Lisa Morton

Haunted Nights is a collection of sixteen short stories of horror, each one connected to Halloween. Edited by Ellen Datlow and Lisa Morton, the stories are written by well known authors such as Kelley Armstrong, Garth Nix and Stephen Graham Jones.

The connection to Halloween was very different for each story so along with scheming jack-o’-lanterns, strange changelings, scary masks that aren’t near as frightening as what they are covering, there are also stories about trick or treating in the future and horrifying urban legends. For me, as with all short story collections, some worked better than others, but all in all, this was an excellent Halloween treat filled with striking images and plenty of chills.… (meer)

FYI review - Table of Contents:
-With Graveyard Weeds and Wolfsbane Seeds by Seanan McGuire
-Dirtmouth by Stephen Graham Jones
-A Small Taste of the Old Country by Jonathan Maberry
-Wick’s End by Joanna Parypinski
-The Seventeen-Year Itch by Garth Nix
-A Flicker of Light on Devil’s Night by Kate Jonez
-Witch Hazel by Jeffrey Ford
-Nos Galan Gaeaf by Kelley Armstrong
-We’re Never Inviting Amber Again by S. P. Miskowski
-Sisters by Brian Evenson
-All Through the Night by Elise Forier Edie
-A Kingdom of Sugar Skulls and Marigolds by Eric J. Guignard
-The Turn by Paul Kane
-Jack by Pat Cadigan
-Lost in the Dark by John Langan
-The First Lunar Halloween by John R. Little… (meer)

These stories do revolve around Halloween but they are more than just horror. They are tales of grief, of love and loss, spirits with unfinished business, all surrounding the most otherworldly night of the year. They can be savored slowly to help you get into the spirit of Halloween or devoured quickly for a rush of spooky fun any time. I read them over a particularly hot week in July while I was away from my home and my air conditioner. I was almost able to convince myself that I could hear rustling leaves and a cool October wind. All were good, but for me the most notable in the bunch were...

Strange Candy- A story about a grieving man who finds peace after consuming an odd confection brought home in his child's trick or treat bag.

#MakeHalloweenScaryAgain -in which a writer who wishes to draw some interest and attention to his work stirs up a serial killer with his simple hashtag.

The Rage Of Achilles - A priest hears a haunting confession on Halloween from a man who has suffered a tragedy.

Highly recommended to all lovers of horror and Halloween.

I received an advance copy for review.… (meer)