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Play, Thing
YOU WOULD MAKE SUCH A LOVELY DOLL
Molly Catherine "MC" Tomlinson has always been afraid of the world around her. Being a nonverbal autistic, she feels like an outsider to everyone else. But with her older brother Elliot, she feels at least a little happier. Their lives, however, are turned violently upside down when they are kidnapped by the twisted Auntie Sophie.
Mysterious, child-like, and undeniably dangerous, Auntie Sophie places MC in a game of torture. MC must face her fears, and use her resilience and wits to survive a nightmarish funhouse.
In this gruesome, terrifying story, witness the horrors that arise when a young girl faces off against a sadistic mind wanting to make her suffer.
Molly Catherine "MC" Tomlinson has always been afraid of the world around her. Being a nonverbal autistic, she feels like an outsider to everyone else. But with her older brother Elliot, she feels at least a little happier. Their lives, however, are turned violently upside down when they are kidnapped by the twisted Auntie Sophie.
Mysterious, child-like, and undeniably dangerous, Auntie Sophie places MC in a game of torture. MC must face her fears, and use her resilience and wits to survive a nightmarish funhouse.
In this gruesome, terrifying story, witness the horrors that arise when a young girl faces off against a sadistic mind wanting to make her suffer.
- GenresHorror
284 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2026
About the author
Hayden Robinson
11 books54 followersHayden Robinson is an English writer. He writes mainly in horror and poetry. His themes often focus on overcoming trauma and neurodivergent characters. He currently lives in Decatur, GA with his wife, their dog and their two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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August 15, 2026Play, Thing is a quirky novel that, I feel, will appeal to readers who enjoy horror escape rooms and slasher movies.
I feel that the strength of this novel lies in the representation it gives to autistic individuals, and I really enjoyed following Molly's journey. I'm yet to read another novel that has a main character with autism, and I felt that the author's own life experiences really shone through - ending up with a story with a character that was realistic, and easy to emphasise with. I thought it was particularly clever that despite Molly being non-verbal, we were really able to get inside her mind and feel what she was going through - which is always something you want in a horror!
Whereas this isn't my typical read (I'm more a supernatural, gothic dread horror reader than a saw-esq slasher one), I did enjoy the almost Alice in Wonderland esq fantasy aspects of it, with the dolls and "funhouse" and I appreciated the chance to read it early :)
I feel that the strength of this novel lies in the representation it gives to autistic individuals, and I really enjoyed following Molly's journey. I'm yet to read another novel that has a main character with autism, and I felt that the author's own life experiences really shone through - ending up with a story with a character that was realistic, and easy to emphasise with. I thought it was particularly clever that despite Molly being non-verbal, we were really able to get inside her mind and feel what she was going through - which is always something you want in a horror!
Whereas this isn't my typical read (I'm more a supernatural, gothic dread horror reader than a saw-esq slasher one), I did enjoy the almost Alice in Wonderland esq fantasy aspects of it, with the dolls and "funhouse" and I appreciated the chance to read it early :)
August 20, 2026
Another wonderful spooky read from Hayden! I love the way he tells a story and how truly gripped it makes you feel, this was such a fun and clever storyline and I really enjoyed it! The neurodivergent representation was great to read and isn’t done enough in books so that was really nice to see and I really did love all the characters in this story! Amazing job yet again Hayden!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OVERALL RATING: 4.5★
(No major spoilers)
Thank you for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
──── ⚝ ────
♫ Now playing - 'I can't fix you' by The Living Tombstone ♫
RATING CHART:
★★★★★ : Amazing/Memorable
★★★★ : Super Good/Hooked
★★★ : Ok/Epitome of Mediocre
★★ : Maybe Not/Had Potential
★ : Not It/Forced to Finish
──── ⚝ ────
Plot:
◈ Beginning- 4★
◈ Middle- 4.5★
◈ End- 5★
Thoughts:
What a thrilling and daring book this is! Really, I was expecting a straightforward and light horror read, but was greeted by a surprisingly unique survival story unlike anything I've read before. This book bravely takes on many different tropes and challenges, and it executes it so cleverly! It felt like a unique mashup of the game Poppy Playtime and Five Nights at Freddy's. Don't let the simple plot fool you like I did, because you're in for a roller coaster of a ride.
---
◈ Beginning:
Since the main character is nonverbal, I was curious how the author would execute the story despite this restriction. We follow Molly Catherine (MC), an autistic teenage girl who is tagging along with her older brother geocaching. We see the relationship of MC and her brother through a series of brief flashbacks, and how she uses her speech tablet as her main means of communication. The flashbacks were what initially turned me off for a while, but this part was definitely necessary in getting to know some important things relating to MC's background and her relationship with her family.
◈ Middle:
I was genuinely shocked by a lot of things, multiple POVs (one of which really surprised me), the strange Aunt Sophie, and how MC ends up alone without her speech tablet, which boldly strips her away from her comfort zone. That was the part that really excited me to finish the story. To save her brother, MC has to beat three challenges set by Aunt Sophie in her labyrinth of dolls. The challenges were the main part, and although they were fairly simple, they fit Aunt Sophie's twisted, child-like personality perfectly. Aunt Sophie was what really sold the experience. Her personality switches from warm and motherly to utterly unhinged in seconds. As a horror enthusiast, I found the horror parts itself a bit lighter than what usually scares me, though I fully expected that. Still, there were several scenes that made me genuinely squeamish.
Throughout MC's exploration and searching, we also see another POV following a detective and his coworker working together to solve the disappearance of MC and her brother, the case mirroring the tragedy that befell the detective's family. This second POV adds a mystery to solve alongside the main character that I was able to follow along easily and piece together what was happening while still being invested in the story.
◈ Ending:
This book definitely grew on me. The author was not afraid to write down every idea, making for a fresh and sometimes devastating experience. I loved MC's growth and how human it all felt. It made the ending all the more realistic.
---
Afterthought:
There's a teaser for a second book on Threads posted by the author! I'll definitely be awaiting the next story. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy psychological horror, creepy game-like challenges, and a strong character-driven survival story. If you like the classic mascot horror games I mentioned, or unsettling doll horror, this story is also worth checking out.
(No major spoilers)
Thank you for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
──── ⚝ ────
♫ Now playing - 'I can't fix you' by The Living Tombstone ♫
RATING CHART:
★★★★★ : Amazing/Memorable
★★★★ : Super Good/Hooked
★★★ : Ok/Epitome of Mediocre
★★ : Maybe Not/Had Potential
★ : Not It/Forced to Finish
──── ⚝ ────
Plot:
◈ Beginning- 4★
◈ Middle- 4.5★
◈ End- 5★
Thoughts:
What a thrilling and daring book this is! Really, I was expecting a straightforward and light horror read, but was greeted by a surprisingly unique survival story unlike anything I've read before. This book bravely takes on many different tropes and challenges, and it executes it so cleverly! It felt like a unique mashup of the game Poppy Playtime and Five Nights at Freddy's. Don't let the simple plot fool you like I did, because you're in for a roller coaster of a ride.
---
◈ Beginning:
Since the main character is nonverbal, I was curious how the author would execute the story despite this restriction. We follow Molly Catherine (MC), an autistic teenage girl who is tagging along with her older brother geocaching. We see the relationship of MC and her brother through a series of brief flashbacks, and how she uses her speech tablet as her main means of communication. The flashbacks were what initially turned me off for a while, but this part was definitely necessary in getting to know some important things relating to MC's background and her relationship with her family.
◈ Middle:
I was genuinely shocked by a lot of things, multiple POVs (one of which really surprised me), the strange Aunt Sophie, and how MC ends up alone without her speech tablet, which boldly strips her away from her comfort zone. That was the part that really excited me to finish the story. To save her brother, MC has to beat three challenges set by Aunt Sophie in her labyrinth of dolls. The challenges were the main part, and although they were fairly simple, they fit Aunt Sophie's twisted, child-like personality perfectly. Aunt Sophie was what really sold the experience. Her personality switches from warm and motherly to utterly unhinged in seconds. As a horror enthusiast, I found the horror parts itself a bit lighter than what usually scares me, though I fully expected that. Still, there were several scenes that made me genuinely squeamish.
Throughout MC's exploration and searching, we also see another POV following a detective and his coworker working together to solve the disappearance of MC and her brother, the case mirroring the tragedy that befell the detective's family. This second POV adds a mystery to solve alongside the main character that I was able to follow along easily and piece together what was happening while still being invested in the story.
◈ Ending:
This book definitely grew on me. The author was not afraid to write down every idea, making for a fresh and sometimes devastating experience. I loved MC's growth and how human it all felt. It made the ending all the more realistic.
---
Afterthought:
There's a teaser for a second book on Threads posted by the author! I'll definitely be awaiting the next story. I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy psychological horror, creepy game-like challenges, and a strong character-driven survival story. If you like the classic mascot horror games I mentioned, or unsettling doll horror, this story is also worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3.5-4⭐️
If Saw, Escape Room, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and House of Wax had a baby…
…Auntie Sophie would turn it into a doll and ruin its life.
Play, Thing follows Molly Catherine (MC), a nonverbal autistic teenager, on a trip with her family in Georgia from the UK. MC is hilarious, strong, brave, and so many other adjectives - but she doesn’t necessarily believe she’s all those things until she’s forced into a life or death or doll situation. That situation: a 7-foot-tall woman self-named Auntie Sophie loves kidnapping people and performing experiments on them.
When Auntie Sophie kidnaps MC and her brother, MC is forced to trust her instincts and an unexpected ally to save herself and her brother before it’s too late and she’s not herself anymore.
What I really liked about this book was the alternating parallel perspectives of MC and the detectives trying to find her. They merge together smoothly - and there’s even a plot line they both have in common that I loved. MC really proves that it doesn’t matter what the world (or even you) thinks you’re capable of. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you’re helpless or can’t try to save the day.
On a smaller scale, I had a hard time with the believability of some plot points or character choices that seemed to go against how those characters presented themselves. Those choices pulled me out of the store a little, but overall, this is a great novel for anyone interested in a gory, cat-and-mouse funhouse romp. And honestly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Mariane, and you’ll have to read the book to find out why.
Thanks so much to the author for this eARC. These are my own authentic thoughts and opinions.
If Saw, Escape Room, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and House of Wax had a baby…
…Auntie Sophie would turn it into a doll and ruin its life.
Play, Thing follows Molly Catherine (MC), a nonverbal autistic teenager, on a trip with her family in Georgia from the UK. MC is hilarious, strong, brave, and so many other adjectives - but she doesn’t necessarily believe she’s all those things until she’s forced into a life or death or doll situation. That situation: a 7-foot-tall woman self-named Auntie Sophie loves kidnapping people and performing experiments on them.
When Auntie Sophie kidnaps MC and her brother, MC is forced to trust her instincts and an unexpected ally to save herself and her brother before it’s too late and she’s not herself anymore.
What I really liked about this book was the alternating parallel perspectives of MC and the detectives trying to find her. They merge together smoothly - and there’s even a plot line they both have in common that I loved. MC really proves that it doesn’t matter what the world (or even you) thinks you’re capable of. Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you’re helpless or can’t try to save the day.
On a smaller scale, I had a hard time with the believability of some plot points or character choices that seemed to go against how those characters presented themselves. Those choices pulled me out of the store a little, but overall, this is a great novel for anyone interested in a gory, cat-and-mouse funhouse romp. And honestly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Mariane, and you’ll have to read the book to find out why.
Thanks so much to the author for this eARC. These are my own authentic thoughts and opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Author
🍑 ARC Copy Review! 🍑
As someone with AuDHD, I loved that the FMC was Autistic and included her thought processes, sensory difficulties & overwhelm. It’s my first read with a neurodivergent character and I appreciated the representation and awareness, it was very well done. 🧠
( I also love the gay/bi/non-binary & trans mentions & inclusiveness with the character diversity 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ 🫶🏻 )
With the unsettling character of Auntie Sophie, and the game that MC had to play, I instantly had ‘Coraline’ vibes with the ‘Other Mother’ and I loved it! It was very absurd in the most fun way and had a creepy and weird Alice In Wonderland crossed with Five Nights at Freddy’s feel to it.
There’s a lot in the story that keeps you engaged, from the character’s back stories, the multiple POVs, to the way the story and tension builds as things progress and the not knowing how things are going to play out.
Parts of the story tugged at my heart strings and held important messages within the words. I was attached the characters MC & Mariane and enjoyed their endeavours and finding out reveals of whether I’d figured things out!
This book was more on the tame side of what I usually read but I loved the themes so much and really enjoyed it. I look forward to more work from Hayden! 🔥
(284 Pages)
As someone with AuDHD, I loved that the FMC was Autistic and included her thought processes, sensory difficulties & overwhelm. It’s my first read with a neurodivergent character and I appreciated the representation and awareness, it was very well done. 🧠
( I also love the gay/bi/non-binary & trans mentions & inclusiveness with the character diversity 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ 🫶🏻 )
With the unsettling character of Auntie Sophie, and the game that MC had to play, I instantly had ‘Coraline’ vibes with the ‘Other Mother’ and I loved it! It was very absurd in the most fun way and had a creepy and weird Alice In Wonderland crossed with Five Nights at Freddy’s feel to it.
There’s a lot in the story that keeps you engaged, from the character’s back stories, the multiple POVs, to the way the story and tension builds as things progress and the not knowing how things are going to play out.
Parts of the story tugged at my heart strings and held important messages within the words. I was attached the characters MC & Mariane and enjoyed their endeavours and finding out reveals of whether I’d figured things out!
This book was more on the tame side of what I usually read but I loved the themes so much and really enjoyed it. I look forward to more work from Hayden! 🔥
(284 Pages)
Review of advance copy received from Author
After having read Hayden Robinson's short story collection, I couldn't wait to dive into this book! He definitely did not disappoint with an epic storyline that also has a deeper meaning. I loved the character arc of Molly-Catherine. She has to navigate a world wherein she is autistic, and everything she has to deal with in that respect. So when her life takes a horrific turn, and she grows stronger and stronger as the book wears on, I felt so inspired. And this is what I loved so much about this book, it was not just gore for gore's sake, there was an intricate storyline with believable and relatable characters. Hayden has a gift for weaving worlds out of a blank page, and interesting, complex characters. I also didn't feel let down by the ending which is often the case with books I have read in the past. The scenery is detailed and the dialogue is believable and never boring. If you enjoy horror and a good, creepy story or you're just looking for a book which will help you to feel empowered in a world full of prejudice toward those who are different, I highly recommend this story. I saw it as a metaphor for a lot of things.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you could be a doll, what would you be?
This book is unlike anything you have read before. Think Alice in Wonderland meets Frankenstein meets Five Nights at Freddy's meets dead eyed vintage dolls.
The setting is ultra creepy: something ripped straight out of a childhood nightmare. The villain is as evil as she is tall. She's the warped host of a children's show gone terribly wrong. The sassy FMC has non-verbal autism. She also happens to be named MC. The first person POV is perfect for her. We are able to get a sense of her thought process and emotional state as she endures the twisted games she's forced to play to save her brother.
Now, won't you join Auntie Sophie for a cup of tea? She's dying to play with you. Maybe if you are sweet enough she'll even give you a slice of her delicious peace cake.
This book is unlike anything you have read before. Think Alice in Wonderland meets Frankenstein meets Five Nights at Freddy's meets dead eyed vintage dolls.
The setting is ultra creepy: something ripped straight out of a childhood nightmare. The villain is as evil as she is tall. She's the warped host of a children's show gone terribly wrong. The sassy FMC has non-verbal autism. She also happens to be named MC. The first person POV is perfect for her. We are able to get a sense of her thought process and emotional state as she endures the twisted games she's forced to play to save her brother.
Now, won't you join Auntie Sophie for a cup of tea? She's dying to play with you. Maybe if you are sweet enough she'll even give you a slice of her delicious peace cake.
August 26, 2026
"You would make such a lovely doll..
This was such a delightfully creepy read! Part Saw, part Five Nights At Freddy's and Poppy's Playtime, this story combined the strange and the macabre, and yet also made space for deeper meanings and awareness, especially for neurodivergence. Several of the characters in Play, Thing are autistic, and the story delves into their individual experiences.
Some parts of this story can be upsetting to read, so please, please heed the content warning at the beginning of the book.
I enjoyed this book, and if you're a fan of creepy, "doll-house like" horror, this is a definite recommendation from me!
This was such a delightfully creepy read! Part Saw, part Five Nights At Freddy's and Poppy's Playtime, this story combined the strange and the macabre, and yet also made space for deeper meanings and awareness, especially for neurodivergence. Several of the characters in Play, Thing are autistic, and the story delves into their individual experiences.
Some parts of this story can be upsetting to read, so please, please heed the content warning at the beginning of the book.
I enjoyed this book, and if you're a fan of creepy, "doll-house like" horror, this is a definite recommendation from me!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the pleasure to be an arc reader for this book. I don’t read horror as I thought I would be too scared but from the moment you meet MC and the story starts to form, you are hooked. The story had the perfect balance of moments you are scared and so curious to keep going. If you want to meet the most unhinged, evilest character, wait till meet Auntie Sophie and dare I say she was my favorite character! 😈 But MC was just honestly the best and I truly recommend reading this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the author for letting read this book early.
This book was one of those that kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time I was reading. I was so drawn into the characters from the start. There were times I was not sure what was going to happen and I was so worried about what was going to happen, I would find myself thinking about the book when I was not even reading it. This is one that you are not going to want to skip.
This book was one of those that kept you on the edge of your seat the entire time I was reading. I was so drawn into the characters from the start. There were times I was not sure what was going to happen and I was so worried about what was going to happen, I would find myself thinking about the book when I was not even reading it. This is one that you are not going to want to skip.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved the creepy setting and the unsettling doll horror was had initially what caught my attention so I picked this book up and do not regret it. I found this to be great time and was executed very cleverly. I loved how detailed the scenery was in this one and had me hooked from the start till the end I could not put this book down. I was happy with the ending and was not disappointed with this read. this was well written and fun time.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Molly (MC) has non verbal autism and loves her big brother Elliot who makes her feel safe. On a geo caching adventure they disappear, the only thing left behind a battered doll’s head. The most recent victims of The Broken Doll Snatcher, MC has to search the labyrinthine house of Aunt Sophie to find the keys to save her brother.
As a grieving detective and his partner race to find them before it’s too late MC must fight her fear and horror to find and save Elliot. Aunt Sophie is horrifying, obviously insane with barely suppressed violence simmering just below the surface. With grotesque body horror throughout this story is not for the squeamish.
A genuinely unnerving serial killer horror story that you witness through the eyes of MC. Unable to speak and terrified, she witnesses sights no human should see in the sick twisted playground of Aunt Sophie and her dolls.
As a grieving detective and his partner race to find them before it’s too late MC must fight her fear and horror to find and save Elliot. Aunt Sophie is horrifying, obviously insane with barely suppressed violence simmering just below the surface. With grotesque body horror throughout this story is not for the squeamish.
A genuinely unnerving serial killer horror story that you witness through the eyes of MC. Unable to speak and terrified, she witnesses sights no human should see in the sick twisted playground of Aunt Sophie and her dolls.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews