Books Like...

'The Halloween Tree' by Ray Bradbury is a whimsical and eerie tale that follows a group of boys led by the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud on a time-traveling adventure to uncover the origins and traditions of Halloween. As they journey through different historical periods and cultures, the boys learn about the significance of the holiday and face challenges in their quest to save their lost friend Pipkin. Bradbury's writing style is described as poetic, evocative, and perfectly capturing the essence of Halloween, with vivid imagery and a nostalgic feel that enchants both children and adults alike.

'Rexus' in The Completionist Chronicles series by Dakota Krout is a side story focusing on the character Jaxon, a crazy and posture-obsessed acupuncturist. Initially, some readers found it disappointing to have a whole book dedicated to Jaxon, a side character, but as the story progresses, Jaxon's growth and humor become more engaging, especially once the quest begins and involves more action. provides insights into Jaxon's stats, behavior, and backstory, adding depth to his character.

The plot follows Jaxon as he embarks on his own class quest, introducing a new character named Jess who is expected to play a significant role in future adventures. Despite initial reservations, readers found the book to be hilarious, entertaining, and surprisingly deep, with descriptive writing that keeps the story engaging and fun to read.

Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie revolves around a murder mystery that takes place at a Halloween party in a small town. The story follows Hercule Poirot and his interactions with Ariadne Oliver, a mystery writer, as they investigate the murder of a young girl who claimed to have witnessed a murder prior to her own death. The plot is filled with twists and turns, involving hidden connections and unsolved cases, leading to a surprising resolution. The writing style is described as engaging, with references to other Agatha Christie novels and Greek mythology, creating a complex and intriguing storyline that keeps the reader guessing until the end.

'The Trouble with Peace' by Joe Abercrombie continues the saga in 'The Age of Madness' series, delving into a world where the Union is torn apart by threats from within and without. The characters, including Savine, Leo, Orso, Clover, Rikke, and Vick, find themselves entangled in games of intrigue and war, forced to pick sides as events spiral out of control. Abercrombie's writing style expertly weaves together rebellion, battles, struggles, winners, losers, twists, and turns, creating a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The book is praised for its well-fleshed-out characters, realistic portrayals, and the author's ability to create an expansive and immersive world.

The prose in 'The Trouble with Peace' is described as elegant, concise, and masterful, with Abercrombie showcasing his skills as a storyteller and wordsmith. The book is commended for its intricate plots, intelligent twists, and unpredictable narrative, offering a satisfying and immersive reading experience for fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Readers describe 'Blown Away' as a captivating romantic thriller with a perfect balance of romance and suspense. The character development is praised for making the characters come alive on each page. The story revolves around Carolina witnessing a man trying to bury a body just before a tornado touches down, leading to a series of events that involve murder, deception, and consequences. The writing style is commended for its ability to keep readers engaged and emotionally invested in the characters' journey.

Fisherman's Wharf is home to private eyes A. Kimrean and Z. Kimrean. The door to their rundown office shows both names, but when you look inside there is only one desk, one chair, and one androgynous P.I. decked out in a tank top and waistcoat. Collectively known as A.Z., this body holds twin siblings, Zooey and Adrian. Adrian is the brains, while Zooey is the hedonistic free spirit. Together they are locked in one body as chimeric twins. The combination is strange, but it has won the hearts of the local San Francisco police department. In their latest case, Kimrean is working to find out who is killing off the sons of local drug cartel boss, Victor Lyon. On the outside it appears the murders are a result of a turf war with another local gang, but Kimrean doesn't believe that to be true. They will use their unique detective style and out of the norm antics to discover the truth. Just when they think they have their hands full with the case, they realize they also need to save an undercover cop, deal with an eleven year old stowaway, and stop an all out gang war from happening in the streets of San Carnal. Can Zooey and Adrian put their differences aside and focus on the task at hand Will they stop the murderer before it's too late for everyone involved Last year I fell in love with Edgar Cantero's unique and quirky writing style after reading MEDDLING KIDS. This year, I'm remembering where that love came from through the pages of THIS BODY'S NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR BOTH OF US. This book is downright fun For starters, the premise of A.Z. Kimrean is a unique one I haven't read about before. The idea of both Zooey and Adrian controlling one body and the struggles between their polar opposite personalities adds to the entertainment value of this book. Not to be outdone by the main characters, Cantero adds in secondary characters who are interesting and make the reader want to care about what will happen to them. I guarantee you're going to love spunky, eleven year old Ursula The actual case that Kimrean is working to solve is a gangster battle straight out of a movie. This book is action packed, addictive, and easily one of the most fun and exciting titles I've read all year If you're looking for a crime fiction tale riddled with comedic relief and out of the box main characters pick this one up

'A Night in the Lonesome October' by Roger Zelazny is a whimsical and dark fantasy mystery that takes place during the month of October. The story follows a dog named Snuff, the familiar of a man named Jack, as they navigate a world filled with classic literary and movie monsters preparing for a ritual on Halloween night. Each chapter covers a day in October, leading up to the final confrontation where the fate of the world hangs in the balance. Zelazny weaves together famous characters like Jack the Ripper, Sherlock Holmes, and Lovecraft's Elder Gods in a humorous and immersive narrative style.

The book is known for its unique storytelling perspective, being narrated by a dog named Snuff, and for its clever incorporation of various horror and detective story elements. The plot unfolds gradually, with hints and clues scattered throughout the narrative, creating an engaging and suspenseful reading experience that culminates in a dark and eerie climax on Halloween night.

The Aeronaut's Windlass is a steampunk fantasy novel set in a world where people live in towering spires and travel using crystals and energy. The story follows Captain Grimm and his crew on the airship Predator as they embark on a dangerous mission to protect their spire from an impending attack. The book introduces a diverse cast of characters, including feisty young women, disgraced steamship captains, magicians, and a snarky, arrogant cat named Rowl. The plot is described as quick-paced and easy to follow, with elements of political intrigue, swashbuckling adventures, and a looming evil that the heroes must confront.

The writing style of The Aeronaut's Windlass is praised for its world-building, character development, and engaging storytelling. Readers appreciate Jim Butcher's talent in creating immersive worlds without lengthy info-dumps, allowing them to dive straight into a realm of unique characters and ideas. The book is noted for its blend of steampunk elements, fantasy, and science fiction, with a touch of humor that strikes a good balance between Butcher's other series, Codex Alera, and The Dresden Files. The audiobook narration by Euan Morton is also commended for bringing the story to life effectively.

In "Magic and the Shinigami Detective," readers are taken on a thrilling journey through a magical world where Henri Davenforth, a Magical Examiner, finds himself partnered with a unique woman, Jamie Edwards. The book combines elements of police procedural with fantasy, humor, and a touch of romance as the duo investigates dark cases while navigating a world filled with magic and mystery. The story unfolds in a late Edwardian setting, blending technology and magic seamlessly to create a refreshing backdrop for the characters to shine. The writing style is described as light-hearted, engaging, and filled with dry humor that keeps readers entertained throughout the novel.

In the small town of Anytown, USA in 1963, teenage boys participate in an annual Halloween ritual known as the Gauntlet, where they must stop the October Boy, an undead creature made of vines and candy, from reaching the town's church. The story follows Pete McCormick, a 16-year-old boy aiming to win the Gauntlet for a chance to escape his troubled life in the town. As the tale unfolds, secrets and sacrifices of the town are unearthed, challenging the readers to question who the real villains are. The plot is fast-paced and offers a mix of action, horror, and coming-of-age elements, reminiscent of works like The Hunger Games and The Lottery.