Double, Double, Toil and Trouble

Happy Halloween! I came up with the perfect costume. My focus was more on family this year rather than literary . What represents family closeness and fun more than ‘smores? My daughter the chocolate and my son the marshmallow would be protected by my husband and I as the graham crackers. Unfortunately, the kids who are now 15 and 17 informed us they have their own plans and if they see us out trick or treating they will beat us up and take our candy. So much for family closeness.

(CC) Larry D. Moore

My day will not be completely shot, though. At least The Guardian kept me entertained with this literary witches quiz. Can you beat my 7 out of 13? I blame my score on memory since I believe I’ve read most if not all of the works cited.

How about you?

Do you have a favorite horror story or spooky tale?

Vampires for Love or Terror

Tonight is opening night of Oconto’s very own Trail of Terror. All month long fearless thrill seekers will be testing their courage in haunted houses and spooky trails just to prove their bravery. For those of us who refuse to submit ourselves to the embarrassment of shrieking in terror past a group of giggling thirteen year olds, a quiet night at home curled in bed with the lights down low and an open vampire book in our lap is just the ticket.

Bitten by the Vampire Craze from the Contra Costa Times discusses Americans’ fascination with vampires, which has lasted through decades of Halloweens. Vampires are hotter than ever. Stephenie Meyer, I’m sure, played a hand in their popularity, as did Kerrelyn Sparks' Love at Stake series. For those of you who are more into graphic novels than paranormal romance, there are three series that come to mind: Vampire Knight by Matsuri Hino, Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber, and if you would rather destroy a vampire than marry one, Hellsing by Kohta Hirano. If you just want to learn more about vampires, you don’t want to miss Vampyre: The Terrifying Lost Journal of Dr. Cornelius Van Helsing. This highly interactive and terrifying book features enough information about vampires to keep you awake and trembling long into the night.

Who needs to stand in line for three hours in the blistering cold to test their courage? October is a long month, so I will need enough books on vampires, werewolves and other tales of horror to send shivers down my spine. What books can you suggest I add to my pile?