It is difficult to follow this fast-paced novel due to history and parts of the previous book being missing for me as I didn't read the first book.

I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this and the interludes of horror movies in it. I would suggest picking this one up after you read book one as it will probably make more sense to you

"Discovering her father's strange final manuscript has brought only mayhem and darkness to Haven Marbury's life. In Book Two of the Malice Compendium, what has leapt of the page threatens everybody.

Now both hunter and prey, Haven travels far and wide to discover the contours of her family curse and escape the worst of her late father's creations. Constantly looking over her shoulder, she fears Uncle Arnold the most. His irresistible whispers compel victims to commit horrifying deeds, and he's hungry to use Haven's abilities to rewrite the world to his liking.

Drawn to the desert scrublands and Hollywood mansions of California, Haven discovers a string of murders that point directly to members of her family. Given shelter by a mysterious benefactor, Haven and her sister forge questionable allegiances, using some otherworldly creatures to hunt down others. And when the trail of death ends at a studio from the Golden Age of horror films, reality and fiction become the strangest of bedfellows indeed."

I just ADORE that space where horror collides with the Golden Age of Hollywood. Which is probably why I love Scream 3 so much...

BUCKLE UP! This is a book to remember!

Midnight Showing is the sequel to Malice House - an exciting and crazy story that featured Haven, a young woman who could draw creatures (monsters) to life. Haunted by her father's legacy she returned to his home and became entwined with his creatures and some that she drew herself.

She is now working with her step sister and attempting to track down some of the most dangerous monsters. The two woman count of an extremely rich film producer and collector or all things horror. The gang is a group with disparate allegiances and goals and Haven frequently doesn't know whom to trust. But whether she is ready of not, the monsters are coming for her. i.#Hyperion #Midnightshowing #meganshepherd

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the advanced copy of this book!

Midnight Showing is the sequel to Malice House, which I had no idea was going to be getting a sequel. I was shocked when I saw this but very excited.

We pick up a little after book one with Haven and Kylie searching for answers. They search all of the world for leads on how this curse started, only to end up back in LA with the help of Haven's mysterious horror movie provider, Rob. An article on urban legends come to life and the death of an unknown (until now) relative has them looking for answers in old horror films from the 40s and 50s. Before more monsters come to life, they (with Rafe's help of course) must find Arnold and stop him from using his influence to gain control over these new monsters and terrorize the world. The magical aspects increased from the first book, which made it more of a thrilling adventure and less horror for me. Of course there are still horror aspects in it, including all of the films that we "see" snippets of at the beginning of each chapter. The tentacle monster under the stairs especially gave me the creeps. I hope we get at least one more book to work on tying up loose ends and getting some resolution between characters.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.

3⭐️

Following the events of Malice House, half-sisters Haven and Kylie are on the search for more information about the curse that infects their family while on the run from the police. They follow every lead they come across and pull in the assistance of Rob, also known on the dark web as Slasher Dasher. Working with Rob, they continuously come across mentions of Sigil Pictures and they start to realize it may be connected to the curse. And while they dig deeper into this history, Uncle Albert continues to draw closer.

I read this almost immediately after finishing Malice House with the hope that it would answer some of the unanswered questions from the previous book. And while it did wrap up some storylines, I still felt like there were a lot of things that were either not explained or we were given a lackluster explanation. For example, in the first book Haven spent so long agonizing over what happened to her ex-husband and their "sham" of a marriage and that was never wrapped up. There was also a part where they visit a film set to discuss Sigil Pictures and the set looks just like Malice House. It turns out the film writer was an ex of Haven's father and had been to Malice House. This really wasn't touched again. This makes me think that this isn't the final book in the series because so much was left unfinished.

I did appreciate the film scripts that started every chapter and the further look we got at all the characters. The story did feel a bit choppy, though, so the stories weren't always easy to cohesively follow.

Thank you Netgalley and Hyperion Avenue for providing this ARC to me!

Great.

I didn’t read Malice House.

So, of course I request an advance reader copy of the second book in the Malice Compendium, Midnight Showing. (Please, follow me for more backwards reading decisions!)

And miracle of miracles, I’m completely taken into this universe of Megan Shepherd’s brilliant devising. There are more than enough contextual clues and dialogue that allowed me to fully appreciate this extraordinary storyline, as well as its backstory. I was readily drawn into (kind of a pun here) the tale of sisters Haven and Kylie and their cursed talents. I’m thoroughly sold on monsters pursuing monsters and relished the Sigil Pictures horror movies woven throughout the plot.

Very impressive when the world building is so solid and intriguing that I’m compelled to return to book 1 and commit to whatever may follow, after bungling straight into #2.

Thank you NetGalley.

First, be aware that this book does not work well as a stand alone, at all. It's the sequel to Malice House, which you need to read first or you won't understand anything about this story.

I loved Malice House, and I was so excited to receive an advance copy of this follow up.

But, wow, nothing worked for me.

Malice House has a claustrophobic, gothic vibe centered around a creepy house. The atmosphere in Midnight Showing is not that or anything close to that. The atmosphere didn't feel creepy or gothic, or anything, really.

The characters aren't likable. Even the characters I liked in Malice House are bland and irritating here.

The plot is messy and choppy.

Despite a lot of frenetic activity, not much of anything seemed to happen, and I was bored.

DNF at 50%

Thank you, Megan Shepherd and NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

One thing I must say is you need to read the first book in order to understand what's going on. That was my mistake, but even so, I still really enjoyed this book very much. It's not like any book I've read yet so far this year, and it's definitely in my top ten favorites. Full of suspense, anger, fear... many emotions on top of one another written beautifully. This book is very much worth the read.

It's full of monsters real and from the written pages of our characters' abilities. This book teaches you not to believe everything you see, hear, and read. Legends are based on truths, and the power of the pen can be horribly dangerous in the wrong hands. You can't trust anyone and keep those you do safe.

Those that love danger, death, monsters, mystery, creepy characters, film, and more, this is for you. Of course, like I said before, read the first book: Malice House. In doing so, you won't be completely lost and confused going into this book.

Malice House focused on literature and art and how the monsters on the pages were brought to life combined by curse workers of each gift. Midnight Showing was much of the same, though in a different form... Screenplay and film, two forms of similar art were combined to create terrifying monsters and I was here for it! Much like Malice House, it started off a bit slow, but not boring at all. There was a slow progression of tension building and once the climax was hit, everything came tumbling down. The writing was vivid, especially when it came to the action scenes! I really enjoyed Midnight showing as much, if not more than Malice House. That ending was a twist that I didn't see coming and I really enjoyed it!

This novel picks up shortly after sisters, Haven and Kylie flee from Lundie Bay preceding the nightmare they faced with near death, monsters, and prodding police. The duo are looking for a lead to the only people who may have a better idea of the curse they are plagued with- the need to create art (literature and illustration) and hence create monsters. As they seek out the Acostas and answers, Haven and Kylie hide from the shadows of the most vile monster hunting them down, Uncle Arnold, who is able to persuade others into doing his bidding with just a whisper. Uncle Arnold needs both Haven and Kylie and won't stop until he gets them.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Hyperion Avenue for the eGalley in exchange for an honest review*

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this opportunity to read rage and review this arc which is available October 3,2023!

This is book 2 of the series. I thought I’d was epic. A string of murders across the Cali desert and into hollyweird. Main character was engaging. Pacing was perfection. It scared the crap out of me at times and co fused me in other places. A solid second book in a series

This book was definitely a wild ride! We got to see a sisters relationship develop, monsters come to life, and go on one creepy scary adventure! I really enjoyed how the author made you feel like you were part of the story and how the monsters were brought to life. I would really enjoy more of this story in the future as well.

I read Malice House earlier this year, and while I didn’t think it set my world on fire I was intrigued enough by its pseudo haunted house / dark fantasy mix to check out part two, Midnight Showing. Unfortunately for me, Midnight Showing drops most of the horror and leans drastically into fantasy/magic and I just couldn’t hang with it. The romance between the main character and the dangerous stud love interest was also beyond my powers of patience.

It’s a miss for me but it’s not my genre. If it’s yours, give it a shot.

**I was given a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Hyperion and Netgalley**

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Having not read Malice House, the first book in this series, I was curious how the story would come across. It's always a challenge, as a writer, to accomplish both a satisfying sequel and stand-alone. All in all, I'd say the author did a great job. I would have appreciated a little more woven in allusions to the first story, but usually authors err on the other side, so that was refreshing!

In Midnight Showing, we meet two sisters, newly met, on a quest for family history they hope will help them resolve the family "curse". Each chapter begins with a tiny snipped of screenplay from a "Sigil" production old horror movie. These were quite effective at setting mood, and eventually revealing some helpful clues for the reader. Their journey takes them from Portugal to Los Angeles and one other remote location I won't give away.

By the midpoint of the book, I felt completely grounded in their reality and it became hard to put down. That's rare for me! So good job, Megan Shepherd and editorial team! There were some truly terrifying moments (and again, I'm a tough one to please in that regard). The pacing and twists were fantastic.

The book has some brilliant phrases and even humor. A fave: " Fiction isn't paper and cardboard. It sure as hell isn't awards. Fiction is an entire world in one's hand." One more: "The creation and the creator are just different sides of the same evil."

Things that stole the 5th star:
1. I felt closest to Kylie, the protagonist's sister. Haven was distant for me, but perhaps if I'd read book one I'd feel differently.
2. I wasn't a fan of how Rafe keeps having to assist Haven after first "giving her amused glances" paraphrased, there. That was a bit archaic for my tastes.
3. The lack of apparent tension or internal struggle in Haven regarding her ongoing deception of her sister.
4. And again, that lack of woven in references that helped me, as a first time reader, integrate and bond.
5. The end was a little unsatisfying as loose ends are conspicuously allowed to dangle for what I assume is the third book.

Thanks again to Hyperion and NetGalley!

Midnight Showing is a great read for the spooky season! This book starts shortly after the end of Malice House, so you'll definitely want to read that one first. It was nice getting to meet Rob and seeing the sisterly relationship that Haven and Kylie have built. I also enjoyed the romance/sexual tension between Rafe and Haven. Miracle makes a nice addition to the team, and I'm interested to see more of her in the next book. The snippets of old horror films and all the new monsters were creepy. I hope we get to see more of the ones that were left behind at the hotel. Megan Shepherd has crafted a unique and atmospheric tale full of fascinating characters, unexpected twists and interesting monsters. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

Thank you NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the ARC. Publication date is October 3, 2023.

Thank you so very, very much to NetGalley and the Hyperion Avenue for granting me an advance eCopy of this book in return for my honest opinions.

Pub Date: 03 Oct 2023

'Malice House' is the first book in this series and MUST be read first before reading Midnight Showing or you will be totally lost and frustrated.

'Midnight Showing' was incredible! It was fantastic and totally lived up to the hype!!!

It contained so many unexpected twists and turns. Haven and Kylie are such incredible characters. I am totally invested in them and the story.

Uncle Albert is still who he is and wow the LA, Hollywood haunted house set is perfect.

Excited for the next installment!

Highly recommend!

Haven may have escaped Malice House but nowhere is safe with uncle Arnold still searching for her. Haven and her sister Kylie, keep repeating to each other, don’t write, don’t draw. But it may not be enough to keep the monsters away, and their bond intact. I never recommend reading a series out of order. In this case, you will not understand everything that is happening without reading Malice House first(it’s so good).
I was so curious where Haven would go next, and this book didn’t disappoint. Her journey is far from over and where her relationships with Rafe and Kylie go, well, that’s probably in the author’s imagination and the next book(🤞).
I enjoyed Malice House just a little bit more. Still,this was a solid read where I never quite knew what would happen next. Also, this one was so atmospheric, and I wondered what monsters lurked every time I flipped a page. Is it too soon to say, I can’t wait for the next book?

First of all, I did not know this was in a series and have not read the first book. All throughout, the first book is alluded to, so it leaves a new reader pretty lost.

Aside from that, I just wasn't very drawn to the stories. It read like a YA novel, but Haven and Kylie are too old for that. At no point did the writing's descriptions or pacing make me nervous, so the horror element fell short.

Perhaps if I'd have read the first book, I'd have more of a connection to these characters, but as a stand alone, this story just fell slat.

Overall: 3 stars

I'll tell my students about: alcohol, language, drugs, sex, gore/violence/death, trauma

**Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Reeling from the events of the first book in this series, Malice House, Haven finds herself both the hunter and the prey. Constantly looking over her shoulder, she fears Uncle Arnold the most. Drawn to Hollywood, Haven finds herself amongst mansions, and discovers a string of murders. They point directly at her family. With the help of her sister, Haven forges alliances with some otherworldly creatures to hunt down others.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so was excited to read the next one. Sometimes I find that the second book of a series, or duology doesn’t quite work the best for me, but in this case it was a good read. I enjoyed being back in Haven’s world and seeing what she was up to. This book was just as chilling and entertaining as Malice house. That being said, this is not a book you can pick up and easily understand if you haven’t read the first, so please read Malice house before picking this one up. I enjoyed the blurbs from horror movies at the beginning of each chapter, though I’m a little confused what role they played overall, but as this was about horror movies, I guess I can see the value, although not as much as the excerpts from the first book. I also loved how the title fit the book so perfectly, and the cover is just amazing. I enjoyed how we got to know Haven better in this book and how she really came into her all. The romance was a nice touch and I’m excited to see where, if at all that goes.

If you are looking for a fun horror book about the film industry, then check this one out.

Thank you so much to the publisher, Hyperion Avenue and Netgalley @netgalley for this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

Additional links will be added once posted.

i made the mistake of reading this novel without reading the first one. maybe that explains why i was so confused.

the writing was fast and choppy. i enjoyed the interludes of horror movies, but i found myself completely unable to follow the story. haven and her family have the ability to bring drawings and writings to life; ergo horror movie monsters. as haven is hunted down after reading her father's final manuscript.

this novel really made no sense to me.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.