👻 Ghost Stories

The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Seventeen

✍️ Ellen Datlow
Reader Score
4.5
(1 review)
$19.99
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A curated anthology of modern horror and supernatural tales by Ellen Datlow.

Ellen Datlow edited a collection of horror stories that mix science fiction and supernatural elements. The book features ghost tales, paranormal romance, and suspense narratives. It creates an unsettling mood by combining occult fear with personal anxiety. Fans of atmospheric fantasy and suspenseful storytelling will likely enjoy the work. It offers new views on traditional horror topics like ghosts and otherworldly events. This paperback volume provides quality fiction for genre enthusiasts. Readers who prefer complex moods over simple plots may appreciate this selection.

Key Themes
ghost stories paranormal romance spectral encounters
Literary Context

Published by Night Shade Books in December 2025, this volume continues the established Best Horror of the Year series. It gathers high-quality fiction for enthusiasts who appreciate atmospheric depth and suspenseful pacing within the horror genre.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
H.P. Lovecraft · Shirley Jackson
👻
Ghost Stories
🏛 Night Shade Books 📅 2025 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781949102789

📝 Description: The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Seventeen

Ellen Datlow edited this seventeenth installment of the annual horror series, published by Night Shade Books. The book collects short stories that blend elements of science fiction and supernatural suspense. It includes tales involving ghosts, paranormal romance, and thriller plots. The tone creates a sense of discomfort, mixing occult dread with personal anxiety. Fans of atmospheric fantasy and suspenseful narratives will likely enjoy the work. It provides new angles on traditional horror topics like ghosts and otherworldly events. This paperback volume continues to offer quality fiction for genre enthusiasts. Readers who prefer complex moods over simple plots may appreciate this selection. However, those wanting clear, direct storylines might find it too scattered. The book highlights the lasting impact of short horror writing.

💎 Our verdict on The Best Horror of the Year, Volume Seventeen

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
Datlow curates a compelling collection that blends science fiction with supernatural suspense, creating an unsettling mood through occult fear and personal anxiety. The anthology excels in offering new angles on traditional horror topics, such as ghosts and otherworldly events, rather than relying on simple plots. It suits readers who prefer complex moods and atmospheric fantasy over clear, direct storylines. While those seeking straightforward narratives might find the structure scattered, genre enthusiasts will appreciate the quality fiction and psychological depth. The volume successfully highlights the enduring power of short horror writing, making it a valuable addition for fans of dark fantasy and true crime adjacent themes.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers who appreciate atmospheric depth over straightforward plotting will find this collection rewarding. It appeals to those interested in the intersection of science fiction and supernatural suspense, offering fresh perspectives on traditional horror tropes like ghosts and paranormal phenomena. The anthology is ideal for enthusiasts of complex moods, blending occult dread with personal anxiety to create unsettling narratives. Those seeking quality fiction that challenges conventional boundaries within gothic and cosmic horror will value this work. It serves as a testament to the lasting impact of short horror writing, providing a curated selection that resonates with genre devotees who enjoy psychological unease and dark fantasy elements.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 1 reviews
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Horror Reads editorial team

Datlow curates a compelling collection that blends science fiction with supernatural suspense, creating an unsettling mood through occult fear and personal anxiety. The anthology excels in offering new angles on traditional horror topics, such as ghosts and otherworldly events, rather than relying on simple plots. It suits readers who prefer complex moods and atmospheric fantasy over clear, direct storylines. While those seeking straightforward narratives might find the structure scattered, genre enthusiasts will appreciate the quality fiction and psychological depth. The volume successfully highlights the enduring power of short horror writing, making it a valuable addition for fans of dark fantasy and true crime adjacent themes.

📖 From the series “Best Horror of the Year”

The Best Horror of the Year, Vol. 4
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