October Dark review

Here's a review of the new Halloween title forthcoming from Earthling Publications. It's the fifth title in their Halloween series and each one has been a winner. It's terrific. Pre-order it so you don't miss out. www.earthlingpub.com

OCTOBER DARK, David Herter, Earthling Publications, $50, 560 pages, ISBN: 9780979505478, reviewed by Barry Hunter.

Spectacular! Brilliant! Fan-freakin-tastic! These are the first words that come to mind with this book. Brilliantly researched and knowledgeable. It seems like he has memorized every issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland and the creators of the fantastic in film. Not to even mention his knowledge of Lovecraft and others. Oh yeah, he has some fantastic characters as well. I can’t remember ever reading something so enjoyable and memory touching, I don’t think I have ever called a book a masterpiece before, but this one might just deserve that designation. My review might not be enough to give it that status, but I’m sure you will add to the agreement when you read this book.

Halloween 1977 is approaching and so too is the “secret history of cinema”. Henri Mordaunt, a magician from the 1700s is out to bring back his Rosamunde. He has tried before in 1931 with the help of Willis O’Brien and his two assistants, Tom and Les.

Les Deerton, who worked with O’Brien and many others in stop motion animation has two visitors, Katie and Will (who wants to follow in Deerton’s footsteps), who seek his aid in stopping the return of Mordaunt and the rebirth of Rosamunde.

In 1897, Mordaunt gave a magic show which went tragically wrong and caused the death of 287 people in Grenton – a town of ruined canals and a secret hiding in them. Katie and Will discover some of the history as he works on his model and movie making and seeing STAR WARS every chance he gets.

Herter is a new name to me and may be to you as well, but I don’t think he will remain a stranger for long. Even though the book is a bit longer, there is plenty of action and information to keep you involved. This is the latest addition to the Halloween series of books from Earthling and I have not been disappointed in any of the offerings.