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The Shriek-A-Rama Spook Show Experience: A Retro Horror Novella
There's a movie marathon happening at the Miller Cinema. Everyone is there, including young Georgie Prince.
Georgie is a horror fan, and he's excited to see some flicks he's never heard of.
He doesn't realize that there is something wrong with the movies.
It was an old tradition. A mix of cinema and stage show, where actors playing monsters leapt out of the screen and rampaged through the audience. The only problem is that this time ... they aren't acting!
Something is turning performers and employees into living, bloodthirsty nightmares!
It's THE SHRIEK-A-RAMA SPOOK SHOW EXPERIENCE ... and no one is safe!
SEE the shockingly resurrected mummy!
WITNESS the mauling teeth of the mad gorilla!
Be SEDUCED by the tempting wife of Dracula!
FEAR the unending chaos ... at the MILLER CINEMA!
Combining old-fashioned chills with modern characters, THE SHRIEK-A-RAMA SPOOK SHOW EXPERIENCE is one of Judith Sonnet's more fun and lighthearted creations! If you grew up watching retro movies, this book is going to drag you--kicking and screaming!--back to the good ol' days! From the co-author of NO ONE RIDES FOR FREE (ABSOLUTE CHAOS), and the writer behind BEAST OF BURDEN, LOW BLASPHEMY, and THE CLOWN HUNT!
"Packed with interesting references to fun old horror flicks -- even Edwige Fenech from many giallo films gets in there -- Shriek-A-Rama is a fast-paced, creepy ride with a host of interesting characters -- and victims. And a "socko" ending! Judith Sonnet fans will love it!" -William Schoell, author of Saurian.
"The Shriek-A-Rama Spook Show Experience reads like a love letter to the golden age of kitschy horror cinema. I absolutely loved it!" -Robert Essig, author of Baby Fights.
"Shriek-A-Rama is a full-throttle blast of nostalgia perfect for horror fans. I haven't had this much fun with a novel in a long time!" -Duncan Ralston, author of WOOM.
Georgie is a horror fan, and he's excited to see some flicks he's never heard of.
He doesn't realize that there is something wrong with the movies.
It was an old tradition. A mix of cinema and stage show, where actors playing monsters leapt out of the screen and rampaged through the audience. The only problem is that this time ... they aren't acting!
Something is turning performers and employees into living, bloodthirsty nightmares!
It's THE SHRIEK-A-RAMA SPOOK SHOW EXPERIENCE ... and no one is safe!
SEE the shockingly resurrected mummy!
WITNESS the mauling teeth of the mad gorilla!
Be SEDUCED by the tempting wife of Dracula!
FEAR the unending chaos ... at the MILLER CINEMA!
Combining old-fashioned chills with modern characters, THE SHRIEK-A-RAMA SPOOK SHOW EXPERIENCE is one of Judith Sonnet's more fun and lighthearted creations! If you grew up watching retro movies, this book is going to drag you--kicking and screaming!--back to the good ol' days! From the co-author of NO ONE RIDES FOR FREE (ABSOLUTE CHAOS), and the writer behind BEAST OF BURDEN, LOW BLASPHEMY, and THE CLOWN HUNT!
"Packed with interesting references to fun old horror flicks -- even Edwige Fenech from many giallo films gets in there -- Shriek-A-Rama is a fast-paced, creepy ride with a host of interesting characters -- and victims. And a "socko" ending! Judith Sonnet fans will love it!" -William Schoell, author of Saurian.
"The Shriek-A-Rama Spook Show Experience reads like a love letter to the golden age of kitschy horror cinema. I absolutely loved it!" -Robert Essig, author of Baby Fights.
"Shriek-A-Rama is a full-throttle blast of nostalgia perfect for horror fans. I haven't had this much fun with a novel in a long time!" -Duncan Ralston, author of WOOM.
- GenresHorror
152 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2024
4 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Judith Sonnet
89 books1,340 followersUsed to write extreme horror but now I write WEIRD horror and I'm having a blast with it! Check out OUR SARNATH on November 22nd!
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 26, 2025
Shriek-o-rama feels like stepping into a drive-in double feature gone mad. A wild mash of retro horror homage and splattery chaos. Judith Sonnet clearly had fun writing this, and her passion for old-school monster flicks comes through loud and clear. The concept, a movie marathon where the monsters leap off the screen to wreak havoc is clever and tailor-made for fans of B-movies and schlock horror. There are some fun creature moments and nostalgic references that definitely hit the mark.
That said, the execution didn’t fully land for me. The characters felt thin and mostly served as fodder for the carnage, and while that fits the pulpy tone, it left me less invested in who lived or died. The pacing is fast (sometimes too fast), with little room for atmosphere or tension to build before the next gory set piece. I also felt the balance between campy fun and genuine horror tipped unevenly, making the novel feel more like a series of movie references than a fully fleshed-out story.
That said, the execution didn’t fully land for me. The characters felt thin and mostly served as fodder for the carnage, and while that fits the pulpy tone, it left me less invested in who lived or died. The pacing is fast (sometimes too fast), with little room for atmosphere or tension to build before the next gory set piece. I also felt the balance between campy fun and genuine horror tipped unevenly, making the novel feel more like a series of movie references than a fully fleshed-out story.
June 16, 2024
This was so much fun! A spook show at the movie theater gone wrong. No one knows if it’s part of an act or something more sinister happening at this movie theater. If you love retro 50s-60s horror this is for you. You can tell Judith’s passion for this topic and the way it shines throughout her storytelling. This was such a breath of fresh air.
October 27, 2024
there’s not a subgenre of horror that judith sonnet can’t write! this one was such a nostalgic trip to the old school cinema experiences — or at least how they’re portrayed on american television for me? think immersive rocky horror with a bloody twist.
it’s got a good amount of exposition and realistic dialogue to make it believable, enough gore to make it exciting and a killer ending. it’s definitely a must-read for halloween or honestly, any other day if you’re a horror fan and want to be thrown back into the past with deadly mummies, flying saucers and vampire brides that are to die for.
it’s got a good amount of exposition and realistic dialogue to make it believable, enough gore to make it exciting and a killer ending. it’s definitely a must-read for halloween or honestly, any other day if you’re a horror fan and want to be thrown back into the past with deadly mummies, flying saucers and vampire brides that are to die for.
June 14, 2024
Popcorn and Matinee up to 11!
This book is just flat out fun. It's great for those who watch Monster Madness and love the showmanship of old horror movies. It's like the movies Popcorn and Matinee come together with a new spin! Everything was written so well, so fast paced with out blowing you by, and was a blast to read. Ita a quick read though I took my time with you can easily read in one sitting. Great characters, fun setting, interesting plot, and a love letter to the great William Castle way of doing horror. Judith may be the queen of Extreme Horror but here she shows that she can just as easily make a 5 star quick fun horror read with out the need to have any trigger warnings.
This book is just flat out fun. It's great for those who watch Monster Madness and love the showmanship of old horror movies. It's like the movies Popcorn and Matinee come together with a new spin! Everything was written so well, so fast paced with out blowing you by, and was a blast to read. Ita a quick read though I took my time with you can easily read in one sitting. Great characters, fun setting, interesting plot, and a love letter to the great William Castle way of doing horror. Judith may be the queen of Extreme Horror but here she shows that she can just as easily make a 5 star quick fun horror read with out the need to have any trigger warnings.
January 3, 2025
This was a fun romp of nostalgia! Bonus points for being reminiscent of one of my favorite BtVS episodes. Judith Sonnet never misses.
September 2, 2024
Judith Sonnet's work always makes for a delightful time, I love reading her work so much I'm always excited for more. She seems like an amazing person whose love and passion for the horror genre shine brightly in all her work. The Shriek-A-Rama Spook Show Experience is a novella I've been fascinated by for a while now because of its synopsis and love for classic horror.
A movie marathon is happening at the Miller Cinema. Everyone is invited but Georgie Prince is more excited than anyone, for their showing horror movies. However, the films being shown are unlike anything Georgie has seen before, in fact, they're so obscure one might even say they don't exist, yet they do. Something strange is going on in the shadows and one by one people are being picked off by monsters of the night. Just what is happening here and will Georgie realize before the night's over?
Judith Sonnet has written an incredible novella that's a love letter to classic horror and the beauty of showmanship. It's a story with a terrific premise, one that's executed flawlessly. It has a great cast of characters, an impeccable atmosphere, great ideas, and plenty of violence and gore. The villain of this story is so pathetic and despicable, he's repugnant, so when you read the epilogue you don't feel bad for him at all.
Overall: It's an amazing novella written with a lot of love and is very imaginative. 10/10
A movie marathon is happening at the Miller Cinema. Everyone is invited but Georgie Prince is more excited than anyone, for their showing horror movies. However, the films being shown are unlike anything Georgie has seen before, in fact, they're so obscure one might even say they don't exist, yet they do. Something strange is going on in the shadows and one by one people are being picked off by monsters of the night. Just what is happening here and will Georgie realize before the night's over?
Judith Sonnet has written an incredible novella that's a love letter to classic horror and the beauty of showmanship. It's a story with a terrific premise, one that's executed flawlessly. It has a great cast of characters, an impeccable atmosphere, great ideas, and plenty of violence and gore. The villain of this story is so pathetic and despicable, he's repugnant, so when you read the epilogue you don't feel bad for him at all.
Overall: It's an amazing novella written with a lot of love and is very imaginative. 10/10
November 27, 2024
Damn, this was sheer genius! Judith Sonnet shows yet again how clever writing and a little creativity can conjure up a story that perfectly evokes a nostalgia that takes your mind back to those golden days of old black-and-white horror movies and then spin it it into a classic monster tale that is refreshing as it was surprising due to her applying a different kind of spin to the creatures that gave them a newer edge but still retained their classic authenticity. I loved it!
I was extremely impressed with how Sonnet expertly penned the tone of the story by acknowledging, indeed, this is set in the modern age but not dwelling on it by keeping the nostalgic feel all the way through. It felt like a perfect blending of modern day/olden day, but with more emphasis on the latter, especially when the true horrors come to life later on.
The characters were all enjoyable, even the villains. Sonnet made sure every single character - no matter how big or small their role - had an important and entertaining part to play. And even though the gore was one of the funnest parts, you still care about these characters. And the ending was one of the best ever! “Be careful what you wish for” could not be a truer statement here!
This was a perfect 5 star read. It was just a brilliantly creative roller coaster great time of a read. Definitely recommended!
I was extremely impressed with how Sonnet expertly penned the tone of the story by acknowledging, indeed, this is set in the modern age but not dwelling on it by keeping the nostalgic feel all the way through. It felt like a perfect blending of modern day/olden day, but with more emphasis on the latter, especially when the true horrors come to life later on.
The characters were all enjoyable, even the villains. Sonnet made sure every single character - no matter how big or small their role - had an important and entertaining part to play. And even though the gore was one of the funnest parts, you still care about these characters. And the ending was one of the best ever! “Be careful what you wish for” could not be a truer statement here!
This was a perfect 5 star read. It was just a brilliantly creative roller coaster great time of a read. Definitely recommended!
July 18, 2024
loved it!
I have always liked horror that revolves around childhood, monsters, and those odd coming of age times. This was a wild and fun ride! I’ve enjoyed a bunch of Judith’s books, and this one really hit me just right! It reminded me a little of The Traveling Vampire Show in moments, and IT in others. Really great! Thanks Judith!
I have always liked horror that revolves around childhood, monsters, and those odd coming of age times. This was a wild and fun ride! I’ve enjoyed a bunch of Judith’s books, and this one really hit me just right! It reminded me a little of The Traveling Vampire Show in moments, and IT in others. Really great! Thanks Judith!
June 1, 2025
It feels weird to call a book full of gore and murder, fun, but that is absolutely what this novella is. It pulls you in with the cover that gives a nod to old monster movies and cinemas. The references to old horror monsters and small town cinematic shows were genius. This had a creepshow, meets a carnival "freak" show feel, and I loved every page of it.
June 10, 2025
Loved this read. The vibes were great and she did an excellent job with the setting. It definitely makes me want to go to an event like this, minus...well, you know. A few typos that could be easily fixed, but nothing that draws you out of the reading. A little gore, but not too bad. If you want to test out Sonnet's works but are afraid of splatterpunk, this is a good place to start.
July 27, 2024
I liked it!! It's reminds me of the Goosebumps books or the Are You Afraid Of The Dark? T.V show (with some adult language 🫢). Thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a super quick read and might even reread it at Halloween 🎃
April 4, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Shriek-a-Rama Spook Show Experience by Judith Sonnet
What a fun read this was!
Georgie is all set for a fun interactive horror movie marathon at a much loved, old-fashioned theatre. What he does not know is just how real this show is going to get!
Not heavy on scares, but big on laughs and charm, this story was such a fun experience for me.
I don't want to give anything else away, going in blind is best with this one. A truly unique and enjoyable evening read.
The Shriek-a-Rama Spook Show Experience by Judith Sonnet
What a fun read this was!
Georgie is all set for a fun interactive horror movie marathon at a much loved, old-fashioned theatre. What he does not know is just how real this show is going to get!
Not heavy on scares, but big on laughs and charm, this story was such a fun experience for me.
I don't want to give anything else away, going in blind is best with this one. A truly unique and enjoyable evening read.
May 31, 2024
Amazing book!!!! Judith Sonnet captured the vision perfectly!! I bought the book today and finished it in one go! Definitely one of my favorites! So excited to grab more of her books!!
July 2, 2024
An innocent all-nighter marathon of monster movies from the 60s isn't that innocent when monsters go on a killing spree. It's a pretty fun book!
August 13, 2024
Love the nostalgic vibes I got while listening to this. It was easy to envision what was happening. The ending was my favorite part.
September 7, 2024
Movie theater fun. This was a fun read for me. A movie theater has a marathon of horror movies and has actors to do various things. But what if it became real?
September 30, 2024
So good
I have had this in my TBR for a while but i am glad I saved it for the spooky season. Gory and nostalgic and fun.
I have had this in my TBR for a while but i am glad I saved it for the spooky season. Gory and nostalgic and fun.
March 18, 2025
This made me nostalgic for something I have not experienced. I wanna go to a spook show!
Read
July 28, 2024The intro (written by Ronald Kelly) gave me good feels before the story even started. Took me back to my similar memories, my memories of a drive-in that dedicate one weekend a year (in October, of course) to spooky festivities. Leatherface selling his family's famous Sawyer homemade chili, full of flavorful meat. Freddy Krueger driving a bus, which you can hop on and experience strobe lights and creepy music. A festive display of creepy masks and oddities to entertain you in the concession line. People in masks going around and scaring the movie watchers during the horror flicks. Oh, to be a kid again. (actually, I even went as an adult often), but I digress....
I'd heard this book was YA (or did I dream that?).
Some of the characters are teens, but if this is Young Adult, it's the closest YA I've ever read that hoovers onto the adult line... I loved it. It even inspired me to go to the movie theater, which is something I hadn't done in at least a year.
Monsters. Popcorn. Underground horror movies (and hilarious plots; in a good way hilarious). So many things to love about this entertaining tale.
I'd heard this book was YA (or did I dream that?).
Some of the characters are teens, but if this is Young Adult, it's the closest YA I've ever read that hoovers onto the adult line... I loved it. It even inspired me to go to the movie theater, which is something I hadn't done in at least a year.
Monsters. Popcorn. Underground horror movies (and hilarious plots; in a good way hilarious). So many things to love about this entertaining tale.
December 21, 2025
This book was such a fun ride. I had never heard of a spook show until I read this and now I wish could experience one. This was a great faced paced read and I would have been fine if it was longer. If you are looking for a fun horror book that has the right amount of creepy, odd, and scary this is the one.
June 8, 2024
This story is so much fun! Gives all the B movie creature feature vibes that I absolutely love. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a spooky fun read.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews