Paperbacks from Hell

by Grady Hendrix

Paperbacks from Hell examines paperback horror novels of the 70s and 80s. Hendrix pays attention to trends and events that increased horror's readership and popularity and how the 1988 release of The Silence of the Lambs prompted publishers to shift their focus from horror to thrillers and [[techno-thriller]]s.

The book also examines authors such as [[V. C. Andrews]] and [[R. L. Stine]], as well as cover artwork, which he states publishers knew would be vital to appealing to readers. Also covered are various sub-genres of the horror genre, such as Native American curses or pregnancy sub-genres.