(Updated May 18 2025)

It’s almost summer and that means summer vacation. Wether you’re staying at home, enjoying some sun in your backyard, or going on a vacation trip, the summer is always a special time of the year where most of us are enjoying themselves at the beach, swimming pool, or a lake, go hiking, visiting other and new places or just relaxing at your own home. 

This sunny season with all its joy and freedom and adventures is an excellent background for all things dark and scary. Because shadows are the darkest when the sun is at its brightest. 

Summer camps where a serial killer turns the lake red, or vacation houses that are haunted, ghosts of camp fire tales are coming to life,  a camping trip going terribly wrong, or kids finding out that there’s an ancient evil threatening their town. Dark shadows in the lake, killer fish on beaches, unsafe waterparks, killer amusement parks, a family from hell, killer weeds, cults that worship in the town you booked your air B&B, you name it. Summer is a perfect time to bathe yourself in sunshine and horror.

This year a lot of new horror books are coming out. A couple of anticipated horror films will get you scared in the dark while it’s sunny out, and on the small screen we can enjoy some new series and hopefully some highly anticipated last or new seasons. 

I’ve picked out some horror books, movies and series that I look forward to. 

HORROR BOOKS

Horror Books coming out in June

Tejano Tales to Tell in The Dark  by V. Castro (May 27)

There is a rich Tejano folklore that runs through the heart of Texas. Tales often shared by teens involving La Lechuza and La Llorona, werewolves and chupacabra, even giant armadillos. But there’s so much more, so many fun, and often sinister, twists…

An anthology novel is always a good choice to read on your vacation. Bite size short stories are easy to pick up and read in just one sitting. (132 pages)

---

Strange Houses by Uketsu (June 3)

A spiritual companion to Strange Pictures and a bestselling horror phenomenon in Japan —mysterious spaces, trap doors, windowless children’s rooms . . . something is wrong with this house. Can you solve the “mystery” of its floor plan?

I loved The House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski and I love haunted houses or houses that are just not right. They are our homes, our safe places, but what if they’re not. (208 pages)

---

A Girl Walks into the Forest by Madeleine Roux (June 10)

Midsommar meets The Shadows Between Us in this alluring mash-up of horror and fairy tale. A girl must embark on a harrowing journey through a deadly forest filled with otherworldly creatures, supernatural forces, and one maniacal villain who will stop at nothing to bring her down. 

If this really is reminiscent to Midsommar (2019) then count me in. (336 pages)

Continue reading below this announcement.

You’ve Awoken Her by Ann Davila Cardinal (June 17)

Fans of You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight and Your Lonely Nights Are Over will love this thrilling YA horror about a string of disappearances and “accidental” drownings in the Hamptons, the changing relationship between two best friends, and their desperate attempt to not be the next victims of a Lovecraftian monster terrorizing the coastline. 

This book is for Young Adults, so if you want some mild horror but with a cosmic horror twist, this sounds like  a good book to read near the waterside. (288 pages)

---

Horror Books coming out in July

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (July 15)

Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga. Minerva a graduate student who studies the history of horror literature stumbles upon a famous novel that is based on an actual true story, and still deadly.

I love horror books about horror novels or movies. I like the meta vibe, just like I liked Silver Nitrate. (368 pages)

---

Girl in the Creek by Wendy N. Wagner (July 15)

The Girl in the Creek by Hugo Award winner Wendy N. Wagner is an atmospheric and eerie story about a Pacific Northwest forest that seems to be devouring all who enter. A perfect read for fans of T. Kingfisher and Jeff VanderMeer’s cli-fi cosmic horror.

Need I say more? Yes because a ruined hotel, mushrooms and fungus, missing persons, serial killers and looming trees are also in the mix. Can’t wait to get my hands on this one. (272 pages)

---

The Killer on the Road/The Babysitter Lives by Stephen Graham Jones (July 15)

Well the title says it all. Two stories by Stephen Graham Jones in one book. A babysitter during Halloween and a road haunted by a serial killer. 

I’m a big fan of his authentic writing style, it can be some getting used to, but it makes his stories unique. (480 pages)

---

Another by Paul Tremblay (July 22)

When Casey Wilson’s parents tell him that his friend is coming for a sleepover, he has no idea who that might be. Ever since the Zoom Incident, everyone treats him like a pariah, and his tics are worse than ever. 

When Morel appears, he’s not like any friend Casey has ever met. His skin is like clay, and he doesn’t speak. But Casey’s parents are charmed by the strange kid, and it’s nice to have someone to talk to besides his sister, Ally, who is away at college. As his normally loving parents grow distant from Casey, they gush and fawn over Morel. Casey knows something is wrong—but with no end in sight to the sleepover, he’s exhausted. And in the dark, out of the corner of his eye, Morel doesn’t look like a kid at all. . . .

Paul Tremblay writes unique stories with a twist and an intelligent perspective. Now he has written a book for middle graders about unbreakable friendship and a creepy kid. I’m very excited to read this one. (256 pages)

---

Black Brane by Michael Cisco (July 22)

Weird fiction icon and award-winning author Michael Cisco’s Black Brane, begins with the physical pain of a bad foot and later voyages into absurdity, mad science, occultism, and existential dread.

A man lying in a bed of pain flees from physical torment into his own memories, and into speculations about life and reality. He was, once, employed by the Temporary Institute for the Study of Holes, a think tank pursuing research that ranges from occult studies to advanced physics, including black holes—or, as they are known in string theory, black branes.

He meets and interacts with the various other members of the institute. Its founder, Dr. Marilyn Shitansky, a formerly homeless woman who claims to have a thinking hole in her brain; its resident occultist, the chain-smoking Daladara with his magic abacus; Ernie Allegre the engineer, who designed and built a decoherence reactor to power the institute; Dr. Liu, the string theorist; the linguist Dr. Corngholm, who can’t sit still; and Dr. Shitansky’s secretary, Renbrui, who seems to carry a mystery with her wherever she goes.

In memory, the speaker finds them again, in a story of physical and emotional pain, of social and quantum entanglement, that turns comic, speculative, and nightmarish. Echoing the work of Blake Crouch and Thomas Ligotti, Michael Cisco shows in Black Brane why he’s beloved by weird fiction and horror readers.

It reminds me of The Cipher by Kate Koja. I loved that book and I love really weird stories about existentialism. This book might not be for everyone, but if you’re in for something completely different then this might be a good choice. (170 pages)

---

It Was Her House First by Cherie Priest (July 22)

A house with a blood-soaked past, a vengeful ghost and a grieving woman who has inherited it. The line between living and dead isn’t as sharp as it seems. 

Well, a haunted house story is always a good idea, especially when you love the subgenre. (352 pages)

---

Horror Books coming out in August

Lost in the Dark and Other Excursions by John Langan (August 5)

A garishly painted figurine contains a terrible curse; the ten-year anniversary of a sensational horror film shot in an abandoned mine reveals stunning secrets; endnotes for a book review uncover a strange high-tech pathogen; a man witnesses something uncanny and unexplained as his friend succumbs to a watery death; a seasick woman aboard a ferry is pursued by a barnacle-covered specter; a professor reveals the mysterious connection between Joseph Conrad and Peter Pan; a man encounters the ghost of his lost sister in a liminal space between the land and sea; an academic meets a mythical creature on a mysterious island…

Thirteen new tales of cosmic horror. I loved The Fisherman and House of Windows and look forward to new comic stories by this skillful writer. (304 pages)

---

An Evil Premise by T. Mare Vandelly (August 12)

From T. Marie Vandelly, author of the acclaimed horror novel Theme Music, An Evil Premise is a mind-bending, thrilling meta-novel about possession, insanity, and the lengths a writer will go to find inspiration.

A story about a manuscript that is unsettling, gives you a rash, seems to be writing itself and drives you mad, and a story about Jewel who’s determined to finish it.

Sounds like a meta-horror about writing and stories that might be all too real. I’m very curious about this one. 

---

13 Months Haunted by Jimmy Juliano (August 12)

Piper Lowery, a public library clerk in charge of liaising with the local middle school, can tell right away there’s something strange about the new girl in eighth grade. Avery Wallace won’t touch any kind of technology, not even the computers at the library, and her mother comes to school with her every day, refusing to leave her side—not even when Avery uses the restroom.

And then there are the rumors, the whispers Piper hears from kids in the hallway and parents around Avery’s mother is a witch. Her sister and father were killed by something supernatural. A strange virus killed them.

Seeing how isolated and lonely Avery is, Piper befriends her but quickly realizes it might just be the worst decision she’s ever made. Because there’s something dark inside Avery Wallace, and it’s spreading . . .

This sounds very promising and mysterious, and I have no idea where this story is going to take us. All the more exciting. (384 pages)

---

8114 by Joshua Hull (August 26)

After returning to his hometown, Paul, the beleaguered host of a small-time podcast, discovers a longtime friend committed suicide in the dilapidated ruins of Paul’s childhood home. Desperate to find answers, Paul interviews friends and locals hoping to find closure. He finds himself in a chilling downward spiral of his memories and the land he grew up on. Has his past caught up with him or is there something far more sinister at play?

Not a lot of information to go on, but it might be interesting. (218 pages)

---

The Red Knot by Monique Asher (August 26)

Gripping, atmospheric, and off-putting, The Red Knot is the perfect blend of occult mystery and small-town horror.

On a tiny, isolated island off the southern Alaskan coast, three girls have vanished without a trace, and Audra’s close friend—the island’s therapist—has been found murdered. A recent storm has severed all communication with the outside world, leaving Audra, the town’s lead detective, trapped and at the head of a very personal case.

If you like mystery, a remote island, a cult leader, missing children, murder, a horror history and small town horror crime, this will be a chilling read for the summer. (400 pages)

---

Welcome to the Ghost Show by J.W. Acker (August 26)

The Ghost Show is coming . . . are you ready? Three friends must face their deepest fears. As founder of her school’s Creepy Club (three members strong!), Zel is always looking for paranormal activity. Turns out the Ghost Show is a black, five-story skull that appears on the edge of town as a supernatural attraction. Stepping inside, the Creepy Club is greeted by the eccentric Amadeus Everest Mancer, a self-proclaimed ghost catcher who guides them through an aquarium full of vaporous floaty things—sheets that cover gobs of dripping red goo. Then Mancer offers Zel what she’s always the chance to see a real ghost. But it turns out to be more than she bargained for. To stop him, the Creepy Club must fight a massive ghost infestation and free the trapped souls within, culminating in chilling battle that blurs the line between reality and the supernatural.

Another story for middle graders, for fans of R.L. Stine. Summer never will be boring due to stories like this. (224 pages)

HORROR MOVIES

Bring her Back (May 30)

A brother and sister uncover a terrifying ritual at the secluded home of their new foster mother. From the directors of Talk to Me (2022).

---

28 Years Later (June 20)

It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.

Although not exactly 28 years later but 23 years after the first movie 28 Days Later (2002) Danny Boyle is back with co-writer Alex Garland known for Annihilation (2018) and Sunshine (2007) also directed by Danny Boyle. 

I don’t think this franchise doesn’t need much explaining. It’s going to be a sunny summer full of zombies.

---

M3gan 2.0 (June 27)

Two years after M3GAN’s rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN’s underlying tech. 

The AI killer doll is back and will slash her way through this summer. 

---

Together (July 30)

A couple’s move to the countryside triggers a supernatural incident that drastically alters their relationship, existence and physical form.

A psychological horror, an existential horror, a supernatural horror and a body horror all in one. That sounds promising. 

---

Weapons (August 8)

When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at exactly the same time, a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance.

From the director of Barbarian (2022) this is my much anticipated horror of the summer. It sounds and looks eerie, creepy, strange and probably comes with a twist.

---

Witchboard (August 15)

Director Chuck Russell (Nightmare on Elm Street 3, The Blob) marks his return to the horror genre with WITCHBOARD, a wild re-imagining of the classic 80’s horror franchise. Emily (Madison Iseman) and her fiancé Christian (Aaron Dominguez) discover an ancient Wiccan artifact, a pendulum board, as they prepare to open a bistro in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Emily becomes obsessed with the board’s power of divination and spirit summoning, exposing her to the ancient spirit of the Queen of Witches. Desperate to help his fiancé, Christian seeks the advice of occult expert Alexander Babtiste (Jamie Campbell Bower). But Babtiste has secrets of his own, including his connection to a modern-day coven of witches. A masked ball, murder and mayhem ensue… With each swing of the pendulum, a dangerous game is played with Emily’s soul at stake.

Ready for an eighties revival? I always am. 

---

Hell House LLC: Lineage (August 20)

For the first time ever, the popular Hell House LLC franchise is headed to the big screen. 

Hell House was not the first incident to happen in this town. Uncover the terrifying link between the Carmichael Manor, the Abaddon Hotel, and decades of mysterious murders in Hell House LLC: Lineage this summer, the fifth and allegedly final installment in the franchise.

What is also special about this supposedly (..?) last installment is that it isn’t found footage. Still I’m very excited about it. 

---

The Conjuring: Last Rites (September 4)

Paranormal investigators, Ed & Lorraine Warren take on their most disturbing case to date. Jack & Janet Smurl and their family, move into a brand new home they’ve dreamed of, which turned into a nightmare as their home begins show signs of demonic infestation.

Finally a new installment of The Conjuring franchise. brace yourself for horrifying hauntings and demons.

TV SERIES

Resident Alien season 4 (June, 6)

Alien Harry Vanderspeigle must take it up against another alien invasion together with his best friend Asta and his little frenemy Max. But that’s going to be a lot harder when being imprisoned on the Grey’s Moon base, while his friends all think he made it back to Earth. Will they find out the alien-lookalike Harry is an imposter before it’s too late? 

---

Wednesday season 2 (Part 1 August 8, Part 2 September 3)

Wednesday is back and returns to Nevermore Academy. She has to get ready for more supernatural adventures.

---

It: Welcome to Derry season 1 (maybe this summer?)

How great would it be if the new anticipated series of the It Universe will make it’s way to our houses in the summer. Although the official release date is due this year it doesn’t specify which exact date. While It is my favorite coming-of-age summer horror book, I would be delighted if the show will start this summer. 

It is set before the adventures in the film It Chapter One (2017) and It Chapter Two (2019).

---

Alien: Earth season 1 (August 12)

Also a new series that takes place in a well-known horror universe will make its way to the small screen this year. Maybe this summer, maybe in the fall. An exact release date isn’t announced yet, but we can always hope. It is set two years before the events in the first movie Alien (1979).

---

The Terror: Devil in Silver season 3 (maybe this summer?)

The anthology series The Terror has also announced the upcoming third season releasing this year. Will it be in the summer, we shall see. It is based on the novel by Victor LaValle.

The third season follows Pepper, “a working class moving man who, through a combination of bad luck and a bad temper, finds himself wrongfully committed to New Hyde Psychiatric Hospital—an institution filled with the people society would rather forget. There, Pepper must contend with patients who work against him, doctors who harbor grim secrets, and perhaps even the very Devil himself”

---

Stranger Things season 5 (maybe this summer?)

Of course this year all eyes are on the final season of Stranger Things. After the apocalyptic cliffhanger of season 4, things have gotten dire for Eleven and her whole Party. They are promising us movie-length episodes and I can’t wait how they are going to save Hawkins and themselves. 

---

This was a very long list of potential good books to read, great tv series to watch and some scary movies you can go see. There should be something for everyone. Hopefully it will be a very long summer too. 

Enjoy your summer everyone!