The Newmarket Millspace will present local authors reading original scary stories with live spooky music accompaniment. Horror Tales & Halloween Scares is Friday, October 26. Doors open at 7pm with a nine author meet and greet that includes book signing. The readings and music start at 7:30pm. Admission is free if in Halloween costume or $7 cash at the door. There will also be a cash bar.

Featured authors include author of urban fantasy City of Ports Jeff Deck, celebrated local storyteller Rebecca Rule (also NH PBS host of Our Hometown), and Hugo and Nebula Award winning science fiction author James Patrick Kelly. Additional featured authors include local notables Dan Szczesny, Morgan Sylvia, Katherine Silva, Richard DiPippo, Meg North, and Mark Michael Adams.

“Authors will spin frightening flash fictional tales, each five minutes or less,” says Jeff Deck, one of the authors being featured. “Attendees should be prepared for the most succinct scares of their lives.”

The evening will be hosted by artist and writer John Herman, who will also join the group of spooky musicians. According to Herman, a touchless, Soviet invented electronic instrument called the theremin, created through research in proximity sensors, will be featured in the band.

“The music alone is going to be a Halloween treat,” says Herman. “Where else are you going to hear scary tales from the region’s top authors while someone performs on a theremin?”