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Black Mad Wheel by Josh Malerman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Josh Malerman has one of the most creative imaginations working in horror fiction today. He proved that with his debut novel, BIRD BOX, and he proves it again with BLACK MAD WHEEL. The concept of a mysterious sound in the Namib desert that can kill you, among other things, is thoroughly original. I found the characters realistic and compelling, Philip and Ellen in particular. As with BIRD BOX, Malerman’s sparse writing style takes some getting used to, but I never felt lost or anything but immersed in the world of the novel. BLACK MAD WHEEL is a page-turner, and Malerman is quickly becoming a new favorite author.

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Final Girls by Riley Sager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I liked this one a lot! The prose is smooth and sly, which you don’t always find in thrillers, and the characters are remarkably well drawn, particularly Quincy and Sam. Being a jaded reader, I was able to anticipate some of the twists and revelations, but Riley Sager’s novel won me over regardless. Now I see why so many people raved about it! Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well written, character-driven thriller.

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Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A fun, fast-paced horror novel, HORROSTOR is a particularly special treat for anyone who has ever shopped at an Ikea (or worked in big-box retail, for that matter). The sharp wit that Grady Hendrix brought to later novels like MY BEST FRIEND’S EXORCISM and WE SOLD OUR SOULS is on full display here as well, with everything from retail jobs to corporate jargon in his crosshairs. He’s no slouch when it comes to the horror elements, either. Grotesque, creepy, and disturbingly physical, this isn’t your run of the mill haunting. If you’re shopping for a brisk, entertaining horror novel, HORRORSTOR has what you’re looking for. Just Orsk!

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