Body Count

by Codie Crowley

In this sapphic slasher novel, Sundae Valentine made a deal with a monster in Wildwood, N.J., when she was a child, and barely escaped with her life. Six years later, Sundae’s braving Wildwood again for a killer beach party to celebrate prom with the cheerleaders and the football team. But the monster is back, too, and this time he’ll stop at nothing to make sure she pays her debts.

Genres: Horror, Young Adult, Thriller, LGBT, Queer, Lesbian, Contemporary

304 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication May 5, 2026

About the author

Codie Crowley once told a scary story that caused mass hysteria at a slumber party, and she’s been chasing that high ever since. When she isn't writing chilling fiction, she's probably out looking for ghosts in Salem, Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, their cat, and a collection of creepy dolls.


Her debut novel, Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch, is coming August 2024 from Disney-Hyperion.

Reviews

[SJARR ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up (with skepticism) “Feminist horror” is an interesting description for this. Not saying it wrong, because everyone has their own unique perspective on things, and what makes a story feminist coded. But, it’s interesting.

I am not sure this should be marketed the way that it is.
Granted, the main character is 18. So, technically not a minor- but still young enough to fall into the “teens and YA” category (12-18)
But, there is a lot of sex talk, girls referring to themselves as "sluts", wearing "pleasers" (which I assume are those heels commonly worn by women in the adult industry), among a few other things that I won't list.
It is not just about the age of the characters- but also the age of the intended audience.
Because of this, I think “new adult” category would be a better fit.
I don't want to judge the entire book based on what I think is a marketing oversight- but please do take notice of this.

As for the plot, I do think it was interesting.
Here we meet Sundae, a girl that had a run in with a ghost, and received 3 wishes.
But, those 3 wishes did not come without a price. A price that she hasn’t yet paid.
Fast forward years later, the ghost is ready to collect his due, and he will hurt anyone to get it.

This starts to pick up around the 40-50% mark, and becomes filled with a lot of action and some ghostly energy.
At one point a character says that the situation feels super “Wes Craven”, to which I say- kind of?
I am a horror fanatic, so I think thats quite the statement. And we should probably leave Wes Craven out of this.
But I can see the modern twist on the classic teenage slasher theme coming through in several aspects of the story.
This gives it some bonus points in my book, because I do like those vibes.

Another selling point for me has to be the romantic subplot.
There is some sapphic romance going on here, with the main characters Sundae and Lia- who also spend much of the story working together to survive and take down the ghost.
This, I liked!
A fun and romantic twist on the typical “best friends teaming up to catch the killer” thing that we see a lot in stuff like this.

Overall, the plot of this book has a lot of potential.
Though, it was a bit difficult for me to see past the sexualization that I mentioned at the beginning of this review.
I think with some minor tweaks to this story and its marketing, it could be pretty decent.

Thank you to Netgalley, Disney Publishing Worldwide | Disney Hyperion and author Codie Crowley for providing me with the eARC of “Body Count”, in exchange for my honest review.
Publication date: May 05, 2025

[billie ⊹ ݁₊ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was so excited for this!! but it was completely different than what I thought it was going to be. This felt weirdly really young? like how it was written felt so young, while reading it, it was confusing thinking who this book was for.

I never really started to care about the characters or the story, I was just kind of waiting for it to end. Special thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the e-arc! I wish I had liked this because on paper it sounded so much like something I would like! (It also sort of reminded me of those Fear Street movies on netflix!)

[Elyse Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review!
Have you ever wondered what would happen if your childhood boogeyman made a return to try and ruin your prom, your love life, AND - well - your life as a whole? If so, this is the book for you! Crowley makes Sundae's story gripping from start to finish. There's never a dull moment, and it kept me wondering what would happen next. The characters were so relatable, and even featured some jerky high school jocks (because, let's be real, what school doesn't have those?). And the title kind of being a double pun? LOVE IT!

[Keysha]

Excited!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

It was both oddly slow and fast paced. It's entertaining and fun enough to keep me locked in till the end. It honestly felt like one of those early 2000's teen horror comedies. The dialogue both cringe (in a way that WORKS and was actually funny) while being snappy and sarcastic. Kind of a bit like a Diablo Cody screenplay. Not really one of those books you need to think too hard with, just crack it open and enjoy the ride.

My complaint is that some of the themes and topics feels like it should be marketed as adult or new adult rather than young adult but what do I know. I think once this releases I'm going to give it another go because it DOES feel like at least a four star read for me, but it was hard to focus because the quality of the arc was a nightmare for my terrible eyes. I really wanted this one so bad I suffered through a PDF lmao

Thank you to Disney Hyperion and netgalley for the arc.

[Melissa Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Codie Crowley is a Horror Writing Queen!! This was one of the best books I read this year. I fell in love with her first book Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch and I learned that I loved her writing style. In her new book she brings the best form of campy horror movies to the page. Codie is now my instantly add to cart author. Not only did I get to meet her in Salem, MA but she signed my copy of HLVB. But back to the Body Count loves! This book will keep you hanging on your seat! I couldnt put it down, the need to know what happens next will have you in a choke hold. I fell in love with Sundae and Lia. I want a book two!! This message is for Codie only haha: when I was reading Body Count all I could picture was you as Sundae and your voice in my head as I was reading for her character! I love you and your writing!!

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 ⭐️

I love horror novels for girls! This was so fun!
The setting really sets this story apart from most because there aren’t many thrillers that take place on a vibrant beach. The boardwalk/motel descriptions also add a nice pop of colour to the otherwise dark storyline. The use of saltwater taffy was also a really nice touch. I will say, however, that I wish the story had just a little bit more build up, because it felt like the story peaked a little too early with how fast and chaotic everything was right from the beginning of the book. The chaos was very entertaining though! There was almost never a dull moment!

Ty NetGalley for the early access x

[Alenna Burleson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this story we follow Sundae. When she was a child her and her mother had to go on the run from her abusive father. Winding up in a motel, Sundae comes face to face with a creature that grants her wishes. When she’s all grown up her and her cheerleader friends make it back to that town, but Sundae still has her debts to pay.

This book was genuinely a blast! Sundae’s character was so teen coded I absolutely loved her and her friends. This whole book felt like teenage jersey shore mixed with horror it was such an amazing time.

There were scenes in here that were so just out there and creative that this made it such an immersive and gripping story!

[Cristina Casas · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from Disney Publishing, all opinions are my own.

Codie’s latest book is perfect for fans of Jennifer’s Body and the CW’s Nancy Drew.

I think while some people might find Sundae to be a difficult character, I really liked her. I also loved Lia & her friends.

I do think the plot could have used some sureing up. I had a lot of questions about the monster, it felt very thrown together but perhaps there was something I was missing not being from New Jersey.

This was a great intro to absurdist horror like Chuck Tingle’s works, but lacked the strong messaging. It was super fun though!

[chelle_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Codie Crowley has done it again! They say the second book you write is the hardest but she delivered another absolute bombshell. I loved how seamlessly we jumped to different time frames. It was a really beneficial to see what happened to Sundae 7 years ago vs what’s happening now. I loved the true pure friendships in this story too. It’s not often we read about women lifting up women! Now I just wonder, is he gone for good?! He had no where left to hide but in horrors you never really know. Thank you so much Netgalley for this early readers copy!

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

~thank you to Disney/ Hyperion publisher, and the author & NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review~

Not what I was expecting going into this. But this was a good read. Super vivid, all the details. It felt more like a fantasy type book (or supernatural) than a horror book, although it was a little creepy. & it ended well which is a plus.

[BookishKB]

🩸 Body Count🩸

📖 Bookish Thoughts
I’ll be sharing my full review closer to publication date.

🖤 What to Expect
• YA queer horror
• Prom weekend
• Slasher energy
• Wish gone wrong
• Monster bargain
• Boardwalk setting
• Final girl
_ _ _

📅 Pub Date: May 5, 2026
📝 Thank you to Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Jessica Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Codie Crowley knows how to have fun. Body count is a wild ride, complete with pool-dwelling evil spirits, wishes gone wrong, and a whole heap of chaotic mayhem. The fact that Crowley was able to intertwine a sapphic love story of some kind is really just icing on the cake. If you enjoyed "Here Lies a Vengeful Bitch" give this one a go too. Crowley brings that same creativity and energy to an entirely new tale in "Body Count."

[Brittany Paty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did really enjoy this book! I would say that in terms of being YA, I would proceed with caution if giving as a gift. It does have some more explicit language and sexual content than Codie’s debut, but that wasn’t a turn off for me. I enjoyed the flow of the story and how even though it started somewhat slow, it had pieces in each chapter to keep me interested in where the story was going. The beginning feels a little more world building and “how we got here”.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters and the vintage vibes of the world this story is set around. Again, Codie weaves a multi-faceted tale with paranormal, murder mystery, 1950s theming, etc. and it is a style that I find refreshing and I am the target audience for this.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC reader copy as a gift and cannot wait for its official release in May!

[Mairéad Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly highly recommend. I was so lucky to get this as an ARC from the NCTE conference. This book was such a fun read. A 3 wishes story with a horror twist. I’m not usually a horror/thriller reader but the cover and description drew me in. I keep describing this to people as super campy, which puts such an interesting twist on the terror aspect. I enjoyed this the whole way through and have been recommending it to every and anyone!!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

BEGGING teachers to read this book before adding it to their library. I would not count this as YA.

[Kate Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5

Pure lesbian chaos. What if, by wishing you had asked out that hot girl that was flirting with you... you accidentally release a killer ghost hellbent on vengeance against her? That's the dilemma Lia and Sundae face in this novel.

Sundae stayed in Wildwood as a young girl, when she and her mother were fleeing her abusive father. One nigh Sundae met a being in the pool that said it could grant her three wishes. After he first wish, a hotel employee and friend dies, but Sundae is too young to connect the dots, the second wish leads to another attempted murder before Sundae and her mom get out of dodge yet again. Years down the line, Sundae and her friends are going back to Wildwood for their prom weekend, making her nervous of what ghosts may arise. The weekend starts out tame, with Sundae and her friends focused on their hookup game and having fun, and Sundae meeting Lia, a cute singer for a band playing at the motel. But when a third wish is finally made by someone Sundae knows, all hell is unleashed upon Wildwood, and no one at the Coral Cove Motel is safe. Can Lia and Sundae save themselves and their friends? & More importantly, will they get a second date?

Very Gen Z Mean Girls humor, I can easily picture a film version of this, but the cringe may not be for everyone.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this novel.

[Blaiz Ferrel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/4

This book felt like a fever dream of lesbian, kick-ass, chaotic horror. I honestly don’t even know how to fully describe it except to say it was creepy, wild, and completely addictive. I could not put it down and I had a good time.

I will say, I wouldn’t classify this as YA for younger teens. Definitely not 12–15. There’s a lot of sex talk—these girls even have a “Slut Cup” competition for the highest body count of the weekend and win a Slut Crown. As an adult- How fun is that?! 🤫🤭 For my 12-year-old? Absolutely not.

Codie Crowley gives you gore, queer chaos, beach-town dread, and a monster that feels like it’s always breathing down your neck. Sundae was such an interesting character to follow as she’s forced to face the thing she’s been running from for years…and the Jersey Shore setting adds this gritty, neon-lit edge that I loved. Truly a creepy little gem.

Sundae Valentine once made a deadly deal with a monster lurking in a motel pool—and she still owes him a final wish that will cost her life. Now, returning to the Jersey Shore for prom weekend, she tries to drown her fears in parties, rides, and a girl who’s impossible to ignore. But the monster hasn’t forgotten. And he’s ready to collect…no matter who he has to kill along the way.

[Nicole Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Codie Crowley’s “Body Count” is a blood-soaked, chaotic, and unapologetically feminist take on the classic slasher with a supernatural twist and a sapphic heartbeat pulsing underneath all the gore. This upper YA (though I also can consider this a New Adult) horror story embraces both camp and carnage as it explores sexuality, trauma, and revenge through the intertwined perspectives of Sundae and Lia.

At its core, “Body Count follows” Sundae, a girl who once made a deal with a demon in exchange for three innocent childhood wishes, each of which came with devastating consequences. Now, years later, that same demon is back to collect what he’s owed, leaving a trail of blood, bodies, and chaos in his wake. Alongside Lia, a musician who may be on the verge of repeating Sundae’s mistakes, she must confront her past and the monstrous masculinity that lurks both within the demon and the world around her.

Crowley doesn’t shy away from violence or sexuality—two forces that often intertwine throughout the book. Sundae’s unapologetic embrace of her sexuality and the story’s exploration of slut-shaming and toxic masculinity make it a sharp, if at times uneven, example of “feminist horror.” The sapphic romance between Sundae and Lia adds a softer counterpoint to the carnage, grounding the mayhem in moments of intimacy and resilience.

The story’s pacing is intense. Once it hits the halfway mark, it explodes into a nonstop sequence of grotesque, vividly written action scenes that read like a neon-soaked fever dream. Crowley’s descriptive prose and knack for dialogue make the characters feel alive (and, often, painfully doomed). The vivid imagery of carnival settings, demonic hauntings, and revenge-fueled chaos immerses you in an atmosphere that’s both gruesome and strangely exhilarating.

Still, “Body Count” isn’t without its flaws. Since it’s subjective, the humor may feel cringy or forced at times, and the tonal shifts between dark comedy, gore, and heartfelt reflection can feel jarring. The villain’s backstory occasionally strains logic as I wanted more development of who he really was as that was really unique.

Despite its uneven execution, “Body Count” stands out for its ambition and voice. It’s a bold, bloody, and bizarre slasher that wears its feminist themes on its sleeve and revels in horror’s messy, transgressive power. Crowley’s writing shines brightest when it leans into its darkly comedic, self-aware energy.

Overall, “Body Count” is a wild and gory ride with heart and bite. It’s part feminist manifesto, part haunted carnival from hell. “Body Count” doesn’t always hit the mark, but it’s impossible to look away from the spectacle.

[Mariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let us walk in sapphic longing together in the haunted forest! A blood splattering slashing of a fun time with Codie Crawley’s latest, Body Count. Crawley’s slasher is gratifying, comedic, with the balance of spice and chills! Do not be fooled by the pink cover - the vivacious descriptions in Crawley’s writing are abrasively chilling with a dark comedic edge. Millennial readers will catch the horror and pop culture references throughout the narrative.
Crawley is a masteress of writing dialogue and making the readers feel like they are a part of an active conversation. The character’s personality come alive through dialogue and set a strong sense of scene in this spooky carnival adventure. I can feel the character’s anxieties, their hopes, and their screams. Make sure you have some cotton candy to enjoy while you read a horror that blends Scream Queens and Halloween.
The Rob Zombie reference was my favorite throughout the entire narrative. Crawley clearly understands the depth of the horror genre. And I agree with the commentary that you will read in that passage. There is something about horror writers that truly know how to make a sub-genre of horror truly their own. What Crawley makes her own is keeping things fresh, real, and eerie with the right amount of description to get the blood flowing through your veins. The Cube reference is very niche. All I can think of is my spouse having me watch each and every cube one single night.
Amusement park thrills that pack a chilling crisp punch in Autumn. A descriptive scene setting that stays consistent in Crawley’s writing. I appreciate her commitment to fully understanding the vibes of fall that blow the cold through your bones and essence of being. A grotesque love letter that creates dynamic personalities that gives depth and love to the slasher genre. Thank you Crawley, Disney, and Netgalley for this advanced digital arc.


Read more reviews, recommendations, and impressions on my blog https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com

[S. Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sundae was a child when she and her mother fled her abusive father and ended up at a motel in Wildwood, where a monster in the pool offered her three wishes in exchange for a price she couldn't yet comprehend (and that also he conveniently forgot to mention.) Years later, she returns to Wildwood for prom weekend and meets Lia, a musician playing a show at the motel where she and her cheerleader friends are staying. They have amazing chemistry, and a connection that could actually be beautiful.

