2024 is almost over. Another year of inevitable highs and lows, and another year of incredible horror stories. Similar to last year, here are a few personal highlights and a bit about what to expect in 2025.
Favourite Film | Heretic
This was tough to decide but, after a lot of deliberation, I think Heretic takes the crown. I say ‘I think’ because Longlegs (and its impressive marketing) rears its ugly head whenever I start considering favourites.
Heretic tells the story of two Mormon missionaries invited into the home of a man named Mr. Reed. They’re there to convert him but he has other plans, luring them into a series of uncomfortable conversations about religion and a game that forces them to question their faith.
There’s a lot to love about Heretic but what stays with me is its dialogue. This is a movie with a lot of talking but not a word felt wasted. Every back and forth is considered, calculated, and watching these two young missionaries spiral into questions designed to dismantle and challenge their beliefs came with a lot of twists, turns, and surprises.
It’s tense, bold, and manages to separate itself from the religious horror that has a habit of falling into tired old tropes.
Favourite Book | Looking Glass Sound
When I finished Looking Glass Sound earlier this year, I had a feeling it would be my favourite book of 2024. Now we’ve got to the year’s end, I can confirm that’s true.
It was the first Catriona Ward I’d read, and though I’d heard her language and style of writing was complex and captivating, I had no idea it would be so memorable. This is one of those books where the less you know, the better the experience, so don’t want to say too much.
What you should know is that it centres on friends that discover a victim of a brutal murder on the Maine coast. The story jumps from narrative to narrative, through different timelines, following the way that murder shapes and impacts their lives as they grow into adults.
You should also know that it’s surreal, layered, and one that will stay with you. You’re constantly lulled into thinking you have control of what’s happening and then, in a handful of sentences, everything you thought you knew is wrong, the rug’s pulled from under your feet, and you’re left waiting to see how it’ll feel when you hit the ground.
Finishing it was a relief, but something I wish I could experience for the first time again. A really impressive read.
Favourite Video Game | Alan Wake II
Alan Wake II isn’t just my favourite game of 2024, but one of my favourite games of all time. Like Looking Glass Sound, it’s layered, but in a different way.
The game follows Alan Wake, a horror novelist trapped in a supernatural reality that he needs to write himself out of. You play both the story he’s writing, about an FBI agent investigating a series of ritualistic murders in the small town of Bright Falls, and Alan Wake himself as he navigates the very real and relatable terror of creating something from nothing.
The production value, atmosphere, and way it deals with storytelling is top tier, and the horror moments themselves are unlike any I’ve experienced in gaming. It’s a truly innovative and bizarre experience that sees you dealing with supernatural threat but, more than that, the human curse of creativity. Plus, if you played and enjoyed Control, there are a lot of neat nods that bring the two storylines together.
Looking back on 2024
Alongside all these amazing stories, 2024 was the year I published my second book, Waxwing Creek.
If you’re new here, it’s a collection of interconnected horror stories about a motel built on the ruins of a house where a family was found murdered.
With tales about a woman betting on bingo to save her life and a man calling on the supernatural to reunite lovers, it examines desperation, morality, and what happens when people try to change something that should be left alone.
It’s been described as terrifying, thought-provoking, and as “a deliciously satisfying, macabre set of tales” by readers and I’ve been so thrilled to receive messages asking whether there’ll be more from the motel and surrounding small town of Hunt.
Alongside that, I shared a bunch of newsletters on Substack. A few favourites include:
I also started a series of micro horror stories inspired by vintage postcards found in an antique store called HAUNTED POSTCARDS. Eventually, I’ll bring them together in one place but, for now, you can find them on any of my social media feeds.
I’m incredibly grateful for anyone who’s taken the time to check out anything I’ve written. Your support never goes unnoticed.
And ahead to 2025
I’m looking forward to 2025, not just because of all the incredible horror stories I’m yet to experience, but because it’s another year for writing. Next year, the plan is to publish my next novella and I’m hoping to share some short stories on Substack.
Until then, if you want to connect, I love hearing from readers. I keep an Instagram updated and post regularly to Threads and Notes. You can also find me on TikTok.
I hope your 2024 has been great. I hope your 2025 will be even better.
/ JJW
Nice list! Still haven't seen Heretic but have played Alan Wake II.