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Get 20% Off Your First Demon This Halloween
253 pages, Hardcover
Published May 25, 2026
About the author
Michael D.A. Clarke
14 books266 followersMichael D.A. Clarke believes that by adding in his initials and speaking in the third-person, he may come across as a real writer. In reality, he's not quite sure if he is a real writer as he has only written a few books. I mean, he did write them - so, by definition he's definitely a real writer, right? The question should be, "Is he a good writer?" That's for you to decide. But take comfort in knowing that Michael D.A. Clarke has been writing words since he was just 5 years old and has written many words since then.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 16, 2026
This book was so much fun, and prefect for getting into the Halloween spirit!
October 8, 2026
Thanks so much to Michael for reaching out and offering me a copy of this book!
20% Off Your First Demon is a deal offered by Corpse Co., an unconventional business where you can hire a psychopath to exact your revenge. Their services are only available to those who have been wronged, and the demons on their roster are themselves individuals who have been wronged in one way or another.
I really enjoyed the overlapping and intertwining storylines. The first character we meet is Helen, who has been severely abused by her husband on Halloween night and receives a calling card from Corpse Co. While she browses the catalog, we learn about the demons' histories and how they came to be. Interestingly, the demons are out and about on this night as well so there are several simultaneous storylines unfolding. There is some back and forth between them before they finally converge but I never found it particularly difficult to follow and thought the intertwining of different stories was handled well.
That said, I felt there were a tad too many instances where sexual assault or the threat of it was used as part of the story or as a basis for retribution. One of the demons uses this as her method of revenge so I suppose I understood why it appeared more than once, but with a few other instances/references of sexual misconduct it started to feel like one occurrence too many for me.
I also wasn't quite sure how to feel about Mr. Bondley's indiscriminate cruelty. The revenge and retribution in the story generally seem centered around people who have genuinely done something to deserve it, but he seems to be the one character who punishes people harshly regardless of what "rules" they've broken or whether it's established that they've broken any rules at all (i.e. did every single kid in his class really deserve that?). Some of his actions just felt inconsistent with the story's broader ideas about who deserves punishment.
One stylistic choice that became distracting was the frequent use of triplets of sentence fragments or single-word phrases to illustrate a scene. I thought this worked well in some moments but because the structure appeared so frequently it began to feel overused.
My favorite scene was probably Tariq trying to get the alcohol for the underage kids who didn't realize he was a zombie. I found that one particularly amusing and I would have enjoyed seeing a few more lighter or harmless moments like that.
Overall I appreciated the premise and particularly enjoyed the way the different storylines came together throughout the Halloween night. It's a quick read that moves along at a good pace and I thought the cliffhanger ending was a fun way to leave things open. Some elements weren't exactly my cup of tea but there were definitely parts I appreciated.
20% Off Your First Demon is a deal offered by Corpse Co., an unconventional business where you can hire a psychopath to exact your revenge. Their services are only available to those who have been wronged, and the demons on their roster are themselves individuals who have been wronged in one way or another.
I really enjoyed the overlapping and intertwining storylines. The first character we meet is Helen, who has been severely abused by her husband on Halloween night and receives a calling card from Corpse Co. While she browses the catalog, we learn about the demons' histories and how they came to be. Interestingly, the demons are out and about on this night as well so there are several simultaneous storylines unfolding. There is some back and forth between them before they finally converge but I never found it particularly difficult to follow and thought the intertwining of different stories was handled well.
That said, I felt there were a tad too many instances where sexual assault or the threat of it was used as part of the story or as a basis for retribution. One of the demons uses this as her method of revenge so I suppose I understood why it appeared more than once, but with a few other instances/references of sexual misconduct it started to feel like one occurrence too many for me.
I also wasn't quite sure how to feel about Mr. Bondley's indiscriminate cruelty. The revenge and retribution in the story generally seem centered around people who have genuinely done something to deserve it, but he seems to be the one character who punishes people harshly regardless of what "rules" they've broken or whether it's established that they've broken any rules at all (i.e. did every single kid in his class really deserve that?). Some of his actions just felt inconsistent with the story's broader ideas about who deserves punishment.
One stylistic choice that became distracting was the frequent use of triplets of sentence fragments or single-word phrases to illustrate a scene. I thought this worked well in some moments but because the structure appeared so frequently it began to feel overused.
My favorite scene was probably Tariq trying to get the alcohol for the underage kids who didn't realize he was a zombie. I found that one particularly amusing and I would have enjoyed seeing a few more lighter or harmless moments like that.
