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Ashley

@mostly.macabre.bookworm

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📚Lover of all books with murder, mystery and monsters
📚Occasionally enjoys a good rom com...fantasy...or some sci fi
☠️I'm vehemently anti-GenAI

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Saw this trend and LOVED IT! I'm not tagging or listing all the books though, just because there are so many since my handle is so long 😅 but these are books I've read somewhat recently and they really stuck with me!

Who else wants to jump in on this trend?! What are some of the books you've read recently that have really left an impact in your thoughts?

#bookstagram #bookstagramchallenge #framesoftitles #horror #thriller #darkfantasy #romcom #mostlymacabre #moodreader by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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2 years ago

Hello! I'm Ashley. I've been an avid reader since I was a child. Today I mostly enjoy thriller/suspense and all types of horror, but once in a while I'll be in the mood for a good rom com or science fiction...maybe an occasional biography or memoir. My love of all things creepy and macabre started back in grade school, with R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike.

I've been thinking of starting a Bookstagram account for a while, since I've stumbled upon this lovely community. It started when I was in a reading lull...I was sick of only seeing reviews for Stephen King novels. I wanted more diversity, and then I found a bookclub where I was exposed to all types of authors in the crime and horror genres. I loved all the different authors and being able to discuss what we read. I'm also not a super literary person (science degrees here, and a lot of literature goes over my head), but I do enjoy discussions and hearing all the different views people have.

If you love all things macabre with some occasional palette cleansers sprinkled in, I'd love to discuss them all with you! by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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3 years ago

I've seen a few other Bookstagram accounts post their ratings scale, and I thought it was a genius idea! Also sometimes I struggle when I rate books, so I figured this would help me be more consistent 😅 by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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3 years ago

Today another of my favorite authors I'm featuring for Spooky Season is @wickedjamison, who I feel doesn't get nearly the attention they deserve for these fantastic books! Even though these are all YA, don't think for a moment that these will be "juvenile." All contain heavy themes of grief, classism/racism, and self-identity. There is wonderful LGBTQIA+ representation, and the characters are extremely complex. Not to mention, they push the envelope with the horror elements!

Have you read anything by Jamison Shea yet?

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me was my first book I've read of Jamison's, and it was also their debut novel. I loved it because it was like a demonic version of Black Swan and Center Stage. I will never stop recommending this one. It lives rent free in my mind.

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

Roar of the Lambs definitely had the most ambitious plot yet - and a lot of heavier themes like transphobia and misogyny. I thought it brought up a lot of interesting social commentary, that feels very relevant to have today in such a hateful time we are living in. It's not a comfortable conversation to have, but it's important. More people need to read this one. There's also more of a mystery in this plot which was a bit of a fun puzzle to solve.

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

Also - ordered this edition from an indie bookstore, and it came signed with some artwork from the book! It's always my top priority to support indie stores, even if they aren't necessarily local to me.

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

I had to also post the sequel to I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me, which is I Am the Dark That Answers When You Call. This is such a unique horror duology, and I absolutely love these covers. You can't go wrong with any of Jamison's books!

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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an hour ago

📚 Currently Reading - Monster in the Mirror by @janashawrites 📚

I'm always excited to check out an author debut novel! This thriller/horror vibe is something I need right now.

Book Synopsis:

"Dark, twisty, and atmospheric debut thriller for readers of The Quiet Tenant and The Butcher.

Her uncle was a serial killer. The town whispers, could she be a killer too?

On the night Jiah Rai was found cradling her girlfriend Georgia's dead body at the bottom of Wailing Cliff, everyone suspected her. There wasn't enough evidence to charge her, but the town refuses to forget. Murder must run in the family. Jiah's uncle was a convicted serial killer, and while he died behind bars, his legacy lives on in Jiah and her sister. It doesn't matter that they've lived in Dumont their whole lives—they have never fit into the insular white community, and perhaps they never will

But legacy isn't done with Jiah just yet. A few years later, a threat from Georgia's brother threatens to crumble the shaky peace Jiah has rebuilt. Desperate to feel safe again, Jiah decides to take matters into her own hands and seeks support from her best friend, Estrella. After all, Estrella has been there for Jiah ever since they met after Georgia's death. But when Estrella never shows up to a dinner party, a series of texts lead Jiah to the beach below, where she finds a body positioned exactly how her uncle displayed his victims over a decade ago. The killer mocks Jiah, hinting they know about her secrets, too. But is Jiah really the monster Dumont thinks she is? As Jiah hunts the killer, she begins to realize she might be unable to save the next victim…and that she may not want to."

Available October 20th!

#bookstagram #currentlyreading #horror #thriller #netgalley by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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10 hours ago

📖📚 Library Haul 📚📖

These are my current library books on hand - after this month I am finally getting a bit of a break between all of my ARCs coming out this month - and I really want to be able to read these!!

Which of these was your favorite - or which should I start with?

#bookstagram #tbr #library #libraryhaul taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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a day ago

📚 Currently Reading - Mercy House by @adamcesare 📚

While I've read and enjoyed Clown in a Cornfield, which is YA, this adult horror novel about a hospice home is definitely on another level! I'm only about 25% into this one and it's already disturbing (in a good way!)

Book Synopsis:

"Welcome to Mercy House, a state-of-the-art retirement home that appears perfectly clean and orderly . . . but something is turning the residents into monsters. In this thrilling novel from the author of Clown in a Cornfield, you will find little mercy—only a shocking eruption of unfathomable horror.

Harriet Laurel notices the odor the moment she steps inside Mercy House, brought to the retirement home against her will by her son and his wife. In the early stages of dementia, Harriet has grown to resent her daughter-in-law for not providing grandchildren. Yet as she crosses the threshold, she notices her mind begins to sharpen. Then her hate begins to grow. . . .

Arnold Piper, an eighty-five-year-old ex-Marine, has always prided himself on self-reliance. But betrayed by his own body, he’s learning that surviving war-torn Korea was easier than facing the daily indignities of old age. And his worst trials are still to come.

Sarah Campbell, an idealistic nurse, is already stretched thin at the chronically understaffed Mercy House. Now her duties are about to take a terrifying turn. Can she survive the night. . . and her patients?"

Available October 20th!

#bookstagram #currentlyreading #horror #netgalley taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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4 days ago

📖 BOOK REVIEW: HOME FOR THE HOMICIDES by @ellecosimano and @hannahmorrisseywriter 📖

Format: Digital / eBook
Pages: 325
Genre/Vibes: Mystery / Holiday / RomCom
Book 1 of the Holly & Mark Mystery series
Publication Date: October 13th, 2026

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Normally I'm vehemently against reading Christmas books during spooky season, but since this one came out today, my fave Hannah was one of the authors for this one, and I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, so I decided to make an exception 🤣.

This book was just so hilarious and vulgar and spicy and fun in every single way! The mystery was really well-done, I loved all the little red-herrings that threw me off till the end. The rivals-to-lovers was satisfying as well. I struggle a lot with more romantically driven storylines because the chemistry is never believable to me, but I was kicking my feet at Holly and Mark's romantic journey.

If you love Hallmark movies, but wished they were spicier and had more profanity, look no further! This was such a perfect little holiday mystery novel, and I can't wait for the next installment!

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #holidaymystery #netgalley taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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5 days ago

📖 BOOK REVIEW: THIS B JUST WON'T DIE! by @tanya.pell 📖

Format: Digital / eBook and Physical / Paperback
Pages: 352
Genre/Vibes: Horror / Slasher / Feminist
Standalone
Publication Date: October 13th, 2026

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Gallery Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This was so much fun! It was like if Scream and The Barbie movie with Margot Robbie had a baby. There was lots of feminine rage, gory kills, and lots of fun twists. I was guessing till the end who the killer was, which was a lot of fun. Also, as someone who is encroaching on my 40s, the perimenopause discussion feels really refreshing and relatable to read about, when so many other stories revolve around women in their 20s. I loved the commentary about how aging women are viewed and held to different standards.

This book was everything I was hoping it to be, and more. I loved the depth to the characters and their relationships. I loved the build to each of the kills - the pacing overall was great because we had a slower start but got to know the characters and their relationships with Barbra, but once it hit the fan, this turned into the perfect slasher story that I think was movie-worthy. If you loved the Scream movies and you loved the Barbie movie, you'll definitely enjoy this one!

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreview #horror #gifted taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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5 days ago

It's that time again - my Spooky Season author post of the day! Today I'm featuring @catnassidy, who has quickly become one of my favorite authors to read. What stands out the most to me is the care that he puts into crafting his characters, particularly the women. I find this to be exceptionally rare with a lot of male writers, so I really appreciate the thought he puts into it. And obviously, his stories are entertaining and well-written.

What's your favorite Nat Cassidy book?

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

The first book I read was Mary. I was skeptical because how on earth could a man write a decent story about a perimenopausal/menopausal woman?! Well, he did, and it was definitely worth the hype. I really loved that he included an author's note about his reasoning why he felt the need to tell this story, and all the measures he took to ensure she was portrayed properly. Kudos to Nat for doing the work! 🙌🏼

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

I read When the Wolf Comes Home at an interesting time in my life a little over a year ago. It was one of those books for me that I read it when I really needed to, and the way it impacted me will stick with me forever. I will tear up reading sad stories, but the way I sobbed reading this one 😭 that never happens to me. Because of how much this one resonated with me, it will always be one of my favorites.

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

Rest Stop was so much fun! It was a lot more gory and violent than his other books. I read this for a book club and it was such a perfect, quick read that resulted in some really interesting discussions about life and religion. Highly recommend this one!

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror

I still have a bunch of Nat's books to read, but I'll get to them soon hopefully!

#bookstagram #bookrecommendations #spookyreads #horror taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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7 days ago

📚 Currently Reading - Home for the Homicides by @ellecosimano and @hannahmorrisseywriter 📚

Normally I'm vehemently against anything Christmas before Halloween even happens, but seeing as this book is going to be available next week, I couldn't resist...and it's so good so far! It's like if a cute little Christmas romcom on Hallmark had cussing and murder. It's cute and sassy, and I loveeeeeee the pink cover 😍.

Book Synopsis:

"Tis the season . . . for murder.

When Special Agents Holly Frost and Mark Shepherd report to the idyllic town of Christmas to investigate a very less than idyllic murder, they’re in for more than the average whodunnit.

Welcome to Christmas, a town so cozy and charming it could be the backdrop of a Hallmark movie, where crime is never in season and it’s the holidays all year round. So when a tourist is found stabbed to death by an icicle in the middle of the town nativity scene, the local police are out of their depth—after all, how do you find a criminal in a town where crime doesn't exist?

The stakes are high: the whole town is relying on Holly and Mark to solve the crime before the annual Jingle Bell Jubilee festival (which naturally the town's entire economic survival relies on), plus, whichever of them cracks the case will receive a promotion to Major Crimes—and there's only one spot.

Holly and Mark are both on thin ice after screwing up on the job. This assignment is their one shot at redemption, if they can put aside their bitter rivalry. And of course, it's not only their jobs on the line, it's their hearts, too—regrets of their holiday party hookup last year haunt them like ghosts of Christmas past, so they both want to wrap up this rom-com gone wrong as quickly as possible. But with just twelve days until the festival, the countdown to catch a killer—without killing each other—is on.

Co-authored by New York Times bestseller Elle Cosimano (Finlay Donovan series) and USA Todaybestseller Hannah Morrissey (Black Harbor series), Home for the Homicides is a sexy, light-hearted romp, with a dash of merriment and murder."

#bookstagram #currentlyreading #mystery #netgalley taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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7 days ago

📖 BOOK REVIEW: THE CRIMSON TRAVELER by Matt Strollo 📖

Format: Digital / eBook
Pages: 336
Genre/Vibes: Horror / Werewolves
Standalone
Publication Date: October 6th, 2026

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Left Field Publishing and NetGalley for and advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I always enjoy a book involving werewolves - they are definitely one of my favorite horror/monster creatures to read about, they are the stuff of nightmares. I was excited to check out The Crimson Traveler, which could be broken down into two separate stories that eventually converged: the two women, who were unfortunately turned by accident, and their journey to figure out what was happening to them (and what they were facing in the future) and the Wolf King and his separate story, with the creation of his werewolves and why they were getting sick and dying after achieving a certain "stage" of becoming a werewolf.

I thought the whole werewolf lore for this story was actually really interesting and very well-thought-out. The stages a new wolf experiences, the ritual, the way the hierarchy works among the pack. It wasn't quite the typical "werewolf" lore which I think gave this story a refreshing spin.

However, I feel like the plot was kind of slow, and with how many characters there were to keep track of, I found myself confused fairly often. For me, the characters felt a bit one-dimensional. I wanted more out of their backstories. I think I would have followed the characters better if they were just more developed overall, because while the story was interesting, I didn't find myself caring much for the characters in any capacity, which in turn made me lose a bit of interest in the overall story.

While this was still well-written, it was more of a plot-driven story than character-driven, which personally I like more of a balance. Overall, it was still a decent read and I would probably pick up the next novel to see where things are headed.

#bookstagram #bookreview #bookrecommendations #horror #netgalley taken in BOOKSTA by @mostly.macabre.bookworm

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8 days ago