The Legend of Decimus Croome

A Halloween Carol

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Pub Date 19 Apr 2017 | Archive Date 7 Sep 2019

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Description

Decimus Croome is a dastardly curmudgeon who hates all holidays but especially despises Halloween. He is content to live in his gloomy old house and avoid all human contact whenever possible.

He even shuns his own daughter and grandson. But Croome's life changes one memorable Halloween when four ghastly spirits visit him to reveal the misery he has inflicted upon his friends, neighbors and family members.

Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Legend of Decimus Croome is bound to become a Halloween classic for readers of all ages. Follow old man Croome as he is visited by the lovely but disturbing spirit of his dearly departed wife.

She warns him of three spirits yet to follow. And oh what spirits they are. Each one is more frightening than the last as they deliver a chilling message for Croome and his fellow Halloween humbugs.

The Ghost of Halloween Past is a truly horrifying yet disturbingly hilarious spirit who delivers Croome to his distant and not-so-distant past. Along the journey,

Croome is warmed with nostalgia then terrified by painful memories from Halloweens gone by. The second spirit is a shape-shifting witch who breaks every stereotype about witches while nearly driving Croome insane with her wild antics and slapstick delivery.

As the Ghost of Halloween Present, she takes Croome on a crazy magic carpet ride that reveals his negative influence on those closest to him. The witch also introduces Croome to the magic of Halloween on enchanted visits further afield.

The third phantasm delivers the final glimpse of Croome's diabolically repulsive life and the future that is in store for him if he doesn't change his wicked ways. Croome is forced to confront the impending consequences of his cruel and heartless lifestyle. He is spirited away to a bleak future including a terrifying visit to a desolate cemetery.

Throughout this delightful and spooky Halloween novel, you will be haunted by ghosts, inspired by a brave young leukemia patient and entertained by a precocious feline named Black Magic.

Join Tommy Bobbich, Decimus Croome and a whole cast of ghosts, witches and ghouls in this modern day holiday story that is sure to provide you with chills, laughs and even a few touching moments as you read The Legend of Decimus Croome: a Halloween Carol.

You will never look at Halloween the same again.

Decimus Croome is a dastardly curmudgeon who hates all holidays but especially despises Halloween. He is content to live in his gloomy old house and avoid all human contact whenever possible.

He even...


Advance Praise

"If Charles Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe and Dr. Seuss conspired to write the ultimate classic Halloween novel, it would look very similar to 'The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol'." - BestHolidayBooks.com

"I have no doubt of this book by Kevin Purdy easily becoming a Halloween favorite just like A Christmas Carol." - M. G. Camacho, verified Amazon review as well as book blogger

"Halloween and Christmas are two of my favorite holidays, and I love this blending together of one of the most famous Christmas stories with the magic of Halloween." - A. A. Pearce

"If Charles Dickens, Edgar Allen Poe and Dr. Seuss conspired to write the ultimate classic Halloween novel, it would look very similar to 'The Legend of Decimus Croome: A Halloween Carol'." -...


Available Editions

ISBN 9781520500652
PRICE US$3.99 (USD)

Average rating from 23 members


Featured Reviews

this was a fun halloween carol, I liked that they took the Christmas carol outline and made it their own and still recognizable. I really enjoyed reading this.

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This book is both funny and very recognizable when you know Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'. It read like 'A Muppets' Cristmas Carol' (a movie I love!) as a book, and then linked to Halloween. That means a combination of fun and jokes, and emotional and sad moments. I certainly shed a couple of tears at moments.

While I loved reading this book in August, I really believe it is even better in October!

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This was such a fun retelling of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. It captures the essense, the story and the characters of the original story really well. The Legend of Decimus Croome is still original in its own right, even as a retelling. I suspect a lot of people would love to read this.

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A brilliant retelling of Dickens' Christmas Carol.
I found it gripping, entertaining and well written.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

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A retelling of a Christmas Carol, but taking place on Halloween. Decimus Croome has lot his Halloween spirit years ago after losing his wife, a lover of Halloween. Very quickly he loses enthusiasm for pretty much everything. A visit from three spirits sets him on the right path and away from being a curmudgeonly, miserly man.
I was skeptical about this book at first. If the story hadn’t included Decimus’ connection to Halloween, and was just a rip off of A Christmas Carol I would have been disappointed, thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Decimus has to fix things with his family, employee, Halloween and holiday spirit, and the community at large as well. Doing so brings back the joy he hasn’t felt since his wife passed. Anyone who has experienced loss can relate to not wanting to experience happiness after the loss. However, after some healing time occurs, it is time to get back to enjoying life instead of just suffering. This tale is a delightful one, and I ended up very proud of Decimus and the changes he rapidly made.
My only gripe is that some of the vocabulary may be difficult for children. If it is an ebook they are reading, it is easy to look up definitions on the device at least!
Great read for the season!

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You can imagine how surprise I was when I realized how much I enjoyed this book. I thought it was just a retelling of A Christmas Carol with a Halloween twist but I absolutely loved it. You knew what was coming but it still keeps you reading until the very last page. Awesome job Mr. Purdy!!!

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Decimus Croome has closed himself off from everyone that comes into his world. He cannot get over the loss of his true love—his wife. When his wife died, he still had a daughter to raise but even with her, he was remote emotionally. Like her mother, she was born on Halloween. They loved decorating the house for Halloween. Decimus would not let his daughter decorate the house for Halloween or have a birthday party. He owned a hardware store that had been owned by his father. He hires a man for the store while he hides out in his office. Why? On Halloween Eve, he has three spirits visit him. Will he listen to the lessons the spirits are trying to give him?

This story will remind adults of the famous story “A Christmas carol” by Charles Dickens. It’s very well written with touches of humor. I was enchanted with what the spirits showed him. It’s a fun story with reminders to be kind to everyone.

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The story of old Scrooge haunted by the three ghots of christmas only in the time of halloween. Not very surprising but good to read.

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I wasn't sure what to expect when I first starting reading this book and was pleasantly surprised. The book is basically a retelling of a Christmas Carol but about Halloween instead. Decimus Croome lost his wife and is struggling to move on. He does have a daughter who was born on Halloween- as well as his wife. It used to be a tradition to decorate their house for Halloween but Decimus will not allow this anymore because it's too painful. Decimus is visited by spirits and he starts to realize he can still enjoy life even though he lost his beloved wife. This book was nicely done and well written. Thank you to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

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I thought this was a good Halloween version of A Christmas Carol. I liked that it was updated. There are many changes to this story that make it appealing but the overall story is the same as A Christmas Carol. I cried reading this book. I also laughed. If you love A Christmas Carol you will love this Halloween version. It also the best time to read this as Halloween is fast approaching.



*I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.*

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The legend of decimus croome by Kevin Purdy.
Decimus Croome is a dastardly curmudgeon who hates all holidays but especially despises Halloween. He is content to live in his gloomy old house and avoid all human contact whenever possible.

He even shuns his own daughter and grandson. But Croome's life changes one memorable Halloween when four ghastly spirits visit him to reveal the misery he has inflicted upon his friends, neighbors and family members.

Based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Legend of Decimus Croome is bound to become a Halloween classic for readers of all ages. Follow old man Croome as he is visited by the lovely but disturbing spirit of his dearly departed wife.
A fantastic read. Brilliant. 5*.

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Being a fan of Dickens' Christmas Carol, I was intrigued by the idea of a Halloween version.
Decimus Croome is a lonely old curmudgeon who owns a hardware store which is struggling when a big box hardware emporium moves into the community. He only has one employee and most of the time fewer customers. Said employee has a child struggling with a physical illness. Do you recognize the storyline?

The book opens with a very dark and disturbing scene of graveyards and zombies and an overdose of alliteration. Until Decimus stumbles onto the scene and we discover things are even worse! It is Halloween and all is not as it seems.

Decimus has a reputation. He is not the one handing out full size candy bars to costumed revelers.
His store is not the most decorated among the merchants. He does, however have a black cat, for whom he has a soft spot.

On the eve of Halloween Decimus is visited by spirits (and spiders and the loving essence of his beloved wife, mother to his daughter. He is reminded that there were days when he enjoyed the holiday and company of friends. He also must revisit turning points when his own behavior is enough to scare a spirit!

If you are a fan of the Christmas classic, give this different perspective a try. I think you may find it a treat.

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Decimus Coome despises Halloween. He is content to live out his life alone with only his garden to keep him company. He has even pushed his own daughter and grandson from his life with his hatred of Halloween and celebrations. That is until the night before Halloween when he is visited by four spirits. Can Decimus make the changes in his life before his fate is sealed?

This is such a fun read for the Halloween Season. It will definitely put you in the Halloween spirit. I really enjoyed this unique spin on the classic Christmas Carol. The story is very well done and the characters were kept pretty true to the classic. I recommend this book to Halloween fans, and fans of The Christmas Carol.

I voluntarily agreed to read a copy of this book supplied by Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

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Great read around Halloween! Decimus hates all holidays but hates Halloween the most. He's content with no human contact and having a gloomy life. This book is based on "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. Only Halloween not Christmas. It's scary funny. The ghost of Halloween past shape-shifting witch and last but not least they have a phantasm.

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This story is A Christmas Carol for Halloween. Instead of being visited by the Ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, the protagonist is visited by the Ghosts of Halloween past, present, and future. I thought this was a clever idea by the author. The characters were also interesting. I enjoyed reading this story and would read other books by this author.

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This was a fun story! It should become a staple Halloween read for everyone (especially those who don't treat!). I like this retelling of a Christmas Carol. It's well done . And while it borrows from the Dicken's tale, it has certainly made it's story it's own. Fun read!

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This book was made like a Christmas Carol but in Hallowentime. I loved all the characters and the plot. I love how they added a black cat into the story. It had me sad for the main Character. Hope this author makes more stories like this. Love it for Halloween!

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Loved it! A brilliant take on a classic with a Halloween twist. This definitely gets you in the mood for the spooky season! Thank you for the ARC.

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Decimus Croome has forgotten the magic of Halloween and the joy it once brought him. Now he just wishes for it all to be over. This year however he is set to have his own Christmas Carol moment when he's visited by some Halloween spirits but can they reach through his grief and grump to find his heart.

This was such a fun little short story and a perfect read at Halloween. I love a retelling and this is such an interesting concept. I do love Halloween so it was a fun read. The plot is simple and the ending is quite predictable but how it comes together is good. I loved the spirits and the first one was hilarious. A short but sweet Halloween read.

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