With a title like How to Survive a Horror Story, I assumed that Mallory Arnold’s debut book would be right up my alley. As such, I requested it. The problem is that I forgot I’d been approved for an early review copy.
This past weekend, I rectified this situation by reading the novel in three days. That’s not normal for me, but it’s what happened. While I didn’t love it like I’d hoped, it was a pretty enjoyable romp through a haunted house mystery.
When a prolific and very popular horror author named Mortimer Queen dies, he invites six of his peers to his old, rundown, manor in Middle of Nowhere, Vermont. The group is made up of a mix of folks from the industry, named Buck, Scott, Crystal, Melanie, Chester, Winnie and Petey.
All six of the aforementioned characters have been summoned to the middle of nowhere for what they’re told is a will reading. However, none of them really know why. In the end, though, it’s just a ruse, because Mortimer has devised different escape room style challenges for them, which could easily lead to death. His spooky and dilapidated home features torture, mazes, strange creatures, acid and more.
The majority of How to Survive a Horror Story, then, is about the group’s attempt to stay alive as they try to complete each room’s challenge or answer its riddle within a one hour limit. As such, the book is part horror story and part mystery. However, certain chapters end with stories about different characters, allowing us to learn what type of people they truly are.
Things do get a bit repetitive, despite the colourful descriptions and action, and there are some moments that drag a little. For the most part, though, this is a relatively fun, kind of light and enjoyable horror story. It’s not at all scary, but it’s not necessarily supposed to be.
The writing is pretty good, the characters have some depth, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. I do wish that it were more unique, but it does provide an interesting twist on this type of tale.
If you’re looking for something slightly spooky and kind of fun to read this Halloween, or afterwards, How to Survive a Horror Story by Mallory Arnold is a pretty solid choice. It likely won’t blow you away, but it’s a good book and a pretty strong debut.
This review is based on a copy of the book that we were provided with.