The October Society concludes in this trilogy of spooky campfire tales (are there any other kinds of spooky tales?) told by mysterious children. All the books in this series are styled after a television show, complete with commercial interruptions. Each child tells a scary story to the others. In the first two, the purpose behind this October gathering was kept from the reader. Instead, the reader is treated to criticisms and observations about the tellers. All is revealed in this, the last entry of the trilogy.
The first book received high marks from me, mostly due to the stories and the intertwining vignettes with the children. This all came together in a true eerie fashion. The second offering suffered the fate of most “middles.” The stories weren’t as inspired this time around, and what was happening to the children—their leader goes missing—was the best part of the collection. Unfortunately, it’s only a small portion of the book, and worse, it ends on a cliffhanger. Onward to book three.
Book three starts where book two ends, resolving the cliffhanger but not answering all its questions. The stories and interstitials guide the narrative to slowly unveil what is happening to the October Society. The scenes between the stories are, as in the second book, more intriguing than the stories the children tell. Again, the stories the children tell are a large portion of the book; therefore, they must be fascinating, no matter how interesting the main narrative.
The stories are improved in this go-around. The originals in the first book were best, but some thrillers are presented in this third go-around. “The Boardwalk Banshee,” “Their Hungry Stare,” and “The Boy that Dared the Dark” are the highlights, for certain. Ironically, one segment is the start of a scary tale told by the most unlikely member of all. This brief, unfinished vignette was perhaps my favorite of the book.
October Society 3 focuses more on origins, characters, and our fascination with the dark and the light. True to movie form, the book brings everything to a cinematic conclusion. Less horror, more thrilling, but engaging nevertheless. Christopher Robertson has landed the plane successfully, and deserves the cheers from his passengers.
Overall, the book is recommended. As for the series, read one or all three, don’t stop at October Society Two. Even if, like me, you aren’t thrilled with the middle offering, consider it a part one to the third book.
The trilogy is more of a Halloween treat than a trick.