What begins as a test of bravery or a sleepover activity-chanting in front of a mirror, riding an elevator alone, taking pictures in the dark-can become something . . . dangerous. This compendium collects the most spine-chilling games based on urban legends from around the world. Centuries-old games such as Bloody Mary and Light as a Feather, Stiff as a Board are detailed alongside new games from the internet age, like The Answer Man, a sinister voice that whispers secrets to whomever manages to contact him with a cellphone. With step-by-step instructions, historical context, and the stakes for each game, this black handbook is the ideal gift for anyone looking for a late-night thrill-but beware who, or what, may come out to play.

Lucia Peters is a writer and editor based in Washington, DC. Her writing has appeared online at The Toast, Bustle, and other sites. She also runs The Ghost In My Machine, a website where she spooks readers with stories of the strange and unusual.