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Deadtime Stories
The Witching Game
The Witching Game marks another creepy tale for beside the campfire or beneath the covers from "Twisted Sisters" Annette and Gina Cascone's Deadtime Stories―now a hit show on Nickelodeon!
"Bloody Mary." It was just a silly wishing game―one that Lindsey and her friends had played a hundred times before, in front of a dozen different mirrors. The game never worked. It wasn't supposed to. But when they play "Bloody Mary" in front of a strange antique mirror, the game quickly turns into a nightmare! One by one their wishes start coming true, with horrifying results. Something evil is lurking behind the looking glass… and Lindsey learns much too late that wishes don't come free―and that "Bloody Mary" is definitely not just a game!
"Bloody Mary." It was just a silly wishing game―one that Lindsey and her friends had played a hundred times before, in front of a dozen different mirrors. The game never worked. It wasn't supposed to. But when they play "Bloody Mary" in front of a strange antique mirror, the game quickly turns into a nightmare! One by one their wishes start coming true, with horrifying results. Something evil is lurking behind the looking glass… and Lindsey learns much too late that wishes don't come free―and that "Bloody Mary" is definitely not just a game!
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 13, 2012
16 people are currently reading
194 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 5, 2023
A twist on "Bloody Mary", with a variation of granting wishes. Also tells a little of the legend origins. As with other Deadtime stories I've read, well done, although the ending is a bit of a let-down
November 10, 2022
I wasn't able to get this in earlier but I'm here with more Deadtime Stories now. This one has an episode which I saw before so it's due for a re-watch soon. I had an idea what to expect based on the episode, moreso than some of the others.
There isn't a lot to say for this but it is interesting in a few ways. It's a good one, being on the more solid end despite having some things to pick at. Lindsey Jordan has gotten a new mirror from her parents, which is an old creepy antique. One day she and her friends play a Bloody Mary game which involves making a wish. Her sister swears she sees someone in the mirror and while they brush it off at first, of course the wishes start coming true and it's clear there is someone in there.
This is a basic Be careful what you wish for type plot, and it mostly goes in the expected directions. It's a more classic feeling one and I like that. It's a trope that usually works, as basic as it is, and that is the case here. The pacing and progression is mostly solid, although it takes a while to get to some serious scares.
it has to wind up as they realize what is going on. They don't go too wild with the wishes, which is kind of a shame but I guess it works in keeping this somewhat grounded so we can buy why one of the friends doesn't think anything weird is going on. For each wish granted, something bad happens to let it happen. This even happens when the sister wishes for a puppy.
This does a decent job in adding stakes and there are upsetting moments with this. There's an alpha bitch named Carolyn Berger and her muscle Nancy Patankski that comes with this side plot about Lindsey trying out for the school play along with Carolyn. This leads to some mildly emotional stuff later on, that isn't a ton but is decently done.
Lindsey is a bit mixed. We jump right into things so we don't get much info on her going on, nor much of a description. She's a jerk to the sister for no real reason but that's not in the latter half as much. She does get more likable as these bad things happen and she even feels bad for Carloyn when something ends up happening to her.
The mirror plays on her insecurities a bit, which helps out in one scene which gives us more wishing without the characters being too dumb., There's a group aspect again and while on their own they aren't much (the friend Bree Daniels does very little) the dynamic itself is charming, if less so than in Grave Secrets.
Nancy feels kinda useless which is funny cuz I know the show does more with her, to the point of having her in other episodes despite not being in the books again. Yes, they establish the Deadtime Stories Universe and seem to make at least one substantial change to a book. Wow. That's for another time though.
The ending is where it falls a part a bit. It's weird. We have a traditional ending done in an odd way. There isn't much of a wrapup and it feels more like a cliffhanger leading into a part 2 more than an ending. There is no sequel so this is just weird.
I only have access to the reprint and I should mention it was called Mirror Mirror at first but the reprint/episode changes it to The Witching Game. No idea why but the new title is way less generic at least. According to one video, the reprint slightly changes the ending, I think extending it? I can't cross reference myself but that would make sense, it feels weird. I doubt it's extended with how it abrupt it already is.
Hopefully someone who has that original version can help me out here. As it is, it's a weird ending, conceptually it's fine but it's wonky with how they do it. It causes parts of the story to feel short changed, and it does weaken the story.
It's a shame because as a whole, this one worked fairly well. It is standard in its concept and has some flaws but it does flow well and is decently engaging. Mary is fine as a creepy threat and there are some nice moments. It's a case where it just needed some touching up to be more special.
It's mixed in the way these sometimes way but it does end up working well enough for most of it. That ending does dock points though, shame. I'm curious to see how the episode is, I think it did some stuff better but we'll see.
That does it for this one. Next time, we head back to the Galaxy of Fear we get close to the end of arc 1. See ya then.
There isn't a lot to say for this but it is interesting in a few ways. It's a good one, being on the more solid end despite having some things to pick at. Lindsey Jordan has gotten a new mirror from her parents, which is an old creepy antique. One day she and her friends play a Bloody Mary game which involves making a wish. Her sister swears she sees someone in the mirror and while they brush it off at first, of course the wishes start coming true and it's clear there is someone in there.
This is a basic Be careful what you wish for type plot, and it mostly goes in the expected directions. It's a more classic feeling one and I like that. It's a trope that usually works, as basic as it is, and that is the case here. The pacing and progression is mostly solid, although it takes a while to get to some serious scares.
it has to wind up as they realize what is going on. They don't go too wild with the wishes, which is kind of a shame but I guess it works in keeping this somewhat grounded so we can buy why one of the friends doesn't think anything weird is going on. For each wish granted, something bad happens to let it happen. This even happens when the sister wishes for a puppy.
This does a decent job in adding stakes and there are upsetting moments with this. There's an alpha bitch named Carolyn Berger and her muscle Nancy Patankski that comes with this side plot about Lindsey trying out for the school play along with Carolyn. This leads to some mildly emotional stuff later on, that isn't a ton but is decently done.
Lindsey is a bit mixed. We jump right into things so we don't get much info on her going on, nor much of a description. She's a jerk to the sister for no real reason but that's not in the latter half as much. She does get more likable as these bad things happen and she even feels bad for Carloyn when something ends up happening to her.
The mirror plays on her insecurities a bit, which helps out in one scene which gives us more wishing without the characters being too dumb., There's a group aspect again and while on their own they aren't much (the friend Bree Daniels does very little) the dynamic itself is charming, if less so than in Grave Secrets.
Nancy feels kinda useless which is funny cuz I know the show does more with her, to the point of having her in other episodes despite not being in the books again. Yes, they establish the Deadtime Stories Universe and seem to make at least one substantial change to a book. Wow. That's for another time though.
The ending is where it falls a part a bit. It's weird. We have a traditional ending done in an odd way. There isn't much of a wrapup and it feels more like a cliffhanger leading into a part 2 more than an ending. There is no sequel so this is just weird.
I only have access to the reprint and I should mention it was called Mirror Mirror at first but the reprint/episode changes it to The Witching Game. No idea why but the new title is way less generic at least. According to one video, the reprint slightly changes the ending, I think extending it? I can't cross reference myself but that would make sense, it feels weird. I doubt it's extended with how it abrupt it already is.
Hopefully someone who has that original version can help me out here. As it is, it's a weird ending, conceptually it's fine but it's wonky with how they do it. It causes parts of the story to feel short changed, and it does weaken the story.
It's a shame because as a whole, this one worked fairly well. It is standard in its concept and has some flaws but it does flow well and is decently engaging. Mary is fine as a creepy threat and there are some nice moments. It's a case where it just needed some touching up to be more special.
It's mixed in the way these sometimes way but it does end up working well enough for most of it. That ending does dock points though, shame. I'm curious to see how the episode is, I think it did some stuff better but we'll see.
That does it for this one. Next time, we head back to the Galaxy of Fear we get close to the end of arc 1. See ya then.
July 25, 2018
Super spooky. Reads like a Goosebumps book, I love it.
October 2, 2018
This book was one I couldn't put down!
October 20, 2018
What a great read...I really enjoyed the story! Would definately read their other stories!
October 29, 2023
Loved the writing style. short and easy to read chapters. The story kept me wanting to read more. The ending I loved. I read the whole five chapters because I couldn't put the book down.
February 28, 2020
read this on my last work Friday for the year! I think I've read a few other things this year and December of last year but I just stopped keeping track. Like, this dude was talking about his reading (all pretentious but deemed IMPORTANT dude books of CLASSIC and CONTEMPORARY fiction) and I was trying to find a way to explain how, in 2018, I burned myself out trying to read the dummy version, even of the golden bough and was determined just to read as many things as possibly. This was, of course, difficult to boil down into a blurb so I just said I was trying to force myself to read at all and so quantity matters more than quality. His response, which, during my pretty severe bout of depression over the holidays echoed over and over in my head a lot was: 'mine is definitely a quality endeavor' which like, that should say more about them being pretentious and probably still in their 20s than me being a failure human being? But my depression cares not for facts! I think I read the Carrie Fisher actual bio which helped, though I cried through the whole thing. But I don't know. I can't really remember. Let's just call this the first of the year for my women in horror project this February. I am also reading something by Vivian Schilling who wrote Terror Eyes, which must be one of my favorite shot on video horror movies of all time. Anyway. Stuff is forthcoming but feels like it's not happening, is never going to happen.
June 7, 2024
Want a similar vibe to Goosebumps but more recent era? Give these books a go! Short books with a chill!
Rating System:
⭐️
DNF
⭐️ ⭐️
Finished but should’ve been a DNF
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Decent story/world building, not shelf worthy but a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Amazing story/world building, shelf worthy and a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Don’t talk to me, I’m LIVING in this book from now on
Rating System:
⭐️
DNF
⭐️ ⭐️
Finished but should’ve been a DNF
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Decent story/world building, not shelf worthy but a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Amazing story/world building, shelf worthy and a recommend
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Don’t talk to me, I’m LIVING in this book from now on
September 1, 2022
loved it as a kid. its good. it really is. its very imaginative. and the twist and bloody mary is also cool.
June 1, 2013
I wasn’t a big fan of this book, so writing the review took a little longer to get done.
Lindsey disliked her new mirror that her mother bought at an antique shop. It was large, hideous and made Lindsey’s skin crawl, she just wanted it out. That was before Lindsey’s little sister decided to play “Bloody Mary” in front of the mirror. At first nothing happened, but when wishes start coming true Lindsey and her friends all started to make their own wishes. Ralphie’s wish was the first wish to start coming true, but not how he had envisioned it. When the teacher faints and the tests are delayed for the day it was just the beginning of the bad wishes. They soon discover that anytime a wish comes true for them, something bad happens to someone else. Through a series of unfortunate events Lindsey’s whole family becomes trapped inside the mirror. In an effort to rescue her family Lindsey and her friends discover that there really was a “Bloody Mary” that supposedly died in a mental hospital. Convinced that that “Bloody Mary” that died is the same person trapped in the mirror, they strike a plan to find her family. Using their strength, brains and a little courage they succeed. Her family is returned with no memory of everything that has happened, the mirror has been destroyed and “Bloody Mary” is gone forever…or so they think.
While I wasn't excited to read this book to start with (I am not a big fan of “Bloody Mary” stories), it proved to be an interesting read. Tweens and Teens who like horror and paranormal reads would be sure to enjoy this book. It is a fast paced, easy and engaging read. Teens might also enjoy other scary stories in the Deadtime Stories series.
Lindsey disliked her new mirror that her mother bought at an antique shop. It was large, hideous and made Lindsey’s skin crawl, she just wanted it out. That was before Lindsey’s little sister decided to play “Bloody Mary” in front of the mirror. At first nothing happened, but when wishes start coming true Lindsey and her friends all started to make their own wishes. Ralphie’s wish was the first wish to start coming true, but not how he had envisioned it. When the teacher faints and the tests are delayed for the day it was just the beginning of the bad wishes. They soon discover that anytime a wish comes true for them, something bad happens to someone else. Through a series of unfortunate events Lindsey’s whole family becomes trapped inside the mirror. In an effort to rescue her family Lindsey and her friends discover that there really was a “Bloody Mary” that supposedly died in a mental hospital. Convinced that that “Bloody Mary” that died is the same person trapped in the mirror, they strike a plan to find her family. Using their strength, brains and a little courage they succeed. Her family is returned with no memory of everything that has happened, the mirror has been destroyed and “Bloody Mary” is gone forever…or so they think.
While I wasn't excited to read this book to start with (I am not a big fan of “Bloody Mary” stories), it proved to be an interesting read. Tweens and Teens who like horror and paranormal reads would be sure to enjoy this book. It is a fast paced, easy and engaging read. Teens might also enjoy other scary stories in the Deadtime Stories series.
October 11, 2012
This re-release of this series boasts on its cover that “They’ll give you more than goose bumps…”. With a group of friends placed in unusual circumstances, each chapter ends with a cliff-hanging, and often predictable, safe scare resolved logically in the next chapter, only to be replaced with the next dramatic chapter close. After all of these false scares, the story escalates to the real fear, then seems to conclude with a safe, happy ending until the final conclusion leads the reader to the realization that the fear has just begun and the real fearful events are left to the imagination of the reader. Many campfire tales include Bloody Mary and in The Witching Game Lindsay and her friends think they are just playing another silly game of Bloody Mary in front of a mirror when things turn serious. Each novel is independent with a new cast of characters, different setting, do not need to be read in a particular order, and offer a scare without the gross. Each book has been updated for a new generation. For Goosebumps fans looking for something new, this is a good fit and with a coordinating series of movies being produced, these will be popular.
August 12, 2014
Lindsey Jordan's little sister Alyssa and her friend are obsessed with playing Bloody Mary. While Lindsey and her friend Bree are "watching" Alyssa and her friend, they little girls go into the bathroom with candles and matches to play Bloody Mary. Nothing happens but they get busted by Lindsey, then Lindsey gets busted by their mother.
After a little scolding, Mrs. Jordan presents Lindsey with a new antique mirror for her room. Lindsey thinks it is hideous but her mother loves it and makes her keep it in her room.
The next day Lindsey and 3 of her friends are in her room discussing the mirror and Alyssa comes in. She wants to play Bloody Mary in the mirror. They all eventually agree to see if Alyssa will get from Bloody Mary what she asks for. The next day they got their answer.
Lindsey and her friends thought it was just a coincidence, so decided to test it again. It worked in their favor but at a cost to someone else. Was there really a such thing as Bloody Mary? They sure found out....
After a little scolding, Mrs. Jordan presents Lindsey with a new antique mirror for her room. Lindsey thinks it is hideous but her mother loves it and makes her keep it in her room.
The next day Lindsey and 3 of her friends are in her room discussing the mirror and Alyssa comes in. She wants to play Bloody Mary in the mirror. They all eventually agree to see if Alyssa will get from Bloody Mary what she asks for. The next day they got their answer.
Lindsey and her friends thought it was just a coincidence, so decided to test it again. It worked in their favor but at a cost to someone else. Was there really a such thing as Bloody Mary? They sure found out....
February 8, 2013
Lindsey winds up with an old mirror in her room which she thinks is creepy but her mom claims is a valuable antique. Lindsey, her little sister, and Lindsey's four friends decide to play Bloody Mary in the mirror, the premise being: call up the spirit of a woman named Mary and she will grant a wish. But when the wishes are fulfilled, they don't always take the kindest path. Taking the adage, "be careful what you wish for" down a terrifyingly believable road, the Sisters Cascone truly had me in chills. This was one of the scariest kids' books I've ever read. It tops the list with Coraline and Goosebumps: The Haunted Mask. I need to recover before I read another of the Deadtime Stories, but I most certainly will. I will be recommending this series to my library's Kid Book Club in the "Scary Stories" genre.
March 27, 2017
"Lindsey and Bree are best friends. They kid around one day playing Bloody Mary with Alyssa, Lindsey's little sister, and some friends from school. Then their parents come home with an antique carved mirror and the game starts to get everyone spooked. All of sudden, their wishes start coming true: Alyssa gets a puppy and Ralph doesn't have to take the history test because his teacher drops to the floor unconscious. When the the most popular girl is sent to the hospital and Lindsey gets the lead role in the school play, no one can deny that Bloody Mary is real and they have got to convince Lindsey's mom to get that mirror out of the house before someone dies."
July 29, 2016
I remember hearing about Deadtime stories but I never had a chance to grab a copy, they were difficult to find for some reason. Every book deals with a whole new story and characters so there's really no need to start from the first one written [unless you want to]. It took me a while to get into the story, once again it felt like reading a modern urban legend tale that kids would tell at camp. It was entertaining, but not too scary. It ended on a vague not which I greatly enjoy with these kinds of stories. Personally I find it a little more realistic when you don't 100% win against the paranormal creatures.
July 26, 2013
I had just finished reading the first in the series to my daughter and disliked it, but she had said she wanted to read it. The characters were EXACTLY the same as the first book, with different names. 2 girls - one the main traumatized character, one the scared friend. 2 boys - one brave and rational, the other a cowardly jokester. One bratty little sister. At least this time they weren't continually calling each other idiots. Just couldn't enjoy this one and even my daughter would have called it quits partway through the book if we had had another that she felt like reading.
June 23, 2013
When her parents bring home an antique mirror Lindsay Jordan is unaccountably drawn to its reflection despite the ugliness of the rest of it. Before she knows it, she and her friends are making wishes that come true. Could those wishes that are granted just be happy coincidences or could they be granted by the spirit that inhabits it? This title has thrills, chills, and plenty of regrets in the same way that the classic short story "The Monkey's Paw" does. Be careful what you wish for because something bad may happen to someone else in order for your wish to come true.
October 22, 2012
this is a book that is in a series that is along the same vein as Goosebumps and American Chillers. However i did not care for this book it had a whole been there done that plot offering nothing really new. Of course at 34 I am not really the target age but i guess 8-12 years will enjoy it.
June 2, 2015
A scary story for young kids. At least I think it may be. It's based on the mirror game "Bloody Mary" which I'm sure many a 10 yr. old has done. It was not great written, but it was probably part of a series of these types of books.
Read
August 8, 2012Be careful what you wish for when looking in the mirror. Bloody Mary maybe waiting for you! Bloody Mary may grant your wish but at what cost.
Want to read
September 30, 2013I read this sneak peak! Omg (I have grave secrets) This has to be my "MUST HAVE" I need to get, either on iBook or store. This is great for Halloween Bloody Mary and such.
August 20, 2014
I gave 3 stars because I've seen the show before and the book had some parts that weren't even in the show,which is weird.
August 27, 2014
This would be a good book for kids that are interested in reading slightly scary stories.
Currently reading
August 20, 2015csn anyone help me. how to i open the book up to read it please
October 5, 2016
A good, quick, scary read for 5th graders.
June 28, 2023
Genuinely spooky.
August 27, 2025
I thought the book was great! The characters were kind of weird, but all books are different. The ending was obvious but the whole story was good 👍 5 star
January 13, 2014
awsome and creepy
Want to read
April 13, 2018nice
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews