Mindy's Book Journey

  Title: Let Him In Author: William Friend Genre: Horror Published: Oct. 3, 2023 by Poisoned Pen Press I received a copy for review through NetGalley. Alfie is adjusting to raising his twin daughters when his wife dies. He gets help from his wife's sister Julia when they become obsessed with an imaginary friend with sinister intentions. Let Him In is a creeping slow-burn horror novel. Imagine your daughters some into your room and say there is a man in their room. It is really chilling. The characters are well developed and realistic. The large manor in disrepair gives a gothic mood. The first half could have been a bit more fast paced, but things really picked up about half way through. Some aspects of the ending were a little unclear. It was an good debut, and the explorations of grief and imagination were really interesting. I would recommend Let Him In for those that like a creepy, gothic, slow burn story.  My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Title: The Animal Author: Chad Nicholas Genre: Horror Published: Oct. 3, 2023 I received a copy for review from the author.   The Animal has been all anyone can talk about in a small town that was hunted 25 years ago. They came from the woods and killed 17 people, and only 8 year old Riley survived. Now new murders are occurring, and it may be up to Riley to stop them. This slasher offers plenty of kills, action, mystery, and twists. It is very cinematic and would make a great movie. After reading Chad Nicholas' other novels, Nightmare and Shade, I knew these were things that can be expected from this new book. There is a really interesting cast of characters mostly made up of teenagers that The Animal has decided to target. Riley is a super strong main character who has been traumatized by her parents death, and would do anything to protect her young daughter from the fate they met.  If you are looking for a fun twisty slasher then I highly recommend The Animal by Chad Nichola