Reasons to Leave a Light On

by Joseph Hagen

Reasons to leave a Light On includes several encounters with night creatures. Vampires and werewolves are always popular in the realm of horror, and you will find such tales included here. However, my versions do not fit the standard descriptions. This collection also draws from lesser used creatures and elements such as zombies, succubi, disembodied eyes, an empty airport, and a deadly jigsaw puzzle. These stories were originally published in smaller collections as e-books. Reasons to Leave a Light On compiles them into one volume. Here I’ve added several BONUS STORIES which involve, among other things, Halloween, and an unusual Christmas Eve meeting between Santa Claus and a…
Well, I won’t ruin the surprise.
With each tale I’ve included a short description which explains the story’s inception and/or other off-the-page notes. I hope you enjoy these creepy tales, each will encourage you to leave a light on.

179 pages, Paperback

Published October 26, 2021

About the author

After 40 years dealing with the harsh realities of fact while working in the Federal Court System, Joseph Hagen is breaking into the sometimes tense, but entertaining realm of fiction.

A lifetime of reading first led Joe to creating two-word stories at his children’s bedtime. He quickly realized he enjoyed creating and after several years of practice is now focusing on bringing his stories to a broader audience.

Already published:

MOONRISE, a werewolf novel. 17-year-old Alan is attacked by a pack of werewolves. Bitten and cursed, he manages to cut the pack leader with a silver knife. A witch, Autumn Fire, attempts to save Alan from the pack led by the now scarred wolf, Salvador, who wants revenge on the boy. At the same time, Alan struggles through changes to his body and mind as the curse takes hold.

WOLF HUNT, the sequel to MOONRISE was released July of 2020. Featuring Salvador's brother, Orsino, it also tracks Alan's continuing struggle and introduces several new characters including Rose, a witch who is also a werewolf. The saga continues with action, the werewolf's origin, a love triangle between wolves, and hopes of Alan and Autumn's unrequited love being fulfilled.

DARK TUNES. Released as an e-book in November 2020 the novel is centered around a trio of young musicians trying to find their place in a new, and sometimes mysterious part of Saint Louis, Missouri. Renting living and practice space in a closed girl's high school they soon realize that bad things in the hood seem linked to the school and the old nuns staying in the residence connected to their building.