🩸 Horror Fiction

Odessa

✍️ Gabrielle Sher
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$29.00
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A historical fantasy exploring Jewish heritage and the tangible presence of death through grief.

This work examines the intersection of Jewish heritage and supernatural elements within a historical setting. Sher uses the concept of the past refusing to stay buried to drive the narrative forward. The story focuses on the emotional weight of bereavement, presenting death as something that can be felt and touched. It avoids traditional horror mechanics in favor of a slower, more introspective pace. Readers will find the tone unsettling yet deeply reflective, focusing on mystery rather than action. The book creates a distinct space where historical context meets supernatural fear, offering a unique perspective on loss.

Key Themes
Jewish heritage tangible death historical fantasy
Literary Context

Gabrielle Sher’s Odessa sits within the tradition of gothic fiction and historical fantasy. It draws on Jewish heritage and the specific period where the past remains actively present in the narrative world. The work merges these cultural elements with supernatural themes to explore bereavement.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Shirley Jackson · Anne Rice · H.P. Lovecraft
🩸
Horror Fiction
🏛 Little Brown and Company 📅 2026 🌐 English 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780316595858

📝 Description: Odessa

Gabrielle Sher’s Odessa blends historical fantasy with literary horror to explore how grief manifests as a tangible presence. The narrative focuses on Jewish heritage and the complex intersections of bereavement within a specific historical context. Sher crafts an atmosphere heavy with sorrow and mystery, appealing to readers who prefer slower, atmospheric dread over rapid shock or conventional jump scares. The book weaves supernatural elements into its historical framework, creating a space for contemplation and fear. It invites those interested in how the past refuses to stay buried to engage with its introspective tone. The work examines the lingering unease of loss, merging emotional weight with supernatural occurrences. This approach creates a unique reading experience that balances historical detail with eerie, unsettling imagery. Odessa suits fans of gothic fiction who seek mood and depth rather than action. It may not appeal to readers looking for quick thrills or straightforward horror tropes. The hardcover edition offers a poignant addition for collectors of atmospheric literature. Sher’s background in literary horror informs the narrative’s structure, ensuring each chapter contributes to the overarching theme of death’s tangible impact on heritage and memory.

💎 Our verdict on Odessa

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Gabrielle Sher crafts a compelling atmosphere heavy with sorrow and mystery in this blend of historical fantasy and literary horror. By focusing on Jewish heritage and the tangible impact of death, she creates a distinct space where historical context meets supernatural fear. The work excels in its slow-burn approach, offering deep reflection rather than action-driven scares. It suits fans of gothic fiction who seek mood and depth, providing an unsettling yet deeply reflective reading experience. Sher’s background ensures each chapter contributes to the overarching theme of loss, making it a standout for collectors of atmospheric literature. While it may not appeal to those seeking quick thrills, its poignant exploration of grief and memory offers a unique and enduring emotional resonance.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers seeking a slower, more introspective pace will find profound value in this exploration of grief as a tangible presence. It appeals to those interested in Jewish heritage and the complex emotional weight of bereavement within a historical framework. The book offers a unique perspective on loss by merging emotional depth with supernatural occurrences, creating an unsettling yet reflective experience. It is ideal for enthusiasts of gothic fiction who prioritize mood and atmospheric dread over rapid shocks or conventional jump scares. Those who appreciate literary horror that balances historical detail with eerie imagery will discover a poignant addition to their collection. The narrative invites contemplation on how the past lingers, making it suitable for readers who enjoy mystery and introspective tones rather than straightforward horror tropes.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
5
0
4
1
3
0
2
0
1
0
H
Horror Reads editorial team

Gabrielle Sher crafts a compelling atmosphere heavy with sorrow and mystery in this blend of historical fantasy and literary horror. By focusing on Jewish heritage and the tangible impact of death, she creates a distinct space where historical context meets supernatural fear. The work excels in its slow-burn approach, offering deep reflection rather than action-driven scares. It suits fans of gothic fiction who seek mood and depth, providing an unsettling yet deeply reflective reading experience. Sher’s background ensures each chapter contributes to the overarching theme of loss, making it a standout for collectors of atmospheric literature. While it may not appeal to those seeking quick thrills, its poignant exploration of grief and memory offers a unique and enduring emotional resonance.

✍️ More books by this author Gabrielle Sher

Odessa
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Gabrielle Sher
Odessa
$31.00
81
Read →

🏛 Books from this publisher Little Brown and Company

The Noise: A Thriller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
James Patterson
The Noise: A Thriller
$40.00
78
Read →
Getaway
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Zoje Stage
Getaway
$40.00
78
Read →
Breed
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Chase Novak
Breed
$29.98
81
Read →
The Noise: A Thriller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
James Patterson
The Noise: A Thriller
$19.99
78
Read →
The Noise: A Thriller
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
James Patterson
The Noise: A Thriller
$44.99
78
Read →
The Retreat
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
Elisabeth de Mariaffi
The Retreat
$28.00
78
Read →

You might also like

See more →
Odessa
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Gabrielle Sher
Odessa
$31.00
81
Read →
House of Bone and Rain
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Gabino Iglesias
House of Bone and Rain
$29.00
86
Read →
In the House in the Dark of the Woods
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.6
1
Laird Hunt
In the House in the Dark of the Woods
$35.00
86
Read →
Turn Off the Light
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Jacquie Walters
Turn Off the Light
$29.00
81
Read →
I'll Quit When I'm Dead
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Luke Smitherd
I'll Quit When I'm Dead
$29.00
81
Read →
Dearest
★★★★★
★★★★★
4.5
1
Jacquie Walters
Dearest
$29.00
81
Read →

Have a question about this item?

Ask about the edition, condition, delivery or anything else — we reply by email or phone, usually within a day.

Home Genres
Cart
Wishlist