As the leaves turn to shades of orange and darkness creeps in earlier each evening, a certain thrill fills the air. Autumn beckons book lovers and cinema enthusiasts alike as ‘spooky season’ arrives, presenting the perfect opportunity to indulge in the world of horror. Renowned author Rebekah Faubion, famed for her latest novel “What a Nightmare,” has shared an engaging list of film and literary pairings that promise to enhance the chilling atmosphere of this time of year.
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Faubion begins with the classic horror story of bullying and revenge, pairing Stephen King’s “Carrie” with her own work, “What a Nightmare.” The tale of Carrie White, a high school girl endowed with telekinetic powers, finds resonance in Faubion’s protagonist, Haven. Returning to her oppressive Texas hometown, Haven discovers her own ability to kill through nightmares, leading to a dramatic reckoning. Those who appreciate the previously adapted “Carrie,” especially Mike Flanagan’s interpretation, will find Faubion’s take offers a fresh adult perspective on similar themes.
Moving on to the modern slasher classic, “Scream,” Faubion highlights Veronica Bane’s gripping debut, “We’re All Going to Die Tonight!” Set against the backdrop of a stormy night at an upscale Airbnb, Bane’s tale follows a group of teens who find themselves grappling with secrets and a rapidly escalating body count. With its rapid pacing and tension, Bane’s novel serves as an homage to the genre-defining “Scream,” where self-referential humour and suspense prevail.
The author continues her exploration of horror by introducing readers to Sarah Gailey’s “Spread Me,” which intriguingly complements John Carpenter’s cult classic, “The Thing.” Both narratives centre on isolated groups confronted with horrifying extraterrestrial threats. In “Spread Me,” the chilling encounters take place in a remote research station in the desert, where a curious specimen’s unwanted warmth leads to chaos. This fusion of science fiction and horror highlights Gailey’s unique storytelling flair, making it a must-read for genre enthusiasts.
Faubion then lightens the mood with “Shaun of the Dead,” a clever blend of comedy and horror, paired with Kayla Cottingham’s “This Delicious Death.” The movie, which follows a group of friends during a zombie apocalypse, finds a spiritual companion in Cottingham’s narrative about feral girls at a summer festival, demonstrating the genre’s versatility and the fun such narratives can convey.
Among the gothic masterpieces, “Rebecca” remains timeless, and Faubion finds it mirrored in Kelsea Yu’s “Stormraven.” Classic themes of haunting and familial secrets play out in both stories, with Yu’s protagonist, Lydia, confronting the eerie past of her new husband’s family in a mansion located on an isolated island. This pairing invites readers to indulge in the blend of romance and horror that both narratives offer.
Another iconic horror narrative is “The Shining,” which gets an intriguing book companion in CJ Leede’s “Headlights.” The story of the Torrance family facing both supernatural and psychological threats in an ominous hotel dovetails with Leede’s tale of a burnt-out FBI agent confronting bizarre crimes in Colorado, artfully combining elements of horror with a deep exploration of grief.
For a holiday of fright on a beach vacation, Faubion points to Jennifer Thorne’s “Diavola,” paired with the sequel to the slasher classic “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.” Set in a picturesque Italian villa, Thorne’s chilling narrative featuring a malevolent ghost stands as an inventive take on the haunted house genre—mixing family dilemmas with traditional horror elements.
Finally, Faubion tackles the discourse of camp horror, showcasing Kalynn Bayron’s “You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight” alongside “Friday the 13th.” As a classic that defined the camp slasher sub-genre, it continues to haunt audiences today. Bayron’s novel introduces Charity, who finds herself navigating a real-life horror scenario while serving as a ‘final girl’ at a horror-themed campground. This reimagining deftly flips conventional tropes, creating a thrilling experience for readers and fans of clever commentary within the horror realm.
As readers delve into these paired narratives, Faubion’s selections reflect a deep appreciation for both literary and cinematic horror. Whether through emotional depth, clever humour, or explorations of existential fears, these stories offer a chilling yet enjoyable ride. With each book recommendation, the spirit of spooky season comes alive, leading fans to embrace the excitement of ghouls, monsters, and the unknown—a celebration that captures the essence of both Halloween and the compelling narratives that accompany it.