Explores Seven Literary Works that Skillfully Employ Myths, Legends, and Folklore, Leaving Readers Feeling Stunned
In the realm of contemporary horror literature, a plethora of captivating narratives are emerging, each offering a unique blend of chilling suspense and thought-provoking themes. Here, we delve into some of the most intriguing works that have recently graced the shelves.
First, we turn our attention to "White Horse" by Erika T. Wurth. This gripping novel follows the life of Kari James, a character grappling with the trauma of her mother abandoning her as a baby and the heart-wrenching loss of her best friend to an overdose. As Kari's life takes an unexpected turn, she begins to experience visions after receiving an old copper bracelet from her cousin. These visions, hauntingly, include her mother's bloody ghost and an Indian bogeyman that preys upon women. Convinced that her mother is trying to convey a message about her past, Kari embarks on a quest to uncover the truth about her roots.
Another compelling read is "Hex" by Thomas Olde Heuvelt. This novel is set in the town of Black Spring, where a bound witch named Katherine van Wyler haunts the community. To prevent her from casting spells and curses, her mouth and eyes are stitched shut. However, when teenagers use social media to expose her to the world, the town's isolation is shattered, leading to a series of chilling events.
"The Only Good Indians" by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror masterpiece that explores themes of Native identity, trauma, guilt, and historical injustices. This novel, a chilling exploration of the consequences of past actions, brings lore to life in a way that is both terrifying and thought-provoking.
In a different vein, "House of Bone and Rain" by Gabino Iglesias offers a blend of eco-horror and myths tied to water, resulting in a story that is as unsettling as it is captivating. The novel revolves around Bimbo and his friends seeking revenge for the murder of Bimbo's mother, set against the backdrop of a hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico.
"The Bone Picker" by Devon Mihesuah is a collection of twelve stories inspired by Choctaw folklore. These tales, balanced expertly between history and the present, manage to make the stories as relevant today as traditional tales were centuries ago. In this book, justice is served, wrongs are righted, and the disempowered are protected, all while punishing those who act in evil ways.
Lastly, we have "The Pallbearers Club" by Paul Tremblay. This novel extends the lore of Mercy Brown, a character rumoured to be a vampire responsible for the consumption deaths of her family. In the story, Art Barbara starts a club to lend helping hands at funerals, eventually befriending a mysterious character named Mercy Brown.
Meanwhile, "The Fisherman" by John Langan tells the tale of two men who form a friendship revolving around fishing. Their bond is tested when they encounter a dark legend, involving a woman who came back from the dead and a fisherman who can grant visions of lost loves.
Lastly, "The Whistler" by an unnamed author uses Native American folklore, featuring a character inspired by First American mythology known as Two-Face, a chilling figure depicted as a cannibalistic monster, a cruel woman who causes night terrors, and a killer with knife-like bones protruding from its elbows.
These works, each offering a unique take on the horror genre, serve as a testament to the power of storytelling in exploring the darker aspects of humanity and the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned horror reader or a newcomer to the genre, these books are sure to leave a lasting impression.
