Praise for Why I Love Horror:

"A big, squishy blood-soaked love letter to horror that fans of the macabre and the dark should devour." -Silvia Moreno-Garcia, author of Mexican Gothic

"A wonderful autopsy of both the horror genre and the current batch of hell-scribblers and fear-junkies who are guiding it. Essential reading for both the jaded horror experts and the fresh-blood newbies who are peering out from behind barely-parted fingers." -Chuck Wendig, bestselling author of The Book of Accidents

“One of the genre’s true tastemakers, Becky Spratford has gathered in this book of essays the perfect rogues gallery to address the question all horror lovers are asked—‘why horror?’ Horrors top stars and brightest lights dig into the question with passion, insight, and profound empathy, all of which are genre hallmarks perhaps even more vital than terror, evil, and gore. Don’t believe it? Read this book!” -Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Road of Bones and The House of Last Resort

"Everyone in the horror biz knows Spratford is the genre's Van Helsing—the truest of all monster hunters, but one who wants to share her monsters, not destroy them. Her collection of deranged masterminds have things to say about horror that I've never heard, and that's not easy to do. A celebration, an incantation, and a revelation." -Daniel Kraus, author of Whalefall

“The essays collected here are probing, insightful, and deeply intimate. There’s a quivering, bloody heart rooted at the center of this book and shared by all those who partake in the sacred communion of fear. A truly remarkable achievement." -Eric LaRocca, author of Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke

"A joyfully effusive love letter to the genre. If you've ever needed a reason to dip your toes into horror or wondered why it has so many aficionados, this beautifully curated book presents a multiplicity of reasons." -Cassandra Khaw, author of Nothing But Blackened Teeth



“You can call this book a 'love letter' because of the powerful affection thrumming through it, but rarely has a love letter also been so instructive and insightful. With its marvelously curated array of personal stories and insights, Why I Love Horror functions as a tonic in this era of depersonalized, artificially intelligent art, as well as a subtle blueprint for crafting genre fiction that matters (hint: it's gotta matter to you first). To borrow a phrase from Becky Spratford herself, this book is a must-own for all libraries - and that includes personal ones.” -Nat Cassidy, author of When the Wolf Comes Home and Mary

"Becky Spratford is your favorite horror author's favorite librarian. Whether you already have your reasons or whether you can't fathom loving such a fraught genre, the essays in Why I Love Horror will shine a light on the answer.” -Jenny Kiefer, author of This Wretched Valley and Crafting for Sinners

"With the world crashing down around us, horror is more relevant than ever, and Why I Love Horror explores just why the stories that terrify us matter so much. A true love letter to the genre, this is one book you don't want to miss." -Gwendolyn Kiste, Three-time Bram Stoker Award Winner of The Haunting of Velkwood and Reluctant Immortals

"Why I Love Horror is a thought-provoking, emotional, and creative exploration of what draws us to the dark. This unique anthology gathers some of the greatest living horror authors to answer a deeply personal question: Why horror? The result is a powerful collective love letter to the genre—an intimate glimpse into the inspirations, obsessions, and haunted beginnings of the storytellers who’ve shaped our modern horror. Like a cozy campfire surrounded by the genre’s finest voices, Why I Love Horror invites us to sit close and listen to the tales behind the tales. Addictive!" -Yigit Turhan, author of Their Monstrous Hearts

"Why I Love Horror reveals the heart and soul of literature’s most misunderstood genre, showcasing its power to stir, heal, and connect its readers. These essays aren’t just for fans, either—Spratford has tapped some of the most talented writers publishing today, sharing experiences that will move, inspire, and even unsettle you. If you don’t come away loving horror, I guarantee you’ll fall in love with this book!" -Wendy N. Wagner, author of Girl in the Creek

“Spratford, a highly skilled RA, who has empowered librarians with her incredible Readers' Advisory Guides, now has a fantastic new book, Why I Love Horror, which takes us into the minds and souls of eighteen top horror writers. Each author’s honest and captivating answer reveals poignant times in their life that awakened their hunger to write horror. There is an invaluable introduction about each author, including the name of one of their books to read and a similar writer to check out. This collection is a must-have for any reader of the authors included and to anyone curious about what inspires creators of horror literature in general.” -Linda D. Addisoon, award-winning author, HWA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient and SFPA Grand Master

"An essential for any horror lover's bookshelf, or the perfect gift for the spooky person in your life, Why I Love Horror is a treasure. Expertly curated as only Spratford could do, this anthology shows the joy and comfort that horror readers find in this genre, and the beauty they find in the darkness. It will make you feel seen, and warm the cold corners of your black little heart." -Mallory O'Meara, bestselling author of The Lady from the Black Lagoon

“A macabre treasure trove. A blood-soaked bacchanalia. A riotous celebration of horror from some of the best and brightest voices in the genre today." -Jonathan Janz, author of Veil and Marla