The Scary Book of Valentine's Day Lore: 50 Terrifying Tales of Romance from Around the World

by Tim Rayborn

Roses are red, violets are blue, in this book of fear, Valentine's haunts anew. Dare to discover the true lore of Valentine's Day, where love and terror intertwine in the most unexpected ways. With classic myths about tragic love, dark romances that end in murder, and true crimes committed in passion, this spine chilling book of tales will excite and fright.

Beneath the red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and declarations of love lies a shadowy history of Valentine's Day that few are brave enough to explore. In a journey that spans from ancient Roman festivals to medieval legends, this book uncovers the sinister roots of this holiday—from tales of forbidden love to spectral visitations and mysterious rituals.

Lurking within these eerie pages, you'll uncover:

Ancient Origins: Learn how the bloody festivities of Lupercalia evolved into the Valentine's Day we know today, complete with sacrifices, omens, and pagan rites.
Dark Legends: Explore the tragic romances that have been immortalized in lore and myth.
Heartfelt Horror: Venture into the dark side of love, where passion leads to madness and gruesome deaths.
Modern Mysteries: Read about unexplained phenomena, disappearances, and chilling crimes committed in the name of love.
Accompanied by haunting illustrations that bring these macabre stories to life, The Scary Book of Valentine's Day Lore will forever change the way you view this holiday. Forget about Cupid and candy hearts and fall head over heels into a nightmare this February 14th.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adult, Romance

160 pages, Paperback

Published December 3, 2024

About the author

Tim Rayborn is a historian, medievalist, and musician, with an MA and PhD from the University of Leeds in England. He is a writer on a variety of topics in history and the arts, from the academic to the amusing to the appalling. He has written nearly 50 books to date.

A professional musician with a specialty in medieval repertoire, he plays dozens of musical instruments, has appeared on more than 40 recordings, and has performed in the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia.

Reviews

[s.penkevich [hiatus-will return-miss you all] · Rating 3 out of 5]

The only thing I love more than celebrating the holidays is finding all the creepy and morbid aspects of them and celebrating it that way instead. Because why not make every holiday a bit more like Halloween? I also love me some love and while admittedly a bit of a romantic, there’s nothing like lovelorn agony to inspire some rather horrific misdeeds and demons and Tim Rayborn’s The Scary Book of Valentine’s Day Lore is the exact sort of thing I enjoy. Compiling the legends, lore, rituals, and winds us down ‘the darker alleys on the map of the heart’ this is a rather fun curio of a book brought to life with some rather eerie artwork. It makes for a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and get a few chills and thrills for the day.

Rayborn begins with a history of the day, such as the older tradition of Lupercalia, a fertility festival held in Ancient Rome on February 15th to ‘purify’ the city and inspire good fertility for the year. It was very sexually charged with plenty of nude goings on and being beaten by a priest was a sign you’d bear a good load of babies so…that’s a whole thing. Oh and there was also some goat sacrifices and feasting and more nudity so it does sound like one hell of a party. Lupercalia was held until sometime around the 5th century and Pope Gelasius I gave Saint Valentine his own fertility festival around the 14th century so any connection is tenuous at best but if you want to bring back some nude frolicking and feasting by all means don’t let me stop you. There are also multiple sources of legend for how St. Valentine came to be. Two tales involve a Valentinus convincing high-ranking Romans to convert to christianity and are thereby beheaded by Roman Emperor Claudius II while another cites his beheading came from providing secret marriages to Roman soldiers ( Claudius II outlawed soldiers from being married). Another legend is that Valentinus helped christians escape from Roman prisons. The true origin is as mysterious as the workings of the heart I suppose.

Rayborn also points out that Geoffrey Chaucer may have originated the association with romantic love from his 1375 poem The Parliment of Fowls in which he wrote ‘For this was on Seynt Valentynes day, when every foul / cometh ther to chese his mate’ [sic] and now we think of it as a cute day to give chocolates and have a romantic candlelight dinner with wine instead of thinking about decapitations. Feel free to bring up decapitations during your romantic candlelight dinner to honor the spirit of the day, let me know how that goes.

Of course the hook hand horror legend makes it into this book.

Rayborn takes us on an interesting trip through old myths and legends around love. We have Greek myths such as Eros and Psyche or the ill-fated lovers Pyramus and Thisbe, for whom, the myth tells, the gods changed the color of mulberry fruits to honor their forbidden union after Pyramus committed suicide thinking Thisbe was eaten by a lion. Thisbe, finding her lover dead, followed him into death. It is a story immortalized by Ovid in Metamorphoses. There are other great tales from around the world of ghosts and gruesome happenings around failed love though one of the most memorable for me was Kuchisake-onna. A Japanese onryō or vengeful spirit, Kuchisake-onna roams the countryside looking for a person to mutilate after having her own face mutilated in life (legend is either by a jealous husband or a woman performing surgery on her that was jealous of her beauty). So watch out if you meet a mysterious woman at night…

Shes right behind you…

I quite enjoyed the tales of murder and mayhem, from internet catfishing turned to murder to so many heartbreaks turning into hearts getting stopped. Or, more amusingly, is George Spencer Millet—dubbed “the boy killed by kisses”—who, upon turning 15 the day after Valentine’s Day was reported in the local newspaper to have ‘met death while fleeing from the kisses of frolicking stenographers’ at the insurance office he worked for (a reminder to stay in school I guess?). It wasn’t actually kisses that killed him but a ‘penetrating wound to the heart’ but hey, it makes a good story.

‘Love comprehends all things, and as you'll soon see, it makes folks do some pretty strange things. Such as sending a valentine to someone you hate. Stalk others who are in throes of passion and exact your murderous intentions upon them. Reassemble your one true love's body after it was brutally dismembered.’

As a big lover of lighthouses, I can’t resist a good lighthouse legend. Rayborn gives us Seguin Island lighthouse in Maine. It is a lighthouse where, in the late 1800s, a lighthouse keeper took an axe to their piano and then his wife because she only played one song over and over again. Those who visit the island claim that soft piano music can be heard from the lighthouse at night. Spooky.


I was also fascinated to learn about rituals such as ghost weddings starting back during the Han Dynasty in China to ensure the unmarried dead are not alone in the afterlife. Or that Valentine’s Day is banned in several countries who find it to have ‘corrupting influences,’ though it is also banned in Belgorod, Russia since 2011 with the deputy governor saying ‘they might as well also have a “Vodka Day”’ instead. While it is banned in Iran since 2011 due to its associations with Western culture, it is often replaced by Sepandārmazgān—’a celebration of friendship, love, and women’ where men produce gifts to women that dates back to the ancient Persian Empire.

A fun little trip through the morbid and creepy, I quite enjoyed The Scary Book of Valentine’s Day Lore. So spice up your romance with some scary stories and see where that leads, I guess!

3.5/5

[mimi (depression slump) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day with real-life events, myths and traditions that’ll make you think twice of falling head over heels with someone the next time!

↠ 3.5 stars

Thanks to Cider Mill Press and NetGalley, who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.



p.s.: the drawings are a work of art

[Radwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

this had a lot of interesting tidbits relating to valentine's day one way or another, but each entry was so short, that it works only as a headline to each topic/story it tackles.
it made me interested to read more books about the events and characters mentioned here, also once again made me realize the big role myths played on this holiday in particular.
fun litte read.

[Emily Pankhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing was entertaining and engaging. Despite the dark side to these stories, they were delivered in an entertaining way and at times spoke directly to the reader. It felt well researched and made it clear that there were many different versions of what we were about to be told. I liked that other possible versions were also weaved in, allowing you to "choose the one you wanted".

The book was set out well with individual stories being grouped together. I liked the picture of the rose at the end of a few of the stories, the occasional cherub, as well as the coloured illustrations of some of the characters that we met. They added interest and brought the characters to life.

