My Favorite Books With…Black Covers

After red, the color most likely to be my favorite is black. I love it, whether it’s in fashion, flowers, or decorations. Saying that, it’s surprisingly hard to find books I enjoyed with a predominantly black cover. Though, considering my selection, I’ve realized most black covered books have something to do with murder…who would have thought?

The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime by Judith Flanders

The title pretty much says it all. This examines the history of crime-solving techniques as well as the strange obsession with death during the Victorian era. I absolutely loved this book when I read it, especially since I love reading about real life Victorian serial killers (like Albert Fish and Jack the Ripper). It discusses famous serial killers, the rise of Scotland Yard, death traditions during Queen Victoria’s reign, etc. It is both a fascinating and informative book, especially for those fond of the macabre.

Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

This book was one of my favorite books from last year. Knowing little about Norse mythology, I found it absolutely fascinating to read. It is pretty much a collection of short stories about different figures from Norse mythology, from Odin to Loki and more. It’s a really great introduction to these types of myths.

The Hunger Games (The Hunger Game #1) by Suzanne Collins

I have a love-hate relationship with this series. On one hand, I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and saw a lot of potential in the series. On the other hand, the next two books really disappointed me, especially the last book. However, I am still willing to admit I enjoyed this first book, despite not being a massive fan of YA fiction.

Murder on Astor Place (Gaslight Mysteries #1) by Victoria Thompson

I did a review for this series a while ago, and you can read my full thoughts on the books here. However, it’s basically a cozy murder mystery series set near the turn of the 20th century, following midwife Sarah Brandt and police detective Frank Mallory as they solve murders in New York City. I love this series (I’m currently on book 19). However, the first book will always hold a special place in my heart!

The Resurrectionist: The Lost Work of Dr. Spencer Black by E.B. Hudspeth

Set in the 1800s, this book is the ‘real’ history of fictional Dr. Spencer Black in his obsession to create life (a bit like Victor Frankenstein) and prove the existence of mythical creatures like mermaids and satyrs. However, his experiments soon lead to madness and tragedy. It is organized partly in diary format, partly in historical analysis, etc., as if Black were a real person. It honestly feels like a horror story, and I really enjoyed reading it.

House by Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker

This was the first adult horror I ever read (having previously read way too many Goosebumps), and I read it when I was about 14 (so about ten years ago). It follows two couples as they are lost in the wilderness and come across a house where they must defy their greatest fears and survive. I did not know it was Christian fiction when I first read it, but despite that it’s actually a great, horrifying experience. Though, if I read it today, I might not find it so terrifying.

 

What are your favorite books with black covers? Also, have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments, and, as always,

Best wishes in your life full of adventure,

Madame Writer