Horror fiction has a long-standing tradition of scaring and thrilling readers, but what happens when these tropes are turned on their heads? Enter the world of these new horror parody books, where authors playfully subvert the genre’s conventions to deliver unexpected stories, often using unconventional means.
Dracula Daily by Matt Kirkland
Dracula Daily is an innovative take on Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire novel. Described as an internet sensation, this book captures the essence of the original story alongside humorous commentary and artwork contributed by enthusiastic readers. The unique concept of delivering the novel in bite-sized chunks through an email newsletter breathes new life into the timeless tale.
With a blend of Stoker’s original text and reader-generated content, Dracula Daily offers a fun and immersive experience, catering to both devoted vampire scholars and newcomers to the story. The book also features a wealth of fan art and memes, adding a fresh and entertaining twist to this classic vampire narrative.
The Black Girl Survives in This One Edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell (Various Authors)
The Black Girl Survives in This One is a compelling anthology edited by Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell that showcases the work of bestselling and acclaimed Black writers. This collection celebrates Black girls in horror and presents fifteen chilling stories that centre Black girls as heroes and survivors. These thought-provoking tales feature protagonists who slay monsters, battle spirits, and confront death head-on.
The anthology includes contributions from various talented authors, including Erin E. Adams, Monica Brashears, Charlotte Nicole Davis, Desiree S. Evans, Saraciea J. Fennell, Zakiya Dalila Harris, Daka Hermon, Justina Ireland, L.L. McKinney, Brittney Morris, Maritza & Maika Moulite, Eden Royce, and Vincent Tirado. It also features a foreword by Tananarive Due.
The Eyes are the Best Part by Monika Kim
The Eyes Are the Best Part is a gripping and haunting novel that delves into the unravelling life of Ji-won. After her father’s infidelity and departure, Ji-won’s world crumbles. Her mother is distraught, her sister is hurt, and her college grades suffer. But it’s in her horrifying yet enticing dreams that Ji-won finds solace. In these dreams, she walks through rooms filled with blood and eyes, particularly the striking blue eyes of her mother’s obnoxious boyfriend, George.
Determined to protect her family, Ji-won takes matters into her own hands, resorting to deception and manipulation. Monika Kim’s subversive and mesmerizing tale explores a family’s journey of disintegration and their struggle to find redemption.
The Gobbling by J.D. Donne
The Gobbling is a delightful and eccentric adventure that centres around Tinkerbell Fanny McWiddle, a cantankerous 77-year-old mass murderer who unexpectedly becomes the leader of a ragtag group of pub regulars. When the evil Tarquin Snitcher attempts to replace Christmas with his own malevolent celebration, Granny McWiddle and her unimpressive crew wage a hilarious war against him.
From mysterious strangers and sociopathic pensioners to ogres and deadly turkey-human hybrids, the book takes readers on a whimsical journey to save the planet from holiday doom. With unexpected heroes and endless laughter, this battle between Granny and the devil unfolds in a quest to protect the festive spirit of the entire planet.
The Librarian and the Witch by Brian Yansky
The Librarian and the Witch is a supernatural horror comedy filled with fast-paced fun and fantastical elements. The story follows the Librarian, who stumbles upon a strange town after an encounter with a clown. When the town’s librarian tragically passes away, the protagonist finds themselves wearing the librarian’s ring and unexpectedly becomes the new librarian.
Living in a houseful of books, they soon discover their new role involves more than just managing information, as they are tasked with finding a witch’s familiar, a cat. With suspenseful twists, quirky characters, and a touch of satire, this book promises an entertaining and humorous adventure in a unique setting.
The Night Guest by Hildur Knutsdottir
The Night Guest is a psychological thriller that follows the protagonist Iðunn as she struggles to uncover the truth about her mysterious nighttime excursions. Despite her chronic fatigue and unexplained injuries, her doctors and loved ones dismiss her concerns. But when she wakes up one morning to find that she has walked over 40,000 steps during the night, Iðunn realizes that something strange is happening to her while she sleeps.
As she delves deeper into her own mind, she uncovers disturbing secrets and a sinister presence that may have been with her since childhood. This gripping tale explores themes of trust, memory, and the power of the subconscious mind.
Bless Your Heart by Lindy Ryan
Bless Your Heart is a captivating mystery-horror novel set in Southeast Texas in 1999. This book follows the Evans women, who are the owners of the town’s only funeral parlour and have been managing it without drama for the last 15 years. However, when local gossip Mina Jean Murphy’s body returns to life after being buried, the Evans women realize that the original vampire, the Strigoi, has returned.
With more deaths in the town and a curious deputy asking too many questions, the Evans women, including Lenore’s daughter Grace and her infant daughter Luna, fight back to protect their town. A Southern Gothic tale with big-hearted characters and secrets spilling into the present, this book is a shocking and delightful read.
Hex and Hexability by Kate Johnson
Hex and Hexability is a spellbinding and enchanting paranormal romance set in Regency-era England. In this bewitching tale, Lady Theophania, known as Tiffany to her friends, finds herself in a scandalous situation at a grand ball, leading to her exile to the South Coast. It is during her time there that she encounters a mysterious stranger named Santiago, who unexpectedly saves her.
Years later, Santiago reappears under mysterious circumstances, and Tiffany discovers that there is more to him than meets the eye. With a delightful mix of romance, magic, and Regency charm, this book offers a bewitching adventure that leaves readers captivated until the very end.
Mother Doll by Katya Apekina
Mother Doll: A Novel is a gripping and multi-generational story that delves into the lasting impact of trauma in Russian history. The narrative revolves around four generations of mothers and daughters, exploring the complex relationships and secrets they hold. As Zhenia grapples with a troubled marriage and impending motherhood, her dying grandmother, Vera, seeks solace through Paul, a renowned psychic medium.
Vera hopes that Paul will serve as a conduit for an extraordinary tale of revolt, heartbreak, and the painful decision to abandon her daughter during Soviet times. Together, Zhenia and Vera confront the legacies of trauma and challenge societal expectations of womanhood and motherhood. With a cast of compelling characters trapped in the cloud of grief, this poignant and humorous novel sheds light on the profound effects of generational trauma.
You’d Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace
Joanna Wallace’s You’d Look Better as a Ghost is a thrilling novel about a young woman with a peculiar gift – she sees people as ghosts before they die. But what makes things complicated is that she’s often the one responsible for their deaths. After her father’s funeral, she meets Lucas, not realizing their meeting was anything but chance.
Unbeknownst to Lucas, he’s now on the hit list of an angry serial killer. As things escalate and someone starts watching her, Claire does everything in her power to hide her secret, knowing full well that her art career and reputation are at risk too.
For those seeking a fresh and entertaining take on the horror genre, these new horror parody books offer a delightful escape into a world where scares and thrills don’t always come from the direction you anticipated. What are your favourite horror parody books? Comment below and let us know!