Fear Street: Party Games EXCERPT

Introduction

The Fear Street woods stretch for hundreds of acres at the eastern end of the town of Shadyside. Tall, leafy maple and sycamore trees, centuries old, make the woods shadowy and cool, even on the sunniest days.

The woods are beautiful, fragrant, and quiet. But few Shadyside residents would ever hike or picnic there.

Maybe they know the story of the two girls who were found in the woods—with all their bones missing.

Or maybe they know the odd fact that no birds ever venture into these woods or perch on the trees. Most people take that as a warning.

Or maybe it’s because everyone in town has heard the unexplained, inhuman howls and shrieks that echo off the tall trees late at night.

Everyone in the pleasant, suburban town of Shadyside knows about the Fear family, early settlers of the town, who practiced the black arts and were cursed with a history of untold evil. The woods—and the winding street that bears their name—are places to be avoided by all.

Shadyside High senior Rachel Martin has lived in Shadyside her whole life. She should know better than to venture off with Brendan Fear to an all-night party at his family summer home on Fear Island. She should know there are risks when you get involved with a Fear. But sometimes romance gets in the way of common sense.

Besides, all those scary Fear family stories are ancient history—aren’t they?

Aren’t they?

Rachel looks forward to a dream weekend. But she is about to learn that Fear Street is where your darkest nightmares live.

--R. L. Stine