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     I read voraciously. There's never enough time to do as much as I'd like! Reading is the ultimate way to pass one’s time. Reading teaches us things we didn’t know or would like to learn. Reading is soothing, relaxing and therefore good for the spirit. Reading stimulates imagination and creativity, transporting us to different lands, different times, sometimes even different worlds. Reading is the single most important foundation to a good education and should be encouraged in every child! That said, I will now step down from my imaginary soap box.

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     I own about 1,000 books and take great pride in my miniature library. It’s nothing fancy—no “leather-bound editions only” snobbery here—merely a hodgepodge collection of anything that strikes my fancy. There are paperbacks. There are hard-covers. Some, like my complete works of Edgar Allan Poe, are QUITE ancient. Some are nostalgic titles that bring back memories of childhood nights spent in my bottom-bunk “tent” with a flashlight when I was supposed to be sleeping.

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My interests are vast. My collection may not be pretty but it's mine and it's wonderful!

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     It occurred to me that while I've been collecting books since grade school, I sometimes acquired one that sounded fantastic, placed it on its proper shelf (yep, I alphabetize by author) then never got around to reading it! (For shame!) So, my mission is to read every book I own in order of appearance on my shelves, starting with those residing on my desk. Titles in this honored position are on my two pet subjects: film & theater and the paranormal. What follows is an ongoing list of those books I've read with highlights of particular favorites. Images used represent the copy I own. If no image of my edition could be found I represented it with an icon. Images may be (and likely ARE) subject to copyright. I use them only to draw more attention to the titles I read, thereby (hopefully) compelling others to seek them out. I know the old adage is to not judge a book by its cover but sometimes it’s the cover which first arrests our attention! Deviations from my personal library (ie. reading a book I don't own) will be marked with an asterisk.

Paranormal

(Categorized by subject)

The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe

I know this is fiction but the master of the macabre has always been one of my

favorite authors. This collection holds a place of honor on the top of my desk. To paraphrase Tim Burton’s short film Vincent: “While other kids read books like Go Jane Go, ERIN’S favorite author is Edgar Allan Poe.” 

GHOSTS

I would spend hours reading stories about paranormal happenings and true ghost stories are still my favorite.

I Believe in Ghosts by Danton Walker

Haunted Houses by Jason Friedman

Haunted Happenings

by Robert Ellis Cahill

Haunted Campers by Allan Zullo

Haunted America

(Anthology by multiple authors)

Grave’s End by Elaine Mercado

Ghosts of the Northeast by David J. Pitkin

Ghosts in the Valley

by Adi-Kent Thomas Jeffrey

Don’t Call Them Ghosts

by Kathleen McConnell

Coast to Coast Ghosts by Leslie Rule

The Big Book of New York Ghost Stories

by Cheri Revai

MYSTERIES OF LONDON & GREAT BRITAIN

I was most fortunate to have the opportunity to study abroad in London. I prefer the quiet of the country but London is one of two cities I think I could happily live in.

Haunted London (A Pitkin Guide)

London…the Sinister Side by Steve Jones

A Beefeater’s Grisly Guide to the Tower of London by Geoffrey Abbott

For those not in the know, a “beefeater” is the nickname for the tower guards.

Ghosts of the Tower of London

by Geoffrey Abbott

Prisoners in the Tower  (A Pitkin Guide)

The Princes in the Tower  by Alison Weir

I adore Shakespeare and having worked on a production of  Richard III in college I became fascinated with the mystery of what happened to the vanished princes in 1483 and the subsequent ghost stories.

Jack the Ripper Walk 

by Louis’ London Walks

Jack the Ripper (A Pitkin Guide)

The Complete Jack the Ripper

by Donald Rumbelow

Saucy Jack haunted my thoughts when I was a kid so while in London I HAD to go on a tour of the murder sites. The particular walk I went on was led by the author of

this book and he was gracious enough to autograph it for me.

WITCHES, VAMPIRES & WEREWOLVES

100 Wicked Little Witch Stories

(Anthology by multiple authors)

Witches and Wizards

by Robert Ellis Cahill

The Witchcraft Hysteria of Salem Town and Village in 1692

by William Story

New England’s Cruel and Unusual Punishments

by Robert Ellis Cahill

Ghosts, Vampires and Werewolves: Eerie Tales From Transylvania

by Mihai I. Spariosu & Dezo Benedeck

MISCELLANEOUS

Strange Deaths by Ian Simmons

Spooky Kids: Strange but True Tales

by Bruce Nash & Allan Zullo

What You Don’t Know About Mysterious Places by Ryder Windham

Be Afraid, Be Very Afraid: The Book of Scary Urban Legends by Jan Harold Brumvand

The Most Evil Women in History

by Shelley Klein

Film & Theatre

(Categorized by subject then title/playwrite)

FILM

The Fellowship of the Ring Visual Companion

by Jude Fisher

I was very impressed with Peter Jackson's adaptation of the most iconic fantasy epic of all time.

Tim Burton: A Child’s Garden of Nightmares by Paula A. Woods

Burton has been my favorite director since I was a little kid. His unique vision is inspiring!

With Nails: The Film Diaries of Richard E. Grant

by Richard E. Grant

THEATRE

Stages of Drama

(Anthology by multiple playwrights)

The Theatre Guild Anthology

(Anthology by multiple playwrights)

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

In the Blood by Suzanne Lori-Parks

Another show I worked on in college,this time as P.S.M. A haunting look at the state of modern America. This play is NOT for the faint of heart.

The Complete Works of Shakespeare from the Original Text: Comedies

by William Shakespeare (c.1861)

The Tragedy of Richard III  by William Shakespeare

I learned so much working on a production of this play, the details of which are too lengthy to include here.

William Shakespeare and The Globe

by Aliki

Shakespeare’s Advice to the Players

by Peter Hall

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The Ultimate Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

The Complete Series that started with The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Undoubtedly one of the funniest books I've ever read!

The Phantom Cyclist

by Ruth Ainsworth

I loved collections of short scary stories when was young. Still do.

Ghostly Companions by Vivien Alcock

Singer to the Sea God

by Vivien Alcock

The Snow Queen

by Hans Christian Anderson

Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews

First book in the Dollanganger series. This is the book that started my obsession with Andrews’ work. In a word: Horrifying. A long list of titles by Andrews is about to follow because I have collected almost

every book written under her name. For anyone not familiar with her work, every title is part of a series about a specific family with only one exception.

Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in Dollanganger series)

If There be Thorns by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in Dollanganger series)

Seeds of Yesterday by V.C. Andrews

(4th in Dollanganger series)

Garden of Shadows by V.C. Andrews

(Last of Dollanganger series)

Heaven by V.C. Andrews

(1st of the Casteel series)

Dark Angel by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Casteel series)

Fallen Hearts by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in Casteel series)

Gates of Paradise by V.C. Andrews

(4th in Casteel series)

Web of Dreams by V.C. Andrews

(Last of the Casteel series)

My Sweet Audrina by V.C. Andrews

(The only stand-alone title)

Dawn by V.C. Andrews

(First in the Cutler series)

Secrets of the Morning  by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Cutler series)

Twilight’s Child by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in Cutler series)

Midnight Whispers by V.C. Andrews

(4th in Cutler series)

Darkest Hour by V.C. Andrews

(Last of the Cutler series)

Ruby by V.C. Andrews

(1st in the Landry series)

Pearl in the Mist by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Landry series)

All That Glitters by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in the Landry series)

Hidden Jewel by V.C. Andrews

(4th in the Landry series)

Tarnished Gold by V.C. Andrews

(Last of the Landry series)

Melody by V.C. Andrews

(1st in the Logan series)

Heart Song by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Logan series)

Unfinished Symphony by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in the Logan series)

Music in the Night by V.C. Andrews

(4th in the Logan series)

Olivia by V.C. Andrews

(Last in the Logan series)

Orphans by V.C. Andrews

(Anthology of the 1st miniseries)

Runaways by V.C. Andrews

(Sequel to Orphans)

Misty by V.C. Andrews

(1st in the Wildflowers miniseries)

Star by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Wildflowers miniseries)

Jade by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in the Wildflowers miniseries)

Cat by V.C. Andrews

(4th in the Wildflowers miniseries)

Into the Garden by V.C. Andrews

(Last in the Wildflowers miniseries)

Rain by V.C. Andrews

(1st in the Hudson series

Lightning Strikes by V.C Andrews

(2nd in the Hudson series)

Eye of the Storm by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in the Hudson series)

End of the Rainbow by V.C. Andrews

(Last of the Hudson series)

Cinnamon by V.C. Andrews

(1st in the Shooting Stars miniseries)

Ice by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Shooting Stars miniseries)

Rose by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in the Shooting Stars miniseries)

Honey by V.C. Andrews

(4th in the Shooting Stars miniseries)

Falling Stars by V.C. Andrews

(Last in the Shooting Stars miniseries)

Willow by V.C. Andrews

(1st in the DeBeers series)

Wicked Forest by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the DeBeers series)

Twisted Roots by V.C. Andrews

(3rd in the DeBeers series)

Into the Woods by V.C. Andrews

(4th in the DeBeers series)

Hidden Leaves by V.C. Andrews

(Last in the DeBeers series)

Broken Wings by V.C. Andrews

(1st in 2-part series)

Midnight Flight by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in 2-part series)

Celeste by V.C. Andrews

(1st of the Gemini series)

Black Cat by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Gemini series)

Child of Darkness by V.C. Andrews

(Last in the Gemini series)

April Shadows by V.C. Andrews
(1st in the Shadows series)

Girl in the Shadows by V.C. Andrews
(2nd in the Shadows series)

Broken Flower by V.C. Andrews
(1st in the Early Spring series)

Scattered Leaves by V.C. Andrews
(2nd in the Early Spring series)

Secrets in the Attic by V.C. Andrews
(1st in the Secrets series)

Secrets in the Shadows by V.C. Andrews

(2nd in the Secrets series)

There are more books “by” V.C.  Andrews but I stopped collecting them after this point. They began deviating too far from the precedent set by the first series and seemed to be getting a bit too formulaic. 

The Return by Evelyn Anthony

The Ripper by D.E. Athkins

I LOVED books like this as a teenager and am too nostalgically attached to them to give them up.

Sister Dearest by D.E. Athkins

Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel
1st in the Earth's Children series. A truly epic saga of one woman's life during prehistoric times begins here.  So compelling and beautifully written.

The Valley of Horses by Jean M. Auel

2nd in the Earth's Children Series

The Mammoth Hunters by Jean M. Auel

Incidentally, the 3rd book of the Earth’s Children series was the first that I read. I was so drawn to Ayla’s story that I immediately hunted down what I could find of the rest of the series at the time.

The Plains of Passage by Jean M. Auel
4th in the Earth’s Children series

The Shelters of Stone by Jean M. Auel

5th in the Earth's Children series. I can't wait until I get hold of the last book!

The Land of Painted Caves by Jean M. Auel

Conclusion of the Earth's Children series

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The Regulators by Richard Bachman

The Indian in the Cupboad

by Lynne Reid Banks

Saving Zasha by Randi Barrow

Krazy 4 U by A. Bates

Mother's Helper by A. Bates

The Jekyll Legacy

by Robert Bloch & Andre Norton

A modern sequel to the classic tale.

Weetzie Bat by Francesca Lia Block

Her characters and atmosphere are unique, ultramodern yet inexplicably timeless.

Witch Baby by Francesca Lia Block

Rose and the Beast by Francesca Lia Block

Violet & Claire by Francesca Lia Block

My favorite book by this author. I had a friend in high school whom I used to call “Claire” and she would call me “Violet” because we swore the author had spied on

us and used us for the characters in this book. 

CLICK TO READ BACK COVER

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing 

by Judy Blume

I got hooked on Blume's work after hearing this book read out loud by my teacher in third grade.

Superfudge by Judy Blume

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great

by Judy Blume

Blubber by Judy Blume

Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself

by Judy Blume

A gift from my daughter.

If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What am I Doing in the Pits? By Erma Bombeck

Timeless humor, seriously. Bombeck literally makes me laugh out loud!

A String in the Harp by Nancy Bond

The way Bond weaves the tale of a modern twelve year old American boy and a 6th century Welsh bard together through the tuning key of a harp is amazing. You pick this book up and simply don’t want to put it down until you’re done. This book

was so well written that if I ever have the opportunity to travel to the British Isles again, I fully intend on visiting Borth in Wales where the story takes place. I think it’s fantastic when an author writes a fictional story centered on actual locations that can be visited. Incidentally, Welsh is one of several languages I want to learn (if I ever find the time) and the proliferation of Welsh words inspired me to look up how to pronounce them correctly.

A Dream of Ghosts by Frank Bonham

Durango Street by Frank Bonham

The Glory Hand

by Paul and Sharon Boorstin

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

by John Boyne

EVERYONE should read this book. The end was astonishing and haunted me long after I put the book down.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Several moments in this book were literally laugh out loud funny to me.

Mr. Hands by Gary A. Braunbeck

Warrior by Marie Brennan

Extremely riveting and original.

  CLICK TO READ BACK COVER

Witch by Marie Brennan

Sequel to Warrior

Devil Wind 

by Laurie Bridges & Paul Alexander

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks

This and the subsequent titles in the series is, in my opinion, the quintessential fantasy novel outside of Tolkien. I first read the series when I was in middle school and largely credit Brooks for planting the seed which would become my lifelong love

of the fantasy genre. His descriptiveness is truly breathtaking, drawing his readers in and completely submerging us into his world. His writing left an impact that inspires me to this day. 

The Elfstones of Shannara by Terry Brooks

2nd in the Shannara series

The Wishsong of Shannara  by Terry Brooks

3rd in the Shannara series

First King of Shannara

by Terry Brooks

Last in the original Shannara series this one is actually a prequel to the other three.

The Scions of Shannara by Terry Brooks

1st in the Heritage of Shannara series. Brooks is truly a master of his craft, bringing characters from his previous series into another to follow the course of the Omsford bloodline. The difference with this series is all the books follow the same

characters instead of being centuries removed from each other.

 *The Druid of Shannara* by Terry Brooks

2nd in the Heritage of Shannara series.

The Elf Queen of Shannara

by Terry Brooks

3rd in the Heritage of Shannara.

*The Talismans of Shannara*

by Terry Brooks

Last of the Heritage of Shannara series.

The Black Unicorn by Terry Brooks 

This is actually the 2nd book in the Magic Kingdom of Landover series but I don’t own the rest. This series is an interesting collision between fantasy realm and modern world.

The Davinci Code by Dan Brown

Pure genius! Gripping, intense and eye-poppingly thought provoking.

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CLICK TO READ BACK COVER

Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

The Crush by Sandra Brown

The closest I will ever come to reading romance would be a novel like this where it plays a small role within a more palatable genre.

Farlander by Col Buchanan

First in the Heart of the World series. I've never heard of this author before but I really like his style!

The Ghost of Windy Hill

by Clyde Robert Bulla

Karen Keppelwwhite is the World’s Best Kisser by Eve Bunting

Liar by Jan Burke

The Secret Garden

by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Sometimes there's nothing quite like a true classic!

Tales From the Arabian Nights 

Edited by Richard F. Burton

I always liked the origin story of this compilation. Shahrizad is married to a tyrant who kills every wife he's taken on their respective wedding nights to ensure against being a cuckold. To avoid this fate,

she begins telling a story. Her husband listens, enthralled. One story is cleverly woven into another, ending on cliffhangers at daybreak, thus ensuring her life for another day.

Ghost Cat by Beverly Butler

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*Pants on Fire by Meg Cabot*

This book is decidedly NOT staying in my library. It came into my possession in a box

of donated books with no jacket. The

title intrigued me. But lying, boy-crazy teenage girls aren't my cup of tea.

The Monster's Room by Hope Campbell

Allegro Born...Alegro Dead 

by Barbara Corcroan

Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra

Pool Party by Linda Cargill

Mystery of the Witches' Bridge

by Barbee Oliver Carleton

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

& Through the Looking Glass

by Lewis Carroll

Where They Wait by Scott Carson

One of my Valentine gifts from my boyfriend because he's amazing :) A disturbing mix of science, ghosts and folklore that I didn't want to put down!

Divine by Choice by P.C. Cast

The Hot Zone by Jayne Castle

Cursed Be the Child by Mort Castle

Whisper Down the Lane

by Clay McLeod Chapman

Another gem from my boyfriend. :) This is an epic descent into paranoia and deja vu. A first and third person tale of current and former self. Poetic justice for the sins of an unknowing child? Can the ignorance and

willingness to please of innocence be classified as a sin? Holy hell!

The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer

Do-It-Yourself Magic by Ruth Chew

Chasing the Boogeyman

by Richard Chizmar

A gift from my boyfriend for Christmas 2023. Despite the author's note indicating that this is in fact a work of fiction, this is so compellingly written, I still did an online

search about these murders to see if they were actually real. Bravo!

Becoming the Boogeyman

by Richard Chizmar

Second book from my boyfriend for Christmas 2023. An equally fascinating sequel to Chasing the Boogeyman.

Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie

On the heels of horror and fantasy for favorite genre., I love a good mystery.

Whirlwind Alchemy by Douglas W. Clark

Alchemy, a sentient broom, wisecracks about the world of publishing and vague references to classic literature.  What happens when someone writes a story about you but they get it all wrong?

The Cinderella Murder 

by Mary Higgins Clark & Alafair Burke

The Cradle Will Fall by Mary Higgins Clark

Moonlight Becomes You 

by Mary Higgins Clark

Two Little Girls in Blue

by Mary Higgins Clark

Where are the Children?

by Mary Higgins Clark

Phone Calls From A Ghost by Daniel Cohen

Creepy stories, though it's speculative whether or not they're true so I didn't keep this or the next book with my true paranormal collection

Railway Ghosts and Highway Horrors

by Daniel Cohen

Deadly Embrace by Jackie Collins

The Silver Spike by Glen Cook

Outbreak by Robin Cook

The Kidnapping of Courtney Van Allen & What's-Her-Name by Joyce Cool

Incidentally I wonder if all copies of this book were misprinted...pages 65-80 are completely missing.  Then after page 112 the narrative begins to repeat from page 97.

The Cheerleader by Caroline B. Cooney

Driver's Ed by Caroline B. Cooney

Whatever Happened to Janie?

by Caroline B. Cooney

Allegro Born...Allegro Dead

by Barbara Corcoran

I accidentally grabbed this one out of order. Amusing throwback. 

Bruce Coville's Book of Monsters

by Bruce Coville

Coville is one of the writers from my youth whom I credit for inspiring my own short horror stories.

Bruce Coville's Book of Aliens

by Bruce Coville

Camp Haunted Hills, How I Survived My Summer Vacation by Bruce Coville

This was the very first of his works that I read.

The Dragonslayers by Bruce Coville

Jennifer Murdley's Toad by Bruce Coville

Coville's Magic Shop series planted the seed that would eventually grow into my Seven Spiders stories, a magic shop of a similar vein but the items are much more ghastly.

Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

by Bruce Coville

I Left My Sneakers In Dimension X

by Bruce Coville

My Teacher is an Alien by Bruce Coville

This may very well be the first science fiction book I ever read.

My Teacher Fried My Brains by Bruce Coville

My Teacher Glows in the Dark

by Bruce Coville

My Teacher Flunked the Planet

by Bruce Coville

Until the End by Harold Coyle

Two brothers on opposing sides during the civil war. I have a certain fascination for both the Civil War and WWII. Check out Jiggery Pokery for a fun fact.

The Andromeda Strain by Michael Crichton

Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Without this book we wouldn't have the iconic film that captivated millions. While a great story, this is one of the rare instances where I actually preferred the film. 

The Lost World by Michael Crichton

Prey by Michael Crichton

The Visitor by Jere Cunninham

Teacher's Pet by Richie Tankersley Cusick

The Deep by Nick Cutter

2nd of my Mother's Day gifts from my boyfriend. Cutter positively makes me cringe. In a good way! He's a twisted genius!

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The Troop by Nick Cutter

My boyfriend gave me this book as a birthday present and I highly recommend it! Such graphic descriptiveness, I found myself questioning whether Mr. Cutter is a closet sadist! Delightfully gruesome! Stephen King said this book

scared the hell out of him!

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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl

The Witches by Roald Dahl

Arrow Pointing Nowhere by Elizabeth Daly

The Inferno by Dante (Alighieri)

Nicely translated and annotated by John Ciardi. I used to wonder which circle of hell I might end up in.

Hair-Raising Tales retold by Corinne Denan

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The immortal classic! So few authors have withstood the test of time the way Dickens has. I appreciate his loftiness with words, as I too tend to tend to wax poetical.

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Great Exectations by Charles Dickens

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

I was enamored with this tale when my fifth grade music teacher showed the musical in class. Dodger was my favorite.

The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure

by Franklin W. Dixon

More childhood nostalgia. I think it was the tomboy in me that enjoyed following the Hardy boys but couldn't stomach Nancy Drew.

The Hardy Boys: The House on the Cliff

by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Yellow Feather Mystery by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Secret of Pirates' Hill

by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Outlaw's Silver

by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Skyfire Puzzle

by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Sky Blue Frame

by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: Cast of Criminals

by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Baseball Card Conspiracy by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys: The Mystery in the Old Mine by Franklin W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys Casefiles: Deathgame

by Frankln W. Dixon

The Hardy Boys Casefiles: Running on Empty

by Franklin W. Dixon

Strange Creatures of the Snow and Other Great Mysteries by Edward Dolan Jr.

The Suicide House by Charlie Donlea

Third book for Christmas 2023, this one from my daughter. Murder at a prep school, a teacher wrongfully accused, a secret society with a sinister game and multiple suspicious "suicides" by leaping in front of

a train. This has been a fantastic read!

Dive by Stacey Donovan

Triggerfish Twist by Tim Dorsey

A fun satirical take on everything that could possibly go wrong on your idealistic move to Florida. Serge is so witty and intelligent, you can't help but like him...even if he is a killer.

The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

The Possessed by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Cat in a Kiwi Con by Carole Nelson Douglas

Sherlock Holmes, The Complete Novels and Stories Vol. 1 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

I thoroughly enjoy logic in its purest form.

Sherlock Holmes, The Complete Novels and Stories Vol. II by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Summer of Fear by Lois Duncan

The Bookman's Wake by John Dunning

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Magic by the Lake by Edward Eager

The Island of the Day Before

by Umberto Eco

Drums Along the Mohawk

by Walter D. Edmonds

Child of Night by Anne Edwards

Silas Marner by George Eliot

Camp Fear by Carol Ellis

Sidewalk Indian by Mel Ellis

The House in the Snow by M. J. Engh

NIghtmare by S. K. Epperson

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Stage Fright by Erica Field

Charley's Web by Joy Fielding

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh

I first ran across this book in the middle school library when I was in 5th grade. The cover displayed is the one I own now, but the first copy I saw was the red jacket with the girl in pigtails sitting thoughtfully under a tree. I fell in love with the idea of

writing thoughts and observations down in a notebook labeled "Private" and it is a habit I continued for over two decades. Life circumstances would force me to abandon the practice and many of my later notebooks were destroyed, but I do retain the originals...except the one my sixth grade English teacher confiscated and never returned.

The Forever Children by Eric Flanders

Luck in the Shadows by Lynn Flewelling

The Ghost in the Noonday Sun 

by Sid Fleischman

The Whipping Boy by Sid Fleischman

Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes

Mr. Midshipman Hornblower

by C.S. Forester

Lieutenant Hornblower by C.S. Forester

Hornblower and the Hotspur

by C.S. Forester

The Hornblower Companion

by C.S. Forester

Night Sky by Clare Francis

*Beholding Bee*

by Kimberly Newton Fusco

My daughter requested I read this. Very heart-warming.

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*Hansel & Gretel by Neil Gaiman*

Curiosity at the library goaded me into picking this up because I like Gaiman’s work.

Damaged by Cathy Glass

This book broke my heart. It's infuriating what some people do to their own children! I commend foster parents who try and help!

Our Mother's House by Julian Gloag

Obviously I made a bit of a jump in the alphabet so naturally I am compelled to explain why. My daughter, dear child that she is, frets every Christmas about how she feels badly that everyone gives her presents but she doesn't have anything

to give in return. While she usually takes my suggestion to make gifts, she reached a point in her young life this past Christmas where she felt homemade gifts were not enough and very much wanted to be able to purchase gifts for her loved ones. Over this summer I helped run a vendor booth at a street fair and my daughter wished to buy me something for Christmas while we were there. Since she helped with the booth too, I gave her $10 and off she went, to peruse what others had for sale. She returned after spending her money and though she was very eager to give what she bought me right then and there, I adamantly told her, “Hide it away for Christmas.” She still insisted on giving me one thing right then because she was afraid they would get broken—three roses made of wood, one blue, one pink and one purple—but the rest I refused to let her show me. Fast-forward to December, I finally learn that she bought me four new books for my library (and an adorable painted sign with a ghost on it that says “BOO” which, along with the roses now adorns my desk.) My daughter knows my reading tastes more than I gave her credit for because they are all horror and macabre titles! I don’t know how long it would take me to get around to reading them if I just shelved them where they belonged and waited until I reached them alphabetically. They’re from my baby girl whom I love more than life; I want to read them NOW, not later so they immediately became next in line!

Deadly Gift by Heather Graham

The third book my daughter gave me for Christmas.

Ghost Walk by Heather Graham

Last of the books my daughter gave me for Christmas. This one was by far my favorite.

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The Old Willis Place 

by Mary Downing Hahn

A Christmas gift from my daughter in 2019. I hold a certain nostalgia for ghost stories written for middle graders and she knows this. :)

The Clique Summer Collection: Alicia

by Lisi Harrison

So this was randomly given to me, among other titles and let me tell you, books like this honestly depress me. Rich little snob who thinks nothing of expecting her parents to pay nearly 30k for a statue

she broke, then actually has the gall to be angry when this request is refused and she--heaven forbid--has to work to pay for it? What planet do you come from? How does this stuff make it into print? So "nawt hawt!" (Yes, that's how this chick spells stuff)

*The Boy Meets Girl Massacre *

by Ainslie Hogarth

My daughter recommended I read this book and I certainly didn’t regret it!

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Getting Even by Lisa Jackson

Mother's Day gift from my daughter 2023

The Loop by Jeremy Robert Johnson

A Valentine's Day gift from my boyfriend. I'm not sure where he's finding these but holy cow is he ever finding some doozies! This book has been described as "Stranger Things" meets "World War Z" and it's a VERY accurate description! Paced like a

roller coaster running out of control, this one kept me on the edge of my seat, wondering where and how it would end!

 

My Heart is a Chainsaw

by Stephen Graham Jones

2023 Mother's Day gift from my boyfriend. I was eager to read this, having read The Only Good Indians. Jade reminds me so much of myself when I was seventeen! What an amazing story!

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Don't Fear the Reaper

by Stephen Graham Jones

Sometimes I get gifts just cause. :) 

Super excited! This is a sequel to My Heart is a Chainsaw. Jade is such an amazingly-written character!

The Only Good Indians

by Stephen Graham Jones

A Christmas present (2020) from my boyfriend. Wow, this was excellent! The opening left me guessing what the heck was going on then it took a turn for the supernatural that I did NOT see coming!

Gritty and fast-paced, the shifting perspectives between the characters shed light on the events leading to an interesting conclusion. Very well done, this one!

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*Blue Exorcist Vol. 1 by Kazue Kato*

My daughter likes me to share her      manga interests and she asked me to  read this. Major props for Christopher  Marlowe references in a manga, and how appropriate!!! I’m very impressed and will definitely read the rest of the series at some point!

The Hunger by Alma Katsu

My boyfriend has done it again! Happy birthday 2022 to me! A supernatural take on the historical tragedy of the Donner party. Delicious! (Bad pun?)

Billy Summers by Stephen King

New acquisition for Christmas from my boyfriend and while not quite what I expected, Mr. King  has an inimitable way with words. This reads like a good action movie! Merry Christmas 2021!

Dolores Clairbore by Stephen King

Second of the books my daughter gave me for Christmas. Thank you, Mr. King, for giving us the term "ghost-turds." I deal with my fair share of them myself and this turn of phrase gave me quite the chuckle.

Misery by Stephen King

A random find my boyfriend gifted me, knowing I didn't yet have it. The film version does NOT do justice!

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The Shining by Stephen King

Was so excited when my boyfriend presented me with this book for Christmas! (2019) We are both avid horror fans and King is the master. I never had the opportunity to read this one before but have always heard it was one of his

masterpieces. Absolutely correct! Not only is it riveting, but there are some very curious changes that were made when the book made its transition from paper to film. I won't give spoilers! I'm going to suggest you read it if you haven't already!

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Doctor Sleep by Stephen King

The second part of my Christmas gift, the sequel to The Shining. We saw the film in theaters together and I was tickled pink to get the book. Extremely well done for a sequel set so long after the original. Read the book AND see the movie!

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*The Women in the Walls*

by Amy Lukavics

I needed something to read while waiting for a copy of The Druid of Shannara to ship to my local library (I’m ashamed to admit I don’t own the whole series *slaps own face* “Bad Erin! Bad!)  So I hijacked

this from the stack my daughter borrowed and I was not disappointed. This book is very disturbing.

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*Assassination Classroom* (Vol.  1-4) by Yusei Matsui 

I took my daughter to our public library and she turned me onto this manga series that she likes. She really wanted me to read them before they had to be returned so at her insistence I put down the book I was currently reading (something I don’t generally tend to do) and as she

finishes the next in this series she’s been passing them along to me. I like anime anyway (though I’ve never read much manga) and this series is deliciously original. Junior high students who have to try and kill their anything-but-ordinary teacher before the end of the school year or he will destroy the earth. Need I say more? I’ve read the first 4 over the past two days and we go back for more on Saturday. Wheeeee!

*Assassination Classroom* (Vol.  5-10) by Yusei Matsui 

My public library only has the first 10 volumes but there are 20 of them in Japan.  Volume 11 was just released in the U.S. earlier this month so I’ll get around to reading the rest of the series when it comes out in English.

My Darling Girl by Jennifer McMahon

Birthday gift 2023. Spectacular read with a chilling ending! ! My boyfriend finds the best books!

The Cousins by Karen M. McManus

A Mother's Day gift from my daughter appealing to my nostalgic love of middle-grade fiction. A fun read with some unexpected turns.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

A gift from my daughter for my birthday. This tale has such an unexpected and disturbing twist at the end, it should be a film by M. Night Shyamalan!

The Reunion by Guillaume Musso

My fourth Christmas book for 2023. This one also from my daughter. An intriguing thriller and has taken a direction I did not expect!

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When I Cast Your Shadow *

by Sarah Porter

Probably the most aptly titled book I have ever stumbled across. Highly engrossing.

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The Heresy of Dr. Dee by Phil Rickman

Fascinating historical fiction! I would be much interested in finding more of these.

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The Invention of Hugo Cabret

The Terror by Dan Simmons

I've said before that my boyfriend comes up with wonderful finds for me and this is no exception! A historical adventure blended with the paranormal into an incredible tale that I couldn't put away!

Wonderland by Zoje Stage

Just cause my boyfriend loves me :)

A complex web of terror is woven, preying on a host of fears and human emotions--moving far away from home; the unpredictability of nature and extreme weather; being trapped in a

situation you have no way of escaping; losing those you love; death and what lies beyond. Inject a high dose of the supernatural and you're scratching the surface of what lies in these pages. That it's practically set in my own back yard was an added delight!

Ghost Story by Peter Straub

Number 3 of Christmas books 2022! This one started off peculiar and just kept building!

Dark Water by Koji Suzuki

Second of my Christmas gifts. I'm not reading alphabetically so they're out of order numerically here. A nice collection of short stories from "Japan's Stephen King"

Rings by Koji Suzuki

The book that bred on heck of a creepy movie franchise! This is number four of my Christmas books.

Spiral by Koji Suzuki

Sequel to Rings and the last of my Christmas 2022 book gifts. I realize there is a third in the trilogy that I would love to get my hands on, as there's more in the book than the movies reveal.

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Harvest Home by Thomas Tryon

First of five books my boyfriend gifted me for Christmas this year. Set in an "idyllic" New England village where the natives cling to the old ways, defectors of their traditions "commit suicide", and you might get shot by moonshiners--if you

don't die of a heart attack from the moaning skeleton stuck in that ancient tree in the woods. The atmosphere of this place is downright spooky and the ending was ghastly!

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The Oracle of Dating by Allison VanDiepen

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Under the Lake by Stuart Woods

Second of the books my daughter got me for Mother's Day, 2023. Eerie and suspenseful! I can't help imagining lost places beneath the water whenever I go swimming, so this is right up my alley!

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Miscellaneous

BIOGRAPHIES

Diana Mosley by Jan Daley

MULTIPLE AUTHORS

Mythical Beasts: An Artist’s Field Guide to Designing Fantasy Creatures by 3DtotalPublishing

At First Bite

A Poison Apple Book by Ruth Ames

Her Evil Twin

A Poison Apple Book by Mimi McCoy

The Ghoul Next Door

A Poison Apple Book by Suzanne Nelson

Midnight Howl

A Poison Apple Book by Clare Hutton

Miss Fortune

A Poison Apple Book by Brandi Dougherty

Now You See Me...

A Poison Apple Book by Jane B. Mason & Sarah Hines

This Totally Bites

A Poison Apple Book by Ruth Ames

I decided to jump to the end of my collection for a change of pace.

COMICS

Family Circus: Wanna be Smiled At?

by Bill Keane

Dennis the Menace: To the Core

by Hank Ketcham

Grimmy: Top Dog by Mike Peters

Peanuts: Here Comes Snoopy

by Chuck Schultz

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