Review of Maniacs, Monsters and a Bump in the Night

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 10 Mar 2022, 19:50

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Maniacs, Monsters and a Bump in the Night" by G. Richard Evans.]

3 out of 4 stars

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What are you afraid of? Debt? Rejection? Bullies? Humiliation? G. Richard Evans in Maniacs, Monsters, and a Bump in the Night takes our deepest fears and turns them up to eleven into fifteen terrifying short stories that go from novellas to ones that comprise only a few pages. All of them have a fantastic or supernatural element, with some leaning heavier into the paranormal and others much more into realism. My favorite one, titled “Scream It’s Dark” deals with one of humanity’s most primal fears: darkness. But why is Peter scared of the dark? And why, if he has this phobia, does he prowl poorly lit nightclubs looking for women?

The stories are relatable, which makes them even scarier. Of course, most of us won’t find a demon or a ghost in our lifetimes, but the core themes, such as envy, superstition, or addiction, are common to the human experience. Maniacs, Monsters, and a Bump in the Night has something for everyone. Paranormal enthusiasts will find their fair share of witchcraft, demons, and ghosts, while pragmatic readers can see characters who struggle with more realistic fears, such as humiliation. However, try to keep an open mind. I usually prefer supernatural horror. So I wasn’t especially enthused about the story, “Ask Your Daughter”, which is about a junkie. I’ve never even tried drugs in my life. But the talented and sinister pen of Mr. Evans put me through such an inferno of aches and chills that I had to take a break from reading.

The author planned every word in this book to achieve its maximum effect. He doesn’t fatten up his stories with unnecessary gore for shock value but uses each word carefully to create unforgettable moments of fear. Take, for instance, the following brief but powerful description: “It was both indescribably beautiful and unbelievably ugly.” The amazing narrative abilities of the author make even the most innocent of themes a frightening one. We’ve all had a cough, right? After you read “You Bet Your Wife” you might never again look at a cough as a simple, annoying malady. This story is also a great example of how even the titles are creative and work as an appetizer for what comes next. Every narrative aspect of these tales is perfectly executed, but the endings were my favorite part because they surprised me every time, with one story (I won’t tell which, as not to spoil the fun) even having a relatively happy ending.

Finally, I enjoyed that G. Richard Evans doesn’t limit to a glum narrative tone, but includes hints of humor and even some thought-provoking passages. Take, for instance, the following reflection: “He knew that things aren’t always as we think they are and that he had been buried in his own conception of life for much too long.” (p. 25).

The only drawback to this delectable read is that the book has over ten minor editing mistakes. I would like nothing more than to give it a perfect rating, but these flaws prevent me from doing so. I rate Maniacs, Monsters, and a Bump in the Night by G. Richard Evans 3 out of 4 stars because of its original plots, relatable core themes, powerful descriptions, and flawless pacing.

This book is best suited for a mature audience since the author broaches many sensitive subjects, such as alcoholism, child abuse, and animal cruelty. I recommend this book to readers who like fantasy, the paranormal, and horror. It’s also a great read for those of us who occasionally don’t have the time to tackle a full-sized novel but still want a chunk of literary reverie in our days. Readers who look for gothic horror will find these tales too focused on action and not enough in the atmosphere. This is not a book for people whose religious affiliation or personal beliefs compel them to take witchcraft and other paranormal topics as genuine threats. Likewise, I wouldn’t recommend it to readers who enjoy complex character development, because the length of the stories doesn’t allow for such luxury.

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Maniacs, Monsters and a Bump in the Night
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Reading_Jack · Post by **Reading_Jack** » 12 Mar 2022, 02:08

I love how the author presented the teachings of this book. Thanks for an interesting review.

cutemami · Post by **cutemami** » 12 Mar 2022, 07:09

The premise of this book is extremely intriguing and one of the most unique I have ever come across. I believe I will enjoy reading every word in this book.

Amy Luman · Post by **Amy Luman** » 12 Mar 2022, 11:48

I enjoy horror novels. I don’t, however, enjoy the gore that usually accompanies them. You said that Mr. Evans uses his words as descriptors and I like that.

Nwankwo GC · Post by **Nwankwo GC** » 12 Mar 2022, 11:57

Short stories of different fears humans usually face will be a great read. Lovers of the genre will surely enjoy this one.

Blessing Odii · Post by **Blessing Odii** » 12 Mar 2022, 14:04

I will be glad to devoid the content of this interesting book. Great review.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 12 Mar 2022, 14:31

Nwankwo GC wrote: ↑12 Mar 2022, 11:57 Short stories of different fears humans usually face will be a great read. Lovers of the genre will surely enjoy this one.

It is a fantastic read if you love this genre. Thank you for your comment!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 12 Mar 2022, 14:51

Amy Luman wrote: ↑12 Mar 2022, 11:48 I enjoy horror novels. I don’t, however, enjoy the gore that usually accompanies them. You said that Mr. Evans uses his words as descriptors and I like that.

Rest assured that there's very little gore in these stories. The terror focuses more on the paranormal and the psychological. Enjoy!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 12 Mar 2022, 14:52

BLESS_ wrote: ↑12 Mar 2022, 14:04 I will be glad to devoid the content of this interesting book. Great review.

Thank you for your kind comment. Enjoy!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 12 Mar 2022, 14:53

Reading_Jack wrote: ↑12 Mar 2022, 02:08 I love how the author presented the teachings of this book. Thanks for an interesting review.

It is a very interesting take on human fears. Thank you for your comment!

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 12 Mar 2022, 14:54

cutemami wrote: ↑12 Mar 2022, 07:09 The premise of this book is extremely intriguing and one of the most unique I have ever come across. I believe I will enjoy reading every word in this book.

It is a fascinating read! I hope you have as much of a great time reading it as I did. Thank you for your comment!

Mbenma Esther 080 · Post by **Mbenma Esther 080** » 12 Mar 2022, 20:52

This is an apt book for a brain like mine. Thanks for the review.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 12 Mar 2022, 20:58

Mbenma Esther 080 wrote: ↑12 Mar 2022, 20:52 This is an apt book for a brain like mine. Thanks for the review.

Yes, not everyone likes horror. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for your comment.

Stephanie Runyon · Post by **Stephanie Runyon** » 13 Mar 2022, 13:27

I am intrigued by some of the stories. I am not a fan of witchcraft but I am certain it exists.

María Andrea Fernández Sepúlveda · 13 Mar 2022, 22:17

Mounce574 wrote: ↑13 Mar 2022, 13:27 I am intrigued by some of the stories. I am not a fan of witchcraft but I am certain it exists.

I believe that we are all energy and energy can be manipulated. But I don't think reading a fantastic story about witchcraft is a sin or a threat, but I know some people do. That's why I added that warning.
Thank you so much for your unwavering support.