Everybody Scream Horror Book Club: The Sea Hides Its Dead by Megan Bontrager

For our August meeting, we’re diving into The Sea Hides Its Dead, a claustrophobic horror story about grad student Caro, who agrees to join an anthropological expedition led by her professor and lover, Edward Beck. The team sets out to study the ancient sea-based Cult of the Leviathan and descends into the caves where the cult once lived.

Cute academic field trip, right?

Wrong. Deeply wrong. Put that on the syllabus.

When the cave entrance collapses, the group is trapped underground and quickly discovers they are not alone in the dark. Surrounded by strange artifacts and bones, an ancient trial begins. One by one, each member of the expedition must atone for their greatest sin…

Or die.

So yes, the vibes are: cursed academia, sea cave terror, cult rituals, ancient judgment, and “maybe don’t follow your situationship into a murder cave.”

Potluck snacks are encouraged, because nothing says community like discussing inevitable doom while passing around chips, dip, and possibly something shaped like a tiny sea monster.

Come ready to discuss, theorize, snack, and collectively agree that caves are a no from us. 🖤