Title: Mister Jack

Author: Chris Kosarich

Release date: October 12, 2018

I read ‘Roseblood’ from Chris last year and enjoyed it. Recently, I saw he was looking for reviewers for his upcoming release ‘Night of the Pumpkin God.’ I’ve always been a big fan of Halloween based folklore stories, see: ‘Dead Leaves’ by Kealan Patrick Burke, so I reached out.

At the start of ‘Night of the Pumpkin God’ there is a note that recommends you read ‘Mister Jack’ first, so I dove in and read it last night.

What I liked: This novella is a fast read. The story picks up on Halloween night. The local high school has a tradition – head to the old house on the outskirts of town, said to be the home of a witch, and egg it and toilet paper it. Snap a few pictures and you are adored by the students. It’s a straight forward premise and the beauty of Halloween horror is that the idea to get people into situations doesn’t change all that much. But, like most great Halloween stories, it’s what the author does from there that will set the story apart from the others.

I really loved the flow of this book and Kosarich crafts an excellent story. The three students end up meeting ‘the witch,’ an old woman who relishes her branding. She then tells the story of ‘Mister Jack,’ and this is where the narrative really takes off. It had me riveted and while you know at some point the hellish pumpkin headed fiend that is pictured on the cover will arrive, you really have no idea when.

What I didn’t like: This one is a short read, so some folks may long for a bit more lead in or action time. I found the pacing was spot on, but for the reader out there who really longs for the 400 pager, this may feel a bit rushed.

Why you should buy it: I mean, come on! Look at that cover. If you love Halloween folklore this thing is fantastic and you have two options here. You can purchase it on it’s own, which would allow you to have immediate access, or you can pre-order ‘Night of the Pumpkin God’ which includes this novella. I’ve included both links below, so decide which way you want to proceed, but either way, this is one I think you should definitely buy!

Now to dive into ‘Night of the Pumpkin God.’

5/5