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Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings
Do you love All Hallows' Eve? Ghost stories? Tales from beyond that leave you feeling unsettled while walking to the kitchen at night? The orange-and-black vintage Halloween aesthetic? Haunted houses with shuttered windows?
Edited by Gaby Triana with John Palisano, this anthology of 19 short stories by some of the most terrifying names in horror is the perfect collection for a dark and stormy October night. Featuring tales to make you hide under the covers by: Jonathan Maberry, Gwendolyn Kiste, Catherine Cavendish, Tim Waggoner, Jeff Strand, Sara Tantlinger, Lee Murray, Alethea Kontis, Lisa Morton & more.
JONATHAN MABERRY - "When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go"
LISA MORTON - "Halloween at the Babylon"
TIM WAGGONER - "No One Sings in the City of the Dead"
JEFF STRAND - "Ghosts of Candies Past"
LEE MURRAY - "The Ghost Cricket"
GWENDOLYN KISTE - "A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin"
SARA TANTLINGER - "How to Unmake a Ghost"
ALETHEA KONTIS - "The Ghost Lake Mermaid"
CATHERINE CAVENDISH - "The Curiosity at the Back of the Fridge"
SCOTT COLE - "Postcards From Evelyn"
DENNIS K. CROSBY - "Bootsy's House"
STEVE RASNIC TEM - "When They Fall"
CATHERINE McCARTHY - "Soul Cakes"
MAUREEN MANCINI AMATURO - "A Bookstore Made of Skulls"
HENRY HERZ - "The Ghosts of Enerhodar"
JEREMY MEGARGEE - "Always October"
DANA HAMMER - "A Halloween Visit"
DAVID SURFACE - "The Crawlers in the Corn"
EVA ROSLIN - "Pink Lace and Death Gods"
Edited by Gaby Triana with John Palisano, this anthology of 19 short stories by some of the most terrifying names in horror is the perfect collection for a dark and stormy October night. Featuring tales to make you hide under the covers by: Jonathan Maberry, Gwendolyn Kiste, Catherine Cavendish, Tim Waggoner, Jeff Strand, Sara Tantlinger, Lee Murray, Alethea Kontis, Lisa Morton & more.
JONATHAN MABERRY - "When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go"
LISA MORTON - "Halloween at the Babylon"
TIM WAGGONER - "No One Sings in the City of the Dead"
JEFF STRAND - "Ghosts of Candies Past"
LEE MURRAY - "The Ghost Cricket"
GWENDOLYN KISTE - "A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin"
SARA TANTLINGER - "How to Unmake a Ghost"
ALETHEA KONTIS - "The Ghost Lake Mermaid"
CATHERINE CAVENDISH - "The Curiosity at the Back of the Fridge"
SCOTT COLE - "Postcards From Evelyn"
DENNIS K. CROSBY - "Bootsy's House"
STEVE RASNIC TEM - "When They Fall"
CATHERINE McCARTHY - "Soul Cakes"
MAUREEN MANCINI AMATURO - "A Bookstore Made of Skulls"
HENRY HERZ - "The Ghosts of Enerhodar"
JEREMY MEGARGEE - "Always October"
DANA HAMMER - "A Halloween Visit"
DAVID SURFACE - "The Crawlers in the Corn"
EVA ROSLIN - "Pink Lace and Death Gods"
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 21, 2022
338 people are currently reading
693 people want to read
About the author
Gaby Triana
21 books184 followersGABY TRIANA is the Cuban-American author of 25 books for adults and teens, including Moon Child, Island of Bones, River of Ghosts, City of Spells, Wake the Hollow, Cubanita, and Summer of Yesterday. Her short stories have appeared in Classic Monsters Unleashed, A Tribute to Alvin Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, A Conjuring for All Seasons, Novus Monstrum, and Weird Tales Magazine. She has co-authored ghosthunters Sam & Colby’s horror novel, Paradise Island, and edited the ghost anthology series, Literally Dead (Tales of Halloween Hauntings; Tales of Holiday Hauntings).
As a ghostwriter, Gaby has penned 50+ novels for bestselling authors in every genre. Her own books have won the IRA Teen Choice Award, ALA Best Paperback, and Hispanic Magazine's Good Reads Awards, and she writes under several pen names, including Gabrielle Keyes for her paranormal women’s fiction. She lives in Miami with her family and the four-legged creatures they serve.
FB: @GabyTriana.author
IG: @GabyTriana
YT: The Witch Haunt
As a ghostwriter, Gaby has penned 50+ novels for bestselling authors in every genre. Her own books have won the IRA Teen Choice Award, ALA Best Paperback, and Hispanic Magazine's Good Reads Awards, and she writes under several pen names, including Gabrielle Keyes for her paranormal women’s fiction. She lives in Miami with her family and the four-legged creatures they serve.
FB: @GabyTriana.author
IG: @GabyTriana
YT: The Witch Haunt
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
October 11, 2024
2.5 rounded down for overall disappointment
October 31, 2022
You won't find pages drenched in blood or action packed horror in this collection.
What you will find are dark, atmospheric, emotional, sometimes humorous, skin tingling stories.
This should be a yearly Halloween read for everyone.
What you will find are dark, atmospheric, emotional, sometimes humorous, skin tingling stories.
This should be a yearly Halloween read for everyone.
September 5, 2022
*REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS*
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Haunting (Alienhead Press, edited by Gaby Triana with John Palisano) is a collection of short stories that center around Halloween. Each story takes the reader on a different journey. There are ghosts, haunted places, monsters, terrors, vengeance and retribution, creepy mysterious places that show up when the veil is thin. There are some stories that bring an air of nostalgia and some that deal with remembrance and coping with the loss of those that matter.
I did have a few favorites in this collection:
“Ghosts of Candies Past” by Jeff Strand is nostalgic, horrifying, and hilarious.
“Pink Lace and Death Gods” by Eva Roslin starts as a story of a woman in New Orleans finding the perfect dress but evolves into a fight for her identity aided by a vengeful god. It was such a beautifully crafted story with some unique surprises along the way.
“A Halloween Visit” by Dana Hammer is a story of visit by a reaper with an interesting proposition. I appreciated the sarcastic humor and cynicism of this reaper.
“How to Unmake a Ghost” by Sara Tantlinger is a hauntingly sad yet beautiful story of loss and acceptance from the perspective of the ghost.
“A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin” by Gwendolyn Kiste is a uniquely creepy scavenger hunt with an unexpected twist.
“The Ghost Cricket” by Lee Murray is a haunting ghost story that brings about a man’s madness.
“Ghosts of Enerhodar” by Henry Herz is set in the Ukraine during the ongoing war. I really wanted these ghosts to achieve their vengeance and Herz delivers it exceptionally.
“The Curiosity at the Back of the Fridge” Catherine Cavendish’s story was mysterious, creepy, and kept me in curious anticipation until the end.
“When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go” by Jonathan Mayberry illustrates the horrors of war and the burden they carry with the survivors in the aftermath.
The cover is a creation of Lynne Hansen and captures the wonderful nostalgia of Halloween. The Interior artwork created by Marzy adds a spooky vibe.
This is an exceptional collection of stories that is sure to become a Halloween classic.
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Haunting (Alienhead Press, edited by Gaby Triana with John Palisano) is a collection of short stories that center around Halloween. Each story takes the reader on a different journey. There are ghosts, haunted places, monsters, terrors, vengeance and retribution, creepy mysterious places that show up when the veil is thin. There are some stories that bring an air of nostalgia and some that deal with remembrance and coping with the loss of those that matter.
I did have a few favorites in this collection:
“Ghosts of Candies Past” by Jeff Strand is nostalgic, horrifying, and hilarious.
“Pink Lace and Death Gods” by Eva Roslin starts as a story of a woman in New Orleans finding the perfect dress but evolves into a fight for her identity aided by a vengeful god. It was such a beautifully crafted story with some unique surprises along the way.
“A Halloween Visit” by Dana Hammer is a story of visit by a reaper with an interesting proposition. I appreciated the sarcastic humor and cynicism of this reaper.
“How to Unmake a Ghost” by Sara Tantlinger is a hauntingly sad yet beautiful story of loss and acceptance from the perspective of the ghost.
“A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin” by Gwendolyn Kiste is a uniquely creepy scavenger hunt with an unexpected twist.
“The Ghost Cricket” by Lee Murray is a haunting ghost story that brings about a man’s madness.
