Dead End Drive: A Saucy, Entertaining Comedic Horror Read

Overview:

Author: Ian Kirkpatrick

Genre: Horror, Humor, General Fiction

Publication Date: 13th Oct, 2020

My Ratings: 3.5/5★

Blurb:

After his mother passes away, fourteen-year-old Kelly Benedict has no choice but to escape his home or perish at the hands of his remaining family. When Agatha Benedict plucked Kelly off the city streets to replace her dead cat Poopsie, she neglected to inform him of some very important house traditions. The history of the Benedict Estate prescribes that once the estate owner passes on, a "will reading" is to take place. However, the reading is more than passing on a loved one’s final wishes; it’s a figurative gunshot into the air, an alert to all in attendance that a playful game of anything goes murder has begun. The prize? The inheritance, of course. As if visiting, a storm comes in with the guests, trapping everyone on the property for the night. While Kelly plays catch-up on with house rules, once friendly family members have already sharpened their knives. Try as he might, there is no survival if he won’t play by the same rules as everyone else. A uniquely funny and dark murder party with big personalities. A coming-of-age story if growing up felt like being stabbed in the back by everyone you hold dear. As suspenseful as Agatha Christie's And then There Were None and as slapstick as Clue, Dead End Drive is a wild night of nihilism for the sake of personal advances at any cost. Let's be honest: is there anything more valuable in life than having every last need met for life?

I enjoyed reading this book. The premise intrigued me enough to request this book and I was pretty satisfied with it in general. This has a dark themes and dark humor splattered across the pages but it isn't too gory or bloody which I found acceptable as it was promoted as having the influence of the game-inspired movie Clue. The novel takes a little time to get in to the action, but once it does, it gets pretty engaging. The story takes a wacky, fun turn (if you dig dark humour that is) with everyone conspiring against the other. There is enough gore but not too much, making it perfect for those who don't prefer it too intense. The characters are many and most seem like a caricature than an actual person, so please don't expect too much of a character depth. If one looks past it, this is quite a fun read. It makes for a nice way to while away a boring afternoon and is pretty engaging. The end I felt was a little predictable but the way we get to it made for a good journey. I loved the castle and its descriptions. The ground helped emanate the vibe and set the mood for the story.

One thing I felt wasn't needed was the reveal at the end since almost all of it was advertised in the description.

Overall, a pretty decent book to make an afternoon less boring.