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The Creepy School Bus
4 hours and 36 minutes
Chloe missed her bus home thanks to the terrible Miss Langley. Thankfully, she's able to catch the back-up bus. Unfortunately for Chloe … there is no back-up bus.
As more and more students go missing without explanation and the authorities are stumped, Kaitlin and her friends become entangled in this deeply unsettling mystery that goes far deeper than any of them expected.
Featuring Christina Hendricks as "Langley," Eddie McGee as "Agent Warren," and Erika Alexander as "Agent Alexander." Narrated by Dacey Else as "Kaitlin" with performances by Devin Breaux as "Jamie," Finn Egan-Liang as "Ping," Mecca Rogers as "Chloe," Katelynn Kennedy Staggs as "Alison," James J. Johnson as "The Pole," Jefferson A. Russell as "Director Harris" and "Chris Davenport," and Joe Mallon, Dawn Ursula, Julie-Ann Elliott, Todd Scofield, Samantha Cooper, Khaya Fraites, Alysia Beltran, Ryan H. Reid, Nickolette Kong, Sara Matsui-Colby, Sam Carpenter, Tim Carlin, David Jordan, Rayner Gabriel, Matthew Schleigh, Mark Harrietha, Adrian Garcia, Renee Dorian, Richard Rohan, and Ken Jackson.
Includes sound effects and music!
Chloe missed her bus home thanks to the terrible Miss Langley. Thankfully, she's able to catch the back-up bus. Unfortunately for Chloe … there is no back-up bus.
As more and more students go missing without explanation and the authorities are stumped, Kaitlin and her friends become entangled in this deeply unsettling mystery that goes far deeper than any of them expected.
Featuring Christina Hendricks as "Langley," Eddie McGee as "Agent Warren," and Erika Alexander as "Agent Alexander." Narrated by Dacey Else as "Kaitlin" with performances by Devin Breaux as "Jamie," Finn Egan-Liang as "Ping," Mecca Rogers as "Chloe," Katelynn Kennedy Staggs as "Alison," James J. Johnson as "The Pole," Jefferson A. Russell as "Director Harris" and "Chris Davenport," and Joe Mallon, Dawn Ursula, Julie-Ann Elliott, Todd Scofield, Samantha Cooper, Khaya Fraites, Alysia Beltran, Ryan H. Reid, Nickolette Kong, Sara Matsui-Colby, Sam Carpenter, Tim Carlin, David Jordan, Rayner Gabriel, Matthew Schleigh, Mark Harrietha, Adrian Garcia, Renee Dorian, Richard Rohan, and Ken Jackson.
Includes sound effects and music!
5 pages, Audible Audio
Published February 11, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 9, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and RBmedia for an advanced copy of the audiobook.
An ok Goosebumps-esque horror story. The kids are kids, so annoying at times, and the grownups are mainly all the absolute worst, minus one.
Presenting it as an teleplay-like audiobook definitely helps with overlooking the fact the story is stretched for most of it and rushed in the last 30 minutes, and then ends on a cliffhanger for part 2. It's short as it is and while I haven't listened to part 2 yet, I think this would've been better if they'd been combined and part 1 was more aggressively edited in the first half. We even get a whole bio break scene, absolutely unnecessary and didn't do anything to show us character growth or move the plot. It felt like an intermission, but it wasn't interrupting much to begin with.
The horror is effective though, and there are some good spooks in the story. The content in general skews older actually: what's happening to the kidnapped kids, when revealed, is shocking, the kids deal with various insecurities like food, shelter, and money, they deal with drug addicted parents and living in poverty. It's heavy stuff. One of the scarier scenes in the story was when the main character, Kaitlin, encounters her mom looking for money. Heartbreaking and horrendous. So, while Hough wrote this like it's a middle grade novel, the content is more YA. Also, without it being a whole story (since its conclusion cuts off for pt 2), Hough doesn't get a chance to make any real meaningful commentary on these serious subjects he brings up, with makes it all feel gratuitous in an icky way, like lets just makes these kids lives the worst because it's entertaining. That's how it felt at least, without pt 2.
Anyway, you can see it left me torn. I did like the horror, the story feels incomplete but it's not terrible, and the teleplay aspect with the full cast was fun. Overall The Creepy School Bus is an ok story, but not one I'll be sharing with my niblings, it's just a bit too dark for them.
An ok Goosebumps-esque horror story. The kids are kids, so annoying at times, and the grownups are mainly all the absolute worst, minus one.
Presenting it as an teleplay-like audiobook definitely helps with overlooking the fact the story is stretched for most of it and rushed in the last 30 minutes, and then ends on a cliffhanger for part 2. It's short as it is and while I haven't listened to part 2 yet, I think this would've been better if they'd been combined and part 1 was more aggressively edited in the first half. We even get a whole bio break scene, absolutely unnecessary and didn't do anything to show us character growth or move the plot. It felt like an intermission, but it wasn't interrupting much to begin with.
The horror is effective though, and there are some good spooks in the story. The content in general skews older actually: what's happening to the kidnapped kids, when revealed, is shocking, the kids deal with various insecurities like food, shelter, and money, they deal with drug addicted parents and living in poverty. It's heavy stuff. One of the scarier scenes in the story was when the main character, Kaitlin, encounters her mom looking for money. Heartbreaking and horrendous. So, while Hough wrote this like it's a middle grade novel, the content is more YA. Also, without it being a whole story (since its conclusion cuts off for pt 2), Hough doesn't get a chance to make any real meaningful commentary on these serious subjects he brings up, with makes it all feel gratuitous in an icky way, like lets just makes these kids lives the worst because it's entertaining. That's how it felt at least, without pt 2.
Anyway, you can see it left me torn. I did like the horror, the story feels incomplete but it's not terrible, and the teleplay aspect with the full cast was fun. Overall The Creepy School Bus is an ok story, but not one I'll be sharing with my niblings, it's just a bit too dark for them.
April 20, 2025
I loved everything about this book! The sound effects and full cast narration made this an epic experience! It mentally took me back to my childhood, Nickelodeon days when I watched the classic Are You Afraid Of The Dark?
Kids go missing, people are frantic, searching high and low, panicking, unsure of what’s going on.. There’s only one link to the missing kids, The Creepy School Bus. The suspense of this audiobook was the incredible and I definitely plan on listening to The Creepy School Bus 2 as well.
Thank you RBMedia and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Kids go missing, people are frantic, searching high and low, panicking, unsure of what’s going on.. There’s only one link to the missing kids, The Creepy School Bus. The suspense of this audiobook was the incredible and I definitely plan on listening to The Creepy School Bus 2 as well.
Thank you RBMedia and NetGalley for this advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 4, 2025
I had fun with this! The twists are good and the audiobook was entertaining. All of the cast did a fantastic job. This is a good intro to horror book and I think people of all ages would enjoy it. I would recommend this! Special Thank You to Paul Hough, RB Media and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2025
I was impressed by the plot, characters, world building and the audiobook narration. It’s a full production with multiple cast members narrating and special effects. It took the experience up a notch. I recommend the audiobook
This is scary story good for middle graders. There’s a little bit of swearing, drug use and gore, but kids will still enjoy this. I was weaving and ducking with every plot twist.
I want to thank NetGalley, RB Media and the author for a free copy of the audiobook. My review is voluntary,
This is scary story good for middle graders. There’s a little bit of swearing, drug use and gore, but kids will still enjoy this. I was weaving and ducking with every plot twist.
I want to thank NetGalley, RB Media and the author for a free copy of the audiobook. My review is voluntary,
March 25, 2025
With an excellent voice-acting team and a well-crafted narrative, The Creepy School Bus delivers a fantastic dramatized audiobook experience, with top-tier production quality.
For a middle-grade/YA horror, the story is engaging, featuring a diverse and well-developed cast of characters that are easy to distinguish, not just because of the talented voice actors, but also due to the strong character-building.
That said, the pacing has its flaws. The story takes its time unfolding, focusing on many details along the way, only to rush the ending when it most needed room to breathe. For a book in this age category, a more direct approach might have worked better.
From what I gather, this is just the beginning of a series, and I’d be more than happy to continue with the next installments once they’re out. It’s an engaging, atmospheric listen, perfect for unwinding while tackling chores or simply getting lost in a spooky tale.
Thank you, NetGalley and RBmedia, for the ARC!
For a middle-grade/YA horror, the story is engaging, featuring a diverse and well-developed cast of characters that are easy to distinguish, not just because of the talented voice actors, but also due to the strong character-building.
That said, the pacing has its flaws. The story takes its time unfolding, focusing on many details along the way, only to rush the ending when it most needed room to breathe. For a book in this age category, a more direct approach might have worked better.
From what I gather, this is just the beginning of a series, and I’d be more than happy to continue with the next installments once they’re out. It’s an engaging, atmospheric listen, perfect for unwinding while tackling chores or simply getting lost in a spooky tale.
Thank you, NetGalley and RBmedia, for the ARC!
July 22, 2025
This is an extraordinary read!
I enjoyed it and can't wait to read part 2
Kids are disappearing from the town. Elementary kids and junior high school kids as well. No one seems to know where they are going. They have yet to be found.
All we know is that they get onto this late afternoon bus after missing their regular school bus because of detention or sports.
Once you get on this school bus you can't get off. And the driver takes away your phone as well
Don't get caught after school
You may not make it home
I enjoyed it and can't wait to read part 2
Kids are disappearing from the town. Elementary kids and junior high school kids as well. No one seems to know where they are going. They have yet to be found.
All we know is that they get onto this late afternoon bus after missing their regular school bus because of detention or sports.
Once you get on this school bus you can't get off. And the driver takes away your phone as well
Don't get caught after school
You may not make it home
April 20, 2025
This my first time reading a book by this author. My library has both parts in audiobook form, so I decided to check them out because it sounded interesting. It was almost like listening to a movie, from the beginning. I enjoyed both the story and the characters. I found myself kinda distracted by the book sometimes while listening to it. If they ever choose to adapt it to a movie, I would definitely watch it.I’m currently listening to part two.
March 5, 2025
Well, this was not what I expected—in the 𝙗𝙚𝙨𝙩 way possible. I went in thinking I’d get a fun, eerie fireside tale. What I got was an impressively chilling story that felt like 𝘚𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘚𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘞𝘢𝘺𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 but with a horror twist.
The setup is simple but so effective. Chloe misses her bus home, but lucky for her, there’s a back-up bus. Only—there is no back-up bus. And soon, more and more students start vanishing without explanation. Enter Kaitlin and her friends, who refuse to sit back while their classmates disappear into the void. What starts as a weird schoolyard mystery turns into something 𝙛𝙖𝙧 more unsettling, with twists that burrow into your brain like the best urban legends.
The characters were 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙, making it easy to get invested in the stakes. I also have to say—for my fellow animal lovers—the dog is okay! But what really made this experience next level? The full cast narration and music. This wasn’t just an audiobook—it was a full-on 𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. The performances were immersive, the tension was high, and I genuinely needed to know what would happen next.
Though the story has a middle-grade feel, be aware that it does mention drug use, which may not make it suitable for younger readers. That said, this was just 𝙨𝙤 much fun. It had that perfect balance of eerie, suspenseful, and weirdly nostalgic.
If you love stories about strange schools, urban legends, and mysteries that go deeper than you’d expect, The Creepy School Bus is an absolute must-listen.
The setup is simple but so effective. Chloe misses her bus home, but lucky for her, there’s a back-up bus. Only—there is no back-up bus. And soon, more and more students start vanishing without explanation. Enter Kaitlin and her friends, who refuse to sit back while their classmates disappear into the void. What starts as a weird schoolyard mystery turns into something 𝙛𝙖𝙧 more unsettling, with twists that burrow into your brain like the best urban legends.
The characters were 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙙, making it easy to get invested in the stakes. I also have to say—for my fellow animal lovers—the dog is okay! But what really made this experience next level? The full cast narration and music. This wasn’t just an audiobook—it was a full-on 𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. The performances were immersive, the tension was high, and I genuinely needed to know what would happen next.
Though the story has a middle-grade feel, be aware that it does mention drug use, which may not make it suitable for younger readers. That said, this was just 𝙨𝙤 much fun. It had that perfect balance of eerie, suspenseful, and weirdly nostalgic.
If you love stories about strange schools, urban legends, and mysteries that go deeper than you’d expect, The Creepy School Bus is an absolute must-listen.
March 16, 2025
***** I received this audiobook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
A great horror story for middle grades to young adults. The audiobook really adds to the experience with multiple narrators and a dramatic effect with sounds. When children start going missing the town is at a loss. When one student texts information after being abducted from a school bus everything changes and the search takes a new direction.
A great horror story for middle grades to young adults. The audiobook really adds to the experience with multiple narrators and a dramatic effect with sounds. When children start going missing the town is at a loss. When one student texts information after being abducted from a school bus everything changes and the search takes a new direction.
April 7, 2025
This book is read by a full cast, and has all the amazing sound effects to truly make this story a wild and fun experience. Highly recommend to all lovers of a mildly creepy YA horror. I haven’t been able to look at a school bus the same way since, and yet I think of the book every time I see one. Well done, Paul Hough, well done! I also recommend going into this one knowing as little about the plot as possible, as it made for a fantastic experience.
May 8, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review
I felt like I was actually listening to a movie, such an impressive and entertaining audiobook. I also loved the plots, the character and I just really recommend this ! I think it was really well done !
I felt like I was actually listening to a movie, such an impressive and entertaining audiobook. I also loved the plots, the character and I just really recommend this ! I think it was really well done !
April 9, 2025
Chloe missed her bus home thanks to the terrible Miss Langley. Thankfully, she's able to catch the back-up bus. Unfortunately for Chloe … there is no back-up bus.
As more and more students go missing without explanation and the authorities are stumped, Kaitlin and her friends become entangled in this deeply unsettling mystery that goes far deeper than any of them expected.
I listened to the Audio book of this novel and I gotta admit that even though I am as old af, this story creeped me out!
I think it is intended for the Young Adult audience, so I was expecting a cute little horror story that would simply entertain me. But what I got was a deeply involved, scary story that made me give every school bus I saw a hard look...just in case, ya know?
The characterizations were great. I genuinly cared about these kids and found the math teacher, Miss Langly to be a reprehensible, cruel, and genuinly evil character. I even found myself yelling at the speaker when she would do or say something horrid.
The narration for this featurins Christina Hendricks as "Langley," Eddie McGee as "Agent Warren," and Erika Alexander as "Agent Alexander." Narrated by Dacey Else as "Kaitlin" with performances by Devin Breaux as "Jamie," Finn Egan-Liang as "Ping," Mecca Rogers as "Chloe," Katelynn Kennedy Staggs as "Alison," James J. Johnson as "The Pole," Jefferson A. Russell as "Director Harris" and "Chris Davenport," and Joe Mallon, Dawn Ursula, Julie-Ann Elliott, Todd Scofield, Samantha Cooper, Khaya Fraites, Alysia Beltran, Ryan H. Reid, Nickolette Kong, Sara Matsui-Colby, Sam Carpenter, Tim Carlin, David Jordan, Rayner Gabriel, Matthew Schleigh, Mark Harrietha, Adrian Garcia, Renee Dorian, Richard Rohan, and Ken Jackson. Also includes full surround sound and music. It was like listening to a movie.
Recommended for any age but if you have a YA who wants to give horror a try, this is an excellent story to begin with.
Published date Feb 11, 2025
Thanks to @netgalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion
As more and more students go missing without explanation and the authorities are stumped, Kaitlin and her friends become entangled in this deeply unsettling mystery that goes far deeper than any of them expected.
I listened to the Audio book of this novel and I gotta admit that even though I am as old af, this story creeped me out!
I think it is intended for the Young Adult audience, so I was expecting a cute little horror story that would simply entertain me. But what I got was a deeply involved, scary story that made me give every school bus I saw a hard look...just in case, ya know?
The characterizations were great. I genuinly cared about these kids and found the math teacher, Miss Langly to be a reprehensible, cruel, and genuinly evil character. I even found myself yelling at the speaker when she would do or say something horrid.
The narration for this featurins Christina Hendricks as "Langley," Eddie McGee as "Agent Warren," and Erika Alexander as "Agent Alexander." Narrated by Dacey Else as "Kaitlin" with performances by Devin Breaux as "Jamie," Finn Egan-Liang as "Ping," Mecca Rogers as "Chloe," Katelynn Kennedy Staggs as "Alison," James J. Johnson as "The Pole," Jefferson A. Russell as "Director Harris" and "Chris Davenport," and Joe Mallon, Dawn Ursula, Julie-Ann Elliott, Todd Scofield, Samantha Cooper, Khaya Fraites, Alysia Beltran, Ryan H. Reid, Nickolette Kong, Sara Matsui-Colby, Sam Carpenter, Tim Carlin, David Jordan, Rayner Gabriel, Matthew Schleigh, Mark Harrietha, Adrian Garcia, Renee Dorian, Richard Rohan, and Ken Jackson. Also includes full surround sound and music. It was like listening to a movie.
Recommended for any age but if you have a YA who wants to give horror a try, this is an excellent story to begin with.
Published date Feb 11, 2025
Thanks to @netgalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion
March 30, 2025
*The Creepy School Bus* by Paul Hough had me hooked from the very first chapter. I was amazed at how quickly the story pulled me in—the thrill, the adrenaline rush, and the perfectly placed plot twists kept me turning the pages. Even though some twists were a bit predictable, they were still incredibly satisfying, making the journey just as exciting. The eerie atmosphere and sense of mystery built up beautifully, keeping me engaged the entire time.
One of the things I truly appreciated was how distinct and well-developed the characters were. In many thrillers, characters tend to blur together, but here, each one had a unique presence, making it easy to connect with them. Their interactions felt natural, and their decisions had real weight, adding depth to the suspense. The pacing was just right—fast enough to keep me on edge but not rushed to the point where the story lost its impact.
I also loved that this didn’t feel like a typical, formulaic thriller. The storytelling was fresh, the stakes felt real, and I found myself flying through the book, eager to see how it would all unfold. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Paul Hough in the future! If you’re a fan of suspenseful, eerie thrillers with an engaging plot and a gripping pace, *The Creepy School Bus* is one I’d absolutely recommend.
One of the things I truly appreciated was how distinct and well-developed the characters were. In many thrillers, characters tend to blur together, but here, each one had a unique presence, making it easy to connect with them. Their interactions felt natural, and their decisions had real weight, adding depth to the suspense. The pacing was just right—fast enough to keep me on edge but not rushed to the point where the story lost its impact.
I also loved that this didn’t feel like a typical, formulaic thriller. The storytelling was fresh, the stakes felt real, and I found myself flying through the book, eager to see how it would all unfold. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from Paul Hough in the future! If you’re a fan of suspenseful, eerie thrillers with an engaging plot and a gripping pace, *The Creepy School Bus* is one I’d absolutely recommend.
July 26, 2025
The Creepy School Bus by Paul Hough is a novella about students disappearing after boarding a “creepy “school bus. Kaitlin and her friends become caught up in the mystery of the missing kids and things spiral from there.
This book didn’t waste any time getting into the story! It started off with a tense creepy opening and really grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Unfortunately as the story progressed, I found myself getting a little board. It felt like the creep factor dropped completely, the excitement and thrill that grabbed me in the beginning also dwindled down until the last 40 minutes or so. Overall this story fell a bit flat for me.
The audiobook itself was fantastic. I enjoyed the full cast of narrators especially Miss Langley (Christina Hendricks). The sound effects were really fun and didn’t overpower the narrators’ voices. I will say I did not enjoy the bodily function sounds (urinating, vomiting) but other than that, I really loved the sound effects. It really elevated the story and amplified the more exciting moments.
This book didn’t waste any time getting into the story! It started off with a tense creepy opening and really grabbed my attention from the very beginning. Unfortunately as the story progressed, I found myself getting a little board. It felt like the creep factor dropped completely, the excitement and thrill that grabbed me in the beginning also dwindled down until the last 40 minutes or so. Overall this story fell a bit flat for me.
The audiobook itself was fantastic. I enjoyed the full cast of narrators especially Miss Langley (Christina Hendricks). The sound effects were really fun and didn’t overpower the narrators’ voices. I will say I did not enjoy the bodily function sounds (urinating, vomiting) but other than that, I really loved the sound effects. It really elevated the story and amplified the more exciting moments.
March 29, 2025
oh my god, what a *RIDE* this audiobook was!
the book is targeted at the younger audience, I'd say 10-13 year olds, but still, as an adult, i enjoyed it very much.
i have nothing but good things to say about this book, as i loved every minute of it. it's a very quick, spooky read for kids as well as adults.
the production was really good, i mean - the full cast narration, the sound effects? I was fully immersed in the story and felt like I was *listening* to a movie. that's such a creative way to spark the imagination.
as someone who used to take buses to school daily, i found it really creepy lol, even though it was definitely far fetched.
i liked the multiple pov's in the story, the characters were quite likeable. oh, and the dog, of course.
i'm definitely looking forward to reading the second part!
*thanks to NetGalley, RB Media and the author for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
the book is targeted at the younger audience, I'd say 10-13 year olds, but still, as an adult, i enjoyed it very much.
i have nothing but good things to say about this book, as i loved every minute of it. it's a very quick, spooky read for kids as well as adults.
the production was really good, i mean - the full cast narration, the sound effects? I was fully immersed in the story and felt like I was *listening* to a movie. that's such a creative way to spark the imagination.
as someone who used to take buses to school daily, i found it really creepy lol, even though it was definitely far fetched.
i liked the multiple pov's in the story, the characters were quite likeable. oh, and the dog, of course.
i'm definitely looking forward to reading the second part!
*thanks to NetGalley, RB Media and the author for providing me with an audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.*
October 28, 2025
Admittedly, this book has been on my shelf since February, and I thought spooky season was a perfect time to finally get to listen to it- and bring others’ attention to it as well!
The story: How do kids get home when they stay late at school or miss their primary bus? Do parents get them? Do they have to walk home? In this town, there is a backup bus, but it doesn’t exactly get them home. More than a few kids start going missing, turning the town upside down.
The audio: this is more of what I’d call a “dramatic audio” with a full cast and sound effects and it all really sets an ambience of creepiness. I listened to it on a drive, but I could imagine the creep factor being heightened if you were to listen to it with noise cancelling headphones, or especially increased for middle or high schoolers relying on buses to get home! I would give the story a 3/5 mostly because I’m a bit older than the intended audience but the audio was fantastic so I’m giving it a 4/5!
The story: How do kids get home when they stay late at school or miss their primary bus? Do parents get them? Do they have to walk home? In this town, there is a backup bus, but it doesn’t exactly get them home. More than a few kids start going missing, turning the town upside down.
The audio: this is more of what I’d call a “dramatic audio” with a full cast and sound effects and it all really sets an ambience of creepiness. I listened to it on a drive, but I could imagine the creep factor being heightened if you were to listen to it with noise cancelling headphones, or especially increased for middle or high schoolers relying on buses to get home! I would give the story a 3/5 mostly because I’m a bit older than the intended audience but the audio was fantastic so I’m giving it a 4/5!
March 19, 2025
This review is actually for Part 1 but that one isn’t listed here on GR yet. At least I couldn’t find it.
This is a fun Gateway Horror novel. As a young adult novel this perfectly fits the genre and is appropriate for a large audience. Don’t be fooled though, it may be a young adult book but this was a lot of fun for adults too. Well written and narrated. The dramatic reading is fun and really helped me get into the story.
Right off the bat there is this feeling of impending doom and betrayal of trust as kids are picked up by a school bus only to be taken away not to be seen again.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to what comes next from this author.
Big thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this for an honest review.
This is a fun Gateway Horror novel. As a young adult novel this perfectly fits the genre and is appropriate for a large audience. Don’t be fooled though, it may be a young adult book but this was a lot of fun for adults too. Well written and narrated. The dramatic reading is fun and really helped me get into the story.
Right off the bat there is this feeling of impending doom and betrayal of trust as kids are picked up by a school bus only to be taken away not to be seen again.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to what comes next from this author.
Big thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this for an honest review.
March 24, 2025
🎧The audiobook was fantastic! It was like listening to a movie. Full cast, sounds effects, the works!! Super entertaining. Made it feel like you were right there! Such a fun and thrilling middle grade horror story suited for all ages.
Kids go missing after taking the ‘backup bus’ home from school, which doesn’t really exist. It takes them to an unknown location. Allison, Chloe, Kaitlin. When James takes the bus his friend Ping follows and they end up trying to save the others. Sinister plots ensue. Great descriptive dialogue, creepy and action packed!
Thank you to NetGalley & RBMedia for an advanced copy.
Kids go missing after taking the ‘backup bus’ home from school, which doesn’t really exist. It takes them to an unknown location. Allison, Chloe, Kaitlin. When James takes the bus his friend Ping follows and they end up trying to save the others. Sinister plots ensue. Great descriptive dialogue, creepy and action packed!
Thank you to NetGalley & RBMedia for an advanced copy.
March 30, 2025
This is a middle grade age book but I enjoyed the adventure the book took me on. It will be good except there is a splattering of curse words through out the book. They do not use the F word thankfully. The story is about kids missing their school buses after school and a mysterious buss picks them up but instead of taking them home they take them to a nightmare place. One FBI agent makes it in to save the kids in a small town only to find out there are a lot more then the handful. I know he gets the kids out from the small town but it does not say if someone goes back for the others, but I guess that's why there is a book 2.
March 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this audiobook. Thank you to @librofm and the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
The sounds effects honestly made you feel like you were in a movie, just without the screen. The author provides ample dialogue to help with the visuals of the story. It was suspenseful and almost had a sci fi feel to it the further you got into the book. Overall a quick read that would be great for teens and adults alike.
It was a bit scary and the sounds effects honestly effects only intensified the bits of suspense. There were a few moments my jaw dropped at the surprises. I’m looking forward to part 2 to see what happens next with the hidden world of the creepy school buses.
The sounds effects honestly made you feel like you were in a movie, just without the screen. The author provides ample dialogue to help with the visuals of the story. It was suspenseful and almost had a sci fi feel to it the further you got into the book. Overall a quick read that would be great for teens and adults alike.
It was a bit scary and the sounds effects honestly effects only intensified the bits of suspense. There were a few moments my jaw dropped at the surprises. I’m looking forward to part 2 to see what happens next with the hidden world of the creepy school buses.
March 23, 2025
Thank you to RB Media and NetGalley for the ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book was like going back into my childhood and getting a new RL Stein book. The story itself was dark and twisty enough to be creepy for its intended age group. The teacher was a bully and it did remind me of my own teacher bullies I had as a kid and also reminded me of a lady I once knew that is a teacher and was terrible to her students. As for the audio portions hands down the best audio book I’ve ever heard.
March 9, 2025
I listened to this on audio. I loved this middle-grade horror/mystery. The special effects were fantastic.
Chloe misses her bus and jumps on the backup bus, only to discover that...there is no backup bus. Suddenly, more students start to disappear.
I loved the full-cast narration and music. The high intensity of the dialogue kept me listening to the climactic ending. It was eerie, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Chloe misses her bus and jumps on the backup bus, only to discover that...there is no backup bus. Suddenly, more students start to disappear.
I loved the full-cast narration and music. The high intensity of the dialogue kept me listening to the climactic ending. It was eerie, suspenseful, and thoroughly enjoyable.
March 9, 2025
It was a little strange when characters would have to describe what was going on instead of just reading dialogue, but it didn't detract from the experience too much for me to really care. The story was not as straight forward as I thought it was going to be, definitely got interesting at the end. It is set up for a sequel, and I wouldn't mind listening or reading that as well. It did keep you on your toes to see who is truly evil with how many characters have something to hide.
June 24, 2025
I picked this up on a whim, and this was so much fun! It was such an immersive read which made it feel like you were listening to a movie! I feel like if you enjoyed Small Spaces, would like this one! This is a really strong 3 stars!
December 17, 2025
I liked this book, I just wish it went into more detail.
April 1, 2025
I would like to thank NetGalley, RB Media, and author Paul Hough for allowing me to listen to a free copy of this audiobook. I liked the story line in this book. I do feel it is more on the YA side, than it is for younger readers or adults. I thought the narrators did a great job. The sound effects made it much more enjoyable and enticing. Although, some of the sound effects lasted a little too long. I would still recommend this book to middle and high school age children.
The plot of the story was is engaging, featuring Chloe, a girl who missed her bus because of a horribly mean teacher, Miss Langley. Don't worry, Chloe was lucky enough (or was she) to catch the back-up bus for home. Although, there is no back-up bus!
I enjoyed the way the author tied in all the characters and the world building was great! I thought some of the kids were "just being kids", but the other narrators/characters did and awesome job. In this story several other students become missing, but it seems like they just disappear into a park without any trace. Everyone is baffled as to their whereabouts, even the police.
Even though there is some cussing, blood, violence, drugs, and gore; I feel young adults would really enjoy this. I would recommend to my older students.
The plot of the story was is engaging, featuring Chloe, a girl who missed her bus because of a horribly mean teacher, Miss Langley. Don't worry, Chloe was lucky enough (or was she) to catch the back-up bus for home. Although, there is no back-up bus!
I enjoyed the way the author tied in all the characters and the world building was great! I thought some of the kids were "just being kids", but the other narrators/characters did and awesome job. In this story several other students become missing, but it seems like they just disappear into a park without any trace. Everyone is baffled as to their whereabouts, even the police.
Even though there is some cussing, blood, violence, drugs, and gore; I feel young adults would really enjoy this. I would recommend to my older students.
March 18, 2025
A solid, mystery, horror for YA. I got to listen to the Audiobook version, it plays out like a teleplay. The cast was great, although Christina Hendricks Langleys' maniacal shrieking did annoy me by the end. Still, I imagine that was the goal.
If you like the Goosebumps series or similar YA horror then this is a must-listen for you. Thanks to RB Media and Netgalley for the audiobook.
If you like the Goosebumps series or similar YA horror then this is a must-listen for you. Thanks to RB Media and Netgalley for the audiobook.
March 25, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
This book got DARK! Wow. And this is only part 1…
This audiobook is outstanding. It has a full cast AND sound effects! You’re not just listening to an audiobook, you’re watching a full-on movie when you listen to the creepy school bus. Everything you could think of to make a story visceral and edge-of-your-seat is included in this audiobook. You’ll be dodging gunfire, covering your ears through bloody screams, and trying to match pace as you run for your life with Alison, Chloe, Pete, and Ping.
The audiobook is also extremely easy to follow which I appreciate. You can tell when a character is narrating, speaking (to themselves or to someone else), thinking, etc., and with a cast of so many characters it could be easy to get lost in what is happening. But that is not the case here.
Additionally, the pacing and the interaction between the characters are superb and so realistic that I wanted to jump in and join them on the adventure (which is weird, but who says no to a creepy school bus trip? 👻)
Prepare for all of your senses to be standing on edge as you listen to these kids fight for their lives all the while trying to keep each other safe.
Anyone who likes spooky sh*t needs to listen to this right now because you won’t want to stop.
SO clear your schedules and get listening cause part 2 is right around the corner!
Thank you NetGalley and recorded books for letting me review this audiobook!
This book got DARK! Wow. And this is only part 1…
This audiobook is outstanding. It has a full cast AND sound effects! You’re not just listening to an audiobook, you’re watching a full-on movie when you listen to the creepy school bus. Everything you could think of to make a story visceral and edge-of-your-seat is included in this audiobook. You’ll be dodging gunfire, covering your ears through bloody screams, and trying to match pace as you run for your life with Alison, Chloe, Pete, and Ping.
The audiobook is also extremely easy to follow which I appreciate. You can tell when a character is narrating, speaking (to themselves or to someone else), thinking, etc., and with a cast of so many characters it could be easy to get lost in what is happening. But that is not the case here.
Additionally, the pacing and the interaction between the characters are superb and so realistic that I wanted to jump in and join them on the adventure (which is weird, but who says no to a creepy school bus trip? 👻)
Prepare for all of your senses to be standing on edge as you listen to these kids fight for their lives all the while trying to keep each other safe.
Anyone who likes spooky sh*t needs to listen to this right now because you won’t want to stop.
SO clear your schedules and get listening cause part 2 is right around the corner!
Thank you NetGalley and recorded books for letting me review this audiobook!
April 8, 2025
I haven't read many horror books, but this one was one of the few that had me worried for the characters and wanting to know what was gonna happen next.
The FBI agent with the kids was definitely my favourite, wish I could hug him. Me and my friend were so glad when he was okay. The moments where the group was having fun felt precious, which made the adventure more fun to listen to.
Listened with Ayla :)
The FBI agent with the kids was definitely my favourite, wish I could hug him. Me and my friend were so glad when he was okay. The moments where the group was having fun felt precious, which made the adventure more fun to listen to.
Listened with Ayla :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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