November 2019 Group Read of MIDNIGHT IN THE GRAVEYARD with 25 Guest Authors

[Latasha]

Those are amazing experiences! I think some people are more sensitive. My mom definitely is but I am not and that’s ok with me.

[Kathryn]

Kenneth wrote: "Glad to hear you’re on the mend, Willie. Your ghost experiences got me thinking and I have a question for everyone:;

Do you believe that some people are more susceptible to ghost sightings than ot..."

Kenneth asked: Do you believe that some people are more susceptible to ghost sightings than others, say mediums or artists, writers, etc?

First: William...happy you're on the mend. I fought breast cancer two Decembers ago (so far still clear) so I can sympathize. Getting older isn't for the weak.
Kenneth: Yes, I believe an artist (of any kind) is more susceptible to the supernatural. Ghosts and things. I think it's sometimes because we 'listen' more to the world and humans around us. Feel more because we're trying to. We're attuned to something deeper than the flat façade of reality. Like this...the night my brother was killed the phone call came around midnight, but I had had a bad feeling all evening -knew something bad was about to happen- and wasn't surprised when the call came and what I was told. I still get those intuitions. Wish I didn't.

[Elke]

William wrote: "Elke wrote: "And another general question to both authors and fellow readers: what is your favorite ghost short story (not from Midnight...) that you would recommend?



Smoke Ghost by Fritz Leiber..."

I will put that on my list and take a look, thanks!

And: Get well soon!

[Elke]

Alan wrote: "Elke wrote: "The Putpocket - I enjoyed the historical setting and the premise..."

I'm glad you enjoyed the story. In my nearly decades-long research for the Jack the Ripper Victims Series, I've le..."

It reminded me that I've just recently purchased a copy of the first part in the series. Have to admit I accidentally 'stumbled' over it at the Voodoo Press final sale, but at least something good coming out of the sad closure of yet another promising publishing company...

Recently, I developed an interest in stories taking place in Victorian-style settings (like 1793 or Things in Jars). The only Ripper book I've ever read was the 'Diary...' by Shirley Harrison, and I remember being impressed by the pictures and the book's diary style, which was totally new to me. I have no idea if it is authentic or not, but it was entertaining enough back then.

[Elke]

Kenneth wrote: "Glad to hear you’re on the mend, Willie. Your ghost experiences got me thinking and I have a question for everyone:;

Do you believe that some people are more susceptible to ghost sightings than ot..."

Definitely, though I'm not among them (not sure whether that's a good or bad thing yet). I'm more the practical matter-of-fact type...which I possibly try to compensate with genre reading ;)

[Melanie]

William wrote: "Latasha wrote: "@Willliam-
Hope your feeling better! i just got a collection of Fritz Leiber. i'll have to check if that one's in there.
i'm interested in hearing about this viking long boat si..."

Great to hear you're on the mend William. I'll be looking up Smoke Ghost for my next short listen, and putting Scotland at the top of the bucket list for haunted places!

[Kenneth]

@Elke An aggressive dog like that can make your knees wobble, for sure. I grew up around a few of those myself. In college, I was friends with a woman who had a doberman. Every time you opened your car door, that doberman who come running and hop in, then just sit there an growl at you. It was bizarre and terrifying and awkward.

@Marie Where I grew up (before PA), in the suburbs of Chicago, there were always dogs roaming free. I remember getting tree'd more than a few times. Once, I was stuck up in a crabapple tree for over an hour because three dogs wouldn't leave me be.

Thanks @Jason, @Elizabeth, @Char and anyone else I might have missed (I'm sure I did).

Glad everyone is enjoying the book. It's great reading about everyone's inspiration and hearing thoughts about all the stories.

@Kenneth "Do you believe that some people are more susceptible to ghost sightings than others, say mediums or artists, writers, etc?"

Yes. I think NDEs make people more susceptible to it, as well. When I was a kid, lightning struck my window (at the first house, the really haunted one). I'm pretty sure that occurrence knocked me out or something worse, which made it easier for me to see these things.

[Char]

William wrote: "Elke wrote: "And another general question to both authors and fellow readers: what is your favorite ghost short story (not from Midnight...) that you would recommend?



Smoke Ghost by Fritz Leiber..."

I'm pretty sure I have this book, but haven't read it yet. Thanks for sharing, Willie! (And I'm glad that you're on the mend.)

[Jon Recluse]

I've always wondered about haunted roadways.
I used to live near one of New York's deadliest roadways, the Interboro Parkway (now the Jackie Robinson Parkway). Single car accidents are very common. I'd take a two hour detour before driving it at night.
Secondly, I live on Long Island now......which has a nasty reputation as a body dumpsite going back years.

[Char]

I read THOSE WHO ARE TERRIFIED LAST NIGHT and was delighted by the turn that it took. Well done!

[William]

Britpop fans among you will, of course, have noticed that COOL FOR CATS is the title of a song by Squeeze. There's no connection to the story...I just like the song. It reminds me of my youth.

[Jon Recluse]

My thoughts so far:

DEVIL'S DIP: A nasty trip down memory lane with a spectral chaser. The ending is brilliant and brutal.

TUG O' WAR: This one's a gut punch that strikes close to home. Left me shaken.....and I'm not prone to it.

EUPHEMIA CHRISTIE: The ties that bind are the ones that will drag you under. This will keep me from poking around what's buried under my family tree.

JUSTIN'S FAVORITE: A really nasty game of 'Mom always liked you best'. Hell hath no fury.....

HOLES IN THE FABRIC: When the grip of a cult doesn't end in death.....unsettling and nightmare inducing.

DOG DAYS: I love dogs. My neighbor's dog barked at me the morning after I read this.....I almost broke my house key....

More later.

[Kimberly]

Jon Recluse wrote: "My thoughts so far:

DEVIL'S DIP: A nasty trip down memory lane with a spectral chaser. The ending is brilliant and brutal.

TUG O' WAR: This one's a gut punch that strikes close to home. Left me s..."

As always, Jon's assessment is spot on, in my opinion!

[Alan]

Elke wrote: "I accidentally 'stumbled' over it at the Voodoo Press final sale, but at least something good coming out of the sad closure of yet another promising publishing company...

Sounds like you picked up the German Language edition of Of Thimble and Threat, the title in German being Am seidenen Faden. Is that right?

I have no idea how it reads since I cannot read German. The translator, Kerstin Fricke, has a good reputation, I think.

Anyway, thank you for picking it up. I hope you enjoy it.

[Melanie]

William wrote: "Britpop fans among you will, of course, have noticed that COOL FOR CATS is the title of a song by Squeeze. There's no connection to the story...I just like the song. It reminds me of my youth."

I listened to Smoke Ghost this morning while starving fasting before my minor surgery today. What a great creepy little story. And it holds up so beautifully after all these years. It could easily have been written in the current day. Thank you William.

[Elizabeth]

William wrote: "Finally here. Sorry I'm late but I had an unexpected hospital stay and I"m recovering from major abdominal surgery. Don't make me laugh -- I might split up the middle."

Here's to a speedy and as painless-as-possible recovery. And yes, please don't laugh! Repeat after me, "Laughing sucks. Laughing is bad."

[Elizabeth]

I've been jumping around through the book. Just read Chad's "Tug O' War." Skillfully written and oh, so very chilling and heartbreaking. One I won't forget.

[Jen from Quebec :0)]

THIS. BOOK. What a fantastic collection! After reading (and enjoying) a story, I move on to the next, thinking "well, they can't ALL be winners, surely I'll get to a clunker on the next one", but---NOPE. So far, this book is SOLID WIN. ---Jen from Quebec :0)

[William]

Elizabeth wrote: "William wrote: "Finally here. Sorry I'm late but I had an unexpected hospital stay and I"m recovering from major abdominal surgery. Don't make me laugh -- I might split up the middle."

Here's to a..."


It's actually a lot better these past few days. I might manage a chuckle.

[Kimberly]

This book is amazing! Not a "bad" story in the bunch!!!

[Kenneth]

That’s great to hear everyone is enjoying it.

I’d like to hear from the rest of the authors that haven’t chimed in yet on how their story came to be.

Also, Hunter Goatley, can you ask Robert what he remembers about creating Haunted World and what his thoughts are on ghost stories or ghosts, in general?

[Ginger]

Really liked The Glimmer Girls by Kenneth McKinley! It's a nice balance of nonfiction and horror. The gore with the (view spoiler)[radium disease was really well done in this!
I remember reading The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women a few years ago and being disgusted by the business practices and all of the women's deaths. It was so sad and kudos to McKinley for getting it right! (hide spoiler)]

[Jason]

Elke wrote: "Kimberly wrote: "THOSE WHO ARE TERRIFIED, Elizabeth Massie---LOVED IT! Every last bit! I also read Jason Parent's RUSSIAN DOLLHOUSE last night, and thought it was "perfect"--original take on the "h..."

Thanks, Elke! Glad you liked it. Unlike King, I care about my endings, lol! And before I get hanged by the group, I love King just like most everyone else does. (Outsider coming to HBO!!!)

Welcome back, Mr. Meikle. I hope you are healing up nicely!

[Marie]

Russian Dollhouse - That was a creepy, gory story! Something really extreme too! Didn't bother me at all - the extreme parts! :) I like taking a walk on the wild side once in awhile. :)

Sawmill Road - Coming of age haunting! I thought this story was really good. Spooky atmosphere, especially reading it at night in the dark! :)

Bettor's Edge - I really liked this story as well - all I am going to say on this one is: justice was served! :)

The Graveyard - Really liked this story - the atmosphere of the story literally rose off the pages and creeped me out. :)

Join My Club - I liked this one, but mixed emotions on the story as it was sad to me.

Will post more later as I go along. :)

[M.E.]

William wrote: "It's actually a lot better these past few days. I might manage a chuckle."

Glad to hear it Willie! Best wishes for a fast recovery!

[Chris]

I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few weeks and am looking forward to some time with friends here.

Hey Willie--glad to see you are doing well and loved reading your stories and comments and can't wait for your story.

Hi Kealan--I am sure your story will be killer as well.

Hi Jon, Kimberly and Char--great to be with you guys again. Praying for you and your mom, Char.

I read the first few stories last night:

DEVIL'S DIP: Does every town have a cursed location, an urban legend that some swear is crap by others are sure is true? We had a story about a lady that lived on the outskirts of town that would catch kids who ventured too far into her woods. This one reminded me of that. Usually these stories live out their lives while we are young, such things don't usually follow you into your adulthood like this one did.

TUG O' WAR: Great title for this one. I don't want to say anything that gives away the plot but this one gave me a nasty turn at the end.

EUPHEMIA CHRISTIE: Classic name and a classic style ghost story. I have read stories using similar familial concepts and I like them.

My mother in law had a ghost in her house. A small boy. Not threatening at all. At first she was the only one who saw him--playing peek a boo behind two pilars that separated her dining from her kitchen. Then another relative who moved in with her saw it. Ok, we thought, so they are both crazy. The final straw was when one of my kids who had never heard the story stayed with her for a few days. One night at about 10pm she knocked loudly on her bedroom door demanding "who is the little boy playing by the kitchen?" She had never heard of him because we never told the kids so they would not be afraid to stay with their grandmother. At that point we all decided that he must really be there.

[Elke]

Alan wrote: "Elke wrote: "I accidentally 'stumbled' over it at the Voodoo Press final sale, but at least something good coming out of the sad closure of yet another promising publishing company...

Sounds like ..."


Yes, that's it. Usually I try to read the original edition, but some of the small presses do a great job with their translations. I thought it was a perfect opportunity to give the series a try.

[Elke]

Just posted my review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

This was another wonderful group read here at HA, thanks for putting it up!
I've learned so much about the stories behind the stories and also about the authors behind them - thank you all for participating!
It's fantastic how these discussions intensify my reading experience and the impact of the stories.

[Latasha]

Really sorry to hear about your mom Chris.

[Elke]

Melanie wrote: "I listened to Smoke Ghost this morning while starving fasting before my minor surgery today. What a great creepy little story. And it holds up so beautifully after all these years. It could easily have been written in the current day. Thank you William."

Just read the story, too, and your description of the modern quality fits very well, Melanie! Hope you are well.

@William: thanks for bringing that story to our attention!

[Kimberly]

Hope you're feeling better, Willie!

I finished the collection last night. Kealan's story was the PERFECT one to end with!

[Char]

William wrote: "Britpop fans among you will, of course, have noticed that COOL FOR CATS is the title of a song by Squeeze. There's no connection to the story...I just like the song. It reminds me of my youth."

I just read this story last night and enjoyed it quite a bit, William. Thanks for participating here!

[Char]

Chris wrote: "I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few weeks and am looking forward ..."

Chris, I am so, so sorry to hear this, my friend. My heart goes out to you and your family. *HUGS*

[Jon Recluse]

Chris wrote: "I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few weeks and am looking forward ..."

My condolences, brother.

[Alan]

Elke wrote: "I thought it was a perfect opportunity to give the series a try...
..."

I would be very curious to know how it reads. Would you try to remember to let me know what you think of it?

[Chris]

Char wrote: "Chris wrote: "I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few weeks and am lo..."

Thanks, Char. Praying for you and your mom.

[Chris]

Jon Recluse wrote: "Chris wrote: "I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few weeks and am lo..."

Thank you, Jon.

[Kimberly]

Chris, I am so sorry to hear this. (Hugs)

[Chris]

Thank you, Kimberly! Hope you and your family are doing well.

[Chris]

Justin's Favorite--several of these stories have been what I would call "traditional" stories. Sort of like the ones you would read in Creepy or Eerie or older anthologies. For me that is a good thing. I find myself skipping some stories in current anthologies because they are more disturbing (eg child abuse, etc.) than scary. Justin's Favorite is one of several that I have read so far that are what I will call traditional and are the type of stories that attracted me to the genre in the first place.

Holes in the Fabric--very original story. I found the concept to be both realistic (somebody has to clean up after these events) and horrifying. One of my favorites so far.

Dog Days--hmmm. Not good. My dog is a Great Dane and is taller than me. He is my reading companion (he is never more than a foot away from me at any time) and was hanging out with me when I read this. I really want to know where this story came from. Is there a story or an idea behind this story?

[Char]

Chris wrote: "Char wrote: "Chris wrote: "I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few we..."

Thanks, my friend.

[Char]

Chris wrote: "Justin's Favorite--several of these stories have been what I would call "traditional" stories. Sort of like the ones you would read in Creepy or Eerie or older anthologies. For me that is a good th..."

Ken commented a little bit earlier in the thread about Dog Days.

[Chris]

Great! I will look for it. Thanks, Char!

[Ginger]

Just finished the book and I gotta say that it was great! Not a bad story in the bunch. Kudos to all the authors who contributed to this compilation of short stories. It's one of the best compilation of short stories that I've read in YEARS!

And thank you to everyone that contributed to the group chat and questions. I really enjoyed reading comments even though I wasn't commenting that much.
I guess I was a lurker...maybe a ghost just hiding around the corner and observing. ;) hahaha

[Elizabeth]

Chris wrote: "I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few weeks and am looking forward ..."

My deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mom. I understand the heartbreak and heartache. May good memories help ease the pain.

[Chris]

Thanks, Elizabeth.

[Krystal]

Russian Dollhouse got me good!! I wasn't sure at the start but it sucked me in!

This really is a fantastic collection, I'm enjoying it immensely!

[Catherine]

Elizabeth wrote: "Chris wrote: "I have been gone for awhile. My mom took a bad fall (she was 95) and just couldn't pull back from it. She passed last week. I have been in San Antonio for the last few weeks and am lo..."
I am so sorry for your sad loss.

[Jason]

Krystal wrote: "Russian Dollhouse got me good!! I wasn't sure at the start but it sucked me in!

This really is a fantastic collection, I'm enjoying it immensely!"

Glad you liked it, Krystal! Hope I added a little more creepiness to an already creepy-delightful collection. I'm about halfway though it myself!

[Kathryn]

Kenneth asked: I’d like to hear from the rest of the authors that haven’t chimed in yet on how their story came to be.

First: Chris...I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my mother 11 years ago and still miss her. Said a prayer for you and her.

Kenneth asked: I’d like to hear from the rest of the authors that haven’t chimed in yet on how their story came to be.

Hi all again. This is Kathryn Meyer Griffith answering Kenneth. Since my tale ‘The Gravedigger’s Story’ is one of the last ones in the anthology I decided to hold off saying anything about it until now. So here goes.
Well, when I was first approached by Kenneth and invited to submit a story to his new ghost anthology he told me he was calling it Midnight in the Graveyard and it would be a collection of ghost stories. He was inviting many of my older colleagues from my mass market horror paperback days (my first horror paperback, Evil Stalks the Night, came out in 1984 and six more horror novels followed from Leisure and Zebra paperbacks until 1994…then I moved on to writing thrillers, paranormal romance and murder mysteries…though I still love and write horror at times) and when he mentioned some of the possible contributors like Tom Monteleone, Hunter Shea, and (maybe) even Robert McCammon (whose work I have admired and loved for decades) I was excited to be asked to join. But, funny note, I mistakenly thought he wanted an actual story set in a graveyard or connected somehow to a graveyard, not just a general ghost story. I’ve been writing murder mysteries and thrillers the last decade so I decided to add a serial murder mystery in with my ghostly story…set, of course, in a graveyard. So I got this idea of writing a combination horror/revenge/getting final justice ghost tale that would incorporate an eerie wintry graveyard, an old lonely gravedigger, a ghost or ghosts, and the bringing of justice to an evil serial killer. The story came to me quickly. An old solitary gravedigger who had lost a beloved granddaughter ten years before to a serial killer. The gravedigger would seek human justice, but would never get it. The killer walks away scot-free; left alive to continue his brutal killings. So, I thought, how about letting the ghost of his long dead granddaughter, and the killer’s other victims, gain that revenge and final justice when the killer dies. I threw in a freezing snow-covered night graveyard for ambience, a quirky cat, and a couple twists at the end to wrap it all up. I hope everyone who reads it likes it.