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A terrifying and claustrophobic queer dark academia horror set in a demon-infested archive about trauma, grief and the lengths we will go to for love.
Perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher and Tori Bovalino.
GUILT. GRIEF. OBSESSION.
Michael Stein arrives at the Schechter Institute for Judaic Studies battered and broken, blaming himself for the tragic accident that took his boyfriend’s life. He is haunted by his guilt and grief, but is determined to repent by completing his boyfriend’s research into demonic entities.
But instead of being welcomed by the archivist, Michael is met by Jacob Schechter—the archivist’s enigmatic, brooding grandson, who has inherited the Institute after his grandfather’s death. As Michael explores the archive, delving into cryptic texts and whispered histories, shadows from the past begin to seep into the present. Tormented by demons both real and imagined, Michael’s grief warps into something far darker—an intoxicating, yet increasingly toxic obsession with Jacob, whose own secrets threaten to destroy them both.
Now, Michael must confront the terrible truth behind his boyfriend’s death—and his obsession with Jacob—before the darkness they awaken in each other claims more than just their love, and consumes them entirely.
Genre: Horror
Perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher and Tori Bovalino.
GUILT. GRIEF. OBSESSION.
Michael Stein arrives at the Schechter Institute for Judaic Studies battered and broken, blaming himself for the tragic accident that took his boyfriend’s life. He is haunted by his guilt and grief, but is determined to repent by completing his boyfriend’s research into demonic entities.
But instead of being welcomed by the archivist, Michael is met by Jacob Schechter—the archivist’s enigmatic, brooding grandson, who has inherited the Institute after his grandfather’s death. As Michael explores the archive, delving into cryptic texts and whispered histories, shadows from the past begin to seep into the present. Tormented by demons both real and imagined, Michael’s grief warps into something far darker—an intoxicating, yet increasingly toxic obsession with Jacob, whose own secrets threaten to destroy them both.
Now, Michael must confront the terrible truth behind his boyfriend’s death—and his obsession with Jacob—before the darkness they awaken in each other claims more than just their love, and consumes them entirely.
Genre: Horror
Praise for this book
"The Way It Haunted Him is a love letter to horror readers. A story steeped in folklore, queer love, and the harsh reality of grief, guilt, and the monsters we inherit. Laura R. Samotin, the master of a one-sitting read, has struck again." - Ben Alderson
"I'm the one haunted by this tender and gorgeous story. Laura R. Samotin tackles themes of atonement and duty - and how those things can be wielded as a form of abuse - in the nuanced way that her readers have come to expect, while expertly weaving in Jewish mysticism and casual queerness. Fans of dark fantasy, shining hope, and everlasting love, don't miss out on this one." - Kamilah Cole
"Samotin casts a spell over the reader with this sensuous dark academia novel as dark and twisted as the stacks of an occult library." - S T Gibson
"Laura Samotin stuns again. Her dark, entrancing prose and wonderfully complex characters will leave readers spellbound, as they delve with Michael Stein into the secrets of Schechter Institute. A powerful gothic tale that will have readers at the edge of their seats." - Aden Polydoros
"An unsettling and wholly original exploration of grief, desire, and the strength of belief, The Way It Haunted Him will get under your skin and linger for a very, very long time. Also: one of the best cats in literature." - Claire Schultz
"Beautifully poignant and chillingly dark, The Way it Haunted Him is an examination of grief, obsession, trauma and above all, love. It grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go." - Frances White
"I'm the one haunted by this tender and gorgeous story. Laura R. Samotin tackles themes of atonement and duty - and how those things can be wielded as a form of abuse - in the nuanced way that her readers have come to expect, while expertly weaving in Jewish mysticism and casual queerness. Fans of dark fantasy, shining hope, and everlasting love, don't miss out on this one." - Kamilah Cole
"Samotin casts a spell over the reader with this sensuous dark academia novel as dark and twisted as the stacks of an occult library." - S T Gibson
"Laura Samotin stuns again. Her dark, entrancing prose and wonderfully complex characters will leave readers spellbound, as they delve with Michael Stein into the secrets of Schechter Institute. A powerful gothic tale that will have readers at the edge of their seats." - Aden Polydoros
"An unsettling and wholly original exploration of grief, desire, and the strength of belief, The Way It Haunted Him will get under your skin and linger for a very, very long time. Also: one of the best cats in literature." - Claire Schultz
"Beautifully poignant and chillingly dark, The Way it Haunted Him is an examination of grief, obsession, trauma and above all, love. It grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go." - Frances White
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