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Of Myth and Memento Mori
Beware of the Knockers. They come in the night, searching for the one that wronged them.
Lenore waits all year for Halloween to descend on the small Appalachian town of Hiraeth Hollow. A mortician and the town’s only professional pumpkin carver, Lenore spends her autumn weekends carving gruesome scenes in gourds while sipping hot beverages at the local Halloween attraction.
This year, something has changed. A knocking echoes through the trees, a strange man appears and disappears before Lenore’s eyes, and mysterious deliveries arrive on her doorstep. Then, the attacks begin.
Soon, Lenore and her friends face a nightmare from folklore; a bedtime story comes to life. Facing a mythological terror with no way to handle the situation, Lenore places her trust in Gwilym, the inhuman stranger she met in the woods.
As family secrets unfold and new friends and family appear, Lenore finds unexpected love amid terror and the burden of saving her town from angry haints.
*A ghostly Halloween tale full of quirky Southern humor, a mysterious romance, a talking bat, and a unique collection of Memento Mori.
Lenore waits all year for Halloween to descend on the small Appalachian town of Hiraeth Hollow. A mortician and the town’s only professional pumpkin carver, Lenore spends her autumn weekends carving gruesome scenes in gourds while sipping hot beverages at the local Halloween attraction.
This year, something has changed. A knocking echoes through the trees, a strange man appears and disappears before Lenore’s eyes, and mysterious deliveries arrive on her doorstep. Then, the attacks begin.
Soon, Lenore and her friends face a nightmare from folklore; a bedtime story comes to life. Facing a mythological terror with no way to handle the situation, Lenore places her trust in Gwilym, the inhuman stranger she met in the woods.
As family secrets unfold and new friends and family appear, Lenore finds unexpected love amid terror and the burden of saving her town from angry haints.
*A ghostly Halloween tale full of quirky Southern humor, a mysterious romance, a talking bat, and a unique collection of Memento Mori.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2023
29 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Clapton
26 books64 followersSouthern-born Victoria Clapton is no stranger to writing. She completed her first book of poetry at age eight and her first novel at age thirteen. Multilingual, friend to all creatures, (and in particular, especially a friend to cats in need of rescue), Victoria is a forever curious world traveler with a mysterious knowledge of things and places that encompass many lives ago, an avid collector of saga books, a practicing vegetarian and yogini with her feet well balanced in earth’s splendor. She and her cat companions enjoy all things Viking, faery, vampire, new writing instruments, herbology and anime.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 18, 2024
This book is exactly the right book for Spooky Season or if you, like me, drag the spirit of the fall out for the entire year….
It blends Appalachian folklore with Welsh legend and a tree spirit protector in human guise who gets cozy with the lead character Lenore. There are moments of true fear and moments of adorable cozy love and friendship.
The spooky elements are there, knockers and restless spirits and folk practices. But the Halloween elements are there most of all. Lenore is a pumpkin carver at a haunted attraction with a pet bat who has a non-seasonal job as a mortician. Immaculate vibes. 🤌🤌
The only reason I didn’t rate it a full five stars was the pacing was a bit slow. Each chapters is pretty much a day which I get because of the atmosphere, but I was looking for something with a little more momentum.
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves spooky love stories, a little actually-frightening horror, and interpersonal/romantic sweetness.
It blends Appalachian folklore with Welsh legend and a tree spirit protector in human guise who gets cozy with the lead character Lenore. There are moments of true fear and moments of adorable cozy love and friendship.
The spooky elements are there, knockers and restless spirits and folk practices. But the Halloween elements are there most of all. Lenore is a pumpkin carver at a haunted attraction with a pet bat who has a non-seasonal job as a mortician. Immaculate vibes. 🤌🤌
The only reason I didn’t rate it a full five stars was the pacing was a bit slow. Each chapters is pretty much a day which I get because of the atmosphere, but I was looking for something with a little more momentum.
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves spooky love stories, a little actually-frightening horror, and interpersonal/romantic sweetness.
April 13, 2025
I meant to read this one in the fall, but life happened and it became a spring read instead. That said, I may very well pull this one out for a reread come spooky season, as it was an absolute delight of pumpkins and autumn vibes and ghosties and fated love and (!!!) bat familiars. Highly recommend checking this one out!
November 2, 2024
This was a spectacular book to read for Halloween and so much more than I expected. The author skillfully blended Appalachian customs and beliefs into 21st-century life, using Southern idioms and cultural references. The plot encompasses Celtic lore and Welsh history, culminating in paranormal events during a fall festival. This isn't a dark, horror read nor is it a cozy read...it's in a class by itself. If you've ever lived in a rural, mountain community as I have, the characters in this book will ring true to you. I love this one.
October 18, 2024
i loved this book! a masterful blend of spooky & cozy, which is actually rather hard to find. i also loved that there was a dedication to providing cultural and historical context for appalachian folk practice, it was so interesting. another amazing feat: writing about religious and pagan syncretism in a natural way that was relatable and pulled at the heart strings. many of us have grandmother and great-grandmothers who sat in church AND sprinkled salt and this book was like a wink and a hug, acknowledging that it’s not an easy space to inhabit. highly recommend.
October 30, 2023
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ but I rounded up on GR since they do not do half stars.
This is a new to me author and, I believe, a newish author. The story idea was wonderful. A woman and her friends own and run a mortuary. Turns out she is a witch but did not know it until years after her parents died and spooky things begin happening around town, bad spooky things, that she needs to fix. With the help of her guardian, the spirits of her ancestors, and the support of her besties, she is ready and willing to tackle anything. This is a Halloween novella so not very long.
Unfortunately, the execution was not as great as the story idea. There were several odd transitions, speech that was out of time and character for the ones speaking it, and either unnecessary explanations or too little explanation in some parts.
“We see or rather experience many strange things in our line of work, but I dare say you’re more equipped to answer the weird questions.”
-This coming from a modern man, previous football jock, in a mountain country town. Him saying “but I dare say” did not sound smooth at all. I think in these words after I have been on a regency kick haha.
“Lenore, cease your search.” Gwilym gestured toward the green velvet furniture. “Forgive me. It has been a long time since I served you.”
- When I first read this I was so lost. What search did he want her to cease? Why was he gesturing to the green upholstery? Why he was gesturing became clear shortly after, but I still dont know what search he wanted her to cease.
Then there was the continuous use of “sayings”. I love common sayings and turns of phrase but it felt like this little story was inundated with them. Also, we hear that the guardian is fae….. then nothing! No confirmation, explanation, or anything! This is important because it is postulated that they wont be able to truly be together since he could just puff away when he has trouble manifesting.
I know that I have been pointing out the things that didn’t work but I really did love the idea of the story. The author also had a wonderful way of describing the scenes. Her use of words had me picturing each scene exactly as she meant to portray it! The nature scenes were the most vivid, right down to the color of the leaves and the way the wind blew them through the air.
With some filling out and the help of some professional unbiased beta readers, I think this could become a true 4/5 ⭐️ read. I wish the author a lot of luck and success in the future.
This is a new to me author and, I believe, a newish author. The story idea was wonderful. A woman and her friends own and run a mortuary. Turns out she is a witch but did not know it until years after her parents died and spooky things begin happening around town, bad spooky things, that she needs to fix. With the help of her guardian, the spirits of her ancestors, and the support of her besties, she is ready and willing to tackle anything. This is a Halloween novella so not very long.
Unfortunately, the execution was not as great as the story idea. There were several odd transitions, speech that was out of time and character for the ones speaking it, and either unnecessary explanations or too little explanation in some parts.
“We see or rather experience many strange things in our line of work, but I dare say you’re more equipped to answer the weird questions.”
-This coming from a modern man, previous football jock, in a mountain country town. Him saying “but I dare say” did not sound smooth at all. I think in these words after I have been on a regency kick haha.
“Lenore, cease your search.” Gwilym gestured toward the green velvet furniture. “Forgive me. It has been a long time since I served you.”
- When I first read this I was so lost. What search did he want her to cease? Why was he gesturing to the green upholstery? Why he was gesturing became clear shortly after, but I still dont know what search he wanted her to cease.
Then there was the continuous use of “sayings”. I love common sayings and turns of phrase but it felt like this little story was inundated with them. Also, we hear that the guardian is fae….. then nothing! No confirmation, explanation, or anything! This is important because it is postulated that they wont be able to truly be together since he could just puff away when he has trouble manifesting.
I know that I have been pointing out the things that didn’t work but I really did love the idea of the story. The author also had a wonderful way of describing the scenes. Her use of words had me picturing each scene exactly as she meant to portray it! The nature scenes were the most vivid, right down to the color of the leaves and the way the wind blew them through the air.
With some filling out and the help of some professional unbiased beta readers, I think this could become a true 4/5 ⭐️ read. I wish the author a lot of luck and success in the future.
November 6, 2024
Of Myth and Memento Mori by Victoria Clapton is a delightful dive into the mystique and memory of southern culture, perfectly wrapped in a Halloween-themed tale. From the very first page, Clapton’s storytelling breathes authenticity into her setting with rich colloquialisms and regional clichés that instantly transport you to the heart of the southern folklore she explores. Her commitment to weaving southern charm with the supernatural makes for an engaging narrative that feels both whimsical and rooted in deep tradition.
Clapton skillfully blends humor, heart, and the haunting with a plot that centers on Elara Vynn, a mythkeeper grappling with the weight of forgotten tales and an unexpected alliance with the enigmatic deathbringer, Caelum. The Halloween backdrop sets the perfect stage for exploring memory, mortality, and long-buried myths, all while adding a playful, seasonal twist to the story. During the recent Meet the Author discussion, Victoria touched on how she wanted to capture the complexities of memory and identity through the lens of myth. It’s clear she succeeded, with a narrative that pulls readers into introspection without ever feeling heavy.
What makes Of Myth and Memento Mori particularly memorable, however, is its blend of spooky thrills and lighthearted moments. This isn’t a dark, weighty read—it’s a lively journey brimming with character, humor, and plenty of goosebumps-perfect moments. For those seeking a quick, enchanting Halloween read filled with charm, warmth, and a touch of the macabre, this book is a must-add to your seasonal bookshelf. Clapton’s ability to make you laugh, gasp, and reflect is a testament to her skillful storytelling and unique voice.
November 9, 2024
3.5 stars (rounded up)
I really enjoyed the story as a whole. Although I do feel like some aspects needed to be flushed out more or reworked a little bit.
Some things I found odd were why was it necessary to point out her best friends were the typical “southern jock and cheerleader couple” but neither of them acted on those stereotypes at all. Not the way they talked or acted. I feel like adding something as easy as Charlie inheriting the funeral home from her parents and not just randomly taken it over from previous owners would have sold that detail more. It would explain why she just so happens to feel fine with all the spooky ghost stuff because presumably she would have grown up surrounded by the funeral home ghosts.
There seemed to also be a lot of different plots that I wished went deeper and had more time breathe throughout the story. Between the knockers, reincarnation, green witches, having a familiar, family secrets, etc., we got just enough information to understand how these all connect, but it left a lot on the table. I would have loved to maybe see a conversation with her mom and grandma, or with more of her ancestors (like a family reunion of sorts but with the ghosts), more information on the “blatherwick witch” generational trait and what that means and who it pertains to. Was it all woman, just some woman? How does the reincarnation work? Was it just Lenora or how many other times has this happened?
Overall I liked this story a lot. It’s a super quick read and is perfect spooky fall story to get you through a dreary day.
I really enjoyed the story as a whole. Although I do feel like some aspects needed to be flushed out more or reworked a little bit.
Some things I found odd were why was it necessary to point out her best friends were the typical “southern jock and cheerleader couple” but neither of them acted on those stereotypes at all. Not the way they talked or acted. I feel like adding something as easy as Charlie inheriting the funeral home from her parents and not just randomly taken it over from previous owners would have sold that detail more. It would explain why she just so happens to feel fine with all the spooky ghost stuff because presumably she would have grown up surrounded by the funeral home ghosts.
There seemed to also be a lot of different plots that I wished went deeper and had more time breathe throughout the story. Between the knockers, reincarnation, green witches, having a familiar, family secrets, etc., we got just enough information to understand how these all connect, but it left a lot on the table. I would have loved to maybe see a conversation with her mom and grandma, or with more of her ancestors (like a family reunion of sorts but with the ghosts), more information on the “blatherwick witch” generational trait and what that means and who it pertains to. Was it all woman, just some woman? How does the reincarnation work? Was it just Lenora or how many other times has this happened?
Overall I liked this story a lot. It’s a super quick read and is perfect spooky fall story to get you through a dreary day.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2025
“Since birth, I’d always lived in a ghost story. This cemetery stood testament to that.” – paperback, page 177, Chapter 26.
Of Myth and Memento Mori by Victoria Clapton is a paranormal horror stand-alone with spooky encounters that hang on an unsolved family mystery.
Throughout the book, we follow Lenore Blatherwick, mortician, collector, and… pumpkin-carving expert!
While working at Hiraeth Hollow, a seasonal event that celebrates Fall and Halloween, Lenore sees an apparition she can’t name but feels with her mind, body, and soul. What many could rationalize as paranoia, Lenore is a little different from the locals, and that’s not just because she lives alone surrounded by nature, but because her family history and the supernatural are intertwined, one could even say damned?
The first chapters sucked me right in, from the first-person narrative to Lenore’s friends, (especially Charlie and Daniel) and seeing how morticians work! I loved that I could get spooked and enjoy the Southern lingo, making this reading entertaining and not all too solemn. I have to say my favorite part was how naughty the ghosts were around Lenore.
Of Myth and Memento Mori takes place in a small Appalachian town>, so if you’re a fan of the Appalachian tales you hear about on the internet, you’ll enjoy this twist!
Of Myth and Memento Mori by Victoria Clapton is a paranormal horror stand-alone with spooky encounters that hang on an unsolved family mystery.
Throughout the book, we follow Lenore Blatherwick, mortician, collector, and… pumpkin-carving expert!
While working at Hiraeth Hollow, a seasonal event that celebrates Fall and Halloween, Lenore sees an apparition she can’t name but feels with her mind, body, and soul. What many could rationalize as paranoia, Lenore is a little different from the locals, and that’s not just because she lives alone surrounded by nature, but because her family history and the supernatural are intertwined, one could even say damned?
The first chapters sucked me right in, from the first-person narrative to Lenore’s friends, (especially Charlie and Daniel) and seeing how morticians work! I loved that I could get spooked and enjoy the Southern lingo, making this reading entertaining and not all too solemn. I have to say my favorite part was how naughty the ghosts were around Lenore.
Of Myth and Memento Mori takes place in a small Appalachian town>, so if you’re a fan of the Appalachian tales you hear about on the internet, you’ll enjoy this twist!
December 22, 2024
I can already tell I will be rereading OF MYTH AND MEMENTO MORI as a Halloween favorite. This was so atmospheric and wonderful, with so many spooky fall traditions, and Appalachian notes of charm that it made every chapter and page a delight. I loved the pumpkins, the hayrides, the bonfires, the crunchy leaves, and every spooky fallish word. So good!🎃🧹🌙
Lenore works by day as an undertaker and by night as a pumpkin carver at a fall festival. I loved the descriptions of the festival, of the spooky woods, and as we read more and discover haunted happenings occurring, the magic and ghostly atmosphere. I love all of Victoria Clapton’s books and it’s so hard to think that I might have a favorite, but if I HAD to, this might be it. 😊. Just because of the pumpkins. And maybe the bat familiar. Weaving Celtic myth, haunted spirits, and Appalachian folklore (Knockers), this story does a fantastic job of telling a wonderfully spooky tale! And if you’re a fan of the Binding universe series (which you need to read) you may recognize an Easter Egg character or two in there! Loved this one! 5/5 stars.
Lenore works by day as an undertaker and by night as a pumpkin carver at a fall festival. I loved the descriptions of the festival, of the spooky woods, and as we read more and discover haunted happenings occurring, the magic and ghostly atmosphere. I love all of Victoria Clapton’s books and it’s so hard to think that I might have a favorite, but if I HAD to, this might be it. 😊. Just because of the pumpkins. And maybe the bat familiar. Weaving Celtic myth, haunted spirits, and Appalachian folklore (Knockers), this story does a fantastic job of telling a wonderfully spooky tale! And if you’re a fan of the Binding universe series (which you need to read) you may recognize an Easter Egg character or two in there! Loved this one! 5/5 stars.
December 20, 2023
Of Myth and Momento Mori
What a lovely read. Unlike a lot of far books, MS Clapton writes in an almost lyrical way, explaining every aspect of what is happening. Not once did I ask the question why, as I so often do when reading. A little spooky, a little loving, a lot of iI can't put this book down until I know what happens next. I encourage all lovers of the fae and Appalachian lore to read this wonderful book.
What a lovely read. Unlike a lot of far books, MS Clapton writes in an almost lyrical way, explaining every aspect of what is happening. Not once did I ask the question why, as I so often do when reading. A little spooky, a little loving, a lot of iI can't put this book down until I know what happens next. I encourage all lovers of the fae and Appalachian lore to read this wonderful book.
October 26, 2023
This book was amazing. The storyline was really unique and kept me completely enthralled throughout. The main character is awesome and I loved that it was Halloween season in the story. I hope there is another book for this story. This storyline wrapped everything up but with the direction the main character’s life is going in, there is totally room for another story. Fingers crossed!!
September 21, 2024
DNF’d at 70%. Story had a lot of potential at the beginning but the middle was very, very slow. It also feels like we are trying to throw a little romance into the mix without any real chemistry build up between characters.
February 25, 2025
An interesting read for sure, spooky and funny and fast paced!
September 15, 2024
This was a very cool book.
I loved the Appalachian folklore come to life.
There was an undercurrent of romance that, honestly, was not necessary at all.
This book could have stood on it's plot alone.
But it was really great to read.
If you know anything about Appalachia I think you will get a real kick out of the way this was written.
The Spooks and Ghosties come to life in Of Myth and Memento Mori and the main character is not one bit afraid.
Definitely an easy, interesting, DIFFERENT kind of paranormal novel and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a little more about America's mountain folk.
I loved the Appalachian folklore come to life.
There was an undercurrent of romance that, honestly, was not necessary at all.
This book could have stood on it's plot alone.
But it was really great to read.
If you know anything about Appalachia I think you will get a real kick out of the way this was written.
The Spooks and Ghosties come to life in Of Myth and Memento Mori and the main character is not one bit afraid.
Definitely an easy, interesting, DIFFERENT kind of paranormal novel and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn a little more about America's mountain folk.
August 17, 2025
Funny, the word "coreopsis" makes me think of my mom too. :)
The complexities of Clapton's MC are well developed, yet intriguing enough to keep the story well-paced. Charlie is a great source of comic relief, though the southern similes peppered throughout by the MC also help keep the tone light, despite the spooky subject matter. And the car-sickness was an endearing piece of character development.
A great book to bring camping. And just a great example of well-thought-out writing and masterful storytelling.
Also, Gwillym seems like a total babe.
The complexities of Clapton's MC are well developed, yet intriguing enough to keep the story well-paced. Charlie is a great source of comic relief, though the southern similes peppered throughout by the MC also help keep the tone light, despite the spooky subject matter. And the car-sickness was an endearing piece of character development.
A great book to bring camping. And just a great example of well-thought-out writing and masterful storytelling.
Also, Gwillym seems like a total babe.
November 5, 2024
Halloween vibes with a haunted trail, professional pumpkin carver & mortician, Appalachian lore, talking bat, corporeal ancient tree spirit MMC. Perfect spooky szn read 🦇🎃🖤
October 9, 2024
I rarely give 5 stars but "Of Myth and Memento Mori" by Victoria Clapton richly deserves every single one. This tale of Appalachian folk lore and Welsh tradition is set in a well developed world with great character building and strong story structure. Lenore's family has lived in this cove for generations. She and 2 of her best friends run the local mortuary and help out at a Halloween Farm every year. This year the "knockers" come calling. Gwilym is a fascinating leading man. The story is well researched and the romance is sweet.
FIVE STARS. I hated putting it down and would love to explore more with Lenore as she grows into her power.
FIVE STARS. I hated putting it down and would love to explore more with Lenore as she grows into her power.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews