Melissa Rechter

Ultimately, for my list, I like to think of it as a balance between dark and twisty, and warm and cozy.

If the vibes are dark academia, witchy, creepy forests, poisonous plants, cottagecore, or anything gothic (whether it’s horror or historical!) it’s right up my alley.

Also anything that has a gothic feel to it, like MEXICAN GOTHIC or THE DEATH OF JANE LAWRENCE.

For historical mysteries, I’m always looking for a feminist female protagonist.

I love anything mid 20th century.
Anything gothic is a plus. If it has body snatching, poisons, or fun elements like séances, like in SPITTING GOLD, I’d love to see it.

Ultimately, if the vibes are dark academia, witchy, creepy forests, poisonous plants, gothic (whether horror or historical!), or anything with a charismatic leader and a cult, it’s right up my alley.

For horror, I want to be scared. I gravitate towards social and psychological horror (think WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING or MEXICAN GOTHIC)
I also love folklore and mythology. I grew up around forests and mountain ranges, so something like THIS WRETCHED VALLEY is always on my radar.