Melon Head Mayhem is pretty much a classic 80s B-grade monster feature combined with a lost-tape thriller that surprisingly does not beat around the bush.
While, in essence, it embraces the trademark elements of “vintage” horror, the book is a refreshing take on both concepts. The plot revolves around cousin brother and sister Carson and Sofia, both of whom are back in their childhood town for their grandmother’s funeral. However, things take on a nasty turn after they watch a supposedly lost tape revealing a somewhat lesser-known local myth of Melon Heads.
Melon Head Mayhem diverts into new territory from the very start. For instance, there is no romance of any kind. Nor is there a damsel in distress. Furthermore, our protagonists are in the line of being novice go-getters rather than random folk stuck in chaos. That they are horror aficionados only gives the story arc more authenticity.
Additionally, all the characters are likable, and while there is a moderate level of characterization, the main story and thrill factor always take precedence. Lastly, the short chapters and continuously fast-moving plotline help keep the reader on edge.
That is not to say the book lacks quintessential horror essentials that add to its charm. There’s a unique creature in the Melon Head, plenty of thrilling moments that may seem familiar but, in reality, define horror, and a few twists to make the story holistic in nature.
Melon Head Mayhem will primarily appeal to nostalgic readers who grew up watching creature features from the 80s and 90s. However, even though the book lacks excess gore or jump scares, it has enough going to impress the modern-day horror reader.
PS – I technically want to give the book four stars, but it deserves five due to its thematically fantastic cover.
Blurb
“Have you ever wanted to live inside your favorite horror film?
Prove you have what it takes to fight Freddy? Destroy Jason? Mangle Michael?
Cousins Carson and Sophia are in town for their grandma’s funeral and are, unknowingly, about to live out the nightmare that is every horror fan’s dream.
After they find an old unfamiliar VHS tape tucked away in grandma’s house, they figure the worst that can happen is a few cringeworthy moments and 90 minutes wasted. Instead, the video summons the movie monsters—local urban legends called melon heads—into their very real lives!
The destruction caused by the blood thirsty melon heads has Carson and Sophia fighting to survive and sets them on a deadly path to the shores of Lake Michigan, home of the devilish beasts. They vow to destroy every last one of the melon heads and make sure these monsters never get a sequel.
Will they survive? Would you fare better?
It’s a creature feature. It’s a throwback. It’s… MELON HEAD MAYHEM!”
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Name: Melon Head Mayhem
Author: Alex Ebenstein
Publisher: Shortwave Publishing
Book Type: eBook
Pages: 152
The Sunday Book Club 