I read the first story in this series, "Malice House" and it was amazing! This is the sequel and it picks up right where the last one left off. This is NOT a standalone novel, you must read the Malice House to learn the story and the characters and what brought them to this point in time. Also, many of the characters overlap from the first story, so just for better understanding, I'd recommend reading the first one first.
That said- this one was not as good as the first, but still worth the time. I really hope there is a third in development. I feel as if there was a cliffhanger of sorts towards the end that makes me want to know what else -- or WHO ELSE (because monsters)- could be coming....

Thank you to #Netgalley & the publishers for the ARC of this one in exchange for my honest review!

"Midnight Showing" is the 2nd book of Megan Shepherd's "Malice Compendium" series. The first was "Malice House" which I read and enjoyed so much!! I was thrilled to be approved to get an early access ticket to the new one! This book picks up where that one left off, and the main character is looking for answers about the family curse. Being on the road, her and her sister are being followed by one of the creatures from the previous book. If the sisters don't find answers quick, everyone is going to die. The closer they come, the more scary for them it gets!

While there are new characters introduced here, this book is highly attached to the previous book and there are a lot of overlapping characters, so I would not read this as a standalone. Make sure you read Malice House before venturing into this one (you won't regret it, I guarantee you!) The characters we meet are great additives and the new monsters- scary!

I don't always find Horror in my list of 'must read' books, but this is a series I loved and I am really looking forward to there possibly being a book 3!!!

Huge thanks to #Netgalley & the publishers for me advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review!

Yet again, I’m not sure about these books, this being another Malice house book, I just wasn’t intrigued by either, it honestly gave me like goosebump book vibes. It wasn’t a horrible read but it didn’t capture my attention that much either.

Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley! This book had me on the edge of my seat. I love the concept of a horror series - it's unique and unexpected and really has me wanting more! I always look forward to books from Megan Shepherd because I know they will be good. I thought that this book continued well from the first book, Malice House, and carried the characters well. It really hits the ground running at the middle of the book!

This frightening story continues to make you grab the sides of your chair as you read. The follow-up to Shepherd’s eerie story, Malice House is filled with even more extraordinary monsters and bogeymen

Okay, what’s the deal? This sequel has so few ratings and I DON’T UNDERSTAND WHY. This series has the coolest concept for a horror series, and the writing is excellent. The fact that people are sleeping on these books is killing me. Seriously, this series would work so well as a TV show! A bloodline with powers to bring fictional characters to life, two badass FMCs, a monster-turned-hero (…maybe?) as the love interest, and plenty of dark themes and descriptions to keep horror fans happy — what more could a person want??? Midnight Showing managed to shift the focus from scary short stories to horror movies in a way that kept me hooked, and introduced some fun new villains while bringing back the big baddie from the first book. Plus, we’re introduced to a new character that will take the series in a new direction I’m so excited for! I hope beyond hope that the author keeps this series going because I may be addicted.

I also want to say that one of my pet peeves in books is when there’s a book within the book that’s supposed to be critically acclaimed/amazing quality, but the way it’s actually written is kinda shitty and you’re left wondering who the hell the critics are in the fictional world who thought that piece of trash was any good,,,, but Megan Shepherd pleasantly surprised me with her ability to write another story in another voice so seamlessly and expertly. Brownie points for pulling that feat off!!

Always love me some Megan Shepherd books! Will always look for her books to purchase and usually try to buy ahead of time because I'm that much of a fan.

Midnight Showing continues Haven’s journey from Malic House as the second book in the Malice Compendium series. I absolutely loved Malice House and looked forward to reading the next book. I thoroughly enjoyed Midnight Showing and how it incorporated horror movies into the mix. It is important to note that in order to understand this book, you must first read Malice House.

I really liked this book! Perfect for the creepy vibes. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for access to this book.

This one picks up right where Malice House left off. It started out a bit slow and I was on the fence, but once the events really started to take off at the halfway point I was hooked. I absolutely love Haven and Rafe, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. I also loved that we finally get to meet Rob and get to know his character better. Haven and her sister’s relationship takes some new and interesting turns in this story and I enjoyed those dynamics as well. The screenplay excerpts at the beginning of each chapter were a fun way to get to know the story worlds better. They related to the overall narrative in interesting ways and it was a great way to break up the story. No spoilers, but there are some other characters that come back in this one as well. The stakes are higher than ever, with all the action-packed horrors that unfold. The world-building expands as Haven and her sister learn more about their heritage and their family’s curse. The vintage, Hollywood, noir settings are a really fun experience. From the way it ends, I’m hoping and expecting there to be a third book in this series and I will definitely be reading it. This was a creepy, exciting ride and I highly recommend this series! It’s the perfect blend of horror, mystery, thriller, and even a bit of fantasy.

In the sequel to Malice House, Haven is grappling with living among the creations from Bedtime Stories for Monsters. She and Kylie traveled to Portugal to hopefully get answers about the family curse. Once back in the states, their quest turns into a murder mystery.

Uncle Arnold is out there. He can compel someone to do anything at all with just a whisper and he wants revenge.


The whole concept of the Malic House story is really cool. It's a mix of horror and fantasy set in "the real world", and I think it works. One of the elements I loved through out the first book was the excerpts from Bedtime Stores at the beginning of each chapter. Book two continues that theme with movie scripts.

Midnight Showing is the sequel to Malice House, not a standalone, and you will be lost if you read this without the first book. Very spooky and atmospheric. I think I would classify this as horror, with some mystery and fantasy elements. Fun if you love old monster movies!

This was a creepy good read, a wonderful follow up to Malice House. You really can’t enjoy this book without the background of the first, so I would read Malice House before attempting it. Thank you for the opportunity to read in advance!

This book was really difficult to get into. A follow up to the amazing Malice House - two sisters delve further into their heavily shrouded past to learn more about their heritage. Just couldn’t get into the story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Totally enjoyed this second book in Malice House series and here’s to hoping for a book 3!!

Haven and Kylie pick up right where we left off in malice house by traveling to learn more about their family roots and this curse. They discover “monster hunters” along the way and of course have run ins with some super creepy monsters. Also get to meet the famous Rob from book one and he plays a big part in this book. Great storyline, vivid writing to help visualize the monsters and had twists that weren’t predictable! Did feel a little long and was ready for the end by the time it came.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hyperion Avenue for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Word of caution....you evidently need to read the first book in the series in order for this book to make much sense. Cool concept of writing and drawing monsters brings them to life. The mini descriptions of old horror movies really threw me off. I couldn't figure out what those were for some time. The writing was a bit sporadic and all over the place. I didn't read the first book and was totally lost with this one. Interesting concept but didn't like the delivery.

Midnight Showing had such a creepy/golden age of movies vibe to it and was a wonderful follow up to the previous, malice house! I could NOT put this down as I was on edge from the creepy vibes and eager to solve the mystery. A fantastic follow up!

I was really wondering how Megan Shepherd could top Malice House but she came into Midnight Showing swinging. The premise carried over but morphed from one media to another. I liked the character development and the unique form of story telling but a couple of elements were a bit cliche or unrealistic, but not enough to ruin the experience. Excited to see how the compendium progresses!

I loved the creepy vintage movie parts in this one! A great follow- up to Malice House! The mystery and creepy parts made this a really quick read. I might be used to the weirdest of this series,,,because I didn't think this one was really weird haha
Thank you, Net Galley

Sequel to Malice House. This picks up after Haven and Kylie escape the ruins of Malice House. They head to Portugal to try to find more information about the Acosta family curse while also hiding from the sinister Uncle Arnold. This was good, maybe better than the first book because I kind of knew what I was getting into. 4 stars.