NORWICH – It just wouldn’t be Halloween in Chenango County if we didn’t have a new release from our own master of horror ... and true to form, local author Dustin Warburton is unveiling “Mortician’s Food” this week.

It’s been a few years now since Warburton and fellow McDonough native Nathan Gorman released “Taste,” a short novel based loosely on the town they grew up in, to rave reviews both locally and on the horror circuit. Pretty much every year since, Warburton’s returned to Chenango County in the fall with a new effort – first “Strange Things” and then last year’s “My Brother Eats Spiders,” a children’s book.

For his fourth book, Warburton’s back to his horror roots. “This one came together really fast,” he said of “Mortician’s Food,” a compilation of short stories he describes as being in the “H.P. Lovecraft vein.” In addition to Warburton’s works, “Mortician’s Food” includes a novella by Alex Knight.

“Mortician’s Food” made its unofficial debut this week in a venue Warburton says he enjoys immensely – in local schools. Prior to the release of each book, Warburton and one of his collaborators have visited local school children to talk with them about writing and the importance of pursuing their goals. This week, Warburton visited Sherburne-Earvlille and Edmeston schools on Tuesday. “Basically I just want to show them that writing can be fun,” Warburton says, “and you can actually make money at it.”

Warburton’s latest work will make its official debut to the public at two events this week – at an author signing tonight from 5 to 7 p.m. at the McDonough General Store, and Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at First Edition Book Store in Norwich. “It’s my first time doing a signing at the Norwich book store,” he said. “I’m pretty excited about that.”

His book retails for $14, and fans can get theirs signed for free at both events. “Mortician’s Food” and all his other works can also be ordered from his website, dustinwarburton.com as well as online retailers.