This is the second in a series of five anthologies that will be released next month, in time for Halloween.
Like the first volume it contains 5 short stories which are perfect for Halloween reading or any time of year when you'd like to enjoy a little bite of horror and dark fiction. My absolute favorites were the first 3. Not that the others weren't good but I have previously read all of Al Sarrantonio's Orangefield books (so should you!) and this one is just not dearest in my heart.
The Ghostmaker by Del James was just not my type.

Living in a small town where local legends abound (I live in the same town as the real Conjuring house) my favorite story had to be MR. DARK’S CARNIVAL by Glen Hirshberg in which everyone has heard of the infamous carnival that is rumored to appear only on Halloween but none of them has ever attended. Stories about it abound, but there are no first hand accounts of what really goes on there. Perhaps it is just a myth and doesn't really exist. This year Professor David Roemer is about to find out.
THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF MY SISTER by Lee Thomas was more of a psychological/mystery/suspense
Something horrible has happened to David's estranged sister. We don't know what, only that he is called to rush to the hospital, where slowly we learn how events from childhood led to the suffering of today.
MISCHIEF NIGHT by Holly Newstein When a man in an alcoholic stupor goes to investigate a noise in his basement what could possibly go wrong?
A solid 5 stars to each of those 3 stories and highly recommended for all fans of dark fiction.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL VOLUME 2 is the second of five anthologies from Random House/Hydra and editor Brian James Freeman due out the second week of October 2017. And like I expected, it's more than satisfying and just a bit chilling.

This volume has two novella length stories by the incredibly lyrical Glen Hirschberg and the king of Halloween Al Sarrantonio. Either story on it's own would be reason enough to buy and read this edition, but together - it's a no brainer. Both MR. DARK'S CARNIVAL and THE PUMPKIN BOY are worth reading every Halloween.

Lee Thomas's THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF MY SISTER was a well intentioned horrifying read that I never want to read again. I hope people learn from it.

MISCHIEF NIGHT was just sad. Not really a horror story, it felt out of place in this collection. It was quite dark however.

THE GHOST MAKER was also dark fiction. Enjoyable, and while I liked it, it didn't seem to belong here. A good story all the same.

This is a must read if you're at all into thrills and chills. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to the whole series today.

I received my copy from the publisher.

Halloween is coming and it times to get in the mood. I love a good scary or creepy story. This book has 4 of them. They were more on the creepy side then scary but I as happy with the book. This is the 2nd book in a series. I am not real sure how many books are in the series. I do have have books 2 through 5 so far. Each story in this book is written by a different person. The writers all have their own style of writing and you can that through this book. I enjoyed all 4 stories. If I had to pick a favorite it would be the one by Lee Thomas. It is named The Facts in the Case of My Sister. My choice is not to say that their was anything wrong with the others I just liked it better. This is a short book and a quick read, but well worth it.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

Review: HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL VOLUME 2
Ed. By Brian James Freeman

Want a series that deftly combines brand-new work with reprints from established authors? Check out the HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL series, capably edited by author Brian James Freeman, from the publisher who gave us THE HORROR LIBRARY Series. Volume 2 brings two of the scariest stories ever for me: Alibris Sarrantonio' s classic PUMPKIN BOY, and Glen Hirschberg' s MR. DARK' S CARNIVAL. (So glad I read in daylight!) These two and three more stories will find their slot in your imagination, and the memories will linger on.

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Put that together with one of my favorite pastimes - reading - and I'm in heaven.

Throughout the month of October 2017, Random House is releasing a series of five Halloween short story anthologies. One will come out each week. The stories are subtle horror....the sort that sneaks up then creeps the bejeezus out of you. That's my favorite type of horror tale. I'm not much into the slasher, blood-spurting, gore fest sort. I prefer the more slow building, atmospheric, creepy kind. This series of short stories has put me in the mood for Halloween this year!

Halloween Carnival Volume 2 contains 5 stories:

Mr. Dark's Carnival by Glen Hirshberg. A college professor in Montana asks for primary source proof of Mr. Dark's Carnival - a horrific spectacle that appears only on Halloween. Ask and you shall receive, Professor Roemer! I loved this story from start to shocking finish! Excellent pace and suspense. Just creepy fun to read! This one is my favorite from this anthology.

The Facts in the Case of My Sister - Lee Thomas. A young boy hypnotizes his sister to protect her from her fear of monsters....with disastrous consequences. Sometimes believing in monsters is a good thing. This is a great story....what a powerful ending!

Mischief Night - Holly Newstein. A Mischief Night prank goes awry. This one was just ok for me...a good story, but not really horror.

The Ghost Maker - Del James. A career criminal dislikes Halloween. After all, you never know who might come knocking at your door. This story really wasn't my cup of tea either....not that it isn't well-written. Just not my style. I have the feeling that it might be a bit hair-raising for others though. Always be careful when you open the door on Halloween. Be prepared.

The Pumpkin Boy - Al Sarrantonio. Children start disappearing, and rumors start about a strange Pumpkin Boy seen roaming the area. Detective Len Schneider is on the case, frantically searching to find whoever is behind the disappearances. He discovers there are some things worse than a dead child. This story has great creepy vibes to it. Nice pace, scary atmosphere and a whopper of an ending!

Great Halloween story collection! There were a couple that just didn't work for me....but the beauty of a story anthology is that the writing, subjects, and characters are varied. Each of these stories is different....not just the same old spooky setting. What didn't gel for me, might be perfect for another reader!

I definitely love the fact that one anthology ebook is coming out each week in October. Great idea! These scary tales are definitely bringing out the Halloween spirit in me! Halloween Carnival Volume 2 will release October 10th, 2017.

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Random House via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

I received an ARC from NetGalley to read and review. The below is my honest, unbiased opinion. Thank you, authors, the publisher, and NetGalley, for allowing me to review.

HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL: Vol. 2 is a mutli-author horror anthology. Each story can be read individually and as standalones. This publication consists of short stories, not novel-length pieces. This second volume consists of stories written by Glen Hirshberg ("MR. DARK’S CARNIVAL"), Lee Thomas ("THE FACTS IN THE CASE OF MY SISTER"), Holly Newstein ("MISCHIEF NIGHT"), Del James ("THE GHOST MAKER"), and Al Sarrantonio ("THE PUMPKIN BOY").

Like the first volume, this was an extremely fast read with a few gems; I read the entire collection in an hour. I enjoyed the stories, but I found them to be more creepy and odd than scary. The writing styles are so greatly different that any reader can find something to devour.

I recommend this anthology if you're looking for a good Halloween story rather than a scary story. 3.5 stars.