Oh this ghost is back with their exclusive advanced copy reviews, bébé (in my best Moira Rose-Catherine O’hara impression… RIP our charismatic comedic Queen!!!)
I thoroughly enjoy getting an opportunity to review advanced copies and this year I’m making it one of my reading goals to actively post more exclusive book review blogs to so that I can connect horror books lovers with talented authors (who scare the socks off you…)
Please refer to my Ratings + Review Policy to see how I evaluate my reading experiences on my socials.
I’m not sure about you, but as a child, dolls gave me the creeps. I had a collection of those porcelain Victorian dolls on a shelf in my childhood bedroom and nothing unnerved me more at night than the glistering whites of their eyes reflected by a needed night-light… how can someone even sleep when they are being watched?
Fun fact:
So yeah…
Then enters my childhood introduction (later we will call, obsession) to the Scholasitc Kids Goosebumps series by R. L. Stine that tossed even more fuel on that “creepy doll” aesthetic with Slappy…
(and don’t even get me started on Chucky…)
So needless to say, when Jonny Ward reached out to me to talk about his upcoming horror novella with the story revolving around a ventriloquist dummy?
My morbid curiosity couldn’t say no... even if I knew I’d sweat a little while reading through the book.
The Dummy by Jonny Ward
A Novella
Genre: Horror
Goodreads book description
Man find Dummy.
Man takes home Dummy.
Read and find out if this is a dummy move…
This bone-chilling Horror Novella releases next month (February 2026)
To find out where to locate or how to purchase this upcoming book, check out:
I.M.P.O 💭
In My Phantasmic Opinion
Rating: 💀💀💀💀
How was the writing style and pacing?
I found it was fast-paced, immediately gripping and written with witty dialogue and a calculated, unsettling terror that made it feel satisfying to devour in one sitting.
You’re able to navigate the depths of Walter’s psyche as he comes across his childhood dream, while also experiencing the dark and eerie occurrences that are take place in the dummy’s presence, through the views of various characters within the story.
Were different perspectives or narrators used to tell the story? Did it add to the complexity or confusion of the plot?
I enjoyed the narratives shifts between Walter, his girlfriend, and other characters at play in this story. While it did hurt my heart immensely when Sprinkles (the cat) was introduced… it really added dimension to the novella, furthered the plot and created more dread-inducing feelings when the narrative suddenly shifted to another perspective…
Did you enjoy the reading XP?
I couldn’t put my Kobo down once I started and actually read this novella in one sitting! I really enjoy those types of gripping experiences when you just get immediately hooked within a few moments of the story.
I did however hit a Trigger Warning portion that stirred me as I was reading, but I knew to expect it and braced myself accordingly during that part of the story.
Were you surprised or shocked with twists and turns in the plot? Did you see them coming or were you caught off guard?
I thought at times I knew where the plot was going (even when I really didn’t want it to be the case 😭) but then the story just takes a deep turn in a very quick-witted, mind-blending way that gave the story all the redemption it needed from that slight detour down Trigger Warning avenue…
Would you recommend this book to others?
Absolutely, I would say give this a read if you’re at all morbidly curious and want a fast-paced, witty and nightmare-inducing horror novella.
It gave me the chills like Slappy would give my childhood self during a classic episode of Goosebumps, which is the best nostalgia… but I must warn you, to please check your triggers before proceeding!
Make sure you haunt your inbox with more horror books…
Are you a Horror 💀 INDIE author looking for a honest review of your upcoming book?
My creepy heart and soul becomes so full when authors reach out and are so excited to talk about their upcoming books. I love connecting horror lovers with horror authors, so getting a chance to read and review early copies with my honest thoughts for the horror community feels extremely impactful!
Please summon the attention of this ghostly presence via the form (on my Contact page)
Thank you Jonny Ward for entrusting me with an advanced copy of The Dummy to read in exchange for my honest review, and giving me even more ventriloquist doll nightmares to lock away in my subconscious…
And congratulations and way to achieve official Goodreads Author status this year!
Keep on slaying with those phenomenal horror vibes and I’m really looking forward to reading your future frights!
I also want to thank you, Boils and Ghouls, for taking the time out of your day to read my honest advanced copy review of The Dummy by Jonny Ward.
Let me know if you’d read this book in the comment section below…
Until we meet again,
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