Escape from Grimstone Manor (Monsterious, Book 1) - by Matt McMann

About the Book

When a ride breaks down before closing, friends Mateo, Taylor, and Zari find themselves stuck inside the haunted house for the night and discover a hidden staircase leading to a dark crypt.

Book Synopsis

This series of terrifying standalone tales that combine monsters + mysteries is perfect for fans of Goosebumps.

A USA Today Bestseller

"Spine-chilling and creepy!" --Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Kids on Earth

In a mansion on a hill,
lived a man no one could kill.
Raised the dead with magic dark
to rule the world and make his mark.

Zari has always been fascinated by creepy stories about Hezekiah Crawly, the real-life inspiration behind her local amusement park's haunted house attraction, so she's thrilled when her friends Mateo and Taylor agree to go on the last ride of the day before the park closes.

But when the ride breaks down, the three get trapped inside the haunted house for the night! As if that weren't scary enough, the kids stumble onto a hidden staircase leading to a dark, cobwebbed crypt that doesn't seem like part of the ride--and by the looks of it, they aren't alone down there. Is it possible the stories about Hezekiah Crawly and his monstrous experiments are true? And if so, can Zari, Mateo and Taylor make it through the night in one piece?

Review Quotes

Praise for Escape from Grimstone Manor

"Deftly explores themes such as courage and the challenges of being vulnerable with friends. There are no dull moments in this rapidly paced tale that's loaded with action . . . Frighteningly fun." --Kirkus Reviews

"Adventure with Goosebumps vibes . . . A horror-tinged thriller that's more rollicking than revolting." --Publishers Weekly

"Spine-chilling twists and turns and a creepy mystery to unravel. Grab a flashlight--this will have you up reading way too late!"--Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Kids on Earth series

"A roller coaster of jolts, twists, thrills, and nightmarish creatures creeping out from the shadows. What a wild ride! --Margaret Peterson Haddix, New York Times bestselling author of the Shadow Children sequence

"A fast-paced thrill ride of a book, crawling with haunts and horrors at every turn. Enter if you dare! --Marissa Meyer, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Lunar Chronicles

"Take my advice and read Monsterious. It's fun and terrifying!" --James Riley, New York Times bestselling author of Story Thieves

"Delicious, creepy, scary fun!" --Adam Gidwitz, Newbery Honor author of A Tale Dark and Grimm

"Scream. Laugh. Repeat." --James Ponti, New York Times bestselling author of the City Spies series

"Filled with humor, heart, and creeps galore. An absolute delight from beginning to end!" --Alyson Noël, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Immortals series

"Irresistibly fun, monstrously clever, and laced with heart. I couldn't put it down!" --Lindsay Currie, author of Scritch Scratch

"Goosebumps with a splash of From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. A perfect blend of horror and humor." --Lorien Lawrence, author of the Fright Watch series

About the Author

As a professional musician, Matt McMann played an NFL stadium, a cruise ship, and the International Twins Convention. Now he writes the kind of spooky mystery adventure books he loved as a kid. He's hiked the Pacific Northwest, cruised Loch Ness, and chased a ghost on a mountain. While he missed Bigfoot and Nessie, he caught the ghost. He enjoys brainstorming new books with his wife, New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, viewing his son Kilian McMann's artwork, and watching his daughter, actor Kennedy McMann, on television. Visit him online at mattmcmann.com, and follow him on Twitter and Instagram @matt_mcmann.