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
Hey Denise how’s things?Cool you have been reviewing books for such an extended period of time! That’s a weird story , ha what’s the point of it, I kinda like it since it’s such a strange non concept odd to spend the time writing a story about such an non interesting plotor maybe it’s very interesting and i’ve become a non interesting plot how are the other tales? hoper yer well Lyle.
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Hi Lyle – Indeed, it is a strange one. Makes me want to know about the character of Hannie Agnes. Kind of also opens a lot of possible storylines. Nice to hear from you.
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hi, yeah that would be interesting 2 know more about that Character, i was re-reading the name a few times to see if its word when sounded out or something.Good to hear from you All the best in a pumpkin seed filled vest!ha L.
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