A gathering of horror authors set in a spooky manor for a will-reading - what could possibly go wrong?

This book was not exactly what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the characters, and the plot was just twisted enough. And that ending!!!

One of my fav books of the year! I even got myself a trophy 🏆 I had a genuinely great time reading this! Will definitely be recommending for spooky season 👻

This was a unique take on the haunted house trope combined with a revenge/slasher thriller. I had an inkling of how the story might end, but the journey there was full of the unexpected. Fans of fast-paced horror will enjoy this book.

4.5 stars

This was a deliciously creepy locked room horror story about a group of writers invited to a famous dead author's huge manor house hoping to learn that he's left them something in his will. Instead they find themselves trapped inside and forced to play a series of games in order to get out. The price for not playing is their lives as they quickly discover the house is hungry for their lives. Twisty, dark and perfect for fans of books like The writing retreat, You are fatally invited or An author's guide to murder. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review. I jumped between the audio and physical copy (which has FANTASTIC toothy sprayed edges) and recommend both.

I like the idea of this book - horror writers brought together for a legendary horror authors will reading soon learn they are part of the ultimate horror story. It took a while to get into the story as each chapter was written from a different characters perspective. After we finally get the characters sorted it gets good and creepy. I couldn't guess what was happening next. It was definitely unpredictable and unique.

Just the premise of this one had me hooked. But the execution just didn't do it for me. There were leaps that were taken in the plot that just shouldn't have been taken. I wanted a Clue or Knives Out vibe and it just wasn't there. Writing felt a little amateur too. Just wasn't for me and I really wanted to love it.

Thought that it was kind of an updated Clue style book and then things started to get strange. It is definitely more classic horror/getting a taste of your own medicine style book. I finished it, but slightly reluctantly as this genre is not something that I usually read lol

This book is an insane haunted house story that focuses on the characters while also making you question yourself. I loved every aspect of this book. A classic haunted house setting, multiple character viewpoints, and horror that causes you to reflect. Within the story you get to see two sides to the characters, what is actually happening and how the characters present it to the world. Does anyone truly see themselves how they actually are? Can you keep all your secrets hidden? What would you do to get what you want? This was such a unique story while also including great classic horror tropes. The multiple viewpoints had me invested in each character and where the story was taking them. An added bonus for me is I love a book that is about books or authors, such a fun add on to a story. Second bonus points for the Cincinnati shout out and references! I read this book and listened to audio, I’d highly recommend both for any horror or mystery fan. Third round of bonus points for the cover and sprayed edges on the physical copy, beautiful! I’m planning to do a reread during spooky season!

While I’m a fan of trapped horror, haunted houses and even a little mystery, this book just wasn’t for me.

The characters were annoying and completely unlikable (go ahead kill them all off). The story and character backstories dragged too much for my short attention span. I liked the idea of having to solve puzzles to get through a night in the “monster house” but,as I said,I didn’t care of any of them survived.

I think this may appeal to young, beginner horror/mystery readers. Yes, some deaths were a little gruesome but honestly nothing over the top. Maybe early teens? I don’t know but I hate when books make me feel like a grumpy old woman - hey you, get off my lawn!! But this was too young for me.

I gave this 3⭐️ only because it didn’t deserve 2 stars. I think there is an audience for it out there.

As always I would like to thank NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to have an advanced ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Very intriguing premise with a few good twists thrown in, but the execution wasn’t quite there for me. Overall I enjoyed it, but it was a bit boring at times. Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this title.

This one was one my daughter instantly fell in love with, the mystery and the suspense kept her interested

Although I will get around to read it to I think her opinion also counts as this is more geared toward her age group (15-18)

She rated it 4

How to Survive a Horror Story offers a fresh and creative spin on a genre that can often feel repetitive. The concept is unique and plays with horror tropes in clever ways, making it stand out from the crowd. That said, there were moments where the narrative felt disjointed or difficult to follow—but I suspect that was at least partially intentional, designed to reflect the chaos and unpredictability of horror itself. While it wasn’t always smooth sailing, it’s an intriguing read for those who enjoy meta-horror or genre experimentation.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

From its premise alone, this debut novel establishes itself as a compelling entry in the horror genre, and it does not disappoint. The narrative centers on seven individuals—each a horror author in their own right—who are mysteriously summoned to the isolated manor of a recently deceased, reclusive horror writer. Ostensibly gathered to receive something bequeathed in his will, the guests soon realize they share deeper, more ominous connections to the late author and to the house itself, which reveals a malevolent sentience.

The novel masterfully blends classic horror tropes with fresh narrative elements, notably the concept of a haunted structure that acts not merely as a setting but as an active antagonist. Fans of psychological puzzles and time-sensitive peril will find the story particularly engaging, as the characters must decipher cryptic clues while facing supernatural threats and their own buried secrets.

Character development is a notable strength. The ensemble cast is written with enough complexity to provoke moral ambiguity and emotional investment. Readers may find themselves unexpectedly sympathetic toward certain individuals—Melanie and Buck stand out as especially nuanced—while others, such as Mortimer, provoke conflicting reactions that add to the novel’s tension. Certain narrative threads, particularly regarding the deceased author’s wife, remain deliberately unresolved, offering space for interpretation or potential expansion.

As a debut, the book demonstrates impressive narrative control and structural cohesion. It succeeds in delivering both suspense and substance from the opening chapter to the final page. The author’s ability to construct a layered, immersive story bodes well for future work.

Verdict: A chilling, clever, and thoroughly entertaining novel that reinvents familiar horror conventions with originality and insight. An auspicious beginning for a promising new voice in genre fiction.

Rating: 3 stars

What an interesting take on a "Monster House" story. Six famous(ish) authors, a creepy monster house, and a slightly vengeful dead dude make for a quick thriller book. There are grewsome creatures and violent deaths, but its all wrapped up with a nice bow on it. The outlandishness of the book had me having to step away from the book for a hot minute to process everything I was reading, but if you like quirky trapped haunted house based books, you'll love this 'horror' story!

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review

How To Survive A Horror Story had great promise, but sadly it didn’t live up to the hype. The concept was really intriguing and is what drew me in, however it all felt a bit meh.

There wasn’t any real twist and turns, and there were so many characters that at times I had to re-read sections to work out who was who. The plot got boring and predictable when once you’d worked out the riddles relevance to the characters.

Multiple times throughout the book I felt the story dragged on. Overall, a book with real promise but just didn’t deliver as expected.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and Poisoned Pen Press for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Seven authors have been invited to legendary deceased author, Mortimer Queen's home for the reading of his last will and testament. Each has some form of connection to the late author. Each are invited to play a game....

I enjoyed the creepy and eerie vibe of this book - a grand manor, a game where the players must solve riddles to move on. If you don't solve the riddle, the house will make its move! This was an unusual, unique and at times entertaining book. This book is like a fantasy horror locked room game where the stakes are high, and consequences are deadly. Other times, I felt as if there were too many characters and my attention waned. As the characters connection to the late author were told, I found some interesting and others meh.

I thought I would enjoy this book much more than I did. It has a great premise, but the execution didn't quite work for me. Normally I loved that 'trapped' feeling in books, but this one didn't quit3 work for me. Others are enjoying this book much more than I did, so please read their reviews as well.

Creepy, horrific, and eerie.

Okay this a fun time.
When a group of writes are summoned to a very very creepy author's house to claim their share of an inheritance.
What they don't know is they have to survive the house first.

The book was very atmospheric and easy to picture.
The numerous POVs were a lot to take in. I find if books are going to have that many POVs it needs to be in a series after we have gotten a chance to know the characters.

Some of it was creepy some of the book was slow. I think this could be a fun movie though!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

📚 Book Review 📚

How to Survive a Horror Story by @malwriteswords 💀

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years.”

When legendary horror author, Mortimer Queen, passes away, a group of seven horror authors find themselves invited to his manor for the reading of his last will and testimony. But when the group arrives, they’re faced with the reality that they truly didn’t know Mortimer at all…

Now, if you read one book this year, please let it be this one. Yes, it’s a little cliche and predictable at times, but there’s so much depth to the story and characters alike that just resonated with me.

Mortimer reminded me of Billy from Saw - although he wasn’t there in the manor, he was the one pulling the strings and making everything happen. Each of the seven authors were there for a reason and I loved the short stories woven into the plot that let you in on their true relationship with Mortimer. Arnold provides you with characters that you get pure joy and satisfaction from hating, and other characters who you totally root for.

Although we are introduced to long chapters, it doesn’t feel like they go on forever. My attention never dwindled and I was captivated throughout - just not in Mortimer’s manor, thank goodness!

How to Survive a Horror Story does feature a few gory deaths, so I’d definitely prepare yourself for that — I’m going to admit, some were truly satisfying, you’ll get what I mean when you read it!

All in all, this was a perfect book for ‘summerween’ that was entertaining, featured well-known (and loved) tropes from horror movies, and never once let up on the action. It was quite hard to review this one without giving much away, so sorry if the odd spoiler has snuck into my review!

I’d like to thank Mallory, @poisonedpenpress and @netgalley for the e-ARC. I’ll definitely be buying a physical copy for my shelves! How to Survive a Horror Story is available to buy now.

🏡📚Would you survive?📚🏡

Seven authors go in, but one by one, keep dropping like flies. Who can survive the dinner?

World renowned author Mortimer Queen has passed, and seven letters have been mailed and sent for people to attend to the will reading. Between authors, neighbors, friends, and possible lovers, they all are united, and some are reunited with one purpose in mind... what is left for them in the will?

There's betrayal, blackmailing, thievery, and treachery and secrets coming to light. Between the drama, there's also the need of survival as it seems that the house its hungry.

This was a fun read! Between the guessing on who is there and why, what have they done to deserve whatever is coming for them, there is also a creature feature persay that is haunting and hunting down the guests.

This is this author's debut novel, and she started off with a bang! A great closed room mystery thriller with horror elements!

The book is already out, and I can't wait for my physical copy. It's got sprayed edges!

I would love to thank NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the e-book ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really liked this book. This book was right up my alley when it came to the puzzles and clues that the characters needed to solve. I also liked the “short stories” for each character that gave a bit more insight into who they really are. I also liked the whole revenge plot and how you had to figure out alongside the characters which one was being targeted next.

I will say, the only things I wished that were different were the rooms themselves and how they were written. I felt like some rooms were harder to understand than others which took the enjoyment out of trying to solve the riddles with the characters. I also didn’t love the monster house aspect, I wish it wasn’t so paranormal and more straightforward. Those are my only critics but other than those aspects I really enjoyed the book!