Nine is the number of children my mother had,” Geraldine said. “And her mother…and I just…” She paused. There was a quiver in her bottom lip that she struggled to subdue. “I just wanted to know what it was like to be her for a day. Just a day.” Greg’s oldest son, Bobby, entered his line of vision. A massive, Chinese-style dragon was imprinted atop his yellow skateboard. He was sliding sideways in a 50/50 grind position. The momentum he’d gathered prior to his ollie was enough that it impressively brought him down the remainder of the street curb. Right. I promise, I’m getting to it in a moment. But before we can divulge any further details, I need each of you to confirm, as promised when given your retainer fee, that you haven’t spoken a word of this to anyone. Without the anonymity of this event firmly in place, your participation is useless to us. If your presence here today has been discussed with anyone outside of those present, then the integrity of this event has been compromised and we cannot proceed. I need a verbal confirmation that none of you have discussed this with anyone.” In the room, she was blind to the typical surroundings that saddened her. The dark reality that she was doomed to remain alone. Within the hall of mirrors, she was able to lose herself in her anatomy, and also immerse herself enough to reminisce about the origin of those feelings. Okay, then. I want to assure you that all of the playground equipment has been tested countless times over by multiple CPSIs. It’s essentially—”

Additionally, Mr. Keene’s classic, coming-of-age horror tale Ghoul was a point of reference for Playground. I’ve never written so many child characters in a novel previously, and the realism and detail of Mr. Keene’s characters in Ghoul helped me remember what it was like to be a kid again. Three low-income families have been given a handsome retainer to join Geraldine Borden for a day at her cliffside estate. All the parents must do to collect the rest of their money is allow their children to test out the revolutionary playground equipment Geraldine has been working on for decades. But there’s a reason the structures in the bowels of her gothic castle have taken so long to develop—they were never meant to see the light of day. An extra special thanks to Brian Keene for all he’s done for the Extreme Horror & Splatterpunk Horror genres to keep the path open and relevant for future generations. She envisioned herself swimming with the best of them, or maybe competing in gymnastics which she’d taken an interest in recently. Tanya hoped that her mom might be asking her father about the lessons they’d discussed at the table that morning.At least he ain’t a faggot, Greg thought. It was all his warped, bigoted brain could find to be proud of. You almost ready? Mom says that we’ve gotta get going now if we’re gonna make it to that playground on time.”

The intimate memory was abruptly disturbed by the sound of tires slowly churning through the gravel.There was a look on Kip’s face like if he could’ve used his mouth to make a motorboat noise, he would’ve. Instead, he thanked his dad with little enthusiasm.

Isaac knew his dad was lying. Whenever Tom spoke, he didn’t mince words, but Isaac had come to understand if his father stuttered, the pause itself was the tell. It was a lie but he wasn’t sure why his father would fib about something so seemingly pointless.

He watched his oldest son, thirteen-year-old Bobby, get chased down by Greg’s pride and joy, CJ. He was certain CJ was going to be special from the moment he got his legs under him. The boy’s uncanny speed, muscularity, and intangible prowess were easy for the former athlete to see dollar signs behind. ONCE IN A LIFETIMEThree low-income families have been given a handsome retainer to join Geraldine Borden for a day at her cliffside estate. All the parents must do to collect the rest of their money is allow their children to test out the revolutionary playground equipment Geraldine has been working on for decades. But there’s a reason the structures in the bowels of her gothic castle have taken so long to develop–they were never meant to see the light of day.When a band of dysfunctional children is suddenly thrust into a diabolical realm of violence, they must grow up instantly to have a chance at survival. Will they find a way to put their differences aside, or be swallowed up by the insidious architecture all around them? and “With Playground, Aron Beauregard transcends himself, delivering a genuinely chilling, uncomfortable novel that will make even the most jaded horror fan squirm. A harrowing, relentless read that left me breathless. and “- Brian KeeneThis volume contains 15 interior illustrations.WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised. Playground by Aron Beauregard – eBook Details ONCE IN A LIFETIME Three low-income families have been given a handsome retainer to join Geraldine Borden for a day at her cliffside estate. All the parents must do to collect the rest of their money is allow their children to test out the revolutionary playground equipment Geraldine has been working on for decades. But there’s a reason the structures in the bowels of her gothic castle have taken so long to develop—they were never meant to see the light of day. What Lacey surmised was best mattered little to Tanya. She might’ve been young, but she was already old enough to understand that no one, not even the woman she came out of, was going to control her.