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Tales from the Gas Station #4
Tales from the Gas Station: Volume Four
As the new owner of the worst business in history, Jack has a lot on his plate. His self-appointed “biggest fan” wants to finally meet, and won’t take no for an answer. The annoying cultists are back and cultier than ever. Plus, there’s a creature living under the building's crawlspace that must be fed regularly (or else).
To top it all off, the entire town’s collective memories have been haphazardly rewritten, and Jack's placement in these recollections are decidedly unflattering.
Fortunately, he has help. There’s Jerry - who’s always willing to lend a hand (or a sword-bat, if the situation calls for it). Rosa - who secretly contains the incredible powers of a dark god. And the new guy - a deadly doppelgänger with terrible people skills.
But Jack’s best efforts to stay out of trouble are torn asunder when a serial killer emerges in his small town, leaving a trail of clues that points straight to him. Too bad his best hope of clearing his name, the new sheriff Amy O'Brien, had all her memories of their friendship completely erased.
And worst of all? Jack's high school reunion is right around the corner - just in time for the prophesied end of the world.
With days left until Armageddon, Jack is forced to go on the run, chased by the authorities, an obsessed god, demons of both the metaphorical and literal variety, and not the least of all... his own past.
To top it all off, the entire town’s collective memories have been haphazardly rewritten, and Jack's placement in these recollections are decidedly unflattering.
Fortunately, he has help. There’s Jerry - who’s always willing to lend a hand (or a sword-bat, if the situation calls for it). Rosa - who secretly contains the incredible powers of a dark god. And the new guy - a deadly doppelgänger with terrible people skills.
But Jack’s best efforts to stay out of trouble are torn asunder when a serial killer emerges in his small town, leaving a trail of clues that points straight to him. Too bad his best hope of clearing his name, the new sheriff Amy O'Brien, had all her memories of their friendship completely erased.
And worst of all? Jack's high school reunion is right around the corner - just in time for the prophesied end of the world.
With days left until Armageddon, Jack is forced to go on the run, chased by the authorities, an obsessed god, demons of both the metaphorical and literal variety, and not the least of all... his own past.
465 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2022
370 people are currently reading
1445 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
April 18, 2022
It is the end for this series? It felt that way...maybe. If it was, it was a satisfying end. Volume four is most definitely as funny as its predecessors.
What's the plan? Murder? Surprise party? Surprise murder party?
There were so many memorable moments in this book. So many laugh out loud, weird, mysterious, and downright ridiculous passages that will force me to reread (or probably listen to the audiobook when it comes out) again in the future. And the footnotes by Jerry was an added touch of brilliance. A must read for anyone who likes low-brow comedy in their cosmic horror.
What's the plan? Murder? Surprise party? Surprise murder party?
There were so many memorable moments in this book. So many laugh out loud, weird, mysterious, and downright ridiculous passages that will force me to reread (or probably listen to the audiobook when it comes out) again in the future. And the footnotes by Jerry was an added touch of brilliance. A must read for anyone who likes low-brow comedy in their cosmic horror.
March 22, 2022
The Best Book Ever Written
Jack Townsend has written a book future scholars will regard as the turning point for humanity. Wars? Disease? Famine? They all fade to obscurity in the wake of this story. The part where Jack & Jerry to an improv Dirty Dancing routine that ends with both holding up a glowing baby Rita will inspire countless religions. Anyone who does not but this book is admitting to the world that they cannot read. Jack Townsend is the prophet of a new humanity. By reading this book you become one with the pain gravy and drift blissfully into the service of a Dark God.
Jack Townsend has written a book future scholars will regard as the turning point for humanity. Wars? Disease? Famine? They all fade to obscurity in the wake of this story. The part where Jack & Jerry to an improv Dirty Dancing routine that ends with both holding up a glowing baby Rita will inspire countless religions. Anyone who does not but this book is admitting to the world that they cannot read. Jack Townsend is the prophet of a new humanity. By reading this book you become one with the pain gravy and drift blissfully into the service of a Dark God.
March 22, 2022
The end
This is the end! The end is nigh! The end is nigh! And its satisfying and funny and informative and weirdly cozy. Don't ask about that last one, i can't really explain it. But a lot of us have been along for the ride since before the books actually started getting to print. These characters live in our souls. And i have to admit, i did a lot of screaming while reading this one. For things i called (not much), things i should have seen coming (probably more than i want to admit), and for things i was absolutely blindsided by (omg so many). Its sad the story is done, but it was a great ride. Not that we won't bug the author for more in the coming years because we might. But we get it, this is just the closing of one door. ❤️ Thanks Jack!
This is the end! The end is nigh! The end is nigh! And its satisfying and funny and informative and weirdly cozy. Don't ask about that last one, i can't really explain it. But a lot of us have been along for the ride since before the books actually started getting to print. These characters live in our souls. And i have to admit, i did a lot of screaming while reading this one. For things i called (not much), things i should have seen coming (probably more than i want to admit), and for things i was absolutely blindsided by (omg so many). Its sad the story is done, but it was a great ride. Not that we won't bug the author for more in the coming years because we might. But we get it, this is just the closing of one door. ❤️ Thanks Jack!
August 11, 2025
«This moment was a good one. It was safe. It was happy. And like all moments, it was temporary.»
آخرین جلد یکی از باحالترین و عجیبترین مجموعههایی که خوندم^^
دلم برای جک، جری، رزا، اوبرایان و موجودات عجیب و بامزهای که باهاشون میجنگیدن تنگ میشه.
با اینکه با این جلد بهم خوش گذشت ولی به نظرم خوبه که جلد آخره، چون حس میکنم نویسنده داشت داستان رو یکم زیادی کش میداد.
به همه ی پلاتلاینها از جلد اول تا اینجا اشاره شد و من خیلیاشونو یادم نبود اصلا، و برای همین فوتنوتهای جری رو دوست داشتم، چون یکم کمک میکرد یادم بیاد چه اتفاقهایی افتاده بودن و چه شخصیتهایی چیکار کرده بودن.
السو تو این جلد اینقدر اتفاقات عجیب زیادی افتادن که حس میکنم داستان از چیز خاصی که دو جلد اول بودن خیلییی فاصله گرفته بود. یادمه دو جلد اول انگار داشتی درباره ی یه مرد بدبخت بیخواب تو یه پمپ بنزین سرد و ساکت و تاریک میخوندی، ولی این جلد مثل یکی از اون سریالهای فانتزی نتفلیکس شده بود😭
اینطوری نبود که ازش بدم بیاد، ولی حین خوندنش در حال واو کردن هم نبودم. به عنوان پایان مجموعه اوکی بود.
پ. ن: قبل از اینکه این جلد رو شروع کنید صفحه ی آخرش رو بخونید تا بدونید پایانش چطوریه که آخرش یهو شوک نشید :)
آخرین جلد یکی از باحالترین و عجیبترین مجموعههایی که خوندم^^
دلم برای جک، جری، رزا، اوبرایان و موجودات عجیب و بامزهای که باهاشون میجنگیدن تنگ میشه.
با اینکه با این جلد بهم خوش گذشت ولی به نظرم خوبه که جلد آخره، چون حس میکنم نویسنده داشت داستان رو یکم زیادی کش میداد.
به همه ی پلاتلاینها از جلد اول تا اینجا اشاره شد و من خیلیاشونو یادم نبود اصلا، و برای همین فوتنوتهای جری رو دوست داشتم، چون یکم کمک میکرد یادم بیاد چه اتفاقهایی افتاده بودن و چه شخصیتهایی چیکار کرده بودن.
السو تو این جلد اینقدر اتفاقات عجیب زیادی افتادن که حس میکنم داستان از چیز خاصی که دو جلد اول بودن خیلییی فاصله گرفته بود. یادمه دو جلد اول انگار داشتی درباره ی یه مرد بدبخت بیخواب تو یه پمپ بنزین سرد و ساکت و تاریک میخوندی، ولی این جلد مثل یکی از اون سریالهای فانتزی نتفلیکس شده بود😭
اینطوری نبود که ازش بدم بیاد، ولی حین خوندنش در حال واو کردن هم نبودم. به عنوان پایان مجموعه اوکی بود.
پ. ن: قبل از اینکه این جلد رو شروع کنید صفحه ی آخرش رو بخونید تا بدونید پایانش چطوریه که آخرش یهو شوک نشید :)
April 15, 2022
Do you like weird lit? Do you have a sense of humor? Read this entire series, it does not disappoint.
P.S. Make sure to read the last page first so it all makes sense.
P.S. Make sure to read the last page first so it all makes sense.
April 3, 2022
Weird and wonderful book, the best ending I can imagine to a quirky, smart, fun series. I will miss Jack, Rosa, Jerry, O'Brien and the rest, and I'll always wonder what new adventures they found, with Gaston in tow. I seriously hopr this isn't the last we hear from Jack Townsend.
April 6, 2022
Another brilliant installment in the Gas Station saga! This book was super fun to read. The Jerry footnotes were a great touch. He is my favorite.
August 11, 2024
Great conclusion
A great conclusion of everything so far. I do hope that there will be more. A very enjoyable comedy horror series.
A great conclusion of everything so far. I do hope that there will be more. A very enjoyable comedy horror series.
July 7, 2022
I'm glad that this is the final book of the series because I don't think it could have been stretched out much further. I've thoroughly enjoyed Tales From the Gas Station and I think it has risen far, far above its beginnings as a creepypasta thread. But it has run its course and this last book felt like it was bulging at the seams trying to tie together all of the crazy cannon from the 3 previous novels.
For me, cramming this much zaniness into one novel stretched my suspension of disbelief past its breaking point. This series has gone from a blasé night shift clerk handling all of the weirdness that happens at the gas station at the edge of town to the wacky, world-ending adventures of Jack & Co. And it's lost some of its charm in the process.
The Brick Roscoes, the Akyaks, Kieffer, Spencer Middleton, the doppelgängers, the dark god, Jack's "biggest fan", the Russian Radio - ALL of it and more makes a return here. I'm tempted to say that no plot thread is left dangling but man, there have been so many that I'm not sure how accurate that statement would be. It's a good thing that Jack decided to include footnotes in this volume because some readers are going to find it difficult to remember every single character and event that has led to this point.
In the end, this was a satisfying conclusion. It didn't disappoint but it didn't "wow" me, either. While none of the books in the series managed to garner a 5-star review from me, I obviously enjoyed them enough that I kept on reading them, almost one after another. And I'll probably re-read them at some point. Tales From the Gas Station has reminded me that, above all, reading should be fun.
For me, cramming this much zaniness into one novel stretched my suspension of disbelief past its breaking point. This series has gone from a blasé night shift clerk handling all of the weirdness that happens at the gas station at the edge of town to the wacky, world-ending adventures of Jack & Co. And it's lost some of its charm in the process.
The Brick Roscoes, the Akyaks, Kieffer, Spencer Middleton, the doppelgängers, the dark god, Jack's "biggest fan", the Russian Radio - ALL of it and more makes a return here. I'm tempted to say that no plot thread is left dangling but man, there have been so many that I'm not sure how accurate that statement would be. It's a good thing that Jack decided to include footnotes in this volume because some readers are going to find it difficult to remember every single character and event that has led to this point.
In the end, this was a satisfying conclusion. It didn't disappoint but it didn't "wow" me, either. While none of the books in the series managed to garner a 5-star review from me, I obviously enjoyed them enough that I kept on reading them, almost one after another. And I'll probably re-read them at some point. Tales From the Gas Station has reminded me that, above all, reading should be fun.
July 20, 2024
I took this one slow, allowing myself only a few pages a day, because I never wanted it to end. I haven't had this much fun reading a series since The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
A total blast.
But a better name for this final instalment could have been 'Tales AWAY from the Gas Station', because most of the book took place away from the gas station.
A total blast.
But a better name for this final instalment could have been 'Tales AWAY from the Gas Station', because most of the book took place away from the gas station.
November 13, 2022
I had no idea this was going to be the last in the series. For some reason, I assumed it was still going, so imagine my surprise when I realised we were going into the big bad boss fight.
But that also comes with the question, does this book give us a conclusion that is satisfying?
To that I would say.... yes and no? Anyone who read any of this series would know that's probably the most you can expect from the story. It's weird. Not all of the pieces make sense and a lot of it is based on the fact that you can't trust Jack's perception of reality. Then we have Jerry, who also can't be trusted, albeit for completely different reasons.
Even still, I wasn't 100% happy. I feel like the fact this was based on some kind of a web serial plays a role in it. A bunch of it was probably random ideas that didn't always end up working in the grand scheme of the narrative, but by then it was too late to retcon everything. I get that. I understand. Yet I still feel like the very end was just a little anticlimactic.
It shouldn't be a surprise. It works with how this story works. Besides, I usually feel the same way about most horror stories. The atmosphere and mystery is what I like. The solution is usually kind of... meh?
At the end we have some chapters with the backstories of characters. God, that was so annoying. They were all so serious and supposedly emotional, but they felt tonally whacky, mismatched and absolutely forced. Like the author suddenly felt like he needed to make you understand these people who kept doing absolutely stupid shit all this time were actually tragic victims of their circumstances.
This plays into another thing I didn't understand about the series.
The interesting this about this book series is that the baseline of weird for the characters is crazy. They can see mutant raccoons and not be bothered. Handplants? Cool cool. Cosmic horror and body snatchers still make them say "wait what", but even that is way below how you and I would react. This is just that kind of a place. Murder and death abound.
Then they lose their shit because a character offers tequila because Rosa is a Latina. It really felt like the author just needed to virtue signal just a little. My issue was the same with Calvin Ambrose. We had to make a polo-shit-khakhi-shorts huwite man character who is suddenly racist and that is FREAKY, but the fact this whole town is mega fucked is... fine? It's so inconsistent when the characters are supposedly unflappable because everything about this is bonkers.
The very end has some clever misdirection and the author obviously knows half the books made no sense, which is good. I like to see that.
I just can't say I am really happy with this whole thing.
The series at a whole is a 14/20 stars, which sounds realistic. Yeah. I am good with that.
But that also comes with the question, does this book give us a conclusion that is satisfying?
To that I would say.... yes and no? Anyone who read any of this series would know that's probably the most you can expect from the story. It's weird. Not all of the pieces make sense and a lot of it is based on the fact that you can't trust Jack's perception of reality. Then we have Jerry, who also can't be trusted, albeit for completely different reasons.
Even still, I wasn't 100% happy. I feel like the fact this was based on some kind of a web serial plays a role in it. A bunch of it was probably random ideas that didn't always end up working in the grand scheme of the narrative, but by then it was too late to retcon everything. I get that. I understand. Yet I still feel like the very end was just a little anticlimactic.
It shouldn't be a surprise. It works with how this story works. Besides, I usually feel the same way about most horror stories. The atmosphere and mystery is what I like. The solution is usually kind of... meh?
At the end we have some chapters with the backstories of characters. God, that was so annoying. They were all so serious and supposedly emotional, but they felt tonally whacky, mismatched and absolutely forced. Like the author suddenly felt like he needed to make you understand these people who kept doing absolutely stupid shit all this time were actually tragic victims of their circumstances.
This plays into another thing I didn't understand about the series.
The interesting this about this book series is that the baseline of weird for the characters is crazy. They can see mutant raccoons and not be bothered. Handplants? Cool cool. Cosmic horror and body snatchers still make them say "wait what", but even that is way below how you and I would react. This is just that kind of a place. Murder and death abound.
Then they lose their shit because a character offers tequila because Rosa is a Latina. It really felt like the author just needed to virtue signal just a little. My issue was the same with Calvin Ambrose. We had to make a polo-shit-khakhi-shorts huwite man character who is suddenly racist and that is FREAKY, but the fact this whole town is mega fucked is... fine? It's so inconsistent when the characters are supposedly unflappable because everything about this is bonkers.
The very end has some clever misdirection and the author obviously knows half the books made no sense, which is good. I like to see that.
I just can't say I am really happy with this whole thing.
The series at a whole is a 14/20 stars, which sounds realistic. Yeah. I am good with that.
March 26, 2022
Phenomenal!
I couldn’t imagine a better send off for the gas station crew. I will admit my favorite side story was of Spencer and Keifer which was a huge surprise. Honestly, I feel like this book was written made it so that you wouldn’t understand what could be spoilers and what was absolute nonsense. (Which I wouldn’t have any other way!)
Buy the series, it was so worth it. One of my favorites by far.
I couldn’t imagine a better send off for the gas station crew. I will admit my favorite side story was of Spencer and Keifer which was a huge surprise. Honestly, I feel like this book was written made it so that you wouldn’t understand what could be spoilers and what was absolute nonsense. (Which I wouldn’t have any other way!)
Buy the series, it was so worth it. One of my favorites by far.
December 6, 2022
Can’t believe it’s over… I’m very sad the story has come to an end, but because I am a very smart, reasonable, awesome, good-looking, smart, cool person, I’m happy for Jack, and am satisfied with the journey we’ve taken together.
March 24, 2022
Great story
Glad we got to get more backstory on my favorite characters. Just missing the most badass sheriff in town. Jerry’s background somehow made me love him even more. Also, can we get a book of just Jerry’s footnotes? I loved them! I’m sad that this book seems like the end but I hope we get some spin-offs at least. Not ready to let the gang go entirely.
Glad we got to get more backstory on my favorite characters. Just missing the most badass sheriff in town. Jerry’s background somehow made me love him even more. Also, can we get a book of just Jerry’s footnotes? I loved them! I’m sad that this book seems like the end but I hope we get some spin-offs at least. Not ready to let the gang go entirely.
March 23, 2023
Once too often to the well
It grieves me to say, volume 4 of the series of books was not nearly so entertaining as the first three. I enjoyed the series, but this 4th installment felt disjointed and incoherent. As a result, I did not enjoy this offering.
It grieves me to say, volume 4 of the series of books was not nearly so entertaining as the first three. I enjoyed the series, but this 4th installment felt disjointed and incoherent. As a result, I did not enjoy this offering.
April 12, 2022
A perfect ending to one of the best series I have ever read.
January 31, 2023
“You’re never really all the way dead if people still remember you.”
Omg I definitely need to hold Mr. Carrots the emotional support bunny now! The last book of one of my most favorite series and it did not disappoint one bit. Am I sitting here crying real tears about a book series that includes fart jokes, murderous gnomes, talking puppets, amputations, a dilapidated gas station, insomnia, cosmic evils, and a murder cult? You betcha!
This series is extremely underrated especially if you are a fan of dark humor and cosmic horror. This very strange book series has some of the most wonderful characters to ever appear in fiction. I love Jack, Sheriff O’Brien, Rosa, Sabine, Vanessa, and of course Jerry, with all my heart and soul. At the end of the day this is really a story of love, friendship, forgiveness, love, redemption, and starting over. I will love these characters forever and won’t lie, when I’ve had hard times, this series has been my go to read. Thank you Mr. Townsend for creating this world and these characters that will forever be a part of my psyche. I know all good things must end, and I appreciate the end you gave us.
“Goodbye, Jack. It’s been mediocre knowing you.”
Omg I definitely need to hold Mr. Carrots the emotional support bunny now! The last book of one of my most favorite series and it did not disappoint one bit. Am I sitting here crying real tears about a book series that includes fart jokes, murderous gnomes, talking puppets, amputations, a dilapidated gas station, insomnia, cosmic evils, and a murder cult? You betcha!
This series is extremely underrated especially if you are a fan of dark humor and cosmic horror. This very strange book series has some of the most wonderful characters to ever appear in fiction. I love Jack, Sheriff O’Brien, Rosa, Sabine, Vanessa, and of course Jerry, with all my heart and soul. At the end of the day this is really a story of love, friendship, forgiveness, love, redemption, and starting over. I will love these characters forever and won’t lie, when I’ve had hard times, this series has been my go to read. Thank you Mr. Townsend for creating this world and these characters that will forever be a part of my psyche. I know all good things must end, and I appreciate the end you gave us.
“Goodbye, Jack. It’s been mediocre knowing you.”
January 27, 2023
I absolutely love these books! The ending was great. Its hard to put down. I need MORE!
August 10, 2025
I have no words to describe how much I’m in love with this series ❤️
In this book, we finally get a glimpse into the backstory of some of the characters, and I’m absolutely loving it!
I truly hope the author publishes more books so we can join them on their new adventures.
In this book, we finally get a glimpse into the backstory of some of the characters, and I’m absolutely loving it!
I truly hope the author publishes more books so we can join them on their new adventures.
January 8, 2024
- MC: Jack
- POVs Included: Single Male POV (Jack)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Jack and his friends are coming down to the final showdown with their biggest foe yet. With imminent doom on the horizon, Jack must search his memories for clues as to how to defeat Roger and save the world.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
In this final installment we have a lot going on to wrap things up. I'm not entirely happy with how everything turned out, but I didn't hate it either.
I still don't like how the ending of book 3 left us wondering who is real and who is a mimic. I'm still a little confused as to what a mimic even is. Because it seems like mostly everyone is one now and that's okay, I guess? I don't know what to make of that.
But in this one there is a lot going on. Frankly it all felt rather disjointed and hard to follow. He is somehow seeing other people's memories (Rose, Jerry, O'Brian), etc. Things about his life are different than we were told in the past. Enemies are now friends for unknown reasons. I just found it all very confusing.
Aside from that, my favorite character in the series (Jerry) is gone for a good portion of the book. O'Brian doesn't even remember Jack at all for most of the book. Everything is just weird.
In the end, the gas station is obliterated and Jack, Jerry, and Rosa hit the road in a van to solve mysteries.
I kind of wanted this to be a series that ended where it began. Like with the gas station being back to "old normal", but the main characters are there together and out of danger. I'm sad it's gone because it was like a character in and of itself. So it's a little bittersweet that it's gone.
Overall it's been a fun series. But this final book didn't have the kind of laughs as the first books. I highly recommend the first two books in the series which are fun and enjoyable. After that I still liked the characters, but the story went a little off the rails.
- POVs Included: Single Male POV (Jack)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Jack and his friends are coming down to the final showdown with their biggest foe yet. With imminent doom on the horizon, Jack must search his memories for clues as to how to defeat Roger and save the world.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
In this final installment we have a lot going on to wrap things up. I'm not entirely happy with how everything turned out, but I didn't hate it either.
I still don't like how the ending of book 3 left us wondering who is real and who is a mimic. I'm still a little confused as to what a mimic even is. Because it seems like mostly everyone is one now and that's okay, I guess? I don't know what to make of that.
But in this one there is a lot going on. Frankly it all felt rather disjointed and hard to follow. He is somehow seeing other people's memories (Rose, Jerry, O'Brian), etc. Things about his life are different than we were told in the past. Enemies are now friends for unknown reasons. I just found it all very confusing.
Aside from that, my favorite character in the series (Jerry) is gone for a good portion of the book. O'Brian doesn't even remember Jack at all for most of the book. Everything is just weird.
In the end, the gas station is obliterated and Jack, Jerry, and Rosa hit the road in a van to solve mysteries.
I kind of wanted this to be a series that ended where it began. Like with the gas station being back to "old normal", but the main characters are there together and out of danger. I'm sad it's gone because it was like a character in and of itself. So it's a little bittersweet that it's gone.
Overall it's been a fun series. But this final book didn't have the kind of laughs as the first books. I highly recommend the first two books in the series which are fun and enjoyable. After that I still liked the characters, but the story went a little off the rails.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2022
ending
I am uncertain why this book feels less finished than the first three.
I enjoyed it but it seemed almost as though “I have to wrap this up.”
I still enjoyed it.
I am uncertain why this book feels less finished than the first three.
I enjoyed it but it seemed almost as though “I have to wrap this up.”
I still enjoyed it.
December 17, 2023
3,5⭐ Perfectly unhinged and fun, though sadly I didn't enjoy this nearly as much as I did the previous three
June 25, 2025
Holy cow, I finally made it to the end! And it was just as goofy/gory/satisfying as I hoped it would be. And the epilogue for those who skip to the end was epic…. poor Jerry though ‘cause that must have hurt, though it certainly fit him.
So the Day of Destruction via Karen FINALLY arrives. The answers are there… most of them anyway (seriously, did you think there could possibly be an answer for every little thing?) but the answers given are just as oddball as you think- but my MK Ultra experiment was sadly a no…. somewhat? I mean there’s a load of drugs involved, just not dispensed by anyone in charge of anything.
Jack’s nose is broken a bajillion more times and other body parts are threatened, but then at least that’s been on par with the rest of the series- Jack and bodily damage are pretty much synonymous here. Even the head in the cooler gets an explanation (yay!) and it’s one I can live with… but maybe Rosa still has the Dark God along to round out the gang?
And the real finale- I just wish Sabine could have somehow become part of the Scooby gang riding off in the Mystery Machine- but then that was never going to be, was it? Sabine herself kept preparing Jack over and over that no miracle was going to bring her back. A girl could always hope, but, by the end, having witnessed the truth behind who they were together kind of tarnished the brightness of that apple anyway.
Jerry still tickles my funny bone with every scene and I adore that chemically elevated weirdo, and Benji…. I love Benji! Thank you real Jack for creating yahoos like Jerry and Benji. I do, however, worry a bit at how much you destroy your fictional counterpart.
You might not want to do as I did and binge read the series as that is a lot of violence Jack goes through- thank goodness his mind often tends to forget just how badly he’s injured- until it’s reminded again. Seriously, ouch!
Still, as madcap as this storyline is, I enjoyed it a lot for the most part… it just got too zany at times and I had to take a break. I would give other works by Mr. Townsend a try. Wait… oh crap, a side story with Jack? Just downloaded Bedside Manor!!!!! And another featuring the gas station with a different cast and a bug storm? Yup, just downloaded Green Knight as well!
So the Day of Destruction via Karen FINALLY arrives. The answers are there… most of them anyway (seriously, did you think there could possibly be an answer for every little thing?) but the answers given are just as oddball as you think- but my MK Ultra experiment was sadly a no…. somewhat? I mean there’s a load of drugs involved, just not dispensed by anyone in charge of anything.
Jack’s nose is broken a bajillion more times and other body parts are threatened, but then at least that’s been on par with the rest of the series- Jack and bodily damage are pretty much synonymous here. Even the head in the cooler gets an explanation (yay!) and it’s one I can live with… but maybe Rosa still has the Dark God along to round out the gang?
And the real finale- I just wish Sabine could have somehow become part of the Scooby gang riding off in the Mystery Machine- but then that was never going to be, was it? Sabine herself kept preparing Jack over and over that no miracle was going to bring her back. A girl could always hope, but, by the end, having witnessed the truth behind who they were together kind of tarnished the brightness of that apple anyway.
Jerry still tickles my funny bone with every scene and I adore that chemically elevated weirdo, and Benji…. I love Benji! Thank you real Jack for creating yahoos like Jerry and Benji. I do, however, worry a bit at how much you destroy your fictional counterpart.
You might not want to do as I did and binge read the series as that is a lot of violence Jack goes through- thank goodness his mind often tends to forget just how badly he’s injured- until it’s reminded again. Seriously, ouch!
Still, as madcap as this storyline is, I enjoyed it a lot for the most part… it just got too zany at times and I had to take a break. I would give other works by Mr. Townsend a try. Wait… oh crap, a side story with Jack? Just downloaded Bedside Manor!!!!! And another featuring the gas station with a different cast and a bug storm? Yup, just downloaded Green Knight as well!
August 17, 2025
“At the edge of our town, on the opposite side of the ruins of the old chemical plant, beyond the twisted trees of dubious origin, just past the newly formed Goose Creek Tributary, there's a magnificent crater in the earth where there once stood a shitty little gas station.”
What a ride, what a journey, what an adventure. Every volume had something to offer; new jokes, new enemies, plot twists and revelations.
The comedy was just brilliant, haven’t laughed this much in a while.
The characters had so much personality and were so likable (most of them xd). Each one of them will live forever in my heart and soul!
I can’t really explain how much fun I had while reading this.
Thank you so much Jack!
What a ride, what a journey, what an adventure. Every volume had something to offer; new jokes, new enemies, plot twists and revelations.
The comedy was just brilliant, haven’t laughed this much in a while.
The characters had so much personality and were so likable (most of them xd). Each one of them will live forever in my heart and soul!
I can’t really explain how much fun I had while reading this.
Thank you so much Jack!
August 11, 2022
All good things come to an end
I literally just finished reading the book, but I already know this series is going to leave me with one of the worst book hangovers.
I'm already wondering if this will really be the last time I read about Jack, Jerry, Rosa, or O'Brien. I'm going to wonder what craziness they're up to in the future and pissed that I'm missing out on it.
This volume focuses more on Jack and Rosa's adventure, and tying up some loose ends with questions we've all been wondering since Volume 1. It does a deep dive into different memories from different characters including showing us more of Sabine.
I feel happy with the ending to the series. It was left open enough in case our author decides to revisit our characters one day, but closed enough to be fulfilled.
......Except for the gnomes?!
Overall:
Vol 1 - 5⭐
Vol 2 - 5⭐
Vol 3 - 4.5⭐
Vol 4 - 5⭐
I literally just finished reading the book, but I already know this series is going to leave me with one of the worst book hangovers.
I'm already wondering if this will really be the last time I read about Jack, Jerry, Rosa, or O'Brien. I'm going to wonder what craziness they're up to in the future and pissed that I'm missing out on it.
This volume focuses more on Jack and Rosa's adventure, and tying up some loose ends with questions we've all been wondering since Volume 1. It does a deep dive into different memories from different characters including showing us more of Sabine.
I feel happy with the ending to the series. It was left open enough in case our author decides to revisit our characters one day, but closed enough to be fulfilled.
......Except for the gnomes?!
Overall:
Vol 1 - 5⭐
Vol 2 - 5⭐
Vol 3 - 4.5⭐
Vol 4 - 5⭐
February 4, 2023
A step in the right direction after Volume Three had a few choices I didn't think really helped the story. Jack Townsend has brought life into several characters and continues to blend sci-fi, horror, and comedy in a way I've only ever seen done by David Wong before now. Can't wait for the audiobook to be done so I can hear MrCreepyPasta bring Jack to life again.
August 31, 2025
I’m pretty sure this will be the last of the series and I think all 4 books are great, the quality never really dropped. The end was satisfying and there was plenty of lovecraftian horror and comedy. There aren’t many books I’ve found that combine the two (combine them and still be good, anyway) but all of these hit the mark. Highly recommend if that premise sounds interesting.
September 3, 2022
I liked the ending, but I felt like the book was too long. There were some slower parts that dragged a bit and some of the charm wore off for me. I loved Jerry’s footnotes!
April 2, 2023
love love love. Amazing fluent writing, amazing background stories
January 27, 2025
UBER KAREN FTW
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