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Slasherverse #1
Camp 1985
An alternative cover edition for this ASIN B0D5NC47PK can be found here
Enter the nostalgia-laced world of CAMP 1985, A bogus new summer program where parents send their social-media-addicted teens to unplug and make face-to-face connections without the help of a screen. Ander expects a fun weekend getaway with other influencers but instead finds himself trapped in a radical landscape without wifi. Just when Ander gives in to camp life and starts crushing on a cute gamer boy, a little fun with a spirit board unleashes a vengeful spirit of a bygone era. Now, with danger lurking behind every tree, Ander and his fellow campers must navigate a twisted game of survival against a retro evil determined to off them one by one. Who will survive? Brace yourself for a bloody good time in the first of seven books in Matthew R. Corr’s Slasherverse!
Enter the nostalgia-laced world of CAMP 1985, A bogus new summer program where parents send their social-media-addicted teens to unplug and make face-to-face connections without the help of a screen. Ander expects a fun weekend getaway with other influencers but instead finds himself trapped in a radical landscape without wifi. Just when Ander gives in to camp life and starts crushing on a cute gamer boy, a little fun with a spirit board unleashes a vengeful spirit of a bygone era. Now, with danger lurking behind every tree, Ander and his fellow campers must navigate a twisted game of survival against a retro evil determined to off them one by one. Who will survive? Brace yourself for a bloody good time in the first of seven books in Matthew R. Corr’s Slasherverse!
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 14, 2024
178 people are currently reading
1682 people want to read
About the author
Matthew R. Corr
10 books106 followersMatthew was born and raised in beautiful New England. Growing up in his small town fueled his big city dreams. Matthew moved to New York City, where he earned a musical theatre degree. After countless performances on stages across the country, his passion for writing finally stepped into the spotlight. Matthew is a huge fan of film and everything Marvel-related. He currently lives in Brooklyn, NY. Matthew’s debut novel Land On Me soared to #1 on Amazon and launched a new career. His novel then went on to win Quill Hawk Publishing's Best Indie Choice Award. To learn more about Matthew and the release of his next book, please visit www.matthewrcorr.com or @matthewrcorr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
August 25, 2024
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this. I'm always looking for slashers that give me the vibes of Scream and Halloween, you know, a good old campy slasher. I got what I wanted and then some. This was literally a CAMPY slasher - in that it's both set at camp and queer. And it was a lot of fun. I found some of the characters a little irritating and dramatic in the way young adult people can be to a 34 year old but otherwise, it was a lot of fun and I'd definitely read more from this author and in this series.
I enjoyed this. I'm always looking for slashers that give me the vibes of Scream and Halloween, you know, a good old campy slasher. I got what I wanted and then some. This was literally a CAMPY slasher - in that it's both set at camp and queer. And it was a lot of fun. I found some of the characters a little irritating and dramatic in the way young adult people can be to a 34 year old but otherwise, it was a lot of fun and I'd definitely read more from this author and in this series.
June 11, 2024
Ander, a teenage social media influencer, is invited to the opening week of Camp 1985. What he and the other teenage influencers don't realise is that this camp is taking them back to the 80s in order to break their addiction to their phones. No phones are allowed in camp, and everything there has been taken straight out of the 80s, including a roller rink and a retro arcade. However, what none of them know is that the camp had existed before. Only it wasn't the fun place it was made out to be. People were tortured and killed before it was shut down for good. And now, someone is hunting the new camp members down one by one.
Yes, yes, YES! Anyone who knows me knows that I am an absolute sucker for horrors that take place at summer camp, I'm obsessed with slashers, and I love the whole 80s nostalgia vibe. So accepting this ARC was a no-brainer. I loved everything about this one. The nostalgia, the gory deaths, and the origin of the camp all hit that sweet spot, giving me the warm and fuzzies. There was a paranormal element to this one, which, as you'll know, I'm not usually fond of, but it complimented this story so well and added an air or mystery. It took me just over 2 hours to read this one because I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book in the series, and I absolutely can not wait for book 2 to be released.
If you're a slasher fan, definitely check this one out.
Yes, yes, YES! Anyone who knows me knows that I am an absolute sucker for horrors that take place at summer camp, I'm obsessed with slashers, and I love the whole 80s nostalgia vibe. So accepting this ARC was a no-brainer. I loved everything about this one. The nostalgia, the gory deaths, and the origin of the camp all hit that sweet spot, giving me the warm and fuzzies. There was a paranormal element to this one, which, as you'll know, I'm not usually fond of, but it complimented this story so well and added an air or mystery. It took me just over 2 hours to read this one because I just couldn't put it down. This is the first book in the series, and I absolutely can not wait for book 2 to be released.
If you're a slasher fan, definitely check this one out.
June 24, 2024
Ah! I've been a big fan of Matthew Corr's writing for a few years now. I started with some coming of age Queer stories and he's released some horror since, too. CAMP 1985 is the first in a new series and it's ALL the slasher vibes. It's at a summer camp (and a somewhat unique one!) which will always lure me in. There's such a great mix and blend of characters, too. Liam, Anders, and Beaux the dog (off page lol) are my faves! I thought the slashing and the supernatural elements worked SO well together in this story, too. I could have kept reading and reading. There are a few social commentary elements at play and they seem extremely relevant to today as well as meaningful to the overall story and character development.
And that ending?! I'm SO ready for book 2!!
And that ending?! I'm SO ready for book 2!!
January 6, 2025
You can find this review and all my others over at Read Book. Repeat
Actual rating of 4.5
Anders is excited, he's on his way to an exclusive look at a camp with other influencers, being able to network and make collaboration content till the cows come home. Only, when he arrives, he realises he's been jibbed. It's an exclusive look at a camp alright, but a camp where the year is 1985, there's no technology, no Wi-Fi and definitely no phones. A camp designed for technology addicted teens. As if that wasn't bad enough, a mishap with a spirit board has seemingly released a vengeful spirit hellbent on revenge. Will the campers make it through the week alive?
Again, this cover caught my eye on bookstagram. I have a thing for neon okay? I'm definitely in my neon cover era. And I'm sorry, but we need to have more horror books with these kinds of covers. My inner book dragon demands it! Also, I'm a sucker for a camping horror/forest horror, just give me the woods, and horror and we're good. Plus...having the 80s in the title? I dunno what it is but it just sucks me in every damn time.
I loved the premise of this. a camp for tech addicted teens is honestly so on point with the world today, and I was so keen to see what Corr did with it. And I was not disappointed. I loved the paranormal aspect that was brought to the story with the spirit board while also wondering who or what was behind the deaths. I did find myself about halfway through wondering "Is this more a YA? I feel like it's more YA..." then all of a sudden *BAM* gore, and I was like "Oh okay, so kind YA but still more on the adult side, cool." While the characters were teenagers, the story definitely felt more towards the adult side of horror with its descriptive death scenes, so I was here for that. The story was super engaging, and I was honestly glued to it. I never knew if I should get attached to characters or not because it felt like at any point, any one of them could be next.
The characters were a rag tag bunch of exactly who you expect, and I loved that. I loved the character of Anders, and I also loved the streamer that he had a crush on. The others in the group I could take or leave but I did have a soft spot for the chick who loved her dog and the counsellor who was obsessed with the 80s.
The creep factor was done well and the suspense and anxiety I felt at the unstoppable antagonist was real. There were several chills down the spine moments, and this felt like a foe who just could not be stopped which was fantastic.
All in all this was a great camp slasher that had a diverse cast and that I couldn't put down. If you think it's feeling a bit YA just wait...the gore is coming!
Actual rating of 4.5
Anders is excited, he's on his way to an exclusive look at a camp with other influencers, being able to network and make collaboration content till the cows come home. Only, when he arrives, he realises he's been jibbed. It's an exclusive look at a camp alright, but a camp where the year is 1985, there's no technology, no Wi-Fi and definitely no phones. A camp designed for technology addicted teens. As if that wasn't bad enough, a mishap with a spirit board has seemingly released a vengeful spirit hellbent on revenge. Will the campers make it through the week alive?
Again, this cover caught my eye on bookstagram. I have a thing for neon okay? I'm definitely in my neon cover era. And I'm sorry, but we need to have more horror books with these kinds of covers. My inner book dragon demands it! Also, I'm a sucker for a camping horror/forest horror, just give me the woods, and horror and we're good. Plus...having the 80s in the title? I dunno what it is but it just sucks me in every damn time.
I loved the premise of this. a camp for tech addicted teens is honestly so on point with the world today, and I was so keen to see what Corr did with it. And I was not disappointed. I loved the paranormal aspect that was brought to the story with the spirit board while also wondering who or what was behind the deaths. I did find myself about halfway through wondering "Is this more a YA? I feel like it's more YA..." then all of a sudden *BAM* gore, and I was like "Oh okay, so kind YA but still more on the adult side, cool." While the characters were teenagers, the story definitely felt more towards the adult side of horror with its descriptive death scenes, so I was here for that. The story was super engaging, and I was honestly glued to it. I never knew if I should get attached to characters or not because it felt like at any point, any one of them could be next.
The characters were a rag tag bunch of exactly who you expect, and I loved that. I loved the character of Anders, and I also loved the streamer that he had a crush on. The others in the group I could take or leave but I did have a soft spot for the chick who loved her dog and the counsellor who was obsessed with the 80s.
The creep factor was done well and the suspense and anxiety I felt at the unstoppable antagonist was real. There were several chills down the spine moments, and this felt like a foe who just could not be stopped which was fantastic.
All in all this was a great camp slasher that had a diverse cast and that I couldn't put down. If you think it's feeling a bit YA just wait...the gore is coming!
July 19, 2024
In CAMP 1985 by Matthew R. Corr ,a retreat for influencers to experience the joys of camp life in the 80s turns out to be the complete opposite of a good time. A Queer YA horror with a cast of characters you'll love and some you'll loathe. A story and setting that submerges you in80s nostalgia with an addition of paranormal. Filled with slasher tropes, a spirit board, gloriously gory details, an abundance of bugs 🤢🦗, a supernatural killer, and life or death conditions, I seriously can't wait for the next book !!!!
Favorite Quotes:
Doesn’t help that we all kind of fit the classic slasher character tropes.” Ander sat on the edge of his bed to face Liam. “I don’t watch a lot of horror movies, so I’m not entirely sure what you mean.”
“You know, like archetypes? It’s a little too on the nose if you ask me, but I’m obviously the nerd, you’re the jock, and—” Ander’s shoulders bounced with his soft laugh. “Whoa, hold on. I have the limpest wrist here; I’m not the jock.” Liam rested his chin on his knee. “You’re a dancer, which makes you the most athletic person here. You’re definitely the jock.”
Liam half smiled. “A walk in the woods with you doesn’t sound too scary. You got me, right?” A swarm of butterflies dove into Ander’s stomach. “Yeah,” he said with a smile. “I got you.”
“Try having acne and being The Fat Kid.” Liam pinched his stomach. “The acne cleared up, but this kept on growing.” Ander smiled. “Hey, some people like a little extra to keep them warm at night.”
“Teach me if I ever come to Boston?” Ander asked, raising one shoulder. Liam smiled. “I got you.” Something about that cute boy, saying that cute thing in that very cute setting made Ander’s stomach swarm with butterflies.
“Not having our phones is gonna get us killed. Watch.”
Favorite Quotes:
Doesn’t help that we all kind of fit the classic slasher character tropes.” Ander sat on the edge of his bed to face Liam. “I don’t watch a lot of horror movies, so I’m not entirely sure what you mean.”
“You know, like archetypes? It’s a little too on the nose if you ask me, but I’m obviously the nerd, you’re the jock, and—” Ander’s shoulders bounced with his soft laugh. “Whoa, hold on. I have the limpest wrist here; I’m not the jock.” Liam rested his chin on his knee. “You’re a dancer, which makes you the most athletic person here. You’re definitely the jock.”
Liam half smiled. “A walk in the woods with you doesn’t sound too scary. You got me, right?” A swarm of butterflies dove into Ander’s stomach. “Yeah,” he said with a smile. “I got you.”
“Try having acne and being The Fat Kid.” Liam pinched his stomach. “The acne cleared up, but this kept on growing.” Ander smiled. “Hey, some people like a little extra to keep them warm at night.”
“Teach me if I ever come to Boston?” Ander asked, raising one shoulder. Liam smiled. “I got you.” Something about that cute boy, saying that cute thing in that very cute setting made Ander’s stomach swarm with butterflies.
“Not having our phones is gonna get us killed. Watch.”
August 9, 2024
This book was wild fun! Queer horror is my sweet spot. I'm so happy to see more authors diving into the genre and finally making final queer characters. All the characters brought something important to the table--both good and bad. Ander was an awesome MC! I look forward to seeing more of his character in the sequel.
There is something about horror stories that take place at a camp that are nostalgic and make me enjoy them more. And this story was no different. I enjoyed every moment of it! I highly recommend! I can't wait to read more by this author!
There is something about horror stories that take place at a camp that are nostalgic and make me enjoy them more. And this story was no different. I enjoyed every moment of it! I highly recommend! I can't wait to read more by this author!
August 30, 2024
If you enjoy summer camps and slasher movies, this will be right up your alley! A group of teen influencers are sent to a summer camp. It’s not just any summer camp, but one that makes them live likes it’s the 80s! This book was so much fun! It doesn’t take long before weird things start happening and people start disappearing. I really enjoyed the creep factor, and kept finding myself jumping back and forth between suspects. Great story, highly recommend!
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
July 22, 2024
Thank you to @pridebooktours & @matthewrcorr for a digital copy of this fantastic YA queer horror!!
This book was absolutely EVERYTHING I'd want in a slasher. It was face paced, wildly nostalgic (even referencing one of my favorite 80s horrors - The Changeling!!) I felt like I was inside a slasher film while reading. Not to mention the bad ass queer rep!
This book was absolutely EVERYTHING I'd want in a slasher. It was face paced, wildly nostalgic (even referencing one of my favorite 80s horrors - The Changeling!!) I felt like I was inside a slasher film while reading. Not to mention the bad ass queer rep!
July 5, 2024
This was a great YA horror novel with tons of summer slasher vibes and a decent amount of paranormal activity. It was well paced and had the perfect about of gore. I definitely enjoyed this one!
September 14, 2025
3,5*
Welcome to Camp 1984. This is a special summer camp where parents send their kids that are addicted to social media.
The moment you enter, they take away your phone and there is no modern technology behind the camp’s doors. The only way to call for help is an old phone that will only be used for emergencies.
Good to know because someone starts to kill these kids so I am sure that counts as an emergency, right?
We meet a bunch of influencers that hate to be in this camp and on top of that have to share rooms and showers. Basically the end of the world for them. They can not post in their socials or doom scroll before going to bed. Basically torture.
Our main character here is a boy named Ander. He is quite the relatable character and one of those you really find yourself rooting for once the killings start.
This is a supernatural slasher with tons of nostalgia and some really nice kills. Good kills, a good story and a fast paced slasher is the perfect read for summer.
It even had funny moments because we are dealing with teens that are way too used to the modern world and technology. So when all of that is taken away and they have to survive the attacks of a killer, they need to get creative.
Definitely would recommend to people that love summer slashers and are looking for a different story.
Welcome to Camp 1984. This is a special summer camp where parents send their kids that are addicted to social media.
The moment you enter, they take away your phone and there is no modern technology behind the camp’s doors. The only way to call for help is an old phone that will only be used for emergencies.
Good to know because someone starts to kill these kids so I am sure that counts as an emergency, right?
We meet a bunch of influencers that hate to be in this camp and on top of that have to share rooms and showers. Basically the end of the world for them. They can not post in their socials or doom scroll before going to bed. Basically torture.
Our main character here is a boy named Ander. He is quite the relatable character and one of those you really find yourself rooting for once the killings start.
This is a supernatural slasher with tons of nostalgia and some really nice kills. Good kills, a good story and a fast paced slasher is the perfect read for summer.
It even had funny moments because we are dealing with teens that are way too used to the modern world and technology. So when all of that is taken away and they have to survive the attacks of a killer, they need to get creative.
Definitely would recommend to people that love summer slashers and are looking for a different story.
July 30, 2024
This is the summery slasher book I've been looking for, it has all the classic horror movie tropes along with some totally tubular 80s vibes. I adored the summer camp setting, with the typical activities as well as the overall atmosphere. I was hooked from the grousome beginning, which sneakily is set halfway through the book- giving us the anticipation of what's to come.
I really liked the idea of this summer camp for teenagers who are obsessed with social media and the Internet. Camp 1985 is designed to be similar like, well a camp from the 80s. From an arcade to a roller rink, I loved the settings and the constant references to 80s pop culture.
The range of characters was amazingly cliché, from the mean jock to the nerdy gamer, and athletic main character Ander, the author did a great job of playing on these stereotypes. Whilst the plot felt like a mix of Evil Dead and Friday the 13th, it did have a cute queer romance too. Ander and Liam seemed to instantly click, and I loved it. Though a small aspect, it was a nice addition to the gore and thrills.
The book is violent and glory, and not for the faint of heart. I loved that the killer fit the classic traits: a dark backstory, masked and always seems to catch up, and doesn't give in. The ending was well written, with a few twists and leaving with some questions remaining about Ander's dad and the necklace that was found.
I'm glad there's going to be a sequel, because if there's one thing we've all learnt from slasher movies, it's that almost always, the killer returns!
5/5 🌟
I really liked the idea of this summer camp for teenagers who are obsessed with social media and the Internet. Camp 1985 is designed to be similar like, well a camp from the 80s. From an arcade to a roller rink, I loved the settings and the constant references to 80s pop culture.
The range of characters was amazingly cliché, from the mean jock to the nerdy gamer, and athletic main character Ander, the author did a great job of playing on these stereotypes. Whilst the plot felt like a mix of Evil Dead and Friday the 13th, it did have a cute queer romance too. Ander and Liam seemed to instantly click, and I loved it. Though a small aspect, it was a nice addition to the gore and thrills.
The book is violent and glory, and not for the faint of heart. I loved that the killer fit the classic traits: a dark backstory, masked and always seems to catch up, and doesn't give in. The ending was well written, with a few twists and leaving with some questions remaining about Ander's dad and the necklace that was found.
I'm glad there's going to be a sequel, because if there's one thing we've all learnt from slasher movies, it's that almost always, the killer returns!
5/5 🌟
August 14, 2025
4.25/5
This was a blast.
In a throwback to 1980s summer slashers, this follows a group of modern influencers, as they're sent off to a summer camp, Camp 1985, to "unplug" from their devices and learn to interact with other people face to face, per their parents' directives.
Gather a group of teenagers at an isolated camp in summer and mayhem ensues.
This was fun. I loved the characters (except for that one character, of course). The plot was entertaining and had a modern spin on the history of the camp and tied nicely with why the group was there in present day.
The melodrama was a bit heavy handed in places, but I guess that's to be expected when you have a group of influencers who have no real concept of how to interact with the world outside of their followings.
This was worth the time to read, and I DEFINITELY want to continuing the series.
This was a blast.
In a throwback to 1980s summer slashers, this follows a group of modern influencers, as they're sent off to a summer camp, Camp 1985, to "unplug" from their devices and learn to interact with other people face to face, per their parents' directives.
Gather a group of teenagers at an isolated camp in summer and mayhem ensues.
This was fun. I loved the characters (except for that one character, of course). The plot was entertaining and had a modern spin on the history of the camp and tied nicely with why the group was there in present day.
The melodrama was a bit heavy handed in places, but I guess that's to be expected when you have a group of influencers who have no real concept of how to interact with the world outside of their followings.
This was worth the time to read, and I DEFINITELY want to continuing the series.
August 17, 2025
An all around good YA slasher. The characters are diverse and likable. The story and backstory is very good. The additional paranormal/medium angle is interesting and I’m hoping will be divulged further in the continued series.
All and all, recommend and will continue on the Slasherverse journey. 🏕️ 🔪 🔮
All and all, recommend and will continue on the Slasherverse journey. 🏕️ 🔪 🔮
June 6, 2025
this was good but not amazing. I went into it wanting a summer camp slasher and this novel delivered. I liked the MMC. He was eccentric, funny, sweet, and I know if I went to that camp we would be best friends. The whole time I was rooting for him to survive which is what you want with your MC. I knew this book was gonna be a horror/slasher but sometimes it was gross and a little graphic. I think I would’ve enjoyed it better if instead of gore, it was more of a creepy read but the killer wasn’t actually that scary for a few reasons which I can’t spoil. The mask was pretty creepy though. I did not like the supernatural aspect of it. I feel like it would’ve been 100% scarier if they just left the whole “ghost” and “spirit” thing out of it. Also I feel like it wasted the first 50% of the book talking about the characters yet I didn’t even feel sympathy for half of them when they died because I didn’t even know them as characters. ALSO SOME CHARACTERS MADE ME SO MAD. So the first half of the book was slow, yet the last half felt rushed? I feel like he rushed through the attack scenes too quickly and It was very confusing at times. Like some girl towards the end gets pushed into the lake while they’re running from the killer, then the book just goes on like nothing happened…? Like did she die? are yall gonna help her? Or are we just gonna pretend like that didn’t just happen…? It skipped through many details is what I’m trying to say. Overall I liked the vibes and it was a fun time and super easy to read. 4 ⭐️
June 22, 2025
Camp 1985 is a brilliant homage to the golden age of slashers, bursting with 80s and 90s pop culture references that go far beyond horror and dip into everything from fashion to film to that iconic analog summer vibe. Matthew R. Corr blends nostalgia with sharp, modern commentary about influencer culture, turning a familiar setting into something fresh, timely, and wildly entertaining.
For my fellow gamers: if you’re a fan of The Quarry or Fears to Fathom, this book will feel right at home. It plays out like a survival horror game in book form—complete with eerie tension, high-stakes choices, and characters you surprisingly grow to care about. The structure and pacing had the same cinematic intensity of a playable slasher flick, and I could easily see this adapted as an interactive horror experience.
The cast fits the archetypes we all know and love from classic horror, but they’re never reduced to tired clichés. Each one has depth, voice, and purpose—especially our main character Ander, who brings vulnerability, humor, and heart to the blood-soaked chaos.
This was the perfect book to kick off my Summerween reading and celebrate Pride Month. It’s clever, campy in all the best ways, and filled with energy. I’m already diving into the next book in the Slasherverse and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
For my fellow gamers: if you’re a fan of The Quarry or Fears to Fathom, this book will feel right at home. It plays out like a survival horror game in book form—complete with eerie tension, high-stakes choices, and characters you surprisingly grow to care about. The structure and pacing had the same cinematic intensity of a playable slasher flick, and I could easily see this adapted as an interactive horror experience.
The cast fits the archetypes we all know and love from classic horror, but they’re never reduced to tired clichés. Each one has depth, voice, and purpose—especially our main character Ander, who brings vulnerability, humor, and heart to the blood-soaked chaos.
This was the perfect book to kick off my Summerween reading and celebrate Pride Month. It’s clever, campy in all the best ways, and filled with energy. I’m already diving into the next book in the Slasherverse and can’t wait to see where it goes next.
June 30, 2025
The author had fun writing it and I had fun reading it. I don't think this was meant to be a super deep slasher novel or written with the hopes of becoming the next "Friday the 13th" or "Halloween", but I think it accomplished what it DID set out to be: just a fun time for those that appreciate slashers, especially from the 80s.
I did coread this with a friend and I do believe that had something to do with elevating my experience reading this because I would give thoughts/analysis after each chapter, but the fact that I was able to do that without any difficulty showed that this was a quality story. I didn't really have any problems/grievences with it. I love that this is expected to become a 7-book series and I will definitely continue on with the 2nd book to see where Ander's story goes.
I did coread this with a friend and I do believe that had something to do with elevating my experience reading this because I would give thoughts/analysis after each chapter, but the fact that I was able to do that without any difficulty showed that this was a quality story. I didn't really have any problems/grievences with it. I love that this is expected to become a 7-book series and I will definitely continue on with the 2nd book to see where Ander's story goes.
June 12, 2025
A group of social media–obsessed teens are forced off the grid when their parents send them to a remote summer camp with one strict rule: no devices allowed. The goal? Reconnect with each other the “old-fashioned” way—face-to-face, like it’s the 1980s. No phones. No screens. No escape.
But when the group stumbles across an Oijia board hidden in a cabin, what starts as a bored attempt at ghost-hunting spirals into something much darker.
Did they really summon a spirit… or is someone using the legend to mask something far more human—and far more dangerous?
The blood begins to spill fast. The kills are brutal. The tension? Relentless. With gore that rivals the nastiest late '90s and early 2000s slashers, this summer getaway turns into a nightmare soaked in screams, secrets, and suspicion.
Who’s behind the horror? And who—if anyone—will survive? Read on and find out.
But when the group stumbles across an Oijia board hidden in a cabin, what starts as a bored attempt at ghost-hunting spirals into something much darker.
Did they really summon a spirit… or is someone using the legend to mask something far more human—and far more dangerous?
The blood begins to spill fast. The kills are brutal. The tension? Relentless. With gore that rivals the nastiest late '90s and early 2000s slashers, this summer getaway turns into a nightmare soaked in screams, secrets, and suspicion.
Who’s behind the horror? And who—if anyone—will survive? Read on and find out.
September 7, 2024
So… I’m a sucker for camp slashers in particular.. and I freaking loved this one!!! This book was a thrilling ride through the slasher genre. The 80s nostalgic slasher vibe, paired with the supernatural elements, created a really unique and gripping story. I loved the violent and gory deaths, and all the plot twists. I was on the edge of my seat, FLYING through the pages. While I found the teenage bickering a bit tiresome, the LGBTQ representation was fabulous and authentic. However, Gabe was a character I struggled to connect with. I get the feeling everyone will think that. 🤭 Overall, the book’s cover, plot, and the 80s slasher aesthetic were spot on, making it a must-read for fans of slashers. I cannot wait for the sequel! 🤩
November 7, 2024
I love the slasher vibes. This book delivered a very campy slasher.
I’m not sure why I expected more 80’s vibes but it only held some brief mentions to give the Camp it’s vibe of before social media.
Love the blend of characters and the way they either connected or clashed. I loved the suspense build up and anticipation of what was to be unleashed. A Ouija board, swarming bugs, and an assortment of gore made this one a lot of fun.
I’m not sure why I expected more 80’s vibes but it only held some brief mentions to give the Camp it’s vibe of before social media.
Love the blend of characters and the way they either connected or clashed. I loved the suspense build up and anticipation of what was to be unleashed. A Ouija board, swarming bugs, and an assortment of gore made this one a lot of fun.
February 18, 2025
Everything I wanted from a Slasher book. Legit just a Slasher movie in book form. The characters are likeable and I actually felt bad when *all* of them died! Even the douchbags. Corr's writing is easy to read and I felt built the scene perfectly. It does feel very Gen Z without being too cringey which I enjoyed as well. Excited to read more of this series!
June 3, 2025
This was such a great YA slasher!! Perfect summer read with all the 80’s slasher film vibes. I am such a sucker for a summer camp slasher and this did not disappoint one bit! It was well paced with just the perfect amount of gory kills. The characters were all great and added to the story (yeah even Gabe IYKYK) and the paranormal element was a great way to explain the camps origin story. If you’re looking for a book to start your summer reading definitely check this out! I can’t wait to read the rest of @matthewrcorr Slasherverse!
June 16, 2025
Thank you Matthew R Corr for this read!
I love a good slasher and this book didn't disappoint! A combination of real life villains with a bit of paranormal.
It was fast paced, fun and gory! The ending leaves it open for book 2 and I can't wait to give in.
Add this to your summerween / slasher horror lists asap!
I love a good slasher and this book didn't disappoint! A combination of real life villains with a bit of paranormal.
It was fast paced, fun and gory! The ending leaves it open for book 2 and I can't wait to give in.
Add this to your summerween / slasher horror lists asap!
March 11, 2025
3.5 rounding up. It was interesting enough for me to want to read the second book.
June 9, 2025
Heck yeah! Slasher summer! In all honestly, this book was near impossible to put down. It perfectly captured the essence of an eighties slasher film while also introducing a cool new killer and story. Obviously, it's very Friday the 13th, but I loved it! Starting the next book immediately!
June 11, 2025
So much fun! Definitely might not be everyone’s cup of tea but I was looking for a summerween vibes read and this was perfect! Loved the 80s camp vibe. It was creepy and gory and perfect.
April 25, 2025
I’m still thinking about this book… and checking behind doors. It absolutely messed with my head (in the best way).
Camp 1985 sinks its claws into you from the first page and doesn’t let go, not even after the lights are back on. The author masterfully blends classic summer camp nostalgia with creeping, relentless dread. It’s the kind of horror that doesn’t just rely on jump scares. It festers, builds, and settles into your bones.
The setting is perfect: isolated woods, cabins that creak at night, and the kind of silence that feels too thick to be safe. Corr paints a vivid, eerie world where something always feels… off. The fear comes in waves, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, it hits you from a different angle.
The shift from a lighthearted camp experience to a full-on fight for survival is executed brilliantly, keeping you on edge without ever feeling rushed.
Camp 1985 took me on a wild ride! This could easily be a movie!!
Just maybe don’t read it at night. Or alone. Or in the woods. Ever
Camp 1985 sinks its claws into you from the first page and doesn’t let go, not even after the lights are back on. The author masterfully blends classic summer camp nostalgia with creeping, relentless dread. It’s the kind of horror that doesn’t just rely on jump scares. It festers, builds, and settles into your bones.
The setting is perfect: isolated woods, cabins that creak at night, and the kind of silence that feels too thick to be safe. Corr paints a vivid, eerie world where something always feels… off. The fear comes in waves, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, it hits you from a different angle.
The shift from a lighthearted camp experience to a full-on fight for survival is executed brilliantly, keeping you on edge without ever feeling rushed.
Camp 1985 took me on a wild ride! This could easily be a movie!!
Just maybe don’t read it at night. Or alone. Or in the woods. Ever
July 15, 2025
3.5 stars! This was a fun read. The beginning was a little slow, and the characters were annoying (shocking - they are teenagers), but once the story got going I couldn’t put it down.
I haven’t really read much horror/slasher books but this one felt like I was watching a movie in my mind. The author did a fantastic job setting the scene.
I’ve never been to a summer camp, and after reading this one… I definitely never want to go to a summer camp!
I haven’t really read much horror/slasher books but this one felt like I was watching a movie in my mind. The author did a fantastic job setting the scene.
I’ve never been to a summer camp, and after reading this one… I definitely never want to go to a summer camp!
August 27, 2024
♡ Slasher Movie
♡ Summer Camp
♡ Nostalgic Vibes
When an influencer summer camp sounds too good to be true it just might be. Things quickly go from bad to worse when some of the camps dark history starts repeating itself.
I absolutely loved this book. It had all the horror slasher summer camp vibes you could ask for; and it was even queer so naturally it was much better to begin with. All the characters were unique and interesting to see how different they were to each other.
A big thank you to the author for an audiobook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Spice Level: n/a
Angst Level: 💧💧💧 (3/5)
POV: Third Person
Release Date: 14, June 2024
Rep: Gay (Main Character), Pansexual (Love Interest), Fat/Plus Sized (Love Interest), LGBTQIA+ (Main and Side Characters)
⚠️ Content Warnings:
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Gore, Homophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture, Stalking, Body shaming, Suicide, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Death of parent, and Fatphobia
Minor: Vomit and Excrement
September 11, 2024
This was a fun read! Very 90s horror movie from the characters to the location to the bad guy. Didn't think I'd have sympathy for the knife wielding murder but here we are. I enjoyed it a lot and think it would make a fun throw back style movie. Looking forward to the next book!
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