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Boo #4
Boo Humbug
It’s Christmastime in Skary, Indiana, but the holiday season has been hijacked by maverick director Lois Stepaphanopolis as she attempts to bring her horror-ific vision of A Christmas Carol to life. But the holly-decked path from page to stage is a thorny one, as Lois attempts to rally her skeptical cast, including new father Wolfe Boone, and then she learns that her reluctant marketing director, Alfred Tennison, is truly a Christmas Scrooge.
Alfred’s grassroots marketing plan proves more than successful as the buzz builds that Skary should anticipate an overflowing audience for their opening night– but a crucial miscommunication leaves the visiting theatergoers expecting of a very different Christmas production. As chaos ensues, can the actors pull off an improv miracle — and can the Skary community convince their own Scrooge to embrace the true meaning of Christmas?
Alfred’s grassroots marketing plan proves more than successful as the buzz builds that Skary should anticipate an overflowing audience for their opening night– but a crucial miscommunication leaves the visiting theatergoers expecting of a very different Christmas production. As chaos ensues, can the actors pull off an improv miracle — and can the Skary community convince their own Scrooge to embrace the true meaning of Christmas?
180 pages, Hardcover
First published September 11, 2007
4 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Rene Gutteridge
44 books270 followersRene Gutteridge is the award-winning and best-selling author of more than eighteen novels, including the beloved Boo Series and Heart of the Country, her novelization release with director John Ward and Tyndale House Publishers. Her recent suspense titles include Listen, Possession and the award-winning Seven Hours project Escapement. She's been published by Bethany House, Tyndale House, WaterBrook Press, Thomas Nelson and B&H and novelized the successful motion picture The Ultimate Gift. She is teaming again with screenwriter Cheryl McKay for the romantic comedy Greetings from the Flipside from B&H and releasing her new suspense title, Misery Loves Company from Tyndale in 2013. Her romantic comedy Never the Bride won the 2010 Carol Award for Best Women’s Fiction. Her upcoming literary projects include the novelization of the motion picture Old Fashioned with Tyndale House Publishers and filmmaker Rik Swartzwelder.
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
Her adaptation of her novel My Life as a Doormat is in development with Kingdom Pictures and she is also a creative consultant for Boo, a film based on her best-selling novel, in development at Sodium Entertainment with Cory Edwards attached as director and Andrea Nasfell as screenwriter. She is also co-writer in a collaborative comedy project called Last Resort with screenwriters Torry Martin and Marshal Younger. Her screenplay Skid is currently in production and scheduled to begin filming in April of 2013. Find her on Facebook and Twitter or at her website, www.renegutteridge.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
December 27, 2018
If you haven’t read the other books in this series, you might have a bit of trouble sorting out the characters. However, it won’t take you long to understand their personalities and relationships. Lois is rewriting “A Christmas Carol” to put her own twist on it, but it doesn’t end up quite like she envisioned it. Alfred is in charge of promoting it, but he, too, makes a major blunder. Meanwhile, the two new dads, overwhelmed by their infants and sleep deprived, look to Lois’s play for a bit of rest away from their respective home life. This, too, proved to be unwise. But it’s Christmas, and a miracle might just be waiting in the wings. This charming tale will amuse and entertain you and is quite enjoyable, whether it’s Christmas time or not.
March 10, 2008
Funny addition to the series. About a unique Christmas play.
December 8, 2022
3.5 ⭐
Boo Humbug is the 4th book, and felt almost like a novella to the other books. I still rely enjoyed it on audio, but was sad that the original narrator did not do this book as well as the other three books. A little slower paced to me but I still love being a part of these characters lives and seeing them try to put on a Christmas Carol play, but a completely chaotic version of it.
Boo Humbug is the 4th book, and felt almost like a novella to the other books. I still rely enjoyed it on audio, but was sad that the original narrator did not do this book as well as the other three books. A little slower paced to me but I still love being a part of these characters lives and seeing them try to put on a Christmas Carol play, but a completely chaotic version of it.
August 22, 2009
Not the best of the Boo series, as it takes a while to get into and is only 180 pages. It is a good story if you give it the time. If you enjoy the other books in the series, you need to read this one as well, wish there were more in the series, I love the characters of Skary, IN.
August 13, 2023
A very cute series. The first 3 I gave 5 stars, but this fourth was a completely different narrator (audiobook). The first 3 books were narrated by the same man. The fourth was a woman, and it changed the whole series. I loved the books, loved the story line. If I had read them by paper PR ebook, or if the narrator had been consistent through all four books I would have given it 5 stars.
November 9, 2023
I'm usually willing to give a new author several chapters before abandoning a book, but this one lost me within a couple paragraphs. I tried to carry on, but gave up after about chapter three. Nothing was horribly wrong, but nothing was right either. So into the DNF pile it goes and I'm moving on to the next Christmas book.
February 8, 2024
I confess I was really worried, all through the book, for the horrific nature of the play that was about to be inflicted on Skary - a kind of evil Dickensian A Christmas Carol. Also worried Dickens might turn over in his grave if he witnessed it. But there is a miracle in Skary, and this turns out to be a lovely conclusion to the Boo series, done with inimitable style.
October 9, 2017
Fun, lighthearted book about small town life and the crazy people who live there.
January 11, 2019
I love the Boo books by Rene Gutteridge. Though not weighty literary masterpieces, they are warm, beautiful and funny. This one was a great read as a Christmas-y treat.
July 6, 2019
Funny!
December 22, 2019
Tempted by title and premise but changed to another Lifetime plot.
November 21, 2024
Sweet story, with christmasy vibes. I enjoy Alfred's character alot. Sadly not all the characters were my favorites, but overall it was a sweet, short story. (3.5 stars)
December 1, 2024
So cute! I love this series so much:)
November 3, 2025
Very good
March 24, 2017
Such a cute little crazy Christmas story.
June 1, 2008
The town of Skary, Indiana has fallen on hard times since its leading citizen, horror author Wolfe Boone, quit his genre and became a married man. But the residents of Skary aren't the only ones whose fortunes have fallen since Wolfe's departure from the horror scene. His agent, Alfred Tennison, hit rock bottom when Wolfe found Jesus and lost the bestseller list drive. He's now a freelance editor, making enough money to afford a modest place in Manhatten. But for reasons Alfred can't fathom, Skary keeps luring him back, where he'll stay for indefinite periods. Hard to tolerate the rest of the year, Skary is becoming unbearable with all of its way-to-early-for-Alfred Christmas cheer.
Alfred may be Scrooge in disguise, but for Lois Stepaphanopolis this will be a Christmas like no other. An epiphany during her community college acting class shifted her creative gears into overdrive. Skary will do a Christmas pageant! Lois, the play's director, brain child and the sheriff's girlfriend is certain she's a genius. The play will be based on A Christmas Carol, a little known work by the underappreciated writer, Charles Dickens. Lois is determined to rectify this grievous wrong by producing her own play. With her vision. And no one on the face of the earth has vision like Lois. It's safe to say no one will recognize her interpretation of Dickens-not even Dickens himself.
Scrooge Alfred even gets involved in the play. Blackmailed by the sheriff into participating, Alfred's New York survival instincts kick into gear. Here's a chance to put his promotional skills to work and make a few dollars for himself on the side. It is also his way to avoid participating in a play that scarred him in childhood. When Lois Stepaphanopolis agrees to let him be the play's public relations director, his New York assumptions collide with the locals' and miscommunication on a grand scale begins.
Not everyone needs to be coerced into helping Lois. One willing participant is her cousin, Ollie. Another participant, one not quite so willing, is Skary's resident author, Wolfe. But both are new fathers and are breaking under the stress of new fatherhood with its stomach turning baby foods, diapers that could repel an invading army, and sleep deprivation. Acting in a play requires hours of commitment-all of which take place outside of home. But their attempts at self-preservation while trying to maintain the façade of calm fatherhood implode when their wives discover their real reasons for their sudden interest in community involvement.
Word begins to spread about Skary's upcoming Christmas production. Not until its too late does Alfred realize what he's been promoting and what the citizens, which are coming by the busload, are expecting couldn't be farther apart. As the time for the curtain draws closer, Lois is left in a bind. Perform her vision or abandon it to put on a pageant done myriad times over the years?
Boo Humbug is the fourth book in the Boo Series (Boo, Boo Who, Boo Hiss) and continues the humorous look at the small town of Skary, Indiana. Full of quirky characters, miscommunication, and other idiosyncrasie of small town living, Boo Humbug is a fun novel. At only one hundred and eighty pages, it’s a great size for a chilly afternoon read.
Alfred may be Scrooge in disguise, but for Lois Stepaphanopolis this will be a Christmas like no other. An epiphany during her community college acting class shifted her creative gears into overdrive. Skary will do a Christmas pageant! Lois, the play's director, brain child and the sheriff's girlfriend is certain she's a genius. The play will be based on A Christmas Carol, a little known work by the underappreciated writer, Charles Dickens. Lois is determined to rectify this grievous wrong by producing her own play. With her vision. And no one on the face of the earth has vision like Lois. It's safe to say no one will recognize her interpretation of Dickens-not even Dickens himself.
Scrooge Alfred even gets involved in the play. Blackmailed by the sheriff into participating, Alfred's New York survival instincts kick into gear. Here's a chance to put his promotional skills to work and make a few dollars for himself on the side. It is also his way to avoid participating in a play that scarred him in childhood. When Lois Stepaphanopolis agrees to let him be the play's public relations director, his New York assumptions collide with the locals' and miscommunication on a grand scale begins.
Not everyone needs to be coerced into helping Lois. One willing participant is her cousin, Ollie. Another participant, one not quite so willing, is Skary's resident author, Wolfe. But both are new fathers and are breaking under the stress of new fatherhood with its stomach turning baby foods, diapers that could repel an invading army, and sleep deprivation. Acting in a play requires hours of commitment-all of which take place outside of home. But their attempts at self-preservation while trying to maintain the façade of calm fatherhood implode when their wives discover their real reasons for their sudden interest in community involvement.
Word begins to spread about Skary's upcoming Christmas production. Not until its too late does Alfred realize what he's been promoting and what the citizens, which are coming by the busload, are expecting couldn't be farther apart. As the time for the curtain draws closer, Lois is left in a bind. Perform her vision or abandon it to put on a pageant done myriad times over the years?
Boo Humbug is the fourth book in the Boo Series (Boo, Boo Who, Boo Hiss) and continues the humorous look at the small town of Skary, Indiana. Full of quirky characters, miscommunication, and other idiosyncrasie of small town living, Boo Humbug is a fun novel. At only one hundred and eighty pages, it’s a great size for a chilly afternoon read.
February 2, 2009
With Boo Humbug, Rene Gutteridge returns to Skary, Indiana (her own whacky version of Mayberry) for a delightfully twisted take on the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. Lois Stepaphanopolis, director of Skary's local theater group, decides to bring A Christmas Carol to Skary residents as it's never been seen before - as a modern horror story. Jacob Marley is recast as Jae Cobb-Marley, a ruthless businesswoman in the fashion industry - and that's just the beginning of her attempts to "update" the classic tale. Add quirky cast members who don't "get" Lois's vision, like a pair of stressed, overtired new fathers seeking to escape diaper-duty for a few hours, and the stage is set for a comic clash of creative differences. When Skary's local "Scrooge," struggling literary agent Alfred Tennison, starts trying to promote the production in nearby towns, the word gets out that Skary is putting on THE Christmas story, as in angels, shepherds, and the baby Jesus - not Scrooge, ghosts, and Tiny Tim. When the mix-up is finally realized, Lois & Co. are left with just a few hours to pull off a miracle staging of the nativity story.
Boo Humbug is a super fast, quick read, but thanks to Gutteridge's strong storytelling skills it's full of surprising emotional depth. Her trademark humor shines in the story and her characterizations are as laugh-out-loud funny as readers of her novels have come to expect. I was somewhat surprised that in a novella Gutteridge's characters felt more fully realized than in some of her previous books (such as Scoop (The Occupational Hazards Series #1)). Her characters can tend to come across as caricatures which is both a strength (they're funny, quirky, and relatable) and a weakness (they can lack depth and realism) of her writing. For example, Wolfe Boone's struggle to cope with the duties of being a new father (like the "ick" factor of diaper duty) ring hilariously true. There's a wonderful depth to his character and his relationship with his wife and new daughter that balances the stock humor of his attempts to cope with the duties of being a new dad.
Boo Humbug is a clever, funny tale that's a sweet reminder of refocusing on the true "reason for the season" and finding peace in the midst of the chaos that the trappings of the Christmas season brings.
Boo Humbug is a super fast, quick read, but thanks to Gutteridge's strong storytelling skills it's full of surprising emotional depth. Her trademark humor shines in the story and her characterizations are as laugh-out-loud funny as readers of her novels have come to expect. I was somewhat surprised that in a novella Gutteridge's characters felt more fully realized than in some of her previous books (such as Scoop (The Occupational Hazards Series #1)). Her characters can tend to come across as caricatures which is both a strength (they're funny, quirky, and relatable) and a weakness (they can lack depth and realism) of her writing. For example, Wolfe Boone's struggle to cope with the duties of being a new father (like the "ick" factor of diaper duty) ring hilariously true. There's a wonderful depth to his character and his relationship with his wife and new daughter that balances the stock humor of his attempts to cope with the duties of being a new dad.
Boo Humbug is a clever, funny tale that's a sweet reminder of refocusing on the true "reason for the season" and finding peace in the midst of the chaos that the trappings of the Christmas season brings.
July 9, 2015
Wolfe and Oliver are in the throes of fatherhood as Christmas approaches. Ainsley and Melbâs their wives are doing the best they can to create a loving atmosphere in their homes and celebrate Christmas on very little sleep. The holidays can be so stressful and full of misunderstandings. This story looks at family life during the holidays and how those families interact in their community. The story is fun, and filled with the drama that happens off the stage as the actors try to catch the crazy vision that Lois (their director) has for this traditional play. No matter how hard they try to practice and think the cast has the play down pat God steps in and has His way with the show. I was surprised at Lois and what she allows God to do in her life and the lives of those around her. This story shows that God uses the SIMPLE things of life to touch people’s hearts and change lives. This story really touches on the real meaning of Christmas. I really liked this story and the loveable characters. This is the first Boo book that I have read. It's made me want to read the others.
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Disclosure of Material Connection: #AD Sponsored by publisher.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
February 12, 2017
Nice, humorous Christmas story but, like so many, the ending is a bit sappy.
March 29, 2024
Book 49 - Rene Gutteridge - Boo Humbug
And so I reach the end of my visits to Skary, Indiana. Time to say goodbye to all the wonderful characters I have come to know this year.
You know, lockdown has been really hard, really tough for so many people, including the Arbuckles and some very close friends who are practically family. But..if it hadn’t been for lockdown I wouldn’t have started reading a book a week.
I probably wouldn’t have reached for Boo in the first place...way back at Book 7. I wouldn’t have got to know the wonderful people of this made up town. The mad Mayor who at one point in the series is wandering the town in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts...in Winter; the main couple - Wolfe and Ainsley - the heart of the town; the elderly Reverend who nearly loses his faith only to see it rekindled and shine out and to Alfred, who arrives in Book 1 as the self-centred greedy editor, who grows to understand what ‘Boo’ now has and the amazing ending which I won’t spoil here but let’s just say I shed a tear or six at the end.
If you are looking into the dark this Christmas remember the Light of the World is shining right back at you. Embrace each other and look forwards...don’t look back to the past...we aren’t going that way…
And so I reach the end of my visits to Skary, Indiana. Time to say goodbye to all the wonderful characters I have come to know this year.
You know, lockdown has been really hard, really tough for so many people, including the Arbuckles and some very close friends who are practically family. But..if it hadn’t been for lockdown I wouldn’t have started reading a book a week.
I probably wouldn’t have reached for Boo in the first place...way back at Book 7. I wouldn’t have got to know the wonderful people of this made up town. The mad Mayor who at one point in the series is wandering the town in a Hawaiian shirt and shorts...in Winter; the main couple - Wolfe and Ainsley - the heart of the town; the elderly Reverend who nearly loses his faith only to see it rekindled and shine out and to Alfred, who arrives in Book 1 as the self-centred greedy editor, who grows to understand what ‘Boo’ now has and the amazing ending which I won’t spoil here but let’s just say I shed a tear or six at the end.
If you are looking into the dark this Christmas remember the Light of the World is shining right back at you. Embrace each other and look forwards...don’t look back to the past...we aren’t going that way…
January 14, 2015
Review of audiobook.
Laurie Klein does a very good job narrating. For the first quarter of this book I simply "liked" the story. Coming upon 2/3 way through I "really liked". By the end of this, I LOVED it! Once again, this is a book I didn't realize was part of a series until looking it up here on Goodreads. Normally, I hate reading/listening out of sequence, but this book stands well enough on it's own - thank goodness!
Small town life and all of the quirky characters that come with it. The story surrounds the upcoming town play, relationship drama, and creative differences. I laughed, rolled my eyes, cried and thought, yep, truly this is a possibility in somewhere USA! Also, I could see this unfolding as an actual play. Now, I need to get a hold of the first book in this series and work my way through.
Laurie Klein does a very good job narrating. For the first quarter of this book I simply "liked" the story. Coming upon 2/3 way through I "really liked". By the end of this, I LOVED it! Once again, this is a book I didn't realize was part of a series until looking it up here on Goodreads. Normally, I hate reading/listening out of sequence, but this book stands well enough on it's own - thank goodness!
Small town life and all of the quirky characters that come with it. The story surrounds the upcoming town play, relationship drama, and creative differences. I laughed, rolled my eyes, cried and thought, yep, truly this is a possibility in somewhere USA! Also, I could see this unfolding as an actual play. Now, I need to get a hold of the first book in this series and work my way through.
December 23, 2014
The story of A Christmas Carol is everywhere this time of year, but you have probably seen nothing like the version that one quirky director is bringing to the stage. Where else but in Skary Indiana can a beloved Christmas staple turn into a horror show; be it a spooftacular one. This was a quick fun read full of quirky, but lovable characters, even the town's own version of Scrooge himself. I didn't enjoy every minute of it because sometimes it felt too much of a spoof while I seldom enjoy that sort of thing. I didn't read the previous three books in the series because this one caught my eye as a good Christmas read. Some day I will pick up the rest of the series and read more from the citizens of Skary.
September 22, 2012
Rene Gutteridge's "Boo Humbug" is a clever tale set in her fictional town of Skary, Indiana. In this installment Lois Stepaphanopolis tries to bring to life Dickens "A Christmas Carol" for the town theater. Things don't go quite according to plan as the play gets re-written a few different times, Halloween gets incorporated at least at first, and the townsfolk she casts in the play don't exactly want to play their parts. Gutteridge's story is an enjoyable outing that is easy to read & clever as the town tries to figure out exactly how to do Christmas in a way not done before. The ending actually works & makes this visit to Skary a worthwhile place to return to.
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February 12, 2015The Christmas season has come to Skary, Indiana, a town that loves Christmas. Trouble arrives when there is confusion over the community Christmas play. Will it all work out? Or will hundreds be disappointed?\n\nThis was the most nonsensical book I've ever read. Yes, it's uplifting at the end (in a totally simplified way). But the rest of the book is just scattered and not even very interesting. And what's the issue with Lois's last name?
December 12, 2008
If you haven't read the first three books in the Boo Series, I highly recommend doing so before reading this holiday themed conclusion, just so you have a better idea of the characters and their previous escapades. I have come to love the citizens of Skary, Indiana and I'm going to miss them. This book is a fun Christmas tale filled with laughter, tears and a great message.
August 27, 2019
This is not a typical read for me but I do love quirky interesting characters that speak their mind and this little Christmas book hit the mark. I read this back during the holiday season and I keep forgetting to review it. This is a small book; easily read in one sitting and not one to be overlooked this holiday season.
2nd time reading: What a unique and wonderful "twist" on Christmas!
2nd time reading: What a unique and wonderful "twist" on Christmas!
August 14, 2012
I trudged through all four books and they just kept getting worse. By the end of this one I was ready to pull my hair out at Ainsley's whining. Also I just realized who Alfred reminds me of...Squidward Tentacles.
December 30, 2012
I think next year I'll stick to Christmas books I know I like because I sort of overdid it this year with the bad-Christmas-book season. This one was just weird and a little convoluted with too many plot lines and characters for its length.
December 2, 2014
This is cute story of one town's attempt to tell the story of Scrooge with disastrous results. Have fun as you read it. Warning to Dickens purists, of which I am one, it isn't your beloved story of redemption, as you know it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews