This Week in Horror — Week of May 25, 2026

New Horror Releases

We Were Never Really Friends by Timothy King

Published: May 12, 2026

This gripping new title reflects a dramatic shift in reader attraction, gaining 106 ratings this week, indicating an impressive growth rate of 93%. The premise of a reunion on a secluded island quickly turning into a deadly nightmare taps into classic slasher tropes while exploring deeper themes of friendship and betrayal.

Stats: 114 → 220 (+106)

Trad Wife by Sarah Langan

Published: September 29, 2026

This new release is experiencing solid momentum, increasing by 75 ratings or 25% this week. The blend of horror and social commentary surrounding the “trad wife” phenomenon showcases a unique narrative that critiques contemporary femininity while unearthing hidden horrors within the protagonist's inner circle.

Stats: 299 → 374 (+75)

The Suffering by David Sodergren

Published: May 1, 2026

This title gained 68 ratings, an increase of 27% this week, reflecting a growing interest in its atmospheric setting and imminent dread surrounding a secluded convent. The balance between human vulnerabilities and a lurking evil engages readers and adds depth to its horror roots.

Stats: 253 → 321 (+68)

The Dead Room by Catriona McPherson

Published: May 1, 2026

In this atmospheric thriller, which captures reader's interest with a 11% growth through 205 ratings this week, a widow’s haunting return to her hometown takes a sinister turn. As the protagonist confronts issues of grief and potential supernatural forces, this narrative's psychological depth is sure to intrigue horror enthusiasts.

Stats: 1,832 → 2,037 (+205)

Horror Backlist Risers

Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab

Published: June 10, 2025

This title added 2,132 ratings this week, showing consistent demand for genre-defying tales. Notably, despite a slower growth rate of 1.1%, this book's continued traction speaks to Schwab's established readership and the sustained interest in multi-faceted narratives that blend horror with complex themes of love and desire.

Stats: 195,038 → 197,170 (+2,132)

خوف by Osamah M. Al Muslim - أسامة المسلم

Published: January 2, 2015

This backlist entry experienced a notable influx with an increase of 649 ratings (2.9%), demonstrating its steady resonance among readers keen on exploring horror within diverse cultural narratives. A significant uptick in interest after a relatively quiet previous week indicates its lasting impact and relevance.

Stats: 22,232 → 22,881 (+649)

Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix

Published: September 23, 2014

This unique horror offering experienced growth of 320 ratings (0.25%), reflecting its charming blend of humor and horror within a contemporary setting. While the growth rate may seem modest, the book's ability to remain relevant speaks to its cult following and appreciation among fans of the genre.

Stats: 129,788 → 130,108 (+320)

The Takeaway

This week, Horror has witnessed a surge in both new releases and backlist titles, with a total rating increase across the genre of 4,134 to 487,765. Notably, the new releases appear to be rallying strong early support, particularly with “We Were Never Really Friends” generating substantial excitement with a 93% growth. However, the enduring popularity of backlist titles, indicated by V.E. Schwab's latest entry, shows a healthy lifecycle for established works, suggesting that while new voices are emerging, the genre's classics continue to thrive.