From the New York Times bestselling author of Bird Box and Malorie, a novella collection in which every story reveals a sinister secret about a mysterious small town
Goblin seems like any other ordinary small town. But with the master storyteller Josh Malerman as your tour guide, you’ll discover the secrets that hide behind its closed doors. These six novellas tell the story of a place where the rain is always falling, nighttime is always near, and your darkest fears and desires await. Welcome to Goblin. . . .
A Man in Slices: A man proves his “legendary love” to his girlfriend with a sacrifice even more daring than Vincent van Gogh’s–and sends her more than his heart.
Kamp: Walter Kamp is afraid of everything, but most afraid of being scared to death. As he sets traps around his home to catch the ghosts that haunt him, he learns that nothing is more terrifying than fear itself.
Happy Birthday, Hunter!: A famed big-game hunter is determined to capture–and kill–the ultimate prey: the mythic Great Owl who lives in Goblin’s dark forests. But this mysterious creature is not the only secret the woods are keeping.
Presto: All Peter wants is to be like his hero, Roman Emperor, the greatest magician in the world. When the famous magician comes to Goblin, Peter discovers that not all magic is just an illusion.
A Mix-Up at the Zoo: The new zookeeper feels a mysterious kinship with the animals in his care . . . and finds that his work is freeing dark forces inside him.
The Hedges: When his wife dies, a man builds a hedge maze so elaborate no one ever solves it–until a little girl resolves to be the first to find the mysteries that wait at its heart.
I’ve read several books by this author and consider myself a fan, but this is probably my least favorite.
I like the concept of six novellas with a common theme – this one being the bizarre town of Goblin. There’s a bit of overlap with some of the stories – names of businesses, the mention of another character, etc. – but each stands on its own. It’s one seriously creepy town with some sinister residents and not a place you’d want to visit. Given its origin story, it’s no wonder such heinous events have occurred throughout the town’s history. My favorite of the six stories would have to be Presto. I felt Peter’s excitement at meeting his hero magician in person, and the idea of a magician practicing “dark” magic was deliciously macabre.
The author really knows how to set an eerie tone and make you almost dread what might be waiting around the corner for his characters or under their bed. Considering these six stories are novellas, he also does an admirable job with characterization in just a few pages. It was mainly the story endings that didn’t work for me. Most of them left me frustrated after such a tantalizing plot buildup only to be let down at the finish.
Although this isn’t my favorite Malerman book, it certainly won’t prevent me from reading his next one. Reviews seem to be split, so other readers may enjoy it more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Books and Such 
Hmm, it sounded good when I read the blurb, but after your review I think I’ll pass. Those story endings would bother me. On the plus side, that is one killer cover!
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I love how the cover has kind of a retro feel – noticed that before the author’s name. The endings didn’t gel with me, but the reviews seem to be split, so you may enjoy it, Mae.
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This sounds interesting, Teri. That cover is amazing too. I’ll add it to my list!
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It had a couple of covers on Goodreads, but this one is my favorite. Hope you enjoy it!
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I may have to read it just to see what’s so frustrating about the endings. Good review, Teri!
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Haha! I do the same thing sometimes, Priscilla when I read other reviews. Honestly, even if you weren’t satisfied with the endings, I think this one would resonate with you.
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I sure won’t be looking for a house in Goblin! The hedges story sounds intriguing. Great cover!
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A tantalizing blurb and review, Teri, but flat endings… I’ll probably skip this one since my kindle is developing a weight problem. Lol. Happy Reading.
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So is mine, Diana, lol. I got so excited earlier today when I was able to archive two books I recently finished. But I have several more to add!
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What an interesting concept. The idea and blurb would have attracted me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one, Teri!
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Right? I like the concept that these six novellas share the same setting with some character overlap. As a writer, it kind of puts ideas in my head.
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This sounds like an intriguing collection of novellas. The length definitely speaks to me ❤️. It’s a shame you didn’t enjoy this installment as much as other books in the series. I will have to check it all out. Wonderful review!
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Thanks, Tessa! I’ve adored some of his other books (Birdbox expecially), and these six stories really grabbed me. I was just hoping for more resolution maybe.
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This sounds as interesting as its cover. Great review!
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Thanks, Tessa! The cover is perfect for the tone of the stories inside.
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Thank you for sharing, Teri
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Thanks for visiting, John!
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Thanks for your mindful review, Teri. I’ve heard of this book before, but haven’t gotten around to it yet. The word “goblin” always makes me look twice (don’t know why), but having it as the name of a town is extra cool. I like the concept of each volume being different but still about the town. It makes me think of the ways I imagined they could have expanded on the “Warehouse 13” TV show, because the warehouse itself was so well developed.
As always, I enjoy reading about your thoughts. Hugs on the wing!
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I think you’ve mentioned Warehouse 13 before, and I’ve never seen it, but it sounds right up my alley. Hope you and Crystal are having a fabulous weekend!
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Thank you for the introduction to Josh, Teri. I’ll have to check out some of his books.
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Bird Box is probably his most popular, Mark – it’s also a movie on Netflix.
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Oh my, Teri, some of these sound a little gruesome. A Man in Slices is an interesting name and description.
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Gruesome is a perfect description for A Man in Slices. Twisted relationship doesn’t begin to cover it, Robbie.
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Hmmm, I have to think about it. I just read Poe and The Pit and the Pendulum has given me nightmares.
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