Three Scary Stories for Halloween

by Bryan Patrick Avery

Well, it’s October and that means magicians all over are figuring out how to add something suspenseful or scary to their routines, just in time for Halloween. Authors are doing the same thing as well. This month let’s take a look at three scary stories readers will love to curl up with this Halloween season.

DESMOND COLE GHOST PATROL: THE HAUNTED HOUSE NEXT DOOR is the first book in a chapter book series written by Andres Miedoso and illustrated Victor Rivas. The main character, also names Andres Miedoso moves into a new house next door to a kid name Desmond Cole. Desmond is just a little too odd for Andres’ tastes. Andres spends his early days in the house avoiding Desmond (it’s much harder than it sounds). He finally turns to Desmond for help when he discovers that there is ghost living in his house. Lucky for Andres, Desmond is the local ghost hunter and is more than happy to help.

Like most chapter books, this one is heavy on humor (don’t eat the lasagna) and light on the frights. Kids won’t lose sleep over this one but should really enjoy it. If you’re interested in writing about ghosts in a chapter book, this is a great example of how to write a scary story for this age group.

Those who know me, know I love mysteries. I also really like stories about the supernatural. I found the perfect mix of mystery and ghost stories in Fleur Bradley’s MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL, illustrated by Xavier Bonet. JJ Jacobson is an amateur ghost hunter. When his mother receives an invitation to stay at the very haunted Barclay Hotel for the weekend, JJ convinces his mother to go and take him along.

Not long after they arrive, the guests discover the hotel owner has been murdered and the guests are the suspects. JJ enlists the help of his two new friends to solve the mystery and clear his mother’s his mother’s name. With any luck, he might even get some ghost hunting in as well.

MIDNIGHT AT THE BARCLAY HOTEL is an entertaining mix of humor and mystery and is perfect for anybody looking for a great example of a middle grade mystery.

For the youngest readers, check out the picture book, CREEPY CARROTS. Written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Peter Brown, CREEPY CARROTS is the story of Jasper. Jasper loves carrots. He plucks them from the local carrot patch whenever he can. Then, one day, Jasper starts to feel like the carrots are following him. He sees carrots in his room, carrots in the closet, and even in the bathroom.

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CREEPY CARROTS is an entertaining story that ratchets up the tension with both suspense and humor. The twist ending is fabulous and will keep readers coming back to the book again and again. If you’re looking for an example of a scary/fun picture book for young readers, check out CREEPY CARROTS.
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Well, that’s all for this month. Have a terrific (and safe) Halloween. Happy writing and have a magical month.​​

Bryan Patrick Avery discovered a love of magic and mystery at the age of four, after receiving a magic set and his first Bobbsey Twins Mystery book. Today, he is  an award-winning poet and author, and a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the Mystery Writers of America. He's also a life member of the Society of American Magicians (which was once led by Harry Houdini) and charter member of the International Association of Black Magical Artists. Bryan's greatest joy is making stories appear out of thin air.

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