What do you think?
Rate this book
You Better Watch Out: A Thriller
From international bestselling authors James S. Murray (better known as "Murr" on the hit TV show Impractical Jokers) and Darren Wearmouth, comes You Better Watch Out, a suspenseful, serial killer thriller that leaves you wondering, is Christmas really the best time of the year?
Forty-eight hours until Christmas, Jessica Kane wakes up with blurred vision, ears ringing, and in excruciating pain. A gash in her head and blood running down her face, the last thing she remembers is going for a run and something or someone hitting her in the head.
It doesn't take her long to realize she is trapped in an unknown, deserted town with five other strangers who share similar stories of being attacked and stranded there. Unsure why and how they got there, she knows one thing for certain, she has to find a way out.
That becomes nearly impossible when someone is meticulously orchestrating their deaths, one by one, and the only thing Jessica can do is watch the life leave their eyes.
The fenced-in town is the killer’s very own playground and there's nowhere left to hide... she better watch out because she could be next.
Forty-eight hours until Christmas, Jessica Kane wakes up with blurred vision, ears ringing, and in excruciating pain. A gash in her head and blood running down her face, the last thing she remembers is going for a run and something or someone hitting her in the head.
It doesn't take her long to realize she is trapped in an unknown, deserted town with five other strangers who share similar stories of being attacked and stranded there. Unsure why and how they got there, she knows one thing for certain, she has to find a way out.
That becomes nearly impossible when someone is meticulously orchestrating their deaths, one by one, and the only thing Jessica can do is watch the life leave their eyes.
The fenced-in town is the killer’s very own playground and there's nowhere left to hide... she better watch out because she could be next.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2024
446 people are currently reading
30827 people want to read
About the author
James S. Murray
9 books899 followersJames S. Murray is a writer, executive producer, and actor, best known as “Murr” on the hit television show Impractical Jokers on truTV and for his comedy troupe, the Tenderloins. He also served as the senior vice president of development for NorthSouth Productions for over a decade and is owner of Impractical Productions, Inc. Originally from Staten Island, he now lives in Manhattan. Awakened is his first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,660 reviews
November 28, 2024
Deftly mixing a gruesome thriller with mild horror, You Better Watch Out was a fast-paced rollercoaster ride of suspense that had my heart pumping rather hard. From the slasher movie vibes to the creepy, creepy setting, I was delighted to find a short, campy read that I could inhale in just a single sitting. And while there was the definite need to suspend all disbelief, I didn’t mind in the slightest as I raced through the pages from beginning to end.
The characters themselves—despite being somewhat flat—still made me either root for them or despise them as the plot rolled along. I do have to say, though, that the lack of depth could have been due to the length of the story. Coming in at under 250 pages, it was the definition of a quick, easy read. Well, as long as you don’t mind a bit of gore alongside some downright killer twists. After all, it has those in spades including one right there at the end that had me clutching my pearls.
All in all, while definitely not made for the faint of heart, this dark, chilling read is perfect for diehard thriller lovers. With a locked room mystery core, short chapters, and an unguessable finale, I was hooked by this new-to-me writing duo. Now I can’t wait to dive into their backlist ASAP. So be sure to check them out if I’ve managed to hook your attention. I mean, who can pass up a holiday themed thriller? Especially when there’s a perfectly crafted cliffhanger ending that satisfied even yours truly. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Forty-eight hours until Christmas, Jessica Kane wakes up with blurred vision, ears ringing, and in excruciating pain. A gash in her head and blood running down her face, the last thing she remembers is going for a run and something or someone hitting her in the head.
It doesn't take her long to realize she is trapped in an unknown, deserted town with five other strangers who share similar stories of being attacked and stranded there. Unsure why and how they got there, she knows one thing for certain, she has to find a way out.
That becomes nearly impossible when someone is meticulously orchestrating their deaths, one by one, and the only thing Jessica can do is watch the life leave their eyes.
The fenced-in town is the killer’s very own playground and there's nowhere left to hide... she better watch out because she could be next.
Thank you to James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth, and St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 15, 2024 (out now)
Trigger warning: kidnapping, cursing, bear attack, stalking, breaking and entering, burglary, knife violence
The characters themselves—despite being somewhat flat—still made me either root for them or despise them as the plot rolled along. I do have to say, though, that the lack of depth could have been due to the length of the story. Coming in at under 250 pages, it was the definition of a quick, easy read. Well, as long as you don’t mind a bit of gore alongside some downright killer twists. After all, it has those in spades including one right there at the end that had me clutching my pearls.
All in all, while definitely not made for the faint of heart, this dark, chilling read is perfect for diehard thriller lovers. With a locked room mystery core, short chapters, and an unguessable finale, I was hooked by this new-to-me writing duo. Now I can’t wait to dive into their backlist ASAP. So be sure to check them out if I’ve managed to hook your attention. I mean, who can pass up a holiday themed thriller? Especially when there’s a perfectly crafted cliffhanger ending that satisfied even yours truly. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Forty-eight hours until Christmas, Jessica Kane wakes up with blurred vision, ears ringing, and in excruciating pain. A gash in her head and blood running down her face, the last thing she remembers is going for a run and something or someone hitting her in the head.
It doesn't take her long to realize she is trapped in an unknown, deserted town with five other strangers who share similar stories of being attacked and stranded there. Unsure why and how they got there, she knows one thing for certain, she has to find a way out.
That becomes nearly impossible when someone is meticulously orchestrating their deaths, one by one, and the only thing Jessica can do is watch the life leave their eyes.
The fenced-in town is the killer’s very own playground and there's nowhere left to hide... she better watch out because she could be next.
Thank you to James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth, and St. Martin’s Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 15, 2024 (out now)
Trigger warning: kidnapping, cursing, bear attack, stalking, breaking and entering, burglary, knife violence
September 20, 2024
A great and gory slasher, fast paced and with an original plot.
I liked the premise of abducted strangers in a remote place trying to find out where they are and why they are here. The characters are easily identifiable and each have a specific tone. The killer POV was interesting and quite disturbing.
The audiobook narration was great and really added to the story.
I had a great time and would definitely recommend to any slasher lover.
I liked the premise of abducted strangers in a remote place trying to find out where they are and why they are here. The characters are easily identifiable and each have a specific tone. The killer POV was interesting and quite disturbing.
The audiobook narration was great and really added to the story.
I had a great time and would definitely recommend to any slasher lover.
November 19, 2024
4⭐️s
This book is like Jigsaw went on a date with Mrs. Claus, fell in love, got married in Christmasland and made a baby Krampus… but in all the best ways.
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun ride. I barely had to think once, which is a welcome experience for me right now. I just sat back and let the snowy, horror-filled Christmas vibes wash over me. Sometimes the right book comes into your life at the exact right time and that’s what happened here.
Why You Should Or Shouldn’t Read It
You should. It’s spirited, gratuitous and quirky. Unless you’re a morally uptight and uppity Scrooge, you will love this book.
One Lesson I Learned
Always be on the nice list
One Thing That Will Stick With Me
Perilously constructed merry-go-rounds
This book is like Jigsaw went on a date with Mrs. Claus, fell in love, got married in Christmasland and made a baby Krampus… but in all the best ways.
I absolutely loved this book. It was such a fun ride. I barely had to think once, which is a welcome experience for me right now. I just sat back and let the snowy, horror-filled Christmas vibes wash over me. Sometimes the right book comes into your life at the exact right time and that’s what happened here.
Why You Should Or Shouldn’t Read It
You should. It’s spirited, gratuitous and quirky. Unless you’re a morally uptight and uppity Scrooge, you will love this book.
One Lesson I Learned
Always be on the nice list
One Thing That Will Stick With Me
Perilously constructed merry-go-rounds
November 23, 2024
4.0 Stars
This was an exciting, fast paced thriller. I wished the Christmas elements had been more prevalent. This one was a touch predictable but it delivered what the premise promised which made for a fun ride.
This was an exciting, fast paced thriller. I wished the Christmas elements had been more prevalent. This one was a touch predictable but it delivered what the premise promised which made for a fun ride.
December 25, 2025
This one was surprisingly good! It was a super unique story with a jaw dropping twist at the end that I absolutely did not see coming. It was gruesome, fast paced, and absolutely psychotic. I had a really fun time with this one and I definitely recommend it this holiday season 🎄
October 10, 2024
Good Christmas horror is hard to find.
Unfortunately, I did not find it here. I am in the minority, once again, so you might find yourself loving this dark holiday novel.
I actually thought You Better Watch Out was going to be campy. I was wrong. It’s not meant to be humorous, so it succeeds at not being funny, although I might have laughed bitterly near the end.
The basic premise was unique enough, and I did find some entertainment within it, but the story was weakened by how formulaic the actual execution was. We know who will be killed and, while we don’t know how their deaths will transpire, the path leading up to each one feels all too familiar. The victims are all poorly developed and wholly unlikable, and throwaway characters are not, for me, the mark of a good story.
Although I prefer stories without graphic violence, an exceptional story helps me accept any unpleasant imagery that runs on a repetitive reel through my head. The gratuitous gore in You Better Watch Out was not something I could look past, though. Obviously, I didn’t think this was an exceptional story, but even if I’d liked it more, I still don’t think it needed to be that gruesome. This clearly existed to shock the reader, and it succeeds in the discomfort it aims to cause, but it felt like such a shallow addition to a very basic narrative.
Despite all of this, I was ready to give it three stars until the last 17% of the audiobook. That twist ruined everything. I want to be kind with my words. I really do. But if you want honesty, the best I can muster is that I thought it was really dumb. It’s funny because the idea of what was revealed did briefly pass through my mind earlier in the story, but considering the possibility doesn’t make it something I can accept as good storytelling. It contradicted some major plot points in the book, which made the preceding content completely absurd. Had the authors done a few things differently earlier in the book, I might have appreciated the twist a bit more, but that wouldn’t change how the final chapters all felt rather generic or, in the case of the epilogue, completely unnecessary.
I shouldn’t have watched out for this one at all, and now all I can do is sit here and pout.
I am immensely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
Unfortunately, I did not find it here. I am in the minority, once again, so you might find yourself loving this dark holiday novel.
I actually thought You Better Watch Out was going to be campy. I was wrong. It’s not meant to be humorous, so it succeeds at not being funny, although I might have laughed bitterly near the end.
The basic premise was unique enough, and I did find some entertainment within it, but the story was weakened by how formulaic the actual execution was. We know who will be killed and, while we don’t know how their deaths will transpire, the path leading up to each one feels all too familiar. The victims are all poorly developed and wholly unlikable, and throwaway characters are not, for me, the mark of a good story.
Although I prefer stories without graphic violence, an exceptional story helps me accept any unpleasant imagery that runs on a repetitive reel through my head. The gratuitous gore in You Better Watch Out was not something I could look past, though. Obviously, I didn’t think this was an exceptional story, but even if I’d liked it more, I still don’t think it needed to be that gruesome. This clearly existed to shock the reader, and it succeeds in the discomfort it aims to cause, but it felt like such a shallow addition to a very basic narrative.
Despite all of this, I was ready to give it three stars until the last 17% of the audiobook. That twist ruined everything. I want to be kind with my words. I really do. But if you want honesty, the best I can muster is that I thought it was really dumb. It’s funny because the idea of what was revealed did briefly pass through my mind earlier in the story, but considering the possibility doesn’t make it something I can accept as good storytelling. It contradicted some major plot points in the book, which made the preceding content completely absurd. Had the authors done a few things differently earlier in the book, I might have appreciated the twist a bit more, but that wouldn’t change how the final chapters all felt rather generic or, in the case of the epilogue, completely unnecessary.
I shouldn’t have watched out for this one at all, and now all I can do is sit here and pout.
I am immensely grateful to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for my copy. All opinions are my own.
December 23, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You guys!! This book was so GOOD!! I freaking loved it! Wow! I saw a few reviews for people saying they loved it, and then I came across it as an audiobook. (It’s just about 6 hours) And I wanted to at least read one Christmas themed book this season. So, I decided to give this a try. Well I am so glad I did because I loved it so much. This book was WILD! 😱
This book gave me major Saw (the movie) vibes. In short, these 6 strangers all wake up in this small deserted town , not knowing what happened. They have no idea where they are, how they got there or who put them there or why? They begin to try and find a way out, but then find themselves as prey for these pre-planned traps they keep coming across. When I tell you this book is not for the faint of heart, believe me. The death scenes in this book are so wild and very detailed. Some people may not be able to handle it. I love thrillers and it was even hard for me at times. But again, this book was so wild and I was here for every minute of it. This was a festive ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for me! I highly recommend this if you are looking for a Christmas thriller to read. Make it this one!
🔪 Bonus: I did not know, until the end of the audio, but this was co-written by one of the guys from Impractical Jokers TV show. And, it’s being made into a movie. Both of those little facts made me love this book even more, if that’s even possible. 🙌🏻🎅🏻🔪♥️ 🎄
Have you read this one yet? What were your thoughts? (If you haven’t , you need to)
This book gave me major Saw (the movie) vibes. In short, these 6 strangers all wake up in this small deserted town , not knowing what happened. They have no idea where they are, how they got there or who put them there or why? They begin to try and find a way out, but then find themselves as prey for these pre-planned traps they keep coming across. When I tell you this book is not for the faint of heart, believe me. The death scenes in this book are so wild and very detailed. Some people may not be able to handle it. I love thrillers and it was even hard for me at times. But again, this book was so wild and I was here for every minute of it. This was a festive ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for me! I highly recommend this if you are looking for a Christmas thriller to read. Make it this one!
🔪 Bonus: I did not know, until the end of the audio, but this was co-written by one of the guys from Impractical Jokers TV show. And, it’s being made into a movie. Both of those little facts made me love this book even more, if that’s even possible. 🙌🏻🎅🏻🔪♥️ 🎄
Have you read this one yet? What were your thoughts? (If you haven’t , you need to)
October 15, 2024
This was an interesting, quick, holiday thriller. I will say I loved the premise quite a bit. I was even ok with the twist, but overall I wanted this book to either be a bit more serious and realistic or to embrace the ridiculous as truly awesome, campy horror does and it fell somewhere between the two which disappointed me. The ending fell short because of this falling between. But that being said it was still interesting and quite gruesome which I did enjoy. Right before Christmas a handful of strangers wake up disoriented after being kidnapped in a fake old historical town decorated to the 9’s for Christmas. They aren’t sure why or how they got there but it becomes quickly apparent someone doesn’t plan for them to leave. As they struggle to get their bearings and try to escape they are slowly picked off one by one.
October 8, 2024
Have you ever seen that Twilight Zone episode, “Stopover in a Quiet Town”, where a couple wakes up with hangovers, stuck in a small town that turns out to be fake? The phones were fake. The food was fake. The trees were fake, and it all turned out to be a child’s game. I kept thinking about that episode (one of my favorites) while reading this; they are not at all similar stories, but the replica of the small town of Old Forge, New York, gave me the same vibe.
Jessica was out for a hike, then was attacked and knocked out. Eddie and Tank were up to no good when they were both injected with something and knocked out. Trinity was asleep in bed when a wet cloth covered her face and she was knocked out. Greg was leaving his house for a meeting when he was assaulted and knocked out, and one last man was found by the group, frozen to death (or was it the log smashed into his face that killed him?). It’s two days before Christmas, and now these six are stuck in Old Forge. Only, this isn’t the town they know - this is a deserted town, covered in dust, with facades and fakery. It’s decorated like a Norman Rockwell Christmas wonderland, but this is not a happy place…
Soon, these people realize that the town is full of traps, and that they are all there because of their past transgressions. Oh, and they are being watched. This replica of the town they know is terrifying, and they are being picked off one by one. But why, and by who? Where are they? What is the end game? Will any of them make it out alive?
This was a really fun story - I wish it was coming out closer to Christmas, the characters weren’t very developed, and I’m not sure if I liked the ending. HOWEVER, this was a highly entertaining, very quick read. It was creepy and atmospheric, while retaining its campy and Christmasy feel. 3.5 stars, rounded up!
(Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on October 15, 2024.)
Jessica was out for a hike, then was attacked and knocked out. Eddie and Tank were up to no good when they were both injected with something and knocked out. Trinity was asleep in bed when a wet cloth covered her face and she was knocked out. Greg was leaving his house for a meeting when he was assaulted and knocked out, and one last man was found by the group, frozen to death (or was it the log smashed into his face that killed him?). It’s two days before Christmas, and now these six are stuck in Old Forge. Only, this isn’t the town they know - this is a deserted town, covered in dust, with facades and fakery. It’s decorated like a Norman Rockwell Christmas wonderland, but this is not a happy place…
Soon, these people realize that the town is full of traps, and that they are all there because of their past transgressions. Oh, and they are being watched. This replica of the town they know is terrifying, and they are being picked off one by one. But why, and by who? Where are they? What is the end game? Will any of them make it out alive?
This was a really fun story - I wish it was coming out closer to Christmas, the characters weren’t very developed, and I’m not sure if I liked the ending. HOWEVER, this was a highly entertaining, very quick read. It was creepy and atmospheric, while retaining its campy and Christmasy feel. 3.5 stars, rounded up!
(Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on October 15, 2024.)
November 30, 2024
3.75 stars
A fast-paced, 'turn-off-your-brain' popcorn thriller, if you have read The Stowaway from a few years back, the same writing duo has delivered another bingeable, adrenaline-filled story with holiday-themed set pieces.
The synopsis does a decent job at keeping majority of its plot under wrap (highly recommend going into this knowing as little as possible, since it's barely longer than a novella), but if you're expecting a mystery with logical backbone, just know this novel is putting more emphasis on spectacle rather than 'making sense'. There are also a couple odd writing choices: one regarding a specific character's full name (nearly identical to a real-life individual—but why?). And the other is its epilogue, which feels unnecessarily tacked on and trying too hard to create a shared universe with the writers' other work.
Even though it does feel like I'm pointing out flaws as I'm objectively reviewing You Better Watch Out, there's no denying I was having a lot of fun while reading (the audiobook is perfectly produced): hooked me from the get-go, grossed me out by its violence, and even surprised me with its reveal. Not at all a literary masterpiece, but definitely high on entertainment value.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
A fast-paced, 'turn-off-your-brain' popcorn thriller, if you have read The Stowaway from a few years back, the same writing duo has delivered another bingeable, adrenaline-filled story with holiday-themed set pieces.
The synopsis does a decent job at keeping majority of its plot under wrap (highly recommend going into this knowing as little as possible, since it's barely longer than a novella), but if you're expecting a mystery with logical backbone, just know this novel is putting more emphasis on spectacle rather than 'making sense'. There are also a couple odd writing choices: one regarding a specific character's full name (nearly identical to a real-life individual—but why?). And the other is its epilogue, which feels unnecessarily tacked on and trying too hard to create a shared universe with the writers' other work.
Even though it does feel like I'm pointing out flaws as I'm objectively reviewing You Better Watch Out, there's no denying I was having a lot of fun while reading (the audiobook is perfectly produced): hooked me from the get-go, grossed me out by its violence, and even surprised me with its reveal. Not at all a literary masterpiece, but definitely high on entertainment value.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
December 30, 2025
✨ Rating: 4.5⭐️
🫧 Vibes: saw with christmas vibes
🎶 Song: how villains are made - madalen duke
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: really great horror story with some christmas vibes!
In the package:
📦 gore
📦 survival and paranoia
📦 fast paced
Plot: a few strangers wake up injured and confused in a deserted town just before Christmas, with no memory of how they got there. As they team up to find answers, they realize someone is controlling the town and they’ve been placed into a deadly game where survival depends on uncovering the truth before time runs out.
Thoughts: if you’re a fan of the Saw movies then READ THIS BOOK. It was so twisted and messed up, oh my goshhh. I also did not see that twist in the end 😩 they really got me! This is a short horror read set around christmas time and it was really good and fast-paced.
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: saw with christmas vibes
🎶 Song: how villains are made - madalen duke
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: really great horror story with some christmas vibes!
In the package:
📦 gore
📦 survival and paranoia
📦 fast paced
Plot: a few strangers wake up injured and confused in a deserted town just before Christmas, with no memory of how they got there. As they team up to find answers, they realize someone is controlling the town and they’ve been placed into a deadly game where survival depends on uncovering the truth before time runs out.
Thoughts: if you’re a fan of the Saw movies then READ THIS BOOK. It was so twisted and messed up, oh my goshhh. I also did not see that twist in the end 😩 they really got me! This is a short horror read set around christmas time and it was really good and fast-paced.
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
August 22, 2025
A fun little pre-Christmas stocking stuffer, James Murray/Darren Wearmouth's "You Better Watch Out" is a gory serial killer thriller that's a little bit "Saw" meets "Escape Room".
The story follows Eddie, a thief, who in the beginning of the story is about to bilk an older couple out of a wad of cash stuffed in the lady's purse. Then, before he knows it, the couple have him stuffed in the back of a van and a syringe in his neck that puts him to sleep.
He comes to in a dive bar with two other "victims", all with similar stories of being kidnapped. They find themselves in a ghost town in the middle of nowhere. Along the way, they find two other victims. Eventually, the truth dawns on them: they have each been picked because of some crime they committed in their past, and someone is hunting them. As each one succumbs to a horrible death, the survivors learn to work together, despite the fact that one of them may not be completely honest about their own past...
Murray/Wearmouth have managed to crank out another enjoyable horror novel, one that would make a fun Christmas movie onHallmark Channel Shudder...
The story follows Eddie, a thief, who in the beginning of the story is about to bilk an older couple out of a wad of cash stuffed in the lady's purse. Then, before he knows it, the couple have him stuffed in the back of a van and a syringe in his neck that puts him to sleep.
He comes to in a dive bar with two other "victims", all with similar stories of being kidnapped. They find themselves in a ghost town in the middle of nowhere. Along the way, they find two other victims. Eventually, the truth dawns on them: they have each been picked because of some crime they committed in their past, and someone is hunting them. As each one succumbs to a horrible death, the survivors learn to work together, despite the fact that one of them may not be completely honest about their own past...
Murray/Wearmouth have managed to crank out another enjoyable horror novel, one that would make a fun Christmas movie on
November 6, 2024
Chilling from the beginning! I was being a little skeptical about the story but it had a nice twist that I didn't see coming. I was genuinely curious to find out the ending which did deliver. It's a short read that takes place days before Christmas and I found it very enjoyable.
September 22, 2024
As a huge fan of locked-room mysteries, this one grabbed me right away. Jessica Kane wakes up, injured and confused, in a deserted town with five strangers who have all been attacked. Soon, they realize someone is methodically killing them off, and the tension doesn’t let up from there.
The setup is creepy, and the suspense builds beautifully. Murray and Wearmouth do a fantastic job creating an eerie atmosphere that had me hooked. The characters are well-developed, and the way secrets slowly unravel adds to the tension. When the killer’s identity and motives are revealed, I was genuinely shocked—I didn’t see that twist coming at all!
That said, I did feel like the book was a bit too short. I wanted more time with the characters and the story, especially since the setup was so intriguing. Still, it delivered exactly what I needed in a thriller: fast-paced, full of twists, and a satisfying mystery.
I listened to the audiobook, and Barrie Kreinik’s narration really enhanced the experience. She gave each character a distinct voice, making it easy to follow and keeping the tension high. I’d highly recommend the audiobook for this one!
If you’re into thrillers with dark, suspenseful vibes and love a good plot twist, this one’s for you. Just be prepared for some gruesome moments—it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a fun, gripping read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The setup is creepy, and the suspense builds beautifully. Murray and Wearmouth do a fantastic job creating an eerie atmosphere that had me hooked. The characters are well-developed, and the way secrets slowly unravel adds to the tension. When the killer’s identity and motives are revealed, I was genuinely shocked—I didn’t see that twist coming at all!
That said, I did feel like the book was a bit too short. I wanted more time with the characters and the story, especially since the setup was so intriguing. Still, it delivered exactly what I needed in a thriller: fast-paced, full of twists, and a satisfying mystery.
I listened to the audiobook, and Barrie Kreinik’s narration really enhanced the experience. She gave each character a distinct voice, making it easy to follow and keeping the tension high. I’d highly recommend the audiobook for this one!
If you’re into thrillers with dark, suspenseful vibes and love a good plot twist, this one’s for you. Just be prepared for some gruesome moments—it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a fun, gripping read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 21, 2024
The twist! I wasn’t feeling the book most of the way through to be honest. But I did not see that ending coming and it was pretty good. The characters were pretty surface level and the plot had me kind of rolling my eyes but I love a surprise ending. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review!
January 4, 2025
Super fast paced, easy book to binge read, lots of twists, and entertaining ways in which a serial killer can kill people.
I even enjoyed the cliffhanger ending and I typically don’t like those.
Looking forward to what’s next.
Be warned: this is gruesome and graphic.
I even enjoyed the cliffhanger ending and I typically don’t like those.
Looking forward to what’s next.
Be warned: this is gruesome and graphic.
December 4, 2024
This book was a Christmas nightmare, in the BEST WAY! There was murder, gore, and a serial killer, honestly what more can you ask for in a Christmas book?
I ate this book up! It was such a fast paced thriller, so deliciously gory and perfect for this time of year. I loved the back stories of the MCs and seeing how it all came together. And sitting at 230 pages, this is a quick read to help with your reading goal! This is #bookstabookclub’s pick this month and I can’t wait to discuss it with them next week!!
I ate this book up! It was such a fast paced thriller, so deliciously gory and perfect for this time of year. I loved the back stories of the MCs and seeing how it all came together. And sitting at 230 pages, this is a quick read to help with your reading goal! This is #bookstabookclub’s pick this month and I can’t wait to discuss it with them next week!!
December 14, 2024
This book is the perfect snow-dusted slasher to cozy up with during the holiday season—if you define "cozy" as watching strangers meet disturbingly creative ends. The premise feels like a festive fever dream: strangers, an abandoned town, death traps, and a killer who might just be on Santa’s permanent Naughty List.
What stood out for me was the pacing. The tension ramps up fast, with the authors keeping you guessing about who’s behind the chaos. Each death is described in such gory detail, you’d think the killer had an MFA in murder. As I read, I found myself playing detective, but also kind of morbidly rooting for the traps to outdo themselves—because if you’re going to go slasher, go all in.
It’s definitely a wild, quick read, though the story leans heavily into classic horror tropes. If you can put logic aside and enjoy the murderous ride, you’ll have fun. That said, if you’re squeamish or prefer your Christmas stories with more cheer and less sheer terror, you might want to pass.
This one’s a 3.5/5 🌟 for me.
It’s gruesome, absurdly entertaining, and perfect for fans of movies like Scream or Urban Legend. If you’re not into slasher thrills or detailed body horror, though, this book might be as appealing as last year’s fruitcake.
For everyone else—light the tree, pour some eggnog, and enjoy this bloody holiday thriller. Just… maybe don’t read it alone.
What stood out for me was the pacing. The tension ramps up fast, with the authors keeping you guessing about who’s behind the chaos. Each death is described in such gory detail, you’d think the killer had an MFA in murder. As I read, I found myself playing detective, but also kind of morbidly rooting for the traps to outdo themselves—because if you’re going to go slasher, go all in.
It’s definitely a wild, quick read, though the story leans heavily into classic horror tropes. If you can put logic aside and enjoy the murderous ride, you’ll have fun. That said, if you’re squeamish or prefer your Christmas stories with more cheer and less sheer terror, you might want to pass.
This one’s a 3.5/5 🌟 for me.
It’s gruesome, absurdly entertaining, and perfect for fans of movies like Scream or Urban Legend. If you’re not into slasher thrills or detailed body horror, though, this book might be as appealing as last year’s fruitcake.
For everyone else—light the tree, pour some eggnog, and enjoy this bloody holiday thriller. Just… maybe don’t read it alone.
December 31, 2024
Every year I try to find holiday reads that are not sweet romances to mix it up in December so when I saw the cover on this novel, I thought it would be perfect for my holiday reading list. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect with any of the characters in this story and the plot wasn’t compelling enough to pull me in and make up for what I felt was missing though in retrospect the ambiguity was purposeful.
The story follows several strangers that wake up trapped in an unknown place and have similar stories and experiences that lead them to be in this situation. They are all flawed characters with regrets and actions that they feel could make them worthy of being put in this position of judgement and potential execution by a possible serial killer. As the story progresses you get to know a few things and some mutual connections between these characters before they must fight for their lives.
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I thought that Barrie Kreinik did a fabulous job with the characters expertly portraying the suspense and thrilling horror of their situation. Barrie Kreinik has narrated several of my favorite audiobook listens.
As for the skit or whatever it was that followed the story at the end of the audiobook, I had to turn it off, it just sounded like a bunch of frat boys screaming at each other over a stupid stunt with a guy narrating a chapter of the book from the hood of a car in motion. I get that one of the authors is a comedic practical joker, but it didn’t translate well in audiobook form for me. I think I wasn’t the correct audience for this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.
The story follows several strangers that wake up trapped in an unknown place and have similar stories and experiences that lead them to be in this situation. They are all flawed characters with regrets and actions that they feel could make them worthy of being put in this position of judgement and potential execution by a possible serial killer. As the story progresses you get to know a few things and some mutual connections between these characters before they must fight for their lives.
I listened to the audiobook for this one and I thought that Barrie Kreinik did a fabulous job with the characters expertly portraying the suspense and thrilling horror of their situation. Barrie Kreinik has narrated several of my favorite audiobook listens.
As for the skit or whatever it was that followed the story at the end of the audiobook, I had to turn it off, it just sounded like a bunch of frat boys screaming at each other over a stupid stunt with a guy narrating a chapter of the book from the hood of a car in motion. I get that one of the authors is a comedic practical joker, but it didn’t translate well in audiobook form for me. I think I wasn’t the correct audience for this one.
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for a copy provided for an honest review.
November 25, 2024
It's that wonderful time of year again, and I'm spotting a lot of holiday-themed thrillers as Christmas approaches, and I just had to dive into one of them. The first book I read by these authors was a delightful surprise, and this cover is super enticing!
The story unfolds in the days leading up to Christmas, but don't expect too much holiday cheer—this book is a thrilling adventure filled with suspense and gory moments!
What I loved about this book is its unique and cleverly crafted take on a locked-room thriller. A group of characters finds themselves trapped in a deserted town, and they have no idea how they ended up there, which really ramps up the tension!
The audiobook was fantastic—so well-narrated and suspenseful! The best part? The ending was a mind-blowing shock! I had so much fun reading "You Better Watch Out," even if it wasn't overly festive. If you haven't checked out these authors yet, you're definitely missing a wild treat!
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing this gifted audiobook. All opinions are my own.
#youbetterwatchout #jamessmurray #darrenwearmouth #holidaythriller #horror #macaudio2024
The story unfolds in the days leading up to Christmas, but don't expect too much holiday cheer—this book is a thrilling adventure filled with suspense and gory moments!
What I loved about this book is its unique and cleverly crafted take on a locked-room thriller. A group of characters finds themselves trapped in a deserted town, and they have no idea how they ended up there, which really ramps up the tension!
The audiobook was fantastic—so well-narrated and suspenseful! The best part? The ending was a mind-blowing shock! I had so much fun reading "You Better Watch Out," even if it wasn't overly festive. If you haven't checked out these authors yet, you're definitely missing a wild treat!
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for providing this gifted audiobook. All opinions are my own.
#youbetterwatchout #jamessmurray #darrenwearmouth #holidaythriller #horror #macaudio2024
December 24, 2024
Saying a book is boring is not helpful for a review, but it’s true and that’s all I got. I was overwhelmingly bored. Stuff happened. Murdery stuff but I was BORED to pieces.
January 6, 2025
✨4 stars✨
Was not expecting that
Was not expecting that
November 30, 2025
2.5/5 - I think this leans more horror than thriller. Good for Saw movie fans, maybe not so much for anyone else. It was short & fast-paced but gorier than I think was necessary. The twists were good but predictable! Christmas is very minimal in this but it does take place during Christmas eve/day.
December 26, 2024
Two days before Christmas Eve, five strangers are abducted and later awaken in a deserted town. As they attempt to depart their surroundings, they soon become aware that someone has taken steps to orchestrate their deaths and ensure that none of them live to see Christmas.
You Better Watch Out is a tense holiday-themed thriller that draws you in with the initial mystery and maintains your attention with a slightly sympathetic main character who encounters more-and-more creative methods of execution as they struggle to escape their unknown captor.
With similarities to Saw-in both motive and execution-You Better Watch Out portrays the desperation of complicated individuals fighting to survive and the horror of grisly traps that ensure otherwise. You may never look at a carousel the same way ever again.
Although the conclusion was foreshadowed strongly enough to not be surprising, I still found myself with a tiny bit of hope that the things might work out differently. The narration by Barrie Kronos was also great: the characters felt distinct and the narrator gave a wonderful performance of how uncertain and frightening such an unusual situation would be.
I also appreciated the interview with both authors at the end of the novel, as it provided some interesting information.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for providing access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You Better Watch Out is a tense holiday-themed thriller that draws you in with the initial mystery and maintains your attention with a slightly sympathetic main character who encounters more-and-more creative methods of execution as they struggle to escape their unknown captor.
With similarities to Saw-in both motive and execution-You Better Watch Out portrays the desperation of complicated individuals fighting to survive and the horror of grisly traps that ensure otherwise. You may never look at a carousel the same way ever again.
Although the conclusion was foreshadowed strongly enough to not be surprising, I still found myself with a tiny bit of hope that the things might work out differently. The narration by Barrie Kronos was also great: the characters felt distinct and the narrator gave a wonderful performance of how uncertain and frightening such an unusual situation would be.
I also appreciated the interview with both authors at the end of the novel, as it provided some interesting information.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin’s Press for providing access to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2024
This book had me presently surprised. I went in blind and wasn't disappointed. This story took me on a thrilling ride. I found each character fascinating and wondering their backstories. This book was gory and suspenseful. The plot twist had me shook! I actually really liked the ending.
If you're looking for a holiday horror thriller then this is for you!
Thank you Macmillan audio for the gifted listener's copy.
If you're looking for a holiday horror thriller then this is for you!
Thank you Macmillan audio for the gifted listener's copy.
October 28, 2024
This right here was a fun time!
September 30, 2024
Check out my full thoughts on this book and more here: booktube reviews :)
Title: You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth
Publication Date- 10/15/24
Publisher- St. Martins Press
Overall Rating- New Favorite
Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review: OMG this was so good. This is such a unique and creative take on the survival horror/ thriller genre. If you like the SAW franchise I think you would enjoy this, though it is much less gorey. Speaking of which, the kills in this book are interesting and creative (I know such a crazy thing to say). Because this book takes place right before Christmas, the town that the group is stranded in has Christmas decorations up and let me tell yall, that really added the creep factor.
In You Better Watch Out, we get to know a cast of characters that have all done something wrong, shameful, or an action to cause guilt. I found fascination in each character and enjoyed hearing their stories while watching them survive this f’d up game.
The pacing is on point. It moves quickly but not too fast such that you don’t get to know and understand the characters. I literally don’t have a complaint about this book. I was going to give it 5 stars until the ending made me gasp out loud, not joking. Please go read this book, it’s so fucking good.
Title: You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth
Publication Date- 10/15/24
Publisher- St. Martins Press
Overall Rating- New Favorite
Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Review: OMG this was so good. This is such a unique and creative take on the survival horror/ thriller genre. If you like the SAW franchise I think you would enjoy this, though it is much less gorey. Speaking of which, the kills in this book are interesting and creative (I know such a crazy thing to say). Because this book takes place right before Christmas, the town that the group is stranded in has Christmas decorations up and let me tell yall, that really added the creep factor.
In You Better Watch Out, we get to know a cast of characters that have all done something wrong, shameful, or an action to cause guilt. I found fascination in each character and enjoyed hearing their stories while watching them survive this f’d up game.
The pacing is on point. It moves quickly but not too fast such that you don’t get to know and understand the characters. I literally don’t have a complaint about this book. I was going to give it 5 stars until the ending made me gasp out loud, not joking. Please go read this book, it’s so fucking good.
December 30, 2024
This story has left me wanting more!! That twist, wow, best twist of the year, maybe decade!
I did not see it coming!! Definitely one of the best twists of 2024!
The plot building is superb. The entire story is superb! Phenomenal! The characters are amazing! One of the best thrillers I’ve read!
Fabulous story and I highly recommend the audible too!
Incredible buddy read!!!
🔥🔥READ IT🔥🔥
I did not see it coming!! Definitely one of the best twists of 2024!
The plot building is superb. The entire story is superb! Phenomenal! The characters are amazing! One of the best thrillers I’ve read!
Fabulous story and I highly recommend the audible too!
Incredible buddy read!!!
🔥🔥READ IT🔥🔥
September 14, 2024
You Better Watch Out (audio)
4.5⭐️
While this takes place around Christmas it makes a great Halloween slasher read. Multiple people find themselves waking up in a strange faux town. The whole town is one giant escape room type of game, except there is no escaping and there are gruesome deaths along the way.
This was short book and was easy to finish within a day. Overall I liked the narration, but at times the ends of sentences would get real quiet. I understood the acting choice, but it just made it difficult to catch the endings at times.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date Oct 15 2024
4.5⭐️
While this takes place around Christmas it makes a great Halloween slasher read. Multiple people find themselves waking up in a strange faux town. The whole town is one giant escape room type of game, except there is no escaping and there are gruesome deaths along the way.
This was short book and was easy to finish within a day. Overall I liked the narration, but at times the ends of sentences would get real quiet. I understood the acting choice, but it just made it difficult to catch the endings at times.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this audio ARC. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
Pub Date Oct 15 2024
October 9, 2024
“You better watch out” is a brutally savage Christmas horror / thriller. A group of strangers are kidnapped seemingly at random and wake up to find themselves trapped in an abandoned town.
A case of “one by one” murder mystery occurs as they each fall prey to grizzly deaths as the remaining members race to find their escape.
This was a fast paced quick read that I really enjoyed! I was rooting for the main character despite his shady past.
I did wish for a different ending however the epilogue gave me some reprieve! I recommend this read for anyone that can stomach gruesome deaths!
Thank you to St Martin’s Press, James S Murray, Darren Wearmouth and NetGalley for the EARC.
Publish date: October 15th 2025
A case of “one by one” murder mystery occurs as they each fall prey to grizzly deaths as the remaining members race to find their escape.
This was a fast paced quick read that I really enjoyed! I was rooting for the main character despite his shady past.
I did wish for a different ending however the epilogue gave me some reprieve! I recommend this read for anyone that can stomach gruesome deaths!
Thank you to St Martin’s Press, James S Murray, Darren Wearmouth and NetGalley for the EARC.
Publish date: October 15th 2025
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,660 reviews