Attack of the Jack-O’-Lanterns: Both Trick and Treat
Attack of the Jack-O’-Lanterns (1996) is book 48 in the original Goosebumps series. This holiday horror may prove to be the perfect festive read for you. Especially if you are looking for a book you can finish on Halloween night! Want to know more about what you will be getting yourself into? Read on!
Blurb
Halloween holds a special place in Drew Brockman’s heart. This year, however, she’s determined to exact revenge upon Lee and Tabby. These two nasty kids have consistently spoiled previous Halloweens for Drew and her best friends, Walker, Shane and Shauna in the past. It is time for the friends to get payback!
Yet, a disconcerting undercurrent taints their planned prank. The mood becomes unsettling when recent reports detail disappearances among Riverdale residents. Will Drew and her friends succeed in their quest for revenge? Or is this destined to become the most harrowing Halloween they’ve ever experienced? Will they too end up also making the headlines?
Themes
Revenge
Revenge is a prominent theme throughout Attack of the Jack-O’-Lanterns. Seeing someone get a taste of their own medicine is both incredibly satisfying and a staple of the horror genre. Especially when they really deserve it. Probably the most famous revenge horror novel is Carrie, penned by Stephen King in 1974.
Drew and her friends are obsessed with getting payback on Tammy and Lee. In fact, nearly half of the book is spent following the four plotting their revenge. You will join them through the schemes that they cook up, and get the odd laugh in the process.
Holiday Horror
Perhaps the most famous holiday horror film of all time is the classic, Halloween (1978). Following the film’s release, the holiday horror trend began in the early 80s, becoming a staple in the horror genre ever since.
Films that focus on the celebrations of Saint Patrick’s Day, April Fools Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and even New Year’s Eve (and Day) have been firm favourites in the horror fan base.
In the 90s, notable releases include:
- Maniac Cop 2
- Silent Night, Deadly Night 4 and 5
- The Nightmare Before Christmas
- Leprechaun 2
- Jack-O
- Jack Frost
- Halloween H20
Holiday horror uses common themes, motifs and iconography (such as the Jack-O’-Lantern) within the setting. They also sometimes feature novel methods in which a villain may murder their victims. For example, the psychopathic killer snowman in Jack Frost (1997), uses icicles to slay one of his victims.
Film Scholars Chris Vander Kaay and Kathleen Fernandez-Vander Kaay explain the popularity of such films:
The holiday is a place for happiness and family… The horror movie loves nothing more than irony (except perhaps a good death scene), and there is very little more ironic than the fear and isolation of a horror movie taking place right in the middle of the festivities.
Chris Vander Kaay and Kathleen Fernandez-Vander Kaay, Horror Films by Subgenre: A Viewer’s Guide
Whilst I agree with this to an extent, the appeal for me comes from the fact that I love the holiday season. From October onwards, we have Halloween and Christmas. A film that combines the holidays and horror (no matter how cheesy) is a recipe for a feel-good cocktail. It is not irony that draws me in, but a winning combo. They just go together well! Like coffee and pumpkin spice.
Summary
Attack of the Jack-O’-Lanterns is a fun, festive read that has a spooky atmosphere, which is helped by the news reports of people going missing. If you enjoy Stranger Things, or any of the IT movies, you will find this book a treat. It definitely has those kinda vibes going on. However, the trick comes in the form of a glaring plot hole, of which I will not divulge, as I do not want to spoil the story for you.
If you can get past this, any fan of holiday horror or the Halloween season will like this story very much. It is a classic Goosebumps for a reason! So if you have no plans this Halloween, give it a go. You won’t be disappointed.
