In our heroic struggle against entropy and towards some semblance of organisation, we’ve decided to spotlight a couple of choice horror reads each month, one a trad, the other an indie. We hope you enjoy these little pitches and are encouraged to pick up a copy for yourself.

This immensely entertaining novel pits the eponymous hero against a murderer’s row of bruisers, bitches, and bastards in an insane and self-aware orgy of brutal bloodshed. The main character is larger than life, harder than nails, and hugely diplomat

This immensely entertaining novel pits the eponymous hero against a murderer’s row of bruisers, bitches, and bastards in an insane and self-aware orgy of brutal bloodshed. The main character is larger than life, harder than nails, and hugely diplomatic when it comes to the finer points of human relationships (okay, maybe not), with Horvath’s vivid, efficient prose perfectly complimenting the sort of pulse-pounding, gloriously over-the-top action that we came to know and love watching 80’s movie classics like Commando and The Running Man. Highly recommended for fans of dark, cartoonish violence and well-structured plots, and with a follow-up in the works, what better time is there to acquaint yourself with the ultimate anti-hero? - EB & JM

This British classic was one of the first horror stories I ever read, back in my early teens, and I’m delighted to say it really has stood the test of time. Strong and efficient characterisation, a no-nonsense, everyman hero, and a steady build in te

This British classic was one of the first horror stories I ever read, back in my early teens, and I’m delighted to say it really has stood the test of time. Strong and efficient characterisation, a no-nonsense, everyman hero, and a steady build in tension and action, the first few courses of brutality served up soon enough to keep the horror-hungry reader satisfied. It was controversial at the time of publication (1975), with the scene in the school gym raising more than a few eyebrows, and even today, it’s a potent blend of bloody violence, keen-eyed social observation, and thrilling action. Highly recommended for anyone who takes their horror seriously and wants to see it done by one of the very best. - JM

Released in 1999, Battle Royale still kicks like a mule more than quarter of a century later. Take 42 kids, stick them on an island, force them to kill each other. It's a brutal premise, and BR delivers on it in notoriously violent ways. But beyond t

Released in 1999, Battle Royale still kicks like a mule more than quarter of a century later. Take 42 kids, stick them on an island, force them to kill each other. It's a brutal premise, and BR delivers on it in notoriously violent ways. But beyond the savagery, Takami deftly incorporates themes of paranoia, moral boundaries, broken friendships, and the horrors of state control. This has long been a favourite novel of mine, and for those who like depth to their dystopian horror, it comes highly recommended. I suggest the 2009 Haikasoru revision, widely accepted as the most accurate translation. Once you've finished the book, you might want to check out Kinji Fukasaku's 2000 film adaptation. It may take a few artistic liberties, but it nails the brutal, frenetic energy of the novel. Bloody, raw, and tense, Battle Royale remains often challenged but as yet undefeated. - HMR