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A Haunted Halloween
Halloween. The name itself conjures up a witch's brew of images. Leering Jack-O-Lanterns sitting on porches, costumed children trick-or-treating across suburban neighborhoods, skeletal trees marking the passage of another season, and lonely fields of corn swaying gently in a chill, autumn breeze. But there is also a darker side to this magical night, one which can breathe life into things which were only possibility, and sculpt them into dreadful reality. Every home has at least one closet which harbors a skeleton. There's a house in every town with a morbid past and haunted occupant. Families hide their dark secrets, and inside each of us wages a struggle of good against evil, one in which the final outcome is never certain, or necessarily pretty. Within the folds of the dark season, all things emerge from the shadows to celebrate, claiming the holiday for their own sinister purpose, and for every treat there's a nasty trick waiting somewhere close by...
""There's only a handful of young writers I will drop whatever I am doing to read...Paul Melniczek is one of them. Atmospheric, lyrical storytelling at its best. He always delivers."" - Richard Chizmar, Cemetery Dance
""Literate, well-written, and scary as Hell Halloween treats. Each story resonates with an awareness and deep appreciation of past classics. The concluding tale, "The Attic Door," is a richly compelling read, easily justifying by itself the cost of the collection. Highly recommended."" - Gene O'Neill, Stoker Award winning author of JADE and DEATHFLASH
""Paul Melniczek writes about Halloween as if it's his birthday, Christmas and the Fourth of July all rolled up into one!"" - Al Sarrantonio, author of over 40 books including the ORANGEFIELD cycle, BABYLON 5, and MASTERS OF MARS
""There's only a handful of young writers I will drop whatever I am doing to read...Paul Melniczek is one of them. Atmospheric, lyrical storytelling at its best. He always delivers."" - Richard Chizmar, Cemetery Dance
""Literate, well-written, and scary as Hell Halloween treats. Each story resonates with an awareness and deep appreciation of past classics. The concluding tale, "The Attic Door," is a richly compelling read, easily justifying by itself the cost of the collection. Highly recommended."" - Gene O'Neill, Stoker Award winning author of JADE and DEATHFLASH
""Paul Melniczek writes about Halloween as if it's his birthday, Christmas and the Fourth of July all rolled up into one!"" - Al Sarrantonio, author of over 40 books including the ORANGEFIELD cycle, BABYLON 5, and MASTERS OF MARS
146 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
October 23, 2018
Wow, this book surprised me. I've read a lot of Halloween themed books in my time, and this one stands out from the others. The short stories (11 total) featured in "A Haunted Halloween" are not your typical horror trope. In fact, many of the stories had substance, offering the reader a more profound message by addressing issues surrounding personal loss, introspection, and the trappings of ego, avarice, and self-aggrandizement.
Paul Melniczek is a talented wordsmith with an incredible knack for describing visually rich settings and atmosphere. It's a shame he doesn't publish more often.
At the end of the day, if this book doesn't put you in the Halloween mood, nothing will.
Paul Melniczek is a talented wordsmith with an incredible knack for describing visually rich settings and atmosphere. It's a shame he doesn't publish more often.
At the end of the day, if this book doesn't put you in the Halloween mood, nothing will.
September 27, 2019
Very Halloween related
Really enjoyed each and every story. This book is packed full of stories related around Halloween and monsters of the night.
Really enjoyed each and every story. This book is packed full of stories related around Halloween and monsters of the night.
October 30, 2017
This was a fun collection of short, spooky Halloween stories. The introduction by the author even further enhances this collection, by bringing to mind many Halloween memories that are shared by most people. The tales are visually rich, with a strong Halloween atmosphere. This collection focuses on developing a spooky, festive atmosphere, rather than a gore or sex heavy one. Paul Melniczek's writing is a rare treat within the realm of horror fiction.
November 29, 2020
A fine collection of well-written Halloween tales. All the tropes are there but with a twist or two. True to the spirit of Halloween, some of the stories are delicious in their deserved tricks, lavish in their treats, and even display a bit of poignancy. A satisfying group of stories indeed.
July 24, 2013
captures the mood and essence of a magical Halloween night. Highly recommend
July 27, 2014
Put me in that wonderful Halloween mood! I loved it!!
August 25, 2015
I loved every short story in this collection! The way he describes October is perfect! Makes you feel like it is already October outside! Really put's you in that halloween mood!
October 1, 2022
3.5 stars. This was a fun little set of Halloween tales.
October 22, 2023
A collection of mostly excellent stories with a few that don't match up. Worth a read.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews