A terrifying and claustrophobic queer dark academia horror set in a demon-infested archive about trauma, grief and the lengths we will go to for love. Perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher and Tori Bovalino. GUILT. GRIEF. OBSESSION. Michael Stein arrives at the Schechter Institute for Judaic Studies battered and broken, blaming himself for the tragic accident that took his boyfriend’s life. He is haunted by his guilt and grief, but is determined to repent by completing his boyfriend’s research into demonic entities. But instead of being welcomed by the archivist, Michael is met by Jacob Schechter—the archivist’s enigmatic, brooding grandson, who has inherited the Institute after his grandfather’s death. As Michael explores the archive, delving into cryptic texts and whispered histories, shadows from the past begin to seep into the present. Tormented by demons both real and imagined, Michael’s grief warps into something far darker—an intoxicating, yet increasingly toxic obsession with Jacob, whose own secrets threaten to destroy them both. Now, Michael must confront the terrible truth behind his boyfriend’s death—and his obsession with Jacob—before the darkness they awaken in each other claims more than just their love, and consumes them entirely. "Samotin casts a spell over the reader with this sensuous dark academia novel as dark and twisted as the stacks of an occult library." —S.T. Gibson, internationally bestselling author of A Dowry of Blood “I’m the one haunted by this tender and gorgeous story. Laura R. Samotin tackles themes of atonement and duty—and how those things can be wielded as a form of abuse—in the nuanced way that her readers have come to expect, while expertly weaving in Jewish mysticism and casual queerness. Fans of dark fantasy, shining hope, and everlasting love, don’t miss out on this one.” —Kamilah Cole, USA Today & National Indie bestselling author of An Arcane Inheritance “The Way It Haunted Him is a love letter to horror readers. A story steeped in folklore, queer love, and the harsh reality of grief, guilt, and the monsters we inherit. Laura R. Samotin, the master of a one-sitting read, has struck again.” —Ben Alderson, author of The Haunting of William Thorn “Laura Samotin stuns again. Her dark, entrancing prose and wonderfully complex characters will leave readers spellbound, as they delve with Michael Stein into the secrets of Schechter Institute. A powerful gothic tale that will have readers at the edge of their seats.” —Aden Polydoros, author of The City Beautiful "Beautifully poignant and chillingly dark, The Way it Haunted Him is an examination of grief, obsession, trauma and above all, love. It grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go." Frances White, bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned “An unsettling and wholly original exploration of grief, desire, and the strength of belief, The Way It Haunted Him will get under your skin and linger for a very, very long time. Also: one of the best cats in literature.” —Claire Schultz, author of Even Your Bones Would Do A solid example of the emerging horror romance subgenre and a grown-up option for readers who loved the YA novel, When the Angels Left the Old County, by Sacha Lamb, or the academic horror research and queer romance of A Game in Yellow, by Hailey Piper.—Booklist PRAISE FOR THE AUTHOR “I really enjoyed this read—sweeping yet intimate, gory and chilling, and impossible to put down. The point at which the story begins—after Dimitri loses the war to Alexey—was a great choice, and I appreciate how carefully Laura R. Samotin delved into the depths of trauma, depression, and grief, while still leaving room for humour and hope.” —Samantha Shannon, New York Times bestselling author of The Priory of the Orange Tree “Samotin’s breathtaking debut is a Gothic, deeply Jewish tale about love’s power to both wound us and set us free. Passionate and gruesome, heart-pounding and poignant, this story will be carved into your very bones.” —Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic “The Sins on Their Bones is a novel of grief flayed open with surgical care, a story like a broken bone healing stronger than before. From war-torn shuls to opulent palaces to hidden rooms with cold secrets, Samotin has created a queer Jewish fantasy world that feels real enough to step into. The journey is dark, but never lonely.” —Lauren Ring, World Fantasy Award winner and Nebula finalist “Intense and visceral, with a romance that showcases the restorative power of love on the wounded, this stunning debut will leave you spellbound from the first page.” —Aden Polydoros, author of The City Beautiful and World Fantasy Award finalist “Samotin’s debut is both epic and intimate, both sharp and sumptuous, both painful and ultimately hopeful, with Jewish magic in its bones. Novo-Svitsevo will linger in my heart for a long time.” —Rebecca Podos, Lambda Award-winning author of From Dust, A Flame “The