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Nightmare in Greasepaint
Some family legacies are best left buried.
Will Pallasso has brought his wife and young son, Billy, back to his childhood home to settle his late mother’s affairs…and remove all traces of his haunted past. But now hideous memories are coming back to Will, and Billy has started suffering from night terrors. Returning to this house was a big mistake. Some memories should not be disturbed, and some nightmares will not stay buried forever.
Especially nightmares that wear greasepaint spattered with blood.
Will Pallasso has brought his wife and young son, Billy, back to his childhood home to settle his late mother’s affairs…and remove all traces of his haunted past. But now hideous memories are coming back to Will, and Billy has started suffering from night terrors. Returning to this house was a big mistake. Some memories should not be disturbed, and some nightmares will not stay buried forever.
Especially nightmares that wear greasepaint spattered with blood.
- GenresHorror
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2015
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 8, 2015
3.5 stars.
When Will's mother, Lucy, passes away, he brings his wife and son, Lisa and Billy, with him to help sort out the estate.
That was a HUGE mistake.
For Will has a hidden past that began in that house. A terrifying past, involving a man in greasepaint dressed as a clown... a man he once called, "Dad".
The first half of this novella moved from Will's current situation, to scenes from the past. I found the atmosphere to be tense and suspenseful throughout both time frames--blending together to form the base of the horrors to come. The descriptions and tone remained consistent--until about three quarters of the way through. At that point, it almost seemed like another story to me. I really enjoyed it up until then; unfortunately, the ending fell flat for me--not sustaining the tension and "believability" of the build up to the tale. This is just my own opinion, of course, and others may enjoy the conclusion more so than I.
Overall, I am really enjoying Samhain's "Childhood Fears" line, and anticipate reading more in the future.
*I received an advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
When Will's mother, Lucy, passes away, he brings his wife and son, Lisa and Billy, with him to help sort out the estate.
That was a HUGE mistake.
For Will has a hidden past that began in that house. A terrifying past, involving a man in greasepaint dressed as a clown... a man he once called, "Dad".
The first half of this novella moved from Will's current situation, to scenes from the past. I found the atmosphere to be tense and suspenseful throughout both time frames--blending together to form the base of the horrors to come. The descriptions and tone remained consistent--until about three quarters of the way through. At that point, it almost seemed like another story to me. I really enjoyed it up until then; unfortunately, the ending fell flat for me--not sustaining the tension and "believability" of the build up to the tale. This is just my own opinion, of course, and others may enjoy the conclusion more so than I.
Overall, I am really enjoying Samhain's "Childhood Fears" line, and anticipate reading more in the future.
*I received an advance e-copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*
August 9, 2015
Review copy
With a cover featuring the most frightening clown since Pennywise (kudos to artist Scott Carpenter), Nightmare in Greasepaint will do nothing to ease your fear of clowns, particularly if you suffer from coulrophobia.
The opening of this novella from L.L. Soares and G. Daniel Gunn sets the mood perfectly.
"Some family legacies are best left buried.
Will Pallasso has brought his wife and young son, Billy, back to his childhood home to settle his late mother's affairs...and remove all traces of his haunted past. But now hideous memories are coming back to Will, and Billy has started suffering from night terrors. Returning to this house was a big mistake. Some memories should not be disturbed, and some nightmares will not stay buried forever.
Especially nightmares that wear greasepaint spattered with blood."
Nightmare in Greasepaint does not disappoint. The start of the story is more psychological horror with the house bringing back memories of what had happened to Will as a child and what he had done, but as the story develops the tension builds, much like the climb to the top of a super-coaster and then reaches incredible speeds as you plummet back to earth.
A very satisfying and quick read from Samhain Horror. Available as an ebook from their website and at Amazon.com.
Highly recommended.
With a cover featuring the most frightening clown since Pennywise (kudos to artist Scott Carpenter), Nightmare in Greasepaint will do nothing to ease your fear of clowns, particularly if you suffer from coulrophobia.
The opening of this novella from L.L. Soares and G. Daniel Gunn sets the mood perfectly.
"Some family legacies are best left buried.
Will Pallasso has brought his wife and young son, Billy, back to his childhood home to settle his late mother's affairs...and remove all traces of his haunted past. But now hideous memories are coming back to Will, and Billy has started suffering from night terrors. Returning to this house was a big mistake. Some memories should not be disturbed, and some nightmares will not stay buried forever.
Especially nightmares that wear greasepaint spattered with blood."
Nightmare in Greasepaint does not disappoint. The start of the story is more psychological horror with the house bringing back memories of what had happened to Will as a child and what he had done, but as the story develops the tension builds, much like the climb to the top of a super-coaster and then reaches incredible speeds as you plummet back to earth.
A very satisfying and quick read from Samhain Horror. Available as an ebook from their website and at Amazon.com.
Highly recommended.
September 1, 2015
This is the third book that I have read is the Childhood Fears series. When Will's mother passes away, he returns to his hometown to settle her estate. It was strange for Will to return to his childhood home where so many unusual things happened. The minute Will stepped into the old house, his childhood memories came flashing back. He relived the horrific things that happen there. There is something in the cellar that Will must take care of. He ask his family to leave the house for one day, so he can take care of this matter. There is a shrine down in the cellar that his mother had built. Under the shrine there is a deep dark secret of Will's childhood. The story seems to go in different directions about 60% through the book. I think that the ending was rushed and there we some questions that were left unanswered.Over all, I have enjoyed the series.
April 28, 2015
REVIEW: NIGHTMARE IN GREASEPAINT by L. L. Soares and G. Daniel Gunn
Caution: if you're thinking this is plain old garden-variety coulrophobia--"I can't go to the circus 'cause I'm scared of clowns"--it's not. This, folks, is serious horror: the ugly underside of life where true evil hangs out. Probably not for the queasy of stomach, but this is one fascinating, unputdownable story. Part of Samhain Publishing's Horror "Childhood Fears" imprint, NIGHTMARE IN GREASEPAINT is indeed all about childhood--present and past--and its fears, real and imagined, and its very real dangers. It's also about depth psychology and abnormal psychology and metaphysics, and it is one enrapturing and unforgettable tale.
Caution: if you're thinking this is plain old garden-variety coulrophobia--"I can't go to the circus 'cause I'm scared of clowns"--it's not. This, folks, is serious horror: the ugly underside of life where true evil hangs out. Probably not for the queasy of stomach, but this is one fascinating, unputdownable story. Part of Samhain Publishing's Horror "Childhood Fears" imprint, NIGHTMARE IN GREASEPAINT is indeed all about childhood--present and past--and its fears, real and imagined, and its very real dangers. It's also about depth psychology and abnormal psychology and metaphysics, and it is one enrapturing and unforgettable tale.
June 8, 2015
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/features...
Nightmare in Greasepaint is a classic horror story that transports the reader back to their childhood, and matching childhood feares. Will’s mother, Lucy, passes away and he, his wife and teir young son, Billy, travel to his mother’s estate to sort out her affairs and possibly sell the house. For Will, the moment he sets foot inside the house, he’s transported back to his past, and the more time he spends in there, the more he starts to remember things he would’ve preferred to forget. Especially the basement seems to call for him, and hosts a buried secret from his childhood that could destroy him, and his family.
The book starts out well, and takes some time to build suspense and tension, and to set the mood. The story isn’t half bad either, not the most original horror book I’ve read, but it certainly has some original, refreshing elements. However, the book has two major flaws: the ending is flat and unbelievable (well, I don’t mind if it’s over the top in a horror book, and I certainly don’t expect a story that falls within the realm of normal possibilities, but this just wasn’t consistent with everything that happened beforehand) and way too rushed, and the characters are hard to connect to. They’re not real people, especially Will, who is supposed to be our main character. There’s some head-hopping, and I’m not sure if that’s the cause for that, but it certainly didn’t help either.
An okay horror book, not really scary but it does have a fun story and it’s a quick read.
Nightmare in Greasepaint is a classic horror story that transports the reader back to their childhood, and matching childhood feares. Will’s mother, Lucy, passes away and he, his wife and teir young son, Billy, travel to his mother’s estate to sort out her affairs and possibly sell the house. For Will, the moment he sets foot inside the house, he’s transported back to his past, and the more time he spends in there, the more he starts to remember things he would’ve preferred to forget. Especially the basement seems to call for him, and hosts a buried secret from his childhood that could destroy him, and his family.
The book starts out well, and takes some time to build suspense and tension, and to set the mood. The story isn’t half bad either, not the most original horror book I’ve read, but it certainly has some original, refreshing elements. However, the book has two major flaws: the ending is flat and unbelievable (well, I don’t mind if it’s over the top in a horror book, and I certainly don’t expect a story that falls within the realm of normal possibilities, but this just wasn’t consistent with everything that happened beforehand) and way too rushed, and the characters are hard to connect to. They’re not real people, especially Will, who is supposed to be our main character. There’s some head-hopping, and I’m not sure if that’s the cause for that, but it certainly didn’t help either.
An okay horror book, not really scary but it does have a fun story and it’s a quick read.
June 5, 2015
I received this book VIA NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Ehhh, this book was okay. Nothing to really go cha-cha over. It really left me with more questions than anything else. Of course it's still one of those amazing "tell at a sleepover" stories because it really does set a creepy mood. The story line was very interesting and actually reminds me of the movie Clown (I saw about it on youtube, not sure if it's really a movie or not; if so, for all I know they could be hand in hand.) anywho. If you are looking for a late night quick read to give you the jitters, This is a good book to try.
Ehhh, this book was okay. Nothing to really go cha-cha over. It really left me with more questions than anything else. Of course it's still one of those amazing "tell at a sleepover" stories because it really does set a creepy mood. The story line was very interesting and actually reminds me of the movie Clown (I saw about it on youtube, not sure if it's really a movie or not; if so, for all I know they could be hand in hand.) anywho. If you are looking for a late night quick read to give you the jitters, This is a good book to try.
September 26, 2015
It's a wonder clowns were ever used to entertain children--I don't know a single kid who isn't afraid of them. This makes clowns a great villain for a childhood fears-themed novella.
I enjoyed the blend of realistic human evil and the supernatural in this story, and the idea of an adult returning home to wrestle with the demons of his childhood. There's some great imagery in this story.
Nightmares in Greasepaint is an eerie tale that keeps you guessing until the end. I dare you to read it while alone at night. Extra bravery points for those with a clown nightlight!
I enjoyed the blend of realistic human evil and the supernatural in this story, and the idea of an adult returning home to wrestle with the demons of his childhood. There's some great imagery in this story.
Nightmares in Greasepaint is an eerie tale that keeps you guessing until the end. I dare you to read it while alone at night. Extra bravery points for those with a clown nightlight!
May 2, 2015
Another good "Childhood Fears" novella
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/nightm... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
For a full review, please go to http://www.examiner.com/review/nightm... and follow me on Twitter @josenher
July 25, 2015
Everybody loves clowns. Right? No? Well, most horror readers at least loves to be terrified clowns and it’s a theme Nightmare in Greasepaint uses to the fullest.
Another installment in Samhain Horror’s Childhood Fears novella series, the book by L.L Soares and G. Daniel Gunn, successfully uses coulrophobia to evoke terror. Coulrophobia, the fear of clowns, is a theme found in horror fiction on a fairly regular basis, but that familiarity doesn’t lessen its effect in this sharp new tale.
The passing of his mother takes Will Pallaso back to his childhood home to settle her affairs. The home is normal in every way to Will’s wife and his son Billy, but the hidden terrors that linger from a horrific event in Will’s youth soon become apparent. It starts with Billy’s nightmares, which wake him screaming in the middle of the first three nights in the home. These fears are only allayed by the purchase and installation of a clown’s head nightlight. What helps Billy get to sleep soundly only causes more anxiety for Will.
As the reader is drawn deeper into Will’s backstory, they learn about the horrors of his youth and why they still reside within the house. The mystery of the makeshift altar in the basement and what it signifies are central to the story. Some of the greatest tension comes from the fact that Will’s family have no idea what’s going on and no idea why Will is so disturbed and upset. The story unfolds as the reader and Will’s family learn what is really going on in the house.
The story takes an unexpected supernatural turn, which works for the most part though it’s full potential is under realized. The conclusion is also satisfying though one character never gets fully resolved and some questions are left unanswered. Unanswered questions are okay, the ambiguity they provide leaves the reader with a sense a the mysterious. In this book, though, there were a few questions I wanted the answers to.
Will doesn’t want to admit it to his family, but he has a very good reason to be afraid of clowns, and whether the reader is afraid of clowns or not, Nightmare in Greasepaint is a creepy and enjoyable read.
Another installment in Samhain Horror’s Childhood Fears novella series, the book by L.L Soares and G. Daniel Gunn, successfully uses coulrophobia to evoke terror. Coulrophobia, the fear of clowns, is a theme found in horror fiction on a fairly regular basis, but that familiarity doesn’t lessen its effect in this sharp new tale.
The passing of his mother takes Will Pallaso back to his childhood home to settle her affairs. The home is normal in every way to Will’s wife and his son Billy, but the hidden terrors that linger from a horrific event in Will’s youth soon become apparent. It starts with Billy’s nightmares, which wake him screaming in the middle of the first three nights in the home. These fears are only allayed by the purchase and installation of a clown’s head nightlight. What helps Billy get to sleep soundly only causes more anxiety for Will.
As the reader is drawn deeper into Will’s backstory, they learn about the horrors of his youth and why they still reside within the house. The mystery of the makeshift altar in the basement and what it signifies are central to the story. Some of the greatest tension comes from the fact that Will’s family have no idea what’s going on and no idea why Will is so disturbed and upset. The story unfolds as the reader and Will’s family learn what is really going on in the house.
The story takes an unexpected supernatural turn, which works for the most part though it’s full potential is under realized. The conclusion is also satisfying though one character never gets fully resolved and some questions are left unanswered. Unanswered questions are okay, the ambiguity they provide leaves the reader with a sense a the mysterious. In this book, though, there were a few questions I wanted the answers to.
Will doesn’t want to admit it to his family, but he has a very good reason to be afraid of clowns, and whether the reader is afraid of clowns or not, Nightmare in Greasepaint is a creepy and enjoyable read.
June 1, 2015
Disclosure: I purchased the e-book “Nightmare in Greasepaint” from Amazon. I don’t know the authors personally. This novella is one of four novellas included in an anthology to be released later this year by my publisher. To ensure full disclosure, my own novella is also being included in this anthology.
The comments that follow are my own personal and honest opinion. Neither the author nor the publisher has requested this review. I’m writing this review at my own discretion. I have NOT received compensation of any kind, or from any one. I also have NOT received a free copy from any source, or done a review swap of any kind with the authors.
I finished reading this e-book in two passes. The first half I found a bit slow and left off about half way through. I finished reading the last half and it was not slow – rather it left me nearly breathless. The pace for the last third of the book was almost too much and I had to re-read a couple sections to keep track of the action.
It’s wonderful when an author can pull a reader along at that pace. For true horror lovers, the tension and suspense of multiple near death experiences, steeped in disgust and blood meets the guidelines for a great horror novella. The characters were well developed and the dark secret behind it all well explained. Various parts of this story seemed to echo other familiar plots, but where it all ended was unique and unexpected.
The only down side was the pace in the first half of the novella. It bogged down with the excessive description. There was a tendency though out the novella to add extensive but unnecessary detail.
Overall this novella is a keeper and I will probably read it again. It has everything needed for a successful horror read.
The comments that follow are my own personal and honest opinion. Neither the author nor the publisher has requested this review. I’m writing this review at my own discretion. I have NOT received compensation of any kind, or from any one. I also have NOT received a free copy from any source, or done a review swap of any kind with the authors.
I finished reading this e-book in two passes. The first half I found a bit slow and left off about half way through. I finished reading the last half and it was not slow – rather it left me nearly breathless. The pace for the last third of the book was almost too much and I had to re-read a couple sections to keep track of the action.
It’s wonderful when an author can pull a reader along at that pace. For true horror lovers, the tension and suspense of multiple near death experiences, steeped in disgust and blood meets the guidelines for a great horror novella. The characters were well developed and the dark secret behind it all well explained. Various parts of this story seemed to echo other familiar plots, but where it all ended was unique and unexpected.
The only down side was the pace in the first half of the novella. It bogged down with the excessive description. There was a tendency though out the novella to add extensive but unnecessary detail.
Overall this novella is a keeper and I will probably read it again. It has everything needed for a successful horror read.
August 26, 2015
If you have a phobia of any kind regarding clowns you might want to stop reading and pretend you never came across this book or review. If you’re continuing be warned for your sleep might be tainted by greasepaint filled nightmares where clowns hide in dark basements calling out for you.
Will Pallaso has a wife he loves dearly and a son he adores. He has a happy family life that is until Will’s mother Lucy passes away. Will has to go back home to get his mother’s estate in order but the task won’t be so easy. Returning home means facing a past that his haunted him for too long. A past he has kept secret from everyone including his wife. He’ll have to face his nightmares head on and his family will have to endure the deadly consequences.
Nightmare in Greasepaint is reminiscent of a scary campfire story. It’s creepy and unnerving. The story doesn’t get into great depth with the characters and I didn’t feel much of a connection to them but I didn’t need to because the imagery was enough to keep me engaged in the story. The first half of the story is a slow build up that relies heavily on shadows, noises and bumps in the night to create some tension. The second half of the story adds onto the psychological horror with blood and gore that has the reader squirming and jumping out of their seat.
If you’re a horror fan like me who enjoys a good creepy scare then I suggest reading this book at night when you’re all alone with nothing but a nightlight on, preferably a clown nightlight. You’ll feel like a kid again facing your childhood fears, checking under the bed for boogie monsters and staying far away from the basement. Who knows what skeleton from the past lies down there.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Will Pallaso has a wife he loves dearly and a son he adores. He has a happy family life that is until Will’s mother Lucy passes away. Will has to go back home to get his mother’s estate in order but the task won’t be so easy. Returning home means facing a past that his haunted him for too long. A past he has kept secret from everyone including his wife. He’ll have to face his nightmares head on and his family will have to endure the deadly consequences.
Nightmare in Greasepaint is reminiscent of a scary campfire story. It’s creepy and unnerving. The story doesn’t get into great depth with the characters and I didn’t feel much of a connection to them but I didn’t need to because the imagery was enough to keep me engaged in the story. The first half of the story is a slow build up that relies heavily on shadows, noises and bumps in the night to create some tension. The second half of the story adds onto the psychological horror with blood and gore that has the reader squirming and jumping out of their seat.
If you’re a horror fan like me who enjoys a good creepy scare then I suggest reading this book at night when you’re all alone with nothing but a nightlight on, preferably a clown nightlight. You’ll feel like a kid again facing your childhood fears, checking under the bed for boogie monsters and staying far away from the basement. Who knows what skeleton from the past lies down there.
Copy provided for review.
Reviewed by Joy for Crystal's Many Reviewers
May 16, 2015
I'm not sure I know anyone who doesn't suffer from Coulrophobia. I don't know who first thought that a clown would be a great kids party guest but someone did and we were all traumatized. This story will up the ante, because this clown is terrifying. What makes him even more frightening is that he is the main character's father. Imagine living with that. Add to that the idea of monsters in your closet or under your bed and you've got a full blown wet your pants kind of story. It scared me enough to invite nightmares. I loved/hated the ending. I loved it because it was the perfect hideous way to end the story and I hated it because it was like a splinter of glass in my finger. Some things just need to be left alone. Especially when they live in the dark and wear greasepaint.
May 7, 2015
This certainly wasn't light reading so don't read it on a rainy and dark night.
Will Pallasso has brought his family back to his childhod home as he wan'ts to prepare the house for sale - which means getting rid of all the secrets in the basement. What are they? Read the book and you will find out -- but especially watch out for nightlights.
My thanks to Net Galley for letting me read this book.
Will Pallasso has brought his family back to his childhod home as he wan'ts to prepare the house for sale - which means getting rid of all the secrets in the basement. What are they? Read the book and you will find out -- but especially watch out for nightlights.
My thanks to Net Galley for letting me read this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews