Library Journal Review

Horror's most well-known fan, Hartmann (the Bram Stoker-nominated editor of Dark Hart Books) presents a volume for readers and library workers to rejoice over, whether they are established fear fiends or terror newbies. An excellent introduction lays out Hartmann's mission to take readers on a tour through the horror genre. Most of the book is focused on specific titles, organized into five overarching categories, each capped with an original essay by one of the genre's hottest authors. Within each section, Hartmann presents her conversational review of the titles, each on a single page with a sidebar summarizing the book's appeal. Fun quizzes, illustrations that enhance the book's atmosphere and tone, and lengthier author overviews are also sprinkled throughout. The result is a gorgeously creepy book, told in an engaging and authoritative voice. VERDICT This book can be enjoyed from cover to cover or as a choose-your-own spooky adventure; either way, it will entice all who encounter it to seek out more horror. Libraries should consider having a reference and a circulating copy and may want to make extra copies of the reading checklist in the back to hand out.