The Diner
John Lynch · Releases September 22, 2026 · Slasher / Grief Horror
Preorder NowI first read John Lynch with his debut, The Warrior Retreat. I went into that book blind, only knowing the general concept. I came away very impressed and couldn't wait to see his future works.
Fast forward a number of years, and Lynch has just penned his longest story yet — a story that's part slasher, part grief horror, and a damn good time. He pitched the book as Pet Sematary meets Hatchet meets Kitchen Nightmares. That's the perfect comparison, and the way it all meshes together works perfectly.
"After reading all of Lynch's work, it's clear he has a style he's perfected."We get an inciting incident early on that makes us feel for the characters — both protagonists and antagonists — and then we spend a good chunk of the novel building up to the horrors of the final act through great character work and decisions that some characters will live (or die) regretting. Let's face it — they mostly die. Teddy isn't one to give many second chances after all.
There are some brutal deaths mixed in with the great storytelling, and I think this is a slasher that will do quite well heading into spooky season. The book releases September 22nd, just in time for Halloween. Go preorder it now.