Synopsis
It all started on a wind-blown Friday night in October. It was the night before Halloween, the night we always called Wreck Night or Devil’s Night back when we were kids and Halloween was second in our hearts only to Christmas. At least the newspapers got that much right. The day, I mean. They pretty much screwed up the rest of the story. I was there that night. Let me tell you what really happened…
Review
This is one that’s been on my holiday TBR for a few years, and it’s one I actually owned on Kindle. I figured it was time. Love the Halloween-themed, simple cover, and you know I love a good short story.
A husband, father, and English teacher goes out for a night drive the evening before Halloween. It’s the night they used to call Devil’s Night when they were kids, and it just might turn out to be aptly named. While gathering his thoughts, he witnesses something he was never meant to see. A costumed person pulls in, and as they climb from the car, their nefarious intent becomes clear: they’re there to dispose of a body. A recently deceased body. Our English teacher’s night sadly unravels from there …
I enjoyed this quick read. It’s perfectly seasonal and wicked to get you into that Halloween spirit. The author has a distinct voice that I enjoyed, and I feel like going in and out of the action, as both present and also almost journalistic recounting, reminded me of King’s Carrie in the best way. Sadly for our teacher, this story is also linked to the school and students he personally knows. If only he had just stayed home!
It’s quick but remains tense, and I felt myself feeling for the character in such a short amount of time. I used to avoid short stories for fear that there weren’t enough pages to instill that connection, but I’m glad I’ve come around to them, and this author pulls it off skillfully. That quick connection and also just how real the town and situation feel felt on par with Elford Alley’s Mad Days. An author who can make a setting feel grounded can sell you on just about anything else, in my opinion.
This is a first for me from this author, but it won’t be the last, for sure. Perfect for fans of Halloween, horror, and thrillers with a twist.
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