What do you think?
Rate this book
October Nights
Halloween is a night when anything seems possible. This is true everywhere, but nowhere more so than in the small town of Clifton Heights. October nights here are long and strange, filled with both dread and transformation, and in these four shared-world tales of small-town Halloween horror, you'll encounter things both wondrous and terrifying, in equal measure, as...
- A priest hears a ghostly confession on Halloween night which will mark him forever.
- A young man is offered a supernatural chance to remake his fortune, at the risk of losing everything.
- A pastor fleeing the death of his daughter comes to Clifton Heights to face his fears, but finds himself living a nightmare instead.
- Two people with supernatural talents face-off with an engine of darkness and pain on Halloween night.
Four connected Halloween tales, evoking echoes of Ray Bradbury and Charles L. Grant, taking place in a town where every day is All Hallow's Eve. Spend the Halloween season in Clifton Heights...if you dare.
"Kevin Lucia is a modern storyteller with a firm grounding in the classics." Bram Stoker Award Winning Author Norman Prentiss
- A priest hears a ghostly confession on Halloween night which will mark him forever.
- A young man is offered a supernatural chance to remake his fortune, at the risk of losing everything.
- A pastor fleeing the death of his daughter comes to Clifton Heights to face his fears, but finds himself living a nightmare instead.
- Two people with supernatural talents face-off with an engine of darkness and pain on Halloween night.
Four connected Halloween tales, evoking echoes of Ray Bradbury and Charles L. Grant, taking place in a town where every day is All Hallow's Eve. Spend the Halloween season in Clifton Heights...if you dare.
"Kevin Lucia is a modern storyteller with a firm grounding in the classics." Bram Stoker Award Winning Author Norman Prentiss
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 22, 2021
27 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Lucia
100 books366 followersKevin Lucia is the ebook and trade paperback editor at Cemetery Dance Publications. His short fiction has been published in many venues, most notably with Clive Barker, David Morell, Peter Straub, Bentley Little, and Robert McCammon.
His first short story collection, Things Slip Through, was published by Crystal Lake Publishing in November, 2013. He's followed that with the collections Through A Mirror, Darkly, Devourer of Souls, Things You Need, October Nights, and the novellas Mystery Road, A Night at Old Webb, and The Night Road.
His first short story collection, Things Slip Through, was published by Crystal Lake Publishing in November, 2013. He's followed that with the collections Through A Mirror, Darkly, Devourer of Souls, Things You Need, October Nights, and the novellas Mystery Road, A Night at Old Webb, and The Night Road.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 9, 2022
“Nah. These aren’t . . . my kind of stories. They’re your kind. Plus, they’re the kind you could probably use, right now.” My mouth fell open. I probably gaped like a fish for several minutes before I summoned the wherewithal to stammer, “They’re Halloween stories? From Clifton Heights?” He didn’t say anything. Just shrugged, and held the book out to me.
October Nights, first book I’ve read from writer Kevin Lucia, impulsively purchased while I was looking for an halloween themed read on internet because of its amazing atmospheric cover from artist and illustrator Ben Baldwin, not knowing at all was fifth in a series, is an entertaining collection of four interconnected halloween themed stories set in Clifton Heights, a creepy small town recurring as a setting in author’s works with nothing to envy its more famous colleagues like Castle Rock, Green Town, Oxrun Station and many more.
“You need to let go, Peter.” His words touched me. I almost gave in, right then and there. Almost let go of the pain and anger. But I couldn’t forget Evan’s sightless gaze. The shopkeeper, maybe feeling the tension in my arm, said again, “You don’t have to do this.” I pulled myself from him and walked away, heading to the door. “Happy Halloween,” I said quietly. “Maybe I’ll stop by again next year.”
Because everyday is Halloween in Clifton Heights, strange things happened there during its history, and stranger ones are going to happen on these October Nights, when a priest is conflicted about breaking the sanctity of the sacrament after hearing a ghostly confession, a former basketball player gets a supernatural chance to remake his fortune at the risk of losing everything, a pastor with a penchant for horror films faces his fears and faults at last falling in a living nightmare, and two people with extraordinary gifts have a final showdown against darkness and pain incarnated on All Hallows' Eve night.
“Right. Anyway. Thanks again.” He turned to leave, made it as far as the door, but stopped with his hand on the doorknob when the shopkeeper said, “Mr Cassidy?” Micah faced him. “Yeah?” “Clifton Heights is a small town. Filled mostly with good-natured folks. However, it’s also Halloween night. A night on which some folks simply . . . do not act themselves.”
Totally loved these four creepy, atmospheric and well written, subtly interconnected tales for a nearly perfect Halloween small town horror read, but first one The Rage of Achilles was one step above the others in my opinion, a deliciously classic and eerie set-up for the following ones.
Highly recommended to all fans of Stephen King and Ray Bradbury, looking for a spooky page turning read with lots of The Twilight Zone (1959), Tales From The Darkside (1983), Tales From The Crypt (1989) tv shows vibes.
Micah briefly thought about getting back into his truck and driving it into the parking lot, but panning his flashlight back and forth, he saw several downed trees blocking the way. He could step around them, but not drive around them. He paused, thinking one last time about going home. Then, without further hesitation, Micah entered Blackfoot Valley Sports Camp for the last time.
My first book by Kevin Lucia is definitely not going to be my last, I already got Things Slip Through, book one of the series, for my kindle and just can’t wait to visit Clifton Heights again next year… on dark and cold October Nights.
His wording sounded odd, but I nodded. “Sure. Why not?” He slapped the outside of the car door. “Fantastic. I’ve got such sights to show you, my friend.” The car throbbed to life. He raised the window and backed out of the space next to my car. For a moment I stood facing the midnight-black Monte Carlo, feeling distinctly like James Brolin facing down a demonic Lincoln Continental.
October 19, 2022
This was my first book by Kevin Lucia which I thoroughly enjoyed, and I will be seeking out more titles from him.
Four subtly interwoven tales all set at Halloween. These stories were creepy, atmospheric and very well written, and came together really nicely at the end.
All these stories drew me in and kept me captivated throughout! I also got a bit of a Needful Things vibe from it! 🖤
A great read for anytime of year, but perfect for Halloween!
4/5 pumpkins from me 🎃🎃🎃🎃
Four subtly interwoven tales all set at Halloween. These stories were creepy, atmospheric and very well written, and came together really nicely at the end.
All these stories drew me in and kept me captivated throughout! I also got a bit of a Needful Things vibe from it! 🖤
A great read for anytime of year, but perfect for Halloween!
4/5 pumpkins from me 🎃🎃🎃🎃
September 16, 2021
October Nights is an anthology containing four stories that are linked to each other, not in a very intrinsic way, but in a much subtler proportion. As you keep reading, you'll suddenly get the feeling of 'Oh! Haven't I come across this particular character earlier?' Therein lies the success of this anthology. Each of the four stories works well as standalone reads as well.
I love horror stories that take their own sweet time to set things up, build towards their denouement and then pull the rug from underneath the readers' feet in one fell swoop. As Sergio Leone once claimed, the rituals preceding the violence make for far more compelling viewing than the violence itself. Kevin Lucia takes his sweet time with each of the stories, building characters and exploring different parts of Clifton Heights. He brings in relationships, conflicts, questions and puzzles to confuddle the hell out of the readers before hurtling each story towards their slobberknockers of climaxes.
Another thing I liked about the stories is that there is no over-the-top gore or violence. What is presented through the pages is a horror that is more cerebral. The characters in the stories are flawed, carrying their crosses and bearing their burdens as they strive for the sliver of normalcy in their lives amidst the ever-present evil that's ready to engulf them.
We come across a Priest who is disturbed with what he heard during a confession and is conflicted about doing something about it without breaking the sanctity of the sacrament.
We get to meet an ex-basketball player, once touted to become the real deal but didn't, now left to waddle in his memories, anguish and self-loathing.
A fallen Priest comes to Clifton Heights, flagellating himself for what he did, or to be precise, for what he didn't do. While fighting the demons of his past, he is trying to search for the meaning of the remainder of his existence.
Three people connected to each other because of a fourth person, someone we get to meet quite earlier, come together again after a few years, only for things to explode in the most dramatic and violent ways possible.
All the stories come to their conclusion on Halloween, a day when anything is possible. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair review. I would highly recommend this book to all lovers of horror fiction. Heck, even if you can't stomach horror, you should probably pick this book as the stories explore the fallacies of human existence through the looking glass of horror.
4.25 Stars.
I love horror stories that take their own sweet time to set things up, build towards their denouement and then pull the rug from underneath the readers' feet in one fell swoop. As Sergio Leone once claimed, the rituals preceding the violence make for far more compelling viewing than the violence itself. Kevin Lucia takes his sweet time with each of the stories, building characters and exploring different parts of Clifton Heights. He brings in relationships, conflicts, questions and puzzles to confuddle the hell out of the readers before hurtling each story towards their slobberknockers of climaxes.
Another thing I liked about the stories is that there is no over-the-top gore or violence. What is presented through the pages is a horror that is more cerebral. The characters in the stories are flawed, carrying their crosses and bearing their burdens as they strive for the sliver of normalcy in their lives amidst the ever-present evil that's ready to engulf them.
We come across a Priest who is disturbed with what he heard during a confession and is conflicted about doing something about it without breaking the sanctity of the sacrament.
We get to meet an ex-basketball player, once touted to become the real deal but didn't, now left to waddle in his memories, anguish and self-loathing.
A fallen Priest comes to Clifton Heights, flagellating himself for what he did, or to be precise, for what he didn't do. While fighting the demons of his past, he is trying to search for the meaning of the remainder of his existence.
Three people connected to each other because of a fourth person, someone we get to meet quite earlier, come together again after a few years, only for things to explode in the most dramatic and violent ways possible.
All the stories come to their conclusion on Halloween, a day when anything is possible. I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair review. I would highly recommend this book to all lovers of horror fiction. Heck, even if you can't stomach horror, you should probably pick this book as the stories explore the fallacies of human existence through the looking glass of horror.
4.25 Stars.
October 29, 2021
OCTOBER NIGHTS is one of the finest Halloween-themed works of fiction that I can recall having read. I highly recommend it for two important reasons: 1) The town of Clifton Heights, New York as detailed by Kevin Lucia is as close to a small-town setting that seems authentic and believable as you can get while still incorporating some serious supernatural themes into it's folklore, and 2) The characters are fully developed with wonderfully detailed hopes and fears, guilt and remorse. You may become emotionally vested to several of these characters, as I did.
This collection of four linked stories is book-ended by a recollection by an author that I presumed was Kevin Lucia, who recalls obtaining a collection of Halloween stories and poems written by a little-known local author that served as inspiration for the tales within OCTOBER NIGHTS. This only serves to add to the realism, and coupled with Lucia's vivid descriptions of the town and surroundings that involve all six senses you'll believe this is a real place.
I was so convinced that this must be the author's home town that I researched Clifton Heights and learned that it is indeed a small community within the population of Hamburg, New York (population 60,000, located south of Buffalo, NY in western New York state). Clifton Heights is also a reoccurring setting in other Lucia collections, a town where everyday seems to be Halloween and strange things have happened throughout its' history.
Each of the stories in this collection are linked, not just because of the Clifton Heights setting, but also with overlapping characters, themes and images. It's challenging to designate just one story as a favorite, but "The Last Will And Testament Of The Not-So-Good Reverend Ford" (also the longest story here) cuts right to the bone.
Just as Stephen King does so well in placing his stories in a New England setting and making the scenery just as much a part of the story, Kevin Lucia utilizes that same template so well. There is a book store and a strange shopkeeper that crops up in several of these stories, mindful of King's NEEDFUL THINGS. And the final story has a definite IT feel to the proceedings.
Three of the stories have a real Twilight Zone type ending that is effectively haunting and eerie. The final story departs from that sensation with a spell-binding Lovecraftian tale of two townies with failed ambitions but supernatural powers going up against an otherworldly monster weaving it's evil influence throughout Clifton Heights. It felt a bit out of place compared to the other three tales, but it's so wonderfully good that it's better to celebrate that difference.
You'd be hard pressed to find another work that depicts small-town Halloween horror as effectively as this. I received an advance review copy from the publisher without obligation. My review is voluntary, as I always desire to share deserving works of high quality with other readers.
This collection of four linked stories is book-ended by a recollection by an author that I presumed was Kevin Lucia, who recalls obtaining a collection of Halloween stories and poems written by a little-known local author that served as inspiration for the tales within OCTOBER NIGHTS. This only serves to add to the realism, and coupled with Lucia's vivid descriptions of the town and surroundings that involve all six senses you'll believe this is a real place.
I was so convinced that this must be the author's home town that I researched Clifton Heights and learned that it is indeed a small community within the population of Hamburg, New York (population 60,000, located south of Buffalo, NY in western New York state). Clifton Heights is also a reoccurring setting in other Lucia collections, a town where everyday seems to be Halloween and strange things have happened throughout its' history.
Each of the stories in this collection are linked, not just because of the Clifton Heights setting, but also with overlapping characters, themes and images. It's challenging to designate just one story as a favorite, but "The Last Will And Testament Of The Not-So-Good Reverend Ford" (also the longest story here) cuts right to the bone.
Just as Stephen King does so well in placing his stories in a New England setting and making the scenery just as much a part of the story, Kevin Lucia utilizes that same template so well. There is a book store and a strange shopkeeper that crops up in several of these stories, mindful of King's NEEDFUL THINGS. And the final story has a definite IT feel to the proceedings.
Three of the stories have a real Twilight Zone type ending that is effectively haunting and eerie. The final story departs from that sensation with a spell-binding Lovecraftian tale of two townies with failed ambitions but supernatural powers going up against an otherworldly monster weaving it's evil influence throughout Clifton Heights. It felt a bit out of place compared to the other three tales, but it's so wonderfully good that it's better to celebrate that difference.
You'd be hard pressed to find another work that depicts small-town Halloween horror as effectively as this. I received an advance review copy from the publisher without obligation. My review is voluntary, as I always desire to share deserving works of high quality with other readers.
October 25, 2021
October Nights is a collection of four connected stories that all take place in the town of Clifton Heights. In Clifton Heights, nothing is ever quite what it seems. And while the stories can be read as stand alone if one chose, that which connects them adds an important depth, so read the prologue and epilogue and partake of the entirety of this episodic Halloween myth.
Kevin Lucia demonstrates a true gift for supernatural horror storytelling in this impactful collection. His characters are well-developed and relatable; I felt both for them and with them. On a technical level, the stories are well-paced, visual, suspenseful, and have a classic construction. As a reader, I found them engrossing, moving, and quite horrifying.
Lucia’s writing is immersive, and his stories are gripping. The story about the pastor fleeing the death of his daughter, “The Last Will and Testament of the Not-So-Good Reverend Ford,” though not my favorite of the four is particularly well done. The real world horrors of the backstory and the persistent psychological horror of the storyline blend with the supernatural premise and Halloween theme with a singular brilliance. It’s an incredible story, but it is extremely and mercilessly disturbing. My favorite story is the first one, “The Rage of Achilles.” There is something delightfully classic and creepy about that one. It sets you up perfectly for the three to follow.
If I haven’t made it clear already, let me come right out and say this is not light reading. These stories infiltrate your thoughts, your emotions, even your gut. This is Halloween horror on a different level, and these are stories you won’t forget.
Kevin Lucia demonstrates a true gift for supernatural horror storytelling in this impactful collection. His characters are well-developed and relatable; I felt both for them and with them. On a technical level, the stories are well-paced, visual, suspenseful, and have a classic construction. As a reader, I found them engrossing, moving, and quite horrifying.
Lucia’s writing is immersive, and his stories are gripping. The story about the pastor fleeing the death of his daughter, “The Last Will and Testament of the Not-So-Good Reverend Ford,” though not my favorite of the four is particularly well done. The real world horrors of the backstory and the persistent psychological horror of the storyline blend with the supernatural premise and Halloween theme with a singular brilliance. It’s an incredible story, but it is extremely and mercilessly disturbing. My favorite story is the first one, “The Rage of Achilles.” There is something delightfully classic and creepy about that one. It sets you up perfectly for the three to follow.
If I haven’t made it clear already, let me come right out and say this is not light reading. These stories infiltrate your thoughts, your emotions, even your gut. This is Halloween horror on a different level, and these are stories you won’t forget.
February 22, 2022
My first book by Kevin Lucia, and I certainly intend to read more.
Essentially a Halloween anthology style story, a la Trick 'r Treat, the book is made up of 4 inter-connected novellas, each one telling the sorry tale of various peoples sorrows on Halloween. Each is connected by the appearance of the same, ominous car prowling the streets of Clifton Heights, looking for the vulnerable...
Strong shades of Stephen King are immediately visible; small town America with many dark secrets, a Faustian figure preying on them, a kid with psychic abilities, alcoholism, etc. This is no King wannabe however, as Kevin draws each of his stories and their nuanced characters with a deft touch, and some exceptional prose. Even the most villainous of characters is handled with sympathy, without excusing their actions. Atmosphere, and the ever present sensation that something far more ominous is lurking just below the surface, are the name of the game, and again are done exceptionally well. Questions are left to linger in the readers mind, all of them quite deliberate ,leaving you thinking about the stories long after you finished reading them, definitely a mark of an expert.
All in all, this is a highly impressive book, and one that should be added to your TBR pile at once.
Essentially a Halloween anthology style story, a la Trick 'r Treat, the book is made up of 4 inter-connected novellas, each one telling the sorry tale of various peoples sorrows on Halloween. Each is connected by the appearance of the same, ominous car prowling the streets of Clifton Heights, looking for the vulnerable...
Strong shades of Stephen King are immediately visible; small town America with many dark secrets, a Faustian figure preying on them, a kid with psychic abilities, alcoholism, etc. This is no King wannabe however, as Kevin draws each of his stories and their nuanced characters with a deft touch, and some exceptional prose. Even the most villainous of characters is handled with sympathy, without excusing their actions. Atmosphere, and the ever present sensation that something far more ominous is lurking just below the surface, are the name of the game, and again are done exceptionally well. Questions are left to linger in the readers mind, all of them quite deliberate ,leaving you thinking about the stories long after you finished reading them, definitely a mark of an expert.
All in all, this is a highly impressive book, and one that should be added to your TBR pile at once.
September 5, 2021
Good read! Well written stories that all tie together. My first book by this author, but definitely won't be my last. Definite recommend!
September 19, 2021
I’ll start out this review by saying I have a different view of Halloween than most. I am horror all the time. I read, watch, talk about horror 365 days a year. So during the months of September - October, when lay people are looking for the scariest frights or the goriest gore, I’m looking for something else. Nostalgia. I look for those things that invoke feelings of what Halloween was like when I was a kid. Pumpkins and Jack ‘o lanterns on front porches. Cheap cardboard cutouts of not-so-scary ghosts, goblins and witches. Kevin Lucia’s October Nights reminds me of all these things and more. Inside it’s pages are four stories set in Clifton Heights, a town that is perhaps a little too close to the proverbial veil that separates our world from the next. All the stories culminate on Halloween night & are independent of each other, although some supporting characters and places do overlap. Our one common thread is out antagonists, a restored ‘77 Monte Carlo (a character in itself) & it’s mysterious owner. These are all traditional ghost stories, high on spookiness and low on bloodshed (with the exception of One Last Pitch, which is more visceral than the others). Each story has a Twilight Zone-esque vibe to it. So much so that I can easily see The Rage of Achilles or The Last Will and Testament of the Not-So-Good Reverend Ford as episodes in the series. And like The Twilight Zone, whose stories often came with moral lessons, there are things to be reminded of here. Secrets can never truly stay buried, ghosts can be tragic figures, sometimes bad things happen just because and sometimes people (or malevolent entities) are evil just because they can be. All of this playing out behind an old school Halloween backdrop, makes for a fall/Halloween read that you’ll want to add to you TBR pile this spooky season.
September 12, 2021
Receiving an ARC is always a great thing. Receiving an ARC of a forthcoming Kevin Lucia book is even better.
In OCTOBER NIGHTS, Kevin takes us back to the strange town of Clifton Heights, New York. While you don’t have to be familiar with that town, I highly recommend it - pick up THINGS YOU NEED, or THINGS SLIP THROUGH before venturing into this one. It will make OCTOBER NIGHTS that much more enjoyable.
One of my favorite things are anthologies with a theme. Especially ones that are stories within a story; and Kevin is a master at it.
We start with finding a book in a box of donated book to Arcane Delights - the only used book store in Clifton Heights. In it are the following stories:
1) The Rage of Achilles - A priest hears a confession, and without going against the sanctity of the sacrament, tries to intervene; and learns that you can’t save everyone.
2) Long Night in the Valley - Micah, a star basketball player, suffered a crippling accident trying to save a camper at basketball camp. But he has a secret he’s kept hidden, and his demons come out to force his memory. This was my favorite.
3) The Last Will and Testament of the Not-So-Good Reverend Ford - A fallen priest comes to Clifton Heights to “find himself” and actually finds more than he bargained for.
4) One Last Pitch - I honestly don’t know how to describe this one. So much goes on - premonitions, transference healings, deals with the dead, and a Lovecraftian demon. But in a strange way, it all works.
I’m not going to let you know how they’re all tied together, but it is all wrapped up.
Kevin writes characters with flaws, characters with character, and characters you feel for. He has a knack for invoking sadness, hopelessness, and loss, with the same ease as he does, happiness, hopefulness, and redemption; which not many authors can do effectively.
Kevin brings it all in this one, and it’s a fantastic way to start the Halloween season.
In OCTOBER NIGHTS, Kevin takes us back to the strange town of Clifton Heights, New York. While you don’t have to be familiar with that town, I highly recommend it - pick up THINGS YOU NEED, or THINGS SLIP THROUGH before venturing into this one. It will make OCTOBER NIGHTS that much more enjoyable.
One of my favorite things are anthologies with a theme. Especially ones that are stories within a story; and Kevin is a master at it.
We start with finding a book in a box of donated book to Arcane Delights - the only used book store in Clifton Heights. In it are the following stories:
1) The Rage of Achilles - A priest hears a confession, and without going against the sanctity of the sacrament, tries to intervene; and learns that you can’t save everyone.
2) Long Night in the Valley - Micah, a star basketball player, suffered a crippling accident trying to save a camper at basketball camp. But he has a secret he’s kept hidden, and his demons come out to force his memory. This was my favorite.
3) The Last Will and Testament of the Not-So-Good Reverend Ford - A fallen priest comes to Clifton Heights to “find himself” and actually finds more than he bargained for.
4) One Last Pitch - I honestly don’t know how to describe this one. So much goes on - premonitions, transference healings, deals with the dead, and a Lovecraftian demon. But in a strange way, it all works.
I’m not going to let you know how they’re all tied together, but it is all wrapped up.
Kevin writes characters with flaws, characters with character, and characters you feel for. He has a knack for invoking sadness, hopelessness, and loss, with the same ease as he does, happiness, hopefulness, and redemption; which not many authors can do effectively.
Kevin brings it all in this one, and it’s a fantastic way to start the Halloween season.
November 11, 2021
I am always drawn to any opportunity to visit Clifton Heights again, and this great collection of stories was no exception. I couldn't wait to start reading, and immediately, I was drawn back into this extremely creepy place, and the goings on that unfolded.
Kevin Lucia has created an amazing place in the world of horror, in Clifton Heights, where strangeness takes place on an all too regular basis. Once you've visited, you're dragged further and further into the stories and the characters, so beautifully crafted and often heartbreaking in their human frailty.
His deft touch as a writer is superb, and the poignancy and hauntingly beautiful feeling of October itself, is captured breathtakingly here. I found myself reading certain descriptive passages over and over, just to have the words wash over me again and again. I almost felt that I was there, and the sense of the Season was exquisitely caught. Atmospheric writing at its best.
In this collection, we meet flawed characters (aren't we all?) whose lives become enmeshed with our own, as we learn their histories. Even though I realised I had read the first two stories in other collections, (one in the first 'Halloween Carnival' collection, the other in a series from the awesome Crystal Lake Publishing house) I re-read them with pleasure here, because they are just so good. The ability to make us care about his characters is one of the things I enjoy most from Kevin Lucia, and these tales and their inhabitants are no exception.
So, no spoilers as usual when I review a book I just have to share, but I don't think I have ever read a more atmospheric collection of themed stories, than this. My hope is that we can continue to look forward to reading more from this superbly talented author, especially in his world of Clifton Heights... Having experienced October there, I am left wondering what on earth (or elsewhere!) Christmas would be like, in this weird little town? Just a thought!
'October Nights' is a stunning addition to Kevin Lucia's work, and one I know I will return to, again and again. I honestly can't wait for his next book to be published!
Kevin Lucia has created an amazing place in the world of horror, in Clifton Heights, where strangeness takes place on an all too regular basis. Once you've visited, you're dragged further and further into the stories and the characters, so beautifully crafted and often heartbreaking in their human frailty.
His deft touch as a writer is superb, and the poignancy and hauntingly beautiful feeling of October itself, is captured breathtakingly here. I found myself reading certain descriptive passages over and over, just to have the words wash over me again and again. I almost felt that I was there, and the sense of the Season was exquisitely caught. Atmospheric writing at its best.
In this collection, we meet flawed characters (aren't we all?) whose lives become enmeshed with our own, as we learn their histories. Even though I realised I had read the first two stories in other collections, (one in the first 'Halloween Carnival' collection, the other in a series from the awesome Crystal Lake Publishing house) I re-read them with pleasure here, because they are just so good. The ability to make us care about his characters is one of the things I enjoy most from Kevin Lucia, and these tales and their inhabitants are no exception.
So, no spoilers as usual when I review a book I just have to share, but I don't think I have ever read a more atmospheric collection of themed stories, than this. My hope is that we can continue to look forward to reading more from this superbly talented author, especially in his world of Clifton Heights... Having experienced October there, I am left wondering what on earth (or elsewhere!) Christmas would be like, in this weird little town? Just a thought!
'October Nights' is a stunning addition to Kevin Lucia's work, and one I know I will return to, again and again. I honestly can't wait for his next book to be published!
October 23, 2022
This was perfect to read leading up to Halloween. Right from the get-go the stories involving Clifton Heights grabbed you and never let go.
The tales were all tied together, not just because of the Clifton Heights setting, and this alone was done so cleverly and with such subtlety, it drew you in even more.
Fantastic!!
The tales were all tied together, not just because of the Clifton Heights setting, and this alone was done so cleverly and with such subtlety, it drew you in even more.
Fantastic!!
November 16, 2021
This is absolutely the kind of book that I want to read, especially during the month of October. When it's the right time and the right place, magical and miraculous things can happen. October is that time and Clifton Heights is that place. These four tales are somewhat interwoven and yet completely stand up on their own. There is a delicate balance of creepiness, dread, surprise, and hope that Kevin Lucia has executed with genius. He delves into some deep issues through the experiences of his characters as they deal with their pasts, who they are and who they will be. The mystery of the black Monte Carlo is superbly ominous. When the characters interact with it/them, you never quite know what it's all about and I don't really want to know. The symbolism is there. I felt that the religious elements and overtones were done so tactfully and in a meaningful way. You're not asked as an audience member to feel any particular way about anything. You experience the thoughts and feelings of the characters in such a beautiful way. Sometimes those experiences are terrifying and sometimes heart-wrenching. There were some interesting twists and even some endings that are satisfyingly optimistic despite their internal pain. Oh, and you might not want to take confessions on Halloween night. I will be reading this book again next year and likely for many years to come.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 15, 2021
The synopsis sums up this collection perfectly, wherein the last line states “evoking echoes of Ray Bradbury and Charles L. Grant.” This is an excellent collection of hauntingly bone-chilling stories that are perfect for Halloween and any other dark night of the year. Each story woven in and around the town of Clifton Heights, which takes on a personality all its own.
Each story is well-written, with relatable complex characters and an unsettling sense of dread and horror that sneaks up on you as the story unfolds. I read this twice simply because I wanted to enjoy them again.
5 stars for this great collection.
Each story is well-written, with relatable complex characters and an unsettling sense of dread and horror that sneaks up on you as the story unfolds. I read this twice simply because I wanted to enjoy them again.
5 stars for this great collection.
October 20, 2021
October Nights by Kevin Lucia is a haunting tale of the bizarre things that happen in a small town around Halloween. This collection is packed with loss, revenge, and the bravery it takes to face your past.
This is the perfect read to pick up on a chilly October night. These tales will suck you in and leave you haunted!
More here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
This is the perfect read to pick up on a chilly October night. These tales will suck you in and leave you haunted!
More here: https://www.ericarobynreads.com/book-...
October 8, 2021
Great read for October. I found all the stories to be quite good but the first one is awesome!
Read this book!
Read this book!
October 8, 2021
A great spooky read for October. I love how all the stories come together at the end. I'm really glad I read this book.
September 19, 2021
I received an ARC of October Nights. Man, what a ride! It consists of four stories that are intertwined and it was so unique. Absolutely loved the creativity. It will be the perfect October read!
October 17, 2021
There's a certain feeling of comfort in any story by Kevin Lucia: his grasp of the small-town subgenre is masterful, and I'm hard-pressed to compare. One immediately feels "at home," even if one never experienced such community. Experience doesn't matter, because with Mr. Lucia's stories, we are THERE. We are so relaxed and comfortable, even cosy, "at home"; even though we shouldn't be, because his little Adirondack town of Clifton Heights, New York, is only cosy on the surface. Clifton Heights is in a category unto itself; and while the apparent surface is lovely, things roil underneath. Read up on its history, read the plaints of its long ago poet; read the stories in this collection. In Clifton Heights, Halloween adventures can occur any time of year; but when October rolls around, WATCH OUT!!
September 16, 2021
Nothing beats reading an author that is new to you, and digging their work. Kevin Lucia has collected a damn fine set of stories in October Nights. Why haven't I run across this writer sooner! The town of Clifton Heights is downright creepy. The way he ties the stories together is great, and gives the town a more authentic feel. This is a perfect read for the Halloween season, or really anytime if you dig a good scare.
November 14, 2021
Very well-written, skillfully crafter spooky stories. Reminds me of Steven King's books. Very good read.
October 23, 2021
Got this as an ARC for an honest review.
This is a collection of stories set in an already haunted town called Clifton Heights, however, these particular stories involve this haunted town on steroids since they all have to do with Halloween night.
This author has a great mythos concerning this particular town and does a great job at allowing us readers to see how close the other side intertwines with our reality during the harvest time.
I highly recommend his other books as well that will get one acquainted with this crazy town full of wonder and horror!!
This is a collection of stories set in an already haunted town called Clifton Heights, however, these particular stories involve this haunted town on steroids since they all have to do with Halloween night.
This author has a great mythos concerning this particular town and does a great job at allowing us readers to see how close the other side intertwines with our reality during the harvest time.
I highly recommend his other books as well that will get one acquainted with this crazy town full of wonder and horror!!
October 23, 2021
I loved this book!
Halloween Nights is an anthology of four, stand alone stories, woven together by a terrifying thread, that takes you deep into the dark areas of human nature. These stories are like the old fashion tales of true fright and horror that I love. They don't don't rely on blood and gore but gets to the psychology and soul of what scares the characters the most. One reviewer mentioned a "Needful Things" vibe and I thought the same exact thing.
I don't know if Mr. Lucia lives near where he set his book, Halloween Nights, but I do. I'm a bit north of a town that could be Clifton Heights, (of course, I can't say for sure), and I'm a bit south of Lake George where he mentions the Adirondack Brewery (he's changed the name, but it's a real and great place to go). Whenever I drive through 'Clifton Heights' or go to the 'Brewery', or hike in the Adirondacks, I'll think of Halloween Nights. Especially if I pass a black 1977 Monte Carlo.
If you're looking for something creepy and disturbing for your palate this spooky season, read Halloween Nights by Kevin Lucia.
I received a complimentary ARC of Halloween Nights in exchange for an honest review.
Halloween Nights is an anthology of four, stand alone stories, woven together by a terrifying thread, that takes you deep into the dark areas of human nature. These stories are like the old fashion tales of true fright and horror that I love. They don't don't rely on blood and gore but gets to the psychology and soul of what scares the characters the most. One reviewer mentioned a "Needful Things" vibe and I thought the same exact thing.
I don't know if Mr. Lucia lives near where he set his book, Halloween Nights, but I do. I'm a bit north of a town that could be Clifton Heights, (of course, I can't say for sure), and I'm a bit south of Lake George where he mentions the Adirondack Brewery (he's changed the name, but it's a real and great place to go). Whenever I drive through 'Clifton Heights' or go to the 'Brewery', or hike in the Adirondacks, I'll think of Halloween Nights. Especially if I pass a black 1977 Monte Carlo.
If you're looking for something creepy and disturbing for your palate this spooky season, read Halloween Nights by Kevin Lucia.
I received a complimentary ARC of Halloween Nights in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2021
Clifton Heights is NOT a nice place to visit
Several well written and very dark stories bound together by different connecting threads. Kevin Lucia again draws the reader into the strangeness of this small and mysterious town.
Several well written and very dark stories bound together by different connecting threads. Kevin Lucia again draws the reader into the strangeness of this small and mysterious town.
October 24, 2021
Not a bad read. Enjoyed it.
Not a bad book. A couple of stories could of been a little shorter. 8/10. Little stories make the big picture.
Not a bad book. A couple of stories could of been a little shorter. 8/10. Little stories make the big picture.
November 21, 2021
Fun book! Loved it.
I loved it. Without giving anything away the book is a very cool ride 😎 I really enjoyed reading it. There are some predictable turns here and there, bit regardless, I just wanted to keep reading and wished there was more to the story. All in all, really fun and exciting and spooky book.
I loved it. Without giving anything away the book is a very cool ride 😎 I really enjoyed reading it. There are some predictable turns here and there, bit regardless, I just wanted to keep reading and wished there was more to the story. All in all, really fun and exciting and spooky book.
October 7, 2022
I am reviewing this book for Cemetery Dance in my position as an early reviewer, so I must note I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
The phrase I coined for houses that just Aren’t Right is “demented domiciles”. In Kevin Lucia’s series about Clifton Heights, the demented domicile is the entire town. Is it the soil itself that is haunted? Perhaps. In this series of stories, October curses this small American town further by lessening the veil between the living and the dead and by welcoming pranks and costumes on Halloween. Anything can happen…and does. Demented Americana, indeed, whether the generic Woolworth’s-style corner store might help…or hurt.
The phrase I coined for houses that just Aren’t Right is “demented domiciles”. In Kevin Lucia’s series about Clifton Heights, the demented domicile is the entire town. Is it the soil itself that is haunted? Perhaps. In this series of stories, October curses this small American town further by lessening the veil between the living and the dead and by welcoming pranks and costumes on Halloween. Anything can happen…and does. Demented Americana, indeed, whether the generic Woolworth’s-style corner store might help…or hurt.
October 31, 2021
Video Review:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iol8k...
Halloween season deserves spooky stories to give you the proper frights and set the mood.
October Nights is 4 novellas, put together, equaling the length of a novel. All of the stories are connected in different ways. These stories are taking place during Halloween, in the town of Clifton Heights, NY. Names, and events are intertwined as the stories unfold. You quickly start to see the connections, though subtle at times, important to the 4 stories.
Most of the events are on the dread side of things, dealing with things such as the loss of children, or things happening in the past that still bring pain. A lot of regret.
Kevin Lucia mixes together tales of the supernatural and psychological aspects, blending together enough fear to set the tone of Halloween in all 4 stories, at times making the characters face their fears and deal with the consequences of their actions.
This is my first experience reading anything from Kevin Lucia, but I am now a fan of his style, bringing the build-up of the unknown turning each page. It’s the not knowing part that gives the reader a very uneasy feeling as they make their way through the tales.
I enjoyed the creepiness of the night in each story. It’s set up through description without the writer having to come out and say how creepy the night is. You get a sense of brisk Autumn air, how dark the skies are, with the streets illuminated by the “Open” signs of the shops.
The writer takes a more laid back approach to the world of horror. Not having to rely on over-the- top gore and jump scares, but more so using insinuation, or having an instinct. And with a setting like what we get in this collection, it really does bring more of an unsettling feeling.
Lucia is not afraid of working in the horrors of religion by having a Priests and confessions and people questioning their faith because of actions.
Due to the actions of some of the characters throughout the stories, the reader may find themselves with mixed emotions. At times infuriated with some of the events, then questioning if they should feel empathy before accepting heartache. It really is a big jumbled box of emotions.
I enjoyed the whole collection overall. The 3rd story may have been a little on the long part. Maybe took a bit too long to get started, with a slow build to it, and I would have liked to have seen more of a connection between the stories instead of everything being on the subtle side, but the collection builds to a peak that somewhat ties everything together making it overall satisfying.
I highly recommend this book, or collection of 4 novellas, to really help set the mood and tone of not just the Halloween season, but the whole Autumn season as well.
Overall I’m giving it 4 slowly rotting moldy pumpkins, waiting for kids to steal off your front porch only to find them smashed in the street.
This is October Nights, from writer Kevin Lucia and released by Crystal Lake Publishing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iol8k...
Halloween season deserves spooky stories to give you the proper frights and set the mood.
October Nights is 4 novellas, put together, equaling the length of a novel. All of the stories are connected in different ways. These stories are taking place during Halloween, in the town of Clifton Heights, NY. Names, and events are intertwined as the stories unfold. You quickly start to see the connections, though subtle at times, important to the 4 stories.
Most of the events are on the dread side of things, dealing with things such as the loss of children, or things happening in the past that still bring pain. A lot of regret.
Kevin Lucia mixes together tales of the supernatural and psychological aspects, blending together enough fear to set the tone of Halloween in all 4 stories, at times making the characters face their fears and deal with the consequences of their actions.
This is my first experience reading anything from Kevin Lucia, but I am now a fan of his style, bringing the build-up of the unknown turning each page. It’s the not knowing part that gives the reader a very uneasy feeling as they make their way through the tales.
I enjoyed the creepiness of the night in each story. It’s set up through description without the writer having to come out and say how creepy the night is. You get a sense of brisk Autumn air, how dark the skies are, with the streets illuminated by the “Open” signs of the shops.
The writer takes a more laid back approach to the world of horror. Not having to rely on over-the- top gore and jump scares, but more so using insinuation, or having an instinct. And with a setting like what we get in this collection, it really does bring more of an unsettling feeling.
Lucia is not afraid of working in the horrors of religion by having a Priests and confessions and people questioning their faith because of actions.
Due to the actions of some of the characters throughout the stories, the reader may find themselves with mixed emotions. At times infuriated with some of the events, then questioning if they should feel empathy before accepting heartache. It really is a big jumbled box of emotions.
I enjoyed the whole collection overall. The 3rd story may have been a little on the long part. Maybe took a bit too long to get started, with a slow build to it, and I would have liked to have seen more of a connection between the stories instead of everything being on the subtle side, but the collection builds to a peak that somewhat ties everything together making it overall satisfying.
I highly recommend this book, or collection of 4 novellas, to really help set the mood and tone of not just the Halloween season, but the whole Autumn season as well.
Overall I’m giving it 4 slowly rotting moldy pumpkins, waiting for kids to steal off your front porch only to find them smashed in the street.
This is October Nights, from writer Kevin Lucia and released by Crystal Lake Publishing.
November 17, 2021
No spoilers, promise :)
This book…. Hit me right in the heart. From start to finish my jaw was dropped and I didn’t want it to end. The flawless intertwining of heartfelt and horror is absolutely seamless! I will definitely recommend this to everyone who’s willing to listen. Read it! You will be so happy you did!
This book…. Hit me right in the heart. From start to finish my jaw was dropped and I didn’t want it to end. The flawless intertwining of heartfelt and horror is absolutely seamless! I will definitely recommend this to everyone who’s willing to listen. Read it! You will be so happy you did!
November 15, 2021
This was my first visit to Clifton Heights, and I might just visit that town again sometime - though it may be safer to stay away... This book offers a handful of spooky stories loosely connected by Clifton Heights on Halloween and some of its permanent residents. What I did like: the creepy atmosphere throughout all of the stories, the often very emotional character building, which lend all tales some substantial depth, and the surprising endings. What I did not like: my favorite stories of the bunch were the first ones and also the shortest. A perfect book for the season's darker days and longer nights.
(I chose to read and review this book, which was kindly provided as an ARC by the publisher)
(I chose to read and review this book, which was kindly provided as an ARC by the publisher)
Read
October 13, 2022OCTOBER NIGHTS – by Kevin Lucia – Four Interconnected Horror Stories
I finished the first story, ‘THE RAGE OF ACHILLES,’ and Loved It! Though I LOVE the beginning and characters in both ‘LONG NIGHT IN THE VALLEY‘ and THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THE NOT-SO-GOOD REVEREND FORD,’ about midway through each, I found myself skimming due to the slow pacing and repetition of events, specifically in the third story.
I decided not to read the final tale, ONE LAST PITCH’, as I am going to save it until I reread the book at a later date, as each story is interconnected.
Status: DNF - 70%/Reread
Thank you, Crystal Lake Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of OCTOBER NIGHTS at the request of an honest review.
I finished the first story, ‘THE RAGE OF ACHILLES,’ and Loved It! Though I LOVE the beginning and characters in both ‘LONG NIGHT IN THE VALLEY‘ and THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THE NOT-SO-GOOD REVEREND FORD,’ about midway through each, I found myself skimming due to the slow pacing and repetition of events, specifically in the third story.
I decided not to read the final tale, ONE LAST PITCH’, as I am going to save it until I reread the book at a later date, as each story is interconnected.
Status: DNF - 70%/Reread
Thank you, Crystal Lake Publishing, for providing me with an eBook of OCTOBER NIGHTS at the request of an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews