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Scrapbook
It's 2026. The cost of living is spiralling out of control. Wars are breaking out all over the world. And an innocuous cold virus has just begun to spread in North West India.
In the days ahead, a world on the brink will finally collapse as a pandemic to end all pandemics takes hold.
Follow Max, Caz, Azlan and a variety of other 'ordinary' people as they try to survive the unsurvivable.
In the days ahead, a world on the brink will finally collapse as a pandemic to end all pandemics takes hold.
Follow Max, Caz, Azlan and a variety of other 'ordinary' people as they try to survive the unsurvivable.
310 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2026
About the author
Iain Rob Wright
198 books1,907 followersWith over 50 novels written over 16 years, Iain Rob Wright is the well-respected British horror author with a reputation for reliably scaring his readers. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide, earned tens of thousands of reader reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and are being translated into multiple languages.
He is currently best known for the Cursed Manuscripts shared horror universe, the apocalyptic Hell on Earth series, and many stand-alone chillers such as The Room Upstairs and Scrapbook.
J. A. Konrath, New York Times bestselling thriller author, claims, "Iain Rob Wright scares the hell out of me!"
Born and raised in England's West Midlands, Iain now lives in the beautiful, gothic County Durham with his family, 2 pugs, and a cat named Tigz. When he is not writing horror, he is reading horror, watching horror, or playing Stardew Valley.
WHERE TO START: If you have never read Iain Rob Wright before, try Witch - the first Cursed Manuscript and the entry point to the universe - or The Gates, the opener of the Hell on Earth saga. Both are available FREE with Kindle Unlimited.
For new releases, free stories, and the occasional confession of authorial despair, readers can find Iain through his author page on Amazon or by visiting his website (where you can download 6 of his books absolutely FREE).
Iain's work has been compared to Stephen King, Richard Laymon, and James Herbert - the three writers he credits with making him want to scare people for a living.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 8, 2026
COVID meets Zombie Apocalypse!
Zombie stories are not my usual fayre but I made an exception for this one. It was really good - a slow burn thriller!
A secret laboratory in India, scientists (apparently) looking for a way to help humanity, an experiment that (apparently) goes disastrously wrong. An accident or something much darker? A dastardly plot, masterminded by religious fanatics, has just been hatched. Their aim, to cleanse the world of non-believers.
A COVID like virus mutates to a state where the infected behave like blood-soaked monsters, killing any non-affected humans they come across.
This was a real page-turner of a book, a story that charts the progress of the epidemic, as seen through the eyes of ordinary British citizens.
Does the tale have a happy ending? Just read the book and come to your own conclusions.
Zombie stories are not my usual fayre but I made an exception for this one. It was really good - a slow burn thriller!
A secret laboratory in India, scientists (apparently) looking for a way to help humanity, an experiment that (apparently) goes disastrously wrong. An accident or something much darker? A dastardly plot, masterminded by religious fanatics, has just been hatched. Their aim, to cleanse the world of non-believers.
A COVID like virus mutates to a state where the infected behave like blood-soaked monsters, killing any non-affected humans they come across.
This was a real page-turner of a book, a story that charts the progress of the epidemic, as seen through the eyes of ordinary British citizens.
Does the tale have a happy ending? Just read the book and come to your own conclusions.
June 2, 2026
There is a reason he is a favorite
May 2, 2026
I’m a huge fan of sea sick, ravage,and savage, so I was super excited to see a new zombie book. Can’t say I loved the writing style of this one.
There weren’t a ton of characters, but I found each time we switched I was trying to remember who this was and what was happening.it just felt a bit choppy
There weren’t a ton of characters, but I found each time we switched I was trying to remember who this was and what was happening.it just felt a bit choppy
April 18, 2026
A great, unique "zombie" novel
Scrapbook is a well done, slow burn zombie apocalypse novel that chronicles the lives of several people before and during the outbreak. Caroline just wants away from an abusive ex and keep her daughter Sadie Safe. Max works at a grocery store and just wants something to change. James is a strange neighbor planning for the end. Lanny is a journalist just trying to get a story on immigration to the U.K. and ends up finding so much more. The writing is excellent, not surprising for a book by Wright. Each character is incredibly relatable, especially Max and Lanny, who will surprise you with their character arcs. This is a solid book by a solid author that fans of horror and apocalyptic survival thrillers will love Scrapbook! Overall, 5/5 stars!
Scrapbook is a well done, slow burn zombie apocalypse novel that chronicles the lives of several people before and during the outbreak. Caroline just wants away from an abusive ex and keep her daughter Sadie Safe. Max works at a grocery store and just wants something to change. James is a strange neighbor planning for the end. Lanny is a journalist just trying to get a story on immigration to the U.K. and ends up finding so much more. The writing is excellent, not surprising for a book by Wright. Each character is incredibly relatable, especially Max and Lanny, who will surprise you with their character arcs. This is a solid book by a solid author that fans of horror and apocalyptic survival thrillers will love Scrapbook! Overall, 5/5 stars!
June 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Zombie books generally aren’t my thing.
This one is a bit different though.
Rather than focusing on surviving the apocalypse, it’s really about watching the world fall apart. The outbreak isn’t just “zombies appear”, it’s a deliberate terrorist attack designed to dismantle society, and I actually found that far more interesting.
I also liked how the infection develops. It feels slower and more believable than the usual instant transformation you get in a lot of zombie stories.
James’ death was probably the moment that made it feel real. Here’s the guy who’s prepared for everything… and it still isn’t enough. I wasn’t massively convinced by the insulin scene, but that’s a fairly minor criticism.
The ending is probably what I liked most.
It finishes at the point where the apocalypse is inevitable rather than spending another three hundred pages showing people trying to survive it. I actually preferred that. I didn’t need another post-apocalyptic story. I was perfectly happy reading one about how the world burned.
A really enjoyable take on a genre that normally isn’t my first choice.
Zombie books generally aren’t my thing.
This one is a bit different though.
Rather than focusing on surviving the apocalypse, it’s really about watching the world fall apart. The outbreak isn’t just “zombies appear”, it’s a deliberate terrorist attack designed to dismantle society, and I actually found that far more interesting.
I also liked how the infection develops. It feels slower and more believable than the usual instant transformation you get in a lot of zombie stories.
James’ death was probably the moment that made it feel real. Here’s the guy who’s prepared for everything… and it still isn’t enough. I wasn’t massively convinced by the insulin scene, but that’s a fairly minor criticism.
The ending is probably what I liked most.
It finishes at the point where the apocalypse is inevitable rather than spending another three hundred pages showing people trying to survive it. I actually preferred that. I didn’t need another post-apocalyptic story. I was perfectly happy reading one about how the world burned.
A really enjoyable take on a genre that normally isn’t my first choice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2026
Zombie fun in merry old England
This is a different spin on the zombie apocalypse from author Iain Rob Wright. A pandemic has hit, originating from India. It comes in two forms - a really bad cold OR you can turn violent all of a sudden and start taking bites out of people.
The story is told from different points of view including Max who works in a grocery store, Lanny, an undercover journalist, and Caz, a battered wife and mom, running away with her daughter. I liked hearing from the different people and how they dealt with the virus.
This was the first "real" book I have read in a long time that wasn't an ebook. It felt awkward carrying it around plus not being able to highlight passages in it. But, on the flip side, I enjoyed the feel of a real book again. I ordered this one directly from the author and it reminded me of days past when I received books and just enjoyed the experience of receiving them in the mail.
Like a lot of Wright's books, this one is pretty dark and gory but man's humanity shines through.
This is a different spin on the zombie apocalypse from author Iain Rob Wright. A pandemic has hit, originating from India. It comes in two forms - a really bad cold OR you can turn violent all of a sudden and start taking bites out of people.
The story is told from different points of view including Max who works in a grocery store, Lanny, an undercover journalist, and Caz, a battered wife and mom, running away with her daughter. I liked hearing from the different people and how they dealt with the virus.
This was the first "real" book I have read in a long time that wasn't an ebook. It felt awkward carrying it around plus not being able to highlight passages in it. But, on the flip side, I enjoyed the feel of a real book again. I ordered this one directly from the author and it reminded me of days past when I received books and just enjoyed the experience of receiving them in the mail.
Like a lot of Wright's books, this one is pretty dark and gory but man's humanity shines through.
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April 18, 2026Amazing author. Small spoiler
Honestly the first book i picked up of this author the other year, I didn't expect much. I was trying to fill time between some other extreme novels. Aliens aren't my thing.
Needless to say he hooked me. I read every book back to back. Then every other book avaliable of mr wright's.
Sorry to say that puts me in a position where I expect a lot of every book. As it's not 100% my usual read.
Guess what... not disappointed in this book. Not even a little. In sync with some movies I like but still his own twists.
There's a continuous certain honesty in all his books and if you've not read them before you might find it harsh, shocking.
Would recommend to people who aren't triggered in bad ways by gore, death, illness, extreme end of violence also abuse.
Spoiler about all books
There's never a truly happy ending. Just like there'd doubtfully be in real life.
Honestly the first book i picked up of this author the other year, I didn't expect much. I was trying to fill time between some other extreme novels. Aliens aren't my thing.
Needless to say he hooked me. I read every book back to back. Then every other book avaliable of mr wright's.
Sorry to say that puts me in a position where I expect a lot of every book. As it's not 100% my usual read.
Guess what... not disappointed in this book. Not even a little. In sync with some movies I like but still his own twists.
There's a continuous certain honesty in all his books and if you've not read them before you might find it harsh, shocking.
Would recommend to people who aren't triggered in bad ways by gore, death, illness, extreme end of violence also abuse.
Spoiler about all books
There's never a truly happy ending. Just like there'd doubtfully be in real life.
May 9, 2026
Because of Zombiethon, May is always a great reading month for me!
Max's therapist advised him to keep a journal/scrapbook to help with his mental health problems. That was a fun part of the book, and I wish there'd been more. The drawings were a good addition too.
There are other POVs but the other main ones were Lanny and Caz. I wasn't sure how I felt about either one of them at first. Midway through the book, their stories began to make more sense as the storylines began to come together. Lanny's POV became important as more was revealed about the virus.
I loved how the level of tension kept cranking up higher and higher as the virus spread, and Lanny learned more about it. The way the storylines tied together at the end was satisfying.
Max's therapist advised him to keep a journal/scrapbook to help with his mental health problems. That was a fun part of the book, and I wish there'd been more. The drawings were a good addition too.
There are other POVs but the other main ones were Lanny and Caz. I wasn't sure how I felt about either one of them at first. Midway through the book, their stories began to make more sense as the storylines began to come together. Lanny's POV became important as more was revealed about the virus.
I loved how the level of tension kept cranking up higher and higher as the virus spread, and Lanny learned more about it. The way the storylines tied together at the end was satisfying.
September 22, 2026
I wasn’t sure if this type of story would be for me, but Scrapbook completely surprised me.
I loved that the “zombies” were not the usual kind, but people affected by a sickness that changed them. It made the story feel fresh and different. Max was a great main character, and I found myself really invested in his journey.
What I enjoyed most was seeing ordinary people trying to survive in an extraordinary situation. They didn’t have perfect skills or endless weapons — they simply had courage, determination, and each other.
Iain Rob Wright created a tense and exciting story with plenty of moments that had me on the edge of my seat. I also loved the setting outside the USA, as it gave the book a different atmosphere.
A gripping, well-written thriller that kept me turning the pages.
I loved that the “zombies” were not the usual kind, but people affected by a sickness that changed them. It made the story feel fresh and different. Max was a great main character, and I found myself really invested in his journey.
What I enjoyed most was seeing ordinary people trying to survive in an extraordinary situation. They didn’t have perfect skills or endless weapons — they simply had courage, determination, and each other.
Iain Rob Wright created a tense and exciting story with plenty of moments that had me on the edge of my seat. I also loved the setting outside the USA, as it gave the book a different atmosphere.
A gripping, well-written thriller that kept me turning the pages.
April 19, 2026
Not again!
So sitting here today reading this book and having GOT on the TV ,in the back of my mind I wanted to go to Costco stock up and shut the hurricane shutters! As an RN during covid I had no break in my routine, went to work everyday and cooked alot. I was actually happy to be one of the first to get a mild case of covid right before everything went to crap. First time since I was 23 that I had 30 days off. Then back to work, ob/gyn so not slot of contact with the bad side of the epidemic. Like I tell all my friends zombie apocalypse you must cut my head off getting eaten scares me to death and this book freaked me out!
So sitting here today reading this book and having GOT on the TV ,in the back of my mind I wanted to go to Costco stock up and shut the hurricane shutters! As an RN during covid I had no break in my routine, went to work everyday and cooked alot. I was actually happy to be one of the first to get a mild case of covid right before everything went to crap. First time since I was 23 that I had 30 days off. Then back to work, ob/gyn so not slot of contact with the bad side of the epidemic. Like I tell all my friends zombie apocalypse you must cut my head off getting eaten scares me to death and this book freaked me out!
June 17, 2026
Scrapbook: Practicing Good Mental Health at the End of the World by Iain Rob Wright kept me actively engaged from beginning to end. The story flowed smoothly, making it easy to keep turning the pages and stay invested in the characters and events unfolding. I appreciated how naturally the narrative moved, with each chapter leaving me eager to see what would happen next.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the ending. That cliffhanger caught me completely off guard and left me wanting more. It’s the kind of conclusion that stays with you after you’ve finished the last page.
Overall, this was an entertaining and compelling read that held my attention throughout.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the ending. That cliffhanger caught me completely off guard and left me wanting more. It’s the kind of conclusion that stays with you after you’ve finished the last page.
Overall, this was an entertaining and compelling read that held my attention throughout.
June 19, 2026
Fascinating
This was a fascinating, immense, captivating read. At first I thought oh no another zombie novel but nope, not zombie. Something g equally as nasty but worse they weren't dead!. I loved how all the characters came together little by little with some crazy twists. It has you feeling sad and anxious, but also relieved and hopeful. I fully enjoyed learning about the characters, their behaviours and hang ups kept you entertained throughout. A thoroughly enjoyed read that kept me transfixed with every page turn. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone whom enjoys a good thrilling read.
This was a fascinating, immense, captivating read. At first I thought oh no another zombie novel but nope, not zombie. Something g equally as nasty but worse they weren't dead!. I loved how all the characters came together little by little with some crazy twists. It has you feeling sad and anxious, but also relieved and hopeful. I fully enjoyed learning about the characters, their behaviours and hang ups kept you entertained throughout. A thoroughly enjoyed read that kept me transfixed with every page turn. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone whom enjoys a good thrilling read.
June 21, 2026
The writing is very good and I was quickly drawn into the book. The characters could have used a bit more time for fleshing out and developing and I would have liked to see more of the scrapbooking element. I kept reading to see how it would end and I was disappointed. It didn’t seem to have an end. I understand the author might have wanted to drive home that the apocalypse was ongoing, I would have liked to read more about the survivors moving forward and not just a few throw away sentences in a journal entry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2026
Pretty good but ends abruptly
The story is excellent, and it's told tightly with very little unnecessary baggage. It's also surprisingly light on the gore, explicit when it needs to be, but not nearly as much as it could be. It's the ending that presented the one downside for me, because it feels abrupt and unfinished. It almost feels like a chapter break, but turn the page and it's the author thanking you for reading to the end. It sort of ruins the story a little bit, but it is still very readable and enjoyable.
The story is excellent, and it's told tightly with very little unnecessary baggage. It's also surprisingly light on the gore, explicit when it needs to be, but not nearly as much as it could be. It's the ending that presented the one downside for me, because it feels abrupt and unfinished. It almost feels like a chapter break, but turn the page and it's the author thanking you for reading to the end. It sort of ruins the story a little bit, but it is still very readable and enjoyable.
August 17, 2026
Intriguing
To be frank, I wasn't feeling this book initially. Not for a long while. It does jump a bit between characters and scenarios. But one realises it's part of the world-building and comes together eventually.
Not the goriest zombie story, but indeed it is suspenseful.
Being set in the UK primarily is also really good - since we all know their draconian policies about knives, firearms, weapons. Author gets one thing wrong though, the Ukrainians aren't the victims, the bad guys aren't who you're always told they are.
To be frank, I wasn't feeling this book initially. Not for a long while. It does jump a bit between characters and scenarios. But one realises it's part of the world-building and comes together eventually.
Not the goriest zombie story, but indeed it is suspenseful.
Being set in the UK primarily is also really good - since we all know their draconian policies about knives, firearms, weapons. Author gets one thing wrong though, the Ukrainians aren't the victims, the bad guys aren't who you're always told they are.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Personally I don’t think this book was for me just the main concepts of the book I didn’t find it should be classed as horror or splatterpunk! This is just my personal opinion but I would definitely like to read more from this author and give his other work a go. Just the plot and concept of the story wasn’t for me!
April 27, 2026
He’s done it again!
Just when I think Iain can’t write a story he succeeds by once against scaling the mountain and improving on his previous work. This is another outstanding effort that breaks the mold of the zombie genre by developing characters and slowly unfolding the problem that turns people into the undead. Give it a good read.
Just when I think Iain can’t write a story he succeeds by once against scaling the mountain and improving on his previous work. This is another outstanding effort that breaks the mold of the zombie genre by developing characters and slowly unfolding the problem that turns people into the undead. Give it a good read.
April 30, 2026
An exciting and different tale on the end of the world
The story takes place from the perspectives of people, from different walks of life, as the catalst to the deliberate collapse of civilisation happens. Characters with their day to day problems are thrown together and must try to survive on this horrific reality. A cracking read.
The story takes place from the perspectives of people, from different walks of life, as the catalst to the deliberate collapse of civilisation happens. Characters with their day to day problems are thrown together and must try to survive on this horrific reality. A cracking read.
May 3, 2026
Not Your Usual Zombies
I love IRW’s approach to the zombie genre in Scrapbook. He manages to fold in current hot topics, illegal immigration, biological warfare and prejudice with ease. I also love how his story flows from scene to scene and character to character. This one kept me up reading late in to the night!
I love IRW’s approach to the zombie genre in Scrapbook. He manages to fold in current hot topics, illegal immigration, biological warfare and prejudice with ease. I also love how his story flows from scene to scene and character to character. This one kept me up reading late in to the night!
May 16, 2026
Totally engrossed
This guy is fantastic at writing. After reading all the manuscripts and The Spread which was amazing Ive jus finished this I in a day. Another great story line with genuine characters you can just see in ur mind.Definitely recommend if u enjoy 'end of day virus' story's
This guy is fantastic at writing. After reading all the manuscripts and The Spread which was amazing Ive jus finished this I in a day. Another great story line with genuine characters you can just see in ur mind.Definitely recommend if u enjoy 'end of day virus' story's
June 2, 2026
Scrapbook by Iain Rob Wright is a gripping horror novel packed with suspense, mystery, and zombie apocalypse action. The fast-paced story keeps you hooked from start to finish, with plenty of twists and a dark, unsettling atmosphere. A fantastic read for horror fans who enjoy thrilling survival stories and memorable characters.
June 17, 2026
An engaging story from the very beginning. I enjoyed learning how the zombie virus originated, and the author did a great job of building emotional connections to the characters before their inevitable transformations. That made certain moments more impactful. The ending was satisfying and neatly wrapped up the story without leaving loose ends.
March 28, 2026
This is Iain Rob Wright at his best. It’s blood, gore and great characters. This book is reminiscent of IRW earlier books like The Spread and Hell on Earth. I really enjoyed meeting the characters and their horrific journey to survive, some make it, some do not. Great book
April 18, 2026
This one is a must read !!!
It is just totally amazing. Once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. The storyline, the characters, the situations ... Coming full circle. Beyond excellent. Oh my gosh I did not want it to end!!!
It is just totally amazing. Once you start reading, you will not be able to put it down. The storyline, the characters, the situations ... Coming full circle. Beyond excellent. Oh my gosh I did not want it to end!!!
April 20, 2026
A zombie book with a scrapbook twist on it. As far as zombie books go this one wasn't bad. The ending would have been better if it ended like dawn of the dead. You are following a few different stories at first and then they combine into one near the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2026
More please
I always love reading Iain Rob Wright. Love the characters. I was wondering if anyone would survive this book. I guess eventually the infected will die off and the survivors will gather. I can't wait for another Ian Rob Wright book.
I always love reading Iain Rob Wright. Love the characters. I was wondering if anyone would survive this book. I guess eventually the infected will die off and the survivors will gather. I can't wait for another Ian Rob Wright book.
May 6, 2026
loved it
Absolutely loved it, the storyline, the characters, the growing bond between the characters, the suspense, the horror, the humour, the compassion EVERYTHING!
Please say there will be a second instalment!
Absolutely loved it, the storyline, the characters, the growing bond between the characters, the suspense, the horror, the humour, the compassion EVERYTHING!
Please say there will be a second instalment!
May 18, 2026
Excellent book and character development !
This was a great apocalypse book with e,calling character development. It made you get a true feel of the people involved. I reset enjoyed this book. Ready for some more!!.
This was a great apocalypse book with e,calling character development. It made you get a true feel of the people involved. I reset enjoyed this book. Ready for some more!!.
May 30, 2026
Just damn good storytelling
A damn good zombie novel! No prepper nonsense, no larger-than-life impossible heroes, no D-movie villains - nothing but interesting characters and a great story.
A damn good zombie novel! No prepper nonsense, no larger-than-life impossible heroes, no D-movie villains - nothing but interesting characters and a great story.
August 1, 2026
Was a bit slow, the whole first half I kept thinking it was about to pick it up. But once it got there it’s exactly what I was hoping for. I thought all the characters were well done and interesting and loved how it all came together! Caz 🥲
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews