Witches and Pumpkins, Fur and Fangs

The book is a collection of eerie short stories that all orbit around Halloween, monsters, and the uncanny. From haunted pumpkins to mischievous goblins, from restless spirits to twisted killers, each tale drops the reader into a familiar world that quickly spirals into the unsettling. What makes the book stand out is how it taps into both folklore and modern horror, shifting easily between campfire-style legends and grittier contemporary scares. Every story feels like it belongs to the same haunted neighborhood, and that gives the collection a strong, cohesive flavor.

This is a very entertaining collection. I was caught up in the thrill of the scares, the build-up of tension, and the shocking payoffs. I found myself grinning at the way the author played with tropes I thought I knew inside out. Some of the stories reminded me of watching late-night horror movies as a kid, the kind where you want to cover your eyes but never actually do. The writing doesn’t waste time. It dives headfirst into dread, yet still leaves room for atmosphere, the kind that makes you glance at the shadows in your own room.

Some stories hit harder than others. A few felt predictable, but even then, I didn’t mind, because the fun was in the ride, not just the destination. When the author’s imagination really kicked in, though, the stories burned bright. “Jack of the Lantern” and “Hob Gob” stuck with me the most. They had this creeping inevitability that made me uneasy in the best way. I also liked how the collection never tried to be highbrow. It doesn’t put on airs or dress itself up. It just tells spooky stories the way they’re meant to be told, direct, raw, and with a wicked grin.

I’d say this book is perfect for readers who want to get lost in Halloween vibes any time of the year. If you like scary stories that mix folklore with fresh, gory twists, this is for you. If you want a jolt, a chill, or that delicious sense of dread before bed, you’ll enjoy this ride. I’d recommend it to horror fans, casual readers looking for a scare, and anyone who still feels that spark of excitement when the October moon rises.

Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0FM335L3H

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The Literary Titan is an organization of professional editors, writers, and professors that have a passion for the written word. We review fiction and non-fiction books in many different genres, as well as conduct author interviews, and recognize talented authors with our Literary Book Award. We are privileged to work with so many creative authors around the globe.

Posted on October 7, 2025, in Book Reviews, Five Stars and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink. Leave a comment.

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