Set the Tone for Halloween With Spooky Books, Events

One of the first people to come in to the store and welcome us was Michael Norman. Michael is well known in Hudson, lives in River Falls, and has written many books on haunted places in the Midwest. His book, Haunted Wisconsin, is now in its third edition.

The book description tells you to grab a warm blanket, turn down the lights and enjoy these unnerving tales of terror, which is exactly what I did. Well, not the light part, I need lots of light to read. This is not typically the genre I read but I loved it. I love all things Wisconsin right now and Michael's stories about true hauntings are a great way to learn more about the state.

Michael's first edition was written with the late Beth Scott. They both did interviews, on site research, dug through historic documents etc to cover Wisconsin's abundant paranormal activity. I look forward to hearing the stories in person Friday night, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at . Feel free to bring your blankie, teddy bear, whatever—it's cool.

There have been a lot of people who have done nice things for us while opening the store. I have to give a shout out to one of my closest friends, Marcia Anderson, historical curator extraordinaire; and soon to be published author of a meticulously researched book on Parfleche Bags. Marcia connected us with a friend of hers, Lyda Morehouse, who in turn introduced us to Tate Hallaway. And Tate will be in the store signing copies of her Vampire series: Garnet Lacy, Tall Dark and Dead etc Saturday night.

I'm on Book 2 and love it. Maybe its the time of year but I know there are plenty of people who love all things vampire year round.

Part of why I love reading about Garnet Lacy is because she's a bookstore manager but Tate is a wonderful writer. I love a little humor and sarcastic tone with my scary reading. I should note Chapter2Books is not an occult store (we sell NEW and USED, unfortunately our name has been confusing people) BUT Brian has detected a ghost in the store. Unexplained noises, doors opening and closing.

Tate has also written a vampire series set in St. Paul. Anastaija Ramses is sort of the opposite of Harry Potter (in my opinion). She lives with her witch parents but is not so great at casting spells. Probably in part because she has a crush on a vampire. (Who doesn't these days?)

Tate is just as nice as Marcia because Tate offered to bring along her friend, Barbara Moore. True confession time: Tate told me Barbara had written about Tarot or knew a lot about them (not sure her exact words). So of course I said, "yes, bring her along." Cut to a few weeks later when I actually looked into who Barbara is. Wow, she is truly an expert on Tarot Cards and very well published on the subject. We now have a few of her books in the store but true confession, Part 2. I personally know nothing about Tarot. I know what they are, I've read through her intro book but have never had a reading or really known much at all about Tarot.

I am really looking forward to learning more from Barbara. There won't be time for personal readings but she will talk with anyone about scheduling one. Who knows, maybe I will. I'm not sure if I have the guts to do it so that's something I know I'll understand more Saturday night.

Tate and Barbara will be signing their books, answering questions on all things occult and doing their best to set the tone for your Halloween Saturday night. Join us from 6-8 p.m., if you dare.

No seriously, join us. We'll still have the lights on in the children's area both nights. You can hang out there if you need to. We'll never tell.

By the way, we also have Lyda Morehouse's books in the store. Who is she? Come find out, if you dare. (Too many “if you dares? Yeah, I think so too. But seriously, come in Saturday. Maybe Lyda will be there too.)