Recs if you like Pay the Piper...

It’s hot and humid, the cicadas are buzzing, and there’s violence in the air.

Horror books and short stories set in the Deep South.

Think: swamps, bayous, bullfrogs, Spanish moss, hauntings, haints, voodoo/hoodoo, monsters hidden in plain sight, structural violence, and the oppressive weight of history.

Comps: True Detective S1; Sinners; South of Midnight

❗️Some of the these books are classified as extreme horror/splatterpunk. PLEASE protect yourself, and check all trigger warnings.❗️

This list features book covers illustrated by Baltimore-based artist Evangeline Gallagher. Their work features stark linework, stunning textures, and jarring imagery. From their website, "When they aren’t drawing they can be found volunteering with lizards and turtles at the National Aquarium, painting a mural with their friends at Upright Entity, or attending a DIY show in a warehouse somewhere. They possess the speed and enthusiasm of 10,000 illustrators."

Call me Ishmael for this is my white whale

...or the shallow. But either way, don't go near the water.

Aquatic horror

what gab smolders read in 2025 as per her book talk video! horror + in tier order from most to least liked by her:

★ S TIER: from "night shoot" to "old country"

★ A TIER: from "what stalks the deep" to "listen to your sister"

★ B TIER: from "the long walk" to "the gathering"

★ C TIER: from "banquet for the damned" to "model home"

★ D TIER: from "3 streets" to "my darling dreadful thing"

★ F TIER: from "basilisk" to "survivor song"

mostly horror or disturbing books that include big bodies of water, are set during the summer, or overall just give fucked up summer vibes!

can also be used as a rec list for summerween if you participate :)

🌊🪼🏖️🌞🪸🐚🧜🏻‍♀️

any recs are welcome!!

while i haven't read all of these books, these are some that i'd love to read and that very much give me that kind of thriller, paranormal, sinister vibes that the famed podcast had! for those who also like podcasts like "lore" and "noble blood"

Horror books that either primarily or exclusively take place in Louisiana. Tried to stick to horror and not venture out into thriller territory!

An eclectic collection that give me autumn vibes