Paperbacks from Hell, Grady Hendrix
Paperbacks from Hell, Grady Hendrix
List: $16.95 | Sale: $11.87
Club: $8.47

Paperbacks from Hell
The Twisted History of ’70s and ’80s Horror Fiction

Author: Grady Hendrix

Narrator: Timothy Andrés Pabon

Unabridged: 5 hr 39 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/09/2018

Synopsis

Take a tour through the horror paperback novels of two iconic decades—if you dare! Hear shocking plot summaries that invoke devil worship, satanic children, and haunted real estate.Horror author and vintagepaperback book collector Grady Hendrix offers killer commentary and witty insight on these trashy thrillers that tried so hard to be the next Exorcist or Rosemary’s Baby.Complete with story summaries and artist and author profiles, this unforgettable volume dishes on familiar authors like V. C. Andrews and R. L. Stine, plus many more who have faded into obscurity. Also included are recommendations for which of these forgotten treasures are well worth your reading time and which should stay buried.

About Grady Hendrix

Grady Hendrix is a novelist and screenwriter based in New York City whose novels have won wide acclaim. Horrorstör was named one of the best books of 2014 by National Public Radio, and Paperbacks from Hell won the Bram Stoker Award.

About Timothy Andrés Pabon

Timothy Andrés Pabon is an English- and Spanish-speaking voice-over artist who has worked extensively in advertising and audiobook narration. He has had acting roles on House of Cards and has also been a costar on HBO’s acclaimed series The Wire opposite country music legend Steve Earl. As a stage actor, he has worked off-Broadway at the June Havoc Theatre, and his regional credits include Center Stage, the Shakespeare Theatre, Arena Stage, the Hippodrome, Olney Theatre, Rep Stage, and GALA Hispanic Theatre.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Anne on March 31, 2025

WARNING: READING THIS BOOK WILL CAUSE YOUR TBR TO GROW EXPONENTIALLY. Seeing these covers took me back. Remember those crazy covers that were so much fun to open up because they had the secret stuff on the inside? Hendrix is actually a funny guy and I laughed quite a few times at the descriptions and......more

Goodreads review by Mort on October 18, 2020

Perfect! You need to read this book. Period. Yes, I'm talking to you! If you are a horror fan, you need to read this book. If you are a history fan, you need to read this book. If you are an art fan, you need to read this book. If you work in the publishing industry, you need to read this book. If you like......more

Goodreads review by karen on November 12, 2017

oooh, goodreads choice awards semifinalist for best nonfiction! what will happen? i love this book more than anything. review to come. *************************************** actually, i'm going to pause on my chicken-pecking of this book and read it for real during spooktober. but it's great. fantasti......more

Goodreads review by Justin on January 01, 2019

As a long-time follower of the TooMuchHorrorFiction blog and fan of Grady Hendrix, this ode to Horror novels in the era when they dazzled most is a dream come true. Beside highlighting some very obscure plot lines, there's a wealth of publishing history and social context on how it all happened. Wri......more

Goodreads review by mark on September 07, 2024

A delightful coffee table book for my kind of living room. Hendrix has a sharp wit and a satirical voice, but his love for the genre is clear. Although he's a connoisseur, there's not a whiff of pretension to be found and this guidebook is crammed with plenty of context, history, and especially humo......more

Quotes

“[A] pure, demented delight.” New York Times Book Review

“A nostalgic treat.” Playboy

“Paperbacks from Hell is as funny as it is engaging.” Washington Post

“The book is a true appreciation of the genre.” Los Angeles Times

“Horror fiction is alive and well, and Paperbacks from Hell is a grand, affectionate, and informative celebration of the genre.” New York Journal of Books

“It’s a gorgeous, lurid deep-dive into horror’s heyday and a must-read for any self-respecting horror fan.” Tor.com

“Hendrix offers thoughtful and compelling discussions of these novels and articulates their enduring appeal. Biographies of authors (some still famous and some lost to the decades) are also provided. While serving as a fine resource for readers—especially those searching for the books of their youth or wanting to pick up ones they missed—this guide is also a joy ­owing to Hendrix’s ­infectious enthusiasm.” Library Journal (starred review)

“Like some malevolent force in one of his beloved novels, Hendrix’s geeky enthusiasm is infectious.” Publishers Weekly

“Grady Hendrix has written a hugely entertaining, lightning-paced, and knowledgeable history. I love it!” Mick Garris, creator of Masters of Horror

Awards

  • Bram Stoker Award
  • Chicago Tribune Pick
Add to Cart
Add to Wish List