31 Days of Horror: Day 28- Review of Mary SanGiovanni's Kathy Ryan Series

Today I want to tell you all about a series that isn't in enough libraries even though it is easily available through a major publisher [Kensington] and is a great sure bet for a wide range of readers- Mary SanGiovanni's Kathy Ryan series.

I have written about SanGiovanni before here, including the first book in this series, Chills which introduced occult specialist Kathy Ryan.

What I love about this series is that it is a little bit psychological suspense, has just enough Lovecraftian tropes to satisfy fans without alienating novices, and Kathy Ryan is a great, layered, and intriguing lead.

The second book in the series, Behind the Door came out recently. Here is the summary from Goodreads:

Occult specialist Kathy Ryan returns in this thrilling novel of paranormal horror from Mary SanGiovanni, the author of 

Some doors should never be opened . . . 

In the rural town of Zarepath, deep in the woods on the border of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, stands the Door. No one knows where it came from, and no one knows where it leads. For generations, folks have come to the Door seeking solace or forgiveness. They deliver a handwritten letter asking for some emotional burden to be lifted, sealed with a mixture of wax and their own blood, and slide it beneath the Door. Three days later, their wish is answered for better or worse. 

Kari is a single mother, grieving over the suicide of her teenage daughter. She made a terrible mistake, asking the powers beyond the Door to erase the memories of her lost child. And when she opened the Door to retrieve her letter, she unleashed every sin, secret, and spirit ever trapped on the other side. 

Now, it falls to occultist Kathy Ryan to seal the door before Zarepath becomes hell on earth . . .

And the third book is coming next fall.

These are very tense, chilling, and compelling suspense novels, but they are also firmly rooted in cosmic horror. It all adds up to an original option amidst the deluge of domestic suspense and female driven psychological suspense-- you know, the "girl" books-- that are out now. It seems we all have patrons who cannot get enough of these books. ] Kathy Ryan is a great choice for readers who don't mind supernatural, and especially if they like Sarah Pinborough.

SanGiovanni's plots will be more sophisticated and original than the average "girl" book, with deeper characterization and twists that surprise and scare-- for real because the well built cosmic horror frame is terrifying.

Look for SanGiovanni's series from Kensington from B&T or Ingram and add the first 2 books to your latest cart. You readers will thank me.