The Tarrytown Music Hall and Transom Bookshop will present Sleepy Hollow: Fact & Fiction with J.W. Ocker, the first event to bring together multiple authors for a shared exploration of the lore and legend surrounding Sleepy Hollow, on Saturday, October 10 at 1:00 PM at the Tarrytown Music Hall.
Bestselling Edgar Award–winning author and podcaster, J.W. Ocker, will discuss his new book, Chasing the Headless Horseman: The History, Hijinks, and Halloweens of the Real Sleepy Hollow (Countryman Press, September 2026), which traces how the quiet riverside village became a global phenomenon — and why Washington Irving’s gothic legend has endured for more than two centuries.
Following his talk, Ocker will join a panel of four novelists whose own fiction draws directly from the Headless Horseman legend: Christina Henry, Nichole Louise, Alyssa Palombo, and Jude S. Walko. The panel will be introduced and moderated by Chris Steib of Transom Bookshop.
“Every October this town celebrates a ghost story that’s part history and part invention. This panel is the first time we’ve put those pieces on stage together–from the best-selling author who explores the origins of the legend to the writers who reinvented it for a new audience.” said Steib.
A signed copy of Chasing the Headless Horseman is included with every ticket. After the show, attendees will have a chance to meet the panelists and purchase additional books for signing.
Panelists
J.W. Ocker is the author of Chasing the Headless Horseman: The History, Hijinks, and Halloweens of the Real Sleepy Hollow. He is a nationally bestselling, Edgar-winning author of macabre travelogues, spooky kid’s books, and horror novels. His books include A Season with the Witch, Twelve Nights at Rotter House, The Black Slide, and The United States of Cryptids. He lives in New Hampshire.
Christina Henry is a horror and dark fantasy author of 20 novels, including The Place Where They Buried Your Heard and the forthcoming Pinfeathers. Her short stories have been featured in several anthologies, including the Bram Stoker Award-nominated HOWL: An Anthology of Werewolves from Women-in-Horror. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.
Nichole Louise is the author of Raven Rock, a prequel to “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” She has published short stories and articles, most notably in the Journal of the American Revolution. She also writes spec scripts and screenplays., was recognized by Writer’s Digest, the Historical Fiction Company, and the Chanticleer International Book Awards. She is based in Philadelphia, PA.
Alyssa Palombo is the author of six novels, including The Spellbook of Katrina Van Tassel. Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, she graduated from Canisius College with degrees in English and creative writing. She now lives in Niagara Falls with her rescue poodle in a house filled with books and vinyl records.
Jude S. Walko created The Unhallowed Horseman, named 2024 Gothic Horror Novel of the Year by Audiobookreviewer.com & fittingly owns a grave plot at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. He’s been published in the HWA’s curated anthology Of Horror and Hope and Mystery & Suspense Magazine. Also an award-winning filmmaker & actor, with credits on over 100 films, he won the 2018 Eclipse Award for directing The Incantation.
Chris Steib (moderator) is the author of nothing, but he sells plenty of books at Transom Bookshop—located on Main Street in Tarrytown, about 160 feet down from the Music Hall
Saturday, October 10
1pm – 3pm
Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown
Cost: $35
A signed copy of J.W. Ocker’s Chasing the Headless Horseman is included in the ticket price.
