Pimple Popper: A Bizarre Holiday Horror

by Samyra Alexander

He took one pill to calm down.
Instead, it gave him a voice he can’t ignore.

After devastating news sends Eric into a panic, he turns to a new mood-enhancing pill for fast relief. What he gets instead is a compulsion—one that whispers relentlessly: pop every pimple you see.

Wandering the streets in his Santa suit, Eric’s resistance crumbles as faces become targets and his need to “cleanse” the world turns violent. Control slips. Boundaries vanish. And no one is safe from his touch.

Disturbing. Grotesque. Darkly absurd.
This Christmas, Santa isn’t checking a list.
He’s checking your pores.

Content Warning: Contains gore, suicide references, drug use, graphic pimple popping, and mental instability.

55 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2025

Reviews

[J.R. Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick and crazzyyy

If ever you thought Da Booga Snatcha was an insane mess... Okay, never mind. I can't actually tell which one was more disturbing LOL I'm not sure how or where she comes up with this craziness, but if you decide to not take your reading SO seriously and take this quick novelette for what it is, you may enjoy this gross but fast-paced outlandish story of one man's disgusting obsession by hallucination.

Now I'm just sitting here patiently waiting for her to get over this obsession with bodily fluids and back to writing her normal, well shall we say ABNORMAL psychological fiction books LOL

[Reading_Utopia! · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, we started with the outrageous adventure of Booga Snatcha, and now we’re jumping headfirst into the hilariously twisted world of Samyra Alexander’s Pimple Popper! This darkly hilarious tale follows Eric just a week before Christmas as he plunges into absolute madness. This is a holiday journey like no other! He’s on a quest to fulfill his higher calling, and his life is about to get a total makeover. Dr. Pimple Popper would definitely be applauding this epic drama!

[Alenna Burleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story we follow a guy. He’s got a great job a trophy wife and everything he could ask for. One day while his brother drives him to work and offers him some pills. Who’s to say what was in those pills but when he took them he saw everyone pimples,and he is the only one that can help save everyone and clear their skin along with his.

This was such a wild and fun story. I had no idea where it was going at any point but it was such a great time. I really loved how crazy it had gotten and the christmas parts of it made this such a fun bizzaro read for the holidays!

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eric’s life is falling apart and he feels all alone. With a bottle of experimental drugs his brother gave him, he takes them and starts hearing voices. He needs to pop all the pimples! What a fun ride this was, pus is so damn gross and is one of the few things that actually makes me gag lol

[Krista Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to Samyra Alexander, you never know what you’ll get. I’m getting a bit concerned about her own mental wellbeing! 😂 This story takes you on a bumpy ride (pun intended) through Eric’s Christmas mission that he’s set out to complete. This book is sure to give you some hilariously twisted moments throughout it.

[Azriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

1. This is meant to be a fun read. So, know that before going into it.
2. There’s a lot of pimples… like, A LOT. A bit disgusting for my liking but if you aren’t squeamish, it may not bother you.

This may be enjoyed by those looking for a quick, fun, yet slightly disturbing, read.

[Samyra Alexander · Rating 1 out of 5]

At this point, I’m convinced the author is the one who took the experimental drug. There’s no other explanation for this level of grossness. Someone call a priest for the author, the M.C., and the readers.

[Author Jen Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to Arc read this bad boy and bruh... This was insane. The storyline was dope but this guy was crazy. Like before things "popped" off, Lol, he was a little nuts. I guess that's why the rest of the events for him so well. This dude was tripping. I enjoyed this ride even though I wanted to vomit a couple times. Definitely go read it.

[Destini_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine growing up with awful acne, getting bullied for it nonstop, and developing a whole obsession with pimples because of the trauma. Now your brother hands you random pills to “hold on to”… but after you learn something shocking at work that could legit land you in jail, you panic and take some. Suddenly your new life mission becomes ridding the world of pimples.

Pimple Popper was such a fun, dark, fast Christmas novella that gave me the perfect horror vibes. I stayed on the edge of my seat watching Eric spiral. And listen… can we throat punch his wife? She was the worst. Eric himself was such a likable yet deeply troubled character, and being inside his mind made the story even better.

If you’re looking for a quick, gross (in a good way), chaotic holiday read, pick up Pimple Popper. If you love Dr. Pimple Popper, this one’s for you. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer because I wanted more of this wild ride.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. This releases 11/23 and y’all need to read it.

[Chalon J · Rating 4 out of 5]

An advance copy of this book was provided to me for free by the author.

Pimple Popper by Samyra Alexander provides the origin story for an urban legend who will make you think twice about not following your skincare routine! As Eric’s world falls apart, he takes on a new mission to rid the world of pimples, just in time for Christmas. The rapid escalation of events kept me entertained from start to finish, and I genuinely had no idea what wild turn the story would take next.

✨ If you enjoy short horror stories that lean into dark comedy, Pimple Popper is a worthy addition to your reading list.

[LEX Btw The Lines · Rating 5 out of 5]

I swear I never know what I'm in for when I read a Samyra Alexander book and I always go in blind. This one was no different. I went in completely unaware and like always her story telling is so graphic and detailed you can visualize everything she describes, so imagine her grotesque scenes of licking and popping pimples.. My goodness this lady gave us 56 pages of complete madness, ewww I have chills from some scenes. The story was fast paced it was never a dull or slow moment. Id definitely recommend!

[Delusional Readz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had no idea where this story was going. Not even in the slightest, but it was an entertaining ride. This is unlike any story I have ever read (except for The Booga Snatcha which is also by the same author). Sometimes you just have to try something new and enjoy the ride no matter how crazy it sounds 😂. Say no to drugs especially experimental ones because it just might lead you into psychosis 😭.

This was an ARC review.

[Creola · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love both the Booga snatcha and pimple popper. I love how samyra isn't afraid to get strange with it. Boogers, pimples what else you got for us? Very well incorporated into the story and characters. It kept me curious and I wasn't expecting the next scenes. I was caught off guard with that one lol. She's got a very interesting imagination and I love it 🥰

[Talese Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, Samyra has done it again!

The title says it all! This is another tale about something that is incredibly wild and will have you asking yourself… who thinks of things like this? A person who goes around popping pimples at Christmas? Insane but funny and still entertaining. It’s a great palate cleanser from anything heavy that you’ve read lately.

[Maresha Braswell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this arc copy

First off if you know Samyra you already know you’re gonna get a wild ride and I love that for us!! She has a very unique sense of humor that I love and this book was hilarious to me! I have an aunt who loves to pop pimples so this book will be in her stocking stuffer! If you love pimples you will love this book or if not then still it’s a good story!

[Ashley Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Goodness I didn’t realize how weird this would be lol I figured it be a lighthearted funny read.. it’s not lots of potential triggers I don’t know if I would have wanted my real name used in a story where people thought I was a pedo but to each their own it was well thought out and entertaining I had to know the ending which is why it got a 3 star from me

[Ginny Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Samyra has taken the unthinkable and crafted a down to earth although crazy take on one man's mental break.

It only took one bad day for MC Eric's world to turn completely inside out and puss filled.

I can only say that this is a gratifying and gross read!

[Elonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short horror novella by Samyra Alexander. I have definitely come to know and love her writing style. The novella is meant to be a parody and to be pretty outlandish. Let loose and enjoy the ride!

[Chloe Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samyra Alexander always delivers absolutely
UNHINGED main characters.
This novella will give you the ick while simultaneously having you feel empathy for the MMC and being thankful you chose to stay away from the real grown up dr*gs!

[Bre Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wild fun read!!!!

This was such a wild, fun read. I absolutely hate pimples, so I was already squirming going in. The MC, Eric, loses his job and everything spirals from there. If you’re looking for a quick, entertaining read, pick this up!

[Tanisha Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disgusting indeed

I read in the author's note that the author intended this book to be disgusting and I think she accomplished the goal. I like how it highlighted potential effects of drug induced psychosis. Unsettling read.

[Jill E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like reading about people having a nasty obsession? If so, check out "Pimple Popper" by Samyra Alexander. It's a Christmas horror-comedy. It's a quick, short read but very disgustingly interesting. I'm definitely going to check out more books from the author.

[Bigbookgeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was gross and really funny. It was a very short read, full of pus! I read a lot of twisted stuff, but pass and snot are two of my weak spots, so this really tested me. It was really funny and I enjoyed spending time with Erik and his wild journey to rid the world of pimples!

[Tisa Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was asked to be a ARC reader for this new book coming out and it’s usually not my type of story but I did read it, I didn’t like it, very visual and done so well but nope not for me..

[Sheena Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was interesting. I previously read Da Booga Snatcha so i was excited about this read and i wasn’t disappointed . This author uses creativity to the fullest and i love it!

[Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

Idc what anyone says… these are absolutely fun and hilarious holiday reads. From the Booga Snatcha to this, I can’t wait to see what crosses Samyras brain next!

[Keshia B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this short story. Another delusional character with a sick and unusual obsession.

[Demetrica Boling · Rating 3 out of 5]

different

WTF did I just read?! It was totally weird and creepy. Was not as good as the booga 's n at c her . I Might read anther one of her books but not like this one lol.

[Karen Oldman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun, chaotic, gross little story.

[GREEDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

OMG, you HAVE to read these 55 pages of pure CRAZINESS...then you can SIDE-EYE the AUTHOR WITH ME! 👀
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️