All Hallows Eve: Story 1 Review

All Hallows Eve: Stories of Halloween and Other Festivals of the Dead edited by Ellen Datlow

That Hannie Agnes, Josh Malerman

Spoilers

Who hates Halloween especially when you get to embrace it at your job! Well, this guy, the narrator of this story (no name narrator) and kindergarten teacher does. This story is a flashback to the narrator as a kid and explains why he hates Halloween and her name is Hannie Agnes. A seemingly reclusive Irish woman just outside an American suburb who trick ‘r’ treats every year, even though she is too old according to the narrator’s father.

As a 9 year old, the narrator becomes obsessed with this woman to the point of sneaking out on Halloween, going to her house and watching her through the window where she reveals, specifically to him, that she brought Halloween to America. Or is she Halloween, the spirit of Halloween? Kind of lost me but I might just need a reread. I feel like I have missed something with the title as well – That Hannie Agnes. Is there a significance, a reference to some folklore. Or am I overthinking it. If anyone has insight, let me know. 

An expanded version of the story digging deeper into the narrator and Hannie Agnes’ relationship could be interesting but this is a short story by design and it was ok but just didn’t land with me.

Slow start to the book.

© 2026, Denise Pasutti