Summary of Tales Around the Jack O'Lantern VII: A Mary O'Reilly Series Short Story, by Terri Reid
Dive into the spooky yet humorous world of 'Tales Around the Jack O'Lantern VII'. Join Mary O'Reilly on her ghostly adventures year-round!
Sunday, September 28, 2025
Welcome to the world of Tales Around the Jack O'Lantern VII, a delightful (and slightly spooky) journey into the mind of Terri Reid. If you thought reading about ghosts and ghouls was reserved for October, think again! This short story proves that the spirit of Halloween can live on year-round, because who doesn't enjoy a good fright, right?
In this installment, we follow our favorite paranormal investigator, Mary O'Reilly. Imagine a woman whose job is essentially to play hide-and-seek with ghosts while figuring out if she's losing her mind or simply being haunted. If you've ever wondered what it's like to chat with supernatural beings while trying to keep your sanity intact, Mary's your gal!
As the plot unfolds, Mary finds herself knee-deep in some spectral shenanigans. You may be wondering where the heck the pumpkin comes in. Well, let's be real, it's not a Tales Around the Jack O'Lantern collection without some good ol' pumpkin action! Spoiler alert: the jack-o'-lanterns aren't just a cute decoration; they have a story of their own and may just hold some ghostly secrets. Who knew gourds could be so mysterious?
In classic Reid fashion, expect quirky characters, eerie encounters, and enough twists to give you a mild case of whiplash. As Mary interacts with the spirits, we see just how far she's willing to go to uncover the truth. Will she solve the mysteries surrounding the jack-o'-lanterns, or will she end up being another ghost in their collection?
Now, here's the thing-if you think you're just going to read a simple ghost story, you might be in for a surprise. Terri Reid weaves humor, suspense, and a sprinkle of heartwarming moments (yes, those exist in ghost storytelling!). You'll chuckle, you'll gasp, and you may even leave the lights on for a bit after reading.
At a brisk 45 pages, this short story packs a punch. It's perfect for a quick read on a dark and stormy night when your couch suddenly feels like a safe haven. Plus, who doesn't love short stories that have the potential to whisper in your ear as the wind howls outside?
So, grab your favorite blanket, settle in, and prepare for the jack-o'-lanterns to come to life like they're auditioning for Dancing with the Stars. You'll be entertained, bewildered, and possibly contemplating the existence of spirits lurking in your own backyard. Just don't forget to save a pumpkin for me!
Maddie Page
Classics, bestsellers, and guilty pleasures-none are safe from my sarcastic recaps. I turn heavy reads into lighthearted summaries you can actually enjoy. Warning: may cause random outbursts of laughter while pretending to study literature.