An invitation to the Halloween Misfits Conference promises the ultimate getaway for clown enthusiasts: a weekend of camaraderie at Nevada’s infamous Clown Motel. For rodeo clown Danny Harrison and his wife, Alison, it’s a chance to finally belong. But as the festivities begin, a sinister reality unfolds beneath the greasepaint and laughter. The hotel’s exhibits seem to watch the guests, the lavish meals provoke a ravenous, unnatural hunger, and the graveyard tour reveals horrors far more authentic than advertised. Those who partake in the feast are swept into a euphoric trance, while those who refuse find themselves terrifyingly alone and hunted.
The author’s background in psychology and art glass weaves through the narrative, creating a story that is both psychologically sharp and vividly textured. This approach crafts an atmosphere where every detail feels meticulously placed, building a world that is whimsical one moment and deeply menacing the next. The reader is plunged into a slow-burning nightmare where perception is untrustworthy and the line between celebration and predation is permanently erased.
At its core, the novel is a chilling exploration of the dark side of belonging, revealing how the desire to fit in can make one willingly blind to even the most monstrous truths. It asks a terrifying question: what would you ignore for a good time?
This book is perfect for readers who crave intelligent, atmospheric horror in the vein of Stephen King or Shirley Jackson. It will particularly resonate with fans of supernatural suspense, stories with rich, unsettling settings, and anyone who understands that the most frightening monsters often wear a smile.