A group of teens break into an arcade-pizzeria for the night of their lives, only to find themselves trapped and hunted by the bloodthirsty animatronic band in this explosive debut YA horror novel.
A unique mix of comedy and coming-of-age love story that dives straight into rated-R nightmare fuel, MARINARA is sure to be a favorite of those who grew up with Five Nights at Freddy's, Goosebumps or Fear Street.
It's the 1980s. Ben Cooper works at Marinara, an independently owned arcade-pizzeria on the outskirts of his middle-of-nowhere town. Ben's the type of kid who passes up house parties to rent movies from Blockbuster. He's never stood out from the crowd and that's why he's going to throw the greatest graduation party of all time. His forever crush Sarah is attending too, so it's the perfect setting to finally let her know how he's always felt about her.
Ben and five friends sneak into Marinara after hours for a night of endless tokens, booze, and make-your-own-pizzas—not to mention front row seats to the creepy animatronic band, Meaty and the Toppings. But when "It's Showtime!" blasts from the stage speaker, Meaty and his bloodthirsty gang are released one by one into the shadows, and laughs instantly turn into screams. Amongst the chaos, a message in blood is found on a bathroom mirror and a mystery will collide past with present.
Trapped and faced with death, lifelong friends will be forced to take sides. Some will hide while others will fight as monsters hide in the darkness. Pushed both mentally and physically farther than they ever thought possible, Ben and Sarah will fight for one another every step of the way as they try to survive their impending doom.
Uncover the Janitor's Files: Vintage newspaper clippings are scattered throughout to further enhance the mystery. But can YOU solve the twist ending of what really happened that fateful night at Marinara?
What readers are saying about MARINARA:
"One of the best books I've read."
"Like Five Nights at Freddy's for adults."
"A friend told me about this book and it lived up to the hype."
"It's a quick read. The kills are original and suspenseful. They spend a lot of time setting up the story and the payoff is everything you'd want. Ending is great."
"Like Jack and Rose on the Titanic if you switch out the sinking ship with a haunted building and killer animatronics. I loved it."
"Found this browsing for something different. It is definately that. The blend of humor, horror, and love story is different than maybe anything I've ever read."
"This book is way more sophisticated than what you think you're getting into. The mystery of "why" is deep and makes you use your head. Ben vs Meaty is an all time classic stand off."
