Genre fiction is a term used for fiction written for the intent of fitting into a particular genre in order to appeal to readers and fans already familiar with that type of story. Some subcategories of genre fiction include historical fiction, horror, romance, science fiction, mystery, psychological thrillers, etc. There are many websites, blogs and podcasts dedicated to a particular genre, so you can get some great ideas for what to read or listen to next. Here are just a few to get you started:
Historical Fiction:
- The Historical Novel Society – reviews on all types of historical fiction, to include historical fantasy, alternate history, historical romance, etc. Browse by subgenre, period, or century.
- Historical Novels – lists over 5,000 historical novels which can be searched by time period or place. The site also has over 700 book reviews and a blog with author interviews.
- Western Fiction Review – focuses on historical fiction about the American West. The blog contains interviews with authors, along with book reviews.
- Other historical fiction sites:
- Podcast:
Horror:
- Horror Writers Association – nonprofit organization of writers and publishing professionals dedicated to promoting dark literature. They also sponsor the Bram Stoker Awards for superior achievement in horror literature. Website features a blog and book lists.
- The Shirley Jackson Awards – established for outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror, and the dark fantastic. The website has lists of nominees and winners from 2007 through the present.
- The Monster Librarian Horror List – reviews of horror fiction divided into various categories of interest, such as werewolves, zombies, or paranormal.
- Other horror sites:
- Podcasts:
Mystery/Suspense/Crime:
- Stop, You’re Killing Me! – a resource for lovers of mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books. Lists of authors with their books in chronological order, new and upcoming releases, book award lists, and book reviews.
- Euro Crime – for fans and would-be fans of British and European crime fiction; blog, book lists, author websites.
- Reviewing the Evidence – searchable database of hundreds of book reviews
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Other mystery/suspense/crime sites:
- Crime Thru Time
- Agatha Awards for mystery
- Macavity Awards for mystery
- Edgar Awards by the Mystery Writers of America
- Shamus Awards by the Private Eye Writers of America
- Podcasts:
Romance:
- All About Romance – unbiased book reviews, author interviews, and blog posts. Also includes “sensuality ratings” from N/A to Burning to indicate how explicit the book is.
- SBTB – began as a community of romance readers in 2005 and now includes blog posts, reviews, discussions, and a podcast to connect romance fans with the books they want to read, as well as with each other. Users can search reviews by grade (A+ to F)
- Romance Reviews Today – reviews, chat, blog; reviews can be searched by author.
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Other romance sites:
- Rita Awards by the Romance Writers of America
- Book Riot Romance
- Romance Reader
- Aestas Book Blog
- Podcasts:
Science Fiction/Fantasy/Speculative Fiction:
- Locus Online – the online version of Locus, the magazine of the science fiction and fantasy field, with news, reviews, and author interviews. Also covers some horror fiction.
- The Internet Speculative Fiction Database – a community effort to catalog works of science fiction, fantasy, and horror.
- SF Book Reviews – speculative fiction book reviews since 1999
- Fantasy Café – dedicated to reviewing and discussing speculative fiction books of all kinds—fantasy, science fiction, and YA speculative fiction
- Other sci-fi/fantasy/speculative fiction sites:
- Podcasts:
If you need any assistance finding a book, talk to one of the librarians at the reference desks in Youth Services or Adult Services. We’re always happy to help!
