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Stinetinglers #4
Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories
From R. L. Stine, the master of horror for young listeners, comes three chilling novellas, all set in the small town of Hollow Hills.
Tony has a love of old comics… but when he goes poking around where he doesn’t belong, will he find himself discontinued? Kylie is thrilled to have a summer job at the local pet store… but will the store’s more gruesome creatures rub off on her? Teddy knows his new substitute teacher has a monstrous secret… but will telling the truth mean risking Mr. Howell’s wrath?
Laced with Stine’s signature humor and a hefty dose of nightmarish fun, Stinetinglers 4 is perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Stine’s own Goosebumps books who want even more scares. These chilling tales prove that Stine’s epic legacy in the horror genre is justly earned. One thing’s for certain, the residents of Hollow Hills are in for a handful of horrors… they just don’t know it yet.
A Macmillan Audio production from Feiwel & Friends
Tony has a love of old comics… but when he goes poking around where he doesn’t belong, will he find himself discontinued? Kylie is thrilled to have a summer job at the local pet store… but will the store’s more gruesome creatures rub off on her? Teddy knows his new substitute teacher has a monstrous secret… but will telling the truth mean risking Mr. Howell’s wrath?
Laced with Stine’s signature humor and a hefty dose of nightmarish fun, Stinetinglers 4 is perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Stine’s own Goosebumps books who want even more scares. These chilling tales prove that Stine’s epic legacy in the horror genre is justly earned. One thing’s for certain, the residents of Hollow Hills are in for a handful of horrors… they just don’t know it yet.
A Macmillan Audio production from Feiwel & Friends
Audible Audio
First published August 26, 2025
5 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Stine
1,679 books18.6k followersRobert Lawrence Stine known as R. L. Stine and Jovial Bob Stine, is an American novelist and writer, well known for targeting younger audiences. Stine, who is often called the Stephen King of children's literature, is the author of dozens of popular horror fiction novellas, including the books in the Goosebumps, Rotten School, Mostly Ghostly, The Nightmare Room and Fear Street series.
R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children's author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.
Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA's Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.
http://us.macmillan.com/itsthefirstda...
R. L. Stine began his writing career when he was nine years old, and today he has achieved the position of the bestselling children's author in history. In the early 1990s, Stine was catapulted to fame when he wrote the unprecedented, bestselling Goosebumps® series, which sold more than 250 million copies and became a worldwide multimedia phenomenon. His other major series, Fear Street, has over 80 million copies sold.
Stine has received numerous awards of recognition, including several Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards and Disney Adventures Kids' Choice Awards, and he has been selected by kids as one of their favorite authors in the NEA's Read Across America program. He lives in New York, NY.
http://us.macmillan.com/itsthefirstda...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
June 29, 2025
Unlike the previous collections this one is made up of novellas. They all take place in the same small town and some of the characters appear in more than one of them. I listened to the audiobook and I really liked the narration. The narrators did a great job bringing the characters to life. My favorite was the first story which was about being discontinued. R. L. Stine was one of my favorite authors of all time and I love these new collections with his short explanation at the beginning, they really bring me back to my childhood. These books have creepy twists that are perfect for middle graders or young adults.
November 7, 2025
Thanks to netgalley and macmillan audio for the arc! This one differed from the series approach with three novellas instead of 10 short stories. The king of middle grade horror, the lord of one-more-chapter cliffhangers, and the master of twist endings.
The Day I Was Discontinued, novella one, was easily my favorite. Tony, a comic nerd, has a great collection and even greater memory for old runs of comic books. But when the comic book shop has an off limits room, it’s just a little too tempting to not sneak in. The blend of real comics and their Stine-made counterparts was really cool to see. And although it was brief, the author did a really good job displaying powers like superspeed.
The second novella was also enjoyable. A summer job at the local pet store should be easy for a pet lover…even if some of the pets are a little unconventional (as is the shop owner). But when the basement is off limits and is labeled as a laboratory, how could Kylie avoid a peek when the photography contest is going on? Quite a similar set up to the first, however this delivered a sort of Little Shop of Horrors with a mad scientist vibe.
The third novella, while perhaps my least favorite, was still a solid read (especially for young readers). Mr. Howell is the new substitute teacher. Other teachers go missing, he loves to howl and make the class participate, and he’s slowly taking over the school. I mean this guy is clearly a werewolf, so why does only Teddy seem to notice? Fun, and of course made me think of the author’s The Werewolf of Fever Swamp. The ending’s twist kind of didn’t make sense when lined up with the other stories, but it’s Stine’s world and we’re just reading in it.
I loved how there were interconnecting characters and friends popping up from each. How the town of Hollow Hills is also a character in this one. Creepy, weird things just seem to happen there. And of course, Stine’s signature twist endings are in place.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-stinet...
The Day I Was Discontinued, novella one, was easily my favorite. Tony, a comic nerd, has a great collection and even greater memory for old runs of comic books. But when the comic book shop has an off limits room, it’s just a little too tempting to not sneak in. The blend of real comics and their Stine-made counterparts was really cool to see. And although it was brief, the author did a really good job displaying powers like superspeed.
The second novella was also enjoyable. A summer job at the local pet store should be easy for a pet lover…even if some of the pets are a little unconventional (as is the shop owner). But when the basement is off limits and is labeled as a laboratory, how could Kylie avoid a peek when the photography contest is going on? Quite a similar set up to the first, however this delivered a sort of Little Shop of Horrors with a mad scientist vibe.
The third novella, while perhaps my least favorite, was still a solid read (especially for young readers). Mr. Howell is the new substitute teacher. Other teachers go missing, he loves to howl and make the class participate, and he’s slowly taking over the school. I mean this guy is clearly a werewolf, so why does only Teddy seem to notice? Fun, and of course made me think of the author’s The Werewolf of Fever Swamp. The ending’s twist kind of didn’t make sense when lined up with the other stories, but it’s Stine’s world and we’re just reading in it.
I loved how there were interconnecting characters and friends popping up from each. How the town of Hollow Hills is also a character in this one. Creepy, weird things just seem to happen there. And of course, Stine’s signature twist endings are in place.
https://fanfiaddict.com/review-stinet...
September 4, 2025
Another mediocre outing from Stine. But this is also coming from the perspective of someone who's read the majority of his fiction, at this point - and is only seeing constant retreading of story ideas already done before. The Stinetinglers series as a whole feels a bit underwhelming, with this entry not much different. As I've said before, someone not as exposed to the author may enjoy this more. But for his superior short story collections I would recommend the Nightmare/Haunting Hour books or Tales To Give You Goosebumps.
Anyway, here's my ratings for each of the novelettes in this collection:
The Day I Was Discontinued - 2⭐
Ugh. Another comic book / superhero story in which Stine finds it acceptable to write some random ass crap that makes no sense. Did not enjoy.
Guess What? I'm A Monster! - 3⭐
A mildly enjoyable story in which the MC gets a job working for a pet store owner who is rumored to be a mad scientist. She investigates the basement that's off limits to discover a strange creature.
Like the others, the elements of this story can be traced to previous works by Stine, but it was still fun enough.
Mr. Howell - 2.5⭐
This is perhaps the trope-iest and most cliched of the three stories here, with a story of a suspicious substitute teacher and weird goings-on at school, (huh, seems familiar, wonder where I've seen this story before 🙄) but the writing is competent enough and has a tad bit of horror and suspense to it that elevates it just enough to be passable, and lands in the middle of my ranking of these 3 stories.
So yeah, overall, not great, but not the worst effort from Stine - and as a loyal fan of his I'll continue to read everything he puts out even if I don't enjoy every single story.
Anyway, here's my ratings for each of the novelettes in this collection:
The Day I Was Discontinued - 2⭐
Ugh. Another comic book / superhero story in which Stine finds it acceptable to write some random ass crap that makes no sense. Did not enjoy.
Guess What? I'm A Monster! - 3⭐
A mildly enjoyable story in which the MC gets a job working for a pet store owner who is rumored to be a mad scientist. She investigates the basement that's off limits to discover a strange creature.
Like the others, the elements of this story can be traced to previous works by Stine, but it was still fun enough.
Mr. Howell - 2.5⭐
This is perhaps the trope-iest and most cliched of the three stories here, with a story of a suspicious substitute teacher and weird goings-on at school, (huh, seems familiar, wonder where I've seen this story before 🙄) but the writing is competent enough and has a tad bit of horror and suspense to it that elevates it just enough to be passable, and lands in the middle of my ranking of these 3 stories.
So yeah, overall, not great, but not the worst effort from Stine - and as a loyal fan of his I'll continue to read everything he puts out even if I don't enjoy every single story.
August 24, 2025
I have read all of the Stinetinglers books and this is one of my favorites. I love how Mr. Stine gives us three spooky novellas filled with his signature spookiness. These books just get better and better, and they are perfect if you are new to his books or a veteran reader.
The audiobook was so phenomenal, the narrators made the stories so realistic and spooky. I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will bring and devour it as well.
The audiobook was so phenomenal, the narrators made the stories so realistic and spooky. I can’t wait to see what the next book in the series will bring and devour it as well.
August 16, 2025
Copy provided by the publisher
Like Stinetinglers #1, #2, and #3, this fourth volume is comprised of shorter stories that channel the horror and humor of this author's Goosebumps books. Unlike the previous titles, this includes three novellas rather than shorter tales. All three are set in Blooming Hills, Ohio with students who attend Hocking Valley Middle School.
In "The Day I was Discontinued", Tony visits a new comic store in town to find out the valuations of some of his comic book collection. His best friend, Macy, thinks he's odd because everyone else wants to read manga and graphic novels, and certainly doesn't buy two copies of everything-- one to read, and one to encase in layers of plastic! Tony's favorite is Super Speed-Man, and he even has a costume for Halloween based on this super hero. His twin brother, Luca, gives him a hard time about it. At the store, Tony meets Caleb, who keeps his collection there. The owner, Duane, is out, but Tony has a good time talking to the young clerk, even though Caleb yells at him when Tony ventures too near a door marked "discontinued". Back at home, Luca draws a mustache in permanent marker on Tony's upper lip... right before picture day. Luca thinks this is hysterical, but Tony decides to skip school rather than face the humiliation. He goes to the comic shop, but Caleb isn't there. The owner, Duane, yells at Tony and claims that no one named Caleb works at the store, even though Tony finds Caleb's box of comics and a garment belonging to him. Tony sneaks a peek behind the forbidden door... and finds himself in the middle of a swamp, face-to-face with Swamp Beast, a discontinued comic character! He runs away, and the landscape fades as he finds himself running with super speed, just like his hero. The inhabits of this strange plane of reality start to attack Tony, but he is saved by a character called the Fabulous Flamethrower... and his friend Macy. Tony's suddenly back in Blooming Hills, but when he and his brother both wear a Super Speed-Man costume to a Halloween party, things take an unusual turn.
Kiley and Willa are best friends who are constantly trying to outdoor each other in pranks in "Guess What? I'm a Monster", and have both been voted "Most Annoying" at Hocking Valley Middle School. While Willa has a job as an assistant at Dr. Benson's animal science lab, she's allergic to dogs so hasn't applied to the new pet store in town. Kiley visits Donegal's Doggone Dogs and talks to the awner, Bruno, about possible employment. The shop sells dogs, fish, hamsters, and gerbils, but when Kiley finds an unusual lizard, Bruno acts strangely and whisks the animal away, claiming it is rare and valuable, so he has to be careful. Kiley gets hired, and Willa visits the shop with a rubber lizard she uses to prank Kiley. On the last day of school, Kiley accidentally hits Bobby Benson with a ball, and when they get to talking, Bobby warns her against the shop, since Bruno had worked with his father and acted strangely. Kiley doesn't listen. She and Willa are hoping to enter a photography contest to win some money, but Willa's pictures are much better than Kiley's. When Bruno leaves Kiley in charge of the shop for a moment, she seizes the opportunity to go to the basement to take pictures of the lizard, but gets bitten. Later, she starts breaking out in black spikes! Panicked, she calls Bobby, and he and his father come over with a possible antidote. Will it be enough?
Having just moved to Blooming Hills, Denny is settling in as the "new kid" in the story "Mr. Howell". When one of the teachers is sick, Mr. Howell substitutes, and reminds students of his name by throwing back his head and howling loudly! He ends up subbing for the gym teacher and coaching track as well. Denny and his brother Charlie are interested in the team, and befriend Bobby Benson, who is one of the star athletes. Denny thinks he sees Coach drop to all four and run on the track, but thinks that can't be right. When another teacher ends up sick, Mr. Howell takes over the school newspaper as well, forbidden the writers from investigating the teacher absences and focusing on happy stories instead. Denny sees Mr. Howell running again, and even sees him gulp down an entire raw steak in the grocery store, but none of his friends, or his parents, believe that anything is wrong. When there's a pep rally before a game against Westerville, Denny finds out the real reason no one is taking him seriously. But will he survive?
Stine sticks close to his formula of writing snappy sentences and creating dramatic tension even though some of the plot points are a bit goofy. There are plenty of unpleasant siblings and classmates, and some surprising metamorphoses, none of which are too dark. There are unpleasant and sometimes icky situations, but not too much blood or gore, making this perfect for middle grade readers.
Horror has gotten more and more popular in my library, and collections like Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or Poblocki's Tales to Keep You Up at Night are always in demand. Stine is a perennial favorite, and an Ohio native, so I loved that he created Blooming Hills as the backdrop for these creepy novellas. The covers are all deliciously disturbing and add to the appeal!
Like Stinetinglers #1, #2, and #3, this fourth volume is comprised of shorter stories that channel the horror and humor of this author's Goosebumps books. Unlike the previous titles, this includes three novellas rather than shorter tales. All three are set in Blooming Hills, Ohio with students who attend Hocking Valley Middle School.
In "The Day I was Discontinued", Tony visits a new comic store in town to find out the valuations of some of his comic book collection. His best friend, Macy, thinks he's odd because everyone else wants to read manga and graphic novels, and certainly doesn't buy two copies of everything-- one to read, and one to encase in layers of plastic! Tony's favorite is Super Speed-Man, and he even has a costume for Halloween based on this super hero. His twin brother, Luca, gives him a hard time about it. At the store, Tony meets Caleb, who keeps his collection there. The owner, Duane, is out, but Tony has a good time talking to the young clerk, even though Caleb yells at him when Tony ventures too near a door marked "discontinued". Back at home, Luca draws a mustache in permanent marker on Tony's upper lip... right before picture day. Luca thinks this is hysterical, but Tony decides to skip school rather than face the humiliation. He goes to the comic shop, but Caleb isn't there. The owner, Duane, yells at Tony and claims that no one named Caleb works at the store, even though Tony finds Caleb's box of comics and a garment belonging to him. Tony sneaks a peek behind the forbidden door... and finds himself in the middle of a swamp, face-to-face with Swamp Beast, a discontinued comic character! He runs away, and the landscape fades as he finds himself running with super speed, just like his hero. The inhabits of this strange plane of reality start to attack Tony, but he is saved by a character called the Fabulous Flamethrower... and his friend Macy. Tony's suddenly back in Blooming Hills, but when he and his brother both wear a Super Speed-Man costume to a Halloween party, things take an unusual turn.
Kiley and Willa are best friends who are constantly trying to outdoor each other in pranks in "Guess What? I'm a Monster", and have both been voted "Most Annoying" at Hocking Valley Middle School. While Willa has a job as an assistant at Dr. Benson's animal science lab, she's allergic to dogs so hasn't applied to the new pet store in town. Kiley visits Donegal's Doggone Dogs and talks to the awner, Bruno, about possible employment. The shop sells dogs, fish, hamsters, and gerbils, but when Kiley finds an unusual lizard, Bruno acts strangely and whisks the animal away, claiming it is rare and valuable, so he has to be careful. Kiley gets hired, and Willa visits the shop with a rubber lizard she uses to prank Kiley. On the last day of school, Kiley accidentally hits Bobby Benson with a ball, and when they get to talking, Bobby warns her against the shop, since Bruno had worked with his father and acted strangely. Kiley doesn't listen. She and Willa are hoping to enter a photography contest to win some money, but Willa's pictures are much better than Kiley's. When Bruno leaves Kiley in charge of the shop for a moment, she seizes the opportunity to go to the basement to take pictures of the lizard, but gets bitten. Later, she starts breaking out in black spikes! Panicked, she calls Bobby, and he and his father come over with a possible antidote. Will it be enough?
Having just moved to Blooming Hills, Denny is settling in as the "new kid" in the story "Mr. Howell". When one of the teachers is sick, Mr. Howell substitutes, and reminds students of his name by throwing back his head and howling loudly! He ends up subbing for the gym teacher and coaching track as well. Denny and his brother Charlie are interested in the team, and befriend Bobby Benson, who is one of the star athletes. Denny thinks he sees Coach drop to all four and run on the track, but thinks that can't be right. When another teacher ends up sick, Mr. Howell takes over the school newspaper as well, forbidden the writers from investigating the teacher absences and focusing on happy stories instead. Denny sees Mr. Howell running again, and even sees him gulp down an entire raw steak in the grocery store, but none of his friends, or his parents, believe that anything is wrong. When there's a pep rally before a game against Westerville, Denny finds out the real reason no one is taking him seriously. But will he survive?
Stine sticks close to his formula of writing snappy sentences and creating dramatic tension even though some of the plot points are a bit goofy. There are plenty of unpleasant siblings and classmates, and some surprising metamorphoses, none of which are too dark. There are unpleasant and sometimes icky situations, but not too much blood or gore, making this perfect for middle grade readers.
Horror has gotten more and more popular in my library, and collections like Schwartz's Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark or Poblocki's Tales to Keep You Up at Night are always in demand. Stine is a perennial favorite, and an Ohio native, so I loved that he created Blooming Hills as the backdrop for these creepy novellas. The covers are all deliciously disturbing and add to the appeal!
July 18, 2025
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
🎧 Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories
Author: R. L. Stine
Narrators: Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, Torian Brackett
Genre: Middle Grade Horror | Themes: Fear, Identity, Consequences, Supernatural Intrusion
🕷️ A Trio of Terrors That Speaks Louder in the Dark
R. L. Stine’s Stinetinglers 4 is a compact yet potent dose of horror storytelling, tailored for younger audiences but laced with enough psychological tension to intrigue seasoned readers. These three tales—each distinct in premise but unified by a creeping sense of dread—are elevated by the audiobook’s trio of narrators, who bring texture, rhythm, and emotional shading to Stine’s signature style.
Stine knows his audience well, and in Stinetinglers 4, he plays with classic horror motifs—haunted objects, eerie transformations, and the uncanny lurking in the everyday. But what makes these stories compelling isn’t just the scares; it’s the moral undertones. Each tale carries a subtle cautionary thread, reminding listeners that choices have consequences, and that fear often masks deeper truths.
Rather than relying on gore or shock, Stine crafts suspense through pacing and atmosphere. His prose is deceptively simple, allowing the horror to seep in gradually. For readers who appreciate narrative economy and thematic clarity, these stories offer a masterclass in how less can be more.
🔊 Audiobook Performance: A Symphony of Unease
- Johnny Heller brings a gravelly warmth to his narration, perfect for stories that hinge on creeping dread. His timing is impeccable—pausing just long enough to let a sinister moment breathe, then plunging forward with urgency. He makes the listener feel like they’re being told a secret they shouldn’t hear.
- Katharine Chin adds a youthful energy and emotional nuance, especially effective in scenes where characters wrestle with fear or confusion. Her voice carries vulnerability without sacrificing strength, making her narration ideal for protagonists on the edge of discovery or danger.
- Torian Brackett delivers with a smooth, resonant tone that lends gravitas to the supernatural elements. His voice feels like it belongs to the shadows—calm, deliberate, and just a little too knowing. He’s the kind of narrator who makes you lean in, even when you’re not sure you want to know what happens next.
Together, the narrators create a dynamic listening experience that mirrors the emotional shifts of each tale. Their performances don’t just complement the text—they deepen it, turning simple scares into immersive psychological landscapes.
Fear as a Mirror
While aimed at younger audiences, Stinetinglers 4 doesn’t shy away from exploring fear as a reflection of identity, insecurity, and the unknown. Each story invites listeners to consider what scares them—and why. There’s a subtle philosophical undercurrent here: that horror isn’t just about monsters, but about the parts of ourselves we don’t understand.
This makes the collection ripe for analysis, especially for readers like you, J, who enjoy peeling back narrative layers to uncover emotional and societal resonance.
Stinetinglers 4 is more than a spooky snack—it’s a reminder of how storytelling, especially when paired with skilled narration, can evoke fear that lingers. R. L. Stine proves once again that he’s not just a master of scary stories, but a craftsman of emotional tension. And with Heller, Chin, and Brackett behind the mic, these tales don’t just whisper—they echo!
🎧 Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories
Author: R. L. Stine
Narrators: Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, Torian Brackett
Genre: Middle Grade Horror | Themes: Fear, Identity, Consequences, Supernatural Intrusion
🕷️ A Trio of Terrors That Speaks Louder in the Dark
R. L. Stine’s Stinetinglers 4 is a compact yet potent dose of horror storytelling, tailored for younger audiences but laced with enough psychological tension to intrigue seasoned readers. These three tales—each distinct in premise but unified by a creeping sense of dread—are elevated by the audiobook’s trio of narrators, who bring texture, rhythm, and emotional shading to Stine’s signature style.
Stine knows his audience well, and in Stinetinglers 4, he plays with classic horror motifs—haunted objects, eerie transformations, and the uncanny lurking in the everyday. But what makes these stories compelling isn’t just the scares; it’s the moral undertones. Each tale carries a subtle cautionary thread, reminding listeners that choices have consequences, and that fear often masks deeper truths.
Rather than relying on gore or shock, Stine crafts suspense through pacing and atmosphere. His prose is deceptively simple, allowing the horror to seep in gradually. For readers who appreciate narrative economy and thematic clarity, these stories offer a masterclass in how less can be more.
🔊 Audiobook Performance: A Symphony of Unease
- Johnny Heller brings a gravelly warmth to his narration, perfect for stories that hinge on creeping dread. His timing is impeccable—pausing just long enough to let a sinister moment breathe, then plunging forward with urgency. He makes the listener feel like they’re being told a secret they shouldn’t hear.
- Katharine Chin adds a youthful energy and emotional nuance, especially effective in scenes where characters wrestle with fear or confusion. Her voice carries vulnerability without sacrificing strength, making her narration ideal for protagonists on the edge of discovery or danger.
- Torian Brackett delivers with a smooth, resonant tone that lends gravitas to the supernatural elements. His voice feels like it belongs to the shadows—calm, deliberate, and just a little too knowing. He’s the kind of narrator who makes you lean in, even when you’re not sure you want to know what happens next.
Together, the narrators create a dynamic listening experience that mirrors the emotional shifts of each tale. Their performances don’t just complement the text—they deepen it, turning simple scares into immersive psychological landscapes.
Fear as a Mirror
While aimed at younger audiences, Stinetinglers 4 doesn’t shy away from exploring fear as a reflection of identity, insecurity, and the unknown. Each story invites listeners to consider what scares them—and why. There’s a subtle philosophical undercurrent here: that horror isn’t just about monsters, but about the parts of ourselves we don’t understand.
This makes the collection ripe for analysis, especially for readers like you, J, who enjoy peeling back narrative layers to uncover emotional and societal resonance.
Stinetinglers 4 is more than a spooky snack—it’s a reminder of how storytelling, especially when paired with skilled narration, can evoke fear that lingers. R. L. Stine proves once again that he’s not just a master of scary stories, but a craftsman of emotional tension. And with Heller, Chin, and Brackett behind the mic, these tales don’t just whisper—they echo!
October 16, 2025
After Goosebumps: House of Shivers, Book 5: The Last Sleepover, Stinetinglers 4 is the 2nd book by R.L. Stine that I got for my 35th birthday. Reading both books in October makes them perfect for the Halloween season.
Stinetinglers 4 is the 4th book in Mr. Stine's Stinetinglers series. I've read the 3 previous books, called Stintinglers, Stinetinglers 2 and Stinetinglers 3, respectively. Those books were all short story collections that varied in characters, settings and themes. In the introduction to this book, R.L. Stine said that he wanted to do something a little different. Instead of a bunch of short stories, Stinetinglers 4 is a collection of 3 novellas. And they all share a connection, because each of them takes place in the small town of Blooming Hills, Ohio. This place is so tiny, that the kids have to attend school in the neighboring town, Hocking Valley. What's cool about this book is that characters that were the protagonists in 1 story played supporting roles, or only got mere mentions in another, and vice-versa. I'll admit that a 4th Stinetinglers books was something of a surprise to me. I assumed that there would only be the 3 short story collections. But I really liked it.
Stinetinglers 4 is the 4th book in Mr. Stine's Stinetinglers series. I've read the 3 previous books, called Stintinglers, Stinetinglers 2 and Stinetinglers 3, respectively. Those books were all short story collections that varied in characters, settings and themes. In the introduction to this book, R.L. Stine said that he wanted to do something a little different. Instead of a bunch of short stories, Stinetinglers 4 is a collection of 3 novellas. And they all share a connection, because each of them takes place in the small town of Blooming Hills, Ohio. This place is so tiny, that the kids have to attend school in the neighboring town, Hocking Valley. What's cool about this book is that characters that were the protagonists in 1 story played supporting roles, or only got mere mentions in another, and vice-versa. I'll admit that a 4th Stinetinglers books was something of a surprise to me. I assumed that there would only be the 3 short story collections. But I really liked it.
October 16, 2025
As much as I've enjoyed the three previous entries in this series (each with ten stories per book) I did feel the quality got worse book by book so I was excited to see this volume was only going to be three stories as I thought the extra breathing room would help the overall quality of each tale. Unfortunately it did not. This was a very childish, disjointed mess. Something I thought was good was that all three stories were connected and took place in the same town and school with some of the same characters popping up in each story but even that was handled poorly.
'The Day I Got Discontinued' ⭐⭐
This was a superhero story similar to some Stine has done in the past (most notably The Comic Shop Of Horrors from the give yourself goosebumps series) There was a little goosebumps nod in this one too.
'Guess What? I'm A Monster!' ⭐⭐
This was a body horror story that barely contained any body horror, it also undoes the ending to the previous story and in turn knocked that down half a star for me.
'Mr Howell' ⭐⭐
The final story is a very run of the mill my teacher is a monster tale (and you can probably tell by the name what type of creature he is) it's very basic and the ending makes no sense, especially when taking into consideration the previous two stories too.
'The Day I Got Discontinued' ⭐⭐
This was a superhero story similar to some Stine has done in the past (most notably The Comic Shop Of Horrors from the give yourself goosebumps series) There was a little goosebumps nod in this one too.
'Guess What? I'm A Monster!' ⭐⭐
This was a body horror story that barely contained any body horror, it also undoes the ending to the previous story and in turn knocked that down half a star for me.
'Mr Howell' ⭐⭐
The final story is a very run of the mill my teacher is a monster tale (and you can probably tell by the name what type of creature he is) it's very basic and the ending makes no sense, especially when taking into consideration the previous two stories too.
September 8, 2025
Another solid offering from the king of kids Horror.
The format is a bit different here from previous Stinetinglers books. This is three novellas rather than a short story collection, and while I preferred the short story format, it is a lot harder to come up with huge volume of those for this genre. So I’m glad Stine changed it up, as this is an improvement on the third Stinetinglers, a collection that was a marked step down from the first two.
These are a bit modern for my taste (I tend to prefer more old fashioned horror, at least in terms of setting and language), but they’re clever and fun and very age appropriate. These could have been a bit scarier and still felt right for the target audience, but the trademark Stine humor is there.
The second and third stories are superior to the first, but all three are well worth a read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The format is a bit different here from previous Stinetinglers books. This is three novellas rather than a short story collection, and while I preferred the short story format, it is a lot harder to come up with huge volume of those for this genre. So I’m glad Stine changed it up, as this is an improvement on the third Stinetinglers, a collection that was a marked step down from the first two.
These are a bit modern for my taste (I tend to prefer more old fashioned horror, at least in terms of setting and language), but they’re clever and fun and very age appropriate. These could have been a bit scarier and still felt right for the target audience, but the trademark Stine humor is there.
The second and third stories are superior to the first, but all three are well worth a read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
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July 23, 2025Steintinglers four by RL Stein, this is a great goosebumps type story for chapter readers and those ready to delve in to the spooky. From a boy who faces superhero characters and finds a new missing acquaintance name Caleb to a pet shop that is so much more and the boy who realizes his teacher is not your ordinary educator it’s all in the same universe and I found the stories adorable not too scary and perfect for those around nine or 10 years old I’m not gonna lie I really enjoyed the stories I found them imaginative I thought the narrators gave pretty good performances for a children’s audiobook and it really makes me wish things like this were around when I was young. A very appropriate and entertaining read. this would make a great gift for chapter readers and those who love the spooky. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview, #RLStine, #StineTinglers4,
July 26, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the ARC!
Stinetinglers 4 by the Goosebumps master, R.L. Stine, is a fantastic middle grade collection that has the perfect balance of fun and fright.
As someone who grew up on Goosebumps, this brought me back to my early elementary days. This book is something I’d easily recommend to any parent of elementary or middle school kids who love spooky stories.
All the tales take place in the same town and school, and the overlapping characters give the book a “tv series” feel. Each story stands on its own but adds to the overall atmosphere. It’s like a kid-friendly horror anthology.
Whether your child is a confident reader or prefers listening, this audiobook was a treat with multiple narrators for each story. This was engaging and creepy in the best way. A great pick for classroom libraries, book fairs, or at-home reading time.
Stinetinglers 4 by the Goosebumps master, R.L. Stine, is a fantastic middle grade collection that has the perfect balance of fun and fright.
As someone who grew up on Goosebumps, this brought me back to my early elementary days. This book is something I’d easily recommend to any parent of elementary or middle school kids who love spooky stories.
All the tales take place in the same town and school, and the overlapping characters give the book a “tv series” feel. Each story stands on its own but adds to the overall atmosphere. It’s like a kid-friendly horror anthology.
Whether your child is a confident reader or prefers listening, this audiobook was a treat with multiple narrators for each story. This was engaging and creepy in the best way. A great pick for classroom libraries, book fairs, or at-home reading time.
July 5, 2025
𝙰𝚞𝚍𝚒𝚘𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
🌟🌟🌟🌟.2
When growing up, R.L. Stine and his Goosebumps series had all of us in a chokehold, and then the movies chief kisses. So when I say this, I just had to see if he still had it. And I have concluded he does! I like how this is three different novellas, but they all tie into one story with the same characters, with each of them being the main character.
Great for children of elementary and middle school age.
The audiobook is narrated by Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, and Torian Brackett. They all did a good job giving the story depth; it was easy to listen to and also understand. I listened at 2x speed.
Thank you, NetGalley, and MacmillanAudio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
🌟🌟🌟🌟.2
When growing up, R.L. Stine and his Goosebumps series had all of us in a chokehold, and then the movies chief kisses. So when I say this, I just had to see if he still had it. And I have concluded he does! I like how this is three different novellas, but they all tie into one story with the same characters, with each of them being the main character.
Great for children of elementary and middle school age.
The audiobook is narrated by Johnny Heller, Katharine Chin, and Torian Brackett. They all did a good job giving the story depth; it was easy to listen to and also understand. I listened at 2x speed.
Thank you, NetGalley, and MacmillanAudio for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2025
My nephew is a huge Goosebumps fan, but we hadn’t come across the Stinetinglers series before. This installment includes three short stories, which I’m guessing is standard for the series. I listened to this with my nephew, and we both ended up really enjoying all of them. Here's how we rated each one:
-Comic book story: 4 stars from my nephew, 3 from me
-Pet shop story: 4 stars from both of us
-Substitute teacher story: 5 stars from both of us
Each story had just the right amount of spooky without crossing into anything too scary. Perfect for kids and, let’s be honest, easily startled adults. We’re definitely interested in checking out the first three books now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. Stinetinglers 4 comes out August 26, 2025.
-Comic book story: 4 stars from my nephew, 3 from me
-Pet shop story: 4 stars from both of us
-Substitute teacher story: 5 stars from both of us
Each story had just the right amount of spooky without crossing into anything too scary. Perfect for kids and, let’s be honest, easily startled adults. We’re definitely interested in checking out the first three books now.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. Stinetinglers 4 comes out August 26, 2025.
July 4, 2025
I enjoyed reading the previous three books in this series. So, I was excited to see a new collection was coming out. Stine changed it up with this collection and wrote three novellas all set in the same small town, Hollow Hills! Each novella is narrated by a person. All three did a great job bringing the stories to life! All three stories are fun, spooky, and engaging, but I especially enjoyed the third story. Teddy and his substitute teacher, Mr. Howell felt very relatable!
Overall, a great collection of novellas! I think young and old readers alike will really enjoy these spooky novellas!
Overall, a great collection of novellas! I think young and old readers alike will really enjoy these spooky novellas!
July 7, 2025
Review: Stinetinglers 4: 3 Chilling Tales by the Master of Scary Stories by R.L. Stine
Rating: 4.5/5
Listening to Stinetinglers 4 felt like stepping right back into my childhood. R.L. Stine continues to prove he’s the king of spooky stories for young readers, with three eerie, imaginative tales that strike a perfect balance between creepy and fun.
The audiobook format works wonderfully here, with excellent narration that brings each chilling moment to life. Having grown up with Goosebumps on every bookshelf, it’s a joy to see how Stine still knows exactly how to hook an audience. A perfect pick for young horror lovers or nostalgic fans like me.
Rating: 4.5/5
Listening to Stinetinglers 4 felt like stepping right back into my childhood. R.L. Stine continues to prove he’s the king of spooky stories for young readers, with three eerie, imaginative tales that strike a perfect balance between creepy and fun.
The audiobook format works wonderfully here, with excellent narration that brings each chilling moment to life. Having grown up with Goosebumps on every bookshelf, it’s a joy to see how Stine still knows exactly how to hook an audience. A perfect pick for young horror lovers or nostalgic fans like me.
September 9, 2025
I haven’t picked up an R.L. Stine book since my late elementary school days, when I was absolutely obsessed and read any title of his I could get my hands on. Diving into this collection was a fun bit of nostalgia. Stinetinglers 4 brings together three interconnected novellas, all set in the same town of Hollow Hills. While I’m clearly not the target audience anymore, I still found these stories amusing, fast-paced, and entertaining in that classic Stine way. Each novella was a light, fun listen that reminded me why his books were such a big part of my childhood.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm for providing me with a complimentary audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Libro.fm for providing me with a complimentary audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
Classic R.L. Stine. I liked the collection of stories and the variety. Made me very nostalgic for my childhood. Although I appreciate the short stories, I did feel some were a little rushed. There was a setup and then suddenly over. No time to be "scary." With that said, I think it's perfect for a young kid. Short and sweet and just enough suspense to not be too scary but leave them wanting more.
Great narration by all narrators.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for the arc.
Great narration by all narrators.
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners for the arc.
September 23, 2025
This set is not just short stories but 3 novellas. I like that all three are same town and crossover with people. The three stories are significantly different but play well in the Goosebumps universe. These middle grade books are fun with just a small touch of horror that continues to drive this series forward. If you’re a fan you’ll love this offering.
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com
July 16, 2025
This was a fun trip down memory lane because I was such a fan of R.L. Stone when I was a kid. This was definitely giving Goosebumps vibes, and I am here for it. I liked the format of the three different novella length stories. This was a fun one for fans of the author and genre. I'm happy to see a new generation of Stone fans in the making. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
August 18, 2025
3 NEW crazy stories penned by R.L. Stine.
One is for the comic book lovers -- it comes with a superhero twist.
The next one is about a pretty scary animal... a frog perhaps? But the strangest one that you could ever dream up.
Lastly, how do you feel about a werewolf... for a school teacher?
Properly scary in all the right places!
The audiobook narrator does a fantastic job.
One is for the comic book lovers -- it comes with a superhero twist.
The next one is about a pretty scary animal... a frog perhaps? But the strangest one that you could ever dream up.
Lastly, how do you feel about a werewolf... for a school teacher?
Properly scary in all the right places!
The audiobook narrator does a fantastic job.
October 13, 2025
After meeting RL Stine and hearing him talk about his writing process, I wanted to read some of his newer works. I listened to the audiobook and I really liked the three different narrators. The stories took place in the same town and had some crossover which was a nice touch. I think these are fun to read and I know my students will like them, too.
June 30, 2025
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
I have been an RL Stine fan since childhood. This is a super fun and creepy addition to his works. Highly recommend for kids that love that little bit of scare for excitement!
I have been an RL Stine fan since childhood. This is a super fun and creepy addition to his works. Highly recommend for kids that love that little bit of scare for excitement!
Read
September 4, 2025I must accept I am no longer the target audience and can’t ride on nostalgia. I love RL Stine, but these stories just don’t hit the same for me. I’ll admit that the twist at the end of the last story was pretty good tho.
September 14, 2025
*Thank you NetGalley for an advance audio copy.
I did not want to stop listening to this one! Stinetinglers 4 was written very differently. In this installment, all three stories were written in such a way that they all connected to each other. The stories were indeed chilling.
I did not want to stop listening to this one! Stinetinglers 4 was written very differently. In this installment, all three stories were written in such a way that they all connected to each other. The stories were indeed chilling.
July 4, 2025
A master of horror strikes again. No notes. Read this.
July 21, 2025
These short stories were perfect for anyone that loved goosebumps growing up! The characters and storyline were fun and entertaining. The narration was great too. ☺️
September 22, 2025
Fun stories! I liked that they all tied together within the same town with the same kids.
July 31, 2025
I love this story! Growing up R.L. Stine’s books were always some of my favorite. Listening to this audio book was so nostalgic I loved it so much!
August 27, 2025
Another fun, spooky installment of the Stinetinglers series.
This one was a little different than the others. The first 3 I think had one story per chapter (or at least a lot more stories - the first one had 10 separate stories). This one had only 3 longer stories. One of my main things for the first 3 was how short each story felt. I wanted more. So I was excited that this one focused on fewer, longer stories. Each story had interconnecting characters, or mentioned characters or places that were in the other ones.
Our first story is about Tony. He loves comics and is thinking about selling some of his collection. But there is something off about the comic book store and Tony might find himself discontinued. I liked the mystery surrounding this one. Tony met another comic book collector and they planned to meet up, but the next day, the shop owner said he never existed. Where Tony finds this guy is creative and fun.
The second story is about Kylie. Her parents are making her get a job for the summer. Her and one of her friends want to enter a photography contest, and Kylie thinks a job opening at the local pet store might give her a great picture. I think this one was my favorite. The owner told her not to go through a specific door, so of course the second he leaves, she does. What she finds turns into a very typical Stine story and it was really great.
The last story is about Teddy. New to school, he sees their new substitute teacher turn into a warewolf. He tries to tell his friends about it, but no one wants to hear it. This one left you wondering whether or not Teddy really saw Mr Howell turn into a warewolf or if it's his imagination or something. The ending was left open ended as a lot of Stine's books do which I love.
Though these stories didn't really have anything to do with one another, they went together nicely and it was easy to see them all take place in the same small town, especially when characters or places from the other stories are mentioned.
There were 3 audiobook narrators - one for each story. They were all great. They had pleasant voices and were pretty dramatic, which is perfect for a series like this.
I will continue to read any books in this series. They are so nostalgic and fun!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This one was a little different than the others. The first 3 I think had one story per chapter (or at least a lot more stories - the first one had 10 separate stories). This one had only 3 longer stories. One of my main things for the first 3 was how short each story felt. I wanted more. So I was excited that this one focused on fewer, longer stories. Each story had interconnecting characters, or mentioned characters or places that were in the other ones.
Our first story is about Tony. He loves comics and is thinking about selling some of his collection. But there is something off about the comic book store and Tony might find himself discontinued. I liked the mystery surrounding this one. Tony met another comic book collector and they planned to meet up, but the next day, the shop owner said he never existed. Where Tony finds this guy is creative and fun.
The second story is about Kylie. Her parents are making her get a job for the summer. Her and one of her friends want to enter a photography contest, and Kylie thinks a job opening at the local pet store might give her a great picture. I think this one was my favorite. The owner told her not to go through a specific door, so of course the second he leaves, she does. What she finds turns into a very typical Stine story and it was really great.
The last story is about Teddy. New to school, he sees their new substitute teacher turn into a warewolf. He tries to tell his friends about it, but no one wants to hear it. This one left you wondering whether or not Teddy really saw Mr Howell turn into a warewolf or if it's his imagination or something. The ending was left open ended as a lot of Stine's books do which I love.
Though these stories didn't really have anything to do with one another, they went together nicely and it was easy to see them all take place in the same small town, especially when characters or places from the other stories are mentioned.
There were 3 audiobook narrators - one for each story. They were all great. They had pleasant voices and were pretty dramatic, which is perfect for a series like this.
I will continue to read any books in this series. They are so nostalgic and fun!
Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
August 26, 2025
Stinetingers 4 is a great upper elementary school/middle grade collection of stories. The stories were spooky and engaging without really being scary. They were too scary for my three year old, but he is scared of pretty much everything except sunshine and kittens. Some of the stories had cliche topics like a werewolf substitute, but then had surprise endings. If you are fan of Goosebumps, check out this book!
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