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R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril, VIII

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(Images by Artists Jennifer Gordan and Roman Sirotin, used with permission.)

“Does something amuse you?’ asked Uncle Montague.
‘I was merely reminding myself, Uncle, that I am getting too old to be so easily frightened by stories.’
‘Really?’ said Uncle Montague with a worrying degree of doubt in his voice. ‘You think there is an age at which you might become immune to fear?”
― Chris Priestley, Uncle Montague’s Tales of Terror

Stories can make us look back over our shoulders and question every creak and groan on a dark, quiet night. Stories can cause our hearts to race with ever-increasing tension as we forgo sleep to rush towards a surprising conclusion. Stories can make us suspicious of every character as we challenge the protagonist to be the first to solve the crime. Stories can make us sleep with the lights on, make us pull the covers just a little bit tighter, and can make every shadow seem more menacing than they ever have before.

Be they our favorite cozy mysteries, exciting police procedurals, classic tales about things that go bump in the night or contemporary terrors that chill us to the bone, there is something delicious about the ability of the printed word to give us a fright. At no time of the year is this more of a delight than when Summer heat turns to Autumn chill as the days become ever darker.

Eight years ago I became aware of reading challenges and wanted to start one of my own, hoping to find others who shared my Autumnal predilection for the works of Edgar Allen Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Bram Stoker and other authors contemporary and classic who captured the spirit of gothic literature. All these years later we are still going strong, welcoming September with a time of coming together to share our favorite mysteries, detective stories, horror stories, dark fantasies, and everything in between.

I welcome you to join us.

September 1st is right around the corner. It is time to begin.

Mystery.
Suspense.
Thriller.
Dark Fantasy.
Gothic.
Horror.
Supernatural.
Or anything sufficiently moody that shares a kinship with the above. That is what embodies the stories, written and visual, that we celebrate with the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril event.

As time has wound on I’ve honed this event down to two simple rules:

1. Have fun reading (and watching).
2. Share that fun with others.

As I do each and every year, there are multiple levels of participation (Perils) that allow you to be a part of R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril without adding the burden of another commitment to your already busy lives. There is even a one book only option for those who feel that this sort of reading is not their cup of tea (or who have many other commitments) but want to participate all the same.

R.I.P. VIII officially runs from September 1st through October 31st. But lets go ahead and break the rules. Lets start today!!!

Multiple perils await you. You can participate in just one, or participate in them all.

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Peril the First:

Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (the very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be King or Conan Doyle, Penny or Poe, Chandler or Collins, Lovecraft or Leroux…or anyone in between.

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Peril the Second:

Read two books of any length that you believe fit within the R.I.P. categories.

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Peril the Third or, the One Book Only option:

We all want you to participate. This Peril involves imbibing just one R.I.P.ping read.

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Peril of the Short Story:

I am a big fan of short stories and my desire for them is perhaps no greater than in Autumn. I see Poe and Lovecraft in my future for sure, and some Angela Carter. You can read short stories any time during the challenge. When I can, I like to read short stories over the weekend and post about them around that time. Feel free to do this however you want, but if you review short stories on your site (not a requirement) please link to those reviews on the Review Site.

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Peril on the Screen:

This is for those of us that like to watch suitably scary, eerie, mysterious gothic fare during this time of year. It may be something on the small screen or large. It might be a television show, like Dark Shadows or Midsomer Murders, or your favorite film. If you are so inclined, please post links to any R.I.P.-related viewing you do on to the Review Site as well.

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Peril of the Group Read:

This Peril was added a few years back and brought a really fun, interactive dimension to R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril. Last year fellow bloggers hosted one of our group reads and I am THRILLED that they are back to do so again this year. Andi and Heather, through The Estella Society, are hosting a read-a-long of Elizabeth Kostava’s debut novel, The Historian. I am especially thrilled because I’ve promised myself every year I would read this and have not done so. I’m appreciating the push to do so now.

They have created a great banner:

Vintage Cluj Cemetery

And all the details of the group read can be found HERE.

The read begins September 1st and runs through October 14th. I’m looking at my enormous hardcover copy of the book and am excited about delving into its pages. I’m considering a re-listen of the audio version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula as an accompanying piece to this read.

Please join us!

Traditionally we like to discuss what we may read for this event, in large part because we book lovers love to talk about what we are reading and what we want to read. And what is more fun than making lists of books? You do not have to do this to participate, all you need do is sign up below and join in the fun. However, if you do post about R.I.P. VIII and what you might be reading please link directly to that blog post below instead of to your main site.

Also, for anyone new to R.I.P. stumbling across this, you do not have to be a blogger to participate.

For those of you who do have a blog and want to review your readings and viewings for R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril VIII, there is a book review site located here.

And just before we hit the sign up portion, here are a few different sized banners for those who may want them. I want to thank Jennifer Gordon for allowing us the use of the collaborative artwork that she does with Roman Sirotin. Long timers will remember that Jennifer Gordon’s collage work was THE face of R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril for several years. She took a break from that kind of art, through not from artistic pursuits, for a few years and is now back. I’m so happy she is as I’ve missed her. I will be doing an interview with Jennifer and Roman during R.I.P. VIII and will be giving you a chance to win some fun stuff.

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Here in Missouri we had a preview of Autumn through much of the month of August, but now Summer has returned with a vengeance. Despite that fact, fall festivals are just around the corner and the coming months will bring the corresponding weather. Until then we will embrace the spirit of the coming season with some of our reading and viewing selections. I do hope you’ll join us, it is the community interaction that makes this fun to host and participate in each year.

198 thoughts on “R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril, VIII”

  1. Ohhhh well I think you will like the Historian! I read that a number of years ago for RIP!!!

    You are mean to begin a whole week ahead of time! I am reading a “non” RIP book at the moment..but I am MORE THEN READY to read Setterfields book which I have saved as my first read for RIP!!!

    post and list of books to follow …

    1. I was pretty sure you had read that one.

      I started the ARC of Diane Setterfield’s book (and thank you for turning me on to Netgalley for it) and am enjoying it. I’m reading it very slowly and savoring it.

      1. Ohhhhh well I don’t want to read any reviews until I read it.. but ohhhhhhhhh sooooooo glad to hear you are enjoying it!! We both thank Chris for letting us know about Netgalley!

        I have to say the over 90 degree temps with the humidity keeping us feeling as if it is close to 100 degrees there’s no FALL feeling here!

        1. There was here, but it has sadly all burnt away. Upper 90’s with heat indexes in the 100’s and no rain in the forecast for the foreseeable future. Ugh.

  2. To clarify, post about this first and then use that link’s post to put in the magic Linky widget? Did you put a link to heir website to learn more?

    1. Not sure I know exactly what you mean by the second part of your question. At any rate, you can just put your main site link in, but many people like to post about this and what they are reading, or might read, and if that is the case that is the direct link people like to use as it is fun to generate conversation over at each others sites about the books selected.

      1. Okay, I meant a link to the R.I.P. organizer’s website. I see a link to the group read for The Historian. The link you have under the widget is to your homepage.

        1. I am the R.I.P. organizer, thus is brings you back to my website. 🙂 Since I have the banner on the side that take people directly to the RIP VIII post I always just have my Mr. Linky’s bring people directly to my site in general for info.

          1. Well, that would solve that riddle, wouldn’t it? 😉 I’ll definitely read four scary books in that time frame. I’ll work on a post, but am not sure what books I’ll read (I tend to pick up and drop books pretty easily these days).

            Anyone looking for ideas, I highly recommend FIEND by Peter Stenson, FLOATING STAIRCASE by Ronald Malfi, and I’m 35% into Apocalypse Z and cant get enough (it’s even made me put DUST by Hugh Howey down).

            1. Glad to hear it…have to admit I was not tracking and was thinking it was time to have my head examined. Still might not be a bad idea. 🙂

              So great to see recommendations, we always enjoy those.

              1. Sorry, I was trying to get the comment in before my Nexus 7 pooped on me again. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only user with this glitch, but man has it been hard to type. I’m having to use an actual laptop right now. Next I’ll have to mail you a letter (asking for the link, haha).

  3. I knew this was coming but it still snuck up on me. I will do a sign up post soon. Should have a book to add to the review site today.

    1. It sneaks up on me every year too…crazy how quickly time passes.

      1. And I forgot to say… here in Santa Barbara, CA, we have a coolish, overcast weather for a while, but it is heating up here and September and October can be our hottest months. Sometimes even November is hot. It is crazy.

        1. I am always aware when I go to put this thing together that sadly there are those participating who have to do it ENTIRELY in spirit because their weather won’t cooperate. Bless you and everyone else who does so.

  4. I’m in! I don’t know how much I’ll read, besides Rebecca, which was on my list already, but I have a lot of choices on hand.

    Good readalong choice. I really enjoyed The Historian when I read it a few years back. I’d be tempted to join in this year, but I don’t think I’ll have time. Reading Dracula alongside is an excellent idea; I found myself rereading it after my read of The Historian.

    1. Ah, Rebecca! One of my favorite reading experiences of all time. I think it was one of the first books I shared with Mary after we were married.

      Its been about four or five years since I’ve listened to the audio version of Dracula, even longer since I’ve read it myself. Way overdue.

      Great to have you in Amanda.

  5. Last year I was too busy getting ready to move to Atlanta to commit, but this year? All set! I even have The Historian on Mt. TBR, so that’s one book. Someone reminded me of The Haunting of Hill House today (Julie Harris passed away: she starred in a film based on that story in 1963), so that’s a good choice for a re-read. I just may be able to fit one more short novel… Hm. I’ll get back to you on that.

    Off to sign up for the read-along now!

    1. Mt. TBR, love it! I’m glad you’ll be joining in on the read of The Historian.

      I read The Haunting of Hill House a couple of years ago for a RIP event and really enjoyed it.

  6. I’m in. I even finished a suitable book today, so I can do a review. I’ve been looking forward to this!

    1. Perfect, feel free to put up your review over on the Review Site as soon as you do it. I already put one up today myself.

  7. This is my fourth year participating and by far my favorite reading challenge! Love this time of year and a good spooky, gothic read. The Woman in White has been on my list all four years and I plan on finally tackling it this year.

    1. Welcome back for year four!!! It is a great time of year, isn’t it? I consider this my lead up to my favorite three month period: Oct, Nov and Dec. With Halloween, my birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas all in there I love this time of year.

      The Woman in White has been on my list for years too, crossing my fingers for you that you get to it this year.

  8. Carl!!!!!!! I’m so happy! Yes! I’m so glad to see this challenge back. It’s only been a year but I’ve been counting down until this post was up! Now I’m off to find my picks! 🙂

    1. I’m so happy you are back again for another go-round! The year sometimes seems like it is taking forever, then I feel like I blink and wonder where the time went.

  9. Oh I read The Historian this year already…took me 3 months to finish! I will be doing Peril the First this year, like I did last year. So exited!!!!

    1. You’ll have to join in on our conversation then! Tis a weighty tome, to be sure.

      Great to have you back!

    1. I’ll be doing a bookstore visit myself tomorrow, to pick up the new Louise Penny!

  11. Oh Carl I can’t thank you enough for starting this early this year!! It’s EXACTLY what I need right now 🙂 And I’m in the middle of reading the new Setterfield right now too so it’s perfect timing!! It had been three weeks since my last blog post. I was in a major blogging funk..but I think this is just what the doctor ordered to get me out of it 🙂 RIP always refreshes me! I’m excited to pool my books together now!

    1. It is great, isn’t it? I’m about a third of the way in myself. Really savoring it and enjoying it.

      I’ve been really busy myself and haven’t been blogging much, but the weather (before this week) and the reading it inspired has been largely RIP-related so I figured it was time to get this going. Very glad it came along at just the right time.

      Fingers crossed that the Setterfield continues to please us and that we both are energized by it. Thanks for taking part again Chris.

  12. I had my post already written, my books chosen and was just waiting for yours to appear for the link and graphic. 😉 I am so excited to start my reading and am finishing up a couple of other books before Sept. 1 so that I can jump in and immerse myself in peril for two months. Thank you again for hosting the best events every year!

    1. That is too cool, Kristen. I’m thrilled to hear it. Thanks for taking part, and thanks for being so enthusiastic about it.

      My pleasure to host it, and to take part too.

  13. I’m in. I have two absolute doorstoppers on the TBR pile that fit right in here. If it can prompt me to finish even one of them it’ll be a job well done.

    1. Great! I’m hoping that you do get to at least one of them. Those doorstoppers sometimes need some extra motivation. That is what I’m hoping happens with The Historian.

  14. I haven’t taken part in a couple of years but I have been looking forward to it this. So much so I already had my post ready. I was just waiting for your announcement 🙂

    1. Welcome back! 🙂 (Big smile) Can’t wait to sit down tonight after work and travel around the ‘net checking out the posts.

    1. Awww shucks! That is only the case because of the great community. Great to have you in again.

  16. I am a first-time Ripper (that doesn’t sound quite right but it amuses me nonetheless) and very much looking forward to this! 😀

    I took part in the Once Upon A Time VII event earlier this year and really enjoyed it, and I haven’t gotten stuck into much good horror for a while now. So bring it on!

    I’m going for Peril the First, and I’ve got two books planned, but I’m still looking for the other two. NOS4R2 (Joe Hill) and Black Feathers (Joseph D’Lacey) are on the list, but I’m open to suggestions for two more…

    1. The urge to use “RIP” in words during this time period is nearly overwhelming, so I understand your amusement.

      Welcome, always love first timers coming on board with us old folks (I know, speak for yourself, right?).

      I haven’t heard of Black Feathers so I’ll be looking that one up. Hopefully you’ll find some good suggestions as you bop around to other posts. I’ll be putting up a list of what I plan to read along with recommendations from past years sometime this week. As a preview I would recommend The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield, I Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson and the short story collection The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter.

  17. I’ve been counting the days! I couldn’t join Once Upon a Time, and was quite sad aboit that, all the more I’m glad it’s time for RIP.
    I’ve already read a few books and have posted a list with possible other books.
    We’ve got nice autumn weather already. I hope I can also join the readalong.

    1. I have too, Caroline. It was a measure of self-control combined with recent busy-ness that kept me from posting about this much earlier.

      I’ve read a few books too and am already deep in the spirit of the thing, so you are not alone! 🙂

  18. I think I failed to join for a couple of years as I somehow stopped blogging regularly. It’s time to join again and imagine what it’s like to have a “fall” season and read scary books along the way. Count me in! Will post my books up in a couple of days but I’m reading Joe Hill’s Horns now.

    1. Well I for one am so glad you are back! I hope we all have a great fall with our reading and otherwise. I’m certainly looking forward to all the annual autumn events that happen around here.

  19. I’m in and and my post is up. Thrilled it’s that time of year again. I suppose I’m one of the lucky ones where I can say that autumn really is in air and it feels like it here in the UK. Thanks for hosting again, carl.

    1. I’ll be over to check it out later tonight, great to have you in! Very happy for you that the weather is cooperating. I can’t, or shouldn’t, complain. We really have had a mild summer here and there were days in July and August that had me in a real autumn mood.

  20. Carl, I am not blogging right now so I am not joining in but I will keep an eye on all the action!

    1. Thanks Gavin. If you do read any qualifying books feel free to post in the comments about them here or on the review site.

  21. I discovered the R.I.P. challenge back in – oh, April or May – and have been anxiously looking forward to participating. I shall now go dive into my pile of creeptastic books!

    1. Happy that you hung on over the intervening months and decided to join in! 🙂 I have such a HUGE pile of books I could read for this. I think if I read non-stop for two whole months I would probably barely make a dent.

  22. I am finishing Three Parts Dead by Max Gladstone. It is a light read of dark fantasy full of gargoyles, vampires, Craft, acolytes and Gods (dead ones). I may review and recommend this for RIP. And I just bought The Historian. I am excited to participate in the group read! Thanks for a great site Carl!!!

    1. I heard a lot of praise for that book on a recent SF Squeecast episode and it sounded great. I’ve eyed the cover (a great Chris McGrath one) at the bookstore many a time.

      Do please review it and link to it for RIP, would love to read your review.

  23. So excited to get started. Definitely my favorite challenge. Thanks for another year of hosting!!

    1. Thank you for participating Beth! Should be another fun one.

  24. This snuck up on me this year–is it that time already? Not sure what I’m going to read (I tend to over-plan the Sci Fi and Once Upon a Time experiences–this one, not so much) but I do have a couple mysteries in mind…and we’ll see where it goes from there. Looking forward to another fun “challenge”!

    1. I had planned NOT to overplan for this one but the books (some unread and some that want to be re-read) have been sneaking up on me as of late. I think they have been plotting a hostile takeover of my reading agenda. Resistance is futile.

  25. I have been looking forward to this all summer. My only problem is that I can’t seem to narrow my list to 4 books — so I’m just going to see what happens. I’m combining at least two reads with my Classic Club list: Six Problems of Don Isidro Parodi by Jorge Luis Borges and The Big Clock by Kenneth Fearing. Thanks for hosting again!

    1. Glad to hear it Col! And I say, why limit yourself? Read much, read often! 😉

  26. yay! and I am especially pleased to think that some of the massive amount of reading I have to do this term will involve some delicious ‘peril’!–seriously, weeks on Cannibalism alone, to say nothing of witches (in Dark Renaissance).

    Thanks so much for hosting this event Carl!

    1. How perfect! Combining classwork with RIP is perfect. Look forward to reading what you write about what you read. Say that three times really fast.

  27. I’ve been thinking about this for weeks now! So am very happy to see your post and will be getting my reading list together! I plan on reading short stories every weekend and hope to get in several good novels as well! I listed to Dracula as well–it’s a great audio and I wonder if it is still saved on my computer…. This is always so much fun Carl–thanks for organizing it every year–it’s become quite an annual event! 🙂

    1. I have too Danielle. Looking forward to your always mouth-watering reading list. I need to see if I can find my audio copy of Dracula. It is a Barnes and Noble version with a couple of narrators. They do a nice job for the most part.

      Glad to have you in and excited.

  28. I’ve already read The Historian so I won’t be joining in that group read, although my book club are reading Dracula soon so I’ll have that to look forward too 🙂

    I picked up a book recently and then said, no I’m going to leave that for this year’s RIP and now I can’t remember what it was! I’m sure I’ll find something though

    1. Hope you’ll join us in the conversations about The Historian, Fence.

      Great book that your book club is picking. Have you read it before?

      Too bad about the book, hopefully something will jog your memory.

    1. Ah, there is no failing as long as you have fun. Welcome back!

    1. Thanks Jenn, same here. The books that grab my attention this time of year often leave me with lasting memories. Now bring on the Autumn weather!!!

  33. Yay! It’s here again! I just finished Stir of Echoes last night (and loved the writing), so that may be my first post. I know I want to read Ghost Bride, but I’m not yet sure what else I’m going to pull from my tbr list. I’ll definitely go for Peril the First…

    1. I need to read Stir of Echoes at some point. I like the film adaptation. I read a little bit about Ghost Bride the other day and it sounded really interesting. I may have even signed up for it in the library queue…can’t remember now.

      Welcome in again, great to have you!

  34. Woohoo! I am ready for the fall to be here. I had already started The Historian a few months back and put it down – now I have the perfect opportunity to pick it up again. Doctor Sleep, Stephen King’s follow up to The Shining, will be out just in time for the event too 🙂

    1. I am too. Glad The Historian is working out for you. I am being good (and also trying to finish up some current reads) and plan to pick up The Historian off the shelf and tuck into it this weekend.

  35. Huzzah! I forgot this was coming up. I don’t have a blog, so won’t be posting really, but I fully intend to re-read “The Historian” along with The Estella Society; finally get around to reading “Rebecca”; and do some serious Stephen King catching up with his newest books. Perhaps I’ll re-read “The Shining” too. And I foresee a viewing of “Sleepy Hollow” in my future. Mwahahaha…

    1. Great! Feel free to leave any of your thought on The Historian on my mid-read post and wrap up post. Also feel free to drop comments here or on the review site about anything else you read.

      Speaking of viewing Sleepy Hollow (which I look forward to watching closer to Halloween), did you see trailers for the new Sleepy Hollow tv show?

  36. I don’t think I’ll be able to formally participate but I fully intend to read some scaries this year! I LOVED the Historian; I wish I hadn’t already read it! Not quite ready for a re-read. It is SO GOOD. I’ll keep up on everyone’s posts to see what the best books are this year…

    1. If you are reading, daphne, you ARE formally participating. 🙂 Let us know what you are reading if you can and pipe in on the conversations on The Historian.

  37. I’m so happy that RIP is here again. This year (the fourth time I’m participating) I will focus mainly on Peril of the Short Story and Peril on the Screen. I’ve been saving Endeavour, Whitechapel, Case Histories and a whole box of Hitchcock DVD’s especially for this challenge. I will also try for Peril the Second with The House of the Seven Gables and either The Haunting of Hill House or The Thirteenth Tale. I’ve been curious about that last one ever since you gave it such a glowing review.
    Happy RIP time everyone!

    1. Welcome back yet again! Love that you keep coming back for more punishment…I mean fun!

      Endeavour is such a fantastic show. I envy you seeing it for the first time. I’ll probably do a re-watch of them at some point.

      Haven’t tried Whitechapel, but I keep eying it.

      LOVE The Thireenth Tale. Am reading the ARC for her newest book now and am enjoying it.

  39. At last! It’s time! So very excited. Plus you just helped me figure out what I am going to write about on my blog tonight!

  41. OMG I am so in I have been saving books for this. Woohoo my favorite time of the year. Thank you.

    1. I can tell I am too…I have three books going for this all at once and want to be reading them all at the same time.

  43. Thanks for hosting this again. I’ve had fun making my list, though it could have been a lot longer! I can’t wait to start reading!

    1. You are welcome, thank you for joining in again. I need to get to work on my formal list too.

  44. Love the idea though I am but a faint hearted soul, but I do hope to have some fun and I am sure I will! Great scheme!

    1. I’m sure you will have a great time, and with the one book option and viewing options hopefully you will find something that isn’t toooo scary but gives you a thrilling time. Welcome!

  45. Count me in. I had to take a break from posting for the last month due to arthritis in both hands. Now it’s under control so I will be joining RIP. I’ll post in the near future with a list of the Perils I will participate in.

    1. So glad you are feeling better Jim. I can’t imagine how painful it would be to try to type with arthritis flaring up. Great to have you in again this year.

  46. Yay! This is the icing on the cake that is my favorite time of year. You should definitely listen to the audio of Dracula. It’s a fun way to read it.

    1. It is. I’ve probably listened to it as many time now as I’ve read it. But it has been a few years and it is high time I do it again.

  48. RIP, sounds fun I will definitely be reading with you. Books already in are Northanger Abbey, Rebecca, Frankenstein and a JP Lovecraft, not sure which one yet.

    1. Those are all such great choices, Ruth. Hope you enjoy them all.

  49. Have no idea how to “link in” however, I live in Savannah, Georgia, purported to be the most haunted city in the world. It just would not be right to pass up this challenge. So, although I won’t be “linked” since I have no idea what I’m doing with a computer, I’ll read along as well. Sounds like fun.

    1. Glad to have you. Feel free to pop in here or over at the review site to leave comments about what you are reading. And of course get out there an enjoy your neighborhood ghosts! 🙂

  50. Considering I have read a total of 2 out of 16 books on my Summer Reading list, while rereading 7 (so far) Pern books, I can’t promise a thing. The GOOD NEWS is, the brand new, latest Louise Penny novel arrived yesterday, so I’ll definitely have that to read, and the newest mystery by William Kent Krueger came out last week, so I have that one too. Plus I have a Mike Shayne sitting here. We’ll see.

    1. I bought the new Louise Penny yesterday too. Read the first 70 pages last night. Am liking the return to Three Pines.

  51. Hey Carl
    Was just thinking of this the other day. I’ve been saving up some books specially so please count me in. Looking forward to it very much!
    Lynn 😀

    1. Great, wonderful to see you back again Lynn. Look forward to seeing what you read.

  53. *le sigh!* The Historian is one of my all-time faves. I’ve read it, listened to it and read it again. …maybe I’ll listen to it again? =)

    I hope you enjoy it!

    I’d like to finally read Interview with the Vampire, a book, like you noted, I have been meaning to read for absolutely ages.

    Another way I like to participate in the Season of Spooky Reading is with Amy H. Sturgis’ October blog event. She’s a scholar of SF/F and every day posts a small reading assignment from genre history. I hope she’ll be doing that again this year as she’s pretty busy. Her blog is here: http://eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com/ I like that forum, as she serves as an excellent guide.

    1. You absolutely have to jump in on the conversation for The Historian!!!

      I’ll check out that blog link, thanks. I love combining these events with others and partnering with and supporting what others are doing.

  54. RIP is one of my favorite times of year! I’m hoping to read five books throughout the course of the event. 🙂

    You’ll love The Historian. I read it a few years ago and felt like it was a perfect blend between “National Treasure” and “Dracula.”

    1. Me too! Love that description of The Historian. Makes me excited about diving into it this weekend.

  55. Of course I’m in. I need to pick up book five of the Dresden files series to read for RIP. Keri and I are also watching Solomon Kane on Netflix. I intend to check out he new Sleepy Hollow tv series and I’m going to continue on my Lost Girl viewing ( I’m into season two ). Keri and also need to finish The House at the End of h Street plus I need to finish Cabin in the Woods.

    I tackled The Historian several years ago and thought it was just ok. It pails in comparison to Dracula.

    I will join you in RIPPING throughout the challenge starting this Sunday at your house. ;-).

    1. I’m also going to check out An American Horror Story on Netflix and Paul Cornell’s book London Falling. They were both squeed about on SF Squeecast and I’m intrigued.

      1. Yes, London Falling sounds really interesting. I’m not as interested in American Horror Story. My tolerance for much contemporary film horror has lowered over the years. I’m less interested in the dark direction they take things. Unless its something like Pan’s Labyrinth or The Orphanage, or the recent film The Awakening, which I really liked, I generally get turned off.

    2. I was going to ask about borrowing book 3 of The Dresden Files as I would like to read one of them during the challenge.

      I’m curious about the Sleepy Hollow tv series too. Just saw a commercial for it while watching pre-season football the other day.

  56. This is so cool. I think this is my favorite challenge I have seen so far. I’m a new blogger and I am so excited to take part in this. Just got my post up and I am starting right away.

    Also it is nice to meet another blogger from Missouri who understands our rapidly changing weather.

    1. Welcome to blogging, and welcome to RIP! So great to have you doing both. And a fellow Missouri blogger! Awesome!

    1. Welcome back to year 6, that is so great! No need to thank me, but you are welcome. This is always so much fun for me.

    1. I look forward to checking it out! Great to have you joining in.

  59. I am in of course! I even posted on my blog AND read a book. (I am having an atrocious reading year!) But, it’s my 8th year and I wasn’t going to miss it!

    1. Yes, you are one of the founding members! We need to all get together for he 10th year!

    1. Thanks Kimberly, great to have you joining us. I’m so excited for the fall and all it has to offer.

  61. I’m really excited to be taking part this year! Count me in!
    I’m especially looking forward to watching The Usual Suspects – I’ve heard so much about it and waited far too long to see it.

    1. Excited to have you as well Tanya, welcome. I need to watch that movie too. I had the ending spoiled for me so I’ve never seen it, but I really should.

  62. I look forward to this every year! I’ve already got a stack of books set aside for it. Can’t wait to dive in.

    1. Great to have you back, Melissa. I can’t wait to see what your stack yields up.

  63. Hi Carl – I have been reading several posts on your blog and think that it is terrific! I really like your choice of books.

    Several of my blogger friends have already pointed to your site and I was curious. I will very likely join in for this challenge. It is a neat idea. I am also looking forward to reading the posts of others.

    Thanks for hosting this!

    1. Thanks Brian, I appreciate it. Glad you are joining in. I have a lot of fun hosting it, but it is all the bloggers who make this successful and fun.

  64. I’m really looking forward to joining in this year, for the first time! Thanks for hosting this again.

    1. Welcome Lisa, I’m glad you are able to join us this year. Hope you have a great time and find some great things to read and watch.

  65. I am in again and have posted my first review already.

    I am going to have to think seriously about The Historian readalong. I have owned it since it came out and never even read the first page so this could be the opportunity I have been waiting for.

    1. Great to have you back, Marg, and congrats on already being on the review board!

      I haven’t owned The Historian since it came out but I have wanted to read it since it came out and so I’m definitely in. You should come along with us.

  67. Oh I am in again! I read about a third of The Historian a few years ago; maybe i’ll finish it! Did you know there’s a full cast audio of Dracula, with Tim Curry as Van Helsing and Alan Cumming as Dr. Seward? Happy RIPping!

    1. Melanie, Tim Curry as Van Helsing sounds amazing. I’ll have to track that down as I want to read Dracula again but there’s so much else I want to read too. If I find the recording I can paly it on the way to work – perfect for the dark and misty mornings!

    2. Hi Melanie, sorry if this is a duplicate reply but my internet is playing up. I wanted to say thanks for the tip on the audio recording. I’d love to read Dracula again, but there is so much else I want to read too. If I can track it down I can play it in the car on the way to work.

  68. I can’t believe I haven’t heard of this before – it’s right up my alley! I already have plans to read The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins this fall, as well as the new Stephen King book Doctor Sleep. I’m not sure what my other choices will be but I read a ton of dark books so I don’t think it will be hard. I really enjoyed The Historian and think it’s a great choice!

  69. Yay, it’s here! I’ve been looking forward to this. I’ll be joining in on The Historian read-a-long too. It’s a re-read, but I’ve been wanting to read it again so great timing!

    Thanks for hosting again, Carl!

  70. Phew, just made it in time and so glad I found this. I love this time of year and always have a pumpkin in my window for Halloween.

    I’m reading The Historian (which I’d best get started on) and then returning to the Ann Radcliffe books I have on my Kindle.

  71. This is my favorite reading event of the year – mostly because it gives me an excuse to share the genres I love with even more people. Thanks for hosting it every year.

  72. Very excited! I’ve also been meaning to delve into The Historian. Glad I have an excuse now.

  73. I was recently referred to your site by Brian@Babbling Books and I like what I see. Also, I had Wilkie Collin’s The Woman in White on my Summer Reading List, but have not gotten to it yet. So now is the time and R.I.P.VIII sounds like a good place to share it. I’m only committing to one book, but I have the latest Elizabeth George mystery ready in case I find time to read two.

  76. Found this challenge last year, and had lots of fun taking part. Am looking forward to doing it again this year, and will try to manage Peril on the Screen as well.

  78. I’ve been wanting to read the Historian forever, and what the hey, it gives me an excuse to resurrect my LJ. 🙂

  79. Yet again I’ll be in the middle of a move but will do my best to join in as much as possible. I’ve been setting books aside all year for this event! Happy RIP!

  80. Looking forward to playing along again this year, I had a great time last year!
    Now, to pick which challenge, book(s), and/or movies…

  83. Hi Carl- I finally got my post up! I had fun all year getting ready for this challenge. I really love the header design/image this year, Carl. Can you thank the artist for sharing it with us? I also love the staircase, nice effect 🙂

    Thank you for hosting this again. I really love this challenge! I’ve found so many good books over the years through this challenge. I hope we all get a little scared, and delightfully thrilled this year!

  85. Though I didn’t participate officially, I “lurked” a lot of R.I.P. blog posts last year. “Sign me up” for the short story option!
    -Jay

  90. Hey Carl, Just signed up! Looking forward to some spooky reading and seeing what everyone else gets into as well. Thanks for hosting every year!

  91. I’ll probably only be able to do 1 book (and maybe a movie) but I’m looking forward to participating! Thanks for hosting these challenges! 🙂

  92. This will be my second RIP! Last year, my plans were bigger than my accomplishments, but I did partake of the very excellent group read of A Little Stranger by Sarah Waters. Can’t wait for this one!

  95. All of the challenges sound GREAT! I wish that I could participate in the ALL. *sigh* I must limit myself to only one of them though.

  97. Normally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up
    very compelled me to check out and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me.
    Thank you, very great article.

  98. hurray! posted my first review for this year! 😀
    sort of a gothic-ey, tragic romance mystery kind of can’t put it down, oh lord why is this happening kind of book…

  99. Yay: it’s that time of year! So happy you are hosting again. I’ve watched one film and read one book, but I haven’t posted my reviews yet, only my “I’m in” post. Looking forward to, as usual, finding more recommendations than I can handle, by checking out other participants’ reading ideas. Thanks for hosting!

  102. I am definitely in – Peril the First! We just moved and I’m now settled enough to turn my thoughts to this, and should have my list up by tomorrow!

    1. Hi Jenn! I like your list, particularly “Dr. Sleep”! I look forward to reading your review about it!

      Someone else had the Ghost Bride up as well. I will try to find who that was- they had a particularly interesting review.

      I enjoy your site, but I had to reply here as you have a comments white-list (which I completely respect! Spam is its own sort of horror isn’t it?)

      Happy Reading!

    2. Ah, ghost Bride is on Leslie@appletrees (No. 108) list as well. I read another actually completed review recently, but for my life I cannot find it!

  103. Ahhh…the hedgerows are giving up their berries and the winds are whispering about the death of Summer. It must be time for the R.I.P. Challenge! I am thrilled to be taking part for the the second time, and I am looking forward to reading about what you have chosen to devour – or if you are lucky- what is going to devour you!

  104. I’m back for the second year, and eagerly awaiting my pre-ordered release of “Doctor Sleep,” the long-awaited sequel to my most favorite book ever, King’s “The Shining!” It is available on Sept. 24.

  107. Hi Carl,

    You know, I just love this challenge. I have been enjoying reading, and being inspired by, so many of the lists and reviews this week!

    I just finished and posted about my first R.I.P. Peril In the First title: “Body” by Asa Nonami. It was the perfect way for me to get into the mood. Well the very cool and wet London weather have also been obliging as well. Perfect conditions for curling up with a book this week.

    Thanks for taking the time and effort to pull all of this together over the last eight years! I look forward to the challenge and all the community that comes with it!

  108. I’m starting late this year, but I’m still excited about the challenge. Keeping it simple, reading one book, watching one film, and reading one short story. (Oh and please forgive me for getting confused and signing up on the review site instead of here, it’s been a long day).

  109. Just registered for RIP! So excited! Am starting with my first book today 🙂 Happy reading everyone! Thanks a lot to Carl for hosting this wonderful event!

  112. Found this a little late, but I’m excited to get started. I just found a whole list of books by my favorite creepy author, Phil Rickman, and just downloaded the first two. I’ll have my list up on my site later today. 🙂

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