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The Woman in Black by Susan HillI have to be honest and say that this was complete cover buy (I have this gorgeous hardback edition) but I've wanted to watch the Daniel Radcliffe film for a while so I bought the book to read first. The writing style is so incredibly easy and quick to read as well as being entertaining and atmospheric. From the film trailer I thought it would be a really creepy and scary book but it isn't - don't get me wrong, it is very atmospheric and eerie but it's not scary, to me anyway. It's easily read in a day so it would be perfect for Halloween night! My only issue was that it's a bit repetitive at times. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5 (I think my rating is a little harsh!).
*Hoxton Street Monster Supplies CookbookThis is an unusual one as it's a cookbook but no cookbook could be more perfect for Halloween than this one with 'under the bed biscuits', 'Night Terror Torte' and so many more! I adore the cover, almost victorian style illustrations and amazingly Halloween recipes. I haven't tried any yet but I will very soon! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5.
*The Night Walker by Sebastian FitzekIf you want a very eerie, creepy and disorientating book then this is it! It is very disconcerting and disturbing most of the time so if that's not your thing then do not read this book. It follows Leon and his struggles with sleep walking but all is definitely not what it seems, in fact it's so much worst! It's so easy to read in terms of the writing style and I had to keep reading and reading. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.
*The Canterville Ghost & Other Stories by Oscar WildeThis is one of my most recent reads and I'm really happy that I read it; I haven't read any Oscar Wilde before but I'm pleasantly surprised as it's so much easier to read than I thought it would be. Also the cover is stunning! My favourite story is The Canterville Ghost as it's such a classic haunted house story but it's lighthearted and more modern feeling than I thought it would be - it's such an entertaining read, if a bit predictable. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.
*Tales of Horror by Edgar Allan PoeI have wanted to read some of Edgar Allan Poe's work for a while but I was finally able to read some this year with this gorgeous edition by Alma. My favourite stories I've read so far are: The Tell Tale Heart, The Masque Of The Read Death and The Black Cat. My least favourites include: Never Let The Devil Bet Your Head and The Fall of the House of Usher. I have been reading my hardback edition at home and this Alma edition on the go. So far, it's obviously: ★★★★★, 5/5!
*Blood Wedding by Pierre LemaitreI hadn't read anything by this author but I was surprised at how quickly I read it and how easy it is too, even though the topics are quite dark (think stalking, tragedy, crime, murder etc). I wanted to keep reading on and on but the main twist/reveal was predictable and I felt the ending and explanations were lacking but overall it was a great tense and thrilling read. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.
*Crane Pond by Richard FrancisThis is one of my favourite reads this season and it's perfect for Halloween as it follows Sewall and his family, as well as the community, before, during and after the famous Salem witch trials. This is fiction so it isn't about the specific facts and events of the trials but it is inspired by them and features some of the same individuals. It's so so much more enjoyable than I thought it could be! I didn't want stop reading, even though some parts are a little frustrating and others upsetting, which I think is the sign of a great book! Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.
Finally I just wanted to recommend a couple of creepy, paranormal, crime filled and atmospheric YA reads, first, The Witches of New York which is one of my recent reads and I really liked it! It features ghosts, tragedy, witches, lesbian relationships and references to the infamous Salem witch trials. I would definitely recommend but it wasn't fully what I was expecting and I hope there is a second book. Next up, Ink and Bone which is more disturbing and crime filled and the setting gives me some Sleepy Hollow vibes. Lastly, Uprooted which is for those who want some witchcraft and magic as well as folktales without the creepiness or horror.
I'm currently reading the other stories and poems by Edgar Allan Poe, Horrorology by Stephen Jones and The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury!
Don't forget to enter my Halloween giveaway on Twitter with Hoxton Street Monster Supplies - ENDS TODAY!
What are you currently reading? Have you read any of these? Do you have any halloween book or tv recommendations?
I love The Woman In Black! The book is just perfect! Also her book The Doll is a perfect scare! I much check out the cookbook! That really looks up my street from the cover! I do love an old looking book! Loved this post! Might buy them all!
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I'm definitely not a Halloween person but you made me curious ;) thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteNati xx
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I love reading anything from Stephen King during Halloween! xx
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I get scared quite easily so halloween books probably wouldn't be for me ha I like reading rom com though :)
ReplyDeleteS x | SHELISES WORLD
I am too scared to read Halloween books, haha! I'm such a wimp. xx
ReplyDeleteJulie
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I collect cookbooks (my favourotes are usually vintage ones I find in charity shops) and the monsters one sounds brilliant. Definety something my collection in missing!
ReplyDeleteRoxie | The Beautiful Bluebird
Blood wedding sounds like an interesting read, even if it was a predictable ending!
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