WINNER OF THE BRAM STOKER AWARD FOR BEST FIRST NOVEL One of the Best Horror Novels of the Year by Vulture * Geek Rage/ Strange Library * Cinema Chords Macabre Daily's #1 Horror Novel of 2025 Horror Movie meets the scope and emotion of Stephen King in this heart-pounding, magnetic tour de force novel, destined to become an instant classic, about a woman pulled into a cult horror film that is determined to have a sequel, by critically acclaimed author Michael Wehunt. Ten years ago, Jorie Stroud was the rising star of the October Film Haunt, a trio of horror enthusiasts who camped out at the filming locations of their favorite scary movies, sharing their love through their popular blog. But after a night in the graveyard from Proof of Demons-perhaps the most chilling cult film ever made, directed by the enigmatic Hélène Enriquez-everything unraveled. Now, Jorie has built an isolated life with her young son in Vermont. In the devastating wake of her viral, truth-stretching Proof of Demons blog entry-hysteria, internet backlash, and the death of a young woman-Jorie has put it all, along with her intense love for the horror genre, behind her. Until a videotape arrives in the mail. Jorie fears someone might be filming her. And the "Rickies"-Enriquez obsessives who would do anything for the reclusive director-begin to cross lines in disturbing ways. It seems Hélène Enriquez is making a new kind of sequel...and Jorie is her final girl. As the dangers grow even more unexpected and strange, Jorie must search for answers before the proof of the movie's title finds her and takes everything she loves. This riveting and layered horror novel unleashes supernatural terror in a world where truth can be manipulated, and nothing is as it seems. Beautiful and horrifying, with an unforgettable cast of characters, The October Film Haunt will shock and delight readers all the way to its breathless final page. "So unique and steeped in 21st century paranoia and dread you won't be able to read this alone at night." - Paul Tremblay "The horror in here is palpable, but the writing itself is just as scary: How can one pen have this many good lines in it?" - Stephen Graham Jones

Portrait

MICHAEL WEHUNT is the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of The October Film Haunt. He has also been a finalist for multiple Shirley Jackson Awards and was shortlisted for the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts' Crawford Award. In Spain, his stories have garnered nominations for the Premio Ignotus and Premio Amaltea, winning the latter. He haunts the woods outside Atlanta with his partner and their dog. Together, they hold the horrors at bay. Find him in the digital trees at www.michaelwehunt.com.