What’s better than Halloween? It’s a selection of horror stories all set on the night of Halloween! I love both and really enjoyed this anthology, read to a spooky playlist and with candles flickering in the background. That’s the vibe.

Are they the scariest stories ever? Not when you’re numb to horror like me; but if you love ALL things horror then you’ll love this anthology.
I’m borrowing the precis of the stories someone else kindly listed in their review as I forgot and so that you can see what is what if you land on my review.

Russion Dollhouse:
The old house on Waterford Lane has been abandoned for years. Eager to impress her crush, Kit goes to the house with a group of friends for a harmless Halloween prank but they end up walking in to a house of horrors.

Dia De Los Muertod:
A war veteran with PTSD is living in Mexico and wanders out amongst the Day of the Dead celebrations to get a drink but things end in a bloody showdown.

Easy Pickings:
Two bullies get their comeuppance on Halloween night when they choose the wrong kid to pick on.

Keeping Up Appearances:
A group of criminals use the anonymity of Halloween and its masks to rob the homes of old, rich people and end up getting a little taste of their own medicine.

A Not-So-Scary Halloween:
Danielle and her brother Robby are trick-or-treating in the suburbs of Orlando while their cousin regales them with horror stories about the local alligators…

Rain:
When a rainstorm traps Georgie and his brother inside the house on Halloween night, their dad starts to tell scary stories. It’s up to Georgie to decide if they’re real or not.

Black:
Max and Rose’s marriage is falling apart and it’s going to take a lot more than a trip to Frightmare to fix it… or will it?

Ride Like The Devil:
Taye goes to the local carnival with his sister and her boyfriend where there are rumors of a ride that some people didn’t come out of last year…

Pulp:
In the longest story of this collection, there’s a bit of a mash-up between Scream and Groundhog Day, where Jaime must learn to trust his instincts if he wants to survive the party in the woods.

Last Halloween:
When two girls go out trick-r-treating and run in to a couple of boys from school, they decide to get drunk in the woods but something is lurking out there and they may not make it out alive.

If you like all things horror. If you love Halloween. If you enjoy graveyards and tales by the campfire...you'll enjoy this.

Mischief Night Massacre is just the book for spooky season! This collection of 10 short stories was a delight to read. Russian Dollhouse by far was my favorite and had me on the edge of my chair. A group of friends enters an abandoned house to find a game ready to be played. Dia De Los Muertos took a fantastic turn giving just enough backstory into the mindset of the main character. Each story has a unique theme and set of characters you are sure to find one or ten that you will enjoy!

The Author had wonderful way of setting up the scene giving just enough detail to paint the picture, Dia de los Muertos is one that really hit the mark with the atmosphere setup.

Tropes you will run across: haunted houses, revenge, vampires, monsters, slow burn, gore

Ten harrowing tales of supernatural and psychological horror.
Very well written stories that include vampires, bullies, haunted houses, carnival ride and revenge.
My favorite was the first story Russian Dollhouse. Some of the other stories felt drawn out and written for a YA reader.
Overall made for a fun spooky gory Halloween read

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC

This is a collection of 10 stories surrounding all things Halloween. The first one is Russian Dollhouse. It starts out as if it’s supposed to be YA, but it takes a hellish path through a haunted house that feeds on their worst nightmares. This sets the mood for everything else. All of the characters in the stories are fair game. Another one that I really liked was Easy Pickings, where bullies get what’s coming to them. Most of the stories are long. I didn’t mind it because of how engaging the stories are. The longest one is Pulp, which is kind of a Halloween Groundhog’s Day with a murder mystery angle. It’s a fun slasher with plenty of dark humor. Each story will definitely keep you company and live in your head, especially during the spooky season.

For the costumed child skipping along a safe, well-lit street, pillow case chock full of candy, it is a night of magic and mischief, delightful frights met with sugar-toothed grins. But for the would-be revelers in these tales, Halloween is a horrifying ordeal the likes of which many will not survive. And those who do make it to November may wish they hadn’t.


Holy crap! This is one of the sickest, scariest,most disturbing,and amazing collection of Halloween horror I have read in years!
I have no idea who Jason Parent is but this dude needs to be much more famous!
Think early Stephen King then make it weirder.

Every Halloween trope is touched on in this collection and some youay not have thought of. Not one bad story in the lot and even one.while not scary did make me close my eyes in pain.

You must look for this collection and buy it! You will not be sorry.

Thanks to @netgalley and Corpus Press for giving me the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

My thanks to Corpus Press "what a name!" Jason Parent and Netgalley.
Jason Parent is one of those authors who I enjoy reading, to varying degrees. Sometimes I love what he's writing and others, maybe not so much!
I liked these short stories. Some were way better than others, but I didn't find a stinker in the bunch.
I really loved 2 of the tales and that's what made me leave a rating of 4 stars instead of 3.
The Vampire/war story really got to me. That was a 5 star read.

I saved this read for October and went in with high hopes Some stories better than others unclear who target market is for the book book seems to be for young adults but the author would need to change the language and other things for that group.

I’m giving this collection of ten Halloween stories 2.5 stars, rounded to three. Who will survive to see November? These were mostly just fair. A number of them seemed like they were for young adults, but for the language.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me this copy to review

I really enjoyed this book. Lots of different types of horror sub genres so something for every horror lover out there. Perfect for spooky season.

I was really excited to read this one and held off until October, but I think I went in with too high of hopes. This is a collection of ten short stories and some were better than others. I found the first story was good and off to a great start but by the second it had me worried. Sure enough there were some that just missed the mark for me. That was due to either not really being scary or spooky, the writing or word choices in some of the stories, or some where I couldn't understand why it had been chosen to be included in this book. I've seen other really high reviews on this one so just bc it wasn't for me doesn't might not be for you so I would recommend checking it out if you do find it a bit interesting to you.

"Mischief Night Massacre: Ten Tales of Halloween" by Jason Parent is a solid collection of short stories that captures the eerie essence of Halloween in an entertaining, though sometimes uneven, package. From haunted houses to sinister amusement parks, each tale offers a different slice of Halloween horror, ensuring there's a little something for every type of horror fan.

The collection starts off strong with "Russian Dollhouse," which I found to be one of the highlights of the anthology. The suspense was palpable, and the supernatural elements combined well with teenage antics to create a genuinely chilling atmosphere. I also appreciated "Easy Pickings" for its gory, revenge-driven plot—it was short, sharp, and highly satisfying.

Parent’s writing excels at building atmosphere and setting the scene, which is evident in stories like "Dia de los Muertos" and "Rain." He weaves psychological horror with vivid, unsettling imagery that effectively brings out the best of the spooky season. Whether it's trick-or-treating in neighborhoods filled with secrets or dark family dynamics taking a twisted turn, Parent does a good job creating relatable scenarios with eerie twists.

While not every story in the collection was a complete hit, most were highly enjoyable, and even the less impactful ones had moments of effective tension and horror. "Pulp," for example, had an interesting setup that merged horror tropes with a Scream-meets-Groundhog Day concept, though it seemed to lose some focus along the way. Similarly, "Last Halloween" had promising elements, but the ending didn't quite land with the impact I was hoping for.

Despite these few shortcomings, the collection does an excellent job of exploring Halloween traditions through different horror lenses, from haunted amusement parks to unexpected twists on classic trick-or-treating. Parent knows how to create moments that make you hold your breath, and his knack for blending gore with psychological thrills gives these tales a fresh yet familiar feel. "Ride Like the Devil" and "Keeping Up Appearances" were both standout pieces, with great tension and effective twists that left a lasting impression.

Overall, "Mischief Night Massacre" is an enjoyable Halloween read, perfect for those looking to curl up with a collection of spooky tales during the autumn season. Though not every story hit the mark for me, the collection offers enough scares, twists, and Halloween nostalgia to keep fans of horror entertained. If you love creepy anthologies and enjoy a mix of psychological and supernatural horror, this book is well worth a read.

I love me a creepy anthology. And, in a world where those types of movies don’t seem to get made any more then thank goodness for books!

This collection of Halloween-themed short stories was my experience of the work of Jason Parent and I doubt very much it’ll be my last. His writing is tight, well-paced as crisp, while his stories don’t hold back on either the guys, the gore or the scares. His storytelling has a natural quality that makes a mockery of the unnatural things that happen in them.

I thought it was worth giving some thoughts on each of the tales collected here…

Russian Dollhouse: creepy and fun, a previously old and condemned house back to life for Halloween and playing sick games where it knows your biggest fears. Who will make it out?

Dia de los Muertos: what starts as a tale of PTSD for a war veteran takes a quite wild and gorey turn that was a lot of fun! Violent, nasty and satisfying.

Easy pickings: blood-soaked comeuppance for a nasty bully on Halloween. Very gory and very fun.

Keeping up Appearances: first half a little laboured but the second half really sings. Nasty and gory, and scary too. Halloween robberies gone wrong!

A Not Not-So-Scary Halloween: very well done, loved the punchline!

Rain: creepy story of a rainy Halloween night. It took a little while to get going, but the payoff was good with a disorientating and scary ending.

Black: a tale of revenge that was a little silly and far-fetched but fun all the same. Nice final line too.

Ride Like The Devil: very short and sharp story of a scary amusement park ride in the company of folk you don’t like. It was fine, not as good as the others.

Pulp: the longest story in the collection. A Halloween night of pranks, murder and pop culture references galore. This felt like it ran away from itself and ended up being a bit clunky and clumsy. Fun idea, but it didn’t quite hit for me.

Last Halloween: a weird little one to end it. Didn’t really do much for me sadly.

Overall, a no-brainer to read at this time of year, and one that I would absolutely recommend to fans of horror anywhere. Get your mischief managed with this fun collection!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy!

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Mischief Night Massacre: Ten Tales of Halloween by Jason Parent is a spine-chilling collection that perfectly encapsulates the eerie essence of Halloween. Parent, known for his knack for crafting unsettling narratives, delivers ten stories that are as diverse as they are terrifying, each one a testament to his mastery of the horror genre.

The anthology opens with “Russian Dollhouse,” where an innocent night of trick-or-treating spirals into a nightmare for a girl and her younger brother. This story sets the tone for the collection, blending relatable teenage angst with supernatural horror. Parent’s ability to build suspense is evident from the first page, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and the macabre is deliciously blurred.

Each tale in Mischief Night Massacre offers a unique twist on Halloween traditions. From haunted amusement parks to sinister Halloween parties, Parent explores a variety of settings that keep the reader guessing. The stories are not just about scares; they delve into the psychological depths of fear, exploring themes of guilt, revenge, and the unknown. Parent’s characters are well-developed, their motivations and fears adding layers of complexity to the chilling plots.

One standout story is “The Last Ride,” set in a decrepit amusement park where a group of friends encounters more than just cheap thrills. The atmosphere is palpable, with Parent’s descriptive prose painting a vivid picture of rusting rides and eerie silence. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a climax that is both shocking and satisfying.

Another notable tale is “Pumpkin Patch,” which subverts the idyllic image of a family outing to a pumpkin farm. Here, Parent’s talent for creating unsettling imagery shines, as the seemingly benign setting transforms into a landscape of horror. The story’s pacing is impeccable, with each twist and turn heightening the sense of dread.

Parent’s writing is accessible and evocative, making Mischief Night Massacre a perfect read for both horror aficionados and those new to the genre. His ability to balance gore with psychological horror ensures that each story leaves a lasting impression. The collection is reminiscent of classic horror anthologies, yet it brings a fresh perspective that feels contemporary and relevant.

Mischief Night Massacre: Ten Tales of Halloween is a must-read for anyone looking to get into the Halloween spirit. Jason Parent’s collection is a masterclass in horror storytelling, offering a blend of traditional scares and innovative twists. Each tale is a journey into the unknown, guaranteed to keep you reading. Whether you’re a seasoned horror fan or just looking for a good scare, this anthology is sure to deliver.

SPOOKY SEASON! I looooove Halloween books so much and I have really been wanting to read anthologies and collections more. This one didn't disappoint. The stories were each intriguing, but I couldn't choose a favourite, even if you held a gun to my head. This was a strong collection

Mischief Night Massacre dives into the depraved mind of the human psyche. It's ranchy, gorey, edgy, and has some nice humorous moments.
I don't fully think this book was for me; I loved the first story and a few others among the 10, but there would be some line or some action from the character that would end up pulling me out of the story and I just couldn't get back into it. However, I enjoyed this authors writing and how personal everything felt, how connected you can get with all the characters while only knowing them for a short amount of time. Everyone felt thought out, at least enough for you to understand them even slightly.
If you like all things dark and twisted this collection might be for you!

It's no secret that Halloween is my favorite holiday and these stories are a perfect way to kick off spooky season.

In these tales you will step into an abandoned house that suddenly looks like the most expensive haunted attraction you've ever seen, take a haunted hayride with a couple whose marriage is on the rocks, attend a killer Halloween party, watch a bully regret his attempt to steal candy from the wrong kid, go on a carnival ride where rumor has it some people are never seen again, and more.

If I had to pick one favorite it would be Rain, If you ever had your trick or treating canceled by the weather, and you think you're over it now that you are a mature adult, this will bring it all back. Georgie was so looking forward to being the Incredible Hulk, and trick-or-treating with his best friend. The rain has totally ruined his plans. But as his father begins to tell him a scary story about another dark and stormy night in the past, things take a terrifying turn.

This was a fun and freaky read with more treats than tricks that I would recommend to anyone who loves Halloween or those like me who keep Halloween in our hearts all year long.

very creepy and spine chilling stories that will truly keep you up at night. This was definitely fun for the spooky season and Halloween !

These stories are utterly spine chilling and the perfect reads for spooky season. Thank you for the ARC, I recommended it anyone who’s asks what would be a good book with short stories.

I absolutely loved these mini stories they were prefect for fall time right before spooky season! I definitely recommend reading these for Halloween time

So many things smeed to be going on all that once. Some stories where your typical spooky urban legend material, others worked with folklore or horror movies. And all in all, it wasn´t bad. But it wasn't good either.
The books is fine, even if not as light as a book seemingly fast-paced usually is. In terms of the feeling once would expect to get from a horror novel, it wasn´t quite there. Despite all of this, I enjoyed the book, even if it isn't the greatest one out there.