Al Sarrantonio, Hallows Eve

Hallows Eve

Al Sarrantonio

Cemetery Dance, Sep 2005, $40.00

ISBN: 1587670771

For twelve years Corrie Phaeder has been a successful Los Angeles-based photographer, who once vowed never to return home; as that is the center of his nightmares. However, his career suddenly collapses and his girlfriend Monica abruptly dumps him, so even he cannot explain why he is suddenly taking the train back to pumpkin-farming Orangefield, New York in October. Ironically the place thrives on Halloween, yet that is also the most evil time of year there.

Samhain, servant of the Dark One, has selected Corrie and his seven year old neighbor Regina Bright as the victims of his mischief. First he must crash the kid's innocence with eerie unexplainable incidents, and manipulate cop Bill Grant, who believes Corrie got away with matricide and did something to now librarian Kathy Marks before fleeing town. Samhain sends John the scarecrow to cause further havoc by killing people, with Bill believing Corrie is the culprit.

This is an interesting sequel (see ORANGEFIELD) that readers of Halloween horror thrillers will enjoy. The action packed storyline is at its best when Samhain and John confront Corrie and Reggie. However, the homicides that are intended to psychologically manipulate and motivate Bill to bring down Corrie, seem disconnected to the main skirmish. Still with a visit to Samhain's domain adding to the fun, Al Sarrantonio provides a solid Halloween horror thriller starring the Celtic Lord of Death.