This historical horror novel is giving Midsommar/Night Film vibes. Ellen is a closeted lesbian living in New York who spends her time working on film restoration. But her life is changed forever when she’s presented with a print of an exploitation film originally thought to be destroyed during the Holocaust. In the face of the occult imagery and queer practices Ellen witnesses on the tape, Ellen is forced to confront her own sexuality. What’s more, the more time she spends watching the film, the more she becomes convinced that it’s all real.

Here’s another must-read queer horror novel coming out this month. When couple Carmen and Blanca find themselves in a rut, romantically and sexually, Carmen turns to a strange play called The King in Yellow. Just a few pages of the play give the reader a sense of euphoria. Read too much and you will descend into madness. Carmen loves the rush of reading just enough to barely survive it. But how long until she doesn’t know when to stop and takes the game too far?

I never get tired of horror books about female rage, and What Hunger is definitely a fresh take. In the summer before high school, Ronny Nguyen is feeling a bit adrift, especially compared to her popular, overachieving older brother. But then the unthinkable happens, and only a few nights later, a boy tries to take advantage of Ronny at a high school party. What follows is an inexplicable hunger for raw meat that Ronny just can’t seem to satiate.

BookTok favorite Ania Ahlborn is back with another terrifying horror novel. Grieving mother Isla Hansen’s life is turned upside down when a mysterious child appears outside of their secluded Colorado property. At first, the child’s presence introduces a sense of hope into an otherwise dark household. But soon, Isla’s husband Luke and their children notice strange things about the orphaned child, things that make them question reality itself.

If you love possession stories and historical horror, Isabel Cañas has got you covered. In Zacatecas in 1765, a plague is destroying everything. Alba Díaz and her family have fled to an isolated mine, hoping to escape the sickness. But something even more terrifying awaits them in the darkness. Alba begins sleepwalking and having disturbing dreams. She’s certain something violent and angry is hiding somewhere inside of her. And now it’s threatening to come out.

Here’s a must-read YA horror from Catherine Yu, the author of Direwood. Mars Chang is delighted to be accepted into Allegra Academy, the most prestigious dance academy. Then she finds out she’ll be rooming with Alex Bechler, whose family owns the academy. Mars’ relationship with Alex could make or break her time there. On top of that, the headmistress approaches Mars with an offer she can’t refuse: a full year of admittance into the dance program. All she has to do is sneak Alex Bechler some pills. What are the pills? Are they safe? And could messing with them ruin Mars’ chances for a future in dance?

Secret Lives of the Dead is a mix of folk horror and revenge thriller. Jodi, BB, and Matt decide to rob a country home on a dare, unaware that the act of doing so will set off a chain of horrific supernatural events. Meanwhile, Lem is haunted by a family curse, and the only way he can end it is by collecting a selection of relics and bringing them back together. One of the three breaking into the house has a reason for wanting to get to the relics before Lem does. You won’t be able to put this one down until you find out how it all plays out.