Publishers Weekly
04/25/2022
Nesseth (The Science of Orphan Black), a senior scientist at Science North in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, digs into “the hows and whys of all of the bits and pieces that make horror work” in this thoughtful survey. To examine how “horror taps into its audiences’ psychology and biology,” Nesseth first breaks down the components of scary movies and links them to the human brain. The amygdala, for example, is responsible for putting a person on alert (and has been shown through brain scans to become activated when spooky music is played), while the insula processes disgust. Nesseth covers the workings of body horror (“The human body is an ideal site for horror: the body is personal, and even on a good day it’s kinda gross”), and what makes a movie monster memorable (“While it definitely helps if the monster clearly looks like an obvious threat, this isn’t a hard and fast rule”). Beyond the science, Nesseth is a skilled historian of the subject, too, describing how horror “ up a mirror to the anxieties gripping society at the time when their film is being made.” This is an enlightening—and fun—look at what goes on when one’s blood runs cold. (July)
From the Publisher
A must-read for any serious horror fan, Nightmare Fuel is a smart look at not only what scares us, but why it scares us. Nesseth masterfully dissects the horror genre in an immensely readable fashion.” —Lisa Kröger, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of Monster, She Wrote
“Perfect for horror buffs and dabblers alike.... Nesseth covers everything from social history to sound design to cognitive neuroscience, and does it with a confident hand and an ever-present love for the macabre.” —Caitlin Starling, bestselling author of The Death of Jane Lawrence
“If you've ever wondered why horror movies are scary and how, precisely, they affect our brains and bodies, then Nightmare Fuel is for you. Nesseth breaks down scientific research related to horror and the effects of fear in accessible prose. A fascinating read for both casual and committed fans of horror media.” —Melanie R. Anderson, co-author of Monster, She Wrote
“Whether you’re here for the science, the psychology, or just a touch of blood magic that makes for Nightmare Fuel, Nesseth delivers. An intriguing consideration of terror and its mechanics. Highly recommended.” —Angela Slatter, award-winning author of All the Murmuring Bones
“This is an enlightening—and fun—look at what goes on when one’s blood runs cold.” —Publishers Weekly
“In Nightmare Fuel, Nesseth picks apart the stitching from the unquiet corpses of our fears to better shine a light on each dismembered limb, taking their measurements and puzzling out the how and why they spring so eagerly to life in the dark night of our imaginations.” —Jordan Shiveley author of Hot Singles In Your Area
“Nesseth combines savvy science writing with a deep love of horror movies, resulting in something both scholarly and eminently readable. Even horror aficionados may stumble across an unfamiliar title she cites.” —Library Journal
“Educational, thought-provoking, and just plain fun....Readers who love horror, regardless of format, will eagerly seek out this title, but it is also a great suggestion for fans of Mary Roach or Grady Hendrix’s Paperbacks from Hell (2017).” —Booklist
“A fantastically inclusive exploration of the genre.” —Tor.com
“As compelling as it is instructive, Nightmare Fuel is a unique and vital addition to the bookcase of any genre film lover. Nesseth expertly guides readers through the dim and tangled corridors of the human brain in an accessible and engaging journey.... I couldn’t put it down.” —Valeska Griffiths, founder of anatomyofascream.com & co-editor of Scared Sacred: Idolatry, Religion and Worship in the Horror Film
“Like a lab coat-clad wizard with the most factually potent of powers, Nesseth pulls back the dark velvet curtain separating the science from the scares. Expertly researched and beautifully written, Nightmare Fuel is an absolute must-read.” —Rachel Reeves, Horror Journalist
Library Journal - Audio
12/01/2022
"Horror is a genre as broad as the range of human fears," writes Nesseth. Despite a frequent lack of critical acclaim, horror movies have a diverse and devoted audience. Nesseth has a background in human biology and a special interest in the relationship between science and pop culture. Nesseth (coauthor, The Science of "Orphan Black") makes her solo debut with this thought-provoking analysis of what scares us and why. From slashers to spiders, Nesseth leaves no trope unturned. Though there is a great deal of professional terminology, both scientific and film-related, Nesseth's explanations are comprehensible and conversational. Owing to the interpretive and analytical nature of the text, spoilers abound, though most of the plot points are largely common knowledge for fear fanatics. Narrator Raquel Beattie expertly brings an intensity and adrenaline that horror readers will appreciate, creating a compelling atmosphere reminiscent of fiction. Some of the content is understandably gory and graphic, but Beattie keeps the tone more captivating than crude. VERDICT This audio will appeal to listeners seeking an in-depth but accessible analysis of the psychological and biological basis for their favorite frights. Recommended for fans of horror fiction and films.—Lauren Hackert
Library Journal
06/17/2022
What is the attraction to fear, and what drives audiences toward images that should repulse them? Nesseth (The Science of Orphan Black) takes readers on a tour of the science behind the scary, showing the parts of the brain that light up when exposed to horror. In discussions with directors, editors, and sound designers, readers learn how moviemakers exploit the senses and perceptions, hacking people's brains as much as any on-screen slasher. The author's innovative approach traces the history of horror as well as the literature on what happens to people psychologically when they're exposed to images of terror. Strengthening the text is her personal reaction to horror—not only her passion for horror movies (and a seemingly encyclopedic knowledge of the genre) but also her understanding of the horror community. VERDICT Nesseth combines savvy science writing with a deep love of horror movies, resulting in something both scholarly and eminently readable. Even horror aficionados may stumble across an unfamiliar title she cites.—Terry Bosky
