Four mystery & horror books to look out for this winter

As winter approaches and the months get colder, everybody wants to watch a feel-good cozy movie or read a lighthearted book, but what most do not know is that winter can also be the perfect time to enjoy darker and colder novels. Here are five bone-chilling mystery and horror novels to look forward to this upcoming winter, to set a different mood for the season.

01. The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

Aspiring author Alex receives an extraordinary opportunity to bring her dreams to life. She is invited by a famous horror author named Roza Vallo to a month-long writing retreat at her estate. After the arrival of the attendees, Roza reveals that the retreat is a competition, and whoever is able to write the best novel out of scratch and within the month, will get a million-dollar publishing deal. Alex is determined to win the competition and sets her mind to her work. However, it is difficult to focus on writing a novel when her former best friend tries to play with her mind and the author that invited her here begins to act strangely. It is even harder to focus when one of the other writers goes missing; that is something that can not be ignored. The rest of the book follows Alex as she tries to uncover the truth. The Writing Retreat is Julia Bartz’s debut novel and will be released on February 21, 2023. Available on: Amazon

02. All Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham

Isabelle Drake’s whole life changes when her toddler disappears in the middle of the night. There are no leads and little evidence, resulting in the case going cold. Isabelle, however,  is determined to find her son and will not give up until she does, and her complete attention and devotion to her son’s case causes her to develop severe insomnia. One day she agrees to be interviewed by a person who runs a crime podcast, hoping to uncover clues about her son’s disappearance. The podcaster is insistent and continuously questions her. Her insomnia messes with her mind. How sure is she of her recollection of the night? Can she even trust herself? All Dangerous Things is Stacy Willingham’s second published book and it will be released on January 10, 2023. Available on: Amazon

03. How To Sell A Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

Filled with doubts and anxiety, Louise finds herself back in her hometown and old house after the sudden death of her parents. She does not know how to deal with the life-long memories held inside the house, and how empty it feels without her parents. Most of all, she does not know how to face her brother who envies all that she has achieved. Regardless, they have to prepare the house so it can be sold. Strange things begin to happen around the house, and it seems as though the past has a firm hold over them. The question arises: how does one sell a haunted house? Grady Hendrix is a horror author who is best known for his books Horrorstör and The Final Girl Support Group. How To Sell A Haunted House will be coming out on January 13, 2023. Available on: Amazon and Walmart

04. Locust Lane by Stephen Amido

Three students become suspects in the death of a young woman named Eden Perry after she is found dead in the richer parts of the town. Hannah is a kind girl on the surface but she has a concerning past. Jack is the boy who everyone knows, and a boy who can be cruel. Christopher is a newcomer struggling to find his place in the town. Each of the suspects has parents who will stop at nothing to keep their kids safe; even if it means that they will have to turn on each other to do so. How far are the parents willing to go to protect their children? Stephen Amido threads a story of questioning, trust, and mystery in Locust Lane, which will be released on January 17, 2023. Available on: Amazon