Books matching: rural folklore
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- #1John the BalladeerBook 1 in the series:Silver John
Save:'John the Balladeer' in the 'Silver John' series by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories and novels that revolve around a fictional Appalachian folk hero named Silver John. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the stories are steeped in Appalachian folklore and music, with the protagonist using his silver-stringed guitar and hymns to battle evil creatures and supernatural forces. The tales are described as atmospheric, simple, and wonderful, evoking a sense of setting, culture, and Americana. is praised for its quick reads, light-hearted folk horror, and the way it establishes a strong sense of place and time.
I swear I'm licked before I start, trying to tell you all what Mr. Onselm looked like. Words give out—for instance, you're frozen to death for fit words to tell the favor of the girl you love. And Mr.... - #2
Save:"The Ghost Riders of Ordebec" by Fred Vargas follows Commissaire Adamsberg as he investigates a series of murders in a Norman village with a subplot involving a young man wrongly accused of murder. The plot includes elements of the Middle Ages, old crimes resurfacing, and eccentric characters. The writing style is described as atmospheric, with a touch of the supernatural, quirky characters, and an intricate plot filled with humor and mayhem.
A trail of tiny breadcrumbs led from the kitchen into the bedroom, as far as the spotless sheets where the old woman lay dead, her mouth open. Commissaire Adamsberg looked down at the crumbs in silenc...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Commissaire Adamsberg ) - #3
Save:In "Foxglove Summer," Peter Grant, a policeman and apprentice wizard, leaves London to assist in the investigation of two missing children in rural Hertfordshire. As he delves into the case, he encounters a mix of police procedural elements, magic, and a collision between urban fantasy and rural folklore. The book offers a blend of light-hearted and dark tones, fast-paced paranormal mystery, excellent characterizations, and well-done world descriptions, all while maintaining a realistic touch even with fantastical elements. The story unfolds in a countryside setting, providing a different pace from the previous London-centric installments.
The narrative follows Peter Grant as he navigates through the search for the missing girls, uncovering supernatural elements like unicorns and fairies along the way. The book balances witty humor, gripping mystery, and fascinating English folklore elements, making it a refreshing addition to the series. Readers also witness Peter's emotional development, interactions with familiar characters like Beverly Brook, and the aftermath of previous betrayals, all while exploring the magical and mundane aspects of the British countryside.
I’d been hearing him off and on since stepping off the top of a tower block in Elephant and Castle. Not a real sound, you understand—an impression, an expression through the city itself—what we might ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rivers of London ) - #4
Save:A horrible creature born of the family of a wizard stalks the fields, roads, and hills near Dunwich. Only an intrepid professor from Miskatonic University and two fearless colleagues can stop it. This is an archetypal story of the Cthulhu Mythos, but as the victims and most of the observers are New England yokels, with an appropriate yokelish dialect, it lacks the impact of Lovecraft's masterpiece, The Shadow Over Innsmouth. Lovecraft, with his endless vocabulary and descriptive skills, can pull something like this off better than just about anyone. The Dunwich Horror is a really enjoyable graphic novel to break up the workday with, offering a fast read with two stories - The Dunwich Horror and The Hound. The first story stands out as the stronger of the two, featuring a unique writing style that builds anticipation and keeps the reader in the dark, enhancing the suspense throughout.
“Gorgons, and Hydras, and Chimaeras—dire stories of Celaeno and the Harpies—may reproduce themselves in the brain of superstition—but they were there before. They are transcripts, types—the archetypes... - #5
Save:'Who Fears The Devil?' by Manly Wade Wellman is a collection of short stories featuring the enigmatic character Silver John, also known as John the Balladeer. Set in the Appalachian mountains, the tales follow Silver John as he wanders through rural America, using his silver string guitar and mystical knowledge to combat supernatural evil lurking in the mountain communities. The stories are steeped in folklore, showcasing a blend of magical elements and Christian themes, creating a uniquely American fantasy world filled with giants, witches, hoodoos, and other mysterious beings.
The book's episodic nature presents standalone stories that are rich in Appalachian folklore, with Silver John portrayed as a guitar-playing hero who fights against both natural and supernatural forces. Wellman's writing style captures the essence of the region, featuring quaint dialogues, rough descriptions, and folksy insights. The tales are a mix of horror and fantasy, with each story offering a glimpse into Silver John's mystical encounters and adventures in the early 20th century American South.
- #6
Save:'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is a horror novel that delves into the consequences of a past mistake made by four young Blackfeet men during an illegal elk hunt. The plot revolves around a vengeful entity, the spirit of a slaughtered elk, seeking revenge on the men ten years later in a chilling and suspenseful manner. The writing style is described as intense, lyrical, and poetic, with a strong focus on Native American culture and folklore. The story explores themes of justice, revenge, cultural identity, tradition, and the respect for nature, all while providing a unique and eerie setting on an Indian reservation.
So far it only comes on with its thready glow at completely random times. Maybe in relation to some arcane and unlikely combination of light switches in the house, or maybe from the iron being plugged... - #7
Save:Kara discovers a hole in the wall of her uncle's museum that leads to a terrifying alternate dimension full of monsters and dangers. With her friend Simon, they navigate through different worlds while trying to find their way back home, encountering cosmic horror, body horror, and a mix of humor and weirdness along the way. The story combines elements of horror, supernatural, and humor, providing a unique and creepy reading experience with well-developed characters and a detailed world-building.
They start to come around when I explain that it’s a little tiny museum in a storefront in Hog Chapel, North Carolina, although there’s so much stuff jumbled together that it looks bigger than it is. ... - #8
Save:"The Twisted Ones" by T. Kingfisher is a chilling horror novel that follows Mouse as she cleans out her hoarder grandmother's home in rural North Carolina. Uncovering a terrifying secret in the woods surrounding the house, Mouse discovers that monsters are real and have a sinister agenda. The book is praised for its spine-chilling moments, well-written characters, creepy setting, and solid background in folklore and legend. The plot twists are lauded for being on target and making sense, with a tight writing style and believable dialogue that keeps readers engaged.
It’s okay. I wouldn’t believe me either. Everything I have to say sounds completely barking mad. I’ve run it through my mind over and over, trying to find a way to turn it around so that it all sounds... - #9
Save:'The Book of Accidents' by Chuck Wendig is a thrilling horror novel that follows the Graves family - Nate, Maddie, and Oliver - as they move back to Nate's childhood home in a rural area of Pennsylvania. As they settle into the house, they are met with a cascade of inexplicable events and supernatural occurrences that send their lives spiraling out of control. The story delves into themes of trauma, family dynamics, and the terrifying possibilities of the multiverse, blending elements of horror, fantasy, and magical realism. Wendig's masterful prose and intricate storytelling keep readers on the edge of their seats as they uncover the dark secrets lurking within the town and the Graves family's past.
The narrative of 'The Book of Accidents' weaves together multiple subplots, mysteries, and character arcs, creating a complex and immersive reading experience. Wendig's ability to balance humor and horror, along with his vivid imagery and emotional depth, makes the book a gripping and haunting exploration of the lengths people will go to protect their loved ones in the face of unimaginable horrors.
The boy, fifteen, knelt on the ground, his chin against his chest, the soft undersides of his forearms pressing into his ears even as his fingers dug into the thatch of messy hair at the back of his h... - #10
Save:Near the Bone by Christina Henry is a chilling tale of survival and horror set in a remote forest on a mountain. The story follows Mattie, who was kidnapped by her abusive husband, William, at a young age and raised in isolation to be his wife. As William's cruel and controlling behavior escalates, Mattie discovers a monstrous creature lurking in the woods, leading to a harrowing battle for survival against both human and supernatural threats. The narrative skillfully weaves themes of trauma, resilience, and the darkness of human nature, keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful and brutal storytelling.
The book delves into the psychological and physical torment endured by Mattie at the hands of William, while also exploring the mystery of the woodland monster that threatens their lives. With a gripping plot filled with unexpected twists and a writing style that evokes a sense of dread and tension, Near the Bone delivers a bone-chilling reading experience that is both horrifying and compelling.
Then she saw the orange fur matted with blood, and the place where something sharp had torn through the fox’s middle. Viscera were strewn over the snow, the scent fresh and strong despite the cold air...
