"All Hallows" Book Review

Picking up a Christopher Golden book means making sure the schedule is cleared of all other obligations: binge reading is inevitable. From fast-paced thrillers to gory horror, Golden knows how to entertain and All Hallows is no exception. This book has the ‘80s, creepy kids, a haunted forest attraction, and neighbors up to no good. In other words, a hell of a good time.

One of the most captivating parts of this book is the structure. Readers will find each chapter is told from the POV of a rotating cast of characters. This can be a little dicey in some books, but Golden traverses this style with grace; it adds depth and interest to be able to live in the heads of so many different people – even the despicable ones. Switching it up also allows the book’s pace to fly – this all takes place on one night and in several locations. The characters are diverse in age, sexuality, and motivations, which only adds to the intrigue.

This isn’t just a tale of trick-or-treating gone wrong or terrible neighbors. All Hallows also has elements of folk and small-town horror, and it works great with the ‘80s setting. The forest is dark and what lies in wait is truly creepy. There are no cell phones to warn everyone of what’s happening. Everyone is watching everyone in this small town and this ratchets up the intensity already being brought in other parts of the story.

Recommended for readers who dig fast-paced writing, folk horror, small-town vibes, and more. Horror lovers keep Halloween in their hearts all year round, and All Hallows is just the thing to feed the soul. Oh – and watch out for The Cunning Man.