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Madhouse
A storm.
An accident.
For Miss Trent and her students, what should have been a well-deserved celebration has suddenly turned into a desperate fight for survival.
There’s something lurking in the forest. Hunting them. Feeding off their fear.
Nothing is what it seems. Until tonight, insanity was just a word.
Now they’re going to learn its true meaning.
Tick—one by one they’re being taken.
Tock—to suffer a fate worse than anything they could imagine.
Tick—screaming, pleading, praying—nothing will work.
Tock—not everyone will make it.
Tick—but one thing’s for sure.
Tock—when you enter the madhouse, you’ll never be the same again.
An accident.
For Miss Trent and her students, what should have been a well-deserved celebration has suddenly turned into a desperate fight for survival.
There’s something lurking in the forest. Hunting them. Feeding off their fear.
Nothing is what it seems. Until tonight, insanity was just a word.
Now they’re going to learn its true meaning.
Tick—one by one they’re being taken.
Tock—to suffer a fate worse than anything they could imagine.
Tick—screaming, pleading, praying—nothing will work.
Tock—not everyone will make it.
Tick—but one thing’s for sure.
Tock—when you enter the madhouse, you’ll never be the same again.
215 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2024
417 people are currently reading
517 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Artinian
61 books290 followersI was born and raised in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Wanting to escape life in a big city and concentrate more on working to live than living to work, I moved to the Outer Hebrides in the north-west of Scotland in 2004 and I have lived there ever since with my wife and dogs.
I write post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, dystopian and horror fiction. I’ve released fifty one books across six different series - Safe Haven, The End of Everything, Unsafe, Relentless, The Burning Tree and Scares in Scotland.
In addition, most of my titles are now available as audiobooks narrated by Kim Bretton, so if you’re one of the many people who struggle to find the time to read, you can listen on the go.
To stay up to date with all the very latest news, and to get your hands on a free book, Before Safe Haven: Alex, sign up to my newsletter here: https://BookHip.com/XPNLJH
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK: BEFORE SAFE HAVEN: ALEX
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For signed books and exclusive merchandise
https://www.christopherartinian.com/
I write post-apocalyptic, sci-fi, dystopian and horror fiction. I’ve released fifty one books across six different series - Safe Haven, The End of Everything, Unsafe, Relentless, The Burning Tree and Scares in Scotland.
In addition, most of my titles are now available as audiobooks narrated by Kim Bretton, so if you’re one of the many people who struggle to find the time to read, you can listen on the go.
To stay up to date with all the very latest news, and to get your hands on a free book, Before Safe Haven: Alex, sign up to my newsletter here: https://BookHip.com/XPNLJH
CLAIM YOUR FREE BOOK: BEFORE SAFE HAVEN: ALEX
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/1v9xdaxx77
Join the Christopher Artinian fan club on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/12769...
https://www.instagram.com/christopher...
Christopher Artinian author page
https://www.facebook.com/safehaventri...
For signed books and exclusive merchandise
https://www.christopherartinian.com/
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 4, 2025
At some point during January 2025 the author of this book and his books started showing up everywhere for me, I could not avoid them, the algorithms that rule my online experience had spoken. Because sometimes I like to choose the path of least resistance, I picked the book that was in my recommendations the most, this one. I'm not mad about it.
Madhouse is a wild ride that puts a European spin on the trope and makes you feel for the antagonists. There are a few moments of dark humor and a lot of brutal and weird moments which contrast nicely with the parts of the book that center the victims that had a sweet almost YA vibe.
My biggest gripe with this book is that there's a lot of characters and some of them had nicknames, if you know me you know that I'm no good with names so I got a little lost at times, fun times.
Madhouse is a wild ride that puts a European spin on the trope and makes you feel for the antagonists. There are a few moments of dark humor and a lot of brutal and weird moments which contrast nicely with the parts of the book that center the victims that had a sweet almost YA vibe.
My biggest gripe with this book is that there's a lot of characters and some of them had nicknames, if you know me you know that I'm no good with names so I got a little lost at times, fun times.
January 12, 2025
"If you’re a fan of slasher horror, this book should be right up your alley. It’s packed with action and never has a dull moment, keeping you engaged from start to finish. I was in the mood for a solid horror read, and this one definitely delivered. While I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, it’s a wildly entertaining ride filled with psychos and pure madness. A great pick for anyone craving some thrilling, chaotic fun!"
May 15, 2025
This has to be the most bizarre story I’ve read yet! Wild and crazy characters, like really loony bin crazy. 🤯 Christopher Artinian did it again, his books never disappoint. I was hooked from the start and it didn’t let down. I hope this one gets turned into a movie someday! Think Texas chainsaw massacre x wrong turn. Loved it, so kudos to the author as well as the amazing narrator!! 👌🏼🤩
December 6, 2024
When I started reading Madhouse, I wasn't prepared for the chaotic rollercoaster that
awaited me. This book moves at an
absolutely relentless pace, dragging
you, breathless, through a nightmarish
tale of insanity and survival. It's a short,
sharp punch of a story. One that doesn't
let you relax for even a moment.
The family at the heart of the horror?
Pure, unadulterated madness. Each member of the twisted clan is terrifyingly unhinged. It's not just their actions that disturb you; it's the underlying logic-or lack thereof-that makes them so chilling. There's an unpredictable, almost feral quality to them.
Artinian's vivid descriptions had me absolutely mesmerized. He doesn't shy away from gore, painting scenes so gruesome and visceral that I could almost feel the blood spatter. But it's not gratuitous; every vivid detail serves to heighten the tension and plunge you deeper into this grotesque world. It's the kind of horror that sticks to your skin and lingers in your mind.
Madhouse is unsettling, brutal, and utterly
unforgettable. 5⭐
awaited me. This book moves at an
absolutely relentless pace, dragging
you, breathless, through a nightmarish
tale of insanity and survival. It's a short,
sharp punch of a story. One that doesn't
let you relax for even a moment.
The family at the heart of the horror?
Pure, unadulterated madness. Each member of the twisted clan is terrifyingly unhinged. It's not just their actions that disturb you; it's the underlying logic-or lack thereof-that makes them so chilling. There's an unpredictable, almost feral quality to them.
Artinian's vivid descriptions had me absolutely mesmerized. He doesn't shy away from gore, painting scenes so gruesome and visceral that I could almost feel the blood spatter. But it's not gratuitous; every vivid detail serves to heighten the tension and plunge you deeper into this grotesque world. It's the kind of horror that sticks to your skin and lingers in your mind.
Madhouse is unsettling, brutal, and utterly
unforgettable. 5⭐
February 17, 2025
1.0
Now if you enjoy totally horrific stories that would make a totally C rated movie for streaming tv, then this is for you. Not enough adjectives in my vocabulary. I prefer a little more quality.
Now if you enjoy totally horrific stories that would make a totally C rated movie for streaming tv, then this is for you. Not enough adjectives in my vocabulary. I prefer a little more quality.
May 9, 2025
Don’t bother
This was just a really bad book. The best part was the teacher lived longer than expected, it is like a very cheesy high school scream movie.
This was just a really bad book. The best part was the teacher lived longer than expected, it is like a very cheesy high school scream movie.
July 22, 2025
A drama teacher takes her small class on a field trip to see a play in Scotland. On the way a bridge gives out and they abandon the van and go on foot to find help. What they find is a woods full of crazies. They start to disappear, and the others must not only survive, but find their friends.
This was an o.k. book. Nothing really out of the ordinary for me. It had its points but also had its downfalls. One thing I couldn't really stand was the author thought repeating yourself over and over made you crazy and demented. A character would repeat a sentence over and over. This didn't happen a few times, it happened almost every few pages.
Another was all of the crazy family who go out and kill kept repeating that they like each other but really hate them as well. This happens throughout the book, too. It took a lot away from the story for me. Repeating yourself does not a maniac make.
This was an o.k. book. Nothing really out of the ordinary for me. It had its points but also had its downfalls. One thing I couldn't really stand was the author thought repeating yourself over and over made you crazy and demented. A character would repeat a sentence over and over. This didn't happen a few times, it happened almost every few pages.
Another was all of the crazy family who go out and kill kept repeating that they like each other but really hate them as well. This happens throughout the book, too. It took a lot away from the story for me. Repeating yourself does not a maniac make.
March 8, 2025
If House of 1000 Corpses was set in the UK, this would be it. A rollercoaster of emotions and tension.
When Claire, Millie and their high school drama students are in a car accident on a field trip, they find themselves at the mercy of a family with murder and madness in mind.
The characters are creepy, the locations are isolated and spooky, and the story holds no punches. Multiple varieties of death and torture are depicted here, and al of them add a new level to a fast-paced story. This story will take you on a teddy bear’s picnic and strap you to a table for horrific experiments all in one go. My first read by Christopher Artinian, this will not be my last.
When Claire, Millie and their high school drama students are in a car accident on a field trip, they find themselves at the mercy of a family with murder and madness in mind.
The characters are creepy, the locations are isolated and spooky, and the story holds no punches. Multiple varieties of death and torture are depicted here, and al of them add a new level to a fast-paced story. This story will take you on a teddy bear’s picnic and strap you to a table for horrific experiments all in one go. My first read by Christopher Artinian, this will not be my last.
May 5, 2025
Christopher Artinian is one of my favorite authors, so I knew that I had to read this one even though it is so totally different from his other books. As he says in the book, "Abject lunacy" is the perfect description of this one!
A group of high school students on a field trip with their drama teacher and her assistant find themselves lost in a forest during an intense storm. Trying to find their way to help, they instead encounter a group of total lunatics!
The extent of the madness plays out through the book and every time I thought it couldn't get any crazier, the author proved me wrong! The reader should be prepared for utter madness, tons of blood and gore and a few moments of redemption. You could feel the meltdown of the characters as the story progressed and the dread of the students was palpable.
The audiobook, narrated by the amazing Kim Bretton, was especially creepy. Her voices for the characters were truly hair-raising and her maniacal laughter really put me in the right mood for the book. And, the song "Teddy Bear's Picnic" will never be a sweet innocent memory again!
A group of high school students on a field trip with their drama teacher and her assistant find themselves lost in a forest during an intense storm. Trying to find their way to help, they instead encounter a group of total lunatics!
The extent of the madness plays out through the book and every time I thought it couldn't get any crazier, the author proved me wrong! The reader should be prepared for utter madness, tons of blood and gore and a few moments of redemption. You could feel the meltdown of the characters as the story progressed and the dread of the students was palpable.
The audiobook, narrated by the amazing Kim Bretton, was especially creepy. Her voices for the characters were truly hair-raising and her maniacal laughter really put me in the right mood for the book. And, the song "Teddy Bear's Picnic" will never be a sweet innocent memory again!
March 8, 2025
Loved it
This was one crazy read with some crazy, crazy, crazy characters. A drama teacher taking her students out on a field trip to watch a theatre productio , hit a hazard on the journey their. Upon this hazard they take a detour. With a lucky and near death escape they make and unnerving walk to find help and any sign of life. They walk through the darkest of woods taking a short cut back to civilisation. But strange sounds start to overcome them. What is happening in these woods? Can Miss T save them. Will all the students get back. What could be hunting or haunting them, so many questions, but the.answers are even crazier. A compelling read that has you not quiet sure what is happening at first, then the twist and turns begin. With some blood, gore and violence, all mixed together. You.can't what to turn the page to see what happens next. A great read and with great characters and great plot. You can't ask for more. Recommended!
This was one crazy read with some crazy, crazy, crazy characters. A drama teacher taking her students out on a field trip to watch a theatre productio , hit a hazard on the journey their. Upon this hazard they take a detour. With a lucky and near death escape they make and unnerving walk to find help and any sign of life. They walk through the darkest of woods taking a short cut back to civilisation. But strange sounds start to overcome them. What is happening in these woods? Can Miss T save them. Will all the students get back. What could be hunting or haunting them, so many questions, but the.answers are even crazier. A compelling read that has you not quiet sure what is happening at first, then the twist and turns begin. With some blood, gore and violence, all mixed together. You.can't what to turn the page to see what happens next. A great read and with great characters and great plot. You can't ask for more. Recommended!
June 17, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
‘Madhouse’ is a fitting title - the family are crazy!
This book is f’ked up - it’s gory and graphic with a splash of dark humour, I loved it!
It’s short and fast paced; I was completely hooked from the prologue onwards.
There are a lot of main characters, all with quite a bit of dialect and involvement; however, I didn’t feel lost or confused at any point, the PoVs of each chapter were grouped together well and the story flowed clearly.
I will say there is quite a lot of filler throughout the book; the author uses a lot of descriptive writing when it’s not really necessary - we knew everyone’s movements and thoughts constantly so it became slightly repetitive at times.
Not life changing by any means but was definitely a captivating read that holds you at the edge of your seat to the final page, the ending was wild!
‘Madhouse’ is a fitting title - the family are crazy!
This book is f’ked up - it’s gory and graphic with a splash of dark humour, I loved it!
It’s short and fast paced; I was completely hooked from the prologue onwards.
There are a lot of main characters, all with quite a bit of dialect and involvement; however, I didn’t feel lost or confused at any point, the PoVs of each chapter were grouped together well and the story flowed clearly.
I will say there is quite a lot of filler throughout the book; the author uses a lot of descriptive writing when it’s not really necessary - we knew everyone’s movements and thoughts constantly so it became slightly repetitive at times.
Not life changing by any means but was definitely a captivating read that holds you at the edge of your seat to the final page, the ending was wild!
January 16, 2025
Terrifyingly psychotic, but what a great story.
What a fantastic, terrifying book this was. If it had been a film I would of been hiding behind the settee, never mind a pillow. Halfway through all I kept thinking was, I would rather of gone down with the bus. Chris has wrote an excellent eyes glued to the pages horror, of a psycho family living, hidden in a huge house in the woods, they all love kidnapping and mutilating people. Until some fight back. Definitely not a book to miss. I'm sending the book to my brother he likes a good horror story, and I know he will love this one.
What a fantastic, terrifying book this was. If it had been a film I would of been hiding behind the settee, never mind a pillow. Halfway through all I kept thinking was, I would rather of gone down with the bus. Chris has wrote an excellent eyes glued to the pages horror, of a psycho family living, hidden in a huge house in the woods, they all love kidnapping and mutilating people. Until some fight back. Definitely not a book to miss. I'm sending the book to my brother he likes a good horror story, and I know he will love this one.
October 29, 2024
Page turning mayhem
O M G this book definitely lives upto its name and more! Madhouse the people that live there are definitely mentally challenged! It’s a roller coaster and you are unable to predict where anything is going. Completely and utterly insane. Great pacing can’t turn the pages quick enough to see what on earth will happen next! I found this author after reading the burning tree series (it’s fantastic) then Safe Haven and the End of everything all amazing series and highly recommended.
O M G this book definitely lives upto its name and more! Madhouse the people that live there are definitely mentally challenged! It’s a roller coaster and you are unable to predict where anything is going. Completely and utterly insane. Great pacing can’t turn the pages quick enough to see what on earth will happen next! I found this author after reading the burning tree series (it’s fantastic) then Safe Haven and the End of everything all amazing series and highly recommended.
October 31, 2024
Messing with and trying to manipulate science is not a good idea as unfortunately Miss Trent and her small group of students are about to find out in the most horrific way. A totally insane family are hunting them, some students suddenly disappear and the rest search for them. A house appears and what happens next will have you on the edge of your seat. Will any of them survive and at what cost? Artinian has done it again creating a character driven, emotionally charged tale of horror and believe me, you do not want to enter the Madhouse.
April 20, 2025
a very good read from start to finish. You have a group of people needing and hoping to survive, and a family so deranged and psychotic that survival could spell the end for all of them, lots of gore and twists, who will survive who wont, edge of the seat reading.
you find yourself not just wanting the innocent to survive, but find yourself routing for the bad guys as well.
when you let the animal loose, it's hard to ever be normal again, all time best author Christopher Artinian, remember that name.
you find yourself not just wanting the innocent to survive, but find yourself routing for the bad guys as well.
when you let the animal loose, it's hard to ever be normal again, all time best author Christopher Artinian, remember that name.
December 30, 2024
Held my breath!
this wasn't the usual genre for this author, so I started reading it with trepidation. Not far in it came to a part where I thought this was too sick and I would not be able to carry on. However, it got better and I enjoyed the story. People being terrified in the woods, disappearing and coming together to overcome the madness in the house. You just never know what goes on behind closed doors. Check out Night of the Demons for another scary tale.
this wasn't the usual genre for this author, so I started reading it with trepidation. Not far in it came to a part where I thought this was too sick and I would not be able to carry on. However, it got better and I enjoyed the story. People being terrified in the woods, disappearing and coming together to overcome the madness in the house. You just never know what goes on behind closed doors. Check out Night of the Demons for another scary tale.
March 16, 2025
Lacking Character Development
The story was fine, mildly interesting but this book leaves only questions. We never get a back story on any of the students except Zach and there really wasn’t much for Zach either. No follow up to what exactly is wrong with the madhouse family. The only fully fleshed out backstory is in the prologue for a character who dies immediately. Not terrible but you could probably find a better read.
The story was fine, mildly interesting but this book leaves only questions. We never get a back story on any of the students except Zach and there really wasn’t much for Zach either. No follow up to what exactly is wrong with the madhouse family. The only fully fleshed out backstory is in the prologue for a character who dies immediately. Not terrible but you could probably find a better read.
September 30, 2025
Welcome to Horror Story Telling hour at Downton Abbey!
This is a book that MUST be physically read and NOT listened to! The horror, madness, gore and paranoia would have been a PERFECT 5 star read had it not been for the silly, and most disasterous narration! It was like listening to Lady Grantham reading a horror story to her grandkids at Downton Abbey......no joke.
I would recommend highly to pick up the book in your hands, and IGNORE this terrible book cover.
4.5 screams
This is a book that MUST be physically read and NOT listened to! The horror, madness, gore and paranoia would have been a PERFECT 5 star read had it not been for the silly, and most disasterous narration! It was like listening to Lady Grantham reading a horror story to her grandkids at Downton Abbey......no joke.
I would recommend highly to pick up the book in your hands, and IGNORE this terrible book cover.
4.5 screams
February 4, 2026
Well, I definitely wasn't expecting that.
Thankfully, the synopsis is vague enough that I went into this virtually blind and it was amazing. I love when the author starts the story on the first page and doesn't let up. From chapter one the scares start, the tension is ramped up and I never wanted to put this down. Some scenes were nauseating. The body horror was grotesque and the craziness level was astronomical. Read on an empty stomach.
Thankfully, the synopsis is vague enough that I went into this virtually blind and it was amazing. I love when the author starts the story on the first page and doesn't let up. From chapter one the scares start, the tension is ramped up and I never wanted to put this down. Some scenes were nauseating. The body horror was grotesque and the craziness level was astronomical. Read on an empty stomach.
November 3, 2024
Amazing!!!
I have loved most everything Christopher Artinian writes. From TEOE to Safe haven, and Relentless and more, but this was a great read!
The suspense, detail and heart to this story was masterfully done! Couldn’t put it down, and was a great read during Halloween! Another great book! A must read!!!
I have loved most everything Christopher Artinian writes. From TEOE to Safe haven, and Relentless and more, but this was a great read!
The suspense, detail and heart to this story was masterfully done! Couldn’t put it down, and was a great read during Halloween! Another great book! A must read!!!
November 4, 2024
This was action packed and scary as hell from the very beginning, I could picture every scene and also felt the terror….. what a film this would make.
I love Scotland so much but gonna be careful where I travel. How the hell can there be sooo many nutters in one family. Christopher Artinian you have a very twisted mind…… I love it!!!! 😊. Must read for any horror fans
I love Scotland so much but gonna be careful where I travel. How the hell can there be sooo many nutters in one family. Christopher Artinian you have a very twisted mind…… I love it!!!! 😊. Must read for any horror fans
November 9, 2024
Madhouse. Christopher Artinian.
Brilliant. And Terrifyingly good. A School outing six Teenagers two Teachers. Having to find their way, All the horrors rolled into one brilliant book. Yet………
Friday 13th, Halloween, The shining. Add in the Brady Bunch, though not as goodies, but a fearful, frightening, Mad, Psychotic. Family.
Just run.
Brilliant. And Terrifyingly good. A School outing six Teenagers two Teachers. Having to find their way, All the horrors rolled into one brilliant book. Yet………
Friday 13th, Halloween, The shining. Add in the Brady Bunch, though not as goodies, but a fearful, frightening, Mad, Psychotic. Family.
Just run.
November 14, 2024
terrifying!
I’ve not read many horror type books before but this one caught my eye! So glad it did, was addicted to it within 5 minutes & read it in 2 sittings - the story line was the weirdest ever, what a totally unhinged, mad, sadistic family - but it sort of flowed as if they were the normal ones! Highly recommend
I’ve not read many horror type books before but this one caught my eye! So glad it did, was addicted to it within 5 minutes & read it in 2 sittings - the story line was the weirdest ever, what a totally unhinged, mad, sadistic family - but it sort of flowed as if they were the normal ones! Highly recommend
November 25, 2024
Well this was written by the boss of horror Christopher Artinian. What can I say, yet again he writes something so different to what was expected. A 5* read, this had me in the story hiding from, well obviously I'm not going to give anything away. Just expect the unexpected! Check out his other books you'll never be disappointed. 👏👏👏
April 1, 2025
Wow
Ok. Honestly....what did I just read? At first I was convinced this was a rob zombie vibe story. So much insanity and gore. But it's so much more. I could visualize the whole thing happening. I was on the edge of my seat. Not my normal story choice but damn. I'm glad I saw it through!
Ok. Honestly....what did I just read? At first I was convinced this was a rob zombie vibe story. So much insanity and gore. But it's so much more. I could visualize the whole thing happening. I was on the edge of my seat. Not my normal story choice but damn. I'm glad I saw it through!
May 31, 2025
Not for the squeamish
This book starts out with you on your toes and keeps you there till the end.
Not for anyone who is squeamish.
A great book of heroism, love, protection, friendship, loyalty and so much more.
Not going to give anything away, you'll have to read, but you won't be disappointed.
This book starts out with you on your toes and keeps you there till the end.
Not for anyone who is squeamish.
A great book of heroism, love, protection, friendship, loyalty and so much more.
Not going to give anything away, you'll have to read, but you won't be disappointed.
June 19, 2025
Page turner..
This is the first time I read a story from this author, but it definitely won't be the last.
The development of the characters, the gore , the madness of it all was impossible to put down. With all that being said, there was an undercurrent of courage, friendship and sacrifice.
This book was unsettling but I the best of ways!
This is the first time I read a story from this author, but it definitely won't be the last.
The development of the characters, the gore , the madness of it all was impossible to put down. With all that being said, there was an undercurrent of courage, friendship and sacrifice.
This book was unsettling but I the best of ways!
June 21, 2025
Mad house indeed
You will not be able to put this crazy roller coster ride of a read down.Way to much crazyness
going on in these pages,I read it in 2 days.So get ready for the mad hatter crap in this crazy roller coster ride of a read.What kind of hallucinogenics were you on when you wrote this Christopher? LOL.
You will not be able to put this crazy roller coster ride of a read down.Way to much crazyness
going on in these pages,I read it in 2 days.So get ready for the mad hatter crap in this crazy roller coster ride of a read.What kind of hallucinogenics were you on when you wrote this Christopher? LOL.
November 4, 2024
Couldn't put this one down
Riveting from page one, one of my favourite authors with another amazing book! The fact these things could actually happen makes it all the more horrifying but impossible to put down
Riveting from page one, one of my favourite authors with another amazing book! The fact these things could actually happen makes it all the more horrifying but impossible to put down
November 16, 2024
Unstoppable thrills
This is the first book I've read from the author Christopher Artinian, and I plan to read more!
He grabs you from the first page to the very last page.
This book is full of action and horror. I highly recommend you read it!
This is the first book I've read from the author Christopher Artinian, and I plan to read more!
He grabs you from the first page to the very last page.
This book is full of action and horror. I highly recommend you read it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews