Review of “How to Sell a Haunted House” by Grady Hendrix

This New York Times Bestseller by horror writer Grady Hendrix mixes horror, grief, and family trauma with camp. According to my exhaustive—or exhausting—reading of reviews on Goodreads, most people either love it or think it’s the stupidest thing they’ve ever read. I fall somewhere between. Plot:Louise Joyner returns home to Charleston after her parents dieContinue reading “Review of “How to Sell a Haunted House” by Grady Hendrix”

Review of “The Frontier Guards” by H. Russell Wakefield Halloween Countdown

13) “The Frontier Guards” by H. Russell Wakefield Plot: While playing golf, James Brinton asks his old friend William Lander about a charming little cottage they pass by. Lander concedes that it’s charming on the outside, but it’s haunted by whole pack of ghosts who are lethal to those who rent it. Over dinner, LanderContinue reading “Review of “The Frontier Guards” by H. Russell Wakefield Halloween Countdown”

Review of “The Uninvited” (1944)

This was an enjoyable Saturday night pizza and bad movie flick for more reasons than no ghoulies popped out of a toilet. It was an old-fashioned haunted house story about the ghosts of those who have taken the lifetime squabbles beyond the grave and aren’t too concerned about who gets hurt. Plot:While on vacation onContinue reading “Review of “The Uninvited” (1944)”

Review of “The Crooked Circle” (1932)

This week, we had enough leftover pizza in the freezer we didn’t have to venture into the world to buy any more for Saturday pizza and bad movie night. Image from IMDB Plot: The Crooked Circle is a gang of criminals, engaging in thievery, counterfeiting, and other wayward and unproductive acts against society. Hot onContinue reading “Review of “The Crooked Circle” (1932)”

Review of “The Bat Whispers” (1930)

Plot: Master criminal the Bat has the police flummoxed. He steals jewelry and pummels (sometimes kills) owners regardless of the precautions they and law enforcement take, often leaving taunting notes. He even issues warnings ahead of time. What a gentleman. After one especially brutal robbery, the Bat announces his retirement to the country. He’s givingContinue reading “Review of “The Bat Whispers” (1930)”

Review of “A Matter of Fax” by Susan Rooke

Plot: The house is perfect with its acreage, gatehouse, and large conservancy. After all her years of recording and concert work, and all the travel, this is the place for her. Never mind the silly rumors about the place being haunted. Then the relatives she hadn’t seen for years descend on her. When polite hintsContinue reading “Review of “A Matter of Fax” by Susan Rooke”