Literary Fiction Books

"The Hospital" by Ahmed Bouanani is an immersive read that blends reality with the surreal as it examines life and death within the confines of a morbid sanatorium. Through haunting prose and vivid imagery, you’ll explore themes of existence, memory, and the blurring line between the living and the dead. If you're intrigued by the metaphorical transformation of spaces and enjoy a dive into darker, Kafkaesque narratives, this book's chillingly poetic approach to storytelling will captivate you.

If you appreciate storytelling that deftly weaves between the fantastical and the everyday, "Episodes" by Christopher Priest might just be your next favorite anthology. Priest's skill shines through as he explores different genres, offering a rich variety of themes that could resonate with anyone intrigued by the elasticity of fiction. The author's own reflections add a layer of depth, giving you a behind-the-scenes glance into his creative process.

If you're drawn to family mystery and the psychological intricacies of memory and trauma, "Ill Will" offers a rich journey into those complexities. Dan Chaon weaves the '80s Satanic cult hysteria into a modern narrative that challenges your perceptions of truth and reconciliation. Plus, the overturned conviction through DNA adds a modern twist to the classic theme of justice. Dive in for a chilling reflection on how the past colors the present.

If the whimsical darkness of Roald Dahl intrigues you, "Kiss Kiss" will not disappoint. These short stories are a departure from his beloved children's tales, yet radiate the same imaginative brilliance with a mature, macabre twist. Engrossing for lovers of the strange and the ironic, it's Dahl showcasing his mastery in a new, shadowed light.

If you're looking for a journey into the unknown that'll stay with you after you turn the last page, H.P. Lovecraft's collection won't disappoint. The characteristic blend of the arcane and macabre in "The Call of Cthulhu and Other Weird Tales" is particularly well-suited for those who crave stories that leave a lasting impression of dread and provoke thoughts about what might lurk beyond the edge of human understanding.

The Ventriloquist's Daughter is a unique and eerie story that will keep readers on edge. This book has a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the protagonist's struggles with grief and the presence of a menacing doll. It is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys dark and mysterious tales and has a keen interest in exploring the human psyche.

If you enjoy a blend of horror with cultural nuances, "Ghost Baby and Other Eerie Tales" will undoubtedly capture your imagination. Swee Hoon Wong brings ghostly Singaporean folklore to a chilling new life, ensuring that your foray into the supernatural is as intriguing as it is spine-tingling. Great for a late-night read, these stories will linger, much like the specters within them.

This book would be a great fit for fans of Irish folklore looking for a new medium to immerse themselves in. The Weir is a chilling play that masterfully blends the traditional ghost story with modern-day settings and characters. Readers will be hooked by the captivating plot and the richly crafted, relatable characters.

This spellbinding coming-of-age story follows a young boy who must navigate a world that shuns his family because they're werewolves. With a mix of humor and darkness, "Mongrels" takes readers on a fascinating journey as the boy grapples with his identity and struggles to understand his place in a complex world. Perfect for those who appreciate unique and surreal storytelling, this book offers a compelling exploration of resilience and belonging.

English (translation)Original Chinese

Geek Love is the story of the Binewskis, a carny family whose mater- and paterfamilias set out ― with the help of amphetamine, arsenic, and radioisotopes ― to breed their own exhibit of human oddities. There's Arturo the Aquaboy, who has flippers for limbs and a megalomaniac ambition worthy of Genghis Khan . . . Iphy and Elly, the lissome Siamese twins . . . albino hunchback Oly, and the outwardly normal Chick, whose mysterious gifts make him the family's most precious ― and dangerous ― asset.As the Binewskis take their act across the backwaters of the U.S., inspiring fanatical devotion and murderous revulsion; as its members conduct their own Machiavellian version of sibling rivalry, Geek Love throws its sulfurous light on our notions of the freakish and the normal, the beautiful and the ugly, the holy and the obscene. Family values will never be the same.

If You Are Afraid Of Heights is a captivating book that weaves together multiple stories into one. It is a unique blend of reality and fantasy that will leave the reader wanting more. Recommended for those who appreciate intricate storytelling and are not afraid to explore the darker corners of life.

Recommendation: This book is for those who enjoy dark and unsettling stories that leave a lasting impression. Roald Dahl masterfully weaves his dark imagination into each tale, capturing the reader's attention from beginning to end. Whether you're a fan of Dahl's children's books or looking for a thrilling read as an adult, this collection of unsettling and sinister short stories is sure to satisfy your craving for a chilling and gratifying experience.

In a southern Illinois college town where horror is carved in flesh and corruption knows no bounds, a young English professor with a shrouded past is about to learn higher education can be murder.     No one remembers how the body of Josie Fortune was found deep inside Lues Creek Canyon twenty years ago. No one remembers how corrupt police officials framed an innocent man and handed the victim’s daughter into the state’s welfare system. No one remembers, no one but a killer left to carve out a brutal legacy of torture and murder with absolute impunity in this rural southern Illinois college town.     When Josie Darling returns to Lues State to assume a teaching position and come to terms with her mother’s murder, she takes every precaution to hide her tainted past from her colleagues. But someone close remembers, and the shadows of history close in. Threats come, intimate promises of violence written in a desperately psychotic scrawl, invading every aspect of her life. Confronted by personal and professional jeopardy at every turn, Josie must face her terror and expose the identity of her mother’s killer—a killer who is now stalking her.     “If you think you can sleuth this thing, I’m afraid you’re in over your head,” warns a local investigator, but Josie’s stake in this case is all too personal and all the more immediate as she uncovers other murders. Her list of potential suspects includes her deranged ex-husband, her outlaw stepfather and any of his rogue clan, several manipulative Englishprofessors, and a host of corrupt local lawmen.      Struggling against an unseen but ever-present enemy and with few allies to counsel her, Josie embarks on an odyssey of self-discovery. Using her well-honed research skills, the academic becomes the detective and sets out to recover her birthright. Josie transforms herself from tormented victim to relentless avenger as she takes on the intense willfulness of her namesake. But even her renewed strength of character may not help Fortune’s Darling save herself and find the elusive killer’s true identity in time, an identity heard only in the whisper of leaves.

Dark Hollow could be a good read for someone who enjoys dark mysteries with a haunted detective. Readers will appreciate the author's use of atmospheric settings in Maine, and the complex interplay of family history and secrets. The book has many gruesome and violent scenes, but they serve to heighten the suspense and the stakes of the narrative. Ultimately, the book is a deep exploration of grief, loss, and the lengths individuals go to seek redemption in the face of tragedy.