Twisted Tales to Tell in the Night: A Halloween Horror Anthology

by Stephanie Rose (Editor), J.A. Barrio (Contributor), Morgan Briceno (Contributor)

Twisted Tales to Tell in the Night: A Halloween Horror Anthology edited by Stephanie Rose & William Sterling. It is filled with spooky stories by new trick or treaters to the big kids that know the streets that give out the good candy.

All of these stories capture the storytelling style of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with each author's own twist. We know you miss Halloween and October and with this collection you can stop and savor it every day of the month with these fun size seasonal nostalgic tales.

We hope that reading this anthology will bring you just as much excitement as when you received a full size candy bar on Halloween night.

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies

224 pages, Paperback

Expected publication September 16, 2025

About the author

STEPHANIE ROSE is a writer, librarian, and bookshop owner even with the continuing challenges of being disabled. She has an MS in Human Services and a MS in Information and Library Science. When she’s not watching horror films and true crime, obsessing about all things spooky, or counting down to Halloween, she can be found in Washington with her partner, four cats, and one dog.

Reviews

[Court Zierk · Rating 1 out of 5]

⭐️

Holy adolescently inspired AI-slop Batman. I can’t remember the last time I gave a one star review, but if there was ever a book that embodied what a one star review looks, smells, tastes, feels like… this is the one. What a terrible way to pay homage to such an iconic series.

[Melany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yall wtf.... WHY did I request to get this book??! I'll tell you... the cover reminded of the spooky kids "Scary Stories" books. Let me tell you RIGHT NOW... these are NOT for kids lol They are actually scary. And me being the huge wuss that I am, BARELY survived this with my life..... it is not for the faint of heart (or horror wusses like myself). There were moments I'm like "Okay, thats not bad" then seconds later I decided "Why not just always keep every light on in my house.. JUST incase". Other moments I literally wanted to gag because it was so gross. Again, I know that's enjoyable for some. I'm honestly just glad I survived it and my soul didn't fully leave my body during the scary moments.🫣 I will NOT be reading again, as I got catfished into this and am NOT a horror reader. lol But please give it a go if you're into spooky reads, this would be right up your alley!

I received this ARC by NetGalley and Death By TBR Books (IBPA) to read/review. While I wholefully regret the scares I received from it, all of the statements above are my true opinions after fully (with one eye closed and blankets higher than my nose) read this book.

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC for review. To be published September 26, 2025.

1 star

Oh my, This anthology was bad. So bad. When I got it I thought that it was YA, only to find out it is meant for adults. It’s not. Actually, the short stories would be perfect for middle grade children if it weren’t for the bad language and references to sex, so I guess that makes it bad for everyone. I kept wanting to give up on it and I should have listened to myself.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎃 Twisted Tales To Tell in The Night: A Halloween Horror Anthology 🎃

I was so stoked to snag this from NetGalley! This was a highly anticipated read for my 2025 release tbr and it did not disappoint 🙌🏻

This was such a fun, nostalgic collection of Halloween-Themed horror stories to get you in the mood for the holiday season. And as several of these stories reflected, Halloween is not just a holiday for some of us—it’s a lifestyle. I can definitely say all of the authors in this collection accurately represented that.

Many of us grew up on Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of The Dark, Scary Stories To Tell In The Night, The X-files, Unsolved Mysteries, and more. These stories pay homage to the spooky shows and books that raised us, all while creating their own unique scares. For instance, Booger Sugar 👃… I’m looking at you Clay McLeod Chapman. 👀

Pick this up when it releases next month, September 16th!

[Cole Chartier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Death by TBR Books, Stephanie Rose & William Sterling, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

With spooky season creeping closer, this collection was the perfect way to summon that deliciously eerie mood. Each tale carried its own dark magic—some whispering chills, others sending full-body shivers—and together they wove into a hauntingly beautiful tapestry of terror. More than once, I caught myself glancing over my shoulder, wondering if something had followed me out of the pages… and maybe leaving the hall light on, just in case.

