by Jay Wilburn
One of my favorite things is giving book recommendations. It helps the readers, it helps the authors, and maybe makes the world a better place. Looking over the last month, I did a non-scientific survey of all the books I shared on Twitter, Reddit, Facebook, in private messages, through e-mail, by text, in person, and everywhere else. From that, I organized the ten books I recommended the most regardless of genre.
This is not to say other books weren’t as good or that these authors don’t have more books just as good or better than these. As I tried to match readers’ interests to a recommendation, these are the books that came up the most often in the past month. A different set of readers will probably create different recommendations in the coming month.
These books appealed to a number of readers for different reasons and as such, I think you might like them, too.
If you are looking for a particular type of book, contact me directly and let me know what you are looking for.
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10
Voices of the Dead by Michael J. Brosky
Voices of the Dead: Poetry from Phasma Paranormal is a rough and tumble little self-published book of poetry. I knew this poet personally back when I taught school and got a chance to read some of his other horror poetry. I wish he would publish more. This is a cool peek into what he is capable of creating.
9
Blood and Mud by John Baltisberger
This author is exploring Jewish mythology and culture in his work in a way I haven’t seen other places, especially in horror. This book reconfigures the forces of Heaven and the role of the Devil as it comes time for humanity to pay. The ramp up in this novel is good. There were chapters that had me thinking the author had fallen into cliché and then I realized I had fallen for the misdirects. This is a different sort of horror story, monster story, and spiritual warfare.
8
Blood Standard by Laird Barron
Blood Standard is the first of the Isaiah Coleridge thrillers. I’ve recommended this one lately because you need to read the series to get to the latest work in this line of thrillers: Worse Angels. Barron is excellent in his storytelling and in his understanding of this type a thriller. It is a good series for readers looking for the lone wolf, talented and troubled killer trying to bring his own brand of justice to the world.
7
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
I’m specifically recommending the BBC audio recording of this classic. A lot of readers were looking for audio books and some classic lit and this particular one is probably the best example. I don’t think it’s been topped for style and quality in bringing this story alive.
6
Until Summer Comes Around by Glenn Rolfe
If you love the Lost Boys movie not just for the vampire content but also for the emotional connections and resonance, this book is a winner. The pace, the tone, and the story points are near perfect. This author is known for producing consistently great work and this novel may be one of his best.
5
The Neon Owl by Chad Lutze
I discovered this work recently from the recommendations of others. It’s a peculiar little tale with funny moments and good character work. What I like most is that it undermines reader expectations and the standards of its genre. Those things held sacred in mystery and detective stories are beautifully and lovingly toyed with by Lutze. This one is definitely not just like all the rest.
4
Cemetery Closing (Everything Must Go) by Jeff Strand
Jeff Strand is the king of horror and comedy and horror comedy. Just ask him, if you don’t believe me. I enjoy his work that leans in both directions and he is on a roll with his recent releases, a number of which I have recommended in past months. I feel I could put this in anyone’s hand, horror fan or not, and they’d love it. This is a fifth book in this uniquely humorous Jeff Strand take on thrillers. The books stand well enough on their own too, but you’ll enjoy starting with the first one too.
3
The Price of a Life by Nigel Brennan
I don’t recall how I came across this nonfiction work about a kidnapping, political hostage standoffs, and the terror of being powerless in the wake of forces greater than the individual’s ability to fix. The Price of Life: The True Story of an Australia Held to Ransom for 462 Days is intense and engrossing. It opens up your eyes about real world events that can sometimes seem quite distant in our ordinary daily lives.
2
Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby
I’ve recommended this book before, but it is out for purchase now. This novel has received universally high praise since its release. It is gritty, raw, and action-packed. Every path is a surprise. The traps and choices are real. The flaws of the characters drive them forward and draw you in as a reader. This author is quickly making his mark on crime fiction and beyond.
1
Devolution by Max Brooks
Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre is a great work. If you enjoyed the World War Z novel by the same author, this should be perfect for you. It utilizes that same “investigation in the aftermath” style that slowly reveals the landscape of the horror. I’ve seen some readers who didn’t care for it, but I was hooked in until the end and recommended it the most this past month.
If you have read all that and want something more, I have released the first 3 books of a middle grades time travel series called Time Travel Academy.
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