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Scary Bastard
What do a child killer, a hopeful special effects artist, a duo of budding teen psychopaths, a student screwing teacher and a mutated maniac with his lower jaw missing have in common? They're all out this Halloween. How will their paths cross? Who's killing who? Can anyone survive the bloodbath or are they all destined to drown in a pool of warm red? This slasher nightmare gives you a seat beside the killer but don't get too comfortable, there's a Scary Bastard on the loose... (This book includes 9 horrifying illustrations to guide you through the terror!)
220 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2019
74 people are currently reading
2255 people want to read
About the author
Aron Beauregard
86 books3,375 followersAron Beauregard was born and raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. He's been writing horror since the 6th grade and has now released over 25 books. An avid supporter of horror art and illustration, Aron has made it his standard to hire illustrators for every book that he puts out under his brand AB Horror.
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
His writing is dark and without boundaries. Known for creating a stir, his work has gone viral on several occasions. He's won the Splatterpunk Award twice after garnering four total nominations. As an independent artist, Beauregard's book "Playground" has achieved #1 Bestseller status under the category of horror on both Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Additionally, his work has been translated to multiple languages.
To get the latest updates about upcoming releases, signed books and merchandise, film news, and so much more, visit his website:
www.ABHorror.com
To subscribe to his free newsletter, join the AB Horror Maggot Mailing List at:
https://aronbeauregard.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
March 15, 2021
4.5 STARS
The first time I saw the cover of this book, my initial thought was: Where the fuck did they get my photo?! Then I realized that it couldn’t be me – I only look that good with some make-up and from a certain angle, which is behind, so I guess that guy is my doppelganger. Poor bastard!
This story is a homage to slasher movies from the 70’s and 80’s, especially the original HALLOWEEN. Don’t get me wrong, it is not a replica – for a movie to be this violent, it could only be made by the love child of Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and Quentin Tarantino...on a bad day, hyped up on coke with the frustrations of spendng the day at the DMV.
Here’s how to get the most out of this story: Tell reality what my music teacher told me when I asked if I could join the choir.
”Pssst...fuck off.”
This is a story meant to entertain (all the sicko’s out there – hiya, welcome to the party) and not to be taken too seriously. Some of the violent descriptions are so over the top, you can’t help but laugh at the depravity of them. Going into this with the right attitude will make you enjoy this story for what it is: a blood-splattered bowl of popcorn.
So, it’s Halloween, and this escaped mental patient without a lower jaw – brush your teeth kids, when all of them are rotten and gone, other things start to fall out - is on a killing spree. And with the help of a serial killer, he will have all night to do it. Will anyone survive this night? Nobody is safe – regardless of age and sex.
TRIGGER WARNING: I know what you’re thinking – everything, right? Well, if you are not one of us (meaning extreme horror fans), it might be difficult to get your head around this, but a lot of us feel this way. There is animal torture – granted, very brief and not described in too much detail – but since there is a drawn picture in the book, it did upset me a bit. And that is the only reason I can’t give this book five stars.
You should read this guy. Mark my words – he will be one of the big names in the genre...
The first time I saw the cover of this book, my initial thought was: Where the fuck did they get my photo?! Then I realized that it couldn’t be me – I only look that good with some make-up and from a certain angle, which is behind, so I guess that guy is my doppelganger. Poor bastard!
This story is a homage to slasher movies from the 70’s and 80’s, especially the original HALLOWEEN. Don’t get me wrong, it is not a replica – for a movie to be this violent, it could only be made by the love child of Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie and Quentin Tarantino...on a bad day, hyped up on coke with the frustrations of spendng the day at the DMV.
Here’s how to get the most out of this story: Tell reality what my music teacher told me when I asked if I could join the choir.
”Pssst...fuck off.”
This is a story meant to entertain (all the sicko’s out there – hiya, welcome to the party) and not to be taken too seriously. Some of the violent descriptions are so over the top, you can’t help but laugh at the depravity of them. Going into this with the right attitude will make you enjoy this story for what it is: a blood-splattered bowl of popcorn.
So, it’s Halloween, and this escaped mental patient without a lower jaw – brush your teeth kids, when all of them are rotten and gone, other things start to fall out - is on a killing spree. And with the help of a serial killer, he will have all night to do it. Will anyone survive this night? Nobody is safe – regardless of age and sex.
TRIGGER WARNING: I know what you’re thinking – everything, right? Well, if you are not one of us (meaning extreme horror fans), it might be difficult to get your head around this, but a lot of us feel this way. There is animal torture – granted, very brief and not described in too much detail – but since there is a drawn picture in the book, it did upset me a bit. And that is the only reason I can’t give this book five stars.
You should read this guy. Mark my words – he will be one of the big names in the genre...
February 13, 2024
Too Gory!
And this is coming from someone who loves to read violent thrillers.
But the biggest problem is that I don’t like the way the story has ended. But I guess I shouldn’t say it’s not a good story.
I feel that if I had some control of things, I would have definitely done things different.
Herschel and Edmon are both repulsive. Horribly so. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just stop here and say I’m not satisfied.
Three stars. 💫💫💫
And this is coming from someone who loves to read violent thrillers.
But the biggest problem is that I don’t like the way the story has ended. But I guess I shouldn’t say it’s not a good story.
I feel that if I had some control of things, I would have definitely done things different.
Herschel and Edmon are both repulsive. Horribly so. I don’t want to give any spoilers so I’ll just stop here and say I’m not satisfied.
Three stars. 💫💫💫
November 19, 2022
History 5/5
Narration 5/5
Aaron Beauregard's Scary Bastard is a bloody and entertaining well-written story.
All the main characters are vile human psychos, who decide to commit unimaginable atrocious acts on Halloween night.
If you are looking for a good disturbing, disgusting and horrifying story, I recommend this book.
Narration 5/5
Aaron Beauregard's Scary Bastard is a bloody and entertaining well-written story.
All the main characters are vile human psychos, who decide to commit unimaginable atrocious acts on Halloween night.
If you are looking for a good disturbing, disgusting and horrifying story, I recommend this book.
January 3, 2021
This was my first book from Aron Beauregard and it did not disappoint. I won't go into any spoilers, but fans of gory slasher movies will enjoy this one. This story is full of horrendous images, ingenious deaths and evil people. Aron uses strong imagery to paint vicious pictures of murder and debauchery, that is so brutal it's almost comical. If you're looking for a psychological, mind bending experience, this book isn't for you. If you like deranged killers, graphic violence and filth, then yes, this is for you. Well done and I look forward to reading more from Mr. Beauregard
September 12, 2025
It was a monster mash on Halloween night
This is my second book from this author and he does not disappoint at all. He has a writing style of Gore, graphic, explicit, added with splatterpunk. This book takes place on a Halloween night where a sinister and sick man decides to unleashes a serial killer on a Halloween night. I love the characters in the book and the development of them sadly no one is safe. If you want to read a book that keeps you up at night and is down right sick and hellish read this book. I recommend not eating anything while reading this book.
This is my second book from this author and he does not disappoint at all. He has a writing style of Gore, graphic, explicit, added with splatterpunk. This book takes place on a Halloween night where a sinister and sick man decides to unleashes a serial killer on a Halloween night. I love the characters in the book and the development of them sadly no one is safe. If you want to read a book that keeps you up at night and is down right sick and hellish read this book. I recommend not eating anything while reading this book.
January 9, 2022
‘Definitely a Halloween like no other!’
This is the ultra-violent story of a deeply disturbed grotesquely disfigured killer being let loose from an asylum and creating carnage and mayhem on his evil odyssey, travelling from one wicked atrocious abomination to the next. Non-stop gore guaranteed.
Lots of great characters throughout, with full-on, detailed and imaginative kills outlined from the very start. As a result, Scary Bastard proved to be a highly enjoyable, totally OTT, traditional extreme horror style story that is certain to captivate and intrigue the most voracious of adult horror fans.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Hershel’s time working in the mental hospital and young Jesse’s ambitions to make it big in the horror movie business as a special effects artist. Also a pleasant surprise to see that AB had left the story open for many of the characters to continue their quests in other books to follow. Definitely looking forward to hearing more about Hershel, Jesse and Charles in future - three fantastic characters that I very much look forward to meeting again.
So why not 5 stars? Scary Bastard was nearly, nearly there, but I thought a couple of chapters felt rather superfluous and silly a (zoo), whilst reading about unnecessary scenes involving animal torture never really sit easy with me. No, not needed, especially as this small element of an otherwise wonderful storyline didn’t appear to add anything extra to the story. After all, once a psycho, always a psycho…no animal cruelty needed to prove that point, right?
Highly recommended for fans of straight-up blood, gore and evil atrocity horror, rather than the deep thinking, dark and disturbing psychological variety.
Overall - pure escapism that certainly delivered what it said on the tin (synopsis). Enjoy!
Rating: 4.3 blood-soaked stars of death and destruction.
This is the ultra-violent story of a deeply disturbed grotesquely disfigured killer being let loose from an asylum and creating carnage and mayhem on his evil odyssey, travelling from one wicked atrocious abomination to the next. Non-stop gore guaranteed.
Lots of great characters throughout, with full-on, detailed and imaginative kills outlined from the very start. As a result, Scary Bastard proved to be a highly enjoyable, totally OTT, traditional extreme horror style story that is certain to captivate and intrigue the most voracious of adult horror fans.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Hershel’s time working in the mental hospital and young Jesse’s ambitions to make it big in the horror movie business as a special effects artist. Also a pleasant surprise to see that AB had left the story open for many of the characters to continue their quests in other books to follow. Definitely looking forward to hearing more about Hershel, Jesse and Charles in future - three fantastic characters that I very much look forward to meeting again.
So why not 5 stars? Scary Bastard was nearly, nearly there, but I thought a couple of chapters felt rather superfluous and silly a (zoo), whilst reading about unnecessary scenes involving animal torture never really sit easy with me. No, not needed, especially as this small element of an otherwise wonderful storyline didn’t appear to add anything extra to the story. After all, once a psycho, always a psycho…no animal cruelty needed to prove that point, right?
Highly recommended for fans of straight-up blood, gore and evil atrocity horror, rather than the deep thinking, dark and disturbing psychological variety.
Overall - pure escapism that certainly delivered what it said on the tin (synopsis). Enjoy!
Rating: 4.3 blood-soaked stars of death and destruction.
October 4, 2021
This is the kind of slasher I've been wanting to read for a while. Holy shit.
February 4, 2022
Definitely a gory repulsive slasher. Easy to follow characters and just sick. It’s what you ask for when reading Aron’s books.
June 11, 2021
Captivating sick and gruesome
This was a great book for those whom love the more extreme horror novels. It is packed with blood, gore and violence. Slaughtering of innocents by a gruesome individual whom had an unhealthy upbringing. And to add more there is a sickening individual whom decides to hang on to his coat tails, riding on the macabre for his own sick purposes. All the way through are countless individuals with their own agendas. Bring a whole new level for brutality and viciousness. Packed full from the beginning, keeping you entertained throughout. Definitely worth checking out. Not for the easily offended.
This was a great book for those whom love the more extreme horror novels. It is packed with blood, gore and violence. Slaughtering of innocents by a gruesome individual whom had an unhealthy upbringing. And to add more there is a sickening individual whom decides to hang on to his coat tails, riding on the macabre for his own sick purposes. All the way through are countless individuals with their own agendas. Bring a whole new level for brutality and viciousness. Packed full from the beginning, keeping you entertained throughout. Definitely worth checking out. Not for the easily offended.
October 26, 2021
"Can anyone survive this blood bath or are they all destined to drown in a pool of warm red". When I first spoke to Aron about reviewing "Scary Bastard" he warned me that it would be rather extreme reading and he wasn't kidding. If you are a fan of horror (extreme horror) then this is the story for you, *WARNING* this is "extreme horror" and "gore" and that is what makes this an excellent story.
The story revolves around Edmon an escaped psychopath. Edmon will encounter other characters as crazed as he is (well not "as" crazed). Which makes the blood waist high, making it hard to put the book down. You will find yourself wondering how much further can it go.
Scary Bastard is fast paced, barely giving you enough time to catch your breath. Each chapter starts with an illustration that aptly fits the chapter. I would be remiss to not mention how much the jacket illustration and the ones in the book add to the overall feel of the story.
Like driving past a car accident and not being able to stop looking at it, this book will have the same effect on you. This was a new experience in horror for me and I find it very easy to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great horror and especially those who would like to see how far over the razor blade edge of horror they are willing to go. This is the first horror story I have ever read to go on the top shelf of my library, a place reserved for the best in my collection.
To close out my review I would just like to say one more thing. I thank God that Aron Beauregard is a writer of horror stories simply because if he wasn't he'd be one "Scary Bastard".
The story revolves around Edmon an escaped psychopath. Edmon will encounter other characters as crazed as he is (well not "as" crazed). Which makes the blood waist high, making it hard to put the book down. You will find yourself wondering how much further can it go.
Scary Bastard is fast paced, barely giving you enough time to catch your breath. Each chapter starts with an illustration that aptly fits the chapter. I would be remiss to not mention how much the jacket illustration and the ones in the book add to the overall feel of the story.
Like driving past a car accident and not being able to stop looking at it, this book will have the same effect on you. This was a new experience in horror for me and I find it very easy to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys great horror and especially those who would like to see how far over the razor blade edge of horror they are willing to go. This is the first horror story I have ever read to go on the top shelf of my library, a place reserved for the best in my collection.
To close out my review I would just like to say one more thing. I thank God that Aron Beauregard is a writer of horror stories simply because if he wasn't he'd be one "Scary Bastard".
March 16, 2021
This book is brutal, gory, and sometimes uncomfortable horror, but brilliant and definitely worth the read!
Aron is a master at story telling, and has a way at making you feel connected to every character. Some you love, some you hate to love, and some you just plain hate.
I can’t wait to see what happens to some of the characters in the sequel!
The art work is amazing!!
Aron is a master at story telling, and has a way at making you feel connected to every character. Some you love, some you hate to love, and some you just plain hate.
I can’t wait to see what happens to some of the characters in the sequel!
The art work is amazing!!
August 3, 2021
I should have waited to read this closer to Halloween since that's when it takes place. A true Halloween tale of murder and mayhem. The multiple characters you meet along the way all come together for one final slaughter. Who survives? Who dies a beautifully brutal death?
Edmon is my favorite character. He becomes a monster through no fault of his own and he does what monsters do.
Edmon is my favorite character. He becomes a monster through no fault of his own and he does what monsters do.
March 29, 2021
The ultimate gory, thrashing, slashing, hacking, deviant death metal hammer smashed face mayhem.
There were so many things going on with this wild ride; a creatively colorful menagerie of monstrous psychopaths, innocent victims, and sex, drugs, and Rockwell.
This was written by a horror fan to horror fans. It was total popcorn fiction, it had everything I love about watching a Friday the 13th movie, but even more extreme. There were some seriously creative and disgusting kills. Tom Savini would have a field day giving this one life.
There were so many things going on with this wild ride; a creatively colorful menagerie of monstrous psychopaths, innocent victims, and sex, drugs, and Rockwell.
This was written by a horror fan to horror fans. It was total popcorn fiction, it had everything I love about watching a Friday the 13th movie, but even more extreme. There were some seriously creative and disgusting kills. Tom Savini would have a field day giving this one life.
August 8, 2021
Disturbing, horrific but very captivating. I read this in one sitting. It’s filled with extreme gory horror, and not for the light-hearted. I’m looking forward to the sequel being released.
April 7, 2022
If you're a fan of 80's movies slashers, this book is for you!
April 21, 2020
Scary Bastard is expanding on one of the SS in 'TRY THE NEW CANDY', and nodding towards one or two more.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to the author's upcoming PIZZA FACE. (Out since I wrote first review)
I keep telling you to always read the author's notes... In this book, Aron informed me/us that his dog has got the coolest name EVER!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and am looking forward to the author's upcoming PIZZA FACE. (Out since I wrote first review)
I keep telling you to always read the author's notes... In this book, Aron informed me/us that his dog has got the coolest name EVER!
February 22, 2021
Relentless
Having loved YELLOW, this was the second book I've read by Aron Beauregard, and I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with a story. This is visceral, demented entertainment. If you like extreme horror, check out SCARY BASTARD. Highly recommended!
Having loved YELLOW, this was the second book I've read by Aron Beauregard, and I can't remember the last time I had so much fun with a story. This is visceral, demented entertainment. If you like extreme horror, check out SCARY BASTARD. Highly recommended!
October 8, 2020
Fun Halloween Slasher. Loved this Novel. Aron is also a really cool dude. Definitely looking forward to Scary Bastard 2.
February 14, 2021
Ghosts are white, vampires are dead, valentines would be better if it was Halloween instead! In light of that I’ve decided to read this book today and I’ve gotta say Aron has such a way with words, they convey such a strong mental image, truly amazing! If you’re into sick and twisted shock factor horror you need to give him a try he is simply amazing!
November 11, 2020
Finished this one, and wow, what a ride! Blood, guts, and gore galore! A serial killer is on the loose on Halloween! A killing machine leaves a massacre of dead bodies everywhere he goes. At the same time, one can't help but feel bad for Edmon. Strong trigger warnings.
April 15, 2022
A convergence of interesting characters that ends up as a brutal massacre on Halloween night. A bloody fun ride. Would be a great read for the Halloween season!
October 17, 2021
If you want to revisit every meal you’ve ever eaten since birth, read this book. Seriously, can s book have a smell? I smelled this book! Absolutely disgusting, bloody, brutally violent, all the wonderful things we expect from Aron and he does not disappoint!!!
January 3, 2023
I Finished my first book of 2023 and it couldn't be from a better author. Sick Bastard was sick haha.. so full of violence and gore just my cup of tea. I don't know how you manage to make me feel bad for the lowlifes in your books but you do..
Another 5 stars
Another 5 stars
July 9, 2021
There’s a Scary Bastard on the loose and he’s here to push readers to their limits with the amount of extreme violence that occurs throughout it’s pages, including microwaveable heads and a trip to the local zoo to feed the chimpanzees! But that’s not all, you’ll also meet a duo of Columbine wannabes, high school sweethearts, a widower who enjoys a bit of child endangerment, and the resident teacher seducing student. All of these people, and many more, will cross paths on Halloween, changing all of their lives forever.
I can’t praise Aron’s writing style enough, even if you can’t stomach his brand of violence, the way he crafts characters and brings them to life will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, fourths, and (as of right now) tenths. If you haven’t read one of his books, they are filled to the brim with enchanting story lines that will haunt you long after you put them down. Additionally, the illustrations within the pages of his books are a much appreciated addition that really enhances the experience.
I can’t praise Aron’s writing style enough, even if you can’t stomach his brand of violence, the way he crafts characters and brings them to life will have you coming back for seconds, thirds, fourths, and (as of right now) tenths. If you haven’t read one of his books, they are filled to the brim with enchanting story lines that will haunt you long after you put them down. Additionally, the illustrations within the pages of his books are a much appreciated addition that really enhances the experience.
December 22, 2020
Another badass, gory ride from one of my new favorite extreme horror authors! While reading this I never knew what was around the corner and every single death was brutal and totally original. Edmon was one disturbing villain, but Hershel was even worse in his own way. Definitely 5/5 jawless skulls 💀
July 11, 2021
Aron pushes the limit when it comes to writing creative, messed up gory stories. The main characters were f’d up, the kill scenes were “jaw dropping.” And as usual, the descriptions/visuals were nicely written.
Read
July 11, 2023I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at popcorn the same way anymore 😧
April 20, 2021
This bastard IS scary
This is the second work by Aaron that I've had the pleasure of reading. I'm a sucker for a Halloween terror, so this was a no brainer for me. Wonderful characters that you care about, or hate in this case. What I enjoy about Beauregard's writing, is that the reader can tell just as much time is put into the "good guys" as the villain. The author doesn't cut corners or waste words. I highly recommend sitting down with Scary Bastard!
This is the second work by Aaron that I've had the pleasure of reading. I'm a sucker for a Halloween terror, so this was a no brainer for me. Wonderful characters that you care about, or hate in this case. What I enjoy about Beauregard's writing, is that the reader can tell just as much time is put into the "good guys" as the villain. The author doesn't cut corners or waste words. I highly recommend sitting down with Scary Bastard!
September 6, 2023
I really wanted to like this as I recently read Playground by Aron Beauregard and really liked it and the ratings for this novel are really high but I just found this absolutely ridiculous. The writing was poor and the story was just really boring. I can deal with gore and I love a good old 80s slasher style novel but to me there was just no actual plot and I wanted more of a story to go alongside it. I didn’t even feel disgusted or disturbed by any of it, I just found myself rolling my eyes most of the time, which is a shame as it started off strong in the first couple of chapters. The characters had no development at all and it ended so abruptly that half the character’s purpose didn’t even have a conclusion. Also the minute things turn homophobic or racist, I’m out. It doesn’t add “shock factor”, it’s just offensive. Overall I was really disappointed with this.
October 6, 2025
If you want a gnarly messed up read for Halloween, Scary Bastard is the one to go for.
Because this Halloween will be one to remember. There are couples in love, incels, babysitters, an unaliver with a taste for young, and a monster on the loose who is trick or treating for human candy.
Let’s just say this book is like Halloween on steroids, and Michael Myers has a lot to learn from this maniac.
I’ll admit, I usually struggle when there are a lot of characters in a book, but AB’s writing makes it easy to follow and the characters unforgettable.
Add in the gore and graphic scenes (as expected), and time just flies by!
Solid 5 stars from me… and yes, I need a sequel!
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
Because this Halloween will be one to remember. There are couples in love, incels, babysitters, an unaliver with a taste for young, and a monster on the loose who is trick or treating for human candy.
Let’s just say this book is like Halloween on steroids, and Michael Myers has a lot to learn from this maniac.
I’ll admit, I usually struggle when there are a lot of characters in a book, but AB’s writing makes it easy to follow and the characters unforgettable.
Add in the gore and graphic scenes (as expected), and time just flies by!
Solid 5 stars from me… and yes, I need a sequel!
This review and more here:
Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews