Mister October, Volume I - An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala

by Christopher Golden (Editor)

On March 21st, 2013, I received a phone call from Holly Newstein telling me that her husband, Rick Hautala, had suffered a massive heart attack. That piece of information shocked me into a surreal sort of panic, so much so that at first I could not make the leap to the next thing she said…that he had died. It seemed impossible. Rick had been such a good friend, such a consistent and stable force in my life, that the idea of him being so suddenly removed from this world…I just couldn’t make sense of it.

I have no doubt that readers will treasure this two-volume set. It is my hope that as you read, you will ruminate a little bit about the man for whom we all have come together within these pages. And I hope you’ll urge others to pick up their own copies of MISTER OCTOBER as well.

Neil Gaiman – FEEDERS AND EATERS, Graham Joyce – UNDER THE PYLON, Matthew Costello – A GUY WALKS INTO A BAR, Michael Marshall Smith – HELL HATH ENLARGED HERSELF, Chet Williamson – FIGURES IN RAIN, Elizabeth Massie – AS YOU HAVE MADE US, Peter Crowther – THOUGHTFUL BREATHS, Matti Hautala – NEVER BACK AGAIN, Mark Morris – A GIRL, SITTING, Richard Chizmar – BLOOD BROTHERS, Stephen R. Bissette – LITTLE BROTHERS—PORTFOLIO, Joe R. Lansdale – TIGHT LITTLE STITCHES IN A DEAD MAN’S BACK, Yvonne Navarro – CRAVING, José R. Nieto – lXCHEL’S TEARs, Duane Swierczynski – LIFE DURING DEATH, Gary A. Braunbeck – AFTER THE ELEPHANT BALLET, Craig Shaw Gardner – OVERNIGHT GUEST, Jack M. Haringa – SPRINGFIELD REPEATER, Tom Piccirilli – CONJURER—BOOK I: THE GRIEVE, F. Paul Wilson – THE YEAR THE MUSIC DIED, Jonathan Maberry – PROPERTY CONDEMNED—A Story of Pine Deep, John M. McIlveen – PLAYING THE HUDDYS, Weston Ochse – CRASHING DOWN, Glenn Chadbourne, Morbideus W. Goodell

Genres: Horror, Short Stories, Anthologies, Supernatural, Fiction

404 pages, Paperback

First published October 31, 2013

About the author

CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN is the New York Times bestselling, Bram Stoker Award-winning author of such novels as Road of Bones, Ararat, Snowblind, Of Saints and Shadows, and Red Hands. With Mike Mignola, he is the co-creator of the Outerverse comic book universe, including such series as Baltimore, Joe Golem: Occult Detective, and Lady Baltimore. As an editor, he has worked on the short story anthologies Seize the Night, Dark Cities, and The New Dead, among others, and he has also written and co-written comic books, video games, screenplays, and a network television pilot. Golden co-hosts the podcast Defenders Dialogue with horror author Brian Keene. In 2015 he founded the popular Merrimack Valley Halloween Book Festival. He was born and raised in Massachusetts, where he still lives with his family. His work has been nominated for the British Fantasy Award, the Eisner Award, and multiple Shirley Jackson Awards. For the Bram Stoker Awards, Golden has been nominated ten times in eight different categories. His original novels have been published in more than fifteen languages in countries around the world. Please visit him at www.christophergolden.com

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rick Hautala was a prolific writer of horror novels and short stories who, sadly, died in March this year (2013). Realising Rick's family now faced financial difficulties (all explained in the preface), Christopher Golden enlisted the aid of an enormous roster of horror writers to contribute stories to this mammoth two-volume anthology, proceeds from which will all go to Rick's family.

I confess I am writing this review after having only dipped into the collection, but from the dozen or so stories I've read, I can confirm that the standard of stories here is very high. It includes a number of hard-to-find rarities, together with several stories previously unpublished in any form. Well-known names contributing include Neil Gaiman, Graham Joyce, Peter Crowther, F. Paul Wilson, Clive Barker, Peter Straub, Nancy A. Collins, Kim Newman... and Rick Hautala himself.

This is a fine collection, in an admirable cause, which serves as a useful survey of the current horror scene. Highly recommended.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this anthology! I absolutely loved all the things the authors had to say about Rick, in the back of the book. These stories showed just how much of an influence/inspiration Hautala was to all of these authors. I only got to know Mr. October for a short time but it felt like I knew him a lot longer. I miss our chats, what a humble down to earth guy. I am so happy these anthologies were created to honor him.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of short stories by various authors compiled in honor of the late Rick Hautala. There are tales of love, friendship, magic, horror, and more.

A couple of the stories do have typos and grammatical errors; however, I was reading an ARC, so that could be the explanation.

As with any compilation, whether by the same author or various authors, there will be some stories with greater emotional effect than others. A couple of the stories were truly enchanting also. I am not going to list titles or authors as I feel each reader should make up their own mind.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Mister October Volume One, An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala


Contents:
Feeders and Eaters by Neil Gaiman
Under the Pylon by Graham Joyce
A Guy Walks into a Bar by Matthew Costello
Hell Hath Enlarged Herself by Michael Marshall Smith
Figures in the Rain by Chet Williamson
As You Have Made Us by Elizabeth Massie
Thoughtful Breath by Peter Crowther
Never Back Again by Matti Hautala
A Girl, Sitting by Mark Morris
Blood Brothers by Richard Chizmar
Little Brothers- Portfolio by Stephen R. Bissette
Tight Little Stitches in a Dead Man's Back by Joe R. Lansdale
Craving by Yvonne Navarro
Ixchel's Tears Jose R. Nieto
Life During Death Duane Swierczynski
After the Elephant Ballet by Gary A. Braunbeck
Overnight Guest by Craig Shaw Gardner
Springfield Repeater by Jack M. Haringa
Conjurer- Book 1: The Grieve by Tom Piccirilli
The Year the Music Died by F. Paul Wilson
Property Condemned - A Story of Pine Deep by Jonathan Maberry
Playing the Huddys by John M. McIlveen
Crashing Down by Weston Ochse


What an amazing tribute to Rick Hautala, an author who passed away unexpectedly last year. 100% of the proceeds from this and its companion volume go to Mr. Hautala's family. I was fortunate in that I was able to get this set for reviewing purposes but given the quality of work in these volumes I will be purchasing additional sets so that I can send them to friends. My condolences to the Hautala family on their loss. Mr. Hautala's work has always been something I personally enjoyed over the years and his loss means that there is one less excellent storyteller to bring enjoyment to others.

Christopher Golden's introduction to the series is a touching tribute to his friend and colleague. The contributors to these volumes are some of the brightest lights in fantastic literature and the stories included are among some of the best I have read.

There is not a single one that I did not enjoy but some struck home with a sense of poignancy that resonated long after. Peter Crowther's, Thoughtful Breaths, is just lovely and feels so personal to me. That being said, I recommend this volume of tales highly and thank all the artists involved for a wonderful tribute to a talented man who will be missed by the readers as well as his peers.

[Tom · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can you say. I wish this book did not have to come out. However this is a super tribute to a great writer from other great writers. I am looking forward to reading the second volume soon. Highest recommendation possible.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mister October, Volume I An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala is an eclectic blend of Horror short stories. This anthology has something scary for every type of horror fan. There are stories from some of the greatest horror writers ever: Neil Gaiman, Joe R. Lansdale, and Richard Chizmar.

The author Christopher Golden put together this anthology to help the family of Rick Hautala; who was devastated financially by his sudden death. One hundred percent of the proceeds from this book will go to the Hautala family.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

my favorite story in this book was A girl Sitting It was so sad but it was also a story about the death of a child and how that spirit stays with you or at east that is my personal feelings. I do thank everyone for choosing me to win the book and I do apologize for such a late review I think it is nice to read the different sections it kept the book interesting also I thought the drawings were also good some were more vivid than some would like but I did like the art. thanks for sharing such a great book with me

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 3 out of 5]

In March of this year, Rick passed away suddenly of a heart attack, leaving his wife and sons in a difficult situation. Already suffering from some financial struggles, he had allowed his life insurance to lapse, leaving his family with no help for funeral expenses or life to follow. When he heard the news, Christopher Golden reached out to dozen of authors and artists, asking them to contribute to a charitable anthology, with the proceeds going to Rick's family.

Much to his delight, nearly every one of them agreed to take place, hence the 2 volume Mister October collection, An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala.


Personally, I found Volume I a bit uneven, with a number of stories that just didn't work for me, but some definite highlights included:

FEEDERS AND EATERS by Neil Gaiman. Could there be a better way to kick off an anthology than with the signature feel and narrative sound of a Neil Gaiman tale? This is a great story, creepy and understated, with a great final scene.

A GUY WALKS INTO A BAR by Matthew Costello. Sometimes it's the suggestion of horror, and sometimes it's the expectation of a twist that makes a story. This one plays to both, slowly building the sense of dread.

TIGHT LITTLE STITCHES IN A DEAD MAN’S BACK by Joe R. Lansdale. This was one of my favorite stories of both volumes. It's a post-apocalyptic tale where the horrors of monstrous, tentacle-like roses and barren ocean floors, populated with crawling whales, pale in comparison to a tattoo drawn in mourning for a couple's lost daughter.

THE YEAR THE MUSIC DIED by F. Paul Wilson. In a story that adds a X-files sort of paranoia to an episode of the Twilight Zone, this one re-imagines the death of rock 'n roll's early heroes as not a series of unfortunate accidents, but a carefully orchestrated political conspiracy.

PROPERTY CONDEMNED—A Story of Pine Deep by Jonathan Maberry. As a fan of the Pine Deep trilogy, I was looking forward to this one, and it didn't disappoint. It's a haunted house story that takes a Stephen King sort of look at the dynamics of a childhood friendship, as well as the horrors awaiting them on the other side of adulthood. It's a sad tale, but a powerful one.


Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins

[Justyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly haven’t read any of Hautala’s work, maybe aside from a short story here or there, but this anthology dedicated to him in the aftermath of his death shows promise. The 22 stories in this volume comprise half the contributions notable horror writers and others who have selected stories to dedicate to Hautala, and a few written exclusively for this volume. Artwork is also included between stories for the visually macabre eye to appreciate.

“Feeders and Eaters” by Neil Gaiman
An encounter with someone from the past reveals a strange story of cannibalism and raw meat. This was a strong start told through the main character listening to another’s story. 4/5

“Under the Pylon” by Graham Joyce
Strange happenings take place at an electricity pylon kids hang out under. It was interesting, but more weird than anything else. 3/5

“A Guy Walks into a Bar” by Matthew Costello
The narrator’s voice catches your attention, as does the title where a stranger brings a confession to the regulars to hear. 4/5

“Hell Hath Enlarged Herself” by Michael Marshall Smith
This story had Smith’s nostalgic undertones and vibrant prose, and emotional moments of dealing with the loss of loved ones. Still, the sci-fi elements read a bit like a report, but the concepts were interesting enough. 3/5

“Figures in the Rain” by Chet Williamson
An older couple takes a trip to rekindle their relationship with the help of a ghostly encounter. Though plain, I enjoyed this heartfelt, old fashioned ghost story. 4/5

“As You Have Made Us” by Elizabeth Massie
A story about the Discards, or physically deformed freaks; one tries to find himself in a minister who has him face the truth of himself. This was a unique story of regret and self-acceptance. 4/5

“Thoughtful Breaths” by Peter Crowther
This lengthy tale covers the life of a family, and how we grieve over loved ones who still stay with us after they’ve passed on. This was fitting for this anthology. 4/5

“Never Back Again” by Matti Hautala
Hautala’s son writes a sad story of a boy trying to bring back his younger brother who drowned. I enjoyed the atmosphere and emotion in this piece. 4/5

“A Girl Sitting” by Mark Morris
A couple moves into a new home with a ghost only the husband can see. This was a rather plain, but interesting ghost story. 3/5

“Blood Brothers” by Richard Chizmar
When his brother returns, a man has to decide to help his brother or put an end to his past. This story gripped me from the beginning and worked well. 4/5

“Little Brothers Portfolio” by Stephen R. Bissette
This includes artwork and commentary by Bissette who worked with Hautala on a comic adaptation of some stories.

“Tight Little Stiches in a Dead Man’s Back” by Joe R. Lansdale
This was a weird story told through a man’s journal entry as he regrets the death of his daughter, and wants to rekindle his relationship with his wife, a tattooist, and he’d do anything to bring them back together. It wasn’t my kind of thing, but the emotions were there. 4/5

“Craving” by Yvonne Navarro
A man and woman find each other drawn to the scenes of accidents and death. I enjoyed this idea and its execution. 5/5

“Ixchel’s Tears” by Jose R. Nieto
A man tries to reconcile with his fiancé around Christmas, and meets another man who sells him a rare flower. I enjoyed the tone and resonance of this story wrought with cultural tension of interracial relationships, and love that transcends it. 5/5

“Life During Death” by Duane Swierczynski
A short piece about a guy who dies while putting on his underwear—interesting, funny, and odd. 3/5

“After the Elephant Ballet” by Gary A. Braunbeck
A children’s author hears a strange story about elephants from a disfigured girl, and discovers his mother’s connection to the story. This was a really bittersweet story filled with childhood innocence about grieving and death. 5/5

“Overnight Guest” by Craig Shaw Gardner
A man having an affair with a woman stays in a hotel with a special bathroom mirror. This was a well-crafted, intriguing story exploring age and love. 5/5

“Springfield Repeater” by Jack M. Haringa
A boy kills his older brother once and becomes haunted by him only to kill him over and over again. This was a fun and original take on the ghost story. 5/5

“Conjurer—Book I: The Grieve” by Tom Piccirilli
This dark fantasy story about vampires wasn’t my kind of thing. It did have action though, and sounds like there are further additions to it as well. 2/5

“The Year the Music Died” by F. Paul Wilson
A strange conspiracy about rock and roll leads to a commentary of music I’m too young to understand. This one failed to capture my attention. 1/5

“Property Condemned—A Story of Pine Deep” by Jonathan Maberry
A standard haunted house story, entertaining, but not too memorable. 3/5

“Playing the Huddys” by John M. McIlveen
A softball team plays a game against an incestuous family—bizarre and original. 3/5

“Crashing Down” by Weston Ochse
A man grieving over the death of his family encounters a stranger also in bereavement. The themes of death and forgiveness bring a strong end to the volume. 5/5

This was a strong anthology full of fitting tales to Hautala of how we cope with the death of loved ones as well as some notable ghost stories. A few stories weren’t for my taste, but as with any anthology, variety serves a larger audience and helps with exposure to lesser known, but talented writers. Overall, I enjoyed Volume 1, and it has been one of the better anthologies I’ve read. 3.7/5

[Joshua Hair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a collection! It goes to show you just how much love the writing community had for Mister Hautala. It is a tragedy that he was lost so young, and a travesty that his family was left to suffer for it. It warms my heart-neigh, melts it altogether-to know that so many incredible authors and artists came together to honor him and help support his family. Thank you all so much! You've done Mister Hautala a great justice by creating a collection that will forever showcase the lives he touched.

[Brett Grossmann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sone great names but most of the material is early less polished works

[Alison C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The subtitle of Mister October, Volumes 1 & 2, edited by Christopher Golden, is An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala. Mr. Hautala was a well-known, well-loved writer of horror stories who died suddenly of a heart attack in early 2013; he died without an up-do-date life insurance policy, leaving his wife and children with no resources to pay various death-related costs. Enter Christopher Golden, well-known writer (of sf/f and dark fantasy/horror), who approached numerous fellow writers and asked for a story to donate to a book, the proceeds of which would go to the widow and children. Not only did he have such an enormous response that the project grew to two volumes, but when he approached the publisher of Hautala's last two novels, JournalStone, that publisher decided to donate all of its profits to the cause as well, holding back only enough money to cover production costs. The result is two volumes of very high quality horror stories, most reprints but a few original publications as well (several stories that had previously been written but not sold, one that was written specifically for these volumes). The authors range from extremely well known (Neil Gaiman, Joe R. Lansdale, Richard Chizmar, F. Paul Wilson) to not-known-at-all (such as Rick's own son Matti Hautala, who to judge by "Never Back Again" has inherited his father's writing chops); as with any such anthology, each reader will like some stories more than others, but all of them are quite excellent. My favourites from Volume 1 include "Feeders and Eaters," by Neil Gaiman; "A Girl, Sitting," by Mark Morris (original to this anthology); Jose R. Nieto's "Ixchel's Tears"; Tom Piccirilli's "Conjurer - Book I: The Grieve" (also original); and my very favourite, Gary A. Braunbeck's "After the Elephant Ballet." If you have any interest in dark fantasy/horror in short form, but know little about it, this could well be the place for you to start - not only is the quality of writing high, but the styles are extremely varied and not every story is gruesome or gory. For example, the Morris is quietly horrific, while the Braunbeck is simpy heart-breaking. But there's a fair share of gore here too, for those who prefer their horror visceral. In addition, there are drawings by Glenn Chadbourne, Stephen R. Bissette, and Morbideus W. Goodell; and reminiscences by various authors about their relationships with Rick Hautala. These volumes also provide readers with the satisfaction of knowing that they are doing a good deed in addition to pleasing themselves; I feel somewhat badly that I received these for free as "early reviewer" copies, but I'm very glad that I've had the privilege to read them. Highly recommended!

[Ed Gosney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mister October, Volume I - An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala, edited by Christopher Golden and published by JournalStone, is packed so full of stories that they had to split this into two volumes. And that’s not a bad thing, because as entertaining as the stories are in Volume I, that means more people will be buying Volume II. And the proceeds are being used to help the Hautala family in their time of need with Rick’s untimely passing.

This first volume is full of familiar writers to those who read horror and speculative fiction, such as Neil Gaiman, Graham Joyce, Chet Williamson, Richard Chizmar, Joe R. Lansdale, Gary Braunbeck, and F. Paul Wilson.

I particularly enjoyed reading Jonathan Maberry’s “Property Condemned-A Story of Pine Deep,” since I’ve read two of the three novels in that series. It helped put some perspective on the characters involved.

One of the strangest stories in this collection is “Playing the Huddys,” by John M. McIlveen. The incestuous Huddys are a family straight out of a Richard Laymon backwoods nightmare. Bizarre doesn’t adequately describe it.

Gary Braunbeck’s “After the Elephant Ballet” is a haunting tale that will definitely stick with you and keeps you turning the page to see just what this is about. Another interesting story comes from Hautala’s son, Mattie Hautala. “Never Back Again” will make you think twice about letting your children go beyond the borders of your backyard to play. As a matter of fact, maybe you better sit out there with them.

As a fan of post-apocalyptic fiction, Joe R. Lansdale’s “Tight Little Stitches In a Dead Man’s Back” had me creeped out more than usual in his vision of a bleak future. This is definitely worth a read.

And if you are a fan of conspiracy theories, you simply have to get this collection just for F. Paul Wilson’s clever story, “The Year the Music Died.”

Oh, I also loved Gaiman’s story. And the one by Elizabeth Massie. And then there was that one by Craig Shaw Gardner too. Anyway, you get the picture. This is a fun ride, and Rick would be very pleased. Can’t wait to discover what Volume II holds.

[M. Fenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

LibraryThing gave me free e-copies of Mister October Volumes I and II: An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala as part of their Early Reviewer program. I had never heard of Rick Hautala (even though he’s published dozens of novels and short stories), but I had heard of several of the authors included in this anthology. So I was looking forward to checking out this collection.

As some of you may know, there’s a sad reason for the books’ creation. Rick Hautala died of a heart attack in March 2013, leaving his wife and children in a bad way financially; money struggles had forced him to let his life insurance slip. So editor Christopher Golden chose to create this anthology as a way to raise money for the family. Chris Paine at Journalstone agreed to publish the books without taking a profit.

The result is a decent collection of horror stories. I found the second volume to be stronger the first, enjoying more of the stories therein. I really liked Jack Ketchum‘s evilly funny “Hotline,” Peter Straub‘s “Little Red’s Tango” (I once aspired to have an apartment full of records like that, just not the demon), and Nancy Collins‘ “Catfish Gal Blues,” along with Jeff Strand‘s “Hologram Skull Cover” and Nate Kenyon‘s “The Dreamcatcher.” They were the strongest in terms of both the horror itself and the writing. Volume I’s shining moments included Yvonne Navarro‘s “Craving,” Joe Lansdale‘s “Tight Little Stitches,” and Jonathan Maberry‘s “Property Condemned: A Story of Pine Deep.” The latter, a seriously creepy haunted house tale, has me wanting to read Maberry’s Pine Deep Trilogy now.

In fact, this anthology introduced me to a lot of authors I want to read more of: for example, Sarah Langan, John Skipp, the editor Christopher Golden, Tim Lebbon, José Nieto, and Duane Swierczynski. Their stories made up for the weaker ones, and there are sadly many of those in this collection. Stories that are weak in the telling, dull, or repulsive in a not-good horror way.

Your mileage may vary, of course. Mister October is definitely worth a read and buying it helps folks who need it. Seems like a good thing all around, even thought the reason for it is a sad one. 3.2/5

[Isabel (kittiwake) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in return for a review, via the LibraryThing Early Reviewers program.

Yes of course it was a stupid thing to do. We had a monkey jacked full of the most communicable virus known to man in our house. The lab was heavily secured by then, but it was still an insane risk. I think, in retrospect, that we were so caught up in what we were doing, in our own joitn mind, that normal considerations has ceased to register.

When horror writer Rick Hautala died suddenly without life insurance, his friend Christopher Golden decided to put out an anthology of stories to raise money for his family. So many stories poured in that he had to split the book into two volumes.

Volume I contains a wide variety of stories, ranging from outright horror to poignant stories of ghosts and timeslips, and the occasional more humorous tale. Although there is no overall theme, quite a lot of the stories were about relationships between parents and children, and conflict between brothers, both alive and dead.

My three favourites were "Figures in Rain" and "The Year the Music Died", and especially "Hell Hath Enlarged Herself", which in some ways reminded me of the Lovecraft story "Herbert West, Reanimator". There was never going to be a happy ending to this story, with its mad scientists locked in their folie à trois, working in their home laboratory without thought to medical ethics or safety protocols.

[Gökçe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was sent to me by LibraryThings Early Reviewer Program.

I didn't read anything from Rick Hautala but after reading this anthology I want to read his books. He was a loved and influential horror writer. It is aparent from the wide scope of authors in this anthology.

There are some creepy gems inside, the story "Hell Hath Enlarged Herself" is a scifi horror story with twists and an interesting ending by Michael Marshall Smith. "Figures in Rain" by Chet Williamson is a sweet heart warming creepy story about love and marriage. "A Girl Sitting" by Mark Morris was predictable but interesting maybe because I've got a baby girl.

All considered the first volume is a mixed bag of goodies. If you like horror check it out.

[Scooby2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received Volumes I and II from Library Thing and I am so glad that I did. This was a great collection of horror stories from some great well known authors put together to honor Rick Hautala. Some of the authors in the collection I had read before and others I had not, so for that I am grateful for the introduction to some new authors. Some of the stories were great and others not so much, but I feel that readers will definitely find a story or two to like in these collections. I highly recommend both volumes to readers who like the horror genre.

[Bill Borre]

"Playing the Huddys" by John M. McIlveen - The narrator shows up on ball field with his team to practice but finds it occupied by a family of inbreeds who happen to be good ball players. Buddy Huddy challenges him to a game and they lose to the Huddys. Linny Huddy asks the narrator if he was the one who left a note on Buddy's car inviting them to the field today but he denies any knowledge of it.

"A Guy Walks Into a Bar" by Matthew Costello - wc
"Springfield Repeater" by Jack M. Haringa - wc
"Life During Death" by Duane Swierczynski - wc