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Staycation

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What if death is the only way out?

By the time Dad arrives home and bolts the door shut, it’s too late. Nobody may leave the house during the family Staycation.

Even after the first dead body appears.

Then comes the knocking from the front door.

What do they want? And what are the sounds coming from the off-limits basement?

As the game stretches beyond the originally planned weekend, Mom realizes the terror has only just begun.

If they’re going to make it out alive, everyone will have to fight to the death.

Fans of Stephen King, Dean Koontz, and Clive Barker will enjoy this pulse-pounding house of horrors story. Will you survive your stay? Get Staycation today to find out!

★★★★★ "The writing sucks you in, wanting, needing to turn page after page to see what happens next."

★★★★★ "Depraved and dark. The things that transpire over the course of this story are nothing short of horrific, but the way it was written made it impossible to stop reading."

★★★★★ "The writing! Oh, the writing! Masterfully written! READ THIS BOOK!"

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2023

35 people are currently reading
1023 people want to read

About the author

R.J. Clark

6 books34 followers
RJ CLARK began his career as a child actor. His was the face of the national US Army “Stay in School” ad campaign. RJ also appeared regularly on daytime television and worked on numerous film and commercial projects before inevitably returning to his first true love, writing.

As a screenwriter, RJ's screenplays won first prize or placed in the top 5 of nearly every major national—and international—competition worth mentioning. His novella, Two for One launched the indie literary magazine “The Instagatorzine,” broken into two parts across the magazine’s first two issues.

A native New Yorker, RJ attended NYU, holds a BFA and an MFA. He has lived in all five boroughs, but now calls historic Asbury Park, NJ home with his wife and dog, an Aussillon named Venus.

While RJ no longer works in the theatre as an actor, he provides accessibility services for deaf patrons at live performances throughout the country. He is passionate about theatre being for all, and enjoys being able to introduce new shows to deaf or hard of hearing patrons.

When not writing, you’re most likely to find RJ either playing guitar along the Jersey Shore, taking photographs of cool dogs and musicians around Asbury Park, voraciously reading new books, working on new music, or traveling the world.

A few of RJ’s most favorite things include black coffee, chocolate, Stephen King, peanut butter, Pringle’s, Truman Capote, tabletop games, the Universal Studios Monsters, horror movies, and David Tennant.

STAYCATION is RJ’s debut novel.

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Community Reviews

5 stars
92 (42%)
4 stars
53 (24%)
3 stars
47 (21%)
2 stars
11 (5%)
1 star
15 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
Profile Image for Tracy  P. .
1,162 reviews12 followers
January 15, 2025
Dark, diabolical and beyond twisted.

Goes to show why I should never judge a book by its cover. Then again, the synopsis for this first book of the Staycation series just barely touches on the extreme levels of decadence to be expected within these craftily written pages.

Nothing is at seems, and the lines are so blurred at times it's blinding.

Filled with blood curdling violence and psychological terrors which often turned my stomach. And that's saying a lot.

Please note: Many triggers.

Highly recommend for those in the market for one wicked tale of horrors.

Looking forward to finding out what happens next in book two.
Profile Image for your morbid obsession Minerva🖤.
190 reviews16 followers
June 26, 2024
3,5⭐️

Overall a very interesting, gripping, intense story. Fast paced and very confusing, I took someone’s advice and made notes through my reading experience(but trust me, they are as delusional as the book itself). The game concept in the plot always gets me, and I’m glad that I gave into the fame of Staycation, and would love to further recommend it as well!

Two things that were off putting for me:

1. Repetitive
2. The paranormal felt forced and unnecessary

Happy reading everyone🖤 📖
Profile Image for Mickey Tompkins.
224 reviews11 followers
August 26, 2023
Wow what an experience!

Staycation is like a demented version of playing the game "House." No spoilers, but some people decide to play a "game." The rules are as such:

1. Once your roles are chosen, you may not break character no matter what.

2. The house is home base and a safe zone. Anything outside the house is out of bounds, however the basement is strictly forbidden for everyone.

3. Punishment for breaking any of the rules are both swift & severe.

So that's the premise. I had no idea how this was going to end, and I was sucked in instantly. When turn of events happened it was mind-blowing, surprising shocking, and unbelievable.

Highly recommended for horror fanatics. This is quite extreme in some places, and on a side note if you don't like harm to animals you may heed caution.

This is Rj Clark's debut novel, he reached out to people on TikTok for some ARC readers. I told him I was interested and he emailed me a pdf copy. THANK YOU for the opportunity RJ, I look forward to more of your work.
Profile Image for Xtina Reads.
179 reviews29 followers
May 6, 2024
I was in a dreaded reading slump until i remembered I’d had this book sitting on my kindle. I started it Sunday night and I just finished it today, Monday afternoon! I went in blind! I have a book friend that has mentioned this book multiple times and I trust their judgement, always. I couldn’t put this book down once I started it! The more I read, the more questions I had that needed answering, so naturally I just had to keep reading until I fell asleep!! I enjoyed this read beginning to end and I tried to predict all the twists but I surely didn’t! Lol easily a favorite now!! Check triggers plz & ty
Profile Image for Jess.
619 reviews51 followers
June 27, 2024
This is wild, horrific, and way more gruesome than what I initially expected. I struggled a bit with the first half of the book because there are so many key players with little explanation about “the game” this family is playing. But things quickly pick up and my head exploded with “WTH” and “wait, whaaaaaat” moments. Staycation was vile. I loved it.
Profile Image for Cheryl P. (review hiatus).
98 reviews4 followers
May 29, 2025
This was one of the wildest rides I've ever had with a novel. Some parts literally made me want to scream or haul my Kindle at the wall. It was very confusing in the beginning but then the twists were jaw-dropping. I had to read more.
Profile Image for Lisa.
52 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2024
As I read the last page of Staycation, I thought to myself, how the f*ck am I going to review this book?! I finished reading it in just under 12 hours, (would've been half that if life hadn't gotten in the way). I'm still processing what I read because the subject matter is heavy and it stayed with me. No other book has left me so confused, liking it but not liking it...if you've read it you'll understand what I mean. The writing is terrific, to the point, without a ton of fluff to up the word count, which made it super easy to read. It's also why I feel a bit of turmoil about it. I want to say the premise is genius, but another part of me wants to slap myself across the face for liking it, for enjoying it. But, truthfully, RJ Clark's writing style helps carry the book and makes it a unique story, despite being harsh and unsettling. That's what makes this book so good...you know you shouldn't be enjoying it, but the writing sucks you in, wanting, needing to turn page after page to see what happens next. It definitely has a few twists you don't see coming, which helps this book be a page turner. I recommend Staycation, but be mindful of the trigger warning at the beginning. While I liked the storyline, it's not for everyone.

It feels very wrong to say I enjoyed this book, but I did. It was so unexpected and definitely deserves 5 stars. Buy it, take a deep breath, and hold on tight.
Profile Image for C.J. Riggs.
Author 14 books220 followers
June 16, 2024
First of all, RJ Clark can go f*** himself LOL!… there are two things that frustrated me about this book 1) was that it took me so long to get the time to read it and 2) because it’s so damn ANNOYING!!! PSA… I h8 this man… in fact I h8 him so much I wish I could read this again for the first time because it was one of the most phenomenal and powerful books I have read in a long time!

There were times I wanted to DNF this book so hard that I was getting angrier by the second because it had me questioning ever SINGLE thing I thought and for that I couldn’t put it down! I read this in one day… ONE!!!… and I have been staring at the wall ever since.

Just when I thought I had guessed the entire thing RJ hit me in the face with not one, not two BUT THREE TWISTS THAT I DIDNT SEE COMING!!!!

This pool is my number 2 book of 2024 and if you haven’t read it I HIGHLY suggest that you do. When grandma came in…. EVERYTHING FLIPPED ME UPSIDE DOWN AND I WAS GETTING IT FROM ALL ANGLES LIKE A BUKAKI PARTY WITHOUT THE EXCESS OF BODILY FLUIDS!!!!

Please do NOT miss out on this book! You will sorely regret your decision if you do and this book will have you screaming that the math AINT mathing!!!!

Kudos to this man and his absolutely phenomenal writing prowess I am over the moon that I found him!!!

If I could give it 100 ✨ I would!!!
Profile Image for MrsB (Angi).
44 reviews
June 21, 2024
This book is the love child of a why choose story of Stephen King, VC Andrew’s, and Thomas Harris.

I literally am still trying, hours later, to figure out what in the gory mind f*ck I just read. I was engrossed, confused, and pissed for half the book and then instead of the pieces falling into place, the whole story line I thought I read, fell apart.

This is one of those books I wish I could re-read for the first time. I simply have nothing else to give you at this point because what the f*ck just happened in those 274 pages?!?

Also, I did just preorder book two in the series. I wasn’t ready for that freak show ride to end.
Profile Image for iasa.
110 reviews10 followers
July 25, 2023
This is really a book that needs a better trigger warning, although I understand this would 'give away' the plot 'twists'. The twists are pretty transparent. Personally I felt this book was written only to try to be edgy and shocking; it's just gross and disgusting. Of course other opinions are available; I'm obviously not the target audience.
Profile Image for Chad.
382 reviews1 follower
November 1, 2023
Kim… what did you convince me to read😳😳😳😂😂😂😂
Profile Image for Ashley⛓️.
177 reviews207 followers
June 30, 2024
This was a gruesome mindfuck. Wow. I loved the concept and plot and the twists and turns gave me whiplash but holy shit. Wow. 10/10
Profile Image for Kim Sundling.
466 reviews31 followers
October 24, 2023
No words can describe this book. What a story! I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
1,821 reviews13 followers
June 2, 2023
A stay-at-home vacation. No one can leave the house. They must only use the food that is currently stocked up in the house. A game no one can really win. Anyone that gets into the house does not leave. A riveting and scary experience.
Profile Image for C.M. Guidroz.
122 reviews18 followers
April 18, 2024
Are you looking for a nice wholesome story about family bonding? Well, you won't find it here.

The amount of anger I felt and still feel at this book is insane. Why? Because I was deceived! This book went WAY HARDER than I expected. The cover makes you think it's just some horror thriller....no..no it is far from that. This is disgusting, sick, vile, bloody, and downright fkin insane. I LOVED IT.

I have never wanted to fight, like jump in a book and test this MFers chin so badly in my life of reading! The dad had me so angry. But then the plot twist hits and you're just sitting there silent for a moment until you scream out loud "What the fuck is happening?!"

I highly recommend it.

Profile Image for elle | silver.lining.reader .
171 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2023
WHAT DID I JUST READ?!!
I couldn’t put this down. WOW

Check for triggers (although it will be spoilery)

PS. Pretty please make an audio!
Profile Image for Christine Fancher.
165 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2023
Excellent starter book to enter splatterpunk genre. It had me cringing and grossed out and had a big twist at the end! I love twists. I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on. If I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about reading it or talking about it with friends!
Profile Image for Kevin.
545 reviews10 followers
May 10, 2024
Interesting premise that goes off the rails in the best of ways, with one slight hiccup in the character arc of the final big twist regarding Mother that cheapens the whole thing a bit.
Profile Image for Sara.
227 reviews14 followers
June 29, 2024
I haven't had a 'wtf did I just read' moment for a while. This book definitely made me feel that way and more.
I'd like to start my review by saying this- I'm a vibes gal. I don't dismantle books and analyze every moment, word, or plot hole. Chances are, if a book keeps my attention, it will get a decent rating. I even love a lot of books that other folks don't enjoy. Ok, now for my actual review of this...book.

A negative point for me was that a lot of what was happening was predictable. I figured I would be super disappointed in the end, but I found the opposite to be true. This is a slow burn if there ever was one. Sure, lots of things happen to progress the plot, but it's not until the last 20% that stuff really starts ramping up, and you begin to get the answers to the holes in the story.
While a lot of it was predictable, the ending still surprised me and left me feeling pleased that I'd finished the book.
I find it funny that the author mentions Stephen Kings' book Carrie because, well.. this read a lot like an SK book but with SIGNIFICANTLY more disturbing subjects and violence. It contains a MASSIVE amount of triggers. I can't even list them because I feel like they would spoil the story, but don't read this if literally anything triggers you. You have to go in blind for the full impact. If you read it and are disturbed, don't say I didn't warn you.
I really thought I was going to end up disliking this book... but I actually loved it. I'm a sucker for a crazy ending, as you should know by now. I'm really tempted to read the next book in the series, but my physical tbr is currently pissed watching me write this review to begin with, since I read this on a whim just having purchased it yesterday. Anywho...if you are into fkd up stuff, have no triggers, and are down to vibe with a unique story and writing style, most definitely read this book.
Profile Image for Amanda LeAnne.
216 reviews16 followers
June 16, 2024
For sure one of my top reads of 2024. This book was nothing short of amazing and I'm so happy I dived into without any knowledge of what the book was about (was referred to me by a friend)

One house, one game, three rules. Who will survive?

You definitely need to pay close attention to what's happening in the book and the names of the people. Everyone has a role to play, and if you break character, you will be punished to the extreme. You are also not allowed to leave the house, and you are FORBIDDENED to enter the basement at any time.

The story starts with the dad, the mom, the dog and a little boy and girl. The dad is....well he's a d*ck and gross. The mom tries to be there for everyone, the dog is very protective of the mom, and the kiddos are kiddos. But as time goes on, the game that was only supposed to last what the mom thought was maybe a weekend, turns into over a week thing, and things are getting intense, and people are coming up missing. No one seems to be helping and now it's up to the Mom to try to end the game and save everyone.......

Twists and turns everywhere!!!! the ending had me going WTF!!!!! I was totally shocked and blown away by how things played out and how the author totally tricked me on how I thought the ending was going to be. I am so excited for book 2 to come out.

Highly recommend this book. Please check TWs before reading since this is an extreme horror book.

Rating: 5⭐
Profile Image for Chandra Kelton.
Author 1 book16 followers
July 2, 2024
Wowww okay. I went into this completely blind. I tried to find some info but couldn’t find anything really (also didn’t try that hard) but I see why. I think this book is so much better to just go blind into. I promise it all comes together. But if you want some clues here you go.




Spoilers:::


Nothing is as it seems.
You will question things. Everything actually lol.
It’ll get really gross then even more gross.
You had me sold at game. I loved pretty little liars and I love the Saw series. Anything “game” and I’m all in. So coming across this I was so excited. Go-damn this is such a twisted good book.
Lots of triggers.
This game of house is just - something else. The way this unravels is so good. I haven’t read a story telling/pov/ writing like this in awhile. This definitely was not the ending I was thinking.
I was thinking it would be more webcam/big brother/dark web type of thing.. WRONGGGGG. So wrong.
This book was great can’t wait to read the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julia Bosco.
197 reviews
June 18, 2024
SPOILER ALERT! This review will spoil the book so please don’t read my review if you are wanting to read the book.
I have no words. I really don’t know how to muster my feelings into words how I feel about this book. I was mislead. I was really rooting for Mary and that bitch turned out to be a psychopath. Now the premise of the book is that everyone has to play a specific role and if you break character, you could have some pretty severe consequences. Some might even say, you could die 🫣 Now I don’t know what I was expecting from this book. I came across a TikTok that intrigued me and April, I’m with you girl! This book was insane. I don’t even know how to feel I just know, I am definitely reading the next one. I still gave 3 stars because my jaw is on the floor with how unreal it was but it was a good read nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Katie Gold.
45 reviews
December 14, 2024
If horror is meant to unsettle, Staycation does its job - and then some. RJ Clark will drag you into a grotesque, mind-bending nightmare that’s as vile as it is addictive. Dark humor mixes with sheer terror, creating a story that spirals wildly out of control in the best possible way.

This is not a book for the faint-hearted. It’s gruesome, shocking, and leaves you questioning your own sanity by the final page. The dread builds steadily, and when the chaos erupts, it’s impossible to look away. If you’re brave enough to take the plunge, just prepare for a serious “what did I just read?” moment.
Profile Image for Erin Riha.
Author 4 books30 followers
June 18, 2023
TW/CW: Be aware that Staycation contains content that is not for everyone.

When a quintessential All-American family makes a game of their staycation, it quickly becomes clear that not all is as it seems. But this book had me on the edge of my seat, surprising me with twists I genuinely did not see coming. Clark’s writing is visceral and immediate, planting the reader in the scene—even if they would rather run out the front door. While this may not be for everyone, those who love their horror twisted and clever will devour Staycation.
1 review
August 14, 2023
Not totally sure what to say here. I liked the book more than I thought I would. It is not the type of book I normally read but thought I would give it a try. There were aspects of the book that I really enjoyed but the warning is there for a reason. Well thought out and written. People who enjoy horror would like this book. I look forward to reading more books from this author in a different genre if they become available.
Profile Image for Dee.
28 reviews
June 3, 2025
do i give this 5⭐️ or 1⭐️ i guess ill go with 5 because omg this had me hooked…. but seriously this is the most messed up disturbing book i have ever read…. i went in blind and im not offended or triggered y anything really however i know some will be and i think the trigger warnings should have been more clear i understand that most of the trigger warnings would give away the plot twist but with a little bit of creative writing it could be done 😱😱😱
Profile Image for Shauna Adams.
Author 1 book13 followers
June 19, 2024
I loved and hated this book in equal measures. It is totally and utterly addictive. I devoured this in one sitting.

No spoilers, but this book will punch you in the face with thrilling suspense, horror and twists, and turns you couldn't possibly anticipate.

I never want to hear "staycation" again 🤣
Profile Image for Ryan Luis.
269 reviews4 followers
September 23, 2023
Genuinely the most most f*ed up thing I’ve ever read. I want to give this book a lower rating, but I can’t. So weird that I could just be walking by this author in Asbury and never know what a mind is capable of conjuring up. What an insane debut novel
Profile Image for ThatBookishWriter.
389 reviews18 followers
June 24, 2024
Holly crap!! This book blew my mind. I didn’t expect that outcome. I kept wondering what was going to happen and curious about this family. Definitely a great thriller. Can’t wait to read the next one
Profile Image for Alyssa  Ridgell.
44 reviews
July 8, 2024
This book was unbelievably thrilling and so good! I could NOT put this book down! The suspense has you on the edge of your seat!!!! I can’t to divulge into the next book lockdown! If your looking for a super messed up suspenseful thrilling read…this is the one for you!!! AMAZINGLY WRITTEN!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews

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