Really enjoyed this book. It had me hooked from the first chapter. Can’t wait to buy a physical copy when it comes out.

When Mortimer Queen passes, seven writers are invited to the Queen estate for the reading of his will and testament. The group believes they are getting a piece of Queen's fortune but instead are forced to play a game for their survival. As they cross through the manor, they will have to answer a riddle correctly, if they get it wrong the manor will take one of them. The group must figure why each of them are forced to play the game in order to escape.

As someone who does not read a lot of Horror books, I found this book to be captivating. There were several mysteries throughout this book including why each of the authors were invited to the Queen's estate and why Melanie, a woman who seems to have little connection to Mortimer Queen, is included. Although this book starts out a little slower, it quickly picks up and I could not set this down. I loved the short stories that were included at the end of each room and although the conclusion of this book was a little predictable, I was still happy with the ending. This is a great book for readers who are just getting into the genre.

How to Survive a Horror Story comes out on July 8th.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to review How to Survive a Horror Story. All thought and opinions are my own.

I really wish I liked this book more. The premise is super interesting and I love trapped horror movies, especially in a place as weird as the manor is. Unfortunately, I don’t think this book lives up to that premise.

The first major issue is that there are too many POVs. All seven characters have POVs, which causes the beginning to drag. It also caused an issue where a character would get a POV and we would have to learn a lot about them in a short amount of time because the book is only so long and we only get so much time with them. Then if the book bounced back to their POV, it would then have to explain the character’s thoughts on any major things that happened in the chapters since the last POV for that character. This also means that during times of mortal danger, characters are thinking about random things from their past or their relationships, because there just isn’t a place for it anywhere else. All of this causes a lot of pacing issues that don’t ever feel ironed out, even when POVs start dropping. There are also several chapters that have short stories appended onto them and, even if the information in them is important, they can bring the story to a standstill.

The characters themselves also don’t really work. Many of them are really one note. It also feels like one of the characters changes quickly and drastically in a way that didn’t feel like it made sense.

My final note was that one of the characters has kleptomania and it feels like the very sensationalized version you see in movies, that isn’t what real kleptomania looks like. The biggest factor is that the character with the disorder really seems to be stealing for monetary value, which is actually a huge mark against someone having kleptomania. It felt like the author didn’t do any research into an actual mental illness, which is disappointing.

Unfortunately, I just had too many issues to enjoy this book.

How to Survive a Horror Story by Seth Grahame-Smith is a witty, self-aware guide that humorously deconstructs horror tropes while offering practical survival tips. Its clever tone and sharp humor make it an enjoyable read for fans of the genre, though some of the jokes might land better with seasoned horror enthusiasts. The book balances its satire with genuine affection for classic horror, creating a fun blend of parody and homage. While not groundbreaking, it's a thoroughly entertaining and unique addition to any horror lover’s bookshelf.

This fast-paced locked-room thriller should not be missed! A group of seven writers arrive at the manor of legendary horror author Mortimer Queen for a reading of his will, only to find themselves trapped inside. The authors must solve riddles to make their way through the manor and escape but danger is lurking around every corner. Thrilling and unpredictable, horror fans will love this highly anticipated 2025 release!

How to Survive a Horror Story is a sharp and chilling mix of locked-room mystery and supernatural horror. When a group of writers gathers at Queen Manor expecting a fortune, they’re instead forced into a deadly game where solving riddles is the only way to survive the house’s hunger.

The story blends biting humor with eerie atmosphere, delivering twists, clever riddles, and a cast full of secrets. Each character adds layers to the mystery, while the house itself feels like a character. The pacing is tight, and the gothic vibes are perfect for fans of The Fall of the House of Usher.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Would you accept an invitation to the reading of a will of a famous, childless horror author at a remote manor house? What if you betrayed him? What if you stole from him? What if you barely met him? Reminiscent of Clue (the movie)---if the house was a character---this campy, horror-lite novel circulates the perspective and storytelling by each of the unreliable guests. Everyone has something to hide and no one is guaranteed to walk out alive.

Arnold weaves classic elements of haunted houses, monsters, and the locked room (or, in this case, manor) trope, as she forces her characters through both a literal maze and a psychological one. While there's gore in multiple spots throughout the story, this is less a horror novel and more of a psychological thriller. This might be a good comp for those who enjoyed Grady Hendrix's My Best Friend's Exorcism, and Arnolds plot construct suggests she's an author to watch . 3.75 stars rounded up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC. The views expressed are exclusively my own.

A sinister and pleasingly mean horror story, Arnold's tale of a septet of writers lured to a mysterious mansion and trapped there at ghostly behest, is a fun, fast-paced ride. The characters aren't likeable, flawed to a fault, but the mystery is intriguing enough, even if the supernatural elements are a little underdeveloped. Regardless, this is an enjoyable, spooky time, with themes about the writing process and the drive to achieve at all costs.

But people are just monsters we love,right?"

You are hereby invited to the Mortimer Queen Manor to stay the weekend,accept your willed item, and celebrate Mr Queen's lasting legacy as one of the greatest horror authors this world will ever know

After the passing of Mortimer Queen, six authors are invited to his manor for his last will and testament reading, hoping to see what he bequethed to them. Instead,a game is presented, solve the riddle, and move onto the next room. If they don't,they will be taken by the house.
With each passing hour and new rooms open little by little, the story of each character unfolds.
I would love to say I read through this within one sitting, but that would be a lie,I just needed to take my time so I could take in every little detail,it was fast faced and thoroughly so enjoyable.
I don't think I've read a haunted house/manor book like this before,it had me at the word go. With every chapter, I grew as anxious as the characters. I highly recommend getting your hands on this when it releases.

While there is an intriguing premise that is reminiscent of both a Saw film and a horror version of Willy Wonka, this book never fully elevates beyond the premise to become an engaging or propulsive thriller. The characters are fairly simple and one-note, mostly based on their behavioral tics or a stereotype on the geographical region what they live. As such, just like on Wonka, the reader doesn’t really get invested in any of them to care whether they advance to the next room of the house or not.

Furthermore, there also seemed to be a real missed opportunity to develop the house as a living character itself, as the mythology behind its existence was never really developed beyond some superficial characterization. For this book to really shine, the set pieces have to be interesting, but the rooms that are described really seem to lack uniqueness and don’t have much consistency in whether the form they take on are to target individuals for their misdeeds, or are just random set pieces.

Finally, I also thought the unreliable narrator technique was a bit underdeveloped. As I reached the end, it still wasn’t clear whether the characters were really that terrible and were lying about their past, or if the house and Mortimer were manipulating the truth. It’s an interesting idea, but one that wasn’t fully developed in a way where there’s clarity at the end on what the truth is.

I really really wanted to love this book! Unfortunately the characters fell flat for me and the overall plot wasn’t engaging. It reminded me a lot of the Castle Knoll files book, but this wasn’t executed as well. I’m interested in seeing what the author will do next!

Mallory Arnold’s How to Survive a Horror Story is a spine-tingling, genre-blending delight that delivers chills, thrills, and clever commentary on the very essence of storytelling. Fans of locked-room mysteries and gothic horror will find themselves captivated by this darkly humorous, twisty tale set in the eerie Queen manor.

The premise is irresistible: seven writers with varying connections to the legendary Mortimer Queen gather for the reading of his will, hoping for a share of his fortune. What they get instead is an invitation to a sinister game where each room of the house holds a deadly challenge. The stakes are as high as the tension—solve the puzzles or risk becoming part of the house’s macabre history.

Arnold’s characters are sharply drawn, with distinct personalities and compelling backstories that emerge as the game unfolds. The interplay between them is laced with biting wit, rivalries, and secrets that add layers to the suspense. The Queen estate, practically a character in its own right, is richly atmospheric, combining the ghostly unease of The Fall of the House of Usher with modern, self-aware nods to horror tropes.

What sets this novel apart is its meta approach to the horror genre. Through its plot and characters, Arnold explores the nature of fear, storytelling, and the ways writers confront their own demons. The riddles are clever, the twists genuinely surprising, and the pacing masterfully controlled.

While the novel revels in its dark humor and inventive scares, it also offers moments of poignancy as the characters reckon with their personal connections to Mortimer Queen—and to each other. By the end, readers are left with both a satisfying resolution and a deeper appreciation for the art of crafting horror.

How to Survive a Horror Story is a must-read for fans of haunted houses, complex characters, and smart, playful storytelling. Mallory Arnold has written a love letter to the horror genre that is as haunting as it is entertaining. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself leaving a light on after finishing this one.

I enjoyed this book. It was a twist on the common trope of strangers being trapped in a haunted/evil house but still felt original. I didn't find it particularly scary but there was definitely a lot of disturbing imagery. The characters were interesting, especially the protagonist, Melanie.

Wow! So, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride and The Haunted Mansion walk into a bar…. I sooo enjoyed How to Survive a Horror Story! Locked room, check. Quirky, unpleasant characters, check. And one seemingly unrelated character, check! Great story, fast paced and many twists and turns! One star off because one character needed a more developed backstory. I would love to see this get a Netflix adaptation!

FIVE STAR READ. Man oh man was this fun! Page turning, unputdownable, read it in a day kind of book! What a debut by author Mallory Arnold. If you enjoy a book that explores the darker nature of people, the many monsters in the world, and how sometimes, “people are just the monsters we love,” all while being trapped in a house that just might eat you, then this is the book for you!

Early in the book as the characters-authors speak to the heart of the horror genre, they lament that the rat race of publishing expects, “what’ll do well on TV these days.” Well dang, I’d watch this movie in a second, but I am sure glad I read it first!

Synopsis: Six writers: the mousy fearful no one knows, the verbose/morose celebrity chasing one, the southern gentleman writer, the one hit wonder plagerist and thief, the middle aged gossip in an overpriced caftan, the (former?) golden boy, and the mistress (??) -slash- writer of erotica horror all come together following the death of a esteemed colleague and fellow horror writer for the reading of his will. The house is filled with clocks, a storm rages outside, and the identity-less staff aren’t staff at all; what ensues is an escape room thriller. Can they survive the night and the challenge?

What I liked:
1. The characters and their revisionist stories (?) all told through a multi-POV narrative style.
2. It’s a classic creepy mansion horror story with a couple of epic oh dang moments.
What I didn’t like: not a darn thing!

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.,

I really enjoyed this book! It was super scary, which was what I was hoping for. For fans of horror movies and horror books, this is a great read. Suspenseful, scary, and filled with twists until the end.

How to Survive a Horror Story is a solid 3 star horror-ish novel. I do think it tries to do too many things at once- the game, the “twists”, the backstories, the not backstories, etc.

A famous writer dies and seven authors receive a letter inviting them to his manor, promising they’d inherit something. Once they get there, they soon start to realize that nothing’s as it seems, and they need to work together to figure out how to get out before the house reclaims every one of them.

I knew what I was getting into while starting the book: I’ve seen something like three different movies having this same premise, but still, I was excited to meet these seven writers and get to know their story.
That’s because the thing I love the most while reading or watching horror is getting to know the characters, their hopes and secrets, what scares them, what they have that it’s worth fighting for. For me, a good horror not only scares you, but it should make you fear for the characters’ fate, and that’s not what happened with “How to survive a horror story”.
We get to meet the seven writers through their same eyes, one chapter at a time, in third-person pov: this means that the characters get introduced to us readers very slowly and shallowly, while the story goes on.

Personally, I felt like I couldn’t differentiate them, they were all so similar and having a third-person pov didn’t help: not because I don’t appreciate this style, I most often do, but it made all the seven characters look exactly the same. What was missing was some different perspective for all of them, maybe changing the chapters structure -as it was the same, throughout the whole book: it starts with a funny quote, a bit of the character’s past that would lead to the reason they are now trapped in the manor, and a present look on the story. It felt repetitive and, if it wasn’t for the chapter being named after the character, I honestly would have had difficulties understanding who it was that the chapter was focused on.

The dialogues felt unnatural: these seven people get trapped in a people-eating manor, they only have little time to get out and try to find an escape, and still they make jokes, waste time, act like nothing much is happening, talk jokingly about their childhood like they weren’t about to literally fight for their life! And all that talking did nothing to make the reader grow fonder of the characters, or at least to get to know them better. It was just there, breaking the horror atmosphere.

I didn’t feel the fear that I would be expecting while reading an horror: there wasn’t that dark atmosphere that usually fills every silence between the characters. The manor was obviously impressive, and its changing and growing after eating a prey was definitely interesting, but personally, I didn’t find it as intriguing as it should be.

Everything happened so fast and was given so little attention: as I said, every chapter would include a bit of the character’s past and then focus on the current situation in the manor. However, by doing so, I felt like the deathly situation the characters were in was rushed, while their past was given a bit too much space, unnecessarily. Of course, the writers’ past was fundamental to understand the reason they got themselves in that mess, but I would have liked more action during the challenges in the house and less descriptive past scenes.

In conclusion, my rating is 1 star: I was intrigued by the premise, but in my opinion that was the only positive thing.

I loved the concept of How to Survive a Horror Story but it just wasn’t for me.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I had a difficult time enjoying this book because none of the characters were likeable and the story seemed a bit over the top. When a famous horror author dies, a group of people are invited to his historic mansion for the reading of his will. Most of these people barely knew the author and are curious why they were invited. They are informed they will take part in a game, moving throughout the house as they solve clues. If they can't solve a clue, one of them will die. I felt the title was misleading because as gory as this book is, it's more a mystery story than a horror story.