I’m slacking on reporting in the book department, so you get three in one review this time! I’ll keep it brief, lest there be spoilers (but there still might be). While one full-length novel made the cut, I also had to include some festive horror short-stories, but those are the best kind! Keep reading if you want to know what I’m reading!
Secret by Brigid Kemmerer – Not far into this book did I realize that this was part of a larger series; however, that really didn’t have an impact on understanding the story. You need to know that one of our narrators, Nick, is an “Elemental,” which is someone that can control one of the main elements. His happens to be air, while his three other brothers possess the other elements. It’s not good being an Elemental, because that means some bad guides are out to take them down, so the guys all remain a relatively low profile if they can help it. Keeping a low profile is the least of Nick’s worries though, because he’s trying to keep a pretty big secret from his family (his twin brother specifically), and that is that he’s gay. While widely accepted nowadays, there are still plenty of people who could react negatively to the news, so he keeps it hush hush with the help of his best friend/fake girlfriend, Quinn. Only thing is, Quinn has her own problems, such as her best friend Becca lying to her, her abusive home life, and the fact that she’s maybe dating one of Nick’s old bullies behind his back. All the drama! Overall though, this was a nice read with good dialogue, and I enjoyed the alternating perspectives of Nick and Quinn because it allowed almost two completely different yet very much related storylines to take place. I may just have to go back and read the other four books in the series!
The Grownup by Gillian Flynn – A short story that I really had no idea existed showed up a recommended list and with Flynn at the helm I immediately rented it! A very short story, but still quite affecting. It follows a woman who decides to take her backroom tricks and start fooling rich people about predicting their lives. It all goes well until one woman is so desperate that she gets a little out of her comfort zone. This stranger claims that her step son is evil and is probably going to kill her. Despite the short page count, this story took many unexpected and clever turns, so if you’ve got a little spare time give this a go in lieu of a full fledged novel (for now, hopefully!).
The Turn of the Screw by Henry James – I have heard this short story referenced so many times in my life that with the release of The Haunting of Bly Manor on Netflix, finally decided it was time to read it. Definitely worth it! The story is read by a man who knew a now deceased nanny of a haunted estate, Bly Manor. A young woman goes to a remote home to care for a rich man’s two children. Both are unbelievably beautiful, but as time goes on, she begins to think sinister things are going on in the house. She can’t tell if evil spirits are afoot, or if it truly just the children. I felt uneasy the entire time I read this and that spells out a job well done to me. Plus, if you think about everything in pop culture that this story has influenced, it also adds to its credibility. If you’re looking to feel spooked this month, then add this old classic to your list!