Been making my way through Rachel Harrison's books, after I received one in a book subscription box a while back. I just finished Play Nice, which has a similar premise to Grady Hendrix's How to Sell a Haunted House; a parent dies, kids are left with a house to sell, fractured family relationships, etc.
Just like with Grady Hendrix's How to Sell a Haunted House, I really liked how the author used the haunted house as a way to explore fucked up family dynamics and trauma. I've come to realize that I much prefer when the 'classic' horror elements in a story are merely vessels for the horrors of real life taking place in the same story. There are a couple of authors out there who do this well, and Rachel Harrison is definitely one of them. It's what makes her books so compelling and, even though I would almost describe her work as Goosebumps for adults, not as gimmicky and cringy as they could easily also have been. I have so far read Black Sheep, Cackle, and Play Nice from her, and I think Play Nice is my favorite so far. Black Sheep was probably my least favorite, but still a solid 4/5 stars. I would recommend her work if you're looking for something a bit more lighthearted, but still with a solid story and good writing.

[Images show the covers of Rachel Harrison's books Black Sheep, Cackle, and Play Nice]

#reading #booklover #horrorlover #horrorbooks #rachelharrison #gradyhendrix

I hereby declare the book buying ban (temporarily) lifted. Absolutely couldn't help myself and I had to get this gorgeous sprayed edges edition of The Buffalo Hunter Hunter from The Abominable Book Club. Also treated myself to one of their book boxes, so we'll see what arrives in the mail come August!

If you're not familiar with The Abominable Book Club; it's a UK based horror/thriller book subscription service, offering a couple of different level book 'boxes' (they're not all literally in boxes), and they also sell individual book copies (deadstock from their boxes, I assume).

I always go for the 'Bare Bones' subscription, which is simply three books and a bookmark, because I don't need pins and prints and treats and such, but if you like bookish goodies, they also offer more elaborate subscriptions.

You can cancel and restart your subscription any time you like if you go for the monthly option.

#bookbox #abominablebookclub #bookstodon #stephengrahamjones #thebuffalohunterhunter #horrorlover #horrorbooks

Spooky post #11: Living my best haunted life. 🕸️🎃
#halloween #ghostface #halloweendecor #pumpkins #spookyseason #autumnvibes #horrorlover #fallvibes #gothcore #trickortreat