Overall I appreciated the premise and particularly enjoyed the way the different storylines came together throughout the Halloween night. It's a quick read that moves along at a good pace and I thought the cliffhanger ending was a fun way to leave things open. Some elements weren't exactly my cup of tea but there were definitely parts I appreciated.
October 31, 2026
Get 20% Off Your First Demon This Halloween is a short slasher novel/novella about a woman in a horrific low point who receives a nudge to take karma into her own hands… at a discount! As she peruses the psychopaths, killers, and monsters for hire, she learns their backstories and sees how they might be able to save not only her, but others being victimized by her tormentor too. With so many gruesome options before her, how can she choose just one?
The title and synopsis present this as a horror comedy and, while it has its humorous moments, it definitely skews far more towards the slasher/horror side than comedic. I enjoyed the book, but needed to adjust my expectations half way through because the synopsis leads the reader to thinking it’d be more lighthearted than it was. As a horror novel/novella (I’m not sure where that line is?!) it was a great choice as a Halloween read. While the primary story is resolved, it definitely sets the stage for a part 2, which I’m curious about!
The title and synopsis present this as a horror comedy and, while it has its humorous moments, it definitely skews far more towards the slasher/horror side than comedic. I enjoyed the book, but needed to adjust my expectations half way through because the synopsis leads the reader to thinking it’d be more lighthearted than it was. As a horror novel/novella (I’m not sure where that line is?!) it was a great choice as a Halloween read. While the primary story is resolved, it definitely sets the stage for a part 2, which I’m curious about!
September 26, 2026
Firstly, thank you to the author for reaching out to me with a request for an open and honest review.
This book was so good! Perfect for Spooky Season. It tells a few different stories that interconnect in one way or another.
The book opens on a young woman, Helen, who lies near death in a motel room after a severe beating from her violent husband. She sees an advert on the television “20% Off Your First Demon This Halloween” Mustering all her strength she takes up this offer and so begins a night full of fun, frolics, blood, gore, and a large smattering of shock value.
A teacher who was once a strict disciplinarian, but who struggled with the march of time in teaching and policy change is pushed to, and far beyond breaking point, a group of teens who are making their way to a party on Halloween Night, unrequited love amongst them, A young man and woman who are about to have their first time together when the ultimate tragedy occurs and a young woman missing from the town.
This book deals with some quite heavy topics, marital abuse, sexual assault, bullying, but it does so in a really interesting and engaging way.
The payoff is so satisfying and the bad guys get what they deserve. The message here is don’t be the bad guy, because you’ll pay… One way or another and your payment will be… Well...
My heart went out to Becky, the young woman who was missing. Her story was heartbreaking but the payoff for her was extremely satisfying. I also really felt for Haylee… I will never listen to Bob Marley in quite the same way ever again. AND I always felt mimes were an abomination!!
Our main character, Helen, who the whole book revolves around, goes on quite the journey and her payoff… Well…
The writing was so good. There was real humour and heart. So many horror tropes but none that made you feel that the story was “Samey” in any way. The book felt fresh, fun, shocking (in the best possible way!) and compulsively readable.
Enough blood, guts and gore to keep your dark little soul happily fed for the Spooky Season ahead!! There are major Tim Burton vibes here. Especially Beetlejuice.
This book was so good! Perfect for Spooky Season. It tells a few different stories that interconnect in one way or another.
The book opens on a young woman, Helen, who lies near death in a motel room after a severe beating from her violent husband. She sees an advert on the television “20% Off Your First Demon This Halloween” Mustering all her strength she takes up this offer and so begins a night full of fun, frolics, blood, gore, and a large smattering of shock value.
A teacher who was once a strict disciplinarian, but who struggled with the march of time in teaching and policy change is pushed to, and far beyond breaking point, a group of teens who are making their way to a party on Halloween Night, unrequited love amongst them, A young man and woman who are about to have their first time together when the ultimate tragedy occurs and a young woman missing from the town.
This book deals with some quite heavy topics, marital abuse, sexual assault, bullying, but it does so in a really interesting and engaging way.
The payoff is so satisfying and the bad guys get what they deserve. The message here is don’t be the bad guy, because you’ll pay… One way or another and your payment will be… Well...
My heart went out to Becky, the young woman who was missing. Her story was heartbreaking but the payoff for her was extremely satisfying. I also really felt for Haylee… I will never listen to Bob Marley in quite the same way ever again. AND I always felt mimes were an abomination!!
Our main character, Helen, who the whole book revolves around, goes on quite the journey and her payoff… Well…
The writing was so good. There was real humour and heart. So many horror tropes but none that made you feel that the story was “Samey” in any way. The book felt fresh, fun, shocking (in the best possible way!) and compulsively readable.
Enough blood, guts and gore to keep your dark little soul happily fed for the Spooky Season ahead!! There are major Tim Burton vibes here. Especially Beetlejuice.
October 12, 2026
Based on the cover, this seems like a great addition to a spooky Halloween TBR. This book was sent to me by the author who asked if I would read his book and I gladly agreed. The book takes off with a woman who is basically "shopping" for someone to murder her husband. 20% OFF YOUR FIRST DEMON is the deal advertised by the business who can help a person get revenge using all sorts of creepy, evil beings.
The book comes across as kind of campy at first and initially reminded me of Beetlejuice with a little twinge of the comedic, trying to be frightening, Billy the zombie from Hocus Pocus. The story goes in different directions like a series of short series that are all tied together. It was close to entertaining until it wasn't. There were instances of sexual assault, abuse, and threats made to women. While I understand the author is going down the "they will get what's coming to them" path and the assaults were closed door, this was not for me. It was almost a DNF, but I didn't want what was likely happening behind closed doors to be the last thing on my mind. It is a pretty short book, a quick read, and not too deep or detailed, so I just went ahead and finished it to see if the bad guys got what they deserved. I will say that I will not look at mimes or those little toffee candies in gold wrappers the same way ever again.
The book comes across as kind of campy at first and initially reminded me of Beetlejuice with a little twinge of the comedic, trying to be frightening, Billy the zombie from Hocus Pocus. The story goes in different directions like a series of short series that are all tied together. It was close to entertaining until it wasn't. There were instances of sexual assault, abuse, and threats made to women. While I understand the author is going down the "they will get what's coming to them" path and the assaults were closed door, this was not for me. It was almost a DNF, but I didn't want what was likely happening behind closed doors to be the last thing on my mind. It is a pretty short book, a quick read, and not too deep or detailed, so I just went ahead and finished it to see if the bad guys got what they deserved. I will say that I will not look at mimes or those little toffee candies in gold wrappers the same way ever again.
October 19, 2026
Ohhh, this was such a good short story!🙌🏽 I went into this one curious and I ended up having such a great time with it! The storyline was incredibly unique and I loved how weird, spooky and entertaining it was. It gave me major 90s Beetlejuice vibes and honestly, I was here for it!👻 There was something about the whole concept that felt so different and I really enjoyed seeing how the author brought this story to life.
Even though it's a short read, it definitely managed to grab my attention and leave me wanting more. I loved the spooky, chaotic energy and it was such a fun little read to squeeze in, especially during spooky season!🎃 If you enjoy stories that are a little strange, a little creepy and have that quirky supernatural vibe, this one might be right up your alley!
But y'all…can we talk about that cliffhanger?!😩😭 Because what was that ending?! You cannot just leave me hanging like that and expect me to be okay!😂 Now I have so many questions and I absolutely need to know how this story ends. Thankfully, I already have book two, so you already know I'm going to be picking that one up because there's no way I'm just going to sit here wondering what happens next!👀 Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and I'm so glad I picked it up!
Even though it's a short read, it definitely managed to grab my attention and leave me wanting more. I loved the spooky, chaotic energy and it was such a fun little read to squeeze in, especially during spooky season!🎃 If you enjoy stories that are a little strange, a little creepy and have that quirky supernatural vibe, this one might be right up your alley!
But y'all…can we talk about that cliffhanger?!😩😭 Because what was that ending?! You cannot just leave me hanging like that and expect me to be okay!😂 Now I have so many questions and I absolutely need to know how this story ends. Thankfully, I already have book two, so you already know I'm going to be picking that one up because there's no way I'm just going to sit here wondering what happens next!👀 Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and I'm so glad I picked it up!
May 28, 2026
I got the opportunity to review an advanced digital copy of this book and I've actually went and bought the paperback version for my collection, I loved it that much!
This has become a new favourite of mine — I read it in one sitting.
I absolutely love anthology books and movies, but my favourites are always the ones with interconnected stories, and this pulled that off perfectly. Such a fun concept too… because honestly, who wouldn’t want the option to call on demons and psychopaths to deal with the worst people in the world?!
The whole Corpse Corp office gave me major Beetlejuice vibes, and the humour was top-tier while still keeping that eerie, creepy edge throughout.
I also loved all the references to classic horror movies and monster clichés. Going through the “options” with Helen while she chose something completely demented for her revenge was so entertaining, and I loved getting the backstories for each potential candidate too.
I loved this so much that I’m already desperate for a sequel — and honestly, this book NEEDS to be turned into a TV series.
Scream wassssuuuup!
This has become a new favourite of mine — I read it in one sitting.
I absolutely love anthology books and movies, but my favourites are always the ones with interconnected stories, and this pulled that off perfectly. Such a fun concept too… because honestly, who wouldn’t want the option to call on demons and psychopaths to deal with the worst people in the world?!
The whole Corpse Corp office gave me major Beetlejuice vibes, and the humour was top-tier while still keeping that eerie, creepy edge throughout.
I also loved all the references to classic horror movies and monster clichés. Going through the “options” with Helen while she chose something completely demented for her revenge was so entertaining, and I loved getting the backstories for each potential candidate too.
I loved this so much that I’m already desperate for a sequel — and honestly, this book NEEDS to be turned into a TV series.
Scream wassssuuuup!
October 13, 2026
Michael D.A Clarke what's going on in that noggin of yours? Get 20% Off Your First Demon This Halloween was unlike anything I've read. Funny, gross, creepy... just plain weird.
Imagine yourself in the time of The Home Shopping Network, but instead of buying jewelry, you're buying revenge. And just imagine that revenge comes in a myriad of varieties: vampire, demon, zombie, ghost, ect. Peruse before you choose.
It was fun to jump into the backstories of these "employees". Horror within your horror. And although there really is nothing funny about rage and killing, Clarke pulls the satire off in a way that doesn't make me feel guilty about giggling. While I did find the narrative a bit disjointed, I'm not sure it ever really bothered me much. Why? Because it was interesting and it was fun.
Final thoughts? 13 Ghosts meets Scooby Doo. This book was a fast, easy read. It might not win the Pulitzer, but it was a unique kickoff to the Spooktober reading season. And that damn mime? No. Just no.
My gratitude to Michael D.A Clarke for the gifted copy. I am sharing my reading experience willingly.
Imagine yourself in the time of The Home Shopping Network, but instead of buying jewelry, you're buying revenge. And just imagine that revenge comes in a myriad of varieties: vampire, demon, zombie, ghost, ect. Peruse before you choose.
It was fun to jump into the backstories of these "employees". Horror within your horror. And although there really is nothing funny about rage and killing, Clarke pulls the satire off in a way that doesn't make me feel guilty about giggling. While I did find the narrative a bit disjointed, I'm not sure it ever really bothered me much. Why? Because it was interesting and it was fun.
Final thoughts? 13 Ghosts meets Scooby Doo. This book was a fast, easy read. It might not win the Pulitzer, but it was a unique kickoff to the Spooktober reading season. And that damn mime? No. Just no.
My gratitude to Michael D.A Clarke for the gifted copy. I am sharing my reading experience willingly.
October 18, 2026
I never thought I'd say this about a horror book but this book was so much fun to read! It played out like an awesome Tim Burton movie in my head and was a book I absolutely devoured in about two days. I just couldn’t put it down and it made me laugh out loud so many times. Corpse Co is a unique business where you can hire a psychopath to take revenge on someone in your life doing you wrong. They have a wide variety of demons from vampires to zombies to psychopathic teachers who just want people to follow the rules with horrific consequences. I never thought horror could be so humorous and I found myself giggling at things that I really shouldn’t have been finding funny but that’s the charm of the writing in this book. It does cover some pretty dark themes though so if you have any triggers you may want to check them before reading.
This is the perfect book to read in the build up to spooky season as it’s funny, horrific but sharp and witty at the same time and with that ending, I need to read the next book as soon as possible!
This is the perfect book to read in the build up to spooky season as it’s funny, horrific but sharp and witty at the same time and with that ending, I need to read the next book as soon as possible!
October 15, 2026
A unique, dark twisted Halloween read.
Halloween is the busiest night of the year for Corpse Corp. Limited.
They offer a unique service to societies, desperate, battered and broken, supplying psychos , maniacs, and other deadly forces to those seeking some violent karma.
The title and the synopsis caught my attention.
The story starts off intense as we discover Helen battered and barely conscious while an ad for corpse corpse plays on the TV. While Helen makes her way to corpse Corp. and is being introduced to the various entities that can assist with her revenge. There is a group of teenagers walking down the street on their way to celebrate Halloween.
The story is very well written, touching on serious topics while bringing some lightheartedness mixed in with a good amount of descriptive gore. The story of Helen seeking revenge and how the teenagers are trying to celebrate Halloween is very well done ; we get to meet some of the entities and their reason for being part of corpse Corp.
I kept thinking of the movie Sean of the dead while I was reading, certain portions give out that kind of comedic vibe. It is a story that you can definitely visualize while you’re reading. Looking forward to continuing a story with 20% off your first demon at Christmas.
thank you, Micheal for sending me this copy. His books are available on KU. Check them out.
Halloween is the busiest night of the year for Corpse Corp. Limited.
They offer a unique service to societies, desperate, battered and broken, supplying psychos , maniacs, and other deadly forces to those seeking some violent karma.
The title and the synopsis caught my attention.
The story starts off intense as we discover Helen battered and barely conscious while an ad for corpse corpse plays on the TV. While Helen makes her way to corpse Corp. and is being introduced to the various entities that can assist with her revenge. There is a group of teenagers walking down the street on their way to celebrate Halloween.
The story is very well written, touching on serious topics while bringing some lightheartedness mixed in with a good amount of descriptive gore. The story of Helen seeking revenge and how the teenagers are trying to celebrate Halloween is very well done ; we get to meet some of the entities and their reason for being part of corpse Corp.
I kept thinking of the movie Sean of the dead while I was reading, certain portions give out that kind of comedic vibe. It is a story that you can definitely visualize while you’re reading. Looking forward to continuing a story with 20% off your first demon at Christmas.
thank you, Micheal for sending me this copy. His books are available on KU. Check them out.
October 6, 2026
First I’d like to thank the author for sending me a free digital copy of this!
This was a super fun and quick read (well, as fun as reading about horrible occurrences can be) to get you in the Halloween spirit.
A lot of trigger warnings to this one, and it may not be for everyone, but I appreciate that it was able to take heavy topics such as abuse, SA, and bullying and capture their true essence while adding over-arching comedic relief. In a lot of ways it was very raw, you could feel the pain these characters suffered, and I found myself quickly becoming fond of them even though it was a relatively short story.
If you’re someone who gets dark humor and can appreciate it, this is a great one to throw into your TBR pile. A mix of cheesy, early 90s Halloween vibes with a heavy dose of brutal reality.
This was a super fun and quick read (well, as fun as reading about horrible occurrences can be) to get you in the Halloween spirit.
A lot of trigger warnings to this one, and it may not be for everyone, but I appreciate that it was able to take heavy topics such as abuse, SA, and bullying and capture their true essence while adding over-arching comedic relief. In a lot of ways it was very raw, you could feel the pain these characters suffered, and I found myself quickly becoming fond of them even though it was a relatively short story.
If you’re someone who gets dark humor and can appreciate it, this is a great one to throw into your TBR pile. A mix of cheesy, early 90s Halloween vibes with a heavy dose of brutal reality.
June 21, 2026
ARC REVIEW -
I enjoyed this adventure so much! Vibes were like a mix of Beetlegeuse, IT, and some splashes of Stranger Things (that plot twist?!). It was full of horror and gorey moments - each “option” for revenge dumps you into a story creepier than the last and gives you moments of wtf throughout sparkled with humor. Absolutely give this book a chance - the plot twist at the end? Wheeeew can’t wait for the next installment.
I enjoyed this adventure so much! Vibes were like a mix of Beetlegeuse, IT, and some splashes of Stranger Things (that plot twist?!). It was full of horror and gorey moments - each “option” for revenge dumps you into a story creepier than the last and gives you moments of wtf throughout sparkled with humor. Absolutely give this book a chance - the plot twist at the end? Wheeeew can’t wait for the next installment.
August 18, 2026
Sweet sweet vengence! Bloody, gory, sticky and thrilling. The villains are so frustrating, it makes their comeuppance all the more satisfying. It's dark and funny and so creative! It never felt exploitative, but check your triggers before reading. There is all the horrific chaos I could have hoped for, this has instantly become a Halloween classic I will be rereading again and again. Can't wait for part two!
September 28, 2026
A tense and gruesome yet comedic revenge story. While the content had me taking regular breaks, the sweet, bloody vengeance had me smiling to myself. The ghost-shopping for a killer is reminiscent of Thirteen Ghosts, whole the Halloween atmosphere and almost episodic storytelling reminded me of Trick 'r Treat and it's comedic, horrifying tales.
Not for the faint of heart, but seasoned horror readers will absolutely enjoy this! Maybe just avoid toffee candy while reading 🍬
Not for the faint of heart, but seasoned horror readers will absolutely enjoy this! Maybe just avoid toffee candy while reading 🍬
October 19, 2026
A fun and unique Halloween story. Totally could have seen this as a tale the Crypt Creeper would have told!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews