Horror books are coming in hot this February. While many might see this month as a time to dive deep into romance, us scary kids are ready to embrace our love for all things horror for yet another month. That’s especially true with so many good new releases hitting shelves.
Here are 10 new horror books you won’t want to miss hitting shelves this month.
Junie by Erin Crosby Eckstine (Ballantine, February 4)
In this historical horror novel, we follow 16-year-old Junie, who has been enslaved at Bellereine Plantation in Alabama since she was born. When wealthy guests from New Orleans come to town and threaten to take Junie away from the only life she’s known, Junie does something out of desperation that awakens the ghost of her dead sister Minnie. Now Minnie’s spirit will remain in a state of unrest unless Junie can find a way to free her.
The Lamb by Lucy Rose (Harper, February 4)
Fans of folktale horror should pick up Lucy Rose’s debut novel, The Lamb, this month. This novel is set in contemporary Cumbria. Margot lives with Mama in the forest. They live a quiet life waiting for Strays to knock on their door. At least that’s what Mama calls the strangers who come to visit them. Mama welcomes them in, offers them shelter and food, and then feeds on them. But there’s something about Eden, a Stray who shows up during a snowstorm, that will change everything.
Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel (St. Martin’s Griffin, February 4)
Listen to Your Sister is perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Jordan Peele. Twenty-five-year-old Calla Williams is the guardian of her 16-year-old brother Jamie. But caring for a teen is not an easy feat, and Calla is getting no help from her other brother Dre. Calla and Jamie’s situation gets more complicated after Jamie attends a protest that gets out of hand. Now the siblings are on the run, and when they seek refuge in a creepy cabin in the woods, even more nightmares become reality.
Level up your reading life! Become an All Access member and explore our full library of exclusive bonus content, including must-reads, deep dives, and reading challenge recommendations. Sign up now for only $6/month!
These Vengeful Wishes by Vanessa Montalban (Zando Young Readers, February 4)
These Vengeful Wishes is a YA horror/fantasy about the small town of Santa Aguas, where whispers of La Cegua, a wronged witch, echo through the streets. When teenager Ceci moves to Santa Aguas with her mother, they move right into the home that was said to once be inhabited by La Cegua herself. Ceci becomes fascinated by the legend of La Cegua and even wonders if the witch is inspiring her latest paintings. Then a door she’s been painting appears in the woods…
Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito (Liveright, February 4)
Gothic horror novel Victorian Psycho follows governess Winifred Notty. Winifred comes to Ensor House to tutor and care for her two charges, Drusilla and Andrew Pounds. Winifred has promised herself she will quell her more violent urges and stick to being a good, obedient governess. But the more time she spends with the Pounds family, the more she feels her dark compulsions bubbling to the surface.
The Pink Agave Motel by V. Castro (Clash Books, February 11)
Pink Agave Motel is a place where your every desire—and every nightmare—can come true. V. Castro’s short story collection set in this strange motel features tales influenced by Mexican folklore and feminism. These stories are dark and brutal, but they also offer readers an intimate look at each character’s desires, impulses, and unrequited loves. It’s just the sort of book you would expect from a two-time Bram Stoker Award-nominated author, and you’ll definitely want to check it out!
The Vengeful Dead by Darcy Coates (Poisoned Pen Press, February 18)
The Vengeful Dead is the fifth book in Darcy Coates’ Gravekeeper series. Keira has a special gift that allows her to help ghosts pass on from the mortal world. But her special powers have made her the target. The evil Artec, a corporation hoping to profit off of the dead, fears what Keira is capable of doing. And they have been following her every move for years.
The Garden by Nick Newman (G.P. Putnam’s Sons, February 18)
Evelyn and Lily are two elderly sisters who live within the walls of a secluded garden, completely removed from the outside world. They have no memory of their lives beyond the garden and the things that happen beyond their safe walls. But then they discover a strange boy hiding within their safe space. Where did he come from and what does he want? How will his strange appearance disrupt the delicate balance of Evelyn and Lily’s lives?
Hungerstone by Kat Dunn (Zando, February 18)
Hungerstone is a dark, sapphic romance that is an inventive new take on the vampire classic Carmilla. Lenore and Henry’s 10-year marriage has been in trouble for quite some time when Henry decides it’s time for them to leave London for an extravagant hunting trip in the countryside. The couple heads to Nethershaw Manor to hunt with the finest members of society. But as they are preparing for the big event, an accident near their new home introduces the couple to Carmilla, a strange woman with a deep hunger.
Something in the Walls by Daisy Pearce (Minotaur, February 25)
Our last new horror novel for February is a mysterious story about Mina, a child psychologist who is having trouble getting her career up and running while still mourning the death of her brother. Then she meets journalist Sam Hunter at a bereavement group, and he offers a potential solution for Mina’s career woes. In the remote village of Banathel, a 13-year-old girl named Alice claims to be a witch. Mina takes this case, certain she can help Alice, and Sam will document the whole thing. Of course, nothing goes according to plan. Banathel is a place steeped in superstition, and Alice is only getting worse.
What horror novels will you be rushing to pick up this month? Be sure to check back next month for more exciting new horror releases!