Mark’s Creepy Picks: Lack of Focus?

Is lack of focus getting in the way of your reading? Maybe it is adjustment to the “new normal” or perhaps it is exhaustion from taking on the roles of parent, teacher, and playmate for the kids in your house. I’m right there with you, but there is some content that I’ve been enjoying while staying home. Best of all, every title is free on the Web or available in the eLibrary. I’m a big fan of horror so these works will be more on the creepy or scary side.

Carpenter’s Farm (Serial Novel)

Josh Malerman, of Bird Box fame, has been posting a chapter of his new serialized novel Carpenter’s Farm, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Three chapters a week from one of the better and newer voices in horror fiction? I can handle that!

Locke & Key (Graphic Novel)

This is the graphic novel series that arguably put Joe Hill (NOS4A2, The Fireman) on the map. It is a fantastic blend of fantasy and horror. Incredibly, Hill manages to weave in humor and tender moments in this creepy saga. The storytelling along with amazing art from Gabriel Rodríguez earned an Eisner Award and several other honors. The whole series is available for free on Hoopla. If you like the story, I’ve really enjoyed the first season of the TV show, currently streaming on Netflix. 

Lore Podcast 

Every two weeks Aaron Mahnke takes a look into the creepy moments of history, focusing on the scary stories and folktales that have shaped our world. Topics range from true crime to haunted locals; witch trials to aliens. Each episode is around 30 minutes long, which makes it perfect for bingeing or for those with short attention spans. If you like this one be sure to check out his less creepy, Cabinet of Curiosities. Both are available free from just about anywhere you can get Podcasts. 

Strange Arrivals Podcast

Only a couple episodes of this podcast have been released, but I’ve found them quite intriguing. It dives into the alleged alien abduction of Betty and Barney Hill back in 1961. I recommend it to skeptics and those who want to believe in the possibility of life outside of our crazy planet. This one is also free from your favorite podcatcher. 

I hope you enjoy these creepy suggestions! They’ve been holding my attention and keeping me entertained during these times of uncertainty.