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This One's Gonna Hurt
As five friends travel through the isolated California desert towards a popular music festival, their trip is interrupted thanks to our modern world's ever-evolving state of technology... Stranded and alone needing to recharge their electric vehicle. When the group of teenagers settle on a remote parking lot in the middle of nowhere, it isn't only a charging station they find. They also uncover pure, unrelenting evil.
Hiding in the shadows is a maniac. Searching endlessly and without discrimination for victims to satisfy a hunger, viciously hunting down anyone that comes near.
As they fight for survival, the maniac works to outsmart and hunt them one by one, with a goal in mind that is so heinous and vile that the truth behind his actions will rattle the very foundation of the deepest caverns in hell.
As the heartfelt ties that bind the friends together unravel, they each will learn not only what it takes to love, but how to survive. While coping with past heartbreak, loss and abandonment, they must band together to get out alive. Or die one by one under the most excruciating circumstances imaginable.
One thing is certain, the desert is no place to hide.
Hiding in the shadows is a maniac. Searching endlessly and without discrimination for victims to satisfy a hunger, viciously hunting down anyone that comes near.
As they fight for survival, the maniac works to outsmart and hunt them one by one, with a goal in mind that is so heinous and vile that the truth behind his actions will rattle the very foundation of the deepest caverns in hell.
As the heartfelt ties that bind the friends together unravel, they each will learn not only what it takes to love, but how to survive. While coping with past heartbreak, loss and abandonment, they must band together to get out alive. Or die one by one under the most excruciating circumstances imaginable.
One thing is certain, the desert is no place to hide.
213 pages, Paperback
Published March 8, 2023
13 people are currently reading
577 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
September 3, 2023
Positively surprised by this compelling story influenced by Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Starting with the book we see a family killed on a remote parking lot on their way to California. Then the real story starts with a group of rich youths heading to a concert in Las Vegas. What is so special about that remote parking lot nowhere USA? What about the three run down trailers located there? Why is everybody so fond of Herkey Jerkey, a kind of local beef jerky? Well, Mr Herkey seems to be more than an ordinary butcher... really enjoyed this fast paced read with eerie Texas Chainsaw undertones. A bit implausible that no one checks Mr Herkey's business. Would you buy with such a gruesome and nasty character? Merciless down to the count slasher horror. Urban legends meets road movie meets Texas Chainsaw meets Sweeney Todd. Highly recommended horror road trip!
October 11, 2023
This Ones Gonna Hurt is an awesome slasher novel in the vein of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Wrong Turn and The Hills Have Eyes all mixed up in a blender of blood and guts to produce this gore fest.
We meet a bunch of rich and pampered teens who steal their fathers new electric car to go to Vegas for the weekend to road trip to a concert. On the way with the battery of the vehicle depleting they take an exit in the middle of nowhere to find a charging station. They stop at abandoned rest area and soon come face to face with their worst nightmares in the form of a deformed beast of a man with a bloody hook. The fight for their lives is on in the desert landscape with no one around for miles.
The opening chapter of this puts us right into the horror where we learn the fate of a previous family who happened to also be unfortunate enough to stop at the rest area where our killer using a bow and arrow and his hook to take out the family in barbaric ways.
I particularly loved how the killer was described in this with his deformities causing him to limp and his facial scars and mannerisms. It certainly lets you paint a picture of him in your head of how horrifying he is. Our teen characters are fleshed out as well and we learn lots about all of them in this they are definitely not the usual slasher victims there to just be killed and one dimensional. We get to know them all and learn lots of there history during discussions between them. It makes it all the more real when the killings occur as you have become attached to them.
The killings themselves are gory and tense as most involve the killer stalking the victim. The aftermath is very well described as skin is literally removed from the bodies and hooks ripping jaws from the face of some victims. It's all very gruesome and awesome.
There is a large piece of the story and the background of the killer I'm not talking about as well so not to spoil anything but if you have read it you know what I'm talking about and I did enjoy this motivation for the killings and it added another level of depravity to the whole story. The author is not afraid to have a bleak ending and no one is safe in this even children. (Nothing overly graphic involving children so don't worry if that's a trigger)
The last chapter with the carnival kinda lost me a bit as it felt a little to far fetched that this would occur and be allowed to continue without someone noticing however thats a minor gripe and I didn't go into this for its astute accuracy to what would happen in real life. I went into this looking for a gory slasher, cool characters and fun story. It definitely delivered on that.
We meet a bunch of rich and pampered teens who steal their fathers new electric car to go to Vegas for the weekend to road trip to a concert. On the way with the battery of the vehicle depleting they take an exit in the middle of nowhere to find a charging station. They stop at abandoned rest area and soon come face to face with their worst nightmares in the form of a deformed beast of a man with a bloody hook. The fight for their lives is on in the desert landscape with no one around for miles.
The opening chapter of this puts us right into the horror where we learn the fate of a previous family who happened to also be unfortunate enough to stop at the rest area where our killer using a bow and arrow and his hook to take out the family in barbaric ways.
I particularly loved how the killer was described in this with his deformities causing him to limp and his facial scars and mannerisms. It certainly lets you paint a picture of him in your head of how horrifying he is. Our teen characters are fleshed out as well and we learn lots about all of them in this they are definitely not the usual slasher victims there to just be killed and one dimensional. We get to know them all and learn lots of there history during discussions between them. It makes it all the more real when the killings occur as you have become attached to them.
The killings themselves are gory and tense as most involve the killer stalking the victim. The aftermath is very well described as skin is literally removed from the bodies and hooks ripping jaws from the face of some victims. It's all very gruesome and awesome.
There is a large piece of the story and the background of the killer I'm not talking about as well so not to spoil anything but if you have read it you know what I'm talking about and I did enjoy this motivation for the killings and it added another level of depravity to the whole story. The author is not afraid to have a bleak ending and no one is safe in this even children. (Nothing overly graphic involving children so don't worry if that's a trigger)
The last chapter with the carnival kinda lost me a bit as it felt a little to far fetched that this would occur and be allowed to continue without someone noticing however thats a minor gripe and I didn't go into this for its astute accuracy to what would happen in real life. I went into this looking for a gory slasher, cool characters and fun story. It definitely delivered on that.
June 30, 2024
Disturbing, gory, great.
The opening scene was exceptional. A family including a little kid get into strife when they stop off at a desolate rest area. Some unexpected things happened, with the author giving an early message that no-one is off limits.
The next carload of victims are the main focus for most of the rest of the book. They stopped off at the same carpark in the middle of the desert to recharge their electric car. The characters were stereotypical for horror movies. There’s a rich jock, a hot b*tch, a goofy best friend, a sweatheart, and a quiet, cautious one. Anyone seen Scream? Not to worry. They were good for one thing, and you were rooting for them all to die horribly! They were a melodramatic, bratty pack. They could not die soon enough.
The motive, opportunity, and means were all there. It was quite clever that way. I won’t give it away but the best and obvious way to survive, wasn’t taken up by many of the victims. If the killer is fast, you hide. If they’re slow, you run. But not for these people. Ah well. Their loss.
The police investigation was highly implausible but that part was written in a comedic style and you wanted them to suffer too, so it worked. Same with the killer’s profession. And never mind that cows don’t live in the desert.
The level of gore was as high as it was grose. No-one got off lightly.
Who would like it? Just about any horror buff would ‘enjoy’ it. Especially anyone who likes Texas Chainsaw Massacre or The Hills Have Eyes. It may not be perfect. But it’s more than enough.
3.5 stars rounded down.
The opening scene was exceptional. A family including a little kid get into strife when they stop off at a desolate rest area. Some unexpected things happened, with the author giving an early message that no-one is off limits.
The next carload of victims are the main focus for most of the rest of the book. They stopped off at the same carpark in the middle of the desert to recharge their electric car. The characters were stereotypical for horror movies. There’s a rich jock, a hot b*tch, a goofy best friend, a sweatheart, and a quiet, cautious one. Anyone seen Scream? Not to worry. They were good for one thing, and you were rooting for them all to die horribly! They were a melodramatic, bratty pack. They could not die soon enough.
The motive, opportunity, and means were all there. It was quite clever that way. I won’t give it away but the best and obvious way to survive, wasn’t taken up by many of the victims. If the killer is fast, you hide. If they’re slow, you run. But not for these people. Ah well. Their loss.
The police investigation was highly implausible but that part was written in a comedic style and you wanted them to suffer too, so it worked. Same with the killer’s profession. And never mind that cows don’t live in the desert.
The level of gore was as high as it was grose. No-one got off lightly.
Who would like it? Just about any horror buff would ‘enjoy’ it. Especially anyone who likes Texas Chainsaw Massacre or The Hills Have Eyes. It may not be perfect. But it’s more than enough.
3.5 stars rounded down.
June 14, 2023
I just did not like this book. I think it was the writing. The typos and grammatical errors combined with the writing style just took me out of it, I was reading words rather than being absorbed into a story.
February 22, 2023
4.5/5 stars
A group of five friends head out through the California desert to reach a popular music festival in Las Vegas. But when their electric car runs out of power, they are left stranded in the middle of nowhere with a meat hook wielding maniac hiding in the shadows and looking for fresh meat to satisfy his hunger…
If you’re a fan of slashers, you’re gonna enjoy this one. It’s reminiscent of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre mashed up with the Hills Have Eyes. Set in an isolated desert with a disfigured and intimidating villain that paints very graphic and gory scenes when it comes to murder. I actually cringed at some of these descriptive scenes! Fortunately, it’s not all about jump scares and brutal killing sprees. The group of friends trying to survive are given heartfelt backstories that had me invested in some of their characters and made me emotional and frightened for their lives. At one point the story shifts to the murderer’s POV and that’s was really interesting! It goes into detail on why he’s killing people and the reasoning behind it is SICK!
Overall, this is a great slasher featuring a menacing villain and a good cast of characters, I highly recommend taking the trip to Halloran Summit Road! And be sure to grab a bag of Herkey Jerkey at the closest mini-mart and see what all the locals are raving about! 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
⚠️ CW: Graphic murder of a child.
A group of five friends head out through the California desert to reach a popular music festival in Las Vegas. But when their electric car runs out of power, they are left stranded in the middle of nowhere with a meat hook wielding maniac hiding in the shadows and looking for fresh meat to satisfy his hunger…
If you’re a fan of slashers, you’re gonna enjoy this one. It’s reminiscent of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre mashed up with the Hills Have Eyes. Set in an isolated desert with a disfigured and intimidating villain that paints very graphic and gory scenes when it comes to murder. I actually cringed at some of these descriptive scenes! Fortunately, it’s not all about jump scares and brutal killing sprees. The group of friends trying to survive are given heartfelt backstories that had me invested in some of their characters and made me emotional and frightened for their lives. At one point the story shifts to the murderer’s POV and that’s was really interesting! It goes into detail on why he’s killing people and the reasoning behind it is SICK!
Overall, this is a great slasher featuring a menacing villain and a good cast of characters, I highly recommend taking the trip to Halloran Summit Road! And be sure to grab a bag of Herkey Jerkey at the closest mini-mart and see what all the locals are raving about! 𝐀𝐯𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟗, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟑
⚠️ CW: Graphic murder of a child.
January 29, 2023
Cody J. Thompson marinates this story in the grime and guts of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, seasoning it with just a dash of the atrocities found in The Hills Have Eyes. This One’s Gonna Hurt mixes the isolation of the Nevada desert with the everyday terror of monsters hiding in plain sight.
March 12, 2023
This One’s Gonna Hurt starts out beautifully then hits high octane slasher fun in 2.3 seconds flat.
A group of privileged teens set out on a trip to Vegas in their dads expensive electric car not anticipating the unreliable nature of electric stations out in the desert, they find more then they bargained for and their demise might just be delicious.
This story is teen slasher meets hillbilly cannibals and I was 100% here for it.
The writing was beautiful, descriptive without being boringly descriptive and kept me “hooked” all the way through.
My only complaint is I felt the last chapter or two really would have been best as an epilogue rather then just a continuation of the main story. Once the main action tapers off the last few chapters change pace and energy feeling more like an epilogue.
But otherwise the story kept me on my toes, I have so much I want to say but don’t want to give away any of the more grotesque moments.
Buckle your seatbelt and dive in cause this one’s gonna hurt… in the best possible way.
4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨
A group of privileged teens set out on a trip to Vegas in their dads expensive electric car not anticipating the unreliable nature of electric stations out in the desert, they find more then they bargained for and their demise might just be delicious.
This story is teen slasher meets hillbilly cannibals and I was 100% here for it.
The writing was beautiful, descriptive without being boringly descriptive and kept me “hooked” all the way through.
My only complaint is I felt the last chapter or two really would have been best as an epilogue rather then just a continuation of the main story. Once the main action tapers off the last few chapters change pace and energy feeling more like an epilogue.
But otherwise the story kept me on my toes, I have so much I want to say but don’t want to give away any of the more grotesque moments.
Buckle your seatbelt and dive in cause this one’s gonna hurt… in the best possible way.
4.5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️ ✨
February 19, 2023
This book was insane. Maybe it's because it hits close to home (location, not plot, thank Christ) but I could vividly see all these areas from memory and imagine the story unfolding in crystal clear detail. I even have a picture of the Halloran exit for fucks sake.
But genuinely, this book is high speed, wastes no time getting into the nitty gritty, and it definitely does get into the nitty gritty. I'd recommend to anyone into slashers/thrillers similar to The Hills Have Eyes and Wrong Turn; I could totally see this being adapted into a movie at some point. Such a fun read, one I got through in only a few days.
But genuinely, this book is high speed, wastes no time getting into the nitty gritty, and it definitely does get into the nitty gritty. I'd recommend to anyone into slashers/thrillers similar to The Hills Have Eyes and Wrong Turn; I could totally see this being adapted into a movie at some point. Such a fun read, one I got through in only a few days.
June 24, 2023
Is the standard now that we don’t proofread books before we publish? I’m giving a second star because the slasher scenes were imaginative and fun, but the dialogue between these characters was insufferable. People don’t bark at each other, but this author thinks to seem otherwise. I’m usually okay with a couple of errors but this book had continuity errors, grammatical and punctuation issues up the wazoo, he named his main characters then couldn’t stick to the names (I.e., Valerie vs. Valeria) …it just took me out of the story too much. I ended up swiping as quickly as I could to get to the conclusion and was just happy to be done.
March 29, 2023
Hands down, my new favorite slasher book!
This was reminiscent of The Hills Have Eyes meets TYG from The Slob but with Thompson’s own unique spin on things and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The gore and violence take off quick and are descriptively delicious. He unlocked a fear I didn’t realize I had of meat hooks and Bill Clinton masks. The chapters are fast and the story keeps a quick pace leaving you on the edge of your seat throughout. I’d definitely recommend giving This One’s Gonna Hurt a read.
This was reminiscent of The Hills Have Eyes meets TYG from The Slob but with Thompson’s own unique spin on things and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. The gore and violence take off quick and are descriptively delicious. He unlocked a fear I didn’t realize I had of meat hooks and Bill Clinton masks. The chapters are fast and the story keeps a quick pace leaving you on the edge of your seat throughout. I’d definitely recommend giving This One’s Gonna Hurt a read.
July 10, 2023
This One's Gonna Hurt by Cody J. Thompson is a tale of road trips, beef jerky, and full-on terror.
This book follows so many of my favorite horror film tropes when leaning into the more extreme side of things. However, very unlike a horror film where there are rays of hope here and there to keep viewers hopeful, this book shuts off the lights quickly and forces the readers to stay in the darkness.
This story is like an IV sliding perfectly into the same vein as my favorite horror movies. And just like those films, I couldn’t look away from the text of this book; each scene getting more intense than the last!
For horror fans that enjoyed films like The Hills Have Eyes, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tourist Trap, and The Cabin in the Woods, this is a must-read for you!
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/this-...
This book follows so many of my favorite horror film tropes when leaning into the more extreme side of things. However, very unlike a horror film where there are rays of hope here and there to keep viewers hopeful, this book shuts off the lights quickly and forces the readers to stay in the darkness.
This story is like an IV sliding perfectly into the same vein as my favorite horror movies. And just like those films, I couldn’t look away from the text of this book; each scene getting more intense than the last!
For horror fans that enjoyed films like The Hills Have Eyes, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Tourist Trap, and The Cabin in the Woods, this is a must-read for you!
Check out my full review here:
https://www.ericarobynreads.com/this-...
April 30, 2023
Gory just for shock factor and very predictable.
March 21, 2023
I hadn’t read a slasher in a while & this was just what I was looking for. Right out the gate Thompson shocked me with a heart-pumping 1st chapter that instantly had me hooked.
As I read, I felt like I was there. Bonafide nail-bitting, heart-racing, anxiety inducing ride. Reminded me of a classic slasher like Scream or Halloween with a Deliverance vibe. A group of friends head out to Vegas but stop on the way to charge up their electric car in the middle of no where. They “meat” an unexpected psychopath dead set in ruining their plans.
This is a thrilling ride from front to back, definitely recommend you pick this up if your looking for a gory slasher.
As I read, I felt like I was there. Bonafide nail-bitting, heart-racing, anxiety inducing ride. Reminded me of a classic slasher like Scream or Halloween with a Deliverance vibe. A group of friends head out to Vegas but stop on the way to charge up their electric car in the middle of no where. They “meat” an unexpected psychopath dead set in ruining their plans.
This is a thrilling ride from front to back, definitely recommend you pick this up if your looking for a gory slasher.
April 7, 2023
A group of friends is traveling across the California desert for a festival. After some car troubles they get stranded in the middle of no where with a maniac on the loose.
This was such a fun read! I kind of guessed some things but the ending was nuts! If you liked the hills have eyes or wrong turn movies you'll probably end up loving this.
This was such a fun read! I kind of guessed some things but the ending was nuts! If you liked the hills have eyes or wrong turn movies you'll probably end up loving this.
May 23, 2023
Well, that was quite the blood-soaked ride! Also, if you're squeamish, you definitely need to know that this book needs all the trigger warnings.
Halloran Summit Road is a desolate area located at the end of a random off-ramp along the freeway in the California desert. A place to rest while you charge your electric car. Somewhere for five friends to take a detour while on their way to a music festival in Las Vegas...
You know, I just realised I made that sound like a nice place to visit, a pleasant tourist spot to take your family. But it totally isn't. This location might appear vacant, but houses an evil maniac who preys on anyone who makes the mistake of stopping there.
After all, he needs to meet his supply and demand quota. 😳
From the very beginning, this story is violent and packs quite the gruesome punch. Introduces unsuspecting characters you get to like before they face down the danger lurking behind the trailers.
It's quite shocking, fast-paced, and when the secret is revealed, sure to make you extra queasy. And that's before I mention the gory descriptions, the vivid sense of location, and that messed-up ending.
I mean, yikes!!
I really enjoyed this. There's definitely some The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with a mix of Wrong Turn, and plenty of carnage to keep any slasher fan hooked.
But please, whatever you do, stay away from the Herkey Jerky. 😬
Halloran Summit Road is a desolate area located at the end of a random off-ramp along the freeway in the California desert. A place to rest while you charge your electric car. Somewhere for five friends to take a detour while on their way to a music festival in Las Vegas...
You know, I just realised I made that sound like a nice place to visit, a pleasant tourist spot to take your family. But it totally isn't. This location might appear vacant, but houses an evil maniac who preys on anyone who makes the mistake of stopping there.
After all, he needs to meet his supply and demand quota. 😳
From the very beginning, this story is violent and packs quite the gruesome punch. Introduces unsuspecting characters you get to like before they face down the danger lurking behind the trailers.
It's quite shocking, fast-paced, and when the secret is revealed, sure to make you extra queasy. And that's before I mention the gory descriptions, the vivid sense of location, and that messed-up ending.
I mean, yikes!!
I really enjoyed this. There's definitely some The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with a mix of Wrong Turn, and plenty of carnage to keep any slasher fan hooked.
But please, whatever you do, stay away from the Herkey Jerky. 😬
February 16, 2023
In This One’s Gonna Hurt, we meet 5 teenage friends on a road trip to a music festival in Las Vegas. Their electric vehicle requires charging before they reach their destination, and the only charging station that works is located at a remote desert parking lot. While they think they are alone, evil lurks around the corner.
This novel is unrelenting, and I’m just going to go ahead and say that it is the best slasher novel I have ever read! While I was reading it, there were numerous times when I wondered how Thompson was going to maintain the action and pacing, but he does. The character background sections were cleverly placed and added to the character development and group dynamics. There is plenty of blood and gore, but it is very well written. This is a very satisfying read, and I highly recommend it to all of my horror and slasher loving friends! Also, can someone please make this into a movie?
Thank you so much to the author for a copy in exchange for review. I can’ wait to read your other book!
This novel is unrelenting, and I’m just going to go ahead and say that it is the best slasher novel I have ever read! While I was reading it, there were numerous times when I wondered how Thompson was going to maintain the action and pacing, but he does. The character background sections were cleverly placed and added to the character development and group dynamics. There is plenty of blood and gore, but it is very well written. This is a very satisfying read, and I highly recommend it to all of my horror and slasher loving friends! Also, can someone please make this into a movie?
Thank you so much to the author for a copy in exchange for review. I can’ wait to read your other book!
April 16, 2023
This book was absolutely… phenomenally terrifying.
It had gore.
It was a edge of your seat, heart racing, what’s going to happen next, pee your pants, eyes wide open, never want to go to the desert, gag worthy, kind of book.
And I loved it.
The writing was top tier and superb. It really drew me into the story and didn’t make me feel like I was just reading it but really living it.
I felt for these characters, and felt their sheer terror and fear like I was right alongside them.
I had read a lot of people say this was a mix of “The Hills Have Eyes” & “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” & I can saw I wholeheartedly agree with that comparison.
I can definitely say that Cody J. Thompson has made a lifelong fan out of me 👏🏻👍🏻
It had gore.
It was a edge of your seat, heart racing, what’s going to happen next, pee your pants, eyes wide open, never want to go to the desert, gag worthy, kind of book.
And I loved it.
The writing was top tier and superb. It really drew me into the story and didn’t make me feel like I was just reading it but really living it.
I felt for these characters, and felt their sheer terror and fear like I was right alongside them.
I had read a lot of people say this was a mix of “The Hills Have Eyes” & “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” & I can saw I wholeheartedly agree with that comparison.
I can definitely say that Cody J. Thompson has made a lifelong fan out of me 👏🏻👍🏻
March 27, 2023
Stayed up WAY too late to finish this! So fun and also so gross! This played out like a slasher horror movie from the mid-late 90s in the best way and I absolutely loved it. I could actually SEE this book happening because the author did such a fantastic job painting the gruesome picture for me. But I laughed my ass off and had a blast. BRAVO. Cannot wait to see what Cody does next!
June 5, 2023
This book was awesome! I didn’t feel like any of the characters were very likeable, so honestly I didn’t care what happened to them. Some characters I actively despised so I was kinda rooting for the killer. He was quite the character and his personality made me chuckle in some parts. It was fun to read and the end was extremely satisfying.
July 1, 2023
3.5 stars
This book was quite enjoyable, with its fast-paced and blood-soaked narrative. Read this if you're seeking an entertaining and thrilling slasher experience.
This book was quite enjoyable, with its fast-paced and blood-soaked narrative. Read this if you're seeking an entertaining and thrilling slasher experience.
January 2, 2024
*Possible minor Spoiler in terms of what was said in the last chapter / after the “Ah Ha” moment
i really enjoyed this book as gruesome as it was.. Wrong Turn meets Hills Have Eyes meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre oh and also a touch of I Know What You Did Last Summer! (due to one of the weapons of choice mentioned) fast paced, detailed, gory, felt like i was watching a movie .. and the ending (last few chapters) was wild did not see that coming! was a good ending though and fit the entire storyline very well i thought. def a crazy read and would recommend to any horror fan.. 3.5-4 ⭐️ and that’s partly bc the ending after the final Ah Ha moment it read “THE END” underneath haha IMO it took away from the dramatics but then again that’s just my opinion! overall good read! gross and i loved it!
i really enjoyed this book as gruesome as it was.. Wrong Turn meets Hills Have Eyes meets Texas Chainsaw Massacre oh and also a touch of I Know What You Did Last Summer! (due to one of the weapons of choice mentioned) fast paced, detailed, gory, felt like i was watching a movie .. and the ending (last few chapters) was wild did not see that coming! was a good ending though and fit the entire storyline very well i thought. def a crazy read and would recommend to any horror fan.. 3.5-4 ⭐️ and that’s partly bc the ending after the final Ah Ha moment it read “THE END” underneath haha IMO it took away from the dramatics but then again that’s just my opinion! overall good read! gross and i loved it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2023
For This One's Gonna Hurt, the book's title rings true as its characters endure the true terror...of anyone who owns an electric car. Seriously, their experience in trying to get a charge is a very real thing. Oh, and they also have to deal with a homicidal maniac. Cody Thompson's second book is definitely a throwback to the slasher that many of us horror fans grew up on. Brutal kills, gore o' plenty, and an isolated environment make for an enjoyable time if this is your cup of tea. Thompson doesn't hold back, and it's immediately clear within the first two chapters. That may tell you whether or not you have the stomach for this ride.
There are a few shocks in the book that forgo some of the usual horror flick tropes. While I appreciate the decision, I feel like the book's conclusion wasn't as satisfying as it could have been. I did find humor in the motive of the killer and how present in the real world he is despite his gross appearance. But I don't know that I'd buy anything the guy's selling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
There are a few shocks in the book that forgo some of the usual horror flick tropes. While I appreciate the decision, I feel like the book's conclusion wasn't as satisfying as it could have been. I did find humor in the motive of the killer and how present in the real world he is despite his gross appearance. But I don't know that I'd buy anything the guy's selling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 out of 5. Fear Nerd says, "Check it out!"
October 16, 2025
This one has truly been on my TBR since before it came out and I’m not sure why it took me over 2 years to get to this 220ish page slaughterfest. But more than that, Cody did such a great job at building connections to some of the characters - especially the ones who lasted longer. It’s one thing that is commonly lacking, not only in shorter books but also in slashers, making it all the more impressive. The kills were good, I did guess the motive/what was going on IMMEDIATELY, but that never stops me from enjoying a story because I love the ~ journey ~
I don’t know that I would necessarily call this splatterpunk because there’s a legitimate story and it’s not just unadulterated gore and stomach-turning goodness, but it has been shelved that way on goodreads so I’ve added it here as well. Obviously, read with caution.
I don’t know that I would necessarily call this splatterpunk because there’s a legitimate story and it’s not just unadulterated gore and stomach-turning goodness, but it has been shelved that way on goodreads so I’ve added it here as well. Obviously, read with caution.
March 31, 2023
I had definitely not prepared myself for This One's Gonna Hurt. I'm never travelling through the desert again!!
A group of socially elite teens take a trip through the Nevada desert in an electric car (always go hybrid) to find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery. The only charging station is in the creepiest place around but when you're left with no choice 🤷♀️
Carnage hits from the get go of this novella, giving me Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibes. If you enjoy a bunch of cannibals chasing helpless teenagers, you will love this read.
⚠️ Huge Warning - extremely graphic murder of a young child.
There are are a couple of murders right at the beginning that I was not expecting but as graphic as they, it set the tone of the book and I absolutely loved it!
I can't wait to read more by this author!!
A group of socially elite teens take a trip through the Nevada desert in an electric car (always go hybrid) to find themselves stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat battery. The only charging station is in the creepiest place around but when you're left with no choice 🤷♀️
Carnage hits from the get go of this novella, giving me Texas Chainsaw Massacre vibes. If you enjoy a bunch of cannibals chasing helpless teenagers, you will love this read.
⚠️ Huge Warning - extremely graphic murder of a young child.
There are are a couple of murders right at the beginning that I was not expecting but as graphic as they, it set the tone of the book and I absolutely loved it!
I can't wait to read more by this author!!
May 11, 2023
Growing up in the 80s I was lucky to hit the birth of the slasher movie. With the gore and body counts that would get more.extreme with each movie. This novel has the same level of excitement from the first kill till the end. Though if gore and violence aren't your thing give this boom a pass but of what you want is great novelization of horror then give it a read.
September 17, 2025
I liked the concept of this book, and mostly everything else about it it except for the layout. Flashbacks in time, then moving to present, and back and forth didn’t work in this story imo. It felt a little all over the place.
This otherwise would’ve been a 5 star read for me but I didn’t find that it flowed nicely. Cool slasher though!
This otherwise would’ve been a 5 star read for me but I didn’t find that it flowed nicely. Cool slasher though!
November 4, 2024
3⭐️ kind of on the fence about this one because there were elements I really enjoyed and some I didn’t care for. I do think a spinoff (whether it’s a continuation or prequel) would be pretty cool because the serial killer in this is interesting!
April 1, 2023
4 ⭐️
This was such a good slasher! I was literally on the edge of my seat. I fucking love slashers
This was such a good slasher! I was literally on the edge of my seat. I fucking love slashers
July 4, 2023
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