Wendy Shoup

An October Night's Scream, a chilling anthology of 13 short horror stories that explores the dark and twisted corners of the spookiest month of the year. Each tale delves into the haunting essence of October, from the eerie atmosphere of autumn to the spine-tingling excitement of Halloween.

Sam, a student at Briar Hill University, is accustomed to the quiet life in the small town of Briar Hill. But as October rolls in, the tranquility is shattered. The first murder sends shockwaves through the community, followed by another, and then another, each accompanied by eerie Halloween tokens left at the scenes. A sinister force is systematically targeting the residents of Briar Hill. As the body count rises, Sam realizes time is running out for him and those he holds dear. Welcome to Briar Hill...and Happy Halloween.

Bastien was lucky to spend a lifetime with Dayton, but now, after decades, Dayton is gone. Bastien isn’t sure how he can go on without the love of his life, but then two young boys knock on his door and announce they are his grandsons.

Shane excels on the football field. He’s successfully completed three years at the Culver Military Academy and is set to became the commander of Company A, but now he will face his greatest challenge and experience his greatest adventure: an entire summer as a camp counselor for young boys.

Adam was a TV star and teen idol in the 1950s and ‘60s. Everyone expected him to become a movie star, but his career fizzled out after the end of his series. In 2021, he’s an old man in his 80s, giving VIP tours at Paramount Studios, when something extraordinary happens and he finds himself in a place that shouldn’t exist. His situation becomes increasingly bizarre, and when he finally returns home, it’s no longer 2021, but 1961, the year his series ended. Adam Bluestone has a unique opportunity to live his life again.

A new big brother is joining the family and Blue doesn’t like him at all. He’s perfectly happy with his current big brother, Colt, and does not want to share. Worse, Colt, Jacob, and their new best friend, Malkon, are keeping a secret from him, something called Tydannon. At first, Blue thinks it must be a fantasy game, but he slowly discovers Tydannon is a real place that exists in an entirely different world. Colt, Jacob, and Malkon have been there. Blue’s dads and his Great Uncle Skye have visited Tydannon as well. Why is his entire family keeping a secret from him?

Where does one go from up? Adam’s TV show is ending, and he discovers his fame as Bud Thomas makes it difficult for him to find acting jobs. To make matters worse, his boyfriend, Cliff, almost immediately lands a role. Adam is accustomed to being mobbed by fans, hounded by reporters for interviews, and receiving invitations to the biggest events in Hollywood. Overnight, it all begins to slip away, and Adam struggles to find his place in the entertainment industry that’s forgotten him overnight.

Thad trusts no one. He loves no one and refuses to have friends. He reluctantly agrees to allow an older gay couple adopt him so he can get out of juvie but doesn’t plan to stick around long. Before he has a chance to run from his new home, he meets a fascinating boy who shows him there is far more to Blackford, Indiana, than he could possibly imagine. It is only in Blackford that Thad’s life truly begins.

Being the middle son is never easy, especially when your brothers are perfect. T.K. is 14 and has a true talent for getting into trouble. He tries to keep his temper under control, but it’s a difficult task with so many freaking jerks around. T.K. feels like his life has been flushed down the toilet, but soon he’s able to join the football team, and then there’s Finn, the hottie newly hired to help out on the farm. T.K. believes he might finally be happy, but when he spots a blond angel, he realizes he didn’t know what happiness means.

Friends and family gather in stately Graymoor Mansion to celebrate the holiday season, but a blizzard traps them in the massive Victorian home Christmas Eve and all of Christmas Day. To entertain themselves, the guests take turns sharing their Christmas memories and special holiday stories. Join Sean, his family, and his friends in their Christmas celebration. There's plenty of food, including wonderful desserts, Christmas cookies, and steaming hot cocoa to go with this set of Christmas tales.