I liked that there were stories from all over the world as well as from different time periods. It gave a well rounded feel to the book.

Each story was short and to the point, giving the whole book a good pace. I completed it in two sittings, but if you are a fast reader then it could be done in one.

There were so many different characters from all walks of life as well as from different cultures. They were all interesting to read about.

Overall a well written book and one that I enjoyed reading.

[Mireya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to both Netgalley and Cider Mill Press for the eARC copy of this book. This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.

TSBoVDL is a book full of short recollections of myths, historical records and more, that dwell into de scarier aspect of romantic love, while also talking about how it shaped the world until our days, for example, whit the creation of Valentine's Day. All this accompanied with visually stunning illustrations that represent both the beauty and the more macabre side of the stories that plague this book.

Some of these stories, I knew. Others, have been a great discovery. I laughed and I cowered in horror at most of these stories, discovering new things about historical romances affecting world history as equal as any war could have, learning about myths from cultures that don't usually get to be on the spotlight, to wonder about life mysteries still unsolved.

All wrapped in a short book perfect for people that likes to deepen in the more gruesome aspects of life and love, like me.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for a little Valentine's Day fun, I prefer the darker side to the day rather than the flowers and candy lovey dovey side. What can I say other than I've been attracted to learning about the darker side of things almost my entire life. Growing up in a few different haunted homes and a small town rich in haunted story can do that to a kid. My current home has a ghost, one that I welcome, as I know exactly who it is, and it makes me happy.

Anyways, to the book! This book is short and fun, with tales from around the world. It blends real life stories, along with mythology and fairy tales. There were actually some stories that I did not know of prior to reading this, which was a nice twist. I try to read everything I can on these types of things, so when I come across something new, it is super exciting!

So if you are into the horror part of Valentine's Day, check this out! There is also a Christmas one, which I have read in the past.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A funny and delightful creepy history of Valentine’s Day that covers everything from the origins of St Valentine and the holiday that carries his name to broader, related vignettes about the dark side of love.

The selection of material here is outstanding, and I loved that Rayborn doesn’t limit his contents to the holiday proper. We get everything from the doomed love stories of myth to urban legends involving romantic disaster to love-lorn hauntings.

I love histories that are really dense informationally but written in a narrative, conversational style, and Rayborn really excels at making sure you’re laughing while you’re also getting a huge volume of information.

The author has a book like this that delves into the darker side of Christmas as well which is also very much worth a read. I hope he continues this and gives us more of this style of nonfiction using other holidays or cultural events as well.

*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

[Ingrid Stephens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beneath the red roses, heart-shaped chocolates, and declarations of love lies a shadowy history of Valentine's Day that few are brave enough to explore. In a journey that spans from ancient Roman festivals to medieval legends, this book uncovers the sinister roots of this holiday—from tales of forbidden love to spectral visitations and mysterious rituals.

If you ever wondered where Valentine's day came from, here is a good place to start.  We have all the history here, from Lore, to true crime, to horror stories, as well as some historic fact.
Perfect for the history nerd, the romantic, and the anti- Valentine reader.
Lots of fun and information.
Recommended. Published 12/3/2024

Thanks to @Netgalley and Cider Mill Press  for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

[Kara Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have theme going on this month for the books I read which is love obviously but couldn’t read all these love books and not include this one because it’s my personality man. This is a fun read about historical Valentine’s traditions and love but also some scary tragedies. Valentine’s but make it spooky yes please.
Also I love a book with pretty illustrations.

Here is a quote to convince you to read this book

“Love comprehends all things, and as you'll soon see, it makes folks do some pretty strange things. Such as sending a valentine to someone you hate. Stalk others who are in throes of passion and exact your murderous intentions upon them. Reassemble your one true love's body after it was brutally dismembered.”

[Annabel_Hawkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Christmas lore book was a fun novelty read, but each article in this read like a synopsis of a wikipedia page. What little style or personality comes through is the author's vague distaste for most of the tales, like he didn't even like writing it (writing is a generous term).

The stories are a very odd jumble of myths (surface level, well known ones to anyone who knows world mythologies even casually), random historical events (some obscure, some obvious, and some simply lazy: the Tudors are in here twice?), and niche ghost stories that have so little factual history go on the author dismisses them in his own writing--or else obvious urban legends and ghost stories that have become overdone cliches.

[KA Vickers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book jam packed with stories from all around the world. True stories, myths and urban legends. Whatever you are looking for, if you're not into the 'cutesy romance' of Valentines Day then this is the book for you.

Some of these I knew or at least knew a little, however, there were a lot I had no idea about or knew vaguely but never knew details. Every story was short but fascinating. Traditions and where Valentines Day may have originated kick off this book and I was drawn in.

I could read a few and put it down if I wanted to but I was always interested to see what was next.

I'll be looking for more from this author because if the other books are as good and easily accessible as this one then I'm all for it.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

the collection of stories about real events, legends, and traditions was


the imagery and pictures in this book were beautiful. even the cover is pretty.


quotes:
"All because a young man accidentally romanced his own mother."

"The hurt and pain of love are as as intense as the joy and bliss, and when the pain becomes too much it can push people over the edge..."
-this quote intrigued me. I felt the intensity of this passage because yes, love can indeed cause hurt and pain. it can even destroy you.

some areas in the book fell a little flat for me and felt like something needed to be added to them. overall, I really enjoyed this book

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The authors writing is entertaining and has a comedic light hearted touch that kept the pages flowing making this book an easy read. I loved the short stories from mythology, but the author didn’t really tie them in with the holiday well. It wasn’t a scary, bloody read, but I did enjoy the book even if its intention in my opinion wasn’t fulfilled. I will be picking up a copy of this book as it was written well and entertained my mind. I can’t wait to share it with others. This book is a collection of myths based on love a character in the myth experienced and like most myths it ended in tragedy.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, the name is misleading: most of the tales have absolutely nothing to do with Valentine's Day, and they were overwhelming from Europe and the US.

Each entry is very brief—just a few pages—and very bare-bones. Rayborn does mention alternate versions of some of the tales, but the way he presents them make for a confusing rather than informative read. There is no bibliography or even a suggested reading list, so those looking to delve deeper into the stories are out of luck.

This might have worked as a fun coffee table book if there had been more and better art, but sadly it's just a forgettable waste of time.

Received via NetGalley.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a quick read that covers the history of Valentine's Day lore from ancient Greece and Rome through early Europe, the urban legends of the 1950's and more. It's a mix of fact and fiction with some parts being more interesting than others. I appreciate that the author included lgbt representation and I really liked the illustration style.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an interesting collection of tales around the lore of Valentine's Day. This collection was divided into different themed sections: History, Myth, Troubled and Tragic Love Stories, Ghost and Urban Legends, Murders Most Foul, and Unusual Customs Around the World. Each section had themed stories pertaining to that section. There were a LOT of interesting and scary tales in here - definitely learned some new things after finishing this.

[Lisa Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It must have been so much fun collecting the stories for this book. Some are gory, some are tragic, and some are just plain illegal. There are gods and traditions from around the world, from every time period, including an internet blind date story. This would be a terrific coffee table book or conversation starter.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this.

[Jamie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is super interesting. I knew a lot of the lore but I still found the book fun. I would buy it for my teenagers.

[J.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little alternative Valentines Day history. Favorite quote "frolicking stenographers should be a band name."

[mars · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was fun!!

[Lauren Shaw · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting tidbits about vday and tangentially a lot of other things. It was a fast paced toe-dip into the lore, but lacked substance or depth as these short guides often do.

[Kristin]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Cider Mill Press for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Brief information and boring.

[Anthony De Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and interesting, but I definitely don’t think I would consider any of the tales “terrifying.”

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly a super fun read!

[Loren Tulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting stories

[Heather Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Mouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book!
It includes history, urban legends and from cultures all over.
Tim Rayborn's writings always make me want to learn about the world