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Horrorshow
Riley Haig is a mild-mannered wage slave returning to his hometown following a decade-long absence. From the moment he arrives, everything feels off by a degree or two. Dark secrets lurk behind every corner, long-forgotten figures re-emerge from his murky past, and he is haunted by the eerie notion that something terrible could happen at any given moment. Then the bodies begin piling up. Langdon Pryce is a bestselling novelist in creative freefall, in the middle of writing a story about a mild-mannered wage slave returning to his hometown following a decade-long absence. A crisis of confidence forces him to re-examine his own life and values, spurring him on to produce what he hopes could be his greatest work to date. Then things get weird.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 15, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 11, 2024
This novel turns into a more meta version of the movie Scream than it should have about halfway through, and I can't say I cared for it. There are some gags a la the movie April Fool's Day, that are meant to be twisty surprises but feel intellectually dishonest. I want to preserve as much as I can the premise of this novel while attempt to review it for what it tries to be. However, I'm not certain as to what it endeavors to be.
Our MC, Riley Haig, returns to his hometown after an extended absence to watch his twin sister get married. During his time there, people are dying in the most exotic and unique ways until he discovers a serial killer is on the loose. Cue the slasher tropes, and soon it appears that Riley is the MC of a horror story. That is just the opening salvo to a novel that is rich in nuance and complexity that calling it meta is to only scratch the surface.
Horrorshow is a novel within a novel within another novel. I think to tell more would spoil it for people who feel they might enjoy something as unique as a duck-billed platypus. This book is not for everyone. I thought it was OK but was a little put off because I was expecting standard slasher fare. To call it disappointing would be an understatement, but I also don't want to call it bad. That would be overstatement.
It's odd. To call it weird would categorize this as a subgenre of horror. It is not. This is a multi-layered slasher with paranormal, post-modern tropes that are unique. The writing is good enough to make me want to read more Nathan Allen novels, but I was disappointed by the path less traveled that the writer chose to navigate. I hope this was helpful.
Our MC, Riley Haig, returns to his hometown after an extended absence to watch his twin sister get married. During his time there, people are dying in the most exotic and unique ways until he discovers a serial killer is on the loose. Cue the slasher tropes, and soon it appears that Riley is the MC of a horror story. That is just the opening salvo to a novel that is rich in nuance and complexity that calling it meta is to only scratch the surface.
Horrorshow is a novel within a novel within another novel. I think to tell more would spoil it for people who feel they might enjoy something as unique as a duck-billed platypus. This book is not for everyone. I thought it was OK but was a little put off because I was expecting standard slasher fare. To call it disappointing would be an understatement, but I also don't want to call it bad. That would be overstatement.
It's odd. To call it weird would categorize this as a subgenre of horror. It is not. This is a multi-layered slasher with paranormal, post-modern tropes that are unique. The writing is good enough to make me want to read more Nathan Allen novels, but I was disappointed by the path less traveled that the writer chose to navigate. I hope this was helpful.
December 15, 2021
The story follows Riley Haig, a man going back to his long-despised and thoroughly-avoided hometown, for his sister’s wedding. Stepping back from a job he hates and a boss he abhors, Riley works for an insurance company with a difference: anyone can take out life insurance on anybody at all, in the hopes that, with some accident or dread disease, they’ll receive a massive, ordinarily-unexpected windfall.
At a wedding reception ripe with disasters and multiple deaths, Riley must identify the killer or make his escape, and, with a cast of incompetent police and disbelieving small-town residents, Riley’s only hope may come in the form of Langdon Pryce, pulp horror author and the person writing Riley’s story. Let’s all take a moment to let that sink in.
A darker form of something like the Will Ferrell/Emma Thompson film, Stranger Than Fiction, this novel is filled with witty observations, clever full-circle moments, humour and gore. I didn’t know what to expect from this story, but it gave me everything. There were lots of little insights into the business of writing as well as publishing and film-making, which I enjoyed. I especially loved this speech about creative substance abuse:
“‘Where do I start? There’s Lewis Carroll - he gobbled down ’shrooms like they were breath mints when he wrote Alice In Wonderland. Philip K. Dick did the same with amphetamines for most of his career. Stephen King hoovered up so much coke in the eighties that, to this day, he has no recollection of writing some of his most famous works. And I have it on good authority that [author name redacted on legal advice] was out of her mind on a month-long peyote binge when she wrote that first [series name redacted on legal advice] book. So keep that in mind the next time you read those sparkly vampire and sexy werewolf novels you love so much.’”
53% in, Interlude III, Horrorshow by Nathan Lane
Divine. Even from the copyright notice in the front matter, I was hooked…
“This novel is mostly a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s psychosis. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely regrettable.”
Very strange, I loved it.
At a wedding reception ripe with disasters and multiple deaths, Riley must identify the killer or make his escape, and, with a cast of incompetent police and disbelieving small-town residents, Riley’s only hope may come in the form of Langdon Pryce, pulp horror author and the person writing Riley’s story. Let’s all take a moment to let that sink in.
A darker form of something like the Will Ferrell/Emma Thompson film, Stranger Than Fiction, this novel is filled with witty observations, clever full-circle moments, humour and gore. I didn’t know what to expect from this story, but it gave me everything. There were lots of little insights into the business of writing as well as publishing and film-making, which I enjoyed. I especially loved this speech about creative substance abuse:
“‘Where do I start? There’s Lewis Carroll - he gobbled down ’shrooms like they were breath mints when he wrote Alice In Wonderland. Philip K. Dick did the same with amphetamines for most of his career. Stephen King hoovered up so much coke in the eighties that, to this day, he has no recollection of writing some of his most famous works. And I have it on good authority that [author name redacted on legal advice] was out of her mind on a month-long peyote binge when she wrote that first [series name redacted on legal advice] book. So keep that in mind the next time you read those sparkly vampire and sexy werewolf novels you love so much.’”
53% in, Interlude III, Horrorshow by Nathan Lane
Divine. Even from the copyright notice in the front matter, I was hooked…
“This novel is mostly a work of fiction. The names, characters and incidents portrayed in it are the work of the author’s psychosis. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely regrettable.”
Very strange, I loved it.
April 19, 2024
This was so different and fascinating! Without a doubt nothing like I expected at all and I'm all for that!
October 7, 2022
Book in book in book
January 10, 2025
This is an interestingly clever storyline with a little bit of humor and horror blended together that roped me in immediately! I enjoyed the twists, turns and horror cliches.
April 30, 2022
Review to come.
January 20, 2022
Well, I can't say it struck me as a horror novel, I started to feel like it was a bit of a chore to finish the novel although I am glad I did.
While the twist in the story is cool, I just had the feeling that the gag went on for too long? I almost feel as though this might have been a short story. But at times it felt like the author was having so much fun with the story, that I felt my brain glazing over at times. Like when you are at a party and some one is trying to tell a funny joke but it goes on for a tediously long time and you pretty much know the punch line. My face was kinda frozen at that "expecting something funny and shocking and then having to keep up the face for way too long and wanting to get back to a stiff drink". So yeah.
Again, I think this is one of those books I began reading with a certain thought in my mind and the book didn't turn out like I expected (which is fine, but it didn't engage me). Maybe it's the fourth wall thing, I don't know.
I do appreciate that I felt like the author enjoyed writing this (at least I hope he did). But I guess I am a bit of a curmudgeon lately, I think I was too much of a grump to really get into it.
While the twist in the story is cool, I just had the feeling that the gag went on for too long? I almost feel as though this might have been a short story. But at times it felt like the author was having so much fun with the story, that I felt my brain glazing over at times. Like when you are at a party and some one is trying to tell a funny joke but it goes on for a tediously long time and you pretty much know the punch line. My face was kinda frozen at that "expecting something funny and shocking and then having to keep up the face for way too long and wanting to get back to a stiff drink". So yeah.
Again, I think this is one of those books I began reading with a certain thought in my mind and the book didn't turn out like I expected (which is fine, but it didn't engage me). Maybe it's the fourth wall thing, I don't know.
I do appreciate that I felt like the author enjoyed writing this (at least I hope he did). But I guess I am a bit of a curmudgeon lately, I think I was too much of a grump to really get into it.
April 24, 2023
I guess just not my cup of tea. I didn’t find the humor funny and overall just couldn’t finish.
January 24, 2024
As others have said, this is a meta trippy book. It's a horror novel within a horror novel where the main character knows he's in fictional world as a fictional character.
Riley Haig reluctantly goes back to his small hometown for his sister's wedding. But even though things haven't changed much (except for being owned by a large communications tech company) things don't quite feel the same. While trying to find a good reason to leave and never come back again, he finds a hacked up body in the trunk of his brother in law's car. And things will get much more brutal as people start being horrifically murdered by an unknown person.
And then things get really weird! With a tongue in cheek narrative that satires authors and the publishing world as well as readers, this novel really worked for me. I loved the meta-ness of this book and all of the winks and nods at the writing community. Sarcastic at times, snarky at others, but there were certain phrases and situations that made me laugh.
Since this is more of A horror novel than comedy, there's a pretty large and bloody body count and some of these kills are absolutely unexpected. This is a slasher that makes fun at horror books for plot holes and inconsistences but then uses plot holes and inconsistences itself for the sake of the story. This is done purposely, of course, and it works to great effect.
I had a lot of fun reading this and was entertained the entire time. So I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for something different.
Riley Haig reluctantly goes back to his small hometown for his sister's wedding. But even though things haven't changed much (except for being owned by a large communications tech company) things don't quite feel the same. While trying to find a good reason to leave and never come back again, he finds a hacked up body in the trunk of his brother in law's car. And things will get much more brutal as people start being horrifically murdered by an unknown person.
And then things get really weird! With a tongue in cheek narrative that satires authors and the publishing world as well as readers, this novel really worked for me. I loved the meta-ness of this book and all of the winks and nods at the writing community. Sarcastic at times, snarky at others, but there were certain phrases and situations that made me laugh.
Since this is more of A horror novel than comedy, there's a pretty large and bloody body count and some of these kills are absolutely unexpected. This is a slasher that makes fun at horror books for plot holes and inconsistences but then uses plot holes and inconsistences itself for the sake of the story. This is done purposely, of course, and it works to great effect.
I had a lot of fun reading this and was entertained the entire time. So I highly recommend it, especially if you're looking for something different.
October 11, 2025
I was trying to get back in to reading after my move when my partner found a 3rd gen kindle at a charity shop for a fiver. I had previously regretted selling mine a few years prior. Horrorshow was the first book I downloaded and started and 3 days later it has been read in full. (I have a habit of starting and abandoning books so I am feeling rather proud of myself 🤣)
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I use the same rating system as old school netflix with four star meaning 'I really liked it'. I thought the twists and turns were really clever and the way Allen wrote about the high flying literary world gave aspiring authors an insight into that world whilst Langdon gave insight into what I meant to be a tortured artist and methods you could use to write your own novel.
Honestly this would make a really good movie and could give out inception vibes.
The missing one star (Loved it) I often reserve for the most super brilliant works of fiction which I don't feel I can give to this as I did come across a few sentences that should be edited and the writing at times felt a little rushed. However I will be going back to the kindle store and seeing what else Allen has to offer.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a fairly light read but enjoys surprises.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I use the same rating system as old school netflix with four star meaning 'I really liked it'. I thought the twists and turns were really clever and the way Allen wrote about the high flying literary world gave aspiring authors an insight into that world whilst Langdon gave insight into what I meant to be a tortured artist and methods you could use to write your own novel.
Honestly this would make a really good movie and could give out inception vibes.
The missing one star (Loved it) I often reserve for the most super brilliant works of fiction which I don't feel I can give to this as I did come across a few sentences that should be edited and the writing at times felt a little rushed. However I will be going back to the kindle store and seeing what else Allen has to offer.
I would recommend this to anyone who wants a fairly light read but enjoys surprises.
August 23, 2024
Never in my life have I read anything quite like this. The movie, "Stranger Than Fiction" has a vaguely similar idea-without all the murders. The beginning of this book was a bit hard to get through, but the author was funny and that kept me reading. It picked up around 36% and it was such a uniquely wild read and a really fun concept. Reading this book was a really good time. I really enjoyed how the characters poke fun at the horror/thriller/mystery genres and tropes.
I really loved the running bits in this book (the vending machine and spontaneous combustion) the "Toole award"..several times I laughed out loud- hard.
There were a few weird descriptions of women and eating disorders that I could've used without, but over all this book was really fun and I look forward to reading more by this author.
I really loved the running bits in this book (the vending machine and spontaneous combustion) the "Toole award"..several times I laughed out loud- hard.
There were a few weird descriptions of women and eating disorders that I could've used without, but over all this book was really fun and I look forward to reading more by this author.
September 27, 2021
When Riley returns to his home town after a 10 year absence, strange things begin happening. A series of grisly murders begins knocking off the townfolk and he seems to be somehow involved. He tries to leave and things prevent his leaving. The police department doesn't see a problem. He seems to be the only one concerned about the growing body count. To make matters worse, he has the growing suspicion that none of this is really happening. That they are all simply characters in a book playing out what the writer is typing. So they are characters in a book, within this book. The mystery deepens.
March 29, 2025
This novella presents an intriguing story within a story, skillfully blending humor and gore with clever fourth wall breaks. I admire the author's ambition in introducing this additional layer to the narrative. However, I felt that the execution could have been more engaging, as it occasionally became tedious. Overall, it has potential, and with some adjustments, it could resonate even more with readers.
October 23, 2022
This is a really good story. The first third of the book is a bit slow and sometimes tedious. But once you turn that corner, everything changes. The plot gets much more interesting and the action speeds up. Its as if you were riding in a horse and buggy and suddenly find yourself in the middle of the Indy 500. And you don't want to miss the ending!
March 27, 2023
What Can I Say?
One thing I can definitely say, is that I have never read a book, like Horrorshow and I have read a lot of books. There is an interplay of fantasy and "reality.". It's a mixture that doesn't work for me. I realize it is tongue-in-cheek and a parody of horror/mystery novels and other readers may enjoy it. I'm just not one of them.
One thing I can definitely say, is that I have never read a book, like Horrorshow and I have read a lot of books. There is an interplay of fantasy and "reality.". It's a mixture that doesn't work for me. I realize it is tongue-in-cheek and a parody of horror/mystery novels and other readers may enjoy it. I'm just not one of them.
October 5, 2023
This was pretty fun. 3.5 ⭐️
I really like the meta writing style of a book in a book type thing but i really disliked the ending, even though i understood the reasoning behind it.
And this might just be a personal thing but i didn’t like or even understand the motive of the killer… like at all… it actually felt irrelevant to the whole story
I really like the meta writing style of a book in a book type thing but i really disliked the ending, even though i understood the reasoning behind it.
And this might just be a personal thing but i didn’t like or even understand the motive of the killer… like at all… it actually felt irrelevant to the whole story
October 24, 2023
I went into this book with 0 expectations, and it definitely wasn't a typical reading experience.
It was weird and a little confusing while I got used to the flow of the novel, but also it was quite funny and self aware. I enjoyed it, especially after the first several chapters.
I'd describe it as satirical, campy horror. A fun read that with an interesting concept.
It was weird and a little confusing while I got used to the flow of the novel, but also it was quite funny and self aware. I enjoyed it, especially after the first several chapters.
I'd describe it as satirical, campy horror. A fun read that with an interesting concept.
September 13, 2021
A surprise is waiting
I selected this book with trepidation. It's not my usual choice of reading material. Having just finished it, I'm happy that I did. I expected drama, gore, and twists. It supplied that and much more. Easy reading. Entertaining
I selected this book with trepidation. It's not my usual choice of reading material. Having just finished it, I'm happy that I did. I expected drama, gore, and twists. It supplied that and much more. Easy reading. Entertaining
November 7, 2021
Kinda weird
I'm not sure what I think of this book. I liked most of the characters, especially Riley, and it was very absurd with some surprises. It just felt like the story - the plot - took a back seat to the novelty.
I'm not sure what I think of this book. I liked most of the characters, especially Riley, and it was very absurd with some surprises. It just felt like the story - the plot - took a back seat to the novelty.
January 11, 2022
Between this and Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz, I think I've found my new favorite sub-genre. Man oh man, I loved this book. Wish I'd written it. I'd love to see this adapted into a movie, with Johnny Depp as Langdon Pryce.
November 14, 2022
Outstanding
This is a fantastic and hard to put down horror story. The first half,a nightmare to me, seems like never ending high school. The second half is all horror. I recommend this horror story and would like to see more from this author.
This is a fantastic and hard to put down horror story. The first half,a nightmare to me, seems like never ending high school. The second half is all horror. I recommend this horror story and would like to see more from this author.
June 20, 2023
Well, this was the most fun I had with a book this year. So freaky and unexpected, I really did not expect much, but was so pleasantly surprised. I liked the ending so much and I'm eager to read more from the author. 5 freaking ⭐ s.
June 4, 2024
The best way to describe this book is confusing - a story within a story within a story that leaves you questioning what is real. I have to say it was well written, and the twists were out of left field . I’m willing to give the author another chance.
July 20, 2024
The best way to describe this book is fun. It had been a while since reading my last thriller and I just loved how this book did a great job at breaking the fourth wall. If inception met scary movie, this would be their love child.
October 4, 2024
Clever and Quick
An extremely clever, Scream meets Inception meets Looney-Toons “horror” novel. The twists were beyond fun and the nuances, ah! The Chastity section had me rolling. I couldn’t put it down; though it wasn’t exactly scary it certainly sucks you in.
An extremely clever, Scream meets Inception meets Looney-Toons “horror” novel. The twists were beyond fun and the nuances, ah! The Chastity section had me rolling. I couldn’t put it down; though it wasn’t exactly scary it certainly sucks you in.
October 13, 2024
🫣😲
I almost gave up on this book but I'm glad I didn't.
A story within a story within a story!
At the beginning I found it quite confusing until I finally understood what was going on and I loved it 😊.
I almost gave up on this book but I'm glad I didn't.
A story within a story within a story!
At the beginning I found it quite confusing until I finally understood what was going on and I loved it 😊.
December 21, 2024
It's fun, and the clever little twists took me pleasantly by surprise at first, but it felt like it started to fry a little too hard about halfway through. Nonetheless, recommended for a fun little read as long as you don't think too much about it.
September 2, 2021
Meh. It was a bit different, I’ll give it that, but I just couldn’t get into it. It wasn’t bad, but it definitely wasn’t good either.
September 8, 2021
Interesting premise...kind of a combination Misery and The Truman Show with a touch of Vanilla Sky.
October 22, 2021
Great literature? No. A fun read, with some fairly unexpected twists? Yes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews