Now that we are looking in the rear view mirror at the summer of ‘23, we can finally set our sights on the pleasures of early fall. In addition to the renewed energy brought on by sweater weather and the thrill of fall foliage and cool weather comfort foods, October culminates with Halloween, an occasion for costumes, candy and scary stories. Formerly known to early European celebrants as All Hallows’ Eve, the holiday’s origins date back 2000 years to a Celtic observation called Samhain, when the ancients believed the shifting seasons opened a portal between the dead and the living. According to the Library of Congress website: “In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor saints. Soon after, All Saints Day came to incorporate some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before All Saints Day was known as All Hallows' Eve, and later, Halloween.” While the holiday is not universally loved - some people are irritated by the clanging doorbell, the pranks and all those tempting sweets in the house - everyone loves a thrilling page turner. In honor of the holiday, get into the mood by checking out some of the excellent thrillers and chillers listed below; click on the book jacket to be taken to the link in our catalog.
“Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere.” Charles M. Schultz, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
"There is something haunting in the light of the moon." Joseph Conrad
"There is a child in every one of us who is still a trick-or-treater looking for a brightly-lit front porch." Robert Brault
“You are about to enter another dimension. A dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop: The Twilight Zone.” Rod Serling, The Twilight Zone
Last Modified April 29, 2024