Reviews

A Nightmare on Clown Street by R.L. Stine

msrcreation's review against another edition

3.5

Another creepy fun Goosebumps read. If you don’t like clowns this one is not for you. I will say I kind of wish this was from Deanna’s point of view. Nothing against Ray really but I think Deanna would have made the mystery of it all a bit more enjoyable being closer to the clown world. A tense and clown filled read that I had a great time with.

chydream's review against another edition

adventurous dark lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

pantehnreads's review against another edition

3.0

I wanted something short to read after my last book, so I picked this Middle Grade YA series I loved reading as a kid and young teen. I had never read this one before so went in with minimal expectations. It was pretty good, with a fun premise and honestly an explanation that surprised me. The main character is annoying, and of course an unreliable narrator as an impulsive 12 -13-year-old. The only thing scary about this book is the awesome cover art (if you are scared of creepy clowns). All in all, it was just what I needed. Short, sweet, fun and simple.

earlybirdie94's review against another edition

2.0

Usually I like these cheesy stories but this one just didn't interest me too much. I like the classic books better.

zorasorel's review

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

kba76's review against another edition

dark tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

The Goosebumps series passed me by, and my own kids never took much interest. My first experience with the written material, and I’m not sure what I think.
The storyline was quite basic, events fly by with little attempt to justify them and there is an over-reliance on dialogue. However, there’s a clear pacing, the story flies by and you root for the key character in his battle against evil.
While Ray’s trip to Clown Street, and his efforts to learn the art of clowning, didn’t quite go to plan the story keeps you reading. The final twist at the end relies on you recalling the punishment referred to earlier, but I could see it being a safe scare for younger readers.

briarsreviews's review against another edition

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

One of my goals as a reader is to pick up as many Goosebumps books as I can. I adored these books as a kid, and I just really want to keep enjoying them. I also love a good horror book or movie, so it's a natural fit! What can I say? I'm a Halloween kind of girl.

I had never heard of A Nightmare on Clown Street, but I do enjoy the reference to Elm Street...if you know, you know. From my understanding, this series brings the Most Wanted Goosebumps characters back into the limelight. Murder the Clown is the star here, but he's not the reason we are scared...

Ray Gordon is a kid who just wants to run off to the circus. Lucky for him, his Uncle Theo, who plays Murder the Clown, invites him to come join the clown circus he works at. As odd as it sounds, Ray is thrilled and off he goes to Clown Wonderland. The circus seems cool and fun, but there's a darkness lingering... and everyone wants to avoid "Clown Street." 

The ending was super creepy and weird and also not at all what I would expect from this book. It was definitely a surprise that moved into a science fiction ending rather than a psychopathic clown ending. It was okay but not exactly my favourite Goosebumps book to date. It just didn't feel like the clown horror book I was hoping for.

Two out of five stars.

yellowfox's review against another edition

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

jamie29's review against another edition

3.0

This book was interesting. I wasn't expecting a clown prison. Like what is going on here. Dang.

summerose's review against another edition

2.0

Usually I like these cheesy stories but this one just didn't interest me too much. I like the classic books better.