October Rust

by Ray Van Horn

From the mind of Ray Van Horn, Jr. comes a new definition

of paranormal horror. Is there anything possibly worse than

a poltergeist? Try a poltergeist with a vendetta.

Mickey Pelligrini has put her life together after running with

the wrong crowd in her teen years and committing

numerous street crimes including first degree assault. Now

an adult in her mid-twenties, Mickey holds a steady job and

she is engaged to the love of her life, Hector Suarez. If

Mickey has any adversities in life, however, it's alcohol

addiction.

That, and an entity stalking her every turn. What first

emerges as a shadow being capable of verbal

communication, the relentless phenomenon tormenting

Mickey reveals even more horrible attributes, including the

ability to delve physical harm.

It will take Mickey's new family-to-be, plus a local

paranormal investigator to fight the evil shade, a literal

ghost from the past intent on destroying her life.

436 pages, Paperback

Published April 24, 2026

Reviews

[S.M. Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed October Rust. It’s a strong, engaging story that builds tension steadily from beginning to end. The opening pulls you in right away and keeps that momentum going throughout. I especially liked how the main character’s life—and the lives of those around her—are woven into the narrative. Her past is revealed gradually, adding depth and keeping you invested as the full picture comes together. The blend of religious elements adds an interesting layer, making the story feel fresh and nuanced. If you enjoy stories that keep you guessing, where the rules aren’t always clear, and the supernatural doesn’t behave the way you expect, this one is definitely worth picking up.

Just me but:
It’s always something special when you can catch a glimpse of the person behind the pages through the story that they’re telling. You can tell the author has a deep love for music, and it comes through clearly in the writing.

[Tanya Sykes · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an alcoholic with a past gets terrorized by a poltergeist she has nothing to do but to lose herself to her alcoholism or fight for the present and future that she's building with her fiance. With the help of a ghost hunter and her new family - she choses the future. Ray ingeniously uses references from various religions and knowledge of the area the story is set in to create an attention grabbing story of a haunted past, a family you never knew you needed, and the will to fight. The tension and fear the author puts into the reader with his powerful poltergeist antagonist and the connections to family and overcoming ones past makes this a read that I gladly encourage people to try.