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!
Have You Seen This Girl is a really thought provoking YA mystery story that follows teenager Sid who spends their days alone because she is known throughout the town as the child of serial killer Dennis Crane. When girls start being murdered in exactly the same way ten years on, Sid must do everything they can to uncover who is behind it, before someone they love gets hurt.
Here Lies A Vengeful Bitch is a dark and insanely gripping thriller from Codie Crowley. The story follows teenager Annie Lane, who has returned from the grave with only one thing on her mind – to find out who murdered her and make them pay.
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The Last Phi Hunter is a hugely entertaining fantasy tale that follows Ex, a young man who spends his days hunting down Phi – ghosts and demons that plague the citizens of Suyoram. Ex dreams of earning the title of demon slayer and he has his sights set on a particular demon – the infamous Shar-Ala, demon of nightmares. As Ex embarks on his quest he meets Arinya, who asks him to accompany her through the forest. Arinya is heavily pregnant and the spirits have a taste for the unborn. As Ex and Arinya travel together Ex learns there is much more to the woman than meets the eye and in helping her he might have got a whole lot more than he bargained for.
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The Bibliophile Chronicles 