Paperbacks From Hell Review

Paperbacks from Hell

A book by Grady Hendrix

Review by Phil Thomas

This is a very brief spoiler-free review of Paperbacks from Hell by Grady Hendrix (Horrorstor, My Best Friend’s Exorcism) published by Quirk Books. Since recently completing the book, I feel compelled to voice my opinion on this unique and unforgettable read.

“If Books Could Kill,” states the inside cover, kicking off the most comprehensive look into ‘70s and ‘80s horror fiction to date. Complete with dazzling paperback cover art on nearly every page, and an in-depth review of each genre category, Grady Hendrix takes the reader on a journey through a forgotten era.

Its content is broken into eight chapters, starting with a well-crafted introduction and prologue before delving into Chapter One: Hail, Satan, which explores the era’s obsession with the occult and demonic possession with novels such as Rosemary’s Baby, The Oman, and The Exorcist.

And the boobs and blood and sleaze continue for 222 pages, including an epilogue and extensive index. But first, we’ll hike through a graveyard of Creepy Kids (Chapter Two) and Real Estate Nightmares (Chapter Four) and Splatterpunks, Serial Killers, and Super Creeps (Chapter Eight) before we reach the end threshold.

Mr. Hendrix has read over 300 books in preparation for the writing of the tome, a monstrous endeavor that shows on every page—the prose are sharp, the pacing fast, and the nightmares real. If you think you can handle the deep sea of forgotten horror fiction, check out Paperbacks from Hell.

10/10