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The Pail
1988. Halloween. Danny Pearson, struggling with the tormenting horrors he witnessed as a young boy and the psychological impact of that terrible night 5 years prior, has worked tirelessly to vanquish the fears that have plagued him since. Sitting in his room in the town of Oak Hollow, staring out at the bustling groups of trick-or-treaters, the decorated homes, the cheap scares, his urge to immerse himself physically is embraced. Knocking on doors, filling his pillow case with sweets, navigating fears, the night turns sour as three of the towns worst people show their faces. Pursued by his demons and an unrelenting squad of high school punks, they run into a nightmare they'll never forget on this Halloween night.
A Grisly Halloween Horror Short.
A Grisly Halloween Horror Short.
48 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2020
10 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Brian G. Berry
56 books284 followersa.k.a Brian Berry
Brian G Berry is new to the world of writing. He writes everything from 1980s inspired horror, SCIFI/Action-horror, to the strange. His biggest influences are the writers of the weird including Lovecraft, Howard, Clark Ashton Smith, to the pulp horror authors of the golden age 70s/80s- and a splattering of others. Author of The Pail, A Bloody Christmas, Splatter Fiend Series, Slasherback Series, Campfire Tales Beneath a Pallid Moon, Accursed Ground, Blood Lanes, The Night Mutilator, Thanksgiving Day Massacre, and his newest: SNOW SHARK.
Brian G Berry is new to the world of writing. He writes everything from 1980s inspired horror, SCIFI/Action-horror, to the strange. His biggest influences are the writers of the weird including Lovecraft, Howard, Clark Ashton Smith, to the pulp horror authors of the golden age 70s/80s- and a splattering of others. Author of The Pail, A Bloody Christmas, Splatter Fiend Series, Slasherback Series, Campfire Tales Beneath a Pallid Moon, Accursed Ground, Blood Lanes, The Night Mutilator, Thanksgiving Day Massacre, and his newest: SNOW SHARK.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 23, 2025
This is the kind of story I envision when I fantasize about my ideal All Hallow’s Read. The kinds of stories that feel like reminders of why Halloween is so special to some of us. Why the spirits rise so high. The ones that almost seem to have built in fragrance diffusers of the season. Classic, simple, maybe a little rough around the edges, but all the more charming for it.
As Mr. Brackett reminds us on our annual viewing, “It’s Halloween. I guess everyone’s entitled to one good scare.” For ten-year-old Danny, that scare turned out to be a lifelong traumatic nightmare that would ostracize him and prevent his participation in Halloween for several years. At fourteen, the poor kid is finally ready to go out trick-or-treating again, making up for lost time at the last acceptable age to gather candy door-to-door.
The past still haunts him, stalks him, but a much more immediate threat emerges when school bullies chase him down, forcing him to hide in the park where something more sinister lurks, waiting to be awakened? Summoned? It’s not quite clear, but what assembles from a solitary pumpkin pail forces Danny to consider his responsibility and his sanity. Did the trauma from his childhood that he’s been forcibly carrying around like a burdensome bucket somehow manifest this Samhain scourge? Can he even be sure he didn’t outsource his vengeful actions to a made-up monster? Did taking a chance on festivities absorb him into a perpetual Halloween hallucination where pumpkin patches replace lawns and death skitters around like dead leaves in an autumn gust?
As Mr. Brackett reminds us on our annual viewing, “It’s Halloween. I guess everyone’s entitled to one good scare.” For ten-year-old Danny, that scare turned out to be a lifelong traumatic nightmare that would ostracize him and prevent his participation in Halloween for several years. At fourteen, the poor kid is finally ready to go out trick-or-treating again, making up for lost time at the last acceptable age to gather candy door-to-door.
The past still haunts him, stalks him, but a much more immediate threat emerges when school bullies chase him down, forcing him to hide in the park where something more sinister lurks, waiting to be awakened? Summoned? It’s not quite clear, but what assembles from a solitary pumpkin pail forces Danny to consider his responsibility and his sanity. Did the trauma from his childhood that he’s been forcibly carrying around like a burdensome bucket somehow manifest this Samhain scourge? Can he even be sure he didn’t outsource his vengeful actions to a made-up monster? Did taking a chance on festivities absorb him into a perpetual Halloween hallucination where pumpkin patches replace lawns and death skitters around like dead leaves in an autumn gust?
February 7, 2021
Danny has a difficult relationship with Halloween since he witnessed a psychopath attacking kids with a knife. He and his parents move away. When he decides to do trick or treating again he meets the real deal, the scary monster from your worst nightmares and it's abominable in dealing with the bullies tormenting Danny. If you like Halloween monster stories this is the tale you should have a look at. Compelling, gory, fast paced with a nice ending. Really recommended!
July 23, 2025
Kudos to Brian Berry here. I originally wrote a version of my first Preternatural book like a decade ago. And I didn't think it was up to snuff. In fact, I grew to really dislike it. So I went back to the drawing boards and almost completely rewrote it to the present day, published version. Always been curious to go back and tune it up, then put out to the public and see which version everyone prefers. Maybe one day. But I think it's great how Berry makes it clear that this was his first work, and he just updated it. As an author, I really do love to see colleagues taking chances like this. And the story is simplistic and quick, but carries an absolutely terrific atmosphere. He keeps the entire book, every interaction, conversation, and occurrence, just all of it with a sense of underlying doom. And pairing that with the Halloween settings was a spot on match to give the reader a great experience. I also kept hearing Jack Nicholson screaming 'Danny' from The Shining, every time the main character's name was uttered. I also loved the creatures and the tactful use of gore, all balancing this short holiday-themed tale in the right way. Another fun outing from Mr. Berry.
October 23, 2023
Spooktober 2023 Book 11
Berry doesn’t have anything to prove at this point, but I guess he really likes making everyone know how great of an author he is, since his rewrite of The Pail is, unsurprisingly, a ton of fun and the exact kind of read you need to pick up for the spooky month of October.
Yes, it’s short at only 84 pages, but, as do pretty much all his books, it packs a pretty good punch in its brief length, feeling like the best combinations of King, Lovecraft, and Curran, with that seedy low budget 80’s VHS feel that we’ve all come to expect from his stories. It’s also a damn near perfect mix of cosmic and creature horror, all thrown together in a sort of coming of age tale, meaning it’s a bit less extreme and over the top than previous works (the kind of horror I actually tend to prefer in my middle, dadbod age). I’d also like to add in, that like Grim Weaver, the ending to this one is so amazing bleak and one of best examples of horror done right.
I’m a bit bummed this wasn’t longer, but at the same time, if that’s my only minor gripe, then there is nothing to complain about.
Im almost willing to argue that aside from the already mentioned Grim Weaver, The Pail may very well be Berry’s best non-shark related story…it’s seriously that good!
Berry doesn’t have anything to prove at this point, but I guess he really likes making everyone know how great of an author he is, since his rewrite of The Pail is, unsurprisingly, a ton of fun and the exact kind of read you need to pick up for the spooky month of October.
Yes, it’s short at only 84 pages, but, as do pretty much all his books, it packs a pretty good punch in its brief length, feeling like the best combinations of King, Lovecraft, and Curran, with that seedy low budget 80’s VHS feel that we’ve all come to expect from his stories. It’s also a damn near perfect mix of cosmic and creature horror, all thrown together in a sort of coming of age tale, meaning it’s a bit less extreme and over the top than previous works (the kind of horror I actually tend to prefer in my middle, dadbod age). I’d also like to add in, that like Grim Weaver, the ending to this one is so amazing bleak and one of best examples of horror done right.
I’m a bit bummed this wasn’t longer, but at the same time, if that’s my only minor gripe, then there is nothing to complain about.
Im almost willing to argue that aside from the already mentioned Grim Weaver, The Pail may very well be Berry’s best non-shark related story…it’s seriously that good!
November 1, 2025
I’m so happy I read this the day before and the day of Halloween. 🎃 It was fast, beautifully written and fun.
After a traumatic event on Halloween, our main character Danny faces his fears years later. When he stumbles upon a lovecraftien type horror, we’re left wondering if what’s haunting him is all in his head.
Even after a few short pages I was locked in the story.
“The trees were ancient things, gnarled and twisted, boughs arthritic, black spires in the night. A cold only found amongst the stars frosted my marrow”
“You see, the park was swaying, a black ocean of waves and shadows, creaking trees, and the call of the hunters. They were whispering, I could hear their voices in my head, echoing, knifing my mind.”
After a traumatic event on Halloween, our main character Danny faces his fears years later. When he stumbles upon a lovecraftien type horror, we’re left wondering if what’s haunting him is all in his head.
Even after a few short pages I was locked in the story.
“The trees were ancient things, gnarled and twisted, boughs arthritic, black spires in the night. A cold only found amongst the stars frosted my marrow”
“You see, the park was swaying, a black ocean of waves and shadows, creaking trees, and the call of the hunters. They were whispering, I could hear their voices in my head, echoing, knifing my mind.”
October 22, 2023
I've been reading Brian Berry's work for a little over 2 years now, so I was intrigued when he said this was actually the first story he wrote but did not feel it was up to par to publish at the time. And in the past few years he's released a lot of different works in different genres and subgenres, but this gave him an opportunity to re-examine THE PAIL, give it a little facelift, and send it out into the world. AND IT RULES!
Talk about traumatic horror - sheesh! I feel so bad for our main character, Danny Pearson, who witnessed a brutal beheading one Halloween night... only to finally overcome his fears and then be witness to an actual pumpkin monster ripping apart everyone around him (whether they deserved it or not, that's for the reader to judge). The first 75% of this really examines the dark, vile ways humans can be monsters. And the final chapters are a blood-soaked gore fest full of slimy pumpkin innards and any and every bodily fluid imaginable. Literal horror and terror!
This is extremely fast-paced and well-executed; it's the perfect Halloween blitz! I'm grateful Berry gave this another chance so that we can experience this spooky, tense, harrowing journey of Halloween fun!
Talk about traumatic horror - sheesh! I feel so bad for our main character, Danny Pearson, who witnessed a brutal beheading one Halloween night... only to finally overcome his fears and then be witness to an actual pumpkin monster ripping apart everyone around him (whether they deserved it or not, that's for the reader to judge). The first 75% of this really examines the dark, vile ways humans can be monsters. And the final chapters are a blood-soaked gore fest full of slimy pumpkin innards and any and every bodily fluid imaginable. Literal horror and terror!
This is extremely fast-paced and well-executed; it's the perfect Halloween blitz! I'm grateful Berry gave this another chance so that we can experience this spooky, tense, harrowing journey of Halloween fun!
March 7, 2021
This was a fun little Halloween treat! I definitely recommend it if you like Halloween horror 🎃
October 23, 2023
3.5/5 rounded up.
This is a quick, brutal and fun Halloween monster novella, that delivers the Spooktober vibes in abundance!
This is a quick, brutal and fun Halloween monster novella, that delivers the Spooktober vibes in abundance!
November 3, 2025
Halloween vibes? For sure. It's why I came here and I did get that. I just wish this had writing that I could get along with but I really couldn't. The concept of a boy who experienced something traumatic one Halloween night, then hides away in his room for years, decides to face his fears to go out for trick'r'treating again only to witness something even more traumatic: that's a fun time for a novella. I even liked both of the very different events, even though it was a bit strange that they never connected in any way to make a more cohesive coming-of-age experience. But what I really couldn't work with was the writing.
This is written in first person, theoretically told directly to us by our young protagonist just that the voice does not read at all like a young teenager. It reads like a hipster who is (likely) honestly surprised that we all don't use this kind of high brow vocabulary to share a story about something that happened to us. And why use one adjective when you can use two? Why give only one evocative comparison when you can give more? Well, because it creates terrible flow, the sentences turn out stilted and artificial, and the character voice is simply not believable. Additionally, this made the weird choice after taking us through the events to claim this narrator forgot everything after, to then by a third event have is memory jolted back at the very end of the book. If you just told me this story, how could you simultaneously have forgotten it midway? I feel like this would have worked so much better as a 3rd person narrative. Even then, I'd wish it wasn't quite as overwritten. I understand that the author is going for atmosphere overload and I am certain for some people this writing will be fine enough. But not only did it take me out of the story, it even annoyed me in places.
Well, so much about that. I honestly do not like to tear down small publications, in this case even self published. But I also don't like to pretend I liked a book or someone's writing because of that. In the foreword, Berry relays that this was the first story he ever wrote but also that he completely rewrote it for this publication. But all in all this makes me feel like I have to be more careful with the Indie books I spend my money on, maybe look up a reading sample before going in. I have found wonderful books among the Indies but sometimes it just goes sideways. It's almost too apparent why this wasn't published by a bigger press.... If this hadn't been a novella I had dnf'd. But I had saved this for Halloween Day to read, it was quick and as a story in itself it wasn't half bad; I wanted my Halloween spooks. And if that's all you want, this novella can give you that. Just don't ask it for more.
This is written in first person, theoretically told directly to us by our young protagonist just that the voice does not read at all like a young teenager. It reads like a hipster who is (likely) honestly surprised that we all don't use this kind of high brow vocabulary to share a story about something that happened to us. And why use one adjective when you can use two? Why give only one evocative comparison when you can give more? Well, because it creates terrible flow, the sentences turn out stilted and artificial, and the character voice is simply not believable. Additionally, this made the weird choice after taking us through the events to claim this narrator forgot everything after, to then by a third event have is memory jolted back at the very end of the book. If you just told me this story, how could you simultaneously have forgotten it midway? I feel like this would have worked so much better as a 3rd person narrative. Even then, I'd wish it wasn't quite as overwritten. I understand that the author is going for atmosphere overload and I am certain for some people this writing will be fine enough. But not only did it take me out of the story, it even annoyed me in places.
Well, so much about that. I honestly do not like to tear down small publications, in this case even self published. But I also don't like to pretend I liked a book or someone's writing because of that. In the foreword, Berry relays that this was the first story he ever wrote but also that he completely rewrote it for this publication. But all in all this makes me feel like I have to be more careful with the Indie books I spend my money on, maybe look up a reading sample before going in. I have found wonderful books among the Indies but sometimes it just goes sideways. It's almost too apparent why this wasn't published by a bigger press.... If this hadn't been a novella I had dnf'd. But I had saved this for Halloween Day to read, it was quick and as a story in itself it wasn't half bad; I wanted my Halloween spooks. And if that's all you want, this novella can give you that. Just don't ask it for more.
September 26, 2025
This in my opinion, is the best of Brian Berry's works. It dod a great job setting up the tension of the story, and while it dealt with other villains than just a monster.
October 31, 2024
While a bit verbose and purple, it begins to work with the cosmic horror at the heart of the story, bringing to mind Lovecraft or Machen but with a Halloween tilt.
October 2, 2024
Maybe very slight spoilers ahead...
I can't help it. I'm a sucker for a good Halloween horror with a much-deserved comeuppance. This one had the gore and suspense that I wanted. So glad I started October with this spooky read.
I can't help it. I'm a sucker for a good Halloween horror with a much-deserved comeuppance. This one had the gore and suspense that I wanted. So glad I started October with this spooky read.
November 1, 2024
Hey, Brian, leave a little talent for the rest of us, eh? Geesh (insert eyeroll).
Something I've always said about Brian was that you can see the evolution of his writing with each story. I know The Pail was the first story he's ever written, and he has gone back and rewritten it, so I can't compare this newer version with the older, but Brian has once again proven himself quite a phenomenal writer.
The Pail was an insane, quick read, perfect for Halloween. The Pail was so descriptive, creating perfect imagery as the story unfolds.
Danny Pearson was a child, like any other, excited about Halloween. When he and his parents witness something so horrible that night, Danny was never the same again. Years later, and still battling his trauma, he decides to give Trick or Treating another shot. Only this Halloween, Danny bears witness to something far more evil.
Something I've always said about Brian was that you can see the evolution of his writing with each story. I know The Pail was the first story he's ever written, and he has gone back and rewritten it, so I can't compare this newer version with the older, but Brian has once again proven himself quite a phenomenal writer.
The Pail was an insane, quick read, perfect for Halloween. The Pail was so descriptive, creating perfect imagery as the story unfolds.
Danny Pearson was a child, like any other, excited about Halloween. When he and his parents witness something so horrible that night, Danny was never the same again. Years later, and still battling his trauma, he decides to give Trick or Treating another shot. Only this Halloween, Danny bears witness to something far more evil.
November 5, 2023
My new favorite by Berry!
I thought this book was going to rip my heart out, it started off by making me feel so much for Danny, his fight to overcome trauma was heartbreaking. Then it turned into something darker. Berry chose the perfect POV to tell this story from.
I thought this book was going to rip my heart out, it started off by making me feel so much for Danny, his fight to overcome trauma was heartbreaking. Then it turned into something darker. Berry chose the perfect POV to tell this story from.
August 29, 2024
I read horror all year round. I read other genres as well but my reading diet has a pretty steady stream of horror. Every October I shift to reading Halloween themed horror. Within the last 10 years or so every year around the beginning of September there are numerous new Halloween themed horror books released. Inevitably I never make through my Halloween themed TBR pile.
So this year I'm trying to start early. I bought this book around Halloween last year and never got to it. So I officially chose this book to start my spooky season reading streak.
I'm a big fan of Brian Berry and have really enjoyed everything I've read from him so far. I have a ton of his physical books waiting to be read as well.
The Pail was a fast fun read, reminiscent or an 80's horror movie you would rent on VHS from a mom and pop video shop. Absolutely loved the writing, his prose is top notch and really hooks you into the story.
This is what I would classify as splatterpunk but the gore is not totally over the top. It might actually be a good entry point for those who are curious about the genre but are scared to jump in.
Over all I really liked it and can't wait to dive into some of his other work.
So this year I'm trying to start early. I bought this book around Halloween last year and never got to it. So I officially chose this book to start my spooky season reading streak.
I'm a big fan of Brian Berry and have really enjoyed everything I've read from him so far. I have a ton of his physical books waiting to be read as well.
The Pail was a fast fun read, reminiscent or an 80's horror movie you would rent on VHS from a mom and pop video shop. Absolutely loved the writing, his prose is top notch and really hooks you into the story.
This is what I would classify as splatterpunk but the gore is not totally over the top. It might actually be a good entry point for those who are curious about the genre but are scared to jump in.
Over all I really liked it and can't wait to dive into some of his other work.
October 28, 2025
Great Halloween read. Every year I look forward to reading some Halloween horror in October. It's usually hard to find something as most books are horror but don't really tie into Halloween or the ones that tie into Halloween seem to be written for a younger crowd and are light on the horror. This one had everything you would hope for in a Halloween read - starting with a Halloween past where a young trick or treater witnesses a crazed murderer on Halloween. He is traumatized and now flash forward to him being a 14 year old ready to go out for Halloween for first time since traumatic event after moving to a new town. On his trek, he encounters vicious bullies and then something strange and horrific in park. It was a relatively short book - 120 pages but had slashers/candy stealing bullies/and Halloween monsters all packed in. This was my first read by Brian Berry - will definitely check out some more of his work.
August 29, 2024
Danny is a 14 year old boy who had a traumatic experience on Halloween when he was 10 and has hated the Holiday ever since, until this year. He decides to face his fears and go out on Halloween night but his past may come back to haunt him. Or, is it all in his head? This was a wild ride for being just over 100 pages, and it had me guessing what was real and what was fake the whole time. However I wish there was more plot and a longer ending. But I recommend if you’re looking for something psychological with themes of extreme horror sprinkled throughout!! 🫶🏻🎃
October 28, 2023
This is a great, one-sitting Halloween read, perfect for fans of 80's style horror. Not only does it have Berry's token scratch and sniff gore-fest tones, it also has heart; the story follows a traumatized child turned teen trying to overcome his fears of Halloween night after witnessing an unspeakable crime.
October 25, 2023
Amazing short story of bullies getting what they deserve! Great read!
November 7, 2023
I loved this!! Was a quick read, perfect for Halloween!
October 27, 2023
A cosmic horror Halloween nightmare that fits the season while keeping it horrifying.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews