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The Patch
The vines are spreading. The town is unraveling. And the entity won't stop until every last descendant...
PAYS THE PRICE!
When sixteen-year-old Maddox moves to a remote town with his father, he learns the locals fear a pumpkin patch on the edge of town that is rumored to be cursed. Determined to prove it's just superstition, Maddox smashes a pumpkin and ends up triggering something ancient and vengeful.
With the help of his new friends, Maddox uncovers the horrifying truth of the town's gruesome history...
And the residents who refuse to admit to their ancestors' sins.
V.S. Lawrence, author of 80s Ghosts, brings pumpkin-filled Halloween spooks to the Totally Freaked! series in this dark, unpredictable supernatural romp!
PAYS THE PRICE!
When sixteen-year-old Maddox moves to a remote town with his father, he learns the locals fear a pumpkin patch on the edge of town that is rumored to be cursed. Determined to prove it's just superstition, Maddox smashes a pumpkin and ends up triggering something ancient and vengeful.
With the help of his new friends, Maddox uncovers the horrifying truth of the town's gruesome history...
And the residents who refuse to admit to their ancestors' sins.
V.S. Lawrence, author of 80s Ghosts, brings pumpkin-filled Halloween spooks to the Totally Freaked! series in this dark, unpredictable supernatural romp!
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
V.S. Lawrence
9 books139 followersV.S. Lawrence grew up in Utah being scared of everything. Now, she puts her fears on paper, writing spooky books that feel like Scooby Doo chase music. When not writing, she can be found buried in a horror novel, wandering aimlessly, or cuddling her dog, Rigby. She is still scared of everything.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 25, 2026
Another banger in the Totally Freaked series!
A vengeful pumpkin patch, a secretive small town, a crisp October night. What more could you ask for?
This read filled the entire nostalgia bucket for me and reminded me of the books I missed out on reading when I was a kid. Exciting enough for the kids, but built for the adults, this book will leave everyone satisfied.
A vengeful pumpkin patch, a secretive small town, a crisp October night. What more could you ask for?
This read filled the entire nostalgia bucket for me and reminded me of the books I missed out on reading when I was a kid. Exciting enough for the kids, but built for the adults, this book will leave everyone satisfied.
October 16, 2026
WOW WELL DONE! Very fun, creepy, nostalgic. That ending though. OOF. So good!
October 13, 2026
Pure Halloween Nostalgia!
The Patch by VS Lawrence is basically pure Halloween nostalgia in a pumpkin-fueled nightmare. This story is a part of Mad Axe Media's Totally Freaked line of books. They are like a Fear Street or Goosebumps-like horror story that is perfect for giving you the right amount of chills and thrills. In The Patch, sixteen-year-old Maddox moves with his dad to a remote town where everyone knows you stay far from the supposedly cursed pumpkin patch on the edge of town. Naturally, Maddox decides superstition is ridiculous, smashes one of the pumpkins, and accidentally unleashes something ancient, furious, and very ready to make the town pay for the sins its residents would rather forget. From there, the vines start spreading, Maddox and his new friends begin digging into the town's gruesome history, and that perfect pumpkin-patch aesthetic turns into something genuinely sinister. I loved how VS Lawrence captures that old-school Halloween horror energy while still letting the story get surprisingly dark. It's fast, creepy, unpredictable, and just campy enough to keep the whole thing fun. It is the perfect book for this Spooky Season and if you're picking this up any other time, you'll love it just the same. That is truly the magic of Lawrence's writing here. This is exactly the kind of horror I want: cursed pumpkins, ancient vengeance, small-town secrets, and teenagers realizing way too late that sometimes you should probably just listen when the entire town tells you DON'T TOUCH THE PUMPKINS.
The Patch by VS Lawrence is basically pure Halloween nostalgia in a pumpkin-fueled nightmare. This story is a part of Mad Axe Media's Totally Freaked line of books. They are like a Fear Street or Goosebumps-like horror story that is perfect for giving you the right amount of chills and thrills. In The Patch, sixteen-year-old Maddox moves with his dad to a remote town where everyone knows you stay far from the supposedly cursed pumpkin patch on the edge of town. Naturally, Maddox decides superstition is ridiculous, smashes one of the pumpkins, and accidentally unleashes something ancient, furious, and very ready to make the town pay for the sins its residents would rather forget. From there, the vines start spreading, Maddox and his new friends begin digging into the town's gruesome history, and that perfect pumpkin-patch aesthetic turns into something genuinely sinister. I loved how VS Lawrence captures that old-school Halloween horror energy while still letting the story get surprisingly dark. It's fast, creepy, unpredictable, and just campy enough to keep the whole thing fun. It is the perfect book for this Spooky Season and if you're picking this up any other time, you'll love it just the same. That is truly the magic of Lawrence's writing here. This is exactly the kind of horror I want: cursed pumpkins, ancient vengeance, small-town secrets, and teenagers realizing way too late that sometimes you should probably just listen when the entire town tells you DON'T TOUCH THE PUMPKINS.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
V. S. Lawarence has done it again, adding another amazing volume to the already stacked Totally Freaked! line-up.
Maddox, our main character moves to Plattsvile, a small town with a crazy past. He quickly learns that the pumpkin patch in town is cursed. With the help from his new friends he must put an end to the evil force that he helped unleash on the town.
I mean, at this point it comes as no surprise that this book was amazing, I haven't read anything bad from Mad Axe or V. S. Lawrence. This book felt like being dropped into a 90's Halloween movie, all the vibes where hit. It was a quick read, and I will be adding it to future October TBRs because it has everything you could want for a Halloween read. The story was tight and the characters were both believable and likeable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who needs a spooky read this October, well, or any other month.
Maddox, our main character moves to Plattsvile, a small town with a crazy past. He quickly learns that the pumpkin patch in town is cursed. With the help from his new friends he must put an end to the evil force that he helped unleash on the town.
I mean, at this point it comes as no surprise that this book was amazing, I haven't read anything bad from Mad Axe or V. S. Lawrence. This book felt like being dropped into a 90's Halloween movie, all the vibes where hit. It was a quick read, and I will be adding it to future October TBRs because it has everything you could want for a Halloween read. The story was tight and the characters were both believable and likeable. I'd highly recommend this to anyone who needs a spooky read this October, well, or any other month.
October 13, 2026
Happy publishing day to The Patch, V.S. Lawrence, and Mad Axe Media!
This book is so fun! I felt like I was in a classic Halloween movie from the 90s. Totally Freaked never fails, and neither does V.S. Lawrence. I suggest you pick this one up for spooky season.
This book is so fun! I felt like I was in a classic Halloween movie from the 90s. Totally Freaked never fails, and neither does V.S. Lawrence. I suggest you pick this one up for spooky season.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
16-year-old Maddox has just reluctantly moved to Plattsville, a nowhere place with little in the way of distraction, unless you count the supposedly cursed pumpkin patch on the edge of town. When Maddox, in true Hocus Pocus style, decides to put this curse to the test, he and his new friends are left facing a otherworldly force, one determined to visit di-vine retribution upon the town's residents for the sins of the past.
The Patch by V. S. Lawrence is the latest installment in the gnarly nostalgic Totally Freaked! book series from Mad Axe Media, a collection of YA horrors inspired by OG 90's genre innovators like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike.
Like most of you, my TBR is always out of control and with SO many different books and genres I want to check out, I don't have many authors in my "Must Read Everything They Write" category but V.S. Lawrence is one of them. Her body of work is consistent, creative, and creepy and her books such as 80's Ghosts, With Friends Like These, Chalupacabra Y2K, and Just Us, Here all set a ridiculously high bar for quality in the indie horror space.
So, one of my favourite horror authors writing a modern spin on a Goosebumps book was a concept I was very excited about...and I am delighted to say The Patch exceeded even my high expectations and delivered a spooky and atmospheric good time that brought all the Goosebumps/Are You Afraid Of The Dark style chills along with the author's usual knack for mixing wry humour and great character work with page-turning terror.
The Patch by V. S. Lawrence is the latest installment in the gnarly nostalgic Totally Freaked! book series from Mad Axe Media, a collection of YA horrors inspired by OG 90's genre innovators like R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike.
Like most of you, my TBR is always out of control and with SO many different books and genres I want to check out, I don't have many authors in my "Must Read Everything They Write" category but V.S. Lawrence is one of them. Her body of work is consistent, creative, and creepy and her books such as 80's Ghosts, With Friends Like These, Chalupacabra Y2K, and Just Us, Here all set a ridiculously high bar for quality in the indie horror space.
So, one of my favourite horror authors writing a modern spin on a Goosebumps book was a concept I was very excited about...and I am delighted to say The Patch exceeded even my high expectations and delivered a spooky and atmospheric good time that brought all the Goosebumps/Are You Afraid Of The Dark style chills along with the author's usual knack for mixing wry humour and great character work with page-turning terror.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun book to get into the Halloween spirit!
Maddox hates that he's been forced to move to stupid Plattsville with his alcoholic dad. All of the houses are too perfect, and everyone stares at him. As Maddox explores the small town he discovers a forbidden pumpkin patch called the Witch's Acre. Desperate to have some fun with new friends in town, he throws caution to the wind to the curse that supposedly plagues the pumpkin patch. After all, curses aren't real, are they?
Lawrence's writing always draws me in, and I really enjoyed how quickly I was invested in this story. Nostalgic 90s vibes and small town secrets are big themes in this novel, and that really spurred me forward.
Maddox is your typical teen from the 90s. He's restless, courageous when it counts, and loves to skateboard around town. I found it easy to vibe with him, especially his angst about being forced to move somewhere unfamiliar since that happened to me in high school. Fiona and Callie were great sidekicks along his journey and I liked their realistic dialogue.
Each chapter moves at a fast pace with mystery and light thrills, and though I thought the second half of the book wasn't quite as enthralling as the buildup was in the first half, this was a very solid read for any lover of Halloween or nostalgia.
Definitely worth a read!
Maddox hates that he's been forced to move to stupid Plattsville with his alcoholic dad. All of the houses are too perfect, and everyone stares at him. As Maddox explores the small town he discovers a forbidden pumpkin patch called the Witch's Acre. Desperate to have some fun with new friends in town, he throws caution to the wind to the curse that supposedly plagues the pumpkin patch. After all, curses aren't real, are they?
Lawrence's writing always draws me in, and I really enjoyed how quickly I was invested in this story. Nostalgic 90s vibes and small town secrets are big themes in this novel, and that really spurred me forward.
Maddox is your typical teen from the 90s. He's restless, courageous when it counts, and loves to skateboard around town. I found it easy to vibe with him, especially his angst about being forced to move somewhere unfamiliar since that happened to me in high school. Fiona and Callie were great sidekicks along his journey and I liked their realistic dialogue.
Each chapter moves at a fast pace with mystery and light thrills, and though I thought the second half of the book wasn't quite as enthralling as the buildup was in the first half, this was a very solid read for any lover of Halloween or nostalgia.
Definitely worth a read!
October 5, 2026
I absolutely love folk horror. This book from the opening scene until the mind blowing conclusion was like viewing an old 80’s movie. The way newcomer Maddox felt about the town legend was typical of a teen who was new in town. Even when he had proof of the witch that cursed the town, he was still reluctant to believe what was expected of him. The decision he had to make was for sure way beyond what a teen could process. He made mistakes and hurt people. Even the two closest friends had differing opinions on how to end the curse and he had no idea which, or if the choices would work. What did happen was the shocking twist. I was not ready for what I read. I was floored by the ending of this book. I continued to try and wrap my brain round what I just read. I can only write that everyone who likes this type of horror needs to get this book!
October 14, 2026
I loved the nostalgia in this one! It gave me major R.L. Stine and Christopher Pike vibes and took me straight back to that classic ’90s YA horror feel. The build-up around the legend was great, and I really enjoyed the creepy atmosphere, the small-town secrets and the way the story unfolded. It’s a perfect read for spooky season, especially if you grew up reading those sorts of horror books.
I felt the climax wrapped up a little too quickly, and I would have loved for it to be drawn out more. I also wanted to see more of the town’s reaction to the consequences of their actions.
V.S. Lawrence is quickly becoming a go-to author for me when I need a short, fun palate cleanser between longer reads. I love that these books are easy to pick up, pull you straight into the story and give you that nostalgic horror fix without needing a huge time commitment.
I felt the climax wrapped up a little too quickly, and I would have loved for it to be drawn out more. I also wanted to see more of the town’s reaction to the consequences of their actions.
V.S. Lawrence is quickly becoming a go-to author for me when I need a short, fun palate cleanser between longer reads. I love that these books are easy to pick up, pull you straight into the story and give you that nostalgic horror fix without needing a huge time commitment.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
made for fans of r.l. steins pumpkinhead and well pumpkinhead (1988) this book (the patch) was such an interesting and fun read. i loved the lore and the building of the town and atmosphere. it felt so bleak and dreadful.
the characters were also really entertaining. the female characters especially. they felt like two sides of the same coin. maddox was a bit frustrating i’ll admit. to me, it felt like it wasn’t really sure what he believed because he kept like flip-flopping what he thought and how he wanted to go about it. I also wish he had a little remorse for what he caused.
but that being said, it’s such a fun ride and totally recommend this for the halloween season. and that ending is so crazy and also a little bit gory.
review and post coming to instagram soon
the characters were also really entertaining. the female characters especially. they felt like two sides of the same coin. maddox was a bit frustrating i’ll admit. to me, it felt like it wasn’t really sure what he believed because he kept like flip-flopping what he thought and how he wanted to go about it. I also wish he had a little remorse for what he caused.
but that being said, it’s such a fun ride and totally recommend this for the halloween season. and that ending is so crazy and also a little bit gory.
review and post coming to instagram soon
October 11, 2026
A fun and nostalgic horror novella!
When a town seems idyllic and quaint, it should be the perfect place to live. But Maddox finds out it’s anything but.
V.S. Lawrence delivers a frightful tale of curses, vengeful spirits, and a history that won’t stay hidden. And I will say that having a haunted pumpkin patch in a story is quite the selling point. Add to that a group of kids who give off Scooby Doo vibes, and you have the perfect recipe for a spooky Halloween treat.
Fast paced, horrific, and adults who refuse to acknowledge what their ancestors did, Lawrence create a story that keeps you invested from start to finish. I highly recommend this story for a crisp Fall evening-preferably with the lights off.
Thank you Mad Axe Media for my arc. My opinion is my own.
When a town seems idyllic and quaint, it should be the perfect place to live. But Maddox finds out it’s anything but.
V.S. Lawrence delivers a frightful tale of curses, vengeful spirits, and a history that won’t stay hidden. And I will say that having a haunted pumpkin patch in a story is quite the selling point. Add to that a group of kids who give off Scooby Doo vibes, and you have the perfect recipe for a spooky Halloween treat.
Fast paced, horrific, and adults who refuse to acknowledge what their ancestors did, Lawrence create a story that keeps you invested from start to finish. I highly recommend this story for a crisp Fall evening-preferably with the lights off.
Thank you Mad Axe Media for my arc. My opinion is my own.
June 22, 2026
This is the perfect update of the kind of books that got me into reading horror in the first place. Somewhere between Goosebumps and Fear Street, this is the kind of book that will be perfect for that reader looking for the next step up from middle grade but not quite ready for full on YA yet. It’s also wonderful for any adult looking for a nostalgic trip into October Country with great characters, a creepy setting, and a payoff that is absolutely fantastic.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Patch by V.S. Lawrence will make you want to break out your old Walkman while dialing up the internet to discuss smalltown lore with your buddies on AIM. (And if you're old enough to know what AIM is then you know a time was had, baby!)
I finished The Patch in one-sitting and between the nostalgia drops and wondering if there is a curse on the small town or if Maddox's new friends were playing a trick on him, I was thoroughly entertained.
I finished The Patch in one-sitting and between the nostalgia drops and wondering if there is a curse on the small town or if Maddox's new friends were playing a trick on him, I was thoroughly entertained.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is such a nostalgic read! If, like me, you loved the Goosebumps and Fear Street series as a kid (and still do as an adult), "The Patch" is a must read. Even for adults, this is such a fun and creepy read, definitely recommended for spooky season or when you want some Halloween vibes! I received an ARC copy from the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love this newest addition to the Totally Freaked series! It's a super fun, nostalgic read with all of the spooky Autumn vibes, and YA readers as well as adults can both enjoy this one! If you enjoyed the Goodbumps or Fear Street books back in the 90s, go add this to your TBR...you will love it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this book. Fast paced, full of creepiness without a ton of gore. I did not call the ending. It was left open for a possible sequel?? If you want something reminiscent of Goosebumps but for adults this is a great choice.
October 16, 2026
Oh my gawwwd! My girl V.S. Lawrence does NOT hold back when it comes to writing horror! DAMNNNN! I still cannot believe what that damn pumpkin patch did to that town! Some of those scenes are going to be living in my head rent free for a LONGGGG time!
October 7, 2026
HELL. YES. This nostalgia filled story was a fantastic read for the season. Five out of five forbidden pumpkins for The Patch! 🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
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October 18, 2026I would've loved this when I was 13.
Review of advance copy received from Author
For young readers, this is a fun and creepy foray into the world of horror. For adults, an enjoyable throwback to the Goosebumps tales of the 90s. Perfect Halloween reading!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book was very nostalgic for me. It reminded me of the stories I would read as a kid. In The Patch, Maddox moves to a new town with his dad and meets new friends Fiona and Callie. We follow Maddox on his journey as he learns about the haunted past of his new town.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it as part of my summerween reading list and it was perfect. I also loved the references to things from my own childhood and it was fun to step into the past for a good story.
I really enjoyed this book. I read it as part of my summerween reading list and it was perfect. I also loved the references to things from my own childhood and it was fun to step into the past for a good story.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The Patch is a perfect cozy book to read on a crisp autumn night. It is just bursting with spooky fun!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews