Scare Me

Scare Me #4

by K.R. Alexander

A haunted house has come to life in this spine-tingling novel from the author of The Collector
They've lost control of the haunted house.

Every year, the town of Happy Hills holds its haunted house contest. In a spooky old manor, teams of kids come up with new ways to frighten people. The scariest team wins.

But this year, all the teams are going to lose. Because this year the house itself has awakened . . . and it won't be happy until it's devoured all the people inside. What started out as a game has turned into something much more deadly.

Is there any way out?

Genres: Horror, Middle Grade, Young Adult, Childrens, Paranormal, Fiction, Audiobook

211 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2019

About the author

K.R. Alexander is the pseudonym for fantasy author Alex R. Kahler. Under this guise, K.R. writes creepy middle grade horror, perfect for young readers looking for a scare! His first book, The Collector, debuted from Scholastic in the Fall of '18.

Reviews

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being a children's horror book, it's pretty good. I like this author and I've read a few of his books already. While they give me some Goosebumps vibes I can honestly say I think they are better than Goosebumps. This book had its scary moments for sure. If you're wondering if this book is suitable for your child. I would say by 10 years old should be fine. There is nothing REALLY scary in the book and no inappropriate language or romance.

[Katherine Sander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it!!! You can just imagine it happening in your head!!! So much fear!! It was like I was actually there! OMG it was so good I can't describe it in words.

[Jason Harlow · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a chore to get through. The main character Kevin is a complete jabroni who loves making haunted houses and scaring people, and holds a serious grudge about this girl named Patricia whose team was simply better at last year's haunted house contest. (seriously, he keeps saying she cheated, but offers absolutely no evidence of that) Therefore, he decides to use an actual corpse in order to beat her team this year. The team names are corny, such as "The Monster Mashers" and "The Masked Mummies" and there is some serious virtue signaling going on in the form of constant mentions from the main character of "my dads." Representation is cool, but overexplaining it at the beginning of every other chapter is not. That, however is only a small gripe in the grand scheme of things. This dragged like crazy, had silly dream sequences and was way too similar to the other book I read from the same author. There's also no Halloween vibes whatsoever! This gets a 2/5 instead of a 1/5 simply because the ending was kinda cool and I wasn't bored in the very beginning. I'd be more than okay with not reading anything else from this author.

[Richard K. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really don't think i can ever go wrong with an Alexander book! The author just KNOWS how to scare you! And no pun intended with the title of this Halloween themed Scare fest!

Kevin just HAS to win this years Best Haunted floor of their towns local haunted house, then he and his team will be awarded FREE pizza and soda for a full year! After losing the year before to Patricia, the rich and snotty girl at his school, after she CHEATED him out of 1st place! Kevin is a boy of two fathers, and I loved the way Alexander once again handled having gay characters in the writing. As I always say; I really do not know what makes a book be labeled as YA but this one scared me at multiple times......come on, can you imagine being terrorized by real life Mannequins and hell bent for revenge dead Brides!!!? Loved this book. Would recommend to anyone who loves a great Halloween themed ghost story.

5 👻🕷️🩸🔪👻

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Students in grades 5-8 are likely to give “Scare Me” a four star rating or higher after reading scene after scene filled with the worst of things that most of them fear—clowns, dolls, mannequins, cemeteries and the like. Kevin and his team of friends join other groups in the creation of an annual haunted house with the scariest scene earning the designers a year of free pizza and bragging rights. However, a bad decision causes the house to come alive, locking adults out and the four teams inside with all manner of ghoulish mayhem. The non-stop frights will appeal to the target audience but seemed a bit farcical to this librarian. However, like its predecessor, “The Collecter,” this book of horrors will be checked out often. The author keeps “Scare Me” free of profanity and sexual content and there is no gore or blood. Libraries looking for diversity should note that Kevin does refer to his two dads regularly, and the cast of characters is evenly divided between males and females. Descriptions of those characters’ physical features are sparse, leaving ethnicity up to the visualizations of the reader. Thanks for the dARC, Edelweiss.


2nd reading-During COVID19, I set up a Read Aloud Google Classroom for my library patrons and primarily read books I had given 5 star ratings, but selected this one because of its "scare level" and knew that would appeal to a large number of my kiddos. During this second reading, I noticed a great deal more to recommend about this book--excellent descriptive language, clear settings that are crucial to plot progression, and character changes over time with definite causes for those developments. My students loved it!

[Dayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the things I love about middle grade horror is how pure it is—like, the most basic scares are used in the most entertaining ways.

This is my first book by this author and I’m intrigued enough to read others I own by them. I found it fun how they wrote the creepy moments and used syntax as a literal expression of the rising climax of the story, or the goosebumps on your arms.

I did find this one to be a bit slow in getting to the main scares and the moral message was a little heavy handed, but that conclusion left me with so many questions! I just know middle grade me would have LOVED this.

I’d recommend it for the readers (young or old) who just want a fun and simple spooky story to read at night. For the younger readers, while this isn’t overly spooky for me, this might give a few a hard time at night. So, I’d recommend this for the slightly braver kids. This is like Goosebumps for this new generation (but admittedly better written).

Happy reading!

[Destiny · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter read this book and she really was impressed by the storyline and the characters. She was so impressed she made me ( yes made lol) buy
Three other books from this author. And has even gotten her teacher to read it to the class.

[willa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a pretty scary book. I loved the storyline and events but it also seemed a little to straightfoward.

[Ally O · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good Book!

This book is definitely not one of the best books this author has made. It wasn’t terrible it wasn’t great it was good!

This story is about a boy named Kevin (which is the person you are in the perspective of.) and Kevin and his two friends are entering a haunted house contest at their school. However when one of the teachers shows Kevin and his friends the room. Kevin breaks something on accident but I really can’t say what it was without giving a spoiler!
3.5/5 ⭐️

The first half of the book I was ready to DNF it and give it a one star because of how boring it is. I pushed myself through tho and read the whole book.
And there where two twists in the end of the book that made me like the entire book. Because with those twists it made me like the whole book and I understood it more.

So if you buy this book I 100% recommend you read the entire thing. Because at first your not gonna understand the book your gonna think it’s so boring and it’s nothing new to the paranormal. But when you finish it and read those twists I promise you your gonna like the entire book.

I hope this helped you out know more about this book! Bye!!!

[Laura ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really decent creepy little story! I’m super shocked this is audience geared towards middle-grade YA, because I found myself genuinely freaked out during some parts 😅 the mannequins, the real graveyard, the bride storyline… iykyk. I was in the mood for a Halloween spooky story that kept my attention, and this definitely served well. Very impressed by this author and I will be running to his other works too 👏🏼

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fun haunted house horror that kids who love the Goosebumps series will devour. If your kids are looking for Haunted Mansion type stuff when the movie comes out - definitely point them towards this book.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! Small story with a big punch. I felt like I was right there in the middle of it. Very exciting and fast paced. I loved the ending.

[Sara Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't really like it. It had a cool concept but was poorly written and hard to invest in.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy! Haunted house come to life x a really messed-up Miss Havisham riff.

[Luci Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ This was an awesome story! Randomly found the audiobook through Hoopla and I’m so glad I did! Perfect for spooky season 👻

[Steph · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star.

The writing of the book was terrible. I know, I know, it’s a middle school read. But honestly, it’s... just.... bad. The chapters are wayyy to short. There’s no reason to make them that short. The longest chapter was 3-1/2 pages long, but most of the time it was 1-1/2 or 2 pages. Really?! The author did say his name halfway through ch. 1 but I didn’t get a clear reading on if it was a boy or a girl until Ch. 9. That’s crap. Ya, I know, his name was Kevin, but still, some people have names that are usually for the opposite gender. And even though the book was paranormal, really. The ending was soooo bad. I kinda wanted to someone to get injured or die or something, but I know I was expecting too much. Sorry to spoil it but, the ghost bride (who somehow has these enormous powers and absolute hatred for this boy that literally did nothing like wut) is about to kill him and then since she sees his “incredible act of sacrifice and kindness” just screams in his face FIR NO REASON then he blacks out and wakes up outside. Like, what the hell. Also, the book isn’t really descriptive at all... it had the cliche thing where the mean person is actually just so misinterpreted and oh you just have to feel so sorry for her/him, please.... someone could be a BIT more creative?!
The only thing good about this book was that it had representation for the main characters parents. It was a couple of gay men. That’s usually not a factor so I’ll give em that. Other than that the book sucked.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book I’ve read by this author and it’s my favorite so far. The scares in this book are mostly unique and it has a good adventure. Chapters are short and it never loses your attention so it’s good for reluctant readers. I look forward to trying more books by Alexander!

#scholasticemployee. Review is a collection of my thoughts and does not represent the company for which I work.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My granddaughter and I just finished reading this. It was fun doing it together. She would read two pages and then me. We LOVED it! It think we will have to read another book by this author.

[Kacey Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am always on the lookout for horror authors to recommend to younger audiences and K.R. Alexander has become my new go to!

[The St. Louis Literary Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Scare Me," penned by K.R. Alexander, crafts a labyrinthine narrative that ensnares its readers with an eerie blend of suspense and the supernatural. Alexander, known for weaving tales that chill the spine while probing the depths of human emotions, delivers yet again with this gripping novel. The story, rooted in the tradition of classic ghost stories, explores themes of fear, courage, and the enduring impact of past traumas on the present.

The novel's strength lies in its adept character development. Alexander skillfully draws readers into the protagonists' inner worlds, making their fears palpable and their courage inspiring. The characters are not merely navigating a haunted landscape; they are confronting the ghosts of their pasts. This psychological depth adds a rich layer to the narrative, elevating it beyond the typical fare of the genre.

Another notable aspect of "Scare Me" is its atmospheric setting. Alexander's vivid descriptions create a sense of creeping dread that permeates the story. The setting is not just a backdrop but a character in its own right, contributing to the novel's overall sense of unease.

While "Scare Me" excels in creating suspense and developing interesting characters, it also invites reflection on the nature of fear itself. Alexander poses poignant questions about what it means to face one's fears and the cost of ignoring them. This thematic exploration adds a layer of complexity to the novel, making it not just a thrilling read but also a thought-provoking one.

In summary, "Scare Me" is a compelling addition to the horror genre, offering a perfect blend of psychological depth, atmospheric tension, and a nuanced exploration of fear. K.R. Alexander has crafted a story that not only scares but also moves and provokes, making it a must-read for fans of sophisticated horror.

[Jerni Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my FAVORITE books, and you are on my TOP FAVORITE authors. Thank you for your books and the joy that they bring me when reading them. I use to hate reading books, but then I looked at one of my book shelves, with a little urge of wanting to read a book, and I saw this book, and started reading it. When I did, I just couldn’t put it down. Each word, on each page, brought me a bigger urge to keep reading and to find out what would happen next. I loved how it shows that we should always be respectful and follow the rules. I loved each of the scares, and how each of them, had their own little lesson. I enjoyed every bit of this book, but, if I had to choose my favorite part, it would probably be the last event. This event, when Kevin was willing to sacrifice himself in order to save his use-to-be-enemy, now friend. He could’ve just let her stay there forever, but he knew that it’d be wrong. I also had a lot of moments where I smiled, but my favorite smile moment, might have to be when Kevin and Patricia were holding hands in the hallway, just before the clowns came and took Patricia away. The funniest scare for me, might have to be the first one, where the skeleton doll repeated what Kevin said even though it did not have batteries. I also liked how later he didn’t tell Julie and Tabatha that the skeletons didn’t have batteries, and that the bones felt real.

[WickedsEscapism♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: In the small town of Happy Hills, the annual haunted house contest turns into a nightmare when the spooky old manor comes to life. The house, once a mere backdrop for kids' frightening creations, has awakened with a hunger for human fear. Teams of kids, including Kevin and his friends, must survive the house's deadly traps and puzzles to escape.

Characters: Kevin and his friends are well-developed and relatable, their friendships and teamwork crucial to their survival.

Trigger warnings: Fear, anxiety, and intense situations are present throughout the book.

Favorite quotes:

- "The house had a mind of its own, and it was hungry."
- "Fear was the fuel that drove the house."

Overall review: "Scare Me" is a heart-pounding, spine-tingling horror novel that brings the haunted house trope to life. Alexander's writing masterfully crafts a chilling atmosphere, making it easy to become immersed in the world. The pacing is well-balanced, with intense moments and brief respites. While some plot points feel slightly predictable, the novel remains a gripping read. If you're a fan of horror, especially haunted houses, this is a great choice.

[Jennifer Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy Smoke... if you like the scary stuff get on in here.

Kevin and his two friends known as the Bloody Banshees are comepeting in a haunted house contest. There are 3 other teams. Each one gets a floor in the town historical museum and theirs is the basement. Kevin has planned this all year and refuses to lose to Patricia again. She cheated last year, by sabotaging them. Kevin gets an idea to use one of the historical pieces, a missing bride mannequin, which is against the rules. What he does is end up opening a door that none of them may escape from! EEK!

Great for a read aloud, has all kinds of common fear elements, clowns, toys coming to life, mazes, locked in a haunted house, graveyards, etc. Has some good character development and lessons learned with a twist end.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Every year, this town holds its haunted house in a spooky old mansion. Teams of kids work together to find new ways to scare people and of course, the scariest team wins. Kevin and his friends work together in the basement where Kevin discovers a mannequin bride. The story goes that her parents were so sad when she died that they kept her alive by putting her wedding dress on a mannequin and keeping her in their lives. After Kevin discovers her, he starts to have some very vivid nightmares. And on the then night of the judging, the house comes alive and locks the kids inside and all the adults outside!

[C.° · Rating 3 out of 5]

i wish i liked this more, honestly. i found it a bit off-putting that the main event from the blurb didn’t take place until halfway through the book. it messed with the pacing: the first half was super slow and focused on the characters, their relationships and “scary” dream sequences. whereas the second half, felt rushed and predictable.

this is middle grade, so we all know the “evil” is going to be defeated by ✨the power of friendship and forgiveness✨

[Tori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book:
SCARE ME by K.R.Alexander

Review:
3⭐
Out of all the books I've read by this author, SCARE ME has been my least favorite. Don't get me wrong, I liked the book---and even though it was fast paced---I felt like it was dragged out...until it was so fast paced that it was hard to keep track of what was happening. Nonetheless, it was a horrifying read, but not as horrifying as something that's title SCARE ME should be.

[Rhoda Fitzsimmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author.

Although I don't like horror books, I figured this was for school age children and couldn't be that bad.

Boy was I wrong, I had goosebumps during several chapters in the book. It's got everything most kids are afraid of, zombies, cemeteries and the like.

It was interesting to hear how each group was going to decorate the different floors of the house for Halloween. It gave me some ideas.

All in all, a great read.

[Dee Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Kevin and his friends enter the annual haunted house contest, he vows to do everything he has to do to win and get back at his nemesis Patricia. But when he borrows a prop from the house, he unleashes an evil spirit that makes everything in the house come to life.

This is a pretty creepy book. Not scary enough for me but middle grade students will enjoy it.

[Angie Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you a fan of haunted houses? Kevin loves decorating and competing in a haunted house contest every year. This year turns out so different compared to all his previous ones though. Will all the students survive this twist? You will have to read to find out. KR is definitely one of my preferred horror authors in the middle grade realm.

[Evora · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it has a bad plot and an insufferable main character with throwaway sides. However, the writing is some of the most descriptive and imaginative that I have read in a while. While I like the idea of the book, it's not executed well. Therefore, I don't recommend this book, but for a similar book that is better, I recommend Small Spaces by Katherine Arden.