A fun and spooky book about a family vacation from hell. On a family trip to Magic Land, the Somerset family takes a detour that will bring them on the biggest adventure of their lives. This book is full of heart and draws you into the Somerset family and their quirks. Told from the perspective of the mother, Leigh, themes of motherhood and its beauty and challenges are woven throughout the book. Perfect for fans of Kilmers previous work.

Leigh and Nick, their teen daughter Piper, and younger kids Leo and Sophie embark on a summer family vacation to remember, fraught with peril of both the mundane and (much to their growing alarm) the supernatural types. They set out on a planned family road trip from Wisconsin to Florida, which becomes besieged with problems. And as things escalate and the increasingly bizarre incidents accumulate, you have to wonder just what the heck is going on and why it's happening. The writer keeps you wondering for a while if it's truly supernatural or if they're hallucinating, which thankfully gets resolved. There's not a lot new here but it was written well enough to keep me reading and engaged to the end. Nice mix of regular family minutiae and the bizarre, like family vacations aren't hard enough without supernatural shenanigans mixed in! I felt the family was written realistically with a nice bond between all of them. New-to-me author that I'd read again. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 stars. Thank you to NetGalley for providing an eARC of this story in exchange for my objective review. Publishes 9-10-24.

This is a hard book to rate because it is not at all what I expected. I was expecting a light horror, and in a sense, I guess you could consider it that. But this is a book I would let my 6 year old read, it’s that light of horror. I was expecting a more darkly haunted road trip that I could really sink my teeth into, but again, this book is not scary, and I’d venture to say it isn’t even creepy. It has a light haunting. If you could even categorize it at that. However, the writing is fun. I enjoyed the antics that this family had as part of their road trip. It was funny at times, though again not quite as funny as I expected going into it. Not bad, just didn’t meet expectations. If I were categorizing this book I would just go with contemporary fiction because it really is about a family coming together over the course of a road trip, and there is nothing wrong with that.

If you’ve read other books by this author, I think you will need to reframe your expectations as well because the paranormal element is not really present in this one like her others. I adored Suburban Hell for that reason.

I read this author’s horror debut, “Suburban Hell”, two years ago, and it was the first and only time I have used the words “cute horror” in a review. I gave it 3.5 stars, rounded up, but this was definitely better as far as the story and horror go!

The Somerset family is going Griswold, and they are leaving Milwaukee to go to the Magic Land theme park in Orlando. Instead of a family truckster, there is a Honda Odyssey involved - this has many references to “National Lampoon’s Vacation”, like the overenthusiastic dad and the mom who wanted to fly, the TripTik, tire troubles, dodgy motels and a campground with “rustic” cabins, a desire to see a ball of twine, luggage falling off the roof, a minor kerfuffle with a park mascot, a Cousin Ethan instead of Cousin Eddie - just to name a few similarities!

Since this is an ARC, the reviews aren’t quite in yet, but the slightly low rating of 3.55 as of today may be due to this having cultural references geared more towards people older than 40 (unless your parents are awesome and introduced you to this movie). From the songs, movies and television shows mentioned, this is a very Gen-X book. Luckily, I’m Gen-X (okay, an Xennial if we’re being specific) and have seen “Vacation” literally hundreds of times, so I am definitely the target demographic.

This isn’t all humor though; besides the movie references, there is a traumatic yet touching horror story in this. While trying to find a service station, they almost hit a little boy with their minivan. When they got out to see if he was okay, they find a home that’s just about burned to the ground. The Vickery family lived there, but there was a fire in the early ’80s, and while no bodies were found, it’s presumed the family perished. After a locket found there was taken as a souvenir, things start happening. Something is following them across the country, and they need to find out why.

I think my opinion on this one is pretty clear! The tie to one of my favorite movies, along with the horror and the humor, really got me. The whole book was great, and the epilogue was outstanding. I’m glad this author went for another light horror; it was awesome! Five stars.

(Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons, Maureen Kilmer and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on September 10, 2024.)

Thank you Netgalley for the arc of this upcoming read.

Here's the thing, I am a horror girl through and through. And with my ficiton, I dont mind things being dark. In fact, its probably my morbid curiosity that wants authors to push the envelope alittle more. This book was fluffy, it was cute, it was funny. I never read something that hit all those notes and then somehow tied it up in a well to do package. Is this cozy horror?

This was not at all the book I thought it would be when I put in the request for an ARC. I was honestly expecting a haunted road trip that got into a bunch of the fun regional superstitions or cryptids that make up America. While the book did get into regional fun none of it related directly to the supernatural things that were also happening.

This is a book that needs to be read, allegorically, and is a better book for doing so. The individual supernatural moments seem disjointed in spite of an underlying single cause. But by not looking at the supernatural literally, this becomes a story of all the small or not so small nightmares that are part of every day life.

Life is hard. And complicated. And rarely goes the way you expect. Nothing will ever be completely perfect, and sometimes feels like it’s as far away from perfect as it can possibly get. But this doesn’t negate the joy, the love, the moments that are perfect in the midst of what otherwise feels like a nightmare.

Having survived multiple family road trips to both Orlando and Pigeon Forge, ironically, this book feels accurate in so many ways. A great, if unexpected, premise that feels like it maybe meanders away from the plot sometimes.

A fun summer read, but I wish that the episodes felt less like individual vignettes (for each stop on the road trip) and came through feeling more connected.

Thank you to Netgalley, author, and publisher for this ARC! Basically a spooky National Lampoons. My family drove from NY to Florida when I was younger and basically gave me flashbacks of this, lol. This is my third book by this author, and I plan on reading everything they publish! Also can't wait for the audiobook of this to come out so I can listen to it. This had me lol'ing but also going "ughhhhhh" at times because the thought of a family road trip across country sounds...like a nightmare of a trip to me. Lol.

A horror-tinged National Lampoon’s. The Somerset family is headed to Magic Land amusement park in Orlando. They will be driving from Milwaukee to Florida. Like the Griswolds there will be mishaps along the way, but unlike that family something creepy is following the Somersets. A trip filled with paranormal activity is not what they had in mind.

The premise had me so excited, and after reading and loving the author's first two books I was really looking forward to Nightmare of a Trip. Unfortunately it was a disappointment.

This is a lot different than Suburban Hell or Hex Education. The paranormal and suburban life aspect is still there but the story does not feel the same. The dark humor is missing. I didn't find any similarities to National Lampoon’s besides the act of going on a road trip.

There are some creepy vibes but nothing is scary. I didn't actually expect it to be scary but without the expected humor I thought there would be more focus on horror. Some of the scenes had fun things happening but I didn't feel any tension or suspense. Everything ended up feeling flat and I struggled to understand the connections between the Somersets and the paranormal happenings.

Nightmare of a Trip is a pleasant enough read. Readers who like family stories and light horror might enjoy this.

We follow the Somerset family as they’re embarking on a summer roadtrip to go to an amusement park in Florida. Nick (dad), Piper, Leo, Sophie, (kids) and Leigh - the mother and our narrator.
While driving through Indiana, the Somerset’s stumble upon a dilapidated home with a strange past. As soon as they leave to continue on their journey, paranormal happenings occur.
A haunted Cracker Barrel, a locket that keeps reappearing, shadow figures and out of nowhere storms… this family can’t catch a break. All they want is to spend some quality time together and make memories, but the ghosts from the past have other ideas.
This was fun, cute, fast paced - a fun summer read! I will always pick up anything Maureen Kilmer writes because I know her female leads will always be strong and the escapism at max capacity. If you need a ghost story with heart, read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher who provided me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All of these thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publishers for approving me to read this book!
This is the second advanced copy I’ve received from this author and they never disappoint. I will be reading everything she writes.

Maureen Kilmer is BACK and Lampoonier than EVER!

Nightmare of a Trip delivers exactly what I have come to love from Maureen Kilmer, a campy good time! This story follows a family traversing the US to make it to an amusement park to experience the family vacation of a lifetime. However, things take a turn for the ghostly (mostly). In classic National Lampoon-style, hijinks ensue and the ghosts are campy. Leigh and the family are just beyond realistic in my mind, which I think speaks to the excellent writing talent of Maureen Kilmer.

I was hooked on this story from the very first chapter. This played out exactly like a movie in my mind. Leigh is a fascinating main character. She doesn't have to be liked by readers in my opinion. She felt like someone I knew and honestly, like someone I would be friends with. However, I could see how some readers might not like her. She can be difficult and her inability at times to communicate could be frustrating. BUT she was still just so much fun to read her perspective. It kept me hooked and her wit made me laugh.

I think one of my favorite parts of any Maureen Kilmer novel is the ending. I know this sounds cliche, however, her endings are such heartfelt and heartwarming moments, that you have to love them. They always make me feel full of emotions and every once in a while I might shed a tear. I won't give any more details because I don't want to spoil anything, but the endings are so WORTH THE READ!

Fans of Maureen Kilmer are going to love this latest novel, I certainly did. This is also perfect for fans of Grady Hendrix and Darcy Coates!

Nightmare of a Trip is a laugh out loud, creepy, family thriller. But don't most family trips end this way?? LOL!
I read this is one sitting and couldn't put it down. The Somerset family sets out for their family trip from Minnesota to Florida, 5 of them stuck in the family car mostly against their will! What could possibly go wrong? When they stumble unexpectedly upon an abandoned farm house somewhere in Indiana, things get weird.. and spookily eerie! A great summer read that might make you question that upcoming family trip you've already planned! LOL!

Thank you Net Galley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 rounded up to 4.

Think national lampoons vacation but add creepy house and ghost.

The family took off on a road trip that they thought would be a family bounding experience and they defiantly got family bonding time!

This was fun easy to read and entertaining

This was one of the most interesting and chaotic books I’ve read! From creepy side characters to literal Bates Motel moments. Maureen certainly knows how to make me laugh. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my Arc!

As someone who just came back from a family road trip (yup, through the Midwest to Smoky Mountains 🥴) I felt like I was on the road with the Somerset Family 😂 (I experienced the same typical thoughts/fears/parenting minus the paranormal and "souvenirs")
This Mid Upper-class (is that still a thing in this economy?) family from Milwaukee WI brave the attempt to travel to Orlando FL (no easy feat with a teen, tween, and young kid) The Somersets make frequent stops to rest, encountering an abandoned home after almost running over a local child, a motel [with a special guest that will take a tooth to make a new person] a not so normal Waterpark .... and a few other eerie stops along the way. Not quite the ending I expected (the fact that the ride home/destination was uneventful) still a fun quick read!!!!

Thanks to Netgalley and Putnam for the pre-release copy of Nightmare of a Trip! My honest thoughts are to follow.

Maureen Kilmer's Suburban Hell was a highlight of my 2022 reading, and even though I somehow completely missed that she had a 2023 release with Hex Education, I'll definitely be getting my hands on a copy of that to catch up on.

I really loved Suburban Hell, so I was super-excited about Nightmare of a Trip. Unfortunately, I didn't love it. Did I enjoy it? Sure, but it just didn't have the same pacing excellence, lacked the strong character relationships, and had a very meh ending in comparison to Suburban Hell. I feel like the story struggled with some repetition (that I think was supposed to help build tension but didn't really accomplish that successfully).

I think my biggest issue was that it felt like we really just got a few fun ideas for horror movie scenes and then the story in between was "how can we get to those moments."

I still enjoyed it, and will definitely still pick up Hex Education to catch up (and read whatever her next release is), but this one just didn't nail it for me.

3.5 stars, rounded to 3. I'd still recommend it for Kilmer fans and fans of horror. It wasn't a bad read at all, just not as WOW after Suburban Hell set such a high bar.

Thank you to NetGalley and Putnam Books for an advanced copy of Nightmare of a Trip!

Leigh and her husband Nick are taking their kids on the road trip of a lifetime - from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Orlando, Florida. Things take a supernatural turn when they stumble upon a burned-down farmhouse in Indiana, and "accidentally" acquire a haunted locket.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It had the charm of the National Lampoon Vacation series, while having an ominous, creepy undertone of a supernatural haunting, causing lots of bizarre drama during the road trip. This was definitely more of a cozy horror/mystery, perfect for a summer vacation read. Nothing too tense, but it came together well and had a sweet little (still kind of creepy) ending. The love and support of a family, even when you're struggling, was also a positive, uplifting message.

I think the best part about this novel for me was the good 'ol Midwest road trip tropes! I grew up in a suburb of Milwaukee, so all of the Wisconsin references were on point. It was nostalgic and unlocked a lot of core childhood memories for me. A lot of the places mentioned and certain experiences (mainly the Cracker Barrel and the car porta potty) were 100% accurate (minus the ghosts) to my own experiences going on family road trips. It was fun to read, and fun to reminisce about my childhood.

Thanks to Netgalley & PENGUIN GROUP- Putnam for this E-ARC! So good! Loved the road-trip theme & all the spooky fall vibes. Really enjoyed her last book, so I knew I would love this one!

Nightmare of a Trip by Maureen Kilmer is an engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was thrilled to receive an advance copy of this book, especially since I loved Kilmer's previous work, Suburban Hell. Although Suburban Hell remains my favorite, I found Nightmare of a Trip to be equally captivating and entertaining.

The Somersets are traveling over a thousand miles for a National Lampoon's type family vacation - intentionally! Except they encounter things the Griswolds never had to deal with: particularly the ghosts, visions, and unexpected pregnancy.

Leigh didn't really want to go to Magic Land by way of car, but her husband convinced her it would be an amazing way to bond as a family before their eldest daughter went to college. A bad tire forces the family off the meticulously planned route, and after they were certain they did not, in fact, hit a child, they came across the charred remains of a home. After their middle son finds a locket and takes it, the ghostly activity begins.

I really enjoyed this book! Very fun and different, it felt like I was reading a Mary Downing Hahn ghost story for moms. The creepy factor wasn't over the top, nor were the horror descriptions. Some language and references to drinking, but for the most part it is more cozy mystery as compared to full-on thriller. I loved how unique this story was - I've never really read anything like it. I will definitely be watching Maureen Kilmer for future books while I backtrack and read her previous two novels.