Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advance copy of this book.

Description
Welcome to Queen Manor. If you survive... well, that's quite a story to tell...

When legendary horror author Mortimer Queen passes, a group of writers find themselves invited to his last will and testament reading expecting a piece of his massive fortune. Each have their own unique connection to the literary icon, some known, some soon to be discovered, and they've been waiting for their chance to step into the author's shoes for some time.

Instead, they arrive at his grand manor and are invited to play a game. The rules are simple, solve the riddle and progress to the next room. If they don't, the manor will take one of them for itself.

You see, the Queen estate was built on the bones of Mortimer's family, and like any true horror story, the house is still very, very hungry.

What an absolutely fun ride this book is! One by one, each author's secret is exposed, and one person's life is taken by the house. Who will make it to the end of the challenge set by Mortimer Queen. So many twists that I didn't see coming, including the ending.

Great book, I'd definitely recommend reading this one!! 4 out of 5 ⭐️

This book was a quick and engaging read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The characters aren’t particularly likable, but their flaws add depth and tension to the story, making the plot even more compelling. Their questionable choices and personalities create a unique dynamic that kept me invested in what would happen next.

What I enjoyed most was the setting. It turns out I have a real love for books about haunted houses, and this one did not disappoint. The eerie atmosphere and supernatural elements were woven into the story beautifully, keeping me on edge and wanting more.

If you’re into fast-paced reads with morally complex characters and a touch of the paranormal, I’d highly recommend giving this book a try!

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“How to Survive a Horror Story” by Mallory Arnold is a dark and suspenseful take on the locked-room mystery and haunted house tropes. Combining elements of horror, humor, and a touch of camp, this debut novel immerses you in a deadly game set in a sentient, man-eating mansion. The sentient mansion is definitely the best part of this story as characters are taken out one by one.

The story follows seven horror authors invited to the mansion of the late Mortimer Queen, a legendary (and vengeful) author, for the reading of his will. But instead of riches, they find themselves trapped in a house bent on exacting revenge for Mortimer’s past grievances. To escape, they must solve riddles tied to their own sordid secrets, all while dodging the mansion’s deadly traps. One by one, their skeletons — both literal and figurative — are unearthed, as the body count rises.

The book’s premise is delightfully sinister and unique, and the sentient house is a standout character in its own right. With its eerie ability to detect lies and manipulate reality, the house serves as both antagonist and stage, creating a uniquely unsettling atmosphere. The riddles and short story interludes tied to each character’s past add an intriguing layer of mystery, though the revelations occasionally feel uneven in their impact. Some characters’ crimes seem deserving of punishment, while others’ fates feel excessively cruel, adding moral ambiguity to the story. The book makes you doubt who exactly is the real victim of the characters’ interactions with Mortimer: Mortimer himself or the other characters. The stories of the characters’ pasts may reflect the truth or may be unreliable coming from Mortimer himself.

Arnold does an excellent job weaving themes of revenge, trust, and the toxic relationships that bind the characters to Mortimer. However, the pacing was a bit inconsistent with a slow start introducing the cast before the tension ramps up. While Melanie and Buck emerge as the most likable and sympathetic characters, the rest are unapologetically flawed, often to the point of caricature. This adds to the campy charm but occasionally makes it hard to invest in their survival.

The writing strikes a balance between creepy and humorous. Some of the gruesome deaths require a suspension of disbelief with the riddles and modifications of the mansion, and a few plot twists — particularly involving Melanie and her amnesia — tread familiar territory. Despite these minor shortcomings, the story delivers plenty of suspense and a reasonably satisfying conclusion.

Overall, this is a must-read for fans of light horror, locked-room mysteries, or haunted house tales with a twist. Arnold’s debut offers plenty of chills, thrills, and dark humor, making it a perfect pick for a spooky evening. If you’ve ever wondered how to survive a horror story, this book will entertain you with its answer — even if survival is not guaranteed.

I love locked-room mysteries and this was no exception. While typically it's family that gathers for a will reading, in this story, it's a group of fellow writers invited to Mortimer Queen's. He was an infamous writer of horror stories and the invitees are eager, if not a bit confused, to see why they were chosen and what they will receive. Because Queen was a fan of puzzles and intrigue, the invitees aren't too surprised to discover that it's no simple reading of a will that they will participate in. They're gathered in his mansion which is pretty macabre and unusual, so that fits for Queen. But the people working there are a bit...off and you can just feel the uneasiness start to seep in. When they're informed that Queen has invited them there to play a game, it still doesn't seem too bad, until they realize they have no choice in the matter. And that winning the game is essential if they want to stay alive. And that's when the fear sinks in.

At this point, the horror part of the story is let loose. As someone who typically likes logical answers to mysteries, I had to suspend my disbelief and remind myself that this is a horror story and not a typical mystery/thriller. And that's great if it's your thing, but if it's not, this isn't the book for you. The blurb doesn't reference any of the specific characters or why they're there, so that has to stay a mystery, I think. But the way they are linked to Queen is ingenious, as is his reason for creating this game. Each character has skeletons in their closet and Queen is determined to let them out in a series of disturbing ways. I loved the consistently creepy atmosphere and how the characters aren't just stereotypes to kill off one by one. They're realistic and down-to-earth people who are only human, after all. I can't say the same about everyone in the book. But the story and its setting are very much alive...

I really hope this author continues to write stories like this - I devoured it in one sitting. I couldn't wait to see how it would play out and I wasn't disappointed. It was fun and entertaining, but also dark and creepy. A winning combination!

“How to Survive a Horror Story” was a good read that blended horror and the supernatural in a unique way. I wasn’t expecting the supernatural twist, but it added to the story. I couldn’t decide who to trust—the characters or the author—which kept me engaged.

The book was well-crafted and made me think. The unexpected ending left me surprised. Even though the characters were meant to be villains, I found myself sympathizing with them a tiny bit sometimes because I couldn’t tell who was lying.

The start was a bit slow, but once the game started, the story picked up. The clever concept kept me hooked and eager to see what unfolded next.

If you’re into horror-themed locked room mysteries, “How to Survive a Horror Story” is definitely worth a look.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for sending me an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book.

Loved it!!! Very much enjoyed the conclusion. Solid read. Couldn’t put it down! Will recommend to adults and YA!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A real page turner and a potent combination of traditional mystery with horror and the supernatural. Compelling stories about each of the characters and twists galore. Highly recommended.

This book was a really enticing horror novel.
The characters were weird and had ne guessing.
The plot was enticing.
Highly recommend.

This was enjoyable.
Seemed a little like a Chuck Palahniuk story.
Interesting concept and good pacing.
Check it out.

I knew from the description that this would be good and it definitely delivered!

Love a horror story where the characters are trapped in a demented creepy home which has a mind of its own? Then read this!

The plot follows 6 guests who are invited into the manor of a late horror author who has left something for them in his will. Each of the guests are also horror authors but they have more in common with the deceased than that, and over the course of the book you will discover just exactly what landed them an invite to their ultimate demise.

If you enjoy puzzles and riddles combined with a race against the clock to not get eaten by a haunted house, combined with complex characters that will leave you debating whether or not they deserve a terrible death then again.. read this!

This is a chefs kiss debut and deserves all the credit for a well thought out, well put together book. Over the course of the book I developed a soft spot for Melanie and Buck and my thoughts on Mortimer are still mixed up, I need more clarification on the wife components!

Overall thoughts - loved it, plenty of entertainment and suspense from page 1 to the finish and I very much look forward to seeing what the author comes up with next.

Thank you to Poisened Pen Press and Mallory Arnold for the EARC!

Publish date: July 8th 2025

*4.5 stars*

How to Survive a Horror Story is a fun read. When the infamous horror writer Mortimer Queen dies, his last will invites a seemingly random group of people to his estate to be given part of his fortune. But when they arrive, they discover that Mortimer “wrote” one final story… one that they are now trapped in. Now they will have to fight to survive the twisted game he left for them, before the house eats them alive.

I really enjoy being a reader right now as authors are playing with combining genres in new or interesting ways, and I liked how this author used the cultural familiarity with great murder mysteries like “And Then There Were None” to lead into a horror story about a predatory house and the skeletons we hide in our closets. Even if it doesn’t always work (though I believe it does work for this story), I think it’s exciting when authors do something different with beloved genres. I had fun reading this book, and I hope the author continues to write!

I also loved the house! “Sentient/ predatory” houses in stories have fascinated me since I was a child (thanks for scarring me, Monster House). The Queen estate will go on your list of scary, scary houses for sure.

I would recommend How to Survive a Horror Story to horror readers looking for something fun, mystery readers interested in trying out the horror genre, and readers who enjoy predatory houses, unlikable characters getting what they deserve, and high stakes “escape rooms”.

Thank you to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the arc! All thoughts & opinions stated in this review are my own.

Okay, this is fun.

Yes, it’s kind of a tropey plot. And, yes, the characters are a little much. But the author has given us something quite unusual in the *who* behind everything and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

There are gruesome deaths – some that do require you to suspend your sense of disbelief just a touch – and some that feel just a little guiltily satisfying.

And as the author starts to reveal the secrets behind the secrets, you’ll be munching your popcorn and greedily devouring every last lie.

Does the book need a little tightening and maybe a little more logic? Sure. But is it an entertaining read that gives you some chills and thrills? Absolutely.

Probably a 3.5 stars, but bumping it up because it was just pure fun.

• ARC provided by Publisher

Locked-room mystery, predator house, creepy setting? This book has it all. How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold is a chilling tale about a group of horror authors trapped in a man-eating mansion.

Seven authors enter the manor, but not all of them will make it out alive. They’re invited to the reading of the last will of legendary horror author Mortimer Queen, only to find themselves locked inside his mansion. Mortimer seeks revenge from beyond the grave, holding them accountable for their past misdeeds.

To escape, they must play a dangerous game, solving riddles that force them to confront their pasts. Success moves them to the next level; failure leads to the house devouring them —literally. As seasoned horror writers, you’d think they’d know the rules for survival, but will they make it? Before you can say “Jack Robinson,” the body count rises, and creepy moments abound.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and this tale takes that motto to heart. Written in the third-person present tense, the story introduces us to Scott Clay, Buck Grimm, Petey March, Chester Plumage, Winnie Roach, Crystal Flowers, and Melanie Brown, along with their connections to Mortimer. Their personalities and histories unfold through their interactions, conflicting accounts, and short stories interspersed between the chapters.

We also meet Felix (a gay character), and the housekeeper. And let me tell you — none of the characters are likable. They all have skeletons in their closets. That said, the “crimes” that brought them to Mortimer’s black book vary in severity, and some seem much less deserving of their fates. And let’s be honest, Mortimer wasn’t exactly a saint himself. His idea of justice feels excessive.

With themes of trust, revenge, toxic relationships, abuse, and moral conflicts, the author weaves a gripping tale. After a slow start where the characters are introduced, the plot picks up, and I raced through the rest. The author’s writing style works well, and the characters are fleshed out. Even the ones I initially liked turned out to be just as bad as the others. The quirky character names fit their personalities and actions, adding moments of humor. I also appreciated the nods to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None.

While I didn’t entirely agree with the book’s message that authors need life experiences to write good stories, the idea isn’t without merit. The execution was uneven at times — inconsistent pacing, shallow characters, and repetitive backstories — but the story kept me hooked. This isn’t heavy horror (which I appreciated, as I’m not a die-hard horror fan), but it delivers plenty of creepy moments. The creepy undertone lingers throughout, even if it’s not overwhelmingly scary.

Overall, this was an intriguing and suspenseful read. I was eager to discover who would survive and what sins landed each character in Mortimer’s black book. With an engaging premise and a reasonably satisfying conclusion, I recommend it to fans of light horror looking for a thrilling ride. To know how to survive — or not survive — a horror story, read this book!

*Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

The title of this book immediately caught my attention—it’s clever, intriguing, and promised a fun horror-filled ride. The premise, which brings a group of people with secrets to a remote location where things quickly go sideways, definitely had potential. I’m a fan of stories reminiscent of And Then There Were None or classic whodunits, so I was excited to dive in.

That said, while I enjoyed some parts of the book, it ultimately left me with mixed feelings. The storytelling had moments of charm and wit, and there were times when I genuinely chuckled or felt spooked. However, the execution didn’t always live up to the premise. The dialogue felt clunky at times, and some of the characters leaned more into caricature than complexity, which made it hard to fully connect with the stakes. The constant what I feel were nods to Clue were fun in theory but a bit heavy-handed in practice, especially with the quirky names.

I also couldn’t help but feel like certain narrative choices (like introducing characters only to remove them quickly) detracted from what could have been a more atmospheric and layered mystery. That said, I did appreciate the book’s attempt to balance horror and humor—it’s not an easy mix to pull off, and I think the effort is commendable.

Overall, How to Survive a Horror Story is an entertaining read if you’re in the mood for something light and spooky, but it doesn’t add much new to the genre. For fans of campy horror or Clue-style mysteries, this might be worth picking up, though it may not stick with you long after.

When the infamous father of horror writing, Mortimer Queen, passes away, his final will and testament gathers an eclectic group of individuals to his foreboding mansion. Among them is a select group of writers, personally invited to claim a piece of his coveted fortune. However, upon their arrival, the guests discover they’ve unwittingly agreed to play a sinister game: solving riddles in each room under a strict and unforgiving time limit. Failure to succeed comes with a terrifying consequence—the mansion itself will devour them.

As the game unfolds, it becomes disturbingly clear why most of the guests were summoned: none of them truly had Mortimer's best interests at heart during his lifetime. Blending the locked-room mystery genre with spine-chilling horror, Mallory Arnold delivers a gripping tale of revenge from beyond the grave, where even death cannot silence the desire for retribution.

#PoisonedPenPress #HowToSurviveAHorrorStory #MalloryArnold

As soon as I read the summary for this book, I jumped at the chance to read it. I mean, the whole “a group of people with secrets is summoned to a remote location where they start dying one by one, and make them all authors” premise is one of my favorite tropes ever. Plus, that cover? Amazing!

Unfortunately, this is yet another case of a great premise let down by poor execution. Especially on a technical level. As soon as I saw that this book was written in third-person present tense, I had a sinking feeling. It’s not that I dislike present tense on principle; it’s that I often find that authors who write in third-person present do way too much telling over showing. And that was certainly the case here. Also, the dialogue was poorly written, so many metaphors were cringy AF, the characters all felt like shallow, uninteresting caricatures, and the characters’ names made it hard to take the story seriously (the main characters’ surnames were Queen, Brown, Clay, Roach, Flowers, Plumage, Marsh, Grimm; is this a poor man’s Clue?). Another cringy misstep: introducing a gay man of color only to immediately kill him off. Like…seriously?

When I see a novel featuring a cast of writers, I expect there to be commentary on the craft and/or career of writing, the kind of commentary you can’t get from anyone other than an author writing about other authors. But in this book, most of the main casts’ careers as authors were almost irrelevant. Chester could have been a full-time YouTuber and Crystal could’ve been a model or Instagram influencer and the story would’ve been exactly the same. Not to mention, the way the book portrayed being an author as a career was downright unrealistic. Why does Crystal post risqué photos of herself on Instagram just because she’s an erotica author? When was the last time any reader paid attention to what an erotica author actually looks like? And having her editor tell her to have more sex in order to write better erotica? Barf. That's not how writing sex scenes works. And saying Scott, a New York Times-bestselling author, was voted one of the sexiest men alive? Please. I’m rolling my eyes so hard I’m in danger of straining my eyeballs. Plus, the ultimate message that Melanie just needed better life experiences in order to write a publishable novel was such a...naive take on writing and publishing that I'm shocked an author who has been through the meat grinder of the publishing industry would think that's a compelling message.

Horror is the one genre I expect to have atmosphere. Sadly, this book was awful at creating atmosphere. This is basically Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None rendered like a cheap slasher film. And with only a pale imitation of that story's catharsis.

I wish I had something nicer to say, but unfortunately, I can only end with this: even if you're a die-hard fan of And Then There Were None homages (like I am), this book adds nothing to the subgenre, and I can't recommend it.