Jason’s Halloween Reading List
The reason I'm writing this article is because I was asked to request only TWO Halloween-themed books for a master list to be compiled by Dead Head Reviews.
I couldn't do it.
I could have easily sent Straub's Ghost Story and Matheson's Hell House and called it a day, but would that really help anyone? You guys have already read those, and even if you haven't, (shame) you at least KNOW about them already. Plus, all of those boring lists that Google/Skynet is going to tell you to click on will include those anyway.
Not to worry. Dead Head Reviews is here to save the day. These ten books should sufficiently get you in the mood for our favorite season.
For the list, I've not only left off bestsellers but I've also excluded the books that were listed in my "My Favorite Monsters" list (https://www.deadheadreviews.com/reviews-and-articles/jason-cavallaro-monster-book-list), all of which could have easily been included here.
Here we go!
1: The Halloween Man by Douglas Clegg
Forgotten gem. I don't know why. It was nominated for the International Horror Guild award in 1998, so I'm not the only one that loved this book.
2: Night in the Lonesome October by Richard Laymon
This one is often listed as a favorite amongst Laymon fans. If you aren't a Laymon fan (yet), this would be a good place to start. If you are, then you've probably read it already and you're ready for #3...
3: Sineater by Elizabeth Massie
Bram Stoker award winner in 1993. Brilliant Southern Gothic tale.
4: Corpsepaint by David Peak
I considered not including this one because it isn't Halloween-themed, per se. However, the mood is relentlessly dark and the book is severely underappreciated. It is heavy metal themed, so that's close enough right?
5: Horror Show by Greg Kihn
Yes, THAT Greg Kihn. The front-man that once sang the 80's super hit "Jeopardy" is apparently a great horror writer also. In fact, so good that he was nominated for the Bram Stoker award for this one. Horror Show is literally dripping with classic horror film homage.
6: Rotters by Daniel Kraus
Rotters is billed as a YA novel, but barely feels like one. It's really unique, dark, with fully realized characters. Everyone should be reading this guy.
7: The House That Dripped Gore by Dan West
Sure, you have read Jeff Strand (love him) but have you read this one? Essentially, it's a spoof of Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House. A must read for horror comedy fans!
8: A Requiem for Dead Flies by Peter N Dudar
If I had my way, this one would be considered a staple of contemporary ghost stories. If enough of us read it, maybe we can make it so.
9: Kill for Satan! by Bryan Smith
This is the newest book on the list, but despite its splatterpunk award nomination, I feel it hasn't received the traction that it deserves. It's a fun, gory, and fast paced novella.
10: The Tooth Fairy by Graham Joyce
Last, but CERTAINLY not least. In an alternate universe, Graham Joyce (RIP) is universally known as one of our greatest writers, and his work is continuously celebrated. In any case, this one won the British Fantasy Award and I consider it to be amongst the best coming-of-age novels ever written.
I really hope you've discovered at least one book from my list, and feel free to let me know of some of your favorite Halloween hidden gems!
List compiled by Jason Cavallaro
jcavallaro42[at]gmail[dot]com
Twitter: @pinheadspawn
