Maria Savva's Blog - Posts Tagged "falling-over"

Halloween Reads

It's nearly Halloween.

I've always loved a good ghost story. It might have something to do with the fact that I grew up in a haunted house. Many of my novels and stories have some elements of paranormal in them, probably for the same reason.

Open Culture posted a blog today about horror author H.P. Lovecraft's books. You can get his complete works free, either as an e-book or audiobook. Follow the link to find our more: http://www.openculture.com/2014/10/h-...

Reading that blog got me thinking about what books I could recommend as Halloween reads.

Here are a few suggestions:

Her Fearful Symmetry, by Audrey Niffenegger.

From the bestselling author of The Time Traveler's Wife. I loved absolutely everything about this book. It's definitely spooky, and there are ghosts in it. I'd say this is a more or less perfect Halloween read. It's great for those who don't really like gory books. It's also quite light-hearted in parts even though the theme is dark and disturbing.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Her-Fearful-Sym...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Her-Fearful-S...

Legend of the Pumpkin King by J. Michael Radcliffe.

If you like fantasy tales, J. Michael Radcliffe is a master of the genre; this is a nice little story. It's part fantasy and part horror. It will definitely get you in the mood for Halloween.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Legend-Pumpkin-...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Legend-Pumpki...

Dying Embers, by M.R. Cosby.

This is a book of dark and strange tales with ghosts that turn up often as memories from the past. It's an ideal read to put you in the frame of mind for the spooky goings-on at Halloween. The characters will lead you down very dark and ghostly paths.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dying-Embers-M-...

Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dying-Embers-...

The Other Room and
Falling Over by James Everington.

I couldn't decide between James Everington's two brilliant collections. These contain horror, paranormal, and all things twisted. He has some other books that are also dark and highly recommended. These stories definitely challenge our perception of reality and are just right for this spine-chilling season.

The Other Room:
Amazon US:http://www.amazon.com/Other-Room-Jame...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Other-Room-Ja...

Falling Over:
Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Falling-Over-Ja...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Falling-Over-...

While we're on the subject of horror, you could try 13, by Julie Elizabeth Powell, if you want to be shocked and scared. This is a perfectly crafted horror story that will send shivers down your spine.

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/13-Julie-Elizab...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/13-Julie-Eliz...

If you want ghosts in your Halloween read, but would prefer a book that will also make you laugh, you should check out Into The Light, by Darcia Helle and Horse Latitudes, by Quentin R. Bufogle.

Into The Light is the story of a ghost who is trying to help to solve his own murder. It will definitely add an element of fun to your Halloween.

Horse Latitudes features a ghost who helps the main character make an important decision. It's a book that will definitely make you laugh out loud.

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I've seen lots authors promoting special Halloween stories or posting on Twitter about their books that would make great Halloween reads, so below is a list I have compiled from those promotions. I haven't read any of the books listed below, but they all sound great and will be added to my never-ending TBR list!

Shadow the Ghost Dog by J T Therrien

(Children' fiction)

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Ghost-Do...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shadow-Ghost-...

Sad I Am, by Regina Puckett

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N99F1K8/
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00N99F1K8/

Dark Before Dawn, by Stacy Juba

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Before-Daw...
Amazon UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Before-D...

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Talented author, Justin Bog has been posting chapters from his current work in progress since May this year, on his blog. It's a horror story called The Play (The Queen’s Idle Fancy). Having read both of Justin's published works I know this must be good. I haven't found time to read any of it yet! Seems like the ideal time of year to start. The first part is here: http://justinbog.com/new-horror-ficti... and you can follow the story on his blog.

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As I mentioned at the start of this post, some of my novels and stories have elements of paranormal in them. The Dream and Haunted both feature ghosts. There are also ghost stories included in my short story collections Fusion and 3.

The new novel I'm working on also features a ghost, but probably won't be released until Halloween next year!