When I tell people I was born and raised in Salem, Massachusetts, the first things they ask is; “Did they really hang witches?” and “Were you scared growing up there?”  The people they hung were actually not witches at all, just the victims of lies and hysteria, so I was never afraid growing up there.

Salem also has a wonderful maritime history and many famous writers. The town does revisit its storied history every October. On Halloween, dressed in our costumes and holding our trick or treat bags, us children would start out cutting through one of the cemeteries.  I don’t believe I would ever have the nerve to do that today!

October is, of course, the perfect time to read spooky novels! Often people will read or share them at *Halloween parties. I have listed a few favorites here you might find to your liking.

“Raven Black” by Ann Cleeves

It's a cold January morning and Shetland lies beneath a deep layer of snow.  Trudging home, Fran Hunter's eye is drawn to a splash of color on the frozen ground.  It is the strangled body of her teenage neighbor Catherine Ross.  For the first time in years Catherine's neighbors nervously lock their doors, while a killer lives among them.

“Twenty Years Later” by Charlie Donlea 

Accused of a brutal murder Victoria Ford made a final chilling call from the North Tower on the morning of 9/11.  Twenty years ago no one listened.  Emma Kind has waited twenty years to put her sister to rest but closure won't be completed until she can clear Victoria's name.

“Massacre Pond” by Paul Doiron 

The beauty and magnificence of the Maine woods is the setting for a story of suspense and violence, where one powerful woman's missionary zeal came face to face with northern cruelty.

“The Home at the End of the World” by Dean Koontz 

Katie lives alone  in a fortress stone house on Jacobs Ladder Island. She soon finds herself in an epic and terrifying battle with a mysterious enemy.

“Something to Hide” by Elizabeth George 

When a police detective is taken off life support after falling into a coma, only an autopsy reveals the murderous act that precipitated her death.

Happy reading mystery lovers!

*Don’t forget, the annual Halloween Parade leaves from Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Hope you can join us!