Four trick-or-treaters purchase vintage costumes from a strip-mall shop, only to discover that they must sign a mysterious disclaimer for the Halloween celebration to come…
After a man’s missing daughter is found–near death and physically altered–he must once again face a horrifying monster from his own childhood…
A teenage girl hitches a ride after a Halloween rock & roll concert, only to learn that her favorite singing idol has made a pact with the Devil himself…
Three kids receive unusual treats during a Halloween stop at their favorite teacher’s house…
During a random visit to his hometown, a businessman treats a young boy to the joy and excitement of a Halloween festival, only to find that things are not what they first appeared to be…
A rash of ghoulish jack-o’-lanterns leads a small-town sheriff to the doorstep of one of the most notorious serial killers of all time…
An advertisement in the back of an old comic book prompts two friends to place an order that they soon come to regret…
Seven horrific tales and two nostalgic essays… hand-picked for your Trick-or-Treat bag. With the arrival of a 2020 Halloween, there is no telling what terrifying treats and petrifying prizes may await you!
I love short horror stories all year round, but once the nights turn cold and the leaves begin to turn it feels like the perfect time to indulge in some Halloween tales. Every story here can stand alone, but to me they are even tastier if you have read Ronald Kelly's previous collections, as some monsters of the past do visit in this book. Fear not if you haven't read them, they are not a requirement in order to enjoy these spookalicious stories. In the title story The Halloween Store four friends get hold of some very unusual costumes and may regret not doing their shopping at Walmart. Mister Mack Is Back In Town revisits the otherworldly being that I previously met in Mister Glow-bones 25 years have passed and children are still suffering but Mister Mack may finally be caught. Blood Suede Shoes is a cautionary tale, don't accept rides from strangers when you're walking home from a rock and roll Halloween show, even if the driver is famous. In Clown Treats three friends head to their favorite teacher's house to trick or treat but end up with a nasty surprise. The Cistern felt like the best elements of Rod Serling and Ray Bradbury in a creepy story of small town horror that proves you can't go home again, or maybe you just shouldn't! Pretty Little Lanterns is a story of a serial killer on the loose and those are not pumpkins he's carving. The Amazing and Totally Awesome Fright Creature is an advertisement two boys find in a very old comic book, and it makes me glad I listened to my mother about not sending away for things in ads although they certainly got their money's worth.
This book is all treats and no tricks. I feel like I scored a bag of full size candy bars and not a mini toothpaste or pencil eraser in the bunch.
About the author
Ronald Kelly was born and raised in the hills and hollows of Middle Tennessee. He became interested in horror as a child, watching the local "Creature Feature" on Saturday nights and "The Big Show"---a Nashville-based TV show that presented every old monster movie ever made ---in the afternoons after school. In high school, his interest turned to horror literature and he read such writers as Poe, Lovecraft, Matheson, and King. He originally had dreams of becoming a comic book artist and created many of his own super heroes. But during his junior year, the writing bug bit him and he focused his attention on penning short stories and full-length novels. To date, he has had ten novels and eight short fiction collections published. In 1992, his audio-book, DARK DIXIE, was included on the nominating ballot for a Grammy Award.
He currently lives in Brush Creek, Tennessee with his wife, Joyce, his two daughters, Reilly and Makenna, and his son, Ryan (Bubba).
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