Recs if you like The Winter Folk...

A selection of contemporary Southern Gothic titles exploring the decay, despair, and trauma of the reconstructed American South. Come for the palpably atmospheric settings and descriptions, stay for the literary commentary on the legacy of the South's oft-romanticized past.

As a note: I did not include the most well known writers in the genre, e.g. Truman Capote, Harper Lee, William Faulkner, etc. as the list is more focused on the resurgence of Southern Gothic in contemporary literature.

was curious, so did some research and found loads and loads!!! happy reading, folks!

Following women on journeys to do weird and maybe violent things.

A genre-inclusive and diverse list of horror releases coming in 2026. If I missed any or you have suggestions, please let me know. I will update periodically as new books are announced and release dates are solidified.

Source for a lot of the data for this list came from readjumpscares.com, which is a website you should absolutely check out. I’m sure data will come from other places along the way, as well.

Horror books to read just for the aesthetic

Weird, mostly girlys going through different unique life adventures. Supporting girlies (the girls, theys and thems) rights and wrongs.  Regina George screaming down her hallway into her room hunting down the Burn Book

Horrors and thrillers set in winter (21st December to 20th March, but I will count earlier December as winter too to make things easier) or in a really cold place that reminds of wintertime.

The list will contain both more known books that you've probably already been recommended and some that I've seen have had less attention, at least over here. I have not read them all, but I want to complete this list myself too during the next Christmasses.

books with a focus on the appalachian mountains or scottish highlands and their folklore

Do you take walks in the forest to get away from others? Do you pick up leaves and admire their shapes? How about stuff your pockets with rocks and little bones for safe keeping? You ever find yourself talking to toads? If you said yes to all these things, this list might be for you. 🤎

A list of horror novels I have finished as a reformed scaredy cat! Still staying in non-contemporary settings to make sure we’re slightly removed from reality ✨ [I will update as I make it through things 👀]

Winter reads tbr. Mix genres