Willard Library helps kickoff the spooky fall season with horror author Grady Hendrix, who will present his one-of-a-kind one-man show, “How To Sell a Haunted House Live” on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 6 pm. at the Kool Family Community Center, 200 W. Michigan Ave.

 Hendrix is the author of the popular and critically-acclaimed books Horrorstör, My Best Friend’s Exorcism, the Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, and his most recent, How to Sell a Haunted House, among others. Reference librarian Brenna LaForge described Hendrix as an “expert on writing horror.” She continued, “he writes ‘campy’ horror novels, but don’t let the term fool you – you may laugh while reading his books, but you’ll definitely find something scary waiting for you too!” 

Hendrix’s most recent novel, How to Sell a Haunted House, introduces readers to Louise, who reluctantly returns to her cluttered family home in Charleston following the death of her parents, dreading both the emotional toll and the task of preparing it for sale. She must confront her troubled relationship with her brother, Mark, while sorting through a house filled with memories and strange remnants of her parents’ lives. As they work together, it becomes clear that the house, and its contents, have eerie plans of their own. 

In describing How to Sell a Haunted House, Hendrix wrote, “During the pandemic, I wanted to write something comforting and old fashioned and gothic. I wanted to write a traditional haunted house story and I wanted it to be full of empty bedrooms, restless spirits stalking the halls, family curses, and ancient secrets. Because whether it’s around a campfire, at a sleepover, or alone by ourselves on the couch, there’s nothing more comforting than a haunted house story.” 

Hendrix will be performing what he calls a “one-man show,” which diverges from a traditional author talk. Instead, Hendrix will present “an hour-long extravaganza about ghosts and our fascination with them. Be prepared for a fast-paced presentation full of sarcasm, dark humor, and perhaps a scare or two,” said LaForge.  

New Story Community Books will have books available for purchase, and Mr. Hendrix will answer questions and sign books, three per person, after the show.