Hallowe’en is drawing nigh, "whare ghaists and houlets nightly cry" (thanks, Robert Burns!) -- so for our October What-We're-Reading post, we Wenches are sharing some favorite ghostly and paranormal stories.
Classics, cozy mysteries, romance, fantasy, paranormal, scholarly and tales of real ghostly encounters . . . haunted houses, ghosties and beasties – we’ve included some downright spooky fun in the following picks. So if you’re not too busy answering the door and tossing treats to little witches, vampires, superheroes, butterflies and fairy princesses – and if you're in the mood for a Halloween thrill -- check out some of these great reads!
Andrea Pickens/Cara Elliott
I confess that I don’t read horror, or much paranormal, so am woefully ill-equipped to offer any first-hand recommendations for Halloween reads. What can I say—the genre just doesn’t tickle my fancy. However, I did spot this intriguing-looking book. Haunted—On Ghosts, Witches, Vampires, Zombies, and Other Monsters of the Natural and Supernatural Worlds is just the type of take on the subject that I’d find appealing, and so have put it on my TBR pile. Here’s the blurb: “An award-winning scholar and author charts four hundred years of monsters and how they reflect the culture that created them.”
Patricia Rice
I love paranormals as long as they’re light and not filled with violence. I cannot begin to name all the series I scarf down, many of which I’ve mentioned before. The ones that leap to mind immediately are Ilona Andrews’ Innkeeper Chronicles where you can have everything from ghosts to aliens, Juliet Blackwell’s Witchcraft Mysteries where the heroine is a witch who keeps bumping into things in the night, and of course Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series which is a tour-de-force of humor and sexiness and a heroine who is the passage between earth and heaven. Then there’s Angie Fox, who can inject humor into anything from biker granny witches to southern spirits, just choose your preferred creature:
Ilona Andrews Innkeeper Chronicles CLEAN SWEEP and SWEEP IN PEACE
Juliet Blackwell witchcraft mysteries SECONDHAND SPIRITS
Darynda Jones Charley Davidson series
Any series by Angie Fox
Mary Jo Putney
When Susan suggested that we choose ghost stories for the October WWR, I wasn't sure if I could offer much since I'm not into horror or ghosts. And then I thought of Ammie Come Home . . . .
Barbara Mertz was a prolific popular fiction author, writing mysteries as Elizabeth Peters and Gothic and supernatural stories as Barbara Michaels. (Not to mention non-fiction Egyptology books as Barbara Mertz since she had a PhD in Egyptology.) There were always great plots, appealing characters, humor, and romance in her books, and often cats or dogs. I've enjoyed her books for many, many years.
And her first bestselling Barbara Michaels book, Ammie Come Home, is most definitely a ghost story. Forty-ish government worker Ruth Bennett has inherited a beautiful historic Georgetown house from a distant relative, and her much-loved niece Sara is living with her while attending college. Then a rather accidental séance calls forth frightening energies and a dark and terrible story from the past begins to play out again through Ruth and Sara and their friends….
There are two romances and even after all these years, it's a jolly good and scary ghost story. I reread it before writing this recommendation, and there are no cell phones and numerous comments on Sara's mini-skirts and other '60s elements, yet I didn't really find the book dated because the characters and the story are still compelling.
Ammie Come Home is a classic and I imagine many of you have read it. But if you haven't, maybe it's time you did!
Anne Gracie
I don't read many ghost or horror stories, though I do like some paranormal series, as long as they're not too violent. One of my favorites is the Mercy Thompson series, by Patricia Briggs -- though I've read everything of hers and haven't been disappointed yet. I think it was Pat or Mary Jo (or both) who put me onto Patricia Briggs, so that's a triple recommendation. The first book in that series is Moon Called.Another series I enjoyed is the Parasol Protectorate series, by Gail Carriger -- Victorian-era paranormal hijinks -- and a good few chuckles. Start with Soulless. And if you want a not-too-spooky or violent Victorian-era ghostly experience, I recommend The Medium by CJ Archer. The first in a trilogy, it's free on the various e-book platforms.
Finally, can I recommend the London Steampunk series by Bec Mcmaster. Set in the Victorian era, Bec takes a clever and interesting twist on vampirism and the ton (that we all know and love from Regency-era novels. In her world, vampirism is a virus, granting health, strength and longevity -- and as such is jealously guarded by the noble families of England. When the time comes, the head of each noble family passes it to his eldest son.
Nicola Cornick
When I was in my teens I absolutely adored ghost stories and even dabbled in reading horror fiction. I’ve obviously become more timid as I’ve got older as the scary books don’t hold the same appeal for me as they used to do. However, I still love dual time and time slip stories and many of them are in essence ghost stories. I also love books with other paranormal elements to them whether it’s mythology like the Percy Jackson series, or magic, like in Phillip Pullman’s books, or alternative worlds.
Mist Over Pendle by Robert Neill is an old book but as it’s about witchcraft if feels like the perfect re-read for Halloween. It a brilliant re-construction of the famous story of the Pendle Witches of Lancashire and weaves a tense and atmospheric tale full of menace. There is also a delicious romance running through the story between the magistrate’s spirited niece and an ambitious gentleman seeking advancement in his career that lightens the mood. Their dialogue sparkles. I’ve recently also bought Daughters of the Witching Hill by Mary Sharratt as this is a different perspective on the witch-hunt from the point of view of the women accused.
When it comes to Halloween, though, I have my own spooky experiences to savour. One day I will write a book around my encounters with the ghostly Cavalier who inhabited my former home…
Susan King
I love ghosts – books, true accounts, ghost shows like Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters, my all-time favorite Most Haunted and others. Stories of hauntings have always fascinated me, particularly real accounts, as well as fictional ghost stories that rely on apprehension and history rather than gruesome horror. In high school, I read everything I could find by Hans Holzer, one of the first ghost-hunting experts; his accounts of real hauntings--such as Ghosts: True Encounters--and his ability to release those trapped souls kept me up late and got me started as a lifetime reader of ghostly tales.
In fiction, I agree with Mary Jo on Barbara Michael’s masterful Ammie Come Home—one of the best I’ve ever read. I’ve also enjoyed Juliet Blackwell’s Haunted Home Renovation series, starting with If Walls Could Talk. The classic tales of M.R. James thrilled me in college, and belong in any good ghostie library--and for a little Halloweeny, haunting atmosphere, I love an older book on my shelves, Simon Marsden’s gorgeous photo collection Phantoms of the Isles. I've got a ghost story or two of my own up my sleeve, if I ever get time to write them, but in the meantime, there are lots more tales to be read!
Do you love ghost stories and paranormals? What appeals to you most? We hope you'll share some favorite titles.
Happy Halloween from the Wenches!
I am not a fan of ghost or scary stories. I do remember reading several books by Shirley Jackson when I was teenager that I enjoyed.
The only book that I have read in recent history that even had a ghost in it was a freebie I got from Amazon called A CHRISTMAS CHARADE by an author named Karla Hocker. The ghost, Annie, was so charming, you couldn't help but love her. Not scary at all. Sorry (smile).
Posted by: Mary T | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 06:08 AM
No, I am definitely NOT a fan of anything scary. I remember when a friend gave me the hardcover "Silence of the Lambs" and I read it while waiting for my DH to come home late at night. Bad Mistake! It was so horrifying I couldn't sleep. I had already decided that I didn't like scary movies because just the commercials for them could cause nightmares. I just feel like there are enough scary and sad things in the world that are real without imagining more. My imagination is vivid enough. Once you see the idea in living color it scars your psyche.
It's interesting to read about paranormal phenomena and imagine what life would be like if that were common and accepted. But the only way that sort of thing is OK to me is if there are rules about use of the powers that start, "Do not harm anyone." And the good users have to be more powerful than the evil ones, if any. I have to believe that good will triumph.
Posted by: Kathy K | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 07:07 AM
I second the motion on Amie Come Home, although I don't reread it often. And I like Angie Fox — the person. She comes to our Archon SF convention. I haven't read her books. I remember Shirley Jackson, although I don't reread her. I don't read Stephen King, or Thomas Harris (Silence of the Lambs, Red Dragon, and others) although my husband does and recommends those books.
As you can see, I'm not much of a horror reader. But this is certainly the day to discuss those books.
Posted by: Sue McCormick | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 08:02 AM
IT is becoming clear that not just Wenches but Wench readers are a refined and sensitive lot, not inclined to horror or violence. I like that definition better than admitting I'm a wimp. *G* I've noticed that as we get older and see more of the world's pain, we're less interested in reading painful books. As my mother said, "I like light reading and it's getting lighter all the time!" But there are some very good recommendations above....
Posted by: Mary Jo Putney | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 08:12 AM
I love vampire stories as long as there is a story. I'm not a fan of gratuitous blood and gore. If there's a pile of bodies, it must push the plot forward. At the top of my list, "Those Who Hunt The Night," by: "Barbara Hambly." Old book. Published 1988. Recent, "Julie Kagawa's," "Blood of Eden," trilogy. "The Immortal Rules," "Forever Song," and "The Eternity Cure." YA, Dystopian. If that's not enough for vampire lovers, "Richelle Mead's," "Vampire Academy," series is fun. As for ghosts, I have to quote my sister, "Ghosts won't hurt you, just cause you to hurt yourself." So true...
Posted by: Francie Stark | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 09:30 AM
Not a fan of ghost or paranormals. Generally not into violence and horror. But, I loved Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters writing.
Posted by: Annette Naish | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 09:46 AM
I can't remember the author, but wasn't there a novel called "Tryst" about a young woman who meets a male ghost and falls in love? Not a scary story but rather more in the "Ghost and Mrs. Muir" vein about a seemingly impossible romance. And there's a sweet Marion Chesney from 1981, "The Ghost and Lady Alice".
Posted by: Susan/DC | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 02:59 PM
Oh yes! I haven't been able to remember the title but when you described the story I went to Amazon and found it. Tryst by Elswyth Thane. That was a really nice ghost/love story.
I'm with Mary Jo, loved Ammie Come Home. I also like Witch by Barbara Michaels also. Gentle hauntings with an excellent ending.
Nice ghosts, gentle stories. No horror, no psycho drama, no violence. That is me. I can't even watch the old run of the mill Westerns.
Paranormal - if they are like Jayne Anne Krentz I like those. Oh yes, Janet Chapman's contemporary series set up in Maine with "The Magic".
Mary Stewart's Touch Not the Cat is one of my all time Favorites and you could say it has a paranormal element to it.
I've "dabbled" a little with the shape shifter/vampire genre and most of it I don't like. Too much violence.
Posted by: Vicki L. | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 03:56 PM
What happened? I am sure that I answered this blog earlier today. I am also sure that several other people had responded besides Mary T and Kathy K. Was there a crash? Should I repost?
Posted by: Sue McCormick | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 04:06 PM
Ok, something is wrong! A few minutes ago, I posted because earlier today, I had read this blog. There were more than two responders. I added a post to the list. So I asked what was wrong. On both occasions, I was shown that the post was accepted.
The blog again showed up, with only two posters. My Second Post, asking what was wrong has again disappeared!
Posted by: Sue McCormick | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 04:14 PM
Just as I finished my second query, the page reset, and all the old posts showed up. Please remove these queries is you wish.
Posted by: Sue McCormick | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 04:17 PM
Sue, your posts seem to be there now. Maybe there's some glitch between your browser and Typepad so that you're not seeing all the posts? Anyway, seems OK on this end, thanks for pointing it out! If there's a continued problem we will put in a help ticket.
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 04:54 PM
A charming ghost makes a great story! Sounds wonderful, thanks, Mary T.
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 04:56 PM
I totally agree, Kathy - for me, an enjoyable paranormal makes good use of the abilities, whether it's good vs. evil, or part of a character arc in learning to use the powers.
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:02 PM
I'm not a big fan of paranormal, and not into horror at all. AS for ghost stories, "A Christmas Carol" is good, but that's another holiday.
I did like Susan Krinard's historical werewolves series, mainly because there is a lot of history in them, from England in the Regency through the Victorian era in both England and America, and then the 1920's.
I also like them because her hero/heroine's lycanthropy is more curse than blessing. I'm tired of all the superhuman vampires and werewolves who are little short of gods.
Also, vampires and werewolves are very overdone nowadays. I want something different. I liked Donna MacMeans's "The Trouble with Moonlight" about a woman who becomes invisible in the moonlight. Definitely different.
Posted by: Linda Banche | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:03 PM
When I was younger I tried some horror novels, but they made me way too anxious. I don't need that sort of charge. My sons are tougher and enjoy a darker twist in their reading, though not gory--they like a more cerebral challenge. Even those I can't handle. But I do like ghosts -- especially historical ghosts and ghosts that can be released to the Light, sort of thing. Ghosts deserve happy endings too!
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:09 PM
I certainly prefer being called a refined reader. ;)
And I think you're right about why many of us don't read the scarier stuff. I don't need the extra stress, and I don't need to test my courage. Nah. I'm good.
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:11 PM
Interesting, Francie! I don't think any of the Wenches picked a vampire read, but that's a great list. I've enjoyed reading some of Julie Kagawa's books, and YA Dystopia is often very well done.
LOVE the ghost quote, yay to Sis!
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:17 PM
I loved all of the Barbara Michaels and the Elizabeth Peters books, especially the ghostly Michaels books and the non-Egyptian Peters novels, which are all very good. And of course the Peters Egyptian mysteries are all excellent reads. I'm with you on not wanting to read violence or horror.
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:20 PM
"Tryst" sounds great, I will have to look for it! I think I read the Marion Chesney years ago. Sounds familiar!
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:21 PM
"Gentle hauntings" - what a great way to describe it! I so agree. Those are the ones I love best. These are some very enticing recommendations, thank you!
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:22 PM
It looks OK now, thanks for letting us know, Sue.
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:35 PM
Linda, all good points about vampires and werewolves - we've seen a lot of them for a while (and honestly not something that's every appealed to me, though I know lots of people who love those reads!). The Donna MacMeans novel looks very interesting, what a cool concept, worth checking out, thanks!
Posted by: Susan King | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 05:38 PM
I'm another ... ahem ... refined reader who steers clear of horror.
Looking over my books read from the last month, I see a few books that could be categorized as paranormal romance ~
— a re-read of Shifting Shadows: Stories from the World of Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs.
— a re-read of Thea Harrison’s Oracle’s Moon (Elder Races Book 4) which features a djinn and the Oracle as well as her novella The Wicked (Elder Races) which featured an owl shifter and a witch.
For my bookgroup, I read Alice Hoffman's The Dovekeepers which is tells the story of Masada. It's historical fiction and has a magical component.
Posted by: Kareni | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 08:24 PM
My favorite ghost stories are A Christmas Carol, which I read and/or see every year, and The Ghost and Lady Alice, an old Marion Chesney favorite about Alice, the lowliest of the servants and the rakish ghost who befriends her, which I see Susan has mentioned also. My review colleague complains that the title is misleading as the heroine was never Lady Anything, but that's marketing for you. I still think it's very romantic.
I'm not terribly fond of vampires but Dracula by Bram Stoker still raises chills, and Hotel Transylvania by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro is still the best of the romanticized vampires, I think.
Like others here, I have no tolerance for sadism, torture and killing for fun thrillers, so much as I admire Stephen King, there are some of his books that I can't and never will read.
Posted by: Janice | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 10:39 PM
I don't read horror and I'm really picky about the paranormals I read, but I do love Ammie, Come Home, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir--and Tryst is an all-time favorite. I've read it almost as often as I've read Thane's Williamsburg series. I'm also a big fan of two cozy mystery series with ghosts--Nancy Atherton's Aunt Dimity series, which begins appropriately enough with Aunt Dimity's Ghost; and Carolyn Hart's Baily Ruth series, which begins with Ghost at Work--even though Baily Ruth is only perceived as a ghost rather than recognized as the heavenly visitor she really is. And then there's another favorite ghostly romance, Lynn Kerstan and Alicia Rasley's Gwen's Christmas Ghost.
Posted by: Janga | Monday, October 31, 2016 at 11:08 PM
There are vampires in the Bec McMaster books I recommended, Susan -- they're the rules of the ton.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at 12:09 AM
I'm very fond of Mary Stewart's TOUCH NOT THE CAT, Vicki. I think my faves are still MADAM WILL YOU TALK and NINCE COACHES WAITING -- but they are not Hallowe'en reads.
Posted by: Anne Gracie | Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at 12:11 AM
If I want horror, I just watch the news! (Actually, I don't want horror and I don't watch TV. But I do plead guilty to visiting YouTube where I can pick and choose the recent news I watch. As you might guess, I'm talking about the election, lol.)
I find I enjoy the ghosts and time travelers of Regency novels, but seldom the darker Victorian stuff. I recently read the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and was surprised to find it overly contrived and even hysterical (and they thought women were the hysterics!).
Posted by: Mary M. | Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at 01:48 AM
Typing this for the fourth time. This time in Word so I can copy and paste. It’s happened before that when I am typing in the comment section at the same time as other comments are coming in, I lose my work. Don’t know why. Could be a little glitch in the email/comment link.
My first thought after reading the bit on Andrea’s suggestion “Haunting” esp. after reading “and the cultures that created them” was to wonder if the book dealt with the current “clown scare/ clown sightings”. This isn’t the first time the phenomenon has occurred in recent history.
On a different but somewhat related topic, I wonder what the Wenches think about symbolism in historical romance. Do you think you use it? Came to mind, of course, with the Halloween topic. I was remembering a discussion with an English/Literature teacher from high school who was explaining Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” in terms of symbolism for death. At that young age, I was having none of it and wondered why it could not be taken literally as regret for a choice – maybe an actual road. Or if symbolism, then why not a bit more literal as in regret or reconsideration for a choice made in life – maybe career, or marriage, or religion. Anyway, what do you ladies think regarding symbolism in your writing?
Posted by: Jeanette | Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at 02:31 PM
I'm not a horror reader at all!! And there's no way I'd watch anything like that on tv. Ghost stories I do like. I too love the book The Ghost and Lady Alice. Lovely sweet read. Another fav of mine is Highland Knight by Cindy Miles. A really fun ghost story. Time slip is my absolute joy, when I can get a good one. Susanna Kearsley's books are terrific and Nicola has written a really good one as well. Some lovely new recommendations here now too.
Posted by: Teresa Broderick | Tuesday, November 01, 2016 at 03:02 PM