One October

by Steve Stratton

ABOUT THE BOOK: On the surface, Plainridge appears to be an ordinary small, Southern town. However, to a few of the locals, the town has a dark past, which has been kept a secret. Greg Jones reluctantly moves back to his hometown after college. Not long after moving back, he begins to discover the town's evil secret as well as his own destiny. **** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Author Steve Stratton lives in Huntsville, Alabama, with his wife, Laura, who is "one in a million," and their two beautiful kids, Josh and Jordan.

102 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2011

About the author

Steve Stratton, the author of One October and Plainridge, received his degree in Business Administration from the University of Alabama and currently works in the banking industry. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his family.

Reviews

[Jakob J. 🎃 · Rating 2 out of 5]

You know when a stranger approaches you in public with an unearned sense of familiarity and flattery? It’s been a while for me, perhaps because I have learned to quickly express my distaste for manufactured connection under false pretenses.

The most recent obnoxious occurrence of this kind was a few years ago now, and in a bookstore, no less. I was excited at the prospect of a spontaneous literary discussion. The young woman asked about my favorite authors. I rattled off a few names; Kafka, Lovecraft, Hemingway, O’Connor. I politely returned the question. She responded, I kid you not, as follows: “I can’t remember his name. He wrote The Shining.” I chuckled, sensing a ‘just kidding’ to follow. It did not. I paused and said, “Stephen King?”

“That’s him!” She said. “I knew you were smart.” It was at this moment that I knew something was amiss. Who forgets one’s favorite author’s name, let alone the most popular name in fiction? And what was with that clumsy, disingenuous compliment? I tried thinking charitably. Maybe she was trying to flirt. Maybe she read in Cosmo that men like to feel smart so she gave me an opportunity to lay some knowledge on her. Nevertheless, it was odd and soon thereafter came the pitch. Something about ‘independent distribution at the ground level.’ It was then clear that I was approached not as an intellectual—or even sexual—prospect, but a multi-level marketing one. I made my firm disinterest evident and moved along.

I did not expect so long a setup, but I’m going somewhere, and this story took longer before pulling the rug. This religious tract masquerading as a spooky story was an adequately atmospheric, vampiric Goosebumps-style yarn until it blindsided me with a sermon at the end. Religious themes are of course ingrained in much horror, so please don’t mistake my consternation as contempt for faith or the faithful. What could have been a subtle reckoning with ideas of good and evil was thrown out in favor of didactic proselytizing. It was not plot-driven, but as with my MLM acquaintance, the initiation was merely a means to an end. With me, this approach I don’t recommend.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a middle school librarian and I read this book because we are having the author, Steve Stratton, come to speak to our language arts classes.
I am always looking for books to recommend to my middle schoolers. I can't tell you how many kids want a gory, blood and guts, scary story. The book was a very quick read. It has a good combination of spooky, creepy, and gory. I also really like how the author incorporates God and the importance of trusting in Him by using a good versus evil theme throughout. Oh, did I mention VAMPIRES?? Great for a middle school audience. Pick up a copy today!

[Kerry Nietz · Rating 3 out of 5]

“One October” has a fun premise. I really appreciated the Plainridge legend and the general description of scenes and characters. The author does a good job of building suspense and keeping you intrigued enough to finish the book.

The characters are generally good too. They are distinct and each is essential to the plot.

There are a few things in the writing mechanics that could be improved to make the story seem more sophisticated. (The placement of actions in dependent clauses is one that really stuck out at me .) But given that the book is aimed squarely at a younger audience, I won’t belabor this point too much.

All in all, I think “One October” accomplishes what it sets out to do. With some effort, I think the author could write something more substantial, as well.

I give extra props to Mr. Stratton for trying to instill a love for reading in young people. He’s doing every author a service there.

[Christie Townley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One October is a delightfully spooky book that not only appeals to the pre- to early teens, it was also very enjoyable to read as an adult. It was easy to read and very suspenseful...kept me and my children interested and wanting to read more!

[Pam Stratton]

One October is a great Christian book with an exciting scary twist!! You will enjoy reading this book with by yourself or with your children! I read this book in one day! Great read!!

[Amy Hester · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more of a novelette to me. I was able to read it in one evening, about 2 hours. It can be read alone or followed by the sequel. The second book picks up where this one ended. I enjoyed both books. Even though this has a sequel, it completed the storyline from the book. You would not have to read the second book. But I recommend both.

[katelyn Marie todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This book is a combination of vampires, Christ, and a little bit of horror. In summary this book was the most amazing book I've ever read!!!