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Read, Scream, Repeat
A spooktacular collection of scary stories by thirteen of the most exciting and diverse authors in children’s books today! Perfect for readers aged 9-12 A spooktacular collection of horror stories that will chill, thrill and delight middle-great readers, keeping them on
the edge of (or hiding behind) their sofas! Do you dare to turn the pages and see what’s lurking inside…? Read, Scream, Repeat brings together thirteen bestselling, award-winning Kirsty Applebaum, Jasbinder Bilan, Aisha Bushby, Joseph Coelho, Rachel Delahaye, Kat Ellis, Phil Hickes, Polly Ho-Yen, Sharna Jackson, Jennifer Killick, Elle McNicoll, Dan Smith and
J.T.Williams. The collection is curated by Farshore’s queen of middle-grade comedy-horror, Jennifer Killick! Read, Scream, Repeat is a truly diverse anthology that taps into everything young readers are looking for this spooky season.
the edge of (or hiding behind) their sofas! Do you dare to turn the pages and see what’s lurking inside…? Read, Scream, Repeat brings together thirteen bestselling, award-winning Kirsty Applebaum, Jasbinder Bilan, Aisha Bushby, Joseph Coelho, Rachel Delahaye, Kat Ellis, Phil Hickes, Polly Ho-Yen, Sharna Jackson, Jennifer Killick, Elle McNicoll, Dan Smith and
J.T.Williams. The collection is curated by Farshore’s queen of middle-grade comedy-horror, Jennifer Killick! Read, Scream, Repeat is a truly diverse anthology that taps into everything young readers are looking for this spooky season.
387 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 10, 2023
Thirteen chilling tales collated into one book. These are middle grade and are creepy little stories of the weird and wonderful. I really enjoyed these and they were easy to dip in and out of.
My favourites were:-
Game Over - a night time sleepover at an arcade turns scary
Talos Springs - a boy’s view of his world from the window of the Nursery.
The Green Ghost - a secret under the floorboards
Hide & Seek - remember not to wander off alone!
My favourites were:-
Game Over - a night time sleepover at an arcade turns scary
Talos Springs - a boy’s view of his world from the window of the Nursery.
The Green Ghost - a secret under the floorboards
Hide & Seek - remember not to wander off alone!
September 29, 2023
WOLF MOON by Kirsty Applebaum: What I loved about this tale was how obviously British it was. It perfectly captures the feel of a journey of over an hour that isn't a fast, mainline service, rattling along in old stock.
CHARLIE'S TWELFTH by Sharna Jackson: This story is full of the tension created by the reader knowing something is a terrible, terrible idea but also knowing the character is going to do it, creating this sense of the inevitable tragedy. For this tale, the motivation is the desire to have and hold friendships, capturing just how be-all-and-end-all they can feel, twisting that desire into a nightmare.
GAME OVER by Aisha Bushby: This story was so so good (toss up between this and THE POND for my favourite). It's set in an arcade at night but with real zombies. I loved how the horror came not only from the aforementioned zombies but also people.
THE LIGHT BULB by Rachel Delahaye: This tale was a really fun take on the "monsters in the dark" trope where the monsters cannot abide the light so batteries are in high demand. Not only are the monsters horrifying and have some great sequences, but there is also an element of horror thanks to people exploiting others in the midst of tragedy.
TALOS SPRINGS by Elle McNicoll: There is a very gothic feel to this tale (one of the shortest in the anthology). It features an institution where something is deeply wrong but it's not obvious exactly what.
THE POND by Jennifer Killick: Jennifer Killick demonstrates in a short page count why she is the queen of MG horror. This tale contains a creepy doll, a creepy pond AND trademark nursery rhyme of DREAD WOOD series
UNDERLAY UNDERLINGS by Joseph Coelho: Who knew carpets could be so creepy? This story will make sure you never look at your carpet the same way, and tread very carefully on yours the next time you go to the bathroom in the night.
DEEP WATER by Dan Smith: This tale contains absolutely horrible rich twins and it was delightful to see them get their comeuppance. It is definitely the quirky/funny side of horror, reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events.
THE GREEN GHOST by Kat Ellis: This next tale takes Welsh hills and the history of mining and combines it with a ghost whose intent cannot be worked out. The central question is whether the ghost is there to help or to harm.
THE GLASS HOUSE by Polly Ho-Yen: I really enjoyed how this took all the uncertainties of moving house and made them way, way worse. It also explores how such a move can cause tensions in a family. Plus many classic horror tropes including things coming to life and turning on themselves, and the classic breaking lightbulb.
THE ATTIC ROOM by Phil Hicks: This tale leans into classic haunted house trope. It is set in a stately home with a fun running commentary from a kid who is not into them, but his boredom leads him into danger.
HIDE AND SEEK by J. T. Williams: This is a tale of hide and seek going horribly wrong. I particularly liked the way it starts going wrong thanks not to anything unnatural, but thanks to very human guilt over not acting sooner paralysing someone into not acting at all.
A CRY FROM THE GRAVEYARD by Jasbinder Bilan: The last book in the anthology is a classic ghostly tale set in a graveyard. This one is about a ghost who wants to set right a wrong, but is being pursued by those who want to stop him.
CHARLIE'S TWELFTH by Sharna Jackson: This story is full of the tension created by the reader knowing something is a terrible, terrible idea but also knowing the character is going to do it, creating this sense of the inevitable tragedy. For this tale, the motivation is the desire to have and hold friendships, capturing just how be-all-and-end-all they can feel, twisting that desire into a nightmare.
GAME OVER by Aisha Bushby: This story was so so good (toss up between this and THE POND for my favourite). It's set in an arcade at night but with real zombies. I loved how the horror came not only from the aforementioned zombies but also people.
THE LIGHT BULB by Rachel Delahaye: This tale was a really fun take on the "monsters in the dark" trope where the monsters cannot abide the light so batteries are in high demand. Not only are the monsters horrifying and have some great sequences, but there is also an element of horror thanks to people exploiting others in the midst of tragedy.
TALOS SPRINGS by Elle McNicoll: There is a very gothic feel to this tale (one of the shortest in the anthology). It features an institution where something is deeply wrong but it's not obvious exactly what.
THE POND by Jennifer Killick: Jennifer Killick demonstrates in a short page count why she is the queen of MG horror. This tale contains a creepy doll, a creepy pond AND trademark nursery rhyme of DREAD WOOD series
UNDERLAY UNDERLINGS by Joseph Coelho: Who knew carpets could be so creepy? This story will make sure you never look at your carpet the same way, and tread very carefully on yours the next time you go to the bathroom in the night.
DEEP WATER by Dan Smith: This tale contains absolutely horrible rich twins and it was delightful to see them get their comeuppance. It is definitely the quirky/funny side of horror, reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events.
THE GREEN GHOST by Kat Ellis: This next tale takes Welsh hills and the history of mining and combines it with a ghost whose intent cannot be worked out. The central question is whether the ghost is there to help or to harm.
THE GLASS HOUSE by Polly Ho-Yen: I really enjoyed how this took all the uncertainties of moving house and made them way, way worse. It also explores how such a move can cause tensions in a family. Plus many classic horror tropes including things coming to life and turning on themselves, and the classic breaking lightbulb.
THE ATTIC ROOM by Phil Hicks: This tale leans into classic haunted house trope. It is set in a stately home with a fun running commentary from a kid who is not into them, but his boredom leads him into danger.
HIDE AND SEEK by J. T. Williams: This is a tale of hide and seek going horribly wrong. I particularly liked the way it starts going wrong thanks not to anything unnatural, but thanks to very human guilt over not acting sooner paralysing someone into not acting at all.
A CRY FROM THE GRAVEYARD by Jasbinder Bilan: The last book in the anthology is a classic ghostly tale set in a graveyard. This one is about a ghost who wants to set right a wrong, but is being pursued by those who want to stop him.
November 23, 2023
An exciting anthology filled to the brim with spooky stories! I need more!
I shared this one on Goodreads on November 1st and thought I would also post it on my blog. Well, when I had time. Which is today. Haha. My blog is a bit full.
This was a fantastic anthology, just didn’t like one of the stories (as it felt like an excerpt from a bigger story and also had a very open ending). But the rest was spooky and I flew through the book. I loved the variety of monsters/scary things. From zombies to ghosts to glass houses and trees lurking. I would highly recommend it.
Here is my rating + a small review for each of the stories.
Wolf Moon: Star rating, 4 stars Interesting story with plenty of oh no, though I am still a bit confused on what happened and if it was all true or not.
Charlie’s Twelfth: Star rating, 4.5 stars OH SNAP. I had a suspicion, but DANG! That was heartbreaking and scary!
Game Over: Star rating, 4.5 stars OH HECK YES. When gaming gets real! I would love more of this one!
The Light Bulb: DNF. This one felt like a bigger story just cut to bits to fit with the anthology. A shame.
Talos Springs: Star rating, 4.5 stars Nothing is as it seems. Be careful what you say.
The Pond: Star rating, 5 stars Dolls. Consequences. Teehee.
Underlay Underlings: Star rating, 5 stars I need more! Carpets that will eat you and take your soul (oh and anything else you put on it, but it seems their favourite is souls)! Spookiness! Plus, I want to see that channel the boys are setting up!
Deep Water: Star rating, 5 stars Hey, she did warn them. Om nom nom.
The Green Ghost: Star rating, 4 stars Not super scary, more sad. Still awesome.
The Glass House: Star rating, 5 stars Haha, I would have left SO FAST. NOPE.
The Attic Room: Star rating, 4.5 stars Oh no. Oh no.
Hide and Seek: Star rating, 5 stars I want more, it was definitely scary, how do you escape this? But it felt a bit like there was more to be told! So please, write a whole story!
A Cry from the Graveyard:Star rating, 4 stars More sad than scary. Still a good story and I enjoyed it!
All in all, as you can see I am very happy with this anthology. Sometimes with anthologies it can be hit/miss, but this one was almost all a hit! Then again, with such a great group of writers (many I already love their works) it was bound to go good. As I said in the beginning, I wouldn’t mind Jennifer Killick and other writers to make another epic anthology. Maybe for the next Halloween season? Awww? Please?
review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
I shared this one on Goodreads on November 1st and thought I would also post it on my blog. Well, when I had time. Which is today. Haha. My blog is a bit full.
This was a fantastic anthology, just didn’t like one of the stories (as it felt like an excerpt from a bigger story and also had a very open ending). But the rest was spooky and I flew through the book. I loved the variety of monsters/scary things. From zombies to ghosts to glass houses and trees lurking. I would highly recommend it.
Here is my rating + a small review for each of the stories.
Wolf Moon: Star rating, 4 stars Interesting story with plenty of oh no, though I am still a bit confused on what happened and if it was all true or not.
Charlie’s Twelfth: Star rating, 4.5 stars OH SNAP. I had a suspicion, but DANG! That was heartbreaking and scary!
Game Over: Star rating, 4.5 stars OH HECK YES. When gaming gets real! I would love more of this one!
The Light Bulb: DNF. This one felt like a bigger story just cut to bits to fit with the anthology. A shame.
Talos Springs: Star rating, 4.5 stars Nothing is as it seems. Be careful what you say.
The Pond: Star rating, 5 stars Dolls. Consequences. Teehee.
Underlay Underlings: Star rating, 5 stars I need more! Carpets that will eat you and take your soul (oh and anything else you put on it, but it seems their favourite is souls)! Spookiness! Plus, I want to see that channel the boys are setting up!
Deep Water: Star rating, 5 stars Hey, she did warn them. Om nom nom.
The Green Ghost: Star rating, 4 stars Not super scary, more sad. Still awesome.
The Glass House: Star rating, 5 stars Haha, I would have left SO FAST. NOPE.
The Attic Room: Star rating, 4.5 stars Oh no. Oh no.
Hide and Seek: Star rating, 5 stars I want more, it was definitely scary, how do you escape this? But it felt a bit like there was more to be told! So please, write a whole story!
A Cry from the Graveyard:Star rating, 4 stars More sad than scary. Still a good story and I enjoyed it!
All in all, as you can see I am very happy with this anthology. Sometimes with anthologies it can be hit/miss, but this one was almost all a hit! Then again, with such a great group of writers (many I already love their works) it was bound to go good. As I said in the beginning, I wouldn’t mind Jennifer Killick and other writers to make another epic anthology. Maybe for the next Halloween season? Awww? Please?
review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/
September 26, 2024
I mean…
It’s curated by Jennifer Killick and the stories are by some of the best names in children’s stories so… yeah, it’s brilliant!
Some memorable tales and some that take their inspiration from films and tv and other stories… all parcelled together to make a fabulous anthology for UKS2 (Agę 10+)
It’s curated by Jennifer Killick and the stories are by some of the best names in children’s stories so… yeah, it’s brilliant!
Some memorable tales and some that take their inspiration from films and tv and other stories… all parcelled together to make a fabulous anthology for UKS2 (Agę 10+)
October 24, 2023
Short story collections are always hard to review because there are often some which are great and others not-so, so I’m delighted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed all the stories in this book! What incredible editing and writing to bring them all together so well.
Spine tingling, shiver inducing and often leave you sitting on the edge of your sit cliffhanger endings which will have kids wondering what happened and filling in those dark and mysterious gaps.
Not for the faint-hearted! I particularly loved Joseph Coelho’s Underlay Underlings and Phil Hickes’s The Attic Room - spooktacular!
Spine tingling, shiver inducing and often leave you sitting on the edge of your sit cliffhanger endings which will have kids wondering what happened and filling in those dark and mysterious gaps.
Not for the faint-hearted! I particularly loved Joseph Coelho’s Underlay Underlings and Phil Hickes’s The Attic Room - spooktacular!
May 8, 2024
5 out of 10
Id hope for at least 50 pages rather than 18-30 per story. theres only so much you can do
Id give the over all book probably a 5 out of 10. due to some decent stories in there
Heres my run down of ratings per story
Wolf Moon 2.4 out of 5. Cant say too much There was an element of the old lady but that wasnt as good as it could have been.
Charlies Twelth 4.4 out of 5
From in my opinion the 2nd darkest.. out of the 13..
Not sure I know what the total premise was but I think they hinted with the Russian doll. But doesnt quite explain the family Definitely could have gone for a 200+ story on it. for sure
Game Over.3.9 out of 5
Nice concept but definitely been done before.. Cant help but think some elements of it was borrow in Killicks Fright bite. I dont know what was wrote first, this story isnt wrote by her.
ending was interesting.
The Light Bulb. 4.8 out of 5
Definitely the most interesting perhaps the darkest.. of all 13.. I cant say too much so dont know if even saying think movies/books of The Mist meets Quiet Place.. kinda thing, n some other dark elements you may not expect.. Ending was annoying but again, when its a short story what can you do.. This one too would do well as a 300 or so page novel
Talos Spring 3.5
I cant say too much here without giving it away but this concept at least the ending has definitely been done before.. perhaps in the outer limits tv show or twilight zone but definitely has.. Cant rate it too much on that but keeps you guessing initially so, wasnt too bad
The Pond-3.6
Ive only really read Crater lake Lake and dreadwood series by Killick. so far.. enjoy them alot n granted cant expect a lot for ths short of a story.. It reminded me of the full Lovel sacrifice box.. in some parts. There definitely a stephen king book that comes to mind but I cant say it without giving away the main premise, in a sense.
Anyway, wasnt too bad and like many in this collection. keeps you guessing
Underlay Underlings 3.7 out of 5
Okay This didnt go the way I was expecting started off interesting n thought ooh kinda like this concept.. and dont get me wrong still kinda good but bit more wtf that was a bit daft to what I had hoped n expected..
Dark Water 2.6. out of 5
Apart form some annoying kids.. there wasnt really anything creepy about this.. typical b monster sorta thing.. thats all I can really say on that! Juts be careful who you annoy, but that said.. nothing can be done if the someone else is stubborn n up their own ass
..
The Green Ghost 2.5
Okay Only the 2nd story Ive read by Kat Ellis but all I can say is this for a under 30 pages story was still better that Harrow Lake.
. But still it was like wtf was that! And there wasnt really a creepy element to it.. you can guess at the end whether it was or not but certainly doesnt sit that way.. not in the slightest
The Glass House 2.7. Okay Ive seen and read of creepier objects that that in a care bears cartoon.. not sure wtf I read but was rather odd
Hide and Seek 4.3 out of 5 One of the creepiest but I still feel this concept as been done before.. seen it slightly in Roald Dahls The Witches.. Theres one part in that that is similar.
Also it begs the question of the grand parents cabin.
Maybe it was lost on me and I got confused but if near the end they went to look for someone.. the last thing they should do is do so in the dark.. It was getting dark.. They should know not to have set off by this point n waited til morning..in a way they got what they deserved.. The description at the near end was definitely eerie and somewhat creepy!
The Attic Room 4.1 out of 5
Ive only read Aveline Jones from Phil Hickes. But seems he certainly can write creepy atmosphere and things. This was a strange one.. Sort o reminded me of Goosebumps books towards the end.. and ell I was a bit confused about the parents.One can only presume they are in the same situation, for it to be explain.. and it also makes me think okay, so has this happened before....
A Cry from the Graveyard 2.4 out of 5
Dont think theres much I can say about this one.. Not at all creepy but a nice story..
Id hope for at least 50 pages rather than 18-30 per story. theres only so much you can do
Id give the over all book probably a 5 out of 10. due to some decent stories in there
Heres my run down of ratings per story
Wolf Moon 2.4 out of 5. Cant say too much There was an element of the old lady but that wasnt as good as it could have been.
Charlies Twelth 4.4 out of 5
From in my opinion the 2nd darkest.. out of the 13..
Not sure I know what the total premise was but I think they hinted with the Russian doll. But doesnt quite explain the family Definitely could have gone for a 200+ story on it. for sure
Game Over.3.9 out of 5
Nice concept but definitely been done before.. Cant help but think some elements of it was borrow in Killicks Fright bite. I dont know what was wrote first, this story isnt wrote by her.
ending was interesting.
The Light Bulb. 4.8 out of 5
Definitely the most interesting perhaps the darkest.. of all 13.. I cant say too much so dont know if even saying think movies/books of The Mist meets Quiet Place.. kinda thing, n some other dark elements you may not expect.. Ending was annoying but again, when its a short story what can you do.. This one too would do well as a 300 or so page novel
Talos Spring 3.5
I cant say too much here without giving it away but this concept at least the ending has definitely been done before.. perhaps in the outer limits tv show or twilight zone but definitely has.. Cant rate it too much on that but keeps you guessing initially so, wasnt too bad
The Pond-3.6
Ive only really read Crater lake Lake and dreadwood series by Killick. so far.. enjoy them alot n granted cant expect a lot for ths short of a story.. It reminded me of the full Lovel sacrifice box.. in some parts. There definitely a stephen king book that comes to mind but I cant say it without giving away the main premise, in a sense.
Anyway, wasnt too bad and like many in this collection. keeps you guessing
Underlay Underlings 3.7 out of 5
Okay This didnt go the way I was expecting started off interesting n thought ooh kinda like this concept.. and dont get me wrong still kinda good but bit more wtf that was a bit daft to what I had hoped n expected..
Dark Water 2.6. out of 5
Apart form some annoying kids.. there wasnt really anything creepy about this.. typical b monster sorta thing.. thats all I can really say on that! Juts be careful who you annoy, but that said.. nothing can be done if the someone else is stubborn n up their own ass
..
The Green Ghost 2.5
Okay Only the 2nd story Ive read by Kat Ellis but all I can say is this for a under 30 pages story was still better that Harrow Lake.
. But still it was like wtf was that! And there wasnt really a creepy element to it.. you can guess at the end whether it was or not but certainly doesnt sit that way.. not in the slightest
The Glass House 2.7. Okay Ive seen and read of creepier objects that that in a care bears cartoon.. not sure wtf I read but was rather odd
Hide and Seek 4.3 out of 5 One of the creepiest but I still feel this concept as been done before.. seen it slightly in Roald Dahls The Witches.. Theres one part in that that is similar.
Also it begs the question of the grand parents cabin.
Maybe it was lost on me and I got confused but if near the end they went to look for someone.. the last thing they should do is do so in the dark.. It was getting dark.. They should know not to have set off by this point n waited til morning..in a way they got what they deserved.. The description at the near end was definitely eerie and somewhat creepy!
The Attic Room 4.1 out of 5
Ive only read Aveline Jones from Phil Hickes. But seems he certainly can write creepy atmosphere and things. This was a strange one.. Sort o reminded me of Goosebumps books towards the end.. and ell I was a bit confused about the parents.One can only presume they are in the same situation, for it to be explain.. and it also makes me think okay, so has this happened before....
A Cry from the Graveyard 2.4 out of 5
Dont think theres much I can say about this one.. Not at all creepy but a nice story..
July 22, 2024
Wow what a horror story!
I found my fav story in this was Charlie’s twelfth! I found it a bit like parts in my life as I feel I can be a bit left out too….Like Anna. At the end of the story we figure out who Charlie really is and why she didn’t invite Anna to the birthday lunch 🥪….. Because she cares she really cares ❤️
I think the most horrifying story for me was The attic room ! I found it terrifying I mean imagine day by day night by night month by month year by year being stuck in the same small bedroom I’d find it sooooo scary 😧 but I guess I understand why William did what he did but that doesn’t mean it’s right!😡
I found my fav story in this was Charlie’s twelfth! I found it a bit like parts in my life as I feel I can be a bit left out too….Like Anna. At the end of the story we figure out who Charlie really is and why she didn’t invite Anna to the birthday lunch 🥪….. Because she cares she really cares ❤️
I think the most horrifying story for me was The attic room ! I found it terrifying I mean imagine day by day night by night month by month year by year being stuck in the same small bedroom I’d find it sooooo scary 😧 but I guess I understand why William did what he did but that doesn’t mean it’s right!😡
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2023
Well… what more could I expect from some amazing names in children’s books and the promise of spine-tingling tales? Some absolute beauties here! You’ve got everything from ghosts, to zombies, to shadow beasts and haunted dolls. Absolute corkers from beginning to end! Some of these are absolute stand outs. I can’t wait to use these and read these in the classroom!
October 26, 2023
It's very rare that you read a short story collection and enjoy every single one. There's always at least one or two that you don't engage with. There were definitely some that I enjoyed more than others but I think every story was strong. Each tale was different which made the whole collection so much fun to read. I can see this being enjoyed by younger readers. The stories are spooky and creepy but nothing too scary. There's a really nice balance and I can't see anyone getting too concerned by reading them. It's the perfect book for the spooky season.
Some of the stories were really sophisticated and went in directions that I wasn't necessarily expecting. There were plenty of classic horror tropes to enjoy and all of the Halloween favourites. We experience zombies, AI, demon carpets, werewolves, ghosts and much more. I think there's a great mix of different themes and the different writers have distinct approaches. I think it works really well and means there'll be something everyone enjoys.
This book features some of the biggest names in children's literature and there's plenty of great writing here. Even though they have different voices, I think all of the stories work well as a collection. It's definitely a fun and quick read for the spooky season. Some of the stories are a bit longer than others but they're still manageable. Not all of the stories have a full resolution which I also really enjoyed. Although, I know this won't work for everyone.
Overall, I was really impressed with this collection of short stories. I don't think there was one that I wish hadn't been included. The stories are all spooky and have plenty of thrills. Yet, I don't think they're too much. It is a book that I think younger readers will love to dive into at any time of year.
Some of the stories were really sophisticated and went in directions that I wasn't necessarily expecting. There were plenty of classic horror tropes to enjoy and all of the Halloween favourites. We experience zombies, AI, demon carpets, werewolves, ghosts and much more. I think there's a great mix of different themes and the different writers have distinct approaches. I think it works really well and means there'll be something everyone enjoys.
This book features some of the biggest names in children's literature and there's plenty of great writing here. Even though they have different voices, I think all of the stories work well as a collection. It's definitely a fun and quick read for the spooky season. Some of the stories are a bit longer than others but they're still manageable. Not all of the stories have a full resolution which I also really enjoyed. Although, I know this won't work for everyone.
Overall, I was really impressed with this collection of short stories. I don't think there was one that I wish hadn't been included. The stories are all spooky and have plenty of thrills. Yet, I don't think they're too much. It is a book that I think younger readers will love to dive into at any time of year.
March 19, 2025
Been meaning to read this since around last October!
I've really enjoyed two previous Jennifer Killick books, so was looking forward to sinking my teeth into this collection scary short stories, edited by the author.
My favourites included:
Game Over - a zombie arcade game takes a deadly turn.
The Light Bulb - a story about monsters in the night, and our 3 protagonists desperately trying to find safety.
Talos Springs - This story nearly made me cry! Our young protagonast, James, starts to question this odd couple that visits the orphanage when his friend is returned ... Different to how she left.
The Pond - creepy dolls and possessed children get our main character to think about what he's done.
Underlay Underlings - demon possessed carpets coming to terroize a young boy, but no one believes him, apart from his best friend, because he's known for his prank videos.
Hide and Seek - An eery and chilling story about a group of friends camping out in forest that isn't as idealic as it first appears. This had the essence of summer camp horror that I love!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
I've really enjoyed two previous Jennifer Killick books, so was looking forward to sinking my teeth into this collection scary short stories, edited by the author.
My favourites included:
Game Over - a zombie arcade game takes a deadly turn.
The Light Bulb - a story about monsters in the night, and our 3 protagonists desperately trying to find safety.
Talos Springs - This story nearly made me cry! Our young protagonast, James, starts to question this odd couple that visits the orphanage when his friend is returned ... Different to how she left.
The Pond - creepy dolls and possessed children get our main character to think about what he's done.
Underlay Underlings - demon possessed carpets coming to terroize a young boy, but no one believes him, apart from his best friend, because he's known for his prank videos.
Hide and Seek - An eery and chilling story about a group of friends camping out in forest that isn't as idealic as it first appears. This had the essence of summer camp horror that I love!
Pick it up, give it a go & enjoy!
October 23, 2023
What a fantastic compilation of spooky and scary stories!!
Super creepy, hair rising and greatly written - I don’t think there was a single story in here that I didn’t like. I enjoyed them all! Which is a rarity when I read a series of short stories as inevitably there always a few that stick out more than others. There were no weak links in here and they were all honestly fab.
Such great writers were chosen for this and they were all so up for the job. They got the assignment! A wonderful collection of really well thought out stories that will have you on the edge of your seat (or hiding behind it!).
I’m maybe a bit older than the target demographic for this but they got me too! Goosebumps. I read this book way too fast and I could have kept reading forever. I hope they’ll be another one next year for October and the Halloween season as it’s a perfect book to read when the nights are drawing in and it’s getting dark outside. So so good!
Super creepy, hair rising and greatly written - I don’t think there was a single story in here that I didn’t like. I enjoyed them all! Which is a rarity when I read a series of short stories as inevitably there always a few that stick out more than others. There were no weak links in here and they were all honestly fab.
Such great writers were chosen for this and they were all so up for the job. They got the assignment! A wonderful collection of really well thought out stories that will have you on the edge of your seat (or hiding behind it!).
I’m maybe a bit older than the target demographic for this but they got me too! Goosebumps. I read this book way too fast and I could have kept reading forever. I hope they’ll be another one next year for October and the Halloween season as it’s a perfect book to read when the nights are drawing in and it’s getting dark outside. So so good!
April 6, 2025
It's been a couple of months since I read a Jennifer Killick book and I'm still hung up on Dreadwood. My husband got me this one for Christmas and it has 13 stories in it, it also has a compilation of different authors writing the stories too.
We have:
* Wolf Moon by Kirsty Applebaum
* Charlie's Twelfth by Sharna Jackson
* Game Over by Aisha Bushby
* The Light Bulb by Rachel Delahaye
* Talos Springs by Elle McNicoll
* The Pond by Jennifer Killick
* Underlay Underlings by Joseph Coelho
* Deep Water by Dan Smith
* The Green Ghost by Kat Ellis
* The Glass House by Polly Ho-Yen
* The Attic Room by Phil Hickes
* Hide and Seek by J.T. Williams
* A Cry from the Graveyard by Jasbinder Bilan
There were some amazing stories in this, some of my favourites were: Deep Water, The Pond, Charlie's Twelfth, A Cry from the Graveyard.
Also i'm a huge Phil Hickes fan so when I saw he wrote one of the stories I was so happy as I love his Aveline Jones series.
I loved all the stories.
We have:
* Wolf Moon by Kirsty Applebaum
* Charlie's Twelfth by Sharna Jackson
* Game Over by Aisha Bushby
* The Light Bulb by Rachel Delahaye
* Talos Springs by Elle McNicoll
* The Pond by Jennifer Killick
* Underlay Underlings by Joseph Coelho
* Deep Water by Dan Smith
* The Green Ghost by Kat Ellis
* The Glass House by Polly Ho-Yen
* The Attic Room by Phil Hickes
* Hide and Seek by J.T. Williams
* A Cry from the Graveyard by Jasbinder Bilan
There were some amazing stories in this, some of my favourites were: Deep Water, The Pond, Charlie's Twelfth, A Cry from the Graveyard.
Also i'm a huge Phil Hickes fan so when I saw he wrote one of the stories I was so happy as I love his Aveline Jones series.
I loved all the stories.
April 18, 2024
Read, Scream, Repeat gave me lots of Goosebumps vibes but I’m afraid I didn’t do much screaming! I know I’m not in the target age group but I can safely say that I managed what the younger me would not and finished the whole thing (she probably would have lasted halfway into the first story!), some I enjoyed: Charlie’s twelfth, Game over, The light bulb, The green ghost and A cry from the graveyard, the others only eliciting a eye roll and a groan. Definitely at the younger end of middle grade. Disappointed as I was looking forward to this book!
May 6, 2024
These stories mostly had open endings that weren't really endings at all. If it was a TV show it would have ended with menacing music and a zoom in at some incriminating evidence or an evil grin. That isn't really my kind of story. There were a couple of exceptions, I enjoyed the green ghost but was a little sad as I feel like it would have made a really good book and the short story didn't really do it justice. I really liked A Cry From The Graveyard, that was the type of tale that was designed to be a short story. Overall I wasn't particularly into this book but it wasn't bad.
November 12, 2023
This has got everything - zombies, wolves, dolls, even a sinister carpet! It was great for a buddy read as we had lots to discuss after each story and were left with quite a few questions.
I think I'd like any of them as a full book, there was so much more that could come from each story. Some of my favourites were Game Over, Underlay and Talos Springs but all were unique and terrifying in different ways.
I think I'd like any of them as a full book, there was so much more that could come from each story. Some of my favourites were Game Over, Underlay and Talos Springs but all were unique and terrifying in different ways.
October 14, 2023
Read, Scream, Repeat is a book made up of 13 thrillingly chilling stories.
These spooky stories are a credit to all the authors writing skills as each story are only told in a few pages and each one made the hairs on my arms stand up as well as some being sad or heartwarming. I now want to read some of the authors other books and has given me inspiration to read more and try and write more shivery stories myself.
These spooky stories are a credit to all the authors writing skills as each story are only told in a few pages and each one made the hairs on my arms stand up as well as some being sad or heartwarming. I now want to read some of the authors other books and has given me inspiration to read more and try and write more shivery stories myself.
June 11, 2024
My husband recommended I read this collection of short horror stories after he’d enjoyed it.
While its target audience is younger, that doesn’t mean it’s not good.
I gave the whole book 3/5, I’d give it 3.5/5 if I could. Some of the stories felt rushed and weren’t as enjoyable, while others were very good and left me wanting to know more.
While its target audience is younger, that doesn’t mean it’s not good.
I gave the whole book 3/5, I’d give it 3.5/5 if I could. Some of the stories felt rushed and weren’t as enjoyable, while others were very good and left me wanting to know more.
October 17, 2024
A great anthology of spooky stories. It's a varied collection from ghosts to zombies to things under your feet but I enjoyed them all. I also liked that they feature a fairly diverse cast of characters from a diverse group of authors. They are each about 30 pages long so good to read before bed (as long as they don't give you nightmares.).
November 5, 2024
Admittedly I bought this last year primarily to read the story written by the ever wonderful Elle McNicoll, but overall I was quite surprised by the high quality of this anthology. The stories were versatile, with the majority ending in a way I was not expected. I'd definitely like to read more volumes of this if any were to be written.
May 13, 2024
Thirteen middle grade spooky stories. Two of them were really scary, more likely a horror story, and 3 of them were just naaah. The rest of it was fun and spooky at the same time. I did read it with one go, but it's also could be a one per day halloween thing.
September 25, 2024
As with most short story anthologies, some stories were better than others. For the most part, I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of creativity in this book. For those concerned, there is a little bit of language some parents might not approve of for early middle grade readers.
October 25, 2023
A decent collection of spooky short stories for children. Stand out stories for me were Joseph Coelho’s and Jennifer Killick.
August 5, 2024
Niet alle verhalen waren leuk
August 20, 2024
SO GOOD SO AMAZING JENNIFNER KILLICK ALWAYS WRITES A VERY GOOD STORY SO YEH
WELL DONE
WELL DONE
August 27, 2025
Favourite stories : The Light Bulb and The Attic Room.
October 27, 2024
Short stories for children. Just the right amount of creepiness I think. My group will let me know soon!
November 1, 2023
Fun middle grade short stories for spooky season!
March 18, 2025
A great quick read for spooky season! I thoroughly enjoyed these short stories and would happily reread this.
My favourite stories were probably - game over, deep water and the attic room.
Each one had its own creepy little tale, from monsters to ghosts. I really enjoyed the video game aspect of game over, the twist of deep water and the classic spookiness of attic room.
I got nostalgic goosebumps vibes as I read through this. If you enjoy light horror and short stories, this would be a great read.
My favourite stories were probably - game over, deep water and the attic room.
Each one had its own creepy little tale, from monsters to ghosts. I really enjoyed the video game aspect of game over, the twist of deep water and the classic spookiness of attic room.
I got nostalgic goosebumps vibes as I read through this. If you enjoy light horror and short stories, this would be a great read.
May 22, 2025
This was actually such an amazing book the collab with all the authors really made me feel like it was the best thing to read and the scary stories were so good it does make you feel like you are trying to solve a mystery in every story
October 7, 2024
An enjoyable collection, perfect for spooky season. 🎃
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