Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: Twelve Nails in the Coffin      Author: James Flynn Genre: Horror Short Story Collection Published: 6/19/26 by Velox Press Thank you to the author and Velox Press for a copy for review.   This collection of 12 horror short stories is full of creative ideas that will have you questioning the human condition. James Flynn writes stories that are disturbing and thought-provoking. They look into the darkest corners of our psyches. They are often mixed with a touch of science fiction. I have read several of James Flynn's collections before, and some of these stories were familiar and some were new to me. This collection is a really great representation of the work that you will find from this author. I highly recommend this collection to those that love their stories dark, psychological, speculative, and sometimes brutal.    My Rating: 4.5 out out of 5 stars   

  Title: Cold Snap Series: Frost Bite book 2 Author: Angela Sylvaine Genre: Horror Published: 3/17/26 by Dark Matter Ink Thank you to the author for a copy for review. In 1998 the fight against alien worms moves from North Dakota to Canada when the other half of the infested meteor is found. Add in a blizzard, a doomsday cult, a covert military op, and college spring break shenanigans and you got a wildly fun sequel full of mayhem. This series is full of 90s nostalgia that feels naturally introduced, action, and horror. It explores wonderful themes of grief, death, betrayal, friendship, found family, and young love without taking itself too seriously. It is definitely full of fun. I recommend this book highly to horror fans. My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

  Title: It Came From the Floodwaters Author: Seann Barbour Genre: Horror Published: March 13, 2026 Thank you to the author for the copy for review.   Residents are trapped in an apartment building in Savannah during a hurricane that has knocked out the power and flooded the main floor. Unfortunately, the floodwaters have also swept in a coffin holding an ancient hungry horror. A group of survivors need to band together to survive the night. As if being trapped in a flooded apartment building wasn't scary enough this book adds a vampire into the mix. The isolated setting really adds to the tension. The characters are all very different and forced to work together in an attempt to survive. The clash of personalities under stress is very interesting to read. The most interesting character is Tam who is nonbinary and polyamorous. Their is a slight unique flair to the vampire lore in this book, but the main creature is very recognizably vampire. This quick novella is just over ...

  Title: A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage Author: M.K. Oliver Genre: Thriller Published: 2/17/26 by Atria Books I received a copy for review through NetGalley.    Lalla Rook has a plan to make her life better including getting her unambitious husband made partner, get her dream home in a rich neighborhood, and getting their daughter into the best school. None of this is made easier where she kills a home intruder on the same afternoon she is hosting her son's birthday party. Good thing she won't let things like moral norms or laws get in her way.  This debut thriller is a well-plotted addictive read that is funny in a dark twisted way. It is full of surprises with reveals involving Lalla's past and present. It is a roller-coaster ride that has readers desperate to see what wild thing will happen next. I was very impressed with this humorous debut. I highly recommend reading this if you are a fan of thrillers with unforgettable if not likable main charac...

  Title: One Grimm Night Author: Chad Nicholas Genre: Horror/Dark Fantasy Published: 10/21/25 by the author Thank you to the author for the copy for review.   Six strangers seek refuge in a cabin in the woods during a storm. All have their own stories and secrets to be revealed in this world of fairy tales.  This is a great fairy tale retelling that mashes up several Grimm fairy tales and makes them even darker and more sinister. It is very cleverly plotted to give the reader many thrilling twists and reveals. This is a real strength in all of Chad Nicholas' books. It is wickedly entertaining watching all these dark tales collide on one night. I recommend this book to fans of horror and dark fantasy. I also recommend Chad Nicholas' other books Nightmare, Shade, and The Animal. They are all must reads in my opinion. My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

  Title: The Graceview Patient Author: Caitlin Starling Genre: Gothic Horror Published: 10/14/25 by St. Martin's Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley.   Margaret has a rare autoimmune disease and is signed up for an experimental medical trial. This trial requires her to live at the hospital as they completely break down her immune system then rebuild it from the bottom. When strange things start to happen she isn't sure if they are real or the medicine messing with her mind.  A mix of gothic, medical, and psychological horror full of atmosphere.  Most of the tension comes from the medical process of destroying the immune system. It is a brutal process that wreaks havoc on Margaret's body and mind. If you find medical horror scary than this may be the book for you. There is horror in this book, but it does not come into play until after half way through the book. If you like creeping gothic atmosphere then I do recommend this book. My Rating: 4 out ...