What do you think?
Rate this book
Welcome to Charlie's #1
Welcome to Charlie's: Retail Hell
Charlie’s supermarket isn’t just for humans. In fact, if you are human, your chances of leaving the store in one piece are pretty slim.
Jared has been working at Charlie’s for years. He’s seen all kinds of things over the years, from disembodied feet in aisle 12 to lawn gnomes that may or may not be alive. It’s amazing he’s survived this long.
But when a demonic woman enters the store, she warns of an impending battle, a visit from “The Father”. Will Jared and his motley crew of employees have what it takes to survive? And, of course, there’s also the problem of training the new cashier, and hoping the wendigo outside the store doesn’t eat her alive…
WELCOME TO CHARLIE’S is a horror comedy perfect for fans of Tales from the Gas Station and John Dies at the End. Welcome to retail hell.
Jared has been working at Charlie’s for years. He’s seen all kinds of things over the years, from disembodied feet in aisle 12 to lawn gnomes that may or may not be alive. It’s amazing he’s survived this long.
But when a demonic woman enters the store, she warns of an impending battle, a visit from “The Father”. Will Jared and his motley crew of employees have what it takes to survive? And, of course, there’s also the problem of training the new cashier, and hoping the wendigo outside the store doesn’t eat her alive…
WELCOME TO CHARLIE’S is a horror comedy perfect for fans of Tales from the Gas Station and John Dies at the End. Welcome to retail hell.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2025
50 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 1, 2025
Idk how to feel about this one. It was super dumb… but I think I liked it? Quite the pickle… not sure if I’ll be back for the sequel. 😵💫😵💫
May 4, 2025
3.8 i really love all the ideas some things are a little jumbled but i will definitely read the sequel and future books. I had a lot of fun with it.
April 13, 2025
I went into this blind, I honestly loved the cover. I was very excited to dive in without knowing anything about it.
It's so strange but so f**king fantastic.
Where do I begin...
The manager of Charlie's is Jared. He loves Honeybuns, he likes to make jokes, hates blood (don't go to the bathroom" it's like something out of the shining. He is also funny,
There Gary aka Garebear he works at the deli department. He finds meat that goes on special the next day. Just don't ask who it comes from, he may or may not be a serial killer.
There's Sheryl, who's a little, how do you say..."weird" she loves m&ms and that's about it.
Lacie, the new employee who seems scared at first but gets a thrill.
You've also got a Wendigo that eats the staff and lives in one of the boujie dog houses that has a TV 😂. He loves watching the "Peanuts" show and chewing on a dog toy.
Oh not to mention the customers, who are shall we say... "Dead". We also have leprechauns, dismembered feet that keep appearing and oh yeah a bunch of demons who think it's ok to come for a fight to the death! The count is on! Who will win?
Absolutely fantastic I haven't laughed so much in a long time! So so funny but so good! It would be an amazing movie!
It's so strange but so f**king fantastic.
Where do I begin...
The manager of Charlie's is Jared. He loves Honeybuns, he likes to make jokes, hates blood (don't go to the bathroom" it's like something out of the shining. He is also funny,
There Gary aka Garebear he works at the deli department. He finds meat that goes on special the next day. Just don't ask who it comes from, he may or may not be a serial killer.
There's Sheryl, who's a little, how do you say..."weird" she loves m&ms and that's about it.
Lacie, the new employee who seems scared at first but gets a thrill.
You've also got a Wendigo that eats the staff and lives in one of the boujie dog houses that has a TV 😂. He loves watching the "Peanuts" show and chewing on a dog toy.
Oh not to mention the customers, who are shall we say... "Dead". We also have leprechauns, dismembered feet that keep appearing and oh yeah a bunch of demons who think it's ok to come for a fight to the death! The count is on! Who will win?
Absolutely fantastic I haven't laughed so much in a long time! So so funny but so good! It would be an amazing movie!
January 28, 2025
If Slasher Witch at the Waterpark and The Tribulations of Ross Young, Supernat PA had a baby I think it would be this book. Don’t fuss with morales or physics just hop on the adventure and have a good time. The slasher genre is definitely one I only dabble in but I liked how vividly creative the author was and will watch for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2025
This book would have been so much better if it were just fleshed out.
The characters are two-dimensional. There's no insight about how or why Jared came to be the manager of Charlie's, and we know nothing about him outside of his exploits/existence inside the store. Likewise, we don't know why or how the store itself exists, and there isn't any world-building outside it. As for the plot, there isn't much of one aside from the daily weirdness inside Charlie's. The impending arrival of "The Father" is treated like an afterthought, despite that he'll apparently bring about the apocalypse, and the showdown between his goons and the people/creatures of Charlie's is entirely anticlimactic. It does lead directly into the sequel, and maybe some or all of the questions I have are answered in the second book. But honestly, I don't think I'm compelled enough to read it to find out.
I hate to be so harsh, because the concept is quirky and unique and I wanted to love it. But the entire book feels like a missed opportunity to be something so much more.
The characters are two-dimensional. There's no insight about how or why Jared came to be the manager of Charlie's, and we know nothing about him outside of his exploits/existence inside the store. Likewise, we don't know why or how the store itself exists, and there isn't any world-building outside it. As for the plot, there isn't much of one aside from the daily weirdness inside Charlie's. The impending arrival of "The Father" is treated like an afterthought, despite that he'll apparently bring about the apocalypse, and the showdown between his goons and the people/creatures of Charlie's is entirely anticlimactic. It does lead directly into the sequel, and maybe some or all of the questions I have are answered in the second book. But honestly, I don't think I'm compelled enough to read it to find out.
I hate to be so harsh, because the concept is quirky and unique and I wanted to love it. But the entire book feels like a missed opportunity to be something so much more.
May 11, 2025
Based on the summary, I had really high hopes for this book. A grocery store manager working for a quirky, strange store that may or may not be a portal from hell? Sign me up!
However, I was quickly put off by the strange pacing, especially when the "love interest" suddenly appeared. I thought the addition of a possible love line was completely unnecessary, especially when he already started having feelings for her after only a week or so of working together.
I would have loved it if the whole twin hearts angle had been explained more. It felt like the necklace given to the girl was such a quick pass on this tidbit.
Additionally, the "war" against hell was so comically weird that I wasn't sure if I found it charming or cringeworthy. I was expecting more from the horror aspect of the book, but it really just fell through.
However, I was quickly put off by the strange pacing, especially when the "love interest" suddenly appeared. I thought the addition of a possible love line was completely unnecessary, especially when he already started having feelings for her after only a week or so of working together.
I would have loved it if the whole twin hearts angle had been explained more. It felt like the necklace given to the girl was such a quick pass on this tidbit.
Additionally, the "war" against hell was so comically weird that I wasn't sure if I found it charming or cringeworthy. I was expecting more from the horror aspect of the book, but it really just fell through.
January 28, 2025
Welcome to Charlie's: Retail Hell is a fantastic combination of horror and comedy. If you are horror obsessed like I am, but are looking for a palate cleanser this is your book! Full of all the classics from witches, to werewolfs, to vampires and windingos.
If you have spent any time working in retail, you will understand the all the characters frustrations, but with a twist. If working in retail hell wasn't bad enough, now imagine being warned by a demonic women of an impending battle to come.
You will fall in love with all the quirky characters including some of the monsters. I am already ready for the next one to come out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you have spent any time working in retail, you will understand the all the characters frustrations, but with a twist. If working in retail hell wasn't bad enough, now imagine being warned by a demonic women of an impending battle to come.
You will fall in love with all the quirky characters including some of the monsters. I am already ready for the next one to come out!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2025
This book was definitely a page turner. Ashley Watson certainly knows as an author to really set the scene and has the ability to write so flowingly with excitement that you end up reading faster and faster as a reader! I read this book in one sitting. It certainly isn’t like a story I have ever read before but I would highly recommend if you like a mix of a magical fantasy/horror/thriller/paranonal world with a mundane supermarket job. I can’t even do it justice with this review. Thank you for producing this. I couldn’t put it down and I was gripped throughout. I can’t wait to read the next story!
February 14, 2025
I am really digging retail horror lately, there is just something about it, that is relatable, or maybe thats because i have worked in retail, like most of us.
And we know, that shit is a horror show all on its own, but to add, whatever the fuck is usually going on, makes this so over the top, but I cant stop reading it.
Horror comendy, also a jam that im rocking out too, these employees are already showing up to work to battle the masses, but now they have to show up to fight a forthcoming demon battle??
Does workers comp cover this or??
This was quick, and entertaining, I have a small little No Sleep / Creepy Pasta obsession, and this was that, but better, I need more please.
And we know, that shit is a horror show all on its own, but to add, whatever the fuck is usually going on, makes this so over the top, but I cant stop reading it.
Horror comendy, also a jam that im rocking out too, these employees are already showing up to work to battle the masses, but now they have to show up to fight a forthcoming demon battle??
Does workers comp cover this or??
This was quick, and entertaining, I have a small little No Sleep / Creepy Pasta obsession, and this was that, but better, I need more please.
March 12, 2025
After years and years of working retail, this one felt like such a refreshing inside joke that felt so relatable. It takes the mundane and turns it into monsters, paranormal activity, and fantasy. It's like everyday retail work, but with more blood and magical creatures. It's perfect.
The characters are brilliant and you feel like you know every one. I was ready to battle with each person for the impending doom that was coming.
The writing is clear, concise, and quick. I was surprised at how quickly I read Welcome to Charlie's because it moves at such an excellent pace.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The characters are brilliant and you feel like you know every one. I was ready to battle with each person for the impending doom that was coming.
The writing is clear, concise, and quick. I was surprised at how quickly I read Welcome to Charlie's because it moves at such an excellent pace.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2025
Gared, sorry, Jared is the store manager of Charlie's. He deals with with everyday issues that all retail stores deal with... blood soaked bathrooms, a deli that (occasionally) sells "long pig", wizards, zombies, and lawn gnomes.
This story reminds me of the insanity, horror and absurdity of "John Dies at the End."
It's all based in the centralized locale of "Charlie's", but contains an abundance of hilarious and sometimes odd or threatening characters that will make you laugh out loud.
The pacing is pretty near perfect and makes the read quick and enjoyable. I can't wait to read book 2!
This story reminds me of the insanity, horror and absurdity of "John Dies at the End."
It's all based in the centralized locale of "Charlie's", but contains an abundance of hilarious and sometimes odd or threatening characters that will make you laugh out loud.
The pacing is pretty near perfect and makes the read quick and enjoyable. I can't wait to read book 2!
January 29, 2025
Welcome to Charlie's: Retail Hell is so much fun. I'm not sure if I would consider it horror or comedy. It has both and both work so well. I can imagine this setting being any store with the headaches that come from working retail but these employees have so much more to deal with including an upcoming battle! Who would have thought retail could be so much fun!
Love the characters including the monsters. I can't wait for a second book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love the characters including the monsters. I can't wait for a second book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2025
A very enjoyable short supernatural comedy story with a sarcastic tone. Rather funny than scary, you can probably finish this one in a single evening. The book feels more like a series of loosely connected, standalone short episodes, but each chapter still leaves you curious about the next one.
While it lacks a bit in character development or creating a more engaging overarching plot, the book makes up for it with dry internet-style humor and likeable characters. A nice and easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While it lacks a bit in character development or creating a more engaging overarching plot, the book makes up for it with dry internet-style humor and likeable characters. A nice and easy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2025
Extraordinary Watson!
I have listened to this book (series on YouTube) by Ashley Watson for some time now and I was absolutely blown away when she announced that she had published it in book form. I had to wait for it to come out and I immediately bought it. The book didn’t disappoint me either. I can’t wait for the next book to arrive next month now.
I will say that if you don’t like comedy, slight horror and syfy then this is not the book for you, but if like me you love the wacky stuff, you will love this book.
I have listened to this book (series on YouTube) by Ashley Watson for some time now and I was absolutely blown away when she announced that she had published it in book form. I had to wait for it to come out and I immediately bought it. The book didn’t disappoint me either. I can’t wait for the next book to arrive next month now.
I will say that if you don’t like comedy, slight horror and syfy then this is not the book for you, but if like me you love the wacky stuff, you will love this book.
March 6, 2025
A rare five star
I was in between serious reading and found this little gem. The story is about Charlie’s Department Store and Jared, the manager, and his band of merry employees as they deal with a pet wendingo, roaming garden gnomes, and much more. It’s fun, outrageous, absurd, and you just have to go along for the ride. The absurdity of the situations just make it fun. Suspend reality and enjoy
I was in between serious reading and found this little gem. The story is about Charlie’s Department Store and Jared, the manager, and his band of merry employees as they deal with a pet wendingo, roaming garden gnomes, and much more. It’s fun, outrageous, absurd, and you just have to go along for the ride. The absurdity of the situations just make it fun. Suspend reality and enjoy
March 21, 2025
Jared is the store manager of Charlie's. However, Charlie's is not your regular store. Strange things go on, on a daily basis. A yeti comes in for groceries, wizards and werewolves have a dance off. But the doorway to hell display showing a count down of when Father will appear is new. But its just anothrr day at Charlie's for Jared, Gary, Lacie and Sheryl.
Enjoy the blizzard daily accounts from Jared's point of view, it will make you laugh out loud.
Enjoy the blizzard daily accounts from Jared's point of view, it will make you laugh out loud.
June 16, 2025
As a fan of the Tales from the Gas Station series, the premise of this series definitely interested me.
I was definitely not disappointed. I look forward to seeing new additions to the story, and how else things can get even stranger at Charlie's.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was definitely not disappointed. I look forward to seeing new additions to the story, and how else things can get even stranger at Charlie's.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 21, 2025
Not entirely sure about this book. The idea is good, the humour is there, but it’s missing something I can’t quite name. It never hooked me the way John Dies at the End or Tales from the Gas Station did. Perhaps a bit more character depth or a stronger plot thread would’ve made it more gripping. Still, it’s a fun enough read, though I doubt I’ll bother with the sequel.
February 7, 2025
The vibes
As a retail manager myself, I've often wondered if I was somehow cursed or my store was some level of hell I had to navigate out of. It's giving evil dead meets clerks. I'm absolutely here for it.
As a retail manager myself, I've often wondered if I was somehow cursed or my store was some level of hell I had to navigate out of. It's giving evil dead meets clerks. I'm absolutely here for it.
February 13, 2025
Could not get my footing with this one. There were aspects I like such as the narrator, but I didn’t know what world I was in. And some of the jokes and antics just didn’t land. It was both short and very long.
April 2, 2025
I enjoyed reading this book, it was a quick and entertaining read. I wanted to find out what happened next and was able to finish it in 1 sitting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 12, 2025
The story is cute, though it really reminds me of the Demon Mart series by D.M.Guay, and it isn't as well written. Rife with spelling and grammatical errors. The author uses the word "whenever" in place of basically every conjunction, and it really doesn't fit.
February 2, 2025
Hilarious and inventive, can't wait for the sequel!
February 11, 2025
Chaotic and over-the-top in the best way possible. Controlled madness. Such a fun read with several parts that made me snicker and a couple I laughed out loud. Can't wait for the sequel!
March 4, 2025
really fun read
Silly horror characters and the antics they get up to. This is a delightful, easy horror read. Going to preorder the sequel now!
Silly horror characters and the antics they get up to. This is a delightful, easy horror read. Going to preorder the sequel now!
April 10, 2025
A fun and exciting read to lighten your daily life.
April 11, 2025
Really enjoyed this fun little read and will definitely see what the 2nd is about!
July 8, 2025
Another enjoyable urban fantasy story. Both short and long at the same time. A good read for when you're just lying around sick or injured.
July 7, 2025
3.5/5 (rounding up)
This one has been on my list for a while. A comedic retail horror just speaks to me on principle. As anticipated, I had a lot of fun with this one! It's light-hearted and camp which I always enjoy. I recommend if you're in need of some levity.
This one has been on my list for a while. A comedic retail horror just speaks to me on principle. As anticipated, I had a lot of fun with this one! It's light-hearted and camp which I always enjoy. I recommend if you're in need of some levity.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews