From those needing a break and wanting something a little bit more grounded in reality, check out this new title...

Real Monsters, Gruesome Critters, and Beasts from the Darkside by Brad Steiger

Summary: Spotlighting news articles, historical accounts, and first-person interviews, this chronicle of human interactions with monsters will convince even the most hardened skeptic of the existence of the bogeyman, bigfoot, werewolves, and swamp creatures. Offering an array of wild reports—from the police officer who begrudgingly responded to a call about a long-haired woman flying over a suburban neighborhood only to find himself calling for backup when she attacked his patrol car to the motorist whose headlights illuminated a seven-foot tall, wolf-like creature that stood on its hind legs—this historical record highlights scary and unbelievable narratives. From slightly demented humans to spine-tingling paranormal encounters, each outlandish occurrence is detailed with thorough research and recounted with a storyteller's crafted voice.

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

Written and Directed by John Landis

He's the hairy-handed gent who ran amuck in Kent
Lately he's been overheard in Mayfair
Better stay away from him
He'll rip your lungs out, Jim
I'd like to meet his tailor
Werewolves of London
--Werewolves of London, Warren Zevon

I don't think there's been a better werewolf movie made since John Landis' 1981 An American Werewolf in London -- classic. It strikes a perfect balance of comedy and horror, and the special effects are amazing (especially given the time). Yes parts are cheesy, but in a GOOD way. You'll laugh out loud (and you'll scream too).

Best friends David and Jack are backpacking the English countryside and stop by an isolated pub one evening, known as the Slaughtered Lamb. The locals are far from welcoming and as the young men leave, give them a dire warning to "stick to the road". Of course, the young men eventually wander off the road and onto the moors where they are attacked by a monstrous creature -- a lycanthrope, a werewolf. What happens next is all part of the fun (and mayhem). Don't miss this one, folks.

The Cryptkeeper

Do not miss these outstanding titles new to our catalogue:

The Ruins: A Novel (Knopf 2006), Scott Smith

Smith's triumphant debut thirteen years ago with A Simple Plan attracted immense praise from the likes of heavyweight horror writer Stephen King and resulted in a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name. Finally Smith's long-awaited second novel is here. Six unsuspecting travelers become trapped in the Mexican jungle, where unspeakable horrors unfold at a rapid and unrelenting pace. For reviews see Amazon.com

The Terror: A Novel (Little Brown 2007), Dan Simmons

Dan Simmons is a veteran novelist of sci-fi, fantasy and horror, and a recipient of the prestigious Nebula, Hugo, and Bram Stoker awards. In his latest novel, Simmons spins a rich and macabre tale about the Franklin expedition to the Arctic that expertly blends fact with fiction. For reviews see Amazon.com.

Don't miss these Dan Simmons titles available at RPL:
A Winter Haunting (2002)
Children of the Night (1992)

Joe Hill had earned the reputation of an exceptional writer before anyone figured out who his famous father is -- Stephen King. Hill's first book, 20th Century Ghosts, showcases fourteen of his short stories and was the recipient of the 2005 Bram Stoker Award for Best Fiction Collection. His debut novel Heart-Shaped Box will not disappoint die-hard King fans, who come to this book with great expectations, to say the least. For reviews see Amazon.com.