I've decided that I will not miss out on the fun of the R.I.P. Challenge this year (Readers Imbibing Peril), which is hosted by Carl at Stainless Steel Droppings.
As far as I can tell, the R.I.P. is all about scaring yourself silly by reading books in these categories:
Mystery
Suspense
Thriller
Dark Fantasy
Gothic
Horror
Supernatural
Suspense
Thriller
Dark Fantasy
Gothic
Horror
Supernatural
There are several levels of Peril that you can sign up for, but the real goal is to have fun and share that fun with others. The challenge runs from September 1 until October 31st. You can find all the details (and the really cool buttons) here.
After browsing my bookshelves, I decided I could definitely read at least four books, which means I'm participating at the Peril the First level. Because I am the world's slowest book reviewer, I am vowing to review each book immediately after finishing so that I'm not writing about scary books at Christmas time! I've decided to come up with some kind of review format that will make it easier for me to write my reviews in a timely fashion. So here are the seven books I'll attempt to read ...with a little bit about why I think they fit the challenge.
- Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier: "Arguably the most famous and well-loved gothic novel of the 20th century." And yet, I've never read it.
- We Have Always Lived In The Castle
by Shirley Jackson: "A treat for fans of mystery and suspense" Plus just check out that cover!
- Infected by Scott Sigler: "...riveting horror thriller, alien seeds from outer space infect a number of unlucky humans, who develop some unusual symptoms—itchy, blue triangular growths on their skin—that eventually result in the carriers becoming screaming, homicidal maniacs." Sounds deliciously horrible to me!
- In The Woods by Tana French: "Irish author French expertly walks the line between police procedural and psychological thriller in her debut." Plus I hear she gets better and better and better...
- Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach: It is about dead bodies!! 'Nuff said.
- What The Dead Know by Laura Lippman: "After fleeing a car accident, a middle-aged woman with no ID is questioned by both the police and hospital administration. Refusing to reveal her identity (and proof of health insurance), she instead hints that she is the younger of two sisters, Heather and Sunny Bethany, who disappeared the day before Easter in 1975." Sounds like a good mystery to me!
- The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson: From a blurb on the back of the book: "It's as engrossing as it is gruesome, the kind of horror you watch with one eye closed. A hell of a story." Oooooohhhh...sounds wonderful!

