A dark, coming of age fairytale story where you'll want Death to be your new best friend.

The first half of 2024 is chocked full of AMAZING books I can’t wait to get my hands on, and a few I was able to get earlier from publishers. So you’ll see a lot of these reviews coming through in the next few months. Let me know if you’re excited for these releases too by following me on Instagram @kay_west_reads

This month I read 15 books. I’ve listed them below with star ratings, link to the full review (if I wrote one), and a short description.

From 40 year old single mother pirate captains, to a vampire and mermaid pirate love story, this list will have something for everyone.

This book is best read while isolated on a dead planet, trapped with strangers, by storms. All the more opportunity to read without interruption.

I’ve read 200 books this year. Here are some of the stand outs.

An ethereal folklore re-telling, incandescent with female rage.

Ho-Ho-Horror! This holiday horror anthology begs you to no let the Christmas spirit in.

This October I focused most of my time on #HauntedReads, which includes everything from gothic haunted house stories to murder mysteries and more

This book is best read in the passenger seat of a car during a first date while driving to an abandoned cabin in the woods.

This book is best read in a grimy New York City apartment, surrounded by tons of half empty take out containers while playing video games online. And when someone knocks at your door, think twice before answering.

This book is best read while sitting with your back against your sibling's closed door. You've told them breakfast is ready, but you can't hear them speak anymore, so now you wait.

This book is best read in the dark with only a headlamp. If you hear a voice calling you deeper into the dark, run.

This book is best read in a grimy New York City apartment, surrounded by tons of half empty take out containers while playing video games online. And when someone knocks at your door, think twice before answering.

This book is best read on public transportation, while wearing a mask and occasionally making direct eye contact with racoons.

This story is best read in the kitchen, while eating bread with cheese. Don't forget to look out the window for monsters every once in a while. Oh and don't sit near the clock.

This book is best read at night, in a darkened room of someone else's house. Preferably surrounded by creepy porcelain dolls.

This book is best read outdoors, alone in the forest where no one can see you dry heaving into the bushes.

Tip for all readers/listeners. Listen to the end. And by the end I mean follow the epilogue to the VERY END. I was **gasping**, mouth open. texting my brother immediately.

This book is best listened to while drafting an outline of your newest horror book, "I was only trying to help". If it feels like someone is looking over your shoulder, you're probably right, so keep your sword close.