Come Closer

by Sara Gran
Come Closer cover
Good Books rating 4.62
Horror
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 990
  • Added: 2025-09-24
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781569479223
  • Publisher: Soho Press
  • Published: 2003-07-01
  • Formats: 22
  • Reviews: 4

Amanda, a successful architect in a happy marriage, begins to experience unsettling changes in her behavior. Strange noises, erratic actions, and violent outbursts plague her, leading her to question her sanity. A recurring dream of a beautiful woman with pointed teeth on a blood-red shore haunts her, and a voice in her head urges her to act out in ways she can't control. As her life unravels, Amanda turns to a book on demon possession, which suggests the figure in her dreams could be Naamah, a demon from Kabbalistic lore. The line between mental illness and supernatural possession blurs as Amanda struggles to regain control of her life before it's too late. This cult classic horror novel features a new post-script by the author and an intriguing 'Are You Possessed?' questionnaire.

Reviews
Reedsy · Night Terror Novels · 2025-10-18
chilling 5.00

The review highlights the book's black comedy and genuinely chilling horror, making it a resounding read. The reviewer appreciates the unique blend of humor and terror.

Night Terror Novels' review of 'Come Closer' emphasizes the book's unique blend of black comedy and genuinely chilling horror. The reviewer finds the humor to be as dark as pitch, which contrasts sharply with the bone-chilling horror elements, making for a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates how the book manages to be both unsettling and entertaining, creating a memorable experience. The protagonist's struggle with possession is portrayed in a way that is both horrifying and darkly humorous, adding depth to the story. Overall, the review highlights the book's ability to balance different tones effectively, making it a standout in the horror genre.

Quick quotes

    The comedy is black as pitch, the horror genuinely bone-chilling, and the book as a whole a resounding read.

    The humor is as dark as pitch, which contrasts sharply with the bone-chilling horror elements.

    The book manages to be both unsettling and entertaining, creating a memorable experience.

Reedsy · Night Terror Novels · 2025-10-15
bone-chilling 4.50

The book is a resounding read with black comedy and genuine horror. The reviewer praises its bone-chilling and darkly humorous elements.

Night Terror Novels highlights the book's unique blend of black comedy and genuine horror, making it a resounding read. The comedy is described as pitch-black, while the horror is genuinely bone-chilling. This combination creates a captivating and unsettling experience that stays with the reader long after finishing the book. The reviewer appreciates how the novel balances these elements seamlessly, making it a standout in the horror genre.

Quick quotes

    The comedy is black as pitch, the horror genuinely bone-chilling

    The book as a whole a resounding read

    A captivating and unsettling experience that stays with the reader long after finishing the book

What is Quinn Reading · Quinn · 2025-01-26
harrowing 4.00

The ending is brutal and hopeless, making it one of the most memorable horror novels recently. The reputation as a cult classic is well-earned.

Quinn found the ending of 'Come Closer' to be particularly impactful, describing it as brutal and hopeless, which left a lasting impression. They appreciate how the novel has built a cult following, highlighting its unique ability to unsettle readers. The turn-of-the-millennium setting is well-captured, adding to the overall atmosphere of the story. Quinn admires the novel's ability to evoke a sense of dread and unease, making it a standout in the horror genre.

Quick quotes

    Come Closer has one of the most brutal, hopeless endings of any horror novel I've read lately.

    I can see how it built up a reputation as a cult classic.

    The turn-of-the-millennium world is evoked perfectly.

Reddit - horrorlit · 2023-01-01
brilliant 5.00

The novel is praised for its brilliance and ease of reading, with a demonic horror that leaves a lasting impression. The reviewer gives it a perfect score for its engaging and unforgettable narrative.

The Reddit reviewer highlights how Come Closer is a brilliantly written demonic horror novel that is both easy to read and deeply impactful. They appreciate the author's ability to create a story that is both engaging and unforgettable, noting that it will stay with them for years to come. The reviewer also emphasizes the novel's perfect execution, making it a standout in the horror genre.

Quick quotes

    It's great, easy to read, and something I'll never forget for years to come.

    Come Closer is a brilliantly written demonic horror novel.

    I give 'Come Closer' by Sara Gran a perfect 5/5.

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