Author: Brian McAuley
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Published: September 2, 2025
I’m relatively new to the horror genre, and I didn’t think I’d like slashers, but there was something about this book that allowed me to peek through my fingers at the gruesome goriness!
- Cult like atmosphere? Check!
- Mysterious guru and creepy accomplice? Check!
- Remote setting? Check!
- Infighting among friends? Check and check!
Hannah has lost her boyfriend in a hiking accident, although we get the feeling there is more to it. She is wracked by all kinds of guilt and keeps hallucinating he’s haunting her. Her visions are so disorienting that she messes up at work and is put on leave. She decides to reach out to her former friend, who invites her to a spa – all details are shrouded in mystery since it’s by invitation only. Of course, it’s in a secluded area. Of course there’s a charismatic guru. And of course, people are unalived. I told you this was a slasher, right? 🙂 To say more would be to give too much away, but just know that this is the perfect gateway book for someone new to horror!
Thank you to Camp NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance reader’s copy.
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