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Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror
Kansas, 1983. Joe Cage wanders into the quiet farming community of Marybell looking for work. To his good fortune he discovers that he isn't the only stranger that's come to town. Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror, a traveling carnival, is setting up and looking for help.
Lily Grey, like the other kids, is excited at the prospect of riding the rides, especially Journey Through The Crypt - the carnival's ghost train. That is, until she goes missing inside it, until all that can be found of her is a teddy bear coated in blood.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror is Jamie Stewart's love letter to the horror novels of the 70s and 80s Those books shaped his younger years and made him fall in love with reading.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror offers fun, but you'll find there's nothing fair about what's happening on the Ghost Ride. This book is an absolute roller coaster; pulling you in slowly, raising the tension, and dropping you full speed into twists that leave you screaming. It's a funhouse mirror, distorting your views of what you think you know about the genre. It'll leave you breathless, shaking, and begging to go right back and do it again. - James Sabata, Author of Fat Camp and The Cassowary
Starting as an exploration of trauma and ending on what exactly makes a monster monstrous, Jamie Stewart's novel reads at an amazing fast pace and questions our childhood memories of carnival delights to bring us up close to the terror of real life. - Catarina Prata, Author of The Last Dive
What Jamie has achieved here is nothing short of incredible; a 100,000 beast of a novel that has a fine cast of characters chocked full of heroes, villains, and those in between, plus some terrific set pieces that will have your heart thumping and keep you turning those pages. The big reveal comes with still a quarter of the book to play out - it’s a wild ride!
Perhaps most impressive is the scope, scale and sheer size of this work. Very few indie authors out there are likely to attempt something even approaching this, and the dexterity and panache Jamie shows to keep the story moving - with multiple plates spinning at times - and to pull it all together for a powerful and satisfying ending really shows his prowess as a writer. You’re also left in no doubt of how much Jamie loves his craft - the enthusiasm and passion he shows every day on his social feeds is reflected in his writing here. He’s having fun, he’s enjoying you being around to listen, and he’s confident that what he’s got to say is worth your time. And, trust me, it is. - Dave Musson, Author of Mirrored
Lily Grey, like the other kids, is excited at the prospect of riding the rides, especially Journey Through The Crypt - the carnival's ghost train. That is, until she goes missing inside it, until all that can be found of her is a teddy bear coated in blood.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror is Jamie Stewart's love letter to the horror novels of the 70s and 80s Those books shaped his younger years and made him fall in love with reading.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror offers fun, but you'll find there's nothing fair about what's happening on the Ghost Ride. This book is an absolute roller coaster; pulling you in slowly, raising the tension, and dropping you full speed into twists that leave you screaming. It's a funhouse mirror, distorting your views of what you think you know about the genre. It'll leave you breathless, shaking, and begging to go right back and do it again. - James Sabata, Author of Fat Camp and The Cassowary
Starting as an exploration of trauma and ending on what exactly makes a monster monstrous, Jamie Stewart's novel reads at an amazing fast pace and questions our childhood memories of carnival delights to bring us up close to the terror of real life. - Catarina Prata, Author of The Last Dive
What Jamie has achieved here is nothing short of incredible; a 100,000 beast of a novel that has a fine cast of characters chocked full of heroes, villains, and those in between, plus some terrific set pieces that will have your heart thumping and keep you turning those pages. The big reveal comes with still a quarter of the book to play out - it’s a wild ride!
Perhaps most impressive is the scope, scale and sheer size of this work. Very few indie authors out there are likely to attempt something even approaching this, and the dexterity and panache Jamie shows to keep the story moving - with multiple plates spinning at times - and to pull it all together for a powerful and satisfying ending really shows his prowess as a writer. You’re also left in no doubt of how much Jamie loves his craft - the enthusiasm and passion he shows every day on his social feeds is reflected in his writing here. He’s having fun, he’s enjoying you being around to listen, and he’s confident that what he’s got to say is worth your time. And, trust me, it is. - Dave Musson, Author of Mirrored
- GenresHorrorHorror Thriller
402 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2022
3 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Jamie Stewart
12 books178 followersJamie Stewart is a horror author and editor. His books include PRICE MANOR: THE HOUSE THAT BLEEDS, I HEAR THE CLATTERING OF THE KEYS (AND OTHER FEVERS DREAMS) and MR. JONES. He has co-edited such anthologies as WELCOME TO THE FUNHOUSE for BLOOD RITES HORROR and THE SACRAMENT, which is coming this October from DARK LIT PRESS. His short stories can be found in various anthologies, podcasts and Youtube channels.
Jamie lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and dogs, Poppy and Henry. He can be found on Instagram @jamie.stewart.33 where he reviews and promotes books.
Jamie lives in Northern Ireland with his wife and dogs, Poppy and Henry. He can be found on Instagram @jamie.stewart.33 where he reviews and promotes books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 7, 2022
Smash Gone Girl, Salem’s Lot and Something Wicked This Way Comes together and you get this book. A love letter to the sprawling odyssey’s of the 70s and 80s in that it features a small-town community and a huge cast of characters.
September 15, 2022
Let’s step back in time to the 1980s…and let’s go to a carnival.
Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror will have you screaming, spinning and questioning how much fun you’re having. Heck, and that’s just reading the book! Imagine how the characters felt!
What Jamie Stewart manages to do with this tale is spin the wheel in a different direction. This story of terror in small town America is reminiscent to the works of Stephen King, Ray Bradbury and Gary Brandner, however this is Stewart’s take on that and he does with sleek originality. Never taking his hand off the wheel.
Montague tells the tale of a young drifter called Joe Cage, who settles in with a group of travelling carnies who have just arrived in Marybell. However, after the disappearance of a young girl, the vivid lights of Montague’s Carnival start to seem less magical and a lot more sinister.
A love letter to the pulp paperback novels of the 1970s and 1980s, the story puts you in a time warp to that era of horror. And it feels entirely organic. I have high praise for Stewart’s prose in this epic horror novel and it’s one I will be thinking about for a long time. I may never visit a carnival again…
Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror will have you screaming, spinning and questioning how much fun you’re having. Heck, and that’s just reading the book! Imagine how the characters felt!
What Jamie Stewart manages to do with this tale is spin the wheel in a different direction. This story of terror in small town America is reminiscent to the works of Stephen King, Ray Bradbury and Gary Brandner, however this is Stewart’s take on that and he does with sleek originality. Never taking his hand off the wheel.
Montague tells the tale of a young drifter called Joe Cage, who settles in with a group of travelling carnies who have just arrived in Marybell. However, after the disappearance of a young girl, the vivid lights of Montague’s Carnival start to seem less magical and a lot more sinister.
A love letter to the pulp paperback novels of the 1970s and 1980s, the story puts you in a time warp to that era of horror. And it feels entirely organic. I have high praise for Stewart’s prose in this epic horror novel and it’s one I will be thinking about for a long time. I may never visit a carnival again…
March 26, 2022
*ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
When I was first invited to read this book I was curious. It sounded fun and creepy at the same time, evoking memories of summers and being young.
I was not prepared for what it really was.
Starting as an exploration of trauma and ending on what exactly makes a monster monstrous, Jamie Stewart's novel reads at an amazing fast pace and questions our childhood memories of carnival delights to bring us up close to the terror of real life.
A tale of horrors, mixed in with the nostalgia of growing up and the desire to belong, Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror is for sure the book you should pick up this summer.
Do you dare enter the Carnival? I know I did. And I don't regret it.
When I was first invited to read this book I was curious. It sounded fun and creepy at the same time, evoking memories of summers and being young.
I was not prepared for what it really was.
Starting as an exploration of trauma and ending on what exactly makes a monster monstrous, Jamie Stewart's novel reads at an amazing fast pace and questions our childhood memories of carnival delights to bring us up close to the terror of real life.
A tale of horrors, mixed in with the nostalgia of growing up and the desire to belong, Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror is for sure the book you should pick up this summer.
Do you dare enter the Carnival? I know I did. And I don't regret it.
September 21, 2022
This is a great book for any fan of Stephen King - the quirky horror and creepy atmosphere screams to you. I loved the first 100 pages and the last 100 pages, the middle lost me a bit but otherwise it’s a good read. At 400 pages it’s larger than what I usually read when it comes to horror, but again: it’s 100% what the author set out to write and one that fans of King will love!
May 7, 2022
Full disclosure; I was a beta reader of this novel in 2021, and am thanked in the acknowledgements accordingly. I was given an ARC in return for an honest review, which is what follows!
Well, I’ve tried to resist opening with this but…roll up! Roll up! The circus is in town and it’s offering you thrills, spills and the perfect epic for the top of your TBR list for this summer.
In this door stopper of a novel, Jamie Stewart takes us to Marybell in Kansas, in Spring of 1983. It’s a small town where everyone knows each other, but where they don’t necessarily take kindly to strangers, which is unfortunate for our lead character Joe Cage - a lost soul hitchhiking away from some dark past. We join the town in time to see two things; the brutal butchering of a load of cows, and the arrival of Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror. The Carnival opens the next day with folk still scratching their heads about the cows, and all is well. Until, that is, young Lily Grey goes into the ghost train but doesn’t reappear. What follows pulls the town apart and opens up all kinds of horrors.
What Jamie has achieved here is nothing short of incredible; a 100,000 beast of a novel that has a fine cast of characters chocked full of heroes, villains, and those in between, plus some terrific set pieces that will have your heart thumping and keep you turning those pages. The big reveal comes with still a quarter of the book to play out - it’s a wild ride!
Montague is dedicated to Stephen King, and it’s a fitting nod - the Master of Horror’s influence is all over this one, from the daily pay of $19 for the carnies, the Pangborn-esque Sheriff Timothy Jackson, and even a high school called Hargensen. But, this isn’t fanfic, or a cheap ripoff; Jamie has his own voice and is able to put his own twists on old tales. It’s really quite fantastic.
Perhaps most impressive is the scope, scale and sheer size of this work. Very few indie authors out there are likely to attempt something even approaching this, and the dexterity and panache Jamie shows to keep the story moving - with multiple plates spinning at times - and to pull it all together for a powerful and satisfying ending really shows his prowess as a writer. You’re also left in no doubt of how much Jamie loves his craft - the enthusiasm and passion he shows every day on his social feeds is reflected in his writing here. He’s having fun, he’s enjoying you being around to listen, and he’s confident that what he’s got to say is worth your time. And, trust me, it is.
Out 3 June - don’t miss it!
Well, I’ve tried to resist opening with this but…roll up! Roll up! The circus is in town and it’s offering you thrills, spills and the perfect epic for the top of your TBR list for this summer.
In this door stopper of a novel, Jamie Stewart takes us to Marybell in Kansas, in Spring of 1983. It’s a small town where everyone knows each other, but where they don’t necessarily take kindly to strangers, which is unfortunate for our lead character Joe Cage - a lost soul hitchhiking away from some dark past. We join the town in time to see two things; the brutal butchering of a load of cows, and the arrival of Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror. The Carnival opens the next day with folk still scratching their heads about the cows, and all is well. Until, that is, young Lily Grey goes into the ghost train but doesn’t reappear. What follows pulls the town apart and opens up all kinds of horrors.
What Jamie has achieved here is nothing short of incredible; a 100,000 beast of a novel that has a fine cast of characters chocked full of heroes, villains, and those in between, plus some terrific set pieces that will have your heart thumping and keep you turning those pages. The big reveal comes with still a quarter of the book to play out - it’s a wild ride!
Montague is dedicated to Stephen King, and it’s a fitting nod - the Master of Horror’s influence is all over this one, from the daily pay of $19 for the carnies, the Pangborn-esque Sheriff Timothy Jackson, and even a high school called Hargensen. But, this isn’t fanfic, or a cheap ripoff; Jamie has his own voice and is able to put his own twists on old tales. It’s really quite fantastic.
Perhaps most impressive is the scope, scale and sheer size of this work. Very few indie authors out there are likely to attempt something even approaching this, and the dexterity and panache Jamie shows to keep the story moving - with multiple plates spinning at times - and to pull it all together for a powerful and satisfying ending really shows his prowess as a writer. You’re also left in no doubt of how much Jamie loves his craft - the enthusiasm and passion he shows every day on his social feeds is reflected in his writing here. He’s having fun, he’s enjoying you being around to listen, and he’s confident that what he’s got to say is worth your time. And, trust me, it is.
Out 3 June - don’t miss it!
June 6, 2022
A traveling carnival arrives in a small town in Kansas. The townfolk line up for opening day with great anticipation, and among them is young Lily Grey. When she goes missing in one of the rides, it sets into action a series of events that will forever change this small town in an unexpected way.
Stewart stated that this novel is his tribute to his favorite novels of horror's heyday. That could not be more apparent, as Stewart writes with seasoned confidence that is reminiscent of his idols. The characters, the alternating plots, the pacing and suspense, all of it was superb.
This story has all the horror and gore that I've come to expect from Stewart, along with the heartfelt moments that make it hit home that much harder. All of that, and then an unexpected twist and an ending that absolutely satisfies. It's left just a little open-ended, making me wonder if Stewart has plans to meet up with some of these characters again in the future. If so, I'd buy a ticket to that show in a heartbeat.
Stewart stated that this novel is his tribute to his favorite novels of horror's heyday. That could not be more apparent, as Stewart writes with seasoned confidence that is reminiscent of his idols. The characters, the alternating plots, the pacing and suspense, all of it was superb.
This story has all the horror and gore that I've come to expect from Stewart, along with the heartfelt moments that make it hit home that much harder. All of that, and then an unexpected twist and an ending that absolutely satisfies. It's left just a little open-ended, making me wonder if Stewart has plans to meet up with some of these characters again in the future. If so, I'd buy a ticket to that show in a heartbeat.
May 18, 2022
This book is a love letter to Carnival horror. Stepping in the (giant) footsteps of writers such as Stephen King, Dean Koontz and Ray Bradbury and paying homage to movies such as The Lost Boys, The Funhouse, Something wicked this way comes and even more recent the Netflix series Midnight Mass, Jamie manages to fill these footsteps with a bloodfilled, hair curling, spine shivering tale!
Joe Cage is a drifter, running away from his father and leaving behind his life and his sister, something that hurts him immensely. But he had no choice. When he comes to the little town of Marybell (Marybell’s not too kind on strangers though) he is looking for a job and that presents itself by becoming a carnie, an employee of ‘Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror’! Joe meets enigmatic Daisy and he feels right at home. Until a little girl disappears in the ride he was working at and suddenly his life takes another turn, but only for the worse. In the meantime, sheriff Jackson is invited to investigate a few weird and uncanny deaths. But what has Joe to do with these?
Carnival horror is thé perfect horror in my opinion. The weird and eerie rides, the coming and going of carnivals and carnies providing a perfect alibi and mix some great influences by the best authors (above mentioned) that have ever been on this planet and you might just say Jamie belongs to that list! I think true horror lovers will fancy this book, because it gives the right amount of background to its MC, sends a bundle of shivers down your spine and you might end up either with grey hair (out of fear) and run away as far as you can or you might just want to become a part of the carnival!
Sink your teeth in this wonderful novel that will be released 3rd of June! This is for the fans of graphic novels such as Ben Templesmith’s ‘30 Days of Night’ and ‘American Vampire’, for those who loved ‘Something Wicked this way comes’, ‘Salem’s Lot’ and ‘Midnight Mass’! This is for the fans of indiehorror writers and this will make you a fan of Jamie Stewart and his writing!
Joe Cage is a drifter, running away from his father and leaving behind his life and his sister, something that hurts him immensely. But he had no choice. When he comes to the little town of Marybell (Marybell’s not too kind on strangers though) he is looking for a job and that presents itself by becoming a carnie, an employee of ‘Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror’! Joe meets enigmatic Daisy and he feels right at home. Until a little girl disappears in the ride he was working at and suddenly his life takes another turn, but only for the worse. In the meantime, sheriff Jackson is invited to investigate a few weird and uncanny deaths. But what has Joe to do with these?
Carnival horror is thé perfect horror in my opinion. The weird and eerie rides, the coming and going of carnivals and carnies providing a perfect alibi and mix some great influences by the best authors (above mentioned) that have ever been on this planet and you might just say Jamie belongs to that list! I think true horror lovers will fancy this book, because it gives the right amount of background to its MC, sends a bundle of shivers down your spine and you might end up either with grey hair (out of fear) and run away as far as you can or you might just want to become a part of the carnival!
Sink your teeth in this wonderful novel that will be released 3rd of June! This is for the fans of graphic novels such as Ben Templesmith’s ‘30 Days of Night’ and ‘American Vampire’, for those who loved ‘Something Wicked this way comes’, ‘Salem’s Lot’ and ‘Midnight Mass’! This is for the fans of indiehorror writers and this will make you a fan of Jamie Stewart and his writing!
August 22, 2022
Do you have warm memories of the funfair, with Ferris wheels and questionably constructed rides and games?
Then Montague's Carnival is here to destroy your childhood and deliver on its promises of terror with buckets full of blood. And delights? Well, that will be your reading experience, as Jamie writes like the masters of the era he is emulating with a style all his own weaved in.
This was a killer book that I tore through like a bloodthirsty beast (but swap the blood for words). It feels like it could be from the 80s, as Jamie intends I'm sure, yet it also has enough modern sensibility and sensitivity to it that doesn't feel dated or problematic.
Which was no surprise to me, as I know Jamie is a thoughtful fella.
I was engaged throughout by the central mystery of the story - who took Lily Grey? - and the characters I followed along the way were fascinating and intriguing. No one felt like a caricature or one-dimensional; everyone seemed like they could be real people.
Even the villains, despite their...proclivities (but I won't spoil that for you).
This was a rollicking rollercoaster all the way through and a book I would 100% recommend. It has some flaws, but so does everything, and they do not detract from the quality of the story whatsoever.
Then Montague's Carnival is here to destroy your childhood and deliver on its promises of terror with buckets full of blood. And delights? Well, that will be your reading experience, as Jamie writes like the masters of the era he is emulating with a style all his own weaved in.
This was a killer book that I tore through like a bloodthirsty beast (but swap the blood for words). It feels like it could be from the 80s, as Jamie intends I'm sure, yet it also has enough modern sensibility and sensitivity to it that doesn't feel dated or problematic.
Which was no surprise to me, as I know Jamie is a thoughtful fella.
I was engaged throughout by the central mystery of the story - who took Lily Grey? - and the characters I followed along the way were fascinating and intriguing. No one felt like a caricature or one-dimensional; everyone seemed like they could be real people.
Even the villains, despite their...proclivities (but I won't spoil that for you).
This was a rollicking rollercoaster all the way through and a book I would 100% recommend. It has some flaws, but so does everything, and they do not detract from the quality of the story whatsoever.
May 11, 2022
Kansas, 1983...
Step right up, folks, step right up.
If frights and horror is your endeavour,
Take a chance, come line-up!
And sample Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror.
Jamie Stewart's newest work is not what it appears to be. Sure, it looks like a nightmarish carnival horror novel, and in every possible way, it appears to be one, but make no mistake, it's not. Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror is as deceptive as your chance at winning a prize at one of Montague's games, and what Jamie has coming for you all this summer is not a book. No, it's a love letter - a stunning, epic 100'000 word ode to a bygone era. Jamie's most ambitious novel is the kind of epic mass market paperback horror novel you don't see much these days and had he been around back then, I'm sure we'd be seeing the name Stewart up there on shelves next to Simmons and Straub. It was a joy to read an ARC for this book, one I sunk my teeth into and devoured within two days, and a rare privilege to write the foreword for it.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror is coming June 3rd, 2022.
Step right up, folks, step right up.
If frights and horror is your endeavour,
Take a chance, come line-up!
And sample Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror.
Jamie Stewart's newest work is not what it appears to be. Sure, it looks like a nightmarish carnival horror novel, and in every possible way, it appears to be one, but make no mistake, it's not. Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror is as deceptive as your chance at winning a prize at one of Montague's games, and what Jamie has coming for you all this summer is not a book. No, it's a love letter - a stunning, epic 100'000 word ode to a bygone era. Jamie's most ambitious novel is the kind of epic mass market paperback horror novel you don't see much these days and had he been around back then, I'm sure we'd be seeing the name Stewart up there on shelves next to Simmons and Straub. It was a joy to read an ARC for this book, one I sunk my teeth into and devoured within two days, and a rare privilege to write the foreword for it.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror is coming June 3rd, 2022.
May 1, 2022
Disclaimer: I'm friends with Jamie, and I also edited this book.
I had the pleasure of originally reading Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror when Jamie needed beta readers for it. As always, I was blown away by how well-written and imaginative it is. Jamie doesn't shy away from anything - the darker sides of human nature, gore - but he does it all very intentionally so that nothing is gratuitous or out of place. Montague's is a wonderful story that follows a large cast of characters; in this way, it's reminiscent of Stephen King. In particular, I was reminded of Alan Pangborn and Polly in Needful Things when Jamie gave us the characters Sheriff Jackson and Elaine.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror starts off with a bang and never lets up. It's a horrifying and heartbreaking story, and one I love very much.
I had the pleasure of originally reading Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror when Jamie needed beta readers for it. As always, I was blown away by how well-written and imaginative it is. Jamie doesn't shy away from anything - the darker sides of human nature, gore - but he does it all very intentionally so that nothing is gratuitous or out of place. Montague's is a wonderful story that follows a large cast of characters; in this way, it's reminiscent of Stephen King. In particular, I was reminded of Alan Pangborn and Polly in Needful Things when Jamie gave us the characters Sheriff Jackson and Elaine.
Montague's Carnival of Delights and Terror starts off with a bang and never lets up. It's a horrifying and heartbreaking story, and one I love very much.
June 6, 2022
Step right up to the ride that will chill you to the bone! Jamie Stewart does it again and this time, every carnival nightmare real and imagined is magnified in this terrifically horrific read! The author helps us view tragedy from every angle including an investigation fit for the X- Files!
The character line up is full of those misunderstood, mischievous, and murderous, each with their virtues and vices. Not to mention, the kill scenes are so good you can almost smell the blood and feel it land on your face!
If you enjoyed the Lost Boys, Tales from the Crypt, From Dusk Til Dawn, or the X- Files then add this to you TBR and read ASAP!
The character line up is full of those misunderstood, mischievous, and murderous, each with their virtues and vices. Not to mention, the kill scenes are so good you can almost smell the blood and feel it land on your face!
If you enjoyed the Lost Boys, Tales from the Crypt, From Dusk Til Dawn, or the X- Files then add this to you TBR and read ASAP!
May 16, 2022
Another wonderful job done by Stewart on this grisly gem of a story! It tells of a tale taking place in 1983 Kansas, USA, where a carnival comes to town. What should be a joyous, carefree occasion soon turns sinister with the disappearance of a little girl, Lily Grey. A small town is shook to its core and is quick to suspect its outsiders - the carnies of the traveling carnival, including one of its newest recruits. Joe Cage and his mysterious past soon become the target to everyone's suspicions as the search for the girl increases; their chances of finding her alive growing dimmer by the day. But there are much darker things to be concerned with...will it be discovered before it's too late? Or have the residents of Marybell signed their fate?
Stewart's story is well crafted, dark and gruesome. I also love the air of mystery going on as well. To be fair, I had a bad feeling about certain characters but others, I was extremely surprised. If you only ever read ONE of Jamie's stories (that's already a mistake by the way), please let it be this one.
Stewart's story is well crafted, dark and gruesome. I also love the air of mystery going on as well. To be fair, I had a bad feeling about certain characters but others, I was extremely surprised. If you only ever read ONE of Jamie's stories (that's already a mistake by the way), please let it be this one.
November 16, 2022
With a sprawling cast of characters and a nostalgic setting, Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror is an addictive read that tosses you into the community and Marybell and all its horrors. The narrative is expansive and thrilling, and I couldn’t help but become immersed in Stewart’s love letter to the small-town-hiding-dark-secrets sub-genre. Highly recommend!
August 10, 2024
This was so good, I just couldn't put it down I just needed to see where this was going to end! Really enjoyed it! Some really creepy moments in this one!
July 15, 2024
Oh So Good...
This is the first book I have read from Jamie Stewart and it most certainly won't be my last. I love this book, the style, the horror and the plot are amazing. This will remain part of my library. Few ebooks do but this book will be read again. I have already downloaded more books that I can't wait to start. Please please write more "tombstones". Well played, sir, well played.
This is the first book I have read from Jamie Stewart and it most certainly won't be my last. I love this book, the style, the horror and the plot are amazing. This will remain part of my library. Few ebooks do but this book will be read again. I have already downloaded more books that I can't wait to start. Please please write more "tombstones". Well played, sir, well played.
August 4, 2024
A wild ride and high entertaining!
August 8, 2022
Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror by Jamie Stewart
The close-knit community of Marybell don’t take a shining to new strangers. The community is small, and everyone kept to themselves, making the town function in harmony. This harmony is interrupted by a carnival filled with misunderstood carneys looking to share their delights and terror with.
Joe Cage is a stranger rolling through town looking to keep his head low and find his wad through life. With a town looking to push him out, his finds some solitude with the community of the carnival. Joe is quickly hire on as a extra pair of hands, as a little girl goes missing on one of the rides. This ride kicks up dust with Joe’s world, as he soon finds out it’s not all fun in games at Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror.
The characters in this book are very relatable and the story is straight out creep. Hold on your seats and make sure you don’t blink.
Checkout this this book, worth the page turn.
The close-knit community of Marybell don’t take a shining to new strangers. The community is small, and everyone kept to themselves, making the town function in harmony. This harmony is interrupted by a carnival filled with misunderstood carneys looking to share their delights and terror with.
Joe Cage is a stranger rolling through town looking to keep his head low and find his wad through life. With a town looking to push him out, his finds some solitude with the community of the carnival. Joe is quickly hire on as a extra pair of hands, as a little girl goes missing on one of the rides. This ride kicks up dust with Joe’s world, as he soon finds out it’s not all fun in games at Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror.
The characters in this book are very relatable and the story is straight out creep. Hold on your seats and make sure you don’t blink.
Checkout this this book, worth the page turn.
December 5, 2022
**Review originally published in SCREAM Magazine**
Roll up, roll up! It’s opening day at Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror! The jangling of calliope music and cries of carnies shouting their side shows drift across the fairgrounds. Under the baking sun you can partake in all of the games, rides, treats, and prize-winning competitions you desire. At the far end of the fairgrounds sits the towering ferris wheel called The Whirl, its massive shadow spinning slowly across the tents. And right here we have our very own ghost train, aptly called Journey Through The Crypt. But wait, the ride is broken down? And a young girl has suddenly gone missing?
American small towns are known for their patriotic values and their distrust of outsiders, in this case drifters and carnies. So when animals are mysteriously mutilated and young Lily Grey disappears, the townspeople naturally blame the recently arrived carnival - specifically the new hire Joe Cage. But Joe is innocent and eager to prove so, just as he is desperate to escape the past that haunts him. As the search for Lily deepens, the town will soon realize that the carnival is harboring a secret: an ancient evil, thirsty for blood.
This is a fairly lengthy novel, but it never felt long. The story moves at a decent pace and every scene feels necessary, or at least entertaining. It’s definitely a “page turner,” and I appreciated the amount of time the author spent allowing us to get to know these characters. The enigmatic Joe Cage, the conflicted Sheriff Jackson, the traumatized Grey family, and all the various carnies and townspeople in between - most every character is interesting, lifelike, and well-developed. I felt very connected to these characters, both the heroes I loved and the villains I hated. It's a great cast all around.
Though the characters hold the spotlight in my heart, the storyline is a close second on the ticket. There is suspense and dread from the start, as the novel opens on a field of tragically slaughtered and dismembered cattle. Then, there’s the strange disappearance of Lily at the carnival and the carnies themselves, whose malicious secrets begin to reveal themselves in the second half. And finally there’s Joe Cage, with his scarred wrists and troubling past - one that is frightening and awful, but one he must deal with in order to help save the town and himself. It’s captivating stuff, punctuated with the exclamation point of a violent bloodbath when all hell breaks loose in the final act.
Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror reads like an ode to Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes and a love letter to the best stories of Stephen King. Author Jamie Stewart said he was inspired by the horror novels of the 70s and 80s, and those tropes are well represented here. You can certainly tell the author has put a lot of energy and heart into crafting this tale. The engaging storyline, interesting characters, quick pacing, and entertaining blend of horror and humanity make this an easy recommendation.
Roll up, roll up! It’s opening day at Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror! The jangling of calliope music and cries of carnies shouting their side shows drift across the fairgrounds. Under the baking sun you can partake in all of the games, rides, treats, and prize-winning competitions you desire. At the far end of the fairgrounds sits the towering ferris wheel called The Whirl, its massive shadow spinning slowly across the tents. And right here we have our very own ghost train, aptly called Journey Through The Crypt. But wait, the ride is broken down? And a young girl has suddenly gone missing?
American small towns are known for their patriotic values and their distrust of outsiders, in this case drifters and carnies. So when animals are mysteriously mutilated and young Lily Grey disappears, the townspeople naturally blame the recently arrived carnival - specifically the new hire Joe Cage. But Joe is innocent and eager to prove so, just as he is desperate to escape the past that haunts him. As the search for Lily deepens, the town will soon realize that the carnival is harboring a secret: an ancient evil, thirsty for blood.
This is a fairly lengthy novel, but it never felt long. The story moves at a decent pace and every scene feels necessary, or at least entertaining. It’s definitely a “page turner,” and I appreciated the amount of time the author spent allowing us to get to know these characters. The enigmatic Joe Cage, the conflicted Sheriff Jackson, the traumatized Grey family, and all the various carnies and townspeople in between - most every character is interesting, lifelike, and well-developed. I felt very connected to these characters, both the heroes I loved and the villains I hated. It's a great cast all around.
Though the characters hold the spotlight in my heart, the storyline is a close second on the ticket. There is suspense and dread from the start, as the novel opens on a field of tragically slaughtered and dismembered cattle. Then, there’s the strange disappearance of Lily at the carnival and the carnies themselves, whose malicious secrets begin to reveal themselves in the second half. And finally there’s Joe Cage, with his scarred wrists and troubling past - one that is frightening and awful, but one he must deal with in order to help save the town and himself. It’s captivating stuff, punctuated with the exclamation point of a violent bloodbath when all hell breaks loose in the final act.
Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror reads like an ode to Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes and a love letter to the best stories of Stephen King. Author Jamie Stewart said he was inspired by the horror novels of the 70s and 80s, and those tropes are well represented here. You can certainly tell the author has put a lot of energy and heart into crafting this tale. The engaging storyline, interesting characters, quick pacing, and entertaining blend of horror and humanity make this an easy recommendation.
April 12, 2022
Marybell is not a kind place for strangers"
.
MCoDaT opens in Marybell, Kansas, 1983. Sheriff Timothy Jackson heads to Phillip Teal's farm and we hear of Jackson's day and his earlier encounter with a drifter called Joe Cage who has come to town, asking about the fair. Sheriff Jackson warned Cage to leave town, but soon comes to regret such an action. As Jackson meets Teal, he soon discovers a massacre of cows, 24 of them slaughtered in a field. And then we shift to Joe who is a drifter looking for work, and by a series of events, ends up hired at Montague's by Arnold "Arnie" Kauffman. But Joe soon finds himself caught up in dark events...
.
I like the opening. The grotesque imagery of the butchered cows and the sheer absurdness and grim images really works as an opener. It also gets you curious about Sheriff Jackson and Cage, and what the plot with those two could be. When Joe first sees the Carnival, you do a great job of describing it. I like the quick paced opening of Joe's scenes and how we are easily drawn into Montague's world. I like how you do establish Montague's character as this sort of charming, silver tongued figure both by saying it and by showing it, with him winning over Launder. Joe as one of the protagonists of this tale really works. How he keeps a secretive backstory and tries to let little be known about him works. Whilst you read it, you enjoy the story but in the back of your mind, well mine at least, I wondered, who is this drifter and what is he up to? Lily's "Journey Through the Crypt" is such a brilliant and stand out moment to me. The sights, the sounds, the fears, and feelings of Lily Grey and those outside all combine to make such a brilliant part. The fall out from that is very well written and you do it with such style and skill. Keeps you hooked! The story really develops greatly. I don't want to say too much owing to spoilers and not wanting to ruin it for other readers but it develops very nicely and really keeps you hooked as a reader. There is a great twist part way through this one that I didn't detect, and it really takes both the novel and the reader in an exciting new direction. Jamie says this was in some ways a homage to King and there are two clear influences to me which only add to what is a brilliant story. The final quarter or so really knocks things up a gear and I enjoyed this one greatly. A wonderful end to a brilliant story! Great work here Jamie. You should be very proud of what you have produced!
.
Overall 5/5 for me. A great story by Jamie and one that keeps you hooked from start to finish!
.
MCoDaT opens in Marybell, Kansas, 1983. Sheriff Timothy Jackson heads to Phillip Teal's farm and we hear of Jackson's day and his earlier encounter with a drifter called Joe Cage who has come to town, asking about the fair. Sheriff Jackson warned Cage to leave town, but soon comes to regret such an action. As Jackson meets Teal, he soon discovers a massacre of cows, 24 of them slaughtered in a field. And then we shift to Joe who is a drifter looking for work, and by a series of events, ends up hired at Montague's by Arnold "Arnie" Kauffman. But Joe soon finds himself caught up in dark events...
.
I like the opening. The grotesque imagery of the butchered cows and the sheer absurdness and grim images really works as an opener. It also gets you curious about Sheriff Jackson and Cage, and what the plot with those two could be. When Joe first sees the Carnival, you do a great job of describing it. I like the quick paced opening of Joe's scenes and how we are easily drawn into Montague's world. I like how you do establish Montague's character as this sort of charming, silver tongued figure both by saying it and by showing it, with him winning over Launder. Joe as one of the protagonists of this tale really works. How he keeps a secretive backstory and tries to let little be known about him works. Whilst you read it, you enjoy the story but in the back of your mind, well mine at least, I wondered, who is this drifter and what is he up to? Lily's "Journey Through the Crypt" is such a brilliant and stand out moment to me. The sights, the sounds, the fears, and feelings of Lily Grey and those outside all combine to make such a brilliant part. The fall out from that is very well written and you do it with such style and skill. Keeps you hooked! The story really develops greatly. I don't want to say too much owing to spoilers and not wanting to ruin it for other readers but it develops very nicely and really keeps you hooked as a reader. There is a great twist part way through this one that I didn't detect, and it really takes both the novel and the reader in an exciting new direction. Jamie says this was in some ways a homage to King and there are two clear influences to me which only add to what is a brilliant story. The final quarter or so really knocks things up a gear and I enjoyed this one greatly. A wonderful end to a brilliant story! Great work here Jamie. You should be very proud of what you have produced!
.
Overall 5/5 for me. A great story by Jamie and one that keeps you hooked from start to finish!
June 8, 2022
Come one, come all, to witness a frightfully chilling story unfold!
The carnival is in town and the residents’ reservations over newcomers prove to be quite reasonable after a little girl goes missing on one of the rides.
Misplaced blame lands on Joe: a newbie to the town and to the carnival. He, with the help of very few, seeks answers to not only locate the missing girl, but to prove his innocence as well.
The story presents a lighthearted tone all while exploring incredibly dark topics. It gives off all the nostalgic and trendy feels while tackling horror in a classic way.
The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. The clever humor and sprinkling of heartwarming connections brought genuine smiles to my face.
Much fun is to be had at Montague’s Carnival, but at what cost? You’ll have to read to find out!
Many thanks to Jamie Stewart for allowing me to join in on the fun early with an ARC ecopy of this incredible story. I’ve read two of his works and look forward to diving in to more soon!
The carnival is in town and the residents’ reservations over newcomers prove to be quite reasonable after a little girl goes missing on one of the rides.
Misplaced blame lands on Joe: a newbie to the town and to the carnival. He, with the help of very few, seeks answers to not only locate the missing girl, but to prove his innocence as well.
The story presents a lighthearted tone all while exploring incredibly dark topics. It gives off all the nostalgic and trendy feels while tackling horror in a classic way.
The twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. The clever humor and sprinkling of heartwarming connections brought genuine smiles to my face.
Much fun is to be had at Montague’s Carnival, but at what cost? You’ll have to read to find out!
Many thanks to Jamie Stewart for allowing me to join in on the fun early with an ARC ecopy of this incredible story. I’ve read two of his works and look forward to diving in to more soon!
May 16, 2022
Come one, come all to this thrill of carnival as all are welcome, but not all are able to leave. Not even the carnival is a safe place to relax when Jamie Stewart is in charge. Happier than ever to say that I got an advanced copy of Montague’s Carnival of Delights and Terror, and man did I enjoy every page of this monster. The beast of a novel has a large cast with great personality and will keep you on your toes with every twist and turn that you endure with our hero. From start to finish the story is relentless, adding more and more depth to the story as well as the body count. This story feels like the classic horror movies of the 80s set in some small town with just a few cops and a whole hell of a lot of trouble, the movies that everyone loves and adores. If you love carnage, mystery, and carnivals, this one is for you!
September 16, 2022
Spooky Summer time reading!
One thing I really enjoyed about this novel is that it's a mystery and horror in one. The author gives glimpses and hints as to what's moved into town to snack on the inhabitants, but you don't get the full story until the end. I found myself myself postulating and theorizing trying to crack the case along with the characters, and I loved it!
There were a few spots in the beginning of the story I wasn't a big fan of. Some snippets just seemed a bit out of place in context of what was happening around/to the characters, but aside from those small parts the story flowed really well and kept me raptured. If you want a summer time horror that takes you on a mystery ride, look no further.
One thing I really enjoyed about this novel is that it's a mystery and horror in one. The author gives glimpses and hints as to what's moved into town to snack on the inhabitants, but you don't get the full story until the end. I found myself myself postulating and theorizing trying to crack the case along with the characters, and I loved it!
There were a few spots in the beginning of the story I wasn't a big fan of. Some snippets just seemed a bit out of place in context of what was happening around/to the characters, but aside from those small parts the story flowed really well and kept me raptured. If you want a summer time horror that takes you on a mystery ride, look no further.
June 19, 2022
Come one come all
Set in small town America a carnival arrives and with it, something else, something much darker, very old and very hungry.
Set in small town America a carnival arrives and with it, something else, something much darker, very old and very hungry.
July 4, 2022
This a thicccc boi. Four c’s. Has every right to be a thicccc boi too. From the first sentence I couldn’t get Bentley Little out of my head, the book kept that vibe for me. A usually happy and harmless place turned into something dark and hiding something darker in the shadows of the Ferris wheel(see what I did there? I’m lame.) Jamie Stewart manages to make Motague’s Carnival of Delight’s and Terror feel like a modern upgrade to the 80’s and 90’s boom of thicc boi horror. Jamie would fit in perfectly with the masters of that era like Campbell, Little, Wilson, and dare I say King? So much so, that I’m honestly surprised there isn’t a movie adaptation available to purchase from Scream Factory for $25 from 1989 directed by either John Carpenter or Tobe Hooper. Take your time with this one. Let the story build and the characters develop. Jamie Stewart is an artist in crafting atmosphere, he takes his time building the foundation and pieces for the horror that comes. I can’t think of another carnival pin to use here. K thx.
January 2, 2023
This book was very entertaining, I read it during spooky season. There was a lot of twists and turns in the story, and it went in an unexpected direction. The author knows how to make you invested in the characters, and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next. Gave me a combination of the book IT, and stranger things vibes. A fun easy read.
July 29, 2022
This is one of those rare books that you want to devour in one, getting all the detail and answers you possibly can in one sitting. But, it's also a book you want to read slowly. To take in every word, every little piece of detail, thought and feeling.
To understand absolutely everything going on and put yourself completely into the world. It reminded me of how I feel everytime I finish a Stephen King book, a sense of achievement, but a sense of loss. It wasn't just the book I closed, but a part of myself too. The world building was 10/10, alongside the character development.
Once again, associating it with the master himself, Stephen King, the book allows you to feel the creep, the unease of the situation but it adds an emotion to it's characters which gives you a sense of urgency to follow their stories and know their outcomes. Despite this comparison though, the book has a uniqueness about it and I highly recommend you pick it up and enter this weird and wonderful world yourself. It's one of those which will linger on inside your mind. Haunting you, but reminding you why picking up a book is just....well, awesome.
I loved the atmosphere of the small town and the carnival. I enjoyed the untrustworthy characters and the wonder if the things that were happening were a normal crime or something supernatural. You're faced with conflicted thoughts of liking someone but judging them too. The way they present themselves in almost a "Marvel" villain way!
I struggled to work out who or what was responsible and that's what made this so enjoyable - you get ideas but you're still out of the loop. You think who it may be, but you're wondering how and why?! Safe to say, I was taken by surprise by the outcome but I absolutely loved it!
Highly, highly recommend! An absolute killer of a book.
To understand absolutely everything going on and put yourself completely into the world. It reminded me of how I feel everytime I finish a Stephen King book, a sense of achievement, but a sense of loss. It wasn't just the book I closed, but a part of myself too. The world building was 10/10, alongside the character development.
Once again, associating it with the master himself, Stephen King, the book allows you to feel the creep, the unease of the situation but it adds an emotion to it's characters which gives you a sense of urgency to follow their stories and know their outcomes. Despite this comparison though, the book has a uniqueness about it and I highly recommend you pick it up and enter this weird and wonderful world yourself. It's one of those which will linger on inside your mind. Haunting you, but reminding you why picking up a book is just....well, awesome.
I loved the atmosphere of the small town and the carnival. I enjoyed the untrustworthy characters and the wonder if the things that were happening were a normal crime or something supernatural. You're faced with conflicted thoughts of liking someone but judging them too. The way they present themselves in almost a "Marvel" villain way!
I struggled to work out who or what was responsible and that's what made this so enjoyable - you get ideas but you're still out of the loop. You think who it may be, but you're wondering how and why?! Safe to say, I was taken by surprise by the outcome but I absolutely loved it!
Highly, highly recommend! An absolute killer of a book.
October 22, 2024
A love letter from the author, to his Author heros novels of his youth.
The story, set in 1983, takes place in small town America. The hero of the story, Joe Cage, a young drifter is running from a dark past that he wants to remain private. The night before, a herd of cattle is slaughtered, as the family slept nearby undisturbed. Coincidentally, the Carnival had rolled into town only hours before. Already having had a run in with the local sheriff, who warns Joe that strangers are not welcome in this town. Joe, looking for work, is taken on by the Carnival as hired help. The people of the town are excited by the Carnival's arrival, until a sinister incident happens on the day of opening. A five year old girl goes missing. Sneaking onto the Ghost Train, while the ride was having a safety check and her mother distracted. The little girl is never seen again. The only evidence of her being inside the ride was the teddy bear she was clutching, which is now stained in her blood. This is the second time of reading this great story. Full of twists and turns, blood and gore. Loved the characterisation and imagery Jamie Stewart created. A nostalgic nod to the 80's. Couldn't put it down and would highly recommend.
The story, set in 1983, takes place in small town America. The hero of the story, Joe Cage, a young drifter is running from a dark past that he wants to remain private. The night before, a herd of cattle is slaughtered, as the family slept nearby undisturbed. Coincidentally, the Carnival had rolled into town only hours before. Already having had a run in with the local sheriff, who warns Joe that strangers are not welcome in this town. Joe, looking for work, is taken on by the Carnival as hired help. The people of the town are excited by the Carnival's arrival, until a sinister incident happens on the day of opening. A five year old girl goes missing. Sneaking onto the Ghost Train, while the ride was having a safety check and her mother distracted. The little girl is never seen again. The only evidence of her being inside the ride was the teddy bear she was clutching, which is now stained in her blood. This is the second time of reading this great story. Full of twists and turns, blood and gore. Loved the characterisation and imagery Jamie Stewart created. A nostalgic nod to the 80's. Couldn't put it down and would highly recommend.
April 22, 2023
I could really feel the Stephen King vibes from this story. It was very akin to Doctor Sleep. I did go into it thinking it was about a haunted carnival but the direction it went in was interesting nonetheless. I'm not huge on vampire stories but Jamie did it well
October 21, 2024
3.7
a nice new take on vampires and their lore
and the way they can die
a nice new take on vampires and their lore
and the way they can die
November 22, 2024
4.5 stars rounded down for GR! To hear more of my thoughts, check out my September wrap up here: https://youtu.be/4tXzPke6f-0?si=JWEve...
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