Ok this was an interesting book. Definitely a good beginner horror book. Horror is not my favorite genre normally but I wanted to check this out and I’m glad I did. It was fun!

3.5 stars

This was a nice little cozy horror. I think it’s meant to be horror, it doesn’t really fall into a specific genre, more of light on everything kind of book.
A lot of relatable characters and situations. I enjoyed the humor, and I look forward to more by Kilmer in the future.

Also (not part of my review, just a large opinion), I’m in love with this cover art!

Normally I like the formula of [blank] but make it horror.

The issue I have with "Nightmare of a Trip" is a small one but it makes a world of difference.

The property that's being horror-ified and referenced in the Book blurb existing in the world of the book detracts from the dark comedy. We as readers get the picture already, direct references to National Lampoon does nothing but reassert what readers should already know.

As for scares? Seasoned horror fans won't find anything too inovative here, but this is a good place to begin for a first-time horror reader.

People who've experienced some awful road trips will 100% find at least one relatable instance throughout the book. I for one found several, my reactions ranging from uncomfortable recollections to "ha- we did that too".

The family dynamic especially the "been in a car together for days" variety is absolutely spot-on.

The epilogue is also pretty wholesome but the trip to get there is rough. Not scary enough to be a nightmare but not sweet enough to be a daydream either.