Book Review: Bat Eater and other names for Cora Zeng, By Kylie Lee Baker 5/5 stars

    So many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins publishers for an advance reader copy of Bat Eater and other names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker !

  I have been slow to review because I had a lot of thoughts, and also- let's all face it, I was... a bit overwhelmed after the holidays, and current affairs.  But this book is really - I think- going to be something special. 

  One reason I really wanted to read this was that it came recommended by two champions of horror, Paul Tremblay and Grady Hendrix.   It was advertised as horror and I think it lives up to that, but also has a big chunk of social commentary and for some readers, this may still not be the time for "Pandemic literature"  which, make no mistake, this definitely is. 

    We meet our main character, Cora, as she is losing her sister, Delilah in NYC. Adrift, Cora becomes a crime scene cleaner where she's exposed to all sorts of things, while she deals with the grief and loss of Delilah.  Soon enough, her life becomes haunted by hungry ghosts, they most assuredly aren't in her mind only because what would cause a huge bit our of her coffee table?  What will she do? Should she take the advice of her Aunt or push all of that away.  one thing is for certain, it's near impossible to ignore a hungry ghost. 

This book will find fans in readers who have likes Paul Tremblay, CJ Leede, and Steven Graham Jones.  This is also an excellent book for readers looking to reflect on the height of the Covid 19 pandemic and it's widespread effects.  It will be a fantastic choice for book clubs as there are SO MANY opportunities for discussion within.  It's well written, and  I found it both engaging and easy to read It is due to come out in April of 2025  and with that wild cover, this is one you might want to pre-order this gem! 

 STATS

First Published APRIL 2025  Coming SOON! 

Pages: 304

Available as an Audio Book : YES (I see the audio in NetGalley) 

Trigger Warnings:  death of sibling, racism, , Animal harm, family turmoil , illness, gore, blood, mental illness, hate crimes, alcohol, fire, death of parent, body horror. 

(this is not a full list, read responsibly)