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We've Already Gone Too Far
A father takes his son on a camping trip but isn’t sure who he brings home. When passengers begin to disappear from her flight, a cabin crew member faces the childhood fears she thought she’d long overcome. At his mother’s funeral, a magician contemplates a family curse. Two graduates listen to a retired soldier talking about his participation in a death-defying experiment, and a punk band trying to be polite at a high-brow art installation step up when monsters attack.
These stories and more await you in We’ve Already Gone Too Far, 8 Nasty Little Tales by MJ Mars.
Praise for We've Already Gone Too
“This is chessboard horror. MJ Mars has arranged each story, each piece, into its proper place with sinister precision, daring the reader to make the first move. Narratively, she’s always three steps ahead of you, waiting to unearth fears you didn’t know you had. From urban legends to aliens, cryptids to curses, this author wants to play a game, if you’re up for it.” – Nick Roberts, author of Mean Spirited and The Exorcist’s House.
“After a stellar debut, Mars shows she can sink her teeth into you regardless of the setting with We’ve Already Gone Too Far. I had a blast with this collection, and you will too!” – John Durgin, author of Kosa and The Cursed Among Us.
“MJ Mars’ quirkiness and unusual combination of settings and plot details are both charming and absolutely brilliant. She has a sharp and ingenious sense of humour that most people couldn’t execute in such terrifying, violent, and creepy works.” – Megan Stockton, author of Bluejay and Lovely, Dark & Deep.
“A wildly imaginative - and often very cruel - collection of dark fiction that’s well worth the price of admission.” - Duncan Ralston, author of Woom and the Ghostland Trilogy.
These stories and more await you in We’ve Already Gone Too Far, 8 Nasty Little Tales by MJ Mars.
Praise for We've Already Gone Too
“This is chessboard horror. MJ Mars has arranged each story, each piece, into its proper place with sinister precision, daring the reader to make the first move. Narratively, she’s always three steps ahead of you, waiting to unearth fears you didn’t know you had. From urban legends to aliens, cryptids to curses, this author wants to play a game, if you’re up for it.” – Nick Roberts, author of Mean Spirited and The Exorcist’s House.
“After a stellar debut, Mars shows she can sink her teeth into you regardless of the setting with We’ve Already Gone Too Far. I had a blast with this collection, and you will too!” – John Durgin, author of Kosa and The Cursed Among Us.
“MJ Mars’ quirkiness and unusual combination of settings and plot details are both charming and absolutely brilliant. She has a sharp and ingenious sense of humour that most people couldn’t execute in such terrifying, violent, and creepy works.” – Megan Stockton, author of Bluejay and Lovely, Dark & Deep.
“A wildly imaginative - and often very cruel - collection of dark fiction that’s well worth the price of admission.” - Duncan Ralston, author of Woom and the Ghostland Trilogy.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2024
29 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Mars
23 books162 followersMJ Mars is a geek, ghoul, and horror enthusiast living in Lancaster, UK. Her debut novel, The Suffering, was published by Wicked House in 2023. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find MJ playing pool, trying to skateboard (badly), or listening to rock music. She owes every success to her mis-spent youth.
Short story collection, We’ve Already Gone Too Far out now!
NEW! The Fovea Experiments, a second novel to be published by Wicked House, is out now. MJ is currently working on a sequel to The Suffering, and a series of novellas based around the short story, Jeff Through the Trees.
Join her on Twitter @MJMars, Instagram /mjmarsauthor, and her Facebook page, MJ Mars Author.
Short story collection, We’ve Already Gone Too Far out now!
NEW! The Fovea Experiments, a second novel to be published by Wicked House, is out now. MJ is currently working on a sequel to The Suffering, and a series of novellas based around the short story, Jeff Through the Trees.
Join her on Twitter @MJMars, Instagram /mjmarsauthor, and her Facebook page, MJ Mars Author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
August 8, 2025
A Four Star Review
This book is for those of us who are fans of horror. And I mean: love to read the stories and watch the movies and TV shows of the genre. I love so many of the sub-genres. Werewolves are my favorite, and ghost stories, creature features, aliens, zombies, etc.
This book brings us many kinds of horror. The unexpected, the monsters, creatures, Bigfoot and more. What with all the different types of horror, that gives this book a lot of unique ways to have a special ending.
This also gives the book a four star rating.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
This book is for those of us who are fans of horror. And I mean: love to read the stories and watch the movies and TV shows of the genre. I love so many of the sub-genres. Werewolves are my favorite, and ghost stories, creature features, aliens, zombies, etc.
This book brings us many kinds of horror. The unexpected, the monsters, creatures, Bigfoot and more. What with all the different types of horror, that gives this book a lot of unique ways to have a special ending.
This also gives the book a four star rating.
Four stars. ✨✨✨✨
July 4, 2024
We read The Suffering and we loved it. And then MJ Mars said, "Screw you guys. Imma make you wait."
The wait is finally over, though, because WE'VE ALREADY GONE TOO FAR is about to blow up in the horror community! Eight nasty little tales that cover the horror spectrum, from bigfoot to big twists, aeroplane aliens to wild west weirdness. Ever wondered what a Wisconsin Blowdryer is? Wonder no more because MJ will teach you! And believe me when I tell you that you'll NEVER feel alone in the woods again once you hear the legend of Jeff Among the Trees 😱
You need to read this book!!
The wait is finally over, though, because WE'VE ALREADY GONE TOO FAR is about to blow up in the horror community! Eight nasty little tales that cover the horror spectrum, from bigfoot to big twists, aeroplane aliens to wild west weirdness. Ever wondered what a Wisconsin Blowdryer is? Wonder no more because MJ will teach you! And believe me when I tell you that you'll NEVER feel alone in the woods again once you hear the legend of Jeff Among the Trees 😱
You need to read this book!!
August 24, 2024
This collection of unsettling stories by MJ Mars was absolutely wonderful. The very first story had me shook and I honestly enjoyed every piece in this collection. My favorites were the first two and the very last, but each of these stories pack a punch and bring definite unease to your gut. Don’t miss out on this one; they’ll linger long after you’re done!
JEFF THROUGH THE TREES: “Guilt is a gut punch.”
IN BOCCA AL LUPO: “Greg began to fire at the hand, but his bullets were like gnat bites.”
THE ‘FASTEN SEATBELT’ LIGHT IS ON: “Anna opened her mouth to speak, her eyes still wide with terror. She disappeared.”
FALLEN EAGLES AND ACES: “She was momentarily stupefied, a visceral reaction of seeing a man defy the natural law of things right in front of her.”
MONASTERY BLOOD MOON: “She was momentarily stupefied, a visceral reaction of seeing a man defy the natural law of things right in front of her.”
BIG GULPS AND BIGFOOT: “The pounding bursts of electric distortion sent hammer blows through her skull and she threw up again, choking on stringy bile as she forced herself to continue her capering sprint toward safety.”
STOOGE: “His dad’s journals had read like the fever dream of a crazed drunk in the grasp of hallucinations.”
WE’VE ALREADY GONE TOO FAR: ““We aren’t equipped,” Bill hissed. “You’ll see. You’ll go next. But we’ve already gone too far.”
JEFF THROUGH THE TREES: “Guilt is a gut punch.”
IN BOCCA AL LUPO: “Greg began to fire at the hand, but his bullets were like gnat bites.”
THE ‘FASTEN SEATBELT’ LIGHT IS ON: “Anna opened her mouth to speak, her eyes still wide with terror. She disappeared.”
FALLEN EAGLES AND ACES: “She was momentarily stupefied, a visceral reaction of seeing a man defy the natural law of things right in front of her.”
MONASTERY BLOOD MOON: “She was momentarily stupefied, a visceral reaction of seeing a man defy the natural law of things right in front of her.”
BIG GULPS AND BIGFOOT: “The pounding bursts of electric distortion sent hammer blows through her skull and she threw up again, choking on stringy bile as she forced herself to continue her capering sprint toward safety.”
STOOGE: “His dad’s journals had read like the fever dream of a crazed drunk in the grasp of hallucinations.”
WE’VE ALREADY GONE TOO FAR: ““We aren’t equipped,” Bill hissed. “You’ll see. You’ll go next. But we’ve already gone too far.”
August 10, 2024
After reading MJ Mars’ “The Suffering”, I knew I had to dive into her new collection of stories.
They were deeply unsettling, each one setting an atmospheric scene for the horror events that would unfold. From Western gold rushes, to extraterrestrials, to cryptids, and the chasm of death, these stories will creep and crawl into your mind and soul.
“Jeff Through the Trees” will stick with me the next time I go camping. I know I’ll have to test my boyfriend if he comes back from any walks acting strangely.
“Monastery Blood Moon” was so beautiful and devastating, the serene setting with the chaotic bloodshed was the ultimate juxtaposition.
“Big Gulps and Bigfoot” was wild, sad and shocking. Another tale I’ll be thinking about on road trips…
All the stories were chilling and fantastic, but these were just a few of my favourites!
Thank you so much MJ for giving me nightmares!
They were deeply unsettling, each one setting an atmospheric scene for the horror events that would unfold. From Western gold rushes, to extraterrestrials, to cryptids, and the chasm of death, these stories will creep and crawl into your mind and soul.
“Jeff Through the Trees” will stick with me the next time I go camping. I know I’ll have to test my boyfriend if he comes back from any walks acting strangely.
“Monastery Blood Moon” was so beautiful and devastating, the serene setting with the chaotic bloodshed was the ultimate juxtaposition.
“Big Gulps and Bigfoot” was wild, sad and shocking. Another tale I’ll be thinking about on road trips…
All the stories were chilling and fantastic, but these were just a few of my favourites!
Thank you so much MJ for giving me nightmares!
August 8, 2024
To anyone who knows me it’s no secret I love short horror stories! And especially if you want to experience a new author, I think it’s the best way as I think it’s more difficult to deliver horror in fewer pages.
Although I didn’t need any proof of M. J. Mars’ talent, this collection absolutely confirms her versatility in not only the main horror genre, but also in science fiction and western horror. This author has a very inventive mind, reflected in such unique plots!
Don’t get me wrong, they are dreadful and some down right scary, but their uniqueness renders them even more unsettling! And whenever you think things can’t get any worse (I’m looking at you The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ Light is On), they absolutely do!
Together with the bleakness and nastiness, there is also a lot of dark humour which I always appreciate! Like this quote: “It let out a grunt that sounded like a confused fart” 🤣
I’m looking forward to more of this author as these stories were brilliant!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
Although I didn’t need any proof of M. J. Mars’ talent, this collection absolutely confirms her versatility in not only the main horror genre, but also in science fiction and western horror. This author has a very inventive mind, reflected in such unique plots!
Don’t get me wrong, they are dreadful and some down right scary, but their uniqueness renders them even more unsettling! And whenever you think things can’t get any worse (I’m looking at you The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ Light is On), they absolutely do!
Together with the bleakness and nastiness, there is also a lot of dark humour which I always appreciate! Like this quote: “It let out a grunt that sounded like a confused fart” 🤣
I’m looking forward to more of this author as these stories were brilliant!
Thanks to the author for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
August 21, 2024
We’ve Already Gone Too Far is a great collection of 8 short & spooky horror stories! Each one is unique and brings out a chilling tale with different “creatures”. The author’s writing is excellent and very descriptive.
Each story totally sucked me in and I didn’t want to stop reading!
All of the stories are fantastic, but a few of the standouts for me are:
Jeff Through The trees
The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ Light Is on
We’ve Already Gone Too Far
Thank you to MJ Mars for an ecopy of this amazing book of creepy short stories!
(Next, I can’t wait to read The Suffering)
Each story totally sucked me in and I didn’t want to stop reading!
All of the stories are fantastic, but a few of the standouts for me are:
Jeff Through The trees
The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ Light Is on
We’ve Already Gone Too Far
Thank you to MJ Mars for an ecopy of this amazing book of creepy short stories!
(Next, I can’t wait to read The Suffering)
January 25, 2025
WOW 🤯 🤩 😮
This is an absolute masterpiece of a collection of short horror collections!
Thought provoking, gore, monsters and just pure horror! I highly recommend!
The last story made me feel… uneasy? Not a feeling I often encounter while reading. That one will stay with me for sure.
This is an absolute masterpiece of a collection of short horror collections!
Thought provoking, gore, monsters and just pure horror! I highly recommend!
The last story made me feel… uneasy? Not a feeling I often encounter while reading. That one will stay with me for sure.
July 27, 2024
This was the first book I've read from MJ Mars. Based on the stories I read here, this author can write. The cover drew me in because I'm a sucker for cover art. While all of the stories were great, there were two stories I especially enjoyed.
- The 'Fasten Seatbelt' Light is On
- Stooge
You may find one of the other stories to be better than the ones I chose. However, that's the beauty of this collection, there's something for everyone. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from MJ Mars.
- The 'Fasten Seatbelt' Light is On
- Stooge
You may find one of the other stories to be better than the ones I chose. However, that's the beauty of this collection, there's something for everyone. Overall, I enjoyed the book and look forward to reading more from MJ Mars.
December 21, 2024
I've closed out my year with some solid winners, let me tell you. My idea of reading the 32 short smack entries from Books of Horror has been the best decision I've made!! I've been introduced to so many amazing authors that I otherwise would not have picked up and I've enjoyed basically every single book I've read so far! This collection of short stories are all different, dark and some are heartbreaking - the sasquatch one, man, I did not need to be feeling those feelings that early in the morning. Mars is a brilliant writer who can bring atmosphere, the many facets of horror, and a damn good read.
July 23, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of a his great collection! Thank you MJ Mars Author
This was every kind of horror you could want. I really enjoyed it. They are all really good but if I had to pick a favorite it would be Jeff Through The Trees, Monastery Blood Moon, and We’ve Already Gone Too Far.
Look for this to release at the end of the month, you won’t want to miss it.
This was every kind of horror you could want. I really enjoyed it. They are all really good but if I had to pick a favorite it would be Jeff Through The Trees, Monastery Blood Moon, and We’ve Already Gone Too Far.
Look for this to release at the end of the month, you won’t want to miss it.
May 25, 2025
Fantastic!
My first read by Mars, but certainly not my last. WE'VE ALREADY GONE TOO FAR is flat-out amazing. I enjoyed all these stories, but my favorites were "Stooge," "Monastery Blood Moon," and "The 'Fasten Seatbelt' Light is On." I'm eager to read more of Mars's fiction. Highly recommended to fans of fast-paced horror!
My first read by Mars, but certainly not my last. WE'VE ALREADY GONE TOO FAR is flat-out amazing. I enjoyed all these stories, but my favorites were "Stooge," "Monastery Blood Moon," and "The 'Fasten Seatbelt' Light is On." I'm eager to read more of Mars's fiction. Highly recommended to fans of fast-paced horror!
July 12, 2025
A superb collection of varied horror stories. Each one is very well written and engages you straight away. That's one thing I've noticed about MJ Mars's books, they all do that- it's so easy to fall into the story and get carried away with it.
Would highly recommend this book. In fact, I'd recommend any book by this writer. You won't regret it.
Would highly recommend this book. In fact, I'd recommend any book by this writer. You won't regret it.
October 9, 2024
Eight stories. Eight stories where each one is inexplicably better than the one before it and every one of them well-written and awesome.
July 26, 2024
If you liked The Suffering, you are going to love this…We’ve Already Gone Too Far by MJ Mars coming in August 😱
A collection of eight short stories which showcases a stunning breadth from this fabulous author. Not since At Home With The Horrors have I read a single collection that has made me keep reminding myself that they were written by one person. Phenomenal!
Cryptids, creatures, aliens, psychological torment, creepy conjuring, medical experiments. There is something here for every one.
My personal favourites were Jeff Through The Trees; Stooge; and the titular story. Each unique and all bloody unnerving!
I will also shout out Monastery Blood Moon - no mosh pits, but demonstrates the efficiency of a Glasgow Kiss (if you know, you know).
A collection of eight short stories which showcases a stunning breadth from this fabulous author. Not since At Home With The Horrors have I read a single collection that has made me keep reminding myself that they were written by one person. Phenomenal!
Cryptids, creatures, aliens, psychological torment, creepy conjuring, medical experiments. There is something here for every one.
My personal favourites were Jeff Through The Trees; Stooge; and the titular story. Each unique and all bloody unnerving!
I will also shout out Monastery Blood Moon - no mosh pits, but demonstrates the efficiency of a Glasgow Kiss (if you know, you know).
July 25, 2024
Hey, guess what? I was very lucky to get this selection box of delectable treats as an ARC & I'm so glad i did!
In this, there are eight fantastically varied tales & it's safe to say I had a great time with each & every one of them.
From creepy doppelgangers, to aliens, to death defying(defining?) experiments & a whole host of mysterious cryptids, nothing is left alone & with each individual story, MJ has carefully crafted a fun, creepy & full on nasty tale filled with surprises & dread. Seriously, this is up there with the best short story collections for me & I already can't wait for Ms. Mars' next release.
👽👽👽👽👽 5 out of 5 naughty aliens!
In this, there are eight fantastically varied tales & it's safe to say I had a great time with each & every one of them.
From creepy doppelgangers, to aliens, to death defying(defining?) experiments & a whole host of mysterious cryptids, nothing is left alone & with each individual story, MJ has carefully crafted a fun, creepy & full on nasty tale filled with surprises & dread. Seriously, this is up there with the best short story collections for me & I already can't wait for Ms. Mars' next release.
👽👽👽👽👽 5 out of 5 naughty aliens!
December 18, 2024
We’ve Already Gone Too Far by M.J. Mars
I was graciously sent an ARC copy of this book by the author..(Thank you!). It’s a collection of eight stories encapsulating everything from cryptids to aliens to military expeditions to family curses. Each one, from the first story to the last, gets progressively darker. They’re infused with Mars’ dark humor too, which I loved because it mirrors my own sense of humor. There is not one of these eight stories that I didn’t enjoy. I was genuinely creeped out, I laughed out loud, and turned those pages at lightning speed.
Go! Grab yourself a copy of this collection and enjoy! You won’t be sorry!
I was graciously sent an ARC copy of this book by the author..(Thank you!). It’s a collection of eight stories encapsulating everything from cryptids to aliens to military expeditions to family curses. Each one, from the first story to the last, gets progressively darker. They’re infused with Mars’ dark humor too, which I loved because it mirrors my own sense of humor. There is not one of these eight stories that I didn’t enjoy. I was genuinely creeped out, I laughed out loud, and turned those pages at lightning speed.
Go! Grab yourself a copy of this collection and enjoy! You won’t be sorry!
October 27, 2024
We’ve Already Gone Too Far by MJ Mars is a terrifying collection of stories sure to keep you up at night. Each story is so unique and well-written, I can’t decide which one I enjoyed the most! Jeff Through the Trees may have given me nightmares. The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ Light is On has me questioning the mode of transportation on my next vacation. And Fallen Eagles and Aces is just so creative and captivating I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend reading this collection. An easy 5 stars!
July 25, 2024
REVIEW: We’Ve Already Gone Too Far by MJ Mars
I was lucky enough to read one of MJ’s stories in ‘Bloody Hell, an anthology of UK Indie Horror’ and I was automatically hooked on her writing style, so I couldn’t wait to read more from her.
We’ve Already Gone Too Far is a collection of eight horror stories, which were superbly written, and cover a wide range of storylines. I loved MJ’s dark sense of humour and it was good to read stories where the author wasn’t afraid to inject some humour into terrifying moments. After all, everyone reacts to terror in different ways and it is not always the jaw dropping, screaming reaction that we are led to believe always occurs in such moments. It’s not. It’s the same reason why some people laugh when they’re nervous. Anyway, I digress.
MJ’s writing is hugely believable and her characters and the descriptions of their scenes/surroundings are spot on. She paints a perfect picture of what the character is seeing and does it so well that you feel you’re there with them. Feel for them.
My favourites were:
‘Fallen Eagles and Aces’ - only a very talented story and author like MJ could get away with, ‘…confused fart.’ You’ll have to read it to put that quote into its full context. 😂
‘Monastery Blood Moon’ - which was just awesome, again, with superb descriptions like, “…its flesh the sludgy green-brown of Dickensian prison slop.”
‘Big Gulps and Bigfoot’ - Amazing. It pulled me right to the horrific, sad end.
And finally, the story, ‘We’Ve Already Gone Too Far’ which, again, was absolutely brilliant.
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
An easy, overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
I was lucky enough to read one of MJ’s stories in ‘Bloody Hell, an anthology of UK Indie Horror’ and I was automatically hooked on her writing style, so I couldn’t wait to read more from her.
We’ve Already Gone Too Far is a collection of eight horror stories, which were superbly written, and cover a wide range of storylines. I loved MJ’s dark sense of humour and it was good to read stories where the author wasn’t afraid to inject some humour into terrifying moments. After all, everyone reacts to terror in different ways and it is not always the jaw dropping, screaming reaction that we are led to believe always occurs in such moments. It’s not. It’s the same reason why some people laugh when they’re nervous. Anyway, I digress.
MJ’s writing is hugely believable and her characters and the descriptions of their scenes/surroundings are spot on. She paints a perfect picture of what the character is seeing and does it so well that you feel you’re there with them. Feel for them.
My favourites were:
‘Fallen Eagles and Aces’ - only a very talented story and author like MJ could get away with, ‘…confused fart.’ You’ll have to read it to put that quote into its full context. 😂
‘Monastery Blood Moon’ - which was just awesome, again, with superb descriptions like, “…its flesh the sludgy green-brown of Dickensian prison slop.”
‘Big Gulps and Bigfoot’ - Amazing. It pulled me right to the horrific, sad end.
And finally, the story, ‘We’Ve Already Gone Too Far’ which, again, was absolutely brilliant.
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
An easy, overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!
July 6, 2024
Eight nasty little nightmares to keep you enthralled. Tales of unease that squirm behind your eyes. All of these are creepy forays into the darkness, enjoy but don’t wander too far into the gloom. If you feel eyes watching you, you’ve gone too far!
Jeff through the Trees
A camping trip for a father and son versus an urban legend, a creepy around the fire tale. Who is that moving through the trees, look, just out of the corner of your eye, see him? Is he getting closer?
In Bocca Al Lupo
The opening paragraph of this story is such wonderful juicy gore. This is horror with a scifi twist in a post apocalyptic landscape.
The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is on
A midair mystery that turns malicious. Do you believe?
Fallen Eagles and Aces
A gold rush with a twist, deadly travels through a hostile canyon, an edge of the seat horror western.
Monastery Blood Moon
A prestigious art installation premieres in an ancient monastery and opens more than just admiring eyes. The event’s music band have the best name ever!
Big Gulps and Bigfoot
A sister’s road trip meets a hunt in the woods with unexpected consequences.
Stooge
A magician’s legacy comes to fruition with a shimmer.
We’ve Already Gone To Far
Two graduates listen to an old soldier’s story of life after death.
Grab this collection by a Queen of Horror, it will take your breath away as it crawls behind your eyes to keep you awake at night.
Jeff through the Trees
A camping trip for a father and son versus an urban legend, a creepy around the fire tale. Who is that moving through the trees, look, just out of the corner of your eye, see him? Is he getting closer?
In Bocca Al Lupo
The opening paragraph of this story is such wonderful juicy gore. This is horror with a scifi twist in a post apocalyptic landscape.
The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ sign is on
A midair mystery that turns malicious. Do you believe?
Fallen Eagles and Aces
A gold rush with a twist, deadly travels through a hostile canyon, an edge of the seat horror western.
Monastery Blood Moon
A prestigious art installation premieres in an ancient monastery and opens more than just admiring eyes. The event’s music band have the best name ever!
Big Gulps and Bigfoot
A sister’s road trip meets a hunt in the woods with unexpected consequences.
Stooge
A magician’s legacy comes to fruition with a shimmer.
We’ve Already Gone To Far
Two graduates listen to an old soldier’s story of life after death.
Grab this collection by a Queen of Horror, it will take your breath away as it crawls behind your eyes to keep you awake at night.
July 4, 2024
I was lucky enough to get my hands on an early copy of this book by the wonderful (and very sassy) MJ Mars.
I feel like I should preface this review by saying that I'm always wary of short story collections. It takes me a while to warm up to characters/storylines and so I tend to steer clear. That being said, I bloody loved this book. After smashing it with her debut novel 'The Suffering', MJ left herself big shoes to fill, and boy did she fill them well.
She seamlessly blends her unique sense of humour with innovative (and unusual) storylines to create horror shorts that stick in your mind long after you've finished reading. The attention to detail and level of thought that has gone into each of these stories is astounding. Every single story is high quality - there are no fluff or filler stories to pad out the book. I would love to see what the hell is going on inside MJ's brain because I would love to know how somebody can take storylines that have the potential to be pure cheese and make them genuinely scary.
This book is a must-read for fans of creature features! MJ Mars is an auto-buy author for me. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next (and I hope she'll let me have an early copy of whatever it is too)!
I feel like I should preface this review by saying that I'm always wary of short story collections. It takes me a while to warm up to characters/storylines and so I tend to steer clear. That being said, I bloody loved this book. After smashing it with her debut novel 'The Suffering', MJ left herself big shoes to fill, and boy did she fill them well.
She seamlessly blends her unique sense of humour with innovative (and unusual) storylines to create horror shorts that stick in your mind long after you've finished reading. The attention to detail and level of thought that has gone into each of these stories is astounding. Every single story is high quality - there are no fluff or filler stories to pad out the book. I would love to see what the hell is going on inside MJ's brain because I would love to know how somebody can take storylines that have the potential to be pure cheese and make them genuinely scary.
This book is a must-read for fans of creature features! MJ Mars is an auto-buy author for me. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next (and I hope she'll let me have an early copy of whatever it is too)!
August 30, 2024
Thank you, MJ Mars, for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
🦶 Do you like Bigfoot, military experiments gone wrong, urban legends, weird creatures, westerns, aliens, and more!?!? This short story collection is for you!!!
👁 These stories cover a wide range of horror sub-genres, and they are all executed well. These were emotional, spooky, gory, thought-provoking, and scary. All the characters were well-written, realistic, and interesting.
👽 This is a truly original collection of stories, and I liked them all. My favorite by far was Jeff Through the Trees. It is one of the few short stories/books that have ever scared me. Well done!
🪄 As I do with all collections, I rate each one then give the collection a grand total based on the average of the individual stories. I have the individual ratings below.
Jeff Through the Trees 5
In Bocca Al Lupo 4.5
The "Fasten Seatbelt" Light is on 4
Fallen Eagles and Aces 3.5
Monastery Blood Moon 4
Big Gulps and Bigfoot 5
Stooge 4.5
We've Already Gone Too Far 4.5
🌳 This collection gets a 4.5 ⭐️ from me rounded up to 5 where applicable. I really enjoyed the originality of the stories, and MJ Mars has now successfully scared me twice. Bravo, and keep up the amazing work!
🦶 Do you like Bigfoot, military experiments gone wrong, urban legends, weird creatures, westerns, aliens, and more!?!? This short story collection is for you!!!
👁 These stories cover a wide range of horror sub-genres, and they are all executed well. These were emotional, spooky, gory, thought-provoking, and scary. All the characters were well-written, realistic, and interesting.
👽 This is a truly original collection of stories, and I liked them all. My favorite by far was Jeff Through the Trees. It is one of the few short stories/books that have ever scared me. Well done!
🪄 As I do with all collections, I rate each one then give the collection a grand total based on the average of the individual stories. I have the individual ratings below.
Jeff Through the Trees 5
In Bocca Al Lupo 4.5
The "Fasten Seatbelt" Light is on 4
Fallen Eagles and Aces 3.5
Monastery Blood Moon 4
Big Gulps and Bigfoot 5
Stooge 4.5
We've Already Gone Too Far 4.5
🌳 This collection gets a 4.5 ⭐️ from me rounded up to 5 where applicable. I really enjoyed the originality of the stories, and MJ Mars has now successfully scared me twice. Bravo, and keep up the amazing work!
July 16, 2024
8 Nasty Little Tales by MJ Mars. This is one of the best short horror story collections I've ever had the honor of reading!
I went into this one blind and I'm so glad I did! I was enthralled from the beginning, and each successive story kept that death grip on me to the very last page! So unsettling in every horrifying detail that you'll feel as if you're there in the flesh.
Each and every story, as delightfully dreadful as the one before it! I couldn't put it down! Truly, although I'd LOVE to read an expanded version of more than one of these titles, none of them felt like they were missing any details for being as short as they are. Ghost stories, vicious maneating beasts, aliens, time travel, demons, magic, and more. This book definitely has it all! If you like creepy, gory, brutal horror, you're going to want to read this IMMEDIATELY!
MJ - you are a magician!! How you packed an entire book into every chapter, I will never know!! Thank you so much for allowing me the pleasure of reading this ARC! You've just launched yourself to the top of my list of favorite authors!! Looking forward to reading more of your work in the future!
I went into this one blind and I'm so glad I did! I was enthralled from the beginning, and each successive story kept that death grip on me to the very last page! So unsettling in every horrifying detail that you'll feel as if you're there in the flesh.
Each and every story, as delightfully dreadful as the one before it! I couldn't put it down! Truly, although I'd LOVE to read an expanded version of more than one of these titles, none of them felt like they were missing any details for being as short as they are. Ghost stories, vicious maneating beasts, aliens, time travel, demons, magic, and more. This book definitely has it all! If you like creepy, gory, brutal horror, you're going to want to read this IMMEDIATELY!
MJ - you are a magician!! How you packed an entire book into every chapter, I will never know!! Thank you so much for allowing me the pleasure of reading this ARC! You've just launched yourself to the top of my list of favorite authors!! Looking forward to reading more of your work in the future!
July 27, 2024
This is my first M.J. Mars book. I've seen her in the Books of Horror group and heard so many amazing reviews from friends in the group, but I just haven't read her yet. And boy, am I kicking myself for that mistake.
This collection of short stories is nothing short of amazing. The prose is so well written, and the stories are so seamless and engaging, I hated that every single one of them ever had to end. Every one of them sucked me in, and I loved every nasty little minute of all of them.
I love the thought that went into the order of the stories in the collection. The first one has all the makings of a spooky campfire story, which is fun and creepy and oh so good. As the stories progress, each tale gets darker and creepier as you go. The final tale, aptly named We've Already Gone to Far, serves a dual purpose. It works as a warning to the reader that where they are about to go is darker than where you've been yet.
But, for those readers wanting to go darker, it works more as justification for what's to come, as if to say, "We've already pushed the boundaries this much, we might as well go farther, deeper, and darker, so buckle up."
The last story brings the horror on a level that the rest have slowly been moving you towards as you read. It's sheer compilation perfection.
I look forward to reading more books by Mars in the future.
This collection of short stories is nothing short of amazing. The prose is so well written, and the stories are so seamless and engaging, I hated that every single one of them ever had to end. Every one of them sucked me in, and I loved every nasty little minute of all of them.
I love the thought that went into the order of the stories in the collection. The first one has all the makings of a spooky campfire story, which is fun and creepy and oh so good. As the stories progress, each tale gets darker and creepier as you go. The final tale, aptly named We've Already Gone to Far, serves a dual purpose. It works as a warning to the reader that where they are about to go is darker than where you've been yet.
But, for those readers wanting to go darker, it works more as justification for what's to come, as if to say, "We've already pushed the boundaries this much, we might as well go farther, deeper, and darker, so buckle up."
The last story brings the horror on a level that the rest have slowly been moving you towards as you read. It's sheer compilation perfection.
I look forward to reading more books by Mars in the future.
July 5, 2024
Bigfoot. Gargoyles. And Jeff.
When MJ Mars writes something, I'll be second in line to read it after her lovely husband, of course.
Every single tale in this book was so vastly different than the others, and although short, the reader is fully immersed in the various atmospheres. Full-fledged and well thought out characters bring each story to life with witty dialogue, true internal fear, and a sense of desperation you only feel while reading horror.
MJ really knocked it out of the park with this one, and as I told her recently, I wish I had just an ounce of her imagination. This book is pure nightmare fuel in the best way possible. I think I speak for all of her fans when I say we will riot if we have to wait this long for more of her writing. She weaves stories like she's conducting the most beautiful and harrowing songs, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
I took my time reading, starting a new story between longer novels as a little treat to myself, and although I read Jeff Through The Trees a week ago, he still haunts my dreams.
When MJ Mars writes something, I'll be second in line to read it after her lovely husband, of course.
Every single tale in this book was so vastly different than the others, and although short, the reader is fully immersed in the various atmospheres. Full-fledged and well thought out characters bring each story to life with witty dialogue, true internal fear, and a sense of desperation you only feel while reading horror.
MJ really knocked it out of the park with this one, and as I told her recently, I wish I had just an ounce of her imagination. This book is pure nightmare fuel in the best way possible. I think I speak for all of her fans when I say we will riot if we have to wait this long for more of her writing. She weaves stories like she's conducting the most beautiful and harrowing songs, and I can't wait to see what she does next.
I took my time reading, starting a new story between longer novels as a little treat to myself, and although I read Jeff Through The Trees a week ago, he still haunts my dreams.
July 9, 2024
I’ve had a serious MJ Mars hangover since I read The Suffering, and it remains one of my all time favourites. I’m a huge fan of short story collections and couldn’t wait to dive into this one. MJ proves that she cannot only write a stellar haunted house story, she can write with ease and authority across the horror genre. There isn’t a weak link in this entire book. The stories are filled with imagination and technical expertise so precise that I can only imagine the exhaustive research that has gone into each tale. My personal favourite was ‘In Bocca Al Lupo’ - the opening played out in my mind like a gory, post apocalyptic movie and totally sucked me in. ‘We’ve Already Gone Too Far’ is another stand out and an excellent way to end this superb collection. I can’t finish my review without mentioning Jeff… Ah Jeff, welcome to my nightmares. I’d recommend this collection to any and all horror fans. There’s something in there for everyone. And you may find that, like me, you discover an affinity for a sub genre you’d never even considered. Brilliant
July 10, 2024
Wow, what a versatile and blood-curdling collection of short horror stories!
After reading M J Mars’ The Suffering I knew she’d be an insta-buy author for me, but I’m generally a bit wary of short story collections. Afterall, how can someone possibly immerse themselves in the writing, or engage with the characters, when there aren’t enough pages to build a full universe or in-depth backstories. Well, let me tell you now, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Every story in We’ve Already Gone Too Far is an absolute belter.
M J has meticulously crafted each heart-stopping tale so that it packs a devastating punch. It’s a true testament to her talent as an author that she has delivered such varied stories without losing any of the tension or horror of a full-length book. We’ve been given everything from eerie camping trips to depraved, blood-thirsty aliens.
If you want stories that will keep you up at night, then this one’s definitely for you!
After reading M J Mars’ The Suffering I knew she’d be an insta-buy author for me, but I’m generally a bit wary of short story collections. Afterall, how can someone possibly immerse themselves in the writing, or engage with the characters, when there aren’t enough pages to build a full universe or in-depth backstories. Well, let me tell you now, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. Every story in We’ve Already Gone Too Far is an absolute belter.
M J has meticulously crafted each heart-stopping tale so that it packs a devastating punch. It’s a true testament to her talent as an author that she has delivered such varied stories without losing any of the tension or horror of a full-length book. We’ve been given everything from eerie camping trips to depraved, blood-thirsty aliens.
If you want stories that will keep you up at night, then this one’s definitely for you!
July 17, 2024
With her short story collection, 'We've Already Gone Too Far,' M.J. Mars punches eight giant holes through the walls of ordinary life, and reveals the horror behind - and the landscape is genuinely horrifying! These stories deserve a wide audience: they show how good horror can be when a talented author sets her sights on creeping readers out while entertaining them with her stellar storytelling skills! The eight stories contained within are wide-ranging in theme, varying in length, and full of nasty twists. They all aim at upsetting and disturbing the reader, and they manage it effortlessly!
The opening and the closing story were the most impressive for me: "Jeff Through the Trees" starts slow, drawing you in, perhaps you even know where it's got to be going (and you're not wrong), but the writing is so good, the characters so real, when the urban legend materializes you cannot but feel the chill all over - virtually the perfect campfire story! "We’ve Already Gone Too Far" is a bird of a different feather altogether: it pulls you in fast, and delivers a genuinely scary story about what happens after death; capping it all with a cruel, upsetting ending!
This is not to say that the other six stories are any less haunting or shocking: there are Bigfoots, aliens, cursed magicians, an inspired story of military horror, a band who has to deal with their concert turning into carnage, there's gore, sci-fi horror, and a western creature feature unlike anything you've read before. Cosnider this a little treat to yourself, dear horror reader, and pick it up immediately!
The opening and the closing story were the most impressive for me: "Jeff Through the Trees" starts slow, drawing you in, perhaps you even know where it's got to be going (and you're not wrong), but the writing is so good, the characters so real, when the urban legend materializes you cannot but feel the chill all over - virtually the perfect campfire story! "We’ve Already Gone Too Far" is a bird of a different feather altogether: it pulls you in fast, and delivers a genuinely scary story about what happens after death; capping it all with a cruel, upsetting ending!
This is not to say that the other six stories are any less haunting or shocking: there are Bigfoots, aliens, cursed magicians, an inspired story of military horror, a band who has to deal with their concert turning into carnage, there's gore, sci-fi horror, and a western creature feature unlike anything you've read before. Cosnider this a little treat to yourself, dear horror reader, and pick it up immediately!
July 5, 2024
We’ve Already Gone Too Far by MJ Mars is an impeccably crafted short story collection: a variety of monsters in isolated locations makes every story feel completely fresh and incredibly creepy. Featuring alien life forms, urban legends and demonic monsters, if you are looking for happy endings and wholesome characters you have come to the wrong book. What you get are a host of realistic characters,twists and turns in every story and a whole heap of trouble! My favourite story is “Monastery Blood Moon” and I’m hoping to see a movie based on it one day. Demonic gargoyles in an abandoned monastery: yes please! But if you are interested in yeti-like creatures in an arctic wasteland, sasquatches in the woods, harpy-like monsters in gold rush era America and aliens on a plane you are going to love this
July 25, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
I had very high expectations for this collection. I read The Suffering last year and I still think about the ending a lot. I'm happy to report We've Already Gone Too Far lived up to my high hopes. If you love creature features, this will be right up your alley, as most (but not all) stories feature a cryptid or supernatural creature of some sort. I'd have happily read a novella or novella length book of any of these stories. One even managed to cram two of my big fears in one story (The 'Fasten Seatbelt' Light is On). Well done! 4.5 stars
Jeff Through the Trees ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
In Bocca Al Lupo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ Light is On ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fallen Eagles and Aces ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monastery Blood Moon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Big Gulps and Bigfoot ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Stooge ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
We've Already Gone Too Far ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
I had very high expectations for this collection. I read The Suffering last year and I still think about the ending a lot. I'm happy to report We've Already Gone Too Far lived up to my high hopes. If you love creature features, this will be right up your alley, as most (but not all) stories feature a cryptid or supernatural creature of some sort. I'd have happily read a novella or novella length book of any of these stories. One even managed to cram two of my big fears in one story (The 'Fasten Seatbelt' Light is On). Well done! 4.5 stars
Jeff Through the Trees ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
In Bocca Al Lupo ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The ‘Fasten Seatbelt’ Light is On ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fallen Eagles and Aces ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monastery Blood Moon ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Big Gulps and Bigfoot ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Stooge ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
We've Already Gone Too Far ⭐⭐⭐⭐.75
July 26, 2024
The stories were all well-written and exciting. The authorcovered a wide range of topics, from spooky camping trips to encounters with scary aliens, without losing the tension or horror of a full-length book. If you like stories that keep you up at night, you should definitely check out this book. I don't usually read short story collections because it takes time for me to get into the characters and storylines, but I really loved this one. Given the length of these stories, it's hard to discuss them in detail without giving away spoilers, so I'll just mention two of my favorites. "Jeff Through The Trees," combines two of my favorite horror themes to be what I considered to be the most frightening story in the collection. And finally, "We've Already Gone Too Far" focuses on military experiments that try to give soldiers knowledge from beyond the grave.
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