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How to Survive a Slasher
You’re Not Supposed to Die Tonight meets Scream in this YA slasher that turns classic horror tropes on their heads.
There’s a reason CJ Smith’s hometown of Satterville is known as Slasherville: it was the site of not one, but two Friday the 13th-style massacres. CJ’s dad survived the first attack; only CJ survived the second. And thanks to the mysterious writer Moon Satter’s bestselling novels based on the events, the town—and CJ—will always be defined by this horrific past.
Then a new, unpublished Moon Satter manuscript shows up addressed to CJ. But unlike the others, this story isn’t about the past. Instead, it predicts new murders. On the day the book says the first murder will occur, CJ sets out to stop it. But in saving one classmate, the final girl ends up dead. CJ and their friends have suddenly gone from extras to leads—and they’ll have to use everything they know about the rules of horror to make it out alive.
There’s a reason CJ Smith’s hometown of Satterville is known as Slasherville: it was the site of not one, but two Friday the 13th-style massacres. CJ’s dad survived the first attack; only CJ survived the second. And thanks to the mysterious writer Moon Satter’s bestselling novels based on the events, the town—and CJ—will always be defined by this horrific past.
Then a new, unpublished Moon Satter manuscript shows up addressed to CJ. But unlike the others, this story isn’t about the past. Instead, it predicts new murders. On the day the book says the first murder will occur, CJ sets out to stop it. But in saving one classmate, the final girl ends up dead. CJ and their friends have suddenly gone from extras to leads—and they’ll have to use everything they know about the rules of horror to make it out alive.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published March 11, 2025
46 people are currently reading
7,732 people want to read
About the author
Justine Pucella Winans
7books152followersJustine Pucella Winans (they/she) is a queer and nonbinary writer who lives in Los Angeles with their husband and incredible Halloween-colored cats. Their books include YA novels like the critically acclaimed Indies Introduce title, BIANCA TORRE IS AFRAID OF EVERYTHING, Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, ONE KILLER PROBLEM, and HOW TO SURVIVE A SLASHER. Their MG speculative horror titles include the acclaimed Stonewall Honor Book, THE OTHERWOODS, WISHBONE, and A LITTLE TOO HAUNTED. When not writing queer, creepy, and funny fiction for kids and teens, they can be found training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reading (a lot of) manga and webcomics, and actively avoiding real life scary situations. Legend says they also haunt Instagram at @JustinePWinans and their website, .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 19, 2024
4.5 stars
If you like the Scream movies, this is the book for you. Non-binary lead, the main characters/love interest actually communicate, and so funny. Also hallelujah the cat lives! And so does the lesbian!
That’s all you get. Read this book right now or I’m coming to your house and flushing all your socks.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you like the Scream movies, this is the book for you. Non-binary lead, the main characters/love interest actually communicate, and so funny. Also hallelujah the cat lives! And so does the lesbian!
That’s all you get. Read this book right now or I’m coming to your house and flushing all your socks.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2025
Queer YA slasher? I need this NOW
November 14, 2024
"Why does the Final Girl have to kill the big, bad Wolf Man? It's simple: because he keeps destroying what matters to her the most."
Scream meets You're Next with a splash of Happy Death Day in this ya horror novel that'll have you howlin' in fear!
Horror is my favorite genre; it's my go-to for comfort. When I saw the cover of this book, I screamed with delight—it immediately caught my attention and reminded me of one of my favorite horror movies, "Creep." We all know what I'm talking about, so it was a no-brainer for me to get my hands on a copy.
The story began in typical slasher fashion, featuring a great backstory, a terrifying villain, and an even better climax. However, I was disappointed with the big reveal(s). Who was behind those tell-all books? And who was the person wearing the big, scary wolf mask? I guessed the answers as soon as that character appeared. When everything was finally revealed, I shouted, "I told you!" Unfortunately, no one knew what I was talking about, and I was shushed in my own library. Ugh!
Although I figured out the plot early on, I still found enjoyment in the elements that unfolded along the way. It was a lot of fun and quite gory—who doesn't appreciate a bit of gore on a rainy fall day? The intense atmosphere really contributes to the appeal of this story, making it likely that readers will fall in love with it.
"How to Survive a Slasher" was an enjoyable read, although I felt a bit let down by the ending. Figuring out who was behind the events was somewhat disheartening, but I still found myself enjoying the rest of the story. I believe horror fans will appreciate this book for what it has to offer.
Scream meets You're Next with a splash of Happy Death Day in this ya horror novel that'll have you howlin' in fear!
Horror is my favorite genre; it's my go-to for comfort. When I saw the cover of this book, I screamed with delight—it immediately caught my attention and reminded me of one of my favorite horror movies, "Creep." We all know what I'm talking about, so it was a no-brainer for me to get my hands on a copy.
The story began in typical slasher fashion, featuring a great backstory, a terrifying villain, and an even better climax. However, I was disappointed with the big reveal(s). Who was behind those tell-all books? And who was the person wearing the big, scary wolf mask? I guessed the answers as soon as that character appeared. When everything was finally revealed, I shouted, "I told you!" Unfortunately, no one knew what I was talking about, and I was shushed in my own library. Ugh!
Although I figured out the plot early on, I still found enjoyment in the elements that unfolded along the way. It was a lot of fun and quite gory—who doesn't appreciate a bit of gore on a rainy fall day? The intense atmosphere really contributes to the appeal of this story, making it likely that readers will fall in love with it.
"How to Survive a Slasher" was an enjoyable read, although I felt a bit let down by the ending. Figuring out who was behind the events was somewhat disheartening, but I still found myself enjoying the rest of the story. I believe horror fans will appreciate this book for what it has to offer.
March 28, 2025
God this book was perfect! A YA Mystery/Thriller/ Slasher book with a Queer Main character. I really enjoyed CJ’s P.O.V and the plot of “How to Survive a Slasher�. The different comedic dynamics CJ and their friends and family were well fleshed out and memorable. The last paragraph gave me chills!! I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be checking out more of this authors writing!!
March 24, 2025
loved it. perfection. full review forthcoming.
April 4, 2025
3.5* I really enjoyed this! It was one of the better YA Slasher books I’ve read, and I really enjoyed CJ and her crew trying to figure this out!
January 31, 2025
4.5 Stars
This book is good... for a very particular audience. It's self-aware horror, meta horror, tongue-in-cheek horror. And I liked it. I loved it. But it definitely won't be for everyone. It feels like it is meant for the same audience who liked My Heart is a Chainsaw, which is another sort of niche audience. So is this a general recommendation? No. But if you don't mind a bit of blood splatter and you're a big fan of horror as a medium, this one might just hit the spot.
Anyway, I've got more to say. A lot more to say. But I'll save digging into that for my full review, available at on February 28, 2025. Swing by if you feel like it!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
This book is good... for a very particular audience. It's self-aware horror, meta horror, tongue-in-cheek horror. And I liked it. I loved it. But it definitely won't be for everyone. It feels like it is meant for the same audience who liked My Heart is a Chainsaw, which is another sort of niche audience. So is this a general recommendation? No. But if you don't mind a bit of blood splatter and you're a big fan of horror as a medium, this one might just hit the spot.
Anyway, I've got more to say. A lot more to say. But I'll save digging into that for my full review, available at on February 28, 2025. Swing by if you feel like it!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
February 16, 2025
Anything pitched as "Scream" meets "You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight" is something that I'm absolutely going to read.
I really liked CJ. She's smart and tough in a way most kids don't have to be. I enjoyed reading her navigate her scary reality, making friends along the way. Of course this family is bonded in a weird way, but CJ's mom is the absolute best.
Plot wise, it's a bit of a slow burn build up, but once it gets going, it's going. There's a good amount of misdirection and it had me second guessing everything, which I always love. My only complaint is that I wish there was a bit more of an explanation for why as that part didn't quite feel fleshed out.
Overall, this was a fast paced story with characters who were easy to get invested in.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked CJ. She's smart and tough in a way most kids don't have to be. I enjoyed reading her navigate her scary reality, making friends along the way. Of course this family is bonded in a weird way, but CJ's mom is the absolute best.
Plot wise, it's a bit of a slow burn build up, but once it gets going, it's going. There's a good amount of misdirection and it had me second guessing everything, which I always love. My only complaint is that I wish there was a bit more of an explanation for why as that part didn't quite feel fleshed out.
Overall, this was a fast paced story with characters who were easy to get invested in.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
January 18, 2025
How to Survive a Slasher follows CJ, a Slasherville survivor. While her hometown is actually called Satterville, it was dubbed Slasherville after two horrifying massacres: the first, CJ’s dad survived, the second, CJ survived. CJ’s mom trains their entire family in case another killer tries to come after their family. A paranoia that works in CJ’s favour when a unpublished manuscript shows up on their doorstep written by the author who sensationalized the murders in two books. This new book says a new killer is in town and CJ attempts to stop it from happening.
This was a fun slasher! YA horrors like this are a lot of fun, and this one is great if you don’t like the plot to be centered on the killings. There’s a great deal of friendship and romance and family that really balances the plot so it’s not super, crazy intense. The pacing was mostly good, but I found it a little slow at times and I guessed the twist pretty early. But I really enjoyed the family dynamic and how set CJ’s mom was on ensuring her family was prepared and protected. It was nice to see such involvement in her children’s lives. I also really enjoyed all the LGBTQ+ representation in this novel!
CJ is a great main character. I liked how set they were on not being a Final Girl and the reluctance to accept the role. I also liked how they were actively trying to protect themselves and their family—it was really sweet. It was also sweet that they got to open up and find new friends with the killings going on. Sebas and Nadia were so great!! Such a funny duo and added great comic relief and horror trope lecturing. I really enjoyed the dynamic between this main trio.
Overall, this is a fun slasher with great representation!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was a fun slasher! YA horrors like this are a lot of fun, and this one is great if you don’t like the plot to be centered on the killings. There’s a great deal of friendship and romance and family that really balances the plot so it’s not super, crazy intense. The pacing was mostly good, but I found it a little slow at times and I guessed the twist pretty early. But I really enjoyed the family dynamic and how set CJ’s mom was on ensuring her family was prepared and protected. It was nice to see such involvement in her children’s lives. I also really enjoyed all the LGBTQ+ representation in this novel!
CJ is a great main character. I liked how set they were on not being a Final Girl and the reluctance to accept the role. I also liked how they were actively trying to protect themselves and their family—it was really sweet. It was also sweet that they got to open up and find new friends with the killings going on. Sebas and Nadia were so great!! Such a funny duo and added great comic relief and horror trope lecturing. I really enjoyed the dynamic between this main trio.
Overall, this is a fun slasher with great representation!
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury YA for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
March 28, 2025
3⭐️
I'm going to start this by acknowledging that I'm not they attended age audience for this book. But I was able to predict who was behind the killings the very first time they were featured on page. The same with who was the author behind the Slasherville books. I was hoping for some shocking twists that would make those obvious reveals be more exciting but everything was pretty straight forward.
I did really like CJ's close knit family and how the youngest generation has inherited their father's family trauma. The constant safety drills that CJ and their siblings undergo under their mother's supervision because they weren't convinced that the Wolf Man was gone for good. It really showed the family's resilience that they were always ready. I also liked the complexity of the Final Girl being a non-binary character. Everyone in CJ's life has accepted them being non-binary so it only made sense that the Final Girl mentality was adapted to that as well. Overall this was a fun, campy horror set in Ohio that was done well enough, I just wish it was twisty-er.
I'm going to start this by acknowledging that I'm not they attended age audience for this book. But I was able to predict who was behind the killings the very first time they were featured on page. The same with who was the author behind the Slasherville books. I was hoping for some shocking twists that would make those obvious reveals be more exciting but everything was pretty straight forward.
I did really like CJ's close knit family and how the youngest generation has inherited their father's family trauma. The constant safety drills that CJ and their siblings undergo under their mother's supervision because they weren't convinced that the Wolf Man was gone for good. It really showed the family's resilience that they were always ready. I also liked the complexity of the Final Girl being a non-binary character. Everyone in CJ's life has accepted them being non-binary so it only made sense that the Final Girl mentality was adapted to that as well. Overall this was a fun, campy horror set in Ohio that was done well enough, I just wish it was twisty-er.
April 24, 2025
Queer young adult slasher? Count me in!
I love meta slashers that are self aware about being a slasher book. Very reminiscent of how scream does the whole implied slasher rules. Wholesome, funny, & it has great gender identity commentary.
I love meta slashers that are self aware about being a slasher book. Very reminiscent of how scream does the whole implied slasher rules. Wholesome, funny, & it has great gender identity commentary.
March 18, 2025
Predictable but fun
March 28, 2025
I got to read this one early and I feel like this Word Doc comment says it all:
"OH MY GOD IM DEADDD THIS IS SO GREAT AND ALSO [REDACTED] TOUCHING HIS BUTT HOLY SHIT YOUR MIND IS SO HUGE"
"OH MY GOD IM DEADDD THIS IS SO GREAT AND ALSO [REDACTED] TOUCHING HIS BUTT HOLY SHIT YOUR MIND IS SO HUGE"
April 11, 2025
I had a great time.
March 27, 2025
You all know I’m a sucker for a good slasher book, and let me tell you, How To Survive A Slasher does NOT disappoint! If you’re into that Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer vibe, then you’re gonna want to grab this one ASAP. We’ve got a fierce non-binary main character who’s not just trying to survive the legendary Wolf Man but is also on a mission to keep everyone else alive. Talk about a total badass! This YA horror read had me turning pages way past my bedtime, and I loved every chilling moment. Big shoutout to @NetGalley and @Bloomsbury for the advance copy. If you’re a fan of slasher flicks, this book is a must-read.
March 28, 2025
The Xenomorph will forever be Gary to me now
November 19, 2024
I am not often kept guessing by a book but my mind changed probably 5 times on what was actually going on in this book and every guess was so logical - very fun to have a mystery actually be mysterious for me!!!
CJ's dad was almost killed in a summer camp murder before CJ was born, and then when CJ was 11, a copycat killer came back to finish the job and murdered all the survivors from the first murder. CJ and their brother were hiding in a closet during their dad's murder :(
Now, years later, CJ is annoyed by how sensationalized her town has made these murders. There's a local author, who goes by a pen name, who has gotten super famous off writing books based on the murders. There's a festival every year to "celebrate"... like it's wild. But CJ's mom trains her four kids in murder chase readiness lol so if anyone comes for CJ, they're ready.
And come for CJ it does!! CJ gets a book in the mail written by the famous author - but it's a book about a killer that hasn't started yet. It follows a popular student in school through the murders she sees and ends in her stand as a Final Girl. CJ is wary.. until the next day at school when a murder plays out almost identical to the one in the book. The only difference? The popular girl IS the one killed, so I guess CJ is the Final Girl now!!!
CJ has never really had friends, but forges a quick friendship with the person who WAS supposed to be the first victim if everything had followed the book. Plus, that girl's cute cousin is in town too, and CJ befriends him too (or more hehehe) (Also let me give a little excitement here for the love interest not really being into school lol like it's so ~book boyfriend~ for them to always be a little nerdy and poetic but I like the small deviation from that!)
Yep so basically the story just follows CJ as she first rejects her role as Final Girl, choosing instead to protect her family, but later accepting it, because she doesn't want other people to die at the expense of saving her family. Just Final Girl things!!!
CJ is genderfluid and uses all pronouns and their love interest is a recent immigrant from Costa Rica I believe? (Don't know that there was any specification if he was documented or undocumented, just saying this for representation's sake)
This is just a fun, camp story with a "fuck, I'm in a horror movie" type protag that just checked all the boxes for me. I love JPW's writing style and inclusivity when it comes to characterization and I enjoy their books more every time. I think I'll try their MG next since I've burned through all the YA available (not even, this is an ARC that doesn't even come out til next year)
CJ's dad was almost killed in a summer camp murder before CJ was born, and then when CJ was 11, a copycat killer came back to finish the job and murdered all the survivors from the first murder. CJ and their brother were hiding in a closet during their dad's murder :(
Now, years later, CJ is annoyed by how sensationalized her town has made these murders. There's a local author, who goes by a pen name, who has gotten super famous off writing books based on the murders. There's a festival every year to "celebrate"... like it's wild. But CJ's mom trains her four kids in murder chase readiness lol so if anyone comes for CJ, they're ready.
And come for CJ it does!! CJ gets a book in the mail written by the famous author - but it's a book about a killer that hasn't started yet. It follows a popular student in school through the murders she sees and ends in her stand as a Final Girl. CJ is wary.. until the next day at school when a murder plays out almost identical to the one in the book. The only difference? The popular girl IS the one killed, so I guess CJ is the Final Girl now!!!
CJ has never really had friends, but forges a quick friendship with the person who WAS supposed to be the first victim if everything had followed the book. Plus, that girl's cute cousin is in town too, and CJ befriends him too (or more hehehe) (Also let me give a little excitement here for the love interest not really being into school lol like it's so ~book boyfriend~ for them to always be a little nerdy and poetic but I like the small deviation from that!)
Yep so basically the story just follows CJ as she first rejects her role as Final Girl, choosing instead to protect her family, but later accepting it, because she doesn't want other people to die at the expense of saving her family. Just Final Girl things!!!
CJ is genderfluid and uses all pronouns and their love interest is a recent immigrant from Costa Rica I believe? (Don't know that there was any specification if he was documented or undocumented, just saying this for representation's sake)
This is just a fun, camp story with a "fuck, I'm in a horror movie" type protag that just checked all the boxes for me. I love JPW's writing style and inclusivity when it comes to characterization and I enjoy their books more every time. I think I'll try their MG next since I've burned through all the YA available (not even, this is an ARC that doesn't even come out til next year)
November 5, 2024
Get ready for some major creepy, serial killer vibes with this new YA horror novel! CJ's hometown has the nickname Slasherville for a reason. It's been the sight of two mass killings, several years apart. The town has embraced the nickname, but CJ is less than thrilled, since their dad barely survived the first one and was killed in the second. And Moon Satter, the mysterious author who penned novelizations of both events, isn't helping matters. But when CJ receives a new manuscript, with real names of her classmates, she's not sure if it's a prank or something scarier.
I enjoyed this one! Very much Scream vibes, which I enjoyed the hell out of back in the day. We also have an NB MC to switch things up and having their POV was great!
I enjoyed this one! Very much Scream vibes, which I enjoyed the hell out of back in the day. We also have an NB MC to switch things up and having their POV was great!
March 27, 2025
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one!! I love a good slasher novel and the fact that it was a queer slasher made it even better! I loved the discussions around gender and sexuality and i especially loved how supportive CJ’s mom was of them! I think the pacing was great and I would love to see this as like a Netflix movie or something because I think it would really come alive on screen! It was a little anticlimactic for me because I guessed the killer pretty much from the moment they were introduced and it just seemed really obvious to me so I would’ve loved some other kind of twist but overall, this was a really great book!
I really enjoyed this one!! I love a good slasher novel and the fact that it was a queer slasher made it even better! I loved the discussions around gender and sexuality and i especially loved how supportive CJ’s mom was of them! I think the pacing was great and I would love to see this as like a Netflix movie or something because I think it would really come alive on screen! It was a little anticlimactic for me because I guessed the killer pretty much from the moment they were introduced and it just seemed really obvious to me so I would’ve loved some other kind of twist but overall, this was a really great book!
April 2, 2025
3.5 stars...this was pretty good and I liked it...but not sure it's something that I would read again or that's going to be memorable. It's definitely got a meta horror vibe...self aware of common horror tropes similar to I Was a Teenage Slasher or My Heart is a Chainsaw...but with a writing style that's a lot more accessible than either of those. I think this would be a solid read for a YA audience...but it just doesn't stand out against other stories for me.
April 1, 2025
Give me all the queer slasher novels, I’ll devour them like I devoured this one. CJ is such a good protagonist, I’m absolutely obsessed with them. Their ties to the mystery, both past and present, were such good plot twists. The whole thing was a wild ride from start to finish and I basically inhaled it. This author is my newest obsession
April 18, 2025
I greatly enjoyed this book! Reads a bit like Scream meets Friday the 13th, with a dash of Happy Death Day. Lots of fun, a very meta slasher that actually works on page (usually they struggle as books vs movies, in my opinion). I did guess part of the ending, but not the whole thing. I really enjoyed the LGBTQIA+ rep with a nonbinary bisexual as the lead and her bff being a Lesbian. Also the love interest is a POC, who's accepting of their gender identity/sexuality. The family relationship was solid and a really good addition to the book as well. Highly recommended for slasher fans!
Read
April 9, 2025DNF.
November 24, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“How to Survive a Slasher� by Justine Pucella Winans is a wildly entertaining, horror-comedy twist on the classic slasher genre, complete with meta commentary, a uniquely queer perspective, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the bloody end. CJ, a genderfluid teen whose family has been haunted by a series of slasher-style killings, finds themself at the center of a new spree that uncannily mirrors past tragedies—except this time, they’re seemingly cast as the “Final Girl.� If you are a fan of this author’s “Bianca Torres Is Afraid of Everything,� then you will definitely love this book.
CJ's character is beautifully developed, providing humor and vulnerability as they grapple with trauma and the absurdity of being forced into a Final Girl role they’d rather avoid. CJ's nonbinary and genderfluid identity is handled with nuance, making them relatable and refreshing. Supporting them are an eclectic cast of friends, including Sebas, a sweet love interest with a background distinct from the usual “book boyfriend� mold, and their fiercely loyal friend, Nadia. Their family dynamic also stands out, showing a close-knit unit that hilariously trains in “murder chase readiness� due to their violent history. CJ’s emotional support cat, Chekov's Gun, wearing a pink harness and serving as an unexpected plot clue, adds a quirky touch. I absolutely loved Chekov; he was my favorite character and based on the acknowledgements at the end of this book, it sounds like Winans will continue having cats in future books, which I am incredibly excited about.
The book also explores the horror genre itself, defying and deconstructing typical slasher tropes while playing with elements like the "Final Girl" and ominous "Big Bad Wolf" killer. Winans infuses the plot with self-aware humor and spot-on pop culture references, making it a perfect read for fans of meta-horror like “Scream.� In the “Bianca Torres� book, there were a lot of anime references (which I loved), and this book had a lot of webtoon/webcomics references, which I also loved. There were many different nerdy references that I found to be relatable and made the book even more enjoyable for me. There was even a reference to the Warrior Cats series, and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that referenced that series before. Overall, I absolutely love Winans’s writing!
The story is fast-paced with escalating tension and gore—perfect for horror lovers without being overwhelming. The setting—a town that treats its violent past as a local legend and holds festivals around the murders—adds a darkly comedic undertone and enhances the meta feel of the story. As CJ navigates the bloody mystery, the town’s indifference to the danger gives the story a surreal edge, amplifying both the satire and suspense. Despite some predictable twists, Winans keeps you on your toes with layers of mystery and horror conventions turned on their heads.
Overall, “How to Survive a Slasher� is an engaging, smart, and emotionally resonant story that reinvents horror with inclusive representation, meta-humor, and heartfelt themes of family and identity. It’s a thrilling, quick read, especially fitting for Halloween and anyone who enjoys a good laugh in the face of fear.
“How to Survive a Slasher� by Justine Pucella Winans is a wildly entertaining, horror-comedy twist on the classic slasher genre, complete with meta commentary, a uniquely queer perspective, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the bloody end. CJ, a genderfluid teen whose family has been haunted by a series of slasher-style killings, finds themself at the center of a new spree that uncannily mirrors past tragedies—except this time, they’re seemingly cast as the “Final Girl.� If you are a fan of this author’s “Bianca Torres Is Afraid of Everything,� then you will definitely love this book.
CJ's character is beautifully developed, providing humor and vulnerability as they grapple with trauma and the absurdity of being forced into a Final Girl role they’d rather avoid. CJ's nonbinary and genderfluid identity is handled with nuance, making them relatable and refreshing. Supporting them are an eclectic cast of friends, including Sebas, a sweet love interest with a background distinct from the usual “book boyfriend� mold, and their fiercely loyal friend, Nadia. Their family dynamic also stands out, showing a close-knit unit that hilariously trains in “murder chase readiness� due to their violent history. CJ’s emotional support cat, Chekov's Gun, wearing a pink harness and serving as an unexpected plot clue, adds a quirky touch. I absolutely loved Chekov; he was my favorite character and based on the acknowledgements at the end of this book, it sounds like Winans will continue having cats in future books, which I am incredibly excited about.
The book also explores the horror genre itself, defying and deconstructing typical slasher tropes while playing with elements like the "Final Girl" and ominous "Big Bad Wolf" killer. Winans infuses the plot with self-aware humor and spot-on pop culture references, making it a perfect read for fans of meta-horror like “Scream.� In the “Bianca Torres� book, there were a lot of anime references (which I loved), and this book had a lot of webtoon/webcomics references, which I also loved. There were many different nerdy references that I found to be relatable and made the book even more enjoyable for me. There was even a reference to the Warrior Cats series, and I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that referenced that series before. Overall, I absolutely love Winans’s writing!
The story is fast-paced with escalating tension and gore—perfect for horror lovers without being overwhelming. The setting—a town that treats its violent past as a local legend and holds festivals around the murders—adds a darkly comedic undertone and enhances the meta feel of the story. As CJ navigates the bloody mystery, the town’s indifference to the danger gives the story a surreal edge, amplifying both the satire and suspense. Despite some predictable twists, Winans keeps you on your toes with layers of mystery and horror conventions turned on their heads.
Overall, “How to Survive a Slasher� is an engaging, smart, and emotionally resonant story that reinvents horror with inclusive representation, meta-humor, and heartfelt themes of family and identity. It’s a thrilling, quick read, especially fitting for Halloween and anyone who enjoys a good laugh in the face of fear.
April 7, 2025
This was an incredibly compelling, smart, and layered meta slasher YA adult read that offered ample exploration, well-executed twists, and a wonderful mix of fan homage and honoring its own identity and voice.
Being from Ohio and several iconic slashers being Ohio set, that setting was fun for me. The original slashers taking place in the 90s also added a bit of nostalgia that tied it in to one of its clear inspirations, Scream, while also offering a modern perspective among the cyclical horror. It also has some parallels to one of my favorite Wes Craven films, New Nightmare, bringing a connection to perceived fiction and reality in having a playbook to the horror about to unleash. I absolutely loved this tied into an art imitating life imitating art aspect with the surrealism of a book foretelling of the next chapter of horror to massacre this town. The reveal with the book was interesting and added layers to grief, twisted beliefs, and even the power of storytelling, how one could find a certain solace and way to immortalize a love one through horror fiction. Among this its rather witty, funny, and bold.
How to Survive a Slasher gives us a heavy, but immensely interesting perspective of what it would be like to grow up in a family and town that has suffered such brutal loss and learned to go on living, not letting fear or trauma totally control you, but still being constantly ready if any predator comes knocking again. It also tackles the stigma of grief, only being known for the terror and loss that touched you, while also showing one can always re-write the story.
We are given a strong, smart, compassionate Non-Binary lead, who is imperfect and finding their confidence and truth, but also capable, brave, and stands up for who they are. I really appreciated the voice on gender identity here. It made it clear this was this person's experience and perspective, but also felt very real. The romantic sub-plot is very well done as well. It's something I can be picky about, especially when not needed, rushed, or detracts from the story, but the connection was enriched through little moments and actually added to both characters story. Plus, ample honesty, communication, and unconditional understanding and love made it rather a breath of fresh air.
How to Survive a Slasher is a smart, fun, and rather deep slasher story that delivers on every level. I would highly recommend for all horror fans, but especially for those that enjoyed surreal 'reverse the story" slashers such as Scream, New Nightmare, and Totally Killer.
Being from Ohio and several iconic slashers being Ohio set, that setting was fun for me. The original slashers taking place in the 90s also added a bit of nostalgia that tied it in to one of its clear inspirations, Scream, while also offering a modern perspective among the cyclical horror. It also has some parallels to one of my favorite Wes Craven films, New Nightmare, bringing a connection to perceived fiction and reality in having a playbook to the horror about to unleash. I absolutely loved this tied into an art imitating life imitating art aspect with the surrealism of a book foretelling of the next chapter of horror to massacre this town. The reveal with the book was interesting and added layers to grief, twisted beliefs, and even the power of storytelling, how one could find a certain solace and way to immortalize a love one through horror fiction. Among this its rather witty, funny, and bold.
How to Survive a Slasher gives us a heavy, but immensely interesting perspective of what it would be like to grow up in a family and town that has suffered such brutal loss and learned to go on living, not letting fear or trauma totally control you, but still being constantly ready if any predator comes knocking again. It also tackles the stigma of grief, only being known for the terror and loss that touched you, while also showing one can always re-write the story.
We are given a strong, smart, compassionate Non-Binary lead, who is imperfect and finding their confidence and truth, but also capable, brave, and stands up for who they are. I really appreciated the voice on gender identity here. It made it clear this was this person's experience and perspective, but also felt very real. The romantic sub-plot is very well done as well. It's something I can be picky about, especially when not needed, rushed, or detracts from the story, but the connection was enriched through little moments and actually added to both characters story. Plus, ample honesty, communication, and unconditional understanding and love made it rather a breath of fresh air.
How to Survive a Slasher is a smart, fun, and rather deep slasher story that delivers on every level. I would highly recommend for all horror fans, but especially for those that enjoyed surreal 'reverse the story" slashers such as Scream, New Nightmare, and Totally Killer.
March 30, 2025
“…I know I’ll be okay…Because I’m a fucking Final Girl.�
Justine Pucella Winans� ‘How to Survive a Slasher� follows CJ Smith as she navigates her hometown of Satterville, also known as Slasherville, where a serial killer known as the Satterville’s Wolfman has wreaked havoc. The story begins in 1996 with a massacre that leaves three survivors, including CJ’s dad. However, the Wolfman returns in 2019, targeting the survivors and their families, until he is stopped just short of reaching CJ and her loved ones, however leaving her without her father. Now, in 2025, CJ receives a cryptic manuscript that foretells the Wolfman’s next attacks, and it’s up to her, her family, and new allies to prevent another massacre before it’s too late. Welcome to Slasherville!
I thoroughly enjoyed the meta-horror elements in this book, which felt like a fusion of 'Scream' and 'Your Lonely Nights are Over' by Adam Sass. The LGBTQ+ representation was a highlight, particularly with the non-binary final girl, CJ, who undergoes significant growth throughout the story. I also appreciated the well-developed supporting characters and the friendships CJ formed along the way, including the complex family dynamics that shaped CJ's resilience. The friendships with Nadia and Sebastian were especially entertaining and humorous. I was particularly drawn to Nadia's character from her introduction and enjoyed watching her quickly form a close bond with CJ.
'How to Survive a Slasher' masterfully blended horror and comedy with well-crafted characters that you can't help but root for, as well as outstanding representation for the LGBTQ+ and Latin communities. While it occasionally relied on familiar tropes and I did guess the killer's identity relatively early on, the book remained an absolute blast to read. The reveal was both heart-wrenching and captivating, making this a must-read for slasher fans.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
Justine Pucella Winans� ‘How to Survive a Slasher� follows CJ Smith as she navigates her hometown of Satterville, also known as Slasherville, where a serial killer known as the Satterville’s Wolfman has wreaked havoc. The story begins in 1996 with a massacre that leaves three survivors, including CJ’s dad. However, the Wolfman returns in 2019, targeting the survivors and their families, until he is stopped just short of reaching CJ and her loved ones, however leaving her without her father. Now, in 2025, CJ receives a cryptic manuscript that foretells the Wolfman’s next attacks, and it’s up to her, her family, and new allies to prevent another massacre before it’s too late. Welcome to Slasherville!
I thoroughly enjoyed the meta-horror elements in this book, which felt like a fusion of 'Scream' and 'Your Lonely Nights are Over' by Adam Sass. The LGBTQ+ representation was a highlight, particularly with the non-binary final girl, CJ, who undergoes significant growth throughout the story. I also appreciated the well-developed supporting characters and the friendships CJ formed along the way, including the complex family dynamics that shaped CJ's resilience. The friendships with Nadia and Sebastian were especially entertaining and humorous. I was particularly drawn to Nadia's character from her introduction and enjoyed watching her quickly form a close bond with CJ.
'How to Survive a Slasher' masterfully blended horror and comedy with well-crafted characters that you can't help but root for, as well as outstanding representation for the LGBTQ+ and Latin communities. While it occasionally relied on familiar tropes and I did guess the killer's identity relatively early on, the book remained an absolute blast to read. The reveal was both heart-wrenching and captivating, making this a must-read for slasher fans.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
December 17, 2024
Thank you Bloomsbury and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Y’all this book is so good! CJ was eleven when she survived a serial killer. Unfortunately her dad didn’t make it. For him, that was the second time the Wolf Man had come after him. When he was in high school the original Wolf Man killed a bunch of camp counselors, three survived. Years later the Wolf Man struck again set on finishing off the original survivors and their families. He managed it with all the families but CJ’s. Their dad stopped him but lost his life doing so. Now CJ’s family spends their days doing practice drills to escape a killer. They carry knives and pepper spray and other essentials at all times. While their family does that the town throws Slasherfest every year, it’s supposed to be in memory of those who died, but really honors the Wolf Man. CJ hates it, and Moon Satter, who wrote the books on the killings. When CJ receives a book that tells the story new killings they believes it’s a prank but then events begin happening as the book tells it. Only when CJ interferes and saves Nadia, the first kill, the book gets rewritten. Now CJ is in the protagonist role, will they survive? With the help of Nadia and Sebas, Nadia’s attractive and adorable cousin, CJ will track a killer down. Who is next on the killers list? Can CJ protect their family and friends? I loved every aspect of this! CJ is a dynamic character who I absolutely loved! I loved the deep emotions of losing their fathers, the fierce protectiveness of their family, and the development of their non-binary gender and bisexual orientation! The story had me on the edge of my seat! Loved the twists and the romantic connection between CJ and Sebas! Gripping, pulse pounding, and will have you consuming it! Highly recommend!
November 23, 2024
Scream Meets Stranger than Fiction with a dash of I Know What You Did Last Summer!!
Justine Pucella Winans is surely a horror author to watch! How to Survive a Slasher is a novel full of family, heart, and gruesome slayings. The story follows CJ a young human who is coming to terms with who they want to be as they get older. However, they are haunted by a terrible tragedy that has followed their family. The Big Bad Wolf is set to make a return and it’s going to be a bloodbath.
The family parts of this story are really something to note here. It’s just a really nice story that does invert some aspects of a “slasher.� In the classic slasher family is usually a plot driver but it’s abandoned as the bodies start to pile up. However, Justine gives us a totally different perspective and I don’t want to spoil how that goes, but it’s fun and well worth the read!
Additionally, this story isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s gory. However the mystery elements and the “whodunnit� keep everything moving at a nice pace without just slaying everything in sight. I think that’s truly something that readers are going to enjoy. The layers of this mystery unfold like that of Only Murders in the Building. It’s reveal into twist into more reveals and twists and I know readers are going to love this!
Don’t miss out on this latest slasher - you’re going to love it!
Justine Pucella Winans is surely a horror author to watch! How to Survive a Slasher is a novel full of family, heart, and gruesome slayings. The story follows CJ a young human who is coming to terms with who they want to be as they get older. However, they are haunted by a terrible tragedy that has followed their family. The Big Bad Wolf is set to make a return and it’s going to be a bloodbath.
The family parts of this story are really something to note here. It’s just a really nice story that does invert some aspects of a “slasher.� In the classic slasher family is usually a plot driver but it’s abandoned as the bodies start to pile up. However, Justine gives us a totally different perspective and I don’t want to spoil how that goes, but it’s fun and well worth the read!
Additionally, this story isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s gory. However the mystery elements and the “whodunnit� keep everything moving at a nice pace without just slaying everything in sight. I think that’s truly something that readers are going to enjoy. The layers of this mystery unfold like that of Only Murders in the Building. It’s reveal into twist into more reveals and twists and I know readers are going to love this!
Don’t miss out on this latest slasher - you’re going to love it!
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