(A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, October, 2023.)
There are those among us who love tales of death and darkness.
And there are others among us who craft those stories with a sinister shrewdness to elicit the most spine-tingling fear imaginable. These people know that the tragic tales that terrify us most happen to people just like us, in places that are usually familiar and friendly.
Places like Canada.
The following stories are NOT bedtime stories. They are NOT for all ages. They are NOT for the faint of heart.
What they are is written with a macabre meticulousness by authors who live right here in Canada, even in our own cities. They spin disturbing accounts of evil spirits, awful secrets and ghastly ghosts to thrill and torment us.
And trust me, nothing is more frightening than the authors next door.
Ages 7+
The Skull, by Jon Klassen — This latest book from award-winning, renowned Canadian children’s author, Jon Klassen, is NOT for sensitive children. However, with sparse language and evocative illustrations suitable for early readers, this eerie retelling of a Tyrolean folk tale will chill young and old alike. Otilla, the main character, is reminiscent of Wednesday Adams — dark, determined, loyal, and not afraid of doing gruesome things to protect a friend.
“You don’t want it to catch you.” “No,” whispered the skull. “I don’t.” “Will it come tonight?” said Otilla. The skull looked at the fire. “It comes every night,” he said.” – The Skull
Ages 9+
Haunted Canada series, by Pat Hancock, Allan Gould & Joel A. Sutherland — This classic Canadian series now has 12 volumes and 4 collections to haunt ghost-story lovers. Kingston, Ontario residents should especially pick up Haunted Canada 4. The 5th story in this volume, The Tombs of Hell, details the grisly death and ghostly sightings of one of the most notorious Kingston Penitentiary inmates, George Hewell, who once tried to murder a fellow inmate just for borrowing his library book.
“An excellent collection of brief tales that combine a bit of history, a bit of an appreciation for the locale with creepy tales that are certain to send a shiver down your spine.” – Anonymous Review
Ages 13+
Delicious Monsters, by Liselle Sambury — For teens who love psychological thrillers, this new release from Trinidadian-Canadian author Sambury will satisfy their need for dark and twisty tales. The ominous dual storyline centres on two teenage girls and a secluded mansion in northern Ontario. Not a light read, Sambury expertly uses supernatural horror to expose real-life horrors such as abuse, assault and racism.
“I read most of it from behind the safety of my fingers and was left thoroughly haunted.” – Goodreads review of ‘Delicious Monsters’
Adult
I’m Thinking Of Ending Things, by Iain Reid — Iain Reid is the master of slow-burn thrillers. Pick up any of his novels, like We Spread or Foe, and you will not be able to sleep for a few nights. However, his first published novel, I’m Thinking Of Ending Things, is especially menacing. If you’d rather watch his perturbing story of a road trip gone wrong, you can also view the movie on Netflix. In fact, all of Reid’s novels have been, or will be, adapted for film. His stories are as cinematic as they are disturbing.
“What if suffering doesn’t end with death? How can we know? What if it doesn’t get better? What if death isn’t an escape? What if the maggots continue to feed and feed and feed and continue to be felt? This possibility scares me.” – I’m Thinking Of Ending Things
With a truly remarkable gift for the grim, these Canadian authors spark trepidation and terror in the hearts of readers.
Read the authors next door, if you dare.
Lisa's Book Corner 
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