We’re already seeing fall and Halloween decor on the shelves at Target and I admit, I’m all for it!
I can’t wait to be in jeans and flannels sipping on pumpkin-spiced coffee because, well, I’m not ashamed to admit I’m basic like that.
You can read any of these short stories at any time of the year, but since my love of gothic horror and folklore tend to read better during chilly weather and longer nights, I save the spookier ones for fall.
One of my favorite things to do in the fall is to reread the Harry Potter books >>>> This link will take you to a NEW special edition Harry Potter box set that is now on SALE.
However, since it’s difficult to finish an entire series as a mom, let alone one book, my recommendations below can be read quickly and are still oh-so-captivating. A fellow Harry Potter fan suggested I try the audiobooks, so that’s something I want to try this year so I can still get my Harry Potter fix in.
The suggestions below are mostly whimsical, twisted tales. Some are darker than others.
My first recommendation by Madeline Miller is based on a tale from Greek mythology and true to its form, it’s tragic and cruel, versus spooky but it was so good I needed to add it to this list.
For the mommas who are trying to get in 20 mins of reading time between naps, this is the post for you. I mention my favorite short story from each book, but you’ll definitely find it hard to choose just one out of these haunting selections.
- Galatea by Madeline Miller
Set in Ancient Greece, a skilled marble sculptor catches the eye of a goddess who blesses one of his masterpieces with the gift of life. The sculptor makes her his wife and expects her to be obedient. This one may take a bit longer to read than the others, but when you must put it down, you’ll have something to look forward to once the kids go to bed. Miller’s retelling of the story of Pygmalion from Greek Myth is from the statue’s perspective, Galatea. Only 20 pages long, you’ll fall in love with the main character but as with any greek mythology and Miller’s other retellings, it’s brutal and tragic.
As I’m writing this, I’m reminded of how compelling the story is. I’ll definitely be rereading it again soon.
2. The Halcyon Fairy Book by T. Kingfisher (that includes Toad Words and Other Stories)
This choice is actually more light-hearted, but many fairy tales are wrapped in lessons with not-so-happy endings. Although this is not one of my favorites by T. Kingfisher, it’s an easy book to pick up and read a fairy tale or two and then put down. The first two-thirds of the book is a collection of fairy tales annotated by the author. While her commentary is cute at first, I found myself skipping what she was describing and just reading the fairy tale. There were a lot of fairy tales in this I’d never even heard of before, so that did make the purchase worthwhile.
The last third of the book (Toad Words and Other Stories) is a collection of her original work, a retelling of fairy tales. Don’t buy Toad Words and Other Stories, buy The Halcyon Fairy Book, which includes the former.
3. The Great God Pan and Other Horror Stories by Arthur Machen
The White People
It’s slow at first because of the heavy dialogue, but I promise it won’t disappoint if you’re into weird, thought-provoking tales. This particular short story still haunts me, and I think the main reason is, that it involves a little girl. I was left confused, sad, and creeped out. I came across The White People through reading The Twisted Ones by T. Kingfisher, which took Machen’s story and adapted it into a well…. twisted, horror novel. If The White People leave you wanting more, I HIGHLY recommend reading The Twisted Ones.
4. The Fiends in the Furrows: An Anthology of Folk Horror
The Way of the Mother
This story by Stephanie Ellis was unsettling. It reminded me of M. Nightshamalyn’s movie, The Village. However, this tale tells of a town that pays its debt in blood to keep the modern world at bay. This one is pretty gruesome, but the ritual is written in a way that is fascinating and heartbreaking.
5. Ancient Sorceries and Other Weird Stories by Algernon Blackwood
The Willows
This definitely left its mark on my psyche. Two campers get lost and almost immediately begin to experience odd occurrences. Blackwood’s storytelling creates a world of awe but also terror. It’s written with beautiful personification, which paints the picture of a mystical backdrop for the story. The author, T. Kingfisher, also did an adaptation of this story titled The Hollow Places. Although The Hollow Places pales in comparison to Blackwood’s The Willows, it’s still an interesting take on the story.
6. The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter
The Erl-King
This one is an adaptation of the poem by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Erlkönig. If you’ve read any folklore, then you know fairies aren’t sweet little pixies who look after your well-being. They’re actually cruel and vicious. The Erl-King or Fairy King is no exception. The Bloody Chamber is a collection of short stories based on fairytales. Angela Carter takes fairytales where generally the females are portrayed as helpless, and instead tosses strong female protagonists into the mix.
7. Jackalope Wives And Other Stories by T. Kingfisher
Jackalope Wives
This was the first work of T. Kingfisher’s that I read and after reading Jackalope Wives, I craved more. I wasn’t aware of the story of the swan maiden before reading this, but it’s a take on that. It’s mystical and otherworldly and seeping with legend and folklore. My cup of tea.
What are some of your favorite short stories? I’m always looking for something new to read! Please share below!