ALL HALLOWS' EVE by Vivian Vande Velde
    Category:  Horror
    Age Recommendation:  Grades 9+
    Release Date:  9/1/06
    Publisher:  Harcourt
    Reviewed by:  Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"
    Rating:  5 Stars


    I have been a fan of Vivian Vande Velde ever since I read CURSES, INC. AND OTHER STORIES.  I quickly
    followed that up by reading several of her other books, including NOW YOU SEE IT... and COMPANIONS OF
    THE NIGHT.  Ms. Vande Velde is the master of spooky stories, whether they be contemporary, paranormal, or
    fantasy.  What she's even better at, though, is writing short stories that have a way of staying with you long after you
    finish reading them.

    With ALL HALLOWS' EVE, the author has brought us thirteen original short stories that, as a whole, scared the
    bejesus out of me.  Whether the story is two pages long or ten, you find yourself immersed in the life of whatever tale
    the author is telling-- and find yourself coming out, at the end of it, glad you're reading with the lights on.

    The stories in this collection include:

    COME IN AND REST A SPELL
    MARIAN
    MORGAN ROEHMAR'S BOYS
    ONLY ON ALL HALLOWS' EVE
    CEMETERY FIELD TRIP
    BEST FRIENDS
    PRETENDING
    I WANT TO THANK YOU
    WHEN AND HOW
    WHEN MY PARENTS COME TO VISIT
    EDWARD, LOST AND FAR FROM HOME
    MY REAL MOTHER
    HOLDING ON

    There is nothing timid about this collection.  I have always loved Halloween; it is, in fact, my second favorite holiday,
    beat out only by Christmas.  After reading these short stories, though, I will never look at hay rides, cemeteries, school
    trips, cackling old ladies, or scarecrows on front porches in the same way.  I read, on a regular basis, the stories of
    horror/paranormal authors Dean Koontz and Stephen King, and these stories by Vivian Vande Velde freaked me out
    just as much as those by my horror heroes.  Be warned, though.  Read MORGAN ROEHMAR'S BOYS,
    CEMETERY FIELD TRIP, and MY REAL MOTHER at your own risk -- and with those lights on.
All Hallows' Eve: 13 Stories
by Vivian Vande Velde