✨ Cozy, Creepy, and Sometimes Confusing – My November Reads✨
November was an interesting reading month for me. Looking back, I realize I was probably more critical than usual. Some fan-favorite books on my list simply did not live up to the hype for me. My star ratings are, of course, just my own opinion. If you’re curious how the heck I rate books, you’ll find a guide at the bottom of this post for my completely arbitrary, mood-dependent rating system.
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Ranking My November 2025 Reads: Worst → Best
Las Posadas by V. Castro (2022)
Horror, Novelette
I picked up this audiobook while preparing my 10 Winter and Christmas Books to Curl Up With This Season post. At just over an hour long, I thought this Christmas horror novella would be perfect for the list. Unfortunately, it was not for me.
Set during the traditional Mexican celebration of Las Posadas, the story follows a woman who returns to her hometown only to confront ancient, vengeful forces tied to her past. Castro blends folklore, religious symbolism, and visceral horror.
The premise sounded perfect for me, but I was completely caught off guard that this story leaned heavily into erotic fiction. Based on the brief Goodreads description I had read, I had no idea this would be a major part of the plot. While I don’t mind some spice in my reads, it should support a strong story and character development. At this short length, that support just wasn’t there. Some horror elements worked, but overall, this one missed the mark.
I accessed this through my Spotify subscription.
Rating: 1.5 / 5✨
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin (1978)
Middle Grade, Mystery
A clever, twist-filled mystery brings sixteen unlikely residents of Sunset Towers together for the reading of Samuel Westing’s will. Each resident is given a chance to solve the puzzle of his mysterious death, with the promise of inheriting his vast fortune for the winner.
I expected a fun, puzzle-like experience, but the story was confusing, and the writing was boring. With so many characters packed into a short novel, it took a while to keep track, and the ending left me scratching my head. That said, the ending was emotionally moving, so even though the reading experience wasn’t perfect, it surprised me in a good way.
Rating: 2 / 5✨
Golden Son by Pierce Brown (2015)
Dystopian, Science Fiction
This is the second book in the Red Rising Saga, with book seven scheduled for release in 2026. For those unfamiliar with the series, the world is organized on a strict color-based class system, with Reds at the bottom and Golds at the top. In this sequel, Darrow continues navigating the dangerous world of the Gold elite. His mission quickly becomes a tangle of political maneuvering, shifting alliances, and large-scale battles as every faction tries to outplay the others, testing his skills, loyalty, and resolve.
For me, the series didn’t click. The overarching story is genuinely interesting, and while it’s not entirely unique or groundbreaking, the plot is engaging and fast-paced. The problem for me was the characters – I felt little connection to them, which made the emotional stakes fall flat. If you love high-octane, plot-driven science fiction, this might be perfect. For me, the lack of character depth made it exhausting rather than exciting. I didn’t dislike the characters, but I mostly felt indifferent to them.
If you are interested in a deeper dive, check out my spoiler-filled Golden Son Book Review. I know this opinion is in the minority, so if you think you might enjoy this series, give it a try and share your thoughts!
Rating: 3 / 5 ✨
Gyo by Junji Ito with Yuji Oniki (Translator) (2002)
Horror, Manga, Science Fiction
This bizarre and deeply unsettling horror manga follows Tadashi and his girlfriend Kaori as they encounter strange, rotting fish that crawl out of the ocean on mechanical, spider-like legs. What begins as a single grotesque creature quickly escalates into a full-scale invasion.
Gyo is everything I’ve come to expect from Junji Ito: creepy, weird and gross. This isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy nightmarish visuals and a world that’s equally absurd and horrifying, it’s definitely worth a look. For first-time Ito readers, I’d recommend starting with his iconic work, Uzumaki to get a feel for his unique style.
Rating: 3 / 5✨
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice with Billy Merasty (Narrator) (2018)
Dystopian, Thriller
A remote Anishinaabe community loses contact with the outside world as winter closes in, forcing them to face growing tensions and dwindling resources. A quiet, haunting apocalypse rooted in culture and resilience.
Listening to the audiobook brought the story to life, adding emotional depth that might have been missed on the page. It’s a slower paced book than I usually go for, gradually building tension and atmosphere. Certain aspects of the story are left open to interpretation, making it a thoughtful and reflective experience.
Rating: 3.5 / 5✨
Christmas with the Dead by Joe R. Lansdale with Lincoln Gillett (Narrator) (2010)
Horror, Short Stories
I was thrilled to stumble across this quirky holiday tale which ended up on my list of 10 Winter and Christmas Books to Curl Up With This Season.
In this hilariously grim Christmas story, a grieving man navigates a town overrun with Zombies. We follow Calvin as he risks life and limb to celebrate Christmas against all odds.
Christmas with the Dead is equal parts heartfelt and darkly absurd. The unique take on holiday chaos is unconventionally festive and effectively blends horror and humor.
Rating: 3.5 / 5✨
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (2022)
Mystery, Thriller
Millie begins working for the Winchesters as their new housemaid. At first, the family seems perfect, but in true mystery-thriller fashion, it quickly becomes clear that nothing is as it seems and secrets lurk around every corner.
This is a fast-paced, twisty and unhinged domestic suspense. With all the hype surrounding the book, I was expecting more shocking twists I couldn’t see coming. While some plot points were a bit predictable, the story was still highly enjoyable and delivered everything I look for in a thriller.
Rating: 3.75 / 5✨
🏆Best Book of November 2025 – The September House by Carissa Orlando (2023)
Horror, Mystery, Thriller
When Margaret refuses to leave her violently haunted Victorian home, even as the walls bleed and ghosts misbehave, her daughter returns to uncover the truth. This darkly funny and emotionally sharp haunted-house story has real bite.
Orlando’s debut feels layered and offers a refreshingly original take on the haunted house trope, beginning where most stories end—with the haunting already in full swing. I loved the pacing, suspense, and the way horror blends with dark, real-world themes. It’s a standout read that kept me engaged from start to finish. As with most supernatural horror, you need to suspend disbelief at times, but that’s exactly what I expect in this genre. I can’t wait to see what Orlando comes up with next!
Rating: 4 / 5✨
⚡️Surprises & Disappointments💔
Biggest Surprise: Las Posadas – I went in expecting holiday horror, but the erotica woven into the plot was jarring.
Biggest Disappointment: Golden Son – The plot felt overstuffed and the characters emotionally flat. It was more exhausting than exciting.
✨Final Thoughts ✨
December is here, and I’m excited to dive into the final reading month of the year. I’m hoping for some strong and enjoyable books to close out 2025. You can see what I’ve planned for my December 2025 TBR, though as a mood reader, what I actually pick up may end up looking very different.
If you enjoyed this November 2025 Reading Wrap Up, consider subscribing to get my monthly reading posts delivered straight to your inbox.
~Kerri
🌌Reading Under the Northern Lights – Completely Arbitrary, Mood-Dependent Rating System 🌌
✨ 1 Star – “Banished to the Shadow Realm”
If this book rose from the grave, I’d grab a shovel. It didn’t work for me at all, and I would not recommend it.
✨✨ 2 Stars – “The Potion Came Out Lumpy”
Not terrible, but far from magical. Some parts had potential, yet mostly I wanted it to end. Others might enjoy it, but it didn’t land for me.
✨✨✨ 3 Stars – “Respectable Quest Companion”
Reliable and readable. Got me from Point A to Point B alive. Solid, enjoyable, but not remarkable. I would likely recommend it.
✨✨✨✨ 4 Stars – “Worthy of a Bard’s Ballad”
Adventure! Emotion! A sprinkle of terror! Strong, fun, and memorable. Definitely worth recommending.
✨✨✨✨✨5 Stars – “Crowned Ruler of the TBR Kingdom”
Legendary. I would haunt people with this book. Absolutely loved it, highly recommend, and would re-read without hesitation.
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