What do you think?
Rate this book
Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre
The farther we've gotten from the magic and mystery of the past, the more we've come to love Halloween - the one time each year when the mundane is overturned in favor of the bizarre, the "other side" is closest, and everyone can become anyone (or anything) they wish... and sometimes what they don't. Introducing nineteen original stories from mistresses and masters of the dark celebrate the most fantastic, enchanting, spooky, and supernatural of holidays.
“Black Dog” by Laird Barron
“From Dust” by Laura Bickle
“Angelic” by Jay Caselberg
“Pumpkin Head Escapes” by Lawrence Connolly
“All Hallows in the High Hills” by Brenda Cooper
“We, the Fortunate Bereaved” by Brian Hodge
“Thirteen” by Stephen Graham Jones
“Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still” by Caitlín R. Kiernan
“Trick or Treat” by Nancy Kilpatrick
“Long Way A Pine Deep Story” by Jonathan Maberry
“The Mummy’s Kiss” by Norman Partridge
“All Souls Day” by Barbara Roden
“And When You Called Us We Came To You” by John Shirley
“The Halloween Men” by Maria V. Snyder
“Lesser Fires” by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem
“Unternehmen Werwolf” by Carrie Vaughn
“For the Removal of Unwanted Guests” by A.C. Wise
“Quadruple Whammy” by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
“Black Dog” by Laird Barron
“From Dust” by Laura Bickle
“Angelic” by Jay Caselberg
“Pumpkin Head Escapes” by Lawrence Connolly
“All Hallows in the High Hills” by Brenda Cooper
“We, the Fortunate Bereaved” by Brian Hodge
“Thirteen” by Stephen Graham Jones
“Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still” by Caitlín R. Kiernan
“Trick or Treat” by Nancy Kilpatrick
“Long Way A Pine Deep Story” by Jonathan Maberry
“The Mummy’s Kiss” by Norman Partridge
“All Souls Day” by Barbara Roden
“And When You Called Us We Came To You” by John Shirley
“The Halloween Men” by Maria V. Snyder
“Lesser Fires” by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem
“Unternehmen Werwolf” by Carrie Vaughn
“For the Removal of Unwanted Guests” by A.C. Wise
“Quadruple Whammy” by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2011
24 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Paula Guran
105 books210 followersPaula Guran is senior editor for Prime Books. She edited the Juno fantasy imprint from its small press inception through its incarnation as an imprint of Pocket Books. She is also senior editor of Prime's soon-to-launch digital imprint Masque Books. Guran edits the annual Year's Best Dark Fantasy and Horror series as well as a growing number of other anthologies. In an earlier life she produced weekly email newsletter DarkEcho (winning two Stokers, an IHG award, and a World Fantasy Award nomination), edited Horror Garage (earning another IHG and a second World Fantasy nomination), and has contributed reviews, interviews, and articles to numerous professional publications.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 10, 2015
A fair creepy reading!
The general rating is an average sum result of the individual ratings given to each short story contained in the anthology.
This is the second anthology edited by Paula Guran using the topic of Halloween, featuring 18 short stories, so don’t confuse with the first one. I read that first anthology, presenting 33 short stories, in October 2014, you may go and look for my review about it to read it, if you wish to and haven’t yet.
THIRTEEN
By Stephen Graham Jones
Rating: *** ( 3 stars )
This is a tale about a very special cinema theater which grants wishes but only during the projection of a horror movie, and only if you do certain ritual during of it, and if it’s Halloween night… anything is possible! But beware because you may think that you know what you want but once you have it...
...it will be too late!
Gripping narrative, with an inventive premise, and even a great twist at the ending but maybe the ending finalizes too soon to really taste the given punch, but a worthy reading.
THE MUMMY’S HEART
By Norman Partridge
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Absolutely priceless story about the strange connection between a boy who turns to be a man, a man who turns into a mummy, and a girl who turns to be an obsession.
The short story, , Three Doors, written by this same author, Norman Partridge, contained in the first anthology about Halloween (mentioned above), it was one of the short stories that I enjoyed the most, an absolute reading treat.
The writer succeeded again with this tale, The Mummy’s Heart, that is astonishing how well it’s developed such complex and rich narrative inside the limited boundaries of a short story.
Easily the best short story in the bunch.
UNTERNEHMEN WERWOLF
By Carrie Vaughn
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
A creative tale set in WWII featuring a very special teenage boy, which is part of an unusual squad of Nazi’s SS, assigned to seemed to be an easy mission but it turns to be way beyond of the evident.
Great characters, cool setting, and an intriguing development in the narrative.
LESSER FIRES
By Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem
Rating: * ( 1 star )
Boring tale about a teenage girl who isn’t aware of her family heritage and what they can do.
It had a fair premise but the development is boring and without any punch at the end. Quite disappointing taking in account that it has a couple of writers instead of just one.
LONG WAY HOME: A PINE DEEP STORY
By Jonathan Maberry
Rating: * ( 1 star )
A soldier comes back to his hometown during Halloween night.
I am aware of the fame of this author, Jonathan Maberry, easily one of the most recognized names on this anthology, but honestly I found totally unoriginal this story whose punch was already overused a lot previously in popular movies, so I felt cheated after reading it.
BLACK DOG
By Laird Barron
Rating: * ( 1 star )
Another unimaginative tale using a variation of the same overused theme on the previous short story, only instead a soldier, featuring a couple who met in a bar and engaged into a conversation. Wasted time.
THE HALLOWEEN MEN
By Maria V. Snyder
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Wonderful tale about an alternative reality where demons conquered Earth and now humanity is forced to wear masks at all time in public areas. The only day in the whole year that humankind can rest from using masks is on Halloween.
Therefore, the handicraft of masks is a distinguished role in this new bizarre society, but closely supervised by the fearsome Halloween Men.
Priceless setting, great characters and gripping development.
Easily the second best short story in the anthology.
PUMPKIN HEAD ESCAPES
By Lawrence C. Connolly
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
An actor/dancer comes back to his hometown and got an audition in a singular role, part of a new kind of improvisation interactive play. If life imitates art, death can consume art!
Cool setting, with solid characters and a priceless twist.
WHILST THE NIGHT REJOICES PROFOUND AND STILL
By Caitlin R. Kiernan
Rating: * ( 1 star )
Tedious tale of how Earth traditions can turn into bizarre celebrations when Martian colonization becomes a fact.
It was a good premise but it got overwhelmed in the middle of a humdrum narrative.
FOR THE REMOVAL OF UNWANTED GUESTS
By A.C. Wise
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
A man moves into his new home, however soon enough a witch appears along with a black cat informing him that the house “needs” a witch, at least until Hallowen, starting an odd relationship between the three of them.
A good premise, cool characters, fair development, but lacking of a compelling punch at the end, however a very enjoyable reading.
ANGELIC
By Jay Caselberg
Rating: * ( 1 star )
A tedious tale about a town where each family needs to do certain ritual involving an offering to a strange creature where people prefer to call it “angel” to avoid realizing what maybe really is.
The story has potential but a boring narrative and an unimaginative ending make certain to ruin the whole plot.
QUADRUPLE WHAMMY
By Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
When you work in an ER room, you have to deal with the risk of the whammies.
A single whammy? Having a duty shift on Saturday. A double whammy? Being a Saturday and Full Moon. A third whammy? Being a Saturday, Full Moon and Halloween. A quadruple whammy? Ooooooh! That’s when the things got really interesting!!!
A great short story (maybe with a quintuple whammy I could gave it five stars!) with solid characters and interesting development, maybe adding more shock into the ending could help to secure the fifth star in the rating but I guess that ER doctors and nurses are hard to get shocked.
WE, THE FORTUNATE BEREAVED
By Brian Hodge
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Welcome to the nice town of Dunhaven! Where you can get the chance of talking again for a night with your deceased relatives! Only one night that anybody already can guess that it’s Halloween, if you loss a relative in the lapse of last year, you can offer a token to the selected scarecrow which it will being alive and choose a single token between all and then through it, the deceased relative will be able to talk again for the rest of the night.
Wonderful premise, well developed characters and a smart analysis of the whole paranormal situation.
ALL HALLOWS IN THE HIGH HILLS
By Brenda Cooper
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
A tedious tale about a special place with a door that only opens at certain times and only to certain people.
A good premise overwhelmed in a boring narrative where nothing interesting happens.
TRICK OR TREAT
By Nancy Kilpatrick
Rating: *** ( 3 stars )
A witch, unfamiliar with the modern world, is having her first experience with Halloween and interacting with some meddling kids.
Fair reading with an interesting main characters and a priceless twist at the end.
FROM DUST
By Laura Bickle
Rating: * ( 1 star )
A tedious tale about a mother and her daughter having to do a particular ritual to be able to have a profitable crop at their farm.
It could be a good story but a boring narrative ruined any chance of that.
ALL SOULS DAY
By Barbara Roden
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Two friends, one man, one woman, are visiting Canada due a work conference, while at it, they decide to visit where the woman used to live, a nice neighborhood with a nice haunted house near a nice cemetery...
...Yep. Dang.
Cool characters, creepy good setting, with a nice development. Engaging reading.
AND WHEN YOU CALLED US WE CAME TO YOU
By John Shirley
Rating: **
A curious story about a Chinese girl, which is being forced to work in a labor camp where they manufactured Halloween (and Christmas) stuff.
I found the premise quite powerful, but an illogical middle act in the story ruined (at least for me) the rest of the reading.
The general rating is an average sum result of the individual ratings given to each short story contained in the anthology.
This is the second anthology edited by Paula Guran using the topic of Halloween, featuring 18 short stories, so don’t confuse with the first one. I read that first anthology, presenting 33 short stories, in October 2014, you may go and look for my review about it to read it, if you wish to and haven’t yet.
THIRTEEN
By Stephen Graham Jones
Rating: *** ( 3 stars )
This is a tale about a very special cinema theater which grants wishes but only during the projection of a horror movie, and only if you do certain ritual during of it, and if it’s Halloween night… anything is possible! But beware because you may think that you know what you want but once you have it...
...it will be too late!
Gripping narrative, with an inventive premise, and even a great twist at the ending but maybe the ending finalizes too soon to really taste the given punch, but a worthy reading.
THE MUMMY’S HEART
By Norman Partridge
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Absolutely priceless story about the strange connection between a boy who turns to be a man, a man who turns into a mummy, and a girl who turns to be an obsession.
The short story, , Three Doors, written by this same author, Norman Partridge, contained in the first anthology about Halloween (mentioned above), it was one of the short stories that I enjoyed the most, an absolute reading treat.
The writer succeeded again with this tale, The Mummy’s Heart, that is astonishing how well it’s developed such complex and rich narrative inside the limited boundaries of a short story.
Easily the best short story in the bunch.
UNTERNEHMEN WERWOLF
By Carrie Vaughn
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
A creative tale set in WWII featuring a very special teenage boy, which is part of an unusual squad of Nazi’s SS, assigned to seemed to be an easy mission but it turns to be way beyond of the evident.
Great characters, cool setting, and an intriguing development in the narrative.
LESSER FIRES
By Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem
Rating: * ( 1 star )
Boring tale about a teenage girl who isn’t aware of her family heritage and what they can do.
It had a fair premise but the development is boring and without any punch at the end. Quite disappointing taking in account that it has a couple of writers instead of just one.
LONG WAY HOME: A PINE DEEP STORY
By Jonathan Maberry
Rating: * ( 1 star )
A soldier comes back to his hometown during Halloween night.
I am aware of the fame of this author, Jonathan Maberry, easily one of the most recognized names on this anthology, but honestly I found totally unoriginal this story whose punch was already overused a lot previously in popular movies, so I felt cheated after reading it.
BLACK DOG
By Laird Barron
Rating: * ( 1 star )
Another unimaginative tale using a variation of the same overused theme on the previous short story, only instead a soldier, featuring a couple who met in a bar and engaged into a conversation. Wasted time.
THE HALLOWEEN MEN
By Maria V. Snyder
Rating: ***** ( 5 stars )
Wonderful tale about an alternative reality where demons conquered Earth and now humanity is forced to wear masks at all time in public areas. The only day in the whole year that humankind can rest from using masks is on Halloween.
Therefore, the handicraft of masks is a distinguished role in this new bizarre society, but closely supervised by the fearsome Halloween Men.
Priceless setting, great characters and gripping development.
Easily the second best short story in the anthology.
PUMPKIN HEAD ESCAPES
By Lawrence C. Connolly
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
An actor/dancer comes back to his hometown and got an audition in a singular role, part of a new kind of improvisation interactive play. If life imitates art, death can consume art!
Cool setting, with solid characters and a priceless twist.
WHILST THE NIGHT REJOICES PROFOUND AND STILL
By Caitlin R. Kiernan
Rating: * ( 1 star )
Tedious tale of how Earth traditions can turn into bizarre celebrations when Martian colonization becomes a fact.
It was a good premise but it got overwhelmed in the middle of a humdrum narrative.
FOR THE REMOVAL OF UNWANTED GUESTS
By A.C. Wise
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
A man moves into his new home, however soon enough a witch appears along with a black cat informing him that the house “needs” a witch, at least until Hallowen, starting an odd relationship between the three of them.
A good premise, cool characters, fair development, but lacking of a compelling punch at the end, however a very enjoyable reading.
ANGELIC
By Jay Caselberg
Rating: * ( 1 star )
A tedious tale about a town where each family needs to do certain ritual involving an offering to a strange creature where people prefer to call it “angel” to avoid realizing what maybe really is.
The story has potential but a boring narrative and an unimaginative ending make certain to ruin the whole plot.
QUADRUPLE WHAMMY
By Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
When you work in an ER room, you have to deal with the risk of the whammies.
A single whammy? Having a duty shift on Saturday. A double whammy? Being a Saturday and Full Moon. A third whammy? Being a Saturday, Full Moon and Halloween. A quadruple whammy? Ooooooh! That’s when the things got really interesting!!!
A great short story (maybe with a quintuple whammy I could gave it five stars!) with solid characters and interesting development, maybe adding more shock into the ending could help to secure the fifth star in the rating but I guess that ER doctors and nurses are hard to get shocked.
WE, THE FORTUNATE BEREAVED
By Brian Hodge
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Welcome to the nice town of Dunhaven! Where you can get the chance of talking again for a night with your deceased relatives! Only one night that anybody already can guess that it’s Halloween, if you loss a relative in the lapse of last year, you can offer a token to the selected scarecrow which it will being alive and choose a single token between all and then through it, the deceased relative will be able to talk again for the rest of the night.
Wonderful premise, well developed characters and a smart analysis of the whole paranormal situation.
ALL HALLOWS IN THE HIGH HILLS
By Brenda Cooper
Rating: ** ( 2 stars )
A tedious tale about a special place with a door that only opens at certain times and only to certain people.
A good premise overwhelmed in a boring narrative where nothing interesting happens.
TRICK OR TREAT
By Nancy Kilpatrick
Rating: *** ( 3 stars )
A witch, unfamiliar with the modern world, is having her first experience with Halloween and interacting with some meddling kids.
Fair reading with an interesting main characters and a priceless twist at the end.
FROM DUST
By Laura Bickle
Rating: * ( 1 star )
A tedious tale about a mother and her daughter having to do a particular ritual to be able to have a profitable crop at their farm.
It could be a good story but a boring narrative ruined any chance of that.
ALL SOULS DAY
By Barbara Roden
Rating: **** ( 4 stars )
Two friends, one man, one woman, are visiting Canada due a work conference, while at it, they decide to visit where the woman used to live, a nice neighborhood with a nice haunted house near a nice cemetery...
...Yep. Dang.
Cool characters, creepy good setting, with a nice development. Engaging reading.
AND WHEN YOU CALLED US WE CAME TO YOU
By John Shirley
Rating: **
A curious story about a Chinese girl, which is being forced to work in a labor camp where they manufactured Halloween (and Christmas) stuff.
I found the premise quite powerful, but an illogical middle act in the story ruined (at least for me) the rest of the reading.
October 31, 2017
"It's Halloween, man. Stuff . . . happens on Halloween. Halloween kicks open a door."*
"The portal opens on All Hallows. Tonight is the night to do a séance or summon a spirit, if that's what floats your boat. All possibilities are viable."**
Here's a collection of eighteen tales celebrating the spooky season. Though all the stories are technically good, there's nothing here that's particularly terrifying, or even terribly memorable.
These three were my favorites:
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Quadruple Whammy takes place in a busy emergency room on Halloween night, and has a great set up . . . but unfortunately, the tale ends just as it's getting really good.
For the Removal of Unwanted Guests by A.C. Wise concerns a witch who turns up unexpectedly at a man's front door one evening. This one had a rather sweet ending, and not the nasty one I was predicting.
And Brian Hodge's We, the Fortunate Bereaved - residents of a small town eagerly await (or dread) Halloween night when one recently departed soul will return for a brief visit.
Otherwise, so-so stories, not even as creepy as the cover of the book.
* from Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story by Jonathan Maberry
** from Black Dog by Laird Barron
"The portal opens on All Hallows. Tonight is the night to do a séance or summon a spirit, if that's what floats your boat. All possibilities are viable."**
Here's a collection of eighteen tales celebrating the spooky season. Though all the stories are technically good, there's nothing here that's particularly terrifying, or even terribly memorable.
These three were my favorites:
Chelsea Quinn Yarbro's Quadruple Whammy takes place in a busy emergency room on Halloween night, and has a great set up . . . but unfortunately, the tale ends just as it's getting really good.
For the Removal of Unwanted Guests by A.C. Wise concerns a witch who turns up unexpectedly at a man's front door one evening. This one had a rather sweet ending, and not the nasty one I was predicting.
And Brian Hodge's We, the Fortunate Bereaved - residents of a small town eagerly await (or dread) Halloween night when one recently departed soul will return for a brief visit.
Otherwise, so-so stories, not even as creepy as the cover of the book.
* from Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story by Jonathan Maberry
** from Black Dog by Laird Barron
October 20, 2018
Carrie Vaughan has a nicely non-macho take on the Nazi werewolf, although I found the story neither surprising nor ultimately satisfying. 3 stars
Is there a lot of Nazi werewolf fiction or have I coincidentally encountered it disproportionately?
If not for the title I would have forgotten that passing glimpse of the "Black Dog" in Laird Barron's intriguing but ambivalent story. 3 stars
Caitlin Kiernan takes us to Mars. 3 stars
the line between waste and sacrifice, a hairline that exists only in the heart of humanity.
A.C. Wise writes about witches. Witches are metaphorical. 3 stars
Life isn't fair. Nobody gets to choose whether they have a normal happy one or not.
Yarbro's "Quadruple Whammy" is the best of the bunch, but feels more like the start of an unfinished novella than a story. 3 stars
Roden writes a traditional "All Souls Day" ghost story that I forgot almost immediately. 3 stars
Then I got a different Halloween anthology from the library and gave up on this one.
Is there a lot of Nazi werewolf fiction or have I coincidentally encountered it disproportionately?
If not for the title I would have forgotten that passing glimpse of the "Black Dog" in Laird Barron's intriguing but ambivalent story. 3 stars
Caitlin Kiernan takes us to Mars. 3 stars
the line between waste and sacrifice, a hairline that exists only in the heart of humanity.
A.C. Wise writes about witches. Witches are metaphorical. 3 stars
Life isn't fair. Nobody gets to choose whether they have a normal happy one or not.
Yarbro's "Quadruple Whammy" is the best of the bunch, but feels more like the start of an unfinished novella than a story. 3 stars
Roden writes a traditional "All Souls Day" ghost story that I forgot almost immediately. 3 stars
Then I got a different Halloween anthology from the library and gave up on this one.
November 5, 2023
Done!
Per usual here are my ratings for each story in this anthology. For people who need to read books for certain symbols, squares, etc. for book reading, this book is chalk full of them. You got scarecrows, witches, black cats, pumpkins, Halloween, etc.
"Thirteen" by Stephen Graham Jones (2 stars)-I was intrigued by the idea of a haunted movie theater. But the execution was just not there. I needed more explanation behind the "why".
"The Mummy's Heart" by Normal Partridge (2 stars)-Honestly the first part of the story, a young boy who is witnessed to a murderous man who has done what he can to call upon the "spirits" of the mummy. But after the story follows the young man to adulthood I just lost interest. The story went on way too long to the point that I just don't know what feeling or conclusion I was supposed to get.
"Unternehmen Werewolf" by Carrie Vaughn (4 stars)-I liked the idea of following a werewolf set during World War II. Vaughn ties into real life history too, but it worked in the end. I wish we could have followed the character in this after the end. I was very curious what would come next.
"Lesser Fires" by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem (3.5 stars)-Not a bad story, but I needed more explanation behind things (again). Some of the stories drop you in with no build up and you have to guess at what's happening or why. I just had to assume a lot here. But I liked the ending a lot.
"Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story" by Jonathan Maberry (2 stars)-I know it was said you didn't need to read the other books in this series, but I was completely lost while reading this. I felt like I got dropped in mid-book and was supposed to figure things out.
"Black Dog" by Laird Barron (4 stars)-Very curious and odd story. But it worked. I liked the story and ending.
"The Halloween Men" by Maria V. Snyder (5 stars)-My first 5 star of the anthology. I was very curious about this world that Snyder sets up. Where Halloween men patrol the citizens and make sure the citizens cover their face with masks. When a young woman secretly starts creating masks with her friend selling them, she fears being discovered. But what I liked was that the woman, named Antonella, was wrong about a lot of things and the ending was a gutpunch.
"Pumpkin Head Escapes" by Lawrence C. Connolly (1 star)-I honestly don't even recall this story and didn't want to re-read to refresh my memory.
"Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still" by Caitlin R. Kiernan (1 star)-Ditto.
"For the Removal of Unwanted Guests" by A.C. Wise (5 stars)-I liked this story of a witch that just arrives and moves in with a man who just bought a house.
"Angelic" by Jay Caselberg" (5 stars)-A woman returns home reluctantly, and something waits for her there.
"Quadruple Whammy' by Chelsea Quinn Yarbo (3.5 stars)-Not a bad tale, but a bunch of people maybe finding out that [redacted] are real was not quite there for me.
"We the Fortunate Bereaved" by Brian Hodge (5 stars)-I loved the idea of a town where the dead can return to a scarecrow every Halloween.
"All Hallows in the High Hills" by Brenda Cooper (5 stars)-I loved this story of someone stepping out of time and seeing an old friend. And having to make a choice.
"Trick or Treat" by Nancy Kilpatrick (5 stars)-Doesn't pay to mess with a witch on Mischief Night.
"From Dust" by Laura Bickle (4 stars)-Not a bad story. A woman stays to try to regain what she thought she had lost when her mother had died.
"All Souls Day" by Barbara Roden (3.5 stars)-A woman named Debra is off to see a haunted house with her friend Richard.
"And When You Called Us We Came To You” by John Shirley (4 stars)-Not a great Halloween here in this story.
I read this for Horror Aficionados Seasonal Challenge “pumpkin.”
Per usual here are my ratings for each story in this anthology. For people who need to read books for certain symbols, squares, etc. for book reading, this book is chalk full of them. You got scarecrows, witches, black cats, pumpkins, Halloween, etc.
"Thirteen" by Stephen Graham Jones (2 stars)-I was intrigued by the idea of a haunted movie theater. But the execution was just not there. I needed more explanation behind the "why".
"The Mummy's Heart" by Normal Partridge (2 stars)-Honestly the first part of the story, a young boy who is witnessed to a murderous man who has done what he can to call upon the "spirits" of the mummy. But after the story follows the young man to adulthood I just lost interest. The story went on way too long to the point that I just don't know what feeling or conclusion I was supposed to get.
"Unternehmen Werewolf" by Carrie Vaughn (4 stars)-I liked the idea of following a werewolf set during World War II. Vaughn ties into real life history too, but it worked in the end. I wish we could have followed the character in this after the end. I was very curious what would come next.
"Lesser Fires" by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem (3.5 stars)-Not a bad story, but I needed more explanation behind things (again). Some of the stories drop you in with no build up and you have to guess at what's happening or why. I just had to assume a lot here. But I liked the ending a lot.
"Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story" by Jonathan Maberry (2 stars)-I know it was said you didn't need to read the other books in this series, but I was completely lost while reading this. I felt like I got dropped in mid-book and was supposed to figure things out.
"Black Dog" by Laird Barron (4 stars)-Very curious and odd story. But it worked. I liked the story and ending.
"The Halloween Men" by Maria V. Snyder (5 stars)-My first 5 star of the anthology. I was very curious about this world that Snyder sets up. Where Halloween men patrol the citizens and make sure the citizens cover their face with masks. When a young woman secretly starts creating masks with her friend selling them, she fears being discovered. But what I liked was that the woman, named Antonella, was wrong about a lot of things and the ending was a gutpunch.
"Pumpkin Head Escapes" by Lawrence C. Connolly (1 star)-I honestly don't even recall this story and didn't want to re-read to refresh my memory.
"Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still" by Caitlin R. Kiernan (1 star)-Ditto.
"For the Removal of Unwanted Guests" by A.C. Wise (5 stars)-I liked this story of a witch that just arrives and moves in with a man who just bought a house.
"Angelic" by Jay Caselberg" (5 stars)-A woman returns home reluctantly, and something waits for her there.
"Quadruple Whammy' by Chelsea Quinn Yarbo (3.5 stars)-Not a bad tale, but a bunch of people maybe finding out that [redacted] are real was not quite there for me.
"We the Fortunate Bereaved" by Brian Hodge (5 stars)-I loved the idea of a town where the dead can return to a scarecrow every Halloween.
"All Hallows in the High Hills" by Brenda Cooper (5 stars)-I loved this story of someone stepping out of time and seeing an old friend. And having to make a choice.
"Trick or Treat" by Nancy Kilpatrick (5 stars)-Doesn't pay to mess with a witch on Mischief Night.
"From Dust" by Laura Bickle (4 stars)-Not a bad story. A woman stays to try to regain what she thought she had lost when her mother had died.
"All Souls Day" by Barbara Roden (3.5 stars)-A woman named Debra is off to see a haunted house with her friend Richard.
"And When You Called Us We Came To You” by John Shirley (4 stars)-Not a great Halloween here in this story.
I read this for Horror Aficionados Seasonal Challenge “pumpkin.”
October 20, 2013
This is the perfect book for this time of year! It has 18 short stories all based on Halloween. I have to admit, I wrote one of those called, The Halloween Men. It's about a society who wears masks all year long and the only day they're allowed to go out in public without a mask is on Halloween. You can read an excerpt here: http://www.mariavsnyder.com/books/hm.php
I've read the first two stories and enjoyed them so I'm hoping the others are as good :)
I finished this collection. And like most collections of short stories, I loved some of them and some were good, while others, I just didn't...get - I think I'm just not smart enough to pick up on all the subtle clues. I will admit to being a traditionalist - I like stories with a clear beginning, middle and end - clear to me, again you might pick up on something I'm missing.
My favorite story was "We, The Fortunate Bereaved," by Brian Hodge - lovely creepy story. And I also liked "For the Removal of Unwanted Guests," by A.C. Wise and "Trick or Treat" by Nancy Kilpatrick. They all had a strong Halloween connection and had a good combination of creepy and fun.
