The Traveling Movie Show

By: Robert Essig

Narrated by: John Wayne Comunale

It’s been said there’s no such thing as bad publicity, so when a man is murdered at the premiere of their debut film, Death Obsession, a small group of young filmmakers decide to make the best of a bad situation.

The Traveling Movie Show is a cross-country tour of the last drive-in theaters in America. A way to build buzz for a new horror film. But murder is close on their tails and fear of the tour being shut down has caused this misfit group to take fate into their own hands.

As they cover up each new death in each new town, they begin to turn on one another, wondering who the killer is. In the blistering heat of summer as they travel across the Midwest, they find out that some secrets weren’t meant to be kept. And sometimes killers are born of celluloid, dreams, and blood money.

©2025 Robert Essig (P)2025 Robert Essig

A Bizarre Blood-Splattered Road Trip

Four young adult characters, none of whom seem responsible or mature enough to safely care for a pet goldfish, somehow manage to write, produce, direct, and film an entire horror movie. They take it on the road to play at drive-ins across the country. What could go wrong?

Turns out, a lot—because people keep dying at the movie screening events.

I spent much of the time half laughing at the characters and half exasperated by them. The author does a nice job conveying their passion for the horror genre, their growing desperation for success, and their individual perspectives on the whole endeavor. This led to chapters from multiple points of view, which I found fun to read.

This is a bit of a zany romp through horror movie nostalgia, ambition gone wrong, and a lot of bad decisions. It’s more comedy-horror and bizarre than actually scary—you’ll laugh and cringe more than feel afraid.

The big plot twist near the story’s end seemed a little abrupt and out of left field to me, yet I found the ending satisfying enough that I didn’t mind. The narration was solid as well—the narrator did a nice job conveying the personality of each character with the tone of his voice. If you don’t take yourself too seriously, you’ll likely enjoy this one. The story was a quick read for me that left me wanting to try out the author’s other books.

Mystery Horror

This was different than his other work I’ve read, not as extreme but very nostalgic murder mystery horror.
The story is very captivating and keeps your attention. Great twists really keeps you on your toes.
Another great Essig horror. Also the narrator really did an amazing job!

Nostalgic Slasher!

Leo and his team of filmmakers decide that the best way to promote their horror movie, Death Obsession, is to travel across the country, showing the film at drive-in theaters. Complete with using old style film instead of going digital, Leo wants an authentic old school experience. But, when murders start to occur at each venue, things take a dark turn. They (mostly) agree that no publicity is bad publicity, so they go with the flow.

After the first body, they decide that they need to hide the evidence with the subsequent ones since it looks like someone (or something) is following them, murdering someone at each venue in a way portrayed on their movie. Soon, tempers flare, secrets are revealed and they find themselves fighting for their lives against an entity that can't be real.

This book was like a 1980's slasher film, complete with death and destruction in a nostalgic drive-in setting. The narrator did a great job and added a lot to my enjoyment. If you enjoy a good slasher, you will enjoy this quick read.

Great book

Love the 80’s vibe in this story. John Wayne Communale was the perfect narrator for this! Drive in theaters with murder combo what a blast.

A Good Slasher Type Story

The characters are good and interesting. Some you love to hate. I liked the story a lot but felt a bit confused at certain parts but overall enjoyed the experience!