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I Found Puppets Living In My Apartment Walls
Can you tell me how to get... out alive?
★★★★★ - " I can't remember the last time a book scared me and made me this nervous. " Andrew Van Wey, author of Head Like a Hole
Johnny awakes. A puppet looms over his bed.
He recognizes the furry Grandpa was its puppeteer on the children’s television show R-City Street . But Grandpa went missing a year ago. He disappeared from this very apartment building, which was converted from the old R-City Street studio.
Desperate to see Grandpa again, Johnny follows the puppet inside the building’s walls, ever deeper into a puppet-infested labyrinth...
I Found Puppets Living In My Apartment Walls is a horror tale from the “darkly inventive” purveyor of uncanny places and wondrous evils, Ben Farthing.
★★★★★ - " I can't remember the last time a book scared me and made me this nervous. " Andrew Van Wey, author of Head Like a Hole
Johnny awakes. A puppet looms over his bed.
He recognizes the furry Grandpa was its puppeteer on the children’s television show R-City Street . But Grandpa went missing a year ago. He disappeared from this very apartment building, which was converted from the old R-City Street studio.
Desperate to see Grandpa again, Johnny follows the puppet inside the building’s walls, ever deeper into a puppet-infested labyrinth...
I Found Puppets Living In My Apartment Walls is a horror tale from the “darkly inventive” purveyor of uncanny places and wondrous evils, Ben Farthing.
158 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,083 reviews
August 13, 2023
I'm always looking for horror stories that involve puppets and this was the best one I've read thus far.
Ben Farthing PLEASE continue the story and make a sequel. I want to see the puppet apocalypse so bad 🙏
Ben Farthing PLEASE continue the story and make a sequel. I want to see the puppet apocalypse so bad 🙏
December 31, 2023
I Found Puppets Living In My Apartment Walls (I Found Horror) [2023] By Ben Farthing
My Review 2.0 Stars
This was a very well written work with a chilling plot and propulsive action. It was not without a few instances of clever misdirection, surprises, and plot twists. The Author shared his reasons for writing this short work of horror fiction. I can understand and fully appreciate how cathartic this book would have been for him. I am not of the opinion that I would be revealing any spoilers here.
The writer was dealing with the grieving process of losing a beloved grandparent and the associated loss his children were dealt by the absence of him in their young lives. I might add that the author had also hoped to instill in his readers even a fraction of his stark terror of puppets. Mr. Farthing did not deploy the word phobia, but from everything he shared I concluded that this was the case. I was on a canoe trip when I was younger and my companion and I were simply sitting still at the time when a rather medium to large sized spider dropped onto the front of her shirt. I did not yell or shout but rather reached across and flipped the spider aside, then tried to say "You had a...." but it was pure hysteria, crying, and screaming for the foreseeable future. I also was blamed for the incident which did not fare well. But anyway, the point is that phobias are quite powerful. Later in psych classes I learned the nature of all my mistakes in what I would forever think of as "The Spider Incident". I am trying to say that I do understand (and applaud) Ben Farthing's measures to tame the beast of a phobia while concurrently assisting him in the process of grieving.
This particular story by Ben Farthing failed to resonate with me, but I would not hesitate to read another one of his works. Likewise, it is easy for me to recommend Ben Farthing's works to other readers. He is an accomplished writer with stellar recommendations from authors I read and respect, not counting his impressive editorial reviews.
It would appear that I am a curious outlier on this one and my rating should be taken only when measured against the other positives.
My Review 2.0 Stars
This was a very well written work with a chilling plot and propulsive action. It was not without a few instances of clever misdirection, surprises, and plot twists. The Author shared his reasons for writing this short work of horror fiction. I can understand and fully appreciate how cathartic this book would have been for him. I am not of the opinion that I would be revealing any spoilers here.
The writer was dealing with the grieving process of losing a beloved grandparent and the associated loss his children were dealt by the absence of him in their young lives. I might add that the author had also hoped to instill in his readers even a fraction of his stark terror of puppets. Mr. Farthing did not deploy the word phobia, but from everything he shared I concluded that this was the case. I was on a canoe trip when I was younger and my companion and I were simply sitting still at the time when a rather medium to large sized spider dropped onto the front of her shirt. I did not yell or shout but rather reached across and flipped the spider aside, then tried to say "You had a...." but it was pure hysteria, crying, and screaming for the foreseeable future. I also was blamed for the incident which did not fare well. But anyway, the point is that phobias are quite powerful. Later in psych classes I learned the nature of all my mistakes in what I would forever think of as "The Spider Incident". I am trying to say that I do understand (and applaud) Ben Farthing's measures to tame the beast of a phobia while concurrently assisting him in the process of grieving.
This particular story by Ben Farthing failed to resonate with me, but I would not hesitate to read another one of his works. Likewise, it is easy for me to recommend Ben Farthing's works to other readers. He is an accomplished writer with stellar recommendations from authors I read and respect, not counting his impressive editorial reviews.
It would appear that I am a curious outlier on this one and my rating should be taken only when measured against the other positives.
December 26, 2023
This is a bit confusing. I am slogging through my opinion of this book. I read this book for a group I am participating in but I have to admit, I did have a morbid curiosity about this book. I felt there were some actions in this book, such as scampering down the stairs, that leans toward the repetitive side. There was some decent gore. I experienced some surprises that made this a respectable read. The ending reminded me how the typical early 70’s movies ended…abruptly. I cannot say I would recommend this novel to everyone. Being totally honest, this was not my cup of tea. I feel that the reader would need a special interest in this style story to enjoy it to its fullest. I am sure there are many out there that harbors this interest. My advice is to give this book try. Who knows, it might just be your next best read.
May 3, 2024
TW: Language, grieving, infertility, Covid mention, toxic family relationships, gore, blood, violence
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Johnny awakes. A puppet looms over his bed.
He recognizes the furry monster: Grandpa was its puppeteer on the children’s television show R-City Street. But Grandpa went missing a year ago. He disappeared from this very apartment building, which was converted from the old R-City Street studio.
Desperate to see Grandpa again, Johnny follows the puppet inside the building’s walls, ever deeper into a puppet-infested labyrinth...
Release Date: August 1st, 2023
Genre: Horror
Pages: 160
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. I like the writing style
2. Author is descriptive and paints the story for readers
3. Some creepy parts
4. Meeting all the puppets
What I Didn't Like:
1. Some parts felt confusing when being described
2. Repetitive to other book
Overall Thoughts:
Story is interesting so far; we meet Johnny who wakes from a restless sleep to find his grandfather's puppet in his(his grandfather's old) room. His grandfather has been missing for a year now. Brittany, his cousin dismisses this as him dreaming that it happened.
I really liked that the home of Johnny's grandfather used to the sound stage for the children's puppet show. Added an element of creep to the story.
Johnny starts looking at the crack in the wall and notices that there is velcro holding it together. Very weird. He gets it loosened with a pencil and does something I would never ever want to do, he starts to enter the opening. Brittany interrupts him and I was okay she's going to talk some sense into him, but no Brittany agrees with Johnny that they have to enter the hole in the wall since it leads to the old set of the show (maybe), but for now all they see is a hallway. Personally for me I don't enter weird openings in walls where ghost puppets exit from but that's just me.
Yeah no, barely into the hole and they find their grandpa's watch, which they even make the comment that they thought he was wearing it when he went missing. Dude there is still time for one of you to stand guard at the wall incase something happens and you have to get help.
Oh and now Brittany has went further into the hallway, which is too small for Johnny to fit through. I guess she doesn't care about creepy hallways. She disappears of course.
We then get introduced to the neighbor, Marta. She was one of the non-puppet characters on the show. I found it odd that Johnny never knew was his grandfather's neighbor. They never visited him in the apartment or him mention her moving in/living next him? She was on the show so this would feel out if character for what we know so far about their grandfather. It's all explained away with that the grandfather didn't like talking about gossip and neighbors. I don't know because this feels like something that'd talk about. Grandfather loved the show so to not tell his own grandchildren that she lives next door seems odd.
Well this is terrifying when Brittany is holding Swoomie. When she turns him around but his head stays the same direction with his eyes and mouth still staring at her - no no no.
Johnny and Brittany are more brave than I could ever be. After being told all of that from Rob I would have returned upstairs and left the apartment forever.
Well never trust a puppet then because they will lead to the death of humans.
