R.I.P. V Challenge

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

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!

    

       
 

  

August Giveaway Winners

I usually don't post twice in one day but I figure these type of posts aren't really of interest to anyone other than the winners so I thought I'd sneak it in there tonight. The more important post is the one about the new September Giveaway.

Here are the lucky winners from the August giveaway:

• Stacy at Stacy's Books won Think of A Number by John Verdon.
  
• ToadMama at ToadMama's Interstitial Space won How Did You Get This Number by Sloane Crosley.
  
• Natalie at The Book Inn won Live To Tell by Lisa Gardner.
• Molly at My Cozy Book Nook won The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer.
• Tracie at the recently deceased blog Stir Fry Awesomeness won The News Where You Are by Catherine O'Flynn.

Congrats winners! I'll be contacting you by e-mail (if I haven't already) to tell you that you won and to get your mailing address!