For Halloween I have read a couple of scary books. The first was The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. I was not sure what I was going to experience when I read this book; horror, suspense, mystery etc. but it was not what I thought. It had a sense of scariness but it was also alluring. Almost like the siren song of a mermaid. You have no idea it is dangerous until it was too late. Although there was scary parts it was not like a terrorizing, relentless haunting. It would come and go. Seemed it was more interested in mind games. I am familiar with Shirley Jackson story The Lottery which I watched the short film in school and was impacted by the story line. I often think of that short film and how Shirley depicted human behavior.

I enjoyed the book and recommend it as a good read in October.

The next group of stories I read was from Amazon Original Stories collection called Creature Feature.

I mentioned The Pram in a previous post. The rest of the collection is as follows.

Ankle Snatcher

Marcus grew up believing his father killed his mother—then blamed it on the boogeyman under the bed. Always leave the lights on, his father warned, or the boogeyman will get you. Marcus still heeds the superstition, especially when he invites his new girlfriend over. Is Marcus haunted by a creature or has he just inherited his father’s murderous delusions? The night will tell.

This story was a good tale, sorry it ended the way it did. I rate it a 3 out of 5

It Waits in the Woods

The dense Michigan forest. Haunting wails. The clip-clop of demon hooves on a bridge to nowhere. It’s more than a tall tale to Brenda Jennings, whose sister disappeared in those woods one fateful night. Three years later, on a solo stakeout in the dark, Brenda goes in after her. She’s desperate for answers, and terrified to find what lies waiting on the other side of that bridge.

I really enjoyed the story and it kept me interested. I just wish they wrapped up the ending better. I rate this a 5 out of 5

In Bloom

Journalist Heidi Cohen is in Cape Cod investigating the sources of recurring toxic algae blooms along the coast. A local named Jimmy has his own theory for her. Every year the fetid growth gets worse—but it’s been going on longer than anyone knows. Decades ago, something happened to Jimmy that he’s never forgotten. Is Heidi ready for the real story?

I was following along with the story and was really engrossed, but then it changed dramatically. Not my favorite from the series. I give it 3 out of 5

Best of Luck

For best friends with vastly different fortunes, what’s left to hash out other than a forced confession at gunpoint? All that the destitute, sickly, and grieving Will demands is that monstrously successful Barry admit to draining all the luck right out of him. Like blood. As the standoff escalates, the truth is not the only thing ready to come out.

This was a good read and I was sucked into the story. Not the ending I anticipated. I give it 4 out of 5.

Big Bad

The Strauss family is on knife’s edge. Sam is a resentful stay-at-home dad. Rachel feels the restlessness in her blood returning. Their children are getting out of hand. And a recent mudslide has forced the wolves out of the woods to look for food. As dusk falls and tensions rise, the family must come together to survive the night—from the threats outside and those within.

This was a good finish to the series. I figured out the family issue about half way in but not the ending. I give it a 4.5 out of 5.

Amazon Original Stories have a ton of series if you want a quick read. Most stories are 25-60 minutes long. If you have an audible account, they also give you the audio version. You borrow the books and return when you are done. It sure helps a lot with those darn reading challenges or waiting at appointments. It always helps to have a book on your phone when you are in those type of situations. On to my Autumn book. 🍁🍂

Thank you for reading my blog.

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