Hello my fellow readers, it is April and TBR time. Last month I read 10 and a half books out of the 11 on my list. That was one of my best reading months. I am listing 11 again this month. Last month was mostly horror, and while I am still reading horror, I am adding more genres so it does not dominate the list. I am also adding a fun new element where I let my wife pick one of my books. She is not a fan of horror, so this will help diversify my reading. My genre breakdown is 1 fantasy, 1 science fiction, 3 mysteries, 1 nonfiction, and 5 horror.

I am attending two book signings from two of my favorite writers.

The first is with V.E. Schwab and Cat Clarke, who are writing The Ending Writes Itself together under the name Evelyn Clarke. I am very excited for that novel, which is also on my TBR.

My other signing is with Robert McCammon. I have met him before, but I am bringing some of my favorites like Boy’s Life, Mine, and Mister Slaughter.

---

Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio is a fantasy that has been on my radar for some time. It is the first book in the Sun Eater Saga, where we learn early on that the hero to some is the villain to others because he destroyed the sun. The series explores what led him to that decision. Many BookTubers I follow have recommended it. Empire of Silence was first published on July 3, 2018 by DAW.

Salem’s Lot by Stephen King is a vampire novel and his second published book. This is one I have been meaning to read for years but have not gotten to yet. I am excited to finally experience it, especially since I have heard about a very creepy window scene. Salem’s Lot was first published on October 17, 1975.

I, Medusa by Ayana Gray is a novel about understanding Medusa as a villain. Many people compare it to Circe, which I loved. This is the book my wife selected for me, and I am very excited to read it. I, Medusa was first published on November 15, 2025 by Random House.

The Ending Writes Itself by Evelyn Clarke is a locked door mystery set on an island. Six writers are invited to the island to finish the final chapter of a famous novelist’s last book after his death. I love V.E. Schwab and will read anything she writes. I have heard this is dark, funny, and revealing about the publishing industry. The Ending Writes Itself will be published on April 7, 2026 by Harper.

Mongrels by Stephen Graham Jones is my werewolf book of the month. I announced a plan to read one werewolf novel each month in 2026, and did a post asking for suggestions. And Mongrels was the winning selection. It is a coming of age story about a boy whose family lives on the outskirts of society. Mongrels was first published on May 10, 2016 by William Morrow.

You Me Her by Sue Watson is a domestic thriller about a wife, her husband, and a new friend. The tagline is One Marriage, Three People. One Murder. This is a rerelease provided to me by Grand Central Publishing. I have been in the mood for thrillers lately, and this one features an unreliable narrator, which sounds fun. You Me Her was republished on March 17 by Grand Central Publishing.

---

ARCs

The Curse of Hester Gardens by Tamika Thompson is a haunted horror novel centered on gun violence. The premise has been described as We Need to Talk About Kevin if written by Jason Reynolds and Tananarive Due, meeting River Solomon’s Model Home. It takes place in a haunted public housing project. The Curse of Hester Gardens will be published on March 31 by Kensington Books.

Sarafina by Philip Fracassi is a horror novel about three brothers who go AWOL during the Civil War and discover something far worse waiting in the woods. Fracassi became one of my favorite authors in 2025. His work always contains horror elements, but he blends genres in interesting ways. Sarafina will be published on April 7, 2026 by CLASH Books.

The Escape Game by Marissa Meyer and Tamara Moss is a young adult novel centered on a reality show called The Escape Room. In the fourth season, a contestant was murdered. As the show returns for its fifth season, one contestant is not there to win, but to solve their friend’s murder. Marissa Meyer is one of my wife’s favorite authors, and I have yet to read her work. I have a feeling that will change soon. The Escape Game will be published on April 7, 2026 by G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers.

Monsters in the Archives by Caroline Becks is a nonfiction book about Stephen King and his work. For the first time, King has allowed access to his private archives and drafts. The book focuses on five works: Carrie, Salem’s Lot, Pet Sematary, The Shining, and Night Shift. I have read all of them except Salem’s Lot, which I plan to read first. Monsters in the Archives will be published on April 25, 2026 by Hogarth.

I Know A Place by Nat Cassidy is a collection of short stories with one novella. I attended a reading where Cassidy performed one of the stories with a guitar, which was a great experience. I quickly connected with his writing, and When the Wolf Comes Home completely blew me away. I have heard great things about the novella Rest Stop, and I am really looking forward to this one. I Know A Place will be published on May 5, 2026 by Shortwave Publishing.