Horror Aficionados discussion

For some February is all roses, cards, and candy.
How about we try things that go bump and are scary?

Monsters, ghouls, ghosts, and other assorted creatures should do the trick.

Which one will you pick?

Great idea Nikki.

Would love a really scary ghost story. Most of the things I've been reading over the past year have involved zombies, monsters, angels, demons . . . that sort of thing. Would love something freaky and supernatural.

I'm all for something by Graham Masterton or perhaps The Hoodoo Man by Steve Harris (he is kind of semi retired - maybe it would be nice to persuade him to come out of the cupboard and write some more. I believe that his last novel wasn't published due to the fact that publishers found it too horrific (or something like that) to publish.

I've had NOS4A2 [720 pgs.] by Joe Hill in my Kindle for some time, just never got around to reading it yet. Listed under supernatural suspense.
...or The Shining sequel, Doctor Sleep [544 pgs.] by Stephen King.

Fangtooth

Aric wrote: "Great idea Nikki."

Thanks, Aric :)

For those of you who would dare to dive into the supernatural and experience some terror, I'll offer kindle copies of SEVEN-X for all group members to read.
Mike Wech
http://www.seven-x.com
SEVEN-X on Amazon

Thank you for the offer, Mike. We shall see :)

Whatever everyone agrees on, I'm there. But listen, don't wait to read Dr. Sleep! It's great. But I am up for supporting group authors as well. Nikki, take over!

If we get the majority of folks to agree, Seven-X can be the monthly read, however, if there are more suggestions I want to be fair and still have a poll.

Sounds good.

Strange Playgrounds is pretty amazing.

Graham Masterton Graham Masterton Graham Masterton Graham Masterton Graham Masterton Graham Masterton Graham Masterton!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I must have gotten it mixed up with another group, as I can't find anything now, but I always had the idea that it was recommended that authors don't suggest their own books for group reads. :-P Ah well. Maybe later. Lol.

That said, Seven-X does sound interesting. One book I've had my eye on lately though is Mr. Hands by Gary Braunbeck.

How about a good, old-fashioned ghost story from a few years back? I'm reading my way through Jonathan Aycliffe's novels - I've read The Matrix and am reading Naomi's room - and I've got The Silence of Ghosts lined up next. I'm wiling to wait for you all.

What say you?

Seven-x sounds creepy, I am game. Or else some Joe Hill.

Shaun wrote: "I must have gotten it mixed up with another group, as I can't find anything now, but I always had the idea that it was recommended that authors don't suggest their own books for group reads. :-P Ah..."

I couldn't find anything on it, but I can see how it could get out of hand so we can do a separate read if Mike would like to extend the offer. I will also look into a read-to-review discussion if there's not one yet for authors to offer their work for an honest review. I have seen other groups do this.

Justin wrote: "Fangtooth"

This was definitely an enjoyable read

Doctor Sleep by Stephen King or Oscura (The fall) by Guillermo del Toro :)

I've enjoyed King since the mid 80s and I read The Shining back in the day. In preparation for Doctor Sleep I re-read The Shining, and then read DS on publication.

On reflection, this may not have been a good idea because TS is much the better book. DS had it's good points but, boy, did it have its failings.

TS still holds up, in the main, because of the setting, the hotel cut off from everywhere, and with so many reference to times past, even 30 years after it was written it doesn't seem dated.

Whereas DS, with its modern setting, had some very clunky passages. King's getting on a bit, and he's been very wealthy for a long time. His skill, to my mind, has always been his common touch, his intimate knowledge of Joe Average.

I think King is possibly better now when he's either looking back (11/22/63) or just making up stuff!

(Just one example of clunkiness from DS: nearly everything to do with Abra)

If you read TS years ago then my advice would be to NOT re-read it before reading DS.

Don't get me wrong, DS has a lot to recommend it. It's just not up there with his best.

(Oh, and as an aside, the Cemetery Dance signed limited edition of DS is a lovely, lovely book)

Flesh And Blood by Graham Masterton

Doctor Sleep was awesome! I really enjoyed Dean Koontz's Innocence as well.

Prey by Masterton.

Long Lankin

I read a lot of horror in 2013; and this was my favorite.

We just recently had The Shining and Doctor Sleep as group reads. Here are the threads if you want to read through or contribute:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

I vote for Ash Wednesday by Chet Williamson, a great ghost story.

Thanks,
Troy

Anyone interested in reading House of Leaves? I've heard it is fantastic, and have wanted to read it for quite some time. From what I can tell it seems to be something like the Haunting of Hill House, but with a major stylistic twist.

Amanda wrote: "Anyone interested in reading House of Leaves? I've heard it is fantastic, and have wanted to read it for quite some time. From what I can tell it seems to be something like the Haunting of Hill Hou..."

I would definitely recommend it, the book is very interesting.

I'd give House of Leaves a go.

Although, checking on Amazon puts me off a bit. £16.25!!!

In honor of Valentines Day, I would like to nominate

Shaun wrote: "I must have gotten it mixed up with another group, as I can't find anything now, but I always had the idea that it was recommended that authors don't suggest their own books for group reads. :-P Ah..."

The way we do it in my group is you can suggest anything but you are not allowed to vote on something you have already read and that includes authors voting on their own book. I have a small group though and it is easy to spot that kind of thing when we normally have 6 votes and all of a sudden a book is nominate by a non active member and gets 20 votes all from people that have already rated and reviewed the book.

I would definitely vote for and read mr hands, it might be hard to get it nominated since it is print only but if it don't win I would gladly do a buddy read with you.

Robert wrote: "Justin wrote: "Fangtooth"

This was definitely an enjoyable read"

I suggested it because of your recommendation in the sleeper title folder.

Andy wrote: "In honor of Valentines Day, I would like to nominate
"

Looks good.

Take a look at Blow Up the Roses. Several reviewers said they wanted to stop reading it but couldn't

Shayla wrote: "Hihidolly wrote: "I've had NOS4A2 [720 pgs.] by Joe Hill in my Kindle for some time, just never got around to reading it yet. Listed under supernatural suspense.
...or [book:The Sh..."

I agree, I liked hat shaped box and loved horns but I didn't like nos4a2 at all and barley finished it.

Justin wrote: "Robert wrote: "Justin wrote: "Fangtooth"

This was definitely an enjoyable read"

I suggested it because of your recommendation in the sleeper title fo..."

This is in my TBR so gets my vote.

Geek Love...



I hadn't heard of it before seeing the recommendations, but it seems a fitting story for a February read.

I'd second Flesh and Blood. I've had it for a while on my tbr:)

Flesh and Blood does look good. I haven't read Masterton yet.

I have only heard good things about NOS4A2 until now. I do want to read it. Will try to participate with February read

Pamellia wrote: "I have only heard good things about NOS4A2 until now. I do want to read it. Will try to participate with February read"

I saw that in quite a few people's top reads for 2013, it might be an interesting read.

On the eve of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, I would urge you all to read Edgar Allan Poe.

Addy wrote: "I'd second Flesh and Blood. I've had it for a while on my tbr:)"

We could always buddy read it if it doesn't get picked.

Yes, a buddy read sounds great!

February is "Women in Horror Month," so I'd like to see something by a female author or starring a strong female character.

Make it easy on yourselves, only 106 pages. Free digital copies if chosen of not just book one but if you like it, I'll send all six books free (digital)to group members before they are released to the public. That's a group read that keeps on giving throughout 2014. ;)
Perfect for Women in Horror Month as this book features not only a strong female hero but also a wicked female villain.

the ritual by nevill

Bookfan wrote: "On the eve of Edgar Allan Poe's birthday, I would urge you all to read Edgar Allan Poe."

Bookfan, are you suggesting we read something by POE for today the eve of 1/19/1806 (?? on the year, his birthday. That sounds like a good idea!

- May I suggest mine? :)