Don't know if anyone can help me with a title of an older horror book.  I started it a few years ago while on summer vacation and accidently left it behind.  I have searched the titles here but haven't had any luck & there are just so many.  I don't even remember the author (think it was a man) but not well known like Koontz or King.  It was not new, probably written in the 70s-90s.  The main character is an actor who leaves Hollywood (hitchhikes) and stops at a circus where something bad happens to him (the story just alludes to something happening & I never got to the part that explains what the bad thing was); he leaves the circus & goes to a small town.  The story takes place before Halloween and was building up to something evil happening on that day.  There was also a flashback to a time during the 40s where the town's children were at a Halloween party in the basement of someones house - a fire breaks out & only 1 child manages to escape through a window.  I think the cover showed an apple orchard or apple tree.  Does this sound familiar to anyone?  I love reading Halloween themed books this time of the year and it bothers me that I never got to finish it.

I don't know it but it sounds like the making of a good film! Can't wait to see the title of this one

Darn, I was hoping I'd find that someone posted the title.  I guess I have to keep looking as books are posted.

I've definitely read this, but I almost want to say that it was a short story.  It would have been a male author, definitely not King, Koontz, or Barker, pretty sure it's not Laymon.  If I can recall, I'll let you know.

I'm leaning towards this being "October" by Al Sarrantonio.  I seem to recall that the main character was a Hollywood "movie type".  I'm not positive, but the whole fiery Halloween party might be mentioned in the story.  October is part of his "Orangefield" cycle of stories, about a town where bad things happen in October, including walking pumpkin men, Samhain paying a visit, etc.  I believe that Leisure has 2-3 books in the series.  Be careful with the new one, Halloweenland and it's "bonus novella"  The story is an expanded version of the 80 page novella, and they reprint the novella in the back.  From what I hear it is almost identical except for a different 2 page ending.  I no longer have my copy of October, so i can't check for you, but maybe someone on here will have it and can check.  I hope I'm right, and I hope this helps.

--steve

Hmmm... It's possible it is Sarrantonio - I'm trying to find a copy of October to get a description.   I did read Hallow's Eve and that had a talking pumpkin.  There is no available copy of October on PBS and no description.  Just quickly looking on the web & I am having the hardest time finding a description or review of that book!   I will keep trying though.  I'm now on a mission and if I find that it is the one I'm looking for, I'll post back.  Thanks for all the help.

Steve S. - That's it!.  After going to about a dozen sites, I found one that gave the description and that is the one I've been looking for.  It's already wishlisted by two people here, so I think I'll try it buy it somewhere else.  Thanks so much... I never would have found the title on my own... you sure know your horror!

I tried to find a synopsis before I posted, but there wan't one that I found.  I guess I gave up too easily ;)  As far as knowing my horror, I read a lot of junk, and have a good memory for it.  Glad I was able to help you :)