My Five Word TL:DR Review : Slasher Alert at Band Camp

I thoroughly enjoyed Delicate Condition and so couldn’t wait to see what this author came up with next. I guess I wasn’t really expecting a teen slasher at a lakeside camp but this one worked for me and kept me reading into the wee hours. 

Camp Lost Lake closed down years ago following a number of murders.  The suspected murderer managed to slip through the police’s fingers although at the time a local myth grew about the witch in the woods and this urban myth is one that still refuses to go away, kept alive by the mysterious disappearance of a number of hikers through the woods over the years .

Now, a generation later, the camp is reopening and the locals are rallying round to get the place ready. A group of teenagers have descended on the place to help. What could possibly go wrong? 

I really had a good time reading this. It’s a bit cheesy, there are two sweet little unconnected romances which seem to have been thrown in simply to keep your mind otherwise occupied (and away from clues) and there are plenty of secrets and lies. 

Okay, if you’re a horror aficionado this might have some plot holes, to be fair, I found myself stumbling over one or two (maybe not plot holes so much as puzzlers) myself but I’d already decided to simply run with this and enjoy it for what it is. Which for me was one of those stories where young people keep doing eye rollingly ill-advised things like running off into the forest alone, at night, during a storm. Because of course you would. Or finding time to gaze at each other longingly whilst a complete psychopath is creeping around with a bow and arrow. I think I was in the mood for some popcorn munching thrills and this story was a case of the right book at the right time. 

I realise I’ve not mentioned much about the plot. I’m wary of giving away spoilers. I mentioned secrets above. Basically, one young girl has unwittingly discovered something about her family that has turned everything on its head and is determined to have some answers at camp. Another young girl is heading to camp with a friend, also in search of answers, her aim, to prove someone’s innocence. 

What you can expect. 

Fast pacing.

Never a dull moment. 

Some dreadful decisions that make you want to turn into a pantomime audience shouting “he’s behind you!”

Sideline romances. 

Young people rushing headlong towards disaster without a care in the world.

A storyline that I didn’t manage to unpick (although you might manage to do so). 

A totally OTT ending in the style of all good slasher stories.

I would say that this isn’t too horror soaked so if you’re in search of a dramatic body count type slasher you won’t find it here. Which is perhaps why it was more my cup of tea.

In conclusion this kept me engaged and entertained. 

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

My rating 4 of 5 popcorn munching stars