“Ghosts of Enerhodar” by Henry Herz is set in the Ukraine during the ongoing war. I really wanted these ghosts to achieve their vengeance and Herz delivers it exceptionally.
“The Curiosity at the Back of the Fridge” Catherine Cavendish’s story was mysterious, creepy, and kept me in curious anticipation until the end.
“When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go” by Jonathan Mayberry illustrates the horrors of war and the burden they carry with the survivors in the aftermath.
The cover is a creation of Lynne Hansen and captures the wonderful nostalgia of Halloween. The Interior artwork created by Marzy adds a spooky vibe.
This is an exceptional collection of stories that is sure to become a Halloween classic.
September 29, 2022
A delightfully diverse and varied selection!
September 16, 2022
I declare a vested interest in this anthology, since I have a story in it (Soul Cakes). However, as a reader, I would still like to offer some words of enjoyment.
The legendary Catherine Cavendish opens with the first story. Her voice is instantly recognizable and I loved the way she drew the audience in. I won't comment on all the stories, but I would like to stress that what struck me most is the fact that there is something here for everyone. I enjoyed every single story. So many different styles and settings from all around the world, from Salem to Ukraine, Asia to Wales. Such a range offers the reader a dip into the ghosts, folklore and traditions of other cultures which I love to read about.
Ghosts galore, and Halloween traditions reign throughout, but there is so much more within this anthology. For example, Jeff Strand delivers a fun read where candy becomes a creature in itself. So funny! Then there's Lee Murray's traditional Asian tale of a ghost cricket, which I adored.
Three in particular tugged at my heartstrings. Sara Tantlinger's How to Unmake a Ghost (because it deals with our reluctance to let go of a loved one after death), Tim Waggoner's No One Sings in the City of the Dead (which deals with end of life care and how difficult it is to let go), and the last story from master horror writer, Jonathan Maberry. This one I know was written from the heart, as I recall Jonathan posting about losing his brother on social media a while back. Written without sentimentality, it cuts to the quick.
With Halloween just around the corner it's the perfect read.
The legendary Catherine Cavendish opens with the first story. Her voice is instantly recognizable and I loved the way she drew the audience in. I won't comment on all the stories, but I would like to stress that what struck me most is the fact that there is something here for everyone. I enjoyed every single story. So many different styles and settings from all around the world, from Salem to Ukraine, Asia to Wales. Such a range offers the reader a dip into the ghosts, folklore and traditions of other cultures which I love to read about.
Ghosts galore, and Halloween traditions reign throughout, but there is so much more within this anthology. For example, Jeff Strand delivers a fun read where candy becomes a creature in itself. So funny! Then there's Lee Murray's traditional Asian tale of a ghost cricket, which I adored.
Three in particular tugged at my heartstrings. Sara Tantlinger's How to Unmake a Ghost (because it deals with our reluctance to let go of a loved one after death), Tim Waggoner's No One Sings in the City of the Dead (which deals with end of life care and how difficult it is to let go), and the last story from master horror writer, Jonathan Maberry. This one I know was written from the heart, as I recall Jonathan posting about losing his brother on social media a while back. Written without sentimentality, it cuts to the quick.
With Halloween just around the corner it's the perfect read.
October 30, 2023
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings is officially one of the best Halloween books I've ever read. It captures the nostalgia of Halloween, the feeling that anything can happen and the sound of crisp leaves and trick or treaters.
You know how middle grade horror books have a certain special spooky atmosphere? This book captures that, but adds in some real frights. These stories are bit of everything: spooky, scary, funny, sentimental, sad, atmospheric. And every story connects to Halloween, which I appreciated because most holiday anthologies I've read include stories that have little to do with the holiday.
I really enjoyed the whole book, but some of my favorite stories are:
"The Crawlers in the Corn" by David Surface (creepy!)
"Always October" by Jeremy Megargee (gorgeous writing)
"A Halloween Visit" by Dana Hammer (darkly funny)
"Soul Cakes" by Catherine Mccarthy (made me cry)
"Ghosts of Candies Past" by Jeff Strand (hilarious)
"In a Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin" by Gwendolyn Kiste (perfect)
You know how middle grade horror books have a certain special spooky atmosphere? This book captures that, but adds in some real frights. These stories are bit of everything: spooky, scary, funny, sentimental, sad, atmospheric. And every story connects to Halloween, which I appreciated because most holiday anthologies I've read include stories that have little to do with the holiday.
I really enjoyed the whole book, but some of my favorite stories are:
"The Crawlers in the Corn" by David Surface (creepy!)
"Always October" by Jeremy Megargee (gorgeous writing)
"A Halloween Visit" by Dana Hammer (darkly funny)
"Soul Cakes" by Catherine Mccarthy (made me cry)
"Ghosts of Candies Past" by Jeff Strand (hilarious)
"In a Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin" by Gwendolyn Kiste (perfect)
October 31, 2022
Great little Halloween read.
September 29, 2022
Oustanding Ghostly and Ghastly Gourmet Read
Literally Dead – Tales of Halloween
Editor : Gaby Triana
Publisher: Alienhead Press
Release date: 21st September 22
With an introduction by terrific cover artist Lynn Hansen, an incredibly nostalgic and delightfully spooky piece of cover art, plus whimsical interior design ghosties * dingbats * by Marzy, I am in awe of the book I hold in my metaphorical hands. * reader, this is on Kindle *
Fair warning, this is a long review and I touch on every aspect of the book.
The first story, ‘The Curiosity at the Back if the Fridge’ by Catherine Cavendish is a slightly creepy yet strangely delightful story of a lonely child finally finding a break from poverty in Halloween and an almost Dickensian feast.
The tone of the narrator’s voice – and the denoumant – the imagery and the sheer absurdity reminded me a little of Tales of the Unexpected or The Hammer House of Horror TV series.
‘A Bookstore made of Skulls, Salem, Mass’ by Maureen Mancini Amaturo comes next.
If you love Halloween or anything spooky, odds are you will be aware of the tragedy that struck Salem Massachusetts in 1692. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit. To pay my respects and to indulge in a little kitsch.
The imagery and Halloween vibe is strong in this one. I’ve never read a story by Amaturo before. I can appreciate the writing, the pay off was disturbing if a bit low-key compared to the twisted build up yet, I also have an urge to re-read it.
Postcards from Evelyn by Scott Cole follows on.
Again, Cole is a new writer to me but another pleasing discovery.
In this story, Andy has moved into his inherited house and as Halloween approaches, he starts to receive vintage postcards asking if he’s coming to a Halloween party.
The date of these? 1910.
I loved the backstory to this one and it fit the cover to perfection.
The Crawlers in the Corn, by David Surface is next. Every now and again, you come across a writer, or a story, that makes you truly feel.
Occasionally you’ll react viscerally and think “holy sh..”.
This was the one.
When they Fall, by genre luminary Steve Rasnic Tem is a somewhat poignant and abstract story of many Halloweens, and Ralph who lives in an old gabled house avoiding the Trick Or Treaters.
Deftly written it has the kind of ending you want to read a few times just to take it in.
Always October – Jeremy Megargee
Oh god, boo .... Or boo hoo 😭 take your pick. Another new writer for me and one I will definitely seek out, because this story hit all the feels. It is indescribably beautiful.
How To Unmake a Ghost by SARA Tantlinger shares some elements with the Megargee story – and is just as beautiful and poignant as the former.
A Halloween Visit – Dana Hammer
We get some nice, light relief in this one, just a conversation between two people to start with, but I chuckled my way through most of it, and it was a great palate cleanser or intermission.
Bootsy’s House by Dennis K. Crosby is a bit light-hearted but also grim as hell.
Damon and Justus break into the mansion that used to belong to first the Elstons, the epitome of elitism, then Bootsy Robinson. Family man, philanthropist ... serial killer?
So, burglary, in a notorious possibly haunted house on Halloween.
This has all the spills, thrills and wonderful Chicagoan history you’d expect.
It’s a terrific urban legend, haunted house tale, with genuine creepy moments and a lot of smiles. At least if you’re a horror reader.
Soul Cakes by Catherine Mccarthy brings us wweet memories of a young Welsh woman and her Nan making Soul Cakes together. Another lyrical and poignant tale.
Ghosts of Candies Past Jeff Strand seriously had me laughing my particulars off.
To lighten the tone, it’s another palate cleanser, because you know, you may be a bit stuffed by now with stories and chocolate, so we have Jeff Strand, who never fails to amuse.
In this story, we have a debate about which one is better – retro candy or modern candy.
You may well bust a gut laughing at this one.
Halloween at the Babylon LISA Morton is a beautiful story set in an aged theatre where the ghost of a performer sits waiting – and a modern day ghost hunting team and medium are investigating. We get historical flashbacks, female solidarity and slowly a mystery is unravelled.
Ghosts of Enerhodar Henry Herz starts in a nuclear power plant in the Ukraine in the present.
This is a well researched, incredibly – strangely – heart-warming story, which uses facts and Urkranian folklore to create literary karma. I won’t say much, but it is a standout story in the anthology, cinematic in its atmosphere and I bloody loved it.
The Ghost Lake Mermaid ALETHEA Kontis has female ghosts, diverse characters, and is beautiful and funny. This is a stunning story of feminine power and choices. Buckle up buttercup, it’s a good one.
Pink Lace and Death Gods Eva Roslin is set on Halloween in New Orleans and Bianca finds the best costume ever for the party that night.
With mythology, history, and diaspora interwoven, this one had it all. I think this is one of my favourites in this anthology.
The Ghost Cricket by Lee Murray is a delightful, traditional morality tale, that adds a dash of humour amidst the darker aspects of the story. The ending is the proverbial chef’s kiss.
No One Sings in the City of the Dead by Tim Waggoner follows, and in true Waggoner style, is bloody and grim. And original as hell.
Halloween is known as that night that the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
In A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin, Gwendolyn Kiste, tells the tale of a woman who narrates the hunt she’s part of in a haunted house. It’s deftly written in second person present tense and has a very different feel to the other stories. Though it’s themes will be familiar to many female readers.
The final story is When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go by Jonathan Maberry.
I want to swear. I want to cry. I want to scream for Alex. For his brother Joey and all of the other young men in this story.
Most of all, one day, as a writer, I want to make a reader’s heart drop the way mine just has, near the end of this story.
So, holy cow...
I’ve had to read this book over a few days, to take breaks and absorb the stories.
This anthology, the first Triana has ever edited, is the gold class of ghost story anthologies.
It will stay with me for a very long time.
Literally Dead – Tales of Halloween
Editor : Gaby Triana
Publisher: Alienhead Press
Release date: 21st September 22
With an introduction by terrific cover artist Lynn Hansen, an incredibly nostalgic and delightfully spooky piece of cover art, plus whimsical interior design ghosties * dingbats * by Marzy, I am in awe of the book I hold in my metaphorical hands. * reader, this is on Kindle *
Fair warning, this is a long review and I touch on every aspect of the book.
The first story, ‘The Curiosity at the Back if the Fridge’ by Catherine Cavendish is a slightly creepy yet strangely delightful story of a lonely child finally finding a break from poverty in Halloween and an almost Dickensian feast.
The tone of the narrator’s voice – and the denoumant – the imagery and the sheer absurdity reminded me a little of Tales of the Unexpected or The Hammer House of Horror TV series.
‘A Bookstore made of Skulls, Salem, Mass’ by Maureen Mancini Amaturo comes next.
If you love Halloween or anything spooky, odds are you will be aware of the tragedy that struck Salem Massachusetts in 1692. It’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit. To pay my respects and to indulge in a little kitsch.
The imagery and Halloween vibe is strong in this one. I’ve never read a story by Amaturo before. I can appreciate the writing, the pay off was disturbing if a bit low-key compared to the twisted build up yet, I also have an urge to re-read it.
Postcards from Evelyn by Scott Cole follows on.
Again, Cole is a new writer to me but another pleasing discovery.
In this story, Andy has moved into his inherited house and as Halloween approaches, he starts to receive vintage postcards asking if he’s coming to a Halloween party.
The date of these? 1910.
I loved the backstory to this one and it fit the cover to perfection.
The Crawlers in the Corn, by David Surface is next. Every now and again, you come across a writer, or a story, that makes you truly feel.
Occasionally you’ll react viscerally and think “holy sh..”.
This was the one.
When they Fall, by genre luminary Steve Rasnic Tem is a somewhat poignant and abstract story of many Halloweens, and Ralph who lives in an old gabled house avoiding the Trick Or Treaters.
Deftly written it has the kind of ending you want to read a few times just to take it in.
Always October – Jeremy Megargee
Oh god, boo .... Or boo hoo 😭 take your pick. Another new writer for me and one I will definitely seek out, because this story hit all the feels. It is indescribably beautiful.
How To Unmake a Ghost by SARA Tantlinger shares some elements with the Megargee story – and is just as beautiful and poignant as the former.
A Halloween Visit – Dana Hammer
We get some nice, light relief in this one, just a conversation between two people to start with, but I chuckled my way through most of it, and it was a great palate cleanser or intermission.
Bootsy’s House by Dennis K. Crosby is a bit light-hearted but also grim as hell.
Damon and Justus break into the mansion that used to belong to first the Elstons, the epitome of elitism, then Bootsy Robinson. Family man, philanthropist ... serial killer?
So, burglary, in a notorious possibly haunted house on Halloween.
This has all the spills, thrills and wonderful Chicagoan history you’d expect.
It’s a terrific urban legend, haunted house tale, with genuine creepy moments and a lot of smiles. At least if you’re a horror reader.
Soul Cakes by Catherine Mccarthy brings us wweet memories of a young Welsh woman and her Nan making Soul Cakes together. Another lyrical and poignant tale.
Ghosts of Candies Past Jeff Strand seriously had me laughing my particulars off.
To lighten the tone, it’s another palate cleanser, because you know, you may be a bit stuffed by now with stories and chocolate, so we have Jeff Strand, who never fails to amuse.
In this story, we have a debate about which one is better – retro candy or modern candy.
You may well bust a gut laughing at this one.
Halloween at the Babylon LISA Morton is a beautiful story set in an aged theatre where the ghost of a performer sits waiting – and a modern day ghost hunting team and medium are investigating. We get historical flashbacks, female solidarity and slowly a mystery is unravelled.
Ghosts of Enerhodar Henry Herz starts in a nuclear power plant in the Ukraine in the present.
This is a well researched, incredibly – strangely – heart-warming story, which uses facts and Urkranian folklore to create literary karma. I won’t say much, but it is a standout story in the anthology, cinematic in its atmosphere and I bloody loved it.
The Ghost Lake Mermaid ALETHEA Kontis has female ghosts, diverse characters, and is beautiful and funny. This is a stunning story of feminine power and choices. Buckle up buttercup, it’s a good one.
Pink Lace and Death Gods Eva Roslin is set on Halloween in New Orleans and Bianca finds the best costume ever for the party that night.
With mythology, history, and diaspora interwoven, this one had it all. I think this is one of my favourites in this anthology.
The Ghost Cricket by Lee Murray is a delightful, traditional morality tale, that adds a dash of humour amidst the darker aspects of the story. The ending is the proverbial chef’s kiss.
No One Sings in the City of the Dead by Tim Waggoner follows, and in true Waggoner style, is bloody and grim. And original as hell.
Halloween is known as that night that the veil between the living and the dead is at its thinnest.
In A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin, Gwendolyn Kiste, tells the tale of a woman who narrates the hunt she’s part of in a haunted house. It’s deftly written in second person present tense and has a very different feel to the other stories. Though it’s themes will be familiar to many female readers.
The final story is When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go by Jonathan Maberry.
I want to swear. I want to cry. I want to scream for Alex. For his brother Joey and all of the other young men in this story.
Most of all, one day, as a writer, I want to make a reader’s heart drop the way mine just has, near the end of this story.
So, holy cow...
I’ve had to read this book over a few days, to take breaks and absorb the stories.
This anthology, the first Triana has ever edited, is the gold class of ghost story anthologies.
It will stay with me for a very long time.
October 26, 2023
An entertaining collection, some stories much better than others.
September 20, 2022
Thank you so much to Alienhead Press & Gaby Triana for sending me an e-ARC of Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings!
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings is the perfect addition to your spooky TBR! I, a person who's in a constant state of spooky found that this collection got me even more excited for Fall nights & spooky adventures (but none of those spooky adventures will take me into Bootsy's House or into a bookstore made of skulls. Okay, maybe the bookstore made of skulls.)
