☣️ Apocalyptic −24%

Mister October, Volume II - An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala

✍️ Peter Straub
Reader Score
4.4
(1 review)
$18.95 $25.00 Save $6.05 (24%)
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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

An anthology edited by Peter Straub honoring Rick Hautala with stories from top horror writers.

This collection features twenty-two distinct short stories contributed by prominent authors in the horror genre. The work includes titles like Devotion by J. F. Gonzalez, Breathe My Name by Christopher Golden, and Independence Day by Sarah Langan. It spans various subgenres including gothic romance with Little Red's Tango and urban fantasy elements in Hotline by Jack Ketchum. The anthology serves as a memorial piece, bringing together diverse talents to celebrate the life of Rick Hautala. Readers encounter tales ranging from the psychological tension in Magdala Amygdala to the comedic horror of Road Kill. The compilation offers a snapshot of contemporary horror writing styles without unified plotlines or character arcs across stories.

Key Themes
supernatural fiction gothic horror memorial tribute
Literary Context

Published by JournalStone in 2013, this anthology reflects the American independent horror publishing scene. It honors Rick Hautala, a significant figure in the genre. The collection showcases the collaborative spirit of US horror writers during that period.

Difficulty
●● Medium
Recommended For Fans Of
Rick Hautala · Clive Barker · Jack Ketchum
☣️
Apocalyptic
🏛 JournalStone 📅 2013 🌐 English 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781940161204
📚 This Book in Collections

📝 Description: Mister October, Volume II - An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala

Peter Straub edited this anthology to honor Rick Hautala, a contributor whose story Ghost Trap appears in the collection. The volume gathers works by notable horror writers including Clive Barker, Jack Ketchum, and Thomas F. Monteleone. Readers will find diverse tales such as Little Red's Tango, Hologram Skull Cover, and The Bohemian of the Arbata. The stories range from supernatural suspense to zombie fiction like Road Kill, a Dan Shamble story by Kevin J. Anderson. This collection suits fans of gothic and supernatural fiction who appreciate varied narrative voices within a single volume. It does not suit readers seeking non-fiction or historical analysis. The book contains no introductory essays or critical commentary beyond the titles themselves. Each story stands alone, offering distinct perspectives on fear and the uncanny. Contributors include Stephen R. Bissette, Christopher Golden, and Amygdala Lucy A. Snyder. The anthology reflects a community of writers paying tribute to their peer through shared literary effort. The structure relies entirely on the individual contributions rather than a thematic framework. Readers interested in the specific styles of Straub, Barker, or Ketchum will find representative samples here. Those preferring long-form novels may prefer other formats. The book concludes with Ghost Trap by Rick Hautala, anchoring the volume in personal memory.

💎 Our verdict on Mister October, Volume II - An Anthology in Memory of Rick Hautala

“
🩸
Horror Reads editorial team
Horror desk
This anthology succeeds as a heartfelt community tribute rather than a cohesive literary work. It suits readers who enjoy varied narrative voices and distinct perspectives on horror, ranging from supernatural suspense to zombie fiction. However, it does not suit those seeking non-fiction analysis, historical context, or critical commentary beyond the titles. Readers preferring long-form novels with unified character arcs will likely find the disjointed structure unsatisfying. The volume relies entirely on individual contributions, offering no introductory essays. It is best appreciated by fans of the specific contributors who wish to see their favorite authors engage in a collective act of memorialization through short fiction.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Fans of diverse horror subgenres will find this volume particularly rewarding as it offers a snapshot of contemporary writing styles without unified plotlines. Readers seeking varied narrative voices within a single collection appreciate the range from gothic romance to urban fantasy and comedic horror. Those who admire the specific talents of contributors like Clive Barker, Jack Ketchum, or Sarah Langan will find representative samples here. The book serves as a unique memorial piece, allowing enthusiasts to experience how different authors interpret fear and the uncanny when paying tribute to their peer Rick Hautala.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Horror Reads —
⭐ HorrorReads editorial review Editorial rating 4.5/5
★★★★★
Seek out this volume if you cherish eclectic horror anthologies and appreciate the raw, diverse talents of masters like Clive Barker and Jack Ketchum. However, skip it if you prefer cohesive narrative arcs over standalone tales, or if you expect non-fiction analysis rather than visceral fiction.

Reader rating

4.4
Based on 1 reviews
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❓ Frequently asked questions

No, the book lacks a unifying framework. Each tale stands alone, offering distinct perspectives on fear without a central narrative thread.
It contains no introductory essays or critical commentary. It is purely a collection of fictional tributes by his fellow writers.

📖 Who should read this

Seek out this volume if you cherish eclectic horror anthologies and appreciate the raw, diverse talents of masters like Clive Barker and Jack Ketchum. However, skip it if you prefer cohesive narrative arcs over standalone tales, or if you expect non-fiction analysis rather than visceral fiction.

📜 Historical context

This collection emerges from the rich tradition of tribute anthologies within horror literature, where authors unite to honor a peer’s legacy while pushing genre boundaries. By gathering voices ranging from gothic suspense to zombie pulp, it mirrors the genre’s capacity for transformation and communal support. It stands as a testament to how fear evolves through shared artistic homage.

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