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Andrew Mayhem #3
Casket For Sale: Only Used Once
In Graverobbers Wanted (No Experience Necessary), he took a job digging up a shallow grave. It turned out badly. In Single White Psychopath Seeks Same, he took a job as a bodyguard at a séance. It turned out worse. But now, meet the new, improved Andrew Mayhem. He has a real job. He's a better father and husband. And he's vowed to quit accepting money from strange women in coffee shops to perform tasks that go terribly, terribly wrong. This time he's just taking a relaxing camping trip with his family and best friend. No shortcuts. The gas tank is full. The sinister warning of the crazy old man is taken seriously. Unfortunately, when you're Andrew Mayhem, you just can't help being attacked by a group of savage killers bent on inflicting ghastly torture and bringing horrific death. Relentlessly pursued through a booby-trapped forest, it's one crisis after another as Andrew fights to protect his family, loses a body part or two, and faces the single darkest moment of his entire life. Action-packed, twisted, and completely outrageous, Casket For Sale (Only Used Once) is the funniest and scariest Andrew Mayhem adventure yet!
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2004
52 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Strand
229 books2,213 followersBram Stoker Award-winning author of a bunch of demented books, including PRESSURE, DWELLER, CLOWNS VS. SPIDERS, AUTUMN BLEEDS INTO WINTER, MY PRETTIES, the official novelization of ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATOES, and lots of others!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 21, 2014
This was one wacky book. Something about the writing reminded me of Joe Lansdale who also successfully mixes humor and atrocities. I read somewhere that this book wasn't as disturbing as the previous books so I was quite shocked at some of the violent turns it took. I can only imagine what happened in the previous books and now I have to find them before I die.
As I was reading, I could almost see the writer with a mad smile on his face, gleefully rubbing his hands together, while he plotted one over-the-top scene after another. I enjoyed this book a lot even when I thought some of the plot turns were ridiculous.
As I was reading, I could almost see the writer with a mad smile on his face, gleefully rubbing his hands together, while he plotted one over-the-top scene after another. I enjoyed this book a lot even when I thought some of the plot turns were ridiculous.
June 17, 2015
The third book in the aptly titled Andrew MAYHEM (capitals added for emphasis) series sees Andrew taking an almost-earned holiday with his family, best bud and his new girlfriend though the backwoods area of the Unites States. Now, I don't live in the US, and I'm certainly not the smartest guy in the world, but I've now read enough novels and seen enough films to have convinced me that a visit to the Gaza Strip is safer than visiting anywhere with more trees than people across the entire North America continent.
Casket For Sale (Only Used Once) does nothing to dissuade me of said conviction.
Of course, Mayehm and co meet some unsavoury types. And of course those unsavoury types have nasty and death-filled plans for them. What I did not see coming was what those plans would specifically entail, and how integral to the plot both Mrs Mayhem and the Mayhem kids would become.
I criticised the first book for using the kids as convenient plot device, but they're definitely not that here. I was a bit down on the second book because it seemed ridiculous that people could trade witty banter whilst almost being killed every second minute (at least outside of any buddy cop action film), but Strand must have worn me down because the same type of thing failed to irk me here.
So, in my usual slightly long-winded way, what I'm trying to say is: I liked Casket For Sale (Only Used Once) just fine. In fact, I liked it the most of the series thus far. It's end may have been a little too convenient - and seems destined to cause more mayhem for Mayehm - but otherwise any fan of Strand won't go wrong with this one.
Onto the next (and so far) last sequel ...
3.5 Extremely Well-Funded Baddies for Casket For Sale (Only Used Once).
Casket For Sale (Only Used Once) does nothing to dissuade me of said conviction.
Of course, Mayehm and co meet some unsavoury types. And of course those unsavoury types have nasty and death-filled plans for them. What I did not see coming was what those plans would specifically entail, and how integral to the plot both Mrs Mayhem and the Mayhem kids would become.
I criticised the first book for using the kids as convenient plot device, but they're definitely not that here. I was a bit down on the second book because it seemed ridiculous that people could trade witty banter whilst almost being killed every second minute (at least outside of any buddy cop action film), but Strand must have worn me down because the same type of thing failed to irk me here.
So, in my usual slightly long-winded way, what I'm trying to say is: I liked Casket For Sale (Only Used Once) just fine. In fact, I liked it the most of the series thus far. It's end may have been a little too convenient - and seems destined to cause more mayhem for Mayehm - but otherwise any fan of Strand won't go wrong with this one.
Onto the next (and so far) last sequel ...
3.5 Extremely Well-Funded Baddies for Casket For Sale (Only Used Once).
November 21, 2019
More adventures with Andrew Mayhem (this is the third in the series). I am a big fan of Jeff Strand so I was looking forward to this book but had to wonder what on earth else could happen to our protagonist Andrew.
So.. this time out Andrew is at least trying to make good decisions but that does not seem to matter in the slightest. This is I think the most eventful, thrilling and disturbing book of the series. No matter what Andrew does it still goes horribly wrong for him, he attracts psychopaths like moths to a flame. It’s hard to really tell you about the content of the book without freaking people out, if it were real it would be utterly terrifying. There are psychopaths and a fair amount of people die, often in very inventive ways, some just almost die but it’s still messed up, and there are a LOT of corpses! - I think that’s it in a nutshell.
Jeff has managed to pack so much action and so many incidents into one fairly short book (just 160 pages) but boy does it pack a punch. The action never stops there’s always something more scary/bonkers around the corner and it’s hard to put it down at any point because of that. This is some imaginative stuff and despite some truly awful horrors taking place there is still humour throughout the book!
If you love insane and brutal fun which just keeps on escalating this is the book for you. I said “Oh My God” out loud several times whilst reading this book - that’s a good sign! Absolutely loved this - Wow Jeff you’ve done it again I cannot possibly give this less than 5*/5.
So.. this time out Andrew is at least trying to make good decisions but that does not seem to matter in the slightest. This is I think the most eventful, thrilling and disturbing book of the series. No matter what Andrew does it still goes horribly wrong for him, he attracts psychopaths like moths to a flame. It’s hard to really tell you about the content of the book without freaking people out, if it were real it would be utterly terrifying. There are psychopaths and a fair amount of people die, often in very inventive ways, some just almost die but it’s still messed up, and there are a LOT of corpses! - I think that’s it in a nutshell.
Jeff has managed to pack so much action and so many incidents into one fairly short book (just 160 pages) but boy does it pack a punch. The action never stops there’s always something more scary/bonkers around the corner and it’s hard to put it down at any point because of that. This is some imaginative stuff and despite some truly awful horrors taking place there is still humour throughout the book!
If you love insane and brutal fun which just keeps on escalating this is the book for you. I said “Oh My God” out loud several times whilst reading this book - that’s a good sign! Absolutely loved this - Wow Jeff you’ve done it again I cannot possibly give this less than 5*/5.
November 7, 2020
The third Andrew Mayhem book is even crazier than the first two.
Andrew Mayhem is back and getting in even more trouble. What is up with this guy? How many murderous maniacs and deadly situations can one person encounter? Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride as Mayhem comes up against a backwoods band of colorful creeps in his wildest, most horrific, most disturbing, and possibly funniest adventure yet!
This is another great entry in the Andrew Mayhem series. Somehow it manages to up the ante even more in every category. There’s more suspense, more gore, and certainly more horror than ever before. At the same time, there are some scenes that are just totally hilarious, including a car chase that manages to perfectly combine cinematic, white-knuckle action with slapstick. There’s also an amazing hallucination sequence.
This book is as compulsively readable as the first two. If you liked those, you’ll probably gobble this up like a fat kid at a pizza party, just like I did.
Andrew Mayhem is back and getting in even more trouble. What is up with this guy? How many murderous maniacs and deadly situations can one person encounter? Suspend your disbelief and enjoy the ride as Mayhem comes up against a backwoods band of colorful creeps in his wildest, most horrific, most disturbing, and possibly funniest adventure yet!
This is another great entry in the Andrew Mayhem series. Somehow it manages to up the ante even more in every category. There’s more suspense, more gore, and certainly more horror than ever before. At the same time, there are some scenes that are just totally hilarious, including a car chase that manages to perfectly combine cinematic, white-knuckle action with slapstick. There’s also an amazing hallucination sequence.
This book is as compulsively readable as the first two. If you liked those, you’ll probably gobble this up like a fat kid at a pizza party, just like I did.
November 21, 2019
"So you're thinking of taking the whole family to a beautiful country park, for a nice, peaceful, relaxing vacation, in a lovely, luxurious, state-of the-art rented camper van, yes?" - well before you go then you must definitely read this fun-filled, action-packed, comic horror romp...then again, maybe not!
However, if you think that you would enjoy a wonderfully entertaining, ridiculously absurd, creative, imaginative, gruesome, gore-filled, wicked - but highly "humorous" adventure that contains, well, just about everything...then this book is definitely for you.
Anyway, this time the whole Andrew Mayhem family somehow manage to "meat" your usual selection of everyday Psychos, Hillbillies, Cyborgs and even more baddies on their travels, when they just want to get away and try and forget their recent distressing and highly traumatic past experiences. In fact, heaven knows what might have happened if they opted for the "banjo duel" deliverance excursion option, too!! Ah well, never mind, maybe next year....
This adult comic horror adventure deserves no less than 6 stars - absolutely brilliant! Thank-you so much, Jeff - you're a genius!
However, if you think that you would enjoy a wonderfully entertaining, ridiculously absurd, creative, imaginative, gruesome, gore-filled, wicked - but highly "humorous" adventure that contains, well, just about everything...then this book is definitely for you.
Anyway, this time the whole Andrew Mayhem family somehow manage to "meat" your usual selection of everyday Psychos, Hillbillies, Cyborgs and even more baddies on their travels, when they just want to get away and try and forget their recent distressing and highly traumatic past experiences. In fact, heaven knows what might have happened if they opted for the "banjo duel" deliverance excursion option, too!! Ah well, never mind, maybe next year....
This adult comic horror adventure deserves no less than 6 stars - absolutely brilliant! Thank-you so much, Jeff - you're a genius!
May 10, 2024
4.5 Stars
Bat Shit Crazy
Funny
Serious
Good Time
Bat Shit Crazy
Funny
Serious
Good Time
October 1, 2008
Having never read Jeff Strand, I opened his third installment of the Andrew Mayhem series with a bit of trepidation. I had just finished a black comedy “supernatural” detective story that went south after the first chapter, so I’m sure you can understand my suspicion towards Casket. Can you believe I read that damn book in one sitting? Why damn? Because I didn’t get any housework or paperwork done, I didn’t even remember to eat. For five hours I was Jeff Strand’s bitch, and I have to say people, I loved every minute of it.
Now before we even get started I want to make something crystal clear, even though there is comedy throughout the book it never overshadows and takes over the story. What’s that mean in layman’s terms? This isn’t a beach book that only requires a quarter of your attention with the option to skim. This story involves you, sucking you in page-by-page until your heart’s racing right along with the characters. And yes, Strand is aware of the hurdles that must be jumped in order to create something unique, but don’t worry he came prepared. Been-there-done-that situations are acknowledged, stereotypes are noted, and the setting is welcomed - then all are thrown out the door without even a pat or kiss. Mr. Strand, Jeff, can I call you Jeff? Jeff, you are my hero.
Kicking off with intrigue, the pace picks up speed as you delve deeper into Mayhem’s world and never loosens its vise until the end. I promise that by the time you close the book, the momentum that was created and sustained throughout will leave you breathless with beads of sweat dripping down your face. The setting is detailed, but not overwhelming. The location is random. It can be any back-road, in any town, and that is what makes it memorable. Between the eerie atmosphere and the scent of perspiration mixed with blood, Strand manages to evoke pure desperation.
With gallant honesty and tense prose, Strand’s style of writing is easy to read, but very intense. He keeps it simple without dumbing it down. With nothing to prove or preach about, he pens his tale for entertainment for both you and himself. Yes, I actually do think this one author who laughs out loud when he reads over the banter and sarcastic remarks during editing. You can tell he had fun writing this, and that is just as important as the story itself. Taking a somewhat conventional story in which focuses more on the characters and less on the actions, he exposes what would happen in reality. Bringing forth characters that while are not always brave or admirable, are true. Mayhem’s life may constantly be filled with danger and adventure, but it’s the bond between all the characters that truly makes this story. Their interaction with both each other and the group of adversaries is what endears you to them. They elicit sympathy and respect, friendship and affection. Nicely done!
My only complaint – I must now abuse my credit cards in order to get everything and anything Jeff Strand has ever written!
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
Now before we even get started I want to make something crystal clear, even though there is comedy throughout the book it never overshadows and takes over the story. What’s that mean in layman’s terms? This isn’t a beach book that only requires a quarter of your attention with the option to skim. This story involves you, sucking you in page-by-page until your heart’s racing right along with the characters. And yes, Strand is aware of the hurdles that must be jumped in order to create something unique, but don’t worry he came prepared. Been-there-done-that situations are acknowledged, stereotypes are noted, and the setting is welcomed - then all are thrown out the door without even a pat or kiss. Mr. Strand, Jeff, can I call you Jeff? Jeff, you are my hero.
Kicking off with intrigue, the pace picks up speed as you delve deeper into Mayhem’s world and never loosens its vise until the end. I promise that by the time you close the book, the momentum that was created and sustained throughout will leave you breathless with beads of sweat dripping down your face. The setting is detailed, but not overwhelming. The location is random. It can be any back-road, in any town, and that is what makes it memorable. Between the eerie atmosphere and the scent of perspiration mixed with blood, Strand manages to evoke pure desperation.
With gallant honesty and tense prose, Strand’s style of writing is easy to read, but very intense. He keeps it simple without dumbing it down. With nothing to prove or preach about, he pens his tale for entertainment for both you and himself. Yes, I actually do think this one author who laughs out loud when he reads over the banter and sarcastic remarks during editing. You can tell he had fun writing this, and that is just as important as the story itself. Taking a somewhat conventional story in which focuses more on the characters and less on the actions, he exposes what would happen in reality. Bringing forth characters that while are not always brave or admirable, are true. Mayhem’s life may constantly be filled with danger and adventure, but it’s the bond between all the characters that truly makes this story. Their interaction with both each other and the group of adversaries is what endears you to them. They elicit sympathy and respect, friendship and affection. Nicely done!
My only complaint – I must now abuse my credit cards in order to get everything and anything Jeff Strand has ever written!
-As reviewed for Horror-Web.com
October 7, 2022
Jeff Strand is a maniac and having way too much fun writing the Andrew Mayhem series. This time, Andrew's entire family, adopted pug, best friend and his girlfriend face off with the most bizarre and demented villains I've ever read. Lost appendages, attached appendages. Gore galore. And laughs on every page. What's not to like?
September 27, 2019
Another hysterically chaotic thriller from Jeff Strand. One hell of a great read!
July 19, 2022
3.5 stars. Typical Andrew Mayhem - chaos, gore, and comedy! Loved Helen's voice!
November 24, 2013
The final adventures of Andrew Mayhem - the majority of the action takes place about 6 months after his Alaskan adventure has concluded. Andrew has tried to learn his lesson - he's going to get a real job, he's stopped taking money from women for seemingly innocent tasks, and now he's planning a nice family vacation with his wife and kids and Roger and Roger's girlfriend. What could go wrong? Well. when it's Andrew Mayhem, plenty. Helen has some exciting news for him, he thinks Roger's girlfriend could be Satan's spawn, and the old man at the convenient store warns them not to go to the campground. Then things get weird. This is dark and violent - maybe more than the first two in the series - but still has plenty of snarky humor. It is a quick read that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Well done, Mr Strand.
August 13, 2012
This is the third in the Andrew Mayhem series and I have enjoyed all of them. I would give this 3 1/2 stars instead of the usual four for what may be a matter of personal taste. The other two had a tone of darkly comedic spoof that was present in this one til about halfway through when several very disturbing scenes disrupted this tone. Clearly, these are comedies of the darkest sort, but I felt that these particular scenes were out of place considering the overall tone of the novels and left a bad taste in my mouth.
Again, probably personal taste and I really don't want to say any more. If you like Andrew Mayhem I would definitely read it and if you haven't read any of the books, you are missing out on a very good series.
Again, probably personal taste and I really don't want to say any more. If you like Andrew Mayhem I would definitely read it and if you haven't read any of the books, you are missing out on a very good series.
May 19, 2010
OMG this book is so wrong, so depraved. I don't think the author is even human! Even worse? I laughed through the whole thing. Definitely my favorite of the series. I need to read something wholesome or get my brain rewired...
January 28, 2014
Mixing comedy and horror, Jeff Strand has pulled it off. One moment you're laughing out loud, then in a flash you're cringing, saying to yourself, "holy crap"! Andrew Mayhem at times is like the Three Stooges, wrapped in a good hearted body. This was a very fun and entertaining trilogy.
June 21, 2014
Jeff Strand is fast becoming my favourite writer. I love his sharp wit and frenetic action style. Superb!
May 11, 2020
This was exactly the kind of light, funny, clever break I needed right now!
March 23, 2023
Casket for Sale (Used Only Once) is the third in the Andrew Mayhem series and the first featuring Andrew’s wife, Helen Mayhem, in her own voice, which I really enjoyed. She could have her own series about what it’s like to be married to such a trouble magnet and I’d probably go along for that ride. This time, Helen, the Mayhem children, their pug, Roger, and his new squeeze Samantha head out for a little group R&R.
Rest and relaxation is never on the menu when Andrew Mayhem is involved so it is no surprise when their RV camping trip takes the worst of wrong turns leaving the group, again, at the mercy of a band of lunatics.
Much like Single White Psychopath Seeks Same, the story is a sort of a hack-and-slash rampage across a town where pretty much no one lives, works, or travels through. Each car that takes this road leads the travelers to a nasty fate. There is no police presence to speak of and there are traps everywhere. A few times, I just shook my head.
Plot holes aside, this book is creatively demented in the same way the previous installment was. If you like to read about crazy people doing implausible things to folks who survive everything, and you’re not averse to your goons being named things like Goblin, Witch, and Medusa, then hey, Casket for Sale is a good time.
I went back and forth on rating this one 3 or 4 stars and settled on 3.5 rounded up because the characters of Samanta and Helen brought something new to the table. These are smart, capable women. Not victims. I liked that. Not much of a plot here and I don’t love children getting hurt, but it’s horror, and there are definitely a few cringe-worthy scenes that straddle the line between gut-wrenching and sort of hilarious. Recommended for fans of sadistic psychopathy.
Rest and relaxation is never on the menu when Andrew Mayhem is involved so it is no surprise when their RV camping trip takes the worst of wrong turns leaving the group, again, at the mercy of a band of lunatics.
Much like Single White Psychopath Seeks Same, the story is a sort of a hack-and-slash rampage across a town where pretty much no one lives, works, or travels through. Each car that takes this road leads the travelers to a nasty fate. There is no police presence to speak of and there are traps everywhere. A few times, I just shook my head.
Plot holes aside, this book is creatively demented in the same way the previous installment was. If you like to read about crazy people doing implausible things to folks who survive everything, and you’re not averse to your goons being named things like Goblin, Witch, and Medusa, then hey, Casket for Sale is a good time.
I went back and forth on rating this one 3 or 4 stars and settled on 3.5 rounded up because the characters of Samanta and Helen brought something new to the table. These are smart, capable women. Not victims. I liked that. Not much of a plot here and I don’t love children getting hurt, but it’s horror, and there are definitely a few cringe-worthy scenes that straddle the line between gut-wrenching and sort of hilarious. Recommended for fans of sadistic psychopathy.
November 21, 2021
Fantastic
Once again this author did not fail to entertain.
I loved that the 3rd Andrew Mayhem installment involved his family more and showed us what a Momma Bear his wife is.
As always it was a superb mix of thrills, horror and humour and I can't wait to see what life holds next for them. I really am not looking forward to reaching the end of this series and yet can't stop myself powering through them.
Once again this author did not fail to entertain.
I loved that the 3rd Andrew Mayhem installment involved his family more and showed us what a Momma Bear his wife is.
As always it was a superb mix of thrills, horror and humour and I can't wait to see what life holds next for them. I really am not looking forward to reaching the end of this series and yet can't stop myself powering through them.
May 14, 2022
Mayhem and Strand just do not disappoint
This story starts with a great first sentence and just builds faster and faster from there. I can't say much without spoilers, but we discover that Roger isn't the only crazy strong, crazier lucky, person in Andrews world. And of course an assortment of sadistic villains, ready to cause pain and death awaits. If you can get past the vomiting, you'll have a great time laughing. Win win!☺
This story starts with a great first sentence and just builds faster and faster from there. I can't say much without spoilers, but we discover that Roger isn't the only crazy strong, crazier lucky, person in Andrews world. And of course an assortment of sadistic villains, ready to cause pain and death awaits. If you can get past the vomiting, you'll have a great time laughing. Win win!☺
November 23, 2020
Hilarious third volume of Andrew Mayhem. This time Andrew and his family and their friends Roger and Samantha embark on a much deserved Georgia camping vacation that becomes a fight for their lives against a backwoods band of inbred rednecks sporting names like Ogre, Goblin, Witch and Troll. Wall to wall bloody action and humor abound. Highly recommended
February 21, 2022
Yet another strange and gory romp from the Andrew Mayham series. And this time we also get to hear directly from his long-suffering, kick-ass wife Helen. While the villains are somewhat silly, there’s still a lot of menace and heartbreaking stakes as Andrew’s children get caught up in the madness. All in all a quick, fun, strange read.
November 8, 2023
This installment in the Andrew Mayhem saga proved no one was safe from injury or death since things were pretty dire most of the time and there was no knick of time saves (for the most part).
Gore galore and I struggle with kids getting hurt ☹️ but I found the writing in this one better than the last book.
Gore galore and I struggle with kids getting hurt ☹️ but I found the writing in this one better than the last book.
March 18, 2018
This series gets better and better. I really enjoy the humor and horror mix. There were so many great story twists and turns. I liked that Helen was proximately featured. I'm looking forward to reading book 4!
July 16, 2021
More Mayhem Than You Can Shake a Stick At
Just when I thought that an Andrew Mayhem adventure couldn't get any zanier, more outlandish, or any higher stakes. Mr. Strand, you have most certainly outdone yourself!
Just when I thought that an Andrew Mayhem adventure couldn't get any zanier, more outlandish, or any higher stakes. Mr. Strand, you have most certainly outdone yourself!
July 19, 2022
Andrew Mayhem, back at it again!
I'm a Jeff Strand & Andrew Mayhem fan so this book was a winner.
It started fast, exciting & didn't let go.
I enjoyed the switching POVs & Jeff Strand taking this up a a level from the previous books!
I'm a Jeff Strand & Andrew Mayhem fan so this book was a winner.
It started fast, exciting & didn't let go.
I enjoyed the switching POVs & Jeff Strand taking this up a a level from the previous books!
December 31, 2023
Andrew's entire family, adopted pug, best friend and his girlfriend face off with the most bizarre and demented villains I've ever read. Lost appendages, attached appendages. Gore galore. And laughs on every page. What's not to like?
July 1, 2024
I did it again, 3rd book in a row.. After the previous one this felt very mild but still managed to keep me engaged and entertained the whole way trough. Had some confusing moments with the way of writing, that can very much be a personal thing. Part 4 is ready to go
March 9, 2025
I love to listen to Jeff Strand’s books. I know I will laugh, gasp, and enjoy every minute of it. Can’t wait to start the next book. Andrew and his crew are always getting themselves into mischief. What a fantastic series.
August 4, 2018
Very great mix of horror and comedy.
November 3, 2019
This one is fast and furious, so not so much of the plot and intrigue of the earlier Mayhem books and more "turn it on and sit back"
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews