Recs if you like The Cipher...

coined by phil ford and jf martel, co-hosts of “weird studies,” zonal literature is a term that refers to narratives set in reality-bent spaces. in these liminal zones, ordinary life is suspended, altered, other. the rules here are different, even if things may look the same.

Books that are atmospheric, emotionally unsettling, beautifully written, a little weird, and linger long after you finish them.

Recs are from r horrorlit. I have not read them, but thought it would be a fun concept for you and me.

(let me know if any suggestions are egregious)

#backrooms #dreamy #weird #strange #surreal

This is a collection of recommendations for people who want to get into extreme horror/splatterpunk without feeling pressured. Have fun, stay safe, and remain scary!!

cosmic, violent, nightmareish, ancient, warped, bizarre, absurd, strange, surreal

my favorite genre. elvia wilk’s essay is the best on what this genre is, but here’s an excerpt: “Weird knowledge does not deny the capacity of the human mind and body to produce knowledge, but it does not reduce the world to human subject experience either. Unlike science fiction—in which there is a rational explanation for everything—and fantasy—where magic explains it all—weirdness hovers between poles of explainability.”

I can't be the only one who want to remember all the books without jumping around in a video, right?

continuing with my series of lists inspired by singular & genre-defying filmmakers, this list looks at the ongoing legacy of david cronenberg, offering works that in some way feel reminiscent of his. recommendations, as always, are welcome, and feel free to request filmmakers in the comments!

Tier 2 from the disturbing novel iceberg, inspired by the disturbing movie iceberg.

More taboo themes, more gore, and books that stick with you long after reading.

possession n that Most of these are recs I found on r/horrorlit so apologies if they don’t actually include possession 🫡 recs are always welcomed 🙂‍↕️

literaly what is going on with these buildings

for the weirdos and freaks

Under appreciated horror and books lost in the annals of history.

💬OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS. Just comment and I will add.

books that are about exploring holes, or being stuck inside holes, or — no, not in that way. get your mind out of the gutter — see, now your mind is inside a hole too. everything is holes.

Books from Chapter 8 from Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix. This chapter focuses on slasher type horror and serial killer horror. In the 70s and 80s serial killers found their way into the popular zeitgeist and news for the first time. As Hendrix notes of the panic that ensued, “… and in a flash the scariest motive for murder was no motive at all.” (205, Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix). After all, nothing is scarier than a killer who kills just for the thrill.

This is a list of horror books written by women, as recommended by Sadie Hartmann (Mother Horror) in her book Feral and Hysterical. I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of Feral and Hysterical because it is so much more than a list of books. There are more lists of books, but also thoughtful essays by women writers. It's worth spending some time with Feral and Hysterical.

"Women are overqualified to write fictional horror. Period." -- Sadie Hartmann

Books mentioned in ToastyGoobus/Gab Smolders book talk videos in 2026