Homecoming

by R.J. Clark

The third story in the Staycation series...

Full blurb coming soon!

Expected release early 2025.

314 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

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

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read this book, which is the 3rd in the series, and so I binged the first 2 books in a week (probably would have been less time but work got in the way!) If you want a wild ride, with lots of twist and a great thriller/horror story, this is a great series for you. (Let’s just say if you like weird stuff this is also for you because things get weird and I was here for it 🤣) It will mess with your head and gives you guts and gore then have you laughing a bit too! The end was not what I expected but it was an interesting change of pace.

[Riann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like being in a runaway mine car in a cavern full of twists, turns, and darkness. You don't know where you'll end up but hope you'll remain unscathed. There weren't any dull moments in this story. I loved the many different settings. The ending was outstanding! I can't say enough good things about it.

[Terry M · Rating 5 out of 5]

The grand finale of the Staycation series. It takes you on a mind-bending journey of horror, doubt, twists and so much more. If you have read the series so far, this is a must to find out how it all ends. Highly recommended.

[Miranda Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic ride!
I am not usually a fan of thrillers/horror books, but this one absolutely blew me away!
I am new to this series and can tell that I definitely missed the band wagon but just picking this one up out of context makes it humorous and supremely entertaining.
A fantastic writing style that makes those pages fly as well.

[Stefanie Silvestri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely absorbed in this series. The book drew me in from the beginning and kept me on the edge of my seat until the end. The plot was full of surprising twists and turns, and the dark tone added to the overall sense of tension and suspense. Sure to read the first two books in the series before you read this one.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a great series. Book 3 was an excellent book. I'll definitely be looking into more from the author.

[Clive Willcocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book and would recommend it.

[Marlys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a great book. I really enjoyed it. I couldn't put it down.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite a ride! RJ has this way of sucking the reader into the story immediately and not letting go until the last page has been turned.
This series is pretty wild; it's dark and very strange, yet it ends on a hopeful note. The characters are interesting and realistic so that you feel like you know them. The world building is dark and wild - and so easy to get lost in.
I'd definitely recommend reading the first two books before tackling this one. The story is so much richer when you understand where it started.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I story line with a number of twists and turns. Never a dull moment in reading this novel. Detective Joe Harding is in for a wild ride. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well what to say about this one then. I’m sorry but unlike other readers I didn’t enjoy this as much as the others. I am not really sure why, but it just didn’t do it for me at all.