I grew up on horror movies, so the premise for MIDNIGHT ON BEACON STREET caught my attention: "A babysitter must overcome her anxiety to protect two children when strangers come knocking at the door." The blurb on the back cover states the book is a "love letter to vintage horror movies." So, I was all in in the beginning, but then I realized after a few pages that it would be a rough read because of the amateur storytelling. It's Emily Ruth Verona's debut novella. Still, she has been a Bram Stoker Award nominee, a Jane Austen Short Story Award finalist, and a Luke Bitmead Bursary finalist, and won the Pinch Literary Award in Fiction. Now, do you see why I expected more?
MIDNIGHT ON BEACON STREET feels like a fanfic thriller with every horror movie cliche imaginable—minus any actual scares—and comes across as juvenile. Despite obvious flaws, the novella has an interesting premise, but it goes nowhere; it's like a bad D-rated horror flick you regret watching once the credits roll. It's not the worst book I've read, but it's close. Despite my feelings, the author had good ideas here, but poorly executed; hopefully, she'll grow her skills; maybe her next book, if there's one, will be better. ╌★✰✰✰✰
MIDNIGHT ON BEACON STREET feels like a fanfic thriller with every horror movie cliche imaginable—minus any actual scares—and comes across as juvenile. Despite obvious flaws, the novella has an interesting premise, but it goes nowhere; it's like a bad D-rated horror flick you regret watching once the credits roll. It's not the worst book I've read, but it's close. Despite my feelings, the author had good ideas here, but poorly executed; hopefully, she'll grow her skills; maybe her next book, if there's one, will be better. ╌★✰✰✰✰
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