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Locked House Hauntings #8
Gridlocked Guesthouse
Some mysteries are best left unsolved... It's no secret that the old guesthouse has a dark history. That's why it is so perfect... I love murder mystery parties. When Rachel told me that she wanted to rent a house where actual murders had been committed, I was all ears. But after the news of the deadly weekend came out, I realized they got it all wrong. News stories are so cold. So I thought I would write down what happened that weekend. I wasn't exactly there, but I certainly can't tell it worse than the news did. Years ago Oliver was peeled, Trevor and Delilah were hung, Richard froze to death, and Amelia died scrawling the word grid on her thigh. Rachel and her gang of friends were going to sleep in the house and pretend to murder each other. But soon the murders were all too real. I can't wait to tell you who gets out alive. Join Mixi J. Applebottom in a hair raising, spine tingling new series the Locked House Hauntings. If you are a fan of Misery by Stephen King you will be chilled and thrilled by the Gridlocked Guesthouse!
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 5, 2016
26 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Mixi J. Applebottom
21 books64 followersSo I am remodeling my five story house and working my little tail off writing novels. Meet me now before I'm famous! :P
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 19, 2017
Thirteen college students attend a murder-mystery party in a reputedly haunted house. We all know how well that's going to go, don't we! This was a fairly quick read, and very creepy, and there are several red herrings as to what is going on.
November 10, 2017
I knew it was too good to last. The past 2 books i read were wonderful, 4 star books. That string of good books came to a grinding halt with this one. This was probably one of the most poorly written books i've ever read. It read as if it were written by a reclusive teenager with learning disabilities. Grammar, syntax and punctuation were all remedial at best. If i had a dime for every time she started a sentence with "Anyways........." i could treat myself to a very nice meal with the results. And it wasn't only lack of technical skills that bothered me, the plot and the way characters behaved was completely unbelievable. The story takes place in a 'haunted house', where a weekend party is taking place. Thirteen guests, isolated from the world. You can guess what happens. The first guest dies fairly early in the story. Normally, this would ruin the party, don't you think? But no, not for these guests. They toss something over their dead friend and continue their haunted house weekend. More drinking, more sex, more games. That's just one of the many many examples of how the plot simply didn't make sense. There are only 2 reasons i bothered finishing this book. First, i take a perverse joy in very bad, over the top art (and i use the term 'art' very loosely). This book may be the print equivalent of Ed Wood's movies. So inept that you start laughing at the sheer awfulness. The other reason i finished this book is because of the book's one redeeming quality: it's very short. One can only take so much crap and only in small doses. I'd had more than enough by the time this book ended. Those of you who gave this book good reviews, please go take a remedial english class and see what the written language is supposed to look like.
February 14, 2023
How many of you have died so far? Not enough. Not nearly enough. The spirits are restless.
Some people will gush over a book just because they got it for free. I’m not one of those people.
I will, however, enthusiastically and effusively gush over Mixi J. Applebottom’s Gridlocked Guesthouse, a fantastic horror story that is just the right amount of spooky leavened with an extra heavy helping of the absolutely creepy.
Applebottom locks thirteen stupid college kids in a haunted Airbnb and, while that plot should sound trite, Applebottom proves by page one that she’s smarter, ingeniously sealing her characters into a spectral trap with just a bit of bad parallel parking. From there, the pace is break-neck. Juggling thirteen characters is an armful for any writer, but Applebottom balances her cast Cirque du Soleil-style, deftly moving between her party-goers and peeling away their secrets until each lies exposed. Some sympathetically so; others transforming into monsters.
And while style certainly counts for something, good horror depends on a dark and twisted plot. Here Applebottom also delivers, mixing poltergeists and slashers into a slurry of bad character choices and escalating tension that climaxes with a complete – and grossly disturbing – discovery. Craftily, Applebottom heightens the readers’ discomfort by toying with the narration. At first, I was worried the writing was simply sloppy as the story-teller’s point-of-view seemed unmoored from that of any of the main characters. But I was the fool. It becomes increasingly clear whose story this is … and it is not a pleasant revelation.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Applebottom includes a bonus story! I wasn’t sure I needed an epilogue to an already great horror story … but after finishing the afterward … yeah, I definitely did need it! Applebottom retains the creepy, disturbing tone of Guesthouse and puts some grisly finishing touches on some of the survivors from the first tale, but there’s also poignancy and pathos in this one. The monster may be bad, but they can also be sympathetic.
The curmudgeonly may find a few holes here and there to nitpick, but for me (who has been bloodied more often than rewarded when playing Amazon free book roulette), this was darkly delicious treat. I may have missed the earlier books in this series, but I believe Mixi has me hooked into delving into the back catalogue (and buying more!)
May 8, 2017
Ghosts are NOT predictable
This book definitely had an unusual and creepy plot. Full of twists that leave the reader confused. When you "think" it's predictable - you are oh so wrong!
A group of 13 college kids plan a "Murder Mystery" party at a haunted guesthouse. The guesthouse was the scene of the extremely bizarre murder of an entire family.
The murder mystery party starts off with a bang and lots of booze. It doesn't take long to take a horrible turn. The ending was eerie, creepy to the max..... I see a sequel coming.
The book began with a lot of potential. The story concept is unique and bizarre. Unfortunately, it's written in 3rd person like someone telling a ghost story. I don't like 3rd person story telling.
I was left thinking this book was a bit amateurishly written. Maybe this book is good for young teens? The story details make it inappropriate for children under 14 though.
Final thoughts: I was disappointed in the book as a whole.
It had such great potential, but fell flat upon execution.
This book definitely had an unusual and creepy plot. Full of twists that leave the reader confused. When you "think" it's predictable - you are oh so wrong!
A group of 13 college kids plan a "Murder Mystery" party at a haunted guesthouse. The guesthouse was the scene of the extremely bizarre murder of an entire family.
The murder mystery party starts off with a bang and lots of booze. It doesn't take long to take a horrible turn. The ending was eerie, creepy to the max..... I see a sequel coming.
The book began with a lot of potential. The story concept is unique and bizarre. Unfortunately, it's written in 3rd person like someone telling a ghost story. I don't like 3rd person story telling.
I was left thinking this book was a bit amateurishly written. Maybe this book is good for young teens? The story details make it inappropriate for children under 14 though.
Final thoughts: I was disappointed in the book as a whole.
It had such great potential, but fell flat upon execution.
March 21, 2017
I've just finished and I'm not exactly certain how I feel about this book. I did keep reading wanting to see how it played out. It was interesting that the narrator wasn't introduced until late in the book.
The writing was a bit high school level but, having not read anything else by this author, I am thinking that may have something to do with the narrator. The story is pretty predictable but does have some twists to it. The characters aren't so developed but, once again, we are hearing this story this from the narrator. I believe that lack was purposely done so we only know what the narrator tells us.
I am thinking this is a 31/2 stars book. Since Goodreads doesn't have a way to give partial stars, and because I am interested enough that I may read book 2, I will round up to 4.
I would recommend this to those who can suspend reality when they read. If you are the type of reader who wants everything to fit logically and realistically you will, probably, not enjoy this book. But for those who can suspend that and just roll with the story, it is an enjoyable "haunted" story.
The writing was a bit high school level but, having not read anything else by this author, I am thinking that may have something to do with the narrator. The story is pretty predictable but does have some twists to it. The characters aren't so developed but, once again, we are hearing this story this from the narrator. I believe that lack was purposely done so we only know what the narrator tells us.
I am thinking this is a 31/2 stars book. Since Goodreads doesn't have a way to give partial stars, and because I am interested enough that I may read book 2, I will round up to 4.
I would recommend this to those who can suspend reality when they read. If you are the type of reader who wants everything to fit logically and realistically you will, probably, not enjoy this book. But for those who can suspend that and just roll with the story, it is an enjoyable "haunted" story.
June 22, 2017
This was an excellent book.
Amelia died writing the word grid. Richard froze to death. The thirteen year-old twins, Delilah and Trevor were hanged with a jump rope. Four year-old Oliver was peeled. They never found that other girl.
Thirteen college students, and two goats, pick this murder house to spend their weekend. They're having a murder mystery party, and what would be more fun than hosting it at an actual haunted house?
Soon the murders are all too real, and the locked door in the basement is rattling and unlocking. Grab the two goats and get the heck out of there! But escape is impossible. Will they survive the guesthouse?
The Locked House Hauntings can be read in any order.
Amelia died writing the word grid. Richard froze to death. The thirteen year-old twins, Delilah and Trevor were hanged with a jump rope. Four year-old Oliver was peeled. They never found that other girl.
Thirteen college students, and two goats, pick this murder house to spend their weekend. They're having a murder mystery party, and what would be more fun than hosting it at an actual haunted house?
Soon the murders are all too real, and the locked door in the basement is rattling and unlocking. Grab the two goats and get the heck out of there! But escape is impossible. Will they survive the guesthouse?
The Locked House Hauntings can be read in any order.
August 6, 2017
Not A Romance Horror Guy
Rachel and Ricky start a "Murder Party" but in a real haunted house.
Things go from bad to worse when people start to actually die.
The story is narrated by a third party but this person is all over the place which goes along with the storyline...which may or may not make sense at the end.
This had a lot of references to the couples in the story and it just wasn't my cup of tea but if you're into "Romance Horror" even though the writer may not have intended it that way but thats how i was reading it, then this may be for you.
Rachel and Ricky start a "Murder Party" but in a real haunted house.
Things go from bad to worse when people start to actually die.
The story is narrated by a third party but this person is all over the place which goes along with the storyline...which may or may not make sense at the end.
This had a lot of references to the couples in the story and it just wasn't my cup of tea but if you're into "Romance Horror" even though the writer may not have intended it that way but thats how i was reading it, then this may be for you.
February 2, 2019
Wow! What a ride!
I don't normally like stories with over 5 main characters but Applebottom did an astounding job at being able to keep me locked in to following the storyline of each. It was a gripping plot and kept me glued to my seat. I could not foresee any of the horrific things that happened. The storytelling spun several concurrent scenes together madterfully. I have to check out more from this author.
I don't normally like stories with over 5 main characters but Applebottom did an astounding job at being able to keep me locked in to following the storyline of each. It was a gripping plot and kept me glued to my seat. I could not foresee any of the horrific things that happened. The storytelling spun several concurrent scenes together madterfully. I have to check out more from this author.
May 29, 2018
I'm a little unsettled, but amused by this story. It reminds me of a person with borderline personality disorder, who is telling a ghost story, while trying to impress a guy she wants to fall in love with her. Yeah...confusing....but I liked it!!
July 21, 2017
OMG! Weird!
I think this may be the weirdest book I've ever read but I must admit that I couldn't put it down.
I think this may be the weirdest book I've ever read but I must admit that I couldn't put it down.
September 13, 2017
a little weird with lots of mixed up thoughts, but I liked it
December 25, 2017
See publisher's blurb for hints. I found it disappointing because the plot was scrambled and the characters generally unpleasant. Dnf
November 20, 2019
Was responsible for sleep deprivation because I couldn't put it down.
Mixi keeps you turning pages with her story. This is a great story in the locked house series and a great addition to it.
Mixi keeps you turning pages with her story. This is a great story in the locked house series and a great addition to it.
March 15, 2017
Scary as all get-out
This book is not your classic murder mystery weekend party. You won't expect the twists that come hot and heavy. Surprise ending. Well rounded characters. A wonderful scary read.
This book is not your classic murder mystery weekend party. You won't expect the twists that come hot and heavy. Surprise ending. Well rounded characters. A wonderful scary read.
August 15, 2016
Wow.... Yet another book out of my norm but it was AWESOME!!! Mixi brings everyone to life right there in every line in this book. She makes them so real including the ghosts that haunt this house. Although it reminds me a lot of the game Clue, it is so much different also. In this book there are so many similarities between the ghosts and the live characters that you can almost sympathize until things start to go awry.
That being said you will seriously never guess how this book changes and who is responsible for all the action involved. I am still reeling a bit and then to remember all the gory details? WOW Mixi just wow!!!
That being said you will seriously never guess how this book changes and who is responsible for all the action involved. I am still reeling a bit and then to remember all the gory details? WOW Mixi just wow!!!
Read
June 8, 2016Do you want to read something original and spectacular every time you pick up a book? If so Mixi J. Applebottom is the author for you. A group of 13 go into a house to have a haunted weekend where 5 gruesome murders took place. Things go wrong from the start. Follow these unfortunate souls on a hair raising journey that will change their lives.
November 19, 2016
Truely an amazingly gripping book that I couldn't put down after halfway through it. A little a weird and funny but once it tells you who was really doing everything you will be amazed at how funny and a little psychotic it was. Some of it was a little confusing but once you keep reading you will figure some of it out.
June 26, 2016
HEADSCRATCHER STORY
The story is told from the vantage point of someone who is on the scene and is not in the scene. The reader tries to discover who this story teller really is. Character development is a little thin , but the book contains some unique features, such as pet goats and overzealous game players. I devour "scary stories" and this certainly succeeded with me.
The story is told from the vantage point of someone who is on the scene and is not in the scene. The reader tries to discover who this story teller really is. Character development is a little thin , but the book contains some unique features, such as pet goats and overzealous game players. I devour "scary stories" and this certainly succeeded with me.
July 14, 2016
Confusing book. Had to force myself to finish it. I was hoping for a better ending than what I got.
Waste of my time.
Waste of my time.
June 7, 2016
Very very good book couldn't put it Dow
August 5, 2017
I am not sure what to think of this book, I wanted to enjoy it and I kept reading to see how it was going to pan out, but something just didn't gel for me.
You are kept guessing as to who the narrator is until near the end, which I half suspected it to be someone connected to the house but I wasn't expecting it to be who it was.
The story premise was good, some of the characters annoying and the writing style a little off, but I read it to the end
You are kept guessing as to who the narrator is until near the end, which I half suspected it to be someone connected to the house but I wasn't expecting it to be who it was.
The story premise was good, some of the characters annoying and the writing style a little off, but I read it to the end
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews