Midnight Showing

Malice Compendium #2

by Megan Shepherd

Book 2 in The Malice Compendium series by New York Times bestselling author Megan Shepherd, featuring dark magic and family secrets with a contemporary horror tone.

Immediately following the events of Malice House (Book 1), Haven and her newly found sister are on the road, trying to discover the contours of her family's curse. But while they hunt, they are also hunted by the most vile creature from the previous book: a vile, aging salesman who can compel people to do anything with but a whisper and who wants to rewrite the entire world in his image.

Genres: Horror, Fiction, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Adult, Mystery, Fantasy

368 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2023

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Megan Shepherd grew up in her family’s independent bookstore in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is the author of several young adult and middle grade novels. She now lives and writes on a 125-year-old farm outside Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband, two cats, and an especially scruffy dog.

Reviews

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

the less i am actually on/contributing to goodreads, the more giveaways i seem to win. are you courting me, gr?? make it fun here again and i swear i will come back to your embrace!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Malice House was one of my favorite horror books of 2022 so needless to say I was super excited to read book 2 in the series!

Midnight Showing takes place where Malice House ended. After Malice House just burned down, Haven and her newly discovered sister Kylie are on the road. The sisters are looking for answers to the family's curse all while trying to come to terms with newly discovered truths.

But while the sisters are on the road, the vilest creature of them all is hunting them down. The creature who is a salesman names Arnold, can persuade anyone to do anything with just a whisper and his goal is to rewrite the entire world in his image.

First off, this is one of those books where you have to read the first book in the series in order to understand what’s going on. It cannot be read as a standalone. Okay moving on,

Midnight Showing brings back our familiar favorites (and monsters) from book one and introduces us to more characters and new spine-tingling monsters. The book centers around the bond of sisterhood and takes a deep dive into Haven and Kylie’s relationship. A big part of the book is about some old Hollywood horror films (which I loved) that are absolutely terrifying!

Even though I really enjoyed this book, Malice House is still my favorite. However, if you also enjoyed Malice House, you absolutely have to read Midnight Showing! I really hope there will be a book three in this series.

Midnight Showing by Megan Shepherd will be available on October 3. A massive thanks to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the gifted copy!

[Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this 4 stars on my first read, but now I'm going with 2. It was good, but I just didn't get as much out of it I guess. I'd still like to see another sequel.


Original Review:

Aaaand now I'm hoping for another sequel.

Also Rafe lives rent-free in my mind (and I know his name now).


Previously:

EXCUSE ME? A SEQUEL TO MALICE HOUSE???

I really hope there's more of the hot guy whose name I forgot.

[Erin Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Megan Shepherd has done it again! I raced through MIDNIGHT SHOWING, completely enthralled in the tightly woven web of twists, turns, and old Hollywood urban legends. THE MALICE COMPENDIUM is quickly becoming my favorite series!

[megs_bookrack]

Okay, hear me out. Malice House wasn't a favorite book of mine, but I am interested in finding out what happens next...



ARC received! Thank you so much, Hyperion Avenue!

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed this second book in Malice House series and here’s to hoping for a book 3!!

Haven and Kylie pick up right where we left off in malice house by traveling to learn more about their family roots and this curse. They discover “monster hunters” along the way and of course have run ins with some super creepy monsters. Also get to meet the famous Rob from book one and he plays a big part in this book. Great storyline, vivid writing to help visualize the monsters and had twists that weren’t predictable! Did feel a little long and was ready for the end by the time it came.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hyperion Avenue for my electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Dona's Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author Megan Shepherd, publishers Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for an advance digital copy of MIDNIGHT SHOWING. All views are mine.

Three (or more) things I loved:

1. The backstory of the fictional film, The Hundredth Stair, is impeccably done. Love the meta touches, like comparing it the the ultra famous film, The Ring. Especially love that Shepherd points out how meta this film is, itself, with the TV snow bleeding into reality. Good stuff!

2. I love the first person narrator's random references to some detective coming after her. The author handles restricting information really well here and it builds great tension, suspense, and conflict.

Three (or less) things I didn't love:

This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.

1. I really loved the film stuff, The metafiction. It borders on brilliant and I was excited to see where it was going. I even liked the film doctor murdering people in real life. But the "people of ink" thing, and the cursed people and monsters? The plot is just going in too many different directions. This new material distracts from everything Sheperd set up in the first half of the book.

2. The concept has merit, but it is so, so hard to follow. I mean, this plot is all over the place.

3. I get the feeling I would have understood and enjoyed the book better if I had read the first in the series, but I'm not even sure. Either way, this book should make more sense on its own.

Rating: 📽🎬🎞 meta layers
Recommend? Yes
Finished: Sep 27 '23
Format: Digital arc, Kindle
Read this book if you like:
👻 horror stories
🪢 metafiction
🎥 books about films

[johnny ♡ · Rating 2 out of 5]

i made the mistake of reading this novel without reading the first one. maybe that explains why i was so confused.

the writing was fast and choppy. i enjoyed the interludes of horror movies, but i found myself completely unable to follow the story. haven and her family have the ability to bring drawings and writings to life; ergo horror movie monsters. as haven is hunted down after reading her father's final manuscript.

this novel really made no sense to me.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

More thoughts here ⬇️
https://youtu.be/lQT991iXITY?si=xt7hp...

[Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Midnight Showing by Megan Shepherd is a horror novel, and the second in the Malice Compendium series.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Hyperion Avenue (for granting my wish - sorry I'm late in my review)  and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Series Background: (Warning – Contains spoilers from previous books)
Haven Marbury, an artist, inherited her father's estate (Malice House). Haven found a bizarre hand-written manuscript entitled Bedtime Stories for Monsters in her father's house, and decides to publish it herself, with her own illustrations.  But she finds that she is bringing those monsters to life.  Her father's pictures also came to life.  Haven is proof of that.  She also found Kylie, her half-sister, and Rafe, the handsome man from next door (who her father called The Harbinger --herald of dark times, in the Bedtime Stories book. He, too, is a monster.


My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Haven and her sister Kylie  are trying to find family, hoping for answers about the curse.  Everything Haven draws, and everything that Kylie writes, seem to be coming to life.  Although Malice House burned to the ground, there are plenty of monsters roaming the area, most of which are from the book.   Her biggest fear is Uncle Arnold, who, with a few whispered words, can make you do anything he wants.

While they are trying to hide, they ask for help from Haven's friend Rob, the film-maker who she has done work for in the past.  They stay with Rob and his fiancé Tyler,  while still searching for family ties.  Rob is rather strange, but knows people everywhere -- in particular Hollywood, and dark films.  They soon find some ties to Sigil, an old horror film company, who, urban legend has it, has their characters coming to life.

Haven is still getting to know her sister.  She has found out that Kylie is into astrology, crystals, and aliens. She's also a wannabe author.  But they have both agreed not to write or draw.

Rafe, (the Harbinger in her dad's book), is everything Haven could ever want in a man.  On the downside, he's a monster.  But Haven is not having a whole lot of luck staying away from him

Together, they find more of the Acosta family, and they find more monsters.


My Opinions:
Well, I had wished for a sequel, and here it is.  However, I struggled to get into this one, because it has been a long time since I read the first (entirely my fault).   This is definitely a book that demands you read the first  before attempting this one.

I really didn't enjoy this one as much as the first.  It seemed to drag....until it didn't.  The author writes well, but the implementation was a little off.  I didn't particularly like that each chapter started with parts of the old Hollywood horror films that contained the monsters.  The chapters kept going back and forth between all of them, and it was just a little confusing, and frustrating.

I love Haven, but have had problems with Kylie right from the start.  Rafe is a good side-kick, and I like the addition of Miracle.  The monsters....well, they were well-written.

Basically this is a continuation of nightmares coming to life, but this time it's not just Haven's.  It is also a book about family.  I think one of the underlying themes is the fact that "art", whether written or drawn, can have a huge impact on people.

Although I was a little disappointed, and had some problems with this book (the length, the drag, the style) ....I'm still looking forward to the next one.  -- I'm hoping the 3rd one will be back to the 5 stars I gave the first.

 

For a more complete review of this book and others (including the reason I chose to read/review this book, author information and a favorite quotation or two from the book), please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/

[AndiReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

BUCKLE UP! This is a book to remember!

Midnight Showing is the sequel to Malice House - an exciting and crazy story that featured Haven, a young woman who could draw creatures (monsters) to life. Haunted by her father's legacy she returned to his home and became entwined with his creatures and some that she drew herself.

She is now working with her step sister and attempting to track down some of the most dangerous monsters. The two woman count of an extremely rich film producer and collector or all things horror. The gang is a group with disparate allegiances and goals and Haven frequently doesn't know whom to trust. But whether she is ready of not, the monsters are coming for her. i.#Hyperion #Midnightshowing #meganshepherd

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book was necessary to build the characters and the world, but I enjoyed this story SO much more. It was fun. It was creepy. It reminded me of The Shining. The curse really unfolded here and I loved every single gory twist

[Lisa Leone-campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The follow-up to Shepherd’s eerie story, Malice House is filled with even more extraordinary monsters and bogeymen and an exceptionally horrifying story in which reality versus frightening villains created at an old movie studio.

As her father’s monsters in which he wrote, created and then they came to life are still lurking in all corners of the world, Haven, his daughter, a monster herself, who also has the power to draw creatures and her step-sister Kylie who has the power to write the stories are on the hunt to find their relatives who can hopefully explain to them why this happened and how to stop the killing.

They flee to Hollywood, where Haven’s former mysterious boss who use to send her horror movies from the deep dark web to review lives. There they begin to understand there was a horror film company from the early 1950’s whose logo seems to mysteriously appear on some of the dead bodies. One an actress from the era.

As they begin to get closer to finding out who her relatives are, all roads seem to point to her Uncle Arthur, a crazy monster her father created. He is wreaking havoc on not only her but is trying to kill all of her relatives so he can live forever.

But unbeknownst to them, monsters from these old movies mysteriously draw Haven and Kylie to them. But why? It’s now up to the two women to figure out how to stop these crazy monsters who seem to have so much power. Or they will all die.

Midnight Showing is filled with creative monsters both from the past and the present, an intriguing imaginative story you won’t want to stop reading, which includes a main character who herself is one of them. One thing is for sure, they must figure out how to kill Uncle Arthur and the dead movie monsters before they take over the world!

Excited to see where Haven and Kylie’s journey take them next!

Thank you #NetGalley #HyperionAvenue #MidnightShowing #MeganShepherd for the advanced copy.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This sequel picks right up where Malice House left off. Haven and Kylie are on the run from their curse (their respective artwork comes to life) and trying to figure out the next step while alluding authorities and their monstrous creations. I was a huge fan of Malice House, and though I liked this one, the pace was a bit slow. However, I suspect there will be a third and I am very much looking forward to it. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read and review this book!

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Midnight Showing is the sequel to Malice House. I rarely like a sequel better, but I loved this one.

We’re back with Haven and Kylie who are traveling the world to find out more regarding the Acosta family and cursemakers. They end up in LA at Rob’s Hollywood mansion.

All the characters are still here; Rafe and Uncle Arnold. Along with new and more terrifying monsters.

Read Malice House and then immediately go out and get Midnight Showing.

[Andy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Same issues I had with the first book unfortunately. Cool premise, but horrible characters, dialogue, and decisions. Disappointing.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Megan Shepherd continues her Malice Compendium with Midnight Showing. Make no mistake, however. Midnight Showing is not a sequel you can pick up and understand without reading the first book. Not only does Ms. Shepherd refer to scenes from the first book, she does not recap what happened. Therefore, you need to know who Haven is, what happened at Malice House, and why she is on the run.

Don't let that prevent you from checking out this series, however. The first book, Malice House, is a fascinating mix of horror and fantasy, and Midnight Showing continues that trend. This time, instead of exploring Haven's prowess, we follow alongside Haven and her sister as they seek to uncover more about their lineage and the curse that dogs their family.

As any good horror story enthusiast knows, sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones we create with our imaginations. This is a fact Haven learns the hard way in the first book. This time, however, the monsters she faces aren't her own making, upping the stakes as she seeks to minimize the damage these creations wrought.

Like any good sequel, we get the answers to some lingering questions while Ms. Shepherd raises even more. There continues to be a good blend of horror and fantasy, and the addition of Haven's sister allows for some much-needed dry humor to ease the tension. Midnight Showing is a fantastic spooky read for the season and worthy of any horror lovers' attention.

[Jordan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I requested this book I did not notice that it was the sequel to Malice House but I knew that I loved Malice House and wanted to read anything by Megan Shepherd. I was so pleasantly surprised when I started reading and realized that it was the sequel and immediately needed to devour it.

Midnight Showing brought back some of my favorite horror characters and brought in new people to enjoy. After the first book I was not sure what the next book would bring and I am so happy to say that it was an enjoyable sequel and I am looking forward to the next one!

This series is a perfect light horror, where there are moments that can be unnerving but not overwhelming. In this next book, we are again exposed to the mystery behind the family name and how Haven and her sister, Kylie, powers work in the creation of creatures. This book mainly follows this idea behind finding out the truth about the mysteries in their life. Yet again, this leads the girls to interact with Uncle Arnold and the horrors he has decided to hunt down.

If you like light horror books, and books about creations coming to life, I fully recommend this book for something enjoyable. Thank you for the chance to read and review this next installment in Shepherd's series!

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the follow-up novel to Malice House by Megan Shepherd. While some books in a series can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, I think the reader will understand and appreciate this one more if Malice House is read first. The home, its history, and her father’s legacy are further explained in the first book, adding key elements of horror to the second book.
Haven and her newly discovered sister Kylie are in search of clues into their family’s curse. Haven can’t draw and Kylie can’t write. If either does, the curse gives life to whatever entity they’ve created. Some entities are irresistible and some are pure terror.
Megan Shepherd has an exceptional talent for creating an environment of fear and the writing prowess to breathe life into her characters. I loved Malice House and enjoyed the follow-up, but the pace was a bit slower with a little more chatter, which took away from the tense atmosphere. I highly recommend both for any horror readers.
Thanks to Hyperion Avenue for an ARC in exchange for my honest review. The publishing date was October 3, 2023.

[Renee(Reneesramblings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haven may have escaped Malice House but nowhere is safe with uncle Arnold still searching for her. Haven and her sister Kylie, keep repeating to each other, don’t write, don’t draw. But it may not be enough to keep the monsters away, and their bond intact. I never recommend reading a series out of order. In this case, you will not understand everything that is happening without reading Malice House first(it’s so good).
I was so curious where Haven would go next, and this book didn’t disappoint. Her journey is far from over and where her relationships with Rafe and Kylie go, well, that’s probably in the author’s imagination and the next book(🤞).
I enjoyed Malice House just a little bit more. Still,this was a solid read where I never quite knew what would happen next. Also, this one was so atmospheric, and I wondered what monsters lurked every time I flipped a page. Is it too soon to say, I can’t wait for the next book?

[Salome G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was drawn to this book before I realized it was a sequel to Malice House. You see, one of my all-time favorite tropes irl or in fiction is the cursed film. That this book has multiple ones that sound like a mash-up of classic horror and A24, both personal favorites, is a treat. Add to that that this is a sequel to Malice House, a book whose world-building I really liked, and unsurprisingly, I ended up enjoying this one a lot.

[yen nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do tend to enjoy books more when I read them in a single sitting (or maybe two), but I don't know if that's what made me enjoy this book a little less than the first or if there's something else about it that just didn't captivate me as much.

[Kelli W · Rating 2 out of 5]

Baffled. BAFFLED. So Baffled.

After the first book was very successful this sequel became the new project.

What exactly happens in the writing, editing, publishing process? What happens to make the writer, editor and publisher of the, previously successful book, ignore all the how's and why's that made it successful?

From the first book: Uncle Arnold, a disgusting and horrifying character. A true monster. He compels anyone near to do exactly as he whisper commands in their ear. He never whispers a sweet lullaby about hopes and dreams. Only that of pain and suffering.

So what pray tell, would be the reason for zero Uncle Arnold "sightings" until over halfway in the sequel. It begs the question....What exactly happened when this sequel was written and approved.

Did Uncle Arnold 'whisper' to all involved, "Forget what worked, do the opposite".....?

Puh Leeeeeze! Uncle Arnold is a narcissist. He would have compelled them to write a good sequel.

Obviously other human forces were at work here.

Unfortunate

[Meghan ReadsBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Hyperion for the next book in the Malice series from Megan Shepherd. This is a solidly creepy story, filled with gothic vibes and gore. It was just what I was looking for in a month with strong haunted stories and creepy horror.... a great read to go with fans of the earlier Malice House book and for fans of Rachel Harrison and similar writers. The story is intense but satisfying, effectively paced and scary.

[Carol Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This unlocked a Superwholock girl in me that I thought was long since buried. The monster-hunting vibes and perfect balance of suspense/horror/romance/mystery/comedy vibes made me feel all the nostalgia of sitting down to an episode of Supernatural. The first book gave season 1 vibes, this book (movie-themed) gives later season vibes. It probably also didn't help that I mentally cast Mark Sheppard as Donovan Robles.

[yaiza · Rating 3 out of 5]

If only the story itself were half as dark and intense as the snippets before each chapter 💀 Nevermind the plot holes and underdeveloped character dynamics, I need a third book IMMEDIATELY

[Kristi Housman Confessions of a YA Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

rtc

[Natalie HH · Rating 2 out of 5]

I STILL think about the epically written horror novel that is Malice House 3 years after reading it, but this 2nd installment has infortunately, already been forgotten.

[Rafael Andrade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midnight Showing is a good book. But it is not as good as the first one. I found the dynamics between the sisters, Rafe and Uncle Arnold confusing. The writer could have explored more their time in Portugal and given more background about the Sigil curse. The Went Witch could have had more active participation in this book as she is one of the most interesting characters. She deserves a book of her own. Rob and his boyfriend had little importance in the story but had more time compared to The Went witch Dhalia. It could have been great and better than the first, but it managed to be just good.

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't write book reviews very often. However - as I said in the review I just posted for this book's predecessor - I just have to; it's far too underrated.



I have read a lot of books, I am a harsh critic of anything even remotely in my preferred genre wheelhouse, and I...love this series. The Malice Compendium has made my top five books/series of all time. It's officially going on the docket as an annual autumn reread leading up to Halloween.



Midnight Showing picks up right where its predecessor, Malice House, left off. Haven Marbury - an artist whose literary giant of a father kept a slew of colossal family secrets - is on the road, desperately trying to grapple with the fallout of Malice House's shocking revelations. More secrets are uncovered, Uncle Arnold returns on all his terrifying glory, and a whole new cast of chilling villains is ripped straight from the silver screen that Haven has spent so much time watching.



This book takes all the best of Malice House and continues building on it. It has more twists, it has more chilling monsters, and - best of all - more Rafe Khan, MMC extraordinaire.




I love this series. Malice House was phenomenal, Midnight Showing is just as eerily delightful, and - if book three isn't announced soon - tears may be cried.