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12 Hours of Halloween: a novel
One last Halloween…
The year is 1980. Jeff Schaeffer, Leah Carter, and Bobby Nagel decide to go out for "one last Halloween" before adolescence takes away their childhood forever.
But this Halloween is different, they soon discover. An outing that was supposed to be light-hearted and fun becomes a battle for sanity—and perhaps even survival.
A Halloween curse A sinister teenager known as “the ghost boy” declares that Jeff Schaeffer and his friends will endure “twelve hours of trial” on Halloween. The three young people subsequently find their once familiar surroundings transformed into a bizarre and terrifying landscape.
They discover that just beneath the surface of their suburban neighborhood lies a secret realm of haunted houses, demonically possessed trees, and spirits with unfinished business.
One entity, called the “head collector”, stalks through the darkened streets in search of grisly trophies.
Coming-of-age conflict...
Jeff is also forced to confront new feelings for both of his old friends.
He believes that he is in love with Leah; but does Leah feel the same way?
Meanwhile, his friend Bobby, who had always protected him from local bullies, now seems to harbor a dark agenda that threatens to divide and possibly destroy them all.
The year is 1980. Jeff Schaeffer, Leah Carter, and Bobby Nagel decide to go out for "one last Halloween" before adolescence takes away their childhood forever.
But this Halloween is different, they soon discover. An outing that was supposed to be light-hearted and fun becomes a battle for sanity—and perhaps even survival.
A Halloween curse A sinister teenager known as “the ghost boy” declares that Jeff Schaeffer and his friends will endure “twelve hours of trial” on Halloween. The three young people subsequently find their once familiar surroundings transformed into a bizarre and terrifying landscape.
They discover that just beneath the surface of their suburban neighborhood lies a secret realm of haunted houses, demonically possessed trees, and spirits with unfinished business.
One entity, called the “head collector”, stalks through the darkened streets in search of grisly trophies.
Coming-of-age conflict...
Jeff is also forced to confront new feelings for both of his old friends.
He believes that he is in love with Leah; but does Leah feel the same way?
Meanwhile, his friend Bobby, who had always protected him from local bullies, now seems to harbor a dark agenda that threatens to divide and possibly destroy them all.
210 pages, Paperback
First published January 2, 2015
63 people are currently reading
124 people want to read
About the author
Edward Trimnell
54 books16 followersHello. Thanks for stopping by my Goodreads page!
I’m an author of suspense fiction, spanning the genres of crime, thriller, fantasy, and horror.
Please visit my website, EdwardTrimnellBooks.com, for free online serials, short stories, and information about upcoming titles.
I’m an author of suspense fiction, spanning the genres of crime, thriller, fantasy, and horror.
Please visit my website, EdwardTrimnellBooks.com, for free online serials, short stories, and information about upcoming titles.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 13, 2019
I really liked that coming-of-age story. Jeff, Bobby and Leah are on their final Halloween trick or treat tour. It's for the last time and they are confronted with all kinds of horrors: the haunted Shipley House, Elmira, the ghost boy, the head collector and then there is the school bully Matt Stefano. The perspective is quite interesting. It is told from the view of a middle aged guy (like me) depicting what happened in his childhood days (early 80s). In the end you also come to know what happened to the different characters described. A fine Halloween read, sometimes melancholic, sometimes eerie but nothing too brutal or violent. Recommended for all seasons, not only to prepare for Halloween!
November 10, 2017
12 HOURS OF HALLOWEEN: A Novel, is the first book I have read by author Edward Trimnell. I came across this one while looking specifically for Halloween-themed reads this October, through the recommendation of a friend. This was, unquestionably, my favorite "seasonal" novel of the year. I was expecting a "coming-of-age" tale with supernatural influences--according to the synopsis--but was overwhelmingly impressed with the depth of the characters and the complexity of the complete story.
". . . When we are young, we perceive and feel a lot of things that seem implausible and almost fantastical in later life. The older a man gets, the easier it becomes for him to doubt the perceptions of the . . . boy he once was . . . "
We begin with Jeff, a man with children of his own, out shopping near Halloween time. A couple of glimpses of "things" that he knows are visible only to him, sets him back to the memory of his last Halloween, in the year 1980.
". . . A funny thing about flashbacks: they come unbidden, and at the most unexpected times . . . "
The majority of this tale is about that year, when he was twelve years old, along with his best friends, Bobby and Leah. That was the year when the three of them realized that their small town was . . . close . . . to a boundary that was already stretched thinly between worlds that were not meant to overlap.
". . . a liminal time . . . a time when the barriers between the world of the living and the world of the dead break down, or at least grow thin . . . "
It was a Halloween that would change each of them in many ways.
Trimnell does an amazing job of characterization--not just with the three main characters, but with each and every being we encounter. Even a teacher passing by felt like someone I actually knew by the time I was through reading their part. Each scene, action, or movement was so clearly detailed that it was possible to "believe" the events unfolding actually occurred. All of this was accomplished without falling into the trap of being "too informative". In this novel, we don't come across random info dumps, but rather glean our knowledge by being shown--by the conversations and physical responses that the characters exhibit.
". . . each one of us was very much alone, no matter how much time we might spend together . . . "
The way that these characters change throughout the story is described in such ways that they feel undeniably natural and right. Trimnell utilizes powerful observations, insights, and comments so that the reader feels as if they too, are growing from this environment and the situations encountered.
". . . If you do the right thing for selfish reasons, does that detract from the rightness of the act itself? . . ."
Besides our characters, the atmosphere in this novel feels just about perfect in every way. We aren't suddenly thrust into a cliched "dark and stormy night", but rather, the very normalcy of everything in the town NOT effecting our journey makes the supernatural events somehow seem that much more convincing and potent. I found it so easy to suspend disbelief and simply go along for the incredible ride that Edward Trimnell has created in this emotive and fast-paced tale.
". . . Salvation could come out of nowhere, but so could disaster . . . "
Overall, I felt that this novel was a five-star read in every possible way. With strong, believable characters, real human emotions, and an atmosphere that was perfectly suited for every event we come across, I actually "felt"as if the story was taking place before me. In 12 HOURS OF HALLOWEEN, the supernatural and the ordinary are able to merge and coexist completely, leaving us with dangerous situations, destruction, and children forced to mentally "evolve" in order to stay on top of the events unfolding.
". . . good friends and loved ones can be taken from you--sometimes by death, and sometimes simply by the way they change . . . by the ways in which you change . . . "
A fantastically imaginative book that I thoroughly enjoyed all the way through.
Highest recommendation!
". . . When we are young, we perceive and feel a lot of things that seem implausible and almost fantastical in later life. The older a man gets, the easier it becomes for him to doubt the perceptions of the . . . boy he once was . . . "
We begin with Jeff, a man with children of his own, out shopping near Halloween time. A couple of glimpses of "things" that he knows are visible only to him, sets him back to the memory of his last Halloween, in the year 1980.
". . . A funny thing about flashbacks: they come unbidden, and at the most unexpected times . . . "
The majority of this tale is about that year, when he was twelve years old, along with his best friends, Bobby and Leah. That was the year when the three of them realized that their small town was . . . close . . . to a boundary that was already stretched thinly between worlds that were not meant to overlap.
". . . a liminal time . . . a time when the barriers between the world of the living and the world of the dead break down, or at least grow thin . . . "
It was a Halloween that would change each of them in many ways.
Trimnell does an amazing job of characterization--not just with the three main characters, but with each and every being we encounter. Even a teacher passing by felt like someone I actually knew by the time I was through reading their part. Each scene, action, or movement was so clearly detailed that it was possible to "believe" the events unfolding actually occurred. All of this was accomplished without falling into the trap of being "too informative". In this novel, we don't come across random info dumps, but rather glean our knowledge by being shown--by the conversations and physical responses that the characters exhibit.
". . . each one of us was very much alone, no matter how much time we might spend together . . . "
The way that these characters change throughout the story is described in such ways that they feel undeniably natural and right. Trimnell utilizes powerful observations, insights, and comments so that the reader feels as if they too, are growing from this environment and the situations encountered.
". . . If you do the right thing for selfish reasons, does that detract from the rightness of the act itself? . . ."
Besides our characters, the atmosphere in this novel feels just about perfect in every way. We aren't suddenly thrust into a cliched "dark and stormy night", but rather, the very normalcy of everything in the town NOT effecting our journey makes the supernatural events somehow seem that much more convincing and potent. I found it so easy to suspend disbelief and simply go along for the incredible ride that Edward Trimnell has created in this emotive and fast-paced tale.
". . . Salvation could come out of nowhere, but so could disaster . . . "
Overall, I felt that this novel was a five-star read in every possible way. With strong, believable characters, real human emotions, and an atmosphere that was perfectly suited for every event we come across, I actually "felt"as if the story was taking place before me. In 12 HOURS OF HALLOWEEN, the supernatural and the ordinary are able to merge and coexist completely, leaving us with dangerous situations, destruction, and children forced to mentally "evolve" in order to stay on top of the events unfolding.
". . . good friends and loved ones can be taken from you--sometimes by death, and sometimes simply by the way they change . . . by the ways in which you change . . . "
A fantastically imaginative book that I thoroughly enjoyed all the way through.
Highest recommendation!
November 11, 2017
I was looking for one more Halloween book, to close out the month of October. I stumbled on to a book called, 12 Hours of Halloween by Edward Trimnell. I had never heard of this author before, so I thought that I would give his book a try. This was a great creepy Halloween tale. The story takes place, in the year 1980. Jeff, Leah and Bobby, were really good friends. They decided, that at twelve years old, they had once last trick or treat adventure to go on. The three walk home together everyday from school. On their way home from school, they would pass by this spirit, that they had named Ghost Boy. The Ghost Boy tells Jeff, that he has been chosen or cursed. The Ghost Boy also tell them, that they will endure 12 hours of trail. Along with Jeff, and his two friends, they will be dragged between, the world of the living, and the world of the dead. Little did they know, that this Halloween, would be one, that they would never forget. After this Halloween night, their friendship, would never be the same. Many years later, Jeff is retelling the story of that Halloween night, that changed his life forever. Sometimes young adults are forced to grow up. quicker than others. This was a creepy Halloween tale, that kept my interest to the very last page. The author does an excellent job on developing the main characters, through out the story. I plan on checking out other works by this author. I highly recommend this book.
December 6, 2017
For twelve hours you will know no peace
Reality is thin in the town of Withamsville. Dangerously thin. When Jeff and his two friends are cursed by a ghost boy on the day of their “last Halloween”, the fabric of that reality tears opens and spills forth ghouls and killers upon the youngsters. All they need to do is to survive the next 12 hours. It’s not going to be as easy as it sounds.
Even though this was a wee repetitive in a few spots, it was still very enjoyable. I really liked the characterizations, particularly the relationships between the kids and their individual family situations. And who doesn’t like a coming of age, ghost and ghoul gauntlet type of Halloween tale.
I almost passed on this one because the cover turned me off, but luckily a few of my friends read it and really liked it, so I gave it a shot. Glad I did. Otherwise I may have let this one pass me by. 3.5 Stars!
Reality is thin in the town of Withamsville. Dangerously thin. When Jeff and his two friends are cursed by a ghost boy on the day of their “last Halloween”, the fabric of that reality tears opens and spills forth ghouls and killers upon the youngsters. All they need to do is to survive the next 12 hours. It’s not going to be as easy as it sounds.
Even though this was a wee repetitive in a few spots, it was still very enjoyable. I really liked the characterizations, particularly the relationships between the kids and their individual family situations. And who doesn’t like a coming of age, ghost and ghoul gauntlet type of Halloween tale.
I almost passed on this one because the cover turned me off, but luckily a few of my friends read it and really liked it, so I gave it a shot. Glad I did. Otherwise I may have let this one pass me by. 3.5 Stars!
March 9, 2017
4 1/2 STARS
October 24, 2020
It's hard to find Halloween fiction, let alone Halloween novels. And out of the handful that I've read 12 Hours of Halloween is the best one. I'm usually skeptical of the quality of self-published books, but Trimnell's writing is engaging and grounding. The story begins when Jeff Schaeffer, now a middle-aged man, recalls his last Halloween in 1980. He was 12 years old when he and his friends Leah and Bobby encounter a ghost boy who puts a curse on the kids, declaring they will endure twelve hours of trial on Halloween. Not only does Jeff have to deal with the changes in the neighborhood with haunted houses, and an entity called the Head Collector, but he faces changes in his friendships, harboring feelings for Leah, and sensing a divide with Bobby. Aside from the writing, what set this book apart from the other, more genre based Halloween novels, was the characterization and emotional resonance. Halloween evokes nostalgia more than horror, and Trimnell captures that by framing the story as a retrospective coming of age tale. Jeff's memories as a 12 year old dealing with bullies, puberty, and a new crush felt relatable and grounded, and most importantly real. So by the time we get to the supernatural trial Jeff and his friends endure, I found myself caring more about their bond rather than the horrors they faced. There's an underlying anxiety to their journey, knowing that when it ends nothing will be the same. That's what this book is about. Growing up, friends drifting apart, people changing. It's nostalgic, heartbreaking, and beautiful. My only critique is that the events of supernatural trial itself could've been foreshadowed or set up earlier rather so they didn't feel as though they appeared out of nowhere. However I liked the characters and their relationships so much that it didn't take away too much of my enjoyment. Overall if you're looking for a change from your usual Halloween short stories to celebrate the holiday, check out 12 Hours of Halloween.
November 4, 2017
October 1980. Twelve year old Jeff Schaeffer and his best friends Booby and Leah decide to go trick or treating one last time. Unfortunately for them, this is no ordinary Halloween. Halloween is a liminal time when the boundaries are thin. Jeff has been chosen (or cursed) and for the next 12 hours, they will pass back and forth between the worlds of the living and dead.
I wanted to like the book. I really did. I read it over Halloween, the most perfect time the book could ask for. But friends, this book is a mess.
The book is both underwritten and overwritten. The story is clumsily told with little foreshadowing, making the story feel unstructured. The author seemed to make up incidents as he went along. In one chapter, they enter the local haunted house. There was no mention of this house before they came upon it (or maybe the chapter before).
The book would have benefited from a little more time spent showing us around the neighborhood the story takes place in before the supernatural hi-jinks begin. The neighborhood is only sketchily described, giving the story no sense of place.
Horror stories work best when the author has some sort of logic or mythology behind the supernatural goings' on. The audience doesn't need to know it, but the author should. In this book, the events and creatures are random and disconnected. A witch harasses our heroes for a few chapters, the disappears. A creature called the head chopper shows up out of the blue. It made the story feel like there was no forward momentum.
On the other hand, as I mentioned, the book is also over-written. the author often over explains concepts, pounding you over the head to make sure you get it. As an example, when describing the haunted house mentioned above, we get this: "The Shipley house wasn't a lone, dilapidated Victorian standing on a hillside in a remote area. (Houses such as these often become magnets for urban legends based on their appearances alone—regardless of their history.) The Shipley house was an ordinary-looking ranch house, built in a cookie-cutter fashion to resemble the houses all around it." The sentence in parenthesis should have been cut. It was awkward when I read it. There are many instances like this.
It is narrated in the first person, by an older Jeff. But the narrative doesn't really feel like a guy's memories. If you're going to write a book in the first person, the narrative voice should use more 'regular speech.' (I dunno. Maybe Jeff became an English teacher?)
Lastly the book just sort of peters out at the end. I mentioned that the author didn't seem to have a mythology in his head. The end of the story seems to go against the earlier established rules. The kids have enough and go home.
There is an attempt at the end for a Stand By Me style resolution, but Ed Trimnell is no Stephen King.
The book really needed an editor and a rewrite or two before being released.
I wanted to like the book. I really did. I read it over Halloween, the most perfect time the book could ask for. But friends, this book is a mess.
The book is both underwritten and overwritten. The story is clumsily told with little foreshadowing, making the story feel unstructured. The author seemed to make up incidents as he went along. In one chapter, they enter the local haunted house. There was no mention of this house before they came upon it (or maybe the chapter before).
The book would have benefited from a little more time spent showing us around the neighborhood the story takes place in before the supernatural hi-jinks begin. The neighborhood is only sketchily described, giving the story no sense of place.
Horror stories work best when the author has some sort of logic or mythology behind the supernatural goings' on. The audience doesn't need to know it, but the author should. In this book, the events and creatures are random and disconnected. A witch harasses our heroes for a few chapters, the disappears. A creature called the head chopper shows up out of the blue. It made the story feel like there was no forward momentum.
On the other hand, as I mentioned, the book is also over-written. the author often over explains concepts, pounding you over the head to make sure you get it. As an example, when describing the haunted house mentioned above, we get this: "The Shipley house wasn't a lone, dilapidated Victorian standing on a hillside in a remote area. (Houses such as these often become magnets for urban legends based on their appearances alone—regardless of their history.) The Shipley house was an ordinary-looking ranch house, built in a cookie-cutter fashion to resemble the houses all around it." The sentence in parenthesis should have been cut. It was awkward when I read it. There are many instances like this.
It is narrated in the first person, by an older Jeff. But the narrative doesn't really feel like a guy's memories. If you're going to write a book in the first person, the narrative voice should use more 'regular speech.' (I dunno. Maybe Jeff became an English teacher?)
Lastly the book just sort of peters out at the end. I mentioned that the author didn't seem to have a mythology in his head. The end of the story seems to go against the earlier established rules. The kids have enough and go home.
There is an attempt at the end for a Stand By Me style resolution, but Ed Trimnell is no Stephen King.
The book really needed an editor and a rewrite or two before being released.
November 1, 2017
a lot of people believe that ghosts and restless spirits with unfinished business can return to this world and/or make contact with those who are still living on All Hallows Eve, better known as Halloween. well this book definitely explores things like that. it takes place the week of Halloween and is mainly about three kids who decide they want to enjoy one last Halloween before they are considered to be too old to go trick-or-treating. little do they know it will be one they will never forget because supposedly one of them gets 'cursed' and since his two other friends are with him they are dragged into it, as well. years later it is Halloween again and the narrator is retelling the story and everything the three of them experienced that week/ night. it definitely held my interest and was pretty creepy and vivid with the details of the haunted realm they seemed to find themselves trapped in as he told the story. it was perfect timing to read on Halloween.
December 7, 2022
This story had tons of potential to be great. However, it wasn't as edge-of-my-seat and thrilling as I thought it would be. While I did enjoy it, I felt like both the action and the story itself was underdeveloped. Plus, there were some things we didn't find out that would have been alleviating to know, along with some characters who could have been utilized way more. I don't want to spoil anything, so I will let you be the judge.
Another thing is, I feel like Trimnell over-writes, meaning he repeats things, which is unnecessary; I was taught that, as a writer, you don't have to do that, you should trust that your audience got the point the first time around. Also, by over-writing, it takes away from the impact of your message.
Overall, though, it was an entertaining read, and I definitely think this could be turned into a series or a children's movie!
Another thing is, I feel like Trimnell over-writes, meaning he repeats things, which is unnecessary; I was taught that, as a writer, you don't have to do that, you should trust that your audience got the point the first time around. Also, by over-writing, it takes away from the impact of your message.
Overall, though, it was an entertaining read, and I definitely think this could be turned into a series or a children's movie!
September 8, 2020
12HOURS OFBHALLOWEEN
The bok was ok, but I was expecting a book of horror . I was a little disappointed when the stories were not what I would think of as horror. Author told a good story. I have been a fan of horror ever since I could read . It really takes a lot to make me shivers. I did like the book and I would easily recommend this to anyone who likes a scare suspense book.
The bok was ok, but I was expecting a book of horror . I was a little disappointed when the stories were not what I would think of as horror. Author told a good story. I have been a fan of horror ever since I could read . It really takes a lot to make me shivers. I did like the book and I would easily recommend this to anyone who likes a scare suspense book.
October 27, 2025
A cozy horror, exactly what I was looking for. Edward Trimnell delivers a spooky, atmospheric tale without leaning on excessive gore or unbearably dark themes. I found myself unexpectedly attached to the characters; I can’t quite pinpoint when it happened, but their grounded, transparent personalities made them feel relatable. The narrative voice is engaging, and the story strikes a perfect balance: intriguing and eerie, yet never overwhelming.
September 28, 2020
Great nostalgic story!
Wow, this book really takes you back to when you were a kid and Halloween was soooooo exciting and scary. If you love Fall time or Halloween or coming-of-age stories, you'll love this book. It has thrills and humor and that element of "Oh no, what's going to happen now?" I thoroughly enjoyed it, beginning to end!
Wow, this book really takes you back to when you were a kid and Halloween was soooooo exciting and scary. If you love Fall time or Halloween or coming-of-age stories, you'll love this book. It has thrills and humor and that element of "Oh no, what's going to happen now?" I thoroughly enjoyed it, beginning to end!
May 4, 2021
3.5 stars. This was a good Halloween story that had a few decent scares. It also went on for about two chapters too long, and the author obviously has a different viewpoint on life than I do. Still, the story was well-thought out. My favorite character was the Head Collector.
January 4, 2018
Creepy book but it really could have been a lot shorter. I enjoyed the relationship between the three kids and how it evolved just in that one night.
October 2, 2017
Trimnell gives us a creepy good, well-written coming-of-age story that will make readers think about more than just Halloween.
October 19, 2017
This book had me hooked
This was a fantastic scary, but not gorey story. Longer than I wanted, but kept me intrigued throughout the 3,340 pages.
This was a fantastic scary, but not gorey story. Longer than I wanted, but kept me intrigued throughout the 3,340 pages.
March 31, 2018
While a Stranger Things or It vibe
Strong story, terrible ending. The ending is detached from the creepiness or Halloween vibe of the story. Overall, is a fun, quick read.
Strong story, terrible ending. The ending is detached from the creepiness or Halloween vibe of the story. Overall, is a fun, quick read.
May 28, 2019
Atmospheric fun Halloween read
Likeable characters, interesting plot, great atmosphere. A coming of age story set on Halloween night. Would definitely recommend this book.
Likeable characters, interesting plot, great atmosphere. A coming of age story set on Halloween night. Would definitely recommend this book.
October 7, 2023
Fun little Halloween tale of 3 12 year olds trying to survive the night.
October 27, 2025
Fun coming of age Halloween story! I enjoyed the lighter side of this spooky tale.
October 27, 2025
This is a pretty good Halloween story filled with monsters and the supernatural.
December 23, 2022
Cute Halloween themed coming of age story
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews