Halloween is Dead!
Fifteen-year-old Malik Williams has always loved Halloween—something his hometown barely acknowledges—so when his family visits Salem, Massachusetts, in October, he’s determined to revive its haunted spirit. But Salem’s residents haven’t forgotten the horrors of two years ago, when a masked killer terrorized their town, leaving a trail of victims and an unspoken ban on Halloween celebrations. Undeterred, Malik plans a Halloween party with friends in Salem’s abandoned lighthouse, hoping to bring back the holiday’s thrill.
As Malik and his friends set up for the night, the atmosphere shifts from festive to sinister. Strange figures appear, accusations and distrust flare up between friends, and Malik begins to feel the weight of Salem’s dark history closing in on them. When a series of deadly revelations expose the real killer among them, Malik learns the tragic reason behind the murders—and just how far someone would go to bury Halloween for good.
Taut with suspense, Halloween is Dead is a haunting tale of revenge, betrayal, and the chilling power of secrets, exploring the lengths people will go to protect the past and keep the horrors of Halloween alive.
The Bus Ride Home
In The Bus Ride Home, a late-night bus driver named Bill Slovack faces a moral test on what seems like just another shift. When two frightened girls, Sarah and Aaliyah, both escape from the clutches of a serial killer, they each beg for refuge on Bill’s bus. Sarah, a young white girl, is reluctantly allowed onboard despite having no fare, while Aaliyah, a Black girl in the same desperate condition, is coldly left behind. As Bill continues his route, his decision haunts him, but it's not until he reaches home and turns on the news that the full weight of his actions come crashing down.
Through this harrowing and racially charged narrative, The Bus Ride Home explores how split-second choices can carry devastating consequences, revealing deep societal biases that can lead to tragic outcomes. Bill’s journey forces the reader to confront uncomfortable questions about race, morality, and the price of indifference.
Coffee Bean
In "Coffee Bean," we follow the daily rituals and emotional journey of a crime-fighting protagonist who finds solace and connection through the simple act of brewing coffee. Each morning, amidst the chaos of his superhero lifestyle, he embraces the tradition of preparing coffee with meticulous care, a routine that evokes memories of home and family.
The narrative unfolds as he navigates his relationship with his wife, the absence of whom during a trip to Colombia prompts introspection and longing. Upon her return, their shared love for coffee deepens their bond, symbolizing intimacy and understanding.
Amidst encounters with Hortensia, a captivating woman with whom he shares literary discussions and budding romance, coffee becomes a conduit for connection and shared moments of vulnerability. Their shared love for literature and coffee intertwines, shaping their relationship as they navigate the complexities of their backgrounds and aspirations.
Through moments of passion, laughter, and compromise, "Coffee Bean" explores themes of love, belonging, and the power of shared rituals to transcend barriers and forge lasting connections.