Happy Hauntings: October 2021
Vampires and Ghosts and Spiders - oh my!
For October, I decided to focus on reading some spookier stories that I had been wanting to read or that had been recommended to me. As someone who loves the horror genre, I didn’t find anything particularly scary, but if you are a bit worried about testing out some horror novels, I’ve added a “scariness rating” to hopefully help you determine if each story is too spooky - or maybe not spooky enough!
Dracula
By: Bram Stoker and Stacy King, Illustrated by: Virginia Nitouhei
Details: Manga, Young Adult, Horror, Historical Fiction, Classic, 2021
ISBN-13: 978-1947808065
Synopsis: Count Dracula's immortal eyes look towards London, a new land full of opportunity and unsuspecting victims. A ragged band of survivors must stop him before it is too late... but how?
Scariness Level: 3 / 5 (Chilling moments, but nothing overly scary)
My Thoughts: I was very excited to read this since it is a horror classic, but also because the idea of classic novels in a manga style was very intriguing. The art is very well done and definitely made this large novel much easier to consume. As an aside, I think that having the story shown graphically (manga or otherwise) might actually take away from some of the scariness, versus having to visualize scenes in your own mind (which might be preferable for some of you).
A Study in Emerald
By: Neil Gaiman and Rafael Scavone, Illustrated by: Rafael Albuquerque and Dave Stewart
Details: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Mystery, Science Fiction, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1506703930
Synopsis: This supernatural mystery set in the world of Sherlock Holmes and Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos features a brilliant detective and his partner as they try to solve a horrific murder.
Scariness Level: 2 / 5 (More of a mystery than scary/chilling)
My Thoughts: Seeing a mix of Sherlock Holmes and Lovecraft together in one book piqued my interest enough to try out this book. It’s a very quick, attention-holding read that I (even as someone who doesn’t tend to care much for Lovecraft) found enjoyable.
Through the Woods
Written and Illustrated by: Emily Carroll
Details: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Folklore, Horror, 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1442465961
Synopsis: Journey through the woods in this sinister, compellingly spooky collection that features five hauntingly, beautiful graphic stories.
Scariness Level: 3 / 5 (Some spooky moments, but not frightening)
My Thoughts: A very cute collection of folklore-type stories that take place in the woods. It reminded me a lot of some of the darker fairytales I used to read as a kid, such as Bluebeard. These stories never got really scary, but this collection was probably my favorite read from the whole October list.
Coraline
By: Neil Gaiman, Illustrated by: P. Craig Russell
Details: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy, 2008
ISBN-13: 978-0060825430
Synopsis: When Coraline steps through a door in her family's new house, she finds another house, strangely similar to her own, only better - until it isn’t. Coraline will have to fight with all her wit and all the tools she can find if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.
Scariness Level: 3 / 5 (Probably the creepiest book on this list, but not outright scary)
My Thoughts: While this book is marketed as a children’s book, I had never actually read it until now. I found a few parts a bit confusing to the overall plot, but it was still beautifully illustrated and definitely had plenty of creepy/unsettling moments.
