| Title | : | Mischief Night (Evil CookieMark Towse Books) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 116 |
| Publication | : | Published August 29, 2023 |
Mischief Night (Evil CookieMark Towse Books) Reviews
-
Full review at The Mort Report:
https://www.uncomfortablydark.com/the...
Well, boys and girls, if there is one thing you can always count on from The Evil Cookie Publishing, it is good, old-fashioned quality. And blood…never forget the blood.
Towse and Hanson weaved an interesting little story which is not at all what you expect it is going to be. And I have no idea what else I can share with you that will not ruin the surprises that lies in store.
Except for one thing, which weighs heavy on my mind, and I am genuinely curious about it. I don’t know if it is simply a cultural thing, but are there really places in the world where you would still open your door to a stranger and allow them inside?
A lot of people in different countries have such a misconception of what is going on in the world. I live in South Africa. No, the lions do not roam the streets freely…we lock them up for the tourists. However, it is a dangerous place to live. And it is rare to find a house without a security door or windows that doesn’t have burglar bars. If a stranger knocks on your door at night, the reaction is more like THE PURGE…except most of us can’t afford the security cameras and state of the art security systems, but the fortunate ones have alarms and panic buttons.
Well, if you are inclined to play the friendly host, read this first. Maybe it will make you rethink your choices.
5 STARS -
3.5 stars. I haven’t read a Mark Towse or EC Hanson joint in awhile, so I was due. The story took me back to Funny Games, in that two young men force their way into a house and proceed to systematically dismantle the residents. This book took some clever twists and turns to differentiate itself from the many others like it, but it mostly came down to being a torture fest, which has a very specific audience. Exposing family secrets, turning children further against their parents, and just making a very uncomfortable, uncertain, and violently hostile situation all played a part here. And these perpetrators remained completely calm and collected throughout. The writing was solid, the story was decent, but I wanted a lot more depth and background on the Price family before all hell broke lose. At 120 pages, this had a lot of room to spare, which could have included some additional chapters in the beginning. Adem’s hidden intentions and Michael Myer’s like ways, Flick’s rehabilitation, Michael’s secrets, Gerald’s aggressive ways towards his daughter, and even Hilary’s descension into her prescriptions and beyond due to her abusive and troubles family. I feel like Hilary had the most to branch off with, but it wasn’t paid the proper attention. I understand how there needed to be some mystery from Jake and Kirk, to keep them as sort of surface-level killers, but the family needed a deeper dive into their dysfunctional ways. That was the true star of the book, but it wasn’t as developed as much as it could have been, not bringing everything full circle for me. But, despite some missed opportunities, it was still an enjoyable experience from two talented authors.
-
A Horror Bookworm Recommendation
Mischief Night by Mark Towse & E.C. Hanson
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
On the Eve of Halloween, the neighborhood inhabitants of Fox Run Lane have been visited by a special duo, partners in crime if you will. As decorations adorn the community, inside the Price home there is an unusual intervention of sorts happening. While a family attempts to unite, Mischief Night prepares itself for an evening full of secrets, surprises and self destruction.
Published by Evil Cookie, Mark Towse and E.C. Hanson have collaborated to share their well versed thoughts about family unity, love, support and extreme chaotic mayhem. Exposing the constraints of alcoholism among other addictions have been strategically used as the primary cornerstone by this talented writing duo.
This is my first experience reading Hanson’s work, I’ll definitely explore more. My first undergo with Towse was Nana, this novel led me straight back to his creative ink well many more times. Towse’s writing and collaborations do not disappoint. Which leads me to the most recent, Mischief Night, a book that asks the question, “Can trauma bring a family back together and wipe the slate clean?” Well, within the first several chapters my thoughts were…oh boy, this is not gonna end well.
Much deeper than a “trick or treat” story, this horror experience has been ratcheted up a bit by the use of broken dreams, empty promises and the feeling of being totally out of control. Hey reader, how about you? You got any secrets that need to be taken care of? An Autumn celebratory Horror Bookworm Recommendation. -
It’s Halloween eve, “Mischief Night” as they like to call it and the Price family is in for an unexpected surprise when two young men show up at their door. Kirk and Jake make their way into their home and into their lives as they force a family to take part in their twisted games. When dark secrets are uncovered, the Price family turn against each other in a night that ends in violence and mayhem…
This was a bit of a head scratcher for me. I really loved the atmosphere of the opening chapters with the neighborhood houses decked out in Halloween decorations and two boys getting into mischief but thats where anything Halloween related ended and the rest of the story takes place inside a home that doesn’t celebrate the holiday.
The writing is well done, I think the authors work well together and did a good job at making the story flow with a twist I didn’t see coming. I think the biggest issue I had was how complacent the family was, it felt too easy and not as menacing or as frightening as a home invasion should feel. I’d be going into spoiler territory if I elaborate on why I felt this way but ultimately I didn’t like any of the characters (except maybe grandpa) and when I can’t connect to a character, I can’t fully get into a story.
Overall though it’s a solid read with some crazy scenarios and laugh out loud moments. If you’re looking for a Horror novella (123 pgs) with dark humor that features a dysfunctional family, this may be a book for you. -
Mischief Night should be on everyone's spooky tbr. Towse and Hanson are the perfect spooky duo.
They have created such an eerie and tense story full of amazing twists and turns. Help no one, trust no one, and on Mischief Night, that goes double. The family down Fox Run Lane, are not big on decorating for the occasion, so they'll be the target of beyond horrors. This story absolutely caught me by surprise and loved every minute of it. It had secrets, horror, and a lot of surprises. I absolutely recommend this book to kick start the spooky season. -
Intense. Infuriating. Shocking. Sad. Those are a few words I'd use to describe this book. Fast paced writing that sucks you in, I finished it in one sitting.
I couldn't stand most of the characters, and I think that's what the authors intended. Jake was the only character that evoked strong feelings from me, I actually teared up at the end.
Towse and Hanson delivered a fantastic book that you'll never be able to see the twists they have in store. -
What a wild read! I found myself holding my breath, kicking my feet, whispering curse words, and frantically flipping the pages. Mark Towse and E.C. Hanson really know how to pack a punch. An absolute winner of a story!
*possible triggers 🖤 -
What an awesome ride through one family’s Hell. This train barrels off the tracks and never slows down leaving a wake of chaos and mayhem. This was so much fun to read. Get in, buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
-
Damn these two!! They invade the home, get into your head, and make you question all your choices that have led you to this point in your life...oh, I'm not talking about Kirk and Jake from the book, I'm talking about Mark Towse and E.C. Hanson! These two characters, I mean authors. just know how to mess with your head.
Mischief Night is a home invasion story that will leave you feeling helpless and disgusted. There is no such thing as too much hatred for these characters, and the story is a freaking fun house maze. Just when you think you know where you are going, BANG! you slam your face into a mirror and all your beliefs about the book are shattered.
This one really is a puzzle as it starts off as just a skeleton of a story. Bit by bit the flesh fills in the spaces and you see how deep the wrinkles of this story go. -
Wow
I went into this book blind and was expecting a fun Halloween ride with maybe some gore thrown in for good measure.
Imagine my surprise when I found that this was an incredibly suspenseful, uncomfortable intruder/family drama horror story, with some gore thrown in for good measure.
This is a short read, but you will feel every minute. I settled in one evening for a quick comfort Halloween horror read, and wound up being completely unable to put it down until the very last word. -
This twisted home invasion horror novella is hella scary!
Hanson & Towse have given us an intense and shocking creep fest with just the perfect level of dark humour needed for a great spooky season read.
I hope to see more from this duo. -
Towse never disappoints! And Hanson is becoming a favorite, as well! I’ve read just about everything Mark has written and I read “Wicked Blood,” by Hanson, last year, I actually believe upon Mark’s recommendation. Hanson did such a great job of raising the stakes and keeping the action going; I was immediately sold. When I saw they were teaming up for this novella, I knew it was going to be an absolute smash. I purposefully saved it to read around Halloween and then I blew through it in one sitting. I couldn’t put it down. It reads like a movie that lives in the same world as “Funny Games,” and “The Strangers,” but is still unique and captivating. Kirk was such a good character and I legitimately laughed out loud regularly at what he said, in the midst of all the chaos. This was such a fun read and I can’t recommend it enough; especially for a Halloween!
-
It’s Halloween Eve and in the home of the Price family, Mum has made a celebratory meal for her daughter’s release from rehab, Dad is locked in his study working and their young son is playing on his tablet. There’s a knock on the door and two strangers make it a night to remember.
This a horror novella on the dangers of letting strangers into your home. This is home invasion gone insane and it is such a fun ride. Just when you think you know what’s happening it veers into something else. The dialogue is wonderfully darkly humorous, the fear very real and the outcome surprising. A great little snack of horror, perfect for a one sitting read.
Available on KU -
Want a quick Halloween read? Seriously, it’s only 102 pages and moves really fast. Mischief Night may be a quick read but the effects of it last a long time…
What starts off as harmless fun, becomes terrifying. It’s a home invasion of sorts, but within a house that isn’t really a home. The family being held captive are not good people. As their secrets come out, the horror builds.
I went into the book expecting a Halloween horror filled with smashed pumpkins and jump scares. What I read was more disturbing than I expected. With just enough gore and buildup of suspense, I’d say this was a great fright. -
Wow, what a ride! I really enjoyed this twisted, demented story. It was dark and sad. Utterly fantastic!
-
You know how your chest starts getting tight as you’re slowly going to the top of a roller coaster?? That’s the feeling I had throughout this entire book!! You just knew something bad was going to happen on every page… and it did!!!
Trying to figure out what these two idiots, Kirk and Jake, were up to and why they picked THIS house. The family who lives in the house were your typical messed up family… until they weren’t. Secrets… secrets all around and Kirk and Jake were going to have some fun bringing those secrets to light on Mischief Night. -
This book is so damn good! It went places I never expected it to go. Every character in this story is very flawed, which makes for some harrowing decision-making, and viciously tragic outcomes. The tension doesn't let up throughout the entire book. Be very careful what you wish for because things can go places you could never imagine.
I loved this. -
𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝘣𝘺 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘴𝘦 & 𝘌.𝘊. 𝘏𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘰𝘯
Novella 104 pages
Oh my gosh. I just read this in two sittings (in one day). This book hits fast and hard out of the gate. Like pedal to the metal action and pure vileness. Not one single likable character they are all brutal and unrelenting. But it’s like curiosity killed the cat, you gotta just keep reading and reading to figure out exactly what’s going on with the family. So many secrets.
𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘴' 𝘌𝘷𝘦.
𝙻𝚊𝚟𝚒𝚜𝚑 𝚍𝚎𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜 𝚊𝚍𝚘𝚛𝚗 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚢 𝚕𝚊𝚛𝚐𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚋𝚊𝚐𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚎𝚡𝚙𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚏-𝚎𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚢 𝚒𝚗 𝚜𝚝𝚞𝚏𝚏𝚎𝚍 𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚢 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚛𝚟𝚎𝚍. 𝙱𝚞𝚝 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚑𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝙵𝚘𝚡 𝚁𝚞𝚗 𝙻𝚊𝚗𝚎 𝚛𝚎𝚖𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚜 𝚞𝚗𝚕𝚒𝚝, 𝚒𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚌𝚌𝚞𝚙𝚒𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚜𝚎𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚜𝚞𝚊𝚕 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚏 𝚊𝚠𝚔𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚜𝚒𝚕𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚗𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛.
𝙰 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚌𝚔 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚘𝚘𝚛 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚜 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐, 𝚜𝚞𝚋𝚜𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚜𝚑𝚊𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚏𝚛𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚌𝚘𝚛𝚎, 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚜𝚎𝚌𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚑𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚍 𝚐𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍. 𝚃𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎'𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚗𝚘 𝚌𝚊𝚗𝚍𝚢, 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚛𝚎𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚝𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚎𝚝𝚜 𝚘𝚏 𝚋𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚍.
This novella is super short so there isn’t a lot more I can say without giving away key elements to the story. This is one family dinner no one wants an invitation to. And another reason I don’t like to answer my door. Ever. 😂 . I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick read to fit in before spooky season is over. 🎃 -
You wanna get nuts? Let's get NUTS!!!
Mischief Night looks like a fun Halloween read for the horror nut. It's so much more than that.
I've read Towse before, and I read some of the reviews for this book, so I knew I was getting into something much more messed up and horrifyingly fun than just another Halloween themed horror book.
This was my first Hanson read, and now I want more.
Mischief Night starts out with two young guys doing what boys do....reeking havoc in the neighborhood for Halloween. Except, it's the night before Halloween, and there's a touch of crazy right from the get go.
When they target an undecorated house, the reader is quickly swept into the rotting insides of what appears to be a lovey home. The hate that the family members drips from the page as they put on a well polished front.
The boys aren't having it. They have other intentions.
The tension builds. The reader is left gripping the page, jaw clenched and shoulders tight. Several ascents to peak tension are each burst in an explosion of holy $%& what just happened moments.
I loved the raw emotion seething from every character. I loved the crazy surprises. I loved the explosive ending.
I especially loved the unique idea and fresh take on our beloved spooky holiday.
Well done! -
What affect can a seemingly pair of strangers have on one jaded upscale family on Mischief Night? You're gonna want to get this book and find out!
I'm not going to say anything more, because this is perfect for spooky season and one you'll appreciate going into blind. I will only say two things:
1) The family dynamics were magnetic. Such a juicy trainwreck!
2)that I did not see it going to such bloody depths. -
Nawh! What a beautiful tale about the magic of friendship (by way of a “that escalated quickly” home invasion suspense story).
This was a fun little well written Devils Night romp through the ‘burbs.
If you’re looking something a little bit different to read during the spooky season, but prefer closeted skeletons to ghouls and ghosts, give it a go you might like it. -
DNF’d 20%ish
Love EC and Mark , they are fantastic writers
But this one was too dysfunctionally domestic for my taste and the home invasion aspect didn’t matter when I couldn’t care less about what happens to the family in this story. -
I absolutely loved this book. It's not the usual home invasion story. It had so many twists and turns. It was a wild ride from start to finish. It was a quick and very enjoyable read.
-
A brilliant read. I really enjoyed this one. A character driven plot with loads of action. There is a lot packed into this novella. Definitely recommended.
-
Read this book in one sitting. It's short, but packs a punch (in more ways than one).
Fans of a Clockwork Orange (film) will enjoy this.
Pros: fast paced, short chapters, funny quips, unique plot with many twists.
Cons: Not very realistic (sometimes felt like an episode of Seinfeld) and repetitive at times.
Once I suspended by disbelief and gave in to the story, it was a wild ride. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Thank you to the author for sending me this story in exchange for my review.
