The book I read for work last night kicked off with such promise. I was reminded of books such as A Secret History, Special Topics in Calamity Physics, and House of Leaves. I love books that combine gothic atmosphere, horror elements, and a story-within-a-story that might be more than just a story. Books that are occult, in the sense that they imply access to a hidden meaning if the reader can master the secret language that the author is employing beyond words. This particular book (can’t name it because it was for work) had all of that.

And then came the big reveal. And what did it all mean? Absolutely nothing! It was all a psychological experiment being conducted by an unethical grad student. Add that to the list of endings I never, ever want to see.

1. It was only a dream
2. I have been lying the whole time and none of this actually happened
3. I am being manipulated by an evil PhD candidate

What other bad endings are there? I’d love to hear what makes you throw a book against the wall in disgust like I did last night.