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The Cat, the Crow, and the Cauldron: A Halloween Anthology
A strange and wonderful collection of Halloween stories, ranging from paranormal romance to horror.
Joe DeRouen’s Good Fortune teaches us a valuable lesson about why you should be very careful when you hold someone’s fate in your hands. It may come back to haunt you, just as it does for Grimsley Harkness, who dares to wish for more than he deserves.
Celia Kennedy’s Nothing Scares Me takes readers on a test of endurance. Lost in the Florida Everglades, Ardith Deblois, wife, mother and intrepid adventurer, fights for her life. Enveloped within the humid swamplands is a perilous maze full of obstacles and adversaries. Which is the greater impediment, the humans that hunt her or the deadly animals and poisonous plants she hides amongst?
Can she fight through fatigue and dehydration to save herself? Nothing Scares Me. True or not?
Zeece Lugo’s Five Stories Up finds us on October 31st, 1966, and night is falling over the city. Below, the groups of little ghosts and goblins stream in and out of the front stoops and basement bodegas, running, laughing, white blankets flapping in the wind, their candy treasures tightly held in hand. But above, in the dark rooftop of Sonia's building, something pale and evil watches her, and beckons...
Angie Martin's "Sold" follows a paranormal team as they investigate the home of a serial killer for their live Halloween night televised show.
In Heather Osborne's Will You Remember Me? past and present collide when ghosts from witch trials of long ago come to life. It's up to Sierra to lay things to rest.
In Leonie Rogers' Roast Pumpkin, Anna discovers that going trick-or-treating in her new home town is more of an out-of-this-world experience than she'd ever imagined.
CJ Rutherford's 'Treaters' tells the story of Jaz. Who would believe the world would end on Halloween night? Can Jaz, a retired U.S. Marine, battle loss, grief, demons, and loneliness, to survive the end of the world?
In Jada Ryker’s Dead Eye, Alex takes Marisa to an unusual Halloween party in an isolated Kentucky community… with a murderer ready with deadly tricks, rather than treats.
In Jalpa Williby’s Beauty and the Beast, Kelsey’s entire family perishes in a fire on a dreadful Halloween night. Overcome by grief and guilt, she decides to end her pain once and for all. Will the mysterious stranger be her savior, or will he ultimately cause her tragic demise?
Joe DeRouen’s Good Fortune teaches us a valuable lesson about why you should be very careful when you hold someone’s fate in your hands. It may come back to haunt you, just as it does for Grimsley Harkness, who dares to wish for more than he deserves.
Celia Kennedy’s Nothing Scares Me takes readers on a test of endurance. Lost in the Florida Everglades, Ardith Deblois, wife, mother and intrepid adventurer, fights for her life. Enveloped within the humid swamplands is a perilous maze full of obstacles and adversaries. Which is the greater impediment, the humans that hunt her or the deadly animals and poisonous plants she hides amongst?
Can she fight through fatigue and dehydration to save herself? Nothing Scares Me. True or not?
Zeece Lugo’s Five Stories Up finds us on October 31st, 1966, and night is falling over the city. Below, the groups of little ghosts and goblins stream in and out of the front stoops and basement bodegas, running, laughing, white blankets flapping in the wind, their candy treasures tightly held in hand. But above, in the dark rooftop of Sonia's building, something pale and evil watches her, and beckons...
Angie Martin's "Sold" follows a paranormal team as they investigate the home of a serial killer for their live Halloween night televised show.
In Heather Osborne's Will You Remember Me? past and present collide when ghosts from witch trials of long ago come to life. It's up to Sierra to lay things to rest.
In Leonie Rogers' Roast Pumpkin, Anna discovers that going trick-or-treating in her new home town is more of an out-of-this-world experience than she'd ever imagined.
CJ Rutherford's 'Treaters' tells the story of Jaz. Who would believe the world would end on Halloween night? Can Jaz, a retired U.S. Marine, battle loss, grief, demons, and loneliness, to survive the end of the world?
In Jada Ryker’s Dead Eye, Alex takes Marisa to an unusual Halloween party in an isolated Kentucky community… with a murderer ready with deadly tricks, rather than treats.
In Jalpa Williby’s Beauty and the Beast, Kelsey’s entire family perishes in a fire on a dreadful Halloween night. Overcome by grief and guilt, she decides to end her pain once and for all. Will the mysterious stranger be her savior, or will he ultimately cause her tragic demise?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 12, 2015
44 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Joe DeRouen
19 books93 followersJoe was born in Carthage, Illinois, and currently lives in Rogers, Arkansas with his wife Andee, their son Fletcher, and their cats Archer, Biscuit, Frosty, Weiss, Cheese, and Eclipse. In addition to being a best-selling author, Joe is a web designer and substitute teacher. When he’s not writing, you can usually find Joe playing City of Heroes: Homecoming on his PC, or Pokemon Go and Stardew Valley on his phone. He also collects Mego action figures and Bicycle playing cards. You can write to Joe at Joe@JoeDeRouen.com or visit his website at JoeDeRouen.com.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 29, 2015
Roast Pumpkin - Leonie Rogers
Anna Warren was annoyed – it had been three months since she had had to move from her home in the Pilbara, Western Australia, to Lewiston in the US because of her Mum Jennifer’s job; she still hated it. Anna missed her friends, her home – now her parents wanted her to go out Trick or Treating for Halloween with Haley from school. She hardly knew Haley and didn’t want to go. But within a short period of time Anna was meeting up with Haley and her friends and their night began. Anna couldn’t believe the displays in the homes; their costumes were amazing too – it made hers seem tame in comparison.
The wonder was accentuated by the magnificence of the Ackersley home – every year the display and ensuing fireworks captivated the onlookers – Anna’s first look up close at Halloween was keeping her in awe. But was there more than just bright lights and candy in front of them?
Roast Pumpkin by Aussie author Leonie Rogers is a fabulous short story tinged with paranormal elements. Written for the anthology, The Cat, the Crow, and the Cauldron: A Halloween Anthology, I picked this one to read first as I’ve loved the author’s previous work, The Frontier Series. I’ll add my reviews to the others as I read them. Highly recommended.
Anna Warren was annoyed – it had been three months since she had had to move from her home in the Pilbara, Western Australia, to Lewiston in the US because of her Mum Jennifer’s job; she still hated it. Anna missed her friends, her home – now her parents wanted her to go out Trick or Treating for Halloween with Haley from school. She hardly knew Haley and didn’t want to go. But within a short period of time Anna was meeting up with Haley and her friends and their night began. Anna couldn’t believe the displays in the homes; their costumes were amazing too – it made hers seem tame in comparison.
The wonder was accentuated by the magnificence of the Ackersley home – every year the display and ensuing fireworks captivated the onlookers – Anna’s first look up close at Halloween was keeping her in awe. But was there more than just bright lights and candy in front of them?
Roast Pumpkin by Aussie author Leonie Rogers is a fabulous short story tinged with paranormal elements. Written for the anthology, The Cat, the Crow, and the Cauldron: A Halloween Anthology, I picked this one to read first as I’ve loved the author’s previous work, The Frontier Series. I’ll add my reviews to the others as I read them. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2019
This is a collection of fantasy, paranormal, and ghost stories celebrating Halloween. While I enjoyed most of the stories well enough they weren't great or particularly scary, and
it wasn't what I was expecting. Perhaps it's because my genres of choice, crime, mystery, suspense, thrillers, and psychological thrillers tend to be intense and scary to say the least. So I'm giving it an overall rating of 3.5★'s.
I've written a review for my favorite story out of the collection.
Roast Pumpkin by Aussie author Leonie Rogers
Anna Warren is not a happy. She's just moved with her mum and dad from Australia to the US, leaving behind her home, her friends, and, if you ask Anna, her happiness. Now it's Halloween and she finds herself attempting to carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern which is not going well at all. On top of that, her mum has set her up to go trick or treating with Haley, a girl from school she hardly knows. And the trick or treat thing? Anna just doesn't get it. But, dressed in her costume, she grudgingly goes along.
Within a short period of time, Anna discovers that Haley and her friends are actually pretty cool and she's blown away by the Halloween displays, costumes, free candy, and the general good time being had by all. Including Anna.
When they arrive at the Ackersley's house the array of decorations is nothing short of dazzling. When the small group of friends are invited to a closer view of the fireworks show, they are giddy with excitement. Then the brilliant sparkling display suddenly turns from a treat into a terrifying trick.
This was a fantasy based, suspenseful, magical adventure set on Halloween night that I found worthy of 5★'s.
it wasn't what I was expecting. Perhaps it's because my genres of choice, crime, mystery, suspense, thrillers, and psychological thrillers tend to be intense and scary to say the least. So I'm giving it an overall rating of 3.5★'s.
I've written a review for my favorite story out of the collection.
Roast Pumpkin by Aussie author Leonie Rogers
Anna Warren is not a happy. She's just moved with her mum and dad from Australia to the US, leaving behind her home, her friends, and, if you ask Anna, her happiness. Now it's Halloween and she finds herself attempting to carve a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern which is not going well at all. On top of that, her mum has set her up to go trick or treating with Haley, a girl from school she hardly knows. And the trick or treat thing? Anna just doesn't get it. But, dressed in her costume, she grudgingly goes along.
Within a short period of time, Anna discovers that Haley and her friends are actually pretty cool and she's blown away by the Halloween displays, costumes, free candy, and the general good time being had by all. Including Anna.
When they arrive at the Ackersley's house the array of decorations is nothing short of dazzling. When the small group of friends are invited to a closer view of the fireworks show, they are giddy with excitement. Then the brilliant sparkling display suddenly turns from a treat into a terrifying trick.
This was a fantasy based, suspenseful, magical adventure set on Halloween night that I found worthy of 5★'s.
October 18, 2016
This book was a wonderful way to get into the Halloween spirit. There was a little bit everything that makes this holiday so fun. Each story was remarkable in its own way. the authors all come from different areas of the globe and presented a unique and exciting book of stories. First of all, I loved the title it had whimsy, darkness and well-known links to this occult holiday. It was an enjoyable way to spend an evening reading the carefully crafted stories.
October 23, 2015
Reviewing an anthology is tough, especially when the stories are from different authors, and different genres. Fortunately, I’ve read stories from every author but Joe DeRouen. After reading his story Good Fortune, I’m looking forward to some of his full length books.
Even though I read, and review, in multiply genres, I still have favorites, such as paranormal and sci-fi. As the Highlander said, There can only be one.
So, without further adieu, the short story I loved the most, hands down, was Treaters by CJ Rutherford, and I’ll tell you why. I love Stephen King, and Treaters reminded me so much of The Mist. And not the made-for-TV version, the actual book. Totally different ending. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and drug me right along until the bitter end Great job.
CJ is the author of the Souls of the Never series. I’ve read the first 2 books in this series, and I must admit, I can see improvement in his writing.
Second place had a three-way tie: Nothing Scares Me by Celia Kennedy author of Venus Rising, Five Stories Up by Zeece Lugo author of the Daniel Fork series, and Roast Pumpkin by Leonie Rogers author of the Frontier series, rontier Incursion
No matter what your taste, you’ll find a story to your liking. I highly recommend it for an excellent Halloween read. I give my 5 feathers.
Even though I read, and review, in multiply genres, I still have favorites, such as paranormal and sci-fi. As the Highlander said, There can only be one.
So, without further adieu, the short story I loved the most, hands down, was Treaters by CJ Rutherford, and I’ll tell you why. I love Stephen King, and Treaters reminded me so much of The Mist. And not the made-for-TV version, the actual book. Totally different ending. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and drug me right along until the bitter end Great job.
CJ is the author of the Souls of the Never series. I’ve read the first 2 books in this series, and I must admit, I can see improvement in his writing.
Second place had a three-way tie: Nothing Scares Me by Celia Kennedy author of Venus Rising, Five Stories Up by Zeece Lugo author of the Daniel Fork series, and Roast Pumpkin by Leonie Rogers author of the Frontier series, rontier Incursion
No matter what your taste, you’ll find a story to your liking. I highly recommend it for an excellent Halloween read. I give my 5 feathers.
October 21, 2015
Anthologies are a great way to find new authors and experience diverse writing styles. I love to read horror stories and The Cat, The Crow and The Cauldron is a compilation of nine different styles and Halloween horror themes. I am not a fan of sci-fi so one of the stories just wasn’t my cup of tea. However, there were a few that grabbed my interest and held it throughout the tale. The overall anthology was worth the read.
I liked Zeece Lugo’s "Five Stories Up" where the author pulled you into the narrative right away and kept you there throughout. Since I am partial to murder mysteries and the paranormal, Angie Martin’s "Sold" caught my attention when a serial killer was a major part of the story with a great twist at the end. C. J. Rutherford’s "Treaters" was a terrific read with lots of tension and scary moments. I kept thinking “The Walking Dead” (love the show!) as I read the story. I have read all of Jalpa Williby’s books and "Beauty and the Beast" did not disappoint. She stayed true to her writing style even if she ventured outside of her usual genre. Hopefully she will expand on the story.
I enjoyed reading the works of authors I’m not familiar with. Everyone stepped up to the plate and delivered a Halloween treat.
I liked Zeece Lugo’s "Five Stories Up" where the author pulled you into the narrative right away and kept you there throughout. Since I am partial to murder mysteries and the paranormal, Angie Martin’s "Sold" caught my attention when a serial killer was a major part of the story with a great twist at the end. C. J. Rutherford’s "Treaters" was a terrific read with lots of tension and scary moments. I kept thinking “The Walking Dead” (love the show!) as I read the story. I have read all of Jalpa Williby’s books and "Beauty and the Beast" did not disappoint. She stayed true to her writing style even if she ventured outside of her usual genre. Hopefully she will expand on the story.
I enjoyed reading the works of authors I’m not familiar with. Everyone stepped up to the plate and delivered a Halloween treat.
October 27, 2015
** This is just a partial review... I will add as I read the stories. First story was Sold by Angie Martin, and what I story I picked. Sold has characters of a paranormal television show, recording live on Halloween, at a serial Killer's house. There has been unrecorded events of paranormal activity that this killers mother has made the media aware of. Let's just say, I didn't fully believe the mom had no knowledge of her sons killing. I won't give anything away, but beware of what you wish and or ask for. Loved this short story 5/5
Next, was Beauty and the Beast by Jalpa Williby. Don't worry folks it isn't the Disney's version of it. Kelsey grieves to this day of her family that had perished in a fire many years ago on Halloween night. She can't find it in herself to forgive herself. Kelsey has what most would call a death wish. She meets a stranger who offers her help in the dark of night after injuring herself on her way back home. This stranger is able to break through parts of her tough exterior, but who is he? I can't tell you without revealing the ending of the story. Definitely must read this short, and beg the author for more of Kelsey and her stranger. 5/5
Next, was Beauty and the Beast by Jalpa Williby. Don't worry folks it isn't the Disney's version of it. Kelsey grieves to this day of her family that had perished in a fire many years ago on Halloween night. She can't find it in herself to forgive herself. Kelsey has what most would call a death wish. She meets a stranger who offers her help in the dark of night after injuring herself on her way back home. This stranger is able to break through parts of her tough exterior, but who is he? I can't tell you without revealing the ending of the story. Definitely must read this short, and beg the author for more of Kelsey and her stranger. 5/5
October 17, 2015
A great collection of 9 spooky stories from some brilliant authors.
As with all anthologies, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, and some were scarier than others, but they were all well-written and entertaining to read.
My favourites were Joe DeRouen’s Good Fortune, Zeece Lugo’s Five Stories, Leonie Rogers' Roast Pumpkin, CJ Rutherford's Treaters and Jalpa Williby’s Beauty and the Beast.
Beauty and the Beast by Jalpa Williby is an imaginative story which drew me in. I loved that it ended well for Kelsey.
CJ Rutherford's Treaters grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. It's a descriptive and chilling tale and the ending made me cry.
The book introduced me to some authors who were previously unknown to me, and I will be looking for some of their full-length books to read.
As with all anthologies, I enjoyed some of the stories more than others, and some were scarier than others, but they were all well-written and entertaining to read.
My favourites were Joe DeRouen’s Good Fortune, Zeece Lugo’s Five Stories, Leonie Rogers' Roast Pumpkin, CJ Rutherford's Treaters and Jalpa Williby’s Beauty and the Beast.
Beauty and the Beast by Jalpa Williby is an imaginative story which drew me in. I loved that it ended well for Kelsey.
CJ Rutherford's Treaters grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. It's a descriptive and chilling tale and the ending made me cry.
The book introduced me to some authors who were previously unknown to me, and I will be looking for some of their full-length books to read.
October 30, 2015
A great compilation of 9 slightly creepy short stories from a variety of authors
I never know how to do a review for an anthology, but I will 'say' this: What a great way to get a 'taste' of authors that you may not come across otherwise!! and for it to be out just in time for Halloween, bonus!! I enjoyed all of these stories and will definitely be looking for more from each of these authors. There was not one author in this anthology, that was lacking, they all have me intrigued to get to know them more.
I never know how to do a review for an anthology, but I will 'say' this: What a great way to get a 'taste' of authors that you may not come across otherwise!! and for it to be out just in time for Halloween, bonus!! I enjoyed all of these stories and will definitely be looking for more from each of these authors. There was not one author in this anthology, that was lacking, they all have me intrigued to get to know them more.
October 27, 2015
If you like finding new authors...this is a great book to look. This is a fun anthology of scary stories for one and all. While you may not like all of them...i am certain you will find a few to tickle your fancy!
October 30, 2015
The Cat, the Crow, and the Cauldron: A Halloween Anthology by Joe DeRouen
A fantastic collection of short stories, by numerous Authors. Every story perfect for Halloween, from paranormal, paranormal romance and horror to name a few. Each story was enjoyable The Cat, the Crow, and the Cauldron: A Halloween Anthology has a bit of something for everyone.
A fantastic collection of short stories, by numerous Authors. Every story perfect for Halloween, from paranormal, paranormal romance and horror to name a few. Each story was enjoyable The Cat, the Crow, and the Cauldron: A Halloween Anthology has a bit of something for everyone.
October 30, 2015
I love anthologies and this one did not disappoint. Each story was a bit longer than the usual short story but were well written and did not drag. I especially liked the last story about a girl feeling guilt for the deaths of her family in a fire. I could understand her torment and I guessed the identity of her helper.
October 31, 2017
A collection of Halloween stories, yay!
A man seeks revenge on Halloween with wicked fortune cookies. Oh, how he wishes he could see the look on those little snots’ faces once they read their fortunes. What delicious irony that the fortunes actually started coming true.
The home of a renowned serial killer is for sale and is believed to be haunted by the spirits of his 31 slayings. Sounds like the perfect place for a TV exec to boost her Halloween ratings. And she’ll do ANYTHING for it.
A teenage girl had dreams of a wrongfully-accused witch from the 1600’s, awakening dormant spirits.
Haunted by memories of her family’s dying screams in a roaring fire, a woman finds solace in a dark, brooding, and “stony” stranger.
Witty and full of dark irony! Loved it!
A man seeks revenge on Halloween with wicked fortune cookies. Oh, how he wishes he could see the look on those little snots’ faces once they read their fortunes. What delicious irony that the fortunes actually started coming true.
The home of a renowned serial killer is for sale and is believed to be haunted by the spirits of his 31 slayings. Sounds like the perfect place for a TV exec to boost her Halloween ratings. And she’ll do ANYTHING for it.
A teenage girl had dreams of a wrongfully-accused witch from the 1600’s, awakening dormant spirits.
Haunted by memories of her family’s dying screams in a roaring fire, a woman finds solace in a dark, brooding, and “stony” stranger.
Witty and full of dark irony! Loved it!
October 17, 2020
A fun read for Halloween. A wide range of horror to suit most tastes, from cute and cosy, an end of days demon invasion, trick or treat gone wrong, and an inventive twist on paranormal romance, and gritty murder mystery with a streak of humour. This anthology is the perfect spooky bag of treats for this season.
June 28, 2020
Fun
I enjoyed this book. Many good authors are in here. Some of the storys are really great. A good book!
I enjoyed this book. Many good authors are in here. Some of the storys are really great. A good book!
January 2, 2016
Great Anthology
This is a great set of stories. Each one creepy and haunting. I truly didn't want to put this book down. These stories will creep me out for awhile. That's a good thing though. The writing and the storylines are that good. There are some stories in this book that are not for the faint of heart, but for me, that just ratcheted up the creep factor a notch or two. I plan on reading this again and again. I recommend this book to everyone out there. If you love Koontz and King, you will love this book. Yes. These stories in my opinion are that good.
This is a great set of stories. Each one creepy and haunting. I truly didn't want to put this book down. These stories will creep me out for awhile. That's a good thing though. The writing and the storylines are that good. There are some stories in this book that are not for the faint of heart, but for me, that just ratcheted up the creep factor a notch or two. I plan on reading this again and again. I recommend this book to everyone out there. If you love Koontz and King, you will love this book. Yes. These stories in my opinion are that good.
November 18, 2015
The Cat, The Crow and The Cauldron is a great Halloween treat! There are nine short stories from different writers. Each story is captivating. While I do have my favorites, I feel all the stories are well written and embodies the thrill of Halloween.
These anthologies are an excellent way to discover authors and sample their writing. I would love to see these stories expand into novels. Well done!
These anthologies are an excellent way to discover authors and sample their writing. I would love to see these stories expand into novels. Well done!
March 10, 2016
..a Halloween anthology
I'm a reader..always have been. Not much of a critic, except I know what I enjoy reading. I don't doubt the authors worked hard on these stories, but, at least for me they don't ring true. Some of the dialogue is stilted, the plots are outlandish, and perhaps most of all, nothing is frightening. Really about average for republishing...
I'm a reader..always have been. Not much of a critic, except I know what I enjoy reading. I don't doubt the authors worked hard on these stories, but, at least for me they don't ring true. Some of the dialogue is stilted, the plots are outlandish, and perhaps most of all, nothing is frightening. Really about average for republishing...
November 2, 2016
I'm actually not a huge fan of anthologies, but I decided to give this one a shot for the upcoming Halloween holiday. Every story was surprisingly really enjoyable and well-written. Definitely recommend!
October 20, 2015
Jalpa williby
Sweet and short Beauty and the beast. Good so much more could be there. This writer is one of my favorite love her books so I can't for the full story.
Sweet and short Beauty and the beast. Good so much more could be there. This writer is one of my favorite love her books so I can't for the full story.
August 25, 2016
Good
Some stories I liked some I loved. There is something here for everyone to enjoy. Would like see more like this.
Some stories I liked some I loved. There is something here for everyone to enjoy. Would like see more like this.
October 8, 2016
This was definitely a "mixed bag", ranging from horror, apocalyptic events, mystery/thriller to paranormal and contemporary romance.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews