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Thursday, October 27, 2022

The Ghost and the Stolen Tears by Cleo Coyle - Spotlight

 

Today, I’m featuring a spotlight for Cleo Coyle’s latest paranormal, slightly historical, cozy mystery The Ghost and the Stolen Tears.

This post was meant to feature a book review but due to time constraints – and some kindle issues – I’ve not had a chance to review this book.

My first read for Cleo Coyle was The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait, book 7 (!) in The Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series.

I'm hoping to read this book some time this year or in 2023. If I do, I'll update this post with a link. 

For now, check out Coyle’s latest book, The Ghost and the Stolen Tears.

 

Book: The Ghost and the Stolen Tears

Book 8 in The Haunted Bookshop Mystery Series

Author: Cleo Coyle

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Publication date: 4 October 2022

Publisher: Berkley

Number of pages: 288 pages (Mass Market Paperback)

ISBN-10: 0425255484

ISBN-13: 978-0425255483

Digital ASIN: B09PZV5F9S

 

Synopsis:

book cover of The Ghost and the Stolen Tears by Cleo Coyle
Norma is a modern-day nomad. Living out of her van and teardrop trailer, she revels in self-reliance, solitude, and reading in the glorious peace of nature. Jovial, wise, and scrupulously honest, she's become an uplifting presence in the little town of Quindicott, Rhode Island, where bookseller Pen is thankful to have her part-time help.

But it's Norma's other job, working as a housekeeper at the Finch Inn, that gets her into terrible trouble. Norma is accused of stealing jewels from a guest's room: the legendary Valentino Teardrops, an antique necklace and earring set, inherited by a young socialite.

Pen doesn't believe Norma is guilty of the crime—though the evidence is distressingly strong. And when the spirited Norma vanishes before her arrest, Pen turns to another spirit...

Jack Shepard, PI, may have been gunned down decades ago, but his memory hasn't been ghosted. Back in the 1940s, those same Valentino Teardrops starred in a bizarre case of betrayal and murder. From the look of things, history is about to repeat. Now Jack is back on the job, and Pen is eternally grateful.



 


About Cleo Coyle

CLEO COYLE is a pseudonym for Alice Alfonsi, writing in collaboration with her husband, Marc Cerasini. Both are New York Times bestselling authors of the long-running Coffeehouse Mysteries—now celebrating eighteen years in print.

They are also authors of the nationally bestselling Haunted Bookshop Mysteries, previously written under the pseudonym Alice Kimberly. Alice has worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., and New York, and has written popular fiction for adults and children.

A former magazine editor, Marc has authored espionage thrillers and nonfiction for adults and children. Alice and Marc are also both bestselling media tie-in writers who have penned properties for Lucasfilm, NBC, Fox, Disney, Imagine, and MGM. They live and work in New York City, where they write independently and together.


Connect with the author(s) via their websiteFacebookTwitterGoodreadsInstagram, and Bookbub.


Keep up with the rest of the blog tour via Lori Great Escapes. The tour includes book reviews and spotlights.

24 October – Spotlights at Angel's Guilty Pleasures & Lady Hawkeye & a book review at  The Plain-Spoken Pen

25 October – Spotlights at Nadaness In Motion & Sapphyria's Book Reviews

26 October – Spotlight at Hearts & Scribbles & a book review at Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

27 October – Book reviews at Diane Reviews Books & Christy's Cozy Corners

28 October – Book reviews at Books a Plenty Book Reviews & Cozy Up With Kathy

29 October – Spotlights at StoreyBook Reviews & Brooke Blogs

30 October – Spotlights at FUONLYKNEW & Maureen's Musings

31 October – Book review at Elza Reads & Spotlight at Literary Gold & I'm All About Books

1 November – Spotlights at Celticlady's Reviews & #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

2 November – Spotlights at BookishKelly2020 & Readeropolis


Monday, October 17, 2022

21+ Books about Halloween, Magic, and Horror to Keep You Busy This Halloween


 

What’s my favorite month of the year? It’s October! And no, it’s not because my birthday is in October. It’s because it’s the lovely month of Halloween.

For me, Halloween means fantasy books, inspiration, magic (figuratively), and Halloween-themed desserts and accessories! 😊

As a blogger and writer, I haven’t had the chance to pen stories on paper over the past year. (Yes! Lots of stories going on in my head, but those don’t count.)

Since I haven’t been able to do much writing, I figured it’d be great to give those who have been able to write – about my favorite theme – a shout out and feature here on the blog.

So, if you’re looking for books about Halloween, magic, or a bit of horror, keep reading this post.

I will note that I haven’t read ALL of the books on this list. But I did reach out to fellow book bloggers for some recommendations.

Books that I HAVE read will be linked at the title and the link will take you to my review. If it’s a book I haven’t read, I’ll let you know.

The books are divided into sections so scroll down to find the section of your choice. Books are divided into:

  •     Halloween-themed books
  • Books featuring magic
  • Horror books
  • Fantasy and paranormal books (not witchy or horror)
  • Book excerpts

Naturally, you can imagine there will be some overlapping books. I’ll note that in the description that follows each recommended read.

Last but not least, my last blog post on Recommended Reads for Halloween was in… 2015 apparently. This list only includes a couple of reads from the old list but the majority of these books were either published or read after 2016.

There are a few books on this list that are due to be published this month. I was planning to publish this post earlier in the month. So a couple of books were released since I started writing this post.

 

Now find your next read! If you’ve read a book that you think is worth a mention here, let me know in the comments!




 

Part 1: Halloween-themed books

Costumes and Cadavers by Katherine Brown

This is a Halloween-themed novella that I read earlier this year. I gave it a 3.5-star rating because I felt there were a couple of downsides with the main character. But it’s still worth checking out if you’re looking for a quick Halloween read.

The post also includes an exclusive interview with the author.

 


Cookies, Corpses, and the Deadly Haunt by Rachael Stapleton

Cookies, Corpses, and the Deadly Haunt is a Halloween-themed cozy mystery. It’s a fun read that got 4 stars from me.



Midnight Spells Murder by Mary Angela

I read Midnight Spells Murder a while back but it seems I forgot to write down my review so that’s on my never-ending to-do list. I do recall giving this book an overall rating of 4 stars.

Midnight Spells Murder is the second book in the Happy Camper Mystery Series. It’s a perfect Halloween-themed cozy mystery. So, time to snuggle up!

Here’s the book synopsis:

Spirit Canyon’s annual Spirit Spooktacular weekend is on, and for local amateur sleuth Zo Jones, it’s boomtime for business at her Happy Camper gift shop…until a murderer drops in for a browse.

To celebrate Halloween at the Happy Camper, Zo schedules a talk by successful author and self-proclaimed witch Marianne Morgan. Although Marianne’s benign brand of witchcraft is more about feminine empowerment than black magic, her presence is still not welcomed by everyone.

Then on a midnight stroll home, Zo spots what seems to be a new Halloween decoration propped up outside the Happy Camper. What she finds is not a mannequin but a dead Marianne, her lifeless body dressed in traditional witch’s garb. But why would someone send this good witch back to the spirit world permanently?

Soon Zo realizes that plenty of folks have motives for murdering Marianne. What’s worse, nosy TV newsman Justin Castle plans to broadcast a report associating Marianne’s murder with the Happy Camper.

Zo calls on her partner in sleuthing, local forest ranger Max Harrington, to help her find the culprit before Justin’s report airs. Otherwise, Zo’s business just might go bust. But to catch this killer, Zo will have to risk much more than just her reputation… 


A Halloween Homicide by Tonya Kappes

Book cover of A Halloween Homicide by Tonya Kappes
I’ve read other books by Kappes but I’m loving this Halloween-y cover! A Halloween Homicide was published earlier this month so it’s brand new!

This looks like an exciting read combining Halloween with a cozy mystery. Since I haven’t read this, I’m sharing the book synopsis:

If y'all love holidays, small towns, undying relationships, southern food, animals, and a smidgen of homicide, THIS cozy mystery series is for you.

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES

In book 2, Violet Rhinehammer is busy trying to keep the Junctional Journal afloat and that includes the participating in all the Halloween activities planned. One problem, Violet is not a fan of Halloween or anything that comes with it. Including a haunted ghost walk.

Town folks believe Violet has woken an angry spirit due to the nature of her snooping around into the past history of Holiday Junction.

Darren Strickland, a life-long resident, thinks Violet is letting her imagination run away.

Violet begins to dig deeper when local law enforcement seems to be dragging their feet, after all, she's got a hot story to uncover, but really uncovers a buried secret along with some old skeletal bones that gives Violet the fright of her life.

Meanwhile, Mille Kay is adjusting to spending time with new friends and making sure she puts the southern in her new tradition even if it includes her coming face to face with the ghost!


Part 2: Books Featuring Witches and Magic



Those who know me personally know I love all things with a magical feel or magic-themed.

Call it magic, magick, magik, majik, whatever you like…Here are my book recommendations for magic-themed books including a few that are due to be released.

 

Bound by Kirsten Weiss

Bound is the first book in Kirsten Weiss’s paranormal cozy mystery series The Doyle Witch Mystery Series. I absolutely loved this book! So, if I can recommend a book for you this Halloween, it’s this one!

I have to warn you though, you may end up having to read the whole series – which is on my to-do, I mean to-read list!

Here’s an excerpt from Bound: 




 

Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis by Shea McLeod

Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis is the fourth book in the 5th series by Shea MacLeod. it’s a novella-sized magical cozy mystery with an amazing lead character. 

Though it’s the fifth book in the series, it was my first in the series. And I absolutely loved it!

After I finished it, I picked up the first book Potions, Poisons, and Perils, however I felt that book 4 was much better than book 1!

My overall rating for Alchemy, Arsenic, and Alibis is 5 stars, my review for Potions, Poisons, and Perils was 3 stars.


 

Echo: The Curse of the Blackwood Witches by Yasmine Maher

I’m really excited about this book not just because it’s got magic and witches but more importantly because it’s by my friend and former work colleague, Yasmine Maher.



Echo: The Curse of the Blackwood Witches was released on 10 October 2022. While I got an advanced reader’s copy (ARC), I haven’t been able to do much reading in September and October so I’ll be updating this post with a link once I’ve read and reviewed the book.

For now, here’s the book synopsis:

Master forbidden magic, destroy an immortal enemy, and prevent the apocalypse—all before college finals.

Echo Blackwood has no idea she’s a witch, but after supernatural beasts attack her sister’s wedding, she discovers her long-dormant magic, and she’s quickly catapulted into an impossible war.

The novice witch is the only one who can stop the immortal Jivar—but her magic hides a sinister secret. The dark arts run through her veins, and using their power could cost her soul.

Desperate to control her magic and uncover the truth about herself, Echo and her newfound allies must race against time to defeat Jivar before he unleashes his fury and destroys the world.

Can Echo use the powers of evil to save the world? Or will fighting fire with fire only end in her ruin?

Imbued with all the thrilling action and marvelous magic, Echo: The Curse Of The Blackwood Witches is a riveting and unforgettable read that will sweep you up and refuse to let you go.

Read the first chapter of Echo by Yasmine Maher here.

 

The Witches of Blackbrook by Tish Thawer

The Witches of Blackbrook is a must-read witchy and magical read. For some reason it reminds of the Charmed series, though it’s quite different.

Here’s an excerpt from my review:

“Quick-paced and easy to navigate, the story is about three witches: Karina, Kara and Kenna, who lived in the late 1600's, when magic was practiced freely. Mischief befalls the three, when a woman tricks the elder sister, claiming her baby is ill. After that, Karina is accused of killing the baby and being the devil's daughter. She is sentenced to burn at the stake, where she performs a spell to protect her and her sisters.

Karina's spell takes the sisters, and the rest of the witches, across time, to be reborn in different bodies every time.”

My overall rating for this book? 5 stars!

 

The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait by Cleo Coyle

My first ever read for Cleo Coyle was The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait, a paranormal cozy mystery with a ghost from the 1900's!

Here's a part of my review:

“I liked how Jack offered tips and ideas to Pen using his dream-memory technique, while also giving her a heads-up along the way as she searches for a killer.

book quote from The Ghost and the Haunted Portrait by Cleo Coyle


The Ghost and the Stolen Tears by Cleo Coyle

While I didn't get a chance to review this book - it was part of a tour and I was scheduled for a review - I felt the paranormal and mystery elements deserved to be featured here.

The link will take you to the spotlight post for the 8th book in the series. Each book can be read as a standalone. 

Take it from me, I started the series with book 7 :) 



With Fire in their Blood by Kat Delacorte

With Fire in their Blood is a book featuring magic and political intrigue in ancient Italian city. The magic appears towards the middle of the novel. Published by Penguin Books, I felt there were a few problems with this book.

I read this book as part of a blog tour. Some people adored this book, others like me, had mid-way feelings about it. So it’s not a 100% recommendation. By the way, it’s a first in a series.

Love the cover though!


One Poison Pie by Lynn Cahoon

One Poison Pie is paranormal cozy mystery featuring kitchen witches! It was my first-time hearing about kitchen witches, though I may have seen something similar in a movie or TV series at some point.

“They didn’t wear black, pointy hats or fly around the moon. Mia’s magic was more about the colors, the food, the process of making a house a home.”

My overall rating for this one? 4 stars

 


Magick and Mayhem by Sharon Pape

Magick and Mayhem is a paranormal cozy mystery featuring magic and …. Merlin! Yes, you read that right! The great wizard Merlin finds himself in modern day California and he’s discovering foods like pizza and gadgets like the iPod (and the toilet!)

This is a 5-star, humor-filled, murder mystery that I highly recommend as a Halloween read.

"Did this man really expect me to believe he was the legendary wizard? He looked more like a Don Quixote wannabe."


A Charming Fatality by Tonya Kappes

If you’re into cozy mysteries, then you’ve probably picked up one of Kappes’s books at some point. A Charming Fatality is the 7th book in The Magical Cures Mystery Series. It’s also my first read in the series. And that’s the cool thing about cozy mysteries; they’re usually standalone books so you can start where you want! 




Part 3: Horror books


Now it's time to look at some creepy books that will make the room feel colder than it really is!


Fountain Dead by Theresa Braun

Fountain Dead combines paranormal, historical fiction, and horror. If you’re looking for an interesting read this Halloween, Fountain Dead by Theresa Braun is worth checking out.

The book moves across two storylines. One is in 1988, while the other is set 100 years earlier. The common factor: A mansion.

My overall rating for this book was 3.5 stars.

"Unbeknownst to Mark, the Victorian planned his summer boot camp the minute he stepped onto the property."



The Cabin Sessions by Isobel Blackthorn

I’ve not read Blackthorn’s The Cabin Sessions but I have read a few of her other novels. Both involved travel and one was on the paranormal side.

But The Cabin Sessions is different. It’s scary psychology and knowing Blackthorn’s writing style, I can bet you it’s going to be great read.

Here’s the book synopsis:

The Cabin Sessions brims with psychology and atmosphere.

A storm is rolling into the narrow mountain pass when hapless musician Adam Banks stands on the bridge over the river that cleaves the remote village of Burton. The night is already blighted by an astrological omen, and Adam thinks of turning back.

Instead, struggling against rising panic, he resolves to fulfil his obligation to perform the guest spot at The Cabin Sessions. He cannot let down his mentor, Benny Muir.

But bad news awaits him. And at least one fellow musician he would rather not meet.

Told from third person viewpoints of Adam and Philip, the town’s plumber, the evening is mapped out in slow eerie detail – that at once manages to evoke Burton’s fanatical cult history while also acting as a harbinger of the disaster to come.

In between these two male viewpoints, is the delicate first-person voice of Eva, the breath holder, whose recollections shed an unsettling light on the characters in The Cabin.

Read the first chapter of Isobel Blackthorn’s The Cabin Sessions via The Next Chapter.

 

Thirty Scary Tales by Rayne Hall

This is a collection of short stories by horror author and writing coach Rayne Hall. Featuring various settings and topics, the stories in this collection range from scary to occasionally gory. There are several stories with a supernatural theme, while some of the stories are inspired by some of the author’s real-life events.

Here’s an excerpt from my review:

“There are tales of vampires, ghosts, magic and dreams and other supernatural elements. They are all beautiful and enjoyable but do not compare to the pleasure and intrigue I experienced while reading The Grey Walker, Arete, Through the Tunnel, The Colour of Dishonour, Burning, and The Painted Staircase – just to name a few."

 

Monsters Exist (Anthology)

Monsters Exist is a collection of short stories featuring horrifying monsters, something mythical, and some more real than others.

However, I must note that it contains gore and adult themes. So not recommended for anyone under 18 or even 21.

It's one of the few books on this list with adult themes. 


Bellamy by Darcy Coates

Bellamy is a short horror story by horror-only (so far) author Darcy Coates. It features a long-abandoned children’s home. Leanne returns to Bellamy, where she was placed along with her brother. We later learn that Leanne’s brother went missing during their time in Bellamy and was never found.

My overall rating for Bellamy is 5 stars.

“There was something wrong with Bellamy. Leanne had been running from it for most of her life. It had brought her home, though. Perhaps it had always intended to. Perhaps no one ever truly escaped the building."


Anthologies for your Halloween

Want more scary Halloween reads? Crystal Lake Publishing has you covered! Here are 3 anthology recommendations from them to keep you under the covers this Halloween!

I haven’t read these books but I have read a couple of short stories for a couple of authors, though the synopses are enticing.


Anthologies for your Halloween

Want more scary Halloween reads? Crystal Lake Publishing has you covered! Here are 3 anthology recommendations from them to keep you under the covers this Halloween!

I haven’t read these books but I have read a couple of short stories for a couple of authors, though the synopses are enticing.

 

Shallow Waters: Special Halloween Edition (A Series of Supernatural Stories Book 9)

This short story collection will be released on 31 October 2022 *muaaahaha*

For more info, follow Crystal Lake Publishing on Twitter or visit their website.

Here’s the synopsis for the anthology:

Nothing stays buried this Halloween!

Not with 18 scary tales of flash fiction filled with Halloween goodness.

Shallow Waters is an official monthly flash fiction contest hosted by Crystal Lake Publishing, with different themes each month.

This Halloween Horror Anthology includes:

Introduction by Joe Mynhardt

“Mummy’s Boy” by Karen Bayly

“Tumshie” by William Meikle

“Arts and Crafts” by Madison McSweeney

“The Halloween House” by Sheldon Woodbury

“West Pennfield Township Newsletter, October 2021” by Tom Coombe

“I Want Candy by Larry Hinkle

“Let the Darkness In” by Ricki Whatley

“Soul Cake” by Anthony D. Redden

“The Pumpkin Fetch" by Tom Deady

“Wishing” by Jay Bechtol

“One Parent Survives” by Wil Dalton

“Don’t Eat the Candy” by Matt Bliss

“The Red Scarf” by Rhea Rose

“Shackled to the Shadows” by Richard Thomas

“Apple Tree Man” by Roxie Voorhees

“Smooth Man” by Kim Mannix

“Sleepy Hallowed” by Joseph VanBuren

“How to Create the Perfect Pumpkin” by Francesca Maria

 

From Crystal Lake Publishing:

“This anthology is perfect for fans of Halloween books, flash fiction, scary stories, classic horror tropes, horror books, mystery thrillers, horror anthologies, and mystery and suspense flash fiction stories. With a bit of dark humor and candy sprinkled over the top.”

Grab a copy of Shallow Waters via Amazon.

 

October's End: Halloween Horror Stories (Dark Tide Mysteries and Thrillers Book 3)

This collection was published on 7 October 2022. Grab your copy of October’s End via Amazon.

Anthology synopsis:

Three leading voices in modern horror take us on a journey through Halloween in the infamous town of Clifton Heights.

DAUGHTER OF THE MISTS by Kevin Lucia

Clifton Heights’ biggest classic horror movie cinephile finds himself plunged into the midst of his own personal horror movie nightmare, in which he discovers how savage the classic monsters actually are.

 

ONCE UPON A HALLOWEEN NIGHT by Jeremy Bates

In the days leading up to Halloween night, two brothers will discover the worst kinds of monsters are often human.

 

BROTHERS by Jason Parent

Sometimes, bonds between brothers are thicker than blood. Rand wants nothing more than to be an Alpha, a member of the most popular fraternity on campus. He convinces his best friend, Henry, to pledge with him.

Before they can join, Rand and Henry must follow the senior Alphas’ rule: a predicament that soon leaves them humiliated, victimized, and broken. Rand is left to face the torment alone but, hiding in the darkness, another is willing to share it with Rand, one who promises something more sinister than revenge...and a Halloween party the survivors of which will always remember.

 

Halloween Beyond: Piercing the Veil (Dark Tide Mysteries and Thrillers Book 4)

This collection is scheduled for release on 21 October 2022.

Book synopsis:

When the Halloween Beyond stores appear across America, they intertwine the lives of three visitors in a web of mystery and magic.

THE TALKING-BOARD by Lisa Morton

Can ancient magic exist in the modern world?

When Kayla’s sister Hailey went missing in the nearby Ghost Woods on Halloween night, the last person to see her was the solitary, elderly Brigid.

Kayla, who has long suspected Brigid of being involved with Hailey’s disappearance, dreads the first anniversary of her sister’s vanishing even as her best friend Sophie urges her to put the past behind her.

Halloween nears and Kayla pays a visit to the pop-up Halloween Beyond store, where an enigmatic clerk named Maeve convinces her to buy a talking-board. Kayla begins receiving messages which claim to be from Hailey, but is it actually something more sinister calling out from beyond the veil?

Brigid—who may be a witch—offers to lead Kayla into the Ghost Woods on Halloween in search of answers. Kayla discovers dark truths about herself as she and Brigid confront the terrifying supernatural forces that claimed Hailey.

 

NEW BLOOD by Lucy A. Snyder

Maddie is keen for Halloween, but when she moves to a strange coastal town, a Devils’ Night party forces her to face eldritch dangers that threaten her entire family.

 

A GENTLEMAN’S SUIT by Kate Maruyama

Halloween Beyond is magic. The store’s inscrutable clerk finds Lex exactly the right costume which somehow makes people see the nonbinary Lex for who they really are.

It’s Lex’s last Halloween at home before college, and it had better be good. When Lex’s father, Beto, known locally as the King of Halloween adds an enormous animatronic Death on a boat to the collection in his elaborate front yard haunt, Halloween night takes a deadly turn.

Lex is having trouble letting go of old friendships, of home, of Halloween itself, but they now face the hardest kind of letting go.

This anthology is perfect for fans of Halloween stories, supernatural, horror anthologies, classic horror, Mystery and suspense, the occult, magic, strong female protagonists, and thrillers.

Grab your copy of Halloween’s End via Amazon.


Part 4: Fantasy and Paranormal Books (But not witchy or horror)


If you’re looking for something that’s on the paranormal side but without the Halloween and magic themes and that’s not horror, this section is for you.

Dewey Decimated by Allison Brooke

Dewey Decimated is paranormal cozy mystery by Allison Brook. It’s not a witchy or fully-Halloween-themed but they do have a fun Halloween event in the book. There is murder and ghosts!

My overall rating for Allison Brook's Dewey Decimated is 4 stars.

Here's a quote from my review of this paranormal cozy mystery:





Vampires and Villains by Elizabeth Pantley

This is one of my most recent reads in 2022. Vampires and Villains by Elizabeth Pantley isn’t a witchy book but it’s a paranormal cozy mystery featuring vampires and characters leaping into books!

I've always had my eye on Elizabeth Pantley's books, now I got a chance to read an interesting and exciting one.

The blog post also features an exclusive interview with author Elizabeth Pantley. 

 

Road of the Lost by Nafiza Azad

Who doesn’t love a good fantasy? Road of the Lost by Nafiza Azad is a recommendation from fellow fantasy author Intisar Khanani, author of The Dauntless Path and The Sunbolt Chronicles.

You can follow Nafiza Azad on Twitter for more info.

Here’s the book synopsis: 

Perfect for fans of The Cruel Prince, this gorgeous young adult fantasy follows a girl who discovers she’s spent her life under an enchantment hiding her true identity on her quest into the magical Otherworld to unlock her powers and discover her destiny.

Even the most powerful magic can’t hide a secret forever.

Croi is a brownie, glamoured to be invisible to humans. Her life in the Wilde Forest is ordinary and her magic is weak—until the day that her guardian gives Croi a book about magick from the Otherworld, the world of the Higher Fae. Croi wakes the next morning with something pulling at her core, summoning her to the Otherworld. It’s a spell she cannot control or break.

Forced to leave her home, Croi begins a journey full of surprises…and dangers. For Croi is not a brownie at all but another creature entirely, enchanted to forget her true heritage. As Croi ventures beyond the forest, her brownie glamour begins to shift and change.

Who is she really, who is summoning her, and what do they want? Croi will need every ounce of her newfound magic and her courage as she travels a treacherous path to find her true self and the place in the Otherworld where she belongs.


Part 5: Horror and Halloween Excerpts

My American Nightmare, Women In Horror (Short story collection)

This book features a spotlight about short story collection My American Nightmare, Women In Horror by various authors. This was a Halloween post back in 2018 when the book was first released. It features a short excerpt from one of the short stories.

 

Daughter of Magic by Teresa Roman (Book excerpt)

This is a book excerpt post. I have not read the book myself. But feel free to check it out here.


Rising Tide by Claudette Melanson (Book excerpt)

I've not read Rising Tide but I do know it's free via Amazon and it's the start of a paranormal horror series featuring vampires!

You won't find any glittery vampires in this books! Here's an excerpt to get you started with this series.

By the way, Rising Tide and the rest of the series got the following awards or nominations:

2015 Readers' Favorite Gold Medal Winner for YA Mystery

2015 RONE Award Finalist for YA Paranormal

2015 New Apple Top Medalist for Young Adult Ebook

Chosen as one of 400 for the 2nd round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for 2014!!!


And that's it - for now!

Think I missed anything? Got books you'd like to recommend? Leave them in the comments below. 

I have a few more Halloween-themed cozies on my kindle and other reads... so I'll be updating the blog till the end of the year and hopefully have new post for next year.