Spooky Costa Rica: Paranormal Halloween Tales by Readers of A.M. Costa Rica

Periodically A.M. Costa Rica, the country's leading English-language daily newspaper, challenges its readers to author relevant fiction. In this case the topic was spooks and the paranormal to mark Halloween 2017. That holiday is not entirely recognized in Costa Rica, so the writing contest provide yet another link between expatriates and their home countries where All Hallows' Eve is a valued tradition. Many English speakers in Costa Rica also are skilled writers, and some have many books to their credit. So the response was enthusiastic, and the fiction submitted drew in many cases on traditions of the Central American country. The stories range from humor to horror with abandon buildings, jungle creatures and even practical jokes providing the narrative. These eight short stories were selected from the contest submissions because each illuminates a different aspect of the country. Costa Ricans already have many paranormal tales, and this anthology adds to the tradition with a Gringo twist.