Greetings Humans. Trust you all had a prosperous week and are enjoying a comfortable weekend. As I’m sure you’ve noticed just from the tone of voice, it’s not the little, annoying kitten talking to you today. Stinkie here. Your reluctant host for Fraterfest Read-a-thon 2020. Elza has been in hiding for the past 3 days as she is scared of horror and scary stories. It’s impossible to deny her anything, therefore I need to play host for todays post and all the Fraterfest updates.
This might only be in your favor as I don’t have time for all that chitter-chat. Our week was good. How was yours?
Are you taking part in The Fraterfest Read-a-thon? Not much interested in your progress, but Elza and our mother will be aghast if I don’t at least ask. How’s it going?
Scratching the Blog Pole
You will notice that Elza has been in charge of all the posts. If you haven’t read all her chitchat yet and have time for that sort of thing, simply click on the image that finds your favor. Direct links are added.
A ridiculous Top Ten Tuesday Post. But they loved it.
Our sign-up post and updates.
Featuring our First Fraterfest read and a certain well-known spider.
At least the current read-a-thon is helping this on a bit.
On the couch
Yes, that is exactly where I would like to be. As soon as I can get Mother there as well, Elza might return from hiding and I can go roaming the neighborhood. That is my actual job, you know. Not this bantering.
Currently Reading
We’ve already finished two books for the read-a-thon (Yes, Master Greg. The vintage covers where chosen just for you)
A few Librivox recordings are on the cards for this afternoon –
If it’s still light outside, we might start with –
As soon as the sun sets, Elza starts jumping at every little thing that goes bump in the night. Most of the time, she’s the little thing that goes bump and her own shadow scares her. You might have guessed that she’s also responsible for the post header. Apparently the skull all by itself, is way to scary. Therefore, we need some help.
Any suggestions for scary stories that are a bit more on the lighter side? Humorous ghosts or cozy mysteries featuring Halloween characters? You know – ghosts, zombies, vampires, dogs. Those type of things.
Oh and Stephen King. Any suggestions for a great novella or a book shorter than 300 pages by the King of scary doorstops?
I believe I’ve wasted enough of my roaming time and your precious time now. I’m sure Mother and Elza will be pleased with my cordial manners.
I understand there are link-ups that need to be added. Do as you must.
Regards,
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Thank you Andy, that is such a lovely compliment.
I am currently watching the Netflix series for The Haunting of Hill House. I remember I liked the movie a while back and everyone is going on and on about this series, so I started it, and love it! Hmm, shorter Stephen King stories. Maybe Apt Pupil? Some short stories I loved in his Night Shift collection are Lawnmower Man, The Mangler, Sometimes They Come Back, oh and Trucks! The Skeleton Crew has some good ones. I can't remember what book, but there was one called The Long Walk I think that I really liked. Hope you're doing well!
Lisa Loves Literature
Thanks Lisa! Some great recommendations here! I can't believe the year is almost done and I still haven't read a Stephen King. Will have to make a plan…
Bird Box is great and the sequel is good too. All the Stephen King books I’ve got are like doorstops except the. Colorado Kid!
Have a good week!
Heather is back!! Yea!!!! I hope to get to Birdbox soon. Maybe, just maybe still this week. But then my hubby must just be back. Or Stinkie will have to read it alone. There's only time for reading at night at this stage. Damn. Thought I'd ace this read-a-thon.
Ooo, Bird Box. I want to try that one for the season. Happy reading with kitty.
I didn't start with it yet!! Think it might land back on the TBR shelf as I'm very far behind on my readathon. But I will get to it!!
Really still want to read it. Kitty is roaming all the time as we finally have spring in SA!
Stinkie made me laugh! I'm curious to see what you think of The Haunting of Hill House. In terms of a King novella maybe try The Good Marriage? It's a little more straight forward thriller then horror but it's definitely unsettling – and won't break your foot if you drop the book on it!
Hi Katherine! I've read about The Good Marriage and yes – that is one that I would definitely read. Think it will have to go on the TBR shelf, as my read-a-thon is not going as well as planned. Work's been hectic this week, so no time for reading.
Glad Stinkie brought a smile to your face!
I do enjoy a scary book now and again and I agree, you cannot do a spooky read-a-thon without Mr. King!!
Hopefully I can join the read-a-thon next year. Hope you have a lovely week ahead, Stay Safe! x
Hi there Chloe! You are my favorite perfume!! LOL! I don't think I'm going to get to the King this year. I'm about 2 days behind my read-a-thon as it is… Life is what happens while we have other plans you know.
Thanks for visiting us and you must also take care of yourself!
always so much fun to visit and thanks for the smiles with my coffee
sherry @ fundinmental
Thank you Sherry! We love to have you!! Stinkie might not be the most talkative, but he still loves attention. As most cats actually do.
Have a wonderful week Sherry!
Great books you've read. Happy Monday.
Thanks! At this stage they are all on a whim. I'll plan a bit better next year.
You might enjoy Darynda Jones Charlie Davidson series or Molly Harper’s Jane Jameson series or MaryJanjce Davidson’s Undead series, they are all lots of fun.
As for Stephen King Four Past Midnight is a collection of 4 novellas
Wishing you a great reading week
Hi Shelley! I saw four past midnight and if I still have time left before Saturday, I will try to get it!
Thanks for the recommendations. I am quickly going to have a look.
Hurray for Fraterfest! It looks like you're reading some really fun books. I remember loving The Monkey's Paw when I read it years ago!
Hi Tracy! I won't call them all fun but the idea of getting a few chills and thrills are fun!
The Monkeys Paw does remain one heck of a weird story.
Ooh Stinkie is in the house this week! 🙂 Hope Elza isn't doing too bad though with all the scariness. Go easy on her. 🙂
"don't have time for all that chitter-chat" lol
I love the vintage covers!!!!! Well done, Stinkie. I approve 🙂
Thank Mr Greg. You almost bring a smile to my face.
I read The Haunting of Hill House last year and I'm thinking of reading another Shirley Jackson before Halloween … hmm perhaps We Have Always Lived in a Castle … Enjoy your scary reads.
We have always lived in the castle was really good! A part of me enjoyed it more than The Haunting of Hill House.
I will do an update on the Haunting of Hill House on Wednesday. Hop by!
Ha ha Stinkie, great post. I'm with Elza though. I don't read horror. There's enough of that every time I turn on the news.
Such horrors in the news yes!! I don't mind horrors and especially not thrillers. Not my favorite genre, but it is fun this time of the year!
I didn't join Fraterfest, but hopefully I will be part of it next year. 🙂 I really want to read The Haunting of Hill House.
Happy readings!
Tânia @MyLovelySecret
Hi there Tania! It's my first time joining and time is a bit of an issue, but I still enjoy taking part!
Thanks for stopping by.
I relate to poor scaredy Elza. I remember we did The Monkey's Paw in English class at school, I can't remember the story but I can remember the nightmares it gave me.
Oh my goodness me!! You did it in English Class at SCHOOL?? Good grief, did they WANT to torment you? It really is a great, great short story. But gosh, it's a bit eerie…..
Next year I want to join Fraterfest. I need to make time for that. I haven't read Stephen King in a long time, but anything by him is always good. Hope you all have a great week!
Hi Yvonne, I've decided on the spur of the moment to join up. That's why I'm rather unprepared for this!
But still enjoying it.
Have a good week!
Black Tom by Victor Lavalle is a nice and spooky novella. Maybe you would like that! I haven't read much Stephen King but maybe one of his novella's would be good since it's short!
I hope you find some lighter side things to read!
Hi Heather! I just had a look at Black Tom and yes! That can work perfectly. I will see if I can get hold of it.
Thanks so much for sharing it and for visiting us.
You know, I immediately thought of Greg when I saw that Alfred Hitchcock book. The Monkey's Paw cover is quite unsettling. Good luck with Fraterfest!
Hi Samantha! I've told Greg he needs to change his blog template to something vintage. We ALL associate him with the vintage covers!
The Monkey's Paw is quite unsettling. Period.
If you look around, you'll find me in the corner with Elza. My birthday is the day after Halloween, so I've always loved the magical, be-whoever-you-want-to-be part of that day, but scary stuff? Nooooo thank you.
Though I could probably handle Alfred Hitchcock-ish sorts of things. I can't follow mysteries, though; it probably has something to do with my complete lack of a mathematical brain. I wish I knew of some humorous ghost stories. I'd love to know what Elza might think of Cher Ami and Major Whittlesey, though I suspect she might be jealous of a pigeon who tells her own war tales.
Hope you enjoy this spooky time of the year.
Hi Deb, your message made my smile now. I am so glad to hear that Elza can bring someone so far away from us such joy. You are welcome to cuddle her there in your corner.
I love mysteries! It's my ultimate go to. Agatha Christie is my first go-to. You will most probably see a Christie for this read-a-thon as well.
I would also like to know what Elza will think of Cher Ami. She did catch a small dove once, but it was bigger than her and as she came strolling in with it – it escaped and my husband safely got it out of house. Never happened again. I do believe Stinkie trains her well. He never brings any of his kills in and I know he has to hunt. You don't get to be that size from Whiskers and Royal Canin twice a day only…
I do enjoy Elza's bantering.
The cover of The Secret of Skeleton Island reminds me of the old Hardy Boys books I used to read.
Enjoy your week, and thanks for visiting my blog.
Aaaaaah, thank you Laurel-Rain! I'm sure Elza is going to appreciate that message so much. Yes! Skeleton Island does have a very similar look to The Hardy Boys.
Hope you will have a good week and thanks for always returning the favor.
Oh, I'm with Elza – I hate scary as I tend towards nightmares and bad dreams… Glad you are enjoying Halloween, though! Have a lovely week, Mareli:))
Hi Sarah! We don't celebrate Halloween at all. Most South Africans don't. I just liked the idea of the readathon and it's fun to read a few scary stories for a change again.
Will keep you guys updated and make sure Elza stays well under-cover.
Interesting how I could think of so many fun Halloween reads until you asked for them. Thank you, brain. Have a great week!
Hi Mary! I understand that exactly. Happens to me all the time….
For humorous ghosts I would think of the Topper series on 1950s TV, starring Leo G. Carroll and based on a book series or movie from the 1930s. I like your classic selection of ghost stories.
be well… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi there Mae! You are my absolute hero today! This is EXACTLY what I am looking for! I got a copy on Kindle for only $1. Sure I'm going to start enjoying it tonight.
Thanks for stopping by our blog, please do so again and bring some more advice and ideas!
This post was so fun to read! I confess I am a LOT like Elza in that I don't like to read scary books. I am thinking about reading "Coraline", though, after the last Top Ten Tuesday I participated in. The quote passed around from that really got to me.
Hope you have a good week!
Hi there! I have Coraline on my Audible credits, didn't get to it yet. Maybe I should try it as well this week.
Glad you enjoyed our post. Always nice to have you around!
Elevation by Stephen King is a short read and is not your usual horror book. So it might suit you better. Stay safe!
Thanks Gayathri! I am going to have a look at it. You can't do a scary readathon without the King.
I have read and loved The Haunting of Hill House and We Have Always Lived in the Castle. I'm currently reading Jackson's The Birds Nest and it's very interesting. I always enjoy reading about multiple personalities.
Have a great week!
Hi Lynn, I've also enjoyed We have always lived in the castle. Not sure if "enjoy" is an apt description though. Excellent writing!
I studies psychology and we had to do a "case study" of The three faces of Eve for an essay. Ever since then, multiple personality disorder intrigued me tremendously.
YAY for the vintage covers for Greg 🙂
I hope you'll have a wonderful week, Mareli. Stay safe and healthy 🙂
Thank you Linda! I just love being part of a community where we can all chat so freely and "know" each other. Yea for blogging! Now we must just find a way to take over the world…
I feel the same way! One of my favorite things about book blogging is how we all kind of know each other and can reference each other from time to time… 🙂
Would you have thought that you would be part of a "virtual" community 20 year ago? Stranger times we find ourselves in.