I've read the first two stories and enjoyed them so I'm hoping the others are as good :)
I finished this collection. And like most collections of short stories, I loved some of them and some were good, while others, I just didn't...get - I think I'm just not smart enough to pick up on all the subtle clues. I will admit to being a traditionalist - I like stories with a clear beginning, middle and end - clear to me, again you might pick up on something I'm missing.
My favorite story was "We, The Fortunate Bereaved," by Brian Hodge - lovely creepy story. And I also liked "For the Removal of Unwanted Guests," by A.C. Wise and "Trick or Treat" by Nancy Kilpatrick. They all had a strong Halloween connection and had a good combination of creepy and fun.
October 29, 2013
Okay I have to admit, when I saw the title I was so excited to get my hands on a Halloween book, as it happens to be one of my favorite holidays of the season and who doesn't enjoy a bunch of Halloween stories? Well, when I cracked it open I only then realized it was an a bunch of anthologies and it made me cringe because I knew exactly how this was going to go... and I was right.
Not all of it made me cringe, some of the stories have been actually well put together. I don't normally dislike anthologies, I just don't read a lot of them based on the type of writing they are. Some of the stories in the book confused me with either the writing or the ending, and quiet a bit of them ended abruptly. There was a handful of creepy ones and the rest where just okay.
Aside from Carrie Vaughn, Maria V. Snyder and Jonathan Maberry I think the rest of the authors for the most part are new to me. I liked discovering some of the new authors and one of my favorite stories in the book which was The Mummy’s Kiss was by an author that I have never heard of before.
Looking at it now, I can see how this book would have an appeal to people who would want to pick up a Halloween short stories book that enjoy anthologies. I guess my biggest pet peeve is the fact that most of the stories that I was enjoying ended too quickly, and I ended up wanting more.
I would still recommend this to the paranormal fans that don't mind short stories or anthologies, because in the end, this book is kind of nice for the holiday!
Not all of it made me cringe, some of the stories have been actually well put together. I don't normally dislike anthologies, I just don't read a lot of them based on the type of writing they are. Some of the stories in the book confused me with either the writing or the ending, and quiet a bit of them ended abruptly. There was a handful of creepy ones and the rest where just okay.
Aside from Carrie Vaughn, Maria V. Snyder and Jonathan Maberry I think the rest of the authors for the most part are new to me. I liked discovering some of the new authors and one of my favorite stories in the book which was The Mummy’s Kiss was by an author that I have never heard of before.
Looking at it now, I can see how this book would have an appeal to people who would want to pick up a Halloween short stories book that enjoy anthologies. I guess my biggest pet peeve is the fact that most of the stories that I was enjoying ended too quickly, and I ended up wanting more.
I would still recommend this to the paranormal fans that don't mind short stories or anthologies, because in the end, this book is kind of nice for the holiday!
October 21, 2021
I always say that an anthology is only as strong as its weakest story. Editor Paula Guran tackles this problem in the most logical way possible in Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre. All the stories in this anthology are original to it. They’re all good as well, so this was a delight to read. There are good stories here by Stephen Graham Jones, Norman Partridge. John Shirley, Carrie Vaughn, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, and others.
March 12, 2022
First published in 2013, "Halloween" seeks to capture the magic and the mystery of All Hallow's Eve. Some stories are horrific, some more science fiction - and still others humorous.....
My favorite tales in this collection were Unternehmen Werwolf, The Mummy's Heart, and For the Removal of Unwanted Guests.....
A grab bag of tales to whet your appetite for the real thing.....
Jeff McIntosh
My favorite tales in this collection were Unternehmen Werwolf, The Mummy's Heart, and For the Removal of Unwanted Guests.....
A grab bag of tales to whet your appetite for the real thing.....
Jeff McIntosh
October 6, 2025
I did not love this collection. Two often it seemed collaborating authors struggled to make their entries fit the "call for submissions." There are four or five standouts, but overall the works are quickly fading from memory.
October 12, 2013
This and my other reviews can be found at http://amethystbookwyrm.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks to Netgalley and Prime Books for giving me this book to review.
This book is an 18 story anthology of weird and macabre tales revolving around the foremost night of the dead and the paranormal, All Hallows Eve, Halloween.
The Halloween Men by Maria V Snyder
Ever since the Halloween Men arrived, nobody is allowed to leave personal homes without wearing a mask, all except on one day a year, Halloween. Nella works in her father’s mask shop, and is experimenting with making her own designs, however, the Halloween Men do not approve of her designs, and so she has to make them in secret. I really enjoyed this book, especially seeing Nella grow and evolve, which is a considerable feat in less than 30 pages. Maria V Snyder has shown that she can write a short story as well as she can write a novel, as this story drags you in, and I like it if she decided to write any more books set in this universe
We, the Fortunate Bereaved by Brian Hodge
Once a year in the village of Dunhaven, on Halloween, one spirit is allowed back from the underworld, one spirit who has died in the last year since Halloween. Drew, Bailey’s late husband, and Cody’s father, died from a congenital heart condition 8 months ago, and Bailey is hoping, for Cody’s sake, that Drew is the one brought back this year. This short story examines the relationship which both adults and children have with death, and how both look at it. I enjoyed this story and you can tell that the author of this short story is a crime novelist as there is a twist in the tale which will surprise most.
For the Removal of Unwanted Guests by A. C. Wise
Michael has just moved into his new house, when a witch arrives and invites herself to live in his loft, because apparently the house needs a witch in it. This story is quite good, and makes you think about the relationships which we have with other people. My favourite character has to be Spencer, the witch’s cat, because even though she doesn’t say a word, she speaks volumes.
Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story by Jonathan Maberry
After serving a term in Afghanistan, and being heavily injured, Donny is returning home to the town of Pine Deep, which a few years ago was involved in a large paranormal disturbance. On his way back, near town, he meets Jim, who Donny thought had died. I liked this story even though I have not read the series, and I am considering reading the Pine Deep series.
Trick or Treat by Nancy Kilpatrick
Malina was raised by her mother, a dark witch, and is trying to be an earth witch, and cast off the traditions and superstitions. However, on Mischief Night the town’s children smash her car windows, will she return to what she knows, or will she stay on the path of good? This story reads like a continuation of a series, and that left me feeling a bit confused.
I also enjoyed the other stories in this anthology, however some were very confusing as they were obviously part of an existing series. I enjoyed this anthology of Halloween stories, and would recommend Halloween to anyone who enjoys books written by any of the authors of any of the short stories in this book.
Thanks to Netgalley and Prime Books for giving me this book to review.
This book is an 18 story anthology of weird and macabre tales revolving around the foremost night of the dead and the paranormal, All Hallows Eve, Halloween.
The Halloween Men by Maria V Snyder
Ever since the Halloween Men arrived, nobody is allowed to leave personal homes without wearing a mask, all except on one day a year, Halloween. Nella works in her father’s mask shop, and is experimenting with making her own designs, however, the Halloween Men do not approve of her designs, and so she has to make them in secret. I really enjoyed this book, especially seeing Nella grow and evolve, which is a considerable feat in less than 30 pages. Maria V Snyder has shown that she can write a short story as well as she can write a novel, as this story drags you in, and I like it if she decided to write any more books set in this universe
We, the Fortunate Bereaved by Brian Hodge
Once a year in the village of Dunhaven, on Halloween, one spirit is allowed back from the underworld, one spirit who has died in the last year since Halloween. Drew, Bailey’s late husband, and Cody’s father, died from a congenital heart condition 8 months ago, and Bailey is hoping, for Cody’s sake, that Drew is the one brought back this year. This short story examines the relationship which both adults and children have with death, and how both look at it. I enjoyed this story and you can tell that the author of this short story is a crime novelist as there is a twist in the tale which will surprise most.
For the Removal of Unwanted Guests by A. C. Wise
Michael has just moved into his new house, when a witch arrives and invites herself to live in his loft, because apparently the house needs a witch in it. This story is quite good, and makes you think about the relationships which we have with other people. My favourite character has to be Spencer, the witch’s cat, because even though she doesn’t say a word, she speaks volumes.
Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story by Jonathan Maberry
After serving a term in Afghanistan, and being heavily injured, Donny is returning home to the town of Pine Deep, which a few years ago was involved in a large paranormal disturbance. On his way back, near town, he meets Jim, who Donny thought had died. I liked this story even though I have not read the series, and I am considering reading the Pine Deep series.
Trick or Treat by Nancy Kilpatrick
Malina was raised by her mother, a dark witch, and is trying to be an earth witch, and cast off the traditions and superstitions. However, on Mischief Night the town’s children smash her car windows, will she return to what she knows, or will she stay on the path of good? This story reads like a continuation of a series, and that left me feeling a bit confused.
I also enjoyed the other stories in this anthology, however some were very confusing as they were obviously part of an existing series. I enjoyed this anthology of Halloween stories, and would recommend Halloween to anyone who enjoys books written by any of the authors of any of the short stories in this book.
October 31, 2013
It is appropriate that I finished reading this collection on Halloween. I did not plan it this way, it just happened. As with all collections, there are the good, the bad, the memorable and the frightening. You have tales of mummies, lost love, death, rebirth and characters who are just out of control. About three tales have really stuck in my mind - "The Mummy's Heart", "Pumpkin Head Escapes", and "For the Removal of Unwanted Guests". Two of the three deal with relationships and death, but also love. Paula Guran is to be commended for bringing to gether a superior collection of tales related to Halloween. Read at your own risk.
September 3, 2022
Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre wasn't a wholly successful anthology for me, with stories definitely heavy on the skip-it (as opposed to read-it) side, but still worth reading for the favorite author high-points. I think Paula Guran strayed a bit too far from the traditional exploration of Halloween for my tastes, but I can't fault her for trying to do something different.
The first four stories in the anthology did nothing for me - although The Mummy's Heart by Norman Partridge had its moments - and had me seriously considering whether to keep reading, or just skim ahead to the authors that interested me. Fortunately, Lesser Fires by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem was solid, and pretty much what I had hoped to see from them.
As for Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story by Jonathan Maberry, it's been a while since I've read any Maberry - the last Pine Deep novel, in fact - so it was nice to reconnect with a story that perfectly captured the thrills and chills of that trilogy . . . and which convinced me to keep reading.
After another skip-it that had me doubting that decision, The Halloween Men by Maria V. Snyder turned out to be the only story in the collection that genuinely surprised me with its approach to the season. Having Halloween be the one day of the year were we don't wear masks was a neat idea, but it's Snyder's execution that makes the story work so well.
Pumpkin Head Escapes by Lawrence Connolly was a great follow-up, a surprisingly strong tale that didn't play out quite as I expected, but was followed by several more stories of the skip-it variety before getting to Quadruple Whammy by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, which was not at all what I expected from her, but thoroughly enjoyable and a story that convinced me, once again, to keep reading.
We, the Fortunate Bereaved by Brian Hodge and Trick or Treat by Nancy Kilpatrick were two stories I had high hopes for going into the anthology, and I'm glad to say they delivered, while All Souls Day by Barbara Roden was an interesting enough tale, but a little weak for the penultimate tale.
Fortunately, And When You Called Us We Came To You by John Shirley proved to be a fantastic end to the anthology. If it doesn't have you humming the Silver Shamrock song from Halloween III under your breath as the spirits of the ancestors wreak havoc upon a slave labor Halloween mask mask factory . . . well, you're just not my kind of trick-or-treat partner.
All-in-all, not nearly as creepy or as scary as I had hoped, with a few too many stories trying to be 'cute' or 'clever' in tying themselves to the holiday, but Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre still had its moments.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
The first four stories in the anthology did nothing for me - although The Mummy's Heart by Norman Partridge had its moments - and had me seriously considering whether to keep reading, or just skim ahead to the authors that interested me. Fortunately, Lesser Fires by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem was solid, and pretty much what I had hoped to see from them.
As for Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story by Jonathan Maberry, it's been a while since I've read any Maberry - the last Pine Deep novel, in fact - so it was nice to reconnect with a story that perfectly captured the thrills and chills of that trilogy . . . and which convinced me to keep reading.
After another skip-it that had me doubting that decision, The Halloween Men by Maria V. Snyder turned out to be the only story in the collection that genuinely surprised me with its approach to the season. Having Halloween be the one day of the year were we don't wear masks was a neat idea, but it's Snyder's execution that makes the story work so well.
Pumpkin Head Escapes by Lawrence Connolly was a great follow-up, a surprisingly strong tale that didn't play out quite as I expected, but was followed by several more stories of the skip-it variety before getting to Quadruple Whammy by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, which was not at all what I expected from her, but thoroughly enjoyable and a story that convinced me, once again, to keep reading.
We, the Fortunate Bereaved by Brian Hodge and Trick or Treat by Nancy Kilpatrick were two stories I had high hopes for going into the anthology, and I'm glad to say they delivered, while All Souls Day by Barbara Roden was an interesting enough tale, but a little weak for the penultimate tale.
Fortunately, And When You Called Us We Came To You by John Shirley proved to be a fantastic end to the anthology. If it doesn't have you humming the Silver Shamrock song from Halloween III under your breath as the spirits of the ancestors wreak havoc upon a slave labor Halloween mask mask factory . . . well, you're just not my kind of trick-or-treat partner.
All-in-all, not nearly as creepy or as scary as I had hoped, with a few too many stories trying to be 'cute' or 'clever' in tying themselves to the holiday, but Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre still had its moments.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
December 28, 2022
Още една антология от кака Поула и Тор. Няма да разглеждам авторите поотделно, но цялата компилация е бетон. Да спомена, непубликуван хелоуински разказ от Норман Партридж; нова история от Паийн Дийп от Мабери; феноменалният Браян Ходж; Стивън Греам Джоунс преди да стане популярен; Лари Бардън; кака Челси Куин Лардбо; Нанси Килпатрик и камара други. Отвърдени и знаещи какво правят автори, които използват класическите тропи на празника, но всеки вкарва своята идентичност и пречупва ситуациите според своите разбирания. Тор публишинг, естествено имат ресурс да изберат най-доброто то най-добрите “зависими” автори.
October 8, 2023
It is a mysterious and well crafted collection of short stories that will keep you intrigued and wanting more.
I enjoyed the themes of each of the stories and found that having the endings in cliff hanger mode kept me guessing what was next as well as lomgong for more.
I would love to see some of the short stories as mini novellas as they have the ability to be expanded upon.
This is a great collection to read with a cup of tea on a rainy, dark fall night. I read in dark on my kobo, and I found it helped my imagination fill in the blanks.
Check this collection out for a spooky night of relaxation.
My rating:
🎃🎃🎃🎃
I enjoyed the themes of each of the stories and found that having the endings in cliff hanger mode kept me guessing what was next as well as lomgong for more.
I would love to see some of the short stories as mini novellas as they have the ability to be expanded upon.
This is a great collection to read with a cup of tea on a rainy, dark fall night. I read in dark on my kobo, and I found it helped my imagination fill in the blanks.
Check this collection out for a spooky night of relaxation.
My rating:
🎃🎃🎃🎃
March 7, 2021
Many great stories with lots of spooky twists, my favorite though was Halloween Men, never saw that ending coming at all. But the Interesting takes on Mummies and ghouls was very enjoyable to read and each author left me wanting that little bit more from their stories, which is what a short story is meant to do.
February 19, 2018
I liked most of the stories in this collection. I think I liked Quadruple Whammy by Chelsea Quinn Yarbo the best. But really, they were all pretty good.
November 30, 2022
Fun Halloween read
Very good book. The stories are varied in subject so it doesn’t get boring. Gets you in the Halloween spirit
Very good book. The stories are varied in subject so it doesn’t get boring. Gets you in the Halloween spirit
November 17, 2013
Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre, edited by Paula Guran
Considering this is a Halloween anthology and Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, this book gets an extra star. This anthology comprises of 18 stories. And as with most anthologies or story collections, it’s a mixed bag. In this case there’s some candy I’ll enjoy more than others. Guran discusses in the introduction, the themes of magic, mystery and the macabre were the aims of the stories rather than to be “scary”; and don’t expect each one to be directly related to Halloween.
“Thirteen” by Stephen Graham Jones
Legends about the local movie theater come to life. This was an interesting opener, but nothing too remarkable. 3/5
“The Mummy’s Heart” by Norman Partridge
This is the longest story, but one of the best. It follows the life of the protagonist as a young boy out on Halloween night when he, his brother, and a friend encounter what appears to be a mummy. In the aftermath that night, the past continues to haunt him as an adult. 5/5
“Unternehmen Werwolf” by Carrie Vaughn
During WWII, the Nazis are using werewolves against their enemies. A young werewolf boy is sent on Halloween night to assassinate a traitor, but he has a choice to make. It was a nice little story. 4/5
“Lesser Fires” by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem
On the way to a family Halloween gathering, a girl stumbles upon someone who seems familiar. The ending was a bit ambiguous. 3/5
“Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story” by Jonathan Maberry
Apparently this is related to a trilogy I might consider looking into because this story was intriguing. When a soldier returns home, he finds everything has changed and so has the people he once knew. 4/5
“Black Dog” by Laird Barron
This tells the story of a first date on Halloween. The ending is unclear, but I felt as though I got to know the characters. This is one of the more abstract stories, though I enjoyed it. 4/5
“The Halloween Men” by Maria V. Snyder
In this world of masks and the Halloween Men that enforce the law, Halloween serves as the only day people can take off their masks. I really enjoyed this story’s unique take on Halloween and how the holiday was built into this world. 5/5
“Pumpkin Head Escapes” by Lawrence C. Connolly
At the Immersion Theater, a different kind of play is put on, and the protagonist becomes the character he portrays. 3/5
“Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still” by Caitlin R. Kiernan
This is a strange telling of traditions in another society living on Mars. Each section follows different characters and you get a sense of this different culture. I’ve read stories by Kiernan before, but this one really appeal to me, although it was an idea I haven’t seen before. 3/5
“For the Removal of Unwanted Guests” by A. C. Wise
When a witch moves into a man’s home, he wonders if he wants her to leave. I really liked this one, and coincidentally read it after watching American Horror Story: Coven, so maybe I’m a bit biased. 5/5
“Angelic” by Jay Caselberg
When Estella returns home for a family tradition, a local ritual awaits. This was an interesting story, and although the ending leaves a lot to the imagination. 3/5
“Quadruple Whammy” by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
During Halloween night at a hospital and a strange patient is admitted into the ER. I thought this story captured the sense of never-ending busyness of the hospital, and although it wasn’t creepy I or anything, the each of the hospital staff were engaging characters. 4/5
“We, The Fortunate Bereaved” by Brian Hodge
In a town, a local ritual to reconnect with the dead takes place on Halloween. I enjoyed this one especially the character’s realization at the end. 5/5
“All Hallows in the High Hills” by Brenda Cooper
This one’s more fantasy where a man is shown a world different from his own, and he wonders if he should stay. 3/5
“Trick or Treat” by Nancy Kilpatrick
A witch struggles to deal with her heritage and the kids who torment her on Halloween night. I got a good sense of the inner turmoil of the character and it left the ending a nice twist. 4/5
“From Dust” by Laura Bickle
A mother and daughter prepare for a Halloween harvest in which they have a strange pact with the crows. This story reminds us not to take what we have for granted. It was a nice story. 4/5
“All Souls Day” by Barbara Roden
Debra and her friend visit her grandparents’ house and the nearby cemetery. Reading this story was anything different or original, but I really enjoyed that it felt like a classic Halloween story. 4/5
“And When You Called Us We Came To You” by John Shirley
A Chinese factory worker who makes Halloween masks and merchandise calls upon her ancestors to help her. And this ends up involving a few teenagers’ Halloween in the US. It was a really bizarre story, but it had its moments. 3/5
As a fan of Halloween and horror, I really enjoyed this anthology. There were a few standout stories, and there weren’t any stories that disappointed. Happy Halloween! 3.8/5
Considering this is a Halloween anthology and Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, this book gets an extra star. This anthology comprises of 18 stories. And as with most anthologies or story collections, it’s a mixed bag. In this case there’s some candy I’ll enjoy more than others. Guran discusses in the introduction, the themes of magic, mystery and the macabre were the aims of the stories rather than to be “scary”; and don’t expect each one to be directly related to Halloween.
“Thirteen” by Stephen Graham Jones
Legends about the local movie theater come to life. This was an interesting opener, but nothing too remarkable. 3/5
“The Mummy’s Heart” by Norman Partridge
This is the longest story, but one of the best. It follows the life of the protagonist as a young boy out on Halloween night when he, his brother, and a friend encounter what appears to be a mummy. In the aftermath that night, the past continues to haunt him as an adult. 5/5
“Unternehmen Werwolf” by Carrie Vaughn
During WWII, the Nazis are using werewolves against their enemies. A young werewolf boy is sent on Halloween night to assassinate a traitor, but he has a choice to make. It was a nice little story. 4/5
“Lesser Fires” by Steve Rasnic Tem & Melanie Tem
On the way to a family Halloween gathering, a girl stumbles upon someone who seems familiar. The ending was a bit ambiguous. 3/5
“Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story” by Jonathan Maberry
Apparently this is related to a trilogy I might consider looking into because this story was intriguing. When a soldier returns home, he finds everything has changed and so has the people he once knew. 4/5
“Black Dog” by Laird Barron
This tells the story of a first date on Halloween. The ending is unclear, but I felt as though I got to know the characters. This is one of the more abstract stories, though I enjoyed it. 4/5
“The Halloween Men” by Maria V. Snyder
In this world of masks and the Halloween Men that enforce the law, Halloween serves as the only day people can take off their masks. I really enjoyed this story’s unique take on Halloween and how the holiday was built into this world. 5/5
“Pumpkin Head Escapes” by Lawrence C. Connolly
At the Immersion Theater, a different kind of play is put on, and the protagonist becomes the character he portrays. 3/5
“Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still” by Caitlin R. Kiernan
This is a strange telling of traditions in another society living on Mars. Each section follows different characters and you get a sense of this different culture. I’ve read stories by Kiernan before, but this one really appeal to me, although it was an idea I haven’t seen before. 3/5
“For the Removal of Unwanted Guests” by A. C. Wise
When a witch moves into a man’s home, he wonders if he wants her to leave. I really liked this one, and coincidentally read it after watching American Horror Story: Coven, so maybe I’m a bit biased. 5/5
“Angelic” by Jay Caselberg
When Estella returns home for a family tradition, a local ritual awaits. This was an interesting story, and although the ending leaves a lot to the imagination. 3/5
“Quadruple Whammy” by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
During Halloween night at a hospital and a strange patient is admitted into the ER. I thought this story captured the sense of never-ending busyness of the hospital, and although it wasn’t creepy I or anything, the each of the hospital staff were engaging characters. 4/5
“We, The Fortunate Bereaved” by Brian Hodge
In a town, a local ritual to reconnect with the dead takes place on Halloween. I enjoyed this one especially the character’s realization at the end. 5/5
“All Hallows in the High Hills” by Brenda Cooper
This one’s more fantasy where a man is shown a world different from his own, and he wonders if he should stay. 3/5
“Trick or Treat” by Nancy Kilpatrick
A witch struggles to deal with her heritage and the kids who torment her on Halloween night. I got a good sense of the inner turmoil of the character and it left the ending a nice twist. 4/5
“From Dust” by Laura Bickle
A mother and daughter prepare for a Halloween harvest in which they have a strange pact with the crows. This story reminds us not to take what we have for granted. It was a nice story. 4/5
“All Souls Day” by Barbara Roden
Debra and her friend visit her grandparents’ house and the nearby cemetery. Reading this story was anything different or original, but I really enjoyed that it felt like a classic Halloween story. 4/5
“And When You Called Us We Came To You” by John Shirley
A Chinese factory worker who makes Halloween masks and merchandise calls upon her ancestors to help her. And this ends up involving a few teenagers’ Halloween in the US. It was a really bizarre story, but it had its moments. 3/5
As a fan of Halloween and horror, I really enjoyed this anthology. There were a few standout stories, and there weren’t any stories that disappointed. Happy Halloween! 3.8/5
October 6, 2016
Collection of short stories with Halloween as the theme/basis. Like any collection, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others.
September 2, 2019
A solid anthology of Halloween stories. Suitable reading for a dark and stormy night, while sipping apple cider and munching on candy corn. As with all multi-author short story collections, there are hits and there are misses. Most are in-between. Among the stories most worth reading:
"The Mummy's Heart," by Norman Patridge: A longer short story about (you guessed it) a mummy; would make for a great around-the-campfire story.
"A Long Way Home," by Jonathan Mayberry: A chilling tale about how you can never really go home again. Something is just a bit... off for much of the story, until the end...
"Black Dog," by Laird Barron: Maybe the best of the bunch, it's a spooky story with any number of Halloween themes lurking just under the surface, but not made quite explicit. Something a bit like an itch you really want to scratch, but you can't even find where it is on your skin.
"For the Removal of Unwanted Guests," by A.C. Wise: My second favorite, a warm-hearted and mysterious tale about a witch. Can't get much more in the spirit of the holiday than this one.
"We, the Fortunate Bereaved," by Brian Hodge: A creepy and quite sad story about a little town with a Halloween secret. Questions are left unanswered, which might annoy some, but I really love the ambiguities.
"All Soul's Day," by Barbara Roden: Tying-in some of the quasi-Christian religious undertones relating to Halloween, this one seems to be one thing and then winds up being another.
On balance, there were more hits than misses, though a couple stories made me want to rip my hair out for all the poor writing and disconnect from the broader Halloween theme. Rather than "out" these poor authors, let me direct you to some other Goodreads reviews, who've effectively highlighted the lowlights. In any case, this collection is worth a read, especially if you've already plowed some of the more well-known Halloween/horror fare.
"The Mummy's Heart," by Norman Patridge: A longer short story about (you guessed it) a mummy; would make for a great around-the-campfire story.
"A Long Way Home," by Jonathan Mayberry: A chilling tale about how you can never really go home again. Something is just a bit... off for much of the story, until the end...
"Black Dog," by Laird Barron: Maybe the best of the bunch, it's a spooky story with any number of Halloween themes lurking just under the surface, but not made quite explicit. Something a bit like an itch you really want to scratch, but you can't even find where it is on your skin.
"For the Removal of Unwanted Guests," by A.C. Wise: My second favorite, a warm-hearted and mysterious tale about a witch. Can't get much more in the spirit of the holiday than this one.
"We, the Fortunate Bereaved," by Brian Hodge: A creepy and quite sad story about a little town with a Halloween secret. Questions are left unanswered, which might annoy some, but I really love the ambiguities.
"All Soul's Day," by Barbara Roden: Tying-in some of the quasi-Christian religious undertones relating to Halloween, this one seems to be one thing and then winds up being another.
On balance, there were more hits than misses, though a couple stories made me want to rip my hair out for all the poor writing and disconnect from the broader Halloween theme. Rather than "out" these poor authors, let me direct you to some other Goodreads reviews, who've effectively highlighted the lowlights. In any case, this collection is worth a read, especially if you've already plowed some of the more well-known Halloween/horror fare.
December 15, 2013
I'm not a really big horror fan for the most part, but around Halloween I like to read seasonal horror based on the holiday. This was a new collection from an editor that has collected stories for this holiday before. This time she brought in all new stories written just for this book.
As with all collections of short fiction I read them hoping to enjoy the people I know and possibly find a few authors that I dont know that I can add to my current people and widen my reading list.(like I really need more books on my to read pile!)
In this volume there were only a couple of people I knew before. Caitlín R. Kiernan writes a chilling tale. Carrie Vaughn shows you just how much of the world where Kitty lives remains unexplored, and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, writes a story that touches on the child in all of us that affects who we are today.
I also took away from this collection two authors I think may be on my reading lists for years to come. Jonathan Maberry, who wrote a story that seemed to be a prequel to a story I really want to read. I did, in fact, go back and order his other books about Pine Deep and will get to them next year for sure. Also Norman Partridge wrote a story that reminded me so much of the kind of imagery and feel that reminded me of Ray Bradbury so much I immediately ordered two of his other books,both featuring Halloween stories.
The rest of the volume lives up to its title, mostly a lot of fun, and adventure for fans of Samhain and all of the traditions that go with All Hallows Eve. Well worth the read for anyone looking to enhance there fall reading lists.
As with all collections of short fiction I read them hoping to enjoy the people I know and possibly find a few authors that I dont know that I can add to my current people and widen my reading list.(like I really need more books on my to read pile!)
In this volume there were only a couple of people I knew before. Caitlín R. Kiernan writes a chilling tale. Carrie Vaughn shows you just how much of the world where Kitty lives remains unexplored, and Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, writes a story that touches on the child in all of us that affects who we are today.
I also took away from this collection two authors I think may be on my reading lists for years to come. Jonathan Maberry, who wrote a story that seemed to be a prequel to a story I really want to read. I did, in fact, go back and order his other books about Pine Deep and will get to them next year for sure. Also Norman Partridge wrote a story that reminded me so much of the kind of imagery and feel that reminded me of Ray Bradbury so much I immediately ordered two of his other books,both featuring Halloween stories.
The rest of the volume lives up to its title, mostly a lot of fun, and adventure for fans of Samhain and all of the traditions that go with All Hallows Eve. Well worth the read for anyone looking to enhance there fall reading lists.
currently-reading-anthcoll
April 4, 2016so, I decided to read the Kitty Universe from earliest to newest but as I checked her website I see there was at least ONE short story NOT included in Kitty's Greatest Hits. Durnit! So, I checked; thankfully this book was available for my Nook.
"Unternehmen Werewolf" 10/22/2014 (the story of Fritz, the old Nazi werewolf Kitty meets in Washinton)
Thirteen • (2013) • shortfiction by Stephen Graham Jones
The Mummy's Heart • (2013) • shortfiction by Norman Partridge
♦ Unternehmen Werwolf by Carrie Vaughn 10/22/2014
Lesser Fires • (2013) • shortfiction by Steve Rasnic Tem and Melanie Tem
Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story • (2013) • shortfiction by Jonathan Maberry
Black Dog • (2013) • shortfiction by Laird Barron
The Halloween Men • (2013) • shortfiction by Maria V. Snyder
Pumpkin Head Escapes • (2013) • shortfiction by Lawrence C. Connolly
Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still by Caitlín R. Kiernan
For the Removal of Unwanted Guests • (2013) • shortfiction by A. C. Wise
Angelic • (2013) • shortfiction by Jay Caselberg
Quadruple Whammy • (2013) • shortfiction by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
We, the Fortunate Bereaved • (2013) • shortfiction by Brian Hodge
All Hallows in the High Hills • (2013) • shortfiction by Brenda Cooper
♦Trick or Treat by Nancy Kilpatrick read 10/29/2015
♦From Dust by Laura Bickle read 10/29/2015
All Souls Day • (2013) • shortfiction by Barbara Roden
And When You Called Us We Came To You • (2013) • shortfiction by John Shirley
10/30/2015 -- Yesterday while at Lisa's I needed something "new" to read aloud so I read these two...,
"Unternehmen Werewolf" 10/22/2014 (the story of Fritz, the old Nazi werewolf Kitty meets in Washinton)
Thirteen • (2013) • shortfiction by Stephen Graham Jones
The Mummy's Heart • (2013) • shortfiction by Norman Partridge
♦ Unternehmen Werwolf by Carrie Vaughn 10/22/2014
Lesser Fires • (2013) • shortfiction by Steve Rasnic Tem and Melanie Tem
Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story • (2013) • shortfiction by Jonathan Maberry
Black Dog • (2013) • shortfiction by Laird Barron
The Halloween Men • (2013) • shortfiction by Maria V. Snyder
Pumpkin Head Escapes • (2013) • shortfiction by Lawrence C. Connolly
Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still by Caitlín R. Kiernan
For the Removal of Unwanted Guests • (2013) • shortfiction by A. C. Wise
Angelic • (2013) • shortfiction by Jay Caselberg
Quadruple Whammy • (2013) • shortfiction by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
We, the Fortunate Bereaved • (2013) • shortfiction by Brian Hodge
All Hallows in the High Hills • (2013) • shortfiction by Brenda Cooper
♦Trick or Treat by Nancy Kilpatrick read 10/29/2015
♦From Dust by Laura Bickle read 10/29/2015
All Souls Day • (2013) • shortfiction by Barbara Roden
And When You Called Us We Came To You • (2013) • shortfiction by John Shirley
10/30/2015 -- Yesterday while at Lisa's I needed something "new" to read aloud so I read these two...,
![Profile Image for Nessa [October Tune].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1767728675i%2F7750565._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 13, 2016
Read this review, and many more on my blog October Tune!
I won this book in a giveaway at Wensend, and I had been excited for this book for a while! I love Halloween, and I really like scary stories, so this book was perfect for me. It took me a while to actually finish the book, because I didn’t want to rush it, I wanted to read one story at a time, and not finish the book in a couple of days or so. Even though this book consist of several short stories, I will review and rate the book as one.
There were a couple of stories that I really liked, such as “The Mummy’s Heart”, “The Halloween Men” and “For the Removal of Unwanted Guests”; but there were also some stories that I didn’t really like. One of them was “Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still”, I actually tried to read it – but couldn’t get myself to continue, so I skipped it and went over to the next story.
In the end, I enjoyed this book a lot. Most of the stories were well written, though sometimes I had to read several passages twice to understand what it was saying (I still don’t get what “Thirteen” was about).
I do wish some of the stories had been longer, made into actual standalone books (like “The Halloween Men”, mainly because I like Maria V. Snyder as a writer).
If you want to read a nice book with Halloween stories, I certainly recommend Halloween: Magic, Mystery and the Macabre!
I won this book in a giveaway at Wensend, and I had been excited for this book for a while! I love Halloween, and I really like scary stories, so this book was perfect for me. It took me a while to actually finish the book, because I didn’t want to rush it, I wanted to read one story at a time, and not finish the book in a couple of days or so. Even though this book consist of several short stories, I will review and rate the book as one.
There were a couple of stories that I really liked, such as “The Mummy’s Heart”, “The Halloween Men” and “For the Removal of Unwanted Guests”; but there were also some stories that I didn’t really like. One of them was “Whilst the Night Rejoices Profound and Still”, I actually tried to read it – but couldn’t get myself to continue, so I skipped it and went over to the next story.
In the end, I enjoyed this book a lot. Most of the stories were well written, though sometimes I had to read several passages twice to understand what it was saying (I still don’t get what “Thirteen” was about).
I do wish some of the stories had been longer, made into actual standalone books (like “The Halloween Men”, mainly because I like Maria V. Snyder as a writer).
If you want to read a nice book with Halloween stories, I certainly recommend Halloween: Magic, Mystery and the Macabre!
October 3, 2013
Halloween: Magic, Mystery, and the Macabre edited by Paula Guran is an anthology of 18 tales ranging from the simply magical to the horrifying about my favorite holiday. There is an excellent selection of writers. Some of the authors included are Caitlin R. Kiernan, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, Steve Rasnic Tem and Melanie Tem.
I really liked all of the stories, but I still had a few favorites. My favorite magical tale was "For the Removal of Unwanted Guests" by A.C. Wise. When a witch moves in unbidden, what would you do?
As for a mysterious story, perhaps you could call, "Long Way Home" by Jonathan Maberry a mystery. A soldier returns home after war on Halloween, but the town is not quite the same.
And for the macabre, Maria V. Snyder's tale, "The Halloween Men," takes place in a city where you must wear a mask every day of the year except Halloween. For an excerpt of this tale you can check out the author's page.
This book is perfect for the Halloween season. I would recommend it in particular for fans of dark fantasy because most of the tales do seem to have a darkness to them. All of the stories are well written.
I give this anthology 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
I really liked all of the stories, but I still had a few favorites. My favorite magical tale was "For the Removal of Unwanted Guests" by A.C. Wise. When a witch moves in unbidden, what would you do?
As for a mysterious story, perhaps you could call, "Long Way Home" by Jonathan Maberry a mystery. A soldier returns home after war on Halloween, but the town is not quite the same.
And for the macabre, Maria V. Snyder's tale, "The Halloween Men," takes place in a city where you must wear a mask every day of the year except Halloween. For an excerpt of this tale you can check out the author's page.
This book is perfect for the Halloween season. I would recommend it in particular for fans of dark fantasy because most of the tales do seem to have a darkness to them. All of the stories are well written.
I give this anthology 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased opinion.
November 10, 2013
I totally bought this anthology for the story by Laura Bickle in case you hadn't guessed yet. But I really like anthologies. They're a great way to discover new (to me) authors. This being an anthology with a Halloween theme was just the icing on the cake.
And this is a great anthology. Of the 18 stories in this anthology there were only 4 that didn't manage to click with me, the other 14 were all very intriguing and cool.
My favorite was 'From Dust' by Laura Bickle. Not just because I'm a total fanpiggy when it comes to Laura, but also because it's about one of my favorite kind of birds: crows. It's a story that breathes autumn and that's rich in atmosphere.
I also loved 'The Halloween Men' by Maria V. Snyder. Snyder creates a world where people wear masks every day, only to take them off at Halloween. This story is imaginative and disturbing in my opinion.
The other stories range from classic Halloween tales to futuristic Halloween myths. There are scary stories, disturbing stories, beautiful stories, and sad stories, but all of them are original and make you long to draw your curtains, light candles and roast chestnuts or make pumpkin pie. It's a great read for those cold, wet autumn evenings and I will be rereading this anthology for sure.
And this is a great anthology. Of the 18 stories in this anthology there were only 4 that didn't manage to click with me, the other 14 were all very intriguing and cool.
My favorite was 'From Dust' by Laura Bickle. Not just because I'm a total fanpiggy when it comes to Laura, but also because it's about one of my favorite kind of birds: crows. It's a story that breathes autumn and that's rich in atmosphere.
I also loved 'The Halloween Men' by Maria V. Snyder. Snyder creates a world where people wear masks every day, only to take them off at Halloween. This story is imaginative and disturbing in my opinion.
The other stories range from classic Halloween tales to futuristic Halloween myths. There are scary stories, disturbing stories, beautiful stories, and sad stories, but all of them are original and make you long to draw your curtains, light candles and roast chestnuts or make pumpkin pie. It's a great read for those cold, wet autumn evenings and I will be rereading this anthology for sure.
October 2, 2013
'Tis the season for the scary and Halloween: Magic, Mystery and the Macabre delivers. Prime Books and Paula Guran have put together a great collection of stories built around the legends of Halloween. The anthology features traditional tales and some very non-traditional ones from a wide range of authors, some well known to me and some not. As I was reading I was amazed by the different interpretations and flights of imagination that inspired these stories.
All of the stories are excellent but Maria V. Snyder's "The Halloween Men" and Carrie Vaughan's "Unternehmen Werwolf" particularly struck a chord for me. I also enjoyed A. C. Wise's "For the Removal of Unwanted Guests" and Jonathan Maberry's "Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story". One of the joys of an anthology is the opportunity to discover new authors so I will be looking into the work of many of these authors in the future. Halloween: Magic, Mystery and the Macabre, with it's 18 stories is a great way to get into the spirit of the season.
Thanks to Prime Books and netgalley.com for an advance digital copy in exchange for a free and fair review.
All of the stories are excellent but Maria V. Snyder's "The Halloween Men" and Carrie Vaughan's "Unternehmen Werwolf" particularly struck a chord for me. I also enjoyed A. C. Wise's "For the Removal of Unwanted Guests" and Jonathan Maberry's "Long Way Home: A Pine Deep Story". One of the joys of an anthology is the opportunity to discover new authors so I will be looking into the work of many of these authors in the future. Halloween: Magic, Mystery and the Macabre, with it's 18 stories is a great way to get into the spirit of the season.
Thanks to Prime Books and netgalley.com for an advance digital copy in exchange for a free and fair review.
October 31, 2013
Halloween anthologies are one of the best ways to celebrate the season. This one in particular was absolutely stellar with stories from today's top novelists and short story writers. These short works of fiction take us inside the myth and dark wonder of the season and help us to embrace the sinister side of a holiday that has vastly become known for candied corn and children's parties. Some of my absolute favorites were:
"The Halloween Men" by Maria V. Snyder A world of masks and wonderment!
"The Mummy's Kiss" by Norman Partridge Never watch a movie the same way again!
"Quadruple Whammy" by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Woooo!!!
"We the Fortunate Bereaved" by Brian Hodge Those small town traditions...spooky!!!
Just to name a few. These authors bring to life the shadow lands that make up a good horror story and keep the bonfires burning. I have found a whole host of authors to watch and some old favorites to revisit again with these stories. Many thanks to Paula Guran for sending a review copy
5/5 for a spooktacular blend of stories that kept my nights entertained and one I will revisit every Halloween to come! I read every last page, loving each and every story.
"The Halloween Men" by Maria V. Snyder A world of masks and wonderment!
"The Mummy's Kiss" by Norman Partridge Never watch a movie the same way again!
"Quadruple Whammy" by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro Woooo!!!
"We the Fortunate Bereaved" by Brian Hodge Those small town traditions...spooky!!!
Just to name a few. These authors bring to life the shadow lands that make up a good horror story and keep the bonfires burning. I have found a whole host of authors to watch and some old favorites to revisit again with these stories. Many thanks to Paula Guran for sending a review copy
5/5 for a spooktacular blend of stories that kept my nights entertained and one I will revisit every Halloween to come! I read every last page, loving each and every story.
November 7, 2013
***I won this book through the First Reads Giveaway program***
I wish I could have finished this book and got the review in before Halloween, but I've just had so much to do! However, better late than never, I suppose. These stories were wonderful. I think the 'about' section on the book's page says something about the stories being from "masters and mistresses of the dark." That is a very accurate description. These authors have a definite grasp of what makes a dark story dark. I'd go so far as to call them Masters and Mistresses of the Macabre.
This book is packed full of stories to chill your bones and send tingles down your spine. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. This book really reminds me of the compilation book edited by George R.R. Martin "Songs of Love and Death." The stories are very similar in nature.
It was definitely a great book for Halloween, but sadly, I didn't finish it before then. :-/ However, it is also a good book for anytime, so I definitely recommend it.
I wish I could have finished this book and got the review in before Halloween, but I've just had so much to do! However, better late than never, I suppose. These stories were wonderful. I think the 'about' section on the book's page says something about the stories being from "masters and mistresses of the dark." That is a very accurate description. These authors have a definite grasp of what makes a dark story dark. I'd go so far as to call them Masters and Mistresses of the Macabre.
This book is packed full of stories to chill your bones and send tingles down your spine. I thoroughly enjoyed each and every one of them. This book really reminds me of the compilation book edited by George R.R. Martin "Songs of Love and Death." The stories are very similar in nature.
It was definitely a great book for Halloween, but sadly, I didn't finish it before then. :-/ However, it is also a good book for anytime, so I definitely recommend it.
January 18, 2015
It can be challenging to review an anthology because of all the little pieces that make it up - each individual story.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. It's a great quick read for the Halloween season with lots of different spins on the traditional tales and feelings. Anthologies are always great ways to be introduced to new (or new to you) writers, and this was no exception. There were quite a few authors who I looked up after reading this, eager to find more of their work.
I would have preferred the stories be spaced out differently- there were a few really long stories right at the beginning, and I almost gave up on the entire anthology as not all of these appealed to me...or appealed to me after the length of the story clicked in with my brain.
To no surprise, Maria V. Snyder's "Halloween Men" was easily my favorite of the collection. But I am familiar with her writing, and her style seems to always appeal to me.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. It's a great quick read for the Halloween season with lots of different spins on the traditional tales and feelings. Anthologies are always great ways to be introduced to new (or new to you) writers, and this was no exception. There were quite a few authors who I looked up after reading this, eager to find more of their work.
I would have preferred the stories be spaced out differently- there were a few really long stories right at the beginning, and I almost gave up on the entire anthology as not all of these appealed to me...or appealed to me after the length of the story clicked in with my brain.
To no surprise, Maria V. Snyder's "Halloween Men" was easily my favorite of the collection. But I am familiar with her writing, and her style seems to always appeal to me.
Did not finish
March 31, 2016Stories:
Thirteen- DNF - started out interestingly but was "telling" a story. Like a cautionary tale. But then started "telling" another story. Never got to "see" a story so I stopped reading.
The Mummy's Heart- DNF - I have no idea what this story was about or what was happening.
Unterhmen Werwolf - 3 stars
Lesser Fires- DNF
Long Way Home- DNF
Halloween Men- DNF - This was the author I bought the book for and I was disappointed. I didn't get the story. I felt so lost.
So I gave up. And after all the other DNFes so far, I gave up on this book. Not for me.
Thirteen- DNF - started out interestingly but was "telling" a story. Like a cautionary tale. But then started "telling" another story. Never got to "see" a story so I stopped reading.
The Mummy's Heart- DNF - I have no idea what this story was about or what was happening.
Unterhmen Werwolf - 3 stars
Lesser Fires- DNF
Long Way Home- DNF
Halloween Men- DNF - This was the author I bought the book for and I was disappointed. I didn't get the story. I felt so lost.
So I gave up. And after all the other DNFes so far, I gave up on this book. Not for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews