The nights are getting darker, the wind is getting chillier,
and Halloween is just around the corner. Undoubtedly busy pulling together your
costume for the big night, you’re probably wondering what book events you can
attend to get into the scary spirit. Luckily, we’ve put together this spooky
selection to send a shiver down your spine…
Andrew Michael Hurley’s debut book, The Loney, took the
literary world by storm and won the Costa Novel of the Year. His new novel,
Devil’s Day, is set to be just as successful and perfectly timed for an eerie
Halloween read. Devil’s Day is a dark exploration of myth, tribes and folk
horror in the gothic North. There are plenty of opportunities to meet Andrew
somewhere local to you, hear about his writing process, and get a signed copy
of the book.
If you’re craving some gothic mystery, allow us to introduce Laura Purcell’s The Silent Companions. A crumbling country mansion, a 200 year-old diary, an unsettling painted wooden figure… don’t read this one alone in the dark! Chat to Laura about her ghostly inspirations and get a signed copy to take home.
If you can't make this date you can see Laura along with Neil Spring and Elodie Harper at this evening of ghostly stories on 9th Nov.
Wondering where Laura takes her inspiration? Discuss iconic
Gothic author Shirley Jackson at these book clubs: Forgotten Fiction Book Club
in Bloomsbury will be travelling back in time to the literary lost gems of the
20th Century Gothic era: Shirley Jackson and Barbara Comyns;
Northcote’s monthly book club is going spooky for Halloween, reading Jackson’s
The Haunting of Hill House, widely considered to be one of the best ghost
stories of all time. Come prepared with questions, opinions, and maybe a pillow
to hide behind!
We all have our favourite Halloween character: witch,
mummy, goblin… If you’re Team Ghostie then then make sure your BOOk your ticket
for this ghost story salon! Join a panel of four fantastic debut authors and
explore what makes the perfect spine-tingling gothic tale. Chat all things
ghostly horror while enjoying wine and spooky treats. “Eat, drink, and be
scary!”
Joanne Harris may have written the scrumptious Chocolat, but
A Pocketful of Crows is not quite so sweet, and perfectly timed for Halloween.
Atmospheric, enchanting, and mysterious, Joanne’s novella is a short but
powerful folk fairy tale to curl up with next to a warm fire while the wild
winds howl. Meet the author and get a signed copy of her new spooktacular book
at any of these four events.
Harriet Muncaster: Isadora Moon | 21st & 29th Oct both 2pm
For the little vampire in your life there’s the chance to
meet Harriet Muncaster, the creator of the magical Isadora Moon series! Harriet
has two fangtastic events featuring storytime and interactive activities –
don’t forget to wear your best fancy dress!
Halloween Half Term! | Dates from 21st Oct UK wide
Waterstones shops across the country are hosting spooky
events for a Halloween themed half-term. Expect ghastly treasure hunts, creepy colouring, and lots of dressed up little monsters!
