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Have you ever read a story and wished it were even scarier? Or read a classic where you wanted to dive deeper into the dark shadows hidden in the corners? Then you probably love a good horror retelling.
There are some genuinely great horror retellings coming out this year that you should consider preordering and/or adding to your library hold list. And never fear about waiting. You’re going to be treated to a couple of recommendations for books you can pick up right now.
The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle
This quick but eerie Shirley Jackson Award-winning novel is a retelling of H.P. Lovecraft’s short story “The Horror at Red Hook.” Set in 1920s Harlem, The Ballad of Black Tom follows Charles Thomas “Tommy” Tester, who struggles to support his ailing father by taking on odd jobs. But when Tommy takes a job delivering a book of the occult to a sorceress in Queens, he unwittingly opens up a door to dark magic that won’t be so easy to close. This story skillfully recontextualizes Lovecraft’s works to explore racism, police brutality, and prejudice in the US.
The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson
Tiffany D. Jackson’s The Weight of Blood is a retelling of one of Stephen King’s most beloved novels, Carrie. Madison Washington has always been the target of bullying at Springville High. But the bullying only gets worse after her big secret is revealed: Maddy is biracial and has been passing as white. Then, when a video that shows the extent of the racism at Springville High goes viral, the school decides the best way to rehabilitate its image is by hosting the school’s first integrated prom.
If you’re familiar with the story of Carrie, then you know a prom is only going to cause more problems. Especially when Maddy’s other secret is revealed.
This Wretched Beauty by Elle Grenier (Feiwel & Friends, February 17)
Elle Grenier’s upcoming YA novel is a retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray that makes the Victorian Gothic classic even creepier. Dorian Gray is a young aristocrat who agrees to sit for a painting that will haunt them for the rest of their life. The portrait opens up a world of possibilities for Dorian, but the life Dorian wants and the life Dorian is expected to have are at odds with each other. The more Dorian becomes consumed with self-loathing, the more they notice the portrait changing.
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Mrs. Jekyll by Emma Glass (Union Square & Co., April 7)
In April, we’re getting another creepy retelling of a Victorian Gothic classic. Rosy Winter is dying, and no one in her life understands what she’s going through, nor do they know how to support her. As Rosy comes closer to the reality of her own mortality, she starts to give in to strange urges. Murderous urges.
This feminist retelling of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is described as “lyrical” and “evocative.” It’s the story of a woman who refuses to stop living, even in the face of death.
If retellings are your cup of tea, you’ll want to check out these backlist recommendations for horror retellings–including a familiar title!–as well as prepare your TBR for even more 2026 retellings across genres.