Blu Gilliand
@blugilliand.bsky.social
Managing editor of Cemetery Dance Magazine and Cemetery Dance Online. Fiction writer. Book reviewer. War Damn Eagle. Go Steelers.
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Blu Gilliand
@blugilliand.bsky.social
· Jan 2
Books I Read in 2025
1. Speaks the Nightbird by @robertmccammon.com
Started in 2024 after the book launch for the last book in the Matthew Corbett series. Brilliant exercise in world building through meticulous research and detail. Suspenseful mystery and an enthralling cast.
1. Speaks the Nightbird by @robertmccammon.com
Started in 2024 after the book launch for the last book in the Matthew Corbett series. Brilliant exercise in world building through meticulous research and detail. Suspenseful mystery and an enthralling cast.
36. The Mistress in Black by Rosemary Timperley via @biblioasis.bsky.social
My last read in this year’s set of Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories. Nice little read that doesn’t rise above your basic “haunted building” story, but that’s okay because it’s a tasty bit of comfort food.
My last read in this year’s set of Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories. Nice little read that doesn’t rise above your basic “haunted building” story, but that’s okay because it’s a tasty bit of comfort food.
November 21, 2025 at 4:26 PM
36. The Mistress in Black by Rosemary Timperley via @biblioasis.bsky.social
My last read in this year’s set of Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories. Nice little read that doesn’t rise above your basic “haunted building” story, but that’s okay because it’s a tasty bit of comfort food.
My last read in this year’s set of Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories. Nice little read that doesn’t rise above your basic “haunted building” story, but that’s okay because it’s a tasty bit of comfort food.
35. Lady Ferry by Sarah Orne Jewett via @biblioasis.bsky.social
A young girl sent to live with her aunt and uncle while her parents travel abroad comes face-to-face with a family legend —- a woman who may be immortal, or who may be mad. A sweet, melancholy story about the power of myth and death.
A young girl sent to live with her aunt and uncle while her parents travel abroad comes face-to-face with a family legend —- a woman who may be immortal, or who may be mad. A sweet, melancholy story about the power of myth and death.
November 19, 2025 at 8:53 PM
35. Lady Ferry by Sarah Orne Jewett via @biblioasis.bsky.social
A young girl sent to live with her aunt and uncle while her parents travel abroad comes face-to-face with a family legend —- a woman who may be immortal, or who may be mad. A sweet, melancholy story about the power of myth and death.
A young girl sent to live with her aunt and uncle while her parents travel abroad comes face-to-face with a family legend —- a woman who may be immortal, or who may be mad. A sweet, melancholy story about the power of myth and death.
34. Lucky’s Grove by H. Russell Wakefield via @biblioasis.bsky.social
Part of the annual “Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories Series.” A Christmas tree is dug out of the ground on a hallowed plot of land, and odd events escalate, leading to a fiery and frightening conclusion. Chilling and fun.
Part of the annual “Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories Series.” A Christmas tree is dug out of the ground on a hallowed plot of land, and odd events escalate, leading to a fiery and frightening conclusion. Chilling and fun.
November 18, 2025 at 3:44 AM
34. Lucky’s Grove by H. Russell Wakefield via @biblioasis.bsky.social
Part of the annual “Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories Series.” A Christmas tree is dug out of the ground on a hallowed plot of land, and odd events escalate, leading to a fiery and frightening conclusion. Chilling and fun.
Part of the annual “Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories Series.” A Christmas tree is dug out of the ground on a hallowed plot of land, and odd events escalate, leading to a fiery and frightening conclusion. Chilling and fun.
33. Grifter’s Game by Lawrence Block from @hardcasecrime.bsky.social
A man who uses women for a living gets used himself, leading him deep into a world of heroin and murder. It’s a fairly breezy read, especially considering the scenario, that takes a pitch-black turn at the end.
A man who uses women for a living gets used himself, leading him deep into a world of heroin and murder. It’s a fairly breezy read, especially considering the scenario, that takes a pitch-black turn at the end.
November 13, 2025 at 8:14 PM
33. Grifter’s Game by Lawrence Block from @hardcasecrime.bsky.social
A man who uses women for a living gets used himself, leading him deep into a world of heroin and murder. It’s a fairly breezy read, especially considering the scenario, that takes a pitch-black turn at the end.
A man who uses women for a living gets used himself, leading him deep into a world of heroin and murder. It’s a fairly breezy read, especially considering the scenario, that takes a pitch-black turn at the end.
32. Hard to Handle by @stevegorman.bsky.social and @stevenhyden.bsky.social
Drummer Steve Gorman steers us through the sometimes calm, sometimes cataclysmic waters of life in The Black Crowes. What could have been…
Drummer Steve Gorman steers us through the sometimes calm, sometimes cataclysmic waters of life in The Black Crowes. What could have been…
November 4, 2025 at 8:46 PM
32. Hard to Handle by @stevegorman.bsky.social and @stevenhyden.bsky.social
Drummer Steve Gorman steers us through the sometimes calm, sometimes cataclysmic waters of life in The Black Crowes. What could have been…
Drummer Steve Gorman steers us through the sometimes calm, sometimes cataclysmic waters of life in The Black Crowes. What could have been…
31. The Gutter and the Grave by Ed McBain (from @hardcasecrime.bsky.social)
Matt Cordell is dragged off a park bench and into an escalating series of murders and lies. A gritty piece of storytelling and thoroughly enjoyable.
Matt Cordell is dragged off a park bench and into an escalating series of murders and lies. A gritty piece of storytelling and thoroughly enjoyable.
October 26, 2025 at 11:35 PM
31. The Gutter and the Grave by Ed McBain (from @hardcasecrime.bsky.social)
Matt Cordell is dragged off a park bench and into an escalating series of murders and lies. A gritty piece of storytelling and thoroughly enjoyable.
Matt Cordell is dragged off a park bench and into an escalating series of murders and lies. A gritty piece of storytelling and thoroughly enjoyable.
30. 361 by Donald E. Westlake (from @hardcasecrime.bsky.social)
Short, sharp piece of crime fiction from an absolute master. A young man, freshly discharged from the military, gets a shocking reintroduction to civilian life, leading to a twisty path of revenge. Great, absorbing read.
Short, sharp piece of crime fiction from an absolute master. A young man, freshly discharged from the military, gets a shocking reintroduction to civilian life, leading to a twisty path of revenge. Great, absorbing read.
October 22, 2025 at 2:12 AM
30. 361 by Donald E. Westlake (from @hardcasecrime.bsky.social)
Short, sharp piece of crime fiction from an absolute master. A young man, freshly discharged from the military, gets a shocking reintroduction to civilian life, leading to a twisty path of revenge. Great, absorbing read.
Short, sharp piece of crime fiction from an absolute master. A young man, freshly discharged from the military, gets a shocking reintroduction to civilian life, leading to a twisty path of revenge. Great, absorbing read.
29. Leviathan by Robert McCammon
The Matthew Corbett series is wrapped up with an intense thrill ride of an adventure, capped off with a heartfelt, note-perfect ending. Satisfying in every way. A tip of the tricorn hat to Mr. McCammon for this brilliant, enthralling series.
The Matthew Corbett series is wrapped up with an intense thrill ride of an adventure, capped off with a heartfelt, note-perfect ending. Satisfying in every way. A tip of the tricorn hat to Mr. McCammon for this brilliant, enthralling series.
October 19, 2025 at 2:44 AM
29. Leviathan by Robert McCammon
The Matthew Corbett series is wrapped up with an intense thrill ride of an adventure, capped off with a heartfelt, note-perfect ending. Satisfying in every way. A tip of the tricorn hat to Mr. McCammon for this brilliant, enthralling series.
The Matthew Corbett series is wrapped up with an intense thrill ride of an adventure, capped off with a heartfelt, note-perfect ending. Satisfying in every way. A tip of the tricorn hat to Mr. McCammon for this brilliant, enthralling series.
28. Seven Shades of Evil by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Set of short stories taking place in various spots in the Matthew Corbett timeline. Highlight is “Wandering Mary,” a gothic mystery with a possible haunting, windswept cliffs, secret exhumations, and so much more.
Set of short stories taking place in various spots in the Matthew Corbett timeline. Highlight is “Wandering Mary,” a gothic mystery with a possible haunting, windswept cliffs, secret exhumations, and so much more.
October 8, 2025 at 1:14 AM
28. Seven Shades of Evil by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Set of short stories taking place in various spots in the Matthew Corbett timeline. Highlight is “Wandering Mary,” a gothic mystery with a possible haunting, windswept cliffs, secret exhumations, and so much more.
Set of short stories taking place in various spots in the Matthew Corbett timeline. Highlight is “Wandering Mary,” a gothic mystery with a possible haunting, windswept cliffs, secret exhumations, and so much more.
27. The King of Shadows by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Matthew and company inch closer to completing their quest for a supernatural artifact, but are sidetracked by an island that may be paradise, or may be the threshold of Hell. Lots of intrigue & some insight into two familiar villains.
Matthew and company inch closer to completing their quest for a supernatural artifact, but are sidetracked by an island that may be paradise, or may be the threshold of Hell. Lots of intrigue & some insight into two familiar villains.
September 18, 2025 at 10:28 PM
27. The King of Shadows by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Matthew and company inch closer to completing their quest for a supernatural artifact, but are sidetracked by an island that may be paradise, or may be the threshold of Hell. Lots of intrigue & some insight into two familiar villains.
Matthew and company inch closer to completing their quest for a supernatural artifact, but are sidetracked by an island that may be paradise, or may be the threshold of Hell. Lots of intrigue & some insight into two familiar villains.
26. Hatchet Girls by @joerlansdale.bsky.social
Hap and Leonard’s latest adventure is filled with typical Joe Lansdale raucousness —- there’s a meth-crazed hog, y’all —- and tinged with melancholy and a little sadness. An altogether enjoyable entry in the long-running series.
Hap and Leonard’s latest adventure is filled with typical Joe Lansdale raucousness —- there’s a meth-crazed hog, y’all —- and tinged with melancholy and a little sadness. An altogether enjoyable entry in the long-running series.
August 29, 2025 at 9:44 PM
26. Hatchet Girls by @joerlansdale.bsky.social
Hap and Leonard’s latest adventure is filled with typical Joe Lansdale raucousness —- there’s a meth-crazed hog, y’all —- and tinged with melancholy and a little sadness. An altogether enjoyable entry in the long-running series.
Hap and Leonard’s latest adventure is filled with typical Joe Lansdale raucousness —- there’s a meth-crazed hog, y’all —- and tinged with melancholy and a little sadness. An altogether enjoyable entry in the long-running series.
25. Cardinal Black by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Matthews’s side-quest to help his friends Hudson and Berry leads him straight into the proverbial wretched hive of scum and villainy. Bloodshed abounds and the pace is unrelenting. Sets the stage for the multi-volume end to the series.
Matthews’s side-quest to help his friends Hudson and Berry leads him straight into the proverbial wretched hive of scum and villainy. Bloodshed abounds and the pace is unrelenting. Sets the stage for the multi-volume end to the series.
August 22, 2025 at 9:18 PM
25. Cardinal Black by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Matthews’s side-quest to help his friends Hudson and Berry leads him straight into the proverbial wretched hive of scum and villainy. Bloodshed abounds and the pace is unrelenting. Sets the stage for the multi-volume end to the series.
Matthews’s side-quest to help his friends Hudson and Berry leads him straight into the proverbial wretched hive of scum and villainy. Bloodshed abounds and the pace is unrelenting. Sets the stage for the multi-volume end to the series.
24. Fletch and the Man Who by Gregory McDonald
Tells of Fletch’s time as press secretary for a leading presidential candidate —- a hard enough job as it is, made even harder when someone begins murdering women at every campaign stop. A fun, immersive read.
Tells of Fletch’s time as press secretary for a leading presidential candidate —- a hard enough job as it is, made even harder when someone begins murdering women at every campaign stop. A fun, immersive read.
August 11, 2025 at 6:56 PM
24. Fletch and the Man Who by Gregory McDonald
Tells of Fletch’s time as press secretary for a leading presidential candidate —- a hard enough job as it is, made even harder when someone begins murdering women at every campaign stop. A fun, immersive read.
Tells of Fletch’s time as press secretary for a leading presidential candidate —- a hard enough job as it is, made even harder when someone begins murdering women at every campaign stop. A fun, immersive read.
23. Freedom of the Mask by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
The Matthew Corbett series is full steam ahead at this point. Mask begins with Corbett in a predicament, and ends with him on a mission. Features my favorite Corbett villain so far: Mother Deare. Long, but well-paced and fun.
The Matthew Corbett series is full steam ahead at this point. Mask begins with Corbett in a predicament, and ends with him on a mission. Features my favorite Corbett villain so far: Mother Deare. Long, but well-paced and fun.
August 6, 2025 at 6:26 PM
23. Freedom of the Mask by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
The Matthew Corbett series is full steam ahead at this point. Mask begins with Corbett in a predicament, and ends with him on a mission. Features my favorite Corbett villain so far: Mother Deare. Long, but well-paced and fun.
The Matthew Corbett series is full steam ahead at this point. Mask begins with Corbett in a predicament, and ends with him on a mission. Features my favorite Corbett villain so far: Mother Deare. Long, but well-paced and fun.
22. Lay Your Armor Down by Michael Farris Smith
Two criminals, a tough, untethered woman, and a mysterious child who may or may not have powers beyond comprehension. Smith’s voice is unique and uniquely Southern, and this gothic tale from @littlebrown.bsky.social drips with dread and atmosphere.
Two criminals, a tough, untethered woman, and a mysterious child who may or may not have powers beyond comprehension. Smith’s voice is unique and uniquely Southern, and this gothic tale from @littlebrown.bsky.social drips with dread and atmosphere.
July 22, 2025 at 8:25 PM
22. Lay Your Armor Down by Michael Farris Smith
Two criminals, a tough, untethered woman, and a mysterious child who may or may not have powers beyond comprehension. Smith’s voice is unique and uniquely Southern, and this gothic tale from @littlebrown.bsky.social drips with dread and atmosphere.
Two criminals, a tough, untethered woman, and a mysterious child who may or may not have powers beyond comprehension. Smith’s voice is unique and uniquely Southern, and this gothic tale from @littlebrown.bsky.social drips with dread and atmosphere.
21. The River of Souls by @robertmccammon.com
Fastest-paced entry in the Matthew Corbett series so far. An action-filled chase down a dangerous river filled with, and surrounded by, hungry gators, savage hunters, and deranged panthers, among other dangers. Fun read with a hell of a cliffhanger.
Fastest-paced entry in the Matthew Corbett series so far. An action-filled chase down a dangerous river filled with, and surrounded by, hungry gators, savage hunters, and deranged panthers, among other dangers. Fun read with a hell of a cliffhanger.
July 17, 2025 at 2:43 PM
21. The River of Souls by @robertmccammon.com
Fastest-paced entry in the Matthew Corbett series so far. An action-filled chase down a dangerous river filled with, and surrounded by, hungry gators, savage hunters, and deranged panthers, among other dangers. Fun read with a hell of a cliffhanger.
Fastest-paced entry in the Matthew Corbett series so far. An action-filled chase down a dangerous river filled with, and surrounded by, hungry gators, savage hunters, and deranged panthers, among other dangers. Fun read with a hell of a cliffhanger.
20. Bodock: Stories by Robert Busby (@robertbusbywrites.bsky.social) via @hubcitypress.bsky.social
Tales centered around the fictional town of Bodock and the real Mid-South Ice Storm of 1994. Busby writes characters with depth and warmth and examines hard truths with empathy, compassion and grit.
Tales centered around the fictional town of Bodock and the real Mid-South Ice Storm of 1994. Busby writes characters with depth and warmth and examines hard truths with empathy, compassion and grit.
July 7, 2025 at 6:31 PM
20. Bodock: Stories by Robert Busby (@robertbusbywrites.bsky.social) via @hubcitypress.bsky.social
Tales centered around the fictional town of Bodock and the real Mid-South Ice Storm of 1994. Busby writes characters with depth and warmth and examines hard truths with empathy, compassion and grit.
Tales centered around the fictional town of Bodock and the real Mid-South Ice Storm of 1994. Busby writes characters with depth and warmth and examines hard truths with empathy, compassion and grit.
19. The Providence Rider by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Still reeling from his encounter with a vicious serial killer, Matthew Corbett is drawn into the web of his greatest enemy, Professor Fell. Brutally violent and action-packed entry in the excellent Corbett series.
Still reeling from his encounter with a vicious serial killer, Matthew Corbett is drawn into the web of his greatest enemy, Professor Fell. Brutally violent and action-packed entry in the excellent Corbett series.
July 2, 2025 at 2:33 AM
19. The Providence Rider by Robert McCammon (@robertmccammon.com)
Still reeling from his encounter with a vicious serial killer, Matthew Corbett is drawn into the web of his greatest enemy, Professor Fell. Brutally violent and action-packed entry in the excellent Corbett series.
Still reeling from his encounter with a vicious serial killer, Matthew Corbett is drawn into the web of his greatest enemy, Professor Fell. Brutally violent and action-packed entry in the excellent Corbett series.
18. The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer (@tellmelieslater.bsky.social)
The tale of Agatha Dorn, an archivist who discovers a lost manuscript from a beloved mystery writer. She enjoys minor fame & distinction until doubt is cast on her discovery & people start dying. Fun, refreshing read.
The tale of Agatha Dorn, an archivist who discovers a lost manuscript from a beloved mystery writer. She enjoys minor fame & distinction until doubt is cast on her discovery & people start dying. Fun, refreshing read.
June 12, 2025 at 2:51 AM
18. The Mystery of the Crooked Man by Tom Spencer (@tellmelieslater.bsky.social)
The tale of Agatha Dorn, an archivist who discovers a lost manuscript from a beloved mystery writer. She enjoys minor fame & distinction until doubt is cast on her discovery & people start dying. Fun, refreshing read.
The tale of Agatha Dorn, an archivist who discovers a lost manuscript from a beloved mystery writer. She enjoys minor fame & distinction until doubt is cast on her discovery & people start dying. Fun, refreshing read.
17. Never Flinch by Stephen King @stephenking.bsky.social
Another Holly Gibney book (always welcome to me!). Holly finds herself at the epicenter of 2 unrelated cases: a serial killer and a stalker. King weaves the plot together slowly, bringing everything together in the tense, explosive finale.
Another Holly Gibney book (always welcome to me!). Holly finds herself at the epicenter of 2 unrelated cases: a serial killer and a stalker. King weaves the plot together slowly, bringing everything together in the tense, explosive finale.
June 5, 2025 at 7:36 PM
17. Never Flinch by Stephen King @stephenking.bsky.social
Another Holly Gibney book (always welcome to me!). Holly finds herself at the epicenter of 2 unrelated cases: a serial killer and a stalker. King weaves the plot together slowly, bringing everything together in the tense, explosive finale.
Another Holly Gibney book (always welcome to me!). Holly finds herself at the epicenter of 2 unrelated cases: a serial killer and a stalker. King weaves the plot together slowly, bringing everything together in the tense, explosive finale.
The government might not recognize it, but around here New @stephenking.bsky.social Book Day is a holiday.
May 28, 2025 at 1:48 PM
The government might not recognize it, but around here New @stephenking.bsky.social Book Day is a holiday.
16. King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (@blacktopkid.bsky.social)
A family tragedy threatens the bond between 3 siblings, forcing them to confront years of secrets & regrets. Add in gangsters, crooked cops and back-room politics, & you’ve got a combustible situation, to say the least. Cosby’s best so far.
A family tragedy threatens the bond between 3 siblings, forcing them to confront years of secrets & regrets. Add in gangsters, crooked cops and back-room politics, & you’ve got a combustible situation, to say the least. Cosby’s best so far.
May 24, 2025 at 12:38 AM
16. King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (@blacktopkid.bsky.social)
A family tragedy threatens the bond between 3 siblings, forcing them to confront years of secrets & regrets. Add in gangsters, crooked cops and back-room politics, & you’ve got a combustible situation, to say the least. Cosby’s best so far.
A family tragedy threatens the bond between 3 siblings, forcing them to confront years of secrets & regrets. Add in gangsters, crooked cops and back-room politics, & you’ve got a combustible situation, to say the least. Cosby’s best so far.
You’re welcome! Full review should be up at the CD website tomorrow.
April 28, 2025 at 10:12 PM
You’re welcome! Full review should be up at the CD website tomorrow.
15. The Night Birds by Christopher Golden @cgolden.bsky.social
Tense, at times terrifying story of an ancient evil descending on a group of people hell-bent on protecting an innocent life. The unique, atmospheric, storm-tossed setting ratchets the familiar plot up to a different level.
Tense, at times terrifying story of an ancient evil descending on a group of people hell-bent on protecting an innocent life. The unique, atmospheric, storm-tossed setting ratchets the familiar plot up to a different level.
April 28, 2025 at 6:19 PM
15. The Night Birds by Christopher Golden @cgolden.bsky.social
Tense, at times terrifying story of an ancient evil descending on a group of people hell-bent on protecting an innocent life. The unique, atmospheric, storm-tossed setting ratchets the familiar plot up to a different level.
Tense, at times terrifying story of an ancient evil descending on a group of people hell-bent on protecting an innocent life. The unique, atmospheric, storm-tossed setting ratchets the familiar plot up to a different level.
14. The Long Home by William Gay
An act of violence ripples through a small community for years before it’s finally acknowledged and confronted. Gay’s debut novel is slow-paced but gorgeous in places.
An act of violence ripples through a small community for years before it’s finally acknowledged and confronted. Gay’s debut novel is slow-paced but gorgeous in places.
April 21, 2025 at 12:34 AM
14. The Long Home by William Gay
An act of violence ripples through a small community for years before it’s finally acknowledged and confronted. Gay’s debut novel is slow-paced but gorgeous in places.
An act of violence ripples through a small community for years before it’s finally acknowledged and confronted. Gay’s debut novel is slow-paced but gorgeous in places.