I picked this up because I spotted Brian McAuley among the authors, but I was delighted to discover several new-to-me voices I’ll be eagerly watching in the months ahead. Each brought something fresh to the table, making this an anthology with no weak links—only spine-tingling surprises.

If you’re looking for a read to curl up with on a crisp October night, pumpkin spice in hand and shadows dancing on the walls, this is it. Just… maybe keep a blanket nearby. You know, for warmth. And for hiding from whatever’s lurking in the dark.

[Tabathareads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great Halloween anthology this is! I loved the bite size stories that still managed to pack a serious punch. Each tale had its own scary charm, from eerie and unsettling to nostalgic and spooky, perfectly capturing that Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark vibe while adding each author’s unique twist. It’s the perfect collection to pick up when you want a quick scare or a hit of Halloween magic any time of year!

Thanks to NetGalley & Death by TBR Books for the gifted copy.

[Laura Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out September 16th, 2025
This anthology is like knocking on the creepiest house on the block and getting a full-size candy bar—every story is a treat, and some are downright tricks. Edited by Stephanie Rose and William Sterling, Twisted Tales to Tell in the Night is a deliciously dark homage to the classic Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, but with fresh voices and modern twists that make it feel both nostalgic and new.
Why I Loved It:
*Perfectly Packaged Horror: Each tale is short, sharp, and spooky—ideal for late-night reading or campfire storytelling.
*Seasonal Vibes All Year: The stories drip with Halloween atmosphere, from haunted houses to cursed candy, making it feel like October no matter the calendar.
*Standout Stories: “We Don’t Go in the Howards’ House” by William Sterling gave me chills, and “You’re Never Too Old for Halloween” by Brian McAuley was surprisingly poignant.
Final Musings:
This is the kind of book you keep on your shelf and pull out every fall—or whenever you need a little fright. Whether you're a horror aficionado or just love Halloween, this anthology is a must-read. It’s scary good fun, and I’ll definitely be rereading it with the lights off.

Thank you to NetGalley and Death by TBR Books for this Spooky ARC!

[Sarah Mclennan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to get this from NetGalley and it did not disappoint.

This is such a fun, nostalgic mix of Halloween-themed horror stories, perfect for spooky season. Some of these gave me total throwback vibes — Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, The X-Files — all the creepy stuff we grew up on, but with fresh twists.

There are 18 short stories and I flew through every one of them. Definitely gave me Trick ‘r Treat vibes, which I loved. Creepy, fun, and exactly what I wanted for spooky szn.

Big thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this early

[Kelsey Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the PERFECT read for spooky szn! 18 spooky short stories all packed into one anthology. I found myself flying through every creepy tale. It reminded me a bit of the movie ‘trick r’ treat’, defo had similar vibes!

My fave stories were:

The panthera project
Mrs Kings candy
Last requests
You’re never too old for Halloween

All of them were so good though. Thank you NetGalley for the arc. HIGHLY recommend!

[Dannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very nostalgic for me to read! I remember reading the others when I was a child and I had to jump on it to read it when I saw it on NetGalley! It was a great collection of scary stories I got to tell to my little boy!

[Brooke McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this, although with most short story compilations, there are always some stories that stand out more than others. There were a couple of stories that I would've loved to have had a longer story of because they ended with me wanting to know more and left me with questions that weren't answered.

A few of my faves were:
* Best friends forever
* The Pumpkin Patch
* Trick of the Treat
* Sweet Tooth

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy.

[Ken Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful collection of spooky tales is a must for Halloween fans. Clay's story was so gross, I gagged while reading it. The others were nostalgic and perfect for reading around the campfire or inside on a dark and stormy night.

[Diana Mendoza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun way to start the spooky season, same formula for each story you think you know what’s going on and they all have a fun spooky twist. Easy read and enjoyable.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Had a lot of fun reading this collection of stories. Very reminiscent of scary stories to tell in the dark, which hit me right in the nostalgic feels. I did find that though the book is supposed to be geared towards older demographic, teens, and middle school age, kids might be able to handle it as well. all in all, great collection

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisted Tales to Tell in the Night: A Halloween Horror Anthology is pitched as the grown-up version of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, aiming to capture that same spooky nostalgia for readers who grew up on Alvin Schwartz, R.L. Stine, etc. The idea is great, and while a few of the stories do deliver on that promise, the collection as a whole feels uneven.

Some entries fell short for me, either ending too abruptly or leaning too heavily on clichés. That said, there were some standouts. I especially enjoyed "The Craving," which I honestly wished had been fleshed out into a longer novella. The stronger stories prove there’s solid potential here, even if others didn’t leave much of an impression.

Overall, it’s a quick, easy read and a fine way to get into the Halloween spirit. Nothing groundbreaking or game-changing here, but if you’re looking for bite-sized chills to dip into during spooky season, this anthology might scratch that itch.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Makenna Moffat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. As a kid these books were the books I would stay up all night reading, hidden underneath my blanket and reading with a flashlight. Now as an adult I find myself even more excited to read the Twisted Tales in the Night as I was back when I was a teen. The stories are magical and easily take you on a spooky trip to new realms and horrors. This is definitely a book I will be adding to my colection.

[Shantel (Nixy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun anthology. There was definitely some nostalgic vibes and there are some things that I absolutely miss from childhood Halloween. I wish there were still ways to feel these vibes now as an adult and the closest I can get is reading books like this. I do wish I could rate this higher but some of the stores just fell short for me but I do appreciate all the work that was put into this to give us people who love Halloween to grasp on to and cherish and feel valued. I hope that thing’s like this keeps coming out because I would still read from these authors it’s just some of the stories were not a fav.

[Anna Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who spent a good portion of their childhood reading ghost stories and all of Alvin Schwartz's "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark" short stories, this anthology sent pangs of nostalgia straight through my heart. A wide variety of stories that made me feel as if it was a cold, chilly autumn night, I'm a kid again, tucked under my covers with a flashlight reading something that *just* infringes on the line of being "too spooky."

When I first got accepted to read this arc I was *stoked* like a kid in a candy store. I loved the approach that the many authors took while writing. Short stories that are reminiscent of the ones you read as a kid but leaning more towards adult content when it came to descriptions. Though, I'm usually not a *huge* fan of short story collections, I feel as if this one had enough nostalgia to keep me interested all throughout the book. I highly recommend giving this one a read if you're missing the feeling of experiencing Halloween as a kid again.

Thank you NetGalley for sending me an eBook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Shelby Hawk · Rating 1 out of 5]

This really missed the mark for me.

When you read the forward and it’s talking about ‘Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark” and “The Haunted Mask”, you get really excited for what is about to come.

But I was let down, all the stories were really weak and really clunky to me. It did read like AI was given a prompt to write as many Halloween stories as possible. None of the stories felt personal, none of the stories read like they had any heart. None of the stories had the flair of what was mentioned in the forward.

[Kelsey Zukowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

“People need stories to distract them, narrative diversions from the struggles of daily life, places to invest our fear and our hope.--- There is such magic in opening a book and escaping into its spooky story.”

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC (advanced reader copy) in exchange for an honest review.

Twisted Tales to Tell in the Night offers bite size haunted tales of horror and devilish delight that will make you nostalgic for Halloweens past and the one-of-a-kind macabre magic it held in your youth. It’s one of the few Halloween set stories that really captures what Halloween was like as a kid, the excitement and thrill of all its tricks, treats, and monstrous marvels. Furthermore, I appreciated it balances what Halloween has become while also acknowledging its Samhain origins and how it has manifested throughout different cultures and time.

This is a perfect spooky lite introduction for budding youth horror enthusiasts ready for a sinister and intriguing adventure, but this is a collection that will especially resonate with millennials who have had a lifelong infatuation with all things spooky. There are ample 80s and 90s references and homages that will bring them back to their early fascination with fear and the joy of Halloween, including Goosebumps, Are You Afraid of the Dark?, Hocus Pocus, Jason Voorhees, and Warheads to name a few.

The book itself is like Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark meets Trick ‘R Treat with a dash of a more horror-centric Grimm Fairy Tales spirit. Stories feature a range of haunted characters from horror hosts and slashers to undead friends to Humanoid Jack-‘O-Lantern monsters. Some offer meta frights while others are more grounded and personal, showcasing a kindred connection between monstrous forces and the human experience through acceptance, healing, and catharsis. Among the fun, genre homages and twists, each offers substance, morality and growth journeys, and a unique voice from authors who are at their core clearly still as touched by Halloween and a passion for the horror-genre as they were in childhood. A perfect Halloween season read for young and adult readers a like craving a spooky, satisfying adventure.

[Eden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Twisted Tales to Tell in the Night is a halloween themed anthology of various tales from different writers. It is a fun light read with a strong consistent theme, however the book as an entirety can feel somewhat disorganised.

Each tale effectively reflects the innocence of both fun and fright. You can understand that each author has an experience and connection with either a novelty of a traditional America Halloween or fear itself.

My personal discomfort came from the alternation of writing delivery. I understand that this was a creative choice, however I feel it significant enough to state. Some shorts could feel aimed at younger audiences, and some older (felt by different difficulty levels of reading and understand each tale respectively).

Twisted Tales collects some great short stories, the most interesting I believe to be Spooky Alley, Sweet Tooth, Last Requests and Your Never Too Old for Halloween. I do feel that the book would have more clarity and feel more polished if there were less authors and variety included. I feel the amount can make the book feel scattered; especially considering some stories are much stronger than others.

[Kassyreadsalot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Twisted Tales To Tell In The Night

Synopsis:Twisted Tales to Tell in the A Halloween Horror Anthology is filled with spooky stories by new trick or treaters to the big kids that know which streets give out the best candy.



All of these stories capture the storytelling style of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark with each author's own twist.

We know you miss Halloween and October. With this collection you can stop and savor it every day of the month with these fun size seasonal nostalgic tales.


We hope that reading this anthology will bring you just as much excitement as when you received a full bar on Halloween night.

Review: I’m so happy that I really enjoyed this and if I’m being honest I picked it up because the cover reminded me of Scary Stories To Tell In The Dark! I loved how I felt invested while reading these stories and creeped out! It made me feel nostalgic for Halloween in the 90’s and early 2000’s! The ending’s for. Oat of these short stories will stick with me! I’m happy to say that when I read these during the daylight I didn’t feel as scared! If anyone loves Goosebumps, Scary Stories to tell in the dark, or Are You Afraid of the dark would love this Halloween horror anthology!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this arc!

[Horror Nerd · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was hoping for some spooky Halloween stories, something that would remind me of 90s kids horror shows (either Goosebumps or Are You Afraid Of The Dark) or classic 80s/90s horror flicks. Unfortunately, only two stories from this collection gave off those vibes.

-"All Harrows' Eve" by Jeff C. Carter
A ragtag group of trick or treating friends decide to celebrate Halloween, despite what has happened to them in the past. Will this be just a boring Halloween celebration, or something more?
Wanted it to be a little longer, and spend more time with the characters, but it had enough of a spooky vibe.

-"Morgana Macabre's Halloween Special" by Wendy Dalrymple
This was SO good. Jennifer and Amanda are getting ready to celebrate Halloween, by spending it at home and watching their favorite late night horror hostess (I think it's obvious who Morgana is based on). Probably the best story in the collection.

The rest of the stories vary wildly in tone, but most just felt incomplete. Abrupt endings, so-so to weak characterization, plots that didn't make sense, etc.

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book.

[Books_inthe_Batcave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall average 3.5 out of 5.

This a frightful fun collection of Halloween short stories by various authors.

I didn't grow up with trick 'r treating & pumpkin patches / mazes, so always love to read stories around these activities & this anthology delivered.

Because they're short, they never go to dark, just give a nice slight chill. Perfect quick read for spooky season.
Other than spooky stories, you have Clay McLeod Chapmans 'Booger Sugar' which verges on gross & J. A. Barrios 'The Light Across the Bridge' which was more heartfelt.

Some of my favourite stand out stories were -
Best Friends Forever by Renee Thomasin.
Morganna Macabre's Halloween Special by Wendy Dalrymple.
We Don't Go in the Howard's House by William Sterling.

Thank you to Netgalley & Death by TBR for the opportunity to read & review this title. All thoughts / opinions are my own.

[natalielikesbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The eyes of his army will find him his prize and, on Halloween night, Old Jack will rise To harvest the one he wants the most. Be wary. Be watchful. Or be put on a post.”

When I first saw Death By TBR post little teasers for this book I was sooo stoked because I was a HUGE Scary Stories to Tell In The Dark girlie growing up. And the cover gave those vibes immediately. This was fun and not at all for kids lol. This was fun, creepy and really entertaining👻 it was very nostalgic to read because the storytelling with each story was just like SSTTITD and it was an all around fun collection of scary stories. Perfect for spooky season too since they’re all Halloween based.

Thank you NetGalley and Death By TBR books for the arc

[Erin Homan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an unbiased review!

I went in expecting something similar to Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. The cover, font, and general vibes I think were intentional. While I did genuinely enjoy some of the installments (Booger Sugar was a treat), I found myself distracted by grammatical and structural errors in others. Another round of editing would go a long way to making this more palatable. That being said, it's an easy read and spooky enough to make a serviceable fall/Halloween TBR addition. Just temper your nostalgic expectations.

[Josie Reiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really had fun with this one! Reading through this anthology reminded me of picking through your haul of trick or treating candy for your next sweet treat. This collection of bite-sized spooky stories really has me ready for October! There was a nice variety here; some stories were nostalgic, some creepy, some campy, but all were delightful! This was also a nice way to gain exposure to some more horror authors!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Death by TBR Books for the eARC!

[Ini Ekwo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reads more like a collection of short stories to celebrate halloween and not a Halloween Horror anthology. I felt like maybe this is meant for younger readers and not avid adult horror fans. There was nothing scary here. Some of the stories were bland and some were downright confusing.

[Trisha]

A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

[Angela · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Death by TBR Books for my arc in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

Okay, "Twisted Tales to Tell in the Night" promises to be a short story collection that will spook and creep you out. In the preface, editor Stephanie Rose refers to the likes of Goosebumps and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (a clear reference seen in the title) as inspirations for the collection. So, as a kid who grew up loving (and still loving) creepy stories, I knew I had to read this collection. That said, I am baffled.

From the preface, I assumed this was going to be a collection for the adults who grew up reading the previously mentioned series, but actually reading the short stories, it seems that this collection was made specifically for children. If that's the case, then I am the wrong audience. If it's not the case, this was very bad. Each story lacked that creepy factor that I still associate with something like the Scary Stories... series and the fun of Goosebumps. I mean, truly, it felt like each short story was writing using a ChatGPT prompt. They were not enjoyable to read and so many of them ended so quickly with an ending that seemed to want the reader to go "Oh! Wow, what a TWIST." I mean, this collection had such uninspired, bland, and lifeless stories that as a queer woc, I feel insulted that Rose points out the collection's use of work from OwnVoices authors.

I would not recommend this seemingly AI-written collection to anybody to be honest. Unless you are reading this to an absolute child.