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Mark's Merry Mayhem
Most of you know I’m not known for my short stories, apparently I’m much too long-winded. But on occasion there are some things I just need to pull from my head and put on paper. I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into the things that keep me up at night.
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2016
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135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 25, 2021
"Mark's Merry Mayhem" by Mark Tufo is an interesting mix of humorous, creepy-good, gory, Horror fun!
Listening to this collection of seven short stories gave me a glimpse into this author's unique writing style. I found it jammed packed with humor and it pulled me in quickly because he writes like he's having a conversation with the reader!
I love how he includes his 'Zombie Fallout' series character Michael Talbot and his family, along with his two bulldogs, and his BFF BT into these stories. All are characters that are familiar to his devoted reader base!
Mr. Tufo refers to this selection as a "...small glimpse into the things that keep me up at night." It's further brought to life by the audiobook narration of Sean Runnette and his Boston accent. The mix between the writing and the narration blew me away!
A quick description of my favorites of the seven shorts:
- "Mayan Prophecy": Mike's vision of a December Zombie Apocalypse.
- "Henry's Story": Henry doing what 'Man's Best Friend' does best.
- "A Visit From That B!tch Elisa": "The Night Before Christmas" twist!
I know, I know! It seems like a crazy way to spend part of my Christmas Eve listening to Horror stories! But, you know what? I loved it! I will definitely check out this author's back-list. 3.75 stars rounded up!
Listening to this collection of seven short stories gave me a glimpse into this author's unique writing style. I found it jammed packed with humor and it pulled me in quickly because he writes like he's having a conversation with the reader!
I love how he includes his 'Zombie Fallout' series character Michael Talbot and his family, along with his two bulldogs, and his BFF BT into these stories. All are characters that are familiar to his devoted reader base!
Mr. Tufo refers to this selection as a "...small glimpse into the things that keep me up at night." It's further brought to life by the audiobook narration of Sean Runnette and his Boston accent. The mix between the writing and the narration blew me away!
A quick description of my favorites of the seven shorts:
- "Mayan Prophecy": Mike's vision of a December Zombie Apocalypse.
- "Henry's Story": Henry doing what 'Man's Best Friend' does best.
- "A Visit From That B!tch Elisa": "The Night Before Christmas" twist!
I know, I know! It seems like a crazy way to spend part of my Christmas Eve listening to Horror stories! But, you know what? I loved it! I will definitely check out this author's back-list. 3.75 stars rounded up!
December 6, 2017
Because this is a short story collection I generally rate each story separately and then do an average. With that said, I give this 3.71 stars and have rounded up to 4 for the sake of their system. I fell in love with the Zombie Fallout books after the first one that was given to me by my sister and have been enthralled ever since. This gives you plenty of the folks from the novels getting into general mayhem.
2 stars, 'Fucking Pepperoni Pizza'. Michael decides to have a couple of slices of pepperoni pizza knowing that it does not agree with him. When it wakes him up in the night he starts to feel that something is not right. Then he sees something that he hopes is a pepperoni dream.
3.5 stars, 'Mike in Trouble Again'. Tracy wants Mike to keep his promise to clean out the garage and he tries to get out of it. When he finally starts the work he manages to fall, hit his head, and end up in some alternate universe. Somehow he pulls BT with him and they are being stalked.
4 stars, 'Michael's Haunted Adventure'. Mike is asked to conduct a tour of a haunted location because of his own weird experiences with the paranormal. The Paranormal Examining Society has set up a tour of a haunted penitentiary and he is doing it for almost nothing. Turns out things are a lot more spooky than he planned for.
2.5 stars, 'Through My Baby's Eyes'. Mercury Jones was born to teenage parents who were forced into marriage. His father stayed around long enough to give him the bizarre name and then took off for parts unknown. His mother found solace in heroin and abandoned her son in that way. Raised by his grandparents he grew into a good young man but suffers from multiple ailments because of his fathers many vices. He has tried to live well for a long time and finally it all catches up to him.
4 stars, 'Mayan Prophesy'. Michael is trapped with Travis, Tracy, Henry and Rylie (their bulldogs) in their home on Christmas Eve. The zombies come out of the woods and find their way into the basement where they start to make their way into the house proper. Mike does not have the time he did before and things look a lot more grim.
5 stars, 'A Visit From That Bitch Eliza'. Okay, this is a poem set to a very familiar Christmas one. You will enjoy it.
5 stars, 'Henry's Story'. That bulldog who always seems to be in the right place at the right time gets his own little aside. He does what he does best, takes care of his human.
Most of the stories do not have a Christmas theme but there are two which do. I had been going for a Christmas novel but this still worked fine for me because I do love to deal with Michael Talbot and his penchant for trouble. You get Michael at his snarky best in pretty much each story not to mention BT who is always entertaining in his weird friendship with Mike. I think anyone who enjoys Zombie Fallout or any Mark Tufo novel will be happy with these tales.
2 stars, 'Fucking Pepperoni Pizza'. Michael decides to have a couple of slices of pepperoni pizza knowing that it does not agree with him. When it wakes him up in the night he starts to feel that something is not right. Then he sees something that he hopes is a pepperoni dream.
3.5 stars, 'Mike in Trouble Again'. Tracy wants Mike to keep his promise to clean out the garage and he tries to get out of it. When he finally starts the work he manages to fall, hit his head, and end up in some alternate universe. Somehow he pulls BT with him and they are being stalked.
4 stars, 'Michael's Haunted Adventure'. Mike is asked to conduct a tour of a haunted location because of his own weird experiences with the paranormal. The Paranormal Examining Society has set up a tour of a haunted penitentiary and he is doing it for almost nothing. Turns out things are a lot more spooky than he planned for.
2.5 stars, 'Through My Baby's Eyes'. Mercury Jones was born to teenage parents who were forced into marriage. His father stayed around long enough to give him the bizarre name and then took off for parts unknown. His mother found solace in heroin and abandoned her son in that way. Raised by his grandparents he grew into a good young man but suffers from multiple ailments because of his fathers many vices. He has tried to live well for a long time and finally it all catches up to him.
4 stars, 'Mayan Prophesy'. Michael is trapped with Travis, Tracy, Henry and Rylie (their bulldogs) in their home on Christmas Eve. The zombies come out of the woods and find their way into the basement where they start to make their way into the house proper. Mike does not have the time he did before and things look a lot more grim.
5 stars, 'A Visit From That Bitch Eliza'. Okay, this is a poem set to a very familiar Christmas one. You will enjoy it.
5 stars, 'Henry's Story'. That bulldog who always seems to be in the right place at the right time gets his own little aside. He does what he does best, takes care of his human.
Most of the stories do not have a Christmas theme but there are two which do. I had been going for a Christmas novel but this still worked fine for me because I do love to deal with Michael Talbot and his penchant for trouble. You get Michael at his snarky best in pretty much each story not to mention BT who is always entertaining in his weird friendship with Mike. I think anyone who enjoys Zombie Fallout or any Mark Tufo novel will be happy with these tales.
December 16, 2023
This was included for free from audible, and as it bridged the gap between holidays, I gave it a go. I’ll share the bio, as this is kind of a real short one:
“Most of you know I’m not known for my short stories, apparently I’m much too long-winded. But on occasion there are some things I just need to pull from my head and put on paper. I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into the things that keep me up at night.”
The first story opens up with the author writing his family and home into a zombie apocalypse. As he is an apocalyptic writer, it makes sense, but I also thought it was a really cool idea too. They barricade themselves upstairs and fight to keep the hoard at bay.
The following stories feature some of the characters from his works, which I have not read, and I can only assume would be much more enjoyable if I had first. However, they do seem to be at least mostly unrelated to the other works, because you can follow along easily enough, it’s just some of the personal relationship stuff that doesn’t hit.
Personally a 3/5*, an enjoyable and real short collection. The narration was real Bostonian, but enjoyably fitting.
“Most of you know I’m not known for my short stories, apparently I’m much too long-winded. But on occasion there are some things I just need to pull from my head and put on paper. I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into the things that keep me up at night.”
The first story opens up with the author writing his family and home into a zombie apocalypse. As he is an apocalyptic writer, it makes sense, but I also thought it was a really cool idea too. They barricade themselves upstairs and fight to keep the hoard at bay.
The following stories feature some of the characters from his works, which I have not read, and I can only assume would be much more enjoyable if I had first. However, they do seem to be at least mostly unrelated to the other works, because you can follow along easily enough, it’s just some of the personal relationship stuff that doesn’t hit.
Personally a 3/5*, an enjoyable and real short collection. The narration was real Bostonian, but enjoyably fitting.
November 1, 2025
Audiobook (2 hours) narrated by Sean Runnette
Publisher: Audible, Inc (Devil Dog Press LLC)
This is an audible only audiobook
The narration is very good and the audio is flawless.
I was reading reviews by some of my GR friends and I ran across a 5 star read of an audible only audiobook, the review being written by Tracy P. She gave it such a rave review that I went and looked it up on audible where I found a couple of novellas by the same author in the plus catalog, this being one of them.
What a fun book! The characters are full of energy and personality. The story was fun and enjoying.
A full three star read and a great palette cleanse from the last book I DNF'd.
Thank you Tracy P.!
Publisher: Audible, Inc (Devil Dog Press LLC)
This is an audible only audiobook
The narration is very good and the audio is flawless.
I was reading reviews by some of my GR friends and I ran across a 5 star read of an audible only audiobook, the review being written by Tracy P. She gave it such a rave review that I went and looked it up on audible where I found a couple of novellas by the same author in the plus catalog, this being one of them.
What a fun book! The characters are full of energy and personality. The story was fun and enjoying.
A full three star read and a great palette cleanse from the last book I DNF'd.
Thank you Tracy P.!
December 23, 2025
3.8 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐒
“𝐌𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝗺𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐠𝗼𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝗼𝐩-𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭”
This was a quick enjoyable read. Ghosts, zombies and paranormal activity with a dash of holiday theme.
The first story was my favorite by a landslide.
“𝐌𝐲 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝗺𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐠𝗼𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐩𝗼𝐩-𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭”
This was a quick enjoyable read. Ghosts, zombies and paranormal activity with a dash of holiday theme.
The first story was my favorite by a landslide.
December 29, 2016
This little compendium of carnage is a fun little collection of shorts from horror-comedy expert Mark Tufo. The first short is a story about the beginning of a zombie apocalypse from the perspective of Mark himself, made all the more great by Sean Runnette's thick Boston accent. There are a couple of random Michael Talbot'sodes that follow. One of them is a very interesting jaunt through a haunted prison. It also contains a cut chapter from the Zombie Fallout series: the events of Henry's rescue that night in Dr. Mann's facility as told by Henry himself. The final chapter is a Tufo rendition of The Night Before Christmas. This one left me a huge smile and will now be my favorite Christmas poem. (Yes, I'm a Tufo/Z.F./Mike Talbot fanatic. Deal with it.)
December 17, 2016
This was a great collection of Mark's short stories and was a pleasure to listen too! As always Mark and Sean are the dream team when it comes to audio..and I very much enjoyed this book!
I RECOMMEND THIS AND ALL MARK'S WORK 1OO%!!!!
I RECOMMEND THIS AND ALL MARK'S WORK 1OO%!!!!
December 18, 2016
Christmas treats!
Great little horror tales and snippets from Tufotown. For fans of his work only, I think others will be very confused.
Runnette in fine form as always.
Well worth a listen.
Great little horror tales and snippets from Tufotown. For fans of his work only, I think others will be very confused.
Runnette in fine form as always.
Well worth a listen.
October 30, 2019
Quickies
I enjoy everything Mark Tufo writes. I’m sure his tons of other fans would agree. Quick stories - quick reads. Something different.
I enjoy everything Mark Tufo writes. I’m sure his tons of other fans would agree. Quick stories - quick reads. Something different.
December 14, 2016
Another good one from Mr. Tufo.
I love the way that Mark writes these stories. It keeps u involved and the characters he writes about are relatable. I love that there are times that I feel like I am part of the story.
This one was a quick read. If u haven't read ZF3, don't read the very last section. Unless you like spoilers. Great read.
I love the way that Mark writes these stories. It keeps u involved and the characters he writes about are relatable. I love that there are times that I feel like I am part of the story.
This one was a quick read. If u haven't read ZF3, don't read the very last section. Unless you like spoilers. Great read.
February 4, 2018
quick read for all u tufo fans!
nothing special, but absolutely no regrets. I'm a huge m. tufo follower, his series are incredible, but if ur just looking for a way to kill the hour... just take this jump into the twisted psyche that is mark tufo. thanx mark, happy holidays and keep it up dude!
nothing special, but absolutely no regrets. I'm a huge m. tufo follower, his series are incredible, but if ur just looking for a way to kill the hour... just take this jump into the twisted psyche that is mark tufo. thanx mark, happy holidays and keep it up dude!
November 6, 2020
This dude really... really.. likes Pop-Tarts.
The stories aren't bad. They just lack something, and where there is a ton of potential for a fantastic plot twist or addition to the story it remains generic and lacking.
The stories aren't bad. They just lack something, and where there is a ton of potential for a fantastic plot twist or addition to the story it remains generic and lacking.
October 4, 2023
short stories that had me wanting MORE!
Tufo doesn’t disappoint, his books are exciting, gross funny as hell- and always leave me wanting more, and these short stories are the same!
We really need an entire book series based on Henry’s viewpoint!
Tufo doesn’t disappoint, his books are exciting, gross funny as hell- and always leave me wanting more, and these short stories are the same!
We really need an entire book series based on Henry’s viewpoint!
August 31, 2017
I really enjoyed the short stories and as usual Sean Runnette is simply awesome! I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of any of Mark Tufo's writings.
December 15, 2020
Mark Tufo kicks ass!!!
April 27, 2021
Several extremely short stories featuring yours and my favorite provocateur, Michael Talbot. Henry is the best.
August 12, 2021
OHMYGARAGE!!! Tufo is just hilarious! Love these short stories! A few beg for more embellishment and many many more pages but hilarity and horror mix beautifully here.
December 8, 2023
Not a Christmas book...
Short stories... some I liked and some not as much
Short stories... some I liked and some not as much
January 29, 2026
Interesting
I enjoyed this, though, fair warning it is a bit different and jumps around a bit between certain characters and realms from his book series. It ties together some interesting ideas.
I enjoyed this, though, fair warning it is a bit different and jumps around a bit between certain characters and realms from his book series. It ties together some interesting ideas.
March 18, 2022
This is a short book with maybe five or six short stories in them. They all seem to have some sort supernatural theme. The last story was an actual Christmas short story.
January 8, 2017
Cute shorts
These were some cute short stories. Well maybe cute isn't the right word. We get lots of funny blood and Gore. Every story is short, but sweet. Again, wrong word. Maybe creepy is the better word. It's a quick read and well worth the time and money.l
These were some cute short stories. Well maybe cute isn't the right word. We get lots of funny blood and Gore. Every story is short, but sweet. Again, wrong word. Maybe creepy is the better word. It's a quick read and well worth the time and money.l
February 10, 2017
Mark Tufo has to be one of the best writers of our time! I don't really read because i spend most of my life working. So i use my 2 hour commute everyday to listen to Mark's books! Merry Mayhem is the first i actually READ! Loved it. I would recommend any & all Mark's stories to everyone i know. (Except for may be the Tim Series, gotta keep that on for my less than savory friends)
Mark Tufo has to be one of the best writers of our time! I don't really read because i spend most of my life working. So i use my 2 hour commute everyday to listen to Mark's books! Merry Mayhem is the first i actually READ! Loved it. I would recommend any & all Mark's stories to everyone i know. (Except for may be the Tim Series, gotta keep that on for my less than savory friends)
Mark Tufo has to be one of the best writers of our time! I don't really read because i spend most of my life working. So i use my 2 hour commute everyday to listen to Mark's books! Merry Mayhem is the first i actually READ! Loved it. I would recommend any & all Mark's stories to everyone i know. (Except for may be the Tim Series, gotta keep that on for my less than savory friends)
February 9, 2017
It was ok I guess
The zombie fallout series is by far some of my favorite stuff to read. I am sorry to say I did not enjoy this as much.
The zombie fallout series is by far some of my favorite stuff to read. I am sorry to say I did not enjoy this as much.
December 20, 2016
A FINE LITTLE TALE OF THE TUFO CRAZINESS IT IS..
Hello, you know, sometimes you just have to wonder. Wonder what, you ask. Ill tell you what. How in the Hell does he come up with this stuff. Interested minds want to know. I bet the CIA has his phones bugged or microphones hidden in the house. I probably shouldn't have said that. He'll be up all night looking for them. Good stuff. Merry Christmas to all. Thanks.
Hello, you know, sometimes you just have to wonder. Wonder what, you ask. Ill tell you what. How in the Hell does he come up with this stuff. Interested minds want to know. I bet the CIA has his phones bugged or microphones hidden in the house. I probably shouldn't have said that. He'll be up all night looking for them. Good stuff. Merry Christmas to all. Thanks.
December 20, 2016
Good bunch of short stories
As usual Mark twisted mind concocted terrifying nightmares to keep you up at night. I thoroughly enjoyed each story and look forward to ZF10. Thanks Mark.
As usual Mark twisted mind concocted terrifying nightmares to keep you up at night. I thoroughly enjoyed each story and look forward to ZF10. Thanks Mark.
January 1, 2017
He does it again#
From the"creative" mind of Mark Tufo comes an awesome Christmas surprise. Awesomely twisted short stories of our hapless hero Michael Talbot.
All I can say is give yourself a treat this holiday season and read this!
From the"creative" mind of Mark Tufo comes an awesome Christmas surprise. Awesomely twisted short stories of our hapless hero Michael Talbot.
All I can say is give yourself a treat this holiday season and read this!
December 30, 2016
A fan now
I'm usually not a fan of short stories as they always leave me wanting more, but these are pretty cool. Thanks for the tidbits, I'll read your short stories anytime :-)
I'm usually not a fan of short stories as they always leave me wanting more, but these are pretty cool. Thanks for the tidbits, I'll read your short stories anytime :-)
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews