Carrie by Stephen King

Carrie was the second Stephen King novel I ever read (the first being Christine) when I was in my mid-teens. I remember it as a master work in storytelling, in personifying the horror of everyday life and of capturing a sense of voice and place. 

After the recent release of the revamped television series, I decided to see what I made of the work so many decades later. It’s a perfect read, and shouldn’t be missed. 

Ragged Alice by Gareth L. Powell

Ragged Alice is one of those rare tales that delivers just enough. Just enough words, just enough character flavor, just enough supernatural. The pacing is spot-on, giving just enough introspection between exactly the right amount of happenings.

The world needs more 100-page mysteries, and this one serves it up with a cracking cup of tea. I love that Powell chose Wales for this tale.