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Horton's Halloween Hauntings: 14 Tales of Halloween
Join us for a trip to the dark, wicked side of Halloween; don't worry, there's still candy. It's full of twists, turns, and surprises that you'll never see coming. If you rely on your senses, you will be caught off guard because nothing is as it seems. With 14 terrifying tales from 14 diabolically clever authors, there is something for every sweet and sour taste.
Contributing
Desiree Horton
Ross Killey
Chloe York
Aukai Arkus
Z. Martin
Ashley Fox
Eve L. Fell
Jerry Blaze
Zach Ellenberger
D.L. Winchester
E.M. Otero
Christy Aldridge
Boe Healy
Chisto Healy
Contributing
Desiree Horton
Ross Killey
Chloe York
Aukai Arkus
Z. Martin
Ashley Fox
Eve L. Fell
Jerry Blaze
Zach Ellenberger
D.L. Winchester
E.M. Otero
Christy Aldridge
Boe Healy
Chisto Healy
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
6 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Desiree Horton
28 books36 followersDesiree Horton is a horror writer and enthusiast. She can be found at home in the PNW with her two dogs, two kids, and one husband. Her work can be found in other horror anthologies, and on the edges of papers she will lose almost immediately. More information on her works can be found at authordesireehorton.my.canva.site or on Amazon. Instagram and tiktok: @horrortonwritesabook
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 10, 2025
This is a Halloween horror anthology full of eerie charm and gritty spirit! Containing fourteen horror-infused short tales by new and distinguished indie horror authors, it offers wide-ranging stories tied to Halloween, unified by supernatural and horrifying events occuring on that day: most often a dare, or an exploration of the truth of an urban legend, or - why not both (the opening story, "The Jack-O'-Lantern Boy" by Ross Killey, and Christy Aldridge's "Sweet Lolly's Candy Shack" being prime examples)!
Some stories aim to unsettle, with a shocking premise and a punchline ending (for instance, Desiree Horton's "Turnip Head," a creepy tale narrated by a murdered husband). Others start fine and sweet, and then develop unpleasant complications ("Anything for Candy" by Ashley Fox, "Lucy's Game" by Chloe York- both great supernatural tales ending in carnage; Zach Ellenberger's "Acid Boy" also follows this pattern, but soon becomes a thing entirely of its own, a brilliant tale of revemge and failed friendship).
Many go for the awful twist (for example, Bob Healy's "Devil of the Eden," a tale about fathers, sons, and exits - and the second time this month I read about someone nicknamed "Pickles" LOL); a few turn to dark rituals and summonings (E.M. Otero's "The King of Gourds," Chisto Healy's "Jaq-O-Lantern:The Pumpkin Queen," and "Zenith" by Aukai Arkus) or disastrous pranks ("A Halloween Prank" by D.L. Winchester), or even unpredictable Halloween misfortunes ("Riddles Three" by Z. Martin, and Eve L. Fell's "The Birthright," both excellent and somewhat bleak stories).
And one, Jerry Blaze's "The Unseen," drops all pretenses and goes straight for the jugular!
My favorites were Ellenberger's "Acid Boy," Martin's "Riddles Three," Killey's "The Jack-O'-Lantern Boy, Winchester's "A Halloween Prank," and Aldridge's "Sweet Lolly's Candy Shack". Those were the ones that made me feel absolutely invested in the outcome, though the variety in the anthology is so great, I highly recommend it to everyone!
Some stories aim to unsettle, with a shocking premise and a punchline ending (for instance, Desiree Horton's "Turnip Head," a creepy tale narrated by a murdered husband). Others start fine and sweet, and then develop unpleasant complications ("Anything for Candy" by Ashley Fox, "Lucy's Game" by Chloe York- both great supernatural tales ending in carnage; Zach Ellenberger's "Acid Boy" also follows this pattern, but soon becomes a thing entirely of its own, a brilliant tale of revemge and failed friendship).
Many go for the awful twist (for example, Bob Healy's "Devil of the Eden," a tale about fathers, sons, and exits - and the second time this month I read about someone nicknamed "Pickles" LOL); a few turn to dark rituals and summonings (E.M. Otero's "The King of Gourds," Chisto Healy's "Jaq-O-Lantern:The Pumpkin Queen," and "Zenith" by Aukai Arkus) or disastrous pranks ("A Halloween Prank" by D.L. Winchester), or even unpredictable Halloween misfortunes ("Riddles Three" by Z. Martin, and Eve L. Fell's "The Birthright," both excellent and somewhat bleak stories).
And one, Jerry Blaze's "The Unseen," drops all pretenses and goes straight for the jugular!
My favorites were Ellenberger's "Acid Boy," Martin's "Riddles Three," Killey's "The Jack-O'-Lantern Boy, Winchester's "A Halloween Prank," and Aldridge's "Sweet Lolly's Candy Shack". Those were the ones that made me feel absolutely invested in the outcome, though the variety in the anthology is so great, I highly recommend it to everyone!
October 11, 2025
I quite enjoyed this collection of 14 terrifying tales by 14 amazing authors. The stories range from innocent horror stories to purely horrifying. I give thanks to Z Martin for sharing this book he was in with me. So far this is my favorite anthology for Halloween. My favorite stories from this collection has to be The Jack-O'-Lantern Boy, Turnip Head, The King of Gourds, The Unseen, Riddles Three, Sweet Lolly's Candy Shack and The Birthright.
October 5, 2025
14 Tales of Halloween, compiled by Desiree Horton
Anthologies are always so difficult to review as they bring an eclectic mix, but introduces authors I hadn’t previously read, which is always a good thing.
Some of the stories only had a passing reference to the Halloween theme, but my stand out favourites in this collection were:
The Jack o’Lantern Boy by Ross Killey - the urban legend was too enticing. Even when her friends decided that trick or treating was more important, Paisley had to know the truth. Heart wrenching!
Turnip Head by Desiree Horton - wow. I was not expecting that!
The King of Gourds by EM Otero - the artist has the perfect muse for autumn. The festival awaits and the offering must be made. Creepy as Poe!
Acid Boy by Zach Ellenberger - a very original take on the creator and the creation.
Riddles Three Z Martin - trick or treating g gets harder when you get older, but their luck might change when they enter the house of the gray haired lady.
A Halloween Prank by DL Winchester - they can trick, but she will get her treats. Really fun read
Jaq-O-Lantern: The Pumpkin Queen by Chisto Healy - a fabulous tale of friendship, love and justice - in a pumpkin patch
Anthologies are always so difficult to review as they bring an eclectic mix, but introduces authors I hadn’t previously read, which is always a good thing.
Some of the stories only had a passing reference to the Halloween theme, but my stand out favourites in this collection were:
The Jack o’Lantern Boy by Ross Killey - the urban legend was too enticing. Even when her friends decided that trick or treating was more important, Paisley had to know the truth. Heart wrenching!
Turnip Head by Desiree Horton - wow. I was not expecting that!
The King of Gourds by EM Otero - the artist has the perfect muse for autumn. The festival awaits and the offering must be made. Creepy as Poe!
Acid Boy by Zach Ellenberger - a very original take on the creator and the creation.
Riddles Three Z Martin - trick or treating g gets harder when you get older, but their luck might change when they enter the house of the gray haired lady.
A Halloween Prank by DL Winchester - they can trick, but she will get her treats. Really fun read
Jaq-O-Lantern: The Pumpkin Queen by Chisto Healy - a fabulous tale of friendship, love and justice - in a pumpkin patch
October 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this collection! It was a good mix of creepy and slightly unsettling with a lovely Halloween backdrop. I liked all the stories except for the final one, my favorite one being the dungeons and dragons themed one! Overall this is the perfect read for the season.
October 16, 2025
14 tales of horror that all take place on Halloween. Desiree has included a great bunch of horror writers to scare our tails off this Halloween season. Each tale is dark, they have punchline endings, and they focus on some of the legends of the Halloween time. All were great entries to this. The top three for me were: Jack O'Lantern Boy by Ross Killey-- a different spin on an urban legend, Turnip Head by Desiree Horton--with an excellent and dark POV, and Riddles Three by Z. Martin--an awesome take on trick or treating.
October 14, 2025
“Horton’s Halloween Hauntings” - Halloween filled tales just in time for the season!
★★★★☆
These tales were all unique and I found them very enjoyable! They range from sweet and nostalgic to downright creepy and horrific. Some stories I liked better than others and that’s why it’s great there is 14 different ones, guaranteeing a creepy little treat for everyone!
★★★★☆
These tales were all unique and I found them very enjoyable! They range from sweet and nostalgic to downright creepy and horrific. Some stories I liked better than others and that’s why it’s great there is 14 different ones, guaranteeing a creepy little treat for everyone!
October 13, 2025
What a great Halloween read!
November 22, 2025
Perfect to get in the spirit for the season!
December 9, 2025
Fun Halloween anthology. I particularlyike Ross Killeys story.
October 31, 2025
Oh this was such a good October Halloween read.
There were so many good ones in this collection but this was short so I am going to try to keep from ruining it for you.
Riddles by Z Martin, unhinged sometimes when you get older, you stop trick or treating or well, you enter a house for some fun instead..Little less treat and a lot more trick.
A Halloween Prank by DL Winchester was another really good one and this was more fun than anything, but also one of the best in this little collection, trust me, a do not miss.
Jaw-O-Lantern by Chisto Healy this was a kind of feel good horror that I think rounded this out for me really well. It had soul to it that got into my bones and I kept thinking about after I was done ( I know I am being so vague)
I know this was such a short vague review, but the stories were just fantastic and more than just a slash and gore holiday anthology ( nothing wrong with those either ) this collection just sang together in a way that made it pop a little more than I expected going in and gave it some spooky Halloween magic.
There were so many good ones in this collection but this was short so I am going to try to keep from ruining it for you.
Riddles by Z Martin, unhinged sometimes when you get older, you stop trick or treating or well, you enter a house for some fun instead..Little less treat and a lot more trick.
A Halloween Prank by DL Winchester was another really good one and this was more fun than anything, but also one of the best in this little collection, trust me, a do not miss.
Jaw-O-Lantern by Chisto Healy this was a kind of feel good horror that I think rounded this out for me really well. It had soul to it that got into my bones and I kept thinking about after I was done ( I know I am being so vague)
I know this was such a short vague review, but the stories were just fantastic and more than just a slash and gore holiday anthology ( nothing wrong with those either ) this collection just sang together in a way that made it pop a little more than I expected going in and gave it some spooky Halloween magic.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews