A Haunted Halloween

by Paul Melniczek

Halloween. The name itself conjures up a witch's brew of images. Leering Jack-O-Lanterns sitting on porches, costumed children trick-or-treating across suburban neighborhoods, skeletal trees marking the passage of another season, and lonely fields of corn swaying gently in a chill, autumn breeze. But there is also a darker side to this magical night, one which can breathe life into things which were only possibility, and sculpt them into dreadful reality. Every home has at least one closet which harbors a skeleton. There's a house in every town with a morbid past and haunted occupant. Families hide their dark secrets, and inside each of us wages a struggle of good against evil, one in which the final outcome is never certain, or necessarily pretty. Within the folds of the dark season, all things emerge from the shadows to celebrate, claiming the holiday for their own sinister purpose, and for every treat there's a nasty trick waiting somewhere close by...

Genres: Horror, Halloween

146 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sammy Franco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, this book surprised me. I've read a lot of Halloween themed books in my time, and this one stands out from the others. The short stories (11 total) featured in "A Haunted Halloween" are not your typical horror trope. In fact, many of the stories had substance, offering the reader a more profound message by addressing issues surrounding personal loss, introspection, and the trappings of ego, avarice, and self-aggrandizement.

Paul Melniczek is a talented wordsmith with an incredible knack for describing visually rich settings and atmosphere. It's a shame he doesn't publish more often.

At the end of the day, if this book doesn't put you in the Halloween mood, nothing will.

[Rose Haskins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Halloween related

Really enjoyed each and every story. This book is packed full of stories related around Halloween and monsters of the night.

[Fred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun collection of short, spooky Halloween stories. The introduction by the author even further enhances this collection, by bringing to mind many Halloween memories that are shared by most people. The tales are visually rich, with a strong Halloween atmosphere. This collection focuses on developing a spooky, festive atmosphere, rather than a gore or sex heavy one. Paul Melniczek's writing is a rare treat within the realm of horror fiction.

[Ronald Weston · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine collection of well-written Halloween tales. All the tropes are there but with a twist or two. True to the spirit of Halloween, some of the stories are delicious in their deserved tricks, lavish in their treats, and even display a bit of poignancy. A satisfying group of stories indeed.

[Demas · Rating 5 out of 5]

captures the mood and essence of a magical Halloween night. Highly recommend

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Put me in that wonderful Halloween mood! I loved it!!

[Jessica Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every short story in this collection! The way he describes October is perfect! Makes you feel like it is already October outside! Really put's you in that halloween mood!

[Shelly Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a fun little set of Halloween tales.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of mostly excellent stories with a few that don't match up. Worth a read.