Well that was a riiiide. I loved the previous book in this series, Malice House, and this one just took it up another notch.
Haven and her sister Kylie are traveling around the west coast, dodging their past while doing a little investigation into their lineage. It all leads up to a serious battle and an entire crew of monsters. There is a ton of action and a cast of characters to remember, but it’s written so vividly you can see it happen as you read along.
I found myself skimming the paragraphs that were movie script, to get back to the real time action. Maybe that added to the story, maybe I missed some things, I couldn’t tell.
Definitely a contemporary horror series to get hooked on, I’m invested in seeing how the next one plays out because that ending was open ended and BONKERS.
Thanks to Megan Shepherd, Hyperion Ave and NetGalley for the advance readers copy!

Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for this ARC! I read Malice House last year by Megan and I really enjoyed it, so I was so excited for the sequel. Midnight Showing was even creepier than the first book and I loved it so much! Haven is such an interesting character and I enjoyed getting to know Kylie and Rafe more in the book. Midnight Showing was filled with movie references (albeit not real movies) and tons of monsters!

I can’t wait to read more form Megan in the future!

I came to this story fresh off of reading the first book in the series, which I loved, which is all to say I had high expectations. I enjoyed the overall story and the world-building, but wasn’t quite as wowed as I was by the first in the series.

We start off more or less right where the last book ended, which is great. But the first third of the book really felt like it was turning its wheels, a bit. In the first book we were learning about the main character, finding ourself deep in a mystery, and not knowing who or what to trust. In this book we start with the same characters that ended the last book, so we don’t have to spend any time learning about them, and we already know the mystery they are trying to sort out in the opening section. There were a few secrets to be revealed and obviously some plot points to set up, but it felt like it took a long time to get to the story that this book really wanted to tell. That said, I enjoyed spending more time with these characters. We are now following two main protagonists, but the story is still only told from one point of view. It really felt like a lost opportunity not to not switch back and forth between points of view across chapters. Certain secrets and revelations would have to have been written or explored differently, being inside both characters minds, but it would have given us a chance to really get to learn about our new addition, who we only understand form the outside in. It would have definitely made the first third of the book more compelling.

As before, the writing itself is great. While I thought the first third of the story not to be paced very well, each chapter was tight and well-paced, and each pulled you into the following chapter in a way that never felt like a gimmick or a manipulation. The dialogue all felt real and comfortable, and the primary characters felt genuine. Some of the new, ancillary characters that we met in this installment did feel a little bit cartoonish or convenient, and it was clear they were convenient for plot more than having rich inner lives. That said, they weren’t distracting and were fun to be around, and while they didn’t feel remarkably original they also didn’t feel bland, and they did help shape the narrative. I really liked the way the world opened up in this installment, taking something that was glimpsed at in the first book and multiplying it exponentially. Along with a much bigger world and interpretation of the curse/gift that is central to the story were a whole slew of new rules to this world, and some of those felt a little fuzzy around the edges. However, given our main characters’ lack of knowledge or experience that fuzziness is perfectly okay, though I do hope we, as the readers, can get a little more clarity in the next book, because it sometimes felt like things were introduced late not as natural blossoming of the emerging rules of this magic but rather as convenient for where the plot would be going. As a reader I don’t need hard and fast rules to the world’s magic, and I definitely don’t need our characters accurately understanding all of the rules, but I want to feel like the author has a clear understanding of the rules. Regardless, the expansion into cinema felt like a great natural progression for the story, and I did enjoy where it went.

I was satisfied with the overall story, and there were quite a few exciting, creepy action beats in the back third that were fun and well executed. This novel didn’t wow me as much as the first one, but I still really enjoyed it and if you had fun with the first novel then I think you will enjoy this one too. Importantly, it keeps a wide-open world begging for future stories, and I am excited to see where that goes. I would especially be excited to see future installments follow multiple points of view and multiple interwoven storylines, and there are enough interesting characters to make that possible. Even if we still just follow Haven, though, I am down for the ride. The world and magic are exciting, the ideas that are brought up about art and creation and responsibility are fun to think about, and the writing is a joy to read.

(Rounded up from 3.5)

I want to thank the author, the publisher Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley, who provided a complimentary eARC for review. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

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?