Snow Day is a quick read, that if you are my age will take you back to your own snow days, when we were young and thought we were invincible. Where nothing could ever ever hurt us, until finally we learned the hard way that just maybe it could. I expected that since the story was told from a child's perspective the story itself may be a bit on the childish side but that was not the case at all. I was very pleasantly surprised.
I received a complimentary copy for review.
( )

Let me tell you, I was sincerely impressed with Snow Day. There is a hook at the beginning that draws you in and then, before you know it, you're flipping the last page with shaking fingers. To say that Dan Maurer's book is a thriller is a bit of an understatement. I'd equate it more to one of those horror movies that you just can't look away from. Sure the overall story is a thriller, but at its heart this connects to the reader on a visceral level.

What really struck me was how such a simple concept was turned into such a shiver inducing story. Billy Stone lives in the idyllic world of the 70's. His family believes that the small, suburban neighborhood they live in will protect him from anything that might mean him harm. As long as he stays on his block, life is good. Or is it? Dan Maurer explores the darkness that always lurks beneath the surface of any "perfect" place and he does it with expertise.

The one thing that left a little wanting for me was how quickly the book moved. I know this is a novella, and a very well written one at that. However I can happily admit that I wouldn't have a single problem following Billy's story through a full fledged novel. I love getting to know the characters I'm rooting for, and in this case I barely skimmed their surfaces. Still, I can't deny I loved every minute of it.

If you're a fan of stories that will make your pulse pound and your fingers fly across the pages, Snow Day is a novella you definitely need to add to your TBR. Part thriller, part horror novel, I devoured every minute of it. I know that you will too. ( )

I absolutely loved this book! I don't usually read novellas, so I skipped over this one several times. Man am I glad that I have it a chance. Beautifully written and very believable. I felt what this kid felt, saw what he saw. I would love to read more by this author. ( )

A story of what can happen when the snow creates the opportunity for a 10-year old boy to stay home from school, sleep in late and play in the white stuff. The fun is about to begin or is it?

This is the scary story that would have been told around the campfires of the 60’s and 70’s. A tale told with gusto, some nervous gasps, some fun laughs, but with an eerie ending. An ending that is meant to have you cuddling up to the person next to you, if told by a good storyteller. Dan Maurer is that storyteller! ( )

This book was absolutely chilling. I know this will stick with me for a long time. The little details made the story more realistic, foot condoms--I thought it was just a local saying. The Panasonic flip clock, the cars, clothing, and the #1 rule of Mom. I felt connected to the protagonist, it was a nicely constructed young boy from the 70's. I really hope this doesn't happen to anyone, but that is unrealistic. There will always be scary monsters around the corner just waiting for you to slip up.
I would purchase more books from Mr. Maurer in the future. I believe he has a knack for creating very wonderful prose. A true horror gem. ( )