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How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive
From Bram Stoker Award‑nominated author Craig DiLouie comes a darkly humorous horror novel that sees a famous 80s slasher director set out to shoot the most terrifying horror movie ever made using an occult camera that might be (and probably is) demonic.
Horror isn’t horror unless it’s real.
Max Maury should be on top of the world. He’s a famous horror director. Actors love him. Hollywood needs him. He’s making money hand over fist. But it’s the 80s, and he’s directing cheap slashers for audiences who only crave more blood, not real art. Not real horror. And Max’s slimy producer refuses to fund any of his new ideas.
Sally Priest dreams of being the Final Girl. She knows she’s got what it takes to score the lead role, even if she’s only been cast in small parts so far. When Sally meets Max at his latest wrap party, she sets out to impress him and prove her scream queen prowess.
But when Max discovers an old camera that filmed a very real Hollywood horror, he knows that he has to use this camera for his next movie. The only problem is that it came with a cryptic warning and sometimes wails.
By the time Max discovers the true evil lying within, he’s already dead set on finishing the scariest movie ever put to film, and like it or not, it’s Sally’s time to shine as the Final Girl.
Horror isn’t horror unless it’s real.
Max Maury should be on top of the world. He’s a famous horror director. Actors love him. Hollywood needs him. He’s making money hand over fist. But it’s the 80s, and he’s directing cheap slashers for audiences who only crave more blood, not real art. Not real horror. And Max’s slimy producer refuses to fund any of his new ideas.
Sally Priest dreams of being the Final Girl. She knows she’s got what it takes to score the lead role, even if she’s only been cast in small parts so far. When Sally meets Max at his latest wrap party, she sets out to impress him and prove her scream queen prowess.
But when Max discovers an old camera that filmed a very real Hollywood horror, he knows that he has to use this camera for his next movie. The only problem is that it came with a cryptic warning and sometimes wails.
By the time Max discovers the true evil lying within, he’s already dead set on finishing the scariest movie ever put to film, and like it or not, it’s Sally’s time to shine as the Final Girl.
320 pages, Paperback
First published June 18, 2024
About the author
Craig DiLouie
58 books1,149 followersCraig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.
These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
May 11, 2024
My thanks to Redhook Books, Craig DiLouie and Netgalley.
Mr. DiLouie is almost always a.good time!
Honestly? I spent nearly as much time hating this story as I did loving it!
I often find myself bored near to tears when an author lists in book's about horror movies. This was not an exception! However, I was happy as a 🐖 in a poke for most of the book.
I was initially hesitant about these characters, but even the "weirdos" were fun. Well, at least watching them die horribly was fun!
Book's man! Where the hell else can we watch and gloat when arseholes die? Bunch of messed up death's here. Love that!
Not the authors best effort, but still read worthy.
3 1/2 stars.
Mr. DiLouie is almost always a.good time!
Honestly? I spent nearly as much time hating this story as I did loving it!
I often find myself bored near to tears when an author lists in book's about horror movies. This was not an exception! However, I was happy as a 🐖 in a poke for most of the book.
I was initially hesitant about these characters, but even the "weirdos" were fun. Well, at least watching them die horribly was fun!
Book's man! Where the hell else can we watch and gloat when arseholes die? Bunch of messed up death's here. Love that!
Not the authors best effort, but still read worthy.
3 1/2 stars.
June 2, 2024
Ever wondered what it’s like to read a book that feels more like a DIY manual? Well, "How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive" certainly delivers on that front. The "How to" in the title isn't just for show—it's a big part of the experience.
Max Maury should be living the dream. Picture this: he's a renowned horror director. Actors adore him. Hollywood can't get enough of him. He’s raking in the cash. But here’s the kicker—it’s the 80s, and Max is stuck making cheap slasher flicks for bloodthirsty fans who don’t care about true horror artistry. And to make things worse, his sleazy producer won’t bankroll any of his new, innovative ideas.
Enter Sally Priest, who aspires to be the ultimate Final Girl. She’s confident she can land the lead role, even if she’s only had bit parts so far. When she meets Max at his latest wrap party, she’s determined to show off her scream queen skills.
Then things get spooky. Max stumbles upon an old camera that once captured a real-life Hollywood horror. Despite a creepy warning and the camera’s eerie wailing, Max decides he must use it for his next film. But by the time he realizes the camera’s true malevolence, he's already hell-bent on making the scariest movie ever. And whether she likes it or not, Sally’s destined to be the Final Girl.
The premise Craig dreamed up is definitely intriguing and unique. However, the execution left much to be desired. I found myself bored and disconnected from the unfolding events. Given the genre, I expected a slow build followed by a thrilling sprint to the finish. Sadly, this book didn’t deliver that rush. 3 stars for the concept and the ending that pulled it through.
Thanks to NetGalley and Redhook Books for giving me the chance to read and review this ARC.
Max Maury should be living the dream. Picture this: he's a renowned horror director. Actors adore him. Hollywood can't get enough of him. He’s raking in the cash. But here’s the kicker—it’s the 80s, and Max is stuck making cheap slasher flicks for bloodthirsty fans who don’t care about true horror artistry. And to make things worse, his sleazy producer won’t bankroll any of his new, innovative ideas.
Enter Sally Priest, who aspires to be the ultimate Final Girl. She’s confident she can land the lead role, even if she’s only had bit parts so far. When she meets Max at his latest wrap party, she’s determined to show off her scream queen skills.
Then things get spooky. Max stumbles upon an old camera that once captured a real-life Hollywood horror. Despite a creepy warning and the camera’s eerie wailing, Max decides he must use it for his next film. But by the time he realizes the camera’s true malevolence, he's already hell-bent on making the scariest movie ever. And whether she likes it or not, Sally’s destined to be the Final Girl.
The premise Craig dreamed up is definitely intriguing and unique. However, the execution left much to be desired. I found myself bored and disconnected from the unfolding events. Given the genre, I expected a slow build followed by a thrilling sprint to the finish. Sadly, this book didn’t deliver that rush. 3 stars for the concept and the ending that pulled it through.
Thanks to NetGalley and Redhook Books for giving me the chance to read and review this ARC.
March 25, 2024
Most important things first: Does the dog live?
Honestly, this book gave me whiplash and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. First I got super excited because OMG, such an amazing premise! And then I got a little bored because nothing much happens for a whole lot of pages and there's lots of film talk and the characters are all unlikeable. And then all the things happen at the end and it's exciting again!
I mean, the ending is fantastic. The epilogue-y bit at the very end is probably one of the best parts of the entire book. And the climax (which relies heavily on the Final Girl trope) is just about perfect, although I did find the vanquishing of the Big Bad to be a little anticlimactic. But, overall, the ending is exciting and original and totally made the book.
And the premise! A haunted movie camera that gives the wielder an unimaginable power? Yes, please!
I also love how this book is basically one big homage to the slasher movie genre. While I do love horror, slasher flicks have never been my favorites (mostly due to a traumatizing A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 incident when I was nine). But it's obvious that Craig DiLouie has a great fondness for the genre and this book is an endearing tribute to the slasher films and scream queens of the 70s and 80s.
The characters, though. So unlikeable. Sally and Clare were decent, but pretty much everyone else was awful … and Max especially so. I don't normally need personable characters in order to enjoy a novel, but this one was a little tough since I absolutely despised the main character (especially in the latter chapters). Max is only a few steps down from Dolores Umbridge on my “unbearable book and film characters” list, honestly.
I struggled a little with the middle bits of the book too. There were entertaining incidents here and there, but a lot of it just consisted of film talk and Max burying and unburying a camera and rambling on about his new horror movie idea. It wasn't a complete slog, but I'm not entirely sure that it was all necessary – this story probably could have been at least a good fifty pages shorter.
But, overall, was it worth it? I … I think so? I really did adore the ending and the premise is certainly original. It wasn't a perfect read, but I'm pretty sure it's one I won't forget any time soon.
My overall rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Redhook Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
Honestly, this book gave me whiplash and I'm not quite sure how I feel about it. First I got super excited because OMG, such an amazing premise! And then I got a little bored because nothing much happens for a whole lot of pages and there's lots of film talk and the characters are all unlikeable. And then all the things happen at the end and it's exciting again!
I mean, the ending is fantastic. The epilogue-y bit at the very end is probably one of the best parts of the entire book. And the climax (which relies heavily on the Final Girl trope) is just about perfect, although I did find the vanquishing of the Big Bad to be a little anticlimactic. But, overall, the ending is exciting and original and totally made the book.
And the premise! A haunted movie camera that gives the wielder an unimaginable power? Yes, please!
I also love how this book is basically one big homage to the slasher movie genre. While I do love horror, slasher flicks have never been my favorites (mostly due to a traumatizing A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 incident when I was nine). But it's obvious that Craig DiLouie has a great fondness for the genre and this book is an endearing tribute to the slasher films and scream queens of the 70s and 80s.
The characters, though. So unlikeable. Sally and Clare were decent, but pretty much everyone else was awful … and Max especially so. I don't normally need personable characters in order to enjoy a novel, but this one was a little tough since I absolutely despised the main character (especially in the latter chapters). Max is only a few steps down from Dolores Umbridge on my “unbearable book and film characters” list, honestly.
I struggled a little with the middle bits of the book too. There were entertaining incidents here and there, but a lot of it just consisted of film talk and Max burying and unburying a camera and rambling on about his new horror movie idea. It wasn't a complete slog, but I'm not entirely sure that it was all necessary – this story probably could have been at least a good fifty pages shorter.
But, overall, was it worth it? I … I think so? I really did adore the ending and the premise is certainly original. It wasn't a perfect read, but I'm pretty sure it's one I won't forget any time soon.
My overall rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Redhook Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
May 16, 2024
If I'm being honest this book was not at all what I was expecting.
What I was expecting was a horror novel but this...isn't that. Not really, anyways.
Yes, there is a possessed camera, a horror director trying to make the most terrifying horror movie of all time, a final girl, and plenty of dead bodies but it never delivered any chills. In fact, there was almost a horror comedy vibe to it. Kind of like the Scary Movie franchise.
For me the fatal flaw of this book is all the ins and outs of movie making. So many technical details that had me bored to tears. If you're a cinephile then this will probably be a heck of a lot more interesting to you than it was for me.
I will say that DiLouie is a great writer and I have read and enjoyed his books in the past. His knowledge of horror movies and the genre itself is astounding and it's obvious that this is a book he holds near and dear to his heart but I do think reader enjoyment will vary. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books for my complimentary copy.
What I was expecting was a horror novel but this...isn't that. Not really, anyways.
Yes, there is a possessed camera, a horror director trying to make the most terrifying horror movie of all time, a final girl, and plenty of dead bodies but it never delivered any chills. In fact, there was almost a horror comedy vibe to it. Kind of like the Scary Movie franchise.
For me the fatal flaw of this book is all the ins and outs of movie making. So many technical details that had me bored to tears. If you're a cinephile then this will probably be a heck of a lot more interesting to you than it was for me.
I will say that DiLouie is a great writer and I have read and enjoyed his books in the past. His knowledge of horror movies and the genre itself is astounding and it's obvious that this is a book he holds near and dear to his heart but I do think reader enjoyment will vary. 3 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Redhook Books for my complimentary copy.
July 23, 2024
**2.5-stars rounded up**
This hurts my heart to not be giving this a higher rating. While I truly appreciate the topics explored here by the author, I can't say I enjoyed my time with it and I have to be honest. Otherwise, what are we even doing here?
This just had way more of a Literary-feel than I am interested in, and for me, it lacked my number one desire, atmosphere. Overall, I was bored; really bored.
It didn't start out that way though. For the first 25%, I was definitely intrigued. We had met Max, the Horror director, and Sally, the actress with dreams of playing a Final Girl on the big screen. I did enjoy meeting them and was pulled in by the beginning of their stories.
Max ends up with an old camera that once belong to a deceased Horror director, who gained the level of a cult-like status. Max hatches a plan to utilize that camera to make his own infamous movie, pushing the limits of the genre.
As Max begins to use the camera though, a dangerous power is revealed. Will he continue using it, in pursuit of his goal, no matter the risks? And will Sally get her dream of becoming the Final Girl?
Unfortunately, for me, the longer the story went on, the less interested I became. The devil is in the details, and IMHO, the details of this killed the story. It was slow-moving, bogged down by endless things I didn't care about.
This is clearly a love letter to the Horror genre, and for that, I give it full props. I am, first and foremost, a Horror Lover, Reader and Reviewer. It's my roots.
I appreciate how DiLouie examined the genre, specifically its place within the movie industry, and how it is treated, viewed, etc., in comparison to other, for lack of a better term, more mainstream, genres.
I could see this working very well for a niche market of film buffs, or even film students, as it does explore the industry deeply. For me it was just too subtle, slow, and by the time we got to the final showdown, too little, too late.
With this being said, the writing is strong, the characters are well-developed and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this story. It just sadly wasn't a story that was a good fit for my tastes.
I would still encourage absolutely anyone interested in this synopsis to give it a try. I know a lot of Readers are going to love this, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if I end up in the minority opinion on it. Please take everything I have said with a grain of salt. It is just my personal experience.
Thank you to the publisher, Redhook, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't a great fit for me, I will absolutely be picking up more from this author!
Content Warning:
This hurts my heart to not be giving this a higher rating. While I truly appreciate the topics explored here by the author, I can't say I enjoyed my time with it and I have to be honest. Otherwise, what are we even doing here?
This just had way more of a Literary-feel than I am interested in, and for me, it lacked my number one desire, atmosphere. Overall, I was bored; really bored.
It didn't start out that way though. For the first 25%, I was definitely intrigued. We had met Max, the Horror director, and Sally, the actress with dreams of playing a Final Girl on the big screen. I did enjoy meeting them and was pulled in by the beginning of their stories.
Max ends up with an old camera that once belong to a deceased Horror director, who gained the level of a cult-like status. Max hatches a plan to utilize that camera to make his own infamous movie, pushing the limits of the genre.
As Max begins to use the camera though, a dangerous power is revealed. Will he continue using it, in pursuit of his goal, no matter the risks? And will Sally get her dream of becoming the Final Girl?
Unfortunately, for me, the longer the story went on, the less interested I became. The devil is in the details, and IMHO, the details of this killed the story. It was slow-moving, bogged down by endless things I didn't care about.
This is clearly a love letter to the Horror genre, and for that, I give it full props. I am, first and foremost, a Horror Lover, Reader and Reviewer. It's my roots.
I appreciate how DiLouie examined the genre, specifically its place within the movie industry, and how it is treated, viewed, etc., in comparison to other, for lack of a better term, more mainstream, genres.
I could see this working very well for a niche market of film buffs, or even film students, as it does explore the industry deeply. For me it was just too subtle, slow, and by the time we got to the final showdown, too little, too late.
With this being said, the writing is strong, the characters are well-developed and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this story. It just sadly wasn't a story that was a good fit for my tastes.
I would still encourage absolutely anyone interested in this synopsis to give it a try. I know a lot of Readers are going to love this, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if I end up in the minority opinion on it. Please take everything I have said with a grain of salt. It is just my personal experience.
Thank you to the publisher, Redhook, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Even though this wasn't a great fit for me, I will absolutely be picking up more from this author!
Content Warning:
May 25, 2024
“That’s what heroic stories do for us. They show us the way. They remind us of the good we are capable of.”
- Sam Raimi
Director, The Evil Dead
Max Maurey is a director who is desperate to make the greatest horror movie in recent years. he dedicates his whole life to this goal and when he finds a cursed camera of a previous director named Arthur Golden, things take a sinister turn. Arthur’s camera is actually cursed and whoever gets filmed on it ends up dying in real life. Max is conflicted about this fact and vows never to use it, but when things start to fall through with his movie that all changes. we also have Sally whose a up and coming actress looking for her break out role as a horror final girl. Max and Sally become entangled with each other in search of their respective ambitions.
“Monsters in movies are us, always us, one way or the other. They’re us with hats on.”
- John Carpenter
Director, Halloween
although this book has it’s darker elements (won’t mention specifics), there’s a major focus on moviemaking in general and the unfair judgement the horror genre gets compared to it’s counterparts. i appreciated the discussion on this since there’s a lot of unnecessary hate towards horror when sometimes there’s more to it than people will give credit for. i’m just a big fan of movies and everything that goes into making them, so i loved all the references to actual horror movies and their directors. but if you’re not into that you might be lost, or even find those sections not as interesting. i had such a fun time reading this one and it felt like it was written just to my tastes since horror is my favorite movie genre. the ending was really cool too, loved the way this story played out!
↠ many thanks to NetGalley and Redhook Books for the arc! all opinions are my own.
July 19, 2024
2.5 Stars
Video Review https://youtu.be/ylbSUYXdIsI
As a horror novel about horror films, this one should have been easy to love. I have read and enjoyed previous books from this author so I was hopeful this could be another solid addition.
The story ended up being fine, but just fine. I didn't find it particularly interesting or memorable. This is very much a case of a missed opportunity.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
Video Review https://youtu.be/ylbSUYXdIsI
As a horror novel about horror films, this one should have been easy to love. I have read and enjoyed previous books from this author so I was hopeful this could be another solid addition.
The story ended up being fine, but just fine. I didn't find it particularly interesting or memorable. This is very much a case of a missed opportunity.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
July 21, 2024
2.5 ⭐️s
For a novel with horror in the title, horror was notably absent. I was bored to tears through most of this. Unless you are into the behind-the-scenes aspects of movie making, and literally every single thing that entails, you might struggle with this like I did. Make me scared… do something scary… mention something scary… do scares!
Why You Should Or Shouldn’t Read It
You shouldn’t. Because it’s boring, and you’ll be bored. So don’t get bored
Themes
Greed, self-aggrandizement, and a willingness to do anything to fulfill one’s perceived calling
One Thing I’ll walk away with
Stank-face because boring
For a novel with horror in the title, horror was notably absent. I was bored to tears through most of this. Unless you are into the behind-the-scenes aspects of movie making, and literally every single thing that entails, you might struggle with this like I did. Make me scared… do something scary… mention something scary… do scares!
Why You Should Or Shouldn’t Read It
You shouldn’t. Because it’s boring, and you’ll be bored. So don’t get bored
Themes
Greed, self-aggrandizement, and a willingness to do anything to fulfill one’s perceived calling
One Thing I’ll walk away with
Stank-face because boring
July 7, 2024
Underwhelmed. While June 2024 is filled with new releases from the horror and thriller genres. So far, I am not impressed.
The new Riley Sager. Meh. The new Craig DiLouie. Disappointing at a minimum.
358-pages long. Almost every page is devoted to monologuing.
Monologuing with a capital "M".
MONOLOG with all caps.
The main character is a Hollywood horror movie director. He monologs about how horror movies in Hollywood are no longer real horror. Monologs about his dream of making a real horror movie. Monologs about what is a real horror movie. Monologs about the injustice of the pure horror genre being manipulated, and ruined by the current "fake" horror that Hollywood produces.
This is not a horror story. It is a story "about" horror.
Again and again, I've experienced books marketed as one thing then the reality is not as sold. It's incredibly frustrating. I would have passed on this if it had been described accurately. As such, it was not. The result was a disappointing and boring reader experience. Along with a very low rating, that is public. Which result is better?
The new Riley Sager. Meh. The new Craig DiLouie. Disappointing at a minimum.
358-pages long. Almost every page is devoted to monologuing.
Monologuing with a capital "M".
MONOLOG with all caps.
The main character is a Hollywood horror movie director. He monologs about how horror movies in Hollywood are no longer real horror. Monologs about his dream of making a real horror movie. Monologs about what is a real horror movie. Monologs about the injustice of the pure horror genre being manipulated, and ruined by the current "fake" horror that Hollywood produces.
This is not a horror story. It is a story "about" horror.
Again and again, I've experienced books marketed as one thing then the reality is not as sold. It's incredibly frustrating. I would have passed on this if it had been described accurately. As such, it was not. The result was a disappointing and boring reader experience. Along with a very low rating, that is public. Which result is better?
July 24, 2024
DNF @ pg 200
I'm so sad to say that I'm going to put this one down. Despite it being one of my most anticipated releases of 2024, it just didn't hold my attention! I'd love to blame it on my reading slump, but I actually think this book was part of what put me in the slump in the first place. 😅 It had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, the pacing dragged and I wasn't invested in any of the characters or anything that was happening. When I realized continuing this book was only going to make my slump last that much longer, I decided to let it go, no matter how much it upset me after loving DiLouie's Episode Thirteen so much!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Content warnings for:
———
bookstagram | booktok | blog | storygraph | twitter/x
I'm so sad to say that I'm going to put this one down. Despite it being one of my most anticipated releases of 2024, it just didn't hold my attention! I'd love to blame it on my reading slump, but I actually think this book was part of what put me in the slump in the first place. 😅 It had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, the pacing dragged and I wasn't invested in any of the characters or anything that was happening. When I realized continuing this book was only going to make my slump last that much longer, I decided to let it go, no matter how much it upset me after loving DiLouie's Episode Thirteen so much!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.
✨ Content warnings for:
———
bookstagram | booktok | blog | storygraph | twitter/x
June 9, 2024
Thank you Redhook Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Cursed film stories are always a favorite of mine and Mr. DiLouie delivers. An obsession, some gore, some shocking and chilling scenes, all made for an entertaining ride. Check this out when it publishes June 18, 2024!
April 1, 2024
Review in the April 2024 issue of Library Journal
Three Worlds That Describe This Book: cursed object, constantly intensifying dread, love letter to Horror genre
Drat Review:
It’s 1988 and Max Maurey is a Horror movie director at the top of his game, but he wants to make something new, a film that can capture the authentic Horror of life. Sally has been making a name for herself as “the bad girl” in Maurey’s films, but what she really wants to be is the “final girl.” When the two of them find the camera with which a director filmed the horrific, accidental death of most of his cast, Maurey realizes that it may hold the power to help him realize his filmmaking dreams. Told from both Sally and Maurey’s points of view, readers learn very quickly that this will be no ordinary movie, as the camera’s deadly intentions make themselves known. However, despite this slasher’s high body count, DiLouie adds a tenderness to the story, encased in the horror of the camera itself, that ultimately allows Maurey to create the authentic experience he was striving for all along. A love letter to Horror itself, this novel affirms the genre's ability to help its fans safely confront the darkness in their lives while at the same time, terrifying them to their core.
Verdict: A great read for fans of authors who embrace slasher movie tropes in their storytelling such as Brian McAuley, Grady Hendrix, and Stephen Graham Jones, but also those who love tales where artists and cursed objects collide such as Gothic by Fracassi.
2 narrators:
Max, the director-- 1988 and he is at the top of the 80s Slasher market, but being Jason, Michael Myers, and Freddy.
Sally the actress and potential Final Girl
This is a story of a cursed film protector and a director who will do whatever it takes to make the most authentic horror movie ever. It is unnerving and upsetting, the dread builds relentlessly to a point that could be too much, but DiLouie is too good a writer for that, and it is not. A lot of that has to do with the world he built around the camera itself (really original and serves the story well as it doesn't allow it too get too bleak-- no more on that). That extra level of world building allows the novel to end still unsettled, but in a much better place. Again, no spoilers. But in the afterword, DiLouie talks about this novel being his love letter to Horror-- both the emotion and the genre. Without that extra world building about the camera itself, he would have lost that thread and just given us a bloody slasher with a high body count.
Sally is a memorable character, one I would spend time with again.
Readalikes: The closest book to this one is about a cursed writing desk and its creator-- GOTHIC by Fracassi (which I LOVED). Curse of the Reaper by McAuley is also a good readalike. There is a lot of discussion of the allure of Horror as a genre and the Slasher in particular here, so readers who like that as portrayed in My Heart is Chainsaw by SGJ or The Shoemaker's Magician by Pelayo made like this one, but I would probably steer those readers to The Final Girl Support Group by Hendrix first.
A love letter to Horror itself, this novel affirms the genre's ability to help its fans safely confront the darkness in their lives while at the same time, terrifying them to their core.
Verdict: A great read for fans of authors who embrace slasher movie tropes in their storytelling such as Brian McAuley, Grady Hendrix, and Stephen Graham Jones, but also those who love tales where artists and crushed objects collide such as Gothic by Fracassi.
Three Worlds That Describe This Book: cursed object, constantly intensifying dread, love letter to Horror genre
Drat Review:
It’s 1988 and Max Maurey is a Horror movie director at the top of his game, but he wants to make something new, a film that can capture the authentic Horror of life. Sally has been making a name for herself as “the bad girl” in Maurey’s films, but what she really wants to be is the “final girl.” When the two of them find the camera with which a director filmed the horrific, accidental death of most of his cast, Maurey realizes that it may hold the power to help him realize his filmmaking dreams. Told from both Sally and Maurey’s points of view, readers learn very quickly that this will be no ordinary movie, as the camera’s deadly intentions make themselves known. However, despite this slasher’s high body count, DiLouie adds a tenderness to the story, encased in the horror of the camera itself, that ultimately allows Maurey to create the authentic experience he was striving for all along. A love letter to Horror itself, this novel affirms the genre's ability to help its fans safely confront the darkness in their lives while at the same time, terrifying them to their core.
Verdict: A great read for fans of authors who embrace slasher movie tropes in their storytelling such as Brian McAuley, Grady Hendrix, and Stephen Graham Jones, but also those who love tales where artists and cursed objects collide such as Gothic by Fracassi.
2 narrators:
Max, the director-- 1988 and he is at the top of the 80s Slasher market, but being Jason, Michael Myers, and Freddy.
Sally the actress and potential Final Girl
This is a story of a cursed film protector and a director who will do whatever it takes to make the most authentic horror movie ever. It is unnerving and upsetting, the dread builds relentlessly to a point that could be too much, but DiLouie is too good a writer for that, and it is not. A lot of that has to do with the world he built around the camera itself (really original and serves the story well as it doesn't allow it too get too bleak-- no more on that). That extra level of world building allows the novel to end still unsettled, but in a much better place. Again, no spoilers. But in the afterword, DiLouie talks about this novel being his love letter to Horror-- both the emotion and the genre. Without that extra world building about the camera itself, he would have lost that thread and just given us a bloody slasher with a high body count.
Sally is a memorable character, one I would spend time with again.
Readalikes: The closest book to this one is about a cursed writing desk and its creator-- GOTHIC by Fracassi (which I LOVED). Curse of the Reaper by McAuley is also a good readalike. There is a lot of discussion of the allure of Horror as a genre and the Slasher in particular here, so readers who like that as portrayed in My Heart is Chainsaw by SGJ or The Shoemaker's Magician by Pelayo made like this one, but I would probably steer those readers to The Final Girl Support Group by Hendrix first.
A love letter to Horror itself, this novel affirms the genre's ability to help its fans safely confront the darkness in their lives while at the same time, terrifying them to their core.
Verdict: A great read for fans of authors who embrace slasher movie tropes in their storytelling such as Brian McAuley, Grady Hendrix, and Stephen Graham Jones, but also those who love tales where artists and crushed objects collide such as Gothic by Fracassi.
April 6, 2024
For me, horror has always been a way to explore my own fears in a safe environment and I think this book perfectly encapsulates horror lovers appreciation of the genre and the ability to allow us to face the monsters that haunt us, the sub genre of horror literature that's aimed at horror lovers in all its forms are my favourite, very much a love letter to the slasher genre of the 70s/80s this marries dark humour and final girls in a way that fans of Hendrix and SGJ will appreciate, the cursed item trope is also up there with tropes I particularly enjoy (think Gothic by Fracassi) in this case the camera serves as a metaphor for the dark underbelly of Hollywood and what people are willing to do for a good scare, theres a lot of attention paid to character development which creates an evocative experience, a fun and self aware horror that takes an unflinching look at the way we relate to our protagonists, Craig's writing is incredibly suspenseful and I really enjoyed this, highly recommend especially if you enjoyed My Heart is a Chainsaw, The Final Girl Support Group, Silver Nitrate or Gothic
May 26, 2024
‘Horror isn’t horror unless it’s real.’
This story starts out following the likeable Max Maurey, a director who’s famous ‘Jack the Knife’ movies are getting reviews of being too campy, too famous and too laughable. He obtains a camera with sinister motives and Max is hooked on using it to make his next movie the scariest film one would ever witness.
Also following the lovely Sally Priest, who is always the bad girl but never the final girl. She so desperately wants to prove herself in Hollywood. She sees Max as a meal ticket, but gets way more than she wished for.
Thoughts:
This book was a fun, entertaining read. It had a lot of what I was hoping for; all the glamour and the behind the scenes of Hollywood film making in the 70’s/80’s, actors doing everything they can to make it, and directors pushing to their ultimate limits. I enjoyed the numerous movie facts and references; also the different interpretations of ‘what horror is.’
Although the pace was slow at times throughout the book and with some parts I would have taken out altogether, the details the author offered made up for it. I did also love the character building for both Max and Sally.
The last quarter of the book picked up a great deal and ended beautifully and just how I wanted. It’s one of those endings where you know what’s coming but so satisfying to read.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Redhook Books for the ARC!
This story starts out following the likeable Max Maurey, a director who’s famous ‘Jack the Knife’ movies are getting reviews of being too campy, too famous and too laughable. He obtains a camera with sinister motives and Max is hooked on using it to make his next movie the scariest film one would ever witness.
Also following the lovely Sally Priest, who is always the bad girl but never the final girl. She so desperately wants to prove herself in Hollywood. She sees Max as a meal ticket, but gets way more than she wished for.
Thoughts:
This book was a fun, entertaining read. It had a lot of what I was hoping for; all the glamour and the behind the scenes of Hollywood film making in the 70’s/80’s, actors doing everything they can to make it, and directors pushing to their ultimate limits. I enjoyed the numerous movie facts and references; also the different interpretations of ‘what horror is.’
Although the pace was slow at times throughout the book and with some parts I would have taken out altogether, the details the author offered made up for it. I did also love the character building for both Max and Sally.
The last quarter of the book picked up a great deal and ended beautifully and just how I wanted. It’s one of those endings where you know what’s coming but so satisfying to read.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Redhook Books for the ARC!
July 4, 2024
I loved Craig DiLouie’s previous works so I was expecting to love this. This book wasn’t really a horror book. It’s a book about Hollywood and making movies. There wasn’t enough of the cursed camera element of the story for me, and when we finally do get it, it was too late for me. The story had interesting parts, but it dragged on too long. Unfortunately, I found this mostly boring and struggled to finish it.
I also read this immediately after Paul Tremblay’s Horror Movie and I think I’m getting burned out on this topic already lol.
I also read this immediately after Paul Tremblay’s Horror Movie and I think I’m getting burned out on this topic already lol.
April 25, 2024
If you aren’t horrified, you aren’t paying attention. If you aren’t terrified, you aren’t really living. That’s what Max Maurey believed.
Like many others, Max Maurey leaned on horror films for comfort; preferring the fictional horrors to the horrors of reality. Feeling called to be a director, he worked his way through film school at UCLA—where even his peers and professors thought of him as uncultured for wanting to create horror films—and through odd jobs in the film industry until he finally caught his big break. Now, it’s 1988 and Max has just created and directed the most anticipated horror film of the year. Jack the Knife is a series of slashers that have been as big and as brilliant as Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street. But Max and the producer are having creative differences… While the producer wants to make films that appeal to the public—cheap and predictable—Max is dying to get back to making real art, real horror.
Horror is only horror if it’s real.
Enter Sally Priest. A B-list horror movie actress who is trying to prove herself worthy of the role of her dreams—The Final Girl. When the pair find an old camera that once filmed a real, horrific, Hollywood accident, Max considers it as “an omen from the movie gods” and uses it as his golden ticket to make the scariest movie viewers have ever seen.
Thoughts:
This book is set in and around the Hollywood hills and, for me, it made it feel all the more real as it struck close to home—mentioning cities and landmarks that I conduct my own life around.
I wouldn’t consider myself a film buff so I was worried that a lot of this book and its lingo might go over my head but I was genuinely pleased with the way DiLouie brought it down to “normie” level while still making it interesting and I even found myself learning a few things.
All of the references to real-life beloved slasher films and the making of slashers were, of course, welcomed by me and reading this has me dyyyying to go watch my favorite slashers.
This book takes on a slower pace and readers spend a lot of time getting to know Max and Sally which will be problematic for some but it wasn't for me. Parts of the story got a little convoluted and I didn’t understand some of the MC's decision making process but overall… Loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the writing.
Thank you to Redhook Books and NetGalley for the digital copy! Out 06/18/2024!
Like many others, Max Maurey leaned on horror films for comfort; preferring the fictional horrors to the horrors of reality. Feeling called to be a director, he worked his way through film school at UCLA—where even his peers and professors thought of him as uncultured for wanting to create horror films—and through odd jobs in the film industry until he finally caught his big break. Now, it’s 1988 and Max has just created and directed the most anticipated horror film of the year. Jack the Knife is a series of slashers that have been as big and as brilliant as Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street. But Max and the producer are having creative differences… While the producer wants to make films that appeal to the public—cheap and predictable—Max is dying to get back to making real art, real horror.
Horror is only horror if it’s real.
Enter Sally Priest. A B-list horror movie actress who is trying to prove herself worthy of the role of her dreams—The Final Girl. When the pair find an old camera that once filmed a real, horrific, Hollywood accident, Max considers it as “an omen from the movie gods” and uses it as his golden ticket to make the scariest movie viewers have ever seen.
Thoughts:
This book is set in and around the Hollywood hills and, for me, it made it feel all the more real as it struck close to home—mentioning cities and landmarks that I conduct my own life around.
I wouldn’t consider myself a film buff so I was worried that a lot of this book and its lingo might go over my head but I was genuinely pleased with the way DiLouie brought it down to “normie” level while still making it interesting and I even found myself learning a few things.
All of the references to real-life beloved slasher films and the making of slashers were, of course, welcomed by me and reading this has me dyyyying to go watch my favorite slashers.
This book takes on a slower pace and readers spend a lot of time getting to know Max and Sally which will be problematic for some but it wasn't for me. Parts of the story got a little convoluted and I didn’t understand some of the MC's decision making process but overall… Loved the characters, loved the plot, loved the writing.
Thank you to Redhook Books and NetGalley for the digital copy! Out 06/18/2024!
April 20, 2024
At 10%, nothing has really happened 🤷🏻♀️ the found footage scene recharged my interest, but then we fell back into this pseudo-biographical 'the real history of the slasher film.'
I think I'll come back to this title later because I'm holding out hope it ramps up; I just don't have the care to muscle through all the exposition.
I think I'll come back to this title later because I'm holding out hope it ramps up; I just don't have the care to muscle through all the exposition.
June 24, 2024
Horror is as healthy as eating carrots. It's therapy for the human condition. -Max Maurey
Horror lovers rejoice! This book has it all! For me it was all about the old camera. I love a cursed artifact! Bonus points if it summons evil.
This book is packed full of horror tropes and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The ending comes to a very satisfying conclusion.
My thanks to HBG Canada for this gifted copy!
Horror lovers rejoice! This book has it all! For me it was all about the old camera. I love a cursed artifact! Bonus points if it summons evil.
This book is packed full of horror tropes and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The ending comes to a very satisfying conclusion.
My thanks to HBG Canada for this gifted copy!
July 2, 2024
How to make a Horror Movie and Survive follows the successful director Max Maury as he attempts to make the most scary horror movie using a haunted camera. Readers also meet and follow up and coming Hollywood actress Sally Priest as she tries to win her mother’s approval and finally break big into the industry by landing the lead final girl role in Maury’s film. Through this book we see what lengths some people will go and what costs they will pay to achieve success.
I enjoyed how fast paced this read was and played with the different character perspectives. It was like watching an animal clip where viewers cheer for whatever animal the narrator has crafted a perspective from. Sometimes it’s the lion to catch a meal and other times it’s to hope the zebra escapes. In How to make a Horror Movie sometimes I felt myself cheering for the director and sometimes for the actress.
The ending did seem a little anticlimactic and felt rushed but the final chapter put a nice cherry on top to tie it together somewhat. Overall, it was a fun read.
I enjoyed how fast paced this read was and played with the different character perspectives. It was like watching an animal clip where viewers cheer for whatever animal the narrator has crafted a perspective from. Sometimes it’s the lion to catch a meal and other times it’s to hope the zebra escapes. In How to make a Horror Movie sometimes I felt myself cheering for the director and sometimes for the actress.
The ending did seem a little anticlimactic and felt rushed but the final chapter put a nice cherry on top to tie it together somewhat. Overall, it was a fun read.
June 19, 2024
TW/CW: Language, death of parent, anxiety, death of animal, sexual harassment, gory scenes, blood
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Max Maury should be on top of the world. He’s a famous horror director. Actors love him. Hollywood needs him. He’s making money hand over fist. But it’s the 80s, and he’s directing cheap slashers for audiences who only crave more blood, not real art. Not real horror. And Max’s slimy producer refuses to fund any of his new ideas.Sally Priest dreams of being the Final Girl. She knows she’s got what it takes to score the lead role, even if she’s only been cast in small parts so far. When Sally meets Max at his latest wrap party, she sets out to impress him and prove her scream queen prowess.But when Max discovers an old camera that filmed a very real Hollywood horror, he knows that he has to use this camera for his next movie. The only problem is that it came with a cryptic warning and sometimes wails.By the time Max discovers the true evil lying within, he’s already dead set on finishing the scariest movie ever put to film, and like it or not, it’s Sally’s time to shine as the Final Girl.
Release Date: June 18th, 2024
Genre: Horror
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Cheesy b-movie feel
What I Didn't Like:
1. Book cover looks cheesy
2. Writing style is convoluted
3. Characters are annoying
4. Story is boring
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read.}}
How is the most anticipated horror movie a third movie in the series? I've never heard of people being on their seats for the third movie, unless it's fantasy. Or unless it's been 20 years since the last one.
In the beginning we meet Max Murray and he is the creator of the horror franchise. He then meet Jordan Layman who is the producer of the movie.
Okay so the first Jack the Knife came out in 1979 and it's 1988 so this is the third movie it appears like a new movie comes out maybe every 3 years.
The film synopsis for Jack the Knife;
Back in the fifties, a young man named Jack drove in a drag race on the Fourth of July. As a result of sabotage, he died in a fiery wreck. Decades later, he returns from the dead on Independence Day as an angry spirit of vengeance aimed at the town’s teens.
Weirdly enough in that synopsis it doesn't say that Jack was sabotaged.
Love that Sally passes out and rather than Nicholas telling Max where she lives he just let Sally go home with Max while she's passed out. I imagine that necklace knew where Sally lived.
Oh talking about Big Bear Lake - I just went there a few years ago for Thanksgiving. It's beautiful up there.
Omgosh this book keeps explaining what horror is but if you are already reading a book with horror in the title then you already know what horror is. It felt like it was over explained to you.
What is with this book and going to the 100,000 locations that Max goes to? We drive here and there and everywhere.
Final Thoughts:
I tried really hard to get interested in this book. It all felt basic and just there. I'll end up forgetting everything about this book in a week. Very meh feeling. I really tried to think about what I enjoyed about this book but ultimately I had to dnf it. It was so boring I kept waiting for something interesting to happen but Max just travels from location to location and we just keep getting this story he's writing inside the story, but it wasn't good. Like I said it all just seemed so basic. This is a story that maybe a new author would write in their first novel but this author has but has a lot of books.
I ended up dnfing it around page 175. I wanted to love this book honestly but after getting through Paul Tremblay's Horror Movie I can't suffer through another terrible book written about horror movies that's boring.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Redhook for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:
Max Maury should be on top of the world. He’s a famous horror director. Actors love him. Hollywood needs him. He’s making money hand over fist. But it’s the 80s, and he’s directing cheap slashers for audiences who only crave more blood, not real art. Not real horror. And Max’s slimy producer refuses to fund any of his new ideas.Sally Priest dreams of being the Final Girl. She knows she’s got what it takes to score the lead role, even if she’s only been cast in small parts so far. When Sally meets Max at his latest wrap party, she sets out to impress him and prove her scream queen prowess.But when Max discovers an old camera that filmed a very real Hollywood horror, he knows that he has to use this camera for his next movie. The only problem is that it came with a cryptic warning and sometimes wails.By the time Max discovers the true evil lying within, he’s already dead set on finishing the scariest movie ever put to film, and like it or not, it’s Sally’s time to shine as the Final Girl.
Release Date: June 18th, 2024
Genre: Horror
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Cheesy b-movie feel
What I Didn't Like:
1. Book cover looks cheesy
2. Writing style is convoluted
3. Characters are annoying
4. Story is boring
Overall Thoughts:
{{Disclaimer: I write my review as I read.}}
How is the most anticipated horror movie a third movie in the series? I've never heard of people being on their seats for the third movie, unless it's fantasy. Or unless it's been 20 years since the last one.
In the beginning we meet Max Murray and he is the creator of the horror franchise. He then meet Jordan Layman who is the producer of the movie.
Okay so the first Jack the Knife came out in 1979 and it's 1988 so this is the third movie it appears like a new movie comes out maybe every 3 years.
The film synopsis for Jack the Knife;
Back in the fifties, a young man named Jack drove in a drag race on the Fourth of July. As a result of sabotage, he died in a fiery wreck. Decades later, he returns from the dead on Independence Day as an angry spirit of vengeance aimed at the town’s teens.
Weirdly enough in that synopsis it doesn't say that Jack was sabotaged.
Love that Sally passes out and rather than Nicholas telling Max where she lives he just let Sally go home with Max while she's passed out. I imagine that necklace knew where Sally lived.
Oh talking about Big Bear Lake - I just went there a few years ago for Thanksgiving. It's beautiful up there.
Omgosh this book keeps explaining what horror is but if you are already reading a book with horror in the title then you already know what horror is. It felt like it was over explained to you.
What is with this book and going to the 100,000 locations that Max goes to? We drive here and there and everywhere.
Final Thoughts:
I tried really hard to get interested in this book. It all felt basic and just there. I'll end up forgetting everything about this book in a week. Very meh feeling. I really tried to think about what I enjoyed about this book but ultimately I had to dnf it. It was so boring I kept waiting for something interesting to happen but Max just travels from location to location and we just keep getting this story he's writing inside the story, but it wasn't good. Like I said it all just seemed so basic. This is a story that maybe a new author would write in their first novel but this author has but has a lot of books.
I ended up dnfing it around page 175. I wanted to love this book honestly but after getting through Paul Tremblay's Horror Movie I can't suffer through another terrible book written about horror movies that's boring.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Redhook for this advanced copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 2, 2024
I was really looking forward to this book as I enjoyed his last book, Episode Thirteen. Unfortunately, I was disappointed as half the book I found to be rather boring although the end did help me enjoy it more.
June 17, 2024
The nitty-gritty: An imaginative take on the cursed movie trope, How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive is a bloody, shocking and surprisingly humorous story about a director who is determined to make the perfect horror movie.
“Now that is how you make a killing, baby.” - Max Maurey
There’s been a slew of recent books centered around horror movies—a trend I love, by the way—and now Craig DiLouie has added his version to the mix. How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive feels very different from DiLouie’s other work, and I had a great time with it. Most everything worked well for me, although there were a few elements that didn’t. But still, this was a solid four star read, and if you’re a horror movie fan, especially if you love slashers and edgier horror, you should definitely pick this up.
The story centers around horror film director Max Maurey, who is best known for his movie Jack the Knife and its two sequels. Now that Jack the Knife 3 has just been released and the trilogy is complete, he’s eager to finally make the horror movie that he wants. Box office success is great and all, but Max’s true vision is to create visceral, “real” horror that will terrify theater goers, not just entertain them. Max is obsessed with a movie that was never released called Mary’s Birthday, in which director Arthur Golden inadvertently caught a freak accident on film, an accident where every one of the cast and crew were killed (for real!), except for a few survivors. To Max, this event—which is little more than urban legend, since no one has seen the footage—is the type of horror he’s striving for.
Max gets his chance to finally break away from mainstream horror when he discovers an old Arriflex 35BL film camera at Arthur Golden’s estate sale—the very camera that Golden used to film Mary's Birthday—and when he tries it out one day, he gets some very…unexpected results. Max has finally found the vehicle to make his ultimate horror movie and fulfill his dream of making something “real,” but at what cost?
Meanwhile, we meet Sally Priest, an up-and-coming horror actor who dreams of being cast as the Final Girl. When she hears about Max’s new movie If Wishes Could Kill, she knows that if she can secure the Final Girl role in the movie, it could take her career to the next level.
But the actors are in for a surprise, because Max has his sights set on something completely different and shocking.
This was so much fun! DiLouie’s story is full of black humor and wry commentary on horror movies and the movie business in general, and I think the humor was the surprise element for me, since I wasn’t expecting it. A couple of trigger warnings first: Max has a dog and the dog dies, so do be aware if you’re a dog lover (although I have to say, despite my loathing of killing off dogs in stories, it actually made sense here, and the scene is a perfect example of the black humor I was talking about). There’s also lots of graphic violence, which honestly, you should expect, but some of the descriptions are very disturbing, especially when you find out what Max’s camera does.
Max was an interesting character, although I can’t say I liked him that much. His motivation to create horror movies stems from a terrible childhood memory of his father sitting at the dinner table one night and telling a joke—and then dying of a heart attack right after. This juxtaposition of humor and death colors his life from that point on, especially when he learns he has the same heart defect that his father had. In this story, Max is approaching the age his father was when he died, so the timing is particularly poignant, and Max is more determined than ever to make his movie. When he acquires the cursed camera, or “occult” camera as he calls it, he’s both horrified and elated at what the camera can do, and here is where his manic personality really comes through. DiLouie did a great job with Max’s character, a man who seems to be under the camera’s spell and is unable to resist its power, which makes him both vulnerable and a monster.
Sally is the other main character, and DiLouie spends a lot of time with her, building up to the events during the shooting of If Wishes Could Kill. At first I didn’t enjoy her chapters as much as Max's, but Sally ended up growing on me. There’s an emotional backstory about the relationship between Sally and her mother, who pushes her daughter to sleep her way to the top, but Sally has too much integrity for that, and she honestly believes she can make it on her own talent. Once Sally and Max meet, their relationship takes on a dangerous tone (I can’t really say any more due to spoilers), which added lots of tension to the story.
But really, the camera is the star of the story, and while I’ve read a bunch of “cursed movie” stories, I haven’t read one quite like this. DiLouie’s idea is horrifying but brilliant, and I cringed every time Max picked up the camera.
The author is obviously a big horror fan, since the story is packed with horror movie trivia and interesting details about the genre. There’s also lots of introspection about the meaning of horror and what makes it real, and here’s where the message became a little too heavy-handed for me. Both Max and Sally have lots of thoughts and opinions about horror, and sometimes all those thoughts interrupted the flow of the story.
We also follow Max as he’s making his movie, from conception to casting to production, and I did love that DiLouie included lots of information about the nuts and bolts of movie making. However, I didn’t like that he felt the need to explain all the movie terms to the reader, like “treatment,” “final cut” or “martini shot,” terms that most readers probably already understand. If he really felt these needed an explanation, it would have been much better to include a glossary at the end of the book.
But aside from these minor issues, this was a blast. The final section was perfectly done, and even though this isn’t technically a slasher story, it’s got the same energy and vibe. There’s a lot more I’d love to talk about—there are some really funny scenes that involve ghosts, for example—but I’m trying to avoid spoilers so you can experience the surprises for yourself. How to Make a Horror Movie an Survive is a worthy entry in the “cursed movie” trope, don’t miss it!
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
“Now that is how you make a killing, baby.” - Max Maurey
There’s been a slew of recent books centered around horror movies—a trend I love, by the way—and now Craig DiLouie has added his version to the mix. How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive feels very different from DiLouie’s other work, and I had a great time with it. Most everything worked well for me, although there were a few elements that didn’t. But still, this was a solid four star read, and if you’re a horror movie fan, especially if you love slashers and edgier horror, you should definitely pick this up.
The story centers around horror film director Max Maurey, who is best known for his movie Jack the Knife and its two sequels. Now that Jack the Knife 3 has just been released and the trilogy is complete, he’s eager to finally make the horror movie that he wants. Box office success is great and all, but Max’s true vision is to create visceral, “real” horror that will terrify theater goers, not just entertain them. Max is obsessed with a movie that was never released called Mary’s Birthday, in which director Arthur Golden inadvertently caught a freak accident on film, an accident where every one of the cast and crew were killed (for real!), except for a few survivors. To Max, this event—which is little more than urban legend, since no one has seen the footage—is the type of horror he’s striving for.
Max gets his chance to finally break away from mainstream horror when he discovers an old Arriflex 35BL film camera at Arthur Golden’s estate sale—the very camera that Golden used to film Mary's Birthday—and when he tries it out one day, he gets some very…unexpected results. Max has finally found the vehicle to make his ultimate horror movie and fulfill his dream of making something “real,” but at what cost?
Meanwhile, we meet Sally Priest, an up-and-coming horror actor who dreams of being cast as the Final Girl. When she hears about Max’s new movie If Wishes Could Kill, she knows that if she can secure the Final Girl role in the movie, it could take her career to the next level.
But the actors are in for a surprise, because Max has his sights set on something completely different and shocking.
This was so much fun! DiLouie’s story is full of black humor and wry commentary on horror movies and the movie business in general, and I think the humor was the surprise element for me, since I wasn’t expecting it. A couple of trigger warnings first: Max has a dog and the dog dies, so do be aware if you’re a dog lover (although I have to say, despite my loathing of killing off dogs in stories, it actually made sense here, and the scene is a perfect example of the black humor I was talking about). There’s also lots of graphic violence, which honestly, you should expect, but some of the descriptions are very disturbing, especially when you find out what Max’s camera does.
Max was an interesting character, although I can’t say I liked him that much. His motivation to create horror movies stems from a terrible childhood memory of his father sitting at the dinner table one night and telling a joke—and then dying of a heart attack right after. This juxtaposition of humor and death colors his life from that point on, especially when he learns he has the same heart defect that his father had. In this story, Max is approaching the age his father was when he died, so the timing is particularly poignant, and Max is more determined than ever to make his movie. When he acquires the cursed camera, or “occult” camera as he calls it, he’s both horrified and elated at what the camera can do, and here is where his manic personality really comes through. DiLouie did a great job with Max’s character, a man who seems to be under the camera’s spell and is unable to resist its power, which makes him both vulnerable and a monster.
Sally is the other main character, and DiLouie spends a lot of time with her, building up to the events during the shooting of If Wishes Could Kill. At first I didn’t enjoy her chapters as much as Max's, but Sally ended up growing on me. There’s an emotional backstory about the relationship between Sally and her mother, who pushes her daughter to sleep her way to the top, but Sally has too much integrity for that, and she honestly believes she can make it on her own talent. Once Sally and Max meet, their relationship takes on a dangerous tone (I can’t really say any more due to spoilers), which added lots of tension to the story.
But really, the camera is the star of the story, and while I’ve read a bunch of “cursed movie” stories, I haven’t read one quite like this. DiLouie’s idea is horrifying but brilliant, and I cringed every time Max picked up the camera.
The author is obviously a big horror fan, since the story is packed with horror movie trivia and interesting details about the genre. There’s also lots of introspection about the meaning of horror and what makes it real, and here’s where the message became a little too heavy-handed for me. Both Max and Sally have lots of thoughts and opinions about horror, and sometimes all those thoughts interrupted the flow of the story.
We also follow Max as he’s making his movie, from conception to casting to production, and I did love that DiLouie included lots of information about the nuts and bolts of movie making. However, I didn’t like that he felt the need to explain all the movie terms to the reader, like “treatment,” “final cut” or “martini shot,” terms that most readers probably already understand. If he really felt these needed an explanation, it would have been much better to include a glossary at the end of the book.
But aside from these minor issues, this was a blast. The final section was perfectly done, and even though this isn’t technically a slasher story, it’s got the same energy and vibe. There’s a lot more I’d love to talk about—there are some really funny scenes that involve ghosts, for example—but I’m trying to avoid spoilers so you can experience the surprises for yourself. How to Make a Horror Movie an Survive is a worthy entry in the “cursed movie” trope, don’t miss it!
Big thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy.
April 13, 2024
This was fun and fresh. It was a bit slower than I would have liked and predictable, but I was interested enough to read it through from start to finish.
March 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive in exchange for an honest review.
Max Maury is a famous horror director and he has just made a sequel to one of his films. It's the 80s and horror movies are what's hot. The audience loves his movies but they are having fun and laughing throughout the premiere. Max is tired of the typical horror formula and he would like to make a new fresh horror film that will actually scare his audience. Unfortunately his producer doesn't agree and wants to keep making these popcorn horror films because that is what sells.
When a famous director dies Max attends his estate sale and purchases a camera that is infamous in Hollywood. It filmed a real life accident during a production of a movie. After using the camera one day with his friend, Max is enamoured with the camera and is determined to make his own horror movie that will really frighten people. The problem is, the camera isn't just a normal camera... but Max doesn't seem to care what evil is within it
Sally is a horror film actress and she has never been the final girl. She meets Max at a party she is determined to be a final girl in his next film. They develop a friendship and she has no idea what Max and his camera has in store.
I am having a hard time rating this book. There was a lot I liked about it. I loved the premise of the book. I am a fan of horror movies and enjoyed the behind the scenes methods of making one. Max and Sally characters were well developed and you really understood who they were and why they made the choices they made. I was also satisfied with the conclusion of the book but I felt like the book was too rambling and there was a lot of unnecessary writing. I think a lot could have been cut out and the book would still be the same book but a much more enjoyable read. It just didn't work for me and made what should have been an enjoyable read feel more like a task.
3.5 stars but I will give it a 4 because I think the author has a great book here despite the issues I had with the writing. Overall I would recommend this book especially if you are a horror movie fan!
Publication Date is June 18, 2024
Max Maury is a famous horror director and he has just made a sequel to one of his films. It's the 80s and horror movies are what's hot. The audience loves his movies but they are having fun and laughing throughout the premiere. Max is tired of the typical horror formula and he would like to make a new fresh horror film that will actually scare his audience. Unfortunately his producer doesn't agree and wants to keep making these popcorn horror films because that is what sells.
When a famous director dies Max attends his estate sale and purchases a camera that is infamous in Hollywood. It filmed a real life accident during a production of a movie. After using the camera one day with his friend, Max is enamoured with the camera and is determined to make his own horror movie that will really frighten people. The problem is, the camera isn't just a normal camera... but Max doesn't seem to care what evil is within it
Sally is a horror film actress and she has never been the final girl. She meets Max at a party she is determined to be a final girl in his next film. They develop a friendship and she has no idea what Max and his camera has in store.
I am having a hard time rating this book. There was a lot I liked about it. I loved the premise of the book. I am a fan of horror movies and enjoyed the behind the scenes methods of making one. Max and Sally characters were well developed and you really understood who they were and why they made the choices they made. I was also satisfied with the conclusion of the book but I felt like the book was too rambling and there was a lot of unnecessary writing. I think a lot could have been cut out and the book would still be the same book but a much more enjoyable read. It just didn't work for me and made what should have been an enjoyable read feel more like a task.
3.5 stars but I will give it a 4 because I think the author has a great book here despite the issues I had with the writing. Overall I would recommend this book especially if you are a horror movie fan!
Publication Date is June 18, 2024
June 26, 2024
Disappointing book from DiLouie about a horror director's passionate love of the genre which takes a wicked turn when he finds a camera that has the power to kill. DiLouie tries way too hard to make an ode to horror so that it eventually becomes a sledgehammer to the face. Those of us who read and watch the genre already know how good it is, we don't need it rammed down our throats. We get it. The story gets very silly and dopey as it progresses, with stilted dialogue and way too much philosophizing, the same problem in his last effort. Another book that thinks it's way cleverer than it really is. Not sure I'll read another by this author. Thanks to Netgalley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
ARC for review. To be published June 18, 2024.
It’s 1988 and Max Maury is a director famous for making cheap, popular slasher movies. Sally Priest is a bit-part actress with big dreams - she wants to be the final girl in a horror film. She meets Max at a party and works hard to impress him.
Then Max finds an old camera that was used to film one of the most infamous real life Hollywood horrors of all time and he decides to use it for his next movie, a dream project of his, getting back to what he really finds scary, not just another by-the-book slasher. In doing so he ignores the warning that comes with the camera. What does this mean for Max, Sally and everyone else involved with the film?
I’ve said before that combining horror with film is probably my favorite subgenre, and how lucky am I to come across two books with this theme in a short period of time (this and Paul Tremblay’s HORROR MOVIE?) That book might have been a tad bit better, but these are very different books, and this was tremendously enjoyable. Both Max and Sally are fun characters and the book was great fun. Recommended.
It’s 1988 and Max Maury is a director famous for making cheap, popular slasher movies. Sally Priest is a bit-part actress with big dreams - she wants to be the final girl in a horror film. She meets Max at a party and works hard to impress him.
Then Max finds an old camera that was used to film one of the most infamous real life Hollywood horrors of all time and he decides to use it for his next movie, a dream project of his, getting back to what he really finds scary, not just another by-the-book slasher. In doing so he ignores the warning that comes with the camera. What does this mean for Max, Sally and everyone else involved with the film?
I’ve said before that combining horror with film is probably my favorite subgenre, and how lucky am I to come across two books with this theme in a short period of time (this and Paul Tremblay’s HORROR MOVIE?) That book might have been a tad bit better, but these are very different books, and this was tremendously enjoyable. Both Max and Sally are fun characters and the book was great fun. Recommended.
March 9, 2024
Craig DiLouie takes a horror obsessed director, a cursed camera, and throws them into the eighties slasher scene. He's created a fantastic novel which fans of horror fiction and/or horror movies is going to love.
Set in Hollywood during the eighties, Max is an acclaimed horror director. But he's unsatisfied with his latest film even though people are loving it. He wants to create something deeper, something that contains true horror, something visceral and unforgettable.
Then he discovers a camera with a haunted background. And the rest of this book is going to show us how this obsession can be gruesomely deadly.
I loved this book because it has so many great themes throughout. It's got that eighties Hollywood vibe with all its cruel unflinching madness, it has some delightfully gory and creative kills, and it delves into the whole genre of horror films. With a sprinkling of dark humor on top, what's not to like?
Who will survive the ultimate horror movie making process? As Max's obsession grows, his mental health starts to nosedive. Yet, it's hard for me to call him the antagonist. The author cleverly paints Max as a sympathetic character despite the massacre he has planned. I really loved that.
I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Set in Hollywood during the eighties, Max is an acclaimed horror director. But he's unsatisfied with his latest film even though people are loving it. He wants to create something deeper, something that contains true horror, something visceral and unforgettable.
Then he discovers a camera with a haunted background. And the rest of this book is going to show us how this obsession can be gruesomely deadly.
I loved this book because it has so many great themes throughout. It's got that eighties Hollywood vibe with all its cruel unflinching madness, it has some delightfully gory and creative kills, and it delves into the whole genre of horror films. With a sprinkling of dark humor on top, what's not to like?
Who will survive the ultimate horror movie making process? As Max's obsession grows, his mental health starts to nosedive. Yet, it's hard for me to call him the antagonist. The author cleverly paints Max as a sympathetic character despite the massacre he has planned. I really loved that.
I highly recommend this book. I received an ARC of this book through Netgalley with no consideration. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
May 2, 2024
I didn’t love this as much as I’d hoped.
I did very much enjoy much of what happened with the old camera, but I think I’m just not into movie making enough and it was very, very much about that.
Sally was my absolute favorite and I found myself wishing the book was more Sally and less everyone else.
As for the reason behind everything? It was certainly interesting, but just not quite for me.
I do enjoy the author and am looking forward to his next offering. This one just didn’t hit for me.
• ARC via Publisher
I did very much enjoy much of what happened with the old camera, but I think I’m just not into movie making enough and it was very, very much about that.
Sally was my absolute favorite and I found myself wishing the book was more Sally and less everyone else.
As for the reason behind everything? It was certainly interesting, but just not quite for me.
I do enjoy the author and am looking forward to his next offering. This one just didn’t hit for me.
• ARC via Publisher
April 17, 2024
*Huge thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the digital ARC!*
Over the last number of years, I’ve been blazing my way through Craig’s horror-centric bibliography and loving it. Craig also has released some critically acclaimed military fiction, but that’s not something that I really read much of and so I haven’t explored any of those. Craig’s writing has run the gamut of subjects, themes and has always provoked visceral responses from readers – good and bad. If you scroll through Instagram or, lately, Tik Tok, you’ll see his novel ‘Suffer the Children’ mentioned in 99% of every video titled – ‘Horror Novels That Emotionally Destroyed Me’ – and for good reason. His novel ‘One Of Us’ is easily one of the most powerful horror/dystopian novels ever released and he’s managed to conjure cults, Djinn’s and haunting ghost hunting shows that will stay with each reader for the rest of time.
But, if you follow him on Facebook, one thing that you’ll notice is his affinity to motion pictures. When Craig posts about a movie or TV show he’s recently watched, you’ll notice that the promotional poster/image is always accompanied by a very in-depth and engaging discussion on what worked and what didn’t for Craig. It’s never a simple short paragraph, it’s a scholarly look at what he’s absorbed, and I say that positively.
Which meant, going into his newest, ‘How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive,’ I knew I wouldn’t be reading a simple slasher. A formulaic, by-the-numbers story of a horror movie and a quaint cast of characters who were specifically there to play their part before the knife beheaded them and we moved on.
No, what Craig ended up doing was flipping the ‘horror’ aspect and gave us a deep dive into the 70s slasher boom in film, where horror fits into the pantheon of genre – both in film and an introspective approach about writing horror novels – and the lengths some auteurs go in the hopes of being remembered forever and finding their place in cinematic history.
What I liked: The novel initially focuses on Max, a director who has just wrapped up his trilogy of movies titled ‘Jack the Knife.’ It started small, low-budget and dark. Now, he’s realized its become campy and too popular. Film goers are laughing when they should be screaming and he’s determined to make a horror movie so frightening it’ll make him a legend.
This of course comes with a set of problems. A producer who wants more Jake the Knife, not art-house. And the reality that most horror had been done before. Then he meets Sally Priest, a young woman who happens to be sleeping with – and attending acting classes taught by – the sole survivor of a horrifying mass death that happened on a film set. Sally and Max become unlikely sole mates, even after Max acquires the very camera that was used to film that cursed movie. A camera that is cursed itself.
DiLouie walks a really fine-line between fiction and meta-ness. If you’ve written anything before, you’ll relate to a lot of the banter and internal struggles that Max has, that Sally has and that those they interact with have. As well, as Craig dives into the making of movies, the struggle to get greenlit and have something financed and made is one of the hardest things to pull off. Add in the headbutting between Max, the director, and the producer, who each have different views on how things should be done, we get Craig injecting the novel with an unexpected psychological turmoil. Max, who desperately wants to direct and film his magnum opus turns to this cursed camera, a thing that begins to speak to him and show him how he can make the most terrifying film ever made.
In the beginning, Max is a clear cut main character, but as the story progresses, Sally herself gets elevated from a secondary starlet to co-headlining. It mirrors her transformation from sultry, blonde, eye candy, to the bad girl, the final girl, the role she so desperately desires.
Once we get to the final 25%, DiLouie has set the domino’s up perfectly to watch them all fall. There’s so many really unique aspects to this novel, but to share them would be spoiler domain and I just don’t want to ruin that for any future readers. Safe to say, there is plenty of gore, buckets of blood and some truly harrowing scenes – both physical and psychological.
It all leads to a really well executed finale and a worthy closing to this novel.
What I didn’t like: I think, for me at least, was I was more invested in Max’s journey and Sally’s transformation that I never truly found myself scared or unnerved. I was more in this for the dynamics and the ‘we can do this’-ness of Max and Sally together that the haunted camera and the horror movie making and the events that occur didn’t make for unnerving moments, not in the way ‘Suffer the Children’ or ‘Episode Thirteen’ did, and we didn’t get the emotional impact moments that were so prevalent within ‘One Of Us.’
Why you should buy this: DiLouie really has outdone himself with this one, though. ‘How to Make…’ is a novel that transcends just fiction. It speaks to those who read, watch and consume horror. It’s a love letter to the fans who don’t care what producers say. To those who don’t want a part four but a new take on an old trope. With this one, DiLouie showcases his ability to craft phenomenal characters that take you along on their journey, a journey you care about, and a journey not purely there to have them killed off by a nameless knife-wielding maniac.
Loved this one.
Over the last number of years, I’ve been blazing my way through Craig’s horror-centric bibliography and loving it. Craig also has released some critically acclaimed military fiction, but that’s not something that I really read much of and so I haven’t explored any of those. Craig’s writing has run the gamut of subjects, themes and has always provoked visceral responses from readers – good and bad. If you scroll through Instagram or, lately, Tik Tok, you’ll see his novel ‘Suffer the Children’ mentioned in 99% of every video titled – ‘Horror Novels That Emotionally Destroyed Me’ – and for good reason. His novel ‘One Of Us’ is easily one of the most powerful horror/dystopian novels ever released and he’s managed to conjure cults, Djinn’s and haunting ghost hunting shows that will stay with each reader for the rest of time.
But, if you follow him on Facebook, one thing that you’ll notice is his affinity to motion pictures. When Craig posts about a movie or TV show he’s recently watched, you’ll notice that the promotional poster/image is always accompanied by a very in-depth and engaging discussion on what worked and what didn’t for Craig. It’s never a simple short paragraph, it’s a scholarly look at what he’s absorbed, and I say that positively.
Which meant, going into his newest, ‘How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive,’ I knew I wouldn’t be reading a simple slasher. A formulaic, by-the-numbers story of a horror movie and a quaint cast of characters who were specifically there to play their part before the knife beheaded them and we moved on.
No, what Craig ended up doing was flipping the ‘horror’ aspect and gave us a deep dive into the 70s slasher boom in film, where horror fits into the pantheon of genre – both in film and an introspective approach about writing horror novels – and the lengths some auteurs go in the hopes of being remembered forever and finding their place in cinematic history.
What I liked: The novel initially focuses on Max, a director who has just wrapped up his trilogy of movies titled ‘Jack the Knife.’ It started small, low-budget and dark. Now, he’s realized its become campy and too popular. Film goers are laughing when they should be screaming and he’s determined to make a horror movie so frightening it’ll make him a legend.
This of course comes with a set of problems. A producer who wants more Jake the Knife, not art-house. And the reality that most horror had been done before. Then he meets Sally Priest, a young woman who happens to be sleeping with – and attending acting classes taught by – the sole survivor of a horrifying mass death that happened on a film set. Sally and Max become unlikely sole mates, even after Max acquires the very camera that was used to film that cursed movie. A camera that is cursed itself.
DiLouie walks a really fine-line between fiction and meta-ness. If you’ve written anything before, you’ll relate to a lot of the banter and internal struggles that Max has, that Sally has and that those they interact with have. As well, as Craig dives into the making of movies, the struggle to get greenlit and have something financed and made is one of the hardest things to pull off. Add in the headbutting between Max, the director, and the producer, who each have different views on how things should be done, we get Craig injecting the novel with an unexpected psychological turmoil. Max, who desperately wants to direct and film his magnum opus turns to this cursed camera, a thing that begins to speak to him and show him how he can make the most terrifying film ever made.
In the beginning, Max is a clear cut main character, but as the story progresses, Sally herself gets elevated from a secondary starlet to co-headlining. It mirrors her transformation from sultry, blonde, eye candy, to the bad girl, the final girl, the role she so desperately desires.
Once we get to the final 25%, DiLouie has set the domino’s up perfectly to watch them all fall. There’s so many really unique aspects to this novel, but to share them would be spoiler domain and I just don’t want to ruin that for any future readers. Safe to say, there is plenty of gore, buckets of blood and some truly harrowing scenes – both physical and psychological.
It all leads to a really well executed finale and a worthy closing to this novel.
What I didn’t like: I think, for me at least, was I was more invested in Max’s journey and Sally’s transformation that I never truly found myself scared or unnerved. I was more in this for the dynamics and the ‘we can do this’-ness of Max and Sally together that the haunted camera and the horror movie making and the events that occur didn’t make for unnerving moments, not in the way ‘Suffer the Children’ or ‘Episode Thirteen’ did, and we didn’t get the emotional impact moments that were so prevalent within ‘One Of Us.’
Why you should buy this: DiLouie really has outdone himself with this one, though. ‘How to Make…’ is a novel that transcends just fiction. It speaks to those who read, watch and consume horror. It’s a love letter to the fans who don’t care what producers say. To those who don’t want a part four but a new take on an old trope. With this one, DiLouie showcases his ability to craft phenomenal characters that take you along on their journey, a journey you care about, and a journey not purely there to have them killed off by a nameless knife-wielding maniac.
Loved this one.
March 8, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read How to Make a Horror Movie and Survive.
Max Maury is a famous horror director and he has just made a sequel to one of his films. It's the 80s and horror movies are what's hot. The audience loves his movies but they are having fun and laughing throughout the premiere. Max is tired of the typical horror formula and he would like to make a new fresh horror film that will actually scare his audience. Unfortunately his producer doesn't agree and wants to keep making these popcorn horror films because that is what sells.
When a famous director dies Max attends his estate sale and purchases a camera that is infamous in Hollywood. It filmed a real life accident during a production of a movie. After using the camera one day with his friend, Max is enamoured with the camera and is determined to make his own horror movie that will really frighten people. The problem is, the camera isn't just a normal camera... but Max doesn't seem to care what evil is within it
Sally is a horror film actress and she has never been the final girl. She meets Max at a party she is determined to be a final girl in his next film. They develop a friendship and she has no idea what Max and his camera has in store.
I am having a hard time rating this book. There was a lot I liked about it. I loved the premise of the book. I am a fan of horror movies and enjoyed the behind the scenes methods of making one. Max and Sally characters were well developed and you really understood who they were and why they made the choices they made. I was also satisfied with the conclusion of the book but I felt like the book was too rambling and there was a lot of unnecessary writing. I think a lot could have been cut out and the book would still be the same book but a much more enjoyable read. It just didn't work for me and made what should have been an enjoyable read feel more like a task.
3.5 stars but I will give it a 4 because I think the author has a great book here despite the issues I had with the writing. Overall I would recommend this book especially if you are a horror movie fan!
Max Maury is a famous horror director and he has just made a sequel to one of his films. It's the 80s and horror movies are what's hot. The audience loves his movies but they are having fun and laughing throughout the premiere. Max is tired of the typical horror formula and he would like to make a new fresh horror film that will actually scare his audience. Unfortunately his producer doesn't agree and wants to keep making these popcorn horror films because that is what sells.
When a famous director dies Max attends his estate sale and purchases a camera that is infamous in Hollywood. It filmed a real life accident during a production of a movie. After using the camera one day with his friend, Max is enamoured with the camera and is determined to make his own horror movie that will really frighten people. The problem is, the camera isn't just a normal camera... but Max doesn't seem to care what evil is within it
Sally is a horror film actress and she has never been the final girl. She meets Max at a party she is determined to be a final girl in his next film. They develop a friendship and she has no idea what Max and his camera has in store.
I am having a hard time rating this book. There was a lot I liked about it. I loved the premise of the book. I am a fan of horror movies and enjoyed the behind the scenes methods of making one. Max and Sally characters were well developed and you really understood who they were and why they made the choices they made. I was also satisfied with the conclusion of the book but I felt like the book was too rambling and there was a lot of unnecessary writing. I think a lot could have been cut out and the book would still be the same book but a much more enjoyable read. It just didn't work for me and made what should have been an enjoyable read feel more like a task.
3.5 stars but I will give it a 4 because I think the author has a great book here despite the issues I had with the writing. Overall I would recommend this book especially if you are a horror movie fan!
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