Our topic at the SFF Seven this week is, appropriately enough, our
favorite horror or scary book.
Now, I don't really a lot of horror or scary books, because I am a
fragile flower. I've never really gotten the point of reading something to be
frightened or horrified. So, when I thought about what my favorite books in
this genre would be, I could think of exactly two.
But it's cool because they're by friends - which is the only
reason I read them.
I really loved them, too, even though they freaked me the fuck
out.
A HUMAN STAIN, by Kelly Robson - who most usually writes SFF, is a
wonderful story that starts with low-level dread that gradually builds to a
truly freakifying conclusion. Read it if you love gothic slow-burns. Avoid if
you have a tooth phobia. You can read it in BEST HORROR OF THE YEAR, Volume 10, which I'm sure is fabulous, since Ellen
Datlow edited it. I, of course, *won't* be reading that!
Megan Hart started out writing erotic and
nuanced romance, but has moved into more horror lately. LITTLE SECRETS is a haunted house story that also plays on the insecurities
of pregnancy and the strain that - and moving into a freaky house! - puts on a
marriage. Read it for the subtle build of terror and rich story. And don't
worry - the cat's okay.
