My Five Word TL:DR Review: A Case of Managed Expectations

Okay, what do I mean by managed expectations? Basically when I requested The Summer Fun Massacre I jumped to the immediate conclusion that this was going to be your basic gorefest. Call me old fashioned but the words ‘Massacre’ and ‘Slasher Season’ I think very much helped me to go down that particular path. But, I did read an early review for this that suggested this had a police procedural feel and wasn’t just a (bare with me) ‘brainless’ slasher book and this helped me to be a bit more open to something different if you will. This is a really gripping story, there is blood and guts, tension and mystery but at the centre is a cop who wants to uncover the truth and I loved following in his footsteps as he tried to uncover the truth.

Now, before you throw your hands in the air, all exasperated because you’re now thinking that this isn’t a slasher story – well, it still is to be honest. There isn’t a shortage of victims but what really adds to this is the sense of mystery. I mean, what the fudge is actually going on in this tiny town? It’s really quite fascinating. A killer that seems to be something of an urban myth. So many secrets. Dodgy police and that one ‘final girl. I literally enjoyed this more than I ever expected. I came for the bloodfest and stayed for the gory mystery.

So, what did I particularly enjoy.

Well, the start is just really tense. We open up with  Deputy Tom Bailey, our MC. He’s on his way (back) to the local Camp which has recently reopened. The people there are spooked and he’s already paid them a visit to check out all is okay and calm down a few frayed nerves, check under beds and in cupboards. But, something doesn’t sit right with Tom and on a hunch he decides to go back. This is all taking place in the summer of 1992, what happened more or less ten years earlier, was a massacre at that very same Summer camp – which has been closed ever since. Tom thinks its a terrible idea to reopen but who is he to reason why. He backtracks to reassure himself and before he knows it everything has gone to hell in a handcart. I loved this opener. If you want ‘massacre’ this opening gives it to you in spades. And, what I particularly loved is the way that as a reader you’re thrown straight in. Tom is a great character and you immediately like him, you want him to live, but for a moment there things really do hang in the balance. It’s all pretty darned scary to be honest.

Now, enter the scene the ‘final girl’ – Mary. As it happens, Tom and Mary were a couple, way back when, before everything went pear shaped. Mary was the last survivor of the 1983 Camp Massacre. Safe to say the pair drifted apart after that but Tom and Mary begin to reconnect, she has information and he is desperate to uncover the truth. Again, this ia a particular route that doesn’t go in the way you expect. In fact I love the twists with this story. I was hooked. I was just having a good time.

Tom is idealistic, perhaps almost a bit innocent. He simply wants to make a difference but at the same time as being naive he is also someone that others trust, he is solid and likable. Well, not everyone likes him. The Sheriff, and his son in particular, don’t like his interference. They’re all for an easy ride and with an election round the corner they don’t appreciate Tom’s delving, they want quick solutions. But something doesn’t sit right for Tom, too many unanswered questions.

For me this is a perfect combination of good writing, a winning MC, a police investigation combined with your basic camp massacre(s) and plenty of twists. I mean, really, I didn’t see things coming at all. I love a good mystery with a slasher in a bunny mask – doesn’t everyone? Lots of tension and another book yet to come. Colour me happy.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

My rating 4.5 of 5 stars