If you like your thrillers cozy and cute, keep walking. GRABTOWN, the new novel by local Connecticut author Sarah P. Blanchard, doesn’t pull punches. Here’s a brief description:

The past collides with the present as twins Cassie and Ana uncover old crimes, finding a disturbing trail of abuse leading to an abandoned village called Grabtown.  When Cassie's volatile husband demands they stop digging, and a retired detective arrives asking dangerous questions, the twins realize someone believes the old story isn't fiction—it's a confession.  Why does the past refuse to stay buried? And why is a major crimes detective now urging them to flee? Set in rural New England (in a town that looks an awful lot like Putnam, Connecticut), Grabtown is a powerful story of sisterhood, danger, and recovery that exposes the dark underbelly of small-town secrets, where courage and unshakable loyalty become the only weapons against those who prey on the vulnerable.

The Seattle Book Review calls it “beautiful, bold, and utterly unforgettable.” This is the kind of book that keeps you up way past your bedtime, then lingers long after the last page.

Want more than a read? Sarah P. Blanchard (right here in northeastern CT) is available for book talks and events at libraries and book clubs, with discounts for group orders.

Support a hometown author, spark a conversation that matters, and grab your copy now, before someone spoils the ending. Prices: $18.99 softcover, $32.99 hardcover, $2.99 ebook. Available through any bookstore, online at bookshop.org, Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and at sarahpblanchard.com.

Sarah is giving our community a chance to win 2 free signed copies of her novel. One winner will be randomly chosen this week and the following week.

10/11-13 - Crookes Autumn Jubilee | Ashford
10/11 - Reenactor Battles | Woodstock
10/12 - Haunted Trail of Spooks & Rescues | Plainfield
10/12 - Scotland Highland Games | Scotland
10/17-18 - FEARgrounds | Brooklyn
10/17 - Spooktacular Bash | Plainfield
10/17 - Family-Friendly Halloween Party | Sterling
10/18 - Harvest Festival at the Farm | Brooklyn
10/18 - Fall Extravaganza | Pomfret
10/18 - Fright Fest | Pomfret
10/18 - Nick’s Nightmare | Pomfret
10/18 - Fall Art & Craft Fair | Woodstock
10/23 - Halloween Community Spooktacular | Thompson
10/24 - Murder Mystery Show & Dinner | Pomfret
10/24 - Pumpkin Palooza | Thompson
10/25 - 3rd Annual Spooktacular Lights & Sights | Danielson
10/25 - Halloween Psychic/Vendor Fair | Plainfield
10/25 - Fall Fest | Plainfield
10/25 - Halloween Party | Thompson
10/25 - Fall Vendor/Craft Fair | Willimantic
10/25 - Harvest Festival | Willimantic
10/31 - Halloween Costume Contest | Willimantic
10/31 - Halloween Party | Woodstock

I had to bring back the Hive Pick for this week’s extremely special event. On Sunday 10/12, the Highland Festival and Games brings Scottish culture and competition to this side of the pond. Highland athletics (I’m obsessed with the Caber toss), bagpipes galore (although, I know that might not be a selling point for a lot of you), live performances, dancing, a special appearance of some Scottish Highland Cows (courtesy of our friends at Pebble Brook Maple Farm), Scottish food, and tons of goodies.

This amazing event will be taking place at the Brooklyn Fairgrounds (15 Fairgrounds Rd) from 9am-5pm. Parking is $5 per car (cash only), admission is $5 for Children 5-12, $20 General Admission, and $15 for Veterans, Seniors, and Students.

SATURDAY 10/11

Windham | Help Save The Windham Inn | 9am - Windham Preservation is looking for volunteers to help with clean up, demo, and organizing at the historic Windham Inn (4 Scotland Rd). Everything you’ll need will be provided (including masks, supplies, and lunch/drinks). All you need is to be 18 or older, have some work shoes (leave the Birkenstocks at home), and a desire to help preserve this fantastic building from 1783.

To register/ask any questions you may have, email [email protected] or call (860) 234-8566.

Last week’s word scramble answer was Hosmer Mountain, and here’s the cool part - it’s not just a mountain, it’s also the namesake of Willimantic’s own soda empire. Hosmer Mountain Soda has been family-owned since 1912, pumping out fizzy magic for over 110 years. Back in the day, they literally delivered glass bottles door-to-door with horse-drawn wagons, and believe it or not, they still run a modern version of that home delivery service today.

They bottle in small batches, use real cane sugar, and crank out more than 30 different flavors - everything from classic Root Beer to Raspberry Lime Rickey. Collectors even geek out over their bottles and throwback labels. And if you’re counting fizz by the numbers? Hosmer sells over a million bottles a year, many of them still in glass, making them one of the few soda companies in New England to keep the old-school bottling tradition alive. It’s local pride… with bubbles.

🦗🦗🦗

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Matthew Roy | 7-11pm

Canterbury | Walktober | 10am-3pm - The Finnish American Heritage Society (76 N Canterbury Rd) is on the map for Walktober 2025. Visit and then check out other spots in Canterbury for good measure. It really is a beautiful town, if you haven’t been. More info

Danielson | Author Talk | 6:30pm $ - The Wholistic Collective (136 Main St) is hosting Dr. Keven McNeill, author of Pushing It Down, and co-founder/President of the Quiet Corner Peer Support Group. He’ll be speaking about his book and discussing trauma, healing, and resilience. RSVP

Thompson | Cruise Night | 4-9pm - This is it! Your last chance to check out some cool classic cars at Thompson Rod and Gun Club (93 Brandy Hill Rd). Bring your best ride, and some cash if you want to buy some grub while you’re there.

Thompson | Medium | 6-8pm $ - Grab a pint and be entranced by medium Patricia Griffin at Triple Raven Brewing (27 Main St). Tix

TRIVIA

Stomping Ground - Putnam | 7pm
Bear Hands Brewing - Putnam | 6pm
Mill Town Grill - Thompson | 6:30pm
Hank’s - Brooklyn | 6:30pm

Danielson | Seed Saving 101 | 5-6pm $ - Mountain Laurel Floral Designs (98 Main St) wants to help you learn how to save seeds like an absolute pro. Figure out which ones are viable, how to harvest and store them, and how to become more self-sufficient in the garden. Tix

Danielson | Virtual Author Talk | 7pm - Killingly Public Library (25 Westcott Rd) is holding a virtual author talk with New York Times bestselling author Leigh Bardugo. If you’ve got questions, make sure to register.

Pomfret | Micro Art Pumpkin Contest | 11am - Pomfret Public Library (449 Pomfret St) wants artists ages 8-16 to show off their skills with a micro clay pumpkin. There are only 12 available, so get there early if you want your little Picasso to have a shot.

Pomfret | Spirit Speaks | 7-9pm $ - Embrace the spooky season with a mediumship presentation from Beth Coletti and Brenda Tedeschi at Grill 37 (37 Putnam Rd). Call (860) 315-5640 for reservations.

Willimantic | Pint Size Picassos | 5pm - Windham Rec (1 Jillson Sq) is inviting kids of all ages to design and paint their own mini-ceramic pumpkin. It’s a perfect way to add a personal touch to your fall decorations.

Windham | Windham History | 5pm $ - Learn all about Dr. Rose’s Sanitarium that was located in South Windham at The America Museum (47 Crescent St). The $10 admission fee includes refreshments.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Grounds - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ Stomping Grounds - Putnam | Tyler Fauxbel | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Thompson Public Library - North Grosvenordale | Horror Movie Trivia | 6pm
Trolley Pub - Willimantic | 7:30pm
Midway Restaurant - Ashford | 7pm

Brooklyn | Haunted House/Cursed Corn Maze | 6-9:45pm $ - Get the bejesus scared out of you at Carvers Curse (329 Stetson Rd). Fair warning, not recommended for kids under 12. This also runs on 10/11 Tix

Danielson | Jekyll & Hyde The Musical | 7-9pm $ - The Little Theater on Broad Street (185 Broad St) brings you this bipolar musical. This is the last weekend you’ll be able to catch the show! Tix

Putnam | Murder On The Orient Express | 7:30pm $ - Grab a little culture and watch a murder mystery unfold at The Bradley Playhouse (30 Front St). There are shows throughout the weekend. Tix

Willimantic | Nightmare on Main | 7-9:20pm $ - Take a fright-filled walk through this annual tradition at the Eastern Railroad Museum (55 Bridge St). Meant for people 12 and older - $18/person, cash only. Will also run on 10/11.

Willimantic | Resin Embellished Cheese Board | 6-8pm $ - Create a unique cheese board with a resin-dipped handle (they look really cool). Tunk City Revival will be at BliSS Marketplace (34 North St) for this sip and create class (that’s right, a glass of wine is included in your ticket). Sign Up

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ American Cafe - Plainfield | Heartland | 9pm
⬢ Little Dipper Farm - Brooklyn | Reed Foehl | 6-10pm $
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | August First | 8-11pm

TRIVIA

Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | 6:30pm

Ashford | Autumn Jubilee | 9am - Crookes Orchard (317 Bebbington Rd) is throwing an all things apple celebration. Pick-your-own-apples, apple cider donuts, caramel apples, cider, live music, food trucks, kids activities, and more!

Ashford | Hogtoberfest | 5pm $ - Ever wanted to explore the grounds of the June Norcross Webster Scout Reservation (149 Ashford Center Rd)? Well, now you can, and also enjoy a pig roast, live music (The Whiskey Rebels), raffle baskets, and more. 21+ Tix

Brooklyn | Fall Festival | 9am-2pm - Trinity Episcopal Church (7 Rt 6) is holding a festival of vendors, bounce house, face painting (for the kids, but I mean, who is gonna say no if you really want to look like a tiger?), and hot meals available for purchase.

Danielson | Harvest Festival | 10am-12pm - Carelot Children’s Center (155 North St) is holding their 16th Annual Harvest Festival. Live music, treats, crafts, and fun.

Danielson | Small Town Music Fest | 1pm - Chubby Dog Coffee (144 Main St) has put together a free day of fun for the community. Live bands, beer gardens, vendors, food trucks, and other activities. Sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon to me!

Plainfield | Volunteer For a Day | 9am-12pm - Get your community service hours in, or just get some internal fulfillment from volunteering at the lovely Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue (169 Black Hill Rd). If you’re interested, fill out this form.

Plainfield | Owl Meet and Greet | 10am-12pm - This super-popular event is back again at Crystal Visions (40 Railroad Ave). Meet an owl ambassador from Freedom First Wildlife Rehab, and if you’re feeling generous, you can donate to them too! You must pre-register by calling (860) 317-1018 if you want a spot.

Putnam | Fall Trail Ride | 9am - If you’ve wanted to take you Jeep off-roading, New England Jeep Convoys is doing just that. A stock-friendly ride, followed by a stop at Tree House Farm Brewery in Woodstock. Convoy will begin at Runnings (44 Rt 44).

Sterling | Indoor Flea Market | 8am-2pm - Browse through other people’s stuff to find some goodies you never knew you needed at Sterling Town Hall (1183 Plainfield Pike).

Willimantic | Christine Ohlman & Rebel Montez | 8-10pm $ - The Beehive Queen makes her return to The River Room (50 Riverside Dr) for a night of rock, soul, and a touch of blues. Do a little YouTubing, and you’ll see why this is a show you don’t want to miss! Tix

Willimantic | Making Soap | 10am $ - Learn how soap was made in the 1700s compared to today (yes, they had soap back then), the history behind it, and the several different kinds of soap making the rounds. Added bonus - you’ll get to leanr how to make donuts over the hearth. You can thank the Jillson House Museum (627 Main St) for the experience! Tix

Willimantic | Spooktober Vendor Event | 10am-3pm - Bridge St Micro Farm (125 Bridge St) is holding a little vendor event, right up the street from the Willimantic Farmers Market. All sorts of goodies to find.

Woodstock | The Battle of Fairholm Farm | 10am - Woodstock is starting the celebration of America’s 250th birthday with a huge reenactment at Fairholm Farm (72 Chandler School Rd). Note: you’ll have to bring your own hardtack.

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ D&G Pizza - Canterbury | Aaron Spearin | 6-9pm
⬢ Music Lady Cafe - Central Village | Mindset | 8pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | The Island Farm Ceilie Band | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Troy Mercy | 8-11pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Jon Taylor | 2-5pm
⬢ Broken Crust - Putnam | Becky Prior | 5:30-7:30pm

Dayville | Beer in the Woods Festival | 4-8pm $ - Relive your younger days, by drinking in the woods! This time, it’ll be a little nicer than the cheapest keg beer you could buy. Black Pond Brews (1001 Hartford Pike) is holding an all you can eat/drink party! You’ll get a commemorative festival glass, all the BBQ you could want (including vegan options), beer/cider/canned cocktails, and reduced ticket prices for designated drivers. Tix - price is for two people.

Dayville | Family Day | 9:30am - DeFazio Orchard (1393 North Rd) is holding a family fun day with local craft vendors, paint your own pumpkin/kids crafts, food & drinks from local business, tractor rides, goat feeding, local honey, and believe it or not, more!

Plainfield | Haunted Trail | 6-9pm - Spike your adrenaline with jump scares and unexpected frights at Hay Burr Inn Equine Rescue (169 Black Hill Rd). Dress up, wear appropriate footwear, say hi to the horses and donkeys, and choose how spooky you want your walk. Entry is free, but donations go a long way to helping the sanctuary continue their amazing work!

LIVE MUSIC

⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Cory Daniel | 1-4pm
⬢ Stomping Ground - Putnam | Open Mic | 7-11:30pm
⬢ Taylor Brooke - Woodstock | Turas | 2-5pm
⬢ 4G’s Restaurant - Dayville | Jeremy Haddad | 2-5pm