Daily True Crime Brief · October 22nd

Gaslighting, often misused in casual conversation, is a serious form of emotional abuse that leaves no visible scars but deeply affects one's sense of self. Ruskin reflects on how discovering betrayal can turn a relationship upside down, leading to a desperate need for escape. Her novel, "One of Us Must Die," draws from her own experiences, exploring the dark side of love and loyalty as her character, Sterling, grapples with the façade of a happy family while facing the harsh truths of her marriage.

Writing became Ruskin's lifeline during her own marital struggles, allowing her to process her feelings and connect with others who have faced similar betrayals. Through her story, she aims to empower women who feel trapped, showing them that resilience and renewal are possible. The intensity of emotions like anger and the urge for revenge lingered with her, prompting her to explore the moral dilemmas faced by those in toxic relationships.

In her work, Ruskin examines the thin line between good and evil, urging readers to reflect on their choices in the face of adversity. She crafts characters who navigate the complexities of their situations, revealing their true selves and the lengths they might go to reclaim their lives. With a blend of intrigue and psychological depth, she continues to explore the dynamics of relationships, inviting readers to ponder the darker aspects of human behavior while offering a glimpse of hope and redemption.

In the realm of horror, the setting can often feel like a character in its own right, amplifying the tension and unease. The article highlights five novels where the locations play a crucial role in creating an unsettling atmosphere. For instance, in "When the Night Comes Knocking," the isolation of the North Georgia mountains becomes a formidable antagonist, trapping characters in a world devoid of comfort and safety.

One standout is Stephen Graham Jones' "The Buffalo Hunter Hunter," which weaves together two timelines and explores the chilling effects of colonization against the backdrop of the snowy Montana frontier. The historical elements combined with the harsh landscape enhance the story's emotional weight and horror.

Nat Cassidy’s "Rest Stop" takes a more claustrophobic approach, where a musician finds himself locked in a grimy gas station bathroom with a violent stranger. The setting amplifies the sense of dread, making it a gripping read for fans of survival tales.

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper" offers a psychological twist, with its unnamed narrator confined to a room that becomes a prison of her mind. The peeling wallpaper and claw marks on the floor serve as haunting symbols of her deteriorating mental state, making the setting feel suffocatingly oppressive.

In "A Short Stay in Hell" by Steven L. Peck, the protagonist navigates a surreal library in Hell, searching for his life's story among infinite shelves. This existential setting raises profound questions about belief and identity. Lastly, John Langan's "The Fisherman" explores grief through the lens of a fishing trip that leads to a nightmarish reality in the Catskills, where the supernatural intertwines with personal loss. Each of these stories showcases how a well-crafted setting can elevate horror, making the reader feel the weight of the atmosphere as much as the characters do.

Anna Maloney dives into the intriguing world of writing older female protagonists in thrillers, highlighting the shift from the typical young, vulnerable women to more complex, believable characters over fifty. She emphasizes that while young women often dominate action scenes, it’s essential to create older heroines who are not just physically capable but also rich in life experience. This shift reflects societal changes, with older women now holding significant roles in various fields, allowing for more relatable and inspiring characters.

Maloney points out that older heroes have long been a staple in crime fiction, offering depth and wisdom that younger characters might lack. She references iconic figures like Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and more contemporary characters like Vera Stanhope and Elizabeth Best, who rely on their intelligence rather than brute strength. In her own writing, she aims to craft protagonists that resonate with her own experiences, giving them realistic challenges while ensuring they remain relatable.

In her debut thriller, *The 10:12*, Maloney introduces Claire Fitzroy, a fifty-something art lecturer who surprises everyone with her courage during a train hijacking. Claire's age and appearance lead others to underestimate her, allowing her to leverage societal assumptions to her advantage. Alongside her is Gill Kaplan, a retired police officer, who embodies a more traditional approach to crime-fighting. Both characters showcase that strength can come from intelligence and determination rather than just combat skills.

Maloney also explores the idea of how society views older women, particularly in high-stress situations. Her characters reflect a diverse range of backgrounds and skills, showcasing the unexpected bravery of ordinary people. Claire, though not fearless, demonstrates mental toughness and decisiveness, embodying a realistic portrayal of what it means to step up in a crisis.

The conversation around older heroines is evolving, and Maloney’s work contributes to this narrative, proving that age can be an asset in storytelling. She encourages readers to embrace characters who challenge stereotypes and reveal the complexities of human nature, particularly in moments of crisis.

The holidays can be a mixed bag, can’t they? While everyone else is busy with their festive traditions, you might be craving something a little darker to spice up the season. If that’s the case, there’s a list of holiday horror reads that could be just what you need to get through those family gatherings and endless Mariah Carey songs.

First up is "Victorian Psycho" by Virginia Feito. It’s a gripping tale that takes place during Christmas, featuring a chilling atmosphere and a party that turns sinister. The mix of dark humor and gothic elements makes it a standout, and the unreliable narrator keeps you hooked. If you’re looking for just one holiday horror novel, this should be your pick.

Next, there’s "NOS4A2" by Joe Hill, which is a wild ride into a nightmarish Christmasland. Hill's storytelling shines with its rich character development and heart-wrenching moments. It’s a longer read, but once you dive in, you’ll find it hard to put down.

For those who enjoy slasher stories, "Candy Cain Kills" and its sequel by Brian McAuley are perfect. These books embrace slasher tropes with a snowy backdrop and clever humor. They’re quick reads that pack a punch, leaving you wanting more.

You can’t forget the classic "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. This timeless tale is essential for any holiday horror list, blending humor and heart in a ghostly narrative. If you haven’t read it in a while, it’s worth revisiting.

Lastly, check out the movie "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale." This Finnish film flips the Santa Claus legend on its head, presenting a darker origin story that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. It’s a fun watch that might just inspire your own holiday horror ideas.

So, whether you’re in the mood for a chilling read or a unique film, these picks will help you embrace the spooky side of the season.

Folk horror isn't for everyone, and the writer of this piece definitely feels that way. They’re not keen on the themes of rural townsfolk engaging in pagan rituals or any creepy effigies made from twigs. But since many readers enjoy folk horror, they’ve put together a curated list of essential films in the genre, perfect for Halloween viewing.

Starting with the classic "The Wicker Man," it’s the quintessential folk horror film featuring a confused outsider on a remote Scottish island, surrounded by pagan rituals. Then there's "Apostle," where a man goes to a Welsh island to rescue his sister from a cult—definitely a tense watch. "The Blood on Satan’s Claw" dives into the dark side of teenage rebellion in 1700s England, while "Kill List" mixes action with horror in a way that leaves you questioning everything until the very end.

The list also includes "Midsommar," a modern take on folk horror involving American tourists caught in a bloody Swedish festival. "Lamb" offers a bizarre tale of a couple who adopts a human/sheep hybrid after losing their daughter, and "You Won’t Be Alone" follows a girl turned witch in a nightmarish scenario. Each film brings its own unique twist to the genre, showcasing the unsettling blend of rural life and supernatural elements. So, if you’re feeling brave this Halloween, these films might just be what you’re looking for!