Kevin Lucia

Again, the Dark Tide series delivers three deliciously horrific stories.
The first story, which was also the longest, takes place in the present but brings back to life the era of classic monster movies. I very much enjoyed the slow building of tension and terror, but was a little disappointed by the ending which seemed a bit unfitting to the so far elegant style of the story.
The second story was also my favorite in the collection (I see a personal pattern developing here). It literally brought me to tears then made me smile with glee, and to round things up delivered a very unexpected punch at the end.
The third story was tinged with a nice touch of folk horror. It started with some emotionally draining scenes then turned into a disturbing nightmare before reaching an ending of hopeless despair.
A great trio of stories to get into Halloween mode, and another perfect addition to the Dark Tide series.

This was my first visit to Clifton Heights, and I might just visit that town again sometime - though it may be safer to stay away... This book offers a handful of spooky stories loosely connected by Clifton Heights on Halloween and some of its permanent residents. What I did like: the creepy atmosphere throughout all of the stories, the often very emotional character building, which lend all tales some substantial depth, and the surprising endings. What I did not like: my favorite stories of the bunch were the first ones and also the shortest. A perfect book for the season's darker days and longer nights.

(I chose to read and review this book, which was kindly provided as an ARC by the publisher)

The first in a new series of short story collections, Halloween Carnival is the perfect read to get in the mood for Halloween. And just like the sweets you trick or treat, you never know what you end up with until you upend your bag at home, riffle through your treasures and have a taste:

Strange Candy (Robert McCammon)
A solid story to start this collection. Enjoyable, but not too memorable. ***

The Rage of Achilles (Kevin Lucia)
Wow! Creepy, sad, this emits the strongest Halloween vibe. My favorite of the bunch. *****

Demon Air (John R. Little)
Demons on a plane. Silly & bloody my least favorite in this collection. **

La Hacienda de los Muertos (Lisa Morton)
Entertaining. ***

#MAKEHALLOWEENSCARYAGAIN (Mark Allan Gunnells)
I liked it. Very much. A bit predictable, but the writing was superb. Who is this author and why haven't I heard of him before?! (rushing off to check his other works) ****

Now that I got my first taste of Halloween Carnival, I want more!

(Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of the book, all opinions are my own)