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The Class Reunion
St. Regina Academy. Some of them loved it. Vickie Fields hated it.
Tonight, she and six former classmates will sneak into the abandoned school to drink, flirt, and make new memories with old faces.
But someone is waiting for them inside of the school. He wants their blood. He wants their flesh. And he's going to ensure that this night will be a class reunion that no one ever forgets.
Tonight, she and six former classmates will sneak into the abandoned school to drink, flirt, and make new memories with old faces.
But someone is waiting for them inside of the school. He wants their blood. He wants their flesh. And he's going to ensure that this night will be a class reunion that no one ever forgets.
- GenresHorror
150 pages, Paperback
Published October 29, 2019
9 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
October 21, 2019
The Class Reunion is a slasher story about a group of former classmates who decide to meet up at their old school during a major snowstorm to drink some booze and catch up. Ummm, that’s probably not the best idea but add in a crazed killer and you have a recipe for some romancing and some slashing fun!
There’s a not too big cast here when the story begins and that’s fine by me. I don’t like keeping track of too many bodies when most of them are just going to get picked off quickly anyway, haha. Vickie is very reluctantly dragged to this impromptu reunion by her best friend Bridget who has fallen in love with one of the bullies who made their lives miserable as young-uns. The only way Vickie is getting through this is with booze and lots of it because most of these people are just as impulsive, insulting and rude as they were back when they were all schoolmates. And some of them deserved to get their faces ripped off, if you ask me.
The character development is done very well and I loved that. It’s a slasher, yeah, but the newly budding relationships are given time too and the people you love to hate are very well described. I always love it when a book takes a little time to delve into the minds and thoughts of its characters before it murders them. I’m not going to say who makes it out alive or tell you too much about the creepy oddball of a murderer who I kept imagining as a deranged Vincent Price in full out Dr. Phibes mode for some reason, just know it’s a good time if you enjoy this kind of story – and how could you not?!
There’s a not too big cast here when the story begins and that’s fine by me. I don’t like keeping track of too many bodies when most of them are just going to get picked off quickly anyway, haha. Vickie is very reluctantly dragged to this impromptu reunion by her best friend Bridget who has fallen in love with one of the bullies who made their lives miserable as young-uns. The only way Vickie is getting through this is with booze and lots of it because most of these people are just as impulsive, insulting and rude as they were back when they were all schoolmates. And some of them deserved to get their faces ripped off, if you ask me.
The character development is done very well and I loved that. It’s a slasher, yeah, but the newly budding relationships are given time too and the people you love to hate are very well described. I always love it when a book takes a little time to delve into the minds and thoughts of its characters before it murders them. I’m not going to say who makes it out alive or tell you too much about the creepy oddball of a murderer who I kept imagining as a deranged Vincent Price in full out Dr. Phibes mode for some reason, just know it’s a good time if you enjoy this kind of story – and how could you not?!
October 15, 2019
What a ride! Slashers will always be my favorite sub-genre of horror... and I love that more author have been tackling this lately. I think it is difficult to put the same cheese, fear, and gore into a book sometimes that a movie with bad actors can so easily do. But McDonough slams it out with this bloody slasher that will have any fan excited! I loved the characters, the witty conversations, the gory deaths, etc. I really liked the chapters where we got to see from the eyes of the killer. It added some intrigue and mystery and it was a nice and quick little break from death to death.
Highly recommended and this is the perfect fall read for fans of horror and slashers! 4 stars!
Many thanks to the author for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Highly recommended and this is the perfect fall read for fans of horror and slashers! 4 stars!
Many thanks to the author for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 25, 2019
3.5 stars. Oh how I do love a good B slasher type movie and this book basically incorporates this feel for me. I am not a fan of reunions and the two that I’ve been to in my life could’ve maybe used the spark that The Fra brought to this one. 😏😂 Just kidding... ahem. But I think we all do know what it feels like in high school. I was in the “not quite” category. Not quite popular. Not quite the athlete. Not quite..... I basically lived in purgatory and quite honestly, I liked being on the “outside” and being friendly with everyone and not really sequestered. But I also moved around a lot so it was easier that way.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pop culture references that made this a fun read. I’m curious where the author got the idea to name the villain The Damned Fra Angelico. What I did notice was the continual use of the name over and over again which got a bit cumbersome as within 2 pages this evil was referred to as the Fra, The Damned Fra, The Fra Angelico. I would’ve preferred to just pick one if you’re going to keep using the name in within such small spacing. Also, I kept thinking of the liquor and fun fact: “It remains the premier hazelnut liqueur and its origins go back over 300 years to the Christian monks who inhabited that area of Italy. The name Frangelico is derived from one of those monks, Fra. Angelico, and the bottle reflects this heritage, which looks like a glass monk, complete with a rope belt.” Kinda loving the juxtaposition of it all. 😉
Now I’m not an artsy person so it was a bit eye rolly for me regarding this portion of the book. But for such a short book, I appreciated all that was packed in, sexual identity, sex itself (unnecessary but always a part of slashers!), the clear contrast of individuals we all see in school.... and the evil entity. Though I did have to wonder why certain things didn’t *quite* make sense. But who cares?! A fun ride for anyone who likes slashers.
I thoroughly enjoyed the pop culture references that made this a fun read. I’m curious where the author got the idea to name the villain The Damned Fra Angelico. What I did notice was the continual use of the name over and over again which got a bit cumbersome as within 2 pages this evil was referred to as the Fra, The Damned Fra, The Fra Angelico. I would’ve preferred to just pick one if you’re going to keep using the name in within such small spacing. Also, I kept thinking of the liquor and fun fact: “It remains the premier hazelnut liqueur and its origins go back over 300 years to the Christian monks who inhabited that area of Italy. The name Frangelico is derived from one of those monks, Fra. Angelico, and the bottle reflects this heritage, which looks like a glass monk, complete with a rope belt.” Kinda loving the juxtaposition of it all. 😉
Now I’m not an artsy person so it was a bit eye rolly for me regarding this portion of the book. But for such a short book, I appreciated all that was packed in, sexual identity, sex itself (unnecessary but always a part of slashers!), the clear contrast of individuals we all see in school.... and the evil entity. Though I did have to wonder why certain things didn’t *quite* make sense. But who cares?! A fun ride for anyone who likes slashers.
September 13, 2019
I love slashers. Despite the extreme character clichés, sometimes unwieldly setups, and garish special effects (I always wonder if people’s heads really pop off as easy as they do in slasher films. . . probably not, right?) I am continually drawn to the fun spirit of stories that involve teens recklessly endangering their lives.
I have not found that this medium translates as well on the page as it does on screen, at least for me. Slasher stories just don’t give me the same vibe as the movies—there’s just something missing.
But this novella, a slim 150 pages, is a bucketful of fun, and you better believe that what that bucket is full of is blood.
McDonough is able to create a compelling cast of characters that I understood right away without leaning too heavily on stock traits. The main girls are two outsider types who have made it out of high school, and Vickie has no intention of looking back. But she is dragged back into that dreaded dynamic by her friend Bridget who is now dating the jock who harassed them in school.
Cue the fun, the stalking, and the death!
I really enjoyed the banter of the characters—they are all witty and fun and it endeared Vickie to me; I was really rooting for her to be the final girl.
While slasher POV is not a new idea, I liked the way the killer was involved in the story. I didn’t know exactly who he was or what his deal was, but the pieces I saw were weird and scary and definitely made him a memorable murderer.
This book also made me realize how much I have been enjoying novellas recently. Short fiction is such a compelling way to tell a story and can be very effective for scares. There are a bunch of authors doing this right, and Sean McDonough is one of them.
My thanks to the author for my copy of this one to read and review.
I have not found that this medium translates as well on the page as it does on screen, at least for me. Slasher stories just don’t give me the same vibe as the movies—there’s just something missing.
But this novella, a slim 150 pages, is a bucketful of fun, and you better believe that what that bucket is full of is blood.
McDonough is able to create a compelling cast of characters that I understood right away without leaning too heavily on stock traits. The main girls are two outsider types who have made it out of high school, and Vickie has no intention of looking back. But she is dragged back into that dreaded dynamic by her friend Bridget who is now dating the jock who harassed them in school.
Cue the fun, the stalking, and the death!
I really enjoyed the banter of the characters—they are all witty and fun and it endeared Vickie to me; I was really rooting for her to be the final girl.
While slasher POV is not a new idea, I liked the way the killer was involved in the story. I didn’t know exactly who he was or what his deal was, but the pieces I saw were weird and scary and definitely made him a memorable murderer.
This book also made me realize how much I have been enjoying novellas recently. Short fiction is such a compelling way to tell a story and can be very effective for scares. There are a bunch of authors doing this right, and Sean McDonough is one of them.
My thanks to the author for my copy of this one to read and review.
September 4, 2023
The Class Reunion is a slasher that reads like an entertaining B-horror movie. That’s a good time in my book, being that slashers are one of my favorite sub-genres of horror.
The story follows Vickie Fields, who travels back to her hometown of Pine Hollow, PA for the holiday to catch up with her childhood best friends. During her stay, Vickie unexpectedly ends up sneaking into her old and abandoned elementary school with six of her former classmates to drink, play games, and create some memorable moments.
And of course it will be memorable. There’s a killer slashing and dashing all throughout St. Regina Academy. His name is The Damned Fra Anjelico and he’s very serious about his colors and paints.
I found The Fra to be such an interesting and unique killer. I’m still not quite sure of where the idea originated for his character. Is it religious, artistic, or both? I was kinda confused whenever his character would surface, but it was a wild ride with a wild killer that I didn’t want to read too much into.
I really liked the book overall. From the campy town name of Pine Hollow in the likes of Woodsboro, Crystal Lake, Castle Rock, etc. to the “opening kill scene” that is a staple of B-horror movies. There were so many elements here that could easily be turned into a really fun film. It had just enough character development that you were rooting for the six to fight back and escape. The gore and multiple kill scenes were definitely there, playing out pretty descriptively in your head. It’s a good time. You’re pretty much reading a movie!
This was my first book by Sean McDonough and I’m looking forward to reading some more. A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
The story follows Vickie Fields, who travels back to her hometown of Pine Hollow, PA for the holiday to catch up with her childhood best friends. During her stay, Vickie unexpectedly ends up sneaking into her old and abandoned elementary school with six of her former classmates to drink, play games, and create some memorable moments.
And of course it will be memorable. There’s a killer slashing and dashing all throughout St. Regina Academy. His name is The Damned Fra Anjelico and he’s very serious about his colors and paints.
I found The Fra to be such an interesting and unique killer. I’m still not quite sure of where the idea originated for his character. Is it religious, artistic, or both? I was kinda confused whenever his character would surface, but it was a wild ride with a wild killer that I didn’t want to read too much into.
I really liked the book overall. From the campy town name of Pine Hollow in the likes of Woodsboro, Crystal Lake, Castle Rock, etc. to the “opening kill scene” that is a staple of B-horror movies. There were so many elements here that could easily be turned into a really fun film. It had just enough character development that you were rooting for the six to fight back and escape. The gore and multiple kill scenes were definitely there, playing out pretty descriptively in your head. It’s a good time. You’re pretty much reading a movie!
This was my first book by Sean McDonough and I’m looking forward to reading some more. A solid 4 out of 5 stars.
August 17, 2019
3.5 rounded up for Goodreads.
How convenient that this showed up around the time of my own 15 year class reunion, which I did not attend. After reading this, I am pretty comfortable with my absence! Parts of this novella hits soft spots if you were a part of the "freak" population in high school. It reminded me of running into old classmates that used to be some of the biggest douchebags possible and wondering where in the hell they get off talking to you as if they had ever treated you like an equal. That is basically how Vickie Fields feels when she returns to St. Regina Academy. However, Vickie's journey home does not end in her walking away silently cursing to herself about how her old classmates are still turds.
The author developed each and every character incredibly and for every classmate cliche in the story I could easily picture someone from my own school days. The villian in the story, The Damned Fra Angelico, was a unique character and is responsible for the great slasher atmosphere. In the chapters written from the Fra's perspective, I wish there would have been more detail in regards to the supernatural element this character added to the story. The character mentions The Carcass God several times in the story but, we never really get to learn much about the entity our villian serves.
Equal parts gore and nostalgia, this is a fun and quick read.
How convenient that this showed up around the time of my own 15 year class reunion, which I did not attend. After reading this, I am pretty comfortable with my absence! Parts of this novella hits soft spots if you were a part of the "freak" population in high school. It reminded me of running into old classmates that used to be some of the biggest douchebags possible and wondering where in the hell they get off talking to you as if they had ever treated you like an equal. That is basically how Vickie Fields feels when she returns to St. Regina Academy. However, Vickie's journey home does not end in her walking away silently cursing to herself about how her old classmates are still turds.
The author developed each and every character incredibly and for every classmate cliche in the story I could easily picture someone from my own school days. The villian in the story, The Damned Fra Angelico, was a unique character and is responsible for the great slasher atmosphere. In the chapters written from the Fra's perspective, I wish there would have been more detail in regards to the supernatural element this character added to the story. The character mentions The Carcass God several times in the story but, we never really get to learn much about the entity our villian serves.
Equal parts gore and nostalgia, this is a fun and quick read.
March 24, 2024
I’ve got two confessions to make. First, is that of all the horror sub genres, Slashers are my favorite. The second, is that despite the fact that I’ve been strictly reading horror for a while now, I haven’t read many Slashers. Naturally when I was given the opportunity to get my hands on a pre-release copy of The Class Reunion By Sean McDonough I jumped all over it.
The Class Reunion follows Vickie Fields as she tags along with her old friend Bridget to a party being thrown at the abandoned St. Regina Academy. She wants no part of the shenanigans. Vickie hated St. Regina Academy, and the people throwing the party were some of the students who were most cruel to her. Sensing Bridget wanted to go for a specific reason, Vickie ends up making the biggest mistake of her life, accompanying her friend to the party.
What McDonough does with his latest, is none other than the written equivalent of a modern B movie slasher. I don’t mean that in a bad way, the book was quite fun. Like any good slasher, you’re given just enough information and characterization to keep you hooked between each brutal murder. Many of the characters are genre tropes, but they are well done. They feel like real people and the dialogue between them feels natural. Part of the problem with many slashers in the modern era, is finding a way to work around the fact that help is a few button presses away thanks to technology. McDonough uses the setting to bypass that problem and create an arena perfect for the slaughter of 20 something year olds. Class reunion is a breeze to read and McDonough writes a story interesting enough to get you to keep turning the pages. The conclusion of the book was nicely done, something you don’t see often in slashers.
I read Sean McDonough’s latest, The Class Reunion, in one sitting. It was the exact type of book I expected, a B movie slasher set in modern times. The setting worked, the characters were given enough life on the page to feel real and I had a good time reading it. I was left with a feeling similar to discovering a hidden gem on Netflix that you had no real knowledge of. If you’re into slashers, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
The Class Reunion follows Vickie Fields as she tags along with her old friend Bridget to a party being thrown at the abandoned St. Regina Academy. She wants no part of the shenanigans. Vickie hated St. Regina Academy, and the people throwing the party were some of the students who were most cruel to her. Sensing Bridget wanted to go for a specific reason, Vickie ends up making the biggest mistake of her life, accompanying her friend to the party.
What McDonough does with his latest, is none other than the written equivalent of a modern B movie slasher. I don’t mean that in a bad way, the book was quite fun. Like any good slasher, you’re given just enough information and characterization to keep you hooked between each brutal murder. Many of the characters are genre tropes, but they are well done. They feel like real people and the dialogue between them feels natural. Part of the problem with many slashers in the modern era, is finding a way to work around the fact that help is a few button presses away thanks to technology. McDonough uses the setting to bypass that problem and create an arena perfect for the slaughter of 20 something year olds. Class reunion is a breeze to read and McDonough writes a story interesting enough to get you to keep turning the pages. The conclusion of the book was nicely done, something you don’t see often in slashers.
I read Sean McDonough’s latest, The Class Reunion, in one sitting. It was the exact type of book I expected, a B movie slasher set in modern times. The setting worked, the characters were given enough life on the page to feel real and I had a good time reading it. I was left with a feeling similar to discovering a hidden gem on Netflix that you had no real knowledge of. If you’re into slashers, I think you’ll enjoy this one.
October 15, 2019
Sean McDonough has an incredible knack for taking b-movie tropes, adding a modern flair, a great sense of humor and upping the gore quotient to create a product that's all his own, while nodding to all the right folks.
I had a great amount of fun with his last book, Rock And Roll Death Trip, and went into this with no hesitation. Happy to say he's upped the ante on packaging, because this cover is a beautiful one. Unfortunately, RRDT had not my favorite artwork, but that's all been resolved here. In fact, a friend came over while I was reading this and spotted it, exclaiming "WOAH! THAT IS A GREAT BOOK COVER, LET ME BORROW IT WHEN YOUR DONE!". I've said it before and I'll say it until I'm dead: while we are taught to not judge a book by its cover, the reality is that covers sell books, especially when you're not King or Koontz or Hill or Rice or whoever else has a "name".
If you're looking for a fast, literary equivalent to slasher popcorn flicks, here's your book.
A little Prom Night, a little The Redeemer and some extra nasty kills right out of your favorite slasher, if you're a cheesy horror fan there isn't much you won't love here. If you're looking for slow and spooky, this ain't your kick.
Definitely worth grabbing a copy when it comes out in a few weeks!
I had a great amount of fun with his last book, Rock And Roll Death Trip, and went into this with no hesitation. Happy to say he's upped the ante on packaging, because this cover is a beautiful one. Unfortunately, RRDT had not my favorite artwork, but that's all been resolved here. In fact, a friend came over while I was reading this and spotted it, exclaiming "WOAH! THAT IS A GREAT BOOK COVER, LET ME BORROW IT WHEN YOUR DONE!". I've said it before and I'll say it until I'm dead: while we are taught to not judge a book by its cover, the reality is that covers sell books, especially when you're not King or Koontz or Hill or Rice or whoever else has a "name".
If you're looking for a fast, literary equivalent to slasher popcorn flicks, here's your book.
A little Prom Night, a little The Redeemer and some extra nasty kills right out of your favorite slasher, if you're a cheesy horror fan there isn't much you won't love here. If you're looking for slow and spooky, this ain't your kick.
Definitely worth grabbing a copy when it comes out in a few weeks!
October 17, 2019
3.5⭐
The Class Reunion is a new slasher from Sean McDonough! Slashers are one of my favorite horror subgenres, and it's really fun to read books by someone who is passionate about the subgenre. This is my second book by this author, and he has creative and entertaining stories.
I'm not the biggest fan of religion-based horror, so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel once I started recognizing the direction the story was going in. However, it wasn't too dominating of a storyline, and it still worked out well for me.
The way that the killer refers to the victims got a little complicated, and I had a hard time keeping everyone straight sometimes. I kept having to flip back to remember who he was referring to, and I wish it would have just stuck to the names.
I also wish there would have been a little more background for the killer. His story seemed kind of intense, and it would have been interesting to hear more about what led up to this story. I enjoyed this book, but I just wanted there to be a little more to the story.
CW - bullying, sexual harassment
The Class Reunion is a new slasher from Sean McDonough! Slashers are one of my favorite horror subgenres, and it's really fun to read books by someone who is passionate about the subgenre. This is my second book by this author, and he has creative and entertaining stories.
I'm not the biggest fan of religion-based horror, so I wasn't sure how I was going to feel once I started recognizing the direction the story was going in. However, it wasn't too dominating of a storyline, and it still worked out well for me.
The way that the killer refers to the victims got a little complicated, and I had a hard time keeping everyone straight sometimes. I kept having to flip back to remember who he was referring to, and I wish it would have just stuck to the names.
I also wish there would have been a little more background for the killer. His story seemed kind of intense, and it would have been interesting to hear more about what led up to this story. I enjoyed this book, but I just wanted there to be a little more to the story.
CW - bullying, sexual harassment
May 17, 2023
Disturbing. Gory. Is definitely going to give me nightmares tonight. Can’t wait to read more of this author’s work!
December 4, 2025
Read this on the plane. Perfect for trying not to think while being vaguely annoyed at flight delays.
It's not awful, it's not great, and it's funny at times. yay !
It's not awful, it's not great, and it's funny at times. yay !
October 15, 2019
Sean McDonough takes us back to school with his fourth novel, The Class Reunion. I powered through this book in practically one sitting. I could not put it down. It is everything I’ve come to know and love about McDonough’s writing. If you are looking for a character driven slasher blood-bath, you’ve come to the right place.
Vickie Fields returns to her small hometown for Christmas, eager to reunite with the two best friends she parted ways with after graduating high school several years back. After some catching up, her best friend Bridget drops the news that she’s been seeing someone new– Chris, who tormented both girls back in their school days. Vickie reluctantly agrees to go along with Bridget to meet up with Chris and his old group of friends, each of whom also gave Vickie and Bridget a hard time in school. The group is having a party in their old abandoned elementary school, and are quickly snowed in by a blizzard. Of course, things go terribly wrong as they realize that they aren’t alone in the school.
McDonough has an established knack for building believable characters and developing their relationships throughout the story. Once again, he hits a home run on that front with The Class Reunion. He is able to effectively switched between the inner voice of several characters who have vastly different backgrounds, motivations, and personalities. As is his way, we gain more insight into each character as the story progresses. The result is an evolving understanding of their changing relationships, leading us to truly feel each bloody, violent death.
On the subject of bloody, violent deaths, McDonough does not hold back. Though I wouldn’t consider this to be even approaching extreme horror, the violence perfectly captures the campy, bloody mess that is a slasher flick. The unfortunate party-goers are subjected to a ruthlessly efficient murder machine, who kills with a cold, calculated detatchment far more terrifying than any amount of rage. The scenes in which we see through the killer’s eyes were easily my favorite parts to read. The motivations behind the mysterious killer, the mythos that is alluded to throughout the novel are purely fascinating. I would love to read more about the dark forces driving the killer.
Despite knowing from the beginning who our killer is, McDonough builds the tension and terror with expertise. A relatively short novel, the first half of the book is buildup, and the entire last half is a chain reaction of explosive slasher goodness. Once the real action starts, our heroes are on the run for their lives until the last drop of blood is spilled. Speaking of that last drop of blood, the ending does not disappoint. I guarantee you won’t have guessed just how this ends. McDonough keeps you guessing literally until the last page.
From Sean McDonough, I have come to expect powerful, character driven story combined with over-the-top slasher action, and The Class Reunion absolutely delivers. We really get to know his characters, feel like we grew up with them, before we watch them die one by bloody one. The antagonist is uniquely brutal, providing buckets of blood for his dark cause. The masterful buildup, explosive action and powerful ending make this a book you won’t want to miss.
Vickie Fields returns to her small hometown for Christmas, eager to reunite with the two best friends she parted ways with after graduating high school several years back. After some catching up, her best friend Bridget drops the news that she’s been seeing someone new– Chris, who tormented both girls back in their school days. Vickie reluctantly agrees to go along with Bridget to meet up with Chris and his old group of friends, each of whom also gave Vickie and Bridget a hard time in school. The group is having a party in their old abandoned elementary school, and are quickly snowed in by a blizzard. Of course, things go terribly wrong as they realize that they aren’t alone in the school.
McDonough has an established knack for building believable characters and developing their relationships throughout the story. Once again, he hits a home run on that front with The Class Reunion. He is able to effectively switched between the inner voice of several characters who have vastly different backgrounds, motivations, and personalities. As is his way, we gain more insight into each character as the story progresses. The result is an evolving understanding of their changing relationships, leading us to truly feel each bloody, violent death.
On the subject of bloody, violent deaths, McDonough does not hold back. Though I wouldn’t consider this to be even approaching extreme horror, the violence perfectly captures the campy, bloody mess that is a slasher flick. The unfortunate party-goers are subjected to a ruthlessly efficient murder machine, who kills with a cold, calculated detatchment far more terrifying than any amount of rage. The scenes in which we see through the killer’s eyes were easily my favorite parts to read. The motivations behind the mysterious killer, the mythos that is alluded to throughout the novel are purely fascinating. I would love to read more about the dark forces driving the killer.
Despite knowing from the beginning who our killer is, McDonough builds the tension and terror with expertise. A relatively short novel, the first half of the book is buildup, and the entire last half is a chain reaction of explosive slasher goodness. Once the real action starts, our heroes are on the run for their lives until the last drop of blood is spilled. Speaking of that last drop of blood, the ending does not disappoint. I guarantee you won’t have guessed just how this ends. McDonough keeps you guessing literally until the last page.
From Sean McDonough, I have come to expect powerful, character driven story combined with over-the-top slasher action, and The Class Reunion absolutely delivers. We really get to know his characters, feel like we grew up with them, before we watch them die one by bloody one. The antagonist is uniquely brutal, providing buckets of blood for his dark cause. The masterful buildup, explosive action and powerful ending make this a book you won’t want to miss.
November 15, 2019
This book is absolutely brilliant. It is a slasher film in book form and impossible to put down.
Bookmark was completely unnecessary! The characters are very well developed for a novella and I genuinely cares for the characters (well, most of them).
This was a bit of a departure from my normal choices, but I was very pleasantly surprised!
Highly recommend!
Bookmark was completely unnecessary! The characters are very well developed for a novella and I genuinely cares for the characters (well, most of them).
This was a bit of a departure from my normal choices, but I was very pleasantly surprised!
Highly recommend!
March 1, 2020
Really loved the characters, very fun slasher deaths. Interesting take on traditional horror villain. Ending not 100% for me, would not re-read but was enjoyable & a relatively quick read.
February 7, 2020
Another Fantastic Work from McDonough!
I devoured this in one day because I couldn't stop reading. This books ropes you in within the first chapter and doesn't let up throughout. Characters are fleshed out, but not with excruciating unnecessary detail. I didn't necessarily vibe with any one character, but they were all necessary to the story. McDonough's kill scenes are both brutal and horrifically poetic. I will be purchasing more by McDonough.
I devoured this in one day because I couldn't stop reading. This books ropes you in within the first chapter and doesn't let up throughout. Characters are fleshed out, but not with excruciating unnecessary detail. I didn't necessarily vibe with any one character, but they were all necessary to the story. McDonough's kill scenes are both brutal and horrifically poetic. I will be purchasing more by McDonough.
December 9, 2019
A quick, fun slasher read. Lots of blood, obnoxious people dying, and a hard-to-kill protagonist. What more do you need?
April 24, 2020
A great read for slasher fans.
The killer in this book is unique and terrifying. This is the first time I've read one of McDonough's novels and it has made me a fan.
The killer in this book is unique and terrifying. This is the first time I've read one of McDonough's novels and it has made me a fan.
May 28, 2021
This book's got a creepy killer, well-rounded characters, atmosphere, and a surprising turn of events that wraps the book up on an unforgettable note -- all packed up in a quick read.
March 14, 2023
This book will not win any literary awards but it was a simple, entertaining slasher. Very enjoyable if you like this genre in my opinion.
March 15, 2020
If you love 80s slasher movies, this is the book for you!
August 28, 2021
This was my introduction to Sean McDonough. The Class Reunion was a very good read.
A group returns to thier closed high school for a fun night of drinking, partying and other extracurricular activities to find that there is a dark force, with a very loyal servant waiting to complete his dark mission. Unfortunately for our group of students, he cannot complete this devilish mission without them, all of them.
Fast paced and well flowing, The Class Reunion throws you into the world of horror, fear, darkness , sin and reconciliation.
I highly recommend.
A group returns to thier closed high school for a fun night of drinking, partying and other extracurricular activities to find that there is a dark force, with a very loyal servant waiting to complete his dark mission. Unfortunately for our group of students, he cannot complete this devilish mission without them, all of them.
Fast paced and well flowing, The Class Reunion throws you into the world of horror, fear, darkness , sin and reconciliation.
I highly recommend.
August 5, 2021
Vickie’s back in her hometown for Christmas and is unwillingly dragged by her best friend to a party at their old elementary school, now abandoned. She’s not thrilled to be spending her first night home in a place she hated, and she’s not overly fond of the other guests either. She figures that as long as she has a few drinks the night can’t be too bad though. Unfortunately, as a snow storm rages outside, the party guests find there’s someone else in the old school with them, someone who has sinister, deadly plans for the former classmates.
There is little I love more than a good slasher, be it in book or on film, and Sean McDonough’s Class Reunion delivers. There are deaths here that are morbidly satisfying, and there are deaths that are absolutely heart wrenching. There are characters at the center of the story that the reader can really come to care for. And there’s a hell of a lot of gore.
Recommended for slasher fans especially!
There is little I love more than a good slasher, be it in book or on film, and Sean McDonough’s Class Reunion delivers. There are deaths here that are morbidly satisfying, and there are deaths that are absolutely heart wrenching. There are characters at the center of the story that the reader can really come to care for. And there’s a hell of a lot of gore.
Recommended for slasher fans especially!
February 2, 2021
The slasher story painted a picture for me, literally. Not only is it a imaginative. It's twisted and gory just the way I like it.
December 30, 2020
Wow! If youre looking for a book thats short and sweet, keeps you on the edge of your seat from page one, and lots of fun, this is the book for you. Class Reunion is the classic horror that is every true slasher genre lovers guilty pleasure; a group of friendly twenty somethings, remote from the world with a killer psychopath on the loose. However while the plot may seem like some you’ve heard, the twists and turns, the quick admiration for the very realistic and likable characters (though not all of them), makes this read unique, and at times heart wrenching. The gore is BRUTAL, and the killer is peculiar and terrifying in ways that other killers have not been portrayed. If all of this isnt enough for you to go online and pick up your copy, then the ending should be. The twist ending is completely unseen and unpredicted, leaving the reader sitting in their chair for a few moments contemplating what the hell just happened. Not enough praise for this book!
May 11, 2022
The first 2/3rds are a fun campy slasher like you'd see on any streaming service and have fun with when you're bored one night. The ending though was a choice.
The writing style is simple, it both seems to know how normal people of gen z act VERY well while also getting it VERY wrong and it's a really weird mix, and similarly the characters both are two dimensional while also not falling into too generic of stereotypes.
The weirdest part is the killer-- I didn't like his point of view. I usually like killer POVs in slasher and horror, but this one named people like a Wattpad fanfic. I half expected someone to be called a bluenette. It really tried to be super unique with the killer's schtick and with the weird People Grow ending, but it thrived when it was just a slasher.
The writing style is simple, it both seems to know how normal people of gen z act VERY well while also getting it VERY wrong and it's a really weird mix, and similarly the characters both are two dimensional while also not falling into too generic of stereotypes.
The weirdest part is the killer-- I didn't like his point of view. I usually like killer POVs in slasher and horror, but this one named people like a Wattpad fanfic. I half expected someone to be called a bluenette. It really tried to be super unique with the killer's schtick and with the weird People Grow ending, but it thrived when it was just a slasher.
January 24, 2023
HORROR NOVELLA REVIEW
I absolutely zipped through The Class Reunion by Sean McDonough (no relation, though we have picked on one another over it for years now). This was an absolute wild ride slasher story... but not quite the slashers we are used to. You really gotta read it to see what I mean. The pop culture references from the 90s through now were hands down some of my favorites I've ever seen in a story. I don't want to say much more because at only 169 pages, the story packs a punch, but it's easy to give away. Don't get Barb-ed guys and stay safe with class reunions after you finish this.
I absolutely zipped through The Class Reunion by Sean McDonough (no relation, though we have picked on one another over it for years now). This was an absolute wild ride slasher story... but not quite the slashers we are used to. You really gotta read it to see what I mean. The pop culture references from the 90s through now were hands down some of my favorites I've ever seen in a story. I don't want to say much more because at only 169 pages, the story packs a punch, but it's easy to give away. Don't get Barb-ed guys and stay safe with class reunions after you finish this.
July 9, 2024
The Class Reunion was a super fun, short read for fans of the slasher genre. It gave 90s slasher movie to me. Vickie gets suckered into going to a party that her best friend’s love interest is having with his best friends at their old, abandoned school. This ends up being a decision she will soon regret, and not just because her friend’s love interest and his friends are her former bullies. The Damned Fra will turn it into a night she will never forget. There were a couple kill methods that would have made our favorite slashers proud. My only wish is that we got more of Fra’s backstory! This was a quick, easy read being just under 150 pages. 5⭐️ read for me!
May 12, 2024
This is a quick little slasher. Our main character Vickie is going back to her abandoned school with some of her old schoolmates. Unfortunately, there is someone else there who is making them into an art project. I thought it was really cool that the villain in this doesn't go by their names but the colors he is going to use in his painting. This is a pretty good story and I really like how this one ended.
July 12, 2024
For me, this book failed to live up to its potential. The story wasn’t fleshed out enough. The villain’s back story felt incomplete & the ending was rather vague. If more things had been explained, the book would have been a lot better. Sean McDonough is a superb writer. This just wasn’t one of his best.
September 8, 2024
This is a solid SOLID 4.5 stars for me
One of my favorite set ups for a book, we got people stuck in a weird group and people are dying ✅
Snowstorm and booze? ✅
People with secrets ✅
But Sean goes a step further and gives it substance, this is beyond a slasher, this is perfection.
Loved every second and glad I took a random chance on this, cannot wait for his new book coming out!!
One of my favorite set ups for a book, we got people stuck in a weird group and people are dying ✅
Snowstorm and booze? ✅
People with secrets ✅
But Sean goes a step further and gives it substance, this is beyond a slasher, this is perfection.
Loved every second and glad I took a random chance on this, cannot wait for his new book coming out!!
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