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Erica Robyn Reads

a horror book review blog

[Book Review] But You Scared Me the Most by John Manderino

April 22, 2018      Erica Robyn      24 Comments

But You Scared Me the Most by John Manderino book photo by Erica Robyn Reads

But You Scared Me the Most by John Manderino is a very interesting collection of dark, yet humorous, short stories. I absolutely loved the tone of the book overall, and I had so much fun reading it!

Full disclosure: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my rating in any way. 

Let’s dive in!

My Thoughts on But You Scared Me the Most by John Manderino

What an interesting collection of short stories! This is another one that I had to pick up here and there to read just one or two stories at a time so I could properly digest them.

Overall, I really enjoyed this collection! I love the variety of the topics the stories covered. The overall tone was slightly dark, but also humorous, which I really appreciated. Many stories began with a bang and drew me in immediately, while others had a slow start but then finished with a surprise. Once I finished one story, I just couldn’t wait to dive into the next one to see what it would be about!

There were a number of shorts that I really loved. But of course, with most short story collections, there were also a few I didn’t like.

Here are my very quick notes for the stories that I gave five stars:

Too Old To Trick-Or-Treat, Too Young To Die
I loved the realistic and humorous family dynamic in this story. And what a cool idea! This was the perfect story to choose to include first!

Wolfman And Janice
Loved this one! What a fun idea. And that ending!

Self-Portrait With Wine
What a fun one! I loved the spontaneity and humor of this story!

Bob and Todd
That was intense and so filled with anxiety!

The Mummy 
Such a heartbreaking tale. When I read this one, it felt like my stomach dropped. This one hit me really hard!

A Matter Of Character 
Loved this one! So bittersweet.

The Witch of Witch’s Woods
Loved this one! What a great story to end on. I loved the storytelling!

Then there were the ones I really enjoyed, but gave four stars:

A Certain Fellow Named Phil
Whoa! The first four sentences are so intriguing. And phew, this one was quite unsettling!

But You Scared Me The Most
Such a sad one!

No Place Like Home
Woah. This one took a turn I wasn’t expecting!

Made For Each Other
Awww.

Abduction
Woah. I did not see that twist coming.

The Weary Ghost of Uncle Doug 
Aww I loved this one. Poor Doug! 

My Final Thoughts on But You Scared Me the Most

If you enjoy short stories that drift into the “odd” territory, you should definitely check this one out! I had so much fun reading them and highly recommend the collection!


Snag a copy through Bookshop to help support local indie bookshops:

Thanks for reading!
Have you read any short story collections recently? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amy says

    April 22, 2018 at 10:47 am

    Wow these all look so good! I love how most of them seem to be quite emotional and gut-wrenching – and I also love dark stories 😉

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 22, 2018 at 1:21 pm

      For sure!! This is such a neat collection!

      Reply
  2. BOOKWORM says

    April 22, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    What a good collection of stories. Your review had me intrigued.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 22, 2018 at 1:21 pm

      😀

      Reply
  3. Angela Lawrence says

    April 22, 2018 at 12:47 pm

    Ooh, that cover is WEIRD! These stories sound cool, though, I love the twists on old stories.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 22, 2018 at 1:20 pm

      Right?! I LOVE it! When I opened up the package and saw it I was immediately interested!

      Reply
  4. Jenny says

    April 22, 2018 at 4:25 pm

    I’ve never been a huge fan of short stories but if I’m going to read them, this is the kind I like.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 24, 2018 at 11:04 am

      😀 I wasn't a fan until just this year!

      Reply
  5. Barb says

    April 23, 2018 at 12:07 pm

    This sounds like a great collection. Sounds like you had some fun reading this!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 24, 2018 at 11:04 am

      For sure!! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Shooting Stars Mag says

    April 23, 2018 at 11:52 pm

    Dark, yet humorous. I'm intrigued! I haven't read any short story collections in awhile.

    -Lauren
    http://www.shootingstarsmag.net

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 24, 2018 at 11:05 am

      😀 This was such a fun one!!

      Reply
  7. Suzanne at The Bookish Libra says

    April 24, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    I don't normally read many short stories but I like the combo of dark and humorous so I'll have to keep this collection in mind. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 24, 2018 at 10:32 pm

      Definitely! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  8. Greg says

    April 25, 2018 at 7:05 am

    I like a mix of dark and humorous, sometimes the best horror or scary stuff is leavened just a bit with humor! Looks like a fun collection. I have to admit I'd like to know more about the werewolf and his dilemma with the neighbors cat!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 25, 2018 at 9:51 pm

      Definitely!! The horror here was pretty light, but it definitely leave you feeling unsettled.

      Reply
  9. Heather Cilley says

    April 25, 2018 at 4:51 pm

    Oooh I am happy you ended up enjoying this!! Short story anthologies are always a gamble, you can either love them or hate them. I will add this to my TBR and get it when I am in the mood for some short stories. Thanks E!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 25, 2018 at 9:50 pm

      😀

      Reply
  10. Joy Weese Moll says

    April 26, 2018 at 4:18 pm

    Lots of interesting characters to make the stories happen!

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 26, 2018 at 9:32 pm

      😀

      Reply
  11. Lonna says

    April 26, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    One of my favorite things about anthologies is I can finish a story in one sitting. Glad you enjoyed these, Erica.
    Lonna @ FLYLēF

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      April 26, 2018 at 9:32 pm

      Definitely!! 😀

      Reply
  12. Olivia-Savannah says

    May 5, 2018 at 10:06 pm

    I think picking up and putting down my short story collections like that is my favourite way to read them! Sounds like the perfect balance of dark and humor.

    Reply
    • Erica Hatch says

      May 5, 2018 at 11:21 pm

      😀

      Reply

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Erica Robyn of Erica Robyn Reads
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