I get especially excited around this time of year because it’s Halloween season … Ahhhh! 👻 I love Halloween, although I usually live vicariously through you. Why? Well, in South Africa, Halloween isn’t really a thing. There’s some trick or treating in certain security complexes, but it’s nothing compared to what happens in the USA. Back when I was in university, there would be Halloween-themed events, but even that’s not happening anymore. Heck, I’ve been searching for a plastic skull for AGES, and I simply can’t find one. This year, they haven’t even put out those badly-made witchy hats or jack-o’-lanterns in the discount stores!
Basically, Halloween just doesn’t exist for the most part here. Granted, I live in a country where Harry Potter is still considered (by some people) as a gateway book to hell. *shrugs* So, I guess, it’s to be expected. I do enjoy the season, though, because I love me some horror even if I don’t exactly look the type. LOL!
So, this What’s New Wednesday is going to be about how I prepare for the spooky season. Get ready, because it’s time for … *drumroll* …
Getting into the Mood for Halloween
TV/Film
Today, Clive Barker’s Books of Blood is also being released on Hulu, and I absolutely cannot wait to watch it. Look, if you’re in the mood for gory, thought-provoking stuff, then always give Barker a try. I’m pretty in the mood for gory, thought-provoking stuff, I think. LOL!
On Friday, The Haunting of Bly Manor (which is basically Season 2 of The Haunting of Hill House) is starting on Netflix. FINALLY! We’ve been looking forward to this one for ages, so I really can’t wait to pop some popcorn and binge-watch this show come Friday.
Books
Next, The Body will Follow by Rob E. Boley. I have no idea what this one is about, but the cover drew me in and I don’t know … It looks kind of possession-y? I could be completely wrong, though. LOL!
The Best of Both Worlds by S.P. Miskowski is a sequel(?) or … well, it’s set in the same universe(?) as The Worst is yet to Come. I tried not to read much into it, because I like to be surprised, but I glimpsed at the blurb and it looks almost twisty and like a “What if the kids in The Turn of the Screw grew up?” book. Again, I could be completely wrong, but that’s what I kinda took from the blurb (and it sold me on this read).
Podcasts
Anyway, so right now I’m listening to quite a few true crime podcasts, actually, and they are perfect to get you into the Halloween mood. CounterClock revolves around the cold case of 33-year-old Denise Johnson who was found stabbed and burned alive in her Florida home on July 13, 1997. CounterClockis hosted by investigative journalist Delia D’Ambra, where she reviews the mystery of Johnson’s death over 13 episodes.
Down the Hill: The Delphi Murders is one I only now started listening. This nine-part investigative podcast is hosted by Andrew Iden and Barbara MacDonald. This podcast recounts the case of the two young teens (Abigail Williams and Liberty German) who were found on February 14, 2017 near the Monon High Bridge Trail in Delphi, IN, a day after the friends went missing. The murderer still hasn’t been caught …
I seems that I’m not quite ready to stop wondering about the psychology of The Bone Carver just yet, because I’m currently also listening to Strictly Stalking which is a weekly podcast series exploring unique stalking cases. Hosts Jaimie Beebe and Jake Deptula interviews stalkers, victims, and anyone else who may have been involved in a case. It’s creepy and weird, and I’ve found myself looking (unnecessarily) over my shoulder a few times as a result.
The Bone Carver
Speaking of The Bone Carver, I can’t believe there’s only 13 days left until it’s release! 😲 If you haven’t gotten your copy of it yet, now’s a good time. 😉 It’s full of creepiness and darkness and murder, which is perfect to help you get into the Halloween mood. Promise!
For a small New England town, Shadow Grove has an uncanny ability to attract the worst kind of trouble. Not that the residents are too concerned about the various horrors living among them.
As the leaves change color and the weather grows colder, a foul presence is making itself known by leaving peculiar gifts for the students of Ridge Crest High. At first the presents seem harmless—and a rash of accidents seem coincidental—but when seniors Rachel Cleary and her Scottish cousin, Dougal Mackay, find a boneless body in the boiler room, things take an ominous turn.
Something vicious is on the loose in Shadow Grove, and not knowing whether Orion Nebulius will ever return, Rachel has very little hope of anyone making it out alive.
Research, Writing, and Other Things
I’ve been somewhat quiet lately, because I’m juggling a lot of projects (and there’s just not enough time in the day to get everything done). It’s cool, though. I mean, yes, I’m wayyyyyy behind schedule on a lot of things, but the research I’m doing is so interesting right now (sorry, no spoilers) and the book I’m working on in collaboration with a fantastic author is so much fun! Ya’ll are going to love it. Apart from that project, I’m also still working on the third book in The Night Weaver series (apologies for the delay there, but I had to go back and rework a major part of the plot for that BAM! factor). And then there’s also the sequel for Dark Country I’m still working on getting started. So, a lot of things are happening behind the scenes (still). LOL!
That’s it for this What’s New Wednesday. I hope you enjoyed it and that you got some ideas to prepare for your own Halloween mood this year. 🙂
I’ll see you again soon!
Monique
