Mayhem Brayburn and her mother are on the run, not away from home, but back to it: Santa Maria, California, a beach town that looks like paradise, like carnival rides and street food and bikinis under the hot sun.

It’s where Mayhem has always wanted to be. It’s where generations of Brayburns have lived and thrived, and she has never understood what made her mother leave Santa Maria in favor of the arms of her abusive stepfather.

But when she befriends her aunt’s foster kids and they take her to their hideout, decades of secrets unravel, and Mayhem is thrust into a world of chaotic magic, a serial killer’s mind, and finally, even the answers to her own past.

Set in 1987, MAYHEM is a mashup of The Lost Boys and The Craft with a bit of the Manson family thrown in for good measure. It’s original, compelling, and a little bit rock-’n’-roll, and reading it will leave you feeling deliciously wicked.

my thoughts:

Estelle Laure’s “Mayhem” is an exceptionally powerful novel that left me thoroughly impressed. If this book is any indication of her talent, I am confident I will adore her other works as well.

While “Mayhem” begins at a pace slightly slower than my usual preference, my interest never waned. It boasts a uniquely crafted and well-rounded cast of characters whose stories I found utterly compelling. Mayhem and her mother have led a tumultuous life, and Mayhem’s search for a place to belong is central to the narrative. From the outset, the town of Santa Maria and the Brayburn family appear to be her perfect refuge. Admittedly, their initial secrecy regarding certain matters was frustrating, but once they fully welcomed and opened up to her, the integration felt seamless, as if she had always been a part of their family.

I will concede that the drug-related elements (understandable given the 1987 setting) weren’t entirely to my personal taste, though I recognized their role in the plot. Characters like Mayhem, Kidd, Neve, and Jason are forced to mature beyond their years, a reality starkly reflected in their sometimes questionable choices, such as experimenting with mushrooms. A few of the resulting surreal, “trippy” scenes were not my favorite, but this remains a minor critique in the grand scheme.

Regarding comparisons to “The Lost Boys” and “The Craft,” I cannot personally comment, having never seen either film. However, “Mayhem” stands firmly on its own merits. It skillfully blends elements of historical fiction, horror, and fantasy, offering a little something for every discerning reader.

Overall, “Mayhem” deviated from my typical reading choices, but I am delighted I ventured outside my comfort zone. This experience has certainly prompted me to explore more of Estelle Laure’s writing in the future.