Release date: July 30 2024
Publisher: Michael Joseph
Pages: 368
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.25/5 stars

Synopsis

Willow is in need of an escape.

A former sitcom star, she’s been publicly shamed on the internet after posting something she really shouldn’t have.

She checks in to Camp Castaway, an adults-only retreat based at an old campground in the woods.

It’s the first night and the campers gather round the fire to tell some ghost stories. That’s when Willow hears the tale of Knock Knock Nancy. A local urban legend about a witch, brutally beheaded in this very woodland.

They say her restless spirit knocks on doors late at night. If you answer, she’ll take your head.

Willow doesn’t believe in ghost stories. But the next day, a camper has vanished under mysterious circumstances. And then that evening, in her cabin, Willow hears it . . . .

Knock, Knock, Knock.

Review

Heads Will Roll is a dark and addictive slasher horror from The Shadow Glass author Josh Winning. The story follows Willow who signs up to attend Camp Castaway following her cancellation on social media. The camp is a digital detox with no phones or technology of any kind. When Willow arrives she soon learns the story of Knock Knock Nancy – a local legend about a witch who was killed where the camp now sits. Willow doesn’t believe the story, but when campers begin vanishing Willow must uncover the truth behind the tale if she has any hope of getting out alive.

I absolutely loved The Shadow Glass and Burn the Negative by this author so I was extremely excited to pick this one up. It was dark, gruesome and incredibly compelling and I ended up reading this one in just a few sittings. I loved the way it was a nod to slasher films and all things horror. The story is well paced and Winning does a magnificent job of building atmosphere and a deep sense of unease. There were a few scenes that were pretty scary – Heads Will Roll is definitely a book that will have you on the edge of your seat.

If you’re a horror fan Heads Will Roll is a book you will not want to miss. The story has some really fascinating characters and I thought the theme of cancel culture was a really interesting one. Willow is a great protagonist and I really liked the way you’re never quite sure which of the campers she can trust. I had a brilliant time reading this one so if you’re looking for a dark and bloody slasher story then definitely check out Heads Will Roll!