Gothic Readers Book Club

Garry Kilworth has put together a fantastic collection of poetry in  Poems, Peoms and Other Atrocities. The collection features the work of both  Garry Kilworth and Robert Holdstock. While not all of the selections are dark poetry, most touch on some of the most powerful shadows in our lives. The collection's divided into sections. Life and Death and War naturally reach into the darkest places in our souls. Even the section on Love touches on the haunting strains of Gothic. In "Shield Man," the author promises to take "the first blow" and "never fail at the task" of protecting those he loves. A powerful sentiment, but one that lingers with the hint of the impossible. "Letter to Lavinia" has the essence of the Poe infused in every line. Gothic poetry is not lost. Find it here.

If You Like: Shelley, Poe, Keats

Sokoloff creates a fantastic balance between reality and the supernatural in Book of Shadows. Part detective story and part supernatural, the narrative is a slippery slope of magic, murder, and trust. How far can a detective seeped in a culture of 'just-the-facts' step outside his comfort zone to believe in the occult? Can he trust this strange woman luring him farther and farther into a world of darkness and mystery? Can he afford not to trust her considering the stakes? Sokoloff's work is a compelling, chilling tale.

If you like: Ann Radcliffe, Matthew Gregory Lewis, E.T.A. Hoffmann

Ghosts were the staple of the Gothic tradition and editor Andrew Barger has compiled a collection featuring the highlights of the early modern era. As with his other anthologies, he also provides excellent resources for readers who want to investigate beyond his pages. Featuring stories from Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and other famous names, he also includes a few readers might not immediately know. This is a fantastic introduction to the supernatural and paranormal of the 1800s.


If You Like: Edgar Allen Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Wilhelm Hauff