Spooky Season Beckons
and so here are some great reading recommendations for you
Hello dear readers!
Where I currently reside the temperature has maintained a cool 65F/18C. I taste the smokiness of summer in its final throes.
The chill brings ✨ atmosphere✨, what this blog post is all about. Atmosphere is why people love the autumn so much; mist in the mornings, muddy boots, warm lighting, and thick comforters. The evening hovers during these months, never far; its dark fingers beckoning those who stray on a moonless night…
Plus, soup! Everyone loves soup.
The best writing and reading, in my humble opinion, is done in the cold. For this reason, I’d like to share some of the best chilling content from SubStack and beyond. In the future, I would love to highlight more horror writers. Maybe a spooky competition is in order?
And, yes, perhaps I’m a few weeks early to the autumn spirit but again… atmosphere.
Let’s get started!
Be sure to check out the website for the Halloween countdown, beginning October 1st!
🍂 Spooky Season Picks 🍂
In no particular order
“Death’s Door” by
This piece of fantasy touched by darkness is a fun read. It’s quality work that immerses you in his world.
“The Werewolf of Mariahild am Inn” by
Such a well written and weighty gothic-horror. If you like any of the classics—Dracula, Frankenstein, etc.—then you will enjoy this series.
“Restitution” from
Eerie imagery but definitely retains a sense of humour that made this stand out in particular amongst his writings. I also enjoy his reddit-style posts.
“The Winchester Hotel” by
Its narrative voice possesses a casual and accessible charm while drawing you into the story. I’ve mentioned this specific series before, but it fits so well with the theme of this post that it deserves a spot!
“It Ain’t a Coyote” by
A well constructed and semi-graphic horror that builds tension all throughout. If you are someone who enjoys hearing about North American cryptids, you’ll like this. Highly recommend.
I’ve mentioned this probably a million times, but Brahm Stoker’s Dracula is my favourite book of all time. If not, it’s in the top three. This is a nice way to revisit the story over again in small increments. It also coincides with the dates of the characters’ diary entries and letters!
“Busybody” by
His western series, Everett Brooks and the Midnight Riders, has got that High Noon charm, but I’d like to bring attention to this short story.
“Tilford Till and the Highway Haunting”
I just finished reading and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you are a Notes user, give her a follow because she’s another great SubStack community organiser. She comes across as genuine and, for anyone looking to build on this platform, incredibly helpful.
“Herbert West—Reanimator” H.P. Lovecraft
Frankenstein meets the signature Lovecraftian style! This is not a SubStack pick, but a short piece of fiction written by Lovecraft. It was first serialized February through July, 1922. I read through his entire works on my metro commutes last year and I think this is one of my favourites. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it made a large impression on me when I first read it.
Honourable (non-scary) Mentions:
These some SubStacks that I enjoy these days
- and
As a Catholic and a fantasy writer who draws inspiration from English mediaeval history, I find myself lurking on these two SubStacks constantly.
very specifically, “You’ve Discovered a Dreamium Feature”. Highly entertaining.
My father was in the Navy for thirty years and much of my childhood was spent missing him. I wonder how many notes/letters we tucked into the pocket of his flight jacket before deployment. Such a touching, emotional reflection.
Assassination of an Emperor and Rhetoric as Combat by
Not what I expected based on the title. Drew me in immediately.
I hope I didn’t miss anyone.
What about you? Do you have any suggested reading for the transitional weather?
That’s all for this week!
Coming up:
Sit by the fire and let me spin a yarn for you, weary traveller.
Eldritch Tales from the Jungle - Part IV
The Last Words of Ælfric, Brother of the King (Shades of Night Anthology)
Stoney Hollow - Episode Seven
⋆⁺｡˚⋆˙‧₊☾ ◯ ☽₊‧˙⋆˚｡⁺⋆
Wander not where there is no light.
Come rest your head from colouring greys, the shades of night.
What a fabulous roundup, and I'm so honored to be included!! Thank you! ✨
Just catching up on my backlog of Substack reading. Thanks so much for the mention! Much appreciated.