Final Thoughts:
I am not scared of puppets but the author wrote some absolutely creepy parts that scared me a lot
A big issue I had with this book was just how similar it is to the authors last book I read; I Found a Circus Tent in the Woods Behind My House , which had a character also going deeper and deeper into (tents) with that book, but here it's downstairs/apartments. It all gets boring and repetitive after awhile. I also felt that with the other book.
Thanks for that authors note. I didn't anticipate that I'd be crying after reading a horror book at 6am. Seriously dude so sad.
I think if you liked this story and how weird it is you must watch the movie; Dave Made a Maze .
It's free on YouTube and wonderful.
IG | Blog
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Johnny awakes. A puppet looms over his bed.
He recognizes the furry monster: Grandpa was its puppeteer on the children’s television show R-City Street. But Grandpa went missing a year ago. He disappeared from this very apartment building, which was converted from the old R-City Street studio.
Desperate to see Grandpa again, Johnny follows the puppet inside the building’s walls, ever deeper into a puppet-infested labyrinth...
Release Date: August 1st, 2023
Genre: Horror
Pages: 160
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. I like the writing style
2. Author is descriptive and paints the story for readers
3. Some creepy parts
4. Meeting all the puppets
What I Didn't Like:
1. Some parts felt confusing when being described
2. Repetitive to other book
Overall Thoughts:
Story is interesting so far; we meet Johnny who wakes from a restless sleep to find his grandfather's puppet in his(his grandfather's old) room. His grandfather has been missing for a year now. Brittany, his cousin dismisses this as him dreaming that it happened.
I really liked that the home of Johnny's grandfather used to the sound stage for the children's puppet show. Added an element of creep to the story.
Johnny starts looking at the crack in the wall and notices that there is velcro holding it together. Very weird. He gets it loosened with a pencil and does something I would never ever want to do, he starts to enter the opening. Brittany interrupts him and I was okay she's going to talk some sense into him, but no Brittany agrees with Johnny that they have to enter the hole in the wall since it leads to the old set of the show (maybe), but for now all they see is a hallway. Personally for me I don't enter weird openings in walls where ghost puppets exit from but that's just me.
Yeah no, barely into the hole and they find their grandpa's watch, which they even make the comment that they thought he was wearing it when he went missing. Dude there is still time for one of you to stand guard at the wall incase something happens and you have to get help.
Oh and now Brittany has went further into the hallway, which is too small for Johnny to fit through. I guess she doesn't care about creepy hallways. She disappears of course.
We then get introduced to the neighbor, Marta. She was one of the non-puppet characters on the show. I found it odd that Johnny never knew was his grandfather's neighbor. They never visited him in the apartment or him mention her moving in/living next him? She was on the show so this would feel out if character for what we know so far about their grandfather. It's all explained away with that the grandfather didn't like talking about gossip and neighbors. I don't know because this feels like something that'd talk about. Grandfather loved the show so to not tell his own grandchildren that she lives next door seems odd.
Well this is terrifying when Brittany is holding Swoomie. When she turns him around but his head stays the same direction with his eyes and mouth still staring at her - no no no.
Johnny and Brittany are more brave than I could ever be. After being told all of that from Rob I would have returned upstairs and left the apartment forever.
Well never trust a puppet then because they will lead to the death of humans.
Final Thoughts:
I am not scared of puppets but the author wrote some absolutely creepy parts that scared me a lot
A big issue I had with this book was just how similar it is to the authors last book I read; I Found a Circus Tent in the Woods Behind My House , which had a character also going deeper and deeper into (tents) with that book, but here it's downstairs/apartments. It all gets boring and repetitive after awhile. I also felt that with the other book.
Thanks for that authors note. I didn't anticipate that I'd be crying after reading a horror book at 6am. Seriously dude so sad.
I think if you liked this story and how weird it is you must watch the movie; Dave Made a Maze .
It's free on YouTube and wonderful.
IG | Blog
March 7, 2024
I love the title and the cover but I k8nda fooled myself into believing it wouldt be so creepy and more silly. As I find the muppets very cute and funny I kinda expected not to be creeped out. But I definitely was. Found it to be a very engaging, entertaining story that dealt with grief but also haunted puppets which I live to read about.
August 4, 2023
Now I have a new fear, thanks.
I was never scared of Muppets until now, lmao. This book held no punches from the start. It creeped me out that being said Brittney got on my nerves and I'm not sad about what happens to her. It was justified with how obsessed she was. That's a mild spoiler at best. But I struggled to get into this book but I'm glad I stuck around. I'm gonna have nightmares and be scared my squishmallows are going to attack me in my sleep. Thanks. 😅
I was never scared of Muppets until now, lmao. This book held no punches from the start. It creeped me out that being said Brittney got on my nerves and I'm not sad about what happens to her. It was justified with how obsessed she was. That's a mild spoiler at best. But I struggled to get into this book but I'm glad I stuck around. I'm gonna have nightmares and be scared my squishmallows are going to attack me in my sleep. Thanks. 😅
August 4, 2023
"The first night I slept in my missing grandpa’s apartment, a puppet came out of the wall and stood over my bed."
Puppets are what’s going to stalk me in hell.
Puppets are what’s going to stalk me in hell.
December 28, 2023
3.5 stars, rounding up for originality!
I FOUND PUPPETS LIVING IN MY APARTMENT WALLS, by Ben Farthing, was definitely a lot darker (in a GOOD way), than I was expecting! If ventriloquist dummies and puppets creep you out to begin with, the scare factor with this one will definitely amp that feeling!
What I really loved about this story was the emotional aspect--a Grandson (and his cousin), left in an apartment that their Grandfather disappeared in over a year ago. That the apartment in question used to be a studio where the Grandfather and others had a "Sesame Street" type of ongoing show, will bring nostalgia to most, as it is easy to picture the thoughts and memories going through the MC's mind. He loved his Grandfather, and this WAS his Grandfather's life work.
The plot, however, is MUCH darker than this. I won't spoil this for the rest, but for a book I thought would be more "comic" (due to the cover, admittedly), this one really packs a punch! Twists I never saw coming, and incidents that were much better/gorier than expected. My deduction only comes from some repetitious scenes of stair climbing (iykyk), that got confusing at times.
Well worth a read!
I FOUND PUPPETS LIVING IN MY APARTMENT WALLS, by Ben Farthing, was definitely a lot darker (in a GOOD way), than I was expecting! If ventriloquist dummies and puppets creep you out to begin with, the scare factor with this one will definitely amp that feeling!
What I really loved about this story was the emotional aspect--a Grandson (and his cousin), left in an apartment that their Grandfather disappeared in over a year ago. That the apartment in question used to be a studio where the Grandfather and others had a "Sesame Street" type of ongoing show, will bring nostalgia to most, as it is easy to picture the thoughts and memories going through the MC's mind. He loved his Grandfather, and this WAS his Grandfather's life work.
The plot, however, is MUCH darker than this. I won't spoil this for the rest, but for a book I thought would be more "comic" (due to the cover, admittedly), this one really packs a punch! Twists I never saw coming, and incidents that were much better/gorier than expected. My deduction only comes from some repetitious scenes of stair climbing (iykyk), that got confusing at times.
Well worth a read!
October 24, 2024
This book was a scream. It was hilarious. I didn't find it scary however, it was atmospheric, and it sucked you right in, especially for a shorter book.
I can imagine that if you are a bit nervous about puppets or mascots (my best mate is seriously petrified of them), this would be your worst nightmare. I found the author's note at the back really honest and quite brilliant. I love how there are different levels of themes in the story.
Love, loss, grief, nostalgia and fears. We all have crazy fears that we know are irrational, but nevertheless, they aren't any less terrifying. Mine is feet. It was to the point where I was scared of walking in bodies of water, scared of being buried alive for things to nibble my toes and terrified of getting pregnant and having tiny feet growing inside me. So, I 100% relate to this innate fear.
I think this story is a fast read, sucks you in and is overall well-written. It's weird and I love it and I'll definitely checkout some of the others in the series.
I can imagine that if you are a bit nervous about puppets or mascots (my best mate is seriously petrified of them), this would be your worst nightmare. I found the author's note at the back really honest and quite brilliant. I love how there are different levels of themes in the story.
Love, loss, grief, nostalgia and fears. We all have crazy fears that we know are irrational, but nevertheless, they aren't any less terrifying. Mine is feet. It was to the point where I was scared of walking in bodies of water, scared of being buried alive for things to nibble my toes and terrified of getting pregnant and having tiny feet growing inside me. So, I 100% relate to this innate fear.
I think this story is a fast read, sucks you in and is overall well-written. It's weird and I love it and I'll definitely checkout some of the others in the series.
January 9, 2024
This was quite a fun and creepy read. Although puppets do not scare me, having them alive and running around in my walls might just change my mind.
Right from the beginning, the book starts off with a great scare as Johnny wakes up in his missing grandfather's apartment with a giant puppet staring at him. He feigns sleep and the puppet finally leaves, disappearing through the wall and only leaving tufts of his blue fur. That morning he tells his cousin, Brittany, about the incident. He said he recognized the puppet as the one his grandfather used to control when he worked on the set of the show R-City Street (which sounded a lot like Sesame Street). They explore the room only to find a secret passageway. Johnny is horrified but Brittany is ecstatic being a long time fan of the show. She takes off through the passageway and Johnny feels the need to follow. This leads them on a crazy, spooky adventure.
The book was really well done. It was short yet packed with chills. I even enjoyed the author's note at the end of the book. It was just as entertaining as the story. I've already purchased I Found a Circus Tent in the Woods Behind My House by this author and excited to dig into it.
Right from the beginning, the book starts off with a great scare as Johnny wakes up in his missing grandfather's apartment with a giant puppet staring at him. He feigns sleep and the puppet finally leaves, disappearing through the wall and only leaving tufts of his blue fur. That morning he tells his cousin, Brittany, about the incident. He said he recognized the puppet as the one his grandfather used to control when he worked on the set of the show R-City Street (which sounded a lot like Sesame Street). They explore the room only to find a secret passageway. Johnny is horrified but Brittany is ecstatic being a long time fan of the show. She takes off through the passageway and Johnny feels the need to follow. This leads them on a crazy, spooky adventure.
The book was really well done. It was short yet packed with chills. I even enjoyed the author's note at the end of the book. It was just as entertaining as the story. I've already purchased I Found a Circus Tent in the Woods Behind My House by this author and excited to dig into it.
September 6, 2023
When you cut through the magic of puppetry you'll find that the possessed doll trope is whats pulling the strings of I FOUND PUPPETS LIVING IN MY APARTMENT WALLS by Ben Fathing. Sorry to ruin the illusion but that makes the story no less creepier. Like clowns, snakes and falling airplanes, there's just something inherently creepy about dolls (or puppets) with sentient eyes that just stare... and never blink as they sear into your soul.
But that's not all that author Ben Farthing was going for. PUPPETS is a story about family bonds and longing for days gone by. In its way, this is an homage to those Jim Henson muppets who lived on that loveable street. Only, what if, behind the scenes, that street became cursed somewhere along the line? What if the actors became hostages of demonic spirits that took over the puppets. Yeah, that's what your getting.
If I had a critisim of the book it was that I found the storyline confusing at some points. This seems to be the authors second book and I feel he's still trying to hone in on his voice. But Farthing has the storytelling chops and I expect further publications will become richer and crisper in the prose.
If someone asks you what your afraid of and your answer is creepy dolls or demonic puppets, you've come to the right book. I FOUND PUPPETS will creep the bejesus out of you, there is no doubt. An, if you ever loved those adorable monsters down on the street, you may want to reconsider picking this book up. It changes a person.
But that's not all that author Ben Farthing was going for. PUPPETS is a story about family bonds and longing for days gone by. In its way, this is an homage to those Jim Henson muppets who lived on that loveable street. Only, what if, behind the scenes, that street became cursed somewhere along the line? What if the actors became hostages of demonic spirits that took over the puppets. Yeah, that's what your getting.
If I had a critisim of the book it was that I found the storyline confusing at some points. This seems to be the authors second book and I feel he's still trying to hone in on his voice. But Farthing has the storytelling chops and I expect further publications will become richer and crisper in the prose.
If someone asks you what your afraid of and your answer is creepy dolls or demonic puppets, you've come to the right book. I FOUND PUPPETS will creep the bejesus out of you, there is no doubt. An, if you ever loved those adorable monsters down on the street, you may want to reconsider picking this book up. It changes a person.
January 1, 2024
"The first night I slept in my missing grandpa's apartment, a puppet come out of the wall and stood over my bed."
Are you ready for the puppet apocalypse?
I sort of busted out of the gate early on the January monthly read for Horror Aficionados, the theme for which is spooky dolls. This novella was one of the winners, and it was a decent, entertaining read, albeit for a younger audience than this one. The puppets definitely have a Sesame Street vibe going on, and I know that some people are completely spooked by them, in the same way that people think clowns are creepy.
What I did really like about the story is that
I was entertained, so thumbs up to the author!
Are you ready for the puppet apocalypse?
I sort of busted out of the gate early on the January monthly read for Horror Aficionados, the theme for which is spooky dolls. This novella was one of the winners, and it was a decent, entertaining read, albeit for a younger audience than this one. The puppets definitely have a Sesame Street vibe going on, and I know that some people are completely spooked by them, in the same way that people think clowns are creepy.
What I did really like about the story is that
I was entertained, so thumbs up to the author!
January 14, 2024
As a child of the 80s, I grew up with Sesame Street and The Muppets and Fraggle Rock. I loved all those shows. Not to mention that I've always had a fascination with secret walls and passages in a home, thinking about all the discoveries that could be made. And now that jerk Ben Farthing just burned all those memories to the ground. Even worse, I can already picture myself lying in bed tonight, thinking of the odds of being swallowed by a damn puppet that is living in the walls of my house.
Thanks for ruining my childhood.
Awesome book.
Thanks for ruining my childhood.
Awesome book.
July 7, 2024
This was a fun, short read. Fast-paced. Puppets don’t freak me out but this was creepy in spots. Good twists in the story.
May 28, 2025
4⭐️
I'm going to put this one firmly in the WTF did I just read category! This one truly had me questioning my adulthood with how much I enjoyed it. I kinda want to curl up with a fuzzy blanket and watch The Muppets now 🤣
If the puppets from Sesame St came alive and turned out to be evil, they would be the leading cast of this comedic horror novella. Farthing has done a remarkable job of taking a much loved part of childhood and twisting it until you're checking the cracks in foundation for the furry little demonic assh*les.
What would you do if your favorite character from a childhood show came to life? After reading this, I would drop kick the possessed f*cker and be out!
I'm going to put this one firmly in the WTF did I just read category! This one truly had me questioning my adulthood with how much I enjoyed it. I kinda want to curl up with a fuzzy blanket and watch The Muppets now 🤣
If the puppets from Sesame St came alive and turned out to be evil, they would be the leading cast of this comedic horror novella. Farthing has done a remarkable job of taking a much loved part of childhood and twisting it until you're checking the cracks in foundation for the furry little demonic assh*les.
What would you do if your favorite character from a childhood show came to life? After reading this, I would drop kick the possessed f*cker and be out!
August 1, 2024
Puppets are fucking creepy. I loved every second of this book and cant wait to read more!
January 29, 2025
I found puppets living in my apartment walls is part of the I Found… series by this author. In this one, the main character is the grandson of a puppeteer from a cancelled a popular puppet program - you’ll recognize it. Grandpa went missing a year ago and the kids are there to clean out the house. It’s much creepier than I thought it would be and I had no idea where it was going. There’s a bit of body horror thrown in for the ghoulies.
I also read the I Found a Circus something something. Also would recommend.
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to a Grimace sized puppet standing over you in the dark. Yiu stay frozen until it leaves. You discover that he must’ve come from this hole in the wall.
Do you go in there?
I also read the I Found a Circus something something. Also would recommend.
Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to a Grimace sized puppet standing over you in the dark. Yiu stay frozen until it leaves. You discover that he must’ve come from this hole in the wall.
Do you go in there?
December 11, 2024
I love the concept of this however their something to be desired from the writing. I had read the phrase “we have to find grandpa” at least once on every page. Though my main criticism is the repetition I also feel the dialogue was very robotic. That being said this was very creative in such a terrific way. I think the lore was great I just wish I had gotten more instead of a back-and-forth of “Where’s Grandpa”.
September 23, 2023
So much fun. I really appreciate this authors way of finding one place and staying there with the characters and then finding all of the horror within that place. Also I appreciated their afterword talking about their own fear of puppets as a child…and maybe into adulthood. Heh. Loved this and I’m sure I will read it again. Thanks Ben!
March 1, 2024
Not exactly what I was expecting. I was hoping for more out of the story and I found it a little stupid. There was a lot of going up and down on the floors, which became a bit repetitive. I think I enjoyed the ending the most because it was a little creepier. Overall, it was an ok read when you need something short and different.
August 15, 2025
Dont read this
January 11, 2024
Ok, so before I tell you all the bad stuff, I wanted to start off by saying I really enjoyed this book. In fact, despite the criticisms I have about it, my liking of the book overpowers what I disliked about it.
Pros:
Good backstories for the characters (including puppets)
Giving the reader (me) nostalgia for a show that's not real
Making the exploration of his Grandfather's building feel like a dream (the setting just feels like something I would dream---with the stairwell leading to the same R-City Street set)
There's a great segment in the back of the book Ben Farthing wrote explaining why he wrote the book. Another thing he's good at is humor!
Cons:
Not enough room to breath during the mystery. Towards the climax of the book, our main character keeps descending down the stairwell to the final floor. He's questioning why his recently found and lost again Grandfather had given him a lighter. His neighbor Marta is behind him and says, "no! That means you would have to give yourself to it. I'm going with you." It is because of this, the reader now knows what to expect on the final floor. From this, we gather it'll probably be a big puppet our main character, Johnny has to sacrifice himself to, instead of having to find that out once we reach the final floor. The suspense building up to the final floor is now gone because we now know what we'll find down there.
Adding onto that last point, the characters dialogue isn't really organic. Good horror writing doesn't just flat out tell you what's happening. It has to lead you there to keep reading. Don't get me wrong, there are still surprises that await you even after these moments of dialogue, but I would have liked to have tried to piece things together myself, so at the end of the novel, I can think to myself, "ohhh, it all makes sense now."
Either way, if you've decided to be brave and ignore my spoiler warning, I'd recommend to you this book!
Pros:
Good backstories for the characters (including puppets)
Giving the reader (me) nostalgia for a show that's not real
Making the exploration of his Grandfather's building feel like a dream (the setting just feels like something I would dream---with the stairwell leading to the same R-City Street set)
There's a great segment in the back of the book Ben Farthing wrote explaining why he wrote the book. Another thing he's good at is humor!
Cons:
Not enough room to breath during the mystery. Towards the climax of the book, our main character keeps descending down the stairwell to the final floor. He's questioning why his recently found and lost again Grandfather had given him a lighter. His neighbor Marta is behind him and says, "no! That means you would have to give yourself to it. I'm going with you." It is because of this, the reader now knows what to expect on the final floor. From this, we gather it'll probably be a big puppet our main character, Johnny has to sacrifice himself to, instead of having to find that out once we reach the final floor. The suspense building up to the final floor is now gone because we now know what we'll find down there.
Adding onto that last point, the characters dialogue isn't really organic. Good horror writing doesn't just flat out tell you what's happening. It has to lead you there to keep reading. Don't get me wrong, there are still surprises that await you even after these moments of dialogue, but I would have liked to have tried to piece things together myself, so at the end of the novel, I can think to myself, "ohhh, it all makes sense now."
Either way, if you've decided to be brave and ignore my spoiler warning, I'd recommend to you this book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2023
I read this entire book in one day. I don't do that often.
I loved the title and the prior book, so I was really excited to dive into this one! I was concerned on how the author was going to sell the idea of the puppets... but he nailed it and it was a hell of a ride.
Highly recommended!
I loved the title and the prior book, so I was really excited to dive into this one! I was concerned on how the author was going to sell the idea of the puppets... but he nailed it and it was a hell of a ride.
Highly recommended!
September 17, 2025
This book was so fun and had a good amount of horror.
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
4 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
November 14, 2025
I never had a fear of puppets (Cookie Monster was always my favorite) but this book will be all I think about! There were a few plot holes that left me wanting more, but honestly, I was hooked from the very beginning. And those last few chapters? Insane!
I struggled to imagine the layout of the apartment building at first, but as Johnny and Brittany explored more, it eventually clicked and became easier to picture.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I definitely recommend this to everyone. I hope Ben Farthing writes the sequel to this, I need more of the puppet apocalypse!
I struggled to imagine the layout of the apartment building at first, but as Johnny and Brittany explored more, it eventually clicked and became easier to picture.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I definitely recommend this to everyone. I hope Ben Farthing writes the sequel to this, I need more of the puppet apocalypse!
Read
April 19, 2025Not the kind of puppet you wanna stick your hand in
2.5 ⭐️
2.5 ⭐️
November 24, 2024
Creepy, spooky and sad. Well written and an easy read. Can relate with the main character’s feelings a lot. Overall really enjoyed this.
December 25, 2024
Sigh. I thought I was done reading for the year, but then I received this Christmas “gift” from Spencer. Christmas isn’t really a thing here. It’s a normal workday, but I managed to get the day off. What better way to spend the holiday than with some self-published trash? So, here it is, my 251st and final book of the year.
To be fair, it only took about 45 minutes to read. I have plenty of time left in the day for other miserable and un-festive tasks. There isn’t too much to say. One look at the cover “art” tells you all you need to know. This is not an endorsement of generative AI (which I have strong feelings against), but if the author was so willing to use it for the jacket, then he should have gone all the way and used it for the text. If there’s a sort of reverse Turing test, this book fails in ways only achievable by human intellect (or lack thereof). Occasionally there were lines so hilarious they inspired hope that this was all a joke:
Those hopes were dashed, of course. The author included an afterword in which he explains his motivation for writing this book. It’s so earnest that I debated not scoring this review at all. He’s a young father with a crippling fear of puppets, saddened by the loss of his grandparents, and driven by his emotions to create. To put a piece of himself out into the world without shame. I admire that.
On holidays like this, alone on my island with only distant memories of family and festivity to hang onto, why am I choosing to visit this screen and write these words? Why not channel that energy into something positive? Create new traditions, new memories, even new art. Why not accept this as the gift it was, that someone saw something amusing and thought of me? Why not skip books and apps altogether and take a walk in the National Garden, have a coffee with a friend, or even go to work and help my guests create new Christmas memories? All are thoughts that deserve serious consideration. One thing is for certain: this book is shit.
メリクリ & 良いお年を
To be fair, it only took about 45 minutes to read. I have plenty of time left in the day for other miserable and un-festive tasks. There isn’t too much to say. One look at the cover “art” tells you all you need to know. This is not an endorsement of generative AI (which I have strong feelings against), but if the author was so willing to use it for the jacket, then he should have gone all the way and used it for the text. If there’s a sort of reverse Turing test, this book fails in ways only achievable by human intellect (or lack thereof). Occasionally there were lines so hilarious they inspired hope that this was all a joke:
A tunnel of blue fur extended before me, miles deep, and I could see all the way to the bottom where a ring of mangy growth pulsed in time with a heartbeat.
Without realizing that I'd moved at all, I felt those hard, round teeth against my forehead and chin.
Grandpa's puppet was swallowing me.
Those hopes were dashed, of course. The author included an afterword in which he explains his motivation for writing this book. It’s so earnest that I debated not scoring this review at all. He’s a young father with a crippling fear of puppets, saddened by the loss of his grandparents, and driven by his emotions to create. To put a piece of himself out into the world without shame. I admire that.
On holidays like this, alone on my island with only distant memories of family and festivity to hang onto, why am I choosing to visit this screen and write these words? Why not channel that energy into something positive? Create new traditions, new memories, even new art. Why not accept this as the gift it was, that someone saw something amusing and thought of me? Why not skip books and apps altogether and take a walk in the National Garden, have a coffee with a friend, or even go to work and help my guests create new Christmas memories? All are thoughts that deserve serious consideration. One thing is for certain: this book is shit.
メリクリ & 良いお年を
August 1, 2023
Puppets
Johnny and his cousin Brittany are cleaning out their grandpa's apartment after his declared dead. He was a famous puppeteer of a kid's TV show. Their is something in the walls moving around. The duo discover the legends behind the show are not as scary as the truth. Why are the puppets moving? Was that grandpa they saw? Edge of seat heart stopping read.
Johnny and his cousin Brittany are cleaning out their grandpa's apartment after his declared dead. He was a famous puppeteer of a kid's TV show. Their is something in the walls moving around. The duo discover the legends behind the show are not as scary as the truth. Why are the puppets moving? Was that grandpa they saw? Edge of seat heart stopping read.
September 19, 2023
This was scary fun. It starts out quite creepy and packs a punch. I was also charmed by the nostalgia. This is horror with heart. That ending though...
And a quote from the author's note at the end (Why I wrote this book) tells us "I wanted to evoke my fear of puppets in you, Strange Reader." Well, I love that quote and he achieved that for this strange reader.
And a quote from the author's note at the end (Why I wrote this book) tells us "I wanted to evoke my fear of puppets in you, Strange Reader." Well, I love that quote and he achieved that for this strange reader.
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