Christopher Golden’s ‘All Hallows’ is my first read of 2026!

I started it in October 2025, but life got in the way of my usual reading habits. I managed to get back into it shortly after NYE, and then I tore through Golden’s eighties throwback novel.

And man, what a novel it was.

‘All Hallows’ follows a host of characters living along Parmenter Road, Massachusetts. The story takes place on Halloween, 1984. The evening starts with some domestic issues, which begin to escalate. And then the spooky bits sneak in while folks fight with adultery and other matters. From there, Golden takes us on a joyful 80s thrillride, with a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming.

‘All Hallows’ felt like classic Stephen King in some ways, but not in a way that I’d call it a ripoff of style or anything. Golden writes with his own flair. The multicharacter, 80s vibe was reminiscent of King. Oh, and Golden’s willingness to kill off characters without a second’s warning. It felt dangerous, like any character we cared about could bite the bullet next.

If you enjoy ‘Stranger Things’ or King’s writing, I can 100% recommend ‘All Hallows’ by Golden.

I would love to read more from him; I’m excited to have discovered his writing.

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