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Killer Candy
“GHOSTS AREN’T REAL, DUMMY!” That’s what former con-man and paranormal investigator Clark Vandermeer kept saying, until his friends were swallowed up by the unknown. Desperate for answers (and cash!), he teams up with Zeke Silver, ghost-puncher. They’re hired to join dozens of other ghost-hunting misfits on the biggest paranormal investigation of all time as they search for proof of the supernatural at the dreaded Oswald Academy. But will they survive the Black Eyed Kids? Their undead master? The psychotic ex-Marine? The mix tape forged in the pits of Hell itself? Packed with colorful characters, Killer Candy is a fast-paced read that walks the line between hilarious and horrifying.
- GenresHorror
186 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2020
83 people are currently reading
108 people want to read
About the author
Jason Murphy
8 books32 followersJason Murphy lives in Texas and spends most of his time writing novels, screenplays, video games, narrative podcasts, and comics. When not researching or writing about tradecraft, the occult, or the fantastic, he can be found spending time with his family, reading, or watching movies. He collects records, PEZ dispensers, and Conan comics. He can occasionally be lured out of his lair with the promise of barbecue/tacos and good conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 13, 2020
I have followed Jason Murphy for a while with his modern rouge youtube channel, but never knew he wrote.
This is the first book I have ever preordered, and boy am I not disappointed!
I'm still new to horror books, but already this is by far my favourite! A lot of horror books either are not very scary or just go on and on with no time to feel any other emotion, making the gore and horror tiresome (defeating the whole purpose) but Killer Candy had the perfect combo of horror and likable character interactions. Nothing in the books played out as funny, it was the conversations and back and forth of the characters, I haven't read of more likable characters in a very long time.
Clark is sometimes a bit dense, but that is apart of horror, you can't have the main character know everything all at once even when you yourself have.
Also, I love Zeke with an undying passion. Super used the trope of "big scary man is actually pretty smart because people judge too fast on how he holds himself" but Zeke is even better, He is a loyal friend and sometimes has to be the one that takes the lead. He forever lives rent-free in my thoughts.
This was such an easy read, never felt drawn out, always had me at the edge of my seat during the right times.
I am now dying to get my hands on the second book, I think this is forming up to be my new favourite series.
This is the first book I have ever preordered, and boy am I not disappointed!
I'm still new to horror books, but already this is by far my favourite! A lot of horror books either are not very scary or just go on and on with no time to feel any other emotion, making the gore and horror tiresome (defeating the whole purpose) but Killer Candy had the perfect combo of horror and likable character interactions. Nothing in the books played out as funny, it was the conversations and back and forth of the characters, I haven't read of more likable characters in a very long time.
Clark is sometimes a bit dense, but that is apart of horror, you can't have the main character know everything all at once even when you yourself have.
Also, I love Zeke with an undying passion. Super used the trope of "big scary man is actually pretty smart because people judge too fast on how he holds himself" but Zeke is even better, He is a loyal friend and sometimes has to be the one that takes the lead. He forever lives rent-free in my thoughts.
This was such an easy read, never felt drawn out, always had me at the edge of my seat during the right times.
I am now dying to get my hands on the second book, I think this is forming up to be my new favourite series.
July 24, 2024
Killer Candy is fun, creepy, humorous, and atmospheric. In a short novel, it builds a world and a set of characters that are likable enough for a series, setting them in a world of the paranormal. I laughed out loud several times, while also needing to watch YouTube so I could get certain scenes out of the forefront of my mind. It's comedic horror and I'm here for it.
December 14, 2020
Sometimes you want to read a serious horror novel. Other times, you want to read something that, despite possessing many of the hallmarks of serious horror, is so outrageous that it will plaster a grin to your face the entire time you read it. This book belongs to the latter category.
It opens with greater emphasis on the comedic elements. Indeed, in terms of humor, it's one of those rare books that actually succeeds in being laugh out loud funny. The later chapters place greater emphasis on the horror elements. While it's never actually scary, it does deliver a fresh take on many of the classic horror tropes and elements in such a way as to keep the reader thoroughly entertained. During both the comedic and the horrific scenes, one can easily imagine the author cackling with glee as he wrote.
Particularly delightful is the author's treatment of the entire ghost hunting/paranormal investigation industry. Admittedly, some elements of this story arc are not entirely original--we've all read plenty of stories about the skeptic who finds himself in a real supernatural situation--but the cast of characters makes the whole thing seem fresh and entertaining. Each of the characters, as bizarre as they all (and I do mean ALL) are represents one (or more) of the types of people one encounters in ghost hunting circles, from the technological sleuths with their beeping gizmos to the "creature of the night" types who wear velvet and speak in bad British accents. The author even takes a worthy shot at the "superstar" paranormal consultant types, with a pair of characters one could hardly distinguish from the Warrens (whose so-called investigations have spawned such film franchises as The Conjuring). With the exception of these last characters, however, the author has delicately balanced the tone of his treatment. While it's clear that he's poking fun at these people, it's also clear that he's doing so with respect in his heart and a twinkle in his eye.
Unfortunately, the book does suffer a bit from a few too many editing errors, and certain events are never quite resolved. With regard to this last point, it's entirely possible that more explanation is forthcoming in future books in the series. I, for one, will be first in line to read the next one.
It opens with greater emphasis on the comedic elements. Indeed, in terms of humor, it's one of those rare books that actually succeeds in being laugh out loud funny. The later chapters place greater emphasis on the horror elements. While it's never actually scary, it does deliver a fresh take on many of the classic horror tropes and elements in such a way as to keep the reader thoroughly entertained. During both the comedic and the horrific scenes, one can easily imagine the author cackling with glee as he wrote.
Particularly delightful is the author's treatment of the entire ghost hunting/paranormal investigation industry. Admittedly, some elements of this story arc are not entirely original--we've all read plenty of stories about the skeptic who finds himself in a real supernatural situation--but the cast of characters makes the whole thing seem fresh and entertaining. Each of the characters, as bizarre as they all (and I do mean ALL) are represents one (or more) of the types of people one encounters in ghost hunting circles, from the technological sleuths with their beeping gizmos to the "creature of the night" types who wear velvet and speak in bad British accents. The author even takes a worthy shot at the "superstar" paranormal consultant types, with a pair of characters one could hardly distinguish from the Warrens (whose so-called investigations have spawned such film franchises as The Conjuring). With the exception of these last characters, however, the author has delicately balanced the tone of his treatment. While it's clear that he's poking fun at these people, it's also clear that he's doing so with respect in his heart and a twinkle in his eye.
Unfortunately, the book does suffer a bit from a few too many editing errors, and certain events are never quite resolved. With regard to this last point, it's entirely possible that more explanation is forthcoming in future books in the series. I, for one, will be first in line to read the next one.
December 17, 2020
Jason Murphy is definitely the horror author that should be paid attention to from fans of the genre. The Black Goat Motorcycle Club was a blast from beginning to end with its very John Carpenter-like feel and now he's written another winner with his latest work. Not only does he deliver on the horror with several disturbing and creepy moments but he unleashes his wicked sense of humor full force this time around.
Loved the characters (the ones that we got to know of the most since there are plenty of them scattering around in this book) and the build up to the obvious mayhem that is waiting also stays solid as he keeps it fast paced with the many laugh out moments that was mostly caused by the cleverly funny dialogue.
Definitely give this one your time if you enjoy a good old fashioned horror novel that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Loved the characters (the ones that we got to know of the most since there are plenty of them scattering around in this book) and the build up to the obvious mayhem that is waiting also stays solid as he keeps it fast paced with the many laugh out moments that was mostly caused by the cleverly funny dialogue.
Definitely give this one your time if you enjoy a good old fashioned horror novel that doesn't take itself too seriously.
March 9, 2023
Ghost-hunting teams, pop culture references, laugh-out-loud jokes, a nasty villain, and some genuine creep.
What a fun read!
Clarke is a great character to get the story through. He's a guy that has made his living scamming people on the supernatural and is the perfect skeptic to mirror the audiences...but with such a sarcastic, referential bite.
The supporting cast delivers:
Zeke: Half The Rock in the Rundown, half Casey Jones. (I loved this character!)
Rez: She works in a "cubical job" but claims to be able to see ghosts.
Andi: A goth who thinks she's a witch.
The book is tight regarding settings, mainly an abandoned school and an office building. These might sound tame, but the books ramps them way up for both horrific and comedic effect.
One line to sum up the whole thing:
It's a candy-sweet book. Definitely recommend and looking forward to reading the sequel.
What a fun read!
Clarke is a great character to get the story through. He's a guy that has made his living scamming people on the supernatural and is the perfect skeptic to mirror the audiences...but with such a sarcastic, referential bite.
The supporting cast delivers:
Zeke: Half The Rock in the Rundown, half Casey Jones. (I loved this character!)
Rez: She works in a "cubical job" but claims to be able to see ghosts.
Andi: A goth who thinks she's a witch.
The book is tight regarding settings, mainly an abandoned school and an office building. These might sound tame, but the books ramps them way up for both horrific and comedic effect.
One line to sum up the whole thing:
It's a candy-sweet book. Definitely recommend and looking forward to reading the sequel.
February 15, 2021
Jason Murphy manages to make me laugh, have goosebumps and fell very tense all in the span of a few pages. Clark Vandermeer is a flawed and relatable character that you root for, but also feels like he got what he deserved every time he does something wrong or stupid and has to face the consequences of his acts. Most of the other characters are just as relatable and funny as Clark and the fast paced story keeps you guessing until the very end. I've been a fan of Modern Rogue (The YouTube Channel which Jason is the co-host of) for a couple years now, and I bought this book because I heart about it on that channel and now I look forward to reading the next instalments of the Occultex series.
November 1, 2021
The Twist Surprised Me
I have followed Jason Murphy via the Modern Rogue YouTube channel for several years and bought this book as soon as it came out.
I started reading it then but had to stop when he introduced the Laslos. I got angry because I couldn't reach through my screen and bitchslap them to a greasy smear.
I've been interested in Forteana since a child, and I really dislike the Warrens. They're either huge frauds or the world's most successful diabolists. The author appears to agree with me.
Coming back because Halloween I consumed this book in a couple of sittings. Every word narrated in my head with Mr Murphy's voice.
An excellent story.
I have followed Jason Murphy via the Modern Rogue YouTube channel for several years and bought this book as soon as it came out.
I started reading it then but had to stop when he introduced the Laslos. I got angry because I couldn't reach through my screen and bitchslap them to a greasy smear.
I've been interested in Forteana since a child, and I really dislike the Warrens. They're either huge frauds or the world's most successful diabolists. The author appears to agree with me.
Coming back because Halloween I consumed this book in a couple of sittings. Every word narrated in my head with Mr Murphy's voice.
An excellent story.
November 2, 2021
Modem horror with classic humor
Jason Murphy has written a wonderful book. I can't remember the last time I read a book in a weekend. His characters are relatable, the world feels natural, and I swear he recorded conversations with my friends and used them as dialogue. The story grabbed me from page one and didn't let me go. If you're unsure of you'd like it go read the prequel novella, "Mixtape", and go from there. Just be ready to spend your weekend in this well crafted world.
Jason Murphy has written a wonderful book. I can't remember the last time I read a book in a weekend. His characters are relatable, the world feels natural, and I swear he recorded conversations with my friends and used them as dialogue. The story grabbed me from page one and didn't let me go. If you're unsure of you'd like it go read the prequel novella, "Mixtape", and go from there. Just be ready to spend your weekend in this well crafted world.
November 30, 2024
What happens when a life long horror fan also happens to have a talent for writing? Killer Candy.
Jason Murphy somehow is able to slowly build up his characters and the settings without getting boring only to hit you at the climax. The characters are believable, their actions realistic, the monsters and horror, is...well just read the book and you'll see. I'd rather go up against your run of the mill vampire than what this man cooked up.
Jason Murphy somehow is able to slowly build up his characters and the settings without getting boring only to hit you at the climax. The characters are believable, their actions realistic, the monsters and horror, is...well just read the book and you'll see. I'd rather go up against your run of the mill vampire than what this man cooked up.
February 18, 2021
I was not ready for how awesome this book was!
I just read Jason Murphy's first book Black Goat Motorcycle Club the day before I read this. I really enjoyed BGMC, but this is another level of good. I don't write reviews very often, but this book was so good that I had to. Great characters, great story, great style, and great ending. I can't wait for book 2.
I just read Jason Murphy's first book Black Goat Motorcycle Club the day before I read this. I really enjoyed BGMC, but this is another level of good. I don't write reviews very often, but this book was so good that I had to. Great characters, great story, great style, and great ending. I can't wait for book 2.
November 22, 2024
Excellent stuff
I'm not the fastest reader in the lands, but this may be the fastest I've ever read a book. I couldn't stop and was sad when it ended. I'm grateful there's a sequel. Horror comedy is my favorite and this had good amounts of both. Give yourself a slap on the rear and dive in. Nice book bud.
I'm not the fastest reader in the lands, but this may be the fastest I've ever read a book. I couldn't stop and was sad when it ended. I'm grateful there's a sequel. Horror comedy is my favorite and this had good amounts of both. Give yourself a slap on the rear and dive in. Nice book bud.
August 2, 2025
Killer Candy follows Clark Vandermeer, a fraudulent psychic and washed up ghost hunter, who doesn't even believe in the supernatural, as he grapple with reality and unreality while trying to save his friends.
A shorter read, Jason Murphy crafts a unique cast of characters, an unsettling setting, and one helluva narrative.
A shorter read, Jason Murphy crafts a unique cast of characters, an unsettling setting, and one helluva narrative.
October 4, 2025
Solid story
I wanted to start the spooky season with a good ghost story and this one delivered. Definitely thrilling and had some creepy moments. This book would benefit from a good read through for editing as there were a few grammatical errors throughout. I didn't take away stars for that though since I enjoyed the overall read quite a bit.
I wanted to start the spooky season with a good ghost story and this one delivered. Definitely thrilling and had some creepy moments. This book would benefit from a good read through for editing as there were a few grammatical errors throughout. I didn't take away stars for that though since I enjoyed the overall read quite a bit.
November 3, 2020
Ridiculously Spooky
This is a great fast-paced decent into madness, and you should definitely give it a read. If you love horror in the vein of "John Dies at the End", this will sit well within that plane of other worldly terror.
This is a great fast-paced decent into madness, and you should definitely give it a read. If you love horror in the vein of "John Dies at the End", this will sit well within that plane of other worldly terror.
November 7, 2020
Genuinely, absolutely phenomenal. Each chapter feels like a whole new type of horror. From exploring abandon places, weird old couples, sigils and spells, to straight EMF detector-in-hand ghost hunting, Killer Candy has it all, and it does it so damn well.
November 12, 2020
What a ride
From start to finish this story has you on the edge of your seat. Never a boring passage of a dry description. If you are a fan of ghost stories, horror, or anything paranormal, you will absolutely love this book.
From start to finish this story has you on the edge of your seat. Never a boring passage of a dry description. If you are a fan of ghost stories, horror, or anything paranormal, you will absolutely love this book.
November 18, 2020
Great first entry into the series. This is my first book I've read of Murphy, but I am a fan of him on Youtube and other places. The book lays a solid groundwork for future stories and the two main characters are interesting.
November 21, 2020
Woke up at midnight and decided to read a little to help me fall back asleep. It's now 3:30am and I've got a book hangover. 5 stars for a fast paced thrill ride. 0 stars for an insomnia cure. Who needs sleep?
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March 24, 2021Loved it!
I have ADHD so it makes it hard for me stay interested and engaged. But Killer Candy did and I couldn't stop reading!
I'm already looking forward to Book 2
And of course Modern Rogue!❤
I have ADHD so it makes it hard for me stay interested and engaged. But Killer Candy did and I couldn't stop reading!
I'm already looking forward to Book 2
And of course Modern Rogue!❤
August 5, 2021
Could not put it down!
I'm normally a slow reader, reading little bits here and there but I couldn't let this book go! I stormed through it in two days which is a miracle for me.
I'm excited to see the next adventure for Occultex!
I'm normally a slow reader, reading little bits here and there but I couldn't let this book go! I stormed through it in two days which is a miracle for me.
I'm excited to see the next adventure for Occultex!
November 22, 2020
This is a great novel in the Occult Horror genre. Fast paced and funny it is really worth your time.
November 25, 2020
What if Jason Murphy himself went through a Constantine-esque origin story? Read this horror-comedy to find out.
June 15, 2021
Hard to put down
Once I really started getting into it and couldn’t stop. The descriptions are fantastic and all I want is more.
Once I really started getting into it and couldn’t stop. The descriptions are fantastic and all I want is more.
July 23, 2021
Brilliant
Amazing. Gripping.
Now I am just filling out the word count needed to post this review to show my support for Jason Can't wait for more ! :)
Amazing. Gripping.
Now I am just filling out the word count needed to post this review to show my support for Jason Can't wait for more ! :)
February 18, 2022
The book was great! I loved how things were described and the ebb and flow of the story. I can't remember the last time I stayed up all night to finish a book!
July 17, 2022
cool and creepy fun
delivers chills and chuckles in the right ratio, with a ghost punching punk deuteragonist that could conceivably carry his own series.
delivers chills and chuckles in the right ratio, with a ghost punching punk deuteragonist that could conceivably carry his own series.
November 24, 2020
Amazingly suspenseful and engaging. Murphy’s writing manages to be both horrifying and hilarious. I originally bought killer candy because of the Modern Rogue, but I had no idea Jason is such a legit author.
I haven’t read many horror novels, but this is one of the best I’ve seen
I haven’t read many horror novels, but this is one of the best I’ve seen
February 25, 2024
Fun as hell. It’s definitely in the horror comedy category. The gist of the story is: A cynical ex-ghost hunter has to team up with a whole bunch of other ghost hunters to find his former ghost hunting crew after they mysteriously vanished while - yep, you guessed it - ghost hunting.
Murphy is ruthlessly funny in his treatment of the ghost hunter stereotypes. The Lazlo Siblings. The Paranormal Response Squad. The Spirit Squad. Occult Technologies, Incorporated. The Wanderers Guild. Scientific Anomalies Investigations. The Phantom Paranormal League. The people you meet in this book are perfect encapsulations of every pimply-faced YouTuber with an EVP recorder and grandiose goth with a Tarot card deck that you’ve ever seen, but they’re also well-developed, sympathetic, and - yes - funny as hell. My personal favorite? Zeke the Ghost Puncher. Because obviously one needs nun-chucks to fight ghosts…
This is a laugh-out-loud romp with plenty of genuinely creepy - even scary - moments that’s made my precious reading time damned enjoyable.
Murphy is ruthlessly funny in his treatment of the ghost hunter stereotypes. The Lazlo Siblings. The Paranormal Response Squad. The Spirit Squad. Occult Technologies, Incorporated. The Wanderers Guild. Scientific Anomalies Investigations. The Phantom Paranormal League. The people you meet in this book are perfect encapsulations of every pimply-faced YouTuber with an EVP recorder and grandiose goth with a Tarot card deck that you’ve ever seen, but they’re also well-developed, sympathetic, and - yes - funny as hell. My personal favorite? Zeke the Ghost Puncher. Because obviously one needs nun-chucks to fight ghosts…
This is a laugh-out-loud romp with plenty of genuinely creepy - even scary - moments that’s made my precious reading time damned enjoyable.
September 12, 2021
This is gonna be good...
Being a fan of the exploits of the Modern Rogues, when I found out that Mr Murphy had written this I was intrigued. I am in no way disappointed! It's funny, messed up, engaging and really enjoyable. Cannot wait for the next one, and glad that I have Mix Tape to tide me over til then.
Being a fan of the exploits of the Modern Rogues, when I found out that Mr Murphy had written this I was intrigued. I am in no way disappointed! It's funny, messed up, engaging and really enjoyable. Cannot wait for the next one, and glad that I have Mix Tape to tide me over til then.
May 28, 2022
The characters are hilarious and full of sass. This book made me literally laugh out loud throughout. But don't get me wrong, the story is SpOoKy! I was drawn in just enjoying the characters and when the action kicks off, hold on for a ride, it does not disappoint! Thanks Jason Murphy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews