Love is in the air this February—but so is something darker. This month’s horror releases bring haunted influencers, monstrous pregnancies, bloodthirsty vampires, enchanted forests, cursed wells, and the high price of happily-ever-after. Whether you’re craving a slow-burn gothic or a full-throttle screamfest, there’s something for every dark heart in this month’s new reads.
And speaking of twisted love stories, my new novel Dollface hits shelves February 24! Barbie meets Scream when a plastic-faced serial killer starts slashing their way through suburban New Jersey, horror author and new-PTA mom Jill finds herself at the center of a gossip-fueled murder spree—until she might just be the last woman standing. If you’re here for a whimsical, bloody, unsettling suburban slasher with a killer twist, this one is for you!
So, whether you’re looking for a little romance with your horror—or a little horror with your romance—here are a few of this month’s new books to fall for.
Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell
When Rhea Wolfe inherits a crumbling video store and an unexpected magical legacy, she sets out to build the bookstore of her dreams—only to uncover old rivalries, dangerous secrets and a forbidden love that could cost her everything. This cozy, witchy romcom is perfect for fans of small towns, big magic and second chances.
Trad Wife by Saratoga Schaefer
In this razor-sharp horror novel for the digital age, a desperate tradwife influencer makes a wish for a baby at a cursed well—and finds herself pregnant with something monstrous in this chilling tale where online performance and eldritch motherhood collide.
First Date by Gemma Armor
When two lonely hearts hit it off on a promising first date, they’re abducted by a killer who hunts happy couples—and must rely on each other to survive. A vicious, blood-soaked thriller that asks: if you make it out alive, are you still meant to be?
Dead First by Johnny Compton
When a private investigator is hired by an immortal billionaire to uncover why he can’t die, she finds herself unraveling a terrifying mystery buried in forgotten memories—and bound to her own darkest secrets. A chilling, twisty supernatural horror.
A Forest, Darkly by A. G. Slatter
In a haunted forest stalked by god-hounds and growing darkness, a reclusive witch shelters a hunted woman—and finds herself at the heart of a battle for her found family, forbidden love and the soul of the woods. A gothic fairytale of changelings, curses and witchcraft.
Maria the Hunted by V. Castro
A newly turned vampire on the run through Mexico, Maria battles cartels, ancient conspiracies and the devil himself in a visceral journey of blood, desire and defiance. A fierce, seductive tale of survival and self-discovery.
Nowhere Burning by Catriona Ward
Two runaway siblings seek refuge in the mountains at a derelict ranch-turned-haven for lost kids—but the price of sanctuary may be more terrifying than what they fled. A haunting blend of dark fairy tale and survival horror set in the Colorado Rockies.
Night of the Mannequins by Stephen Graham Jones
This reissue of the award-winning novella is a fast, feral slasher where a teen prank turns into a bloodbath. Darkly funny and brutally smart, this one proves that sometimes being the hero means becoming the monster.
The Chill Quill is a monthly roundup of thriller, horror, mystery, and dark fantasy titles released each month by Lindy Ryan. Read previous editions here.