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Everything Is Temporary
Jump into the gripping world of "Everything Is Temporary," where the Barnes family's peaceful life takes a surprising turn after a tragic event rocks their world. As you read, you'll be drawn into the suspense, wondering how well you really know the people closest to you.
The suspenseful journey begins when Sarah's husband, Tom, starts acting strangely. His mood swings create chaos, leading to unfounded accusations against their thirteen-year-old daughter. But hang on tight, because the tension keeps rising as Tom's actions culminate in a shocking attempt on the life of an off-season mall Santa Claus. What's truly mysterious is Tom's year-round hatred for Christmas, a puzzle that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In the midst of the turmoil, Tom clings to a forgotten book from his past—a disturbing story he wrote when he was younger. Its pages reveal a traumatic tale that's almost unbelievable, with talking Christmas trees, an army of living toys, and a sinister figure posing as Mrs. Claus.
The suspenseful journey begins when Sarah's husband, Tom, starts acting strangely. His mood swings create chaos, leading to unfounded accusations against their thirteen-year-old daughter. But hang on tight, because the tension keeps rising as Tom's actions culminate in a shocking attempt on the life of an off-season mall Santa Claus. What's truly mysterious is Tom's year-round hatred for Christmas, a puzzle that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In the midst of the turmoil, Tom clings to a forgotten book from his past—a disturbing story he wrote when he was younger. Its pages reveal a traumatic tale that's almost unbelievable, with talking Christmas trees, an army of living toys, and a sinister figure posing as Mrs. Claus.
276 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 2, 2023
146 people are currently reading
1264 people want to read
About the author
Jon Cohn
19 books402 followersJon Cohn is the award winning author of "The Island Mother." His latest novel, "Slashtag," is a horror-satire currently available on ebook, paperback, KU, and Audiobook! For more info visit www.slashtaginsider.com
Writer, Board Game Designer & Horror Fanatic
Jon has been a member of the games community since 2016, designing narrative-focused horror experiences like Grind House, and having the absolute joy of contributing to his favorite franchises like Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joncohnauthor.
He would also love to give you free stuff like stories, audiobooks, and games by signing up for his mailing list at joncohnauthor.com.
He lives in San Diego with his incredibly supportive wife Delaney, and two little monsters named Gizmo and Luna.
Writer, Board Game Designer & Horror Fanatic
Jon has been a member of the games community since 2016, designing narrative-focused horror experiences like Grind House, and having the absolute joy of contributing to his favorite franchises like Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
You can follow him on Instagram and Twitter @joncohnauthor.
He would also love to give you free stuff like stories, audiobooks, and games by signing up for his mailing list at joncohnauthor.com.
He lives in San Diego with his incredibly supportive wife Delaney, and two little monsters named Gizmo and Luna.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
December 17, 2024
A fast-paced, suspenseful and (often) hilarious Christmas read.
Cohn's Everything Is Temporary has two excellent parallel storylines switching back and forth from chapter to chapter. One is set in real, everyday life and the other is a story that main character, Tom Barnes, wrote as a child detailing his experience with some supernatural and rather unbelievable events revolving around Christmas. Unfortunately, his story isn't finished yet. And it doesn't look like it is going to be a happy ending...
Recommend for quick and well-written Holiday romp.
Cohn's Everything Is Temporary has two excellent parallel storylines switching back and forth from chapter to chapter. One is set in real, everyday life and the other is a story that main character, Tom Barnes, wrote as a child detailing his experience with some supernatural and rather unbelievable events revolving around Christmas. Unfortunately, his story isn't finished yet. And it doesn't look like it is going to be a happy ending...
Recommend for quick and well-written Holiday romp.
June 26, 2024
Tom Barnes and his family have never celebrated Christmas and Sarah has never understood why her husband hated the holiday with a passion but she never pressed Tom for answers figuring it has to do with some bad childhood experience. While their sweet teenage daughter's personality changes for the worse after a tragedy affects the entire family then Tom soon starts acting very strangely even bizarre at times when he soon finds himself arrested. Sarah is beside herself with fear and confusion and not knowing where bail money that is set so high will come from and trying to hide the crime from her daughter.
What is happening to their family? Who is this strange man Tom keeps seeing everywhere and where has their daughter been spending her time that she lies continually about? Is Tom having a psychotic break related to Christmas or is there any truth to the stories that he finally remembers from his childhood that will bring doom to anyone he loves.
There is no such thing as "A Holly Jolly Christmas".
This was a clever and terrific Christmas horror story. The storyline was so unique that nothing was predictable and that is a rare find. I loved all the characters (good and bad) and the dark humor thrown in at times. The opening chapter had me hooked until the end of the book. The horrors taking place were fun and crazy yet very eerie and creepy. Sarah was devoted to Tom but she was becoming very fearful of his actions and the things he believed about Christmas, monsters from his past reoccurring now in their present day and also what if he gets convicted and has to spend a long prison sentence incarcerated. Can this family survive the horrors they are experiencing and what about their daughter?
Remember, Holiday horror books are fun to read any time of year not only during the Christmas season!
I want to thank the publisher ".Deadbolt Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I definitely recommend this book and have given a rating of 4 CREEPY 🎄 HOLIDAY ⛄ 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
What is happening to their family? Who is this strange man Tom keeps seeing everywhere and where has their daughter been spending her time that she lies continually about? Is Tom having a psychotic break related to Christmas or is there any truth to the stories that he finally remembers from his childhood that will bring doom to anyone he loves.
There is no such thing as "A Holly Jolly Christmas".
This was a clever and terrific Christmas horror story. The storyline was so unique that nothing was predictable and that is a rare find. I loved all the characters (good and bad) and the dark humor thrown in at times. The opening chapter had me hooked until the end of the book. The horrors taking place were fun and crazy yet very eerie and creepy. Sarah was devoted to Tom but she was becoming very fearful of his actions and the things he believed about Christmas, monsters from his past reoccurring now in their present day and also what if he gets convicted and has to spend a long prison sentence incarcerated. Can this family survive the horrors they are experiencing and what about their daughter?
Remember, Holiday horror books are fun to read any time of year not only during the Christmas season!
I want to thank the publisher ".Deadbolt Books" and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this digital copy and any thoughts or opinions expressed are unbiased and mine alone!
I definitely recommend this book and have given a rating of 4 CREEPY 🎄 HOLIDAY ⛄ 🌟🌟🌟🌟 STARS!!
December 24, 2023
This book is all over Instagram and booktube this Christmas and the premise sounded intriguing. It starts off strong and the chapters go back and forth between current day and excerpts from a book which has been written. I was definitely enjoying it and loving the coming of age story aspect of the book part which follows our protagonist as a child and his friends.
Once we get to the twist and the fight against the villain it kinda lost its charm. It wasn't bad at all but these chapters and its ending kinda dragged for me personally. Its definitely a good book and written well but something I wouldnt see myself revisiting.
Once we get to the twist and the fight against the villain it kinda lost its charm. It wasn't bad at all but these chapters and its ending kinda dragged for me personally. Its definitely a good book and written well but something I wouldnt see myself revisiting.
September 5, 2023
4.5 stars
This story truly exudes creativity and I always have a deep appreciation for narratives that feature book within a book, especially when the author skillfully weaves them together. Even the subtle foreshadowing of the book cover's significance at the story's conclusion impressed me! This marks my second experience with this author's work, and I find myself continually engrossed and enamored by his flowy writing. I fully intend to explore his other books and eagerly await any future releases.
In this tale, we embark on a journey with a family coping with the recent loss of their daughter's best friend, whose sudden death leaves a shadow over their lives. To complicate matters, the husband begins to exhibit enigmatic behavior, possibly tied to events from his childhood. The narrative unfolds from there, with the wife's efforts to piece together the puzzle, alternating with chapters from a book the husband has authored, describing events of his life which don't seem to be rooted in reality, but could be connected to what's going on today.
I relish the intrigue of this particular narrative trope, where uncertainty surrounds every revelation, allowing readers to unravel the mysteries alongside the characters. Every moment of this experience was deeply enjoyable. The story also offered moments of spine-tingling suspense, creating a richly atmospheric ambiance that lends itself perfectly to cozy winter holiday reading.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
This story truly exudes creativity and I always have a deep appreciation for narratives that feature book within a book, especially when the author skillfully weaves them together. Even the subtle foreshadowing of the book cover's significance at the story's conclusion impressed me! This marks my second experience with this author's work, and I find myself continually engrossed and enamored by his flowy writing. I fully intend to explore his other books and eagerly await any future releases.
In this tale, we embark on a journey with a family coping with the recent loss of their daughter's best friend, whose sudden death leaves a shadow over their lives. To complicate matters, the husband begins to exhibit enigmatic behavior, possibly tied to events from his childhood. The narrative unfolds from there, with the wife's efforts to piece together the puzzle, alternating with chapters from a book the husband has authored, describing events of his life which don't seem to be rooted in reality, but could be connected to what's going on today.
I relish the intrigue of this particular narrative trope, where uncertainty surrounds every revelation, allowing readers to unravel the mysteries alongside the characters. Every moment of this experience was deeply enjoyable. The story also offered moments of spine-tingling suspense, creating a richly atmospheric ambiance that lends itself perfectly to cozy winter holiday reading.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2023
Just plain fun.
Read this if your favorite part of NOS4A2 was Christmasland. Read this if you prefer movies like Beetlejuice and The Witches over movies like The Exorcist or Omen. Read this if you want to be spooked, without being disgusted or depressed. Read this if you like rooting for underdogs, book within a book, and/or if Christmas and Halloween tie for your favorite holiday. Go in looking for a fun ride that doesn't take itself too seriously. You won't be disappointed.
As a side note, I really appreciated the representation of bullying. The author did a nice job showing how people who are hurting, hurt other people - but also how that doesn't have to be their legacy. I thought this story had a surprising amount of heart for a short horror book. Totally worth the read.
Read this if your favorite part of NOS4A2 was Christmasland. Read this if you prefer movies like Beetlejuice and The Witches over movies like The Exorcist or Omen. Read this if you want to be spooked, without being disgusted or depressed. Read this if you like rooting for underdogs, book within a book, and/or if Christmas and Halloween tie for your favorite holiday. Go in looking for a fun ride that doesn't take itself too seriously. You won't be disappointed.
As a side note, I really appreciated the representation of bullying. The author did a nice job showing how people who are hurting, hurt other people - but also how that doesn't have to be their legacy. I thought this story had a surprising amount of heart for a short horror book. Totally worth the read.
December 12, 2024
Such a good book I loved this one ☝️
October 24, 2023
Surprisingly well done for a book that’s basically the Christmas version of IT. Sometimes the prose fell flat and took me out of the story, but the rest was so fun that it made up for the weaknesses.
November 29, 2023
Last Night, I finished "Everything is Temporary" and loved it. I will be putting my review on Amazon and Goodreads today.
The book is magically horrific. There is a total Christmas environment and a twist that I did not expect. Jon Cohn, actually, pulled off the coming-of-age story well.
This tale takes us on a journey of a family coping with the recent loss of their daughter's best friend. The sudden death leaves a shadow over their lives. To complicate matters, Tom begins to exhibit enigmatic behavior, possibly tied to events from his childhood. The narrative unfolds from there, with Sarah’s, Tom’s wife, efforts to piece together the puzzle.
“Everything is Temporary” had great pacing. Cohn seamlessly transitioned between the present timeline and Tom’s journal which provided enough of a back story without slowing down the story. I would recommend this book.
The book is magically horrific. There is a total Christmas environment and a twist that I did not expect. Jon Cohn, actually, pulled off the coming-of-age story well.
This tale takes us on a journey of a family coping with the recent loss of their daughter's best friend. The sudden death leaves a shadow over their lives. To complicate matters, Tom begins to exhibit enigmatic behavior, possibly tied to events from his childhood. The narrative unfolds from there, with Sarah’s, Tom’s wife, efforts to piece together the puzzle.
“Everything is Temporary” had great pacing. Cohn seamlessly transitioned between the present timeline and Tom’s journal which provided enough of a back story without slowing down the story. I would recommend this book.
December 21, 2023
A fantastic Christmas horror novel that will keep you entertained up to the very end.
Tom is having a rough time this Christmas season. Something from his past is back to haunt him.
His wife Sarah is trying to understand what happened to Tom and why he is acting so out of character.
As she starts reading a book Tim wrote years ago, fiction and reality will become hard to tell apart.
The story was so imaginative and it reminded me of the Grimm brother’s fairy tales but with a twist. It was fun, creepy and had such an intriguing mystery.
The way Christmas and all the decorations were utilized here for the horror was a lot of fun.
The book also had a heart and a grieving family trying to move past a tragic loss.
Such a great almost fantasy horror story to read during the Chritsmas season.
Tom is having a rough time this Christmas season. Something from his past is back to haunt him.
His wife Sarah is trying to understand what happened to Tom and why he is acting so out of character.
As she starts reading a book Tim wrote years ago, fiction and reality will become hard to tell apart.
The story was so imaginative and it reminded me of the Grimm brother’s fairy tales but with a twist. It was fun, creepy and had such an intriguing mystery.
The way Christmas and all the decorations were utilized here for the horror was a lot of fun.
The book also had a heart and a grieving family trying to move past a tragic loss.
Such a great almost fantasy horror story to read during the Chritsmas season.
February 27, 2024
A great read for spooky Christmas. It was an okay read but was more magical fantasy horror, which I'm not sure if I'm a fan of. The style of writing made up for that though. The beginning of the book kept me interested but as time went on it lost it's luster. The chapters with Tom were the most exciting.
Would recommend only during the holiday season.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Deadbolt Books and John Cohn for a copy of the book. All opinions are of my own.
Would recommend only during the holiday season.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Deadbolt Books and John Cohn for a copy of the book. All opinions are of my own.
December 22, 2023
Holy crap this was amazing! Yes it was a little slow to start but if you keep at it wow what a book! I LOVED the concept and the dual timeline throughout the story. A coming of age horror that gives IT vibes with a dash of Christmas charm. A must for horror lovers during the festive season.
December 1, 2023
This was fun Christmas horror. Lots of unique and imaginative thrills and chills. Creepy and festive with heart. I'm a little afraid of candy canes now...
June 20, 2024
Pretty solid Christmas horror novel and a little bit of the old Stephen King-lite. Simplicity is a virtue. Entertaining read with various Christmas monsters and a big baddie mythical demon told in two narratives. A woman whose family is in danger from the owner of the local all-year Christmas house (who may, or may not be a soul-eating demon). And the other half is the teenage journal of the protagonist’s husband who, 20 years ago, had a more quintessentially 80s horror teen romp to battle the Xmas monster. Cribs more than a little from IT, but also has a surprising amount of action culminating in a big, strategic battle. References to 80s holiday movies and creative uses of the colors of red and green, brings us through some thin characters and a confusing amount of time spent as a legal thriller. Worthwhile creature feature.
November 27, 2023
This book is STELLAR!!! If this is not on your TBR for the holiday season, what are you waiting for?
This book has heart. It's not just a horror story. It's about a family torn apart by grief, tragedy, and an unimaginable past. The horror elements are crazy but the way the characters interact with the situations is so real and believable it doesn't seem so far-fetched.
Some have compared Everything is Temporary to It. And I definitely do see this as viable. However, no offense to Mr King or his novel (which I do love), Jon Cohn does it soooo much better, pulling off the relationships, consuming evil and coming of age story arc without creating a door stop. I felt more connected with the characters and the world created then I ever did with It.
Get this book. It is amazing!!!
This book has heart. It's not just a horror story. It's about a family torn apart by grief, tragedy, and an unimaginable past. The horror elements are crazy but the way the characters interact with the situations is so real and believable it doesn't seem so far-fetched.
Some have compared Everything is Temporary to It. And I definitely do see this as viable. However, no offense to Mr King or his novel (which I do love), Jon Cohn does it soooo much better, pulling off the relationships, consuming evil and coming of age story arc without creating a door stop. I felt more connected with the characters and the world created then I ever did with It.
Get this book. It is amazing!!!
December 20, 2023
Not a bad idea at all, but it was just not my cup of tea.
December 26, 2023
This was an excellent book to read at this time of year. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline and the story within a story.
December 30, 2023
What would you do if you see someone from your past and suddenly everything comes back again? No, no, is it really happening? Is Mrs. Claus here?.
This is a light horror story, filled with friendship, love family and Christmas.
For me started out great then turned out slow and the ending was predictable.
The horror scenes were great but to get to that point took so long. Story it’s ok, but if you’re looking for real horror I may warn you that this is light.
The characters, the only one who really likes me was Helen, the rest of them got me to my nerves, mainly Emma the daughter who’s always changing her mind at every step of the way. She was the unbearable one.
Let’s say I’ve had a problem reading this novel, I’ve felt it like a mixture of Nos4a2 (Joe Hill) and It (Stephen King) please saving the distances 😅, Keep that in your mind. So nothing new.
I thank you BookSirens @booksirens for giving me an advance review copy for free.
This is a light horror story, filled with friendship, love family and Christmas.
For me started out great then turned out slow and the ending was predictable.
The horror scenes were great but to get to that point took so long. Story it’s ok, but if you’re looking for real horror I may warn you that this is light.
The characters, the only one who really likes me was Helen, the rest of them got me to my nerves, mainly Emma the daughter who’s always changing her mind at every step of the way. She was the unbearable one.
Let’s say I’ve had a problem reading this novel, I’ve felt it like a mixture of Nos4a2 (Joe Hill) and It (Stephen King) please saving the distances 😅, Keep that in your mind. So nothing new.
I thank you BookSirens @booksirens for giving me an advance review copy for free.
October 29, 2023
I had a lot of fun with this! Jon Cohn's 'Everything Is Temporary' is an entertaining page-turner, quite an easy read, bringing Stephen King's 'IT' into the territory of "Home Alone" and "The Witches," and mixing up Christmas joy with Halloween horror! Sounds awesome? That's because it is!
It's the perfect holiday horror tale, a brilliant take on a kid's love for everything Christmas, and how it all turns into utter chaos once we start zooming in! There's no gore, nothing too extreme, but expect some emotionally heavy moments (children do not always survive in the novel). But you get an evil Christmas tree, a sweet little Mrs Claus whom you shouldn't really trust, and, what's more, two books in one!
The main story focuses on the adults, the second story (an actual book called "Everything Is Temporary" by Tom Barnes!) relates what happened to the adults as children. It's all told through the eyes of Sarah, a strong yet very relatable mother and wife, who finds herself in the middle of a terrible situation when Tom Barnes, her husband, seemingly loses it and starts acting mental. Sarah is the perfect point of view for this story, her reactions are completely realistic, and turn the intricate plotlines into a fast-paced supernatural mystery novel any horror fan will certainly enjoy!
Another great book from the author of "Slashtag": original, fun and heart-warming beyond belief! What will he come up with next?
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Deadbolt Books for the ARC to review!
It's the perfect holiday horror tale, a brilliant take on a kid's love for everything Christmas, and how it all turns into utter chaos once we start zooming in! There's no gore, nothing too extreme, but expect some emotionally heavy moments (children do not always survive in the novel). But you get an evil Christmas tree, a sweet little Mrs Claus whom you shouldn't really trust, and, what's more, two books in one!
The main story focuses on the adults, the second story (an actual book called "Everything Is Temporary" by Tom Barnes!) relates what happened to the adults as children. It's all told through the eyes of Sarah, a strong yet very relatable mother and wife, who finds herself in the middle of a terrible situation when Tom Barnes, her husband, seemingly loses it and starts acting mental. Sarah is the perfect point of view for this story, her reactions are completely realistic, and turn the intricate plotlines into a fast-paced supernatural mystery novel any horror fan will certainly enjoy!
Another great book from the author of "Slashtag": original, fun and heart-warming beyond belief! What will he come up with next?
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Deadbolt Books for the ARC to review!
September 11, 2025
I actually think, with some slight tweaks, this would have made for a fantastic middle grade horror novel. In some ways it already felt like it skewed younger, what with the book-within-a-book chapters, whose central characters were all middle-grade aged; the ridiculousness of the premise (which was fun, yes, but still ridiculous); and the less-than-subtle moral messaging.
As it was, Everything is Temporary was still a fun time, if a little heavy-handed. In fact, I'd highly recommend it if you're looking for something to alleviate your post-October blues (Christmas can be scary, too!). If Stephen King's IT meets Home Alone meets Small Soldiers (yes, the 1998 Kirsten Dunst movie) is a comp title combination that appeals to you, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Deadbolt Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As it was, Everything is Temporary was still a fun time, if a little heavy-handed. In fact, I'd highly recommend it if you're looking for something to alleviate your post-October blues (Christmas can be scary, too!). If Stephen King's IT meets Home Alone meets Small Soldiers (yes, the 1998 Kirsten Dunst movie) is a comp title combination that appeals to you, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Thanks to NetGalley and Deadbolt Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 26, 2023
"A long, forked tongue lashed out of the fanged mouth, then hissed at Tim. “Little Elf, Little Elf, how dare you intrude while I’m feeding myself?”'
“Quite an interesting read.” Eric set the book aside and opened the folders. “Kind of reminded me of that movie about the clown in the sewers.” Eric let out a mild chuckle but cut it off when he saw the sheepish look on Tom’s face."
- Holy crap this was amazing! Yes it was a little slow to start but if you keep at it wow what a book! I Loved the concept and the dual timeline throughout the story and the execution..👌
A coming of age horror that gives Stephen King's IT vibes with a dash of Christmas charm. This doesn’t pull any punches. Cohn wasn’t scared to kill characters or go gory. I also liked the little bit of mythology thrown in about Lamia.
E-📖
“Quite an interesting read.” Eric set the book aside and opened the folders. “Kind of reminded me of that movie about the clown in the sewers.” Eric let out a mild chuckle but cut it off when he saw the sheepish look on Tom’s face."
- Holy crap this was amazing! Yes it was a little slow to start but if you keep at it wow what a book! I Loved the concept and the dual timeline throughout the story and the execution..👌
A coming of age horror that gives Stephen King's IT vibes with a dash of Christmas charm. This doesn’t pull any punches. Cohn wasn’t scared to kill characters or go gory. I also liked the little bit of mythology thrown in about Lamia.
E-📖
December 19, 2023
I got this book from BookSirens, and am willingly leaving a review.
This was a fun Christmas horror book, and there are a lot of people that I'd recommend it to. The plot was interesting, I liked the framing a lot, and there were some fantastic ideas in here.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't one for me.
It opens in a very heavy way that had me prepared (and even hopeful) for a much darker read than was ultimately delivered. Some of the scenes felt redundant, which I hate saying about a book, but this one hit its themes very hard and repeatedly.
I liked the first person style of the book which was conversational and engaging, but ultimately hindered by my incredulity at the actions of the narrator. I would have loved a deeper look into who she was and the reasoning behind some of her actions, which I often failed to understand.
One very strong element of the book was the emotional resonance. In the prologue, and several times throughout the story, I could feel the sorrow behind certain plot elements. I think that's one reason why I was hoping for a darker book.
I think if you're looking for a quick Christmas read, can handle some sad moments, but are hoping for something that's overall not too dark, I would suggest this book. It's a very specific tone, but I do absolutely feel like there's space for it.
This was a fun Christmas horror book, and there are a lot of people that I'd recommend it to. The plot was interesting, I liked the framing a lot, and there were some fantastic ideas in here.
Unfortunately, it just wasn't one for me.
It opens in a very heavy way that had me prepared (and even hopeful) for a much darker read than was ultimately delivered. Some of the scenes felt redundant, which I hate saying about a book, but this one hit its themes very hard and repeatedly.
I liked the first person style of the book which was conversational and engaging, but ultimately hindered by my incredulity at the actions of the narrator. I would have loved a deeper look into who she was and the reasoning behind some of her actions, which I often failed to understand.
One very strong element of the book was the emotional resonance. In the prologue, and several times throughout the story, I could feel the sorrow behind certain plot elements. I think that's one reason why I was hoping for a darker book.
I think if you're looking for a quick Christmas read, can handle some sad moments, but are hoping for something that's overall not too dark, I would suggest this book. It's a very specific tone, but I do absolutely feel like there's space for it.
December 28, 2023
I enjoyed this coming of age christmas horror story! But it the book within book aspect got confusing for me 😂 and after the reveal I felt like it just dragged. And Everything is Temporary is said so many times in this story haha. I did like the writing and will recommend for an xmas read!
Thanks! Netgalley for this arc!
Thanks! Netgalley for this arc!
December 10, 2023
This was another Jon Cohn book that I found incredibly hard to put down!
It's about a man, Tom Barnes who starts acting weird after his daughter's friend passes away. After Tom gets arrested for attempted murder it's up to his wife, Sarah to to solve the mystery of what's going on with Tom, and the truth lies in Tom's over-the-top Christmas book that he wrote.
Everything Is Temporary was such a fun, immersive, well-written story. I loved all of the references to A Christmas Story and Home Alone, and I loved that it had an IT vibe to it.
All of the characters were fantastically fleshed-out and it was heartbreaking to read about the Barnes family, where they are suffering from one tragedy to the next.
I also enjoyed that the chapters would switch from Sarah's POV to chapters of Tom's book. It was a great way to show just how much Sarah and Tom are willing to go for their family.
I highly recommend checking this one out if you're looking for some holiday horror with a heartwarming tale about family. I'm really excited to read more from Jon Cohn, as he's quickly becoming a new favourite author of mine!
Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted copy!
It's about a man, Tom Barnes who starts acting weird after his daughter's friend passes away. After Tom gets arrested for attempted murder it's up to his wife, Sarah to to solve the mystery of what's going on with Tom, and the truth lies in Tom's over-the-top Christmas book that he wrote.
Everything Is Temporary was such a fun, immersive, well-written story. I loved all of the references to A Christmas Story and Home Alone, and I loved that it had an IT vibe to it.
All of the characters were fantastically fleshed-out and it was heartbreaking to read about the Barnes family, where they are suffering from one tragedy to the next.
I also enjoyed that the chapters would switch from Sarah's POV to chapters of Tom's book. It was a great way to show just how much Sarah and Tom are willing to go for their family.
I highly recommend checking this one out if you're looking for some holiday horror with a heartwarming tale about family. I'm really excited to read more from Jon Cohn, as he's quickly becoming a new favourite author of mine!
Thank you to NetGalley for the gifted copy!
December 16, 2023
An exhilarating, enthralling and uniquely written Christmas horror that puts a dark spin on the Christmas "good guys" and the overall symbols of the season.
This story had me hooked from page one and I will gladly read other works by this author in the future.
This story had me hooked from page one and I will gladly read other works by this author in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2023
Wow, this book was great. I was hooked from the beginning. I never read anything by Jon Cohn, but I'm definitely looking forward to reading more from him.
December 12, 2023
Everything is temporary, but this book will stick with me.
I don't normally write reviews as I usually don't have much to say, but I loved this book so much I had to say something. I came across this book blindly as a recommendation from Amazon and holy shit was I pleasantly surprised. What a fun and nostalgic ride this was. Thank you for writing this book. I want to buy a physical copy now.
I don't normally write reviews as I usually don't have much to say, but I loved this book so much I had to say something. I came across this book blindly as a recommendation from Amazon and holy shit was I pleasantly surprised. What a fun and nostalgic ride this was. Thank you for writing this book. I want to buy a physical copy now.
October 1, 2023
Jon Cohn's last two books were five-star reads for me, so I knew before I even started that this would be great. He proved with both Island Mother and Slashtag that he could tackle heavy topics, intense horror, and humorous nods to the genre all in one, and Everything Is Temporary follows suite.
This is the story of one man's mental breakdown and the repercussions as his loving wife comes to terms with the fact that the man she married may be someone to fear. Told in dual timelines, we follow Sarah as she slowly unravels the reasons behind her husband's sudden and shocking crime in the present while reading through his childhood diary for answers to what happened in the past. The parts from her point of view felt like a realistic portrayal of a spouse stuck between love for their significant other and disbelief of the situation as a whole. Our time spent in Tom's diary feels, most often, like a fever dream of Christmas magic and slowly building suspense.
Jon Cohn writes like someone who has been in the game for awhile. I highly recommend all three of his novels. This one, in particular, was such a surprise because we really don't get much in the way of quality Christmas horror nowadays. Once again, he knocked it out of the park. I said it before and I'll continue to say it: Jon Cohn is a must-read author from me from this point on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the story of one man's mental breakdown and the repercussions as his loving wife comes to terms with the fact that the man she married may be someone to fear. Told in dual timelines, we follow Sarah as she slowly unravels the reasons behind her husband's sudden and shocking crime in the present while reading through his childhood diary for answers to what happened in the past. The parts from her point of view felt like a realistic portrayal of a spouse stuck between love for their significant other and disbelief of the situation as a whole. Our time spent in Tom's diary feels, most often, like a fever dream of Christmas magic and slowly building suspense.
Jon Cohn writes like someone who has been in the game for awhile. I highly recommend all three of his novels. This one, in particular, was such a surprise because we really don't get much in the way of quality Christmas horror nowadays. Once again, he knocked it out of the park. I said it before and I'll continue to say it: Jon Cohn is a must-read author from me from this point on.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 24, 2023
Consider my expectations subverted!
Honestly, I picked this book up expecting cheesy holiday antics that were so out-there it didn't matter if the plot sucked. Boy, was I in for a surprise.
From the first few chapters, I knew this was something more. Cohn writes Tom and Sarah's little family with such care that I kept forgetting what kind of book this was.
...Then the other shoe drops and the horror elements start seeping into their cozy existence. We've got childhood trauma, crime drama, monsters, and of course Christmas. Cohn somehow works relatable, grounded characters into the same story as evil Hummel figures and stabby candy cane snakes. Fantastic.
Looking forward to catching more of Cohn's work in the future!
Thanks for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
Honestly, I picked this book up expecting cheesy holiday antics that were so out-there it didn't matter if the plot sucked. Boy, was I in for a surprise.
From the first few chapters, I knew this was something more. Cohn writes Tom and Sarah's little family with such care that I kept forgetting what kind of book this was.
...Then the other shoe drops and the horror elements start seeping into their cozy existence. We've got childhood trauma, crime drama, monsters, and of course Christmas. Cohn somehow works relatable, grounded characters into the same story as evil Hummel figures and stabby candy cane snakes. Fantastic.
Looking forward to catching more of Cohn's work in the future!
Thanks for the chance to check this book out for free. I'm leaving this review of my own accord.
December 18, 2024
Ha! Well that was not the Christmas story I was expecting! Well done and man it kept me guessing at what in the heck was happening to this poor family. This is about as much of a Christmas story as NOS4A2 is. Christmas is there because of the happiness and goodwill that goes along with the holiday but it could have easily been most other holidays. Well, except for the evil Hummel figures and Christmas tree but other than that it could have been most other holidays.
November 8, 2023
I just absolutely loved this! Everything about it took me by surprise and has set me up for the rest of the season in terms of holiday horror! There's a bit to unpack with this book, but it really does do a wonderful job of portraying a theme, which is the same as its title: everything is temporary. Trauma, sickness, bad times, jail, etc. Everything is temporary.
This book was like a love child of Stephen King's IT and Paul Tremblay's The Pallbearers Club. We start with some trauma re: Christmas due to someone dying then. There's a past of pure terror from a man's childhood that seems to be rearing its ugly head again, this time coming for his own daughter. There's a book within a book telling the story of the past - but then what is fact and what is fiction? Is anything being misremembered? Will history repeat itself OR did history ever even happen as we are being told?
The holiday horror and vibes here are truly fantastic and I cannot recommend this book enough! It has a great sense of mythology about it all. And I also adore all the Home Alone references, homages, and callouts! HO HO HO!
This book was like a love child of Stephen King's IT and Paul Tremblay's The Pallbearers Club. We start with some trauma re: Christmas due to someone dying then. There's a past of pure terror from a man's childhood that seems to be rearing its ugly head again, this time coming for his own daughter. There's a book within a book telling the story of the past - but then what is fact and what is fiction? Is anything being misremembered? Will history repeat itself OR did history ever even happen as we are being told?
The holiday horror and vibes here are truly fantastic and I cannot recommend this book enough! It has a great sense of mythology about it all. And I also adore all the Home Alone references, homages, and callouts! HO HO HO!
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