What Are the Best New Horror Books for Fall 2021?

TL;DR

The top five anticipated horror books for Fall 2021 include 'Nothing But Blackened Teeth' by Cassandra Kaw, which blends Japanese culture with a haunted house story, and 'My Heart Is a Chainsaw' by Stephen Graham Jones, featuring slasher tropes within a Native American setting. Other notable mentions are 'Slew Foot' by Braum, 'Horsemen' by Christina Henry, and 'The Last House on Deedless Street' by Catriona Ward, each offering unique narratives that cater to diverse horror tastes.

Transcript

hi everyone it's rachel back with the shades of orange and today i'm here to do what i hope will be a very helpful video and that is a fall horror preview so i'm doing a thing where i realize it's still the summer but i want to give you insight into five really buzzy popular horror books that are coming out in the fall season and let you know what ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👹 "Nothing But Blackened Teeth" successfully blends Japanese culture and mythology into a haunted house story, complemented by a breakdown of complex friendships.
• 👹 "Slew Foot" combines elements of a historical era with the supernatural, featuring a fiercely independent female character and intriguing monster.
• 👔 "Horsemen" offers a fresh take on the Sleepy Hollow legend, appealing to fans of the original book with its ties to the source material.
• 🖤 "The Last House on Deedless Street" may polarize readers, with some finding its suspenseful and eerie tone effective, while others may perceive it as satirical and lacking in creepiness.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can you provide some insight into the setting and storyline of "Nothing But Blackened Teeth"?

"Nothing But Blackened Teeth" is set in a haunted mansion in Japan where a troubled group of friends gathers for a pre-wedding party. As they navigate their complicated relationships, a vengeful ghost starts haunting them, resulting in a blend of haunted house and interpersonal dynamics.

Q: What makes "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" unique compared to Stephen Graham Jones's previous popular book, "Only the Good Indians"?

While both books are written by Stephen Graham Jones, "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" offers a new voice to the horror genre by infusing Native American culture into a slasher horror story. It incorporates references to classic slasher films and focuses on a young girl's obsession with the genre.

Q: What were the reviewer's thoughts on "The Last House on Deedless Street"?

The reviewer mentioned that while the book has received positive reviews, it personally didn't work for them. They felt it lacked the suspense and creepiness associated with thrillers and instead had a satirical tone that felt over-the-top. Additionally, reading from the perspective of a cat was not enjoyable for them.

Q: How is "Slew Foot" different from other books by Braum?

"Slew Foot" is set in the Puritan era and follows a young woman's resistance to remarriage after her husband's death. It introduces a monster known as "Slew Foot," forming a bond with the protagonist. While the reviewer appreciated Braum's writing, they admit that historical fiction is not their preferred genre.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "Nothing But Blackened Teeth" by Cassandra Kaw is a horror novella set in a haunted mansion in Japan, where a group of friends experiences supernatural occurrences and confronts their complicated past.

• "Slew Foot" by Braum is set in the Puritan era and follows a young woman who refuses to remarry after her husband's death, while also encountering a mysterious monster.

• "Horsemen" by Christina Henry takes place 20 years after the events of Sleepy Hollow, where a character connected to the legend discovers a headless boy, reigniting the belief in the existence of the Headless Horseman.

• "The Last House on Deedless Street" by Catriona Ward tells the story of a man, a young girl, and a cat living in a house with a dark past and hints at a serial killer on the loose.

• "My Heart Is a Chainsaw" by Stephen Graham Jones is set in a Native American community haunted by a possible slasher killer and incorporates classic horror tropes and movie references.