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web_h3ad's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
good quick read
babayagareads's review
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Best for fans of Haunters or a less gore-y/slasher Clown in a Cornfield. I liked this and will be blurbing it on my insta. The multiple perspectives make this better to read in one or two sittings than over many days.
readerkat727's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
precioussantiago's review
4.0
If you have any interest in the inner workings of extreme haunts-pick up this book now!
This story is told through a series of interviews following the aftermath of the tragic Mckinley Manor Massacre, an extreme haunted house attraction in a small town in Texas. Thats it, thats the story and really all that you need to know. This is a pretty straight forward story that I didn't know I needed in my life and I read it in one day.
Clocking in at 124 pages this is a perfect short read to add to your TBR especially during the Halloween season. In this story we get a first seat glimpse into the origins of an extreme haunt. The twisted mind of the creator behind Mckinley Manor and the cult following obsessed with the attraction and its lore. After reading the synopsis for this novella, it immediately reminded me of the famed Mackamey Manor a real extreme haunt in TN that has a cult following and sounds like an absolute nightmare.
Some of the Survivor-style obstacles that the patrons have to endure at Mckinley Manor are downright disgusting-or are they? Interview style stories can be a hit or miss for me, but it was very well done here and I felt it really contributed to the tension. Trust me once you start you will not want to finish, I could have easily devoured this in one sitting, but ya know-life. The ending is pretty shocking and took a turn I wasn't expecting. I can't say that I particularly liked it, but it did surprise me.
This book comes with my highest recommendation-I think its the perfect thrilling read balanced with a well developed plot. I feel like this novella would appeal to audiences that enjoy true crime. Happy Reading!
This story is told through a series of interviews following the aftermath of the tragic Mckinley Manor Massacre, an extreme haunted house attraction in a small town in Texas. Thats it, thats the story and really all that you need to know. This is a pretty straight forward story that I didn't know I needed in my life and I read it in one day.
Clocking in at 124 pages this is a perfect short read to add to your TBR especially during the Halloween season. In this story we get a first seat glimpse into the origins of an extreme haunt. The twisted mind of the creator behind Mckinley Manor and the cult following obsessed with the attraction and its lore. After reading the synopsis for this novella, it immediately reminded me of the famed Mackamey Manor a real extreme haunt in TN that has a cult following and sounds like an absolute nightmare.
Some of the Survivor-style obstacles that the patrons have to endure at Mckinley Manor are downright disgusting-or are they? Interview style stories can be a hit or miss for me, but it was very well done here and I felt it really contributed to the tension. Trust me once you start you will not want to finish, I could have easily devoured this in one sitting, but ya know-life. The ending is pretty shocking and took a turn I wasn't expecting. I can't say that I particularly liked it, but it did surprise me.
This book comes with my highest recommendation-I think its the perfect thrilling read balanced with a well developed plot. I feel like this novella would appeal to audiences that enjoy true crime. Happy Reading!
jollybean's review against another edition
dark
tense
3.0
a solid interview-style novella, nothing special, but entertaining enough to read
lee_readsbooks's review
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
magenta_menace's review
2.75
i think i would have enjoyed this a bit more if i wasn't super well-versed on the extreme haunt that this story was based on. i really liked the documentary style of the piece, but EVERYTHING was ripped from mckamey manor, which ended up making it feel very heavy-handed. like, "gus mckinley" is very obviously russ mckamey. there wasn't a lot of nuance here. don't get me wrong, it was a fun read and i really loved the supernatural twist at the end, but like even down to the small details like the bags of dog food, the onesies, the facebook group--it was all ripped from real life. changing some of the details would have made this a little more compelling.
janel_bernotas's review
4.0
Pork Basket, Texas….small town, and home of Gus McKinley. It’s usually such a quiet and peaceful town. That is, until one Halloween, Gus decides to put up a sign in his front yard that reads “McKinley Manor — Opening Soon”. At first, it’s a little family friendly haunted house. Then it turns into an extreme haunt. A horrifying, visceral, and assaulting haunt.
The writing of Max Booth III is as fantastic as ever in this short story (123pgs). He uses interviews and statements of victims & witnesses to tell of the sensory deprivation and assaults. Also used are live feeds and viral videos. The book gives me vibes of the “Hell House” movies completely. It’s inspired by a real person….I’m sure all of you fellow horror lovers know who I’m referring to *wink wink, nudge nudge*. All in all, a great book!
The writing of Max Booth III is as fantastic as ever in this short story (123pgs). He uses interviews and statements of victims & witnesses to tell of the sensory deprivation and assaults. Also used are live feeds and viral videos. The book gives me vibes of the “Hell House” movies completely. It’s inspired by a real person….I’m sure all of you fellow horror lovers know who I’m referring to *wink wink, nudge nudge*. All in all, a great book!
thomaswjoyce's review
4.0
A really interesting format for the story, I can imagine how it would work as a faux documentary style film. Booth captures the unique voices of each of the interviewees and does a great job of pacing the story, hinting at some of the details of the massacre that is the culmination of the haunt, always giving us just enough to keep guessing without giving away too much. A fun read.