It’s Halloween. I’ve been petrified of Halloween ever since a primary school teacher taught us Black and Gold by Nancy Byrd Turner when I was 7. The poem isn’t scary but the way she recited it gave me chills. Thank you, Mrs Kirkman.
You do need to get into the spirit of Halloween and the best way to do that is with a ghost story. Something slow burning and blood chilling.
I recommend The Woman In Black by Susan Hill. There’s a naive young man, a spooky old house, swirling mists and a woman dressed in black.
I’ve known the story for 20 years and it still gives me the creeps. It’s been filmed with Daniel Radcliffe in the lead, which is not bad. If you get the chance though, see the stage play. My one word of advice is to go with someone who won’t mind you jumping on to their lap half way through.
photo credit: Steinar Engeland