There’s something uniquely exhilarating about diving into a horror novel, especially at this time of year when the nights are drawing in earlier. The anticipation of fright, the racing of the heart, the thrill of the unknown – it’s an experience that horror aficionados seek time and again. And within this spine-tingling genre, Iain Rob Wright’s Maniac Menagerie stands out as a thrilling testament to the power of a well-crafted scare.
Maniac Menagerie, part five of The Cursed Manuscripts series, is a tale that promises to grip readers with its chilling narrative and haunting twists. Wright, known for his ability to weave terror into the fabric of his stories, does not disappoint with this latest instalment. The book follows the story of Simon ‘Sim’ Barker and his girlfriend Chrissy, who run a successful True Crime YouTube Channel. Their ordinary lives take a dark turn when they’re invited to ‘The Keep,’ an isolated island facility, by the enigmatic billionaire Evers Nealy. What unfolds is a narrative rich with psychological terror and the macabre.
The Cursed Manuscripts: on December 21, 2012, according to the Mayan Calendar, the world was supposed to end. It didn’t. But on that day, 113 mysterious manuscripts were discovered around the world, each one written in blood by an unknown author. After several dozen unexplained deaths befell the finders of said manuscripts, a decision was made to lock them up for good in a secret vault beneath the Vatican. It is said that anyone who reads the stories will die, and as such they are now referred to as ‘The Cursed Manuscripts.’
Manuscript 12.22-01, discovered December 2022 in Burnley, United Kingdom, by local fisherman, Peter Wrigley, who hooked it from a pond. He died that same night when a burglar broke into his home and stabbed him in the heart. |
At the heart of the story is Simon ‘Sim’ Barker, a successful, but troubled, True Crime YouTube channel host. His character is a blend of curiosity and courage, driven by a desire to uncover the truth, no matter how disturbing it may be. Alongside him is his girlfriend, Chrissy, who brings a touch of sweetness and light to the otherwise grim setting. Her character provides a stark contrast to the darkness that surrounds them, offering a glimmer of hope and humanity.
When billionaire tech industrialist Evers Nealy, a character shrouded in mystery, offers Sim and Chrissy tens of thousands for a mystery project, Sim is reluctant but is persuaded to go along and see what it is all about. Nealy takes them, and a few select others, to a deserted island off the English coast. This private island is home to ‘The Keep,’ a prison housing a collection of the world’s most sadistic serial killers, and is as grandiose as it is horrifying. A theme park attraction for paying visitors. What could go wrong?
Overall, I loved reading Maniac Menagerie, it is a fast-paced, violent, gory story and a fantastic read – a great horror story without going overboard. Centred around a theme park of serial killers, the story is a rollercoaster ride into the depths of hell.
The novel’s premise is as intriguing as it is horrifying: a crazed zoo/museum/theme park that houses not animals, but serial killers, sadists, mass murders and psychopaths of the highest order. Wright’s inspiration seems to draw parallels with the likes of “Jurassic Park,” but instead of prehistoric creatures, it’s the human monsters who are the main attraction. The concept alone promises a unique twist on the thriller genre, and Wright delivers with gusto.
The characters are crafted with care, each with their own backstory that adds layers to the already complex plot. Wright’s ability to create a connection between the reader and the characters is exceptional, ensuring that every scare is felt more deeply, every twist more personal.
The serial killers themselves are a menagerie of monstrosities, each more chilling than the last. From their twisted backstories to their heinous acts, Wright paints a vivid picture of these characters that is sure to send shivers down the spine of any reader. They are not just villains; they are a reflection of the darkest parts of the human psyche.
For those who revel in the fear factor, this is a book that offers an escape into a world where the eerie and the uncanny reign supreme. It’s a reminder of why we read horror: to confront our darkest fears in the safety of our imagination. It’s a journey into the heart of darkness that horror lovers will not want to miss.
If you’re looking to indulge in the macabre, especially during this spooky time of year coming up to Halloween, to feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and salute, and to be swept away by a story that promises to haunt long after the last page is turned, give Maniac Menagerie a read. Just remember to keep the lights on.
A heart-pounding journey into a world where the most twisted of human minds are on display. A thrilling and horrifying tale that puts you in a stranglehold until the very last exciting turn of the page.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £15.24 (Hardback) / £9.99 (Paperback) / £2.49 (Kindle)
For more information, visit iainrobwright.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.