I really appreciate that you highlight backlist books! It's useful to me since I try to only buy secondhand books or borrow books from my library to reduce my environmental impact - it can be very hard to keep to this goal with only new book recommendations. Thanks so much!
I would LOVE a "where to start" with Sherlock Holmes! I've only read Hounds and would love to get into more, but I'm kind overwhelmed in terms of where to start!
I liked your video. It was to the point and without sensationalism. It is good to hear people talk about other books, and it helps. I'll keep these Titles in mind.
I need to read Alias Grace, you make it sound incredible. I LOVED the Ghost Bride, which I picked up because of one of your videos- it’s beautifully read by the author on audio. Her voice is so warm and calming. I might get it for my niece as an intro to horror. I think she’d like it. As for dark books, both To Be Devoured and Queen of Teeth pop into my head randomly, just because of the extreme/transgressive elements. Another favorite is Dowry of Blood, which I picked up on audio. The story was great, but Abby Crandon’s narration just made it so GOOD- To the point I went out and found other books read by a Crandon.
If you like Daphne DuMaurier's writing, I can recommend My Brother's Keeper. It is a very strange tale about 2 brothers who are found dead in their home. Without giving much away, the book follows their lives from childhood, how the house came to be filled with the strange items, and what led them to be hoarders. I was surprised she wrote a book like this, but was very absorbed throughout. Vivian
History of Fear scared me SO MUCH at the beginning, I was looking over my shoulder and kept thinking I was seeing things out of the corner of my eye (which I don’t generally get this was from any horror) but by the end it felt to be dragging.
This year I would say my top dark books are: The King In Yellow - Robert W Chambers Touching The Void - Joe Simpson The Things They Carried - Tim O'Brien If I Die In A Combat Zone - Tim O'Brien Who Goes There - John W Campbell The Snow Ghost and Other Tales - Anthology of Traditional Japanese Ghost Stories
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. I'll pick that up tomorrow at the library. I read a number of great horror books this year (Tender is the Flesh I read because of your recommendation) , but Maeve Fly (CJ Leede) and Hawk Mountain (Conner Habib) are at the top.
I really liked Margaret Atwood’s short story collection Old Babes in the Wood last year. Her story where she interviews George Orwell’s ghost was a particular standout. That might be a good read for your citizenship this year ;-)
I read Rebecca in high school and that is the book that really got me into reading. It is still a top favorite of mine. I’ve been resisting Alias Grace, but you may have convinced me now.
joyce carol oates is a writer who is as prolific as stephen king her first published novel expensive people was one the first books about the problem of gun violence in the US black water was a controversial take on the kennedy chappaquidic drowning scandal and her novel them (my fav) dealt with the tumult of the nineteen sixties and won the national book award also I got the light brigade by kameron hurley and really looking forward to reading it⚛😀
I read Qntm’s short story collection “Valuable Humans in Transit” and I have never felt more worried about things in the real world mirroring a work of fiction. It is a fishbowl margarita of existential dread. Love your video btw. I’ll probably add a few to my wishlist. 😁
It was! I found out about Qntm from Tom Scott’s channel though I can’t remember which video. I really enjoyed and highly recommend it. If it sounds interesting to you then you’ll probably like it.
Great recommendations as always! I’ve picked up Of foster homes and flies recently and loved it. The Bell Chime by Mona Kabbani is a weird and dark novella inspired by the author’s own night terrors. I don’t think it’s a 5 star read but an interesting one.
Have you read _The Man From the Train_ by Bill James? It connects the true cases of ax murders in late 19th and early 20th century America into the probable situation of a serial killer that wasn't recognized before. It's a pretty dark hypothesis, but a very intriguing book.
i really need to check out luke dumas! a history of fear & the paleontologist both sound so interesting 👻and LOVED seeing rebecca & alias grace making your list ♥ (OH and i love sherlock holmes too!! regardless of whether it's too old or well-known to be relevant, 'd love to see something in-depth with your thoughts on (some of) the stories.)
The Sherlock Holmes collection read by Stephen Fry on Audible is the best way to experience Sherlock. I had a hard time reading and enjoying Sherlock and Fry does such a great job breathing life into every character. He is a wonderful performer and it’s always my first recommendation for anyone looking to try Audiobooks. Rebecca is also my all time favorite gothic horror novel. I read it my freshman year of high school and read it in an entire day. I couldn’t put it down and we also watched the Hitchcock movie that I also adore. I read Home Before Dark by Riley Sager this year and it was the perfect modern gothic horror book that scratched that Rebecca itch. I also loved A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. Another book I read this year and basically completely devoured. I loved that it doesn’t just hand you all the answers to the questions you’re looking for. I’m definitely planning on reading Cabin At The End of the World.
As someone who's struggled with a few Bret Easton Ellis' books, try "The Informers" (short stories), it's the only one I've enjoyed. Great Atwood joke.
@@TheShadesofOrange Oh, Porcupine Tree's album "Fear Of A Blank Planet" is based on themes from "Lunar Park" while not an actual adaptation/concept album.
I need to read Sherlock Holmes still myself. I went so long without Rebecca being spoiled for me but I just read a thriller that did! 😢 I still want to read it though.
Daphne du Maurier may well have invented certain literary tropes and themes but I am sure she would have been the first to acknowledge that "Rebecca" owes an awful lot to Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre.
I think my favorite dark fiction for the year is Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig. I thought it was amazing. I also enjoyed A History of Fear and I can't believe it hasn't received more positive attention. Great recs! ✌️📚
I e heard amazing this about that book! It’s not at my library yet but I read two of his other books and they’re very Michael Crichton ish, he’s a good author.
Not sure what it would be classed as but room by Emma Donoghue is really good it's about a woman who gets kidnapped and has a child while imprisoned and it's the child's pov of live then the escape then life after and him and his mum adapting it's definitely a bit dark but not in the usual way of the books U recommend
The obvious recommendation after Lunar Park would be his first novel Less Than Zero, written when he was like 19 (released at 21). It's very stream of conciousness but also written in a way to make you actually feel the numbness that the characters are struggling with in the novel. Irvine Welsh - Crime is an incredible dark thriller that I don't see people mention ever. High Life by Matthew Stokoe is a really dark thriller following a guy who moves to LA to persue acting but gets sucked into the seedy underworld of the city. Don't dismiss this one just because he's the guy who wrote "Cows" 😂 But def check TWs for this.
You've probably already read it, but Drood by Dan Simmons is spectacular! Talk about dark and atmospheric! Rebecca is one of my favourite books. I really need to read some more of her works. I read Alias Grace, and although I enjoyed it, I was waiting for the twist to drop so was quite disappointed when it didn't come! The dangers of going completely blind into a story! Thanks, as always, for your video x
That's a fun idea but I've gotten complaints about mentioning my favourites too much. I worry I'll get too much backlash. My recent horror guide might fit the bill though
Ya wanna read something dark by Joyce Carol Oates, your next one should be Zombie. It's not about Dahmer specifically, but someone named Quentin who is very much based on him, and from his point of view. Very disturbing.
When you read the collected Sherlock Holmes stories pay particular attention to the opening pages of "The Adventure Of The Cardboard Box" and "The Resident Patient" and you will notice the uncanny resemblances! Was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle plagiarising himself?
Wow, I was ready to never listen to one of yoyr videos ever, again. After, reccomending Bret Easton Elias, who squandered his talent years ago , and then you reccomend Sherlock Holmes ? I was just getting ready to be done, but then Alias Grace, and you redeem your book choices.
Rachel, I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I did not like rebecca. I thought it was straight up just let shaming and not that original especially for its time
Spoiler*** . ' ; ' '; I am so glad that Alias Grace was #1. It is my favorite Margaret Atwood novel. I had to read it in college, and I actually thanked my professor for adding it to our curriculum. LOL! Great list, and you have reminded me that Lunar Park is an absolute must read.
I read "Rebecca" for the first time in January and it's still my favourite read of 2023. Nothing else has come close to it.
Such a memorable classic
I really like these blacklist videos. I get tired of hearing about all new books. I'm always scouring for new books to read! ❤
Thanks... but I warn you I'll have my frontlist favourites coming before Christmas
I really appreciate that you highlight backlist books! It's useful to me since I try to only buy secondhand books or borrow books from my library to reduce my environmental impact - it can be very hard to keep to this goal with only new book recommendations. Thanks so much!
I have loved Rebecca since I was a teen. It was also my mother’s favorite. It’s a warm hug when I read it since she’s no longer with me.
aww I'm sorry for your loss. But that certainly is a beautiful memory
I would LOVE a "where to start" with Sherlock Holmes! I've only read Hounds and would love to get into more, but I'm kind overwhelmed in terms of where to start!
Great list! I think the only one I have read is Alias Grace, which I liked. I definitely need to get to Rebecca soon
Looking forward to your year-end content. So glad you like Alias Grace
I have requested Will Haunt You from my library without reading the synopsis at all 😊
I hope you enjoy it
Hex and They Thirst have been my favorite backlist dark books this year so far
So happy you enjoyed Hex. That was a controversial one
I liked your video. It was to the point and without sensationalism. It is good to hear people talk about other books, and it helps. I'll keep these Titles in mind.
Thanks
Interested in Ghost Bride. Thanks for the recommendation.
I hope you enjoy it
Great video! Many books added to my list as well as Will Haunt You added to my audio library!
Hope you enjoy it
I love anything Sherlock Holmes!
Very interesting list!!👍👍👍🤖🚀 I will start with putting rebecca on my tbr📚
Always enjoy your videos so so so much. Thanks.
Hi Rachel. I bought Reviver after watching your other video and I loved it. That's all for now. Thanks!
Hmm I haven't read that one so someone else much have recommended it 🤔
Oh, you are right! Anda Kent recommended it! Well, now I recommend it to you 😅🎉
I need to read Alias Grace, you make it sound incredible.
I LOVED the Ghost Bride, which I picked up because of one of your videos- it’s beautifully read by the author on audio. Her voice is so warm and calming. I might get it for my niece as an intro to horror. I think she’d like it.
As for dark books, both To Be Devoured and Queen of Teeth pop into my head randomly, just because of the extreme/transgressive elements.
Another favorite is Dowry of Blood, which I picked up on audio. The story was great, but Abby Crandon’s narration just made it so GOOD- To the point I went out and found other books read by a Crandon.
So happy loved Ghost Bride. I still need to read Queen of Teeth. Hope you enjoy Alias Grace
The Ghost Bride was great on audio. The author has a new book coming out soon that sounds like it leans more fantastical than spooky.
If you like Daphne DuMaurier's writing, I can recommend My Brother's Keeper. It is a very strange tale about 2 brothers who are found dead in their home. Without giving much away, the book follows their lives from childhood, how the house came to be filled with the strange items, and what led them to be hoarders.
I was surprised she wrote a book like this, but was very absorbed throughout.
Vivian
Appreciate the recommendation
Yes, Sherlock please!
History of Fear scared me SO MUCH at the beginning, I was looking over my shoulder and kept thinking I was seeing things out of the corner of my eye (which I don’t generally get this was from any horror) but by the end it felt to be dragging.
So glad it worked for you
This year I would say my top dark books are:
The King In Yellow - Robert W Chambers
Touching The Void - Joe Simpson
The Things They Carried - Tim O'Brien
If I Die In A Combat Zone - Tim O'Brien
Who Goes There - John W Campbell
The Snow Ghost and Other Tales - Anthology of Traditional Japanese Ghost Stories
Love reading your favourites
I love haunted house, ghosts and hidden past and stuff like that 😢 I know it’s cliché but its my fave
Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. I'll pick that up tomorrow at the library.
I read a number of great horror books this year (Tender is the Flesh I read because of your recommendation) , but Maeve Fly (CJ Leede) and Hawk Mountain (Conner Habib) are at the top.
So happy you read Tender!
Now I gotta go find Will Haunt You!
I really liked Margaret Atwood’s short story collection Old Babes in the Wood last year. Her story where she interviews George Orwell’s ghost was a particular standout. That might be a good read for your citizenship this year ;-)
Ooo I yes, I didn't know about that
I read Rebecca in high school and that is the book that really got me into reading. It is still a top favorite of mine. I’ve been resisting Alias Grace, but you may have convinced me now.
I hope you enjoy Alias Grace
Always great videos!!!
joyce carol oates is a writer who is as prolific as stephen king her first published novel expensive people was one the first books about the problem of gun violence in the US black water was a controversial take on the kennedy chappaquidic drowning scandal and her novel them (my fav) dealt with the tumult of the nineteen sixties and won the national book award also I got the light brigade by kameron hurley and really looking forward to reading it⚛😀
Your making me excited to dive further into Oates
I'd love a video revolving Sherlock Holmes.
I've never even considered reading any of those books but I'm very interested now.
I'll think on it
I read Qntm’s short story collection “Valuable Humans in Transit” and I have never felt more worried about things in the real world mirroring a work of fiction. It is a fishbowl margarita of existential dread.
Love your video btw. I’ll probably add a few to my wishlist. 😁
Oh that sounds cool
It was! I found out about Qntm from Tom Scott’s channel though I can’t remember which video. I really enjoyed and highly recommend it. If it sounds interesting to you then you’ll probably like it.
Great recommendations as always! I’ve picked up Of foster homes and flies recently and loved it. The Bell Chime by Mona Kabbani is a weird and dark novella inspired by the author’s own night terrors. I don’t think it’s a 5 star read but an interesting one.
That sounds interesting
In the Miso Soup by Ryu Murakami- loved it. 🍜
That's an intense one
The Babysitter sounds interesting. Have you read Zombie by that author?
Yes but I didn't love it but now I think I need to reread it
Have you read _The Man From the Train_ by Bill James? It connects the true cases of ax murders in late 19th and early 20th century America into the probable situation of a serial killer that wasn't recognized before. It's a pretty dark hypothesis, but a very intriguing book.
Oh no I haven't
i really need to check out luke dumas! a history of fear & the paleontologist both sound so interesting 👻and LOVED seeing rebecca & alias grace making your list ♥ (OH and i love sherlock holmes too!! regardless of whether it's too old or well-known to be relevant, 'd love to see something in-depth with your thoughts on (some of) the stories.)
Sounds like we share some favourites! I hope you enjoy Luke Dumas
The Sherlock Holmes collection read by Stephen Fry on Audible is the best way to experience Sherlock. I had a hard time reading and enjoying Sherlock and Fry does such a great job breathing life into every character. He is a wonderful performer and it’s always my first recommendation for anyone looking to try Audiobooks.
Rebecca is also my all time favorite gothic horror novel. I read it my freshman year of high school and read it in an entire day. I couldn’t put it down and we also watched the Hitchcock movie that I also adore. I read Home Before Dark by Riley Sager this year and it was the perfect modern gothic horror book that scratched that Rebecca itch.
I also loved A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay. Another book I read this year and basically completely devoured. I loved that it doesn’t just hand you all the answers to the questions you’re looking for. I’m definitely planning on reading Cabin At The End of the World.
I hope you enjoy Cabin! I love Tremblay
As someone who's struggled with a few Bret Easton Ellis' books, try "The Informers" (short stories), it's the only one I've enjoyed. Great Atwood joke.
Haha thanks for putting up with my long running joke
@@TheShadesofOrange Oh, Porcupine Tree's album "Fear Of A Blank Planet" is based on themes from "Lunar Park" while not an actual adaptation/concept album.
My best horror this year is What Moved the Dead by T. Kingfisher.
I need to read Sherlock Holmes still myself. I went so long without Rebecca being spoiled for me but I just read a thriller that did! 😢 I still want to read it though.
Oh no! I hate that
I’m not a fan of ghost stories, but I loved Ghost Story.
Daphne du Maurier may well have invented certain literary tropes and themes but I am sure she would have been the first to acknowledge that "Rebecca" owes an awful lot to Charlotte Bronte's "Jane Eyre.
Good to know! I haven't read Jane Erye yet
👻🧛♀️ I recently bought Alias Grace, but I haven't dug into it yet. I'm excited to get to it though.
I hope you love it
I think my favorite dark fiction for the year is Black River Orchard by Chuck Wendig. I thought it was amazing. I also enjoyed A History of Fear and I can't believe it hasn't received more positive attention. Great recs! ✌️📚
I e heard amazing this about that book! It’s not at my library yet but I read two of his other books and they’re very Michael Crichton ish, he’s a good author.
I'll be talking about Black Orchard soon!
Thank you.
Not sure what it would be classed as but room by Emma Donoghue is really good it's about a woman who gets kidnapped and has a child while imprisoned and it's the child's pov of live then the escape then life after and him and his mum adapting it's definitely a bit dark but not in the usual way of the books U recommend
Oh yes I remember that one!
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle only wrote four full length Sherlock Holmes novels which should comfortably fit into a future vlog!
Ooo that's an intriguing idea
The obvious recommendation after Lunar Park would be his first novel Less Than Zero, written when he was like 19 (released at 21). It's very stream of conciousness but also written in a way to make you actually feel the numbness that the characters are struggling with in the novel.
Irvine Welsh - Crime is an incredible dark thriller that I don't see people mention ever.
High Life by Matthew Stokoe is a really dark thriller following a guy who moves to LA to persue acting but gets sucked into the seedy underworld of the city. Don't dismiss this one just because he's the guy who wrote "Cows" 😂 But def check TWs for this.
Thanks for the recs. I read Less than Zero as well this year in preparation for his newest release
You've probably already read it, but Drood by Dan Simmons is spectacular! Talk about dark and atmospheric!
Rebecca is one of my favourite books. I really need to read some more of her works. I read Alias Grace, and although I enjoyed it, I was waiting for the twist to drop so was quite disappointed when it didn't come! The dangers of going completely blind into a story!
Thanks, as always, for your video x
No I actually haven't
@@TheShadesofOrange you gotta read it! I'm sure you'll love it
I second Drood.
I'd love to see a list of like "if you only were able to read 50 horror books in your life, I'd recommend these"
That's a fun idea but I've gotten complaints about mentioning my favourites too much. I worry I'll get too much backlash. My recent horror guide might fit the bill though
I read American Psycho and it was more disturbing than most horror novels out there haha. I'll have to give Lunar Park a try.
Lunar Park isn't as disturbing but I hope you still love it
Rebecca is very good. And interesting, given the strange morality within the story. 👻
Yes! Love the morality within the story
Margaret Atwood will always bring me out of a reading slump 🍀🍁
Agreed, I'll actually be talking about that more in a future video
Ya wanna read something dark by Joyce Carol Oates, your next one should be Zombie. It's not about Dahmer specifically, but someone named Quentin who is very much based on him, and from his point of view. Very disturbing.
Slewfoot by Brom
Please read Pearl by Josh Malerman if you havent yet!
I haven't yet
When you read the collected Sherlock Holmes stories pay particular attention to the opening pages of "The Adventure Of The Cardboard Box" and "The Resident Patient" and you will notice the uncanny resemblances! Was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle plagiarising himself?
Ooo you have me curious
The creepiest books that I listen to is by Greig Beck. He is an Australian
I'll have to look him up
Hello there hey
Wow, I was ready to never listen to one of yoyr videos ever, again. After, reccomending Bret Easton Elias, who squandered his talent years ago , and then you reccomend Sherlock Holmes ? I was just getting ready to be done, but then Alias Grace, and you redeem your book choices.
😅
Rachel, I know this is an unpopular opinion, but I did not like rebecca. I thought it was straight up just let shaming and not that original especially for its time
I meant to say slut shaming
Unpopular opinions are always welcome
👻
Spoiler***
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I am so glad that Alias Grace was #1. It is my favorite Margaret Atwood novel. I had to read it in college, and I actually thanked my professor for adding it to our curriculum. LOL!
Great list, and you have reminded me that Lunar Park is an absolute must read.
Wow!! We really do have similar tastes! I'm so happy you share my love for Alias Grace. I'm obsessed
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👻🧛🧛♀️🧛♂️🔪
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