#paperback books

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Great “splatterpunk” paperbacks from the 1980s. They don’t make ’em like this anymore!

Horror paperbacks published by Fawcett in the 1970s and ’80s. Gorgeous covers that you just don’t see anymore!

A random assortment of vintage horror paperbacks from the 1970s and ’80s—they don’t make ’em like this anymore!

Horror paperbacks published by Tor Books in the 1980s. They don’t make ’em like this anymore!

Horror paperbacks published by Leisure Books in the 1980s. They don’t make ’em like this anymore!

Ruby Jean Jensen horror paperbacks from the 1980s, published by Zebra Books. They don’t make ’em like this anymore!

Early 1990s horror paperbacks published by Dell/Abyss. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!

J.N. Williamson horror paperbacks from the 1980s. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!

William W. Johnstone horror paperbacks from the 1980s, published by Zebra Books. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!

Historical epic fantasy novel from early 1980s, said to be a precursor to Game of Thrones, by late cult author John M. Ford

 Trick or Treat does a lot of things well. I enjoyed the way that Cucsick created a creepy atmospher

Trick or Treat does a lot of things well. I enjoyed the way that Cucsick created a creepy atmosphere and played with the idea of houses holding on to trauma. There was a sense of foreboding from the first page that only built as the story went on. That is exactly the sort of thing I look for in these books. The main character Martha was annoying but in a very believable way. I could see where it would be too much for some people, but I like that she got called out on it and showed growth throughout the book. I didn’t see the exact twist at the end coming, but I knew a twist was coming. Cusick does a good job at muddying the waters but I think I’m starting to pick up on her tells. In other words, when someone seems like an obvious suspect, it’s probably not them. The biggest issue I had with this book involves a different character whom I will not name for spoiler reasons. You’ve gotta go to my blog and read my whole post for that. To put it vaguely; I wasn’t sold on this particular character’s motivations. It’s par for the course in these books that we find some pretty dated depictions of mental health. This one was far from the worst but still cringy in that respect. There were a lot of parallels here to Cusick’s book The Locker, which is less popular but far superior in my humble opinion. So if you liked Trick or Treat, go check that one out. Overall, this was an imperfect but still fun Halloween read.

Score:3.5

For my full, deep-dive, snark-filled recap with memes, gifs, and all the spoilers, check it out over on my website blog Fits of Nostalgia!


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