Spring is here. And for once, I’m not mad at it. Winter was kind of long, kind of cold, kind of dark.
Kind of full of me helping my husband to heal from a stroke that had him out of the house in intense medical care for two months and even now has him debilitated, unable to move his right side or speak.
I’m done with Winter. And, it should surprise no one that I’m behind on my reading list for the month.
Like, real behind.
But the books I’ve read so far have left me with a deep passion to read more. Specifically, more horror. So today I’m sharing the books I plan to read this Spring. Hopefully, I can get them all in, because there are some great books here by some great authors.
As always, this is a jumbled collection in no particular order. You’ll find fiction and nonfiction. You’ll find old books and a few new releases. I am a writer, witch and horror content critic and all three of those elements of myself are on display with this reading list. Hopefully, you’ll find something on this list that will catch your fancy and make its way onto your own TBR.
Who Holds The Devil by Michael Dittman
This is the book I’m reading right now. But as I probably won’t finish it before the first day of Spring I feel alright listing it.
A tree brought down under mysterious circumstances on Halloween lets loose a horrible demon in the town of Butler. One that has been there before.
This one is fun for me because I’m from Butler. I’m sitting in Butler right now. But even if you’re not a native, it’s a damn good story.
HorrorStor by Grady Hendrix
Imagine a haunted house, but bigger. Much bigger. Like maybe a giant furniture store with funny-sounding names and demonic possessions. That’s HorrorStor.
Also, if you get a chance, this is a great book to listen to in audiobook form. It’s fun.
Fairy Herds and Mythscapes by Kerry E.B. Black
I have long said that fairies are not something to be trifled with. This collection seems to agree with me.
Incidents Around The House by John Malerman
The cover and the title caught my attention, and I couldn’t move away from it. I am a sucker for haunted houses.
By the way, I’ve never read Bird Box or seen it. If I like this one, I might check that one out. Should I? Let me know in the comments.
The Cabin at The End of The World by Paul Tremblay
If I’m being honest, I got this book from the library just because it was written by Tremblay, who also wrote Horror Movie. And that was one of the smartest books I’ve read in years. But the description of little Wen being menaced by a stranger just pulled me in. I cannot wait to read this.
The Spirit Collection of Thorn Hall by J. Ann Thomas
This feels from the description like a blend of Thirteen Ghosts and Haunting of Hill House. And I am here for it.
Sunrise on The Reaping by Suzanne Collins
Do I really need to explain why I want to read this? It’s the story of Haymitch, the drunk mentor/freedom fighter from the astounding Hunger Games series. I am currently 17 on the list for this book at my local library. I cannot wait to get my hands on it.
An Apostates Guide To Witchcraft by Moss Matthey
This is a book about growing from a toxic upbringing in a high-control religion and finding oneself in witchcraft. Gee, wonder why I want to read that.
Poetry As Spellcasting by Tamiko Beyer, Destiny Hemphill and Lisbeth White
Writing is magic. Poetry is doubly so. I’m sure this book has a lot to teach me about both.
City Witchery by Lisa Marie Basile
I’ve actually read this one before, but I feel like I need a refresher. Especially as Spring blooms and I’m going to get out into the city more. It’s easy to feel like a witch in the middle of the forest or sitting by the ocean. But in an apartment in the middle of Downtown? That’s magical too, just in a different way.
The Witching Year by Diana Helmuth
I’ve also read this one before. But it’s the sort of book that you need to read a few times to really soak it all in. It is the memoir of a modern woman who starts practicing witchcraft out of curiosity and finds a world of joy, empowerment and spiritual fulfillment.
If you’re thinking of witchcraft and wondering if it’s for you, read this book.
Sisters In Hate by Seyward Darby
I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while. It’s about the women of the alt-right, without which they wouldn’t be able to survive. They are the homemakers and cheerleaders of this dark movement. I want to understand them, so I can hopefully reach them. Maybe help them.
Writing on Empty by Natalie Goldberg
I’ve also been meaning to read this one for a while. It’s the memoir of one of my favorite writing teachers about her experience during the Covid lockdowns. While I was perfectly happy hunkering down at home, Goldberg is a traveler. I can only imagine how this impacted her. I want to see how she survived it.
Never Flinch by Stephen King
King wrote another Holly book. That’s all I need to know.
But it’s also about a serial killer, threatening to kill fourteen people if the police can’t stop them. Since we have some time before this book comes out, I highly suggest reading the other books Holly appears in. That would be the Mr. Mercedes trilogy, The Outsider and Holly. They’re all great.
Let The Whole Thundering World Come Home by Natalie Goldberg
Oh good, a book about chronic illness by Goldberg. That won’t feel very personal at all. This one might emotionally break me.
So now it’s your turn. What are you reading this Spring? Let us know in the comments.
Also, keep an eye out for Haunted MTL. There soon might be a brand new way to hear about the horror books I’m reading.
Paper Beats World is a labor of love. If you want to support us, please like and share this post. You can also give financial support on Ko-fi.
Paper Beats World 
Leave a comment