Each year, I set a goal to broaden my reading horizons and explore new genres. However, there was a time when I went overboard and read more than 30 self-help books in a year, which made me vow never to do that again. It wasn’t until six months ago that I finally began incorporating horror into my reading list.
As I look forward to the upcoming year, I’m determined to maintain this momentum and take my horror reading game to the next level. One of the crucial steps I’m taking towards achieving this goal is keeping an eye out for the latest horror book releases.
With so many titles, 2023 could be the perfect year for horror and psychological thriller enthusiasts. Even more thrilling is that all of these books are written by people of color, which aligns with my reading preferences.
Read to find out what amazing books I recommend for the spooky season!
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Best Books By Brown and Black Authors
Jackal: A Novel
Editor’s Choice: In “The Jackal” by Erin E. Adams, readers are taken on a thrilling ride as they follow Liz Rocher, a young Black woman who reluctantly returns to her hometown to attend her best friend’s wedding.
When the bride’s daughter disappears, Liz is the only one who notices the eerie similarities to a past tragedy involving another young Black girl. As Liz begins to investigate, she uncovers a horrifying secret hidden in the town’s history for years: Black girls have been missing in the woods.
With its gripping plot and spine-tingling suspense, “The Jackal” is a must-read for fans of the thriller genre, especially those who appreciate stories that center on the experiences of young Black girls and Black women.
Time’s Undoing
Editor’s Choice: Time’s Undoing by Cheryl A. Head is a poignant and powerful novel that explores the impact of racial trauma across generations. Head’s portrayal of Birmingham in 1929 is both vivid and haunting as she delves into the complexities of race and identity during a time of great social upheaval.
Meghan McKenzie’s journey to uncover the truth about her great-grandfather’s murder is gripping and emotional as she confronts the dark secrets that have been buried for decades. Head’s writing is a mesmerizing journey through the intricate lives of two families that transcends time, leaving readers spellbound and lost in thought.
Liar, Dreamer, Thief
Editor’s Choice: Maria Dong’s Liar, Dreamer, Thief is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the mind of a troubled woman whose obsession with a co-worker spirals out of control. Katrina Kim’s world is shattered when she witnesses Kurt’s suicide, and the devastating accusation he hurls at her before he jumps sends her on a dangerous quest for the truth.
Dong’s writing is evocative and suspenseful as she navigates the complexities of mental illness and the consequences of unchecked obsession. With its intricate plot and well-drawn characters, Liar, Dreamer, Thief is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.
The Raven Thief: A Secret Staircase Mystery (Secret Staircase Mysteries, 2)
Editor’s Choice: Gigi Pandian’s The Raven Thief is a thrilling mystery novel that follows Tempest Raj and her grandfather as they navigate the aftermath of a classic mystery-themed home interior project gone wrong. When their client’s cheating ex-husband, famous mystery author Corbin Colt, is found dead at an exclusive mock séance, suspicion quickly falls on Tempest’s grandfather.
With the clock ticking and high stakes, Tempest must race against time to clear her grandfather’s name and uncover the truth behind Corbin’s murder. Pandian’s writing is suspenseful and engaging as she skillfully weaves together the threads of this intricate mystery.
With its well-drawn characters and intricate plot, The Raven Thief is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense.
Not So Perfect Strangers
Editor’s Choice: L.S. Stratton’s Not So Perfect Strangers is a poignant exploration of domestic abuse and the bonds that form between women in crisis. Tasha Jenkins’s decision to leave her abusive husband sets off a chain of events that leads her to cross paths with Madison Gingell, a woman in a similar situation.
Stratton’s writing is both evocative and thought-provoking as she delves into the challenges of navigating abusive relationships and the power of female friendship. Not So Perfect Strangers is a must-read for fans of women’s fiction and social justice.
The Bandit Queens
Editor’s Choice: Parini Shroff’s The Bandit Queens is a riveting novel that explores the power dynamics of a remote village in India. Geeta’s reputation as a “self-made” widow has earned her respect and fear from those around her, but when other women begin seeking her “expertise” in husband disposal, Geeta’s life takes a dangerous turn.
Shroff’s writing is both evocative and suspenseful as she delves into the complexities of gender, power, and tradition in a society that is often hostile to women. With its richly drawn characters and intricate plot, The Bandit Queens is a must-read for fans of feminist literature and social justice.
Running to Fall
Editor’s Choice: Kalisha Buckhanon’s Running to Fall is a haunting exploration of race, class, and identity in a wealthy Chicago suburb. Tragedy and Victor Powell’s move to the exclusive Grayson Glens enclave set off a chain of events that exposes the dark underbelly of the community.
Buckhanon’s writing is evocative as she delves into the complexities of race and belonging in a society that is often hostile to people of color. With its compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, Running to Fall is a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction and social justice.
All Her Little Secrets
Editor’s Choice:
Don’t wait until mystery week to grab this book. Pick this up now. The Secrets We Keep by Wanda M. Morris is a thrilling family drama that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A successful corporate attorney, Ellice Littlejohn, finds herself at the center of a murder investigation after her white boss is found dead.
With a cache of dark secrets and a troubled past, Ellice is forced to confront her deepest fears and launch a pulse-pounding race to protect her family and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that threatens to ruin her life.
Thomas’ writing is suspenseful and emotional as she masterfully weaves together the family, loyalty, and justice complexities. The character of Ellice is particularly compelling as she struggles to navigate the impossible ethical and moral dilemmas she faces. With its intricate plot and well-crafted characters, The Secrets We Keep is a must-read for fans of mystery and family dramas.
Anywhere You Run
Editor’s Choice: Anywhere You Run by B.J. Tiernan is a captivating work of historical fiction that delves into the harsh realities of Jim Crow justice in Mississippi during the summer of 1964.
Tiernan expertly intertwines the stories of two sisters on the run, one fleeing from the law and the other from social stigma. With its complex narrative and richly drawn characters, Anywhere You Run is a thrilling page-turner that will captivate readers who enjoy suspenseful fiction.
The House in the Pines
Editor’s Choice: The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes is a gripping tale of dark secrets and their impact on the main characters’ lives. Reyes masterfully weaves Maya’s past and present together, creating a hauntingly beautiful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
With its intricate plot and well-crafted characters, The House in the Pines is a standout novel that masterfully navigates the complexities of trauma and memory.
Her Name Is Knight
Editor’s Choice: Yasmin Angoe’s “Her Name is Knight” is an explosive first book that follows the story of Nena Knight, an elite assassin for a powerful business syndicate called the Tribe. As a crime writer of color, Angoe brings her unique perspective to the genre, creating a complex and compelling character in Nena.
Stolen from her Ghanaian village as a child, Nena has plenty of motives to kill, but when she saves a life on assignment in Miami, she begins to question her loyalty to the Tribe and her thirst for revenge. With its fast-paced action and thought-provoking exploration of vengeance and redemption, “Her Name is Knight” is a must-read for crime fiction fans.
What Never Happened
Editor’s Choice: Mark this book as one of the first thriller novels to be read this spooky season. Rachel Howzell Hall’s “What Never Happened” is a gripping mystery thriller that follows Colette “Coco” Weber, the sole survivor of a deadly home invasion twenty years prior. As Coco returns to her Catalina Island home, she hopes to leave her past behind and focus on her writing.
However, when she begins investigating a string of suspicious deaths on the island, she realizes that the circumstances are eerily similar to those of her family tragedy. As Coco delves deeper into the case, she receives a sinister threat in the mail: her own obituary.
With its expertly crafted plot and spine-chilling suspense, “What Never Happened” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
Happiness Falls
Editor’s Choice: Angie Kim’s “When Happiness Falls” is a thrilling novel that explores the devastating impact of a missing father on a tight-knit family. Mia, the twenty-year-old daughter, tries to remain calm when her father and younger brother don’t return from a walk, but when her brother arrives home alone and bloody, it becomes clear that something terrible has happened.
As the family races against time to find their missing father, they are forced to confront their deepest secrets and vulnerabilities with its shocking twists and profound philosophical inquiry, “When Happiness Falls” is a must-read for anyone who craves a thrilling and emotionally rich novel that examines the complexities of human connection and love in the face of tragedy.
The Taste of Rain
Editor’s Choice: Barbara Howard’s “The Taste of Rain” is a heartwarming mystery that follows a young girl, Amira Cooper, who helps an elderly resident, Claire Stewart, find justice for her husband’s murder.
As Amira embarks on an investigation, she is confronted with her preconceived notions about the elderly and must navigate the intricate web of past and present events. “The Taste of Rain” is a gripping mystery that delves into relevant themes and features a cast of well-developed characters, ensuring readers will be hooked until the end.
Perfectly Nice Neighbors
Editor’s Choice: Perfectly Nice Neighbors by Kia Abdullah is one of the most highly anticipated new titles of 2023 and for good reason. The story follows Salma Khatun and her family as they move to the suburban development of Blenheim in search of a comfortable life.
But when Salma’s white neighbor, Tom Hutton, tears down her son’s anti-racist banner, tensions begin to rise. As the two families become embroiled in a battle that escalates into a full-blown racial and social conflict, it becomes clear that someone will get hurt.
Perfectly Nice Neighbors is set to be one of the most amazing books of the year, exploring timely and important themes that will sure provoke thought in readers.
Strangers We Know
Editor’s Choice: Strangers We Know takes readers on a wild ride through crime novels’ dark and dangerous world. Ivy Hon, adopted at just a few days old, is thrust into the spotlight when a genetic test reveals that she is related to the Full Moon Killer, a notorious serial killer who has terrorized the Pacific Northwest for decades. With the FBI’s help, Ivy sets out to stop the killer before he strikes again.
Ivy’s investigation into her family’s past leads her to rural Rock Island, where she discovers shocking secrets and meets her younger cousin. But as she gets closer to the truth, Ivy realizes that she may be the next victim of the Full Moon Killer. Strangers We Know is a gripping thriller with expertly crafted characters that is a must-read for fans.
When No One Is Watching
Editor’s Choice: When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole, a New York Times and USA Today Bestseller, is a gripping thriller that explores the gentrification of a Brooklyn neighborhood.
The story follows Sydney Green, a black woman born and raised in Brooklyn, as she struggles to hold onto her community’s past and present amidst the rapid changes around her. Along with her neighbor Theo, Sydney dives deep into the neighborhood’s history, discovering a sinister truth lurking beneath the surface.
The author’s skillful character development is evident in the complex and relatable main characters, Sydney and Theo. Readers will find themselves fully invested in their journey as they navigate the dizzying descent into paranoia and fear. With its exploration of timely and important themes, When No One is Watching is a must-read for anyone who loves a good thriller.
The Woman in the Library
Editor’s Choice: Sulari Gentill’s The Woman in the Library is a great new mystery that has earned its place as a USA today bestseller. In The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill, a scream breaks the silence of the Boston Public Library’s reading room. Four strangers sitting at the same table strike up a conversation, but one of them is a murderer.
Gentill’s expertly crafted plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end. The author’s skillful use of descriptive language and vivid imagery transports readers to the heart of the story, making them feel as if they are right there in the reading room with the characters.
Things We Do in the Dark
Editor’s Choice: Jennifer Hilier’s Things We Do In The Dark is a standout in the book community of social thrillers. The opening scene sets the tone for the rest of the book, with a shocking murder that leaves the protagonist, Paris Peralta, in a precarious situation.
The author’s skillful use of vivid imagery and descriptive language immediately draws readers into the story’s heart, leaving them eager to unravel the mystery ahead. With its expertly crafted plot and fully realized characters, Things We Do In The Dark is a must-read for anyone who loves good crime fiction.
Blackmail and Bibingka
Editor’s Choice: Blackmail and Bibingka by Mia P. Manansala, an award-winning author, is a gripping mystery book that takes readers on a thrilling ride through the seedy underbelly of a small town.
Lila Macapagal embarks on a journey of redemption and justice as she fights to clear her cousin’s name, who is accused of committing murder and is now the prime suspect in a complex investigation. As secrets surrounding her shady cousin and those involved with the winery start piling up, Lila is determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.
The Wife Before
Editor’s Choice: The Wife Before is one of those gripping mystery books but in this case, revolves around the suspicious circumstances of Melanie’s death. Samira, the second wife of Roland Graham, discovers her late husband’s wife’s journals.
As she reads through the pages, she begins to uncover disturbing details about Melanie’s troubled last days, leading her to believe that her perfect husband may not be as perfect as she thought.
The author’s masterful use of suspense and intrigue is fully displayed as Samira delves deeper into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her husband’s late wife. The twists and turns of the plot will leave readers breathless with anticipation as they race toward the shocking conclusion.