This one is filled to the brim with ghostly tales; some are stories of grief, while others are laugh-out-loud funny. Sure, as with any collection, there were some stories that weren't necessarily my vibe, but I'm confident they'd be someone else's. These authors take us several places -- we enter a haunted theater in one, and in another go on a scavenger hunt. All of the stories in Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings are unique & really showcase these authors' talent.
Also, that cover? Amazing. Beautiful. Flawless. & the insides are also beautiful -- there are these little shadow images after each story that I loved.
Some favorites in Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings:
"How to Unmake a Ghost" by Sara Tantlinger: I felt this one in my bones. By the end, I wanted to cry & was definitely covered in gooseflesh. This one is drenched in grief & so beautifully written; I think it'll be a hit with anyone who's ever lost someone special.
"Soul Cakes" by Catherine McCarty: Apparently all of my favorites have a hit of grief lacing the words. Also baking is involved & any story with baking is a winner for me.
"Ghosts of Candies Past" by Jeff Strand: Stepping away from ~depression~ for a minute to talk about one of my favorites, Jeff Strand. Jeff Strand's humor is a big hit for me. Arguing with an actual CANDY MONSTER about how current times isn't really that bad in terms of candy is 100% what I'm here for.
There are a few more stories that I was living for; this collection is not one to be missed!
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings is the perfect addition to your spooky TBR! I, a person who's in a constant state of spooky found that this collection got me even more excited for Fall nights & spooky adventures (but none of those spooky adventures will take me into Bootsy's House or into a bookstore made of skulls. Okay, maybe the bookstore made of skulls.)
This one is filled to the brim with ghostly tales; some are stories of grief, while others are laugh-out-loud funny. Sure, as with any collection, there were some stories that weren't necessarily my vibe, but I'm confident they'd be someone else's. These authors take us several places -- we enter a haunted theater in one, and in another go on a scavenger hunt. All of the stories in Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings are unique & really showcase these authors' talent.
Also, that cover? Amazing. Beautiful. Flawless. & the insides are also beautiful -- there are these little shadow images after each story that I loved.
Some favorites in Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings:
"How to Unmake a Ghost" by Sara Tantlinger: I felt this one in my bones. By the end, I wanted to cry & was definitely covered in gooseflesh. This one is drenched in grief & so beautifully written; I think it'll be a hit with anyone who's ever lost someone special.
"Soul Cakes" by Catherine McCarty: Apparently all of my favorites have a hit of grief lacing the words. Also baking is involved & any story with baking is a winner for me.
"Ghosts of Candies Past" by Jeff Strand: Stepping away from ~depression~ for a minute to talk about one of my favorites, Jeff Strand. Jeff Strand's humor is a big hit for me. Arguing with an actual CANDY MONSTER about how current times isn't really that bad in terms of candy is 100% what I'm here for.
There are a few more stories that I was living for; this collection is not one to be missed!
September 14, 2022
I was lucky enough to get early access to this book in exchange for a review, which I am all too happy to give.
This was an absolute delight.
There is a good variety of tone and subject matter despite all the tales conforming to the theme of Halloween. On that note, I would highly recommend spreading out the tales if you have the time to do so throughout the month. Each entry in this anthology deserves to be savored as its own, miniature Halloween.
Usually when I'm reviewing anthologies I try to include a note about my personal favorite. For this anthology I was hard-pressed to choose one singular favorite from the bunch. I narrowed it down to "A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin" by Gwendolyn Kiste and "How to Unmake a Ghost" by Sara Tantlinger. This is unsurprising as these are already two of my favorite writers, but you can imagine how pleased I was to find them both included in one, delightful book.
I also don't think there are any weak links. There are stories that are more tense, stories that are quirkier, one that I would describe as almost whimsical (in a morbid way.)
If you're looking for something Halloween-y to read this Halloween season, I could not come up with a more perfect recommendation for scratching that autumn itch.
This was an absolute delight.
There is a good variety of tone and subject matter despite all the tales conforming to the theme of Halloween. On that note, I would highly recommend spreading out the tales if you have the time to do so throughout the month. Each entry in this anthology deserves to be savored as its own, miniature Halloween.
Usually when I'm reviewing anthologies I try to include a note about my personal favorite. For this anthology I was hard-pressed to choose one singular favorite from the bunch. I narrowed it down to "A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin" by Gwendolyn Kiste and "How to Unmake a Ghost" by Sara Tantlinger. This is unsurprising as these are already two of my favorite writers, but you can imagine how pleased I was to find them both included in one, delightful book.
I also don't think there are any weak links. There are stories that are more tense, stories that are quirkier, one that I would describe as almost whimsical (in a morbid way.)
If you're looking for something Halloween-y to read this Halloween season, I could not come up with a more perfect recommendation for scratching that autumn itch.
September 21, 2022
The collection covers a range of subjects from war to folklore, including genres of crime and contemporary fiction, with tones ranging from humor to out-and-out horror. Literally Dead brings together common Halloween tropes of haunted houses and spirits to beware of, costumes and candy, memories associated with October 31st that have nothing to do with Halloween, and presents these well worn concepts into a rich anthology of holiday horrors. I loved the touch of Chinese, Ukrainian and Welsh folklore and customs associated with Halloween, contemporary social issues and significant historic moments, nostalgia and beauty associated with a season of darkness.
Some of my favorites were The Ghost Cricket by Lee Murray (a touch of Chinese folklore with a noisy cricket that refuses to be quiet even in death), The Ghost Lake Mermaid by Alethea Kontis (the ghosts of murder victims discuss racism and the law, when the color of your skin decides if your corpse gets justice), Ghosts of Enerhodar by Henry Herz (the ghosts of Ukrainian folklore feature against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war), Halloween at the Babylon by Lisa Morton (a theatre patron tries to prevent other guests from becoming ghosts like herself), Ghosts of Candies Past by Jeff Strand (a quirky, sugary fest of long-eaten Halloween treats that return to haunt), Soul Cakes by Catherine McCarthy (the living and dead collide at a special time of the year, under the veil of Welsh folklore), Always October by Jeremy Megargee (about a ghost hunter on the look out for her replacement).
Full review at:
https://tomesandtales365.wordpress.co...
Some of my favorites were The Ghost Cricket by Lee Murray (a touch of Chinese folklore with a noisy cricket that refuses to be quiet even in death), The Ghost Lake Mermaid by Alethea Kontis (the ghosts of murder victims discuss racism and the law, when the color of your skin decides if your corpse gets justice), Ghosts of Enerhodar by Henry Herz (the ghosts of Ukrainian folklore feature against the backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine war), Halloween at the Babylon by Lisa Morton (a theatre patron tries to prevent other guests from becoming ghosts like herself), Ghosts of Candies Past by Jeff Strand (a quirky, sugary fest of long-eaten Halloween treats that return to haunt), Soul Cakes by Catherine McCarthy (the living and dead collide at a special time of the year, under the veil of Welsh folklore), Always October by Jeremy Megargee (about a ghost hunter on the look out for her replacement).
Full review at:
https://tomesandtales365.wordpress.co...
October 11, 2022
Enjoyable anthology of ghost tales. Most are on the shorter side, perfect length for reading aloud around the campfire for a scary good time, but there is a generously large number included so definitely feel like you get your money's worth. As with all collections of this type, some of the stories spoke to me personally more than others but with such a diverse offering, there will be something here for everyone who enjoys the uncanny and mysterious.
December 10, 2022
I already knew before I read this that I would enjoy this, this anthology has an amazing line up of lots of authors I greatly admire. Literally Dead did not disappoint I had so much fun reading this. Some stories will make you cry, some will leave in you in stitches but beware of those that will strike terror in your heart!
There wasn't one story I didn't like in here.
When You See Millions of the Mouth less Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go by Jonathan Maberry
Joey sits outside his Californian mansion one night going over his past when he receives an unexpected visitor.
Halloween at the Babylon by Lisa Morton
Katy has been waiting for a long time for someone to really see her and listen to her story.
No One Sings in the City of the Dead by Tim Waggoner
When her husband passes away, a lonely wife will stop at nothing to see him again.
Ghosts of Candies Past by Jeff Strand
A man receives a blast form the past when his children return from Trick-or-Treating on Halloween night with candy not seen for over twenty years.
The Ghost Cricket by Lee Murray
A dark fantasy tale. A magistrate is summoned to a small village to hear a remarkable case between a beggar and a farmer.
A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin by Gwendolyn Kiste
It's a rite of passage to visit the old lady's haunted house on Halloween night. But the girl chosen to go inside has also been chosen by someone else.
How to Unmake a Ghost by Sara Tantlinger
The veil wears thin a Halloween but that does not mean one should invite the dead back into their lives even when their love is too powerful to be defeated by death.
The Ghost Lake Mermaid by Alethea Kontis
It's the Ghost Lake Mermaid's job to maintain the lake she watches over. When a guest arrives it reveals dark secrets of the nearby town, she must enlist the help of Sherriff Lee.
The Curiosity of the Back of the Fridge by Catherine Cavendish
A tale within a tale. Brian our trusty narrator takes us on a journey of how he came to meet the revered Bobby Clem, once a highly regarded University Professor, now nothing more than a local down and out.
Postcards from Evelyn by Scott Cole
Andy receives an invite to a Halloween party from Evelyn, but it must be a mistake the invite is over one hundred year sold. When he receives a 2nd postcard he knows something strange is going on. Evelyn is very determined to have him attend.
Bootsy's House by Dennis K. Crosby
Justus and Damon break in one night to an empty affluent home that legend claims is hiding a fortune waiting to be found and claimed. But the house isn't as empty as they think.
When They Fall by Steve Rasnic Tem
One Halloween Ralph receives a very persistent rick or treater in his isolated country home and now he's too old to run from what haunts him.
Soul Cakes by Catherine McCarthy
It's a real treat for Bethan to bake soul cakes with her beloved grandmother at Halloween. Each year as her gran gets older she reminisces more and more over the past but once spent the past can never come back.
A Bookstore Made of Skull by Maureen Mancini Amaturo
"A skull houses the brain, and books house brain food."
Our unnamed protagonist finds themselves in no ordinary book shop in no ordinary town. This is Salem home to Witchcraft. A wonderfully decadent atmospheric tale that draws you in and spits you out.
The Ghosts of Enerhoda by Henry Herz
It's 2022 and there's al all out battle for nuclear power plant. The Russians will stop at nothing to take it from the Ukranian's, how far will each side go?
Always October by Jeremy Megargee
A ghost hunter takes full advantage of the thin veil between the world of the living and the dead, he needs to catch as many ghosts before the night is done.
A Halloween Visit by Dana Hammer
Gabriella Morrison is done for the night, she's tired of handing out candy to all the trick or treaters but there's one guest left banging on her door ready to collect a debt that can be ignored no longer.
The Crawlers in the Corn by David Surface
Danny's friend, Carl, doesn't want to go trick or treating he says at fourteen years old they're too old to believe in Halloween or those things they thought they saw crawling in the cornfield. However those things still believe in Danny and Carl.
Pink Lace and Death Gods by Eva Roslin
When Bianca makes a deal it turns her life upside down. She must make a deal with the devil if she is to get her life back.
There wasn't one story I didn't like in here.
When You See Millions of the Mouth less Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go by Jonathan Maberry
Joey sits outside his Californian mansion one night going over his past when he receives an unexpected visitor.
Halloween at the Babylon by Lisa Morton
Katy has been waiting for a long time for someone to really see her and listen to her story.
No One Sings in the City of the Dead by Tim Waggoner
When her husband passes away, a lonely wife will stop at nothing to see him again.
Ghosts of Candies Past by Jeff Strand
A man receives a blast form the past when his children return from Trick-or-Treating on Halloween night with candy not seen for over twenty years.
The Ghost Cricket by Lee Murray
A dark fantasy tale. A magistrate is summoned to a small village to hear a remarkable case between a beggar and a farmer.
A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin by Gwendolyn Kiste
It's a rite of passage to visit the old lady's haunted house on Halloween night. But the girl chosen to go inside has also been chosen by someone else.
How to Unmake a Ghost by Sara Tantlinger
The veil wears thin a Halloween but that does not mean one should invite the dead back into their lives even when their love is too powerful to be defeated by death.
The Ghost Lake Mermaid by Alethea Kontis
It's the Ghost Lake Mermaid's job to maintain the lake she watches over. When a guest arrives it reveals dark secrets of the nearby town, she must enlist the help of Sherriff Lee.
The Curiosity of the Back of the Fridge by Catherine Cavendish
A tale within a tale. Brian our trusty narrator takes us on a journey of how he came to meet the revered Bobby Clem, once a highly regarded University Professor, now nothing more than a local down and out.
Postcards from Evelyn by Scott Cole
Andy receives an invite to a Halloween party from Evelyn, but it must be a mistake the invite is over one hundred year sold. When he receives a 2nd postcard he knows something strange is going on. Evelyn is very determined to have him attend.
Bootsy's House by Dennis K. Crosby
Justus and Damon break in one night to an empty affluent home that legend claims is hiding a fortune waiting to be found and claimed. But the house isn't as empty as they think.
When They Fall by Steve Rasnic Tem
One Halloween Ralph receives a very persistent rick or treater in his isolated country home and now he's too old to run from what haunts him.
Soul Cakes by Catherine McCarthy
It's a real treat for Bethan to bake soul cakes with her beloved grandmother at Halloween. Each year as her gran gets older she reminisces more and more over the past but once spent the past can never come back.
A Bookstore Made of Skull by Maureen Mancini Amaturo
"A skull houses the brain, and books house brain food."
Our unnamed protagonist finds themselves in no ordinary book shop in no ordinary town. This is Salem home to Witchcraft. A wonderfully decadent atmospheric tale that draws you in and spits you out.
The Ghosts of Enerhoda by Henry Herz
It's 2022 and there's al all out battle for nuclear power plant. The Russians will stop at nothing to take it from the Ukranian's, how far will each side go?
Always October by Jeremy Megargee
A ghost hunter takes full advantage of the thin veil between the world of the living and the dead, he needs to catch as many ghosts before the night is done.
A Halloween Visit by Dana Hammer
Gabriella Morrison is done for the night, she's tired of handing out candy to all the trick or treaters but there's one guest left banging on her door ready to collect a debt that can be ignored no longer.
The Crawlers in the Corn by David Surface
Danny's friend, Carl, doesn't want to go trick or treating he says at fourteen years old they're too old to believe in Halloween or those things they thought they saw crawling in the cornfield. However those things still believe in Danny and Carl.
Pink Lace and Death Gods by Eva Roslin
When Bianca makes a deal it turns her life upside down. She must make a deal with the devil if she is to get her life back.
October 28, 2022
If you are looking for a Halloween anthology then you need to pick up LITERALLY DEAD: TALES OF HALLOWEEN HAUNTINGS immediately. The stories are short but pack a punch. There's a mix of terror, eerie, grief, humor, and more. All the stories ooze October nights and fall vibes. You can practically hear the crisp leaves swirling around and smell the candied apples as you make your way through these stories. A great mix of authors and subjects, this anthology is just the perfect way to spend your spooky season!
September 19, 2022
Warning - May Include Spoilers
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Haunting (Alienhead Press, edited by Gaby Triana with John Palisano) is a sometimes fun, often spooky and most of the time unsettling (in the best of ways) jaunt through the veil of the dark season. This collection explores many themes associated with Halloween in creative, thoughtful and intricate ways. My own literary preferences tend to run more toward the dark, mysterious and creepy rather than shock and gore and this volume is full to the brim with just that type of story.
I love the idea of Mary Shelley writing a story to scare her friends, or of the Chowder Society in Peter Straub’s Ghost Story where the group takes turns trying to scare the pants off of one another. This collection has that feel to it where the reader gets to take a short journey into darkness with some of the best writers in the genre today.
I’ve read this collection a number of times. It turns out that it took three times through to be able to select a few favorites for this review. They are all just that good. Plot twists are one of my favorite devices and I was awed by the way that Sara Tantlinger pulled off the twist in her story “How to Unmake a Ghost”. It might not be a twist as much as it is a reflection, or a new, unexpected, angle on something familiar. Sara’s style is brilliant and I was captivated, three times it seems, by her tale. Step Seven pretty much smacked me in the face. I’m old enough to have experienced the deaths of most people I knew when I was younger. I wish I’d thought of things this way… very good read.
“Halloween at the Babylon” by Lisa Morton is another story in the collection that I very much enjoyed. I’ve lived in dark, old spaces and have suspected, at times, that I wasn’t always alone there. This story captures that feeling of dread and then multiplies it. Excellent tale!
There is a story in the book that I had a bit of trouble with as there’s a scene where… never mind you’ll have to read Tim Waggoner’s “No One Sings in the City of the Dead” for yourself. This story absolutely gutted me when I read it for a wide variety of reasons. The theme that stuck with me, albeit with a graveyard aesthetic, is human folly. It’s an artful endeavor to weave themes of love, loss, hope and abject terror into a very short story but this one does it seamlessly. I both love and hate this story but I suspect the author wouldn’t be disappointed by that reaction - beautifully done!
The last story I’ll individually call out is Jeremy Megargee’s “Always October”. This tale did, in fact, have a rather unpleasant (for the main character) twist at the end that very much surprised me. I’ve always suspected that death, like life, could be something multifaceted and this tale addresses that idea very well. I love the way it’s written as it takes a few times through to catch all of the nuance. I’ll be looking for more work from this author.
I was awarded an advance reader’s copy of this collection and it’s been very much my pleasure to read it. All of the stories in the collection are first rate. I have a few books of stories that I turn to in mid September to start setting the mood for the season. I’ll be ordering a physical copy of this book to add to rotation as I expect that I’ll revisit it many times. If I could add anything to a future collection I’d love to read a short, favorite Halloween memory by each author prior to their story.
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Haunting (Alienhead Press, edited by Gaby Triana with John Palisano) is a sometimes fun, often spooky and most of the time unsettling (in the best of ways) jaunt through the veil of the dark season. This collection explores many themes associated with Halloween in creative, thoughtful and intricate ways. My own literary preferences tend to run more toward the dark, mysterious and creepy rather than shock and gore and this volume is full to the brim with just that type of story.
I love the idea of Mary Shelley writing a story to scare her friends, or of the Chowder Society in Peter Straub’s Ghost Story where the group takes turns trying to scare the pants off of one another. This collection has that feel to it where the reader gets to take a short journey into darkness with some of the best writers in the genre today.
I’ve read this collection a number of times. It turns out that it took three times through to be able to select a few favorites for this review. They are all just that good. Plot twists are one of my favorite devices and I was awed by the way that Sara Tantlinger pulled off the twist in her story “How to Unmake a Ghost”. It might not be a twist as much as it is a reflection, or a new, unexpected, angle on something familiar. Sara’s style is brilliant and I was captivated, three times it seems, by her tale. Step Seven pretty much smacked me in the face. I’m old enough to have experienced the deaths of most people I knew when I was younger. I wish I’d thought of things this way… very good read.
“Halloween at the Babylon” by Lisa Morton is another story in the collection that I very much enjoyed. I’ve lived in dark, old spaces and have suspected, at times, that I wasn’t always alone there. This story captures that feeling of dread and then multiplies it. Excellent tale!
There is a story in the book that I had a bit of trouble with as there’s a scene where… never mind you’ll have to read Tim Waggoner’s “No One Sings in the City of the Dead” for yourself. This story absolutely gutted me when I read it for a wide variety of reasons. The theme that stuck with me, albeit with a graveyard aesthetic, is human folly. It’s an artful endeavor to weave themes of love, loss, hope and abject terror into a very short story but this one does it seamlessly. I both love and hate this story but I suspect the author wouldn’t be disappointed by that reaction - beautifully done!
The last story I’ll individually call out is Jeremy Megargee’s “Always October”. This tale did, in fact, have a rather unpleasant (for the main character) twist at the end that very much surprised me. I’ve always suspected that death, like life, could be something multifaceted and this tale addresses that idea very well. I love the way it’s written as it takes a few times through to catch all of the nuance. I’ll be looking for more work from this author.
I was awarded an advance reader’s copy of this collection and it’s been very much my pleasure to read it. All of the stories in the collection are first rate. I have a few books of stories that I turn to in mid September to start setting the mood for the season. I’ll be ordering a physical copy of this book to add to rotation as I expect that I’ll revisit it many times. If I could add anything to a future collection I’d love to read a short, favorite Halloween memory by each author prior to their story.
October 15, 2022
Great book spooky Halloween stories 🎃👻🙌🏻
September 15, 2022
I love haunted and horror shorts and this collection doesn't disappoint. This presents a range of emotions from the sad and haunting tale of the ghost hunter in Jeremy Megargee's Always October, to the sweet Soul Cakes by Catherine McCarthy, and the quirky, odd and funny Ghosts of Candies Past by Jeff Strand. There's surely a story here for everyone!
August 25, 2023
I’m gonna be honest, I didn’t expect much from this book when I borrowed it from KindleUnlimited. I usually find one or two stories in KU anthologies that I enjoy, but this collection surprised me. It is filled with well written, emotionally engaging stories that kept me moving from one story to the next. I enjoyed it so much that the paperback copy will arrive in a few days, and the next collection is preordered. My favorites are Soul Cakes and How to Unmake a Ghost. I’ve already gone off hunting more work from the authors.
October 24, 2022
A few gems among a good collection
There are some genuine standouts in this collection that will stay with you--even haunt you. The rest are fun short reads. I loved how I could devour one or two in just half an hour. There isn't a bad story in the bunch, but nothing especially scary, either. This would make a great family read through the spooky season even for the 8 and ups.
There are some genuine standouts in this collection that will stay with you--even haunt you. The rest are fun short reads. I loved how I could devour one or two in just half an hour. There isn't a bad story in the bunch, but nothing especially scary, either. This would make a great family read through the spooky season even for the 8 and ups.
October 24, 2022
I've been on a Halloween-themed anthology kick lately and this has been the standout. Not only does it feature some really well-done creepy stories, there are several stories that are touching and will pull at the heart strings.
March 7, 2023
OMG
The art work on the cover is awesome. Loved it. The stories were fantastic. Though the one about Vietnam was so heart breaking, and I knew what was coming, but I still cried.
The art work on the cover is awesome. Loved it. The stories were fantastic. Though the one about Vietnam was so heart breaking, and I knew what was coming, but I still cried.
November 4, 2024
Spooky
A very good collection, with just the right amount of chill. With a few authors that are new to me.
A very good collection, with just the right amount of chill. With a few authors that are new to me.
October 19, 2022
Are you searching for a Halloween-heavy read this spooky season? This collection is made for you! The ambiance and themes of the creepiest time of year has apparated in the form of this book, ready to be fully realized in your eager mind’s eye. Sometimes the contents are blatantly a trick, and other times a treat. Either way, it embodies the full Halloween experience.
For my experience, the stories I loved the most were:
“When They Fall” by Steve Rasnic Tem - A bite of this genius horror author’s cosmic treats.
“How to Unmake a Ghost” by Sara Tantlinger - This one was a trick in that it should have been called “How to Unmake a Reader” since I was basically left weeping from its powerful emotion.
“A Halloween Visit” by Dana Hammer - I was laughing out loud at the dialogue in this very entertaining story.
“The Ghost Lake Mermaid” by Alethea Kontis - Tragic and ghostly, this story will leave you wondering about those lost in unjust ways and how they might be trying to communicate with the living to still affect change.
“No One Sings in the City of the Dead” by Tim Waggoner - This was pure horror, showing how loss can fog the human mind into making blasphemous decisions.
“A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin” by Gwendolyn Kiste - A tale of perpetuating stereotypes of women, witches, and ghosts that sticks it to the man and unveils the humanity beyond the dark stories we weave as history.
“When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go” by Jonathan Maberry - What a tale on which to conclude the collection! It destroyed me with how much it hurt. It twisted Halloween on its head by showing the reader how it haunts some more than others, while simultaneously using Halloween as a conduit to convey that message. Perhaps a confusing statement, but it’ll make sense when you read it. And you WILL read it.
There are also pictures on the first page of each story that really add to the wicked quality of this book; just an extra treat that worked very well at bringing the whole thing together. I believe this book helped to develop a truly special haunted vibe I can carry with me this Halloween season.
I feel like I’d do myself a disservice by not mentioning that at the start of the book there is a typo quoting Stephen King’s “Danse Macabre” (but it’s incorrectly spelled “Dance Macabre”). I was a little irked by that being my first impression, but please, if you’re as anal about typos as me, do NOT let that deter you from diving into this book. It is just a ton of scary fun. It is undeniable that every contributor not only had a great time writing their pieces, but they also poured their dark little hearts into them.
For my experience, the stories I loved the most were:
“When They Fall” by Steve Rasnic Tem - A bite of this genius horror author’s cosmic treats.
“How to Unmake a Ghost” by Sara Tantlinger - This one was a trick in that it should have been called “How to Unmake a Reader” since I was basically left weeping from its powerful emotion.
“A Halloween Visit” by Dana Hammer - I was laughing out loud at the dialogue in this very entertaining story.
“The Ghost Lake Mermaid” by Alethea Kontis - Tragic and ghostly, this story will leave you wondering about those lost in unjust ways and how they might be trying to communicate with the living to still affect change.
“No One Sings in the City of the Dead” by Tim Waggoner - This was pure horror, showing how loss can fog the human mind into making blasphemous decisions.
“A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin” by Gwendolyn Kiste - A tale of perpetuating stereotypes of women, witches, and ghosts that sticks it to the man and unveils the humanity beyond the dark stories we weave as history.
“When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go” by Jonathan Maberry - What a tale on which to conclude the collection! It destroyed me with how much it hurt. It twisted Halloween on its head by showing the reader how it haunts some more than others, while simultaneously using Halloween as a conduit to convey that message. Perhaps a confusing statement, but it’ll make sense when you read it. And you WILL read it.
There are also pictures on the first page of each story that really add to the wicked quality of this book; just an extra treat that worked very well at bringing the whole thing together. I believe this book helped to develop a truly special haunted vibe I can carry with me this Halloween season.
I feel like I’d do myself a disservice by not mentioning that at the start of the book there is a typo quoting Stephen King’s “Danse Macabre” (but it’s incorrectly spelled “Dance Macabre”). I was a little irked by that being my first impression, but please, if you’re as anal about typos as me, do NOT let that deter you from diving into this book. It is just a ton of scary fun. It is undeniable that every contributor not only had a great time writing their pieces, but they also poured their dark little hearts into them.
October 11, 2023
I love Halloween short stories. While browsing Amazon for new releases, I discovered Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings. With the ghostly trick-or-treaters on the cover and 19 short fiction offerings by well-known horror writers, it's a must-read anthology. Edited by Gaby Triana with John Palisano, Literally Dead features tales by Jonathan Maberry, Gwendolyn Kiste, Lisa Morton and more.
"The Curiosity at the Back of the Fridge" by Catherine Cavendish
Our narrator meets an old man with a mysterious secret in the back of his refrigerator. This story was pretty odd and I'm not sure what to make of it, but it has the magic and playfulness of Halloween. 3/5
"A Bookstore Made of Skulls" by Maureen Mancini Amaturo
A visit to a new bookstore in Salem takes a creepy turn. I enjoyed the atmosphere though it felt more like a vignette. 3/5
"Postcards From Evelyn" by Scott Cole
Andy gets a vintage postcard from 1910 inviting him to a Halloween party. I loved the use of the vintage postcards and how it fits the structure of the plot. It's a classic spooky story with a nice snap ending. 5/5
"The Crawlers in the Corn" by David Surface
A boy spends Halloween night at his friend's house where creatures lurk in a nearby cornfield. The story idea was decent in showing how friendships change. However, I disliked the friend and had more questions about the backstory with the creatures. 2/5
"When They Fall" by Steve Rasnic Tem
Widower Ralph lives alone and gets a visit from an insistent trick-or-treater on Halloween. This felt like a story I'd find in the quintessential Halloween October Dreams anthology. I loved the literary feel and themes of loss. 4/5
"Always October" by Jeremy Megargee
A ghost hunter tracks down spirits on Halloween night. I liked the concept, though it felt pretty vague and it could've been fleshed out more to make the twist feel less contrived. 3/5
"How to Unmake a Ghost" by Sara Tantlinger
A ghost instructs her lover how to let go through a seven step ritual on Halloween night. Tantlinger's writing is beautiful and I loved the concept with each step shedding more light on the characters' relationship. This was one of the best stories in the collection. 5/5
"A Halloween Visit" by Dana Hammer
An elderly jazz singer gets a visit from a grim reaper on Halloween. I loved Hammer's take on grim reapers and her characters popped off the page as well as her humor. 5/5
"Bootsy's House" by Dennis K. Crosby
Two thieves break into a haunted house that was once owned by a serial killer. The writing hooked me and I liked how Crosby managed to fit a lot into a short story. I also enjoyed the creepy setting and the cool twist. 5/5
"Soul Cakes" by Catherine McCarthy
A granddaughter spends time with her grandmother making soul cakes for Halloween. I like a quiet ghost story and this one was beautiful. 5/5
"Ghosts of Candies Past" by Jeff Strand
A father checks his kids' candy after a night of trick-or-treating only to discover the treats are all vintage. This story was pure fun with the humor and the offbeat concept. 4/5
"Halloween at the Babylon" by Lisa Morton
A deceased performer at a theater encounters ghost hunters and tries to warn them about a malevolent spirit. As a fan of ghost stories, I loved this piece, the setting, and the characters. 5/5
"The Ghosts of Enerhodar" by Henry Herz
As Russian soldiers invade Ukraine, they encounter ghosts. While I appreciate exploring Halloween in different cultures (and in current events), I'm not a fan of military and action-heavy stories so this wasn't for me. 1/5
"The Ghost Lake Mermaid" by Alethea Kontis
A mermaid guides souls of the dead into the afterlife. This time she meets a woman who was on the verge of uncovering a decades old crime. I enjoyed the three main characters and the mystery. 4/5
"Pink Lace and Death Gods" by Eva Roslin
A woman buys a vintage dress to wear to a party in New Orleans. I liked the setting and culture and the concept, but it wasn't about Halloween. 2/5
"The Ghost Cricket" by Lee Murray
A Chinese prince is haunted by the ghost of a cricket. Although the structure evokes a classic ghost story, I prefer something less traditional. Also, there was a total absence of Halloween. 1/5
"No One Sings in the City of the Dead" by Tim Waggoner
A woman makes a deal to resurrect her husband who died from liver disease. The narrator's voice hooked me with her genuine emotion and I liked how the jumps in time added to the unsettling horror. 5/5
"A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin" by Gwendolyn Kiste
A woman returns to her hometown to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt to appease a ghost. I liked how the second person POV meshed with the concept. It feels like a classic Halloween ghost story. 4/5
"When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go" by Jonathan Maberry
Joey gets a visit from his older brother Alex on Halloween after having not spoken in fifteen years. Maberry's writing is sharp and this felt like another understated, literary ghost story I'd find in the October Dreams anthology. 5/5
As a whole, this was one of the better Halloween short fiction collections I've read in recent years. Although it's hard to find a anthology where you love every story, all the writers are talented and I enjoyed most of their offerings. If you're looking for some short treats this Halloween, pick up a copy of Literally Dead.
"The Curiosity at the Back of the Fridge" by Catherine Cavendish
Our narrator meets an old man with a mysterious secret in the back of his refrigerator. This story was pretty odd and I'm not sure what to make of it, but it has the magic and playfulness of Halloween. 3/5
"A Bookstore Made of Skulls" by Maureen Mancini Amaturo
A visit to a new bookstore in Salem takes a creepy turn. I enjoyed the atmosphere though it felt more like a vignette. 3/5
"Postcards From Evelyn" by Scott Cole
Andy gets a vintage postcard from 1910 inviting him to a Halloween party. I loved the use of the vintage postcards and how it fits the structure of the plot. It's a classic spooky story with a nice snap ending. 5/5
"The Crawlers in the Corn" by David Surface
A boy spends Halloween night at his friend's house where creatures lurk in a nearby cornfield. The story idea was decent in showing how friendships change. However, I disliked the friend and had more questions about the backstory with the creatures. 2/5
"When They Fall" by Steve Rasnic Tem
Widower Ralph lives alone and gets a visit from an insistent trick-or-treater on Halloween. This felt like a story I'd find in the quintessential Halloween October Dreams anthology. I loved the literary feel and themes of loss. 4/5
"Always October" by Jeremy Megargee
A ghost hunter tracks down spirits on Halloween night. I liked the concept, though it felt pretty vague and it could've been fleshed out more to make the twist feel less contrived. 3/5
"How to Unmake a Ghost" by Sara Tantlinger
A ghost instructs her lover how to let go through a seven step ritual on Halloween night. Tantlinger's writing is beautiful and I loved the concept with each step shedding more light on the characters' relationship. This was one of the best stories in the collection. 5/5
"A Halloween Visit" by Dana Hammer
An elderly jazz singer gets a visit from a grim reaper on Halloween. I loved Hammer's take on grim reapers and her characters popped off the page as well as her humor. 5/5
"Bootsy's House" by Dennis K. Crosby
Two thieves break into a haunted house that was once owned by a serial killer. The writing hooked me and I liked how Crosby managed to fit a lot into a short story. I also enjoyed the creepy setting and the cool twist. 5/5
"Soul Cakes" by Catherine McCarthy
A granddaughter spends time with her grandmother making soul cakes for Halloween. I like a quiet ghost story and this one was beautiful. 5/5
"Ghosts of Candies Past" by Jeff Strand
A father checks his kids' candy after a night of trick-or-treating only to discover the treats are all vintage. This story was pure fun with the humor and the offbeat concept. 4/5
"Halloween at the Babylon" by Lisa Morton
A deceased performer at a theater encounters ghost hunters and tries to warn them about a malevolent spirit. As a fan of ghost stories, I loved this piece, the setting, and the characters. 5/5
"The Ghosts of Enerhodar" by Henry Herz
As Russian soldiers invade Ukraine, they encounter ghosts. While I appreciate exploring Halloween in different cultures (and in current events), I'm not a fan of military and action-heavy stories so this wasn't for me. 1/5
"The Ghost Lake Mermaid" by Alethea Kontis
A mermaid guides souls of the dead into the afterlife. This time she meets a woman who was on the verge of uncovering a decades old crime. I enjoyed the three main characters and the mystery. 4/5
"Pink Lace and Death Gods" by Eva Roslin
A woman buys a vintage dress to wear to a party in New Orleans. I liked the setting and culture and the concept, but it wasn't about Halloween. 2/5
"The Ghost Cricket" by Lee Murray
A Chinese prince is haunted by the ghost of a cricket. Although the structure evokes a classic ghost story, I prefer something less traditional. Also, there was a total absence of Halloween. 1/5
"No One Sings in the City of the Dead" by Tim Waggoner
A woman makes a deal to resurrect her husband who died from liver disease. The narrator's voice hooked me with her genuine emotion and I liked how the jumps in time added to the unsettling horror. 5/5
"A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin" by Gwendolyn Kiste
A woman returns to her hometown to participate in a Halloween scavenger hunt to appease a ghost. I liked how the second person POV meshed with the concept. It feels like a classic Halloween ghost story. 4/5
"When You See Millions of the Mouthless Dead Across Your Dreams in Pale Battalions Go" by Jonathan Maberry
Joey gets a visit from his older brother Alex on Halloween after having not spoken in fifteen years. Maberry's writing is sharp and this felt like another understated, literary ghost story I'd find in the October Dreams anthology. 5/5
As a whole, this was one of the better Halloween short fiction collections I've read in recent years. Although it's hard to find a anthology where you love every story, all the writers are talented and I enjoyed most of their offerings. If you're looking for some short treats this Halloween, pick up a copy of Literally Dead.
October 29, 2024
Perfect read for Spooky Season. Featuring a wide range of authors, this short story collection hits all the feels for a Halloween read. Creepy, silly, sentimental, emotional, poignant, horrific.... there is a story here for everyone.
November 1, 2022
3.5 stars.
October 21, 2023
3.5!
"Latching onto a spirit for too long drains a human, eats away at their body from the inside out like a phantasmagoric cancer." (From 'How To Unmake a Ghost' by Sara Tantlinger)
This was an enjoyable collection of short stories taking place on or around Halloween. As with most anthologies, there were stories that I didn't care for, some that I liked and others that I loved.
My favorite stories were:
'How To Unmake a Ghost' by Sara Tantlinger (Beautiful writing)
'Bootsy's House' by Dennis K. Crosby (One of the creepiest stories in the collection)
'Ghosts of Candies Past' by Jeff Strand (This was so campy and hilarious! I'm never gonna see candies the same way again.)
'A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin' by Gwendolyn Kiste (Loved the writing, the fact that it was written in second person, and the ending.)
I'm looking forward to read Gaby Triana's next horror collection, 'Literally Dead: Tales of Holiday Hauntings'!
"Are we ghosts hiding within our costumes of flesh?" (From 'When They Fall' by Steve Rasnic Tem)
"Latching onto a spirit for too long drains a human, eats away at their body from the inside out like a phantasmagoric cancer." (From 'How To Unmake a Ghost' by Sara Tantlinger)
This was an enjoyable collection of short stories taking place on or around Halloween. As with most anthologies, there were stories that I didn't care for, some that I liked and others that I loved.
My favorite stories were:
'How To Unmake a Ghost' by Sara Tantlinger (Beautiful writing)
'Bootsy's House' by Dennis K. Crosby (One of the creepiest stories in the collection)
'Ghosts of Candies Past' by Jeff Strand (This was so campy and hilarious! I'm never gonna see candies the same way again.)
'A Scavenger Hunt When the Veil is Thin' by Gwendolyn Kiste (Loved the writing, the fact that it was written in second person, and the ending.)
I'm looking forward to read Gaby Triana's next horror collection, 'Literally Dead: Tales of Holiday Hauntings'!
"Are we ghosts hiding within our costumes of flesh?" (From 'When They Fall' by Steve Rasnic Tem)
October 12, 2025
3,75 ⭐️
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings took me right back to the cozy, eerie magic of childhood Halloweens. That perfect mix of wonder, candlelight and just a hint of childish fear. I felt wrapped in nostalgia in the best possible way.
This anthology is a collection of short stories, each one carrying its own ghostly flavor. Some tender, some spooky and some just plain strange. And that’s both the charm and the flaw of it: as with most collections, a few tales didn’t quite land for me. Some were a little meh (fine but forgettable) while others sparkled with that perfect mix of melancholy and Halloween mischief that made me smile or even laugh out loud.
There were quite a few weaker stories, but even they couldn’t spoil the experience. The book captures that unmistakable Halloween magic of haunted streets, flickering jack-o’-lanterns and wistful ghosts drifting through the pages.
And I have to talk about the design: the cover art is gorgeous. The little page details, the textures, the overall aesthetic…it’s everything I want in a spooky-season read. Honestly, I might print the cover and hang it on my wall because it’s that perfect.
In the end, Literally Dead isn’t flawless, but it’s full of heart, spirit and pumpkin-scented charm. A wonderful read for anyone who wants to feel that crisp October air again!
Literally Dead: Tales of Halloween Hauntings took me right back to the cozy, eerie magic of childhood Halloweens. That perfect mix of wonder, candlelight and just a hint of childish fear. I felt wrapped in nostalgia in the best possible way.
This anthology is a collection of short stories, each one carrying its own ghostly flavor. Some tender, some spooky and some just plain strange. And that’s both the charm and the flaw of it: as with most collections, a few tales didn’t quite land for me. Some were a little meh (fine but forgettable) while others sparkled with that perfect mix of melancholy and Halloween mischief that made me smile or even laugh out loud.
There were quite a few weaker stories, but even they couldn’t spoil the experience. The book captures that unmistakable Halloween magic of haunted streets, flickering jack-o’-lanterns and wistful ghosts drifting through the pages.
And I have to talk about the design: the cover art is gorgeous. The little page details, the textures, the overall aesthetic…it’s everything I want in a spooky-season read. Honestly, I might print the cover and hang it on my wall because it’s that perfect.
In the end, Literally Dead isn’t flawless, but it’s full of heart, spirit and pumpkin-scented charm. A wonderful read for anyone who wants to feel that crisp October air again!
November 6, 2023
This anthology is full of some great writers. The table of contents, as a matter of fact, reads like something of a who’s who of modern horror. So my expectations were rather high going in, and I wasn’t disappointed. Were all of the stories knockout successes? Of course not. I’ve yet to find the anthology that’s 100% on point for any given reader. But what I can say is that the vast majority of the stories range from good to great.
And it’s also a perfect seasonal book because the stories manage to evoke a lot of classical or nostalgic senses of what autumn and the Halloween season ought to be about. It’s also beautifully laid out and is honestly on track to become a seasonal favorite of mine.
It’s come to my attention that this is actually part of a series of other holiday-themed horror anthologies, and I for one can’t wait to dive into the rest of them if they’re anything at all like this one!
And it’s also a perfect seasonal book because the stories manage to evoke a lot of classical or nostalgic senses of what autumn and the Halloween season ought to be about. It’s also beautifully laid out and is honestly on track to become a seasonal favorite of mine.
It’s come to my attention that this is actually part of a series of other holiday-themed horror anthologies, and I for one can’t wait to dive into the rest of them if they’re anything at all like this one!
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