“Fragile Masks” by Richard Gavin

The Mammoth Book of Halloween Stories (2018) edited by Stephen Jones

Readers unfamiliar with The Mammoth Book of Halloween Stories may prefer to read these notes only after reading the anthology.

Jon and Paige's romantic getaway takes a dark turn when they encounter Paige's ex-husband. A series of unsettling events forces Jon to confront his vulnerabilities and hidden truths about sugar mama Paige..

Setting: A remote bed-and-breakfast on Halloween night.

Characters: Jon and Paige, a couple; Teddy, Paige's ex-husband; Alicia, Teddy's fiancée; Imogene, the owner of the bed-and-breakfast.

Halloween seen as: A time when the supernatural intrudes on the mundane, revealing hidden truths.

Style: Gothic, atmospheric, with a focus on relationships and secrets.

Point of view: Third person, primarily from Jon's perspective.

Jay