Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying

Killer VHS #5

by Brian McAuley

A slasher sequel that picks up immediately where the first book left off with the festive killer coming to town on Christmas morning to punish a parish full of sinners.

Praise for Candy Cain Kills:

"A perfect book for gorehounds to devour on a cold Christmas night." —Library Journal

“A masterclass in slasher fiction.” —FanFiAddict

"Sublimely drawn characters fuel a slasher romp that delivers the goods." —Kirkus Reviews

Genres: Horror, Christmas, Novella, Fiction, LGBT, Thriller, Adult

114 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2024

About the author

Brian McAuley is the USA Today Bestselling author of BREATHE IN, BLEED OUT, which was also nominated for the 2025 Goodreads Choice Awards. Esquire dubbed his debut novel CURSE OF THE REAPER one of the Best Horror Books of 2022. Brian’s holiday horror novella CANDY CAIN KILLS garnered praise from Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews, paving the way for CANDY CAIN KILLS AGAIN: THE SECOND SLAYING. His short fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies. As a WGA screenwriter, Brian has written film and television projects for Netflix, Syfy and Lifetime Networks. He teaches as a screenwriting professor at ASU’s Sidney Poitier New American Film School. Connect with him on social media @BrianMcWriter

Reviews

[Brandon Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s ridiculous, but exactly the over the top gory fun I needed atm!! It takes place directly after the events of the first book, and yeah it’s kinda silly but it was a good time.

[Sadie Hartmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up for Goodreads
"The power of Christ compels me."
This sequel takes place immediately after the events of book one. The cast leftover from the previous story (the ones that survived the wrath of Candy Cain) are regrouping before they head off to face their attacker once again.
In festive technicolor, McAuley delivers on the same slasher formula from the first book--blood and gore mixed with the sickeningly sweet lyrics of Christmas Carols and Holiday Hymns. In fact, there is a clever poem in the very beginning that will bring you up to speed if you forgot what happened "Previously on Candy Kills..."
There is more carnage, more Bible versus, and more wonderfully cheesy lines,
"It's not for me to decide who is naughty or nice, who lives or dies--just kill them all and let God sort it out."
A fun slasher romp to get in the holiday spirit!

[thevampireslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Brian manages to capture the very essence of some of my favourite horror movies from childhood and infuse it into his stories creating a veritable cinematic experience with all the thrills, chills and laughs you'd expect I'll never know (tell us) a holiday horror that relishes in its slasher roots, echoing its predecessor with its remarkably inventive, creative and shockingly gruesome kills of all time, this was an entertaining, whip-smart emotional rollercoaster of a read, amongst the gore and bloodshed there's a lot of sincerity, relatability and heart woven throughout the pages, making a surprisingly evocative read, McAuley is establishing new foundations and expectations for future slasher novels to come

[Horror Haus Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picking up exactly where the first book left off, this sequel dives straight into the gore and I loved every second of it. It’s bloodier, bolder, and even more fast-paced than its predecessor. Definitely the kind of read that keeps you hooked until the very last page. And that ending? Chefs kiss. Everyone gets exactly what they deserve, for better or worse.

Brian McAuley continues to impress me, delivering a razor-sharp sequel that outdoes the original in all the best ways possible.

[Sharmyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top notch sequel, some great kills
Surprisingly heartwarming 🎄⛪️

[Lizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting enough

[Horror Sickness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing a sequel to a very popular book is never easy. With novellas I imagine it is much harder because you have less pages to develop a story.

This sequel, my friends, was a success. I loved to return to this small town and get to know Candy Cane a little bit more. I have to admit that in this second book I was rooting for her and she won a little place in my heart.

Sorry to all the deceased that were simply trying to have a peaceful Christmas and RIP to all the spilled food. The humour combined with the truly violent death scenes really worked to give us a fun holiday slasher.

[unstable.books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am gobsmacked. My flabbers have been gasted. My heebies are jeebied. Brian can do no wrong I SAID WHAT I SAID! This sequel quite literally hacked its way into my heart. I already loved Brian's writing and this story solidified his place as one of my favorite authors ever. The kills? *chefs kiss* But, the heart in this book? Lovely. Superb. Thank you so much to Shortwave Publishing for sending me an ARC. I implore you to read this book & the predecessor, Candy Cain Kills. You can find them on Shortwave's website. In the name of the Candy & the Cain, we pray. Slaymen.

[Carrie Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫, 𝐝𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐝𝐨."

The sequel that needed to happen is almost here! Please, please read the first installment, CANDY CAIN KILLS, before starting this one as the events in the sequel pick up directly where the first one leaves off.

After surviving the Christmas Eve carnage at the Thornton house, teenagers Austin, Mateo and Fiona head to the church in the corrupt town of Nodland. Little do they know that the festivity of Christmas will soon be marred by Candy Cain as she dons her red-and-white striped pajamas for another killing spree as she's on a mission to make the sinners pay! There are some prominent names on her naughty list!

This was everything a slasher should be! Great characters, a solid story arc, and immersive storytelling. Thank you so much to Shortwave Publishing for the early read. At the time this review was written, this title was slated to publish November 12, 2024.

[RoseDevoursBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like Jolly ‘ol Saint Nick, McAuley never fails to deliver the goods, consistently bringing us gifts of thrilling storytelling. This sequel is a bloody fun time and I devoured it from cover to cover. Candy Cain Lives and comes with an insatiable appetite for vengeance with a side of cerebral stew!

This picks up where it left off, continuing the carnage with a rising body count, and introduces new villains that evoke sympathy for Candy Cain and make you root for her all the way. Don’t get me wrong, she’s still creepy as hell with her Christmas carols and Bible verses, but the more you learn about her backstory, the more you can’t help but crave seeing her unleash all the rage. McAuley is either a genius or slightly unhinged, but either way, the creative kills are ridiculously entertaining - Favorite kill goes to the organ pipe, I think I actually heard the victims last breaths wheeze through the pipe…

Besides the fun blood and gore, I enjoyed the humor and how it doesn’t take itself too seriously- it’s meant to be fun. I also love the quirky cast of characters and the bond between siblings and their found family with an ending that’s surprising heartwarming and wrapped up nicely in a gruesome bow.

If you haven't already, read these two books back to back, as they are bite-sized novellas that can be easily devoured in just a few sittings. It’s the perfect holiday treat.

[Casey Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Candy Cain Kills, I did not realize that there was a second one! My fellow bookstagrammers did not let me down, and let me know. What a fun time! Brian McAuley balances brutal holiday slasher with dark humor, using Candy Cain as both a parody of seasonal cheer and a genuinely frightening figure. Like if this was real, we are talking stuff of nightmares. And the firetruck scene, the way I envisioned this in my head, is something I'll never get out of my head. The pacing is relentless, stacking inventive kills and escalating chaos, never a dull moment. I would really love for these books to be turned into holiday horror movies! They are unapologetically violent and wildly entertaining, for those who want a blood-spattered Christmas story instead of a sentimental one.

[Anna Dupre · Rating 5 out of 5]

All of the thanks to Shortwave Publishing for sending an ARC my way!

What better way to usher in holiday cheer than with the latest installment of the Killer VHS Series, Candy Cain Kills Again. In this sequel to the much-loved novella Candy Cain Kills, we find ourselves in the moments following the conclusion of Candy Cain Kills. And if you don’t remember what happened, don’t worry, Brian McAuley pens a very impressive, festive poem to bring us up to speed. From there, the events that transpire lead us to the town church where Mateo, Austin, and Fiona come face to face with Candy Cain once more. And once the blood starts flowing, it doesn’t stop.

Sequels can be really hard to land, but McAuley absolutely nails it with Candy Cain Kills Again. Not only are the kills gnarly, violent, and markedly creative, but the character development across the board is stellar. We jump from different perspectives to learn even more about Candy Cain and the violence that’s being enacted on this righteous landscape. All while maintaining the merry momentum of Christmas Day. Most of all, the ending of this novella is absolutely wonderful as it’s equally fitting for the story thus far as it is moving. If you haven’t picked up Candy Cain Kills yet, I can’t encourage you enough to do so (and then of course, this sequel). For fans of slashers, what better way to spread holiday cheer??

[Matt M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian McAuley is a modern master of the fun slasher. His writing is cinematic and the kills are super creative. These books are just flat out FUN!

[Bridget Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the ending/beginning she deserves. Why am I crying?

[Allison | crazypageturner · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 rounded down

It’s Christmas Day. Austin, Mateo and Fiona are still in town, having just survived the wrath of Candy Cain at the vacation house. But they don’t make it very far as they decide to pay the local church a visit and give the townspeople and Pastor Wendell a piece of their minds. However, Candy Cain is still at large and she’s out for some revenge again. But this time….its personal. She unleashes her fury on the church and its inhabitants.

I liked the Christmas Carol recap at the beginning.

I liked that the action starts almost immediately whereas book one had much more character building and family drama to get through in the first half.

I really liked hearing a new POV as well.

The ending really helped bump up my rating. The last 20 pages was really good and it went in a direction I didn’t see coming.

I overall think I enjoyed this book slightly more than the first. It made you sympathize with CC a lot more as this book shows a lot more of her background and upbringing and interactions with people in the church. Definitely a great sequel and a satisfying holiday horror read!

[Jada Reads Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate this cover art 😻

[C.J. Daley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the slasher sequel we all knew we needed and wanted. The Christmas slay to ring in the holiday season. And the Christmas poem to recap book one was truly perfect.

Taking place moments after the first ended, this sequel is a high octane trip through Christmas lights and bloody pews. The survivors of book one are at the diner, recuperating a little before finally heading back to…well, whatever’s left. Meanwhile, Candy Cain goes a little Michael Myers on some firefighters and steals their truck. She’s headed to the church to take care of some left over business.

McAuley offers exactly what you’d want from a slasher sequel and more. It needs to be said (again) that the author is really bringing some new and exciting things to the genre of slasher. With new redemption arcs, character development, and unique kills. And let me tell you, these are some truly interesting, and awfully brutal kills. Each one more unhinged than the last. If this was on the big screen you’d look away.

As I said with my review of the first, I really enjoy the use of Christianity here. It’s not only used to show the religious side of the Christmas season, but to me it grounds the story. From something that could be viewed as silly, the religious zealotry adds a creepy culty layer to the story that makes it all feel more real to me. The abuse of power and faith, the abuse of people, and especially the abuse of children—this town is anything but the product of god, and just maybe Candy Cain is their savior.

And again of course there is the continuation of great LGBTQ and Disability representation here. No one is weak, no one’s a stereotype. They’re human and heroes alike.

While this wrapped things up great, we know there’s always a revival to these slashers. I’m not saying we need it (but it is maybe a want!) but maybe Killer VHS series # 12? Candy Cain is Back? Candy Cain Kills Again, Again? You never know.

https://fanfiaddict.com/review-candy-...

[Lulu · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slasher sequels never live up to the original, and McAuley’s encore is no exception. The problem with this one is twofold. Firstly, it’s preachy as hell. I feel like the irony is lost on atheists sometimes, that spending an entire novel making mid-naughties jokes about Christianity is boring and unoriginal. There’s nothing new to say just “haha, you believe in this stuff!” Which is a shame, because given the whole setup of the church, surely you can find some more mature or at least just less tired jokes to tell and criticism to make.

Secondly, this book suffers from the “have your ~cake~ victim and slash them” problem that a lot of slashers run into. Candy Cain here is meant to be both extremely sympathetic while being murderous as hell. She doesn’t feel in-character at many points, and the trio from the first book are spared mainly because… Well, I think because that would make her the “bad guy”, never mind how many attempts at killing them she made in the first book. The ending is also very lacklustre, especially the resolution to her story.

Anyway. It was fine, not bad necessarily, just not a needed sequel by any stretch and definitely not as good or fun as the first. At least there were some fun and creative kills!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bloody, irreverent, gory, and oh so satisfying. I couldn't read this fast enough.

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review 📖🎄🪓🩸

Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying
by Brian McAuley

thank you so much partner @shortwavebooks for the gifted copy!

About the book 👇🏽

She's making a list... and chopping it twice!
After surviving the horrors of Christmas Eve at the Thornton house, Austin, Mateo and Fiona head to the Church of Nodland to get some confessions from Pastor Wendell and his congregation. Little do they know that Candy Cain is coming to town to wish one and all a very merry axe-mas!

🎄🪓 My thoughts:

Geezus. I loved and completely devoured Candy Cain Kills and happily managed to do the same with Candy Cain Kills Again! I swear to goodness if these books were made into a movie they’d be watched every holiday season in tradition just like my dear old Krampus is. The way McAuley started this book with a cute little story jingle… I could feel the horror and cheer all the way from my head, down to my tippy toes. I also found myself reading the next few pages in a sing songy voice in my head… did anyone else do that? If you’re going to read a holiday slasher you gotta make sure it’s fun and festive and make sure it’s these books. This book is wonderfully gory, wildly inventive, and ridiculously addictive. ALL reasons to pick this series up this holiday season but if you need a nudge… This isn’t just a story of blood and gore but a true holiday story that manages to pull at your heartstrings even if they’re the ones a bit unhinged. You won’t experience found family quite like this one. Candy Cain Kills Again is out TODAY 11/12/24!


Happy reading 📖 🎄🪓🩸

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first saw Halloween II, I was disappointed. It took place right after the first, which for some reason I thought was a waste. It was all in the hospital and teenage Billy thought that was odd for a Halloween movie.

But then, watching it again as an adult, it’s become one of my favorite Halloween sequels because of the things that I didn’t like before. Picking right up from the first is exciting, the hospital is a fantastic setting, and whatever you may think of the brother/sister story it does expand on the story and lore.

All of this to say, Candy Cain Kills Again very much reminds me of Halloween II. Expands on what was done before without just repeating the first and all in the cool setting of a church - which is very fitting for Christmas.

Things also get taken up a notch, as the old slasher sequel rules say they should, with more intense violence and gross out moments.

You could argue the logic of what happens and the choices characters make, but this isn’t that kind of book. Anybody whose a fan of the slasher genre knows exactly what they are in for, but at the same time you might just find a shocking moment or two as well, and what more can sicko fans like us want?

[Spooky Little Book Nerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part two of the sequel so we learn more of Candy Cain’s backstory as she is slashing her way through a church this time. This one picks up right where the first one left off. There’s even a fun Christmas rhyme in the beginning that has a recap of what happened in case you don’t remember. That was fun and helpful.

No time is wasted. We get to jump right into the action from the beginning. The k*lls are epic! They’re all brutal and wildly creative. If you read part one, you’d expect nothing less from this author. While I think I like part one best, I still absolutely loved this! I love how it’s full of heart and makes you feel for the characters.

It’s unique, over-the-top, and cinematic. If you’re looking for a fun, campy, Christmas slasher, this is it! If you haven’t read part one, definitely read it first.

[Chase Coe · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVED!

Candy Cain is back and the bitch is PISSED. And rightfully so! I feel incredibly lucky that I grew up without any religious trauma. I’ve never even been to a church service before. So, religion is always so fascinating to me because I get to explore it from the outside. And clearly Candy Cain is just out for some well-deserved revenge.

The kills are even more gruesome this go around. Caught myself wincing and shouting “ew!” multiple times. Brian McAuley has an……… incredibly vivid imagination, I will say that! If you’re fine with gore and SOOO much blood, you’ll find yourself right at home with CANDY CAIN KILLS AGAIN.

This sequel is fast-paced, bloody, and endlessly entertaining. I had a great time with it and am beyond happy with that ending. It felt so special!

Thank you Shortwave and Brian McAuley for the ARC! 🫶🏼

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literally so flipping good! I was so glad to get more Fiona reading time. Because to me Fiona is the legit star of this series! She kicks ass, and has been the solution to every problem that arises!

Also Candy Cain Saves!

[michelle ࣪ ִֶָ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 💫 didn't hit QUITE as hard as the first but still fun as hell.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5/5!

[ajreadsfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was super gory and fun. I wish I had chef's kiss emoji.

[Alyssa Maley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in love with these books. The gore, the Christmas camp, the queer and disabled siblings being the core relationship. If the first Candy Cain Kills was a cross between Black Christmas and Terrifier 3, this installment was Terrifier 3 meets Carrie. Good for her!

[Justin Soderberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

The crossover between slashers and the Christmas season are rare but becoming more common place and Brian McAuley is leading the charge with his novellas. He continues this blend of genres with Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying and we are here for it!

After surviving the horrors of Christmas Eve at the Thornton house, Austin, Mateo and Fiona head to the Church of Nodland to get some confessions from Pastor Wendell and his congregation. Little do they know that Candy Cain is coming to town to wish one and all a very merry axe-mas!

Let's start off by saying we highly recommend reading Candy Cain Kills prior to devouring the sequel, but if you want to just dive into The Second Slaying we understand. This is why Brian McAuley did an outstanding job recapping the events of the prior novella in an ingenious holiday spirited way. But read the first book, like seriously read it.

Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying picks up right after Candy Cain Kills and is everything a slasher should be and more. A novella chock-full of gruesome and gory kills but also balanced with an emotional tale. While some may see this story as campy story with little depth, but what McAuley has been able to create over these two books is simply fantastic.

With well-developed characters and a solid story arc, Candy Cain Kills Again is an immersive reading experience. McAuley has crafted a slasher novella that reads like a classic slasher film, painting a clear picture of the story and making it an easy read for those fans of the genre. While Candy Cain Kills Again is part of Killer VHS series from Shortwave Publishing, this story is an extension of the first book and relies little on the VHS aspect which makes for a perfect sequel.

Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying is an excellent holiday slasher romp that is perfect for a nice winter day, but let's be honest this next Killer VHS novella should be cracked open the second you get it in November. Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying is a perfect blend of horror and holiday cheer that delivers on all fronts.

[Marguerite Turley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian slays again with this sequel!! These kills were the most imaginative and disgusting ones ever, and damn I adore Candy Cain. From the hilarious and perfect “previously on” poem to the end that had me in tears, Brian yet again brings us an amazing slasher with heart. In this sequel we catch up with Fiona, Austin and Mateo who go to the church to get the pastor to admit blame for treating Candy Cain so poorly. But she has other plans for him and the congregation. The ending is pure, sweet perfection!! Another fantastic slasher that I couldn’t put down. Also, seeing my name in this book gave me all the feels. It was seriously so special and Brian, you really are the best!!!