I’m sure your inbox is full of recaps from 2025. I will, unapologetically, be joining in on this noise to share with you my favorite horror that I read last year.

Without further ado, let’s dive in!

---

Thank you for reading! Subscribe to my free newsletter for occasional emails with personal updates and writing news.

You can also upgrade to be a paying subscriber for $3/month for behind-the-scenes peeks into my writing process and exclusive short stories, or show support with a one-time donation on Ko-Fi.

---

My Favorite Horror Books of 2025

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova

Published June 2005 | Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Vampires | 704 pages

Late one night, exploring her father’s library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters. The letters are all addressed to “My dear and unfortunate successor,” and they plunge her into a world she never dreamed of, a labyrinth where the secrets of her father’s past and her mother’s mysterious fate connect to an inconceivable evil hidden in the depths of history.

Hazelthorn by CG Drews

Published October 2025 | Horror, YA, LGBT | 358 pages

When Byron suddenly dies, Evander inherits Hazelthorn’s immense gothic mansion and acres of sprawling grounds, along with the entirety of the Lennox-Hall family’s vast wealth. But Evander’s sure his guardian was murdered, and Laurie may be the only one who can help him find the killer before they come for Evander next.

The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

Published October 2017 | Horror, Historical Fiction, Gothic | 305 pages

When newly widowed Elsie is sent to see out her pregnancy at her late husband’s crumbling country estate, what greets her is far from the life of wealth and privilege she was expecting . . .

The Resurrectionist by A Rae Dunlap

Published December 2024 | Dark Academia, Horror, Gothic | 326 pages

Historical fiction, true crime, and dark academia intertwine in a harrowing tale of murder, greed, and the grisly origins of modern medicine.

Swallowed by Meg Smitherman

Published January 2025 | Horror, Science Fiction, Romance | 180 pages

Humanity’s first mission to the Planet ended in tragedy, but botanist Jill Jones won’t let that stop her from joining the second.

Have you read (or will you be reading) any of these books?

---

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, consider subscribing to follow along my writing journey as a dark fiction author.

You can also follow me on Instagram or Threads.

If you ever have questions or want to reach out, feel free to contact me or DM me on Instagram!