How Bad Things Can Get

· Black Owl Books
12 reviews
Ebook
414
Pages
Tools
Eligible

About this ebook

It was supposed to be the party of the century: miles of idyllic white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage...and a dark legend nobody dreamed might be all too true.

When an online influencer and several hundred of his most loyal fans land on Prosperity Island, the plan is simple: five days of elaborate games, drinking, and suntanned fun.

A week in paradise should have been a welcome respite. The only survivor of an infamous cult, Ruth wants nothing more than to keep her head down and not draw attention. She's spent decades outrunning her blood-soaked childhood, and her identity is a closely held secret.

But then the true history of the island is revealed…along with its sinister connection to Ruth's past. As guests go missing and games turn deadly, Ruth and the rest of the attendees are forced to question whether they've really been invited to paradise...or whether something much darker―and far bloodier―is waiting for them just beyond the bonfire's light.

It was supposed to be the party of the century: miles of idyllic white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage...and a dark legend nobody dreamed might be all too true. When an online influencer and several hundred of his most loyal fans land on Prosperity Island, the plan is simple: five days of elabo...

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Ratings and reviews

12 reviews
Sarah Lemler
November 29, 2025
Psychological thriller meets slasher flick. I was surprised that I really liked this book, because I was a little concerned that the "social influencers on a rich guy's island competing for money" part of the plot would be a turn off for me, but I've read Darcy Coates books in the past and always enjoyed them so I entered a Goodreads Sweepstakes for a free copy and won. This book is well written, suspenseful and held my attention from start to finish with a hint of mystery/thriller. TW: graphic violence, torture, self mutilation
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A J Moschette
July 14, 2026
An online influencer hosts an extravagant adventure trip for several hundred devoted fans on a remote island. Eton is well-loved for his games and charisma, and who wouldn’t want to spend 5 days on an uninhabited island with a generous host and a chance to win extravagant prizes?
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Erin Maher
September 3, 2025
Horribly and unnecessarily gory. Plot was lacking a lot as well. Bloody boring!
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About the author

Darcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels.

She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

Darcy Coates is the USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen horror and suspense novels. She lives in the Central Coast of Australia with her family, cat, and a collection of chickens. Her home is surrounded by rolling wilderness on all sides, and she wouldn't have it any other way.

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