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Jinxed
Break a mirror
Walk under a ladder
Step on a crack
Innocent childhood superstitions …
But someone at the Trask Academy of Performing Arts is taking things one deadly step further when the campus is rocked with the deaths of some of its star students.
Layna Curtis, a talented, popular senior, soon realizes that the seemingly random, accidental deaths of her friends aren't random—or accidents—at all. Someone has taken the childhood games too far, using the idea of superstitions to dispose of their classmates. As Layna tries to convince people of her theory, she uncovers the terrifying notion that each escalating, gruesome murder leads closer to its final victim: her.
Will Layna's opening night also be her final bow?
Walk under a ladder
Step on a crack
Innocent childhood superstitions …
But someone at the Trask Academy of Performing Arts is taking things one deadly step further when the campus is rocked with the deaths of some of its star students.
Layna Curtis, a talented, popular senior, soon realizes that the seemingly random, accidental deaths of her friends aren't random—or accidents—at all. Someone has taken the childhood games too far, using the idea of superstitions to dispose of their classmates. As Layna tries to convince people of her theory, she uncovers the terrifying notion that each escalating, gruesome murder leads closer to its final victim: her.
Will Layna's opening night also be her final bow?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2018
37 people are currently reading
503 people want to read
About the author
Thommy Hutson
7 books53 followersThommy Hutson is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, and author.
He has written or produced film and television projects in multiple genres—holiday, thriller, horror, and documentary—that have aired on Netflix, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Lifetime, Hulu, Bio Channel, Starz, Syfy, Shudder, Chiller, and more. As an author, he has worked in holiday romance, YA horror/thriller, and non-fiction.
Entertainment Weekly, Filmmaker Magazine, Fangoria Magazine, Coverfly’s “Red List,” Screencraft’s Cinematic Book Awards, and more have featured him and his work. He also won a Saturn Award, Home Media Magazine’s Reaper Award, a BookFest Gold Medal in Holiday Romance, an International Book Awards Gold Medal in Horror, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal in Young Adult Horror. A member of the Producers Guild of America, Horror Writers Association, and The Writers’ Union of Canada, Thommy received his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, where he was a teaching assistant.
An aficionado of horror and teen movies from the 80s & 90s and a devotee of Christmas films, Thommy enjoys developing unique and compelling projects across multiple genres for film, television, publishing, and home entertainment.
He has written or produced film and television projects in multiple genres—holiday, thriller, horror, and documentary—that have aired on Netflix, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Lifetime, Hulu, Bio Channel, Starz, Syfy, Shudder, Chiller, and more. As an author, he has worked in holiday romance, YA horror/thriller, and non-fiction.
Entertainment Weekly, Filmmaker Magazine, Fangoria Magazine, Coverfly’s “Red List,” Screencraft’s Cinematic Book Awards, and more have featured him and his work. He also won a Saturn Award, Home Media Magazine’s Reaper Award, a BookFest Gold Medal in Holiday Romance, an International Book Awards Gold Medal in Horror, and a Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal in Young Adult Horror. A member of the Producers Guild of America, Horror Writers Association, and The Writers’ Union of Canada, Thommy received his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia, where he was a teaching assistant.
An aficionado of horror and teen movies from the 80s & 90s and a devotee of Christmas films, Thommy enjoys developing unique and compelling projects across multiple genres for film, television, publishing, and home entertainment.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
October 7, 2018
I received this book for free as part of an Instagram tour (TLC Book Tours specifically) I did to promote the book.
This book was a lot of fun.
It reminded me a lot of Scream (one of my favorite horror films) so of course I loved this book.
I loved the performing arts theme and how it was woven throughout the novel.
The storyline was slightly predictable, but that’s just because it’s a slasher, and they tend to follow the same basic pattern (there’s a killer, people die in gruesome ways, there’s the big reveal at the end, etc.). Also, the characters weren’t all that interesting, but once again that is typical of a slasher.
That being said, the endings of horror books tend to make or break them, and I was not disappointed by the ending of this book. The reveals at the end were good, but the epilogue really took it to the next level. The author ended the book perfectly.
As for the scare factor, this book isn’t that scary (I’m actually a pretty big scaredy cat and had no trouble reading this at night). The only word of caution I have is that there is some gore and violence (hello, it’s a slasher).
Overall, this is a great book to read if you are looking to get into the Halloween spirit and want to read a fun slasher.
This book was a lot of fun.
It reminded me a lot of Scream (one of my favorite horror films) so of course I loved this book.
I loved the performing arts theme and how it was woven throughout the novel.
The storyline was slightly predictable, but that’s just because it’s a slasher, and they tend to follow the same basic pattern (there’s a killer, people die in gruesome ways, there’s the big reveal at the end, etc.). Also, the characters weren’t all that interesting, but once again that is typical of a slasher.
That being said, the endings of horror books tend to make or break them, and I was not disappointed by the ending of this book. The reveals at the end were good, but the epilogue really took it to the next level. The author ended the book perfectly.
As for the scare factor, this book isn’t that scary (I’m actually a pretty big scaredy cat and had no trouble reading this at night). The only word of caution I have is that there is some gore and violence (hello, it’s a slasher).
Overall, this is a great book to read if you are looking to get into the Halloween spirit and want to read a fun slasher.
April 22, 2018
My Opinion:
I enjoyed this book! It was a fun read for me. We start our with a bunch of seniors in an elite high school that have to be the best in what they do, to be the top of their class. We get a tainted past of a death on the schools campus and then we are taken to years ahead and a new group of kids that are in that same spotlight. Lanya is at the center of all this. She has a new boyfriend Max that is constantly fighting off her old boyfriend because everytime she turns around her ex - Dillon is there. Then the deaths start happened. At first they think suicide but the friends quickly learn that this is not the case. They have to figure out what is going on.
I loved the names used in this book. Everytime I would see Crosby and Nancy's names I would think - Crosby, Stills and Nash. Dillon was Bob Dylan. Lanya was Eric Clapton's - Layla. Max was Mad Max etc. I don't know why I started thinking this with the book, but it made it more fun for me!
This is a mystery, murder tale and I totally enjoyed it. There are lots of pages in this book that make your heart flutter and say "Oh, NO!". I thought the writing was good and the book kept my interested from beginning to end, which I loved. Lanya's character was relatable but this attachment to her ex-boyfriend was a bit annoying and the bickering between him and Max was also - blah. But, I like the intensity of the killer and how things played out. I totally enjoyed reading this and would recommend this to others who like horror/thriller/mystery books. I really got a kick out of the ending. Get this one - it is worth reading!
I give this book 4 of 5 stars!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I thought I wasn't going to like this one...All I kept thinking everytime Crosby and Nancy names were used in the same sentence was Crosby, Stills and Nash..... Dillion as in Bob Dylan, Layna as in Eric Clapton's - Layla... It was weird, then I started thinking Alice was for Alice Cooper...It was just me, I am sure, but I did like this book. My full review is on April 16 for the blog! LOOK OUT!"
I enjoyed this book! It was a fun read for me. We start our with a bunch of seniors in an elite high school that have to be the best in what they do, to be the top of their class. We get a tainted past of a death on the schools campus and then we are taken to years ahead and a new group of kids that are in that same spotlight. Lanya is at the center of all this. She has a new boyfriend Max that is constantly fighting off her old boyfriend because everytime she turns around her ex - Dillon is there. Then the deaths start happened. At first they think suicide but the friends quickly learn that this is not the case. They have to figure out what is going on.
I loved the names used in this book. Everytime I would see Crosby and Nancy's names I would think - Crosby, Stills and Nash. Dillon was Bob Dylan. Lanya was Eric Clapton's - Layla. Max was Mad Max etc. I don't know why I started thinking this with the book, but it made it more fun for me!
This is a mystery, murder tale and I totally enjoyed it. There are lots of pages in this book that make your heart flutter and say "Oh, NO!". I thought the writing was good and the book kept my interested from beginning to end, which I loved. Lanya's character was relatable but this attachment to her ex-boyfriend was a bit annoying and the bickering between him and Max was also - blah. But, I like the intensity of the killer and how things played out. I totally enjoyed reading this and would recommend this to others who like horror/thriller/mystery books. I really got a kick out of the ending. Get this one - it is worth reading!
I give this book 4 of 5 stars!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"I thought I wasn't going to like this one...All I kept thinking everytime Crosby and Nancy names were used in the same sentence was Crosby, Stills and Nash..... Dillion as in Bob Dylan, Layna as in Eric Clapton's - Layla... It was weird, then I started thinking Alice was for Alice Cooper...It was just me, I am sure, but I did like this book. My full review is on April 16 for the blog! LOOK OUT!"
January 22, 2018
You know that horror movie where some shadowy figure is bludgeoning the students at a private ultra-elite school? You know the one, you sit there with your eyes closed through half of it, because, it is THAT gruesome, that “shock-a-fying.” Yet, there is no way you are NOT going to make it through to the ending. Welcome to that movie in words! And we all know the book is always better, because we create the scenes in our minds, we bring forth the evil.
JINXED by Thommy Hutson is the story of a dark secret from years before and it all revolves around Layna and Trask Academy of Performing Arts. When her friends begin dropping like flies, Layna becomes determined to find out who is behind these bloody murders and why all roads eventually point to her. Whoever is behind these murders has a connection to Layna, but she will be both shocked and repulsed when the lies she has been told all of her life turn into a nightmare that she has been destined to live all of her life.
Thommy Hutson adds just enough “dark and dramatic” to make the hairs on your neck stand on edge. There are no truly lovable characters, they all are privileged, soft and well, being students of the performing arts, very dramatic, competitive and superstitious. If you get queasy at the thought of blood and bludgeoning, turn back, kids. You have been warned. That said, if you like those movies where someone is always stupid enough to back into the dark building…read it, but beware, if the killer doesn’t get you the dark secrets might. Makes you realize that honesty is always the best policy…and maybe stay away from dark and lonely stages, too.
I received a complimentary ARC edition.
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (March 13, 2018)
Publication Date: March 13, 2018
Genre: YA | Horror
Print Length: 206 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
JINXED by Thommy Hutson is the story of a dark secret from years before and it all revolves around Layna and Trask Academy of Performing Arts. When her friends begin dropping like flies, Layna becomes determined to find out who is behind these bloody murders and why all roads eventually point to her. Whoever is behind these murders has a connection to Layna, but she will be both shocked and repulsed when the lies she has been told all of her life turn into a nightmare that she has been destined to live all of her life.
Thommy Hutson adds just enough “dark and dramatic” to make the hairs on your neck stand on edge. There are no truly lovable characters, they all are privileged, soft and well, being students of the performing arts, very dramatic, competitive and superstitious. If you get queasy at the thought of blood and bludgeoning, turn back, kids. You have been warned. That said, if you like those movies where someone is always stupid enough to back into the dark building…read it, but beware, if the killer doesn’t get you the dark secrets might. Makes you realize that honesty is always the best policy…and maybe stay away from dark and lonely stages, too.
I received a complimentary ARC edition.
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (March 13, 2018)
Publication Date: March 13, 2018
Genre: YA | Horror
Print Length: 206 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
March 20, 2018
T/W- Gore, Graphic Descriptions, Corpses
I was part of the promotional blog tour for this book, head over to my blog to see the full post as well as enter in a International giveaway!: https://marriedtobooksreviewsandblog....
Oh wow, Jinxed was a spookfest of a novel! I just love reading stories that are set in High Schools or Colleges and scary encounters happen (shouldn’t really say that since I’m going off to College/University later this year!) but this is definitely the perfect book as a Halloween read. Layna is a senior at a Academy for Performing Arts, well-known and well-liked until deadly things start happening around campus. Her closet friends get brutally murdered and she wants to uncover the truth. But in the process, she unlocks some horrific secrets about her past that makes her question everything that she knew about herself. The ending and the reveal about the killer was truly shocking and not what I expected at all which was a good thing. Some of the details about the murders are a little graphic, but the thrilling element was there. The pacing flowed well, the twist involving a playscript was really interesting to read about since I have a keen interest in that area. Overall, this novel was really well done with the fact that it left me totally creeped out so early in the morning!
I was part of the promotional blog tour for this book, head over to my blog to see the full post as well as enter in a International giveaway!: https://marriedtobooksreviewsandblog....
Oh wow, Jinxed was a spookfest of a novel! I just love reading stories that are set in High Schools or Colleges and scary encounters happen (shouldn’t really say that since I’m going off to College/University later this year!) but this is definitely the perfect book as a Halloween read. Layna is a senior at a Academy for Performing Arts, well-known and well-liked until deadly things start happening around campus. Her closet friends get brutally murdered and she wants to uncover the truth. But in the process, she unlocks some horrific secrets about her past that makes her question everything that she knew about herself. The ending and the reveal about the killer was truly shocking and not what I expected at all which was a good thing. Some of the details about the murders are a little graphic, but the thrilling element was there. The pacing flowed well, the twist involving a playscript was really interesting to read about since I have a keen interest in that area. Overall, this novel was really well done with the fact that it left me totally creeped out so early in the morning!
January 30, 2018
I loved this novel! The action and tension was solid and the scenes were written in such a way that I was able to "see" what was happening in my head. Amazing. I'll be looking for more by this author!!
February 20, 2018
I was sent a copy by the publishers in exchange for an honest review so thank you so much to them for providing me with this!
This book is set in a high school where some of the star actors of plays have been gruesomely murdered. This follows our main protagonist as she tries and figures out who isn't committing these murderes. She is also facing accusations of doing these crimes herself.
This book was such a fast quick read and I really enjoyed myself while reading this book although the characters weren't memeroable for me, the plot was so fantastic and dark that it encaptured me in the story.
This book is very underrated so if you do come across this book definitely go and check it out. I would describe it as High School Musical meets Scream.
This book is set in a high school where some of the star actors of plays have been gruesomely murdered. This follows our main protagonist as she tries and figures out who isn't committing these murderes. She is also facing accusations of doing these crimes herself.
This book was such a fast quick read and I really enjoyed myself while reading this book although the characters weren't memeroable for me, the plot was so fantastic and dark that it encaptured me in the story.
This book is very underrated so if you do come across this book definitely go and check it out. I would describe it as High School Musical meets Scream.
March 23, 2018
Reviewed on Lili Lost in a Book
It’s Spring Break in an elite boarding school on a secluded island right off of Seattle. Most everyone has gone home, but not Layna and her friends. Little do they know, someone is out to kill them. It’s too bad they’re stuck on the island with a murderer... with no way out.
I really enjoyed this book! There were some parts I absolutely loved, and some parts I didn’t care for. They mystery is one of the things that initially grabbed me. So the slight info dump at the beginning, I wasn’t a big fan of. I just wanted to get to the mystery which I found very intriguing. It kept me guessing all the way through the last chapter, which is something I always love in a book. I did end up guessing the killer by then end... mostly by process of elimination since we weren’t left with many suspects. Lol. But I did suspect them early on... which doesn’t say much because I literally suspected everyone! It was a good mystery! I did, however, make the connection between the kill in the event in the prologue and the present mystery. The last line of the prologue just made things so obvious once we met the characters in chapter one. I immediately knew who they were talking about!
Speaking of the character, I... well, I didn’t really care for them. I just could not connect with them, not even Layna. And look, it’s fine. I’m mostly here for the mystery, if I’m honest. Lol. every time we went into exposition and getting to know these characters just—
For example, in chapter 11 we learn a little bit about a teacher, something I didn’t care for. I just wanted more kills! And boy did I get them (more on that later)!
One thing I really, really didn’t care for was the Layna-Max-Dillon love triangle type of thing. I usually don't mind this teen drama stuff, but this? No thanks. At one point we get this dumb relationship stuff after a really great kill, and to be honest, I could not care less. I just wanted to get back in the action! More kills! More blood!
Blood, blood, bloooooooood,
Anyway, my disinterest in the relationship stuff is probably due to the boys. Layna’s current boyfriend, Max, in one instance, objectifies her...
Yeah, no thanks. But there's also Dillon, the ex. At first I felt bad for the way Layna’s friends treated him, but he really is a creeper! He follows Layna around in a stalker-y way, and then the end...
I can see why he gave off weird vibes.
I want to talk about the blood now.
The kills?
They were amazing! They were gory and descriptive, and I absolutely loved it! We actually got the POV of the murder victims as they were being killed, and just—so much yes! It made me squirm and I loved it! So, if you don’t like gory horror, I’m sorry. That was definitely my favorite part of the book! The scenes were just so well written and descriptive and suspenseful! And the victims put up a great fight, which I liked! They really tried their hardest to stay alive—the killer certainly had a hard time subduing a bunch of teenagers. Lol.
Speaking of the killer, I actually suspected someone early on, but dismissed it quickly because it was just too obvious. Turns out the obvious choice was the right choice. Lol. As for the plot twist regarding the reasoning why Layna’s friends were being killed... not that surprised. It gave me serious Fear Street vibes. It was the exact motive from Halloween Party ! Had I not read that book previously, this reveal would’ve been more satisfying.
Let’s talk about the ending, because I just loved it! At first I was kind of confused by it—the epilogue. After everything that went down, the killing, the family secrets... where is the trauma that was suffered?! WHERE?! As a nurse, I had a hard time believing the character wasn’t having a hard time. It was all about the rewards and fame, or whatever. Trauma, where?! But then we come to the last page...
I absolutely loved the ending! I think I actually clapped, I was so happy! Lol.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this read, particularly the horror element!
It’s Spring Break in an elite boarding school on a secluded island right off of Seattle. Most everyone has gone home, but not Layna and her friends. Little do they know, someone is out to kill them. It’s too bad they’re stuck on the island with a murderer... with no way out.
I really enjoyed this book! There were some parts I absolutely loved, and some parts I didn’t care for. They mystery is one of the things that initially grabbed me. So the slight info dump at the beginning, I wasn’t a big fan of. I just wanted to get to the mystery which I found very intriguing. It kept me guessing all the way through the last chapter, which is something I always love in a book. I did end up guessing the killer by then end... mostly by process of elimination since we weren’t left with many suspects. Lol. But I did suspect them early on... which doesn’t say much because I literally suspected everyone! It was a good mystery! I did, however, make the connection between the kill in the event in the prologue and the present mystery. The last line of the prologue just made things so obvious once we met the characters in chapter one. I immediately knew who they were talking about!
Speaking of the character, I... well, I didn’t really care for them. I just could not connect with them, not even Layna. And look, it’s fine. I’m mostly here for the mystery, if I’m honest. Lol. every time we went into exposition and getting to know these characters just—
For example, in chapter 11 we learn a little bit about a teacher, something I didn’t care for. I just wanted more kills! And boy did I get them (more on that later)!
One thing I really, really didn’t care for was the Layna-Max-Dillon love triangle type of thing. I usually don't mind this teen drama stuff, but this? No thanks. At one point we get this dumb relationship stuff after a really great kill, and to be honest, I could not care less. I just wanted to get back in the action! More kills! More blood!
Blood, blood, bloooooooood,
Anyway, my disinterest in the relationship stuff is probably due to the boys. Layna’s current boyfriend, Max, in one instance, objectifies her...
Yeah, no thanks. But there's also Dillon, the ex. At first I felt bad for the way Layna’s friends treated him, but he really is a creeper! He follows Layna around in a stalker-y way, and then the end...
I can see why he gave off weird vibes.
I want to talk about the blood now.
The kills?
They were amazing! They were gory and descriptive, and I absolutely loved it! We actually got the POV of the murder victims as they were being killed, and just—so much yes! It made me squirm and I loved it! So, if you don’t like gory horror, I’m sorry. That was definitely my favorite part of the book! The scenes were just so well written and descriptive and suspenseful! And the victims put up a great fight, which I liked! They really tried their hardest to stay alive—the killer certainly had a hard time subduing a bunch of teenagers. Lol.
Speaking of the killer, I actually suspected someone early on, but dismissed it quickly because it was just too obvious. Turns out the obvious choice was the right choice. Lol. As for the plot twist regarding the reasoning why Layna’s friends were being killed... not that surprised. It gave me serious Fear Street vibes. It was the exact motive from Halloween Party ! Had I not read that book previously, this reveal would’ve been more satisfying.
Let’s talk about the ending, because I just loved it! At first I was kind of confused by it—the epilogue. After everything that went down, the killing, the family secrets... where is the trauma that was suffered?! WHERE?! As a nurse, I had a hard time believing the character wasn’t having a hard time. It was all about the rewards and fame, or whatever. Trauma, where?! But then we come to the last page...
I absolutely loved the ending! I think I actually clapped, I was so happy! Lol.
Anyway, I really enjoyed this read, particularly the horror element!
“You want drama?” Layna asked calmly. “You got it.”
January 30, 2018
A twisted, dark, and frightening read packed with non-stop thrills. Sure to delight those who love this genre.
April 28, 2018
I have been recently interested in mysteries and thrillers. So when I saw this book, I was interested to know what's it all about. The blurb was catchy with the words "supersitions" and "deaths". My mind instantly imagined a story full of horror movie cliches.
So when I started reading the book and realised that there are scenes which echo my thoughts, I was happy and thrilled. Though I yell at the characters in movies where they are on the verge of doing something stupid like going where they shouldn't etc., I loved reading about that type of situations. I loved nearly banging my head against the wall and biting my nails in tension and suspense.
The starting instantly had my attention and when Layna goes on to try to figure out the reason, I was thrilled with the suspense part and the imagery formed by the author's words is perfect for the imagination and that imagination is what makes this read a darkly enticing one with gruesome details.
But what I didn't like about the story is that none of the characters stood out. They were lost in the plot. The pace was perfect for the setting and I loved spending the time reading the book, especially since I am a horror/slasher movie lover with the peeking between the fingers syndrome.
For all the lovers of horror out there, you are in a treat with this book!
I received a copy voluntarily to review the book. This doesn't impact the thoughts on it in any way.
My one line review : A perfectly thrilling horror movie-like story.
My rating : 4.5/5
My reread factor : 3/5
So when I started reading the book and realised that there are scenes which echo my thoughts, I was happy and thrilled. Though I yell at the characters in movies where they are on the verge of doing something stupid like going where they shouldn't etc., I loved reading about that type of situations. I loved nearly banging my head against the wall and biting my nails in tension and suspense.
The starting instantly had my attention and when Layna goes on to try to figure out the reason, I was thrilled with the suspense part and the imagery formed by the author's words is perfect for the imagination and that imagination is what makes this read a darkly enticing one with gruesome details.
But what I didn't like about the story is that none of the characters stood out. They were lost in the plot. The pace was perfect for the setting and I loved spending the time reading the book, especially since I am a horror/slasher movie lover with the peeking between the fingers syndrome.
For all the lovers of horror out there, you are in a treat with this book!
I received a copy voluntarily to review the book. This doesn't impact the thoughts on it in any way.
My one line review : A perfectly thrilling horror movie-like story.
My rating : 4.5/5
My reread factor : 3/5
January 30, 2018
Thommy's bio speaks for itself - and feeds directly into the story. His knowledge of the 80s and 90s slasher movies has clearly formed the basis of this homage in novel form. It's clearly written in a style that allows the reader to visualise, sometimes in gruesome detail, every scene. Readers will love it. Something tells me Hollywood will love it too; the transfer to the silver screen should be seamless.
May 14, 2018
3.5 Stars!
Layna Curtis is a popular senior at the esteemed Trask Academy of Performing Arts, a school where all of the students are destined for popularity, fame, and success. Surrounded by her friends, other talented seniors, Layna’s biggest worry is the love triangle she seems to be stuck in with Max and Dillon.
While everything may appear to be peaceful at Trask Academy, it doesn’t stay this way for long. Soon, Layna’s friends begin to die in seemingly random, accidental ways. Layna is the one to realize that her friends deaths aren’t random and they aren’t accidents. She believes that someone is using superstitious ideas to murder her friends. As Layna tries to prove her theory, she realizes that she already knows who will be the final victim: her.
This was a fun read that was a bit reminiscent of 80’s slasher films, which I love. It’s a pretty quick read and, while a bit predicable, I was interested until the end. I found the setting, a high school that’s isolated on an island, really helped set the spooky tone of the story. I always enjoy creepy stories that are set in schools because there are just so many things that can happen or go wrong. Its a nice element to a scary story. I did have a good idea about the twist pretty early on but the story paced well. Some of the murder scenes were pretty graphic. I think it would make a good movie for those that like gore.
I thought the characters were apropos for a novel like this. They were stereotypical of slasher films and scary movies. They even ran off in the dark on their own….which of course led me to sigh deeply in frustration just like I do when watching scary movies. The supporting characters weren’t all that developed but Layna was developed pretty well. The reader gets to see her background and somethings are revealed about her past that are important to the ending of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think it would be a fun read Halloween read. I would warn other readers that that there are sections of the book that have detailed gore so those that are a bit squeamish may want to skip over those parts
Layna Curtis is a popular senior at the esteemed Trask Academy of Performing Arts, a school where all of the students are destined for popularity, fame, and success. Surrounded by her friends, other talented seniors, Layna’s biggest worry is the love triangle she seems to be stuck in with Max and Dillon.
While everything may appear to be peaceful at Trask Academy, it doesn’t stay this way for long. Soon, Layna’s friends begin to die in seemingly random, accidental ways. Layna is the one to realize that her friends deaths aren’t random and they aren’t accidents. She believes that someone is using superstitious ideas to murder her friends. As Layna tries to prove her theory, she realizes that she already knows who will be the final victim: her.
This was a fun read that was a bit reminiscent of 80’s slasher films, which I love. It’s a pretty quick read and, while a bit predicable, I was interested until the end. I found the setting, a high school that’s isolated on an island, really helped set the spooky tone of the story. I always enjoy creepy stories that are set in schools because there are just so many things that can happen or go wrong. Its a nice element to a scary story. I did have a good idea about the twist pretty early on but the story paced well. Some of the murder scenes were pretty graphic. I think it would make a good movie for those that like gore.
I thought the characters were apropos for a novel like this. They were stereotypical of slasher films and scary movies. They even ran off in the dark on their own….which of course led me to sigh deeply in frustration just like I do when watching scary movies. The supporting characters weren’t all that developed but Layna was developed pretty well. The reader gets to see her background and somethings are revealed about her past that are important to the ending of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think it would be a fun read Halloween read. I would warn other readers that that there are sections of the book that have detailed gore so those that are a bit squeamish may want to skip over those parts
February 3, 2018
I received a free e-ARC through NetGalley from the publishers at Vesuvian Books. Trigger warnings: death, violence, gore.
At Trask Hall, an elite high school on a secluded island, the competition can be murder. Students compete to be the best actors, singers, and writers in the school, and the senior showcase is a coveted opportunity to show off their talents to the rest of the world. But someone else is on the island with a sinister agenda, and as Layna’s friends begin to die one by one, she’s forced to question the story she’s been told about her past and her connection to a student who died decades ago in a theater fire.
I’m always pulled in by this premise even though it almost never goes well for me. I’m an avid lover of horror, and it’s clear that Hutson knows his scary movies. I could easily see this as a film (in fact, I practically have seen this film as the plot closely resembles Cry_Wolf), and there are frequent scenes of graphic gore, stalkers in creepy masks, and–of course–a villain who is near supernatural in his ability to be everywhere, know where everyone is, and never die. As YA murder/thrillers go, it’s better than The Cabin, about on par with The Assassin Game, and not quite as good as Pretty Dead Girls.
The biggest problem is that Hutson chooses some of the worst horror tropes to include in his novel. There’s a bad love triangle, characters who frequently run off on their own with a murderer on the loose, and a killer who’s constantly dropping his knife (but no one ever thinks to pick it up?). The worst part is that I don’t care about these characters at all, and I get the feeling that Hutson doesn’t either. They exist only to be killed off in gruesome and unrealistic ways, and while that can be entertaining, it’s better suited to film than fiction. Books, especially YA books, live and die (ha) by their characters, and there’s no depth or development for any of them. They’re cardboard cutouts of people who talk like an adult man thinks teenagers sound (but probably don’t, because who can even fit that much slang into a conversation).
The writing isn’t bad, but it borders on the pretentious at times, with a narrative voice that probably couldn’t hold any more disdain for the characters. There are some uncharitable descriptions of Alice as the “fat” one, because girls with good personalities obviously can’t be skinny or pretty. I was interested by the premise of characters dying due to superstitions–open umbrellas, broken mirrors, the number thirteen–but it doesn’t feature near enough in the story, and the aspects of it are more incidental than anything. There’s no indication that the killer planned to have an umbrella open inside or that he purposely got a character to walk under a ladder.
Like many horror/thrillers, there’s no opportunity to guess the killer because everyone has a motive. It takes the punch out of the reveal, and the ending is badly predictable for anyone who’s ever seen a single slasher film. It’s fun escapism if you happen to like graphic murder scenes (I do), but it’s rarely more than that. Fans of scary movies (and possibly ones who aren’t so fond of reading) should enjoy it.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
At Trask Hall, an elite high school on a secluded island, the competition can be murder. Students compete to be the best actors, singers, and writers in the school, and the senior showcase is a coveted opportunity to show off their talents to the rest of the world. But someone else is on the island with a sinister agenda, and as Layna’s friends begin to die one by one, she’s forced to question the story she’s been told about her past and her connection to a student who died decades ago in a theater fire.
I’m always pulled in by this premise even though it almost never goes well for me. I’m an avid lover of horror, and it’s clear that Hutson knows his scary movies. I could easily see this as a film (in fact, I practically have seen this film as the plot closely resembles Cry_Wolf), and there are frequent scenes of graphic gore, stalkers in creepy masks, and–of course–a villain who is near supernatural in his ability to be everywhere, know where everyone is, and never die. As YA murder/thrillers go, it’s better than The Cabin, about on par with The Assassin Game, and not quite as good as Pretty Dead Girls.
The biggest problem is that Hutson chooses some of the worst horror tropes to include in his novel. There’s a bad love triangle, characters who frequently run off on their own with a murderer on the loose, and a killer who’s constantly dropping his knife (but no one ever thinks to pick it up?). The worst part is that I don’t care about these characters at all, and I get the feeling that Hutson doesn’t either. They exist only to be killed off in gruesome and unrealistic ways, and while that can be entertaining, it’s better suited to film than fiction. Books, especially YA books, live and die (ha) by their characters, and there’s no depth or development for any of them. They’re cardboard cutouts of people who talk like an adult man thinks teenagers sound (but probably don’t, because who can even fit that much slang into a conversation).
The writing isn’t bad, but it borders on the pretentious at times, with a narrative voice that probably couldn’t hold any more disdain for the characters. There are some uncharitable descriptions of Alice as the “fat” one, because girls with good personalities obviously can’t be skinny or pretty. I was interested by the premise of characters dying due to superstitions–open umbrellas, broken mirrors, the number thirteen–but it doesn’t feature near enough in the story, and the aspects of it are more incidental than anything. There’s no indication that the killer planned to have an umbrella open inside or that he purposely got a character to walk under a ladder.
Like many horror/thrillers, there’s no opportunity to guess the killer because everyone has a motive. It takes the punch out of the reveal, and the ending is badly predictable for anyone who’s ever seen a single slasher film. It’s fun escapism if you happen to like graphic murder scenes (I do), but it’s rarely more than that. Fans of scary movies (and possibly ones who aren’t so fond of reading) should enjoy it.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
December 5, 2025
This novel felt more like an elaborate screenplay than, well, a novel. It felt like the author probably read and enjoyed many of the same movies I did and wanted to write his own horror. In fact, I’m very confident about this . Unfortunately, movie horror and book horror are very different and require different tools and scenes to be executed well.
The characters are as expected. It’s in third-person omniscient. For me, this meant I wasn’t always sure of whose viewpoint a scene was in and it took me at least a few scenes to figure out exactly who the main character was. Also, the passive voice is strong in this one.
It’s a super cool concept and that’s what drew me to signing up for the ARC. I mean, I’ve already said that I LOVE slashers and coupled with innocent childhood superstitions? Hell, I signed up for it before even finishing the novel description. But it could have been done better. Superstitions, as we know, play a huge part in the deaths and murderers, but some of the deaths don’t quite make sense.
Also, great cover!
I received this ARC from Net Galley and am providing my honest review.
The characters are as expected. It’s in third-person omniscient. For me, this meant I wasn’t always sure of whose viewpoint a scene was in and it took me at least a few scenes to figure out exactly who the main character was. Also, the passive voice is strong in this one.
It’s a super cool concept and that’s what drew me to signing up for the ARC. I mean, I’ve already said that I LOVE slashers and coupled with innocent childhood superstitions? Hell, I signed up for it before even finishing the novel description. But it could have been done better. Superstitions, as we know, play a huge part in the deaths and murderers, but some of the deaths don’t quite make sense.
Also, great cover!
I received this ARC from Net Galley and am providing my honest review.
October 20, 2018
Review: JINXED by Thommy Hutson
JINXED is all the adolescent-themed Horror of the 80's and 90's, wrapped up and honed to a finely-tuned perfection. Did I love it? Did i ever! It wouldn't turn me loose until the end--which rendered me speechless--and even then, I can't stop remembering. The plot is remindful of Agatha Christie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE--if Ms. Christie had written while on steroids. Set on an island some not inconsiderable distance from Seattle, in an extremely expensive, exclusive, performing arts academy, with urban legend, interpersonal drama, and a sociopathic Dean, JINXED is unstoppably riveting and a great joy to read.
JINXED is all the adolescent-themed Horror of the 80's and 90's, wrapped up and honed to a finely-tuned perfection. Did I love it? Did i ever! It wouldn't turn me loose until the end--which rendered me speechless--and even then, I can't stop remembering. The plot is remindful of Agatha Christie's AND THEN THERE WERE NONE--if Ms. Christie had written while on steroids. Set on an island some not inconsiderable distance from Seattle, in an extremely expensive, exclusive, performing arts academy, with urban legend, interpersonal drama, and a sociopathic Dean, JINXED is unstoppably riveting and a great joy to read.
February 1, 2018
Time to break out the popcorn and get out the blanket to hide your eyes ... Jinxed is so evocative of teen slasher films like I Know What You Did Last Summer and Scream, the scene will rise before your eyes and pull you in. A fun, scary read to while away an evening with some heart-thumping moments and sharp twists and turns. The students of Trask Academy are trapped on the island and the only question is ... are you brave enough to join them?
January 29, 2018
This book was amazing, and I absolutely loved it - it was an action-driven, heart-pounding read. Lots of twists and turns, nothing I could predict or expect, and the ending blew my hair back, completely unexpected.
January 30, 2018
For anyone who loves twists and turns and things that go bump in the night, this book's for you!
January 29, 2018
When I first saw this book, I thought it might have had a Phantom of Opera type feel, but I was attracted to it as I have been in a mystery type of mood and what better than High School Killer books. I think though that maybe I pass the YA stage now as I wasn't 100% impressed with Jinxed and it fell flat for me. Jinxed takes us into the world of the prestigious Trask Performing Arts school, very private and only the best get in. Layna's friends are slowly being killed off using the M.O of Superstitions like step on a crack and break your back. Nobody believes Layna that this is murder, they see it as random acts but what happens when Layna starts to investigate, and it seems connected to an accident which happened almost twenty years ago when Amanda died? I thought this felt a bit Scream Queens like especially when Amanda last words were "her baby." Jinxed is the perfect horror read for teens aged 14-16 and has the feel of movies like Urban Legend and Final Destination.
February 28, 2018
This was a fun book if not wholly predictable, and reminiscent of those Point Crime/Point Horror books.
It definitely feels like a mash up between the television series Scream Queens and the novel Ten by Gretchen McNeil.
Perhaps it's a sacrifice of the genre but the characters did at times feel incredibly annoying (like why run off alone and in the dark when there's a killer on the loose?!?!), but at the same time I didn't care about any of them at all.
Some elements were a little far fetched though the book had a number of compelling twists and an ending deserving of its dramatic theme.
An alright quick read that you could read now, or save for Halloween.
It definitely feels like a mash up between the television series Scream Queens and the novel Ten by Gretchen McNeil.
Perhaps it's a sacrifice of the genre but the characters did at times feel incredibly annoying (like why run off alone and in the dark when there's a killer on the loose?!?!), but at the same time I didn't care about any of them at all.
Some elements were a little far fetched though the book had a number of compelling twists and an ending deserving of its dramatic theme.
An alright quick read that you could read now, or save for Halloween.
October 11, 2022
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
***
The premise of this book is fun, something that was pretty popular in late 90s or early 00s slasher flicks, a school with an unknown killer on the loose. Though, there are some logical stretches in the story itself.
For whatever reason, the book just didn't draw me in. I'm not sure if it was the style or just that the plot seemed familiar. It's not bad, and is written and edited nicely, but it wasn't really for me.
I was a little lost on the time period in which this book took place. Some of the references made were super outdated, stuff that modern high schoolers aren't talking about (may not even recognize). Some of the jargon is current. So, it was a little confusing in that regard.
***
The premise of this book is fun, something that was pretty popular in late 90s or early 00s slasher flicks, a school with an unknown killer on the loose. Though, there are some logical stretches in the story itself.
For whatever reason, the book just didn't draw me in. I'm not sure if it was the style or just that the plot seemed familiar. It's not bad, and is written and edited nicely, but it wasn't really for me.
I was a little lost on the time period in which this book took place. Some of the references made were super outdated, stuff that modern high schoolers aren't talking about (may not even recognize). Some of the jargon is current. So, it was a little confusing in that regard.
March 14, 2018
Don't read this late at night, not if you want to sleep well. Hutson has crafted a youth novel that chilled me to the bone so many times with its many scenes of terror. There are some graphic slasher moments so queasy stomachs beware. Along with the horror of being stalked by a crazed killer is the craziness of teens. At times I thought some of the characters were being too light hearted in the face of impending murder, but perhaps teens are like that. This book does have a good balance between scenes of teen relationships and scenes of abject fear. And there is such a twist at the very end it took my breath away. Teens who like horror movies will love this novel.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
October 14, 2022
Mixed feelings
One of the reasons that I picked this book up was the fact that it was a classic horror novel, with the movie, scream, type vibes. It certainly lived up to that expectation and was an interesting read.
Certain parts of the novels really had me on the edge of my seat, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, with some scenes, it just felt as if the story was dragging and made reading a little cumbersome.
Talking about the characters, I couldn't really connect to them and found them to lenient at first. Further the love triangle, I felt, was just unnecessary and made the story drag quiet a bit.
To sum up, this was an interesting read.
One of the reasons that I picked this book up was the fact that it was a classic horror novel, with the movie, scream, type vibes. It certainly lived up to that expectation and was an interesting read.
Certain parts of the novels really had me on the edge of my seat, just waiting for the other shoe to drop. However, with some scenes, it just felt as if the story was dragging and made reading a little cumbersome.
Talking about the characters, I couldn't really connect to them and found them to lenient at first. Further the love triangle, I felt, was just unnecessary and made the story drag quiet a bit.
To sum up, this was an interesting read.
March 15, 2018
If you’re a fan of Fear Street books and old school slasher movies this story will be up your alley. This was my first time reading anything by this author and I was very impressed. The writing was solid and the plot held my attention. The story centers around an exclusive private school that is on an island. Like all creepy old schools there are all kinds of urban legends floating around. Reading this book reminded me of so many horror flicks that I love and still watch today. As the story progresses secrets are uncovered and the outcome had me surprised. The reasoning was original, sick and slightly petty and I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.
“Received an ARC for which I voluntarily provided an honest review."
“Received an ARC for which I voluntarily provided an honest review."
March 19, 2018
This was very reminiscent of those slasher movies of the 80’s - 90’s and it was very well done! The action scenes were so tense and the writing so well done, that I could visualize things as if I was there. It definitely doesn’t have you jumping out of your seat like a movie with all the sound effects and visual effects does, but it is definitely intense and for a book it really did freak me out more than I’d like to admit...lol! At times the writing was pretty graphic, I felt like I almost wanted to turn away. Again, just like when you watched those slasher movies.
As far as the mystery, I changed my guess a million times. It is NOT one of those completely obvious, easy to guess books. This one really had me going around in circles. I love that!
I can definitely see this book on the big screen someday! I would love that! Thommy Hutson, as seen in his bio, is extremely gifted. His writing is phenomenal, the way he could make me react to things like I was really seeing them is impressive! I will be on the lookout for anything else he writes. He is definitely a one-click author for me, after reading this book!
Highly recommended 5/5 Star Book!!!
As far as the mystery, I changed my guess a million times. It is NOT one of those completely obvious, easy to guess books. This one really had me going around in circles. I love that!
I can definitely see this book on the big screen someday! I would love that! Thommy Hutson, as seen in his bio, is extremely gifted. His writing is phenomenal, the way he could make me react to things like I was really seeing them is impressive! I will be on the lookout for anything else he writes. He is definitely a one-click author for me, after reading this book!
Highly recommended 5/5 Star Book!!!
December 25, 2018
"***** screamed, turned, and ducked as the knife in the killer’s hand lunged for her throat. The blade flashed an electric blue as lightning colored the sky."
Horror mysteries should always leave you guessing up until the very end. But even though I knew who this mysterious murderer was, the reasoning behind it will shock you.
*queue the spooky slasher music*
Trask Academy is the performing arts school that everyone wants to attend if they want to make it anywhere. It has a reputation of putting talented kids into the roles of a lifetime. But it also comes with a deep dark reputation.
Eighteen years ago, a blazing fire destroyed the performance stage. It took the life of a young thespian and the center is now under construction.
With new students coming to the Academy, stories become legendary and history starts to repeat itself. Seniors start dropping like flies and everyone is a suspect.
Will the identity of the mystery slasher be revealed before all lives are lost? Or will the show go on?
An end to any story can make or break the entire book, especially with slasher books. But this was did not disappoint. The characters were interesting in their own special kind of way and the way they talked reminded of certain slasher films that we all love. It was like reliving things from the past and it was awesome.
Jinxed was a spooky read throughout and it will leave you wide-eyed and gasping as you figure out what the hell is going on.
Horror mysteries should always leave you guessing up until the very end. But even though I knew who this mysterious murderer was, the reasoning behind it will shock you.
*queue the spooky slasher music*
Trask Academy is the performing arts school that everyone wants to attend if they want to make it anywhere. It has a reputation of putting talented kids into the roles of a lifetime. But it also comes with a deep dark reputation.
Eighteen years ago, a blazing fire destroyed the performance stage. It took the life of a young thespian and the center is now under construction.
With new students coming to the Academy, stories become legendary and history starts to repeat itself. Seniors start dropping like flies and everyone is a suspect.
Will the identity of the mystery slasher be revealed before all lives are lost? Or will the show go on?
An end to any story can make or break the entire book, especially with slasher books. But this was did not disappoint. The characters were interesting in their own special kind of way and the way they talked reminded of certain slasher films that we all love. It was like reliving things from the past and it was awesome.
Jinxed was a spooky read throughout and it will leave you wide-eyed and gasping as you figure out what the hell is going on.
October 22, 2018
I was hired to proofread this book. The only aspects of the story that I influenced were the spelling and grammar. If you feel that my connection to this book makes my review untrustworthy, so be it, but this is my honest review.
This book reminded me a lot of I Know What You Did Last Summer. It had a similar vibe from really early on. While it was pretty clear to me that someone was responsible for the murders, it wasn't clear who was doing it.
Read the rest of my review on my blog. --> https://justanothergirlandherbooks.bl...
This book reminded me a lot of I Know What You Did Last Summer. It had a similar vibe from really early on. While it was pretty clear to me that someone was responsible for the murders, it wasn't clear who was doing it.
Read the rest of my review on my blog. --> https://justanothergirlandherbooks.bl...
March 18, 2018
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This is most likely not your typical horror book. This is the most and I mean the second most insane book I’ve ever read beside from The Third Twin by C.J. Omololu. With every flip of the page keeps you on your toes wondering what could possibly happen next, or... who is the next victim.
• Plots: ★★★★
The plots are good, but the real killer is the suspension. Heck you would never want to put the book until you find who’s the mastermind behind all the insane events that’s been happening at Trask, which lead us to the conclusion.
• Ending: ★★★★
I would say it was a somewhat happy ending because you unmasked the killer, but there’s also a little plot twist in that too (not a spoiler). I was so shook when I found out who the villain was and their motives, but I’d rather say it was quite sad when they tell you what has been hidden behind closed door.
• POV: ★★★★ (3.5)
It wasn’t exactly written in first person, but also not in second person either. The author kind of gave you the feel of what’s going and what is happening to each characters which I found it very interesting to be able to see the full picture through each characters’ eyes.
• Characters: ★★★★★ (4.5)
It’s not one of those books that introduces you to a tons of people and you have to keep track of them in order to solve the mystery. It’s a small circle of people and you’ll eventually get along with them within five chapters.
• Descriptions: ★★★★★
I would definitely give a full five stars on that. The words, the setups, everything is just so vivid. The author do have a way with his words indeed. I could easily paint the picture in my head as I read through the pages, but downside is that it glued to your head. The gruesome scene and its tiny bits of information, it’s just, there.
Overall I would like to say that I really like this book despite the fact that I had to stop and take a breather couple of times before I continue. Other than that I had an amazing time reading this book and I would totally recommend it to those who are a big, big fan of Horror and Thriller books. Side note, while I was reading this book, I personally felt like as if I’m living inside a scary movie called Scream but only worse because you get to hear the characters’ thought.
Before I go here’s a direct quote from the book that’ll allow you get a quick peek at one of the [many] scenes.
Layna pushed into the theater. She had not wanted to see, but now, strangely, all she wanted was to see. And there, the middle of the theater, was Crosby. Bound in thick rope soaked red. Hanging upside down. His insides on the outside.
This is most likely not your typical horror book. This is the most and I mean the second most insane book I’ve ever read beside from The Third Twin by C.J. Omololu. With every flip of the page keeps you on your toes wondering what could possibly happen next, or... who is the next victim.
• Plots: ★★★★
The plots are good, but the real killer is the suspension. Heck you would never want to put the book until you find who’s the mastermind behind all the insane events that’s been happening at Trask, which lead us to the conclusion.
• Ending: ★★★★
I would say it was a somewhat happy ending because you unmasked the killer, but there’s also a little plot twist in that too (not a spoiler). I was so shook when I found out who the villain was and their motives, but I’d rather say it was quite sad when they tell you what has been hidden behind closed door.
• POV: ★★★★ (3.5)
It wasn’t exactly written in first person, but also not in second person either. The author kind of gave you the feel of what’s going and what is happening to each characters which I found it very interesting to be able to see the full picture through each characters’ eyes.
• Characters: ★★★★★ (4.5)
It’s not one of those books that introduces you to a tons of people and you have to keep track of them in order to solve the mystery. It’s a small circle of people and you’ll eventually get along with them within five chapters.
• Descriptions: ★★★★★
I would definitely give a full five stars on that. The words, the setups, everything is just so vivid. The author do have a way with his words indeed. I could easily paint the picture in my head as I read through the pages, but downside is that it glued to your head. The gruesome scene and its tiny bits of information, it’s just, there.
Overall I would like to say that I really like this book despite the fact that I had to stop and take a breather couple of times before I continue. Other than that I had an amazing time reading this book and I would totally recommend it to those who are a big, big fan of Horror and Thriller books. Side note, while I was reading this book, I personally felt like as if I’m living inside a scary movie called Scream but only worse because you get to hear the characters’ thought.
Before I go here’s a direct quote from the book that’ll allow you get a quick peek at one of the [many] scenes.
Layna pushed into the theater. She had not wanted to see, but now, strangely, all she wanted was to see. And there, the middle of the theater, was Crosby. Bound in thick rope soaked red. Hanging upside down. His insides on the outside.
March 22, 2018
I'd been looking forward to reading Jinxed from the moment I read the description. As a huge fan of 80's type slasher horror films, I figured this would be right up my alley, and Thommy Hutson did not disappoint. Jinxed follows Layna and her group of friends, all students at Trask Academy, a school for the arts, with a tragic history. Like any good horror movie, Layna and her friends begin to fall victim to a mysterious killer at the school, which all comes to a head in a big climax. Mr. Hutson's love of the genre and films comes through in his writing of Jinxed.
March 10, 2018
This was a blast from start to finish. The timeframe is left ambiguous, so it's got a very evergreen quality to it. I love the slasher genre, and this was a very smart homage to 80s and 90s slashers, that also manages to add some really inventive turns, bringing something new to what could very easily be a stale formula. I'm pretty good at predicting the twists for these kinds of stories, but this one surprised me. Oh, and bonus points for the cool slasher mask.
March 5, 2018
Honestly I requested this book for early review based on the cover alone. I love this cover! At first this book seemed a bit hard to read, rough around the edges, but I will say the very gruesome and detailed death at the beginning kept me going. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR EVERYONE! I love a good slasher/thriller and this was it.I liked the point of view changes throughout this story. THE BIG SHOW STOPPING REVEAL! THE VERY LAST PAGE! This book took me back in time, back to the 90s-00s. Back to the stereotype characters, the scenarios, the blood and gore, the twists and turns. This is classic. I NEED the next one.....
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