The Clatter Man
Book 32 of 2025
THIS WEEK'S READ
This week I read The Clatter Man by Janelle Schiecke. This is another book and author I learned about on X. It’s awkward soliciting authors for the first time, but I’m glad I did.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Janelle Schiecke is an editor turned supernatural horror author. Her other published titles are Ghost Room and Death Cult. Like Steve Stark from last week, she is a member of the writing collective, The Dark Veil Society. Follow her on all the things (X, Instagram, Bluesky)
QUICK SUMMARY
Draw a bloody “V” on a mirror and say his name three times. This is how you summon The Clatter Man into our world, to sate his lust for vengeance.
Five college students, representing the classic horror archetypes, go to a cabin in the woods to party. While telling ghost stories and urban legends they end up calling upon The Clatter Man. What follows is a night of terror and spilled blood as the clairvoyant final girl tries to end his centuries long murder spree.
WHAT STOOD OUT
The Clatter Man reminds me of all my favorite slasher movies I grew up watching. There are nods and homages to so many franchises throughout the book. I’m a huge fan of this subgenre and it is clear Schiecke is as well. This is a love letter to to the slashers that defined a generation.
Though this is a callback to horror classics, it also modernizes the formula. The romance subplot subverts expectations, and The Clatter Man himself is a fascinating hybrid. He is part Jason Vorhees stalking victims through dark woods, part Candyman summoned through ritual. This duality between physical stalker and supernatural entity creates a unique tension that keeps readers guessing about the rules of engagement.
FOR YOU
The Clatter Man is a good read for any fan of slasher or supernatural horror. Particularly those like me that grew up on the franchises I’ve mentioned throughout this newsletter. Let me know what your favorite horror franchises are and any other books that give you the same vibes.
NEXT WEEK
Next week I’ll be reading When We Go Missing by April Henry.