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Pumpkin: A anthology of 31 short horror stories for all lovers of Halloween
Pumpkin – a unique and chilling celebration, a collection of 31 tales that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Ranging from murder to the supernatural and unexplainable, this anthology from the author of The Hole in the Wall and A Second Skin features haunted trick-or-treat sacks, vampires, parallel universes, and, of course, a killer baby.
In The Intruder, Jess, believing her lover to be married, breaks into his home to uncover the truth. Instead of finding a wife and kids, she stumbles upon far more sinister secrets, turning her world upside down.
The Halloween Cupboard Game has a warring couple take turns scaring one another with terrible, murderous results.
Last Call follows an impulsive serial killer through a series of unfortunate events as he tries to dispose of a dead body from his high-rise apartment, each step increasing the tension and the reader's anticipation.
Asking For It tells the story of a plain-looking woman who gains unexpected confidence when wearing a new dress, only to find herself attracting unwanted attention from every man she meets, leading to unforeseen consequences.
In Knock… Knock… Knock, when three teenage friends gatecrash a late-night wake, they not only disturb an ancient Halloween tradition but risk raising the dead.
In The Intruder, Jess, believing her lover to be married, breaks into his home to uncover the truth. Instead of finding a wife and kids, she stumbles upon far more sinister secrets, turning her world upside down.
The Halloween Cupboard Game has a warring couple take turns scaring one another with terrible, murderous results.
Last Call follows an impulsive serial killer through a series of unfortunate events as he tries to dispose of a dead body from his high-rise apartment, each step increasing the tension and the reader's anticipation.
Asking For It tells the story of a plain-looking woman who gains unexpected confidence when wearing a new dress, only to find herself attracting unwanted attention from every man she meets, leading to unforeseen consequences.
In Knock… Knock… Knock, when three teenage friends gatecrash a late-night wake, they not only disturb an ancient Halloween tradition but risk raising the dead.
- GenresHorror
364 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2024
28 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Steven Blackmore
4 books14 followersA writer of genre-blending, adult mysteries, Steven enjoys exploring imperfect characters and the venal, spiteful side of human nature. When he's not writing, Steven spends his time reading books, listening to books, watching films, cooking, and eating, all the while trying to solve the latest murder/disappearance themed podcast. An admitted 80s fanatic, Steven feeds his addiction by watching slasher movies on Sunday afternoons.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 28, 2025
Well I messed up the "order" of this short story collection (there are 31 stories included in this collection with the intent being to read one story every day in October) but I got really sucked into the stories and kept reading because they were all so good!
These stories ranged form 1 to 25+ pages, each written to be read in a single sitting, but all packed a wallop! The subject matter varied tremendously, which really kept me engaged throughout. Some of the subject matter was very dark, but all tackled very well.
Very happy with this collection and I think this was a perfect read for spooky season!
These stories ranged form 1 to 25+ pages, each written to be read in a single sitting, but all packed a wallop! The subject matter varied tremendously, which really kept me engaged throughout. Some of the subject matter was very dark, but all tackled very well.
Very happy with this collection and I think this was a perfect read for spooky season!
November 9, 2024
1. The spelling and grammar is godawful and clearly unedited.
2. 75% of the plots centred on cheating.
3. Sooooo poorly written. Very disjointed and clinical.
4. There was a transphobic story: ‘Innocent, is that supposed to be funny? Our Bailey had become what they now call a transgender. It sickens me even speaking the word.’
5. A lot of casual xenophobia laced through this book.
6. A lot of victim blaming or r*pe justification: ‘And so, they had sex, though it was mostly one-sided, and while it couldn’t be classed as rape, Mike couldn’t shake the feeling it was wrong, even criminal.’
‘Hated and blamed the dress for what it had done. Most of all, she blamed herself for choosing to wear the dress and flaunt – opting for provocative over restraint.’ (This one is from a story titled ‘Asking for it.
Honestly never should have been published. Discrimination and victim blaming aside, this book is just poorly written and the plots are unoriginal or just not scary.
2. 75% of the plots centred on cheating.
3. Sooooo poorly written. Very disjointed and clinical.
4. There was a transphobic story: ‘Innocent, is that supposed to be funny? Our Bailey had become what they now call a transgender. It sickens me even speaking the word.’
5. A lot of casual xenophobia laced through this book.
6. A lot of victim blaming or r*pe justification: ‘And so, they had sex, though it was mostly one-sided, and while it couldn’t be classed as rape, Mike couldn’t shake the feeling it was wrong, even criminal.’
‘Hated and blamed the dress for what it had done. Most of all, she blamed herself for choosing to wear the dress and flaunt – opting for provocative over restraint.’ (This one is from a story titled ‘Asking for it.
Honestly never should have been published. Discrimination and victim blaming aside, this book is just poorly written and the plots are unoriginal or just not scary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2024
Intetesting
Some of the stories were super short but most were a decent length. They were good stories, I enjoyed most of them but Dogs Dinner was really sad. I hope the dog and Mandy were reunited.
Some of the stories were super short but most were a decent length. They were good stories, I enjoyed most of them but Dogs Dinner was really sad. I hope the dog and Mandy were reunited.
November 2, 2024
Some of the stories were better than others, and there were quite a few typos (this appears to be a self-published book), but it was a fun Halloween read. Also, I loved the 80s VHS vibe of the cover.
October 19, 2025
4.25
Some good, some great, some too short, some too meh
The Sack
The Door
Were among my favorites
Some good, some great, some too short, some too meh
The Sack
The Door
Were among my favorites
November 13, 2025
Author has a weird obsession with abusing women
November 16, 2025
i was excited about the concept of a halloween advent book but i literally could not finish this because the author clearly hates woman
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews