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Tales from the Gas Station #3.2
Bedside Manor
“We were a thousand miles away from home when the car gave up the ghost…”
When Jack’s car breaks down in the middle of a cross-country road trip, the mysterious house at the top of the hill is a beacon of hope. If he can borrow a phone to call for help, he’ll be on his way in no time. But someone - or something - has other plans. Soon, Jack finds himself trapped in a nightmare that defies logic, where a depraved killer on the loose is the least of his problems. Will Jack escape before it’s too late?
A house full of strangers. An unsolvable mystery. A night that won’t end.
Welcome to Bedside Manor.
When Jack’s car breaks down in the middle of a cross-country road trip, the mysterious house at the top of the hill is a beacon of hope. If he can borrow a phone to call for help, he’ll be on his way in no time. But someone - or something - has other plans. Soon, Jack finds himself trapped in a nightmare that defies logic, where a depraved killer on the loose is the least of his problems. Will Jack escape before it’s too late?
A house full of strangers. An unsolvable mystery. A night that won’t end.
Welcome to Bedside Manor.
153 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2021
215 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
November 5, 2021
Bedside Manor is a novella featuring Jack and Jerry from the darkly hilarious Tales from the Gas Station series.
We find Jack and Jerry on vacation away from the Gas Station, but it doesn't take long before an unknown and deeply evil presence drags them into yet another f***ed up adventure.
It was so much fun having a little side story with the dual while waiting for the forth Gas Station book. Bedside Manor is fast-paced, over-the-top, and hysterical. Loved every minute!
We find Jack and Jerry on vacation away from the Gas Station, but it doesn't take long before an unknown and deeply evil presence drags them into yet another f***ed up adventure.
It was so much fun having a little side story with the dual while waiting for the forth Gas Station book. Bedside Manor is fast-paced, over-the-top, and hysterical. Loved every minute!
August 15, 2025
Krikrikrikrikrik...
BEDSIDE MANOR
by Jack Townsend
3 stars. Jack Townsend and his BFF Jerry Cumberbatch were thousands of miles away when the old Nissan gave up the ghost and left them stranded...
Ending their cross-country trip...
Jerry had taken them on an alternate route between highways. Acres of farmland without another car in sight...
But...
There was an enormous old house on top of a hill. It stuck out like a pink bikini at a Mormon funeral...
A storm suddenly arrived. The boys hiked up to the house. An old woman answered the door and invited them to take shelter for the night...
They soon discovered...
They had taken refuge in a dinner and mystery mansion. They were given a room and told to play along with the night's program...
At least they had their favorite liquid...
Booze...
Everyone was to gather clues and solve the mystery of Bedside Manor or die trying...
Krikrikrikrikrik...
This story was a bit too repetitive for my liking. It was humorous in parts, but that didn't make up for the chaos and nonstop pandemonium that was the vast portion of the story. I didn't read the first installment of this series, but this part did appear to stand alone.
BEDSIDE MANOR
by Jack Townsend
3 stars. Jack Townsend and his BFF Jerry Cumberbatch were thousands of miles away when the old Nissan gave up the ghost and left them stranded...
Ending their cross-country trip...
Jerry had taken them on an alternate route between highways. Acres of farmland without another car in sight...
But...
There was an enormous old house on top of a hill. It stuck out like a pink bikini at a Mormon funeral...
A storm suddenly arrived. The boys hiked up to the house. An old woman answered the door and invited them to take shelter for the night...
They soon discovered...
They had taken refuge in a dinner and mystery mansion. They were given a room and told to play along with the night's program...
At least they had their favorite liquid...
Booze...
Everyone was to gather clues and solve the mystery of Bedside Manor or die trying...
Krikrikrikrikrik...
This story was a bit too repetitive for my liking. It was humorous in parts, but that didn't make up for the chaos and nonstop pandemonium that was the vast portion of the story. I didn't read the first installment of this series, but this part did appear to stand alone.
February 19, 2022
3.5 RTC
January 2, 2026
I don’t write reviews.
Well, well, well… looks like Townsend has done it again! This story finds Jack and Jerry on the road, for some much-needed R and R, after all the horror at the gas station. Jack’s weirdo magnet predictably gets them into trouble, but what follows isn’t predictable at all. Townsend takes the “dinner and a murder” trope and stands it on its head. Can you solve the mystery of Bedside Manor?
Happy new year to you. Let’s discover the truth and beauty of all, through our creatrix, and steadily reject the evil lie world built around us. 2030 approaches so things will get really fucking bad before they get better. Have faith and stay strong!
Well, well, well… looks like Townsend has done it again! This story finds Jack and Jerry on the road, for some much-needed R and R, after all the horror at the gas station. Jack’s weirdo magnet predictably gets them into trouble, but what follows isn’t predictable at all. Townsend takes the “dinner and a murder” trope and stands it on its head. Can you solve the mystery of Bedside Manor?
Happy new year to you. Let’s discover the truth and beauty of all, through our creatrix, and steadily reject the evil lie world built around us. 2030 approaches so things will get really fucking bad before they get better. Have faith and stay strong!
March 1, 2026
Yep, loved this just as I loved the other Tales From the Gas Station books. This one is a somewhat standalone story, though it does partially rely on you knowing some things from the previous books and at least understanding the dynamic and history of Jack and Jerry to really understand parts that happen in the latter half of the novel - but I don't think you'd be lost if you read this first or only this.
I loved this little aside for Jack, who is going on vacation with his BFF Jerry after everything that happened in Volumes 1-3. They arrive at Bedside Manor and things immediately get weird, per usual for these two haha
Jack Townsend does great with the comedy horror in my opinion, his taste and mine align pretty well so I find the humor in here greatly amusing and I love all the horror and grossness he always throws in. This is a great pick-up for fans of the series or just fans of comedy horror in general!
I also super recommend the audiobook narrated by MrCreepyPasta, who does a phenomenal job as Jack and Jerry. The audiobook also has sound effects!! That really enhanced the fear and excitement as I was listening!
Anyway, yeah, I loved this lol
I loved this little aside for Jack, who is going on vacation with his BFF Jerry after everything that happened in Volumes 1-3. They arrive at Bedside Manor and things immediately get weird, per usual for these two haha
Jack Townsend does great with the comedy horror in my opinion, his taste and mine align pretty well so I find the humor in here greatly amusing and I love all the horror and grossness he always throws in. This is a great pick-up for fans of the series or just fans of comedy horror in general!
I also super recommend the audiobook narrated by MrCreepyPasta, who does a phenomenal job as Jack and Jerry. The audiobook also has sound effects!! That really enhanced the fear and excitement as I was listening!
Anyway, yeah, I loved this lol
December 24, 2023
I really enjoy Jack Townsend’s work. This novella is an extension of the Tales From The Gas Station series, taking a little bit of Agatha Christie influence crossed with Clue, but primarily comedic.
I am a very serious person with a dark sense of humor. The way this author writes gets me every time. Absurdly fantastic!
I am a very serious person with a dark sense of humor. The way this author writes gets me every time. Absurdly fantastic!
December 19, 2023
Jack and Jerry spend time away from the Gas Station in this theme-park-thrilling, super-fun story of horror, comedy, mystery, and madness!
If you love the Tales from the Gas Station series, then you will love this one. I did!
If you love the Tales from the Gas Station series, then you will love this one. I did!
August 1, 2022
Not your average Murder-Mystery
Of course, with Jack and Jerry a fun, relaxing roadtrip vacation wouldn't be complete without some murder, castles, zombies, and even.... vampires.
This little novella is just as fun, weird, gruesome and witty as the Tale From The Gas Station series. If you haven't read them yet, you are absolutely missing out.
Of course, with Jack and Jerry a fun, relaxing roadtrip vacation wouldn't be complete without some murder, castles, zombies, and even.... vampires.
This little novella is just as fun, weird, gruesome and witty as the Tale From The Gas Station series. If you haven't read them yet, you are absolutely missing out.
December 20, 2023
3.5*
This was a special experience...not a bad one, but a bit too confusing to keep me deeply engaged in the story. Nonetheless it wasn't a waste of time, and the audiobook had some minor sound effects which I feel suited really well here and makes the story more creepy. Generally I'm not into sound effects in audiobooks, but sometimes it's subtle and fitting like in this one.
This was a special experience...not a bad one, but a bit too confusing to keep me deeply engaged in the story. Nonetheless it wasn't a waste of time, and the audiobook had some minor sound effects which I feel suited really well here and makes the story more creepy. Generally I'm not into sound effects in audiobooks, but sometimes it's subtle and fitting like in this one.
September 20, 2025
The audiobook of Bedside Manor was an absolute experience! The story itself was chilling and immersive, but what really blew me away were the sound effects—doors creaking open, footsteps echoing in the halls, wolves howling outside—it all made the atmosphere come alive. It felt less like listening to a book and more like being inside a haunted house. One of the best audiobook productions I’ve ever heard.
December 22, 2022
Some parts were witty and comical. It was spooky but then took on a science fiction feel. Which I have never loved.
Lots of F words. Quick listen with a good narrator.
Lots of F words. Quick listen with a good narrator.
July 24, 2025
Oh my god, what was that ending!!! 😱
I seriously enjoyed this story it was hilarious! 😂😂
I seriously enjoyed this story it was hilarious! 😂😂
November 20, 2025
there is a high chance that I have just read my favourite book from 2025
Jack Townsend, where have you been all my life? 😁
Jack Townsend, where have you been all my life? 😁
February 13, 2023
This was a cheesy but super-fun romp! We must all work together to solve this ghastly affair!
September 6, 2025
A fun little sidequest for the main characters from the Tales from the Gas Station series. After their car breaks down, they get stuck at a nearby B&B that Groundhog Day/Matrix/Jumanji's them until they can solve the murder mystery at Bedside Manor.
Short and punchy, this ended up being a way better end point to the series that TFtGS Vol 4.
Short and punchy, this ended up being a way better end point to the series that TFtGS Vol 4.
July 6, 2024
"Hey Jack, wasn't there a giant stuffed polar bear in this room last time?"
January 16, 2022
A fun little novella in the world of Tales from the Gas Station that takes place some time after the events of Volume 3. Protagonist Jack and his buddy Jerry go on a roadtrip, but when their car breaks down they are forced to stop at a strange Bed and Breakfast hotel in the middle of nowhere.
Jack, who has (justifiably) developed a sizable amount of paranoia, is instantly suspicious, but there seems to be no other way than to stay overnight and naturally, the two friends instantly get drawn into another weird adventure. What starts out as a classic whodunnit (Gas Station style of course) soon turns into an insane romp that emulates elements from Groundhog Day, The Matrix and all kinds of Lovecraftian horror scenarios.
Despite all the crazyness, the condensed cast of characters and the somewhat standalone plot make this a slightly more focussed experience in comparison to the sometimes a bit too convoluted plot of Tales from the Gas Station: Volume 3. That doesn't change the fact that Bedside Manor is still full of utterly bonkers moments and even during such a relatively short tale, you keep questioning whether what is happening is just a result of Jack's frail grasp on reality or whether everything around him is actually that insane.
Jack, who has (justifiably) developed a sizable amount of paranoia, is instantly suspicious, but there seems to be no other way than to stay overnight and naturally, the two friends instantly get drawn into another weird adventure. What starts out as a classic whodunnit (Gas Station style of course) soon turns into an insane romp that emulates elements from Groundhog Day, The Matrix and all kinds of Lovecraftian horror scenarios.
Despite all the crazyness, the condensed cast of characters and the somewhat standalone plot make this a slightly more focussed experience in comparison to the sometimes a bit too convoluted plot of Tales from the Gas Station: Volume 3. That doesn't change the fact that Bedside Manor is still full of utterly bonkers moments and even during such a relatively short tale, you keep questioning whether what is happening is just a result of Jack's frail grasp on reality or whether everything around him is actually that insane.
March 8, 2022
Highly entertaining! Must read!
Jack Townsend is hands down one of the best writers of the 21st century. Still a largely undiscovered hidden gem writer. One day soon he will break mainstream and many new fans will have a wealth of wonderful stories to discover. Looking forward to his character of, Jack and all of his stories being turned into a long running television show or feature films.
Jack has another winner on his hands. Bedside Manor is written with such wit and charm, you can't help but love the characters. I couldn't put it down. Completed the book in a single sitting. Had to know what the next chapter had waiting for me to discover. Can't wait for many more stories to come in this universe. The character of Jack should be spoken of in the same breath as, Dresden and Reacher. Looking forward to each new installment.
MrCreepyPasta breaths such life into the characters. Easily up there with Ray Porter for quality narration and enjoyment factor.
Jack Townsend is hands down one of the best writers of the 21st century. Still a largely undiscovered hidden gem writer. One day soon he will break mainstream and many new fans will have a wealth of wonderful stories to discover. Looking forward to his character of, Jack and all of his stories being turned into a long running television show or feature films.
Jack has another winner on his hands. Bedside Manor is written with such wit and charm, you can't help but love the characters. I couldn't put it down. Completed the book in a single sitting. Had to know what the next chapter had waiting for me to discover. Can't wait for many more stories to come in this universe. The character of Jack should be spoken of in the same breath as, Dresden and Reacher. Looking forward to each new installment.
MrCreepyPasta breaths such life into the characters. Easily up there with Ray Porter for quality narration and enjoyment factor.
December 19, 2021
“Ah goodie; it seems the detective has arrived!”
I absolutely adore Jack and Jerry from Tales from the Gas Station so when I found out there was a novella I basically had to drop everything and read it. Once again, the story is over the top, darkly hilarious, and the friendship between Jack and Jerry never fails to warm my heart. If your a fan, you’ll love it, and if you haven’t read this series it’s time to pick it up!
I absolutely adore Jack and Jerry from Tales from the Gas Station so when I found out there was a novella I basically had to drop everything and read it. Once again, the story is over the top, darkly hilarious, and the friendship between Jack and Jerry never fails to warm my heart. If your a fan, you’ll love it, and if you haven’t read this series it’s time to pick it up!
June 15, 2023
Wow this was a great book! Too bad it was so short. Jack Townsend does it again in this little side quest for Jack and Jerry. Mystery, hijinks and all kinds of weird!
February 2, 2023
In Bedside Manor, Townsend delivers another oblique, surprising and utterly entertaining tale. The closed room detective genre is full of predictable and forgettable fare and it has been decades since anyone has done anything creative with these types of plots (I'm thinking of the terrible recent attempts with 'Glass Onion' and 'Knives Out'). Townsend turns it on its head and just when you are getting your bearings, he does it again, over and over. Bedside Manor is like a 'whodunnit' on a tilt a whirl. This needs to be made into a movie. Crazy, wild, funny and intriguing. We are left, even at the very end, wondering if the final resolution actually happened or if we are just grabbing at another thread of reality for another turn in the barrel. Read this, but read the 'Tales from the Gas Station' series first or you will have no idea what you are getting into.
February 27, 2026
If you're into old-timey creature horror, this is your book
This book is definitely written with humor and good pacing for the story. I chose to listen to it while taking my daily walks and it kept my mind off of how many steps I was taking. I will say the beginning started out more along the lines of what I generally choose and then it took a sharp turn to something more odd. I don't want to give anything away so I will just leave it at - This Book is unique and if you want something that isn't your usual murder mystery, you might greatly enjoy this!
This book is definitely written with humor and good pacing for the story. I chose to listen to it while taking my daily walks and it kept my mind off of how many steps I was taking. I will say the beginning started out more along the lines of what I generally choose and then it took a sharp turn to something more odd. I don't want to give anything away so I will just leave it at - This Book is unique and if you want something that isn't your usual murder mystery, you might greatly enjoy this!
September 11, 2023
As an entry in the "Tales from the Gas Station" universe, Bedside Manor lives up to all the weird, creepiness fans have come to expect from Jack Townsend. He is at once a masterful storyteller and unreliable narrator, a visionary and (possible) lunatic.
You don’t have to have read any of the Tales to understand this story, but doing so will give you context for the characters of Jack and Jerry as well as the bizarre world they struggle to survive.
You don’t have to have read any of the Tales to understand this story, but doing so will give you context for the characters of Jack and Jerry as well as the bizarre world they struggle to survive.
September 4, 2025
Torn between 3.75 and 4 stars. I knew going into this it would be a wild ride full of God knows what after reading the first volume of the tales of the gastation, while funny at times its so totally unbelievable 🤣 it definitely makes for a wild, half hearted ride.
December 13, 2022
Loved this! A perfect little “side quest” from the Tales From The Gas Station series. A creepy murder mystery that gets more and more weird in classic gas station style, with Jack and Jerry comically trying to figure it all out.
February 8, 2023
Fast paced and fun! I would love more jack and jerry adventure novellas!
March 27, 2023
Not as enjoyable as the rest of the series but still good. Left me feeling confused. I'll probably have to listen to it again.
January 20, 2026
A quick mystery listen! I wasn't at first but the more it kept going the more curious I was!
January 31, 2026
Clue meets Happy Death Day!! Loved this!
March 19, 2026
This was a fun little adventure navigating a matrix of ever changing insanity with every character being unpredictable and the ending leaving my jaw on the floor. And it was hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews