Happy Hour

Killer VHS #9

by Gemma Amor

The 9th book in the Killer VHS Series, hailed as "the modern-day Goosebumps for Adults" by Horror Obsessive.

Happy Hour is the latest horror novella from Bram Stoker and British Fantasy Award nominated author Gemma Amor.

The eccentric owner of a '90s underground London cocktail bar has a unique and disturbing way of keeping an eye on everything and everyone, then disappearing those who don't behave. Famous politicians, glamorous actresses, and international stars are all dying to get in... and to get out.

Happy Hour is the ninth book in the Killer VHS Series, hailed as "the modern-day Goosebumps for Adults" by Horror Obsessive. Killer VHS Series titles are standalone stories featuring found footage elemnets and nostalgic vibes for horror's '80s and '90s glory days.

Genres: Horror

124 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 20, 2026

About the author

I'm a Bram Stoker, BFA and Shirley Jackson Award nominated horror fiction author, podcaster, artist, editor and voice actor/audiobook narrator from Bristol, in the U.K.

I write novels and audio drama stories for the wildly popular NoSleep Podcast and various other horror fiction podcasts. My most recent works are ITCH! from Hodder & Stoughton, FIRST DATE from Datura Books and the forthcoming HAPPY HOUR from Shortwave Books, out Oct 2026.

Find me at @manylittlewords on most social media platforms.

Repped by Becky LeJeune at Confluence Literary (Lit) and Sean Berard at Untitled (Film)

Reviews

[Stay Fetters · Rating 3 out of 5]

”Turns out beating a man to a paste is hard work.”

After reading ‘Itch!’ By Gemma, I knew that I was going to read anything and everything she releases. ‘Itch’ was one of those reads that crawled under your skin and stayed there way after finishing. My fingers were crossed that all of her books read that same way.

Even though Gemma brought me here, the cover made me stick around. Okay, that’s not entirely true. I really do love the Killer VHS series!

Here we get an intriguing little tale and it hits off with a blood soaked start. Which was enough to keep to glued to these pages. This tale jumps from sometime in the 90s to the past. Leading us to unravel this truly twisted tale.

This quick read will get your blood pumping and your mind reeling. It was a decent addition to the VHS collection.

[Ash · Rating 4 out of 5]

🍸 👁️ Happy Hour by Gemma Amor 👁️ 🍸

Looking for a revenge horror mixed with an eat the rich vibe? Pick up Happy Hour by Gemma Amor! This book is the next installment in @shortwavebooks Killer VHS series and releases October 20th, 2026.

Following the death of his brother, Brian opens a bar that attracts society’s elite. For those that misbehave, they may find themselves missing…

I really enjoyed this book! It’s fast paced and starts out with a bang. I was hooked until the very end. Brian reminded me a bit of Patrick Bateman from American Psycho a bit with his tunes.

Comps: The Butchers Daughter (book), Ravenous Devils (game)

[ritα · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, what a fun revenge story!
This horror novella is perfect for horror fans like me, it had everything I hoped for. I just wished it was longer, I swear I could read an entire book about this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for a honest review.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooh I adore that these books are being marketed as “modern-day Goosebumps for Adults.” The description is spot on and I can’t wait to read more from this series.

This story is full of booze and blood, and I loved every minute of it! I know this is technically a novella, but I wanted more! It was such a fun and quick read. The 90’s club setting was perfect for millennial ol’ me.

We follow Brian, the owner of the exclusive bar in town, The Dirty Minx. The immersive floors of the Minx gave me Clifton’s Republic vibes in Los Angeles and I would definitely frequent either spot if given the chance! Brian is on a quest for revenge, all while serving a killer cocktail. I typically don’t love stories that jump back and forth between the past and present, but this one kept me hooked. I was rooting for our main character to get his revenge.

🍸🩸🔪

Thank you to NetGalley and Shortwave Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. : )

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian is the owner of The Dirty Minx, and to him, revenge is best served in a suspiciously red and viscous highball glass. This novella was delectable, brutal, and surprisingly deep in its brevity. There are two pretty fun characters to follow, some macabre scenes with glaring commonalities with politicians and the money hungry, and the camp is truly the perfect amount, never tipping the scales of being too on the nose. Amor really shined in this vaporwave adjacent horror novella, and I gorged myself on this prose. Thank you to NetGalley and Shortwave Publishing for the eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun and nasty little revenge story.

I love when an author knows how to jam pack a short book and not make anything feel missing or feel like it should be cut. Gemma Amor clearly has a talent for not only writing but for storytelling.

Darkly funny at times, disgustingly gory and oddly a pinch romantic. Old money aesthetics meets fast paced thrilling revenge.

I know these series is marketed as 'Goosebumps for adults', but these (especially this one) feel like watching an episode of Tales from the Crypt.

Thank you Shortwave and netgalley for the e-arc.

[Kelly Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Happy Hour, it’s the perfect novella for a horror fan like me. I consumed this in two halves but it’s definitely one of those books that can be read in one sitting. It’s gruesome, disturbing and grim but there’s also a little humour mixed in and the character building is really impressive for such a short book. I’d really love to know more about some of the side characters; Jenny in particular, I was really intrigued by her.
10/10. Would order again. Don’t forget to tip the mixologist. 🍸
Thank you NetGalley and Gemma Amor for the advanced copy

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a quick read! It was giving Bonnie & Clyde vibes, and I ate that shit up. Definitely grab this novella if you’re into fast paced, gory, revenge filled books. You will not be disappointed!

[Caitlin Stucky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you @shortwavebooks for this arc!

This is a wild ride told in dial timelines, past and present day so we learn who our eccentric bar owner is. This one kept me reading and gasping!

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a younger lad I can remember going to the Scholastic Book Fair to grab the latest copy of Goosebumps to see what fears R.L. Stine could instill in me. Thanks to Shortwave Publishing and each new Killer VHS book such as  Killer VHS: Happy Hour by Gemma Amor we can get this feeling all over again. This time around it's a bit darker and filled with 1990s atmospheric horror.

The eccentric owner of a '90s underground London cocktail bar has a unique and disturbing way of keeping an eye on everything and everyone, then disappearing those who don't behave. Famous politicians, glamorous actresses, and international stars are all dying to get in... and to get out.

There are books that can be placed in any setting, but then there are those fit into a location that makes the story what it is. This latest entry into the Killer VHS series is one that oozes horror out of the neon-soaked 1990s smoky underground club setting. An atmospheric horror setting that made the story even more terrifying, making you turn it each page quickly.

Each of the Killer VHS stories feature a unique plot and Happy Hour is no different. While older entries into the series relied a lot of the video screen, these newer ones expand into a more nostalgic overall feel that make us miss the  1990s-style horror even more. With a bar as the setting, one could easily rely on age-old tropes such as a haunted building or bar, but instead Amor leans into other horrors such as power, obsession, corruption, vengeance, and the consequences of bad behavior.

It's not just the concept and plot that make Killer VHS: Happy Hour what it is, but it's Amor's writing itself. The author's writing is almost poetic at times, while also diving into the visceral and horrifying. Split into two timelines of storytelling was a fantastic way to read this story and the way Amor ends each timeline's section cutting off the line mid sentence was unique. At times can be a bit confusing, but works well with this shorter length story.

Amor balances the scales between with campy just enough to make it darkly humorous at times while also bloody. Yes, the visceral horror is preset, but Amor does much more with the story. Now, I have heard of people getting kicked out of bars for various reasons, but disappearing all together is a whole other thing. Killer VHS: Happy Hour takes bad behavior to another level and while doing so blends social commentary with campy horror in ways that surprised me.

Like other books in this series, Killer VHS: Happy Hour is a fast-paced horror that takes a unique concept and tells a fresh story that has you turning pages at breakneck speeds. While this book does need your attention throughout, as long as you are following along closely things fall right into place for a great reading experience.

Killer VHS: Happy Hour is yet another fantastic entry into the Killer VHS series. Gemma Amor delivers a stylish campy horror wrapped in an unforgettable and atmospheric setting. A cocktail blend of equal parts intoxicating and terrifying, Happy Hour stays with you long after last call.

Killer VHS: Happy Hour hits bookstores everywhere on October 20, 2026 from Shortwave Publishing.

NOTE: We received an advance copy of Killer VHS: Happy Hour from the publisher. Opinions are our own.

[Dani-Lynn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 𝓻𝓪𝓽𝓮
N/A - 𝓼𝓹𝓲𝓬𝓮
🔥🔥🔥 - 𝓹𝓵𝓸𝓽
🩸🩸 - 𝓰𝓸𝓻𝓮

🖤 𝓶𝓪𝓲𝓷 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼🖤
Brian, Neil, & Jenny

🖤 𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓹𝓮𝓼🖤
📕homicidal tendencies
📕revenge
📕self-unaliving
📕manipulation
📕bloody distillery

🖤𝓺𝓾𝓸𝓽𝓮𝓼🖤
“Haven't you heard of forensics?”

“Class can't be bought.”

“Good for business, when all is said and done.”

🖤 𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀🖤
The ninth book in the Killer VHS Series packs a mean punch as Goosebumps for adults. Tons of booze. Tons of blood. Tons of booze combined with blood in this grisly little revenge novella that will intrigue you with its likable characters, fast plot, and eerie charm

*spoilers*
Brian didn’t know that when he was pulverizing his latest victim, that his crush would be standing right behind him. He also didn’t know that she wouldn’t react in a way that would get the cops involved. Instead, she helps him clean up the bloody mess. But it doesn’t appear to be an easy job. Discarding a body before the rest of the employees arrive. But Jenny announces a plan. To place it in the machine that distills the gin. See, Brian is the owner of an exclusive bar called The Dirty Minx. Named after a saying his brother used to call him.

As this is going on, Brian reminisces about his brother, Neil. The only other person he has ever cared for. How they made plans as kids to own a business together. How Brian pressured for them to start their own career instead of listening to another boss. I love the fact that not only do you continue with the official plot of the story but you also continue with the backstory plot at the same time. Each chapter has half of each, allowing the reader to understand the emotional history between the brothers leading to his demise.

The more Brian becomes overwhelmed by the guests at the bar, the more he imagines their bloody corpse liednout in front of him. Especially the ex girlfriend of his own late brother who manipulated a plan to have his brother hate him before his life was cut short. It's a twisted bloody game of hardships, manipulation, and guilt in this harrowing novella you won't be able to put down.

🖤𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓪𝓵𝓵🖤
I am an avid reader of Gemma Amor’s and this was the icing on the cake for a suspenseful and splatter-filled storyline that makes you iffy on attending the next Happy Hour. As part of the Killer VHS Series, that gives you a refreshing new story from a handful of talented authors in the horror community, you will get sucked into its pages with ease.

**no AI was used to generate any part of this review**

[Mandi Cloete · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Shortwave Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 rounded up

I really love the Killer VHS series, even though this particular entry isn't my favourite of the bunch. I think Happy Hour is a well-written story with surprisingly well-developed characters for such a short novel, but it didn't quite capture the Goosebumps-style feeling that some of the other books in the series have.

I particularly enjoyed the structure of the story. I liked the jumping back and forth between Brian's past with Neil and the present-day storyline, especially the way the flashbacks gradually catch up with the present. It created an interesting sense of anticipation as I waited to see how the two timelines would eventually connect.

The characters are another strength. Considering how short the novel is, Gemma Amore does a good job giving the characters enough personality to make them feel like more than just vehicles for the horror, although I would have liked to see more of Jenny. I think she had the potential to play a larger role in the story.

I also really enjoyed the "eat the rich" aspect of the novel. The commentary on wealth and privilege worked well with the horror and gave Brian's revenge a satisfying underlying motivation.

My biggest issue was that I wanted a little more mystery. I also felt that Cherry should have been Brian's final victim. Given everything that happens, having his revenge culminate with Cherry would have felt more satisfying to me.

Overall, though, this was another enjoyable addition to the Killer VHS series. It may not be my favourite installment, and it didn't quite give me the nostalgic Goosebumps feeling I got from some of the others, but it's a fun, well-written little horror story with some interesting ideas.

[Jude (Crafty Goblin) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this Arc.

I discovered Gemma Amor with her fabulous book Itch! last year (I totally recommend this one too by the way) and I was so excited when I saw on netgalley that she wrote a story for the Killer VHS series. And lucky me (without surprise), I'm not disappointed. This story is wicked, twisted and unapologically good, and totally in the vibes of the famous Killer VHS vibes.

The 9th book in the Killer VHS Series, hailed as "the modern-day Goosebumps for Adults" by Horror Obsessive.

The eccentric owner of a '90s underground London cocktail bar has a unique and disturbing way of keeping an eye on everything and everyone, then disappearing those who don't behave. Famous politicians, glamorous actresses, and international stars are all dying to get in... and to get out.

Happy Hour is the ninth book in the Killer VHS Series, hailed as "the modern-day Goosebumps for Adults" by Horror Obsessive. Killer VHS Series titles are standalone stories featuring found footage elemnets and nostalgic vibes for horror's '80s and '90s glory days.

If you are in need of some 80's vibes, with oppulent clubes, sex drugs and rock'n'roll vibes and tabloids era, you're in for a threat.


The characters are...unhinged, like we like them (at least I do), the ambiance is glamor but crass (I mean, 80's and 90's were the best eras in my opinion but it was crass sometimes). You'd like the sense of morals a bit twisted but hey Hell's road is paved with good intentions.

[Steve Edholm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't say I had read one book in this series and I am not sure it that helps or hurts me in this book. I read this book because it is from Gemma Amor. I love her work, her short story work is always top notch.

I loved the general premise of the book, a plot of revenge, murder and cleansing the world of horrible humans. It centers around an exclusive club for London's top society where it's owner has murdered someone right in front of the bartender who he loves. From there the starts rolling and you just feel the tension continually rising at a murderous pace.

I am not sure if this was a decision by Gemma or it's from the series, but I didn't like the format of the book. It's why I am not giving it a higher rating. I didn't like the split chapters that cut off mid thought between the present and the past. I would rather alternating chapters or something like that. I think the short chapter format may have helped the pacing a lot, but also just felt like you constantly were changing the timelines of the book.

Gemma always paints a great picture in her books. She is great at laying out the characters and the scenery so you can really get the full movie in your head.

I read this in a day and a half because I was busy, this could have been 1 day if I had wanted to. This book will fly for you.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shortwave for the advanced copy!

[Sidney · Rating 4 out of 5]

look, we should all know by now that i am the first to admit i do, in fact, judge a book by its cover. so when i saw the eyeball soaking in the martini? yeah, i knew i had to read Happy Hour. hand it over!

this was a fun, fast paced little horror novella that wasted no time getting right to the bloodshed. i knew from the first chapter that i was in for a bloody good time. i enjoyed the dual timelines—they blended well together & showed the full story behind what drives Brian's revenge & motivation.

none of the characters are really likable but i just couldn't help rooting for Brian & Jenny. i love a good revenge story, & this was done very well. Cherry was a real highlight of the story for me. she made me laugh, & she really got what she had coming to her.

Gemma did a good job painting a picture of what the Dirty Minx looks like & i'm honestly trying to figure out how to get in?? where do i apply? is my invitation in the mail? do you hear that knocking? Open up—it's me! Let me in!

Happy Hour is dripping with the right amount of blood (along with... *ahem*... some other bodily fluids). its humorous at times, a little dark but also has some heart, & there's a dash of romance that gives Bonnie & Clyde vibes.

this made me so excited to dive into some of the other books from Killer VHS series.

Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review

[shyra ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

mixologist 101! cheers to :) hour!! 🍸

”only the privileged indeed can lay eyes on this rum, let alone drink it in its most desirable form: the mai tai.”

no shame diving head first into a fun gore drenched bloodbath of revenge & serving fancy cocktails at a luxurious bar!
there’s a splash of darkness, cleverness with equal portion timelines & personality.
don’t you dare slam on your brakes murdering & disposing those bodies brian & jenny!
it was a bloody alcoholic blast! cherry was the cherry on top

gemma amor you dirty minx!
after i’ve read itch! and i saw this arc available, my eye got caught in that martini on the cover.
happy hour is the ninth installment in the killer vhs series where found footage of monsters coming to life and tapes summon long-buried evils giving ‘modern-day goosebumps for adults.’
i’m excited to read the rest as this is incredibly binge worthy in a single sitting.
soooo i’m wondering.. where’s my invite to the dirty minx??
‘i quit drinking’ then i go get drunker than the last time #me

”brian is glad he doesn’t have to kill jenny just yet. for one thing, he’s never met anyone who made a better martini, and that is worth something.”

thank you netgalley & shortwave publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest review!~

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dangerously Delicious Drinks & Even Darker Intentions!

Happy Hour by Gemma Amor is a story that will knock you off your feet. Amor knows exactly how to write these dark and dangerously deranged characters that will make you THINK! In this story, our main character is a tortured bartender who is drowning in his past. Between his upbringing and his brother, who has passed, the ghosts of his life are coming back, and he is adding ghosts as he makes some of his clientele disappear.

The story is written in this jarring and abrupt way that just makes it fly by. There is a flip back and forth. The story flows with heart and emotion in this devastating way. There’s a sharpness to the dialogue and a tension simmering beneath every interaction that had me constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. And this is a dark story! Gemma Amor nails this evil. The story is unsettling in ways both psychological and visceral, building toward moments that are disturbing, haunting, and impossible to shake. But underneath the terror is something deeply human, which is what makes it resonate long after the final page. It’s dark, clever, and beautifully written, delivering that perfect blend of heartbreak and horror that Amor does so incredibly well.

[Krystelle (based on the novel by Stephen King) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

First off, I have to say that I absolutely love the concept of this series. Having a ‘Goosebumps’ and ‘Tales From The Crypt’ blend for adults is delightful, and I fully appreciate the commitment to the bit with this one. The covers are absolutely top notch as well- love that exact aesthetic for these kinds of things.

I enjoyed the concept of this story. We all love a bit of a dicey moral tale, and specifically where someone has an appetite for revenge on the entire human race. The concept of using bodies to flavour alcohol is absolutely diabolical.

The Dirty Minx provides a delightful setting for this slasher tale, and there’s very little redemption to be found for any of the characters. You’ve got a healthy dose of cannibalism, a lot of gratuitous violence, and aggressive moral blackness.

I did think that there could have been development for the main characters, particularly Jenny, who I didn’t quite connect with as well as I could have. I did think too that while Brian was better fleshed out, he was missing a bit of a human element. I can’t wait for the resident Fable cocktail maker to get ahold of this one though- I can imagine they would have a field day!

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was a gruesome and gory delight. I'd never previously heard of the Killer VHS series, but I can see myself hunting down the other titles off the back of this, as well as Amor's other works.

Happy Hour follows Brian, a self-made man who dragged himself out of poverty and is now the owner of the ever-so-prestigious and exclusive Dirty Minx.

Of course, owning one of London's most elite cocktail bars isn't quite enough for Brian. There's an individual out there who personally cost him more than they could possibly fathom on their climb to the top, and Brian will stop at nothing to make sure revenge is served – with an umbrella on top.

This was a tremendous amount of fun. The characters were all despicable, but Amor managed to make them grotesquely compelling in the few pages allotted to them. It's rare that I outright root for murder in fiction, but there were a number who were just so awful that the cold glass of bloody karma was richly deserved.

Overall, this was a perfect mix of '90s nostalgia, gore, insanity, and solid characterisation. I had a grand time reading it.

Highly recommended.

With thanks to Shortwave for the ARC.

[Mel Stokes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Hour was exactly the kind of horror novella I was hoping for, it’s dark, unsettling, and packed with personality. The idea of a mysterious underground cocktail bar where bad behaviour comes at a terrifying cost immediately pulled me in, and the eerie ’90s atmosphere made it even more immersive.

For such a short book, it manages to fit in plenty of tension, gore, and a surprising amount of character. I especially enjoyed how the story balanced its gruesome moments with a touch of dark humour, making it feel both entertaining and genuinely creepy.

The pacing was quick, although I did find myself briefly confused during a couple of timeline shifts. Once everything started falling into place, though, it made sense and added another layer to the story rather than taking away from it.

If you’re looking for a fast horror read with nostalgic vibes, vivid imagery, memorable characters, and a revenge story that doesn’t hold back, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up. It’s another fun addition to the Killer VHS series, and I’ll happily keep reading more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shortwave Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Anna Reads Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one on the coach down to London because what else would prepare me for the underground and cocktails than…the underground and cocktails? This has been labelled as an adult goosebumps and this definitely feels appropriate.
In fact, this whole series (well from what I’ve read so far) feels very nostalgic but with an edge. This book is set in a 90’s underground cocktail bar called the dirty minx, and even from the first sentence (see for yourself in the next image) it doesn’t hold back.

Brian, the owner of the bar and is in a bit of a predicament from the start of the book. As this story progresses, we just get more carnage and cocktails but we also get a bit of heart amongst the chaos. If you are into revenge, gore, cocktails (of course) and a novella which doesn’t take itself too seriously - this is for you.

A refreshing balance (pardon the pun) of unique plot and spirits, I was sucked into this story and laughed multiple times. I love this style of horror for Gemma Amor and she just shows time and time again how talented she is at dipping into different sub-genres. If you like any of the books in this series I would highly suggest you check this one out too.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Hour starts off incredibly gory and although there are a couple more moments like this sprinkled throughout, it ended up being a more emotional story than I anticipated after the opening sequence. The ‘90s vibes were on point and I liked the commentary on toxic lifestyles, the media perpetuation of said lifestyles and class differences in how participation in these lifestyles is perceived.

I enjoyed the mystery element of trying to figure out why Brian killed a man at the beginning. The choice to include two timelines, with the past timeline catching up with the present was well done, although I didn’t understand the stylistic choice behind switching to another timeline mid-sentence.

I found the relationship between Brian and his brother really endearing but felt the relationship between Brian and Jenny could have been explored further. Jenny also remained a mystery to me. She was so on board with the insanity from the get-go that I side-eyed her throughout.

This is a quick, punchy read with a great ’90s backdrop, sporadic gore and a lot of heart and is well worth a read.

I received an eARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving this review.

[JT Milam · Rating 4 out of 5]

nothing says “fun little happy hour” quite like making questionable decisions, ignoring every possible red flag, and slowly realizing maybe this was not the vibe you thought it was going to be.

Gemma Amor really said, “what if we took a casual drink after work and made it everyone’s worst night ever?” and honestly…period.

The characters in this book made so many choices where I had to literally pause and think, “oh babe… no…” but did that stop me from turning the pages? absolutely not. If anything, it made me more invested because apparently watching fictional people walk directly into chaos is my hobby now.

The atmosphere is easily the strongest part. It’s creepy, weird, and has that gross little horror feeling where you finish reading and think, “well… that was unpleasant” (complimentary).

The middle dragged a little for me, but once everything came together, I was fully along for the hellfire train. Not a perfect read, but a very entertaining one.

4 stars for the vibes, the chaos, and the reminder that maybe we should all just go home after one drink. or better yet, drink at home.

[Kimberly Wyatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

I have not read the other installments yet. I received this arc from @netgalley and @shortwavepublishing. It really appealed to me because I am a slut for all things 80s-90s horror. There is something creepy about VHS tapes (also cassette tapes) & I love when they make an appearance in a novel. It’s crazy to think some people born don’t know what a VHS tape is! Anyway, I digress, this is a great short story. It kept me interested and I love a revenge/vengeance plot. It makes me happy to see evil being snuffed out in art form. If you love that type of book, make sure to read this one!

Description:
Happy Hour is the ninth installment in the Killer VHS Series. Each book in the series is a standalone story incorporating found-footage elements and nostalgic tones reminiscent of the 80s and 90s horror eras. The story focuses on an eccentric owner of a secret 1990s London cocktail lounge who uses bizarre and disturbing surveillance methods to monitor patrons & takes care of anyone who steps out of line. Despite the danger, high-profile figures like famous politicians, glamorous actresses, and international stars are desperate to gain entry, and even more desperate to escape.

[Annelise]

Brian is the owner of "The Dirty Minx" a bar for Britain's politicians, celebrities, and the extremely wealthy. The Dirty Minx was a lifelong dream of his to open with his late brother, Neil, but now the bar exists to honor Neil's memory built from the depths of Brian's guilt.
Growing up, Neil and Brian were raised by an abusive father with financial strain and all Brian ever dreamt about was money, wealth, and societal status. The Dirty Minx became a highly-sought after playground for the social elite to flex their wealth and misbehave and Brian to enact his revenge and disgust for them.
Told in dual timelines, and kicked off with a brutal and gory opening, Happy Hour is a one-sitting novella that's best consumed with a dirty martini. (eye-balls not included.) This was the perfect addition to Short Wave's Killer VHS Series. My first of Gemma Amor's, but now I am very excited to check out "Itch" and other works from her! Add this to your October TBR if you are in the mood for something Fast-paced, gory, full of revenge, and oddly romantic.

Thank you Shortwave for the opportunity to read this early All opinions are my own.

[Cyndi Farfsing · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, quick-paced horror novella. The author did a fantastic job with the pacing, and it was surprisingly clever with its art symbolism. This was a refreshing read, and I can absolutely see the “Goosebumps for adults” vibes.

We meet Brian, the owner of a super luxe, elite bar. He’s poured everything into making the place feel curated and swanky. But unfortunately, Brian finds himself in a bit of a bind and discovers an unexpected ally for some pretty dark deeds.

I appreciated the balance of camp without tipping into cheesy while keeping the pace moving and the characters interesting. The story unfolds in a fun way, with the present moving forward and the flashbacks moving backward. It was disorienting in a good way and kept me wanting to turn the pages.

My only critiques are really a product of the novella format. I absolutely could have read a full-length novel about Brian and the Dirty Minx. Readers who enjoy fast-moving, dark, slightly campy horror will have a great time with this one.

[Tabitha (Reading Tabby) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Shortwave Publishing for the advanced copy.

3.5*

This is a solid story but I just don't know that I like how it was presented. There are alternating timelines here, as the main character occasionally kills people while remembering his past and how it relates to what is happening in the present. I don't know that the back and forth was very effective as it felt more jarring than anything, taking me entirely out of the story the multiple times it happens, frequently in the middle of thoughts or sentences.

I get what the author was doing but I don't know that I liked it.

The story itself is good though, about a club owner who offs clientele now and then. For the importance Jenny has in the story I expected more of her but she's more a background character as Brian is truly a main, main character in this story, everything is about his actions and his history and his headspace. I think if it were reorganized and just a few pages longer with more for Jenny that I would have liked this more and given it a 5 because it is a fun story at the end of it.

[Nerdy Nurse · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the 1812 Overture as a backdrop, this novella is a perfect symphony! I hung on to every note, never daring to look away, a profound YES ringing emphatically in my ears with each chapter!

How clever as well, to keep the reader in suspense by leaving a sentence mid-thought, only to pick it back up moments later.

I’ve read 25 books so far this year, and this one takes the alcopop. A new favourite! A dark read that seeps into you like a cold drink on a warm sunny day. The beginning will sink its claws into you, so beware - consumed in just one sitting, you won’t be able to put it down.

Amor, you’ve done it again! I f**king love you, you dirty minx!

Brian is the owner of an exclusive and luxurious bar. He curates a decadent experience enhanced with fine liquors for the rich and famous. Brian is also fuelled by deep-seated anguish and a longing for vengeance. An irresistible pairing, as you’ll soon find out.

Let the 1812 Overture play 🎶

[Cris G · Rating 5 out of 5]

👻 Happy Hour by Gemma Amor was such a fun read! 📖✨ It was fast-paced, easy to get through, and reminded me why people call these books the "adult Goosebumps." 🖤 It definitely gave me those nostalgic vibes of staying up late reading spooky stories as a kid, but with a more grown-up twist.

🍸 I really enjoyed how the story was split into "before" and "after." It kept me engaged and eager to see how everything would come together. The pacing was great, and I found myself flying through the pages.

🎃 The horror elements were creepy enough to keep things interesting without being overly graphic or nightmare-inducing. If you're looking for a horror story that isn't super gross 🤢 or terrifying 😱, this is a great choice.

📚 If you grew up loving Goosebumps, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It's a quick, entertaining, and spooky read that perfectly captures that nostalgic feeling while still offering something for adult readers. 👻✨

[E.D. Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your revenge served over ice, boy do I have the story for you.

Brian, owns the most excusive drinking club in all of London, The Dirty Minx, which he uses to get his revenge on some a famous past acquaintance. Each chapter jumps between the past and present timeline reveling more of the reason for the revenge and the revenge itself.

This book is extremely face paced, and opens up to a wild scene to start. As someone who has worked in the alcohol industry my entire adult life I loved all of the alcohol references. Side note, all of them are very accurate, so either Amor is an big drinker or great a research. I had a great time reading this book, it felt like it was written with me in mind, but if you aren't a huge drinker this book is a great quick read. I would highly recommend it.

This book was giving to me by the publisher in exchange of an honest review. Thank you Shortwave and Netgalley for the copy.