NOTABLE BOOKS OF 2025 - FICTION
Finally found time, and some vestige of residual memory, to list my notable reads of 2025. But, it's only February! I think I once did this in March of the following year. Might even have been April. No matter. Out with it!
In horror, I read more than usual in '25 (a mixed enough experience for me to fear that the field will crash again in traditional publishing, if published at the prolific current rate). I don't think good horror is easy to write. Anyway, these were my picks:
Three early and exceptional Ramsey Campbell novels started the year. And though not credited, Ramsey may have built the axle on the wicker wagon of folk horror, and found footage, in 'Ancient Images'. I've read dozens of Ramsey's books and this novel is an instant top 10. I'll show these early covers too because they're super.
I thought @joshmalerman 'Incidents Around the House' a deft and exceptional treatment of the supernatural. Almost finished the book in one sitting - and I seem to remember reading all of Birdbox in one sitting. I see a pattern. Gave me a J-Horror vibe too.
I may have added finger-tip pressure to Michael Wehunt's decision to write this novel, via a review I wrote of some of my favourite modern horror stories for the Quietus, many years ago, that included his 'October Film Haunt: Under the House'. This novel is an expansion of that story and when I read the short story I wanted it to be a novel. I always admire Michael's style and penchant for enigma.
Hadn't read Eric LaRocca before but this collection made me think that the horror of coercion and dependency isn't written about enough.
John Connolly = always good. I tend to let his books build up and read several back-to-back to know where I am in the Charlie Parker universe. Same with Stephen King.
The remainder were graphic novels - 'Slaine' (good rec @scaryasfolk), 'The Road' and the last 'Thistlebone' I read over Christmas. My favourite time of year for graphic novels. I wonder if that is a lingering yearning for childhood annuals at Christmas.