Hey there, summer horror lovers! 🌞👻 There’s nothing like lounging by the pool, feeling the sun on your skin, and getting your adrenaline pumping with a good scare. If you’re looking to add some chills to your summer reading list, you’re in luck. I’ve curated a list of five Black-authored horror books that will have you gripping your lounger and glancing nervously at the water. Dive into these spine-tingling tales and let the summer screams begin!
1. The Wishing Pool by Tananarive Due
Synopsis: A collection of chilling short horror stories. In the first story of The Wishing Pool, Tananarive Due crafts a haunting tale centered around a seemingly benign pond that grants wishes—with a dark twist. When a woman stumbles upon this magical yet sinister pond during a visit to her father, she quickly learns that every wish comes with a heavy price.
Why You’ll Enjoy It: Perfect for a hot summer day, this book will make you think twice about that tranquil pool in front of you. Tananarive Due’s masterful storytelling will keep you hooked, blending summer nostalgia with chilling suspense.
2. Unshod, Cackling, and Naked by Tamika Thompson
Synopsis: Tamika Thompson takes readers on a wild ride with Unshod, Cackling, and Naked, a collection of 13 horror that begins tales of violent beauty, love and hate, and unbridled obsession. Black experiences are pushed into unsettling territory, but readers of any background will find that some of these terrors truly hit close to home.
Why You’ll Enjoy It: This book is the perfect poolside companion for those who love a mix of humor and horror. Thompson’s witty prose and eerie settings create a perfect storm of summer scares.
3. The Host by Brandon Massey
Synopsis: In The Host, Brandon Massey tells the story of a baecation gone terribly wrong. While staying at a luxurious airbnb, a couple begins to experience strange encounters. As true intentions unfold, the serene vacation spot turns into a nightmare of survival and terror.
Why You’ll Enjoy It: Massey’s ability to weave suspense with psychological horror makes this a gripping read. The sunny beach setting juxtaposed with the lurking danger will make you appreciate the safety of your poolside spot even more.
4. Just A Little Snack by Yah Yah Scholfield
Synopsis: Just A Little Snack by Yah Yah Scholfield is a creepy, fast-paced collection of short stories exploring themes of disturbing cravings of the body and mind, decay and the restless dead, and Southern Gothic and Afro-Gothic traditions.
Why You’ll Enjoy It: This book is perfect for a quick, thrilling read while you soak up the sun. Scholfield’s vivid descriptions and relentless pace will keep you on edge, making you wonder what might be lurking beneath the surface of any body of water.
5. Daymares by Kenya Moss-Dyme
Synopsis: Daymares is a chilling collection of short stories by Kenya Moss-Dyme that explores the dark side of summer fun. Each story delves into different aspects of horror, from haunted beach houses to cursed swimming holes. The common thread? The unsettling feeling that something is always waiting to drag you under.
Why You’ll Enjoy It: Ideal for those who love variety, this collection offers a range of scares that will keep you entertained and spooked all summer long. Moss-Dyme’s talent for blending the ordinary with the supernatural makes for perfect bite-sized horror tales that pack a punch.
So, grab your sunscreen and your bravest friends, because these Black horror books will turn your poolside relaxation into a thrilling escape. Happy reading, and remember—stay out of the deep end!
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