I thought I’d write about something chilling to beat this summer heat: The 2024 Summer Scares List.
I referenced this list way back in 2022, but as a quick refresher, The Horror Writers Association, in partnership with United for Libraries, Book Riot, Booklist, and Novelist – and a panel of library workers — design this list to promote horror as a great reading option for all ages, during any time of year. Think of them as “beach read-adjacent.”
In a recent JCLS video, Ashland library manager Kristin Anderson describes such books thusly: “Big, meaty novels with big ideas in (them)…that make you think, and that require some labor to get through.”
You can view that video in its entirety here.
Each year, three titles are selected in the following categories: Adult, Young Adult, and Middle Grade.
You can find the complete list here, but in this post, I want to cover my favorites in each category.
Adult: This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno
Appeal Factors
- Pace: Intensifying
- Tone: Bleak; Darkly Humorous; Menacing
- Writing Style: Lyrical; Descriptive
It was Vera’s idea to buy the Itza, the “world’s most advanced smart speaker” (think Alexa or Google Home). It was fun initially and provided some slight relief from the strange occurrences happening in Vera and Thiago’s new condo. But then, Itza starts acting weird – ordering bizarre items, randomly playing music, and messing with the lights. It’s also through a malfunction in this device that tragedy strikes Thiago and Vera. At this point, the book seamlessly goes from a horror novel about modern technology into a horror novel about grief and loneliness.
Young Adult: #Murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil
Appeal Factors
- Storyline: Action-Packed
- Pace: Fast-paced
- Tone: Darkly Humorous; Gruesome
Set in an ambiguous but near future, 18-year-old Dee has been convicted of murdering her stepsister and is sent to a new type of prison – Alcatraz 2.0, run by a mysterious figure known as The Postman. Alcatraz 2.0 is constantly under surveillance, and the public can tune in at any time to watch the live feeds of the prisoners. But that’s not all. There are killers on the island who are allowed to kill the convicted felons. Moreover, the audience can watch the murders and place bets on who survives. Dee swears she’s innocent and refuses to become one of the island’s next victims. This book has elements of survival, voyeurism, social media impact, dystopia, corrupt governments, and legal systems. This book makes you ask, “Is this reality, or is it reality TV?”
Middle Grade: The Nest by Kenneth Oppel and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Appeal Factors
- Storyline: Character-driven
- Tone: Scary, Suspenseful
- Illustration: Black-and-White
For some kids, summer is all about fun. But for Steve, it’s all about worries. He worries about his sick baby brother, how his parents are coping, and even the looming wasp’s nest growing on the eaves. However, when the wasp queen visits him in a dream, offering to fix the baby, he thinks his prayers have been answered. All he has to do is say yes. This book is spooky – and Jon Klassen’s illustrations bring an extra dark ambiance.
As you can tell, I am drawn to stories that have the characters (and the readers) questioning what is real or who – or what – they can trust. But if those aren’t the spooky stories for you, check out the rest of the list! The great thing about the Summer Scares list is that there is a scary story for every reader. Remember, spooky isn’t seasonal, so step out of the traditional “beach reads” realm and beat the heat with some spine-chilling tales.