Here’s a spooky book to read while handing out the Halloween candy….and a link to last years blog on decorations, Come In For A Spell.
(I had not intended on doing a Halloween post other than this short book recomend, but the opportunity arose for A Visit with the Paranormal – so stay tuned for Fright Night at the Museum early next week).
The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had enjoyed British Crime Writer, Ruth Ware’s earlier books (In a Dark Dark Wood and The Woman in Cabin 10) but found this one very slow going at the start, to the point where I thought I might abandon it altogether, but I am glad I stuck with it because the ending was brilliant. The stage must be set, but I don’t know if we needed seventy or so pages to establish the protagonist as poor, cold and alone, and then the next seventy pages to establish the Gothic mansion as decrepit, cold, creepy and full of magpies…and well Gothic. I noticed she used the same descriptions over and over……her breath huffing in the frosty air……the cold draft at the window…..shivering in the rain etc……it made me long for a cuppa hot tea. But once the story got going, it took flight just like those menacing magpies…..and I couldn’t put it down. Even though I had guessed part of the ending half-way through, there was still a surprise twist. Jolly well done.
Add the soundtrack from some classic Hitchcock….
thehomeplaceweb 
There’s an author that I like, Angela Marsons, and her first book was full of ‘she laughed out loud’. There are so many different options for that phrase, it did wind me up! I’m not sure if I’ve read Ruth Ware, I recognise the name.
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Good editing seems to be lacking sometimes. I like Claire MacIntosh, but in her last book, they mentioned the character wearing a waxed jacket so many times that I finally had to look it up, as we don’t have such things here in Canada – it’s a rain or waterproof jacket. Ruth Ware is a relatively newer author, but her books have been on the bestseller list lately.
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I enjoyed your post from last year – that painting is beautiful. I don’t pass out Halloween candy either – there were less and less little kids, more and more big kids and I mean big kids and the neighborhood is not so good anymore, especially after dark. I really don’t miss it.
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I’m undecided if I will do it this year…depends on the weather. I am still recovering from flu/cold so the idea of running to the door every 5 minutes is not appealing. It was fun last year when I had a helper!
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This may the year to “hide” behind lights out and closed draperies. A good cuppa (or mug) of hot chocolate, a brownie or two, and a good book while you snuggle in bed will make for an unforgettable Hallowe’en night. In fact, I think I’ll try that, too, although I’ve not been hit with flu/cold bugs, just sinus infections.
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The last two nights I have been reading Jodi Picoult’s new release A Spark of Light. Although not on a topic that interests me, (a hostage taking at an abortion clinic) it is certainly suspenseful – she started with the end of the story and then works backwards. a clever technique. Could hardly put it down last night.
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I would agree with you Joan. The flu and cold season is already upon us here in Michigan with several flu cases that were bad enough to send a person to the E.R. been reported already. A helper is always nice – there weren’t that many kids the last few years I did it, so I just stopped.
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