Witches and Pumpkins, Fur and Fangs

by Jonathan D. Nichols

Halloween—the time where the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest. Many traditions have found their way into our culture to make this a time of year celebrated by millions around the world. These twenty interwoven stories of Halloween bring together tales of monsters, goblins, ghosts, witches, and more. On an evening where nothing is as it seems, everything scary is coming out to play.

189 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 11, 2025

Reviews

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is a collection of eerie short stories that all orbit around Halloween, monsters, and the uncanny. From haunted pumpkins to mischievous goblins, from restless spirits to twisted killers, each tale drops the reader into a familiar world that quickly spirals into the unsettling. What makes the book stand out is how it taps into both folklore and modern horror, shifting easily between campfire-style legends and grittier contemporary scares. Every story feels like it belongs to the same haunted neighborhood, and that gives the collection a strong, cohesive flavor.

This is a very entertaining collection. I was caught up in the thrill of the scares, the build-up of tension, and the shocking payoffs. I found myself grinning at the way the author played with tropes I thought I knew inside out. Some of the stories reminded me of watching late-night horror movies as a kid, the kind where you want to cover your eyes but never actually do. The writing doesn’t waste time. It dives headfirst into dread, yet still leaves room for atmosphere, the kind that makes you glance at the shadows in your own room.

Some stories hit harder than others. A few felt predictable, but even then, I didn’t mind, because the fun was in the ride, not just the destination. When the author’s imagination really kicked in, though, the stories burned bright. “Jack of the Lantern” and “Hob Gob” stuck with me the most. They had this creeping inevitability that made me uneasy in the best way. I also liked how the collection never tried to be highbrow. It doesn’t put on airs or dress itself up. It just tells spooky stories the way they’re meant to be told, direct, raw, and with a wicked grin.

I’d say this book is perfect for readers who want to get lost in Halloween vibes any time of the year. If you like scary stories that mix folklore with fresh, gory twists, this is for you. If you want a jolt, a chill, or that delicious sense of dread before bed, you’ll enjoy this ride. I’d recommend it to horror fans, casual readers looking for a scare, and anyone who still feels that spark of excitement when the October moon rises.

[Pratibha Malav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonathan D. Nichols’ “Witches and Pumpkins, Fur and Fangs” is a delightfully spooky collection that perfectly captures the magic, mischief, and misfortune of Halloween. With twenty interwoven stories, Nichols takes readers on a whirlwind journey through a world where witches cackle, goblins lurk, ghosts haunt, and monsters prowl—each tale offering its own mix of chills, humor, and suspense.

What sets this collection apart is its variety. Some stories send shivers down your spine, others provoke laughter, and a few linger in your imagination long after the last page. Nichols has a knack for blending classic Halloween motifs with fresh, original twists, making the collection feel both nostalgic and inventive. It evokes the playful eeriness of childhood Halloween nights—flashlights under tents, distorted faces, whispered scares—and transforms it into a literary experience that’s just as thrilling for adults as it is for younger readers.

The pacing is lively, with each story compact yet rich in atmosphere. The creatures and characters feel vivid, whether it’s a mischievous witch plotting in the shadows or a spectral visitor turning a quiet evening into chaos. The interwoven nature of the stories adds a satisfying layer of cohesion, making the collection feel like one big haunted night rather than disconnected tales.

Perfect for the Halloween season—or anytime you want a taste of spooky fun—”Witches and Pumpkins, Fur and Fangs” is both entertaining and eerily immersive. It’s a collection that will have families laughing, gasping, and keeping the lights on a little longer at bedtime.

[Kristofer Schleicher · Rating 4 out of 5]

These stories reminded me of sitting in a tent with my brothers, holding flashlights to distort our faces, trying to scare each other with spooky tales. Eventually, our wives made us come back inside. You will want to keep your family close when reading Jonathan Nichols' collection of original Halloween stories. Just what you need to scare your children before bedtime.

[Cassandra Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect book to read for Halloween! Witches and Pumpkins, Fur and Fangs will keep you engaged from story to story. There is never a dull moment when you have this book on hand. Some stories are scary, some are gory, some are just plain fun. They also all cross over or relate in some way making it a collaboration of grand proportions!

[Charles Belvideer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this. Most of the stories were amazing a few were just ok. The way they all lightly connect made it feel like an awesome campy 90s basic cable anthology series. One hell of an awesome ending.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great end to spooky season:)