How to Survive a Slasher by Justine Pucella Winans: A Hilariously Meta Horror Journey
When I first heard about How to Survive a Slasher, I found myself absolutely intrigued. A horror-comedy blend, with a story that not only pokes fun at slasher tropes but also provides a fresh queer perspective? Count me in! Justine Pucella Winans, best known for Bianca Torres Is Afraid of Everything, quickly had me hooked with her unique approach to storytelling. Thank you, Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review—this was a ride worth sharing!
At the heart of this engaging tale is CJ, a wonderfully relatable genderfluid teen, bravely dealing with the aftermath of a series of slasher-style murders that have shadowed their family. The juxtap of CJ’s traumatic past against the absurdity of being forced into the role of the “Final Girl” creates a rich tapestry of humor and vulnerability. I found myself laughing and tearing up at their journey, as Winans beautifully crafts CJ’s character with depth that many readers will find incredibly resonant. CJ’s emotional support cat, Chekov’s Gun, is an absolute standout—adorable, quirky, and surprisingly essential to the plot! Honestly, I adored Chekov; he just brings a whole new layer to CJ’s story.
What really impressed me about How to Survive a Slasher is how Winans deconstructs conventional horror tropes while infusing the plot with self-aware humor. The satirical nature of the town treating its violent past as a local legend adds an ironic twist that sets a darkly comedic tone. As CJ embarks on a bloody mystery that mirrors their family’s history, I was captivated by the layers of mystery that unfolded, alongside the humor, which had me chuckling and gasping in equal measure.
Winans’s narrative style felt lively and engaging. The pacing was fast without compromising character development, allowing the tension to escalate while maintaining an enjoyable rhythm. I particularly loved the pop culture references, from webcomics to the unexpected nod to the Warrior Cats series—such delightful inclusiveness in nerdy fandoms! This attention to detail lent authenticity to CJ’s world, enriching the reading experience.
As I turned each page, I was continuously delighted—and occasionally surprised—by the unfolding mystery, even if some twists felt a tad predictable. However, it’s the heart of the story—exploring themes of family, identity, and trauma—that truly resonates. It made me reflect on how we navigate our own legacies, especially in the face of fear, making this not just a fun read but a poignant one too.
Overall, How to Survive a Slasher is an absolute gem. It’s engaging, smart, and respects the horror genre while shaking it up with inclusive representation and meta-humor. This book is perfect for fans of slasher flicks looking for a good laugh alongside some thrills—ideal for the Halloween season! If you enjoy clever twists on classic tropes and characters that feel like friends, then grab this novel. Just be prepared: you might start eyeing your own cats a little differently!
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