The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

Though there is something to be said for the untraditional ghostly tale, for Halloween all I want is an old-fashioned ghost story and for classic ghost tales, you can't beat those of Susan Hill. I personally love any type of ghost story or haunted house tale and The Woman in Black fits the bill to … Continue reading The Woman in Black by Susan Hill

The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

The revolutionary era of Mexico seems to be a popular literary backdrop these days, which I appreciate because it shines a light on an era that I personally know little about. Growing up in New Mexico, the connection with Mexico was of course a significant part of our culture, and I have a vivid memory … Continue reading The Hacienda by Isabel Cañas

The Homecoming by Andrew Pyper

I love being scared, although I prefer my frights to come from supernatural elements like ghosts, vampires, demons, witches, and the like. Scares that come from real-life terrors like serial killers, home invasions, break-ins, freak me out so badly that I can't read about them or watch them. It's just too close to home, pardon … Continue reading The Homecoming by Andrew Pyper

The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Probably one of the creepiest books I've ever read, and that's saying something, because I love ghost stories. The Haunting of Hill House is effective because it doesn't actually show any ghosts, there are no murderers chasing anyone, no demons possessing souls, no vampires sucking blood, no monsters under the bed. There is just the … Continue reading The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

The House of Lost Souls by F.G. Cottam

In October, my thoughts don't turn to pumpkin spice láttes, autumn leaves falling gently to the ground, or the evocative scent of woodsmoke. No, when the fall brings that nippy chill to the air, this girl thinks haunted houses, ghosts, spirits (the non-alcoholic kind), and of course, Halloween! Being the season of the witch and … Continue reading The House of Lost Souls by F.G. Cottam