The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury

This short novel is a perennial favorite. Bradbury's stories simply bleed Halloween. The Halloween Tree is no different.

The characters' adventure is a trippy and surreal exploration of the history of Halloween. Even as the reader comes to terms with each new destination and the underlying thematic meaning, we are quickly transported—via autumn leaves, kites, and brisk winds—to our next stop, each leading us deeper into the historical context.

This short novel is also perfectly designed for clown defense, as the spine is thin yet hefty enough to provide sturdy impact with a clown's throat. A sure show-stopper.

Night in the Lonesome October by Richard Laymon

Although this is not strictly a Halloween novel, there is an undeniably autumnal atmosphere that pervades every page.

After his girlfriend dumps him, Ed takes to "night roaming" along the streets of his college town. It turns out this place has a fair-share of weirdos that lurk around the darkened corridors of alleyways and porches.

It's too bad Ed didn't have a copy of his own Halloween favorite with which to defend himself. Luckily, you will. The paperback copy of Night in the Lonesome October works best as a distraction technique against your red-nosed attacker. It's a well-known fact that clowns are suckers for magic tricks. Show him there's nothing up your sleeves and then pelt the buffoon in the face with the book. Follow up with a swift kick to the nuts, grab your paperback, and head for the nearest safe haven.

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

We are indeed back to our good friend Ray Bradbury. In my estimation, Something Wicked This Way Comes is an essential read for October. From the title to the last line, autumn and Halloween are proudly represented. In many ways, Bradbury's Green Town inspired my own small town of Moon Hill. As Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show arrives in Green Town, an elusive dark magic comes with it. This magic, the type of young children showcased, October, and Halloween, combine to make the same magic I conjured for Greetings from Moon Hill, my new collection of horror stories.

Just as the autumnal-based characters in this novel face dark foes, and the creatures of my own stories wreak havoc, we have clowns to contend with in the real world. Of course, there's nothing to worry about, because deep in your trick-or-treat bag this Halloween, you'll no doubt have a copy of Something Wicked This Way Comes. As you see polka dots and bright red hair approach, fish the novel out from your bag. As oversized shoes scrape pavement, fling the novel at their feet. Those enormous clown shoes will no doubt catch on the book and cause the clown to somersault head over heels. When you're done laughing, be sure to find shelter.

Trick 'r Treat: Days of the Dead by Michael Dougherty

One of my favorite Halloween movies, and one I watch every year without fail, is Trick 'r Treat. It comes as no surprise then that one of my favorite things to read this time of year is Michael Dougherty's graphic novel, a collection of four separate stories tied together by Halloween and little Sam (the manifestation of Samhain).

Given the relative thinness of this graphic novel, when the blue-haired demon clown attacks you, your best defense will be numerous and unrelenting paper cuts. Slash and slice at his face until it turns from white to red. Go for the eyes if you have the guts. Then, for good measure, throw the saltiest treat you have from your treat bag. A dirty trick for sure, but one has no sympathy for killer clowns.

Any Stories by Edgar Allan Poe

Truth be told, I read Poe all year long. I love his work, and in more than one way his gothic sensibilities have affected my own writing. More so than any other time of year, October simply screams for a few Poe tales."The Cask of Amontillado," "The Tell-Tale Heart," and yes, even his immortal poem "The Raven." Choose a few of your favorites and have at it.

And of course I can't ignore the eBook readers when we discuss clown defense. Perhaps you have the collected works of Poe on your Kindle or iPad. These molded rectangles of plastic are perfect for a few whacks across the face and one last wallop over the head.When you see whipped cream squirt from their ears, you know you have triumphed.

If you follow this list of essential Halloween reads, you can be sure that you'll have a wonderfully creepy Halloween while simultaneously protecting yourself against the red-nosed wanderers. Those silly clowns won't know what hit them.