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Halloween Short Stories


 I haven't been into spooky stories in years (not since I got in trouble for scaring all the little girls at my sister's sleepover, ahem), but since we won't have traditional trick-or-treating or places to show off costumes, I'm trying to get into the Halloween spirit in other ways. I've made a whole tray of treat bags to mail out to the kiddos in my life, and the other day, I even voluntarily started reading a "scary" story--and I really enjoyed it. I like these kinds of softly haunting stories that get into the supernatural without being gory. So, here are a couple recent stories from Tor.com that helped me get into the Halloween atmosphere.

1. "Hearts in the Hard Ground" by G.V. Anderson

Loved this softly haunting story about a house full of more or less harmless ghosts. 

2. Placed into Abyss (Mise en Abyse) by Rachel Swirsky

I love Rachel Swirsky's writing, though this is actually the least weird story by her that I've read. It's a story that involves haunting and/or time travel, depending on how you view it. TW for abuse. 

3. How Lolly Willowes Smashed the Patriarchy By Selling Her Soul to Satan by Kristen Hanley Cardozo

It's not a short story, but I had to add this essay I just read from Electric Lit to the list. Cardozo hauntingly explains why selling your soul to Satan is preferable to living under the patriarchy. 

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Comments

Lydia said…
I love supernatural stories! And Tor has so many great stories of all types.

My post.
October 27, 2020 at 3:34 PM
Marianne said…
That is a lovely way of sharing, thanks for giving me some new ideas.

And thanks for visiting my TTT earlier. It was nice talking to you.
October 28, 2020 at 8:51 AM
Judy Krueger said…
I like the idea of that last one.
October 28, 2020 at 11:45 AM
Sue Jackson said…
Oooh...I haven't read any of these yet! I bet Shirley Jackson has some good spooky short stories, too. I just finished reading her novel, The Haunting of Hill House, and it was so good! And very creepy.

Sue

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November 1, 2020 at 5:04 PM
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