourist destination. entertaining, but a bit too on the nose.
MY BOYFRIEND by gerardo sámano córdova - a bloody and comedic achilean piece about a guy whose boyfriend is possessed by a demon. he tells himself he loves both the boyfriend and the demon, but he's determined to help the demon thrive. a bittersweet breakup story.
THE IMMACULATE REBIRTH OF NICKI DURAN by zoraida córdova - a chilling speculative piece about a wave of sudden second trimester pregnancies. the birth of a mysterious entity vs the rebirth of the self.
GUARDIAN ANGEL by mariana enriquez - a dark tale of witnesesing familial demonic possession in the form of incest. very dark, religious, and bloody.
THE RETURN OF LA MUELONA by carolina flórez cerchiaro - a folktale about a young woman trying to escape her expected future of marrying the son of a plantation owner. wives and laborers are endlessly exploited for capitalist greed, until a mystical reckoning comes. this is a powerful colonization revenge story, told in beautiful prose.
POMELO by xochitl gonzalez - another folktale - this one is about a selfish patriarch presiding over a glass house (literally) and reinforcing patriarchal family structure until divine retribution comes. there's a magical grapefruit tree, brujeria, maternal sacrifice, and a sibling borne of the earth. i love the trippy magical realist turn this takes in the second half!
LUZ Y FER by leopold gout - this is the first story in the collection to genuinely creep me out. paranoia, huge scale conspiracy, a pair of twins acting as portents of disasters, two halves of one whole, passing their role on to the protagonist. this one is suspenseful and fascinating.
SPECTER by ananda lima - a fantastic technological / linguistic horror story about a grad student who is haunted by an alligator-masked creature who demands words. i love lima's imaginative writing.
MECHANICAL SERVANTS LLC by juan martinez - a surreal and sad story of alternate selves and alternate versions of our loved ones. the MC's precarious legal status adds a layer of anxiety and disempowerment.
THE WORLD FROM ABOVE AND THE WORLD FROM DOWN BELOW by mónica ojeda - this is a heartbreaking story about untenable grief and the zombie resurrection of a dead child. some returns are sadder than disappearances.
THE ROOFTOP REVOLUTION OF SELLY AVILES by daniel jose older - a punchy romp about a writer / dogwalker, a mysterious wealthy consortium, and the power of stories. interesting, but it feels unfinished.
EL JIBARO DE PUERTO RICO by cynthia pelayo - a brutal colonization story with a shyamalan-esque twist. poignant, but without subtlety.
WHISPERS FROM THE ROOT by lilliam rivera - a surreal and biting piece about magical transformation intergenerational revenge.
FIDELITY by alex segura - the legend of el silbón - a jaded housewife has an affair with a sexy dad who's actually a demon. she carries out the legend and becomes the demon herself.
WE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER by diane rodriguez wallach - the final piece is the delicious story of a vigilante vampire family inflicting revenge on bullies and cruel white people. love the triumphant sense of justice!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
there are some glimmers of spanish language here and there among these stories, but the majority of the pieces shy away from bilingual content, despite the fact that some were originally written in english and some were written in spanish and appear in translation here. i wish there was more indulgence in the mingling of languages, though it's wonderful that this collection is being published in both languages.
BLUE FLOWERS by agustina bazterrica - a powerful and haunting ghost story about the loss and guilt that afflict one farm girl when she remembers what she has done.
THE HAND THAT FEEDS by isabel cañas - the dark folktale of la loba, a wolf woman who takes off her wolfskin and becomes human to marry a controlling man who keeps her wolfskin locked away. this feels like a variation on the legend of the selkie.
HER FIRST CRUISE SHIP by ann dávila cardinal - zombie tourists arrive in a puerto rico city in droves, doing immense damage but providing economic benefit - the tradeoff that comes with being a colonized tourist destination. entertaining, but a bit too on the nose.
MY BOYFRIEND by gerardo sámano córdova - a bloody and comedic achilean piece about a guy whose boyfriend is possessed by a demon. he tells himself he loves both the boyfriend and the demon, but he's determined to help the demon thrive. a bittersweet breakup story.
THE IMMACULATE REBIRTH OF NICKI DURAN by zoraida córdova - a chilling speculative piece about a wave of sudden second trimester pregnancies. the birth of a mysterious entity vs the rebirth of the self.
GUARDIAN ANGEL by mariana enriquez - a dark tale of witnesesing familial demonic possession in the form of incest. very dark, religious, and bloody.
THE RETURN OF LA MUELONA by carolina flórez cerchiaro - a folktale about a young woman trying to escape her expected future of marrying the son of a plantation owner. wives and laborers are endlessly exploited for capitalist greed, until a mystical reckoning comes. this is a powerful colonization revenge story, told in beautiful prose.
POMELO by xochitl gonzalez - another folktale - this one is about a selfish patriarch presiding over a glass house (literally) and reinforcing patriarchal family structure until divine retribution comes. there's a magical grapefruit tree, brujeria, maternal sacrifice, and a sibling borne of the earth. i love the trippy magical realist turn this takes in the second half!
LUZ Y FER by leopold gout - this is the first story in the collection to genuinely creep me out. paranoia, huge scale conspiracy, a pair of twins acting as portents of disasters, two halves of one whole, passing their role on to the protagonist. this one is suspenseful and fascinating.
SPECTER by ananda lima - a fantastic technological / linguistic horror story about a grad student who is haunted by an alligator-masked creature who demands words. i love lima's imaginative writing.
MECHANICAL SERVANTS LLC by juan martinez - a surreal and sad story of alternate selves and alternate versions of our loved ones. the MC's precarious legal status adds a layer of anxiety and disempowerment.
THE WORLD FROM ABOVE AND THE WORLD FROM DOWN BELOW by mónica ojeda - this is a heartbreaking story about untenable grief and the zombie resurrection of a dead child. some returns are sadder than disappearances.
THE ROOFTOP REVOLUTION OF SELLY AVILES by daniel jose older - a punchy romp about a writer / dogwalker, a mysterious wealthy consortium, and the power of stories. interesting, but it feels unfinished.
EL JIBARO DE PUERTO RICO by cynthia pelayo - a brutal colonization story with a shyamalan-esque twist. poignant, but without subtlety.
WHISPERS FROM THE ROOT by lilliam rivera - a surreal and biting piece about magical transformation intergenerational revenge.
FIDELITY by alex segura - the legend of el silbón - a jaded housewife has an affair with a sexy dad who's actually a demon. she carries out the legend and becomes the demon herself.
WE ARE GATHERED TOGETHER by diane rodriguez wallach - the final piece is the delicious story of a vigilante vampire family inflicting revenge on bullies and cruel white people. love the triumphant sense of justice!
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Reading for review in a future issue of Booklist
4.5 out of 5
Three Words That Describe This Book: Haunting, Full Range of Scares, Thought-Provoking
Like Never Whistle at Night anthos or Sinew and Silk (Kulski) this is a cultural based anthology that is able to showcase what unites these Latine authors but also showcase what makes them different. These stories are all haunting. Some chilling, others visceral. Some more myth or folklore others more psychological. Some straight up terror others sardonic.
But here's the thing, no matter your background as a reader, you will find something that resonates with you here. It is both a specific volume and a universal one. These are inherited stories in some ways but universal as well.
But all haunting. The introduction (by Brenda Lozano, translated by Heather Cleary) talks about what distinguishes a ghost from one culture to the next, how they are the same and different. It is an excellent essay on its own. She writes about how Latin American stories-- even when written in English are linked to political history of Spanish. She write about Latin American Ghosts being connected to colonialism, narco violence, femicide, precession, and dictatorships. But also the specific folklore of the people depending on where they are from.
The haunting is what I felt reading the stories. They are so different and yet, they all reverberate with a similar energy. The voices presented in each tale linger. The stories unsettle readers-- each in their own way. And you cannot help but think about each after you finish them. The fear is still there whether you want it to be or not, whether you have a personal connection to Latin America or not. And that is the sign of a solid horror anthology.
Published simultaneously in English and Spanish which is cool on its own but when you realized that I read the English version and some stories are noted who translated them into English and when Spanish readers get it, the ones I read in English will have translated by attributions. This is exactly what this anthology is trying to do -- make the way the past, the author's ties to their various Latin traditions, resonate in the present. How the stories they were told, the horrors they lived through, colonization, folklore, diaspora, immigration, family, legacy, violence, revenge, ghosts-- all of it made these authors who they are and that connection to the Spanish, whether they speak it or not, it is there.
Because of the range of scares and writing styles, not every reader will read the entire thing cover to cover at once. But what I think will happen-- readers will come to read a story by an author they love-- and there are many here that have legions of fans (especially some YA authors). They wil read that story and then try another. Maybe by another author they have heard of. And then maybe come back to it to try another.
The awesome TOC is great. I especially hope it draws more readers to the amazing works by these authors-- especially Craft: Stories I wrote for the Devil by Amanda Lima and A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enríquez.
Stories I want to call out
The first story By Agustina Bazterrica-- Blue Flowers is a great representation of the entire book. Setting the haunting stage. It is psychological, it is chilling, and it will linger with readers. It is also about a family which many of these stories are. Almost all are centered around family relationships.
Ann Davila Cardinal-- Her First Cruise Ship-- is a diaspora story but it is also a shocking satire about the vacation industry in and around PR. I loved it. You will laugh and gasp, but also Cardinal will not allow you to leave it behind without thinking about why you laughed and why you gasped. If you have ever been on a Caribbean island vacation, you will feel discomfort at this one.
Ananda Lima is an author of Brazilian descent that I love. She writes stories that are so original and compelling. This one Specter-- it is a psychological story of the anxiety and fear around being an immigrant, in this case, a grad student. You can feel everything that is happening here-- the real fear and the supernatural.
But my favorite might be Lilliam Rivera's Whispers from the Root. Rivera is a YA author who I was unfamiliar with before this anthology. She grabbed me from the first line and did not let go. This is an angry story of body horror and revenge and WOW! I have not read anything like it. The visuals she creates, the historical harm from one man on three families, the prophesy coming true, the three people knowing they had to make a trek to exact revenge, All of it. the pain, the horror, the heartbreak. The revenge across generations. The cheering for the villain to get his. LOVED IT. Reminded me of Stephen Graham Jones.
4.5 out of 5
Three Words That Describe This Book: Haunting, Full Range of Scares, Thought-Provoking
Like Never Whistle at Night anthos or Sinew and Silk (Kulski) this is a cultural based anthology that is able to showcase what unites these Latine authors but also showcase what makes them different. These stories are all haunting. Some chilling, others visceral. Some more myth or folklore others more psychological. Some straight up terror others sardonic.
But here's the thing, no matter your background as a reader, you will find something that resonates with you here. It is both a specific volume and a universal one. These are inherited stories in some ways but universal as well.
But all haunting. The introduction (by Brenda Lozano, translated by Heather Cleary) talks about what distinguishes a ghost from one culture to the next, how they are the same and different. It is an excellent essay on its own. She writes about how Latin American stories-- even when written in English are linked to political history of Spanish. She write about Latin American Ghosts being connected to colonialism, narco violence, femicide, precession, and dictatorships. But also the specific folklore of the people depending on where they are from.
The haunting is what I felt reading the stories. They are so different and yet, they all reverberate with a similar energy. The voices presented in each tale linger. The stories unsettle readers-- each in their own way. And you cannot help but think about each after you finish them. The fear is still there whether you want it to be or not, whether you have a personal connection to Latin America or not. And that is the sign of a solid horror anthology.
Published simultaneously in English and Spanish which is cool on its own but when you realized that I read the English version and some stories are noted who translated them into English and when Spanish readers get it, the ones I read in English will have translated by attributions. This is exactly what this anthology is trying to do -- make the way the past, the author's ties to their various Latin traditions, resonate in the present. How the stories they were told, the horrors they lived through, colonization, folklore, diaspora, immigration, family, legacy, violence, revenge, ghosts-- all of it made these authors who they are and that connection to the Spanish, whether they speak it or not, it is there.
Because of the range of scares and writing styles, not every reader will read the entire thing cover to cover at once. But what I think will happen-- readers will come to read a story by an author they love-- and there are many here that have legions of fans (especially some YA authors). They wil read that story and then try another. Maybe by another author they have heard of. And then maybe come back to it to try another.
The awesome TOC is great. I especially hope it draws more readers to the amazing works by these authors-- especially Craft: Stories I wrote for the Devil by Amanda Lima and A Sunny Place for Shady People by Mariana Enríquez.
Stories I want to call out
The first story By Agustina Bazterrica-- Blue Flowers is a great representation of the entire book. Setting the haunting stage. It is psychological, it is chilling, and it will linger with readers. It is also about a family which many of these stories are. Almost all are centered around family relationships.
Ann Davila Cardinal-- Her First Cruise Ship-- is a diaspora story but it is also a shocking satire about the vacation industry in and around PR. I loved it. You will laugh and gasp, but also Cardinal will not allow you to leave it behind without thinking about why you laughed and why you gasped. If you have ever been on a Caribbean island vacation, you will feel discomfort at this one.
Ananda Lima is an author of Brazilian descent that I love. She writes stories that are so original and compelling. This one Specter-- it is a psychological story of the anxiety and fear around being an immigrant, in this case, a grad student. You can feel everything that is happening here-- the real fear and the supernatural.
But my favorite might be Lilliam Rivera's Whispers from the Root. Rivera is a YA author who I was unfamiliar with before this anthology. She grabbed me from the first line and did not let go. This is an angry story of body horror and revenge and WOW! I have not read anything like it. The visuals she creates, the historical harm from one man on three families, the prophesy coming true, the three people knowing they had to make a trek to exact revenge, All of it. the pain, the horror, the heartbreak. The revenge across generations. The cheering for the villain to get his. LOVED IT. Reminded me of Stephen Graham Jones.
2026
April 27, 2026Halloween TBR
Latine Heritage Month TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Primero Sueno Press
Latine Heritage Month TBR
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Atria/Primero Sueno Press
June 3, 2026
Some of my favorite authors are featured in this collection, which made me eager to pick it up. Unfortunately, it ended up being a fairly average read. While a few stories were enjoyable, none were particularly memorable.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a great anthology.
As the description says, this is a collection of short horror stories from multiple authors, and I was really excited to see some familiar names included.
Overall, I had a really good time with this. The stories are short and easy to get into, which makes it super bingeable. You can just pick one up, get fully immersed, and then move on to the next without feeling overwhelmed.
And the variety? So good.
We get ghosts, demons, curses, folklore, all kinds of creepy and unsettling vibes. Some stories leaned more into that weird, eerie atmosphere that I personally love, and those were definitely my favorites.
Of course, like with any anthology, some stories stood out more than others, but overall the collection felt really solid and satisfying.
Also… it’s coming out on my birthday, so obviously it gets extra points from me. ( hi, hi) :D Oh, and almost forgot, I love the cover too!
⭐ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
As the description says, this is a collection of short horror stories from multiple authors, and I was really excited to see some familiar names included.
Overall, I had a really good time with this. The stories are short and easy to get into, which makes it super bingeable. You can just pick one up, get fully immersed, and then move on to the next without feeling overwhelmed.
And the variety? So good.
We get ghosts, demons, curses, folklore, all kinds of creepy and unsettling vibes. Some stories leaned more into that weird, eerie atmosphere that I personally love, and those were definitely my favorites.
Of course, like with any anthology, some stories stood out more than others, but overall the collection felt really solid and satisfying.
Also… it’s coming out on my birthday, so obviously it gets extra points from me. ( hi, hi) :D Oh, and almost forgot, I love the cover too!
⭐ 4.5 stars (rounded up)
Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC.
May 3, 2026
Something Followed Us Home and that is colonialism and the side effects of the western mindset. This short story anthology features several Latinx voices. People have had enough and horror is the mechanism that brings these words to life for people to understand just how harsh colonialism has been in our daily lives. Every story is spine tingling, some are poetic, while others are downright daunting. A collection that speaks more than the words bound to the pages and will give you an eerie unsettling fact to think about as you read each one.
Once I saw that Cynthia Pelayo was involved in this project – I came running to read this. I cannot wait for this beautiful anthology to be released. The bright colors lurking in the darkness is a great metaphor for the type of stories you will come across. It is difficult to pick a favorite one because they all resonate with this feeling of being over the establishment. I appreciated the stories that recognized us Puerto Ricans who were not raised speaking Spanish. This is anthology that you will see yourself in one shape or monster.
The anthology flows from each story to the next with that uncanny setting remaining persistent. What stands out as loud is the Latinx authors making their voices heard through metaphor, horror, and magical realism that makes you think. The diction that is used will impact that way you approach anthologies. I appreciate a collection that really connects with one another and creates pieces that linger in your mind. The imagery that comes from the words is visceral enough to send you running in the woods.
Make sure you read this and have a firelight nearby to keep the ghouls at bay. An enchanting read that you should not miss the opportunity of. A collection for the horror enthusiasts, LATINX, and readers expanding their library with inclusive reads. There is something creepy here for everyone amongst all these short stories. Thank you to the authors, Atria Books/Primero Sueno Press, and Netgalley for this advanced digital copy.
For tarot readings, recommendations, and reviews, check out my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com/
June 7, 2026
• BOOK REVIEW •
NEW ARC REVIEW!
Publication Date : 29th Sept 2026
………………………………………………………………………
Date : 7th June 2026
Book : Something Followed Us Home: Tales Of Latiné Horror
Author : Multiple Authors including Cynthia Pelayo
Genre : Horror Anthology / Cultural Horror
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you so much, @atriabooks and @netgalley for inviting me to read and review this ARC! It’s a good thing I had strong coffee last night, because I stayed up reading this in between another horror book and devoured em both.
I’ve been loving all these horror anthologies that I’ve been reading lately and this particular book is focused more on the old folklore along with family secrets and even monsters of the Latiné culture. It actually made me learn a bit more about the real life stuff like moving to a new place, immigration and deep family traditions while adding in the haunting and horror elements to it.
Another reason why I loved this book was because it reminded me of the kind of books I used to read before heading to bed. Now, I don’t know about you guys but when I was little, I read ‘True Singapore Ghost Stories’ and I still think about it til this day so this book was a great way to get some chills in.
Now not all of the stories caught my attention but maybe it’s because I have not as much knowledge in depth regarding the culture coming from a SEA background (I’m always willing to do my research) but there were so many other good stories that I got out of this book too andddddd Cynthia Pelayo was one of my favourites! It was about a family that is dealing with a tragic loss and as they try to process their sadness, a schpooky spirit starts to stalk and haunt them. It just shows how being deeply sad can make you vulnerable to the dark things waiting in the shadows. 👀
P/s : You will see some of your well known authors in this too btw just as you’ll meet new ones and love their work just as much!🫶🏽✨
#somethingfollowedushome #bookstagram #bookrec #horror • horror • horror anthologies • short stories • Latiné culture • old folklore • demons • spirits • spooky •
NEW ARC REVIEW!
Publication Date : 29th Sept 2026
………………………………………………………………………
Date : 7th June 2026
Book : Something Followed Us Home: Tales Of Latiné Horror
Author : Multiple Authors including Cynthia Pelayo
Genre : Horror Anthology / Cultural Horror
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thank you so much, @atriabooks and @netgalley for inviting me to read and review this ARC! It’s a good thing I had strong coffee last night, because I stayed up reading this in between another horror book and devoured em both.
I’ve been loving all these horror anthologies that I’ve been reading lately and this particular book is focused more on the old folklore along with family secrets and even monsters of the Latiné culture. It actually made me learn a bit more about the real life stuff like moving to a new place, immigration and deep family traditions while adding in the haunting and horror elements to it.
Another reason why I loved this book was because it reminded me of the kind of books I used to read before heading to bed. Now, I don’t know about you guys but when I was little, I read ‘True Singapore Ghost Stories’ and I still think about it til this day so this book was a great way to get some chills in.
Now not all of the stories caught my attention but maybe it’s because I have not as much knowledge in depth regarding the culture coming from a SEA background (I’m always willing to do my research) but there were so many other good stories that I got out of this book too andddddd Cynthia Pelayo was one of my favourites! It was about a family that is dealing with a tragic loss and as they try to process their sadness, a schpooky spirit starts to stalk and haunt them. It just shows how being deeply sad can make you vulnerable to the dark things waiting in the shadows. 👀
P/s : You will see some of your well known authors in this too btw just as you’ll meet new ones and love their work just as much!🫶🏽✨
#somethingfollowedushome #bookstagram #bookrec #horror • horror • horror anthologies • short stories • Latiné culture • old folklore • demons • spirits • spooky •
July 6, 2026
I loved how most of these stories imbued folk stories and/or historical context of relating to Puerto Rico’s colonial history. I learned some really interesting things and found some new authors to read from! Overall this collection is better than most short story collections and will satisfy the appetite of anyone in need!
5/5 for the following stand outs:
*Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica
*My Boyfriend by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
*Luz y Fer by Leopoldo Gout
*Mechanical Servants LLC by Juan Martinez
*El Jíbaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo
*We Are gathered Here today by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
5/5 for the following stand outs:
*Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica
*My Boyfriend by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
*Luz y Fer by Leopoldo Gout
*Mechanical Servants LLC by Juan Martinez
*El Jíbaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo
*We Are gathered Here today by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
May 11, 2026
Thanks to Atria Books and Net galley for a copy of this arc.
I literally averaged this short story collection by stories and it came to a like 3.6 BUT I have so many 5* that I had to bump this up.
Honestly the ones stars too are just a matter of personal taste.
The absolute stand outs for me are
We are Gathered Here by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
A vampire revenge tale that paints a hopeful if bloody picture on just what a undead creature could spend all that endless time on
The World from Above and the World From Below by Mónica Ojeda.
A story about grief that is so well written it felt like splitting open old wounds. I will never read this again and think I might hate it but also doubt I will forget
The other 5* for me are
Her First Cruise Ship by Ann Dávila Cardinal
The Return of La Muelona by Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro
Pomelo by Xochitl Gonzalez
Fidelity by Alex Sequra
This is such a well rounded anthology. It has something for Horror fans of all flavors and is not one to miss. Cynthia Pelayo blew this one out of the water
I literally averaged this short story collection by stories and it came to a like 3.6 BUT I have so many 5* that I had to bump this up.
Honestly the ones stars too are just a matter of personal taste.
The absolute stand outs for me are
We are Gathered Here by Diana Rodriguez Wallach
A vampire revenge tale that paints a hopeful if bloody picture on just what a undead creature could spend all that endless time on
The World from Above and the World From Below by Mónica Ojeda.
A story about grief that is so well written it felt like splitting open old wounds. I will never read this again and think I might hate it but also doubt I will forget
The other 5* for me are
Her First Cruise Ship by Ann Dávila Cardinal
The Return of La Muelona by Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro
Pomelo by Xochitl Gonzalez
Fidelity by Alex Sequra
This is such a well rounded anthology. It has something for Horror fans of all flavors and is not one to miss. Cynthia Pelayo blew this one out of the water
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this ARC on NetGalley from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
I came for the Big 3 Latine Horror Author Holy Trinity, and stayed for the incredible amount of talent holding their own alongside them, and leaving with a few new writers I yearn to read more from.
When it comes to a collection of short stories I usually find myself reading one and sitting on it before continuing. I could not use that method with this collection, for every story leaves you needing to read more. I find the order of the stories very well, though I’d almost recommend it start with Cañas as the opener, and save Bazterrica for a little later after some of the more whimsy stories to reset the tone for darker ones to come. There were only one story that I felt didn’t fully compliment the collection (The Rooftop Revolution of Selly Aviles,) as it took the whimsical approach such as Her First Cruise Ship, but I found it was missing something more. I also struggled with the very casual incest of Enriquez story and how the protagonist perhaps didn’t have more damning commentary on this.
Overall, this is going to be THE book this fall. There is something so beautiful about how pivotal language is and plays a part in every story. You’re left wondering for the stories translated to English - how much impact do we miss because our language doesn’t carry the same strength with the conjuncture of words as Spanish does (El Milagrito, the breakdown of that in The Immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran really gut punched home how poignant the language in these stories are,) and take you a level deeper than stories told entirely in English can do. These stories haunt you in a multitude of ways; the blood sucking of capitalism turning us into zombies, the blood shed of colonisation and desperate search for why someone would treat people less than, paying your dues and knowing you cannot out run your past - and all of it ends with a very “good for them,” moment that leaves you energised and beyond satisfied.
This should be a book on everyone’s radar this year.
I came for the Big 3 Latine Horror Author Holy Trinity, and stayed for the incredible amount of talent holding their own alongside them, and leaving with a few new writers I yearn to read more from.
When it comes to a collection of short stories I usually find myself reading one and sitting on it before continuing. I could not use that method with this collection, for every story leaves you needing to read more. I find the order of the stories very well, though I’d almost recommend it start with Cañas as the opener, and save Bazterrica for a little later after some of the more whimsy stories to reset the tone for darker ones to come. There were only one story that I felt didn’t fully compliment the collection (The Rooftop Revolution of Selly Aviles,) as it took the whimsical approach such as Her First Cruise Ship, but I found it was missing something more. I also struggled with the very casual incest of Enriquez story and how the protagonist perhaps didn’t have more damning commentary on this.
Overall, this is going to be THE book this fall. There is something so beautiful about how pivotal language is and plays a part in every story. You’re left wondering for the stories translated to English - how much impact do we miss because our language doesn’t carry the same strength with the conjuncture of words as Spanish does (El Milagrito, the breakdown of that in The Immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran really gut punched home how poignant the language in these stories are,) and take you a level deeper than stories told entirely in English can do. These stories haunt you in a multitude of ways; the blood sucking of capitalism turning us into zombies, the blood shed of colonisation and desperate search for why someone would treat people less than, paying your dues and knowing you cannot out run your past - and all of it ends with a very “good for them,” moment that leaves you energised and beyond satisfied.
This should be a book on everyone’s radar this year.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Book Review: Something Followed Us Home by Cynthia Pelayo and others
Something Followed Us Home is one of the strongest horror anthologies I’ve listened to in a long time. Anthologies can be uneven, but I was consistently impressed by the quality and originality of these stories. Each author brought a distinct voice and perspective, and I found myself eager to see what each new story would explore. The collection offers everything from supernatural horror to psychological unease, but what ties it all together is a sense of lingering dread and the idea that some things refuse to stay in the past.
One of my favorite aspects of this anthology was the exploration of different Latin cultures and traditions. Too often, readers see Latino experiences treated as a single monolithic identity, but this collection showcases a variety of cultural backgrounds, folklore, histories, and perspectives. From Mexican to Puerto Rican influences and beyond, each story felt rooted in its own unique traditions and experiences. That diversity enriched the collection and made the horror feel more personal and authentic.
Many of the stories also examine themes of family, heritage, grief, and generational trauma. Whether the characters were confronting literal monsters or the ghosts of their past, there was often an underlying question of what we inherit from those who came before us. The title Something Followed Us Home feels particularly fitting because so many of these stories explore the idea that we carry pieces of our history, culture, and family with us, whether we want to or not.
Overall, I thought this was a compelling, thoughtful, and genuinely memorable anthology. While some stories resonated with me more than others, I appreciated how unique each one felt and how many stayed with me after I finished. For readers looking for horror that is both unsettling and culturally rich, this collection delivers. 4.5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Something Followed Us Home is one of the strongest horror anthologies I’ve listened to in a long time. Anthologies can be uneven, but I was consistently impressed by the quality and originality of these stories. Each author brought a distinct voice and perspective, and I found myself eager to see what each new story would explore. The collection offers everything from supernatural horror to psychological unease, but what ties it all together is a sense of lingering dread and the idea that some things refuse to stay in the past.
One of my favorite aspects of this anthology was the exploration of different Latin cultures and traditions. Too often, readers see Latino experiences treated as a single monolithic identity, but this collection showcases a variety of cultural backgrounds, folklore, histories, and perspectives. From Mexican to Puerto Rican influences and beyond, each story felt rooted in its own unique traditions and experiences. That diversity enriched the collection and made the horror feel more personal and authentic.
Many of the stories also examine themes of family, heritage, grief, and generational trauma. Whether the characters were confronting literal monsters or the ghosts of their past, there was often an underlying question of what we inherit from those who came before us. The title Something Followed Us Home feels particularly fitting because so many of these stories explore the idea that we carry pieces of our history, culture, and family with us, whether we want to or not.
Overall, I thought this was a compelling, thoughtful, and genuinely memorable anthology. While some stories resonated with me more than others, I appreciated how unique each one felt and how many stayed with me after I finished. For readers looking for horror that is both unsettling and culturally rich, this collection delivers. 4.5 stars.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books /Primero Sueno Press for providing me with the ARC.
Pub Date 29 Sep 2026
This is an interesting collection. I’ve read only from a couple of the authors in here and was excited to read some more Latiné horror. Unfortunately, I’ve lost interest quite fast in some of the stories. This was mostly because of the writing style. For a short story I expect something flashy and punchy that can grab me from the start and surprise me by the end. There are some very good stories as well, but my only favorite was The world from above and the world from below by Monica Ojeda.
My individual ratings are as follows:
Blue Flowers by Augustina Bazterrica – A good ghost story, pretty emotional 3 stars
The hand that feeds by Isabel Canas - A solid fable 3 stars
Her first cruise ship by Ann Davila Cardinal –Zombie flicks are not my faves 3 stars
My boyfriend by Gerardo Samano Cordova - Loved this, I would also prefer the demon 4 stars
The immaculate rebirth of Nicki Duran by Zoraida Cordova DNF
Guardian Angel by Mariana Enriquez –I knew what it was and how would end, but I still loved it 5 stars
The return of La Muelona by Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro DNF
Pomelo by Xochith Gonzalez – Just boring 2 stars
LUZ by Ananda Lima - Such a cool concept, but the ending felt flat 3.5 stars
Mechanical Servants LLC by Juan Martinez – DNF
The world from above and the world from below by Monica Ojeda – Give it to Monica Ojeda to be the most distinguished and original author in here 5 stars
The rooftop revolution of Selly Aviles by Daniel Jose Older –I didn’t get it, but it gave me a few giggles 2.5 stars
El Jibaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo - DNF
Whispers from the root by Lilliam Rivera – This was like a noir story, honestly, I did not like it 2 stars
Fidelity Alex Segura – uh, okay 2 stars
We are gathered here together Diana Rodriguez Wallach – This was a cool premise, well executed 3.5 stars
Pub Date 29 Sep 2026
This is an interesting collection. I’ve read only from a couple of the authors in here and was excited to read some more Latiné horror. Unfortunately, I’ve lost interest quite fast in some of the stories. This was mostly because of the writing style. For a short story I expect something flashy and punchy that can grab me from the start and surprise me by the end. There are some very good stories as well, but my only favorite was The world from above and the world from below by Monica Ojeda.
My individual ratings are as follows:
Blue Flowers by Augustina Bazterrica – A good ghost story, pretty emotional 3 stars
The hand that feeds by Isabel Canas - A solid fable 3 stars
Her first cruise ship by Ann Davila Cardinal –Zombie flicks are not my faves 3 stars
My boyfriend by Gerardo Samano Cordova - Loved this, I would also prefer the demon 4 stars
The immaculate rebirth of Nicki Duran by Zoraida Cordova DNF
Guardian Angel by Mariana Enriquez –I knew what it was and how would end, but I still loved it 5 stars
The return of La Muelona by Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro DNF
Pomelo by Xochith Gonzalez – Just boring 2 stars
LUZ by Ananda Lima - Such a cool concept, but the ending felt flat 3.5 stars
Mechanical Servants LLC by Juan Martinez – DNF
The world from above and the world from below by Monica Ojeda – Give it to Monica Ojeda to be the most distinguished and original author in here 5 stars
The rooftop revolution of Selly Aviles by Daniel Jose Older –I didn’t get it, but it gave me a few giggles 2.5 stars
El Jibaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo - DNF
Whispers from the root by Lilliam Rivera – This was like a noir story, honestly, I did not like it 2 stars
Fidelity Alex Segura – uh, okay 2 stars
We are gathered here together Diana Rodriguez Wallach – This was a cool premise, well executed 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m a big fan of short story collections — even if I don’t tend to read them as often as I’d like — and my favourite way to enjoy them is to read one story each day, reflecting on what I’ve read up until it is time to dive into the next story. Anthologies, in particular, are great for this, delivering something truly fresh with each reading session. Something Followed Us Home certainly delivered on this for me.
Some stories were easier to digest than others, whether due to the writing itself or the subject matter. I enjoyed some stories more and some less, which is to be expected. Regardless of what I got out of each individual piece, the way they came together as a whole is an admirable accomplishment for the collection’s editor, Cynthia Pelayo. Pelayo’s recognition of writing talent in a wide variety of approaches and voices is an undeniable talent of its own. As is the skill showcased in the construction of the collection, with the way that the stories were strung together to alleviate heaviness, where it came through, with some more comedic stories, while still allowing each story adequate space. The range of themes, tones, voices, and concepts was such a treat.
Though I can recognize and hold my hands up to the immense talent showcased throughout this collection, I don’t look back on my reading experience with a particular or memorable fondness. While I absolutely adored some of these short reads (Her First Cruise Ship was among my favourites and really landed for me in multiple ways), many others left me feeling underwhelmed for a variety of reasons. The balance in the end leans towards this being something that I am very glad to have read, but didn’t particularly like or love.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Primero Sueño Press for access to this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Some stories were easier to digest than others, whether due to the writing itself or the subject matter. I enjoyed some stories more and some less, which is to be expected. Regardless of what I got out of each individual piece, the way they came together as a whole is an admirable accomplishment for the collection’s editor, Cynthia Pelayo. Pelayo’s recognition of writing talent in a wide variety of approaches and voices is an undeniable talent of its own. As is the skill showcased in the construction of the collection, with the way that the stories were strung together to alleviate heaviness, where it came through, with some more comedic stories, while still allowing each story adequate space. The range of themes, tones, voices, and concepts was such a treat.
Though I can recognize and hold my hands up to the immense talent showcased throughout this collection, I don’t look back on my reading experience with a particular or memorable fondness. While I absolutely adored some of these short reads (Her First Cruise Ship was among my favourites and really landed for me in multiple ways), many others left me feeling underwhelmed for a variety of reasons. The balance in the end leans towards this being something that I am very glad to have read, but didn’t particularly like or love.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Primero Sueño Press for access to this title. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something Followed Us Home immediately caught my attention because it's an anthology written by various Latine authors, a lineup I simply couldn't resist. Each story brings something unique, but together they create a haunting love letter to our culture, our fears, and our histories.
What I loved most was how deeply rooted these stories are in folklore, family secrets, and the monsters that have long existed in Latine storytelling. But beyond the supernatural, these stories felt real. Themes of immigration, moving to unfamiliar places, preserving traditions, and searching for identity made many of the stories hit close to home. The horror elements are wonderfully varied, sometimes eerie, sometimes heartbreaking, but colonialism remains the thread woven throughout the collection. It adds depth and reminds us that some of the scariest monsters are the ones history leaves behind.
Anthologies can be tricky because not every story resonates equally, but I appreciated the range of voices and perspectives in this collection. The blend of horror with faith, family, identity, and cultural history made this much more than a spooky read, it felt meaningful. Short story collections are also some of my favorite books to keep on my nightstand. They're perfect for savoring one story at a time or pulling you out of a reading slump when committing to a full novel feels impossible.
Absolutely. I would recommend this to readers who love folklore-inspired horror, stories centered on immigration and identity, or anyone wanting to read more Latine authors. If you enjoy horror that is both haunting and culturally rich, this anthology deserves a spot on your shelf.
Thank you so much, @atriabooks and @netgalley for inviting me to read and review this ARC!
What I loved most was how deeply rooted these stories are in folklore, family secrets, and the monsters that have long existed in Latine storytelling. But beyond the supernatural, these stories felt real. Themes of immigration, moving to unfamiliar places, preserving traditions, and searching for identity made many of the stories hit close to home. The horror elements are wonderfully varied, sometimes eerie, sometimes heartbreaking, but colonialism remains the thread woven throughout the collection. It adds depth and reminds us that some of the scariest monsters are the ones history leaves behind.
Anthologies can be tricky because not every story resonates equally, but I appreciated the range of voices and perspectives in this collection. The blend of horror with faith, family, identity, and cultural history made this much more than a spooky read, it felt meaningful. Short story collections are also some of my favorite books to keep on my nightstand. They're perfect for savoring one story at a time or pulling you out of a reading slump when committing to a full novel feels impossible.
Absolutely. I would recommend this to readers who love folklore-inspired horror, stories centered on immigration and identity, or anyone wanting to read more Latine authors. If you enjoy horror that is both haunting and culturally rich, this anthology deserves a spot on your shelf.
Thank you so much, @atriabooks and @netgalley for inviting me to read and review this ARC!
June 1, 2026
I feel transformed after finishing this anthology.
As a Latina, there's always something quite special about Latiné stories. There's this deeper connection that I feel within the space between words. It's almost magical. This was ever-present throughout this whole anthology. It brought me to new corners of the world, new angles to themes, new experiences, while also reminding me of what we share as a community.
This is a horror anthology. This book is filled with ghost stories and creatures and legends, but the horror isn't the ghosts or the creatures.
Colonialism is a massive theme in this anthology. Understandably so. Our communities have long suffered at the hand of colonialism for far too long. These stories take us through so many journeys, assessing how colonialism affected so many countries and how it looks like today in our current world. These authors provided such incredible lenses to view this through. Some were campy horrors, others kept you at the edge of your seat, sometimes there was a lot of gore. And everything meant something. Each word felt purposeful. I also enjoyed other prominent themes in these stories, such as faith and folklore.
Many of these stories were stand-outs for me, staying with me long after I finished reading them. I will say that Cynthia Pelayo's "El Jíbaro de Puerto Rico" truly impacted me, and I will carry that story with me for the rest of my life.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC. I'm so grateful to have been able to read this collection.
As a Latina, there's always something quite special about Latiné stories. There's this deeper connection that I feel within the space between words. It's almost magical. This was ever-present throughout this whole anthology. It brought me to new corners of the world, new angles to themes, new experiences, while also reminding me of what we share as a community.
This is a horror anthology. This book is filled with ghost stories and creatures and legends, but the horror isn't the ghosts or the creatures.
Colonialism is a massive theme in this anthology. Understandably so. Our communities have long suffered at the hand of colonialism for far too long. These stories take us through so many journeys, assessing how colonialism affected so many countries and how it looks like today in our current world. These authors provided such incredible lenses to view this through. Some were campy horrors, others kept you at the edge of your seat, sometimes there was a lot of gore. And everything meant something. Each word felt purposeful. I also enjoyed other prominent themes in these stories, such as faith and folklore.
Many of these stories were stand-outs for me, staying with me long after I finished reading them. I will say that Cynthia Pelayo's "El Jíbaro de Puerto Rico" truly impacted me, and I will carry that story with me for the rest of my life.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC. I'm so grateful to have been able to read this collection.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something Followed Us Home is an incredible horror anthology that showcases brilliant Latiné voices. It is an unnerving, visceral collection that runs the full spectrum of horror, making it a dream read for short story fans.
The absolute best part about this book is its sheer unpredictability. Each story is completely different from the last, meaning you never know exactly what kind of dread or monster is going to jump out at you next. I found so many genuine gems in this collection. A few of my favorites included:
"Blue Flowers" by Agustina Bazterrica, which tells a haunting tale of two sisters.
"The Hand That Feeds" by Isabel Cañas, a fascinating, sharp story about a wolf turned into a woman and her encounter with men.
"Her First Cruise Ship" by Ann Dávila Cardinal, which features a brilliantly creepy encounter with cruise ship tourists.
"The Immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran" by Zoraida Córdova, a deeply unsettling concept revolving around a sudden spike in virgin births.
"Whispers from the Root" by Lilliam Rivera, a stellar and gripping story centered around revenge.
To be fair, there were a handful of stories where the ending twists or underlying metaphors didn't quite click for me, or that I didn't fully understand on the first read. But honestly, even with those few, I still thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the atmosphere. There is so much talent packed into these pages that horror readers will not be disappointed by this book. It’s a must-read for your spooky season stack!
Thank you so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advance copy!
The absolute best part about this book is its sheer unpredictability. Each story is completely different from the last, meaning you never know exactly what kind of dread or monster is going to jump out at you next. I found so many genuine gems in this collection. A few of my favorites included:
"Blue Flowers" by Agustina Bazterrica, which tells a haunting tale of two sisters.
"The Hand That Feeds" by Isabel Cañas, a fascinating, sharp story about a wolf turned into a woman and her encounter with men.
"Her First Cruise Ship" by Ann Dávila Cardinal, which features a brilliantly creepy encounter with cruise ship tourists.
"The Immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran" by Zoraida Córdova, a deeply unsettling concept revolving around a sudden spike in virgin births.
"Whispers from the Root" by Lilliam Rivera, a stellar and gripping story centered around revenge.
To be fair, there were a handful of stories where the ending twists or underlying metaphors didn't quite click for me, or that I didn't fully understand on the first read. But honestly, even with those few, I still thoroughly enjoyed the ride and the atmosphere. There is so much talent packed into these pages that horror readers will not be disappointed by this book. It’s a must-read for your spooky season stack!
Thank you so much to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advance copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something Followed Us Home by Pelayo was exactly the kind of read I love dark, atmospheric, and impossible to put down. This collection of short stories showcases Pelayo's talent for blending horror with emotion, creating tales that linger long after you've turned the final page. Each story felt unique while still carrying an unsettling thread that tied the collection together beautifully.
One of my favorite things about this collection was seeing so many of my favorite horror authors featured together in one book. Each author brought their own distinct voice and style, making every story feel fresh while still contributing to the overall eerie and immersive experience. I found myself constantly saying, "just one more story," and before I knew it, I had read far more than planned.
Releasing just in time for spooky season and Latine Heritage Month, this is the perfect addition to any horror lover's fall reading stack. The collection delivers chills, heart, and rich cultural perspectives that make these stories even more memorable.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was truly a privilege to experience this incredible collection early, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Horror fans, especially those who love short fiction and diverse voices, should absolutely add this one to their TBR.
One of my favorite things about this collection was seeing so many of my favorite horror authors featured together in one book. Each author brought their own distinct voice and style, making every story feel fresh while still contributing to the overall eerie and immersive experience. I found myself constantly saying, "just one more story," and before I knew it, I had read far more than planned.
Releasing just in time for spooky season and Latine Heritage Month, this is the perfect addition to any horror lover's fall reading stack. The collection delivers chills, heart, and rich cultural perspectives that make these stories even more memorable.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. It was truly a privilege to experience this incredible collection early, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts. Horror fans, especially those who love short fiction and diverse voices, should absolutely add this one to their TBR.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First off: thanks a ton to Netgalley and Atria/Primero Sueno Press for the Advanced Readers Copy of this collection to read and review prior to it publishing on 9/29/26!
I had high hopes/expectations for this collection due to the stacked lineup of authors included in its pages, and for the most part, it delivered a decent collection of some unique, challenging, though-provoking stories of horrors both real and imagined, monstrous and human. I would say that it fell a bit short of my hopes, though, and settled in the mid-range of collections for me.
Many of the stories included gorgeous writing, and I really did feel transported into Latin America at times, but the trade-off for some was that the actual plot suffered and was either very slow-going or just not interesting at all. Some stories were very good, though! Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica, The Immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran by Zoraida Cordova, The Return of La Muelona by Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro, and Whispers from the Root by LIlliam Rivera were standout stories in this collection for me.
All the stories in this collection had quite interesting concepts, but a few were a bit too out there for me (or perhaps the writing style just wasn't for me). I would say that only 1, maybe 2, stories were just total duds, which is a big positive.
Overall, a good collection, just not a great collection.
I had high hopes/expectations for this collection due to the stacked lineup of authors included in its pages, and for the most part, it delivered a decent collection of some unique, challenging, though-provoking stories of horrors both real and imagined, monstrous and human. I would say that it fell a bit short of my hopes, though, and settled in the mid-range of collections for me.
Many of the stories included gorgeous writing, and I really did feel transported into Latin America at times, but the trade-off for some was that the actual plot suffered and was either very slow-going or just not interesting at all. Some stories were very good, though! Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica, The Immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran by Zoraida Cordova, The Return of La Muelona by Carolina Florez-Cerchiaro, and Whispers from the Root by LIlliam Rivera were standout stories in this collection for me.
All the stories in this collection had quite interesting concepts, but a few were a bit too out there for me (or perhaps the writing style just wasn't for me). I would say that only 1, maybe 2, stories were just total duds, which is a big positive.
Overall, a good collection, just not a great collection.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something Followed Us Home is a fantastic sampler of different Latine horror writers and themes. It offers a variety of themes, ideas, and cultures to help introduce you to some new potential favorite authors. Unsurprisingly, colonialism is a major theme, and expect a lot of folklore, faith, immigration family, and identity throughout.
When the stories are hits, they were haunting and fantastic, including two different explorations of women and monstrosity that come from very different angles but intriguingly similar conclusions. Her First Cruise Ship branded its ending on my brain. Fidelity and We Are Gathered Here both scratch an itch for fiction I've needed terribly without even knowing it. Pomelo has a degree of sacred weirdness to it that I have a hard time explaining.
Given the high quality of the stories I did enjoy, I suspect those that didn't work for me are did so as a mix of not being to my taste and/or me missing culture references and touch stones. The one story I just couldn't quite settle with was Guardian Angel, which has some pretty rough incest themes that I just couldn't get past. Child death and varying levels violence are present throughout the collection, so be aware. The overall experience is still very worth while.
Thanks to Atria Books and Net galley for a copy of this arc.
When the stories are hits, they were haunting and fantastic, including two different explorations of women and monstrosity that come from very different angles but intriguingly similar conclusions. Her First Cruise Ship branded its ending on my brain. Fidelity and We Are Gathered Here both scratch an itch for fiction I've needed terribly without even knowing it. Pomelo has a degree of sacred weirdness to it that I have a hard time explaining.
Given the high quality of the stories I did enjoy, I suspect those that didn't work for me are did so as a mix of not being to my taste and/or me missing culture references and touch stones. The one story I just couldn't quite settle with was Guardian Angel, which has some pretty rough incest themes that I just couldn't get past. Child death and varying levels violence are present throughout the collection, so be aware. The overall experience is still very worth while.
Thanks to Atria Books and Net galley for a copy of this arc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I’d like to thank NetGalley and Primero Sueño Press for the opportunity to read and review Something Followed Us Home ahead of its release.
This anthology brings together a diverse collection of Latine folklore horror stories, each offering its own unique voice, atmosphere, and interpretation of horror. One of the strengths of the collection is the variety of perspectives and cultural influences woven throughout the stories.
As with most anthologies, some stories resonated with me more than others. A few were memorable and immersive, while others didn’t leave as lasting an impression. I also tend to prefer more linear horror novels, so the transition between different stories, characters, and writing styles occasionally pulled me out of the experience.
While I personally hoped for a few more stories that felt genuinely unsettling or frightening, I appreciated the creativity on display and the opportunity to discover new authors and folklore-inspired horror. Readers who enjoy short fiction, folklore, and anthologies will likely find stories that speak to them throughout the collection.
Overall, this was a solid reading experience that highlighted a wide range of talent and storytelling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
This anthology brings together a diverse collection of Latine folklore horror stories, each offering its own unique voice, atmosphere, and interpretation of horror. One of the strengths of the collection is the variety of perspectives and cultural influences woven throughout the stories.
As with most anthologies, some stories resonated with me more than others. A few were memorable and immersive, while others didn’t leave as lasting an impression. I also tend to prefer more linear horror novels, so the transition between different stories, characters, and writing styles occasionally pulled me out of the experience.
While I personally hoped for a few more stories that felt genuinely unsettling or frightening, I appreciated the creativity on display and the opportunity to discover new authors and folklore-inspired horror. Readers who enjoy short fiction, folklore, and anthologies will likely find stories that speak to them throughout the collection.
Overall, this was a solid reading experience that highlighted a wide range of talent and storytelling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This collection has some fantastic names. It really is the draw for this collection. I had some high expectations with the authors I knew were in here. As with most collections, there are great stories and some that fall short. I questioned if I wanted to finish it halfway through, I am glad I kept at it because the second half is great.
Some highlights:
The first cruise Ship was creative and funny. Just a fun take on zombies.
My Boyfriend was great Horrormance I think. What would you do for love with a demon?
The immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran was well done. A very interesting idea of immaculate mass scale pregnancy.
LUZ y fer. I WANT MORE!! This story got me to fully recommit to finishing this collection. There is so much let to tell. I have Pinata on my kindle, but hadn't prioritized it yet. This makes me want to read it right after my NetGalley queue. This world is so flushed out for a short story, I really want a fully novel of this thing, PLEASE give me a full novel of this world!
The Rooftop Revolution of Selly Aviles. Quite the tonal break from the rest of the collection, but well done and very whimsical.
Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the early copy to review!
Some highlights:
The first cruise Ship was creative and funny. Just a fun take on zombies.
My Boyfriend was great Horrormance I think. What would you do for love with a demon?
The immaculate Rebirth of Nicki Duran was well done. A very interesting idea of immaculate mass scale pregnancy.
LUZ y fer. I WANT MORE!! This story got me to fully recommit to finishing this collection. There is so much let to tell. I have Pinata on my kindle, but hadn't prioritized it yet. This makes me want to read it right after my NetGalley queue. This world is so flushed out for a short story, I really want a fully novel of this thing, PLEASE give me a full novel of this world!
The Rooftop Revolution of Selly Aviles. Quite the tonal break from the rest of the collection, but well done and very whimsical.
Thanks to Atria and NetGalley for the early copy to review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley & Atria Books for the arc. This is my honest review and my thoughts.
This book is truly stacked with well known authors giving you a taste of horrors! From monstrous, to grief, to the yearning of children, to the magical, and the depths of the land. I'm always on the lookout to add to my ever growing Latine authors finds and this is one I'll recommend.
While there are some scary ones, some heart breaking ones, a sense of unease, there is also the insight of death and the cultural aspect these stories begin to hit home.
I've read some of these authors works before but getting to read more of different styles truly was something else and I'll be looking to more of these authors works. I'll admit some stories didn't land and were missing a bit of the horror element, but they weren't terrible. My favorites one were
🖤Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica
🖤The Hand That Feeds by Isabel Cañas
🖤Her First Cruise Ship by Ann Dávila Cardinal
🖤The Immaculate Birth of Nicki by Duran Zoraida Córdova
🖤The Return of La Muelona by Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro
🖤Pomelo by Xochitl Gonzalez
🖤El Jibaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo
A great collection to dip your toes in.
This book is truly stacked with well known authors giving you a taste of horrors! From monstrous, to grief, to the yearning of children, to the magical, and the depths of the land. I'm always on the lookout to add to my ever growing Latine authors finds and this is one I'll recommend.
While there are some scary ones, some heart breaking ones, a sense of unease, there is also the insight of death and the cultural aspect these stories begin to hit home.
I've read some of these authors works before but getting to read more of different styles truly was something else and I'll be looking to more of these authors works. I'll admit some stories didn't land and were missing a bit of the horror element, but they weren't terrible. My favorites one were
🖤Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica
🖤The Hand That Feeds by Isabel Cañas
🖤Her First Cruise Ship by Ann Dávila Cardinal
🖤The Immaculate Birth of Nicki by Duran Zoraida Córdova
🖤The Return of La Muelona by Carolina Flórez-Cerchiaro
🖤Pomelo by Xochitl Gonzalez
🖤El Jibaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo
A great collection to dip your toes in.
June 6, 2026
Thank you to Primero Sueño and The Tobias Literary Agency for the early copy!
I absolutely loved this. What a fantastic collection of short stories. I was extremely well done; the writing here is simply stunning. Every author puts their heart into each story, and it shows. Cynthia Pelayo did an outstanding job editing them. I discovered so many new authors that I haven't had the opportunity to read. Once again, stunning!
Of course, some stories stand out more than others, but I found the book to be equally enjoyable. I believe that the ones that stand out to me are the ones that I would like to read a whole book about. For example, I want Gerardo Samano Córdoba to expand "My Boyfriend" into a full novel because it was so good!
And I feel the same way about the following stories:
Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica
Guardian Angel by Mariana Enriquez
Luz Y Fer by Leopoldo Goût
Mechanical Servants LLC by Juan Martinez
El Jibaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo
Fidelity by Alex Segura
Her First Cruise Ship by Ann Davila Cardinal
10/10 I can see myself coming back and re-reading this in the future.
I absolutely loved this. What a fantastic collection of short stories. I was extremely well done; the writing here is simply stunning. Every author puts their heart into each story, and it shows. Cynthia Pelayo did an outstanding job editing them. I discovered so many new authors that I haven't had the opportunity to read. Once again, stunning!
Of course, some stories stand out more than others, but I found the book to be equally enjoyable. I believe that the ones that stand out to me are the ones that I would like to read a whole book about. For example, I want Gerardo Samano Córdoba to expand "My Boyfriend" into a full novel because it was so good!
And I feel the same way about the following stories:
Blue Flowers by Agustina Bazterrica
Guardian Angel by Mariana Enriquez
Luz Y Fer by Leopoldo Goût
Mechanical Servants LLC by Juan Martinez
El Jibaro de Puerto Rico by Cynthia Pelayo
Fidelity by Alex Segura
Her First Cruise Ship by Ann Davila Cardinal
10/10 I can see myself coming back and re-reading this in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Oh how I enjoyed this random grab, the cover caught my eye and I needed it. Some of the names I knew and some were new to me and I do love finding new authors to dive into, this was excellent.
Blue Flowers by Augustina Bartzerrica, oh my goodness what a haunting slow burn, but I loved every second. It was so unsettling and I have become a recent fan of this author x so getting another, well taste was amazing.
Her First Class Cruise by Ann Davila Cardinal, another new to me author and I do love a fucked up boat story or vacation toe situation and this added in the hell that is retail, what a story.
We Are Gathered Here by Diana Rodriguez was amazing, a new to me name but one I will be remembering. Vampire revenge? Sign me up, what could you do with forever?
There were so many good stories in this and I getting to read these stories from Latine authors themselves was amazing, the haunting quality of some of these, definitely check this out.
Blue Flowers by Augustina Bartzerrica, oh my goodness what a haunting slow burn, but I loved every second. It was so unsettling and I have become a recent fan of this author x so getting another, well taste was amazing.
Her First Class Cruise by Ann Davila Cardinal, another new to me author and I do love a fucked up boat story or vacation toe situation and this added in the hell that is retail, what a story.
We Are Gathered Here by Diana Rodriguez was amazing, a new to me name but one I will be remembering. Vampire revenge? Sign me up, what could you do with forever?
There were so many good stories in this and I getting to read these stories from Latine authors themselves was amazing, the haunting quality of some of these, definitely check this out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something Followed Us Home is a beautifully unsettling collection that still lingers with me and it’s been a while since I’ve finished it. The stories weave cultural horror with emotional depth, creating a sense of dread that feels both intimate and inescapable. There’s a quiet intensity throughout the anthology that makes each piece feel purposeful rather than fleeting.
“Blue Flowers” by Agustina Bazterrica (translated by Sarah Moses) was a clear standout for me. It is haunting and elegant. This story has embedded itself under my skin, I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s restrained but deeply disturbing in a way that sticks.
I also need to mention that as always, Mariana Enríquez delivers. “Guardian Angel” carries her signature eerie atmosphere and emotional depth. She can do no wrong in my opinion!
Overall, this collection is a strong 4-star read for anyone who appreciates horror that is as thoughtful as it is chilling.
“Blue Flowers” by Agustina Bazterrica (translated by Sarah Moses) was a clear standout for me. It is haunting and elegant. This story has embedded itself under my skin, I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s restrained but deeply disturbing in a way that sticks.
I also need to mention that as always, Mariana Enríquez delivers. “Guardian Angel” carries her signature eerie atmosphere and emotional depth. She can do no wrong in my opinion!
Overall, this collection is a strong 4-star read for anyone who appreciates horror that is as thoughtful as it is chilling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something Followed Us Home by Cynthia Pelayo completely pulled me in from the first page and never let go. This is the kind of horror story that gets under your skin—not because of constant scares, but because of the creeping dread that follows you long after you put the book down.
Pelayo blends folklore, grief, and psychological horror so beautifully that I never knew what was waiting around the next corner. The atmosphere was haunting, the tension was relentless, and the story felt both deeply personal and terrifying at the same time. I loved how the horror wasn't just about what was lurking in the shadows, but also about the emotional weight the characters carried.
The writing was vivid and immersive, making it impossible not to feel completely wrapped up in the story. If you enjoy horror that is unsettling, thought-provoking, and rich with folklore, this one is a must-read.
Pelayo blends folklore, grief, and psychological horror so beautifully that I never knew what was waiting around the next corner. The atmosphere was haunting, the tension was relentless, and the story felt both deeply personal and terrifying at the same time. I loved how the horror wasn't just about what was lurking in the shadows, but also about the emotional weight the characters carried.
The writing was vivid and immersive, making it impossible not to feel completely wrapped up in the story. If you enjoy horror that is unsettling, thought-provoking, and rich with folklore, this one is a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I knew I was going to enjoy this anthology once I read the foreword by Brenda Lozano. She explains that what haunts each culture is different and how each of these stories explore dark themes that haunt the latiné community specifically. From colonization to the loss of feminine autonomy for men, this collection really gets to the heart of what scares us in the present and what still haunts us from the past.
It’s so interesting because I feel it is the darkness that shapes us into the resilient people we are. It’s in the shadows that we are molded into the proud people you see among you. It is in spite of the darkness, that we shine. How we can maintain our culture regardless of how many times it’s been threatened to be erased. We endure.
Needless to say, this was an incredible read and I will be recommending this to other readers every chance I get.
It’s so interesting because I feel it is the darkness that shapes us into the resilient people we are. It’s in the shadows that we are molded into the proud people you see among you. It is in spite of the darkness, that we shine. How we can maintain our culture regardless of how many times it’s been threatened to be erased. We endure.
Needless to say, this was an incredible read and I will be recommending this to other readers every chance I get.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another day, another horror anthology for me to obsess over! Something Followed Us Home is an incredibly varied collection of Latinx horror, rife with folklore and real-world themes of grief, trauma, and colonialism, to name a few. The variety is one of the things I loved about this anthology. While anthologies centered about one specific topic can be fun, Something Followed Us Home sends the reader into each story not knowing what to expect- and doesn't that make the horror sharper?
A few favorite standout stories:
The Hand That Feeds by Isabel Cañas
Pomelo by Xochitl Gonzalez
Specter by Ananda Lima
All in all, Cynthia Pelayo edited ((and contributed to)) a wholely intriguing, unsettling anthology. This book is excellent for readers who like variety and unique stories steeped in folklore. Presales are so impactful, so if Something Followed Us Home sounds like the anthology for you make sure to get your preorders in and let your local libraries know that this book should be on their radar and added to their collection!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Atria Books, & this incredible set of authors for this complimentary copy.))
A few favorite standout stories:
The Hand That Feeds by Isabel Cañas
Pomelo by Xochitl Gonzalez
Specter by Ananda Lima
All in all, Cynthia Pelayo edited ((and contributed to)) a wholely intriguing, unsettling anthology. This book is excellent for readers who like variety and unique stories steeped in folklore. Presales are so impactful, so if Something Followed Us Home sounds like the anthology for you make sure to get your preorders in and let your local libraries know that this book should be on their radar and added to their collection!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Atria Books, & this incredible set of authors for this complimentary copy.))
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Something Followed Us Home is a collection of Latin American horror short stories, and if you're open to more "WTF just happened?" horror rather than traditional bump-in-the-night scares, you may enjoy it.
One of my favorite parts was getting a glimpse into what a culture outside of my own considers horror. Going in with an open mind definitely helped my enjoyment. Not every story landed for me, and there were two or three that didn't really pull me in, but there were far more that I found interesting, unsettling, or memorable.
4 Stars - For readers who enjoy horror that leans strange, surreal, and thought-provoking rather than straightforward scary.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. I'm excited to see this one hit bookstore shelves.
One of my favorite parts was getting a glimpse into what a culture outside of my own considers horror. Going in with an open mind definitely helped my enjoyment. Not every story landed for me, and there were two or three that didn't really pull me in, but there were far more that I found interesting, unsettling, or memorable.
4 Stars - For readers who enjoy horror that leans strange, surreal, and thought-provoking rather than straightforward scary.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC. I'm excited to see this one hit bookstore shelves.
June 19, 2026
This is such an incredible collection of short horror stories from Latiné Authors, The vast styles and perspectives make for a well rounded and exciting read. Some of the stories are translated from Spanish and some are originally written in English. I feel so fortunate to have received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and I am already talking about it with my friends, coworker and now the internet! Stories that especially thrilled me include, Her first Cruise ship, Pomelo, the immaculate rebirth of Nicki Duran, and we are gathered here together. I read a lot of horror stories and I can say I really loved the creative voices and mystical threads running through this collection. 10/10 would recommend
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