Escape from Grimstone Manor

Monsterious #1

by Matt McMann

Here's the first book in a new series of spinechilling tales that combine monsters + mysteries, perfect for fans of Goosebumps.

In a mansion on a hill,
lived a man no one could kill.
Raised the dead with magic dark
to rule the world and make his mark.

Zari has always been fascinated by creepy stories about Hezekiah Crawly, the real-life inspiration behind her local amusement park's haunted house attraction, so she's thrilled when her friends Mateo and Taylor agree to go on the last ride of the day before the park closes.

But when the ride breaks down, the three get trapped inside the haunted house for the night! As if that weren't scary enough, the kids stumble onto a hidden staircase leading to a dark, cobwebbed crypt that doesn't seem like part of the ride--and by the looks of it, they aren't alone down there. Is it possible the stories about Hezekiah Crawly and his monstrous experiments are true? And if so, can Zari, Mateo and Taylor make it through the night in one piece?

Genres: Middle Grade, Horror, Childrens, Adventure, Paranormal, Fiction, Halloween

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 9, 2023

About the author

As a professional musician, MATT MCMANN played an NFL stadium, a cruise ship, and the International Twins Convention. Now he writes the kind of spooky mystery-adventure books he loved as a kid. He’s hiked the Pacific Northwest, cruised Loch Ness, and chased a ghost on a mountain. While he missed Bigfoot and Nessie, he caught the ghost. He enjoys brainstorming new books with his wife, New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann; viewing his son Kilian McMann’s artwork; and watching his daughter, actor Kennedy McMann, on television. Visit him online at mattmcmann.com, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @matt_mcmann.

Reviews

[Stay Fetters · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And I didn’t think things could get any worse.
Oh, come on. Dead stuff can’t hurt you.
Said the victim in every horror movie ever."

Army of Darkness meets Goosebumps!

This was an impulse purchase at BN the other day. It reminded me of something I would have devoured as a kid, so it came home with me. I’m glad I did because I loved it.

What caught my attention was the cover. A good cover is everything when you have a lot to compete with nowadays. I’m happy to say that the inside was just as amazing.

The story was spooky and a lot of fun. The jokes were spot on and even made me chuckle. The horror aspect was great, young me would have shrieked in delighted horror while the current me was entertained by it all.

Escape from Grimstone Manor was a great start to a new horror series. It’s one I’ll continue to read.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Middle grade horror fans will love the fast-paced, mysterious horror romp through an amusement park and hopefully learn the very important lesson to be careful when you're turning the old neighborhood necromancer's lair into a ride. It is also very funny. Thank you so much to the publisher and NetGalley for this chance to read early.

[Cristy Villemaire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew from the moment I laid eyes on this book that I'd absolutely would love it. Imagine combining Goosebumps with Scooby-Doo. From the story to the characters, this story is perfect for all ages.

"In a mansion on a hill,
lived a man no one could kill.
Raised the dead with magic dark
to rule the world and make his mark. "

If this phrase doesn't intrigue you, I don't know what will. This story has a little bit of everything. Haunted mansion, spooky amusement park, friends with nerves of steel, well, almost. Zari, Mateo, and Taylor are friends, and they will have to work together to solve the mystery of what really happened to Hezekiah Crawly. Let's just say creatures will be roaming the premises.

[Jonathan Pongratz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fun paranormal story, but it had some ups and downs for me.

Tweens Zari, Mateo, and Taylor have snuck out to a local amusement park to have some fun, but that fun soon turns into a nightmare when they get stuck inside a haunted house ride after hours. Desperate to get out, they explore the creepy building, only to find sinister secrets under its surface.

I loved the premise of this story. Creepy amusement parks have always been a fascination of mine, and I enjoyed the spooky atmosphere that was present in every chapter.

There was a lot of great nonstop paranormal action on each page, and that was really entertaining and kept me blazing through the pages. If you like scary monsters, that's exactly what you'll get with this book. Sometimes the action could take over a little too much, so I think this could have been balanced a bit better.

I also had some issues with the multiple POVs. They tend to switch at random within a chapter, and I think it would have been better if each character had their own chapter or section of a chapter. The characters themselves were fun, but I wanted a little more development from each of them.

Overall, this wasn't my favorite read, but if you still want to give this a go despite its shortcomings I think you'll have a fun time.

[Kseniya · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Received the book through a giveaway on Goodreads*

Escape From Grimstone Manor by Matt McMann is a fantastic horror mystery that will captivate middle grade readers. If I had stumbled upon this book in my younger days, I’m certain it would have sent shivers down my spine. The story is so gripping that it will keep any young reader on the edge of their seat, eagerly flipping through the pages.

The three main characters, Zari, Mateo, and Taylor, are truly remarkable. Each of them brings a unique quality to the story, and their friendship is beautifully depicted. Throughout their shared experience, I couldn’t help but feel connected to them as they grew and faced their fears together.

I hope that the next book in the series is a continuation because I really found myself completely engrossed in the story. The way the book concludes leaves you yearning to know what happens next after the characters escape the haunted house. It’s a sign of a well-crafted narrative that keeps you craving more.

Escape From Grimstone Manor is an absolute must-read for middle grade readers who love horror mysteries. With its intriguing plot, memorable characters, and spine-chilling atmosphere, it delivers an unforgettable reading experience that will leave readers wanting more.

[Alyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, so here’s the thing: I do not like scary or spooky things. I don’t do haunted houses or horror anything, at all (Nancy Drew is the exception and that’s even a lot for me sometimes). I’ve been wanting to read a Matt McMann book since I started following his writing journey, and this book also checked a box for my OUBAC reading challenge for least favourite genre (spooky/scary/horror).
I can and do appreciate the writing of this book and the chills it gives with strong descriptions that are easy to envision, but it’s just not my kind of book. There were some really funny quotes that made me laugh and also parts that made me have to stop for a bit because it was just a bit much for me. I’m an adult and it scared me. For that reason I’m hesitant of giving stars on here as I don’t want to skew the ratings of the book, I personally give a 3 star for the story (as I said, scary isn’t my thing) but 5 for the writing and execution of it all, so I’ll camp in the middle and give it 4 stars. I love Matt McMann’s writing on his blog and hope to read other books of his in the future but I will take my time between them.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut author Matt McMann (husband to author Lisa McMann) sent me an ARC copy of his scary book for middle grade readers. The Monsterious series will be available beginning with this one and book 2, The Snatcher of Raven Hollow, both releasing in May 2023. A third installment will quickly follow in August. Those who enjoy R.L. Stine’s books will be thrilled with something new. In the series opener, a trio of friends gets more than they bargained for while on a haunted house carnival ride. The descriptions of the house’s exterior, super creepy furnishings and the even more horrible monsters are excellent, giving readers the opportunity to visualize the house and anticipate the action to come. The friends, Mateo, Taylor, and Zari, have well-developed traits and their weaknesses, impulsivity, fear of speaking up, and just plain fearfulness of everything are clear but by the end, some of the rough edges are beginning to smooth away and their friendship seems to be getting stronger and healthier. There are a few drawbacks to the book, however. The grisly house of necromancer Hezekiah Crawly is absolutely vivid in the reader’s mind, but the running, screaming, and fighting of living mummies, a werewolf, some skeletons and a huge lizard woman take a while to begin and some may not stick with it long enough to get to what becomes a fast-paced race for life. But more significant to me is a conclusion that is so abrupt that it almost felt like there were a few chapters missing in my book. Yes, I can imagine what might have happened during the final fight scene between two of the scary monsters and yes, I have a few ideas about what may have transpired later with the kids, but more details and a clearer resolution would be my preference. Final verdict? If your middle grade audience can’t get enough scary books and want them to come in under 200 pages, Monsterious is likely to be a winner. Text is free of profanity and sexual content (although in the dark, a hand may actually grab someone’s behind instead of waist). Violence is frequent but not overly bloody. Representation: Matteo is Hispanic, Zari is Black and Taylor may be Caucasian. One child lives with just a father, one with mom, and one has two parents.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape from Grimstone Manor is a non-stop thrill ride! The book tells the tale of a trio of friends who find themselves stuck on an amusement park ride. The ride is inside a spooky manor house of a man who is rumored to have experimented with monsters. When the ride breaks down and the trio finds themselves trapped for the night, they stumble on to a hidden staircase that leads them to encounters with mummies, werewolves, and skeletons. The friends must be resourceful and stick together if they're going to make it out alive. Action-packed with just the right amount of frights, this will be a hit with middle grade readers looking for something scary to sink their teeth into!

[Raegan]

-Disclaimer: I won this book for free through Goodreads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.-

Mateo was an annoying party pooper. I thought it was cheesy and repetitive. Nothing groundbreaking. Put it down after about 30 pages. Liked the cover though.

[Eeva]

Eihän tää nyt hyvä ollut mutta täyttää Goosebumpsien jättämää tyhjiötä :D

[Laura P · Rating 5 out of 5]

An action-packed, spine-tingling adventure featuring a monster-filled amusement park attraction, reanimated skeletons and mummies, a fierce werewolf, a mysterious necromancer, and three courageous and resourceful heroes. This book is an unputdownable tale of terror for young readers who like spooky and chilling horror.

[Kacy Ritter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got ALL the creepy cool R.L. Stine vibes from ESCAPE FROM GRIMSTONE MANOR. It has everything I want: a spooky setup, a madcap band of kids, and monsters galore. (Yes, please!) The book is short, sweet, and perfectly spine-tingling. I'm so psyched to read the rest of the series. If you're like me and prefer your summer with a side of ghoulish fun, grab this book on 5.9.2023 and curl up with a flashlight under a blanket. It's going to be a wild (amusement park) ride!

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not normally a fan of spooky books, but I have students who ask for them all the time, so I overcame my fear and really enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to sharing these Monsterious books with my students. Escape from Grimstone Manor is just the right mix of creepy adventure that students looking for a scary story will enjoy. It reads quickly and will be a great fit for 4th or 5th graders.

[Justine Winans · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and exciting creepy thrill ride, ESCAPE FROM GRIMSTONE MANOR is the perfect start to a new series for fans of Goosebumps. The voice is realistic and funny, the monsters are spooky and fantastic, and the setting is wonderfully crafted. A must-read for kids starting to develop an interest in horror fiction!

[Wendy Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blast! Loved the three main characters (each an interesting individual), the fantastic setting (behind the scenes at a haunted house ride...with a secret, scary place beneath), and the terrifying monsters (mummies! skeletons! a werewolf! and...an especially creepy reptile!). Kids will be left clamoring for more and thrilled when they find out it's the first in a series.

[Jennifer Halbur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunted house, kids trapped inside, mummies, skeletons, a lizard woman, a werewolf and more. Kids are going to LOVE this! Out in May, just in time to recommend for summer reading! Perfect for reluctant readers.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This middle-grade adventure is non-stop action as three friends work together to Escape From Grimstone Manor. Perfect for kids that like spooky, creepy stories!

[Bernadette Roche · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book until the last chapter. It was abrupt and didn't seem to fit with the rest of the book. It was like the author hit a limit and decided to just end it. I missed the resolution.

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had such high hopes that this would be my next Goosebumps-esque series, but sadly this one didn't work for me. I think it was just too juvenile.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What worked:
The story offers three characters with a complete range of bravery or perhaps common sense. Mateo is the cautious one who never wants to take a risk. He’s totally against visiting the community’s haunted house amusement ride right before closing. Taylor’s on the other end of the spectrum and makes reckless decisions, like leaving the safety of the amusement ride car and getting everyone trapped in the haunted house. Zari fits right in the middle and is afraid to speak out against either of her friends. In a way, her inability to take a side only makes things worse.
The author establishes a creepy setting to set a frightening, chilling mood. The haunted house used to be owned by a necromancer named Hezekiah Crawly who liked to experiment with life and death. Readers aren’t sure which scary sights are props for the ride and which ones are artifacts left from Crawly’s actual collection. The kids discover mummies, a werewolf, and a reptilian statue that look almost lifelike but they can’t understand how the skeletons have maintained their poses and grips on weapons after all these years. Most of the objects are found in a dark, dank basement but they’re only the beginning of the spine-tingling discoveries.
The best part of the book is the non-stop action; it reminds me a bit of a Scooby Doo adventure without Scooby Doo. Once the kids realize they’re stuck in the Grimstone Manor, they’re constantly on the move trying to find a way out. The house is full of secret rooms with hidden doors that require investigation to find out how they open. The characters figure moving up in the house is the best way to find an exit but the paths they find always lead down. Of course, the real escapade begins once the creatures become animated. The number and variety of monsters make it impossible to turn a corner without finding one and the puzzle to solve is how to stop beasts that should already be dead. The memory of Hezekiah Crawly is constantly looming in the back of readers’ minds as his ghastly experiments must be behind all of this mayhem. Will the necromancer himself return or is something more dreadful waiting at the next turn?
What didn’t work as well:
The plot moves so swiftly that there isn’t much time to fully develop the characters and story. The events are fairly predictable for kids stuck in a haunted house so readers shouldn’t expect many surprises. The solution to the problem becomes evident once its cause is discovered.
The Final Verdict:
This book is a fun, quick read that’s packed full of suspenseful events. While this book is the first in the series, it appears as though each book will have its own setting and cast of characters. Overall, I suggest you give this book and series a shot.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut author Matt McMann (husband to author Lisa McMann) sent me an ARC copy of his scary book for middle grade readers. The Monsterious series will be available beginning with this one and book 2, The Snatcher of Raven Hollow, both releasing in May 2023. A third installment will quickly follow in August. Those who enjoy R.L. Stine’s books will be thrilled with something new. In the series opener, a trio of friends gets more than they bargained for while on a haunted house carnival ride. The descriptions of the house’s exterior, super creepy furnishings and the even more horrible monsters are excellent, giving readers the opportunity to visualize the house and anticipate the action to come. The friends, Mateo, Taylor, and Zari, have well-developed traits and their weaknesses, impulsivity, fear of speaking up, and just plain fearfulness of everything are clear but by the end, some of the rough edges are beginning to smooth away and their friendship seems to be getting stronger and healthier. There are a few drawbacks to the book, however. The grisly house of necromancer Hezekiah Crawly is absolutely vivid in the reader’s mind, but the running, screaming, and fighting of living mummies, a werewolf, some skeletons and a huge lizard woman take a while to begin and some may not stick with it long enough to get to what becomes a fast-paced race for life. But more significant to me is a conclusion that is so abrupt that it almost felt like there were a few chapters missing in my book. Yes, I can imagine what might have happened during the final fight scene between two of the scary monsters and yes, I have a few ideas about what may have transpired later with the kids, but more details and a clearer resolution would be my preference. Final verdict? If your middle grade audience can’t get enough scary books and want them to come in under 200 pages, Monsterious is likely to be a winner. Text is free of profanity and sexual content (although in the dark, a hand may actually grab someone’s behind instead of waist). Violence is frequent but not overly bloody. Representation: Matteo is Hispanic, Zari is Black and Taylor may be Caucasian. One child lives with just a father, one with mom, and one has two parents.

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had been on my radar since it was first announced and I was super excited when I won a copy from the amazing Writers With Wrinkles Podcast giveaway! (I highly recommend their podcast to anyone who writes or reads books!)

I love a fast-paced, scary middle grade story with awesome friends and a fun yet creepy setting. ESCAPE FROM GRIMSTONE MANOR, the first book in Matt McMann's Monsterious series, gave me all that and more. This is a book 10-year-old Barb would have loved to read under the covers at night by flashlight and then again the next day, sneaking reading time during math class. (Yes, I used to do all that.)

It's got a cool setting: amusement park + Gothic haunted mansion ride.
It's got super creepy backstory: necromancer who lived in the spooky mansion where the ride now sits.
It's got awesome monsters: werewolf, lizard person, mummies, and skeletons!
It's got three fantastic friends: Zari, Mateo, and Taylor.

When the three friends get trapped overnight in the haunted mansion ride, they'll have to find their way out after stumbling on a hidden staircase that leads them into a crypt that shouldn't be there. The kids not only have to fight real monsters, but they'll need to find the courage to face their own inner fears and even each other.

Beyond the great action scenes and spooky moments, what I loved most was the friendship between Zari, Mateo, and Taylor. They're three very distinct characters, but right from the start you could feel their connections with each other and I knew they were going to need to lean on each other to make it through the night.

ESCAPE FROM GRIMSTONE MANOR was a fast read for me and I totally enjoyed each page. If you or the kids are into books like Goosebumps, then McMann's book is a must-read for sure. Grab your copy and keep an eye out for the other books in this series. Book 2, The Snatcher of Raven Hollow is already out, book 3, Terror in Shadow Canyon releases in August, and book 4, The Beast of Skull Rock, is set to release January 2024.

[Meagan Petroni · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here is my 11 year old son's review of Escape From Grimstone Manor:

My 3-Star Review of "Escape from Grimstone Manor"

This book was super scary and had an awesome beginning! Zari, Mateo, and Taylor are trapped in a haunted house ride that is way more real than they thought. The monsters were really creepy, and the action kept going—I was turning the pages fast because I needed to know if they were going to make it out!

​My mom and I read this together, and we were both a little disappointed by the end. The biggest problem was the mystery of Hezekiah Crawly. He's the main bad guy, but we never really found out who he was or why he made all those monsters. It felt like the book was building up to a big reveal, but then it just didn't happen. I still have so many questions about him!

Also, I wish we had learned more about the three kids. They were cool, but they didn't really change or grow, and I felt like I only knew their names, not what they were really like.

The ending felt super rushed. It was like the author suddenly remembered how many pages were left and just wrapped everything up quickly. Because of that, the big scary thing they had to do didn't feel as complete or exciting as the rest of the book.

Overall, if you want a book with tons of scary monsters and non-stop action, you’ll like this! But if you like a mystery where you learn all the answers and the characters become real people, you might be left wanting more like I was.

​My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

[Connor Hartzog · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Was fortunate to win a copy of this book through a giveaway hosted on Goodreads*

“Escape From Grimstone Manor” by Matt McMann is a gripping horror mystery that is perfect for middle grade readers. As a grown-up, I could imagine being scared out of my mind if I had read this book when I was younger. The author skillfully keeps the readers on the edge of their seat, making it difficult to put the book down.

One of the highlights of the story is the well-developed and unique main characters. Zari, Mateo, and Taylor each bring something different to the table, and their friendship is portrayed in a realistic and relatable way. Throughout their shared experience, we witness their growth and how their bond strengthens.

The book leaves you craving more, and I personally hope that there will be a continuation in the series. The ending leaves a sense of curiosity and wanting to know what happens after the characters escape the park. It’s a testament to the author’s ability to create an engaging and captivating story.

Overall, “Escape From Grimstone Manor” is a must-read for middle grade readers who love horror mysteries. It combines an intriguing plot, well-developed characters, and a chilling atmosphere to create an unforgettable reading experience. It will definitely be added to my daughter’s bookshelf for her to enjoy when she’s older.

[K.W. Penndorf Much Ado About Writing · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you have ever been curious about stepping off an amusement park ride mid-ride, make sure it isn’t a haunted one. Matt McMann’s debut novel, Escape from Grimstone Manor, is a fast paced, monster packed, friendship building adventure kids will love to read – if they dare. Three friends find themselves trapped in a maze of corridors filled with hidden doors and odd figures as they hope to find a way out. What they find instead are creepy glowing gems which bring mummies to life and little hope for getting out. The friends, Mateo, Zari, and Taylor must overcome their fears and their bickering, to battle magic using weapons found in a crypt. The details Matt draws in the reader’s imagination, from the ride’s interior setting to the lair underground, truly bring the story to life (no pun intended!) Kids will want to turn the page, reading well into the night so they can learn what lies beyond each chapter’s cliffhanger. Readers of spooky middle grade will enjoy this escape from reality. Thank you Penguin Random House for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three friends are at the amusement park and grab the last ride of the night through Grimstone Manor. Grimstone Manor is a real place that they turned into a ride, when the ride suddenly stops the kids think it would be fun to go exploring.

Hidden beneath the mansion they find strange statues an old tomb that must belong to the original owner. When they accidentally break a container with a mysterious liquid things get real spooky real fast. The monsters start coming to life and the kids don't know how to escape the manor.

I thought this was fun. It's short, easy to read, and the right amount of spooky for a middle grade novel. The friends all had unique personalities and showed growth throughout the book which I always appreciate. (I just reviewed an adult series that I've stuck with through six books where the characters have shown zero growth. Bleck.)

I like reading these types of books every once in awhile - just fun and low stress. I don't like horror, but I enjoy a good middle-grade spooky story.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Received through Goodreads giveaway

It labeling itself as perfect for fans of Goosebumps is accurate. There are alot of elements that feel similar to the series. I enjoyed the story and the mystery although it wasn't really surprising. While I like that the characters had both good and bad traits, it was sometimes hard to like them or want to root for them. The end itself was too abrupt and felt unfinished. It didn't even feel like a cliffhanger just rather missing some sort of closure. Which is unfortunate since it appears the next book has completely different characters so I don't see any additional information coming in that regards. Overall, its a quick "spooky" book for kids (or adults even) who enjoy books like Goosebumps. I am actually pretty tempted to pick up the next one.

[Jess Alice Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun read! I'm so glad I won this on a good reads giveaway. I read this book to both my sons as we love reading books like this. We were all captivated by the story and rooting For these group of friends, Zari, Mateo and Taylor as they try and escape Grimstone Manor and encountering monsters along the way. They are such a fun group in this story as they clash but also come together as friends. We laughed and were on the edge of our seats reading every page. I loved these kinds of books as a kid and this was so nostalgic and brought me back to my childhood. I'm glad my sons loved it just as much. I cannot wait to read the next and the next. I'm so happy I got the autographed book and the cool trading card to go with it. Such a great book to add to our shelf.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that I won from Goodreads.

I was hooked from the start. The kids get locked in an amusement park with scary characters and they must find their way out.

The whole time, all I could think is that this would make a wonderful movie. I could actually view it in my mind. It is a truly good family book. Or maybe this book was so well written that it played out as a movie in my own head. The characters and the scenes were so well thought out.

Skeletons, mummies, werewolves, lizard lady and a risen necromancer….who could ask for more. Well, this book added three kids (2 girls and 1 boy), an amusement park coaster that take you through a swamp and a haunted house, a hidden room inside the haunted house and creepy hijinks.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winner! This book was the best-the characters, the setting, and the monsters!!!
“Escape from Grimstone Manor” is exactly what I was hoping it would be-a creepy thriller full of mystery that is perfect for middle schoolers. Reading it reminded me of reading my son’s “Goosebumps” books ( I loved that series!). The characters are well formed, and there is many “eeeks”! I am elated this book is the first in a series! I plan on purchasing each new book to read and then pass along to my nephew.
I want to thank the author Matt McMann for listing “Escape from Grimstone Manor” in Goodreads giveaways. I was lucky enough to have won the book and enjoyed it immensely!