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Tales From Halloween Land
Tales From Halloween Two brand new short stories and a novelette
Enter Halloween Land, a carnival where nightmares come to life. Three never-before-released stories. Sinister, surreal, and darkly twisted, these tales will test courage, morality, and what it truly means to survive… if you dare step inside.
Three teens enter the eerie carnival Halloween Land and become trapped in a sinister tent. There, a living clown jack-in-the-box named Koko McKillington III forces them into a deadly one will leave, one will stay, and one will die. Facing horrifying choices and grotesque horrors behind mysterious doors, the boys quickly realise survival comes at a horrifying cost, testing their courage—and their humanity.
Melissa, a teenage girl, who was killed and resurrected by the sinister, otherworldly carnival Halloween Land—transformed into a powerful yet unstable clown. Bound to the carnival and gifted with superhuman abilities, she cannot escape, but her mind remains her own, mostly. As she navigates the ever-shifting, grotesque, and surreal landscape of Halloween Land, Melissa struggles to retain fragments of her humanity while embracing her newfound chaos. Trapped in a place she hates, she becomes a rogue force, turning her supernatural skills and unpredictable mind against the carnival itself. (Takes place directly after the events of The Clown novella.)
Frank and Anna’s quiet, happy life with their son Billy is shattered when he vanishes at a travelling carnival—along with his friends and their parents—leaving no trace and no answers. Grief drives them apart, their lives descending into despair, until a mysterious, otherworldly clown suddenly appears in their home. Beautiful, unnerving, and disturbingly aware of her own fragmented identity, she hints at the dark, supernatural forces behind Billy’s disappearance—and that their nightmare has only just begun.
"Tales From Halloween Land by Kevin J. Kennedy is a great collection that adds to the ominous lore of his original Halloween Land and The Clown that inhabits it. With moments of creeping dread, building tension, and bizarre encounters, this is a wonderful addition to the living terror that is Halloween Land, not just a place, but something beyond." — Candace Nola, author of Shadow Manor
“Kennedy writes the kind of entertaining horror I love to read. Tales from Halloween Land lures you into a creepy carnival world and delivers plenty of funhouse frights! I give this collection five grinning clown heads.” — Brian Moreland, author of The Devil’s Woods and Savage Island
“A hungry, living carnival sets the stage for three bleak and beautifully tragic tales, where the real horror isn’t just the souls it devours, but the emotional wreckage left behind. Darkly imaginative and unexpectedly empathetic, this return to Halloween Land lingers long after the lights go out. Recommended.” — Mark Towse, author of Devil’s Bluff
“Kennedy’s Tales from Halloween Land reads like a trip to the carnival a wild ride bursting with strange characters, bizarre games, and the sickly-sweet smell of candyfloss. Creepy, unsettling, but above all, fun.” — Viggy Parr Hampton, author of The Rotting Room
“Not sure how he does it, but Kevin J. Kennedy uses great plotting, interesting characters, and extreme violence, and then mixes it all with some kind of horror rocket fuel to produce something truly unique. Tales From Halloween Land is high-octane adrenaline fiction for horror junkies. My fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.” — Gord Rollo, Author of The Jigsaw Man and Strange Magic
Kennedy's Tales From Halloween Land oozes creativity, from the otherworldly carnival to its bizarre, monstrous inhabitants. Trust me when I say you're going to want to check this one out! — Harrison Phillips, author of Cuddle Buddies
Enter Halloween Land, a carnival where nightmares come to life. Three never-before-released stories. Sinister, surreal, and darkly twisted, these tales will test courage, morality, and what it truly means to survive… if you dare step inside.
Three teens enter the eerie carnival Halloween Land and become trapped in a sinister tent. There, a living clown jack-in-the-box named Koko McKillington III forces them into a deadly one will leave, one will stay, and one will die. Facing horrifying choices and grotesque horrors behind mysterious doors, the boys quickly realise survival comes at a horrifying cost, testing their courage—and their humanity.
Melissa, a teenage girl, who was killed and resurrected by the sinister, otherworldly carnival Halloween Land—transformed into a powerful yet unstable clown. Bound to the carnival and gifted with superhuman abilities, she cannot escape, but her mind remains her own, mostly. As she navigates the ever-shifting, grotesque, and surreal landscape of Halloween Land, Melissa struggles to retain fragments of her humanity while embracing her newfound chaos. Trapped in a place she hates, she becomes a rogue force, turning her supernatural skills and unpredictable mind against the carnival itself. (Takes place directly after the events of The Clown novella.)
Frank and Anna’s quiet, happy life with their son Billy is shattered when he vanishes at a travelling carnival—along with his friends and their parents—leaving no trace and no answers. Grief drives them apart, their lives descending into despair, until a mysterious, otherworldly clown suddenly appears in their home. Beautiful, unnerving, and disturbingly aware of her own fragmented identity, she hints at the dark, supernatural forces behind Billy’s disappearance—and that their nightmare has only just begun.
"Tales From Halloween Land by Kevin J. Kennedy is a great collection that adds to the ominous lore of his original Halloween Land and The Clown that inhabits it. With moments of creeping dread, building tension, and bizarre encounters, this is a wonderful addition to the living terror that is Halloween Land, not just a place, but something beyond." — Candace Nola, author of Shadow Manor
“Kennedy writes the kind of entertaining horror I love to read. Tales from Halloween Land lures you into a creepy carnival world and delivers plenty of funhouse frights! I give this collection five grinning clown heads.” — Brian Moreland, author of The Devil’s Woods and Savage Island
“A hungry, living carnival sets the stage for three bleak and beautifully tragic tales, where the real horror isn’t just the souls it devours, but the emotional wreckage left behind. Darkly imaginative and unexpectedly empathetic, this return to Halloween Land lingers long after the lights go out. Recommended.” — Mark Towse, author of Devil’s Bluff
“Kennedy’s Tales from Halloween Land reads like a trip to the carnival a wild ride bursting with strange characters, bizarre games, and the sickly-sweet smell of candyfloss. Creepy, unsettling, but above all, fun.” — Viggy Parr Hampton, author of The Rotting Room
“Not sure how he does it, but Kevin J. Kennedy uses great plotting, interesting characters, and extreme violence, and then mixes it all with some kind of horror rocket fuel to produce something truly unique. Tales From Halloween Land is high-octane adrenaline fiction for horror junkies. My fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the ride.” — Gord Rollo, Author of The Jigsaw Man and Strange Magic
Kennedy's Tales From Halloween Land oozes creativity, from the otherworldly carnival to its bizarre, monstrous inhabitants. Trust me when I say you're going to want to check this one out! — Harrison Phillips, author of Cuddle Buddies
- GenresHorror
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2025
About the author
Kevin J. Kennedy
177 books353 followersKevin J. Kennedy is a Scottish horror author known for his fast-paced storytelling, dark humor, and unforgettable characters. He is also the curator of the bestselling The Horror Collection and Classic Monsters anthology series.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
When he’s not writing tales of blood-soaked chaos, Kevin champions indie horror, supports fellow authors, and dreams up new ways to keep readers sleeping with the lights on.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 12, 2026
This was my first visit to Halloween Land. Not having read the previous books, I still feel like I have a decent grasp of the goings on in this creepy carnival from these stand-alone tales.
The carnival itself is a mysterious living entity. It pops up wherever it pleases and disappears when it gets what it came for, luring in unsuspecting patrons so it can feed on their souls. Those who are not chosen will be allowed to leave, but have very little memory of having attended, or of the strange looking carnies who work the rides and concessions.
In the first story, three teenagers who have never visited any carnival before are mesmerized by the sights and sounds at Halloween Land. There are so many games and rides, not to mention the smell of all that delicious food. If only they had not noticed a beautiful woman at a partially obscured tent, they might have had a night to remember fondly instead of a night to regret.
In the next story, we meet Melissa, or what used to be Melissa before the carnival murdered her friends and tried to bend her to its will. She is something different now, trapped by the carnival in a life she can't escape, but never under its full control.
In the final story, a happy family is destroyed when the parents let their only son go to the carnival with friends. Their dread turns to panic and then despair the longer they are left waiting for him to come home. This was my favorite of the three tales. I found it to be more suspenseful and emotionally charged than the first two, and I enjoyed the way it tied together with a previous character.
My thanks to the author for the e-ARC
The carnival itself is a mysterious living entity. It pops up wherever it pleases and disappears when it gets what it came for, luring in unsuspecting patrons so it can feed on their souls. Those who are not chosen will be allowed to leave, but have very little memory of having attended, or of the strange looking carnies who work the rides and concessions.
In the first story, three teenagers who have never visited any carnival before are mesmerized by the sights and sounds at Halloween Land. There are so many games and rides, not to mention the smell of all that delicious food. If only they had not noticed a beautiful woman at a partially obscured tent, they might have had a night to remember fondly instead of a night to regret.
In the next story, we meet Melissa, or what used to be Melissa before the carnival murdered her friends and tried to bend her to its will. She is something different now, trapped by the carnival in a life she can't escape, but never under its full control.
In the final story, a happy family is destroyed when the parents let their only son go to the carnival with friends. Their dread turns to panic and then despair the longer they are left waiting for him to come home. This was my favorite of the three tales. I found it to be more suspenseful and emotionally charged than the first two, and I enjoyed the way it tied together with a previous character.
My thanks to the author for the e-ARC
February 12, 2026
This was a quick, enjoyable and easy read for me. I found it the most accomplished and the most empathetic of the Halloween Land books: who knew that a sentient carnival feeding on innocent souls could provide the best setting for a trio of deeply tragic and devastating tales? Well, anyone who's already read the original book of "Halloween Land" as well as "The Clown," the sort-of-a-sequel, knows that Kevin Kennedy has what it takes to turn even such a vociferous and grotesque setting into a place of sorrow, emotional suffering, and mental tribulation. In these three tales, indeed, the key aspect of the stories is not so much the horrifying truth awaiting anyone visiting Halloween Land, but rather the exploration of the impact of said truth once it's been fully grasped and lived through, with all its terrifying consequences. We see exactly what belonging to the carnival and being transformed by it costs to certain of the carnies both psychologically and mentally. The experience is simply awful.
In the first story, "The Temple of Koko," three sixteen year-olds visit the carnival, and their friendship is tested once they step into the domain of Koko McKillington III, a jack-in-the box with a clown's head that can speak, cuss and threaten like the best of them! The boys are forced to decide their own fate, yet the bleak ending shows that the Carnival not only feeds on souls but also on the pain of those who stay behind and work for it.
The second story, "Purgatory for an Unhappy Clown," picks up where "The Clown" left off. It figures the Clown, of course, her malaise in the Carnival, while she's refusing to reciprocate its feelings for her. She starts enraged, gets punished, but a interesting compromise is finally reached - actually a nice segue into the third and final story.
"For the Love of Carnivals" is a sad tale of grief and loss, despite its moments of gore and butchery. I loved it, especially the initial build up, even if for almost half of the story nothing about the Carnival itself is actually shown. When the Clown steps up and decides to take matters in her own hands, however, action explodes on the page and it's not surprising that mayhem and carnage ensue. That said, once again it's the poignant, sad ending that makes this a wonderfully crafted tale, full of tragedy and misery for everyone - even Halloween Land itself.
In sum, this is another super-creative work by Kennedy, three solid stories with a lingering impact I eagerly recommend to all!
February 13, 2026
The carnival is hungry. It wants your soul. This is fast-paced creepy tale of a horrifying clown and a carnival from hell.
Three terrifying stories that will leave you not wanting to ever go to a carnival. When someone tells you to pick a door, it's never good.
Three terrifying stories that will leave you not wanting to ever go to a carnival. When someone tells you to pick a door, it's never good.
February 9, 2026
It all began with Halloween Land and was followed by The Clown. Now Kennedy brings you back to the world of Halloween Land with three tales.
The Temple of Koko
Koko McKillington resembles a jacking the box with a huge Clown head. He presents three doors to three boys, where each has to choose one. “One of you can leave eventually, one of you will stay here and join the carnival as a worker, and the other will give up their soul.” Which door will lead to freedom? Which door will lead to an eternity as a minion of Halloween, and which door will cost the soul. Each door has a color, Red, Blue, and Yellow.
Purgatory for an Unhappy
Clown
The sequel to the Clown where the Clown releases her rage by killing the Carnies. Will Halloween Land put up with this or will the Clown be punished for her actions.
For the Love of Carnivals
The Clown guides a grief stricken father in search of his missing son to the Funhouse in Halloween Land. Will the father be able to recuse the boy or will Halloween Land have other plans for them?
The Temple of Koko
Koko McKillington resembles a jacking the box with a huge Clown head. He presents three doors to three boys, where each has to choose one. “One of you can leave eventually, one of you will stay here and join the carnival as a worker, and the other will give up their soul.” Which door will lead to freedom? Which door will lead to an eternity as a minion of Halloween, and which door will cost the soul. Each door has a color, Red, Blue, and Yellow.
Purgatory for an Unhappy
Clown
The sequel to the Clown where the Clown releases her rage by killing the Carnies. Will Halloween Land put up with this or will the Clown be punished for her actions.
For the Love of Carnivals
The Clown guides a grief stricken father in search of his missing son to the Funhouse in Halloween Land. Will the father be able to recuse the boy or will Halloween Land have other plans for them?
February 15, 2026
Tales From Halloween Land by Kevin J. Kennedy is a collection of three stories that give us a bit more insight into Halloween Land and one of my all-time favorite characters, The Clown!
Mr. Kevin J. Kennedy is solely responsible for my obsession with carnival horror. When I got word that this was a project in the works, I couldn’t wait! This was such a wild and horrific read that brought three quick snippets of dark and grief-filled terror to play.
Carnival horror fans. Grief horror fans. Fans of fast-paced tales that draw you right in and don't let you go... You all need this collection! KJK has done it again!
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/tales...
Mr. Kevin J. Kennedy is solely responsible for my obsession with carnival horror. When I got word that this was a project in the works, I couldn’t wait! This was such a wild and horrific read that brought three quick snippets of dark and grief-filled terror to play.
Carnival horror fans. Grief horror fans. Fans of fast-paced tales that draw you right in and don't let you go... You all need this collection! KJK has done it again!
Check out my full review here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/tales...
October 29, 2026
I freaking love the world Kennedy built in Halloween Land. These three tales that continue the evil carnival's story made me want more.
The Temple Of Koko was surprising in how it ended. Did not see that coming. And the way Koko was described, yikes! I never liked Jack in the boxes anyways, but this just reinforced my fear of them.
Purgatory For An Unhappy Clown brought back The Clown/Melissa and I was so excited to read more about her time in Halloween Land. Such a tragic character who is trying to make the most of her situation.
For The Love Of Carnivals once again features The Clown, this time she's helping a man find his son. The ending though, I want to know what happens to Frank and The Clown next!
Be careful if you go to Halloween Land, you might not make it out!
The Temple Of Koko was surprising in how it ended. Did not see that coming. And the way Koko was described, yikes! I never liked Jack in the boxes anyways, but this just reinforced my fear of them.
Purgatory For An Unhappy Clown brought back The Clown/Melissa and I was so excited to read more about her time in Halloween Land. Such a tragic character who is trying to make the most of her situation.
For The Love Of Carnivals once again features The Clown, this time she's helping a man find his son. The ending though, I want to know what happens to Frank and The Clown next!
Be careful if you go to Halloween Land, you might not make it out!
February 11, 2026
This three story collection takes us back to Halloween Land, and gives us two trips back to see what The Clown has been up to. The first story has different characters completely, and gives more of the depraved torment that the carnival does so well. Of the other two stories, one focuses on the clown, and gives even more insight into Melissa's new world inside the fair. In the other you're not quite sure if she's going to be friend or foe, and for who.
I love going back to liked characters, and The Clown is definitely one I'm happy to keep visiting!
I love going back to liked characters, and The Clown is definitely one I'm happy to keep visiting!
February 17, 2026
Tales from Halloween land! What a trip it was going through the journey of this book. From Page 1 to the last page I couldn't stop reading it. I was on the edge of my couch and even at the store I couldn't stop reading this book. This is one of those books you have to start and finish because it's that good. 5 stars isn't enough this is 15/15 stars. One of my favorites of the year so far. If you don't have it you're missing out on an incredible book. Go get the book you won't be disappointed.
February 15, 2026
I love this series to bits. There is just something about the clowns attitude to life that always puts a grin on my face. This is nice and easy to read and just enjoy without too much thinking. I loved that you get a backstory of the clown but also the mind of the carnival itself. I hope Kevin writes more tales about this character.
February 7, 2026
A trio of friends go to the carnival that popped up in their town. They should have stayed away. A clown who wants to be free. This is no ordinary carnival it is hungry.
July 27, 2026
It’s never too early for spooky season! This book is a win for me. If you don’t have for a whole book but you have time for a short spooky story you have time for this. A bunch of short scary stories to keep you on your toes while we wait for Halloween. Who doesn’t love a freaky carnival?!
April 25, 2026
Another awesome book by Kevin. I absolutely love the clown and will read anything that has to do with her
February 14, 2026
ENTER THE HALLOWEEN LAND carnival if you dare, but you may not be able to leave!!!!
Two brand new story's we are treated to once again living in Halloween Land, I didn't realise how much I missed the horrific carnival that lives off human souls!!!
These stories are twisted like the twisted souls who live there, very dark and tests your own morals. We have three teens that decide to go there. I ask you what could possibly go wrong hmmmm!!! Horrifically wrong, I definitely wouldn't have wanted to be the lads. They enter a tent, once inside they think it's a joke but it's more sinister than that!!
Ahhhh, the next story is about Melissa a girl who went to the carnival but Halloween Land, she had other idea's about her, she got murdered and brought back to life with supernatural gifts of strength etc. She hates it there and is always looking to create chaos, but strangely she still has some of her humanity not like the others who reside there. (this takes place directly after the events of The Clown novella). I really loved this character!!
Frank and Anna's normal uneventful life ends up devastatingly changes after their son Billy goes to Halloween Land with his mates but are never to return, you could say their marriage decends into chaos an on going nightmare!!
I have loved every book in The Halloween Land stories, this book has definitely satified my hunger for now. Hint, hint fingers crossed there will be more for my fix of Halloween Land.
Cracking read, not to be missed!!
Two brand new story's we are treated to once again living in Halloween Land, I didn't realise how much I missed the horrific carnival that lives off human souls!!!
These stories are twisted like the twisted souls who live there, very dark and tests your own morals. We have three teens that decide to go there. I ask you what could possibly go wrong hmmmm!!! Horrifically wrong, I definitely wouldn't have wanted to be the lads. They enter a tent, once inside they think it's a joke but it's more sinister than that!!
Ahhhh, the next story is about Melissa a girl who went to the carnival but Halloween Land, she had other idea's about her, she got murdered and brought back to life with supernatural gifts of strength etc. She hates it there and is always looking to create chaos, but strangely she still has some of her humanity not like the others who reside there. (this takes place directly after the events of The Clown novella). I really loved this character!!
Frank and Anna's normal uneventful life ends up devastatingly changes after their son Billy goes to Halloween Land with his mates but are never to return, you could say their marriage decends into chaos an on going nightmare!!
I have loved every book in The Halloween Land stories, this book has definitely satified my hunger for now. Hint, hint fingers crossed there will be more for my fix of Halloween Land.
Cracking read, not to be missed!!
May 29, 2026
If you enjoy horror set in carnivals or horror involving clowns, you can't go wrong with these three dark tales. Can a carnival be truly evil, feeding on patrons to fulfill its hunger? This collection will answer that question and give you a thrill on every page!
I loved the first story about The Clown and especially liked this follow-up to her life. You will never look at clowns or carnivals in the same way!
I loved the first story about The Clown and especially liked this follow-up to her life. You will never look at clowns or carnivals in the same way!
February 14, 2026
A hungry, living carnival sets the stage for three bleak and beautifully tragic tales, where the real horror isn’t just the souls it devours, but the emotional wreckage left behind.
Darkly imaginative and unexpectedly empathetic, this return to Halloween Land lingers long after the lights go out. Recommended.
Darkly imaginative and unexpectedly empathetic, this return to Halloween Land lingers long after the lights go out. Recommended.
October 1, 2026
A fun and terrifying place to visit. Kevin brings us three tales from Halloween Land. An amusement park with a soul. These tales, two shorts and a novella, bring us right to the heart of this monster and how it tortures and lures in the unsuspecting. The suspense is riveting, and the stories keep you hopping. Can't wait to read more from this land!
February 15, 2026
this is the third in the series of Halloween Land and is filled with three short stories of 69 pages in all A fun short read that will take you to a very hungry and dark carnival wanting more souls. enter if you dare?
February 15, 2026
Really enjoyed this one and I loved how it was different stories in the same Halloween land! I’m definitely intrigued into what other stories this carnival land has!! I always love a book with a clown story in. And this totally succeeded. And a powerful main woman clown!! Loved it. Recommend reading!!
April 3, 2026
A fun, spooky collection perfect for fans of short, creepy stories. Each tale is imaginative, with plenty of eerie settings, unexpected twists, and a touch of dark humor. The stories are easy to read in one sitting and keep the tension high without overstaying their welcome.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews