It’s no secret around the office that I’m a huge fan of FX’s American Horror Story (AHS). I even had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of walking around the set of “Coven: Season 3”, meeting the writers and watching the actors film for six hours. Anyways, enough about me.
As we all know, fall means Halloween time fun, which correlates to loving everything that is scary, especially a new season of AHS. From a depressing group of ghosts to an insane clown and most recently a group of hungry vampire children, writer Ryan Murphy is certainly not afraid to push the boundaries of television. But this year the AHS marketing team seems to be taking a different route. First of all, season 6 is starting a month earlier than usual. Secondly, they have not, I repeat have not, released the official title of the season (I’m literally dying over here!). Instead there are haunting trailers floating around social media for viewers to piece together. The only thing that we can confirm is that the word “Croatoan” was etched into the side of a tree. For those who haven’t been glued to the internet researching what exactly this means, let me help you out: Croatoan refers to the lost colony of Roanoke, which disappeared without a trace. But what does the vanishing of 117 people in 1590 have to do with a swamp monster, spiders and children of the corn? No one knows! Well, except for the entire staff of American Horror Story Season 6. I guess this mystery will remain unknown for now, sort of similar to my question about how Scarlett Lowe in “Hotel: Season 5” is keeping her cool.
If you’ve watched every trailer far too many times to count and read every blog post predicting the season ahead (just like I have) then pick up one of these AHS-inspired novels to pass the time until American Horror Story: Season 6 airs Wednesday, September 14 at 10 p.m.!
American Horror Story: Murder House (Season 1)
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn (Broadway Books, 2006)
“Murder House” trumps every season and it’s not just because it was the first season. The characters alone are surprisingly relatable in their own dark, demented ways. If you haven’t read this psychological thriller, now’s the time. Camille Preaker of Sharp Objects has similar traits to AHS alum, Violet Harmon (Taissa Farmiga) and her mother. Let’s just say she isn’t a Southern belle. Can you say Constance Langdon (Jessica Lange)? Sharp Objects isn’t necessarily about a haunted house exactly, but there are plenty of skeletons in their Victorian home.
American Horror Story: Asylum (Season 2)
Letters From The Looney Bin (Book1) by Thatcher C. Nalley (2014)
Briarcliff Manor is most definitely not your typical insane asylum. Filled with corrupt nuns, aliens and a serial killer, why wouldn’t you want to escape! Unfortunately for the patients and staff of Emerson Rose Asylum, that was not an option. If you’re looking for a glimpse into the the dark and dire past of this asylum, Letters From The Looney Bin does not disappoint. Briarcliff has nothing on this chilling asylum.
American Horror Story: Coven (Season 3)
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Quirk Books, 2011)
Have you ever felt like you just didn’t belong? That you were different than everyone else? Jacob Portman may not fit in like the rest of us but he has found his new “normal”, an orphanage for the peculiar. AHS: Coven is a bit different, well let’s just say a lot darker. But Miss Robichaux’s Academy hosts teens with their own peculiar powers. If you enjoy the supernatural, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will have you dreaming up your own “dark power.”
American Horror Story: Freak Show (Season 4)
It: 30th Anniversary Release by Stephen King (Scribner, January 2016)
Sorry Water for Elephants, this is a different kind of show. Yes, this is the obvious choice but how could I not recommend It. Stephen King’s unforgettable novel is everything season 4 represented. Creepy clown, check. Children in danger, check. You tell me who is scarier, Pennywise or Twisty.
American Horror Story: Hotel (Season 5)
The Devil in the White City: A Saga of Magic and Murder at the Fair that Changed America by Erik Larson (Vintage, 2004)
H.H. Holmes was not your everyday architect. He opened a hotel during Chicago’s World Fair in 1893 with one thing in mind: murder. Mr. March, played by AHS fan-favorite Evan Peters, captured the demented ways of this infamous killer. There may be vampires missing from Larson’s novel, but he will have you on the edge of your hotel bed, while contemplating your safety at your next Marriott stay.
American Horror Story: Season 6?
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski (Pantheon, 2000)
No one knows! Well, except for the cast and crew who must have signed a document with their blood to keep everything under wraps. My DVR won’t even provide me with a synopsis for episode 1 — seriously, I’m still dying over here. So while I listen to Lady Gaga’s new song, “Perfect Illusion,” on a continuous loop ’til this show finally premieres, I’ll have the horrifying words from Mark Danielewski’s haunting novel, House of Leaves, to keep me occupied, and frankly, extremely unsettled.
