Best Supernatural Books December 2024

A Dirty Job (Grim Reaper, #1)

Charlie Asher is a neurotic, slightly paranoid, but endearingly ordinary guy who owns a secondhand store in San Francisco. Life is pretty normal until the day his wife dies and he discovers he’s been recruited as a Death Merchant, responsible for collecting souls. As Charlie grapples with his new role, he stumbles through a series of bizarre and hilarious adventures, all while trying to protect his infant daughter. Moore’s quirky humor and vivid characters make this a delightful romp through the afterlife.

Horns

Ignatius “Ig” Perrish wakes up one morning with a raging hangover and a pair of horns sprouting from his temples. It’s not just the horns that are troubling; they seem to have a peculiar effect on people, compelling them to confess their darkest secrets and desires. As Ig grapples with this bizarre transformation, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the brutal murder of his beloved Merrin. In a tale that weaves horror with dark humor, Joe Hill crafts a gripping narrative about love, vengeance, and the monstrous nature lurking within us all.

The Radleys

In a quiet English village, the Radleys appear to be a typical family, but beneath their ordinary facade lies a secret: they are abstaining vampires. Parents Peter and Helen have kept their true nature hidden from their teenage children, Rowan and Clara, who struggle with their own mysterious urges. When an unexpected event forces them to confront their past, the Radleys must decide whether to embrace their true selves or continue living a lie. With humor and heart, Matt Haig explores the complexities of family, identity, and the choices that define us.

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

I found myself chuckling through every page of this delightfully irreverent tale. Pratchett’s wit shines as he reimagines the apocalypse with a bumbling angel and demon duo at the helm. The clever wordplay and absurd situations had me snorting with laughter, yet there’s a surprising depth to the story’s musings on good, evil, and human nature. A wickedly funny read that left me pondering big questions between giggles.

Haunted

Palahniuk’s “Haunted” is a twisted, darkly comedic journey into the depths of human depravity. Twenty-three aspiring writers answer an ad for a writer’s retreat, only to find themselves trapped in an abandoned theater. As their isolation intensifies, they resort to increasingly shocking acts to create the ultimate story. Palahniuk’s signature style shines through, blending horror and humor in a way that left me both disturbed and oddly fascinated. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you can stomach it, it’s a wild ride you won’t soon forget.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Ray Bradbury’s haunting masterpiece, “Something Wicked This Way Comes,” weaves a spellbinding tale of two young boys facing the seductive allure of a mysterious carnival. Set in a sleepy Midwestern town, the story pulses with nostalgia and dread. Bradbury’s lyrical prose dances between wonder and terror, capturing the essence of childhood’s end. As I read, I found myself transported back to those endless summer nights, when shadows seemed alive and anything felt possible. It’s a book that lingers long after the last page, like the fading echoes of calliope music on an autumn breeze.

The Marble Faun

Hawthorne’s “The Marble Faun” whisks readers away to sun-drenched Rome, where three American expatriates find their lives intertwined with a mysterious Italian count. As they wander through ancient ruins and lavish palazzos, dark secrets and hidden passions emerge. I was captivated by Hawthorne’s lush descriptions of the Eternal City and the way he weaves art, history, and romance into a haunting tale of innocence lost. This novel lingers in the mind long after the final page, like the fading echoes of footsteps in a marble hall.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Twilight Series

Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series plunges readers into a world where vampires and werewolves walk among us. At its heart is Bella Swan, an ordinary girl who falls for the mysterious Edward Cullen. Their forbidden romance ignites a passionate saga that had me turning pages late into the night. Meyer’s vivid storytelling brings Forks, Washington to life, making me feel the damp chill and smell the pine-scented air. It’s a thrilling blend of danger, desire, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

The Tower of Nero

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, faces his final trial in this heart-pounding conclusion to Rick Riordan’s thrilling series. As I turned each page, I found myself holding my breath, caught up in the witty banter and nail-biting action. Riordan’s masterful blend of mythology and modern-day humor shines through, making me laugh and gasp in equal measure. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to these beloved characters, but what a journey it’s been! A must-read for demigods and mortals alike.