What do you think?
Rate this book
The Film You Are About to See
Advance
"Buttery snack bar popcorn, drive-in intermission ads, classic horror clearly I'm the target audience for this book. But I think you'll love it too. The Film You Are About to See is a book with its eyes on the past, but at the same time announces Newlin as a modern horror voice to watch. It's showtime!"
-Adam Cesare, Bram-Stoker-Award-winning author of Clown In a Cornfield
"The book you are about to read is a cinephile's spine-tingling fever dream. Haley Newlin pens a love letter to celluloid, capturing the grain and gimmicks of a bygone era where the blood seeps right off the screen and into your book. William Castle would be proud... and you'll be absolutely terrified."
-Clay McLeod Chapman, author of Wake Up and Open Your Eyes
"Retro, raucous, and a roaring good time, The Film You Are About to See is a must-read for horror fans everywhere. An absolute blood-soaked delight."
-Gwendolyn Kiste, Four-time Bram-Stoker-Award-winning author of The Haunting of Velkwood and Reluctant Immortals
"Energetic and full of popcorn and bodies. The Film You Are About to See pays loving tribute to the classic horror of yesteryear with a blood-soaked romp at the drive-in."
-Hailey Piper, author of A Light Most Hateful
"Newlin takes everything we love about classic horror films and the drive-in experience, turning pages into silver screens with piercing screams."
-Nick Roberts, author of Mean Spirited and The Exorcist's House
"Like a mad scientist from the films of yore, Haley Newlin has crafted a delightfully deranged spectacle on the page with The Film You Are About to See. You'll never want to leave this blood-soaked drive-in... but the creepy thing in your backseat won't let you anyway."
-Brian McAuley, author of Breathe In, Bleed Out
"The Film You Are About to See is a spooktastic tribute to classic horror films that will leave your spine tingling. With a kick ass heroine, gore galore, and the creepiest creature ever to grace a drive-in, you'll devour this novella faster than a bucket of movie theater popcorn!"
-Angela Sylvaine, Bram-Stoker-Award-nominated author of Frost Bite and Chopping Spree
"Newlin's writing evokes both a 1950s time capsule and a fun, monster-filled romp you won't be able to put down."
-Viggy Parr Hampton, author of The Rotting Room
"From the opening reel to the final frame, The Film You Are About to See is bursting with monster-movie mayhem. This is drive-in horror at its gleefully bloody, devilishly fun, and heartfelt best!"
-V.S. Lawrence, author of 80s Ghosts and With Friends Like These
"Full of appreciation for the genre, beautifully written, and above all, a really fun time, wrapped in a celluloid skin of pure retro camp, The Film You Are About to See is a story that will not release readers from its pincered grip until the end credits roll.
"Buttery snack bar popcorn, drive-in intermission ads, classic horror clearly I'm the target audience for this book. But I think you'll love it too. The Film You Are About to See is a book with its eyes on the past, but at the same time announces Newlin as a modern horror voice to watch. It's showtime!"
-Adam Cesare, Bram-Stoker-Award-winning author of Clown In a Cornfield
"The book you are about to read is a cinephile's spine-tingling fever dream. Haley Newlin pens a love letter to celluloid, capturing the grain and gimmicks of a bygone era where the blood seeps right off the screen and into your book. William Castle would be proud... and you'll be absolutely terrified."
-Clay McLeod Chapman, author of Wake Up and Open Your Eyes
"Retro, raucous, and a roaring good time, The Film You Are About to See is a must-read for horror fans everywhere. An absolute blood-soaked delight."
-Gwendolyn Kiste, Four-time Bram-Stoker-Award-winning author of The Haunting of Velkwood and Reluctant Immortals
"Energetic and full of popcorn and bodies. The Film You Are About to See pays loving tribute to the classic horror of yesteryear with a blood-soaked romp at the drive-in."
-Hailey Piper, author of A Light Most Hateful
"Newlin takes everything we love about classic horror films and the drive-in experience, turning pages into silver screens with piercing screams."
-Nick Roberts, author of Mean Spirited and The Exorcist's House
"Like a mad scientist from the films of yore, Haley Newlin has crafted a delightfully deranged spectacle on the page with The Film You Are About to See. You'll never want to leave this blood-soaked drive-in... but the creepy thing in your backseat won't let you anyway."
-Brian McAuley, author of Breathe In, Bleed Out
"The Film You Are About to See is a spooktastic tribute to classic horror films that will leave your spine tingling. With a kick ass heroine, gore galore, and the creepiest creature ever to grace a drive-in, you'll devour this novella faster than a bucket of movie theater popcorn!"
-Angela Sylvaine, Bram-Stoker-Award-nominated author of Frost Bite and Chopping Spree
"Newlin's writing evokes both a 1950s time capsule and a fun, monster-filled romp you won't be able to put down."
-Viggy Parr Hampton, author of The Rotting Room
"From the opening reel to the final frame, The Film You Are About to See is bursting with monster-movie mayhem. This is drive-in horror at its gleefully bloody, devilishly fun, and heartfelt best!"
-V.S. Lawrence, author of 80s Ghosts and With Friends Like These
"Full of appreciation for the genre, beautifully written, and above all, a really fun time, wrapped in a celluloid skin of pure retro camp, The Film You Are About to See is a story that will not release readers from its pincered grip until the end credits roll.
175 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2025
15 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Haley Newlin
6 books185 followersHaley Newlin grew up watching Vincent Price movies and listening to The Beatles, both of which have heavily influenced her work. She has published three novels including Take Your Turn, Teddy and her new release, The Film You Are About To See. Her short story "The Butcher on Blue Jay Way" is featured in Kandisha Press' SLASH-HER anthology. Newlin also writes for Cemetery Dance Magazine
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
August 13, 2025
3/5 ★
This novella is definitely something to keep your eye on for spooky season!
Releasing October 14, The Film You Are About to See is set in 1959 rural Indiana during the first Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular at the local drive-in theater. June and her friends’ excitement turns to fear when her instincts warn of danger among the moviegoers.
Are her fears grounded in reality, or simply part of the night’s theatrics? 🍿💀
There is a lot to like about this story (some I won’t explain to avoid spoiling).
The setting and dialogue between characters places you directly in what I imagine the 1950s to be like. This story was very creepy at times and genuinely shocking in a new way for me because of the unique setting.
RECOMMENDATION: I suggest listening to 1950s lofi music (YT: Nemo’s Dreamscape) as you read this to enhance it even more! 🎵
This is for sure going to land with those who love older horror movies that were popular during this time. As someone who has not seen any, I wasn’t able to make the connections, but I imagine that adds an extra layer of depth to the setting.
A couple of the primary horror tropes in this story are among my least favorites, which was the main drawback for me. Each time they came up, they pulled me out of it a bit. I experienced this most often with June’s intuition.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast and spooky novella to get in the Halloween spirit! 🎃
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.
This novella is definitely something to keep your eye on for spooky season!
Releasing October 14, The Film You Are About to See is set in 1959 rural Indiana during the first Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular at the local drive-in theater. June and her friends’ excitement turns to fear when her instincts warn of danger among the moviegoers.
Are her fears grounded in reality, or simply part of the night’s theatrics? 🍿💀
There is a lot to like about this story (some I won’t explain to avoid spoiling).
The setting and dialogue between characters places you directly in what I imagine the 1950s to be like. This story was very creepy at times and genuinely shocking in a new way for me because of the unique setting.
RECOMMENDATION: I suggest listening to 1950s lofi music (YT: Nemo’s Dreamscape) as you read this to enhance it even more! 🎵
This is for sure going to land with those who love older horror movies that were popular during this time. As someone who has not seen any, I wasn’t able to make the connections, but I imagine that adds an extra layer of depth to the setting.
A couple of the primary horror tropes in this story are among my least favorites, which was the main drawback for me. Each time they came up, they pulled me out of it a bit. I experienced this most often with June’s intuition.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast and spooky novella to get in the Halloween spirit! 🎃
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2025
The Film You Are About to See by Haley Newlin
4.25 rounded down to 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hello, my spooky goblins, and feast your eyes upon the glorious cover of this novel.
In the shade of dark branches jutting out like broken little arms, mist rises from the soil infested with beetles, clambering over one another on the scavenge for tasty morsels. Beyond the forest, our author, Haley Newlin, firmly places readers on the grounds of a 1959 drive-in theater. The cars are parked, and the smell of popcorn wafts through the air from the concession stand. This is what June and her friends have waited for. The marquee reads "Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular," and those lying in wait are eager for their victim's admission. Hair-raising excellence awaits those sitting in their classic cars, as the owner of the Indiana drive-in has spared no expense in creating the proper ambience for the event. Props such as a hearse, a staff of nurses, and vomit bags provide a sense of what is to come for those in attendance.
June's senses become unnaturally heightened. Like a sun radiating warmth, pain follows June wherever she stands. Strangely enough, she feels others’ suffering as if it were her own. As if a knife is slowly being twisted within the victim's body, June is being tortured by her visions. Can June piece together a puzzle and help save her friend’s lives, or will the bloodbath continue its destructive path?
Scintillatingly dreadful! This little novella delivers on what the artwork promises. Haley Newlin does an excellent job of capturing the essence of a great horror story, and it became apparent that Newlin understands a proper way to create tension. Short in length, the novella packs a serious punch, as broken bones and pools of blood shock the reader's system.
Like Vincent Price’s voice, there is an evil loveliness to this story. My emotions swung from the rafters as if the life was being choked out of me with a braided noose. I won’t begin to tell you this will be for everyone. With copious amounts of violence and blunt force trauma, I would be remiss if I didn’t provide readers a word of caution beforehand for those who have issues with this sort of prose. However, if you love horror with added fervor, this will certainly satisfy. One of the better novellas I have read in a long time.
Highly Recommended!
Many thanks to Mad Axe Media for the ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
4.25 rounded down to 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hello, my spooky goblins, and feast your eyes upon the glorious cover of this novel.
In the shade of dark branches jutting out like broken little arms, mist rises from the soil infested with beetles, clambering over one another on the scavenge for tasty morsels. Beyond the forest, our author, Haley Newlin, firmly places readers on the grounds of a 1959 drive-in theater. The cars are parked, and the smell of popcorn wafts through the air from the concession stand. This is what June and her friends have waited for. The marquee reads "Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular," and those lying in wait are eager for their victim's admission. Hair-raising excellence awaits those sitting in their classic cars, as the owner of the Indiana drive-in has spared no expense in creating the proper ambience for the event. Props such as a hearse, a staff of nurses, and vomit bags provide a sense of what is to come for those in attendance.
June's senses become unnaturally heightened. Like a sun radiating warmth, pain follows June wherever she stands. Strangely enough, she feels others’ suffering as if it were her own. As if a knife is slowly being twisted within the victim's body, June is being tortured by her visions. Can June piece together a puzzle and help save her friend’s lives, or will the bloodbath continue its destructive path?
Scintillatingly dreadful! This little novella delivers on what the artwork promises. Haley Newlin does an excellent job of capturing the essence of a great horror story, and it became apparent that Newlin understands a proper way to create tension. Short in length, the novella packs a serious punch, as broken bones and pools of blood shock the reader's system.
Like Vincent Price’s voice, there is an evil loveliness to this story. My emotions swung from the rafters as if the life was being choked out of me with a braided noose. I won’t begin to tell you this will be for everyone. With copious amounts of violence and blunt force trauma, I would be remiss if I didn’t provide readers a word of caution beforehand for those who have issues with this sort of prose. However, if you love horror with added fervor, this will certainly satisfy. One of the better novellas I have read in a long time.
Highly Recommended!
Many thanks to Mad Axe Media for the ARC through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2025
"And it wanted vengeance. It wanted chaos. Carnage. Hysteria. And it got it as the creature hopped from one person to the next, with horrific murder in between. The screams across the lot were like a standing ovation."
☠️ A “Dusk ’til Dawn Spooktacular” is being held at a local drive‑in - set in 1959, rural Indiana
☠️ The MC, June, has a peculiar “sixth sense” or intuitive sense that something is off. As the night goes on, the boundary between staged horror (the show) and real danger blurs.
☠️ A good mix of gore, camp + suspense -- aims to feel fun, creepy, and theatrical all at once. Atmospheric and nostalgic esp if you enjoy old horror movies.
☠️ Because it’s short, some characters might not feel fully fleshed out. Also, the creature’s origin and explanations feel a bit sudden or under‑explored
☠️ A “Dusk ’til Dawn Spooktacular” is being held at a local drive‑in - set in 1959, rural Indiana
☠️ The MC, June, has a peculiar “sixth sense” or intuitive sense that something is off. As the night goes on, the boundary between staged horror (the show) and real danger blurs.
☠️ A good mix of gore, camp + suspense -- aims to feel fun, creepy, and theatrical all at once. Atmospheric and nostalgic esp if you enjoy old horror movies.
☠️ Because it’s short, some characters might not feel fully fleshed out. Also, the creature’s origin and explanations feel a bit sudden or under‑explored
Read
September 17, 2025The Film You Are About To See is packed with blood, creative kills, (Haley, the vomit bags!?), and a heavy dose of nostalgia. It's a fast-paced creature-feature that reads like a classic horror film with a cast of characters that are easy to love and root for. I wish I was hanging out with them at the Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular, under better circumstances of course.
This is a must read for any horror fans, but particularly those who enjoy classic horror films. It's a love letter to everything that makes the classics stand the test of time, the creature, the tensions, and the memorable characters. You can feel Haley's love and knowledge for the genre shine through the pages and I can't wait to read more from her!
Thank you Net Galley, Haley, and Mad Axe Media for the E-ARC!
This is a must read for any horror fans, but particularly those who enjoy classic horror films. It's a love letter to everything that makes the classics stand the test of time, the creature, the tensions, and the memorable characters. You can feel Haley's love and knowledge for the genre shine through the pages and I can't wait to read more from her!
Thank you Net Galley, Haley, and Mad Axe Media for the E-ARC!
July 3, 2025
I’m going to assume you are a fan of the spooky and scary if you are looking this up. As horror fans, I think that we share something special in common with each other. There’s something about us that seeks out the dark, the truth, the scary, the undefined, and it makes us different.
Of all the genres, I think it’s the one that brings us together as fans the most, and unfortunately gets us judged by those that are not even more than fans of pretty much any other genre.
I’m saying this to set up why I felt so seen, so attached, so devastated, and ultimately just euphoric and happy that this book was written by this writer right now.
Please preorder this book as soon as it’s possible. This book is why I watch horror movies, read horror books, and love listening to scary stories around a camp fire.
Haley Newlin wrote a book that is in my top five favorite books, Take Your Turn, Teddy, which is criminally under read. She now has a second book in my top five with The Film You’re About to See.
It’s 1959 and we follow June, a high school girl that also from time to time receives visions of terrible things that are happening. After she receives one of her grandmother being attacked, she is horrified to learn that it was true and that her grandmother was murdered in a botched home robbery.
A week later, her friends think that doing the thing she loves the most, watching horror movies at the dusk till dawn movie marathon at the local drive in, will be just the ticket to raising her spirits a little and taking her mind off the tragedy.
It certainly does, but not in the way any of them hoped. Because something is stalking this drive in. Something angry, something bent on hysteria and death. Is it man or monster, or both? The horror on the screen is nothing compared to what is going to occur in front of it.
This book is gnarly, the kills are brutal and inventive but even more so, Newlin makes these characters so real that their deaths hurt, bad. The final act of the book is brilliant. I spent most of it sobbing, and I generally don’t cry while I’m reading.
It also does not shy away from the realities of the time period, addressing issues of race, gender, and sexuality in an honest and sensitive way.
It’s scary, it’s shocking, it’s gory, and it is filled with a love for the genre that can’t be faked. It’s the real deal.
Of all the genres, I think it’s the one that brings us together as fans the most, and unfortunately gets us judged by those that are not even more than fans of pretty much any other genre.
I’m saying this to set up why I felt so seen, so attached, so devastated, and ultimately just euphoric and happy that this book was written by this writer right now.
Please preorder this book as soon as it’s possible. This book is why I watch horror movies, read horror books, and love listening to scary stories around a camp fire.
Haley Newlin wrote a book that is in my top five favorite books, Take Your Turn, Teddy, which is criminally under read. She now has a second book in my top five with The Film You’re About to See.
It’s 1959 and we follow June, a high school girl that also from time to time receives visions of terrible things that are happening. After she receives one of her grandmother being attacked, she is horrified to learn that it was true and that her grandmother was murdered in a botched home robbery.
A week later, her friends think that doing the thing she loves the most, watching horror movies at the dusk till dawn movie marathon at the local drive in, will be just the ticket to raising her spirits a little and taking her mind off the tragedy.
It certainly does, but not in the way any of them hoped. Because something is stalking this drive in. Something angry, something bent on hysteria and death. Is it man or monster, or both? The horror on the screen is nothing compared to what is going to occur in front of it.
This book is gnarly, the kills are brutal and inventive but even more so, Newlin makes these characters so real that their deaths hurt, bad. The final act of the book is brilliant. I spent most of it sobbing, and I generally don’t cry while I’m reading.
It also does not shy away from the realities of the time period, addressing issues of race, gender, and sexuality in an honest and sensitive way.
It’s scary, it’s shocking, it’s gory, and it is filled with a love for the genre that can’t be faked. It’s the real deal.
August 18, 2025
Did I know I was in for a creature feature? Featuring... the creature!
I ate this book up in two sittings, what a fun read for "Summerween." And should definitely be on your radar if you get excited when the air is chilly when you leave your house in the morning even though it's still August.
The pacing in this book is phenomenal, I was drawn in right from the get-go. The characters were super likeable, and you were rooting for June and her friends from the very second things started to go down at the "From Dusk till Dawn Spooktacular." Even though the book is rather short, the author's writing allows you to get to know the characters and even grow attached to them in that amount of time. Overall, this book was a fun read, eerie, a bit gory, almost reminded me of a grown-up version of Scooby-Doo in a sense with how developed each character was and the group dynamic (which pulled on my heartstrings because I *love* Scooby-Doo.)
All in all, I can find myself picking a physical copy of this book once it is released in early October and I highly recommend if you're at a loss for what to read to celebrate "Summerween" adding The film You Are About to See to your TBR!
Thanks again to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for sending me an eBook copy in advance in exchange for an honest review!
I ate this book up in two sittings, what a fun read for "Summerween." And should definitely be on your radar if you get excited when the air is chilly when you leave your house in the morning even though it's still August.
The pacing in this book is phenomenal, I was drawn in right from the get-go. The characters were super likeable, and you were rooting for June and her friends from the very second things started to go down at the "From Dusk till Dawn Spooktacular." Even though the book is rather short, the author's writing allows you to get to know the characters and even grow attached to them in that amount of time. Overall, this book was a fun read, eerie, a bit gory, almost reminded me of a grown-up version of Scooby-Doo in a sense with how developed each character was and the group dynamic (which pulled on my heartstrings because I *love* Scooby-Doo.)
All in all, I can find myself picking a physical copy of this book once it is released in early October and I highly recommend if you're at a loss for what to read to celebrate "Summerween" adding The film You Are About to See to your TBR!
Thanks again to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for sending me an eBook copy in advance in exchange for an honest review!
August 17, 2025
Haley delivers complete mind fuckery, creeping dread, and cinematic horror with The Film You Are About to See.
What starts as a night of old-school horror fun slowly spirals into a chaotic nightmare, and I loved every second of the descent. The tension builds at a deliberate pace, like a classic film, until it explodes into full-blown panic. I found myself picturing an episode of Fear Street as I read - equally nostalgic and terrifying.
The characters are where Haley shines. June, with her unsettling intuition and her love of all the best old-school horror films, and her group of friends, feels real and relatable. We root for them fiercely, which makes the unfolding horror all the more devastating. Haley isn't afraid to crush our hopes- and our hearts along the way.
If you're a fan of retro horror, old horror films like The Tingler and House on Haunted Hill, and horror that blurs the line between nightmares and reality, The Film You Are About to See is a must-read that will scratch the itch of all oldie horror fans.
The Film You are about to see is haunting, stylish, and unshakably eerie.
What starts as a night of old-school horror fun slowly spirals into a chaotic nightmare, and I loved every second of the descent. The tension builds at a deliberate pace, like a classic film, until it explodes into full-blown panic. I found myself picturing an episode of Fear Street as I read - equally nostalgic and terrifying.
The characters are where Haley shines. June, with her unsettling intuition and her love of all the best old-school horror films, and her group of friends, feels real and relatable. We root for them fiercely, which makes the unfolding horror all the more devastating. Haley isn't afraid to crush our hopes- and our hearts along the way.
If you're a fan of retro horror, old horror films like The Tingler and House on Haunted Hill, and horror that blurs the line between nightmares and reality, The Film You Are About to See is a must-read that will scratch the itch of all oldie horror fans.
The Film You are about to see is haunting, stylish, and unshakably eerie.
August 26, 2025
3.75 💫
A perfect fun little summerween read. Very much a love letter to classic horror, and you could tell that this era is something special to the author.
This was much gorier than I expected, and full of pleasant surprises. Fast paced, with great writing and likable characters, and a setting that I really loved. It did feel a bit chaotic at times, with too much going on, and certain plot points that I didn't personally love much. But even so, I think it came together in a way that worked, and I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for the ARC!
A perfect fun little summerween read. Very much a love letter to classic horror, and you could tell that this era is something special to the author.
This was much gorier than I expected, and full of pleasant surprises. Fast paced, with great writing and likable characters, and a setting that I really loved. It did feel a bit chaotic at times, with too much going on, and certain plot points that I didn't personally love much. But even so, I think it came together in a way that worked, and I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for the ARC!
November 17, 2025
Lovely Spooktober!
This was a wild ride!
My partner and I have something we have dubbed "Spooktoberfest" in our house every October. We try (and almost always fail) to watch 31 spooky, scary, or nostalgic Halloween themed movies every year. We can count on some movies being on the list every year, Movies such as Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween (the original of course), and (our favorite) Shaun of the Dead. However we always try to deviate from the norm at least a little bit every year choosing new scares, old favorites, and at least within the past 3 or 4 years, classics. Both of us have really grown fond of horror classics such as 1968's Night of the Living Dead and 1931's Dracula. However something we both have really grown accustomed to in our house in October is Vincent Price. His flair for the dramatic, his mesmerizing voice, his immaculate talent. We watch several Vincent Price movies every year.
This horror novella is an ode to Vincent Price movies and I can tell how much this author loves them too. This little novella takes place at an all-night Horror Extravaganza at a local drive-in theater in the fifties and followed 6 friends as they soon realize that something is there with them, something not quite human, and not quite alien. Something that wants to feed.
This was a deliciously gory and horrorific spooky read perfect for my Spooktober reading list. I also enjoyed how the author threw some social issues in such as classism, racism, and women's rights, however I think they all got overshadowed by the brain hijacking monster at its core. This one was an ode to Vincent Price in general, and I think The Tingler specifically which is a movie I haven't watched but now has a place on my list. Also enjoyed little Easter egg tidbits from my personal favorites, The House on Haunted Hill and House of Wax and encourage all horror aficionados to seek out those classics instead of the remakes in which they share little in common. Just like the actor this book honors, this one had a flair for the dramatic and did not rely on the new found bells and whistles that the genre has created. It is plain Jane good old fashioned horror. And I really enjoyed myself.
4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a wild ride!
My partner and I have something we have dubbed "Spooktoberfest" in our house every October. We try (and almost always fail) to watch 31 spooky, scary, or nostalgic Halloween themed movies every year. We can count on some movies being on the list every year, Movies such as Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Halloween (the original of course), and (our favorite) Shaun of the Dead. However we always try to deviate from the norm at least a little bit every year choosing new scares, old favorites, and at least within the past 3 or 4 years, classics. Both of us have really grown fond of horror classics such as 1968's Night of the Living Dead and 1931's Dracula. However something we both have really grown accustomed to in our house in October is Vincent Price. His flair for the dramatic, his mesmerizing voice, his immaculate talent. We watch several Vincent Price movies every year.
This horror novella is an ode to Vincent Price movies and I can tell how much this author loves them too. This little novella takes place at an all-night Horror Extravaganza at a local drive-in theater in the fifties and followed 6 friends as they soon realize that something is there with them, something not quite human, and not quite alien. Something that wants to feed.
This was a deliciously gory and horrorific spooky read perfect for my Spooktober reading list. I also enjoyed how the author threw some social issues in such as classism, racism, and women's rights, however I think they all got overshadowed by the brain hijacking monster at its core. This one was an ode to Vincent Price in general, and I think The Tingler specifically which is a movie I haven't watched but now has a place on my list. Also enjoyed little Easter egg tidbits from my personal favorites, The House on Haunted Hill and House of Wax and encourage all horror aficionados to seek out those classics instead of the remakes in which they share little in common. Just like the actor this book honors, this one had a flair for the dramatic and did not rely on the new found bells and whistles that the genre has created. It is plain Jane good old fashioned horror. And I really enjoyed myself.
4 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2025
In Haley Newlin's newest novella, we visit a rural Indiana town. The year is 1959 and the local drive-in is hosting the first-ever Dusk 'til Dawn Spooktacular, an all night movie event. Naturally, June, a horror movie lover, and her friends are excited to attend. The stage is set: actors who are "nurses" on standby, vomit bags, a master of ceremonies and a hearse parked under the movie screen. It sounds perfect … right? But June is a little different. She has a strange "sense", meaning she sometimes has these very visceral … visions. As the event presses on and reality starts to bleed into the fiction of the movies, June feels like there is something more sinister in the shadows, just waiting to attack. I do not want to say more about the plot than that. I will say this is a carefully crafted tale. Haley's prose is deliberate and well-paced, keeping the reader hooked as all is eventually revealed. The real "monster" is way more complex and layered than it seems initially. The scares are plenty, the gore is well-provided and the heebies were jeebied. Haley clearly also did her research, and has vast knowledge of the classic horror movies she references in this book and I added many to my Letterboxd watchlist. This was the first work I have read from her and it will not be my last. Thank you to Mad Axe Media/Xpresso Book Tours and NetGalley for the ARC. Any horror fan will be immersed in creepy nostalgia with this one so you must pick it up when it publishes October 14, 2025!
September 30, 2025
If you’re into classic horror and I mean black and white Vincent Price movies, you will definitely enjoy this book.
The Film You’re About to See not only pays homage to that era, it also delivers a creature feature, supernatural chills, and a group of friends fighting for survival.
Let’s rewind to 1959. Everyone is getting ready for the Dusk Till Dawn Spooktacular at the drive in.
The popcorn is popping, the drinks are cold… and the vomit bags are ready, just in case. After all, it’s a horror movie marathon featuring the best of the best.
Little did they know, the most terrifying thing wouldn’t happen on the screen, it was waiting outside, right there in the lot.
I like fast paced books, and this novella doesn’t miss a beat. Not only is it an easy read with relatable characters, it’s creepy, gory, and wildly creative. But my favorite thing about it? It reads just like a movie! Perfect for the spooky season.
Big thanks to Hayley for sending me the arc. I had so much fun reading it and now I’ve got a few old movies to catch up on. Looks like Halloween just got way more interesting!
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
The Film You’re About to See not only pays homage to that era, it also delivers a creature feature, supernatural chills, and a group of friends fighting for survival.
Let’s rewind to 1959. Everyone is getting ready for the Dusk Till Dawn Spooktacular at the drive in.
The popcorn is popping, the drinks are cold… and the vomit bags are ready, just in case. After all, it’s a horror movie marathon featuring the best of the best.
Little did they know, the most terrifying thing wouldn’t happen on the screen, it was waiting outside, right there in the lot.
I like fast paced books, and this novella doesn’t miss a beat. Not only is it an easy read with relatable characters, it’s creepy, gory, and wildly creative. But my favorite thing about it? It reads just like a movie! Perfect for the spooky season.
Big thanks to Hayley for sending me the arc. I had so much fun reading it and now I’ve got a few old movies to catch up on. Looks like Halloween just got way more interesting!
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
August 16, 2025
This review is for an ARC copy received from the publisher through NetGalley.
August, 1959 and a lightning strike topples an ancient tree during a thunderstorm, bringing a malevolent creature to life right near the drive-in theater as its about to host it's very first Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular, featuring numerous classic horror films. June and her horror loving friends can't wait for the show to start. But amidst the gimmicky stunts and actors hired by the drive-in are realistic screams and violence. June's strange ability to see, hear and feel what the dead do kicks in, telling her something is very wrong. And before the night is out, her group will be fighting for their lives.
The author makes it clear in the preface that this novella was born from her love of the old black and white horror films she grew up with, especially those by William Castle and/or starring Vincent Price. If you're familiar with all them, you'll definitely get the nostalgia and references. The plot plays out rather like the horror films of that era, and the book features many of the actual films from that time, though the violence and gore are products of modern horror. Overall, a fun nod to horror films of yore.
August, 1959 and a lightning strike topples an ancient tree during a thunderstorm, bringing a malevolent creature to life right near the drive-in theater as its about to host it's very first Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular, featuring numerous classic horror films. June and her horror loving friends can't wait for the show to start. But amidst the gimmicky stunts and actors hired by the drive-in are realistic screams and violence. June's strange ability to see, hear and feel what the dead do kicks in, telling her something is very wrong. And before the night is out, her group will be fighting for their lives.
The author makes it clear in the preface that this novella was born from her love of the old black and white horror films she grew up with, especially those by William Castle and/or starring Vincent Price. If you're familiar with all them, you'll definitely get the nostalgia and references. The plot plays out rather like the horror films of that era, and the book features many of the actual films from that time, though the violence and gore are products of modern horror. Overall, a fun nod to horror films of yore.
August 16, 2025
This was such a beautifully written nod to classic horror that gave such a nostalgic feeling while reading. Set in the 50s but for some reason gave me that creepy cozy 90s early 00s Halloween feel that made me feel a sense of comfort while reading something horrific. I felt like I was at the drive in.
This honestly evokes so many feelings. I went through creeped out, grossed out, sad, nostalgic and just pure joy.
I highly recommend this to my horror film loving friends
This honestly evokes so many feelings. I went through creeped out, grossed out, sad, nostalgic and just pure joy.
I highly recommend this to my horror film loving friends
July 26, 2025
I went from holy shit this is amazingly good. Holy shit it’s crazy!! To omg I’m so sad!!! It’s fabulous. Should be a movie. Perfect horror novel.
September 12, 2025
Buckle your seatbelts for the Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular, featuring vomit bags-a-plenty for those of a sensitive disposition, nurses on call, and a spine hopping murderous critter out for bloody mayhem!
I gave this 2.5 stars rounded up as once the action got going it was a much more enjoyable read.
There's not much character development at all in this novella so if that's your bag then you'll probably miss that here, and the result is that once people start dropping you don't really care very much.
We jump straight into the horror from the first chapter which I found a bit of a slog to get through, not sure if that's just not me meshing with the writing style or not. However once the action starts it does perk the story up enough that you soon get through the rest of the book pretty quickly and then it kinda just... ends.
I think the ending could have done with a bit more fleshing out as well but in all a short and somewhat enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mad Axe Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I gave this 2.5 stars rounded up as once the action got going it was a much more enjoyable read.
There's not much character development at all in this novella so if that's your bag then you'll probably miss that here, and the result is that once people start dropping you don't really care very much.
We jump straight into the horror from the first chapter which I found a bit of a slog to get through, not sure if that's just not me meshing with the writing style or not. However once the action starts it does perk the story up enough that you soon get through the rest of the book pretty quickly and then it kinda just... ends.
I think the ending could have done with a bit more fleshing out as well but in all a short and somewhat enjoyable read.
Thank you to Netgalley and Mad Axe Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
What I wouldn’t give to go back in time for an all night horror movie marathon at a drive in theatre! The popcorn, the jump scares, the murders… well, maybe not this marathon.
This story is such a fun tribute to both the drive-in experience and classic horror movies. It was an entertaining, quick read that I’d easily recommend, especially to anyone who has fond memories of drive-in cinema.
The pacing was strong, though the ending felt a little more abrupt than I would have liked. I found myself wanting more from the antagonist’s side of the story. Not because it wasn’t well done, it absolutely worked, but because I enjoyed it so much I wanted more. With additional backstory and development, this short story could have easily expanded into a 300 page novel.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed it as is and still give it 4 stars for being a fantastically horrifying, fun, and fast read.
What I wouldn’t give to go back in time for an all night horror movie marathon at a drive in theatre! The popcorn, the jump scares, the murders… well, maybe not this marathon.
This story is such a fun tribute to both the drive-in experience and classic horror movies. It was an entertaining, quick read that I’d easily recommend, especially to anyone who has fond memories of drive-in cinema.
The pacing was strong, though the ending felt a little more abrupt than I would have liked. I found myself wanting more from the antagonist’s side of the story. Not because it wasn’t well done, it absolutely worked, but because I enjoyed it so much I wanted more. With additional backstory and development, this short story could have easily expanded into a 300 page novel.
Even so, I thoroughly enjoyed it as is and still give it 4 stars for being a fantastically horrifying, fun, and fast read.
October 15, 2025
I freaking loved this one! With a fantastic main character , solid supporting characters,the creatures point of view , quality death scenes, nd an immersive old school and all night horror movie fest at the drive-in make this a winner .
Favorite Qoutes:
Horror films had that effect on her. It was like listening to a song that just fills you up, makes you warm. It was energizing. Magnetic, even.
The Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular wouldn’t be remembered for its gimmicks or the pictures on screen. It would be remembered in nightmares and flashbacks. In blood. And death.
Favorite Qoutes:
Horror films had that effect on her. It was like listening to a song that just fills you up, makes you warm. It was energizing. Magnetic, even.
The Dusk Til Dawn Spooktacular wouldn’t be remembered for its gimmicks or the pictures on screen. It would be remembered in nightmares and flashbacks. In blood. And death.
November 15, 2025
3.5 ⭐ rounded to 4
July 17, 2025
I absolutely love oldies horror, and Haley delivers all the dread, along with the camp, the history, and the fun. Plus, the ending is both shocking and horrifying. You’ll want to read this while holding a bucket of popcorn 🍿! Highly recommend!!
September 11, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I feel awful DNFing an ARC but I just couldn't continue with this read. I tried it on multiple occasions and I think what bothered me about it is that it went STRAIGHT into the horror, without any character development or story first.
I didn't have any attachment to the many characters and I just didn't care what happened to them. While I really enjoy horror, I think I prefer when there is a bit more plot before the horror actually happens.
I feel awful DNFing an ARC but I just couldn't continue with this read. I tried it on multiple occasions and I think what bothered me about it is that it went STRAIGHT into the horror, without any character development or story first.
I didn't have any attachment to the many characters and I just didn't care what happened to them. While I really enjoy horror, I think I prefer when there is a bit more plot before the horror actually happens.
November 20, 2025
Wow! 🤯
I'm always floored by Newlin's craft, but wow what she can do in such a short amount of time is amazing. Now, I'm someone who doesn't watch a lot of horror. I do lean in a bit. Currently, I've been watching "Welcome to Derry" and how they've expanded Stephen King's world into another decade. I agree with Newlin's acknowledgment section that she's good at period pieces. The way she takes us into the late 50s with little car or clothing details was incredible. Despite the devastating storyline, it made me miss having a drive-in theater. The feeling of rolling up in your car, setting your radio to the station (in the 50s a speaker box), and watching the big screen was out of this world. That's how this story felt.
Truly, June could feel things beyond herself. Even when she couldn't describe it, I loved how her friends rallied around her. That reminded me of the Loser's club. So I may not have seen the oldies, but I loved how the story made me think of other horror stories as well, and not just the ones Newlin mentioned in the Drive-in Dusk til Dawn Spooktacular.
The ending ripped my heart right out of my chest. Part of me hoped it would end a different way, but the other part knew it made the most sense. It may have been gory and slashy, but it was also wholesome. A girl who loved horror movies sharing a night of horror flicks with her best friends and her town. Poodle skirts, leather jackets, and greased up hair — what a feeling.
So, was it a creature, a man, who knows? But it was truly beyond the imagination. A scare right out of the horror flicks!
I'm always floored by Newlin's craft, but wow what she can do in such a short amount of time is amazing. Now, I'm someone who doesn't watch a lot of horror. I do lean in a bit. Currently, I've been watching "Welcome to Derry" and how they've expanded Stephen King's world into another decade. I agree with Newlin's acknowledgment section that she's good at period pieces. The way she takes us into the late 50s with little car or clothing details was incredible. Despite the devastating storyline, it made me miss having a drive-in theater. The feeling of rolling up in your car, setting your radio to the station (in the 50s a speaker box), and watching the big screen was out of this world. That's how this story felt.
Truly, June could feel things beyond herself. Even when she couldn't describe it, I loved how her friends rallied around her. That reminded me of the Loser's club. So I may not have seen the oldies, but I loved how the story made me think of other horror stories as well, and not just the ones Newlin mentioned in the Drive-in Dusk til Dawn Spooktacular.
The ending ripped my heart right out of my chest. Part of me hoped it would end a different way, but the other part knew it made the most sense. It may have been gory and slashy, but it was also wholesome. A girl who loved horror movies sharing a night of horror flicks with her best friends and her town. Poodle skirts, leather jackets, and greased up hair — what a feeling.
So, was it a creature, a man, who knows? But it was truly beyond the imagination. A scare right out of the horror flicks!
September 7, 2025
I jumped into this book not knowing TOO much about it except that it took place in the 1950’s and it was like a love letter to classic horror films (Dracula, The Blob, House on Haunted Hill, etc) and boy am I glad I jumped into it partially blind. I think that’s added to my enjoyment and surprise at what happened throughout this book.
Haley Newlin absolutely knocks it out of the park, giving the book the atmosphere of a classic horror film. From the characters, to the drive in movies, it really felt like it was a classic.
This book showcases fear and friendship so well that it made my heart race but also warmed my soul simultaneously. It shows how far true friends go to help each other which I think added so much love and depth to this story. The characters are lovable and people you feel like you yourself would lay your life down for.
I found myself itching to read this book anytime I had to take a break. I just wanted to speed through it to see what happened next and what happened with each character.
This was my very first book by Haley Newlin and now I’m absolutely hooked, ready to read her others.
If you love classic horror films, friendship, and a terrifying atmosphere, I highly recommend this one. It comes out October 14th, so mark your calendars!!
Haley Newlin absolutely knocks it out of the park, giving the book the atmosphere of a classic horror film. From the characters, to the drive in movies, it really felt like it was a classic.
This book showcases fear and friendship so well that it made my heart race but also warmed my soul simultaneously. It shows how far true friends go to help each other which I think added so much love and depth to this story. The characters are lovable and people you feel like you yourself would lay your life down for.
I found myself itching to read this book anytime I had to take a break. I just wanted to speed through it to see what happened next and what happened with each character.
This was my very first book by Haley Newlin and now I’m absolutely hooked, ready to read her others.
If you love classic horror films, friendship, and a terrifying atmosphere, I highly recommend this one. It comes out October 14th, so mark your calendars!!
August 17, 2025
⭐3.5/5⭐
This little novella was a quick, fun, bloody read!
For fans of Hitchcock, Poe, and all the original classis horror films, this book has so many fun little Easter eggs throughout.
A group of friends are spending the night at their local drive-in for an all night horror movie marathon, but quickly realize the real horror is not on the big screen.
As a novella, I think this was a super fun time, but felt a little too packed with plot and info at times for such a short read. I think I could have gotten a bit more into the story and characters if there hadn't been SO much happening all the time. I did love the chacters and the writing style a lot, and I think for anyone who enjoys classic horror, it's a definite must-read. It comes out 10/14/25!
Thanks to Haley Newlin and NetGalley for providing me this digital ARC for review.
This little novella was a quick, fun, bloody read!
For fans of Hitchcock, Poe, and all the original classis horror films, this book has so many fun little Easter eggs throughout.
A group of friends are spending the night at their local drive-in for an all night horror movie marathon, but quickly realize the real horror is not on the big screen.
As a novella, I think this was a super fun time, but felt a little too packed with plot and info at times for such a short read. I think I could have gotten a bit more into the story and characters if there hadn't been SO much happening all the time. I did love the chacters and the writing style a lot, and I think for anyone who enjoys classic horror, it's a definite must-read. It comes out 10/14/25!
Thanks to Haley Newlin and NetGalley for providing me this digital ARC for review.
October 4, 2025
You had me at horror drive-in atmosphere, the perfect setup for me! This book was such a fun and wild ride, packed with gore, violence, and plenty of nods to classic horror films. The suspense built around that creepy drive-in evening made it wonderfully atmospheric, while the campy tone captured the feel of old horror flicks, bringing a wave of nostalgia for both classic horror and the drive-in experience itself. The beginning was a little confusing, and the characters didn’t feel fully fleshed out (likely due to the shorter length). The story itself, the unique kills, nonstop action, and the history behind the darkness, more than made up for it, though. Bingeable and brimming with horror love, this one is made for horror fans. Excuse me now while I go grab some popcorn and put on a horror movie. 🍿
August 24, 2025
ARC through NetGalley:
Setting: 1960s drive in for a Halloween “Dusk till Dawn Spooktacular”
Plot: creature causes havoc
If you’re looking for a short, fun Halloween read what else is there you need to know?
The introduction from the author really did a good job settling up the 60s vibes and nostalgia of 60s horror movies in the intro that translated right into the story. I have not seen any of these oldies movies but I have now added to my TBW? - To Be Watched.
I didn’t love the creatures backstory and it pulled me a little out of it. Did we need a backstory for it? I guess. Maybe could have done without but regardless, I flew through this novella in an otherwise abnormally slow reading month for me so that’s a win.
Setting: 1960s drive in for a Halloween “Dusk till Dawn Spooktacular”
Plot: creature causes havoc
If you’re looking for a short, fun Halloween read what else is there you need to know?
The introduction from the author really did a good job settling up the 60s vibes and nostalgia of 60s horror movies in the intro that translated right into the story. I have not seen any of these oldies movies but I have now added to my TBW? - To Be Watched.
I didn’t love the creatures backstory and it pulled me a little out of it. Did we need a backstory for it? I guess. Maybe could have done without but regardless, I flew through this novella in an otherwise abnormally slow reading month for me so that’s a win.
August 19, 2025
Right off the bat I knew I was going to DEVOUR this read and I absolutely did just that. I mean, the cover alone got all those old black and white movie loving juices of mine flowing and I knew I’d be in for a treat.
I’ve unfortunately never experienced a drive-in but hot damn, I WILL find one, somewhere, one of these days. Reading this felt like I was one of the gang, along for the thrills. Not only were the kills gruesome and so well written, the backstory of the creature gave it that classic monster feel. The one where you can’t help but feel an understanding.
Thank you to Newlin & Mad Axe Media for allowing me an early screening of this masterpiece! And a HUGE thank you to the author for giving me a very long list of movies I need to check out, now.
I’ve unfortunately never experienced a drive-in but hot damn, I WILL find one, somewhere, one of these days. Reading this felt like I was one of the gang, along for the thrills. Not only were the kills gruesome and so well written, the backstory of the creature gave it that classic monster feel. The one where you can’t help but feel an understanding.
Thank you to Newlin & Mad Axe Media for allowing me an early screening of this masterpiece! And a HUGE thank you to the author for giving me a very long list of movies I need to check out, now.
October 14, 2025
I received an e-ARC and am giving my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity!
This was a nice quick and gory read, though I kept expecting something more to happen. The descriptions were fantastic and really painted the (bloody) picture, though. Newlin did a fantastic job with that, the gore of it certainly kept me entertained, in a way. Though, it felt a bit repetitive at times. However, the ending was phenomenal. I really loved the ending a lot, and felt like it wrapped the story up nicely. You don’t see endings like this much anymore, and it’s always a hit or miss but this felt like a hit for me!
This was a nice quick and gory read, though I kept expecting something more to happen. The descriptions were fantastic and really painted the (bloody) picture, though. Newlin did a fantastic job with that, the gore of it certainly kept me entertained, in a way. Though, it felt a bit repetitive at times. However, the ending was phenomenal. I really loved the ending a lot, and felt like it wrapped the story up nicely. You don’t see endings like this much anymore, and it’s always a hit or miss but this felt like a hit for me!
August 21, 2025
It makes a good summerween read rather than an October one. The premise is fun and the writing for the most part was great, but it does suffer a bit in it's pacing and what to me was useless plot points. Also, I kept forgetting this was set in the late 50's. One plot point seemed very random to me to have it during that setting location wise and time period. Still - If you want something quick and easy and gory to read then this is perfect.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the arc!
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the arc!
October 6, 2025
Thank you to the author, publisher and Net Galley for providing the ARC.
This novella is coming out at the perfect time of year. This is a great quick read for spooky season. Fans of classic horror will enjoy this book, as it pays homage to the black and white movie era, as well as creature features, supernatural chills and a great group of friends.
Set in 1959, we attend the Spooktacular at the drive in with a group of friends. The pace is good, doesn't bog down with details we don't need. A little creepy and gory, and reads like a horror movie.
4 stars.
This novella is coming out at the perfect time of year. This is a great quick read for spooky season. Fans of classic horror will enjoy this book, as it pays homage to the black and white movie era, as well as creature features, supernatural chills and a great group of friends.
Set in 1959, we attend the Spooktacular at the drive in with a group of friends. The pace is good, doesn't bog down with details we don't need. A little creepy and gory, and reads like a horror movie.
4 stars.
August 14, 2025
As a fan of older horror movies. This book definitely hit the spot. Fantastic story, kept me engaged, and on a roller-coaster of emotions going through this book. A definite read for fans of oldie horror movies
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews