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The Haunting of Nicolas Cage
Most men buy a sports car or get a tattoo during their midlife crisis –– Nicolas Cage bought the most haunted house in New Orleans. On the verge of bankruptcy, Nic sequesters himself inside the infamous LaLaurie Mansion in an effort to reinvent himself as a writer. But inspiration doesn’t come easy, and he soon finds himself getting more than he bargained for when his home’s dark past reaches into the present to claim his soul. Filled with macabre humor and existential terror, The Haunting of Nicolas Cage is an almost-true story about a man coming to terms with his fame and his fear.
- GenresHorror
147 pages, Paperback
First published April 8, 2022
3 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 15, 2023
Ridiculous fun
January 11, 2024
I was afraid to pick this up in case it turned into parody, but the whole thing actually worked: snappy dialogue, dark humor, and a nasty ghost lady as the novella's villain! Everything clicked. Recommended!
August 6, 2024
Had it at 4 stars, changed to 5. It was funny, weird, and entertaining. Makes a great afternoon read.
October 20, 2023
We know I love a silly goofy time.
October 3, 2024
Imagine this potential scenario/pitch:
Nicolas Cage stars as a character who enlists the help of a Voodoo-savvy realtor in order to vanquish an evil presence that haunts his cursed New Orleans homestead...all the while a torrential storm is brewing outside!
Do you like the idea? If so, prepare to be disappointed by the fact this wasn't a real movie pitch. But, also be excited by the fact this premise is real...and in this very novella!
The Haunting of Nicolas Cage is a novella that centers around the actor (a fictionalized version) during an existential crisis brought on by financial woes and a malaise generated by evil energy that has taken root in his mansion away from home. He goes on a bender with a bum he has befriended and ends up in the drunk tank. He is released and goes to his mansion, only to find his destitute friend dead outside. When he enters his house after being cleared, he finds out malevolent forces are at work in this house (forces that have a prejudiced, storied history of infamy). It wants his soul and will use whatever forces it can to have it delivered on a platter...unless a realtor who happens to be knowledgeable in Voodoo rituals can come to the rescue during Nic Cage's darkest moment!
This was a fun, hilarious and definitely meta comedy novella tinged with aspects of horror. It captures Cage's mannerisms perfectly and it even feels like dialogue/one-liners he'd use in his films. This one is packed with cultural references and even encourages the reader to explore classic authors such as Faulkner, Capote and others. Mannone is a heck of a writer who has a great time with his prose, making us have fun in the process!!!
It is jam-packed with fun for fans of Nicolas Cage's filmography!
I'm giving this one 🍷x5 (five glasses of Coppola Wine)!
Nicolas Cage stars as a character who enlists the help of a Voodoo-savvy realtor in order to vanquish an evil presence that haunts his cursed New Orleans homestead...all the while a torrential storm is brewing outside!
Do you like the idea? If so, prepare to be disappointed by the fact this wasn't a real movie pitch. But, also be excited by the fact this premise is real...and in this very novella!
The Haunting of Nicolas Cage is a novella that centers around the actor (a fictionalized version) during an existential crisis brought on by financial woes and a malaise generated by evil energy that has taken root in his mansion away from home. He goes on a bender with a bum he has befriended and ends up in the drunk tank. He is released and goes to his mansion, only to find his destitute friend dead outside. When he enters his house after being cleared, he finds out malevolent forces are at work in this house (forces that have a prejudiced, storied history of infamy). It wants his soul and will use whatever forces it can to have it delivered on a platter...unless a realtor who happens to be knowledgeable in Voodoo rituals can come to the rescue during Nic Cage's darkest moment!
This was a fun, hilarious and definitely meta comedy novella tinged with aspects of horror. It captures Cage's mannerisms perfectly and it even feels like dialogue/one-liners he'd use in his films. This one is packed with cultural references and even encourages the reader to explore classic authors such as Faulkner, Capote and others. Mannone is a heck of a writer who has a great time with his prose, making us have fun in the process!!!
It is jam-packed with fun for fans of Nicolas Cage's filmography!
I'm giving this one 🍷x5 (five glasses of Coppola Wine)!
October 3, 2024
I went into this book completely blind. I barely skimmed the synopsis on the back. It was a surprise gift from a good friend and we buddy read it today on his day off. And we finished it in one setting.
Let me preface this with I loved it. I was worried when I started it though because Robb and I usually check in with each other after each chapter and…well…there are no chapters. But do not let this deter you. At just 125 pages there are enough scene breaks paced nicely throughout and I really didn’t miss the chapters or find them necessary once I started reading because I just couldn’t stop.
The pacing was fantastic and the storyline was intriguing and felt like spooky homage to Nic Cage by the author. I can’t say for sure but I could tell by reading this book that the author is a fan. He wrote Nic’s nuances personality so well I felt like I was watching him on screen, I felt like I could hear him speaking and by the dramatic climatic ending I felt like I was in a Nicolas Cage movie.
A lot of fact is mingled with fiction in this story so it blurs the lines of reality (both Cage’s actual life and the history of LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans that he owned for a time) that truly lends to the macabre and chilling tale.
Mannone’s writing style is quick, easy and witty. I just loved all the crazy Nic Cage real-life references ripped from the headlines from his marriage to Lisa-Marie to the Tarbosaurus Bataar! It was an absolute blast to read and actually pretty spooky at times if you know anything about the history of the LaLaurie mansion. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book!
Let me preface this with I loved it. I was worried when I started it though because Robb and I usually check in with each other after each chapter and…well…there are no chapters. But do not let this deter you. At just 125 pages there are enough scene breaks paced nicely throughout and I really didn’t miss the chapters or find them necessary once I started reading because I just couldn’t stop.
The pacing was fantastic and the storyline was intriguing and felt like spooky homage to Nic Cage by the author. I can’t say for sure but I could tell by reading this book that the author is a fan. He wrote Nic’s nuances personality so well I felt like I was watching him on screen, I felt like I could hear him speaking and by the dramatic climatic ending I felt like I was in a Nicolas Cage movie.
A lot of fact is mingled with fiction in this story so it blurs the lines of reality (both Cage’s actual life and the history of LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans that he owned for a time) that truly lends to the macabre and chilling tale.
Mannone’s writing style is quick, easy and witty. I just loved all the crazy Nic Cage real-life references ripped from the headlines from his marriage to Lisa-Marie to the Tarbosaurus Bataar! It was an absolute blast to read and actually pretty spooky at times if you know anything about the history of the LaLaurie mansion. I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book!
May 2, 2022
Wow — couldn’t have been much better than this. The ultimate NIC Cage bizarro tale. Better than The Weight of Massive Talent IMO. Several moments I was cracking up laughing just imagining Nic Cage saying them. The man is a legend and this tale is worthy. Can’t wait to see what Marco does next!
January 17, 2023
With nods to both Lisa Marie and the infamous Cage Home Intruder, this novel is as fun as a Saturday matinee action/horror/comedy.
Loosely based on almost actual events, this story is chock full of haunts, nostalgia, and Nic-Worthy jokes.
Loosely based on almost actual events, this story is chock full of haunts, nostalgia, and Nic-Worthy jokes.
June 4, 2023
It's a TARBOSAURUS BATAAR.
I had way too much fun with this book. Beyond entertaining to read, the writing style never lulled and I felt like I was Being John (Nic) Malkovich (Cage). Sitting in the driver's seat of what his daily experiences must be like, haunting and all.
Despite all my rage I am still just Nic in a cage. Thank you for writing this.
I had way too much fun with this book. Beyond entertaining to read, the writing style never lulled and I felt like I was Being John (Nic) Malkovich (Cage). Sitting in the driver's seat of what his daily experiences must be like, haunting and all.
Despite all my rage I am still just Nic in a cage. Thank you for writing this.
March 22, 2023
Absolutely enjoyed this book. Would love to see this as a movie.
May 2, 2023
If you’re looking for the perfect book, you’ve found it.
June 15, 2023
Such an amazing book, I really enjoyed this. I love Nicolas cage and he’s my favorite actor and to read a book about him and his haunted mansion was phenomenal. 4.7/5 stars
Great short read
Great short read
December 15, 2023
4.5 stars rounded down for GR. Very fun and unique story!
July 28, 2024
This book took me longer than expected because I kept needing to put it down to laugh, cackle and gaffah. 13/10. Loved it!
May 1, 2023
More than your typical Nicolas Cage satire, this hits all the sweet spots.
March 9, 2023
I loved this book. I'll have a full review up soon.
December 17, 2025
incredible.
like nicholas cage (and of whom im a massive fan... this story was a national treasure much like himself lmao
it genuinely felt like it was him narrating the entire time 🤣
like nicholas cage (and of whom im a massive fan... this story was a national treasure much like himself lmao
it genuinely felt like it was him narrating the entire time 🤣
February 12, 2023
The definition of camp, a quick must read!
September 13, 2022
Marco Mannone has crafted a wonderful tale of horror with Nicolas Cage right smack in the middle. As I was reading, I could hear and see Nicolas Cage in my mind as if I were watching a movie. Mannone nailed the great thespian's mannerisms and quirks. If you're a fan of Nicolas Cage, horror, or haunted house stories, this book has what you're looking for. Pick it up and you will not be disappointed!
April 29, 2022
I read this in one sitting because I could not put it down. I really enjoy Mannone's portrayal of Nic Cage: that of a quirky rich guy who might be real. Mannone uses factual information about Cage's life to tell a story that's both funny and suspenseful. The ending is satisfying as well. Don't miss this!
September 25, 2022
This was fun, and after watching The Unbearable Weight... I needed more Nic Cage in my life. As someone else said, the author does an incredible job at portraying Nic Cages dialogue and actions, it was fun to read in his voice. Story was fast paced and involved murders, possession, voodoo, ghosts, hurricanes, karaoke, and heavy drinking.
May 20, 2022
A fantastic novella that's brimming with character, full of incredibly descriptive scenes that jump off the page, and dialogue that you can't help but hear in your head in the most animated voices. I loved this book and I'm excited to read it again.
July 21, 2022
I feel like this was probably a four star read for me, but it deserved that extra star. Because Nicolas Cage. Lol
This was a quick, entertaining read, and I would definitely pick up more from this author.
This was a quick, entertaining read, and I would definitely pick up more from this author.
May 25, 2022
It’s such an interesting concept that I can totally picture in my mind.
November 15, 2022
So funny and creepy. Loved it.
December 20, 2022
Short, silly, entertaining and because its Nicolas Cage, somehow believable.
January 9, 2023
Hilarious way to start the year. If you're a fan of Nic Cage, hauntings, and a little bit of New Orleans history, this is the book for you.
January 16, 2026
So many thoughts about this: First, it was such a fun companion to bring along on my first trip to NOLA, I ended up going to the Carousel Bar because of it. A fun look at the city and some of its history and interesting spots. It's written well for the most part and is a lot of fun, from references to wild language and descriptions; probably my favourite novella and pretty well paced. As for the fact that it surrounds a fictional version of Nic Cage- it's a weird concept. None of us actually know celebrities- I could go on a rant about para-social relationships and fandom- so having an author write about a live person without their blessing (even a fictional version of them) definitely gave me pause. It took a mixture of my impending New Orleans trip, my enjoyment of Nic Cage movies (and my love for the public version we of know of him), and my local indie horror bookstore having plenty of copies, to push me to pick this up. That said, it doesn't escape me how weird this scenario is, especially as the book draws on actual parts of Nic Cage's life (e.g. he actually did own the LaLaurie mansion at one point, he does have a tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, etc.- both of which I saw on my trip) and these real facts of his life are mixed in with an original and fictional story. I was able to get past that after a couple of pages (and keeping in mind that Nic Cage did a film recently with Pedro Pascal with this same issue as a selling point, so hopefully he wouldn't mind such a book), but it got weird again when fictional versions of his real wife and kid are used as characters too. I feel like that crosses a like as it's one thing to write about a movie star and another to do the same with their family. So those parts of the book threw me off the whole time and I still don't love them.
All that to say, it was still a fun book and a love letter to NOLA and Nic. I especially loved his and Philomene's relationship and honestly, if there was a second book about the two of them being Ghostbusters in New Orleans, I'd be interested. If you're a fan of Nic Cage, New Orleans, or comedic horror, this one's for you.
More like a 3.75/5.
All that to say, it was still a fun book and a love letter to NOLA and Nic. I especially loved his and Philomene's relationship and honestly, if there was a second book about the two of them being Ghostbusters in New Orleans, I'd be interested. If you're a fan of Nic Cage, New Orleans, or comedic horror, this one's for you.
More like a 3.75/5.
January 2, 2026
This was such a fun horror read! The pacing is quick, the humor is perfectly woven throughout, and it’s delightfully unhinged. I loved how it revolved around the haunted house Cage bought. It gave me a very real anchor I knew about Cage prior to this story, and that knowledge was expanded through the writer’s delightful adventure focusing on paranormal New Orleans history and Cage’s antics that felt true to the Cage we know and love. His essence feels perfectly captured, and I could visualize everything. A must-read for horror and Nicolas Cage fans.
March 17, 2023
A decent enough haunting story, but it feels like the author had an idea for a story about the most haunted house in New Orleans, and when someone told him Cage once owned it he added him as an afterthought. The book is filled with researched details about the city, but Cage feels more like a violent nut job than the Noveau Shamanistic actor his fans love. Considering the length it’s an okay read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews