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The Bookshop from Hell
Horror is what Dan Law enjoys. He loves to read horror novels as a way to escape from his teaching job, from his loneliness, from the everyday dullness of life in Silver Lake. That’s what Dan lives for. When a new bookstore opens in town, every visitor receives a free book of their own. A book that tells their own personal story...a story they have to follow to the brutal end. As Silver Lake’s population descends into violent savagery, Dan finds he is no longer living for horror novels - he’s living inside one.
- GenresHorrorSupernatural
Audible Audio
Published April 9, 2020
2 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
David Haynes
62 books16 followersDavid Haynes has been recognized by Granta magazine as one of America's best young novelists. The author of six critically acclaimed novels and five children's books, he is director of creative writing at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.
The former sixth grade teacher's short stories have been heard on "Selected Shorts" on NPR, and his novels have been recognized by the American Library Association.
--from the author profile at SMU
See also other authors with similar names.
The former sixth grade teacher's short stories have been heard on "Selected Shorts" on NPR, and his novels have been recognized by the American Library Association.
--from the author profile at SMU
See also other authors with similar names.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 2, 2025
I went into The Bookshop from Hell not really knowing what to expect, and I have to say, it turned out to be a very fun read. It’s not overly complicated or heavy, which makes it super easy to get into. I honestly found myself flying through the chapters because the writing flows so smoothly, and before I knew it, I was halfway through the book.
The setup is simple but really effective: a seemingly normal bookshop with something very not normal going on behind the shelves. I love that David Haynes doesn’t throw you into chaos right away. Instead, the story starts out steady, letting you get comfortable with the setting and the characters, and then slowly adds in the horror.
The atmosphere is spot-on too. At first, the bookshop seems almost cozy—exactly the kind of place any book lover (of horror) would want to go—but then those little unsettling details start showing up. "Every customer get a free gift." And it's the free gift that sets everything in motion.
The characters are easy to follow and believable. Haynes doesn’t bog the story down with too much background info, but he gives you enough to care about what happens to them. Their reactions to the strange events feel genuine (except in the epliogue), but which gets repeative.
What really impressed me, though, was how well the pacing built up to the ending. I’ve read plenty of horror and suspense stories where the ending either feels rushed or just doesn’t live up to the rest of the book. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. The tension climbs, and by the time you hit the last few chapters, it’s hard to put the book down. The conclusion ties everything together really nicely.
Overall, The Bookshop from Hell as an easy, entertaining read. It is a horror novel, so expect gore. It's awesome on that level. If you’re in the mood for something you can pick up and get lost in without too much effort, this is a great choice.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a quick horror read with a strong finish. It’s the kind of book that reminds you reading can be both easy and exciting, and I’ll definitely be checking out more by David Haynes in the future.
The setup is simple but really effective: a seemingly normal bookshop with something very not normal going on behind the shelves. I love that David Haynes doesn’t throw you into chaos right away. Instead, the story starts out steady, letting you get comfortable with the setting and the characters, and then slowly adds in the horror.
The atmosphere is spot-on too. At first, the bookshop seems almost cozy—exactly the kind of place any book lover (of horror) would want to go—but then those little unsettling details start showing up. "Every customer get a free gift." And it's the free gift that sets everything in motion.
The characters are easy to follow and believable. Haynes doesn’t bog the story down with too much background info, but he gives you enough to care about what happens to them. Their reactions to the strange events feel genuine (except in the epliogue), but which gets repeative.
What really impressed me, though, was how well the pacing built up to the ending. I’ve read plenty of horror and suspense stories where the ending either feels rushed or just doesn’t live up to the rest of the book. Thankfully, that’s not the case here. The tension climbs, and by the time you hit the last few chapters, it’s hard to put the book down. The conclusion ties everything together really nicely.
Overall, The Bookshop from Hell as an easy, entertaining read. It is a horror novel, so expect gore. It's awesome on that level. If you’re in the mood for something you can pick up and get lost in without too much effort, this is a great choice.
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who wants a quick horror read with a strong finish. It’s the kind of book that reminds you reading can be both easy and exciting, and I’ll definitely be checking out more by David Haynes in the future.
April 4, 2025
This was a great story. I could see this being a great movie.
September 10, 2025
Book # 174 2025
"The Bookshop From Hell" ~ David Haynes
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️Audiobook
📚👻 Stop scrolling: "What if a book keeper handed you a book . . . written about you?"
That’s what happens when Mr. Castavetes opens his creepy little shop in Silver Lake. Dan Law, a lonely English teacher, thinks he’s found a dream escape. But these books don’t just tell stories, they change people. And soon, the whole town spirals into chaos.
✨ Dan Law: horror fan turned unwilling hero.
✨ Mr. Castavetes: the shopkeeper who knows way too much.
✨ Lori: the one voice of reason in the madness.
The vibe? Fast, bloody, and wild, like Goosebumps grew up and got mean. The downside? Characters can feel flat compared to the killer premise.
If you want horror that’s chaotic, gory, and addictive, then this bookstore is open for business. #books #booktok #bookreview #horror #audiobook
"The Bookshop From Hell" ~ David Haynes
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨️Audiobook
📚👻 Stop scrolling: "What if a book keeper handed you a book . . . written about you?"
That’s what happens when Mr. Castavetes opens his creepy little shop in Silver Lake. Dan Law, a lonely English teacher, thinks he’s found a dream escape. But these books don’t just tell stories, they change people. And soon, the whole town spirals into chaos.
✨ Dan Law: horror fan turned unwilling hero.
✨ Mr. Castavetes: the shopkeeper who knows way too much.
✨ Lori: the one voice of reason in the madness.
The vibe? Fast, bloody, and wild, like Goosebumps grew up and got mean. The downside? Characters can feel flat compared to the killer premise.
If you want horror that’s chaotic, gory, and addictive, then this bookstore is open for business. #books #booktok #bookreview #horror #audiobook
April 27, 2025
Not that great,relies mostly on gore horror and it's just feels disgusting and not horror,but it shows the stupidity of humans and the small town mentality very well.
July 2, 2025
DNF. I’m so tired of the bury your gays trope. It’s not interesting. I’m exhausted. Ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2025
Don’t listen to the audiobook - the narration will turn you off. Otherwise pretty good horror story!
September 6, 2025
4.5 Stars.
SOLID horror. Very Stephen King. Overly descriptive in some parts that make you feel uneasy, but not enough to stop reading. Well Done.
SOLID horror. Very Stephen King. Overly descriptive in some parts that make you feel uneasy, but not enough to stop reading. Well Done.
October 5, 2025
Brutal, gory, checks every box of a horror slasher.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews