Ah, December. My favorite time for new books! There’s plenty of time to read these beauties before all the “best of” lists start to come out. So plan accordingly now!
Let’s dive in!
December 2022 Book Releases
Femina by Caitlin Marceau
Expected Publication Date: December 3, 2022
Publisher: DarkLit Press
Genre: Horror
Synopsis:
FEMINA explores the horror of womanhood. Or, more accurately, the horror of gender norms and societal expectations on women. This collection features work that explore themes of identity, motherhood, sexuality, and isolation. A blend of Kristen Roupenian’s “Cat Person And Other Stories” and Carmen Maria Machado’s “Her Body And Other Parties: Stories”, this collection is a blend of psychological, supernatural, and body horror. FEMINA looks at the horror of being a woman in a man’s world.
Note: I cannot wait to get this one in the mail from Little Ghosts!
Out of Aztlan by V Castro
Expected Publication Date: December 6, 2022
Publisher: Creature Publishing
Genre: Horror
Synopsis:
An ancient goddess rises up from an inverted temple in a lake of blood to purify the earth. Two pearl divers plot revenge against the Spanish merchants who enslave them. A mutant species of jellyfish fueled by garbage heaps wreaks havoc on beachgoers. Aided by mermaids, a pirate known as The Scorpion and her all-female crew challenge a corrupt king. And back on dry land, a mother avenges the daughters of her community with a very special batch of ancho chili salsa.
V. Castro’s spirited characters come alive in her uniquely playful, fiery style, from a vengeful lobster to a mother willing to put her life on the line for justice. In these and other stories, the descendants of Aztlan-the mythical homeland of the Aztec people-work to overthrow their oppressors and usher in the dawn of a new world.
Down Home by Steve L. Clark
Expected Publication Date: December 9th, 2022
Genre: Horror
Synopsis:
The day she turned eighteen, Paula Tompkins fled her home in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern Kentucky, leaving behind a life of tragedy and neglect. Determined to make it on her own, she starts a new life in Ohio and buries the memories of her past.
Ten years later, the death of her aunt Candace calls her back to the mountain. What was intended to be a down and back trip to pay her respects becomes an overnight stay when she rekindles old family friendships with her uncle and cousin. A late-night stroll through the woods reveals there is more than bad memories waiting for Paula on the mountain.
Something knows she’s come back, and this time it doesn’t want her to leave.
Note: I have an ARC of this one, and I cannot wait to dive in. It’ll be my next read, so stay tuned for my review!
Decimated Dreams by Brennan LaFaro
Expected Publication Date: December 13, 2022
Publisher: Crossroads Press
Genre: Horror
Synopsis:
Five years after the demise of Robert Weeks, his shadow still haunts Elsie and Travis. Along with their young daughter, April, the Morlands have found peace, but when the sun sets, nightmares drag Elsie back to the worst day of her life. Still, it’s all in the past, right?
When April claims a man with green eyes taps on her window at night, it’s only a matter of time before children begin to disappear again. Starting with April.
With their daughter stolen and an undead madman seemingly back from the grave, Elsie and Travis have no choice but to return to the twisting, turning streets of Slattery Falls. What will it cost them to get their daughter back and make sure Robert Weeks stays dead this time?
Note: I had the opportunity to read this one early. Boy, is this a killer follow up to Slattery Falls! Stay tuned for my review!
Thanks for reading!
What books are you looking forward to in December?
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