What do you think?
Rate this book
Chopping Spree
Eden Hills, Minnesota, is famous for two its lucrative, ‘80s-inspired fashion mall, and a missing-persons epidemic that has plagued the town’s youth and confounded officials for years. High school junior, Penny, has grown skeptical of the town’s official stance on the disappearances, but has so far kept that to herself. See, she just started her first-ever job at one of the mall’s trendiest stores and doesn’t want to sound like a conspiracy nut to her cool friends and the popular guy who might just help her get over the dream girl who broke her heart. But when a late-night party in the mall turns deadly, Penny won’t have the luxury of playing it cool. A killer is on the loose, and the dark history of Eden Hills is about to be revealed.
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2021
16 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
Angela Sylvaine
46 books100 followersAngela Sylvaine is a self-proclaimed cheerful goth who writes horror fiction and poetry. Her debut novel, Frost Bite, and her debut collection, The Dead Spot: Stories of Lost Girls, are available from Dark Matter INK. Her short fiction and poetry have appeared in/on over forty anthologies, magazines, and podcasts, including Southwest Review, Apex Magazine, and The NoSleep Podcast. She lives in the shadow if the Rocky Mountains with her sweetheart and three creepy cats. You can find her online angelasylvaine.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
February 19, 2021
The literary equivalent of a slasher set in modern day, but in an 80s inspired fashion mall. Really that's all you need to know to know if you want to read it.
My actual opinion though? It's fun, it's short (I think it's only 70 pages) so it's also fast paced. Like many slashers a lot of the characters are greatly annoying, so I didn't have any strong emotions when bad things happened other than amusement.
It's a fun little book to kill some time with, but don't expect any great scares. Go into it with the mindset one would go into it with a B-movie. If that's your thing, check it out. 3/5 stars
ARC provided via Net Galley and Unnerving in exchange for an honest review.
My actual opinion though? It's fun, it's short (I think it's only 70 pages) so it's also fast paced. Like many slashers a lot of the characters are greatly annoying, so I didn't have any strong emotions when bad things happened other than amusement.
It's a fun little book to kill some time with, but don't expect any great scares. Go into it with the mindset one would go into it with a B-movie. If that's your thing, check it out. 3/5 stars
ARC provided via Net Galley and Unnerving in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2022
This was a fun murderous romp set in a mall where a young lady stays late for an after-hours party and discovers A LOT. There are some thoughts on greed and consumerism worth thinking about too. But my favorite part was the wolf masked killer because he cracked me up and all I could think about was Peachfuzz from CREEP when he was trying to be all deadly serious.
Peachfuzz Wolfmask GIFfrom Peachfuzz GIFs
And now he's in your head too. You're welcome!
Anyhow, it’s a recommend from me if you're looking for a quick and nasty little tale.
Peachfuzz Wolfmask GIFfrom Peachfuzz GIFs
And now he's in your head too. You're welcome!
Anyhow, it’s a recommend from me if you're looking for a quick and nasty little tale.
April 18, 2021
Nostalgic fun
Chopping Spree by Angela Sylvain was a throwback to the point horror, fear street and nightmare club books. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more of the Rewind or Die series.
Chopping Spree by Angela Sylvain was a throwback to the point horror, fear street and nightmare club books. I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait to read more of the Rewind or Die series.
February 22, 2021
Teenaged Penny loves her job at the mall clothing store where she works with her best friend and her current crush. She joins her coworkers for an after hours party at the mall where she discovers a killer on the loose and stumbles across some deadly secrets.
I love the eighties playlist, which is referenced throughout and at the end, that serves as a soundtrack for the book. Being in a pandemic, the idea of casually strolling around a mall with friends sounds decadent. Penny’s search for connection after the death of her mom is touching. The story moves at a good clip (without feeling rushed), and the book was over before I knew it. The story, characters, and the world are all nicely developed, and the ending is satisfying. I just wanted to spend more time there because I was having so much fun. Perhaps, a sequel is in order.
There’s an urban fantasy element that I really liked, which added a different dimension to the story than I had expected, and contributed to the robust world. I enjoyed the fairytale references, Penny’s self absorbed stepmom, the light LGBT references, and the rather weighty themes, which added a lovely spice to the story.
The Rewind or Die books are a blood-splattered oasis in these turbulent times. I am a huge fan of the series, which invokes the spirit of horror movies watched on videotape.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Unnerving for providing an Advance Reader Copy.
I love the eighties playlist, which is referenced throughout and at the end, that serves as a soundtrack for the book. Being in a pandemic, the idea of casually strolling around a mall with friends sounds decadent. Penny’s search for connection after the death of her mom is touching. The story moves at a good clip (without feeling rushed), and the book was over before I knew it. The story, characters, and the world are all nicely developed, and the ending is satisfying. I just wanted to spend more time there because I was having so much fun. Perhaps, a sequel is in order.
There’s an urban fantasy element that I really liked, which added a different dimension to the story than I had expected, and contributed to the robust world. I enjoyed the fairytale references, Penny’s self absorbed stepmom, the light LGBT references, and the rather weighty themes, which added a lovely spice to the story.
The Rewind or Die books are a blood-splattered oasis in these turbulent times. I am a huge fan of the series, which invokes the spirit of horror movies watched on videotape.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to NetGalley and Unnerving for providing an Advance Reader Copy.
September 18, 2021
3.5 stars
If you love modern stories that give a whole lotta love to 80s slashers, you're going to want to check out Chopping Spree. It's a short, fun ride, and the length of it works well — we get right to the quick of it, without any necessary development being sacrificed in the story itself. Despite the fact that there's a bit of predictability to the over-arching theme, I think it's a story you should go into knowing as little as possible, so I won't be the one to spoil you. I definitely look forward to reading more from Angela Sylvaine and I'm glad I picked this up!
NOTE: I usually only shelve books as adult or YA, but I wanted to mention that I think this book would appeal very widely to lovers of both age ranges!
✨ Representation: the main character is queer (bi/pan, no specific label used)
✨ Content warnings for:
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
If you love modern stories that give a whole lotta love to 80s slashers, you're going to want to check out Chopping Spree. It's a short, fun ride, and the length of it works well — we get right to the quick of it, without any necessary development being sacrificed in the story itself. Despite the fact that there's a bit of predictability to the over-arching theme, I think it's a story you should go into knowing as little as possible, so I won't be the one to spoil you. I definitely look forward to reading more from Angela Sylvaine and I'm glad I picked this up!
NOTE: I usually only shelve books as adult or YA, but I wanted to mention that I think this book would appeal very widely to lovers of both age ranges!
✨ Representation: the main character is queer (bi/pan, no specific label used)
✨ Content warnings for:
Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!
———
twitter | booktok | bookstagram | blog
August 4, 2024
I received an ARC of this book for free from Book Sirens and am leaving this review voluntarily.
A slasher with a twist. This is a quick read that had a twist I was not expecting, which is always a plus for me. It will make you wonder who the bad guy in the story is. The setting of the mall is nostalgic to me, because I spent a lot of time in malls when I was growing up.
A slasher with a twist. This is a quick read that had a twist I was not expecting, which is always a plus for me. It will make you wonder who the bad guy in the story is. The setting of the mall is nostalgic to me, because I spent a lot of time in malls when I was growing up.
August 14, 2024
Who's ready for a dose of nostalgia? It's time to step into a wild and entertaining 80s-themed mall (seriously, why aren't they a thing?) slasher story filled with nods to Point Horror and Fear Street Angela has cooked up a lighthearted and outrageous story that doesn't take itself too seriously. Amidst the fun, there's some clever commentary on society, consumerism, and capitalism. Angela works magic in the short story format, bringing to life an authentic teen voice and fully fleshed out characters in just a few pages. This fast-paced campy cult horror had me hooked, I highly recommend giving the playlist a listen to truly capture that 80s vibe!
September 23, 2021
CHOPPING SPREE by Angela Sylvaine is a fast-paced, culty slasher novella wrapped up in the nostalgia of an 80s inspired fashion mall. The plot picks up fast as we meet our characters and people are already dying. A killer with a creepy mask, friends wearing strange symbols, and a sprinkling of 80s song titles throughout this novella really bring it all home for me. The dialogue kept me engaged and I just kept feeling like I was hanging at the mall with my friends in my teens the whole time. I felt torn for our main character and what she is going through, wondering how I might react in a similar situation and environment. Is her entire world crumbling around her?
August 14, 2024
Who's ready for a dose of nostalgia? It's time to step into a wild and entertaining 80s-themed mall (seriously, why aren't they a thing?)slasher story, filled with nods to Point Horror and Fear Street Angela has cooked up a lighthearted and outrageous story that doesn't take itself too seriously. Amidst the fun, there's some clever commentary on society, consumerism, and capitalism. Angela works magic in the short story format, bringing to life an authentic teen voice and fully fleshed out characters in just a few pages. This fast-paced campy cult horror had me hooked, I highly recommend giving the playlist a listen to truly capture that 80s vibe!
April 12, 2021
A classic slasher with a twist that will take you back to the 80s
In the small town of Eden Hills lives Penny, a teenager that just got a job at a clothing story in a mall based on the 8os. From the music to the clothes, we are taken back in time to those good old times.
At work Penny realizes that all her coworkers have a symbol in either a necklace, a bracelet etc It is a P and an L and she has no clue what this stands for.
The young workers turn inventory working nights into parties. That night Penny decided to stay for the party and all was going fine until she heard some screams.
Without phone coverage and locked in the mall at night, they discover someone is killing people one by one.
A slasher that goes straight into the action following teenagers trapped in an 80s mall and a serial killer on the loose. However the story also hides more important messages about power, capitalism, money, the rich and the poor.
In the small town of Eden Hills lives Penny, a teenager that just got a job at a clothing story in a mall based on the 8os. From the music to the clothes, we are taken back in time to those good old times.
At work Penny realizes that all her coworkers have a symbol in either a necklace, a bracelet etc It is a P and an L and she has no clue what this stands for.
The young workers turn inventory working nights into parties. That night Penny decided to stay for the party and all was going fine until she heard some screams.
Without phone coverage and locked in the mall at night, they discover someone is killing people one by one.
A slasher that goes straight into the action following teenagers trapped in an 80s mall and a serial killer on the loose. However the story also hides more important messages about power, capitalism, money, the rich and the poor.
July 15, 2025
Penny’s dad helped build the new mall in Eden Hills and she just started her new job there. While she has noticed kids going missing for years in the town, nobody knows what has happened to them. Penny soon finds out that they actually do know where they went and the secrets she uncovers about the town and mall are insane. She has to fight for her life to escape the mall and what is inside of it. What a fun and exciting nostalgic story this was. Definitely a wild ride and you get surprised by every page. Remember guys “money is the root of all evil”!
July 18, 2025
There's a new 80s themed mall in Eden Hills, Minnesota which is all the rage! Built by Penny's dad, he is extremely proud of it. The mall looks nostalgic and has so much entertainment along with stores. Eden Hills isn't just known for this amazing mall, it's also known for several teens disappearing within the last couple of years. Gone without a trace, the police deem them all as runaways.
Penny gets a job in a store within the mall which is run by her best friend's family. Her dad is happy she's contributing to his pride and joy. One night, Penny and her friends stay at the mall after hours and start drinking and having fun. All seems to be ok, until Penny stumbles across a dead body, and also a wolf man who seems to be responsible for it. Penny soon comes to find out that this mall is hiding a very dark secret.
Sylvaine always knows how to bring you back to the 80s with suspense. I liked how the majority of the book took place in the mall and how it was described. The Playlist was a nice touch and went well with certain scenes. Penny is an excellent final teen girl. Resilient and badass. The twist was a good one and one I wasn't expecting. I would love it if Sylvaine continued with this world. The ending definitely allows it. Such a fun read!
Penny gets a job in a store within the mall which is run by her best friend's family. Her dad is happy she's contributing to his pride and joy. One night, Penny and her friends stay at the mall after hours and start drinking and having fun. All seems to be ok, until Penny stumbles across a dead body, and also a wolf man who seems to be responsible for it. Penny soon comes to find out that this mall is hiding a very dark secret.
Sylvaine always knows how to bring you back to the 80s with suspense. I liked how the majority of the book took place in the mall and how it was described. The Playlist was a nice touch and went well with certain scenes. Penny is an excellent final teen girl. Resilient and badass. The twist was a good one and one I wasn't expecting. I would love it if Sylvaine continued with this world. The ending definitely allows it. Such a fun read!
February 16, 2025
Rating: 4.5
What a slashing good time this novella was! I was hooked from the very first page and stayed captivated until the end. The action kicks off early - practically right from the start - and the story unfolds seamlessly from one chapter to the next. And what an intriguing story it is! It took a direction I wasn’t expecting, but that only added to the thrill - especially since I went in blind, judging the book solely by its cover and title without reading the synopsis. What a pleasant surprise to find it embracing some of my favorite horror tropes! Plus, the clever use of song titles throughout had me cackling with delight.
What a slashing good time this novella was! I was hooked from the very first page and stayed captivated until the end. The action kicks off early - practically right from the start - and the story unfolds seamlessly from one chapter to the next. And what an intriguing story it is! It took a direction I wasn’t expecting, but that only added to the thrill - especially since I went in blind, judging the book solely by its cover and title without reading the synopsis. What a pleasant surprise to find it embracing some of my favorite horror tropes! Plus, the clever use of song titles throughout had me cackling with delight.
September 5, 2021
What an absolute blast of a read! Sylvaine delighted me from page 1 all the way to page 103 as she mercilessly skewered capitalism, Ayn Rand, and shopping mall culture.
Penny is a great character and all of the side characters, no matter how brief their appearance, all felt very real, even while often being close to caricatures/archetypes. Angela really has a gift for pulling you in.
I chuckled and nodded along as I tore through this book and I think it would be an absolute delight to see this as a feature on Shudder. Oh, and do make sure to listen to the playlist in the back of the book, you’ll be cued when to hit the next song and it absolutely enhances the experience. I built a Chopping Mall playlist out on Spotify if you use that service- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Ec...
I can’t wait to read more work by Angela Sylvaine!
Penny is a great character and all of the side characters, no matter how brief their appearance, all felt very real, even while often being close to caricatures/archetypes. Angela really has a gift for pulling you in.
I chuckled and nodded along as I tore through this book and I think it would be an absolute delight to see this as a feature on Shudder. Oh, and do make sure to listen to the playlist in the back of the book, you’ll be cued when to hit the next song and it absolutely enhances the experience. I built a Chopping Mall playlist out on Spotify if you use that service- https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7Ec...
I can’t wait to read more work by Angela Sylvaine!
February 22, 2021
Okay, I think some people take their horror wayyyyy too seriously.
This is a fun retro-inspired horror piece that does a really good job of capturing that 1980’s horror schlock. The story is fun, fast moving, and never takes itself too seriously.
There are nods to some of the anti-capitalism furor that was part of the time (Bret Easton Ellis anyone?) that are very entertaining. The social commentary is prevalent and necessary to the plot (you’ll see), but still light and fun.
The piece is nicely slasher without ever getting really gruesome.
Definitely an enjoyable read!
*ARC Provided via Net Galley
June 9, 2025
A fun, young adult slasher set in an 80s themed mall. It’s only 118 pages making it a quick read! Perfect if you’re looking for a slasher with a culty small town.
December 12, 2024
Vaya por delante que no me ha aburrido en absoluto esta mezcla entre episodio de Scooby Doo y slasher dosmilero con trazas de The Skulls, pero es quizá un terror demasiado juvenil y poco turbio para mi gusto. Echo en falta un poco más de profundidad en los personajes y unos giros menos inocentes, donde quizá le hubiese venido muy bien un poco más de extensión para un desarrollo más profundo
August 20, 2024
Review originally on JamReads
Chopping Spree is a slasher horror novella, written by Angela Sylvaine, and which will be published by Dark Matter INK. Eden Hills is famous for two things: its 80s-inspired mall, and how many young people disappear each year, with difficult to believe explanations by the officials; our main character, Penny, just started her first job in one of the mall stores. She's not too fond of the explanations given to the missing people, but wants to be part of the group, so she keeps it to herself.
But when Penny and a group of other workers that have stayed late discover dead bodies, Penny's theories will be proven true while they are persecuted by a mysterious killer with a wolf mask; and trust me, the wolf killer won't be the worst thing that would be discovered by Penny in the middle of the chaos.
In a really fast-paced novella, we can appreciate how full of twists it is, paying an homage to 80s horror, including secret societies, and the isolated towns where everybody is into the business (if you know, you know). There aren't dull moments, quickly jumping into the action, in a mad frenzy. Personally, some things are too convenient, but that's a gripe that I have many times with slasher horror.
Said that, Chopping Spree is a super fan proposal, a delicious novella for those that are looking for a bite sized portion of slasher horror; a great title by Angela Sylvaine.
Chopping Spree is a slasher horror novella, written by Angela Sylvaine, and which will be published by Dark Matter INK. Eden Hills is famous for two things: its 80s-inspired mall, and how many young people disappear each year, with difficult to believe explanations by the officials; our main character, Penny, just started her first job in one of the mall stores. She's not too fond of the explanations given to the missing people, but wants to be part of the group, so she keeps it to herself.
But when Penny and a group of other workers that have stayed late discover dead bodies, Penny's theories will be proven true while they are persecuted by a mysterious killer with a wolf mask; and trust me, the wolf killer won't be the worst thing that would be discovered by Penny in the middle of the chaos.
In a really fast-paced novella, we can appreciate how full of twists it is, paying an homage to 80s horror, including secret societies, and the isolated towns where everybody is into the business (if you know, you know). There aren't dull moments, quickly jumping into the action, in a mad frenzy. Personally, some things are too convenient, but that's a gripe that I have many times with slasher horror.
Said that, Chopping Spree is a super fan proposal, a delicious novella for those that are looking for a bite sized portion of slasher horror; a great title by Angela Sylvaine.
June 8, 2021
Fun story for those who love 80s cheese, which I do. I would've liked a little more of a straight forward 80s slasher than what this story was. It's just a me thing. I didn't 100% jump on board with the turn this book took - it was still a good read, just not completely for me.
January 11, 2025
I picked this book because I enjoyed Sole Survivor by Zachary Ashford (book #6) from the ‘Rewind-or-Die’ book series, so I thought I try another, and I wasn’t disappointed, it is a quick and fun novella that captures the B-grade slasher movie feel very well, it was easy to read, not to serious, but still has a creepy feel.
This is the 27th book (don’t worry you don’t need to read the others before this one) in the ‘Rewind-or-Die’ book series, The series is for people who miss the golden era of VHS rentals from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, those awesome B-grade slasher and monster movies.
Are thesebooks a masterpiece of literature? No… but that is kind of the point.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I will be getting more of the series.
This is the 27th book (don’t worry you don’t need to read the others before this one) in the ‘Rewind-or-Die’ book series, The series is for people who miss the golden era of VHS rentals from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, those awesome B-grade slasher and monster movies.
Are thesebooks a masterpiece of literature? No… but that is kind of the point.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book, and I will be getting more of the series.
July 29, 2024
This is a sharply paced novella with all those good throwback slasher vibes I always love reading.
It's about some mall workers working late one night after the mall closes and soon discover dead bodies. The killer is donning a wolf mask and slaughtering anyone in his path.
But there are twists and secrets to be discovered and our main protagonist realises the killer might not be the worst thing she faces this night.
This book wastes no time setting up this creepy premise and then it becomes deadlier and more nefarious as the story progresses. For being a novella, it really packs a bloody punch and integrates it's secrets seamlessly into an action packed thrilling narrative. I highly recommend it!
It's about some mall workers working late one night after the mall closes and soon discover dead bodies. The killer is donning a wolf mask and slaughtering anyone in his path.
But there are twists and secrets to be discovered and our main protagonist realises the killer might not be the worst thing she faces this night.
This book wastes no time setting up this creepy premise and then it becomes deadlier and more nefarious as the story progresses. For being a novella, it really packs a bloody punch and integrates it's secrets seamlessly into an action packed thrilling narrative. I highly recommend it!
February 21, 2021
*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.*
**3.5 rating
This story follows Penny, who works at 80s themed mall in a really hip clothing store.
Penny notices that her fellow coworkers are all wearing the same symbol. When she asks about it, they just blow her off. Wanting to fit in with them, she accepts an invitation to stay after closing and party in the store.
However, during the party, she hears a scream and finds another teenager has been stabbed. Doing everything they can, the group discovers that the teen wasn’t the only victim and there’s a killer on the loose.
However, the killers motive will lead Penny to learn some horrifying truth about the mall she works at.
These Rewind or Die books are so fun. They’re fast paced, quick, and easy to read.
I’ve made it my mission to read all of them eventually because they’re just fun little books.
The 80s feel is always a hit with me. It feels like reading a slasher movie, which is something that I thoroughly enjoy.
I really liked the setting of this book being inside a mall. I always used to want to accidentally get stuck in a mall after hours, but this book definitely makes me think twice about that.
I also liked the twist, it might have been a tiny predictable, but not fully.
I think the only thing I didn’t love about this book was the length. I know these books are supposed to be short quick reads, but I feel like 70 pages does such a disservice to the story. If it had been a bit longer, I think it could have been expanded upon more and really been a knockout.
I did enjoy it overall and would read more from this author in the future.
**3.5 rating
This story follows Penny, who works at 80s themed mall in a really hip clothing store.
Penny notices that her fellow coworkers are all wearing the same symbol. When she asks about it, they just blow her off. Wanting to fit in with them, she accepts an invitation to stay after closing and party in the store.
However, during the party, she hears a scream and finds another teenager has been stabbed. Doing everything they can, the group discovers that the teen wasn’t the only victim and there’s a killer on the loose.
However, the killers motive will lead Penny to learn some horrifying truth about the mall she works at.
These Rewind or Die books are so fun. They’re fast paced, quick, and easy to read.
I’ve made it my mission to read all of them eventually because they’re just fun little books.
The 80s feel is always a hit with me. It feels like reading a slasher movie, which is something that I thoroughly enjoy.
I really liked the setting of this book being inside a mall. I always used to want to accidentally get stuck in a mall after hours, but this book definitely makes me think twice about that.
I also liked the twist, it might have been a tiny predictable, but not fully.
I think the only thing I didn’t love about this book was the length. I know these books are supposed to be short quick reads, but I feel like 70 pages does such a disservice to the story. If it had been a bit longer, I think it could have been expanded upon more and really been a knockout.
I did enjoy it overall and would read more from this author in the future.
April 1, 2021
C'mon admit it...even if you won't I will...
I always wished that the old TV series Tales from the Crypt had...well, a bit more bite to them. Snark, sex, gore...the list goes on. And yes, some of those Crypt tales were fairly ground breaking at the time.
But guess what- lucky for me, and you if you dig those sorts of things, Unnerving has published a series of books called Rewind or Die that is all of those things and more and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm currently working my way though all of them.
While Chopping Spree wasn't exactly what I expected I really really liked it.
I wished it was more 80's inspired OR actually took place in the 80's BUT other than that I really dug the 80's themed music and indoor shopping mall feel/references.
The actual plot was fresh and brilliant and an amazing commentary(IMHO) about consumerism.
I also really rooted for Penny and I can only hope with that fitting ending (I'll fight you on it if you disagree LOL)that maybe someday we will see a follow up! Hey I can dream, can't I? LOL
*I was provided an ARC ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
I always wished that the old TV series Tales from the Crypt had...well, a bit more bite to them. Snark, sex, gore...the list goes on. And yes, some of those Crypt tales were fairly ground breaking at the time.
But guess what- lucky for me, and you if you dig those sorts of things, Unnerving has published a series of books called Rewind or Die that is all of those things and more and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm currently working my way though all of them.
While Chopping Spree wasn't exactly what I expected I really really liked it.
I wished it was more 80's inspired OR actually took place in the 80's BUT other than that I really dug the 80's themed music and indoor shopping mall feel/references.
The actual plot was fresh and brilliant and an amazing commentary(IMHO) about consumerism.
I also really rooted for Penny and I can only hope with that fitting ending (I'll fight you on it if you disagree LOL)that maybe someday we will see a follow up! Hey I can dream, can't I? LOL
*I was provided an ARC ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
April 2, 2021
Are you a fan of '80s style slashers? How about '80s style slashers that take place in a mall? Do you like cults?? Are you an anti-fan of capitalism? Chopping Spree is surely the book for you, then. Fast-paced and full of campy bloody fun, Chopping Spree follows Penny as her new job at the local mall turns into a deadly situation. What starts off as a fun night quickly turns into a suspenseful cat-and-mouse hunt when Penny and her friends discover another mall employee dead and a mad man running around in a wolf mask. Penny is prepared to help lead her friends to safety, but she quickly learns that maybe they don't want to run away. Maybe they have their own plans. Chopping Spree has a very fun twist that gives the plot a lot of depth. Sylvaine writes very well in the short form, giving her characters a lot of detail in only a few pages. This novella is perfect to pick up on a cozy Friday night in with your favorite snacks. It's truly the literary equivalent of a campy '80s slasher. The name even reminds me of one of my favorites: Chopping Mall. And if you have ever worked in a mall before, you'll especially enjoy the hit of nostalgia. We all kind of felt like we were being sacrificed on the altar of capitalism, right?
October 21, 2024
I had a lot of fun with this story! I loved that it took place in shopping mall and it really hit me in the nostalgic feels.
There's been a loo of missing persons over the years in Eden Hills, Minnesota. Penny is a high school student who has just started her first job inside the mall. There's a late-night party that happens in the mall and it quickly becomes an obstacle of life or death. There's a killer lurking inside the mall and secrets of the disappearances finally reveal itself to Penny.
This was very well paced and filled with tons of action that held my interest from beginning to finish. The cover is amazing and reminds of me of the Steven Rhodes shirt collections.
This was my first read from Angela Sylvaine and I will definitely be checking out her other stories after having enjoyed this one!
If you liked the Fear Street Series and have a love for the 80's then this is definitely the book for you!
There's been a loo of missing persons over the years in Eden Hills, Minnesota. Penny is a high school student who has just started her first job inside the mall. There's a late-night party that happens in the mall and it quickly becomes an obstacle of life or death. There's a killer lurking inside the mall and secrets of the disappearances finally reveal itself to Penny.
This was very well paced and filled with tons of action that held my interest from beginning to finish. The cover is amazing and reminds of me of the Steven Rhodes shirt collections.
This was my first read from Angela Sylvaine and I will definitely be checking out her other stories after having enjoyed this one!
If you liked the Fear Street Series and have a love for the 80's then this is definitely the book for you!
January 6, 2023
There is SO much more than meets the surface of this story! Penny is a 16-year-old with a fairly new job at Threadz at the local mall, working with other teens a year ahead of her in school. She wants to be cool, so she stays for the party after inventory night at work, pukes on whiskey and while washing up she discovers Jared, slashed mercilessly after hearing screaming behind their store. The teens will be in a fight against a dark force set to destroy. Reader beware: all is not how it seems and there is a twist in the middle that really amps up the tension. The ending was beautifully left open for a sequel too!
All in all Sylvaine captures the motivations and behaviors of teens well, and I had nostalgic vibes even though it takes place in present times. It reminded me of the twisty YA I loved when I was younger by authors such as Lois Duncan and Christopher Pike.
All in all Sylvaine captures the motivations and behaviors of teens well, and I had nostalgic vibes even though it takes place in present times. It reminded me of the twisty YA I loved when I was younger by authors such as Lois Duncan and Christopher Pike.
February 16, 2023
“Chopping Spree” is the third book that I read from the rewind or die series.
“Chopping Mall” takes place in a 80s style mall.
80s songs were referred to throughout the book, enhancing the reading experience. The author referenced the playlist at the end.
Sylvaine wastes no time in. This 65-page slasher novella. The reader is hurled into the action at the very beginning and it kept the momentum at a constant pace.
“Chopping Mall” is a fast-paced novella that takes the reader on a nostalgic ride. The end is left open for a sequel
“Chopping Mall” takes place in a 80s style mall.
80s songs were referred to throughout the book, enhancing the reading experience. The author referenced the playlist at the end.
Sylvaine wastes no time in. This 65-page slasher novella. The reader is hurled into the action at the very beginning and it kept the momentum at a constant pace.
“Chopping Mall” is a fast-paced novella that takes the reader on a nostalgic ride. The end is left open for a sequel
April 20, 2021
A fun, nostalgic, creepy tale! Gimme those 80s mall vibes and I will eat them up every time.
March 8, 2021
This was a fun little novella. A teen who works at the local mall discovers it houses a cult devoted to capitalism. The pace moves along quickly. Penny is a good character, and we discover the secrets of the mall along with her. I love that this was an 80's themed mall, and the music playing in the mall was all from the 80's. I enjoyed reading it.
I received a free arc from net galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I received a free arc from net galley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews