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Final Cut
The set of a low-budget slasher film turns into a real-life horror movie in this twisty, wicked blend of Scream meets The Reappearance of Rachel Price from Olivia Worley.
When recent high school graduate Hazel Lejeune gets the lead role in a slasher film, it feels like a dream come true. This is her chance to break into the industry, build her reel, and prove to her mom that this “gap year” can turn into a career. So what if it’s set in the nothing town of Pine Springs, Louisiana–the same place her father, the Pine Springs Slasher, was convicted of a series of murders fifteen years ago?
But when Haze arrives on set, she gets much more than she bargained for. The shoot is plagued with suspicious “accidents.” Mentions of her dad dot the entire script. And then, a gruesome murder shocks everyone to the core. Now, it’s clear there’s a real killer on set—one who's determined to finish the film at all costs. But is this merely a copycat, or is the wrong Slasher behind bars?
As the body count rises and reality blurs with fiction, Haze must unmask the killer before she becomes a real-life final girl…or before the killer flips the script and makes her the next victim.
When recent high school graduate Hazel Lejeune gets the lead role in a slasher film, it feels like a dream come true. This is her chance to break into the industry, build her reel, and prove to her mom that this “gap year” can turn into a career. So what if it’s set in the nothing town of Pine Springs, Louisiana–the same place her father, the Pine Springs Slasher, was convicted of a series of murders fifteen years ago?
But when Haze arrives on set, she gets much more than she bargained for. The shoot is plagued with suspicious “accidents.” Mentions of her dad dot the entire script. And then, a gruesome murder shocks everyone to the core. Now, it’s clear there’s a real killer on set—one who's determined to finish the film at all costs. But is this merely a copycat, or is the wrong Slasher behind bars?
As the body count rises and reality blurs with fiction, Haze must unmask the killer before she becomes a real-life final girl…or before the killer flips the script and makes her the next victim.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published October 28, 2025
29 people are currently reading
12197 people want to read
About the author
Olivia Worley
8 books438 followersOlivia Worley is an author born and raised in New Orleans. A graduate of Northwestern University, she now lives in NYC, where she spends her time writing thrillers, over-analyzing episodes of The Bachelor, and hoping someone will romanticize her for reading on the subway.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
December 31, 2025
**4.5-stars**
Hazel Lejeune dreams of becoming an actress. Shortly after she graduates from high school, she ends up landing the lead role in a low-budget Slasher Horror movie. The filming of the movie will require Hazel, who goes by Haze, to travel to the small town of Pine Springs, Louisiana.
The thing that no one else knows, the secret that Haze is keeping, is that she's been to Pine Springs before. It was actually in that very town that her father, known as the Pine Springs Slasher, was convicted of a series of murders 15-years previously.
Haze has mixed feelings about returning to the town she lived in prior to her father's conviction. Mostly though, she just hopes no one will recognize her.
As the cast and crew arrive on set, Haze ends up in a situation she never could have dreamed of. Mysterious accidents plague them from the start and mentions of her Dad can be found throughout the script.
Then a gruesome murder shocks everyone involved. Clearly, there's a real killer stalking the set, but it is just a Pine Springs Slasher copy cat, or is perhaps the wrong man behind bars?
Obviously, this is a crucial question to many, but to Haze it means even more. Now she's left to try to piece together the truth of what happened 15-years ago, while also trying to get through this film alive.
Final Cut is a really strong YA Slasher. I loved the vibes, setting and the mystery behind the slashes. It did feel a little drawn out in the 2nd-half to me, but overall, a very fun read.
Olivia Worley is quickly becoming one of my go-to YA Thriller/Horror authors. I just love her plotting, atmospheres and intense dramas. Her writing is addictive, fluid and always a darn good time.
I love that she brought us back to Louisiana in this one, a setting I also enjoyed in The Debutantes. This felt secluded and dangerous, in a small town way, from the very start.
She also brought true slasher vibes to this. The danger and the kills were just boom, boom, boom, and definitely kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading further.
I would definitely recommend this to any Slasher fan, even if you aren't a big YA Reader. I don't think you necessarily have to be to enjoy this one. It doesn't feel overly-YA, if that makes sense. More New Adult feel to me personally.
Haze was an interesting main character and I liked the growth she displayed throughout the story. Being back in Pine Springs really forced her to face her past, in a way she never had before. Well, that and the fact that she had a serial killer on her heels.
I liked learning about her background, and also the investigation into the murders that happened when she as a kid. I think that whole aspect added a little depth to the story that was needed and appreciated.
Overall, I feel this was well-plotted, while also keeping it fun and true to the Slasher style. Another success for Worley.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I can't wait to see what Worley delivers next!!!
Hazel Lejeune dreams of becoming an actress. Shortly after she graduates from high school, she ends up landing the lead role in a low-budget Slasher Horror movie. The filming of the movie will require Hazel, who goes by Haze, to travel to the small town of Pine Springs, Louisiana.
The thing that no one else knows, the secret that Haze is keeping, is that she's been to Pine Springs before. It was actually in that very town that her father, known as the Pine Springs Slasher, was convicted of a series of murders 15-years previously.
Haze has mixed feelings about returning to the town she lived in prior to her father's conviction. Mostly though, she just hopes no one will recognize her.
As the cast and crew arrive on set, Haze ends up in a situation she never could have dreamed of. Mysterious accidents plague them from the start and mentions of her Dad can be found throughout the script.
Then a gruesome murder shocks everyone involved. Clearly, there's a real killer stalking the set, but it is just a Pine Springs Slasher copy cat, or is perhaps the wrong man behind bars?
Obviously, this is a crucial question to many, but to Haze it means even more. Now she's left to try to piece together the truth of what happened 15-years ago, while also trying to get through this film alive.
Final Cut is a really strong YA Slasher. I loved the vibes, setting and the mystery behind the slashes. It did feel a little drawn out in the 2nd-half to me, but overall, a very fun read.
Olivia Worley is quickly becoming one of my go-to YA Thriller/Horror authors. I just love her plotting, atmospheres and intense dramas. Her writing is addictive, fluid and always a darn good time.
I love that she brought us back to Louisiana in this one, a setting I also enjoyed in The Debutantes. This felt secluded and dangerous, in a small town way, from the very start.
She also brought true slasher vibes to this. The danger and the kills were just boom, boom, boom, and definitely kept me engaged and wanting to keep reading further.
I would definitely recommend this to any Slasher fan, even if you aren't a big YA Reader. I don't think you necessarily have to be to enjoy this one. It doesn't feel overly-YA, if that makes sense. More New Adult feel to me personally.
Haze was an interesting main character and I liked the growth she displayed throughout the story. Being back in Pine Springs really forced her to face her past, in a way she never had before. Well, that and the fact that she had a serial killer on her heels.
I liked learning about her background, and also the investigation into the murders that happened when she as a kid. I think that whole aspect added a little depth to the story that was needed and appreciated.
Overall, I feel this was well-plotted, while also keeping it fun and true to the Slasher style. Another success for Worley.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I can't wait to see what Worley delivers next!!!
May 31, 2025
❥ My Thoughts ❥
This young adult novel came with all of the slasher vibes I loved! It was full of excitement, mixed in with a lot of suspense! It is wicked, twisty, eerie and dark. It is emotional and adventurous. I really loved the plot and premise of this book. I also found the plot to be well executed. It captured my attention right away! It is beautifully written and comes with a book cover that matches the storyline! This is a fast paced, easy to read book. It has a diverse cast of characters and strong character development. I have personally never read a book quite like this one, it is unique and thought provoking. I found this to be a spooky book, not a scary nightmarish one. It came with vivid descriptions and gave me very nostalgic memories.
❥ Quick Review & Rating ❥
“Final Cut” is where a low budget slasher film turns into a true horror slasher story! Things start to become crazy! It makes you wonder who the real killer is… Overall, I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
❥ Who I think would enjoy this book ❥
If you’re a fan of the movie Scream or if you like young adult thriller books, you would enjoy reading this one! Content warnings include gore and violence.
❥ Thank You ❥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Olivia Worley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this electronic ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
❥ Release Date ❥
This book is expected to be published on October 28, 2025!
This young adult novel came with all of the slasher vibes I loved! It was full of excitement, mixed in with a lot of suspense! It is wicked, twisty, eerie and dark. It is emotional and adventurous. I really loved the plot and premise of this book. I also found the plot to be well executed. It captured my attention right away! It is beautifully written and comes with a book cover that matches the storyline! This is a fast paced, easy to read book. It has a diverse cast of characters and strong character development. I have personally never read a book quite like this one, it is unique and thought provoking. I found this to be a spooky book, not a scary nightmarish one. It came with vivid descriptions and gave me very nostalgic memories.
❥ Quick Review & Rating ❥
“Final Cut” is where a low budget slasher film turns into a true horror slasher story! Things start to become crazy! It makes you wonder who the real killer is… Overall, I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
❥ Who I think would enjoy this book ❥
If you’re a fan of the movie Scream or if you like young adult thriller books, you would enjoy reading this one! Content warnings include gore and violence.
❥ Thank You ❥
Thank you to NetGalley, author Olivia Worley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for this electronic ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
❥ Release Date ❥
This book is expected to be published on October 28, 2025!
April 17, 2025
4.5⭐
What a twist!!! It's the first time since agggtm that I don't guess who the killer is!! The👏🏻 thriller 👏🏻 is👏🏻 thrilling. The pace is just right, not too fast, not too slow. The plot is really unpredictable. I suspected everyone except the actual killer 😅
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Thanks to the author and publisher for reaching out to me and sending an early copy via Netgalley 💕💕
Find my review on Instagram
What a twist!!! It's the first time since agggtm that I don't guess who the killer is!! The👏🏻 thriller 👏🏻 is👏🏻 thrilling. The pace is just right, not too fast, not too slow. The plot is really unpredictable. I suspected everyone except the actual killer 😅
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚𝕻𝖗𝖊-𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖉˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆
Thanks to the author and publisher for reaching out to me and sending an early copy via Netgalley 💕💕
Find my review on Instagram
May 20, 2025
there’s something about a young adult horror that’s just gonna do it every time. so bingeable and that TWIST um hello??
pre-read:
gonna sit down and binge this one today mark my words
thank you to netgalley & st martins press for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
pre-read:
gonna sit down and binge this one today mark my words
thank you to netgalley & st martins press for the arc! all opinions are my own <3
August 16, 2025
The body count continues to rise on the set of a low-budget slasher film in Final Cut. Who says you can never go home again???? Hazel Lejeune is taking the bull by the horns and taking the lead in a new horror film that is being shot in Pine Springs, Louisiana. She won't just be stepping on set to be the final girl in the new slasher hit, she will be returning to the place her real life father spilled blood. Dubbed the Pine Springs Slasher, her father was convicted for killing several people fifteen years ago. Once on set and hoping to make a name for herself, Hazel tries to keep a low profile but when one of them is murdered, it's obvious there is a real killer on set!
This is a YA horror novel that delivers the chills and thrills while the bodies drop like flies! I found this book to be a solid read with a few twists thrown in along the way. I enjoyed the tension and the search for a killer. I never know who could be trussed or who had an axe to grind, but I enjoyed the quest to catch a killer.
I thought the author did a great job setting the stage. The Louisiana setting was fantastic as was having the killings take place on a horror film set. The characters were likeable, and I enjoyed the references to a few slasher film final girls and unstoppable, impossible to kill slasher killers.
I did not see the final reveal coming and thought the author did a great job leading up to the final unmasking if you will. As this is YA it wasn't as graphic or scary as some real-life horror films, but it was a very solid and bloody enjoyable book. I have a feeling the YA crowd are going to enjoy this one.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
This is a YA horror novel that delivers the chills and thrills while the bodies drop like flies! I found this book to be a solid read with a few twists thrown in along the way. I enjoyed the tension and the search for a killer. I never know who could be trussed or who had an axe to grind, but I enjoyed the quest to catch a killer.
I thought the author did a great job setting the stage. The Louisiana setting was fantastic as was having the killings take place on a horror film set. The characters were likeable, and I enjoyed the references to a few slasher film final girls and unstoppable, impossible to kill slasher killers.
I did not see the final reveal coming and thought the author did a great job leading up to the final unmasking if you will. As this is YA it wasn't as graphic or scary as some real-life horror films, but it was a very solid and bloody enjoyable book. I have a feeling the YA crowd are going to enjoy this one.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
July 28, 2025
Hazel has loved watching slashers since she was a kid, so landing the lead role in a slasher film feels like a dream come true. The movie is being filmed in her hometown of Pine Springs—the same town where, fifteen years ago, her father was convicted of a series of murders targeting high school students. But when terrifying things start happening on set, Hazel begins to realize that the film’s plot closely mirrors her father’s crimes.
I really enjoyed this YA thriller! It was gripping, intense, creepy, and at times unpredictable. I never managed to guess who the killer was—and to me, that’s one of the most important things in a thriller: to surprise the reader. Olivia Worley definitely pulled that off! The book has that nostalgic ‘90s slasher vibe, like Scream, which made it super easy to picture everything in my head.
I also loved the small romantic subplot! Watching that relationship develop was especially fun.
Overall, I think this is a great thriller for teens that will definitely appeal to adult readers as well!
Pre-read:
I’ve seen a lot of great reviews, so I have a good feeling about this thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Wednesday Books) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this YA thriller! It was gripping, intense, creepy, and at times unpredictable. I never managed to guess who the killer was—and to me, that’s one of the most important things in a thriller: to surprise the reader. Olivia Worley definitely pulled that off! The book has that nostalgic ‘90s slasher vibe, like Scream, which made it super easy to picture everything in my head.
I also loved the small romantic subplot! Watching that relationship develop was especially fun.
Overall, I think this is a great thriller for teens that will definitely appeal to adult readers as well!
Pre-read:
I’ve seen a lot of great reviews, so I have a good feeling about this thriller!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press (Wednesday Books) for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
April 20, 2025
BIG FAN OF EVERYTHING IN THIS BOOK! The second I read "slasher film" and "scream" in the blurb, I knew this book was for me. 🤭 This book felt like an homage to all 90s slasher films, the vibes were immaculate throughout. It was so well done that it felt like I was watching a movie in my head as I read the book.
The book follows Haze, who is casted in a low-budget slasher film and as they begin filming, "accidents" begin to occur on set and suddenly people start dropping like flies. 🫣 This thriller was THRILLING and yet I never once correctly guessed the killer (pretends to be shocked). Some parts had me SWEATING because I was worried about my favourite characters 🫠 but hey that's all part of the fun when it comes to slasher films: no one is safe!
If you're a fan of Scream, final girls and slasher films, do yourself a favour and read this book! You won't be disappointed.
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
The book follows Haze, who is casted in a low-budget slasher film and as they begin filming, "accidents" begin to occur on set and suddenly people start dropping like flies. 🫣 This thriller was THRILLING and yet I never once correctly guessed the killer (pretends to be shocked). Some parts had me SWEATING because I was worried about my favourite characters 🫠 but hey that's all part of the fun when it comes to slasher films: no one is safe!
If you're a fan of Scream, final girls and slasher films, do yourself a favour and read this book! You won't be disappointed.
Thank you St. Martin's Press, Wednesday Books and NetGalley for the arc!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok ⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
May 27, 2025
ARC for review. To be published October 28, 2025.
2 stars
I’m a sucker for horror books about films so I was really looking forward to this and was excited to get the ARC.
Hazel Lejeune has just graduated from high school and, just as it happens for all graduating seniors SHE is contacted and asked to audition for the lead role in a slasher film called “Swamp Creatures.” THEY called HER. And she’s been in a grand total of….nothing. But no alarm bells? Um, OK, but, you’re going to die, so try and look surprised, I guess.
Anyway, to the surprise of no one she gets the “final girl” role and heads to Pine Springs, Louisiana, which just HAPPENS to be her former hometown AND where her father, Cal, killed a bunch of high school students fifteen years before. But they want her for her ART. No one on the film know about Cal or her connection to Pine Springs. And since Haze (this is what she calls herself, which, to me, brings to mind “drug-induced” but that might just be my misguided youth.) is such a keen student of human nature and life in general I guess I can buy that she believes that.
D-I Haze quickly becomes friends with the rest of the primary cast, Cameron, Nina and Lucas, and, naturally, she and Cameron, the male lead, fall in insta-love which…ugh. Then the bodies start piling up. Despite this, first time director Autumn (yay for the female director!) just goes trucking along with shooting the movie, you know, as you would do….just please stay alive til we’ve wrapped on you, Kthanksbye.
This was, from my standpoint, pretty dumb. Keep in mind though that I’m an adult who likes YA, so maybe actually YAs will like this better? I don’t know. I wanted to like it, but it thwarted me at every turn. Just prepare to suspend all disbelief, all ye who enter here.
2 stars
I’m a sucker for horror books about films so I was really looking forward to this and was excited to get the ARC.
Hazel Lejeune has just graduated from high school and, just as it happens for all graduating seniors SHE is contacted and asked to audition for the lead role in a slasher film called “Swamp Creatures.” THEY called HER. And she’s been in a grand total of….nothing. But no alarm bells? Um, OK, but, you’re going to die, so try and look surprised, I guess.
Anyway, to the surprise of no one she gets the “final girl” role and heads to Pine Springs, Louisiana, which just HAPPENS to be her former hometown AND where her father, Cal, killed a bunch of high school students fifteen years before. But they want her for her ART. No one on the film know about Cal or her connection to Pine Springs. And since Haze (this is what she calls herself, which, to me, brings to mind “drug-induced” but that might just be my misguided youth.) is such a keen student of human nature and life in general I guess I can buy that she believes that.
D-I Haze quickly becomes friends with the rest of the primary cast, Cameron, Nina and Lucas, and, naturally, she and Cameron, the male lead, fall in insta-love which…ugh. Then the bodies start piling up. Despite this, first time director Autumn (yay for the female director!) just goes trucking along with shooting the movie, you know, as you would do….just please stay alive til we’ve wrapped on you, Kthanksbye.
This was, from my standpoint, pretty dumb. Keep in mind though that I’m an adult who likes YA, so maybe actually YAs will like this better? I don’t know. I wanted to like it, but it thwarted me at every turn. Just prepare to suspend all disbelief, all ye who enter here.
November 10, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!!
4.5 stars — this was a great YA mystery/thriller slasher-horror novel; we follow our fmc hazel “haze” as she joins the cast of a low-budget slasher film as the leading woman in the same louisiana city that her father was arrested and convicted for multiple murders almost two decades prior…and it seems that history is repeating itself.
final cut was a great homage to the classic and beloved slasher/horror films, and kept me on my toes the entire time!
i also listened to the audio through libby and the narrator did a fantastic job!
4.5 stars — this was a great YA mystery/thriller slasher-horror novel; we follow our fmc hazel “haze” as she joins the cast of a low-budget slasher film as the leading woman in the same louisiana city that her father was arrested and convicted for multiple murders almost two decades prior…and it seems that history is repeating itself.
final cut was a great homage to the classic and beloved slasher/horror films, and kept me on my toes the entire time!
i also listened to the audio through libby and the narrator did a fantastic job!
May 19, 2025
4.5⭐
This is what I'm looking for in a thriller, specifically a slasher! I read Worley's "people we follow" earlier this year and pegged the whole plot quite early on but with Final Cut I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Binged the entire thing and highly highly recommend to those who love thrillers and slasher movies. If you aren't a fan, this might not be your cup of tea since it is a bit intense at times and more gory than some may like!
And the chemistry between our mc, Haze + the love interest, Cameron is a bonus sideplot!
👏🏼 A killer romance (pun intended)
.thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
── .✦ 𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅
"read now" on netgalley 🫱🏼🫲🏼 me
This is what I'm looking for in a thriller, specifically a slasher! I read Worley's "people we follow" earlier this year and pegged the whole plot quite early on but with Final Cut I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! Binged the entire thing and highly highly recommend to those who love thrillers and slasher movies. If you aren't a fan, this might not be your cup of tea since it is a bit intense at times and more gory than some may like!
And the chemistry between our mc, Haze + the love interest, Cameron is a bonus sideplot!
"What's the nutrient breakdown on a toothpick?
A slow grin spreads on Cameron's face. "You know, Haze Lejune, I've got a feeling this is going to be the start of a beautiful friendship."
👏🏼 A killer romance (pun intended)
.thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
── .✦ 𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅
"read now" on netgalley 🫱🏼🫲🏼 me
May 11, 2025
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the arc. all opinions are my own.
this was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!
i knew this was going to be five stars early on & i’m so happy that held up as the book went on.
the author did a fantastic job at developing the setting/atmosphere - small town louisiana, eerie dark swamps, & an amateur movie set…. the perfect setting for a horror/thriller book.
i loved the characters!! haze was a great FMC and i found her decision making to be (if slightly irrational) what i would probably do if i were in her shoes. the romantic subplot was so so good & i was hoping it would go in the direction the author took it.
the plot itself had me hooked! this book felt exactly like classic slasher x scooby doo - two of my all time favorite things! i loved all of the references to classic slashers & the concept of a final girl.
regarding the plot twist/killer reveal: i will say that i guessed it BUT i still had so much fun reading this!!! the reveal scene was great and had my heart practically beating out of my chest - i genuinely didn’t know where that scene was going to go after the killer was unmasked.
once again this is me begging you all to read YA thrillers!!!!! some of my all time favorite books are YA thrillers & this subgenre is so slept on.
this was PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!
i knew this was going to be five stars early on & i’m so happy that held up as the book went on.
the author did a fantastic job at developing the setting/atmosphere - small town louisiana, eerie dark swamps, & an amateur movie set…. the perfect setting for a horror/thriller book.
i loved the characters!! haze was a great FMC and i found her decision making to be (if slightly irrational) what i would probably do if i were in her shoes. the romantic subplot was so so good & i was hoping it would go in the direction the author took it.
the plot itself had me hooked! this book felt exactly like classic slasher x scooby doo - two of my all time favorite things! i loved all of the references to classic slashers & the concept of a final girl.
regarding the plot twist/killer reveal: i will say that i guessed it BUT i still had so much fun reading this!!! the reveal scene was great and had my heart practically beating out of my chest - i genuinely didn’t know where that scene was going to go after the killer was unmasked.
once again this is me begging you all to read YA thrillers!!!!! some of my all time favorite books are YA thrillers & this subgenre is so slept on.
October 30, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's press for the advanced copy.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. I love a good slasher with lots of kills and cheesy one liners and fun characters, but something about Final Cut didn't click for me.
It felt like a watered down Stephen Graham Jones story, which while I didn't much like My Heart is a Chainsaw, I think Worley very much did as this book reminds me of that, with bits of Scream and Hatchet (or some other New Orleans set slasher), but it doesn't go as hard or biting as its influences. Granted, this is a young adult slasher, but I've read plenty of tough YA books with strong messages (The Hunger Games for one). Again, not that every book needs a message either, sometimes a good story is a good story but this one just didn't catch me like I'd hoped it would.
The main character returns to her childhood hometown after being cast in a slasher film set there and loosely based on a bunch of killings from 15 years previously that her dad is in prison for. She's very much an 18 year old. Selfish, impulsive, not making the best decisions. I think part of my problem is that I'm reading this as a grown woman thinking "how foolish" with everything she did and said lol And I feel like we barely get to know any of the side characters, so I'm mostly left annoyed with our MC. There was a scene at around 75-80% in where I was just rolling my eyes the whole time at her attitude, that I felt by that point in time was unjustified, but then you remember she's a self-centered teenager and it makes more sense. Still annoyed me though lol
I will say I'd have definitely loved this more as a teen and I think teens will get a kick out of it. The setting is fun and second half gets gory quick and sets up a lot of kills and near-kills - this is after a first half that kind of drags though tbh I was struggling in the beginning and started to wonder whether there would be any kills in the book period, so I was happy we got a bloody good second act.
A decent ok slasher but not great and maybe a little forgettable but with a fun setting, I mostly recommend picking this up if you're still in the YA demographic or love YA horror books.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. I love a good slasher with lots of kills and cheesy one liners and fun characters, but something about Final Cut didn't click for me.
It felt like a watered down Stephen Graham Jones story, which while I didn't much like My Heart is a Chainsaw, I think Worley very much did as this book reminds me of that, with bits of Scream and Hatchet (or some other New Orleans set slasher), but it doesn't go as hard or biting as its influences. Granted, this is a young adult slasher, but I've read plenty of tough YA books with strong messages (The Hunger Games for one). Again, not that every book needs a message either, sometimes a good story is a good story but this one just didn't catch me like I'd hoped it would.
The main character returns to her childhood hometown after being cast in a slasher film set there and loosely based on a bunch of killings from 15 years previously that her dad is in prison for. She's very much an 18 year old. Selfish, impulsive, not making the best decisions. I think part of my problem is that I'm reading this as a grown woman thinking "how foolish" with everything she did and said lol And I feel like we barely get to know any of the side characters, so I'm mostly left annoyed with our MC. There was a scene at around 75-80% in where I was just rolling my eyes the whole time at her attitude, that I felt by that point in time was unjustified, but then you remember she's a self-centered teenager and it makes more sense. Still annoyed me though lol
I will say I'd have definitely loved this more as a teen and I think teens will get a kick out of it. The setting is fun and second half gets gory quick and sets up a lot of kills and near-kills - this is after a first half that kind of drags though tbh I was struggling in the beginning and started to wonder whether there would be any kills in the book period, so I was happy we got a bloody good second act.
A decent ok slasher but not great and maybe a little forgettable but with a fun setting, I mostly recommend picking this up if you're still in the YA demographic or love YA horror books.
November 24, 2025
2⭐️
ARC Review
It’s official. Horror Thrillers, via book form, are NOT my thing…😬😬😬…
For nearly a few hours now, I have been trying and failing to accurately write a review for this book. Currently, my mind has so many thoughts swirling around and accurately discussing them is proving to be quite difficult. But, I will do my best.
In all honesty, if I had not been invited by someone on Olivia Worley’s team to read and review this book, I know for a fact that I would’ve avoided it all costs. Horror Thrillers are one of several sub-genres that I typically avoid. Why??? Well, because they read as awful as some of the movies. Between the movies and the books, it’s always the same formula: (a) the final girl; (b) her boyfriend and their friend group; (c) the nerdy girl who watches all the slasher movies and tries to keep the herself, the final girl, and her friends alive; (d) the weird kid who everyone picks on and who the school/town totally thinks is the killer; and (e) the actual killer himself, who no one truly suspects but everyone lies and says they were thinking it was him when they truly weren’t but uses his reveal for killing to justify why they thought it was him. Again, it is always the same formula over and over and over again. And reading Final Cut proved to be no different.
Final Cut is the type of book where a person can pretty much read the synopsis and gain a clear understanding of where this story is headed. There are maybe three or four “shocking” moments. Oh and the title of the movie, that is featured within this story, is very cringy. Where Final Cut loses its steam is with the characters (EVERY SINGLE LAST ONE OF THEM) and the decisions that are constantly made. Final Cut completely lost me when Haze kept reciting all of the slasher movie rules to both herself and her cast members and yet she constantly kept break them. It is because of moments like these that I stay far away from book form horror thrillers. They tend to aggravate me to no end.
While I cannot see myself rereading Final Cut or marking it as a favorite of mine, my 2 star rating exists for the two reasons: (a) the movie script is interwoven between chapters (a reader gets to actually see pieces of the movie play out in front of them); and (b) the POV chapters of the victims (Seriously. To read who the killer was targeting and be given hints on who the killer could be was just so fun and fascinating.) And no, I still couldn’t figure out who the killer was or his reasons for said killings.
Again, in my opinion, Final Cut is not a book that will blow your mind. It is not a book that tries to be anything other than what it is supposed to be: A YA Horror Thriller. Final Cut is, however, the type of book that works well during Spooky Season and for those who love slasher movies, especially via book form. As of right now, The Debutantes is still number one in my eyes. And while I did not and could not bring myself to enjoy Final Cut, I still see myself continuing my reading journey with Olivia Worley. Mostly her YA Novels though. Her Adult Novels haven’t really piqued my interest just yet.
Thank you NetGally and Wednesday Books for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
ARC Review
It’s official. Horror Thrillers, via book form, are NOT my thing…😬😬😬…
For nearly a few hours now, I have been trying and failing to accurately write a review for this book. Currently, my mind has so many thoughts swirling around and accurately discussing them is proving to be quite difficult. But, I will do my best.
In all honesty, if I had not been invited by someone on Olivia Worley’s team to read and review this book, I know for a fact that I would’ve avoided it all costs. Horror Thrillers are one of several sub-genres that I typically avoid. Why??? Well, because they read as awful as some of the movies. Between the movies and the books, it’s always the same formula: (a) the final girl; (b) her boyfriend and their friend group; (c) the nerdy girl who watches all the slasher movies and tries to keep the herself, the final girl, and her friends alive; (d) the weird kid who everyone picks on and who the school/town totally thinks is the killer; and (e) the actual killer himself, who no one truly suspects but everyone lies and says they were thinking it was him when they truly weren’t but uses his reveal for killing to justify why they thought it was him. Again, it is always the same formula over and over and over again. And reading Final Cut proved to be no different.
Final Cut is the type of book where a person can pretty much read the synopsis and gain a clear understanding of where this story is headed. There are maybe three or four “shocking” moments. Oh and the title of the movie, that is featured within this story, is very cringy. Where Final Cut loses its steam is with the characters (EVERY SINGLE LAST ONE OF THEM) and the decisions that are constantly made. Final Cut completely lost me when Haze kept reciting all of the slasher movie rules to both herself and her cast members and yet she constantly kept break them. It is because of moments like these that I stay far away from book form horror thrillers. They tend to aggravate me to no end.
While I cannot see myself rereading Final Cut or marking it as a favorite of mine, my 2 star rating exists for the two reasons: (a) the movie script is interwoven between chapters (a reader gets to actually see pieces of the movie play out in front of them); and (b) the POV chapters of the victims (Seriously. To read who the killer was targeting and be given hints on who the killer could be was just so fun and fascinating.) And no, I still couldn’t figure out who the killer was or his reasons for said killings.
Again, in my opinion, Final Cut is not a book that will blow your mind. It is not a book that tries to be anything other than what it is supposed to be: A YA Horror Thriller. Final Cut is, however, the type of book that works well during Spooky Season and for those who love slasher movies, especially via book form. As of right now, The Debutantes is still number one in my eyes. And while I did not and could not bring myself to enjoy Final Cut, I still see myself continuing my reading journey with Olivia Worley. Mostly her YA Novels though. Her Adult Novels haven’t really piqued my interest just yet.
Thank you NetGally and Wednesday Books for granting my request of an Advance Reader’s Copy in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
December 1, 2025
→ 4 stars ★
╰ arc review + no spoilers.ᐟ
i absolutely devoured this book! it was so fun, campy, and utterly entertaining. the twists and reveals were so unpredictable, i ended up suspecting everyone except the actual killer 😭 this was really bingeable and i finished it in a couple of hours. the pacing is fast, and the setting + atmosphere was perfectly immersive and creepy.
the characters were all well-developed and believable. haze was a great mc and the romance subplot was really cute! it was a nice addition to the story without detracting from the main plot. i've never watched a slasher film and yet that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book, and i feel like slasher fans would enjoy this book even more because there were a lot of references.
overall, this was a very solid and well written book! definitely a must for horror/thriller and slasher fans looking for a quick fun read.
⤿ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
╰ arc review + no spoilers.ᐟ
i absolutely devoured this book! it was so fun, campy, and utterly entertaining. the twists and reveals were so unpredictable, i ended up suspecting everyone except the actual killer 😭 this was really bingeable and i finished it in a couple of hours. the pacing is fast, and the setting + atmosphere was perfectly immersive and creepy.
the characters were all well-developed and believable. haze was a great mc and the romance subplot was really cute! it was a nice addition to the story without detracting from the main plot. i've never watched a slasher film and yet that didn't affect my enjoyment of the book, and i feel like slasher fans would enjoy this book even more because there were a lot of references.
overall, this was a very solid and well written book! definitely a must for horror/thriller and slasher fans looking for a quick fun read.
⤿ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
November 17, 2025
A Final Girl for the Final Cut! I thoroughly enjoyed this slasher story. The overall premise drew me in and since I typically love movies like this, so I definitely gravitated to this book quickly. I mean.. estranged daughter of a serial k!ller, secluded location with a checkered past, a classic whodunnit, cat & mouse game. You name it, this story delivered! I loved all the references to real horror movies that I’ve seen. This was my second read by Olivia Worley but definitely won’t be my last! Thank you St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.
May 26, 2025
Final Cut is like a slasher flick you’d sneak-watch at a sleepover in middle school, but maybe not the one you’d pick for movie night now. It’s solid, (like something you’d watch on Netflix as you’re ignoring your everlasting queue) not spectacular, but it’s got its moments.
The setup is pure teen horror catnip: a group of kids making a low-budget horror movie in the middle of nowhere, only to realize there’s a real killer on set. It’s like Scream decided to cosplay as a Goosebumps episode, complete with creepy vibes and a body count that escalates faster than my anxiety during a work deadline. The main character, Haze, is a scrappy wannabe actress trying to keep her horror debut (and her newfound friends) from falling apart, which I respect. I mean, I can barely keep my laundry from piling up, so props to her for trying to wrangle friends and a murderer.
The good? I’ll give Worley credit: the big reveal of the killer caught me off guard. I was smugly thinking I had it all figured out, sipping my tea like some armchair detective. Well played, Olivia. The twist gave me that delicious “oh, dang!” moment that makes you forgive a book’s sins for a hot second. It’s got this fun, campy energy that screams “tween sleepover hit.” If I were 12, I’d be clutching my flashlight, whispering about this book under the covers, convinced I could solve the mystery faster than Haze. It’s got that R.L. Stine feel—spooky, but not too spooky, perfect for kids who love a thrill without nightmares.
But here’s where the three-star rating kicks in: some of the plot devices were so obvious they might as well have been neon signs. The red herrings? More like red whales, flopping around in plain sight. I could see the “shocking” betrayals coming from a mile away, like when my cat pretends he’s not about to knock over my water. The pacing’s a bit wobbly too—starts off snappy but drags in the middle like a horror movie sequel that didn’t need to exist.
I’m an adult, and I suspect my age is part of the problem. This book feels tailor-made for the 12-16 crowd, with its earnest teen drama and just-scary-enough stakes. Reading it as an adult, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at some of the clichés—like, yes, we getit, the creepy swamp is creepy. But if I were a tween, I’d eat this up like Halloween candy. It’s got that nostalgic Goosebumps vibe, where the scares are real but you know you’re safe under the blanket fort. It’s also refreshingly tween-friendly— good old-fashioned whodunit suspense.
Sometimes it tries too hard to be clever, and the dialogue can feel like it’s auditioning for a CW show—but it’s a fun ride. It’s like a B-movie you secretly love despite the cheesy effects.
In short, Final Cut is a decent popcorn read. If you’re a teen or a nostalgia junkie, you might bump it up to four stars. For me, it’s a solid three—enjoyable, but I’m too old to be fully bewitched by its charms. Still, I’d recommend it for a spooky weekend read, especially if you’ve got a tween in your life who needs a stop along the way between Goosebumps and Stephen King.
The setup is pure teen horror catnip: a group of kids making a low-budget horror movie in the middle of nowhere, only to realize there’s a real killer on set. It’s like Scream decided to cosplay as a Goosebumps episode, complete with creepy vibes and a body count that escalates faster than my anxiety during a work deadline. The main character, Haze, is a scrappy wannabe actress trying to keep her horror debut (and her newfound friends) from falling apart, which I respect. I mean, I can barely keep my laundry from piling up, so props to her for trying to wrangle friends and a murderer.
The good? I’ll give Worley credit: the big reveal of the killer caught me off guard. I was smugly thinking I had it all figured out, sipping my tea like some armchair detective. Well played, Olivia. The twist gave me that delicious “oh, dang!” moment that makes you forgive a book’s sins for a hot second. It’s got this fun, campy energy that screams “tween sleepover hit.” If I were 12, I’d be clutching my flashlight, whispering about this book under the covers, convinced I could solve the mystery faster than Haze. It’s got that R.L. Stine feel—spooky, but not too spooky, perfect for kids who love a thrill without nightmares.
But here’s where the three-star rating kicks in: some of the plot devices were so obvious they might as well have been neon signs. The red herrings? More like red whales, flopping around in plain sight. I could see the “shocking” betrayals coming from a mile away, like when my cat pretends he’s not about to knock over my water. The pacing’s a bit wobbly too—starts off snappy but drags in the middle like a horror movie sequel that didn’t need to exist.
I’m an adult, and I suspect my age is part of the problem. This book feels tailor-made for the 12-16 crowd, with its earnest teen drama and just-scary-enough stakes. Reading it as an adult, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at some of the clichés—like, yes, we getit, the creepy swamp is creepy. But if I were a tween, I’d eat this up like Halloween candy. It’s got that nostalgic Goosebumps vibe, where the scares are real but you know you’re safe under the blanket fort. It’s also refreshingly tween-friendly— good old-fashioned whodunit suspense.
Sometimes it tries too hard to be clever, and the dialogue can feel like it’s auditioning for a CW show—but it’s a fun ride. It’s like a B-movie you secretly love despite the cheesy effects.
In short, Final Cut is a decent popcorn read. If you’re a teen or a nostalgia junkie, you might bump it up to four stars. For me, it’s a solid three—enjoyable, but I’m too old to be fully bewitched by its charms. Still, I’d recommend it for a spooky weekend read, especially if you’ve got a tween in your life who needs a stop along the way between Goosebumps and Stephen King.
October 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my goodness. This book was absolutely amazing. I could not put it down, it was so entertaining! I was a little bit worried going into this, because slashers can be so difficult to get right, but this was perfection. I would definitely recommend you read it if you love horror movies as much as I do!
🏞️— I absolutely adored the setting of this book. Small town with creepy vibes makes the perfect backdrop for a great slasher.
🎥— The plot of this book was so entertaining. I was so invested in this book that I finished it in a couple of hours! I was so sure that I knew who the killer was, but I never would have guessed who it was in the end. I also loved the fact that they were filming a movie because that just made the storyline so freakin fun.
🧍♂️— All of the characters in this book were super great! I couldn’t choose a favorite if I tried, but I loved reading about them as they tried to solve the murders. I absolutely loved Sam as the final girl, Cameron was an AMAZING love interest, Nina was a baddie, Lucas was such a sweetheart, and I love most of the other characters as well, just can’t put them all in the review.
🤯— The ending was so frickin good, don’t even get me started. I never would have guessed the killer in a million years! I was on he edge of my seat, yelling at my kindle, it was intense.
Overall, this book was so amazing, definitely go read it when it comes out!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Oh my goodness. This book was absolutely amazing. I could not put it down, it was so entertaining! I was a little bit worried going into this, because slashers can be so difficult to get right, but this was perfection. I would definitely recommend you read it if you love horror movies as much as I do!
🏞️— I absolutely adored the setting of this book. Small town with creepy vibes makes the perfect backdrop for a great slasher.
🎥— The plot of this book was so entertaining. I was so invested in this book that I finished it in a couple of hours! I was so sure that I knew who the killer was, but I never would have guessed who it was in the end. I also loved the fact that they were filming a movie because that just made the storyline so freakin fun.
🧍♂️— All of the characters in this book were super great! I couldn’t choose a favorite if I tried, but I loved reading about them as they tried to solve the murders. I absolutely loved Sam as the final girl, Cameron was an AMAZING love interest, Nina was a baddie, Lucas was such a sweetheart, and I love most of the other characters as well, just can’t put them all in the review.
🤯— The ending was so frickin good, don’t even get me started. I never would have guessed the killer in a million years! I was on he edge of my seat, yelling at my kindle, it was intense.
Overall, this book was so amazing, definitely go read it when it comes out!
Want to read
September 23, 2025Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2025
Final Cut by Olivia Worley is a twisty, fast‑paced young adult horror thriller that cleverly blends meta slasher‑movie vibes with real‑world terror when teen actress Hazel “Haze” Lejeune lands the lead in a low‑budget slasher film being shot in her hometown of Pine Springs, Louisiana, a place haunted by her father’s past as the convicted Pine Springs Slasher. What feels like a dream gig quickly turns into a nightmare, as strange “accidents” plague the set, eerie script references echo her own life, and then real murders begin to happen.
Haze soon realizes that someone is turning this movie into a real horror film, and she must unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim. The novel fuses classic slasher tropes, nostalgic horror references, mystery elements, and a lively cast of characters into a compelling page‑turner that keeps readers guessing.
Final Cut feels like Scream meets YA thriller with a uniquely self‑aware touch: the narrative alternates between Haze’s first‑person voice and script excerpts, heightening the sense of blurring between fiction and reality as the body count rises. I liked how fast‑paced, bingeable, and unpredictably twisty the story is, with the killer’s reveal frequently described as surprising and satisfying. The Louisiana setting and film‑within‑a‑film concept add to the creepy atmosphere, and there’s even a small romantic subplot I found cute and complementary to the main mystery.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving Final Cut four stars because it channeled that unmistakable homage to slasher classics while still feeling fresh and exciting for a YA audience. I genuinely enjoyed how Olivia Worley balanced suspense, scares, and clever genre awareness, and Haze’s personal stakes, especially her complicated connection to her father’s legacy added emotional weight beneath all the thrills.
If you’re craving a spooky, bingeable horror read with plenty of twists and a wickedly fun slasher‑movie spirit, this one delivers a satisfying and unexpectedly addictive ride.
Haze soon realizes that someone is turning this movie into a real horror film, and she must unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim. The novel fuses classic slasher tropes, nostalgic horror references, mystery elements, and a lively cast of characters into a compelling page‑turner that keeps readers guessing.
Final Cut feels like Scream meets YA thriller with a uniquely self‑aware touch: the narrative alternates between Haze’s first‑person voice and script excerpts, heightening the sense of blurring between fiction and reality as the body count rises. I liked how fast‑paced, bingeable, and unpredictably twisty the story is, with the killer’s reveal frequently described as surprising and satisfying. The Louisiana setting and film‑within‑a‑film concept add to the creepy atmosphere, and there’s even a small romantic subplot I found cute and complementary to the main mystery.
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I’m giving Final Cut four stars because it channeled that unmistakable homage to slasher classics while still feeling fresh and exciting for a YA audience. I genuinely enjoyed how Olivia Worley balanced suspense, scares, and clever genre awareness, and Haze’s personal stakes, especially her complicated connection to her father’s legacy added emotional weight beneath all the thrills.
If you’re craving a spooky, bingeable horror read with plenty of twists and a wickedly fun slasher‑movie spirit, this one delivers a satisfying and unexpectedly addictive ride.
October 15, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Oct. 28, 2025
Hazel Lejeune has always loved slasher movies, and she feels as if her dream has come true when she gets offered the lead role in an upcoming slasher film. Even though this particular slasher movie is filmed in her hometown, one she ran away from years ago, and even if the movie does seem to be based on the local legend, The “Pine Springs Slasher”, Hazel has her own reasons for returning to Louisiana. The “Pine Springs Slasher” was Hazel’s father, who was arrested and jailed when Hazel was a child and, although nearly everyone is convinced of his guilt, Hazel hopes that by returning to the scenes of the crime, she will find the answer once and for all. Until, of course, people from the movie start being murdered……
YA author Olivia Worley, author of “People to Follow” and “The Debutantes” (among others), delivers a new horror novel, perfect for fans of eighties slasher movies. “Final Cut” is a book about making a movie about a local crime, and it checks all the right boxes.
Hazel is the protagonist, a young actress who is hiding some serious childhood trauma. Her father is a notorious serial killer, presumably, but Hazel starts to doubt his guilt so she uses the acting oppourtunity to investigate the crimes from her childhood. Although Hazel is the primary lead, other individuals take centre stage briefly, with their roles being written as part of a film script, to accentuate the horror movie setting.
I loved the slasher movie vibe of “Cut”, and it was as addicting and page-turning as it was creepy and spine-tingling. Worley has such a fresh way of writing, with smart and inspiring characters, and “Cut” is no different. I easily tore through the pages of this one.
The mystery in this novel focuses on if Hazel’s Dad was really the murderer, as well as, of course, who the current murderer is and if the two are connected. Worley ensures that all of these plot lines receive satisfying conclusions and, after pages of delicious twists and turns, I can say that the ending caught me unawares. Just when I thought I had the suspect figured out, Worley would lead me in an entirely different direction, and this is the kind of mystery that I love. Add to that the horror component of the “Green Beast” urban legend and “Cut” has absolutely everything I expected from Worley, and more.
Expected publication date: Oct. 28, 2025
Hazel Lejeune has always loved slasher movies, and she feels as if her dream has come true when she gets offered the lead role in an upcoming slasher film. Even though this particular slasher movie is filmed in her hometown, one she ran away from years ago, and even if the movie does seem to be based on the local legend, The “Pine Springs Slasher”, Hazel has her own reasons for returning to Louisiana. The “Pine Springs Slasher” was Hazel’s father, who was arrested and jailed when Hazel was a child and, although nearly everyone is convinced of his guilt, Hazel hopes that by returning to the scenes of the crime, she will find the answer once and for all. Until, of course, people from the movie start being murdered……
YA author Olivia Worley, author of “People to Follow” and “The Debutantes” (among others), delivers a new horror novel, perfect for fans of eighties slasher movies. “Final Cut” is a book about making a movie about a local crime, and it checks all the right boxes.
Hazel is the protagonist, a young actress who is hiding some serious childhood trauma. Her father is a notorious serial killer, presumably, but Hazel starts to doubt his guilt so she uses the acting oppourtunity to investigate the crimes from her childhood. Although Hazel is the primary lead, other individuals take centre stage briefly, with their roles being written as part of a film script, to accentuate the horror movie setting.
I loved the slasher movie vibe of “Cut”, and it was as addicting and page-turning as it was creepy and spine-tingling. Worley has such a fresh way of writing, with smart and inspiring characters, and “Cut” is no different. I easily tore through the pages of this one.
The mystery in this novel focuses on if Hazel’s Dad was really the murderer, as well as, of course, who the current murderer is and if the two are connected. Worley ensures that all of these plot lines receive satisfying conclusions and, after pages of delicious twists and turns, I can say that the ending caught me unawares. Just when I thought I had the suspect figured out, Worley would lead me in an entirely different direction, and this is the kind of mystery that I love. Add to that the horror component of the “Green Beast” urban legend and “Cut” has absolutely everything I expected from Worley, and more.
July 21, 2025
˗ˏˋ 5 stars ⟡ ݁₊ .
i loved this one! the killer was actually unpredictable and my guess was so off, dont even ask about it. it was super bingeable and i finished the book in a day. and omg the twist!? jaw dropping. might reread it for the slasher film halloween vibes in october again. that's how much fun it was reading this.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
i loved this one! the killer was actually unpredictable and my guess was so off, dont even ask about it. it was super bingeable and i finished the book in a day. and omg the twist!? jaw dropping. might reread it for the slasher film halloween vibes in october again. that's how much fun it was reading this.
⤷ thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 15, 2025
One of my most anticipated 2025 reads and it absolutely slayed in every sense of the word! 🔪✨
The characters are well written, the plot keeps you hanging on, and the writing is just perfect.
If you’re into slasher movies, you need this book on your TBR. I couldn’t predict the ending at all; it’s fresh, clever, and nothing like your usual final girl story.
Bookly reading time: 3hr 6mins
The characters are well written, the plot keeps you hanging on, and the writing is just perfect.
If you’re into slasher movies, you need this book on your TBR. I couldn’t predict the ending at all; it’s fresh, clever, and nothing like your usual final girl story.
Bookly reading time: 3hr 6mins
May 1, 2025
When Haze is cast in the low-budget slasher, Swamp Creatures, Haze believes she will finally get some answers about her father. Swamp Creatures is being filmed in Pine Springs, Louisiana, a place known for the brutal killings of several high school students by the Pine Springs Slasher who is Haze's father. But as the shoot gets underway, several "accidents" occur and after one of the cast dies, Haze believes someone on set is to blame. As the killings continue, Haze must find out the truth about her father and what happened that night.
This book was heart-racing, full of twists with an ending I did not see coming. I could not put this book down as every chapter seemed to hold a new clue about the mystery of the Pine Spring Slasher and who is behind the deaths on Swamp Creatures. With so many possibilities, I could have never guessed the ending. Final Cut is the perfect book for slasher fans.
Final Cut is out October 28th.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review Final Cut. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book was heart-racing, full of twists with an ending I did not see coming. I could not put this book down as every chapter seemed to hold a new clue about the mystery of the Pine Spring Slasher and who is behind the deaths on Swamp Creatures. With so many possibilities, I could have never guessed the ending. Final Cut is the perfect book for slasher fans.
Final Cut is out October 28th.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review Final Cut. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 17, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This was an ok read for me. The ending twist was definitely interesting, but I felt like this was heavily inspired by Scream and just made into a more modern version. This is ok for the YA of today, but for me it was just a little overdone. When the killing started to happen it happened fast which definitely made this fast paced, but it did drag a bit in the beginning.
This was an ok read for me. The ending twist was definitely interesting, but I felt like this was heavily inspired by Scream and just made into a more modern version. This is ok for the YA of today, but for me it was just a little overdone. When the killing started to happen it happened fast which definitely made this fast paced, but it did drag a bit in the beginning.
August 22, 2025
3.5 rounded up
Kept me guessing and I really did like the characters. Took long to read because I was hiking in the White Mountains and didn't bring it along with me
Kept me guessing and I really did like the characters. Took long to read because I was hiking in the White Mountains and didn't bring it along with me
November 27, 2025
I just finished The Final Cut by Olivia Worley and here are my musings.
Haze cannot believe her luck when she gets the lead in a low budget horror movie based on a real crime.. Filmed in the exact location of the original crime. The murders… committed by her father 15 years earlier.
Hoping for this shoot to go well, she doesn’t expect all the suspicious accidents that are happening or the gruesome murder that shocks the cast. There's a real killer on set and now it begs the question.. Is it a copy cat or is the wrong man behind bars?
I wasn’t sure about this one when I picked it up but I threw caution to the wind and I am so glad I did!! The writing was sooo good! Apparently I’m in my YA horror era because this started as a 5 star book and I never changed my mind.
I had zero clue who was doing what! Everyone had secrets… There was an air of mystery to everyone and this book didn’t follow the final formula we normally see with final girl tropes which made my day! It was like a beautifully complex puzzle I needed to solve and I loved the ending!!
I finished it in one sitting and it gave off the best kind of scream vibes! I love a good 90s slasher movie and this book embodied it to perfection!
Totally impressed with this book and author.
5 stars
Thank you to @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
Haze cannot believe her luck when she gets the lead in a low budget horror movie based on a real crime.. Filmed in the exact location of the original crime. The murders… committed by her father 15 years earlier.
Hoping for this shoot to go well, she doesn’t expect all the suspicious accidents that are happening or the gruesome murder that shocks the cast. There's a real killer on set and now it begs the question.. Is it a copy cat or is the wrong man behind bars?
I wasn’t sure about this one when I picked it up but I threw caution to the wind and I am so glad I did!! The writing was sooo good! Apparently I’m in my YA horror era because this started as a 5 star book and I never changed my mind.
I had zero clue who was doing what! Everyone had secrets… There was an air of mystery to everyone and this book didn’t follow the final formula we normally see with final girl tropes which made my day! It was like a beautifully complex puzzle I needed to solve and I loved the ending!!
I finished it in one sitting and it gave off the best kind of scream vibes! I love a good 90s slasher movie and this book embodied it to perfection!
Totally impressed with this book and author.
5 stars
Thank you to @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
September 28, 2025
The best slasher I've read in a while!
I've always loved this concept; a slasher within a slasher, a real slasher happening on a horror movie set. I've read a couple novels with that premise now, and the execution has always disappointed me, until this.
It had everything I could possibly want from this type of story. Great writing, a mystery with a lot of layers and twists, and a fast pace. My favorite part of any slasher is trying to guess who is behind the mask, if there are multiple killers, etc, and this was a great book to get to do that with. Everyone was a suspect and I was only half wrong with my final guess.
Not overly gory, but it was definitely there, and with a high kill count, too. It's young adult, but didn't feel childish at all. I think any horror lover could really have fun here.
Very well crafted, with a lot of obvious love for the genre itself.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
I've always loved this concept; a slasher within a slasher, a real slasher happening on a horror movie set. I've read a couple novels with that premise now, and the execution has always disappointed me, until this.
It had everything I could possibly want from this type of story. Great writing, a mystery with a lot of layers and twists, and a fast pace. My favorite part of any slasher is trying to guess who is behind the mask, if there are multiple killers, etc, and this was a great book to get to do that with. Everyone was a suspect and I was only half wrong with my final guess.
Not overly gory, but it was definitely there, and with a high kill count, too. It's young adult, but didn't feel childish at all. I think any horror lover could really have fun here.
Very well crafted, with a lot of obvious love for the genre itself.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC!
November 5, 2025
I'm a sucker for anything compared to Scream, so there was no way I wasn't going to read this one when it was pitched to me.
I liked Haze. She's passionate and smart and I enjoyed being in her head for this entire thing. She navigates the situation with more poise than I would and is self-aware enough to realize the choices she's making aren't necessarily the best. There are a good amount of other characters; however Haze is the main main.
Plot wise, it was good. It's a bit of a slow build up until the murders start happening and then it's running on tilt. I loved the tension and how I was constantly second guessing everyone. The alt-style chapters were unique and added another layer of WTF-ery.
Overall, this was a fun, quick, and sort of gory read. I will admit wanting just a little more at the end, but this slice of time was excellent.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
I liked Haze. She's passionate and smart and I enjoyed being in her head for this entire thing. She navigates the situation with more poise than I would and is self-aware enough to realize the choices she's making aren't necessarily the best. There are a good amount of other characters; however Haze is the main main.
Plot wise, it was good. It's a bit of a slow build up until the murders start happening and then it's running on tilt. I loved the tension and how I was constantly second guessing everyone. The alt-style chapters were unique and added another layer of WTF-ery.
Overall, this was a fun, quick, and sort of gory read. I will admit wanting just a little more at the end, but this slice of time was excellent.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**
July 6, 2025
4.25⭐️
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this advanced reader copy!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The set up starts off a little slow but by the time the killings start to happen I was hooked. This one only took me two sittings to finish and I couldn’t even put it down to cook dinner 🤣
I really enjoyed the main character and all her little friends. I wasn’t expecting there to be a romantic element but it was so subtle that I think it was a great addition to the story. There was one plot twist I was expecting but there was so much more and I was so shocked!
Comparing this one to another book I read recently that had a “female main character obsessed with horror movies” this one did it perfectly and honestly more authentic.
I think the plot of this book being around shooting a movie was so fun, and it really added to it! I loved the villains character and his costume.
Another one I’m really sad doesn’t come out till this fall because it’s a perfect slasher summer read!
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this advanced reader copy!
I absolutely DEVOURED this book. The set up starts off a little slow but by the time the killings start to happen I was hooked. This one only took me two sittings to finish and I couldn’t even put it down to cook dinner 🤣
I really enjoyed the main character and all her little friends. I wasn’t expecting there to be a romantic element but it was so subtle that I think it was a great addition to the story. There was one plot twist I was expecting but there was so much more and I was so shocked!
Comparing this one to another book I read recently that had a “female main character obsessed with horror movies” this one did it perfectly and honestly more authentic.
I think the plot of this book being around shooting a movie was so fun, and it really added to it! I loved the villains character and his costume.
Another one I’m really sad doesn’t come out till this fall because it’s a perfect slasher summer read!
July 27, 2025
INSANE book. i love haze so much she is such a great character. one of the best horror books ive read and i love how it was set up! read this when it comes out!
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