#BookReview ~ Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow: Haunts of the Headless Horseman Haunted America by Sam Baltrusis ~ @SamBaltrusis ~ #HeadlessHorseman #Halloween #Ghosts #Hauntings

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow: 

Haunts of the Headless Horseman

Haunted America

Sam Baltrusis

Genre: Ghosts & Hauntings

Publisher: History Press

Date of Publication: September 23, 2024

ISBN: 978-146715802

Number of pages: 144

Word Count: 32,500

About the Book:

Nestled on the banks of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown are steeped in history and ghost lore. Famous for Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” the storied Westchester region also has a dark history of witches, spies, and pirates. 

Rumors of Headless Horseman sightings surge during spooky season while visitors flock to the Valley’s haunted hot spots like the Old Dutch Church and the famed writer’s Sunnyside home. 

Join author and journalist Sam Baltrusis on a bone-chilling journey through the streets of Sleepy Hollow as he breathes new life into the legendary village’s long-departed souls.

My Review:

Ghosts of Sleepy Hollow is such an interesting book filled with history and legend. I've always loved everything Sleepy Hollow. One day I'll make it to the real Sleepy Hollow but until then, this book took me on an amazing trip. I enjoyed the history, the town in the present, and the paranormal elements. 

The book has so much information and I devoured everything. I love that Sleepy Hollow Cemetery was used in two Dark Shadows movies. Jonathan Frid's Barnabas Collins is my favorite iteration of that character. Ben Cross's run as Barnabas is my second favorite and I'm still bummed there was only one season. 

I love to read about ghosts, hauntings, and paranormal activity. This book fulfills that love and is about a legend I've also enjoyed and in a location that intrigues me. The author does a wonderful job creating the perfect atmosphere for the reader while taking them on a historical and paranormal journey. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

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#BookReview ~ Flesh by Laura Bickle ~ #YA #Horror ~ @Laura_Bickle #Zombies #Ghouls #SoftHorror

Flesh

Laura Bickle

Genre: YA Horror

Date of Publication: September 19, 2017

ISBN: 9781537857992

ASIN: B074XBJ697

Number of pages: 307

Word Count: 76,573

About the Book:

The dead are easy to talk to. Live people, not so much.

Charlie Sulliven thinks she knows all the secrets of the dead. Raised in a funeral home, she’s the reluctant “Ghoul Girl,” her reputation tied to a disastrous Halloween party. But navigating her life as a high school sophomore is an anxiety-inducing puzzle to her. She haunts the funeral home with her parents, emo older brother, Garth, their pistol-packing Gramma, and the glass-eyeball-devouring dachshund, Lothar.

Chewed human bodies are appearing in her parents’ morgue…and disappearing in the middle of the night. The bodies seem tied to a local legend, Catfish Bob, who has resurfaced in the muddy Milburn river near Charlie’s small town. When one of Charlie’s classmates, Amanda, awakens in the cooler as a flesh-eating ghoul, Charlie must protect her newfound friend and step up to unravel the mystery…and try to avoid becoming lunch meat for the dead.

My Review:

Charolotte “Charlie” Sullivan just wants to be a normal teenager accepted by her peers. Unfortunately, when your family owns the funeral home you also live in and your mother is the coroner, classmates tend to make assumptions, jump to conclusions, and stereotype you. It was so easy to relate to Charlie in the teenager wanting to be accepted aspect. All teens want to be popular, belong, and feel accepted. When bodies start appearing with weird types of damage, and then they start to disappear from the morgue, any slight change of normalcy evaporates. This is especially true when one of the bodies is a girl from school and she awakens in the morgue right in front of Charlie. Is she hallucinating or is there something sinister going on in their town?

I don’t normally read books that focus on zombies or ghouls - they just aren’t my thing. I made an exception because I love Laura Bickle’s writing. She tells great stories that are engaging to the point I’m almost obsessed with the books. I don’t want to adult because I want to finish her books. Flesh is no exception. I was enthralled with Charlie, Garth, Amanda, and Lothar. Charlie is a wonderful character trying to make her way in the world while being an outcast because of the family business and being constantly harassed by a very controlling mother. She’s not a strong character at the beginning and it was fun to watch her kind of toughen up as the story progressed.

The story that’s told in Flesh has horror undertones but isn’t the “scare the daylights out of you” kind of book. The story features creepy events, sinister happenings, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I mention these things because I don’t particularly like horror (think Stephen King, whoever thought the Saw movies were a good idea, and Friday the 13th). I do, however, like soft horror (is that even a thing? If not, it is now), which is how I would classify Flesh. Flesh also has moments of joy, the rekindling of old friendships, and the coming together of some unlikely allies to combat the mysterious ghouls with ties to an urban legend by the name of Catfish Bob. I love the balance that the author used. I enjoyed the story, characters, theme, and pacing of Flesh.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Purchase Link:

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#BookReview ~ Pumpkins and Party Themes: 50 DIY Designs to Bring Your Halloween Extravaganza to Life by Roxanne Rhoads ~ #Halloween ~ #DIY @RoxanneRhoads

Pumpkins and Party Themes

50 DIY Designs to Bring Your Halloween Extravaganza to Life

by Roxanne Rhoads

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Skyhorse

Release Date: August 25, 2020

ISBN-10: 1510751165

ISBN-13: 978-1510751163

About the Book:

Bring your Halloween party theme to life with these quick tips and tricks!

Pumpkins and Party Themes features ten unique party themes with five do-it-yourself pumpkin designs for each theme. The pumpkin projects have a variety of decorating ideas that include carving, painting, and mixed media craftiness and easy-to-follow steps on each creation. Author Roxanne Rhoads also includes quick ideas on how to bring the theme to life through décor, costumes, and activities. These fun party themes range from gothic elegance to Edgar Allan Poe, under the sea, let's get literary, and more!

With beautiful full-color images to illustrate the tools needed, steps to follow, and final products, this book makes for the perfect gift for Halloween enthusiasts and party hosts alike!

My Review:

Pumpkin and Party Themes is a book full of great Halloween party, celebration, and just plain fun ideas. The book includes a brief history of pumpkins and Jack O'Lanterns. I enjoy historical aspects of holidays and this book delivers.

The book includes pumpkin carving basics, tricks, and tips. Written in an easy to understand way, the book will be a wonderful addition to anyone's crafty, DIY bookshelf. The author even includes step-by-step instructions on how to create some of her designs. The end of the book includes stencil patterns, as well.

My favorite parts of the book are the steampunk and coffin sections. I can't wait for everyone to have the chance to grab this book. You will love it and be as excited to try some of the projects as I am!!

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

Purchase Link:

Amazon

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If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you.

Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ Haunted House (Krewe of Hunters #35.5) by Heather Graham ~ Novella #HauntedHouse #Halloween ~ @heathergraham

Strange things are going to happen and every year, while loving the holiday, members of the Krewe of Hunters also dread it.

Haunted House is a spooky novella in the Krewe of Hunters Series from New York Times bestselling author Heather Graham and 1,001 Dark Nights.

About the Book:

Something somewhere is bound to happen.

And it does.

Krewe member Jon Dickson’s fiancée Kylie Connelly is contacted by an old friend who has just moved to Salem, Massachusetts, when the unimaginable happens as the holiday approaches.

Brenda Riley has just managed to buy the historic home of her dreams. But it comes with far more history than she ever imagined—the skeletal remains of two victims interred in the old walls of the house years and years before—along with a threatening curse.

And strange things are happening in the city. Bizarre attacks…murders that mimic days of old.

With Halloween on the way.

Kylie has a history with the city of Salem, and her strange talent for being within the minds of those under attack—first realized in the city—remains sharp.

But the situation is far more dire than what they have discovered, with strange events and attacks occurring.

And with all their talent for crime solving—with help from the living and the dead—it still remains to be seen if they can solve the murders of the past before Halloween, and the bloodbath that just might occur if the sins of a time gone by cannot be brought to light.

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you'll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

My Review:

Scary things are happening in Salem, Massachusetts. When Kylie's friend Brenda finally purchases the home she's always dreamed of in historic Salem, dead bodies in the walls were not disclosed on the purchase agreement. Kylie and her FBI agent husband, Jon Dickson know they need to leave Virginia and head to Salem to help Brenda figure out who the bodies are why they are there. As they investigate, weird events continue to escalate and danger continues to escalate. Kylie and Jon need to solve this mystery before more bodies show up.

Haunted House was a suspenseful and action-packed story. The length of the novella was short enough to be read in a short time span, yet long enough to provide character development and allow a newbie to get a taste of the series. I enjoyed the author's writing style and world-building. I was able to visualize everything scene like I was there. Kylie and Jon are likable characters. Both are competent, strong, and capable investigators. The story was engaging and I enjoyed every minute.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Review:

Amazon

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#BookReview ~ It's Time for Halloween ~ Illustrated by Kathrin Fehrl #ChildrensBook # BoardBook #Halloween #GibbsSmith

An ode to Halloween and the joys of trick or treating, this colorful, chunky, die-cut board book is a work of art meant to be displayed face-out on nursery bookshelves.

Book Details:

Book Format: Board Book
Publisher: ‎ Gibbs Smith
Publication Date: ‎ July 8, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 12 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 1423668502
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1423668503
Reading Age: ‎ Baby - 3 years

Amazon

Goodreads

About the Book:

Follow along for trick-or-treating through the neighborhood on Halloween night!

Grab your hat, vampire bat
Fill your tummy, mummy

Dress it up, little pup
Howl at the moon, big baboon

Let’s raise a scare, grizzly bear

Now we’ve made a masquerade,
A spooky Halloween parade

No matter how you scare, I don’t care,
You’re my little boo and I love you!

Every page turn reveals a new layer to Kathrin Fehrl’s adorable illustrations of kids dressed up as ghosts, pumpkins, cats, witches, mummies, and fairies, with a fun seek-and-find for each scene. Perfect for Halloween lovers of all ages, this sweet story is a celebration of one of the best times of the year.

My Review:

It's Time for Halloween is a beautifully illustrated children's book. The story is simple and cute. The illustrations are vibrant and adorable. Everything about this book will fascinate youngsters.

Fitting for a quick bedtime story, this board book can also be read anytime - even outside of Halloween. Each layered page of the book includes questions, encouraging interaction from those of appropriate age. This would make a perfect gift for your Halloween-loving children and grandchildren. 

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Thank you Gibbs Smith!

My Rating:

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Book #Review ~ Best of How to Haunt Your House, Volume II: Dozens of Spirited DIY Projects for Parties and Halloween Displays by Lynne Mitchell and Shawn Mitchell

Publisher: ‎ Schiffer Craft (October 26, 2021)
Language: ‎ English
Hardcover: ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 0764361996
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0764361999
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57155502-best-of-how-to-haunt-your-house-volume-ii
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZRegUq

About the Book:

Create a spooky memory for visitors coming to party or trick-or-treat with more than 20 DIY projects
for haunting your house. With a bit of theatrics and light, you can create your own flying phantasms, giant jointed-leg spider, coffin, and other spooky displays. Now you can create an extreme cinematic experience with touch, sound, smells, and spooktacular sights that bring on the chills and screams at every turn. This second volume includes new projects that provide both inspiration and instruction on how to lift the coffin lid a little higher and transform your house and yard into the best haunted house in the neighborhood this Halloween!

 

My Review:

It's never too early to start planning next year's Halloween decorations. Best of How to Haunt Your House, Volume II is another amazing collection of craft ideas to completely transform your home at Halloween. Each project includes a list of necessary items, complete details, pictures for review, and step-by-step instructions. The projects range from easy to a bit more complex but even the complex ideas look like a piece of cake with the intricate explanations and photos provided throughout the project. You get a complete snapshot of the process from start to finish so anyone from novice to pro will be able to create the best Halloween displays. 

I was provided a hardcover copy of this book to read. Thank you Schiffer Books.

My Rating:

 

Book #Review ~ Best of How to Haunt Your House: More Than 25 Scary DIY Projects for Parties and Halloween Displays by Lynne Mitchell and Shawn Mitchell

Publisher: ‎ Schiffer Craft 

Publish Date: July 13, 2021
Hardcover: ‎ 128 pages
ISBN-10: ‎ 0764361694
ISBN-13: ‎ 978-0764361692

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/55178159-best-of-how-to-haunt-your-house

Amazon: https://amzn.to/31cOgU3

About the Book:

Ready for a haunting good time? Want to learn to make your own tombstones and cemetery, turn your child into a mummy, create Monster Mud, and more? You've come to the right place! When the living set out to haunt houses, they scream for a unique look and feel. They want to create a spooky memory for visitors coming to party or trick or treat. With a bit of theatrics and light--and layers and layers of homemade cobwebs--today's home haunters hunger to go beyond just setting out a jack-o'-lantern on Halloween. Now you can create an extreme cinematic experience with touch, sound, smells, and spooktacular sights that bring on the chills and screams at every turn. This frightening decorating guide provides inspiration and instruction on how to lift your coffin lid a little higher and transform your house and yard into the best haunted attraction in the neighborhood this Halloween season!

My Review:

Best of How to Haunt Your House is an amazing collection of craft ideas to completely transform your home at Halloween. Each project includes a list of necessary items, complete details, pictures for review, and step-by-step instructions. The projects range from easy to a bit more complex but even the complex ideas look like a piece of cake with the intricate explanations and photos provided throughout the project. You get a complete snapshot of the process from start to finish so anyone from novice to pro will be able to create the best Halloween displays. 

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: