Tales from the Haunted Mansion, Volume IV: Memento Mori

Tales from the Haunted Mansion #4

by Amicus Arcane, Kelley Jones

Amicus Arcane is about to retire from his position as the ghost librarian of the Haunted Mansion. But before he does so, Amicus wants to find the scariest story of all, so he invites ghost writers from all over the world to the Haunted Mansion to tell their tales. As he hears these frightening fictions, Amicus will soon realize that the scariest story of all is--well, that would be telling, wouldn't it? Return with us, foolish mortals, if you dare to the Haunted Mansion for the most terrifying Tales from the Haunted Mansion of all-- Volume IV: Memento Mori.

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Paranormal, Fantasy, Short Stories, Fiction, Ghosts

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2019

About the author

Who am I? I am Amicus Arcane, your librarian and host. Your Ghost Host. Welcome, foolish mortals, to Disney Press’ spookiest chapter book series yet: Tales from the Haunted Mansion!

Reviews

[Suhailah · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Yes, I, Amicus Arcane, keeper of frightening fictions and your ghost host for these tales, shall be moving on to grayer pastures. It has been my distinct displeasure to serve you—the living—to regale your kind with 999 spooky stories from creepy crypts around the globe.”

Last volume of the Haunted Mansion series complete ✓✓✓✓

Wow, who would have known these would have been this much fun to read!? I enjoyed the spooky atmosphere of Volume 4 even more than the rest. Again the Haunted Mansion universe found small ways to continue to connect between volumes. I particularly loved the Edgar Allan Poe references! There were also pirates, reanimated corpses, deadly invitations, an asylum, the reveal of the true terrors of writer’s block, and A WICKED TWIST at the end!

I even really appreciated the cool reference to spiritual energy:

“It says here that a spirit is just energy that refuses to move on. Some of us are in denial. And sometimes that energy keeps replaying itself, like a song or a scene from a movie. It’s called—he scrolled farther down until he found the word—“retrocognition.”

Brings me back to all the ghost investigation shows I’ve watched!

I highly recommend this fun haunting series. Very creative, enjoyable, and quick reads!

[oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very fitting end to an entertaining & chilling adventure. The series was way better than I expected it to be. Full of good spooks & some heartfelt moments to people who decide to read the whole series. This just made my favorite ride at Disneyland a little bit better.

[Amber Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sad this was the last one. I want more. I loved this series so much and now want to read it all over again. These are perfect for the Halloween/Fall season. They are fun and spooky.

[Emmy Lou Musgrave · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is the best in the series, in my opinion. Amicus Arcane is retiring as the Mansion's librarian and is looking for a replacement. He picks Prudence Pock, a recurring author mentioned in the series. Think Stephen King meets Agatha Christie. She is a terrifying person! The shorts in this book are my favorites, and Prudence's side chapters are excellent. They occur in an asylum; she's telling the stories to a doctor who is screening her. The twists be twisting in this volume though, the ending is not something I expected, but was pleasantly pleased by.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very entertaining final (?) chapter in this Tales from the Haunted Mansion series. The book includes a couple of retellings of classic horror tales. There are also plenty of Haunted Mansion references sprinkled throughout to keep Disneyana fans engaged.

If the series continues, I’ll keep reading them!

[Kyle Talbot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found volume four as good as the previous two volumes and a great end cap to the series. I know these are aimed at a younger audience, but I feel even the most seasoned horror connoisseur will find them enjoyable. They do a great job of taking timeless horror themes and putting a fresh spin that makes for a great entry into the genre for younger readers.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this is truly the end (and it pains me to believe so) then I do have to admit it was the perfect wrap up to the books. I'm so glad we got to see characters from the previous stories, such as the Fearsome Four, since they play an important role all through the books. And the stories in here were more than impressive. The ghostly tales did not disappoint, and the way it opens and ends really surpassed all my expectations. I did not see that coming at all, so I say Arcane has really gone full circle and accomplished his role as head librarian.
I loved every reference to the house, and I love more than references extended to other parks as well (if you know the attractions from both LA and Florida you'll notice). I could have more books like these forever. Don't know if there'll be more. But now I'm thinking that I'd love it if they extended the stories to Pirates of the Caribbean as well, I wouldn't mind a bit.

[Cindy Mitchell *Kiss the Book* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Memento Mori (Tales from the Haunted Mansion #4) by John Esposito, 218 pages. Disney, 2019. $15.

Content: G (mildly scary)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Amicus Arcane is ready to retire from his position as librarian in the Haunted Mansion, so he decides to invite a dry special guest - Prudence Pock, a horror writer who doesn’t actually realize that she is already dead.

If you have students who have devoured the other Haunted Mansion books, then by all means buy this toohttps://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20..., hopefully, complete the set. Otherwise, I have become pretty tired of the inside jokes and my husband will tell you that I LOVE the Haunted Mansion. This has gone on long enough.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

[Noelia Trasande Gálvez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Está muy chulo

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Board your Doom buggy; it’s time to take a ride into Disney’s most haunted attraction-The Haunted Mansion. Amicus Arcane cordially invites you to the Mansion’s 50th-anniversary celebration, with all 999 of the Mansion’s guests. “The time has come” for our ghost host and librarian Amicus Arcane to retire, but not before he delivers some truly terrifying tales. On his quest to find another keeper for the library’s 999-haunting tales, he has invited you to apply, and all you have to do is share your scariest story; but be warned the competition is “stiff” and the tales might just thrill you to death.

In these delightful tales, readers will learn the story of famed, horror, novelist Prudence Pock who is believed to have died from writer’s block. She has a few stories of her own to share, genuinely haunting pieces that involve a mad scientist, pirate’s booty, and a doctor who visits a special lady inside an insane asylum. Maybe her own story will be the best she’s ever written, but that is up for you to decide.

Readers will once again be delighted with the sheer thrill of experiencing all of the ride’s famous haunts, sayings, and chilling remarks while being taken on a journey to the macabre. Amicus Arcane still cannot refrain from making his own personal jabs, and spine-tingling remarks as readers plunge deeper and deeper into the madness of the stories within. Truly spine-tingling, this series dances on the edge of terror, marking this the perfect series for any young horror reader.

Written for a middle grade reading audience, this series is also perfect for any Disney or Haunted Mansion fan, taking them back to the nostalgia and authenticity of the ride. Thankfully, John Esposito was once again able to transcribe this incredible tale from our ghostly narrator, while illustrator Kelley Jones brings the stories to life with multiple black and white drawings. Thrilling, chilling, and engaging, this series is the perfect way for younger readers to step into a scary read. The beautiful library edition cloth spine, with silver foil, printed designs, and metallic tones across the cover makes this ideal for displaying in your personal library, or for a haunting shelf display. While this looks to be the last book in this ghoulish series, fans can always hope that there will be room for one more. As we sadly depart from this wonderfully woeful series, watch out for hitchhiking ghosts- trust me, you don’t want to bring them home.

For giveaways, reviews and body painted book covers visit my instagram page : https://www.instagram.com/p/B3E_NSUgpcB/

[Stacie (MagicOfBooks) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will also do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks

"Memento Mori" is the final book in the "Tales from the Haunted Mansion" series by Amicus Arcane. The mansion's librarian is ready to retire, and he's seeking an individual who can tell the scariest story to replace him.

Well, I'm glad this had a conclusion of sorts. When I first started this series I kept thinking that Disney Press cancelled the whole series and this book wouldn't have any sort of conclusion. But it does. Though you can read this whole series out of order, there are random threads that connect between the books surprisingly enough. I've been repeating in all my reviews that I am not the intended audience for these books, but the series was still a fun, enjoyable read here around the Halloween season. If you love all things the Haunted Mansion, I think it's worth your time to check these out. Just have fun with them and don't take them seriously. But as for young readers, this series is probably great and I would definitely recommend giving this series to a mature kid who likes a little creepy terror. It's all in good fun.

This installment is all about the mansion's librarian wanting to retire, but he needs a replacement storyteller. Whoever can tell the scariest story will be the new librarian. In hindsight, the new replacement is not surprising if you've been reading all the books. I did enjoy the tales of terror in this installment. There's Prudence Pock, a writer of scary stories who experiences some writer's block. There's a story about a girl genius who channels her inner Victor Frankenstein. There's a fun story about a lighthouse and some missing pirate's treasure. The big frame narrative is around a doctor visiting the local insane asylum, which also involves Prudence Pock. Many of the stories in this installment were very much channeling the spirit of Edgar Allan Poe which I found fun.

Like I said, this series is good for a fun, fast read here around the Halloween season. A great way to catch up on your Goodreads challenge if you're behind at the moment (these books certainly helped me get caught up, yah!). Happy Halloween! You know, all these books did was make me want to hop right on down to Florida and repeatedly ride Haunted Mansion.

[Carla E]

October is upon us, and I have one last spooky tale to share! I just finished “Memento Mori,” the fourth and final volume from “Tales From The Haunted Mansion” tetralogy. These shorter reads are narrated by the in-universe librarian, “Amicus Arcane,” but are actually written by John Esposito. Each book contains stories from ghosts that reside within the mansion, narrated with haunting quips from the librarian. Contrary to my previous statement, these books SHOULD be read in order.

"MM" marks the end of an era: Amicus Arcane’s time as the official keeper of takes and mansion librarian. With a party full of the most (in)famous ghostwriters, Arcane invites his intended living replacement, Prudence Pock. Once heralded as the queen of horror stories, Prudence has been suffering from a drought of writer's block, though a tour of The Haunted Mansion should be just enough to get her quill going again. All Prudence must do is tell the scariest story Arcane’s ever heard to win the new title and honor. Even if she fails, it’s not like anyone’s ever died from writer’s block… right?

Once again, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by this series. This book is the darkest, in my opinion, of the series. In searching for the scariest story, I would hope that the ante would be raised. The story behind the short tales is gripping and one I’d read a full-length novel about.

In terms of story, it’s just as interesting as Volume 2, and possibly even my favorite of the tetralogy. The stories within reflect the long-forgotten lore of Captain Gore (the original lore idea during the mansion creation), Frankenstein, and a story I don’t quite want to spill.

The Tales From The Haunted Mansion series is a low-stakes scary read for any fan, though the target audience is more aimed at middle schoolers. While many stories are a stretch from the creeps and ghouls we know and love from the ride, there’s a massive variety of tales to enjoy (or terrorize?). It’s nostalgic, full of Easter eggs, and truthfully hair-raising at times. With managed expectations, these are a must for any Disney fans missing their haunted home away from home.

[Liwayway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been reading one of these books every October, and they’re fun for the spooky season. While based on iconic elements from the Disney attraction, it took the stories to a whole new, eerie level. In some cases I wasn’t sure if I’d actually be next level scared, but Amicus Arcane takes the narrative to a place where you want to see what happens, and you’re oddly, twistedly delighted when you do. Some tales are gruesome. Some are endearing and sad. All stories make death an inevitable, a “memento mori”, that reflects that this is simply how it is.

It’s a welcome adventure. A hesitant ride. A cautionary tale in which each character can choose to be a kind of person with the same consequence. However, those choices steer direction of that consequence. All roads lead to a “swinging wake”.

This last installment was a fitting ending that did not disappoint. A tale within a tale. A dream within a dream. A story interwoven into a grand telling. I highly recommend for anyone who needs a bit of a delightful October (or Fall in general) read.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This final book in the "Tales From the Haunted Mansion" series is great. I feel like it upped the horror and body count as its goal was to go out with a bang. It does that. At the start of this book, the Haunted Mansion's librarian announces his retirement and is looking for his replacement. To pick his successor, he holds a contest to find the person who can tell the scariest story. We do get three stories within the book, and I have to say I don't remember this many people dying in previous volumes or them dying in such grisly manners. Because this book is directed at younger readers, there aren't full blown graphic descriptions of people's heads being cut off or a teenager being hit by a car, but there are descriptions right up to the seconds before each death occurs. It's kind of great. LOL! You know what happens.

I also like that a number of previous characters from previous volumes pop up in this book either in the stories or in the accompanying drawings. Of course, a librarian is chosen, but I won't spoil who gets picked. Volume 4 is a fun way to wrap up the series.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great addition to the Haunted Mansion series. I appreciated the incorporation of the Fearsome Foursome from prior book installments and their leadership in this book, as they were such an integral part of the previous books. In addition, the beginning and end of this book are VERY different and I liked how the characters the reader meets in the beginning become completely opposite of what was anticipated. Amicus Arcane, as a narrator, is demonstrating his retirement and is looking for a natural replacement for his important role. Each of the several stories included in this book are also cute and fun to read with a spooky twist. In a good way, I felt that this story ended just as fast as it started, and I am glad to think that there will be more to come.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

With - what appears to be - the final installment in the Haunted Mansion novel series, our ghostly librarian takes us on what is probably the darkest journey. While the book is still definitely written for a younger audience, the tales are a bit more graphic than those featured in the previous books, delving into a bit more heavy realm of death and...um...dismemberment.

As with the others, this was a fast, easy read but still quite entertaining. The nods to the famed Haunted Mansion attraction(s) and time Disneyland itself are always fun and can be found throughout the books.

This entire series has been fun to read and would be a great introduction to horror for the younger kids, especially if they they are Disney fans.

[Laura Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello foolish reader ! This is Laura’s book review . Memento Mori was a great end to the tales of the haunted mansion series. This is perfect for kids ( 9+) who love a good scare . It is not to gory or frightening. However , there are some parts where children under the age of 9 , may find scary .

I enjoyed the fact that this book was very humorous and had lots of funny side notes . Still , it remained quite scary. I am 11 and read it with my dad and we enjoyed it. I also liked how it had a strong plot but also let you think for yourself what really happened...

This book is perfect for fans of R.L.Stine ( hope I spelt that right 🤪😂👍). Thank you so much for reading this review. I hope you enjoyed it .


*PREPARE TO ENTER THE LIVING WORLD!*

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed again.

As much as the librarian seems to be a new non ride character (even though I keep giving him the ghost hosts voice in my head) I was disappointed that he was going to be stepping down. I liked the twist we got about the main characters and I am aware this is a series for kids, but I still don't really like the four main kids all that much and I don't think the girl should have gotten the role of ghost librarian.

(I may be a bit biased as someone who would love the role as a ghost librarian.)

I hope in the future if they make another book in the series they bring back the original ghost librarian.

[Cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad to know this is the last one in the series. This is one of my favorite series!

I was so excited reading this, I loved the idea of finding a new librarian and that AA holds a tale of all tales competition to find a new one. I really enjoyed seeing characters from the previous books come into it, Willa happens to be my favorite. I feel like if this is the end, then they did a great job at wrapping up the series.

I hope to see more from this series in the future, hopefully the new librarian decides to continue the legacy and tells more tales of the 999 ghosts, I would love a tell all book of how AA became the librarian.

[LuAnn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fourth and final volume of the series had two stories besides the frame story which allows the stories to be more in-depth than the four in the first two volumes in the three in the third. The frame story satisfyingly ties stories together from the other volumes. I like “Class Brain“ the best of the two.

These books make more sense when read as a series and a whole. All include clever use of phrases from the Haunted Mansion narration and song and a few other Disney creations and illusions to horror story writers. The books are nicely printed and illustrated, and the slip cover edition includes a blank journal.

[Genres and Journals *Tia* · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m glad that I’ve finally finished this series. I’ve never been impressed with the books but I’ve felt an obligation to finish them because Haunted Mansjon is my favorite ride at Disneyland.
This book in particular was more gruesome than I anticipated and I certainly would never recommend it to my tween. The stories in this installment weren’t terrible but they were rip offs of other scary tales (Frankenstein, Pirates of the Caribbean, and a myriad of Poe’s stories, and maybe a bit of Misery energy too).
I think from now on, I will avoid Haunted Mansion books and just stick to the ride and the movies.

[Greg Kerestan · Rating 3 out of 5]

My love of "Haunted Mansion" and all its lore kept me going through this series, though even as YA it never quite clicked for me. I liked the idea of fusing mansion lore with classic EC-style horror anthology iconography, but here at the last it seemed forced and inconsistent, and the ambitious attempt at nonlinear "Westworld" storytelling never clicked into place. Still, I'll be sad to entirely let the Mansion series go- I wish it had been better, but a little bit of Haunted Mansion is better than none.

[Rhiannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic ending to the series! I have loved each book and this did not disappoint. The stories were captivating and quick-paced. Even though this is written as a children's book, Haunted Mansion fans of all ages will love it. If you're taking your child who's 7+ (give or take on the age) to Disneyland/Disney World/etc., pick up a copy of this series and have your child listen to it. It will make the magical trip even more magical with all the small details from the rides placed in the books.

[DK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful collection of spooky tales for the younger reader. The tone set in this volume is, like the title suggests, a reminder of the inevitable end of things. The book carries with it that sombre note throughout (even for a series such as this), and gives the impression that this may indeed be the final volume. I sincerely hope not, as even those readers older than the suggested age range can find something both unnerving and comforting in this tome.

[Emily Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated volume 4 connected with volumes 1 and 2 and the twist at the end was a nice touch. I wanted to know more about our host Amicus Arcane but overall the story stories were stronger than its preceding volumes. For the appropriate age audience the short stories are just spooked enough and entertaining. I don’t know if I will be revisiting this series again but I am glad it exists for fans of the classic attraction.

[Stasia Bruhn · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was expecting so much better from this series . What I wasn’t expecting was a knock off Frankenstein story, a pirate with a claw, and a dead horror writer. This was weaker than the last one.. ugh I wouldnt even pay 2 dollars for this tripe.. maybe just maybe the next will b better . Disney has so much material they could’ve used and this is what they give us…its a fang shame ( dang) shame lol .

[Rosalin Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I.Morales SSBN628 SSN638 SJB77

This is a great series for those that want a change of pace from their usual genre. I highly recommend the series to any and all. None of the volumes rely on gore to tell the story, but rely on good story telling with a bit of whimsy.
Volume IV was equally as enjoyable as the other three volumes. Although, one of the last chapters was a bit confusing. I had to reread the chapter to get it straight.

[Alicia Reddy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished this one a less than a week ago and have already forgotten most of the short stories within it. I didn't dislike it and dread picking it up but it wasn't memorable at all. I do think out of all 4 volumes, this is the one that my 8 year old would enjoy the most. I feel bad rating lower as it is clearly geared towards children but with Haunted Mansion as part of the title, I expected a little more about the mansion vs it just being in the literal background scenery of other stories.

[Denise Barela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an spooky conclusion to such a fun series! This book was just as good as the three that came before it. I loved seeing all the ties to the previous books and the ride! Amicus Arcane will forever be my favorite librarian. You won't regret delving into the world of the Haunted Mansion, where there's 999 happy haunts and room for one more! Are you brave enough to enter? Be sure to make your final arrangements now...they've been...dying to have you!

[W. M. Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good wrap-up of the series since it epitomizes the themes of many ghost stories: that ghosts’ memories are subjective, ghosts seek to either help or seek revenge, and that scenes of tragedy tend to replay in the hope of a ghost completing their unfinished business.

[Full review at https://ashleyweaverauthor.com/2023/0...]