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Question Not My Salt
Come for Thanksgiving Dinner. Stay for the Feast.
Sierra's first American Thanksgiving promises to be unforgettable when her college roommate, Zoe, invites her to the Samuels family feast. But as the ten-hour banquet unfolds, it becomes clear this is no ordinary holiday gathering.
With everyone bound by a chilling rule—eat and drink exactly as served, and enjoy it, or face dire consequences—the traditional celebration quickly takes a dark and macabre turn. Will Sierra survive the Samuels' sinister hospitality or become part of a feast far more horrifying than she could have ever imagined?
Question Not My Salt is a gripping tale blending the terror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the culinary horror of Hannibal and The Menu.
Sierra's first American Thanksgiving promises to be unforgettable when her college roommate, Zoe, invites her to the Samuels family feast. But as the ten-hour banquet unfolds, it becomes clear this is no ordinary holiday gathering.
With everyone bound by a chilling rule—eat and drink exactly as served, and enjoy it, or face dire consequences—the traditional celebration quickly takes a dark and macabre turn. Will Sierra survive the Samuels' sinister hospitality or become part of a feast far more horrifying than she could have ever imagined?
Question Not My Salt is a gripping tale blending the terror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the culinary horror of Hannibal and The Menu.
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 16, 2024
12 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Amanda M. Blake
35 books15 followersAmanda M. Blake is a cat-loving daydreamer who enjoys geekery of all sorts, from superheroes to horror movies, urban fantasy to unconventional romance. Born and raised in Texas, Blake attended Trinity University in San Antonio and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English.
Amid dipping tentacles into the sea of gothic and horror short stories and poetry, Blake is also the author of horror novels QUESTION NOT MY SALT and OUT OF CURIOSITY AND HUNGER and the fairy tale mash-up Thorns series.
Extreme horror novel IN THE DOLLHOUSE WE ALL WAIT comes out 2026 through Crystal Lake's Torrid Waters imprint, and alt-historical plague novel MASQUE releases in 2027 through Quill & Crow. For more, visit amandamblake.com.
Amid dipping tentacles into the sea of gothic and horror short stories and poetry, Blake is also the author of horror novels QUESTION NOT MY SALT and OUT OF CURIOSITY AND HUNGER and the fairy tale mash-up Thorns series.
Extreme horror novel IN THE DOLLHOUSE WE ALL WAIT comes out 2026 through Crystal Lake's Torrid Waters imprint, and alt-historical plague novel MASQUE releases in 2027 through Quill & Crow. For more, visit amandamblake.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 24, 2024
QUESTION NOT MY SALT [2023] By Amanda M. Blake
My Review 5.0 Stars Out Of 5
This novel was a Group Reads: Author Invite Selection courtesy of Horror Aficionados the month of March. It was written by fresh new talent Amanda M. Blake. The innocent sounding theme of her bloodcurdling horror novel was “Come for Thanksgiving Dinner. Stay for the Feast”.
Our protagonist is Sierra, a backward Canadian college student who had tired of her family’s tortuous Holiday get togethers, and also wanted to see and experience a different part of the country.
Sierra's only real friend at college is her college roommate Zoe, who amazingly seems to get along with all of her fellow students and faculty. She is pleased and surprised when Zoe invites her to her own family’s festive and extravagant Thanksgiving Holiday celebration.
An American Thanksgiving Dinner would likely have been memorable enough but Zoe’s invitation promises to be unforgettable. She has invited Sierra to be a part of the Samuels family feast this year. She is frankly told little about the conventions of the marathon banquet. Being told that it is a ten-hour banquet is sobering enough, but that is probably the most innocuous fact about the holiday tradition at the Samuels residence.
The “Teaser Description” has revealed as much as this book review thus far, and frankly the snippet about what Sierra has inadvertently signed up for may be all you need to know when you turn that first page.
“With everyone bound by a chilling rule—eat and drink exactly as served, and enjoy it, or face dire consequences—the traditional celebration quickly takes a dark and macabre turn. Will Sierra survive the Samuels' sinister hospitality or become part of a feast far more horrifying than she could have ever imagined?””
“Question Not My Salt” has been called a gripping tale blending the terror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the culinary horror of Hannibal and The Menu.” It does take place in Texas, but I am not sure about Travis County. In my opinion it has more “Hannibal” and only a modicum of Leatherface vibes.
But one thing is for sure. Amanda M. Blake is a talented writer, and she has a morbid sense of humor I loved, and this book is REALLY a home run. LOVED IT. Really well written, perfectly paced, first person POV creates a sense of immediacy and escalating sense of tension. This author delivers the goods. There is no famine when it comes to fear and full-blown terror.
EXTREME HORROR WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE THANKSGIVING DAY FEAST WITH YOUR OWN NAME ON THE FOOD MENU
My Review 5.0 Stars Out Of 5
This novel was a Group Reads: Author Invite Selection courtesy of Horror Aficionados the month of March. It was written by fresh new talent Amanda M. Blake. The innocent sounding theme of her bloodcurdling horror novel was “Come for Thanksgiving Dinner. Stay for the Feast”.
Our protagonist is Sierra, a backward Canadian college student who had tired of her family’s tortuous Holiday get togethers, and also wanted to see and experience a different part of the country.
Sierra's only real friend at college is her college roommate Zoe, who amazingly seems to get along with all of her fellow students and faculty. She is pleased and surprised when Zoe invites her to her own family’s festive and extravagant Thanksgiving Holiday celebration.
An American Thanksgiving Dinner would likely have been memorable enough but Zoe’s invitation promises to be unforgettable. She has invited Sierra to be a part of the Samuels family feast this year. She is frankly told little about the conventions of the marathon banquet. Being told that it is a ten-hour banquet is sobering enough, but that is probably the most innocuous fact about the holiday tradition at the Samuels residence.
The “Teaser Description” has revealed as much as this book review thus far, and frankly the snippet about what Sierra has inadvertently signed up for may be all you need to know when you turn that first page.
“With everyone bound by a chilling rule—eat and drink exactly as served, and enjoy it, or face dire consequences—the traditional celebration quickly takes a dark and macabre turn. Will Sierra survive the Samuels' sinister hospitality or become part of a feast far more horrifying than she could have ever imagined?””
“Question Not My Salt” has been called a gripping tale blending the terror of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the culinary horror of Hannibal and The Menu.” It does take place in Texas, but I am not sure about Travis County. In my opinion it has more “Hannibal” and only a modicum of Leatherface vibes.
But one thing is for sure. Amanda M. Blake is a talented writer, and she has a morbid sense of humor I loved, and this book is REALLY a home run. LOVED IT. Really well written, perfectly paced, first person POV creates a sense of immediacy and escalating sense of tension. This author delivers the goods. There is no famine when it comes to fear and full-blown terror.
EXTREME HORROR WITH AN UNFORGETTABLE THANKSGIVING DAY FEAST WITH YOUR OWN NAME ON THE FOOD MENU
December 6, 2025
This was a story about the most disgusting Thanksgiving meal ever. I loved it!
I had no idea what to expect as I picked this up at the recommendation of a few Horror Aficionado group members. I know I can trust my horror peeps! (You should check out our group here on Goodreads if you enjoy horror.) They had a group read there with the author a few years back, so I went back to that discussion to see what she had to say about the writing of this novella.
I'm not going to say anything else regarding the plot. I do suggest potential readers check out the trigger warnings at the front of the book. At first, from those warnings I thought perhaps this book would be too much for me. But once I started reading I was hooked, so I held on tight throught this horrible/repulsive holiday dinner, and I'm glad I did!
Highly recommended for lovers of the horror genre!
*Book source: purchased
I had no idea what to expect as I picked this up at the recommendation of a few Horror Aficionado group members. I know I can trust my horror peeps! (You should check out our group here on Goodreads if you enjoy horror.) They had a group read there with the author a few years back, so I went back to that discussion to see what she had to say about the writing of this novella.
I'm not going to say anything else regarding the plot. I do suggest potential readers check out the trigger warnings at the front of the book. At first, from those warnings I thought perhaps this book would be too much for me. But once I started reading I was hooked, so I held on tight throught this horrible/repulsive holiday dinner, and I'm glad I did!
Highly recommended for lovers of the horror genre!
*Book source: purchased
January 14, 2024
I received a ARC copy of this book from the publisher. I was not prepared. I read the synopsis, yet, I was NOT prepared!
This book is like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets Hannibal Lector on an episode of Master Chef.
Our protagonist is a college freshman from Canada who's invited to her first American Thanksgiving dinner by her roommate and best friend. Welcomed with open arms, things are just a bit off at first. The dinner will take several hours, pairing various homemade courses with different wines. There are rules to this family's Thanksgiving tradition. You must eat and drink everything presented to you, as is. You can't complain. And you're not allowed to leave until the feast ends at midnight.
It doesn't take long for weirdness to turn into outright horror though. I won't be providing details because that's a "pleasure" you need to read about for yourself. Let's just say that things are going to get very dark, very disturbing, and very perverse and twisted.
Rules are rules, after all, and any attempt to disobey will be met with pain and bloodshed. As our protagonist realizes that escape is impossible, she's forced to partake in things that will give you a full body goosebump.
The body horror in this story is disgusting, gruesome, and nasty...in the best possible horror way. You might have a hard time digesting what you've read (see what I did there?).
As I said, I was not prepared and you shouldn't be either. This is a book where the less you know, the better. I highly recommend it.
This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion. Thank you to Crystal Lake Publishing for the ARC.
This book is like the Texas Chainsaw Massacre meets Hannibal Lector on an episode of Master Chef.
Our protagonist is a college freshman from Canada who's invited to her first American Thanksgiving dinner by her roommate and best friend. Welcomed with open arms, things are just a bit off at first. The dinner will take several hours, pairing various homemade courses with different wines. There are rules to this family's Thanksgiving tradition. You must eat and drink everything presented to you, as is. You can't complain. And you're not allowed to leave until the feast ends at midnight.
It doesn't take long for weirdness to turn into outright horror though. I won't be providing details because that's a "pleasure" you need to read about for yourself. Let's just say that things are going to get very dark, very disturbing, and very perverse and twisted.
Rules are rules, after all, and any attempt to disobey will be met with pain and bloodshed. As our protagonist realizes that escape is impossible, she's forced to partake in things that will give you a full body goosebump.
The body horror in this story is disgusting, gruesome, and nasty...in the best possible horror way. You might have a hard time digesting what you've read (see what I did there?).
As I said, I was not prepared and you shouldn't be either. This is a book where the less you know, the better. I highly recommend it.
This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion. Thank you to Crystal Lake Publishing for the ARC.
March 11, 2024
Horrifying
This horrific and disgusting story is so beautifully written! It’s a real page turner you can devour in a day. There is so much going on in this claustrophobic novella! And we’re left with a very satisfying ending. I’ll definitely read more from this author!
This horrific and disgusting story is so beautifully written! It’s a real page turner you can devour in a day. There is so much going on in this claustrophobic novella! And we’re left with a very satisfying ending. I’ll definitely read more from this author!
November 23, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
"She looks up at Mother, around at the table, pleading silently for someone to stand for her, as she stood for us. But we know Mother's rules."
This was my first ever Thanksgiving horror book, and until recently I didn’t even know this niche subgenre existed. The moment I did, I knew I needed to squeeze in as many as I could before the holiday. And this one did not disappoint. Quite the opposite actually. I’m genuinely blown away by how much I loved this little horrifying story.
The writing is absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite lines: "Like Mother, Father is all smiles and sun-spotted skin. They are warm in their crow's feet and crackling-hearth voices." Blake has a gift for making something feel comforting and unsettling at the same time, like you’ve stepped into a home that looks inviting until you notice the doors lock from the outside.
The story opens with every introvert’s nightmare: being invited to your roommate’s family Thanksgiving. The entire family is there, plus friends and other guests, everyone performing politeness and forcing small talk. That quiet, anxious tension builds… and then the meal begins. From there, things go downhill fast.
I won’t spoil anything, so I’ll just say this: never, EVER question Mother’s salt.
This novella is everything seasonal horror should be: claustrophobic, ritualistic, bloody, and full of dread that creeps under your skin. Horror lovers need this one on their radar, especially those who enjoy their holiday stories drenched in atmosphere and carnage. I will never look at Thanksgiving the same way again.
"She looks up at Mother, around at the table, pleading silently for someone to stand for her, as she stood for us. But we know Mother's rules."
This was my first ever Thanksgiving horror book, and until recently I didn’t even know this niche subgenre existed. The moment I did, I knew I needed to squeeze in as many as I could before the holiday. And this one did not disappoint. Quite the opposite actually. I’m genuinely blown away by how much I loved this little horrifying story.
The writing is absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite lines: "Like Mother, Father is all smiles and sun-spotted skin. They are warm in their crow's feet and crackling-hearth voices." Blake has a gift for making something feel comforting and unsettling at the same time, like you’ve stepped into a home that looks inviting until you notice the doors lock from the outside.
The story opens with every introvert’s nightmare: being invited to your roommate’s family Thanksgiving. The entire family is there, plus friends and other guests, everyone performing politeness and forcing small talk. That quiet, anxious tension builds… and then the meal begins. From there, things go downhill fast.
I won’t spoil anything, so I’ll just say this: never, EVER question Mother’s salt.
This novella is everything seasonal horror should be: claustrophobic, ritualistic, bloody, and full of dread that creeps under your skin. Horror lovers need this one on their radar, especially those who enjoy their holiday stories drenched in atmosphere and carnage. I will never look at Thanksgiving the same way again.
March 11, 2024
Having read the blurb I still wasn’t entirely prepared for this book. Honestly I loved this. It’s fucking bananas. Just read it. It’s fast, it’s fucked, it’s great.
February 17, 2024
This is HORROR, not a cookbook! 😆 Imagine you’re a Canadian who goes to college in the US, is roomed with someone you become friends with who invite you to their home for Thanksgiving… and things go… awry. Do NOT piss off Mother. Do not ask for salt and for goodness sake, spit in that wine glass and pass it already. I absolutely loved this read, which had my hands to my face a couple times at some of the disturbing content. My horror heart is full… but thankfully my stomach is not.
Full review to come in Cemetery Dance. ✍🏻
Full review to come in Cemetery Dance. ✍🏻
March 31, 2024
I LOVED this book. I wish I could have read it in one sitting but I started it at bedtime and that only allowed an hour before I just could not keep my eyes open any longer.
The writing was engaging, the storyline innovative and the ending was all I could ask for.
I was not disappointed in the least and was thrilled beyond belief to finally read a truly inventive well written book. You must like horror, really like it, and if you do, check this out!
The writing was engaging, the storyline innovative and the ending was all I could ask for.
I was not disappointed in the least and was thrilled beyond belief to finally read a truly inventive well written book. You must like horror, really like it, and if you do, check this out!
November 28, 2024
Uncomfortable, disturbing, and emotionally brilliant
"you will not question my love, you will not question my spice, and you will not question my salt."
Yeah, your family can be weird, quirky and embarrassing at times, but you don't know how good you've got it.
What starts off as just odd quickly turns to queasy and to horrifying. This book is perfect if you like stories that make you uneasy, the kind of stories that make you cringe and quiver from revulsion, but also the type of story that makes you want to hug the main character and assure her that everything will be all right (even when you know it won't).
I'll admit, I was close to tears at the end. No matter what happened, Sierra fought for what she knew to be right.
I need to go find everything else Amanda M. Blake has written
"you will not question my love, you will not question my spice, and you will not question my salt."
Yeah, your family can be weird, quirky and embarrassing at times, but you don't know how good you've got it.
What starts off as just odd quickly turns to queasy and to horrifying. This book is perfect if you like stories that make you uneasy, the kind of stories that make you cringe and quiver from revulsion, but also the type of story that makes you want to hug the main character and assure her that everything will be all right (even when you know it won't).
I'll admit, I was close to tears at the end. No matter what happened, Sierra fought for what she knew to be right.
I need to go find everything else Amanda M. Blake has written
May 27, 2024
WOW!!! I could not put this book down. Unconventional, horrific, yet also totally plausible in a psychotic, gory, disturbing way. How far would you let things go in order to maintain status quo in a party setting? This book is not for anyone who doesn’t love some reallllllllllly good gore. Like; a lot of it. The scenario is so well done, it just flows and I was on the edge of my seat the entire reading. Question Not My Salt goes straight to the top of my all time favorites books! Bravo!
March 4, 2024
Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I wasn’t prepared. All I can say is expect the unexpected. And yes, I read the synopsis and that did NOT prepare me for what I just read.
February 2, 2024
This story was so much fun!
It's a gruesome story, full of fear and messy goodness.
I love the change in a traditional Thanksgiving style family meal. Question Not My Salt is a bloody-fantastic story for the holiday.
You gotta put this book on your tbr. Especially if it's around Thanksgiving.
It's a gruesome story, full of fear and messy goodness.
I love the change in a traditional Thanksgiving style family meal. Question Not My Salt is a bloody-fantastic story for the holiday.
You gotta put this book on your tbr. Especially if it's around Thanksgiving.
October 2, 2024
This book is an excellent example of extreme horror featuring body horror, and folks who are fans of that branch of the genre will find a lot to love. The tension builds, the story is well-paced, and the narrator is sympathetic. It’s atmospheric and suspenseful and pulls no punches at all.
This particular brand of horror isn’t really my thing, and it was almost too much for me at times, so if you’re diving in, know what your limits are and take the content warnings very seriously. But, again, if extreme horror is your jam, this book is absolutely for you.
This particular brand of horror isn’t really my thing, and it was almost too much for me at times, so if you’re diving in, know what your limits are and take the content warnings very seriously. But, again, if extreme horror is your jam, this book is absolutely for you.
December 1, 2024
Don’t read this book before your Thanksgiving dinner!
I do not recommend reading this book before you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t think I will ever look at ham the same way ever again! When I read that, in this story, “you eat what you get served,” I thought it meant actual food and not a severed body part or your own puke. I never knew food horror existed until I read this book. Readers of this book should have a strong stomach, because Mother is about to treat them to the most unusual kind of Thanksgiving feast that they will never forget!
I do not recommend reading this book before you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner. I don’t think I will ever look at ham the same way ever again! When I read that, in this story, “you eat what you get served,” I thought it meant actual food and not a severed body part or your own puke. I never knew food horror existed until I read this book. Readers of this book should have a strong stomach, because Mother is about to treat them to the most unusual kind of Thanksgiving feast that they will never forget!
July 2, 2025
Welp, can't remember the last time the book made me gag so much, but I kinda liked it??? Also, love the title.
November 17, 2024
3.5 stars
Very gross, very strange. I think this is the first book that has ever made me physically cringe. A perfectly horrible book to read right before the holidays 🥐🍷🍽️🧂
Very gross, very strange. I think this is the first book that has ever made me physically cringe. A perfectly horrible book to read right before the holidays 🥐🍷🍽️🧂
January 17, 2026
This was absolutely insane. No notes. 10/10
October 26, 2024
holy moly… if body horror is your thing, you’ll probably give this 5⭐️ , but jfc there are some grisly scenes in this book
September 7, 2024
Obscenely disturbing but kinda fun !
June 12, 2024
.......what did I just read!
March 20, 2025
I'm most thankful to come to the end of this read so I don't have to picture any more of those unappetizing scenes. I'm sure I will be though for months to come, oh god and thanksgiving. I really enjoyed how this book finished. Honestly, cannibalism is whatever, but a communal swapping of wine spit... that's too far!
November 15, 2025
OMG..I hate to start a review that way. But I feel like it is appropriate..
The love that I feel for this novella is strange to describe given the content of this story. I do, nevertheless, love it. Without spoiling the story, I can say that you should be prepared for a WILD ride. Please read the trigger warnings as they are all relevant. The story pulls you in before you even have time to prepare yourself fully. The cozy atmosphere and homey vibes distract you from the impending doom. And trust me when I say, the horrors await. I loved the sprinkling of dark humor throughout, especially the character Zoe. The author makes you fall in love with the thought of spending Thanksgiving with her and her darling family, only to shatter all expectations before you can blink. The ending is satisfying and I am going to be thinking about this every Thanksgiving now! Thank you for this fun, disgusting, horrifying ride!
The love that I feel for this novella is strange to describe given the content of this story. I do, nevertheless, love it. Without spoiling the story, I can say that you should be prepared for a WILD ride. Please read the trigger warnings as they are all relevant. The story pulls you in before you even have time to prepare yourself fully. The cozy atmosphere and homey vibes distract you from the impending doom. And trust me when I say, the horrors await. I loved the sprinkling of dark humor throughout, especially the character Zoe. The author makes you fall in love with the thought of spending Thanksgiving with her and her darling family, only to shatter all expectations before you can blink. The ending is satisfying and I am going to be thinking about this every Thanksgiving now! Thank you for this fun, disgusting, horrifying ride!
February 1, 2026
Hate Holday Get Togethers? This is worse.
So, I absolutely hate family gatherings, but nothing could prepare me for the unhinged insanity on display in this book. Not only was the soup unseasoned, but there was no butter for the rolls! What kind of deviant does such things?!
Also, what kind of window-licking, godless heathen serves Jello shots on Thanksgiving?! That almost made this unreadable for me. The sheer audacity of alcoholic gelatin on the most American of holidays.
But, I finally managed to push through and finish this incredibly entertaining book. It really is unhinged and filled to the brim with debauchery. It also made me promise myself to never agree to go to dinner with anybody's family ever again.
5.50 out of 5 severed thumbs-up (its my scale, dammit, and this deserved more than 5)
So, I absolutely hate family gatherings, but nothing could prepare me for the unhinged insanity on display in this book. Not only was the soup unseasoned, but there was no butter for the rolls! What kind of deviant does such things?!
Also, what kind of window-licking, godless heathen serves Jello shots on Thanksgiving?! That almost made this unreadable for me. The sheer audacity of alcoholic gelatin on the most American of holidays.
But, I finally managed to push through and finish this incredibly entertaining book. It really is unhinged and filled to the brim with debauchery. It also made me promise myself to never agree to go to dinner with anybody's family ever again.
5.50 out of 5 severed thumbs-up (its my scale, dammit, and this deserved more than 5)
March 24, 2025
Thanksgiving will never be the same
Thanksgiving goes extreme. Sierra gets invited to Thanksgiving with her college roommate's family. Unfortunately, that family makes the family from Texas Chainsaw Massacre look normal. If you like extreme, there is plenty of it here. I liked the Sierra character, and how she tried to handle an insane situation, but not sure I could handle another holiday with the Samuels clan.
Thanksgiving goes extreme. Sierra gets invited to Thanksgiving with her college roommate's family. Unfortunately, that family makes the family from Texas Chainsaw Massacre look normal. If you like extreme, there is plenty of it here. I liked the Sierra character, and how she tried to handle an insane situation, but not sure I could handle another holiday with the Samuels clan.
November 27, 2025
This went from mildly weird and unsettling, to horrifying, gross, and intense. I never want to visit anyone's family for Thanksgiving. 😱🤢
March 12, 2024
I guess I can thank this book for teaching me that extreme horror is not my thing.
I think the story was lacking substance. It felt like gore for the sake of gore. What were the characters’ motivations? What is this book supposed to teach us? Where is the protagonist growth? Maybe splatter punk isn’t supposed to answer any of those questions - I am by no means an expert in the genre. But I didn’t get anything from this except nausea and unease.
I think the story was lacking substance. It felt like gore for the sake of gore. What were the characters’ motivations? What is this book supposed to teach us? Where is the protagonist growth? Maybe splatter punk isn’t supposed to answer any of those questions - I am by no means an expert in the genre. But I didn’t get anything from this except nausea and unease.
April 21, 2025
A brilliant story of the darkest human desires dripping in gravy and grease.
Question Not My Salt is the story of a young college student, Sierra, who accepts an invitation from her roommate to a family Thanksgiving dinner.
What initially appears to be an over the top feast quickly turns into a disturbing situation.
I loved how hints of what was really going on were initially sprinkled in, capturing my curiosity. As the story processes, the horror increases, to the point where there was no way in hell anyone could pry the book from my hands.
The way that Sierra responds to the escalating situation is endearing. I found myself experiencing the events as if I was there. We get to see an unexpected side to her, both shocking and exciting.
When I first picked this book up, I wasn't sure. Its unique appearance stretched my expectations, and the single long chapter seemed daunting. It took very little time for me to be completely captivated.
I would love to read more by this author.
Question Not My Salt is the story of a young college student, Sierra, who accepts an invitation from her roommate to a family Thanksgiving dinner.
What initially appears to be an over the top feast quickly turns into a disturbing situation.
I loved how hints of what was really going on were initially sprinkled in, capturing my curiosity. As the story processes, the horror increases, to the point where there was no way in hell anyone could pry the book from my hands.
The way that Sierra responds to the escalating situation is endearing. I found myself experiencing the events as if I was there. We get to see an unexpected side to her, both shocking and exciting.
When I first picked this book up, I wasn't sure. Its unique appearance stretched my expectations, and the single long chapter seemed daunting. It took very little time for me to be completely captivated.
I would love to read more by this author.
December 19, 2025
Question Not My Salt is a Thanksgiving horror story with teeth. Sierra is a Canadian college student travels to her American roommate’s family home to celebrate her first Thanksgiving. All good until dinner begins and Sierra learns about this family’s very particular holiday traditions.
This book was terrifying, disturbing, gross, and filled to the brim with twists and turns. The latter half was a thrill ride and reading it felt like an adrenaline rush, I stayed up all night to finish it. The story is a blend of the darkly comedic culinary horror of The Menu with the overbearing “too close for comfort” family from Now You’re One of Us. I was breathless by the last page and I still think about the book months after reading it.
I strongly recommend it for readers looking for some holiday horror, and especially for fans of splatterpunk stories that don’t pull any punches. This is one of the few Thanksgiving horror stories out there but it’s a good read any time during the end of the year holiday season.
This book was terrifying, disturbing, gross, and filled to the brim with twists and turns. The latter half was a thrill ride and reading it felt like an adrenaline rush, I stayed up all night to finish it. The story is a blend of the darkly comedic culinary horror of The Menu with the overbearing “too close for comfort” family from Now You’re One of Us. I was breathless by the last page and I still think about the book months after reading it.
I strongly recommend it for readers looking for some holiday horror, and especially for fans of splatterpunk stories that don’t pull any punches. This is one of the few Thanksgiving horror stories out there but it’s a good read any time during the end of the year holiday season.
June 29, 2024
Eeek, creepy horror! Good book for fall/Thanksgiving time
November 28, 2024
If your Thanksgiving plans include a few free hours for reading, I strongly recommend this book. The official summary describing it as a combination of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Hannibal, and The Menu is pretty accurate. The tension and suspense really had me on the edge of my seat. I like Sierra, the main character, a lot. The author really focuses in on her narration and experience, which made it feel a little more thoughtful than the average extreme horror novel.
Main Content Warning:
Main Content Warning:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews