Spooky TBR Picks: The Hellbound Heart (Hellraiser) by Clive Barker

- September 27, 2026

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,

It's that time again, picking your Spooky TBR for October. In this series I recommend some amazing books that I have read and reviewed. Let's see if I can add some scary times to your TBR.

The Hellbound Heart is written by Clive Barker and is published by Harper-Collins. It centers around Frank Cotton, an often lascivious man whose desire for ultimate pleasure leads him to acquire Lemarchand's Configuration. A black and gold lacquered puzzle box, said to hold the key to unlocking another dimension. In this dimension, the Engineer and his following, the Cenobites, are said to deliver exquisite pleasure and pain. But when Frank returns to his family home on Lodovico Street, he opens a door to more than he had bargained for. During a blood ritual, Frank summons the Cenobites, four horrifically disfigured agents of the Order of the Gash. And his introduction to pleasure and pain begins.

Many months later Frank's brother, Rory, and Rory's bride, Julia, are at the family home doing some home improvements, and Rory accidentally slices open his hand. With blood pouring from the wound, he crosses into a spare in the house to Julia. She assesses the situation and gets him medical attention, leaving the blood on the floor. After returning from the hospital with Rory, Julia intends to clean up the blood from the spare room floor. But she discovers no trace of it. What she does find is that Frank has been trapped between worlds, and needs blood to reform his body. And that it was he who absorbed the blood from the floor. Julia agrees to bring back her beloved Frank from the grave. Even if she has to kill everyone that gets in her way to do so.

The Hellbound Heart is a visceral read filled with monstrous gore and heart-pounding moments. I was particularly happy with Barker's lack of exposition in this story. The motivations of the main players are centered on the present day with very few trips to the past. The Hellbound Heart flows rather well without extensive background on these characters. The character that stood out to me in this novel was Julia. Her motivation to become a killer to bring back Frank was founded on her desperation. And her sarcastic attitude towards life was at times humorous, which helped to break up some of the gore of her deeds.

I read this book in part with the narration of actor, Jeffrey Kafer. Kafer's ability to relate the Cenobites' foreboding nature is done with vocal effects that are downright creepy. He manages to shift through the personalities of the main players and sub-players alike. I enjoyed his narration.

I gave the Hellbound Heart four out of five stars. It is a short and exciting read that will have you filling your spooky reading challenges quick.

Let me know what you are reading this spooky season in the comments below.

Because there is always time to read,

Xepherus3

Follow me on social media by visiting my Linktree.

I am preparing my debut novel for publication. Check out the official website for clues, crowdfunding, and previews.

Enjoy shopping with me at my eBay store and visit my Print-on-Demand sites for t-shirts, mugs, and more!

I am a proud affiliate of Audible & Book of the Month, Bookshop.org and Pango Books. Check out their amazing selections and save by clicking The logos below.