The Deep by Alma Katsu

Title: The Deep
Author: Alma Katsu 
Published: 2020
Call #: FIC Katsu  

The Titanic and its sister ship the Britannic both suffered tragic ends and The Deep explores the idea that there might have been something sinister aboard the ships. Annie Hebbley survived the Titanic with a number of demons but now she’s hoping for a fresh start as a nurse on the hospital ship, the Britannic. Boarding the ship that is nearly identical to the Titanic, though, has her revisiting her previous sailing.  Aboard the Titanic, Annie, along with a number of passengers like Madeleine Astor and William Stead, worry that something otherworldly is traveling with them. While they try to uncover the truth, nothing can prevent the ship’s devastating end. Meanwhile on the Britannic, Annie reconnects with Mark Fletcher, who she’d previously met on the Titanic. Is it fate that brings them together again or something more malevolent? 

 

This was an intriguing look at these two historic ships. While labeled horror, the supernatural elements of this novel are merely eerie rather than scary. It is far more a historical fiction look at the events as the novel is filled with real people who were aboard the Titanic. The novel also explores a number of passengers from the Astors, W.T. Stead, Lady Duff-Gordon, Benjamin Guggenheim, and two boxers. Some of their stories seem irrelevant to the overall storyline, but they were an intriguing addition to the historical story. Fans of historical fiction and those interested in the Titanic should pick up this book. 

Mary-Megan K.

Popular Materials Asst. 

The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay

Title: The Cabin at the End of the World

By: Paul Tremblay

Published: 2018

Call #: Fic Tremblay

What would you do if you were told that in order to save the world from the Apocalypse, you had to sacrifice a loved one? That is the moral dilemma presented in this novel.

Andrew and Erik are on vacation with their daughter in a secluded cabin, hoping to unplug from the world. Then four strangers appear at the cabin carrying unconventional weapons and demanding to be let in. Once they crash their way in, they tell the couple that they alone can save the world from the Apocalypse and all they have to do is be a willing sacrifice that the other kills. While the strangers promise they will not hurt the family, sacrifices still must be made and time is running out for the couple to make their decision.

Marketed as horror, this novel feels far more psychological as the couple and the reader fight to figure out if the strangers are just crazy or if the Apocalypse really is upon them. There is graphic violence but this isn’t necessarily one of those books with will keep you up at night. The author does a good job of making the reader question whether the signs are real or purely coincidental. Although the ending is a bit unsatisfactory, the moral dilemma of the book will have you talking about it long after you finish reading.

Mary-Megan K. 

Popular Materials Asst. 

The Outsider by Stephen King

Title: The Outsider
By: Stephen King
Published: 2018
Call #: FIC KING


Master of horror Stephen King is back with his newest thriller, The Outsider.  The book doesn't begin like your typical King novel--it reads more like a straight up murder mystery.  A tale of a horrific crime ripping through a community like a tornado, causing a lot of collateral damage in its wake, but no evidence of the supernatural or evil as in most King novels.  The crime is so heinous and the evidence so seemingly convincing, the police decide to arrest the suspect in a very public manner designed to turn the town's opinion against him.  As the investigation proceeds, however, additional and contradictory evidence is unearthed and the story takes a decidedly supernatural turn.  In another break from tradition, this story does not take place in Maine, or even in New England, but in Oklahoma and Texas!  In spite of the new setting, a familiar, popular character makes an appearance and good triumphs over evil......or does it?


Annette B.  Popular Materials Assistant

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

Title: Kill Creek

By: Scott Thomas

Published: 2017

Call #: Fic Thomas

 Kill Creek is the story of a haunted house in the vein of The Shining and The Haunting of Hill House, where it isn't ghosts that go bump in the night, but the house itself.  Four horror writers have all been invited to spend the night at the notoriously haunted Finch House as a publicity stunt for a pop culture website.  It seems easy enough, especially when the interview for the website seems to be the only terrifying thing they've faced so far.  In fact, by the time the night is over, nothing has happened at all and the authors leave Finch House unscathed....or so they think.  The true horrors begin as whatever lives in the house follows them home.  The group soon realizes that the only way to return to their normal lives is to return to Finch House and figure out what's going on.  The house, however, has no intention of letting go without a fight. 

While the book did not leave me sleeping with the lights on and has a slow buildup to the horror elements, it was an enjoyable read.  The second half of the book is worth the time it takes to get there.  This book is equal parts psychological horror and slasher with a delightful surprise on the last page.  Kill Creek felt like a classic haunted house book that fans of the genre will appreciate.

Mary-Megan K.
Popular Materials Assistant

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

Title: Meddling Kids
Author: Edgar Cantero
Published: 2017
Call Number:  af/Cantero

If you grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons, this title is sure to ring a bell.  It is an homage to the Scooby-Doo style mystery, only the "meddling kids" are all grown up now.  The story is full of sly pop culture references and has a great storyline too.  There is horror mixed with hilarity as the group of young adults return to their childhood roots--the Blyton Summer Detective Club.  This time around, the supernatural isn't make-believe, it's real.  The novel also explores the effect that childhood trauma can have on people as they try to navigate adulthood, and how the memories of youth can become distorted.  Catnero has a unique writing style and a voice that is thoroughly enjoyable.  Jinkies! Give this book a try!

Annette B.
Popular Materials Assistant