About Book Marks
Recent Reviews
Cynthia Pelayo
Rave Booklist Crime scene clues point to a larger force at play—a folktale come to life in the most vicious and cruel ways—and Lauren must delve into her past in order to stop the killings. Though this is definitely a horror novel, Pelayo has also crafted a love story to Chicago, particularly the Latinx community, weaving history, culture, and landmarks into the fabric of the story until the city practically breathes. It is also a love story to fairy tales, and Pelayo intersperses retellings throughout the book, examining the structure, meaning, and value of the original tales.
T. Kingfisher
Positive Booklist Kingfisher is no stranger to the weird and obscure, and readers of The Twisted Ones (2019) will recognize her quirky humor and independent heroine, though The Hollow Places is less frightening. A small Southern town provides a similar backdrop, and locals add color and depth. With echoes of Terry Pratchett, this will appeal to fans of alternate universes and quirky sf/fantasy.
Andrew Pyper
Positive Booklist Pyper weaves traditional—and legitimately creepy—horror tropes with a larger examination of the complexities of marriage, and to a lesser degree, the direction and morality of the country at the time of its impending split. Recommended for fans of historical fiction with a bite, like that of Alma Katsu.
Colin Dickey
Positive Booklist ... so much more than a catalogue of the weird; Dickey positions these creatures against discussion of science and exploration, and, importantly, the role of colonization and the erasure or co-opting of native beliefs ... Meticulously researched and written, this is the grown-up version of the mysteries of the unknown books that were cultishly popular with children in previous generations. Perfect for the skeptics and believers alike.
Elisabeth Thomas
Rave Booklist For fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History (1992) and Kazuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go (2005), Catherine House is a haunting, atmospheric reflection on the discovery of self and others. At times terrifying, always gorgeously captivating, Thomas’ debut is one not to be missed, and perhaps to be revisited frequently.