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DON'T TELL THE TRUTH
The Spooky Mystery Team is a group of amateur detectives who solve supernatural mysteries. They've tracked down everything from ghosts to cryptids with the help of their talking dog, kid; However, they are complete and utter frauds. They aren't even competent investigators, except for Kid of course. Kid is not only a talking dog, but a deductive genius. So when they're called upon to investigate another haunted estate in the middle of nowhere, they thought nothing of it. Unfortunately for the Spooky Mystery Team, this case is actually real...
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2026
About the author
ARTISAN X
11 books23 followersHello my name is Artisan! My books are intricate, horrific, and made with love :). I'm an obsessed horror author with a deep love of esoteric knowledge and Ghūlz. I release often and spend hundreds of hours researching, planning, writing and staring directly into the void. I take nothing for granted because death can come any day.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
I don’t know about yall but Scooby-Doo was my favorite growing up. Now you mix that with splatterpunk AND some spice and you get Don’t Tell The Truth. I felt alllllll the emotions reading this book and it gave me such a nostalgic feeling. Art just keeps on putting out five star reads. Seriously, this book was amazing.
If you’ve read his other books you’re in for a treat at the end, and if you haven’t then shame on you.
If you’ve read his other books you’re in for a treat at the end, and if you haven’t then shame on you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fun, slightly nostalgic feeling Splatterpunk read that also ripped out my heart and stomped on it. Not usually a combination I come across so this one had my jaw on the floor.
I absolutely adored the Scooby don’t mystery vibes of this mixed with the gore and sex that made almost like it an adult version of a well loved favorite.
From the very beginning, I was in my feelings with the relatability of Matti’s childhood.
Solid 5/5
I absolutely adored the Scooby don’t mystery vibes of this mixed with the gore and sex that made almost like it an adult version of a well loved favorite.
From the very beginning, I was in my feelings with the relatability of Matti’s childhood.
Solid 5/5
October 20, 2026
If Cartoon Network had known what this show would end up inspiring, they definitely would've banned Scooby-Doo before it even aired lmao. A absolute must-read if you want to ruin your childhood memories! 🐶👻 Total masterpiece It's clear that this is the work of a great artist, even by a long shot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First of all, I loved it, but again, I believe it’s better you know nothing going in! So sorry not sorry I won’t say too much! But do NOT skip this! Adult style scooby doo with horrors and pains and even pleasures of all shapes and sizes. I was hooked and could not put it down. You may laugh, you may cry, you will be taken on a trip like no other through the life of our MC, his brother, and their friends doing their best while along the ride of magic, haunts, demons, ghosts and the paranormal. Whatever you do DON’T TELL THE TRUTH!
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October 2, 2026I put so much into this book, so I just want to thank you for taking the time to read it, rate it review it, talk about it, recommend it, any and all of the above. It was originally planned and conceived in January when I released Necromancer (Assisting Hands), so happy to see it come to life. I also want to thank Zaq for editing, Nathan for the cover, Lucy and Cory for Beta reading. I don't rate my books but I rate all of you guys 10/5 stars forever. <3
November 11, 2026
Don't Tell the Truth
All I knew about this one before starting it was that it would be about a scooby-esk mystery solving team and that it is extreme horror. That alone caught my interest! How could it not?!
The author truly has a way with words. Not only is everything described in such vivid detail that I could easily picture the story unfolding in my head, but I saw metaphors alluding to natural human feelings and emotions. It made the story as beautifully poetic as it was violent and shocking.
Another thing that really spoke to me was the characters. Some were loveable, and some weren't. None of them were perfect or flawless. Most importantly, none of them were happy. That's the most realistic you can get about describing the human race. Everyone has a past, an intricate tapestry of all the moments in their life past, present, and future. I believe it takes a complex author to be able to bring each of these characters to life, and Artisan did it naturally and highly relatable.
I realize I haven't mentioned much about the story itself. That's because this story was so well put together. There are just many different key points to appreciate!
For the extreme side, this story has all the extremes! The level of violence, dismemberment, and blood was enough to satisfy my craving, and the story developed so rapidly in the second half that my jaw dropped open for most of it!
That has to be one of the best endings I've read in any book genre in a very long time! It legit made me sit there and stare at a wall, my body still humming with the excited rush of adrenaline, my brain filled with so much vivid detail! I have seen things. Things that don't exist outside of my head, but I see them none the less. I will remember this book for a long time, recommend it to everyone I know, and I can't wait to read many, many, many more stories by this author! I am a fan for life! You'll be too, if you give this one a chance!
All I knew about this one before starting it was that it would be about a scooby-esk mystery solving team and that it is extreme horror. That alone caught my interest! How could it not?!
The author truly has a way with words. Not only is everything described in such vivid detail that I could easily picture the story unfolding in my head, but I saw metaphors alluding to natural human feelings and emotions. It made the story as beautifully poetic as it was violent and shocking.
Another thing that really spoke to me was the characters. Some were loveable, and some weren't. None of them were perfect or flawless. Most importantly, none of them were happy. That's the most realistic you can get about describing the human race. Everyone has a past, an intricate tapestry of all the moments in their life past, present, and future. I believe it takes a complex author to be able to bring each of these characters to life, and Artisan did it naturally and highly relatable.
I realize I haven't mentioned much about the story itself. That's because this story was so well put together. There are just many different key points to appreciate!
For the extreme side, this story has all the extremes! The level of violence, dismemberment, and blood was enough to satisfy my craving, and the story developed so rapidly in the second half that my jaw dropped open for most of it!
That has to be one of the best endings I've read in any book genre in a very long time! It legit made me sit there and stare at a wall, my body still humming with the excited rush of adrenaline, my brain filled with so much vivid detail! I have seen things. Things that don't exist outside of my head, but I see them none the less. I will remember this book for a long time, recommend it to everyone I know, and I can't wait to read many, many, many more stories by this author! I am a fan for life! You'll be too, if you give this one a chance!
Review of advance copy received from Author
A team of amateur detectives (including a talking dog) try to solve supernatural mysteries. They want to become a viral sensation and become rich and famous. They get called to investigate a haunted estate in the middle of nowhere and find that it’s much more than they can handle.
This was a fun read! I really enjoyed that the book was written from the perspective of Kid, the talking dog. I was rooting for Kid and his human brother, Matti. The first half of the book focused on Kid and Matti’s upbringing and the second half about the spooky mystery team. I really liked the bond between Kid and Matti and even though Matti was going through drug issues, he never turned his back on Kid. The gore and violence was brutal, but not over the top. Don’t trust the cat!
Thank you to Artisan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a fun read! I really enjoyed that the book was written from the perspective of Kid, the talking dog. I was rooting for Kid and his human brother, Matti. The first half of the book focused on Kid and Matti’s upbringing and the second half about the spooky mystery team. I really liked the bond between Kid and Matti and even though Matti was going through drug issues, he never turned his back on Kid. The gore and violence was brutal, but not over the top. Don’t trust the cat!
Thank you to Artisan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 15, 2026
Don’t tell the truth, from the brilliant mind of Artisan, is many things. It’s a coming of age story, it’s a gruesome, dark version of Scooby Doo, it’s a character building paranormal mindfuck, and it’s a brutal, raw, and heart wrenching path of destruction from abuse and addiction.
Matti’s story from the beginning had me fully invested, and the beautiful captivating detail with which Artisan writes, had me feeling utterly protective over Matti and Kid, just wanting the absolute best for them.
What a writer Art is, and as much as the ending tore my heart out and has me hugging myself in the fetal position, I am excited for the story and character continuation, which I won’t spoil. Absolutely recommend picking this one up and checking out his other works from the dark places universe! I am going to be thinking about it for a long time. Also side-eyeing my cats right now…
Matti’s story from the beginning had me fully invested, and the beautiful captivating detail with which Artisan writes, had me feeling utterly protective over Matti and Kid, just wanting the absolute best for them.
What a writer Art is, and as much as the ending tore my heart out and has me hugging myself in the fetal position, I am excited for the story and character continuation, which I won’t spoil. Absolutely recommend picking this one up and checking out his other works from the dark places universe! I am going to be thinking about it for a long time. Also side-eyeing my cats right now…
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a massive fan of Artisan's writing, and this one not only didn't disappoint, it exceeded my expectations.
Art's stories exist in the characterization and with a cast as in-depth as Don't Tell the Truth, there were plenty to choose from. Yeah, the Scooby-doo parody aspect does something to bring someone in, but where Art takes Kid and Matti is the kind of lore-building, character-driving storytelling I love reading. The splatterpunk element is also properly used. Art came up with some real messed up shit in this one without it being shock value/gore porn. It harkens back to Splatter of old, where the story itself was just as important as the kills.
From beginning to end, this one will grip you.
Art's stories exist in the characterization and with a cast as in-depth as Don't Tell the Truth, there were plenty to choose from. Yeah, the Scooby-doo parody aspect does something to bring someone in, but where Art takes Kid and Matti is the kind of lore-building, character-driving storytelling I love reading. The splatterpunk element is also properly used. Art came up with some real messed up shit in this one without it being shock value/gore porn. It harkens back to Splatter of old, where the story itself was just as important as the kills.
From beginning to end, this one will grip you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This has got to be one of my favorite reads so far this year! Matti and Kid’s story was so well written; Artisan does an amazing job at showing us how deep their bond goes, taking us on a wild ride alongside the spooky mystery team as they chase stardom... but things quickly take a very dark turn. This book was disturbing and funny while still having many somber moments, I couldn’t put it down!
I laughed, I cried, I almost threw up… all signs of an excellent read. I give this book a 5/5!
I laughed, I cried, I almost threw up… all signs of an excellent read. I give this book a 5/5!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Scooby doo but make it absolutely unhinged. This is so well written, imaginative and horrific. Well done, Artisan. Round of applause to you sir.
Review of advance copy received from Author
As soon as I saw this i had high hopes, and it definitely didn't disappoint.
One of the biggest standouts for me was the writing. It was incredibly descriptive without slowing the story down, and I could really picture everything that was happening. I flew through this because it was so easy to get sucked into the story.
It was also genuinely funny. I love when a horror book can make me laugh without taking away from the darker parts of the story, and this had a really good balance of both.
This is definitely on the darker and gorier side, so if you struggle with graphic horror, I'd recommend checking the triggers before going in. Personally, that's exactly what I signed up for and I really enjoyed how far it was willing to go.
The concept was fun, the horror delivered, and the humour just made it even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a fantastic novella and I'm really glad I picked it up. I'd definitely read more from Artisan after this.
One of the biggest standouts for me was the writing. It was incredibly descriptive without slowing the story down, and I could really picture everything that was happening. I flew through this because it was so easy to get sucked into the story.
It was also genuinely funny. I love when a horror book can make me laugh without taking away from the darker parts of the story, and this had a really good balance of both.
This is definitely on the darker and gorier side, so if you struggle with graphic horror, I'd recommend checking the triggers before going in. Personally, that's exactly what I signed up for and I really enjoyed how far it was willing to go.
The concept was fun, the horror delivered, and the humour just made it even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a fantastic novella and I'm really glad I picked it up. I'd definitely read more from Artisan after this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4/5 stars
What do you get when you cross Scooby-Doo with Art the Clown from Terrifier? Something like Don't Tell the Truth by Artisan!
This is a very unconventional mix of splatterpunk horror, bizarro, and dark humor. The dialogue reads like a script, and the story is told through the POV of a Scooby-Doo-like dog. It's definitely not your typical horror novella.
I can see why readers enjoy the unusual voice and the combination of cartoon nostalgia with graphic adult horror. Once I looked at it that way, the style made a lot more sense to me. It's a bizarre idea, but that's part of the fun.
If you like your horror weird, brutal, and a little twisted, this one might be right up your alley.
I received an advance copy from the author. This is my honest review.
What do you get when you cross Scooby-Doo with Art the Clown from Terrifier? Something like Don't Tell the Truth by Artisan!
This is a very unconventional mix of splatterpunk horror, bizarro, and dark humor. The dialogue reads like a script, and the story is told through the POV of a Scooby-Doo-like dog. It's definitely not your typical horror novella.
I can see why readers enjoy the unusual voice and the combination of cartoon nostalgia with graphic adult horror. Once I looked at it that way, the style made a lot more sense to me. It's a bizarre idea, but that's part of the fun.
If you like your horror weird, brutal, and a little twisted, this one might be right up your alley.
I received an advance copy from the author. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Reader Copy from the author, specifically for review.
This book is intense, to say the least. It is splatterpunk, and it is devastating. This is a reimagining of Scooby-Doo and the gang, but make it horrific.
There are heavy themes, including drug addiction, sex, and murder.
This book is not for minors.
The ending is so devastating, I wanted to cry and stare at the wall after I finished.
I didn't love every aspect of the book, as there are some typos, and sometimes the author writes in present tense instead of past tense, but it is one of the better books I have read in a while.
I appreciate Art letting me read before release.
Five depressing stars.
Also, never trust a talking cat!!!
This book is intense, to say the least. It is splatterpunk, and it is devastating. This is a reimagining of Scooby-Doo and the gang, but make it horrific.
There are heavy themes, including drug addiction, sex, and murder.
This book is not for minors.
The ending is so devastating, I wanted to cry and stare at the wall after I finished.
I didn't love every aspect of the book, as there are some typos, and sometimes the author writes in present tense instead of past tense, but it is one of the better books I have read in a while.
I appreciate Art letting me read before release.
Five depressing stars.
Also, never trust a talking cat!!!
October 14, 2026
Artisan delivers a vile, insane, and gut punching twist on Scooby Doo and what happens when the obsession of fame and catching the supernatural doesn’t go how you hope. The writing is great, I found myself feeling all the emotions he put into this story, Kid’s beginning, Matti’s childhood, and the downward spiral of addiction. Not every tale has a happy ending, and Artisan is never afraid to show you that the chase for stardom and fortune can always have a fatal outcome. The twist at the end I could have never saw coming and I still can’t get over. Artisan, thanks for letting me ARC read this and also for letting me do the title reveal. Great work brother!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an arc copy of Don’t Tell The Truth by Artisan X which is releasing on Oct. 15th
It’s like reading Scooby Doo but for adults. This book was truly captivating and had me trying to guess what would happen next. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen the story took a completely different route. It follows two best friends (Kid and Matti) and their struggles growing up and how they became part of The Spooky Mystery Team that led them to start investigating hauntings and the paranormal.
It’s like reading Scooby Doo but for adults. This book was truly captivating and had me trying to guess what would happen next. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen the story took a completely different route. It follows two best friends (Kid and Matti) and their struggles growing up and how they became part of The Spooky Mystery Team that led them to start investigating hauntings and the paranormal.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story of a dog and his boy. Kid would do anything for his boy, even follow him into dangerous situations, after all, it’s his job to protect him. A splatterpunk retelling of everyone’s favorite childhood monster of the week show-and not a single home run missed. From their origins to Julie snacks to an ending that absolutely zero people will guess, and I promise that, this is a gripping story that will have you feeling a full range of emotions throughout. Be ready to smile, laugh, cry, and feel shivers up your spine of both disgust and fear, and make sure to check your triggers!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book did not disappoint. I went in completely blind with only the knowledge that this story is a parody.
Typically parody means comedy. So, I assumed this would be some sort of a horror comedy.
What I found was a dreadful story that I won't be forgetting any time soon! Admittedly, I read the whole story using Meat Canyon's voice inside my head, and the story being from the talking dog's pov is glorious.
Typically parody means comedy. So, I assumed this would be some sort of a horror comedy.
What I found was a dreadful story that I won't be forgetting any time soon! Admittedly, I read the whole story using Meat Canyon's voice inside my head, and the story being from the talking dog's pov is glorious.
Review of advance copy received from Author
In making spoofs, parodies and of the such you get love letters and hate letters to media. This one while also being a love letter is also a depression letter that holds onto you and doesn’t let go no matter how much it hurts you. I guess it hates the viewer even. But just an amazing trip and I’d love to see more work from this author especially in a similar vain of “hey you have good emotions sometimes right? And they’re connected to this right? Well I hope you don’t feel any joy again.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this ARC from the Author, in exchange for an honest review.
Scooby Dooby Who??
This was a splatterpunk take on The Scooby Gang.
Matti and his faithful fur brother Kid, have a rough start in life. Bonded by trauma, they must face a world of full of danger, mystery and the unknown.
Joined by Sean, Julie and Vanessa they begin their journey into investigating the paranormal!!
This was a fun read. The gore was goring!! Good banter and plenty of action.
Anyone for Julie snacks??
Scooby Dooby Who??
This was a splatterpunk take on The Scooby Gang.
Matti and his faithful fur brother Kid, have a rough start in life. Bonded by trauma, they must face a world of full of danger, mystery and the unknown.
Joined by Sean, Julie and Vanessa they begin their journey into investigating the paranormal!!
This was a fun read. The gore was goring!! Good banter and plenty of action.
Anyone for Julie snacks??
November 8, 2026
Advance Reader Copy..
This Adult version of Scooby- Doo gave me all the nostalgic feelings with a horror twist.
I was on an emotional roller coaster ride until the last page. Artisans X storytelling left me in utter shambles, then I needed more! You will be talking about this book for weeks!
This Adult version of Scooby- Doo gave me all the nostalgic feelings with a horror twist.
I was on an emotional roller coaster ride until the last page. Artisans X storytelling left me in utter shambles, then I needed more! You will be talking about this book for weeks!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sorry for late review, the original isnt showing for some reason.
Super fun book, very easy to get through, must read for old fans of scooby doo.
Super fun book, very easy to get through, must read for old fans of scooby doo.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews