I know I focus on community, SQL Server, professional development and process. But you need to do other stuff occasionally too. For example, I’ve long been a fan of horror stories (and science fiction/speculative fiction and some historical novels and history books and… I like to read, OK?). I received this link because I guess I have Scary in the name. It’s a pretty good list of scary books. I’ve read 12 of the 13 books listed (and I just added Blindness to my Kindle so I’ll have all 13 done). Now, I wouldn’t make anyone read The Castle Otranto or Mysteries of Udolpho unless, like me, you’re completist nerds. However, the rest of the books really should be read, especially if you are a horror fan. But, I can suggest a couple of replacements/additions to this list that are worth reading. Nice, creepy, fun stuff.

I would add Lost Boys: A Novel by Orson Scott Card. It’s a seriously creepy story about ghosts and other things. And, fair warning, as a parent, it has extra horrors. Things, not graphic or gratuitous but not good, happen to kids. It just adds to the horror of the novel.

I also recommend Our Lady of Darkness by Fritz Leiber. It’s not a Fafhrd & the Grey Mouser story. It’s set in San Francisco and is a total creep out horror fest. Lots of fun.

There, now you don’t have to read the Castle Otronto if you don’t want to (and why would you do that to yourself).