Lockdown

by R.J. Clark

New game. New rules. Just stay alive...

When the last of the bodies were cleared from the house on St. Augustine Place, everyone thought the game was over.

They were wrong.

Now, a deadly virus forces everyone into a nationwide lockdown. What better way to pass the time than by playing a game?

This time the game is bigger. Deadlier.

Two teens, a seasoned detective, and an assortment of other players find themselves on a collision course with an unspeakable evil.

Who brought these strangers together? What is the purpose behind this new, sinister game?

As the mystery unfolds, death awaits at every turn and long-buried secrets are exhumed while the players inch closer to a terrifying truth.

Is death the only way out of this Lockdown?

Prepare for the unexpected in this genre bending, nightmare fueled, Staycation sequel that will keep you guessing until the end. Are you ready to play?

332 pages, Paperback

Published May 30, 2024

About the author

RJ CLARK began his career as a child actor. His was the face of the national US Army “Stay in School” ad campaign. RJ also appeared regularly on daytime television and worked on numerous film and commercial projects before inevitably returning to his first true love, writing.

As a screenwriter, RJ's screenplays won first prize or placed in the top 5 of nearly every major national—and international—competition worth mentioning. His novella, Two for One launched the indie literary magazine “The Instagatorzine,” broken into two parts across the magazine’s first two issues.

A native New Yorker, RJ attended NYU, holds a BFA and an MFA. He has lived in all five boroughs, but now calls historic Asbury Park, NJ home with his wife and dog, an Aussillon named Venus.

While RJ no longer works in the theatre as an actor, he provides accessibility services for deaf patrons at live performances throughout the country. He is passionate about theatre being for all, and enjoys being able to introduce new shows to deaf or hard of hearing patrons.

When not writing, you’re most likely to find RJ either playing guitar along the Jersey Shore, taking photographs of cool dogs and musicians around Asbury Park, voraciously reading new books, working on new music, or traveling the world.

A few of RJ’s most favorite things include black coffee, chocolate, Stephen King, peanut butter, Pringle’s, Truman Capote, tabletop games, the Universal Studios Monsters, horror movies, and David Tennant.

STAYCATION is RJ’s debut novel.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started Lockdown, I didn't remember much about the first book - even the name. Until Staycation was mentioned specifically. Then, it all came flooding back. I can only assume that my mind was blocking the horrors of that first novel. Lockdown is a tiny bit tamer, but really, not by much! It is dark (very dark) and well-written. The scenes just come alive; unless they are full of the dead. And sometimes, you're just not sure who exactly is dead and who is still alive. There were quite a few surprising turns in this tale that I just *almost* saw coming. Like, I had the barest hint about Imogen, but it never crossed my mind that it would turn out as it did.
This is a dark, thrilling read in the vein of King (his earlier work, for sure) or Koontz. Overall, if you like your stories dark, with little hope to be found, this is the series for you. It is well worth the time.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!!! Fantastic!!!!! I loved this so much and this topped staycation!!!!! More of a mind fuck and I had the same feelings of confusion like I did while reading staycation but the way the story evolved it is so much better!!!

[Justin Roppolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was AMAZING. If you are a fan of staycation then you will be a fan of this book. I am still in shock as this book was so good. Highly recommend if you have read staycation

[hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staycation is one of my favorite books. And I had no idea how RJ was going to recreate the same feelings/experience of that book.

But my oh my.

Lockdown was FANTASTIC.

As I was reading i was trying to come up with theories but honestly the entire story kept me on the edge of my seat.
The direction rj went in was phenomenal.

The build up.
The uneasiness.
The different characters and the timeline were all done so well. When it all came together at the end I was floored and so invested.

I am absolutely obsessed and if you loved staycation & the vibe you got during that. Lockdown is a must read.

[Shauna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Staycation is like 'I'm the twistiest twisty mind fuck ever' and Lockdown just laughs and says Hold my beer 🍺

If you liked Staycation, you'll love this amazing follow up. A continuation of the story but some years later, a new game and new rules but the same objective - stay alive.

Be prepared to be repeated punched in the face right when you think you know what is going on 🤣

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was an thrilling and suspenseful ride that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The author did an excellent job of crafting a dark and twisted tale that kept me guessing until the very end. The writing was superb, with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters that jumped off the page. I found myself completely absorbed in the story, and the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall, this was an incredible read that I highly recommend to fans of the genre.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first story from CJ Clark. It is a good read, although not an exceptional read. I did enjoy it, and it is certainly worth giving it a go.

[Riann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this crazy ride of a read! The world of Staycation was expanded in many unexpected ways. Echoes of Stephen King and Dean Koontz are evident throughout. This book is impossible to put down. I can't wait to find out what's going to happen in book 3!

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoy dark horror, you'll love this; I certainly did. A great storyline and as good as Staycation with surreal scenes of horror and destruction.

[Meredith Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I tell you anything without ruining it… no, no I can not, so I won’t. I will say that this book expanded the Staycation world tenfold in the most brilliant, disturbing way. It had me feeling like a conspiracy theorist, referencing my notes along the way, and constantly trying to piece together what was actually going down.

Going into this book, I had no idea what I was getting into… RJ wrote such a disturbing, messed up, amazing mindf*ck of a tale with book 1… I was thinking to myself, what could possibly happen next?! Bravo, RJ! I’m so excited to see how you will wrap up this monstrous masterpiece up in the third book, PLUS I need that prequel.

[Pitch Black J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Considering this is the second book to the series I wasn't prepared for it. The level of detail and depth this one took. The game is definitely bigger, and the characters are more intense. I had to pay close attention to detail and the small easter eggs that were left or I ended up missing something important. This one threw me so far for a loop I wasn't sure I would come out of it. I absolutely loved how this went even further with the suspense. RJ Clark definitely had a way of throwing me off the scent with this one. I was excited when I came up with a theory that was proven. I can't wait for the last of this series to really figure out this game. The prize will be immensely worth it in the end.

[Eunice Hayward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Darlings of Darkness,

Well, well, well, what have we here? Another traumatic experience brought to you by the amazing RJ Clark. This one sent me down so many rabbit holes that at one point, I think some of my besties had to talk me off the proverbial edge.

I've been sitting on this review for a while—not because I didn’t love the book (I absolutely LOVED it), but because how do you write a review without giving anything away? All I can say is that everything in book one is important in book two. You think you know something, but you're wrong. YOU ARE ALWAYS WRONG.

So, read book one, "Staycation," and then dive into the madness of book two. Keep a lookout for book three—trust me, I have a countdown timer just for it.

Yours in madness,
E

[Amber Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lockdown was incredible. Way different twist and turns and wow.. I mean this was truly spectacular. The story goes deeper the characters develop ane change you truly learn so much so keep a notebook and a pen handy. RJ an incredible author that truly packs a punch with his writing and I am ready for whatever his twisted brain cooks up next. The book pulled me in and kept me enamored from the beginning with even more theories and ideas about it all. Thank you for the opportunity to read this book.
Also the acknowledgments had me a little emotional not gonna lie.

[Billie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful addition to this thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Katie Gold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll admit, I was unsure at first - “Lockdown” feels very different from “Staycation”. It’s less claustrophobic, less relentlessly bleak, and yet somehow, RJ Clark has delivered something just as gripping. Once I settled into its vibe, I absolutely loved it.

The sprawling, apocalyptic tone reminded me of The Stand by Stephen King in the best possible way - dark, unsettling, and epic. Clark proves he can shift gears while still keeping readers on edge. Bravo!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unbelievable, what a gripping story that won’t disappoint. From the first page, it’s impossible to know what to expect. Bodies, will the game ever end, who will make it out alive. Definitely ready for more.

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, second book in the series and it’s as good as the first. It’s full of different episodes throughout, your always kept engrossed as I was from beginning to end . What’s going to happen in the final one I wonder. Recommended read.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deadly virus forces the nation into a shelter at home lockdown. A game to try to stay alive. A heart pounding novel that will keep you awake.

[Alissa Totura · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE RIDE AT DAWN!!!!

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great thriller! I was drawn into this story from the beginning. I didn't want to put this book down.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a roller coaster of a story! Absolutely loved the thrills and chills. Characters were amazing. This was my first read from this author and I look forward to many more!

[Travis Yannell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was entertaining enough to push me to the finish line, but left way more questions than answers. The first book didn't explain everything, but I felt that I got a conclusion. This one had no conclusion. I hope the third book can wrap things up in a satisfying way.