October is my favorite month, and Halloween is my favorite holiday. If you’re like me, you probably want some good books to read for the season. Here are a few recommendations.
Harvest: A Short Story from the Pumpkin Patchby Jason H. Abbott. This is a fun short story, a little bit spooky and a little bit sweet, about a couple of characters who find they have a lot in common. Here’s my full review.
TheWitch Under the Mountain, by Audrey N. Allison. A father tells his young daughters a bedtime story about an evil witch that proves to be more than just a legend. Fun for all ages, and great artwork too. My full review is here.
The Bone Curse, by Carrie Rubin. The first in Rubin’s Benjamin Oris series, this book is a supernatural medical thriller that forces its protagonist to question whether the horrors he encounters have a rational explanation, or stem from a centuries-old Vodou curse. Serious horror–Stephen King fans will love it. Full review here.
The Almost-Apocalypse of Apple Valley, by Phillip McCollum. Another one for Stephen King fans, this book combines ’80s nostalgia with supernatural horror, as four kids must confront a horrible evil plaguing their town. I’ve not done a full review of this book, but here’s my mini-review: It’s very good.
Jersey Ghost Stories by Erren Michaels and Noah Goats. A collection of ghost legends from the island of Jersey. Some are creepy, some are gruesome, some are poignant, and all are haunting. My full review.
The Friendship of Mortals by Audrey Driscoll. Book 1 in Driscoll’s splendid reimagining of H.P. Lovecraft’s Herbert West character, this book tells the story of a scientist obsessed with revivifying the dead, as told by his less gifted, but more moral friend. My full review.
The Raven and Other Tales by Joy V. Spicer. A collection of short stories, some of which are re-imaginings of classic tales and poems. Haunting and evocative–perfect for Autumn. My full review is here and Lydia Schoch’s is here.
If you have other suggestions, please let me know. Happy October! Keep the home jack-o’-lanterns burning.
Interesting an informative collection. You are definitely a Review and Spreading the ‘Good’ Word King! Glad to see Audrey’s Herbert West book there.
(Sorry I’ve not been reading your posts of late…long story involving old and new computers and becoming deeply involved in a re-write…wow what a journey)
Good to hear from you! Thanks for the comment. I hope the computers aren’t giving you too much trouble; re-writing is hard enough without having to deal with that.
Welllllll, y’know computers!
Fortunately the three principal characters helped me channel the frustrations and confusions into extra bits or alternations in the narrative.
I like the sound of ‘The Almost Apocalyse of Apple Valley’ and ‘Jersey Ghost Stories’, shall add those to the list 🙂
And thank you so much for including my book! Was not expecting that at all 🙂
"[G]reat descriptions, sympathetic characters... The atmosphere with the hint of the supernatural…"-Barb Knowles of saneteachers.wordpress.com on "The Start of the Majestic World"
A nice selection of books for the best time of year! And thanks for including The Friendship of Mortals among them.
My pleasure! 🙂
Interesting an informative collection. You are definitely a Review and Spreading the ‘Good’ Word King! Glad to see Audrey’s Herbert West book there.
(Sorry I’ve not been reading your posts of late…long story involving old and new computers and becoming deeply involved in a re-write…wow what a journey)
Good to hear from you! Thanks for the comment. I hope the computers aren’t giving you too much trouble; re-writing is hard enough without having to deal with that.
Welllllll, y’know computers!
Fortunately the three principal characters helped me channel the frustrations and confusions into extra bits or alternations in the narrative.
Nice list, some look interesting. I’ll post a few of my favorites today.
Yay! 🙂
I like the sound of ‘The Almost Apocalyse of Apple Valley’ and ‘Jersey Ghost Stories’, shall add those to the list 🙂
And thank you so much for including my book! Was not expecting that at all 🙂
My pleasure! I hope you enjoy those books. 🙂