But Sundae is exhausting to spend time with. Not because of who she is as a person; she's got confidence and swagger, and I respect that, there's something appealing about that. The problem is Crowley keeps filling her mouth with language that's so stupidly, aggressively trendy it sounds dumb coming out of her. To be fair to Sundae, it would sound dumb coming out of anyone. Every time there was space for something real to happen between her and Lia, the dialogue would pull me out of it completely. I wanted to care about them. Instead, I found myself irritated by the way Sundae talks. If I were Lia's friend, I might be furtively shaking my head and sternly whispering at her every chance I got, GIRL NO.

The monster is even worse. I never understood what he actually wanted or why he was doing any of this. The book doesn't explain his logic or his motivation in any way that makes any damn sense. He shows up demanding payment, he kills people, but, like...why?

Crowley clearly has a vision for this. There's fun in the chaos and the gore and the campy beach-town dread, but I found myself frequently closing the book out of sheer exhaustion and embarassment The humor was so cringy that it kept taking me out of every moment that mattered. The dialogue kept pulling me out. The villain kept pulling me out. I kept waiting for something to truly pull me back in, but it never did.

[Tori · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐⭐

BODY COUNT by Codie Crowley (May 5, 2026)

Thank you Netgalley and Disney Hyperion for the eArc

Seven years after Sundae Valentine barely escaped Wildwood alive---after taking three wishes from a monster at the bottom of a pool---she, the cheerleaders, and the football players are headed back for prom weekend. Sundae throws herself into parties, trying to forget, but Holly Jolly is still at the back of her mind. He's there, and he's determined to collect his debt.
BODY COUNT is a slasher/horror novel that is very upper YA---maybe to the point that it should be marketed as New Adult. Honestly, it surprised me that a publishing imprint with Disney in the title is publishing this. You hear Disney and think "for younger people," and this is not.
This book is a mess. Very, very all over the place. There was no clear direction as it switches from Sundae to Lia and everything in between. Literally, this is about a girl who has awoken a monster, but it didn't feel like this is what it was about. It was really try hard: trying to be relevant with the way the characters spoke, how they acted, and it focused entirely too much on "romance" (if you can even call it that) than the task at hand: surviving a monster who literally wanted to k*ll them. Even when they were knee deep in crazy, blood, attacks, "romance" was primary focus.
There were so many times during the course of BODY COUNT where I wanted to DNF it. The book was drawn out. In my opinion, it didn't get interesting until the 70 ish percent mark. That's when things got real. And for the smallest moment, the pacing picked up. Key words: smallest moment. The ending was so boring, kind of flat.

[Chapters&Chaos · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was definitely outside of my usual reading lane, but I actually ended up enjoying parts of it more than I expected and did have fun reading it.

The story follows Sundae, who encounters a ghost when she is a child and is granted three wishes… without realizing there’s a cost attached. She ends up escaping the ghost once, but finds herself back where it all started on prom weekend. From there, things take a darker turn with a mix of suspense, romance, and supernatural elements.

I really liked the underlying suspense and the backstory, it kept me curious and wanting to see where things were going. The characters felt relatable and realistic given the age range, and Sundae was a likeable enough FMC to stay invested in. I also really liked the ending.

There’s also a romance element between Sundae and Lia (the other FMC) that added another layer to the story, especially with both characters navigating their own struggles.

That said, the pacing felt more medium to slow at times, which made it a bit harder to stay fully engaged throughout. I also found myself wanting more detail and depth around the supernatural side, especially the “monster” aspect. I kept asking what does he actually want and why?

Overall, this was a unique blend of horror, romance, and suspense. Not exactly my typical go-to, but I appreciated trying something different and found parts of it really interesting and fun. The messaging behind it, that everything has a price was also good in my opinion.

I do agree with others that this definitely has a lot of sexual content to be considered YA, and should lean more into the new adult category.

[Jessi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I thought it would be —and somehow even more. I had an absolute blast reading it and ended up finishing it in one sitting because I simply couldn’t put it down.

The premise immediately drew me in: a sapphic slasher set in Wildwood, where Sundae Valentine returns years after somehow getting out of a childhood deal she made with a monster that nearly cost her her life. Now, with a beach party meant to celebrate prom, the past comes roaring back in the most terrifying and unexpected way.

What really made this story stand out was the execution. The tension and horror elements were incredibly well done, but the banter between the friends was truly perfection. It felt natural, sharp, and added so much heart to the story I found myself genuinely invested in every character.

I especially loved how things played out between Lia and Sundae their dynamic added an extra layer to the story that made it even more engaging. Lia and her friends were such a great addition as well; they were funny, memorable, and brought so much energy to the book.

I don’t say this often, but this felt like it was made for the screen. I would absolutely love to see it adapted into a movie. While I’m not sure how it would translate into a series, I would happily return to this world if given the chance.

I also have to mention how much I love this author. I would read anything she writes—her voice, pacing, and character work completely won me over.

This is my honest and voluntary review. Thank you, Codie Crowley and NetGalley, for an eARC copy of this absolutely fantastic thriller.

[MattReadstheRoom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Body Count — 4.75 ⭐️

Sundae Valentine is a little girl staying at a motel with her mom when she notices a rule scribbled in red at the bottom of the pool sign: “Don’t open your eyes underwater.” Naturally, she breaks it — only to see a monster. The ghost of Holly Jolly, who offers her 3 wishes in the form of candy. One deal later, we flash forward to prom weekend, where Sundae and her cheerleader friends head to Wildwood, NJ to play a slutty little game to see who can rack up the highest “body count.”

As the sluttiest girl in school, Sundae has no problem winning… except she’s uneasy about returning to Wildwood, where something traumatic happened seven years ago — something everyone sort of knows about but not really. It’s about to get wild in Wildwood this weekend, and this game they’re playing won’t be the only “body count” for these cheerleaders.

Campy, queer, messy, slasher/monster vibes. It’s giving I Know What You Did Last Summer.

I loved this. It’s so much fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sundae is my new favorite chaotic gay icon, and this entire story is exactly the kind of unhinged horror camp I want more of.

And I’m sorry…but I need a sequel.
A Holly Jolly Christmas? 🎄
Give me Black Christmas energy! Since this book is prom, it makes sense that next for Sundae would be college. A snowed-in sorority house, Sundae climbing the college social ladder while Holly Jolly returns to grant her “one final wish.” 👀 🤷‍♂️

Thank you NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Body Count by Codie Crowley
⭐⭐⭐
Thank you to NetGalley’s Public Catalog and Disney Publishing Worldwide for the eARC!
Body Count follows two FMCs throughout the story: Sundae and Lia. As a child, Sundae was given the opportunity to make three wishes…but at what cost? Sundae has a traumatic past that she is forced to confront when she returns to her hometown of Wildwood for her senior prom after-party. Along with a group of cheerleaders and football players, she heads back to Wildwood for a prom weekend getaway. But will their weekend go as planned?
During the trip, Sundae runs into Lia, the lead singer of the band Mortica. Lia is dealing with her own trauma after a failed show in Philly and lingering resentment from two of her bandmates. Will Lia be able to overcome her fears, or will something darker push her forward?
I will start by saying that I feel this book should be categorized as New Adult rather than YA due to some of the content and the explicit nature of certain sexual scenes.
I gave this book three stars mainly due to two factors. First, I wasn’t a fan of the mix of slut-shaming and slut-glorification in the story—especially when characters brag about winning a “slut cup” during their prom weekend. It left a bad taste in my mouth, and I feel that exposing that type of content to the typical YA demographic (ages 12–18) is a bit much.
Second, I felt the story lacked enough explanation behind why Holly Jolly was doing what he was doing. That motivation felt underdeveloped, which made parts of the plot less impactful than they could have been.

[NIKKI · Rating 4 out of 5]

🌴Arc book review 🌴

𝐵𝑜𝑑𝑦 𝐶𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡 𝐵𝑦: 𝐶𝑜𝑑𝑖𝑒 𝐶𝑟𝑜𝑤𝑙𝑒𝑦 🦩🏩

Rating: 3.75 rounded up ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sapphic, YA, horror all rolled up into one. Perfect for my ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙𝑠, 𝑔𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑦𝑠!

I loved the writing style of this book so much! I had moments where I felt at unease and uncertainty, dread and that scary prickling feeling you get when something is lurking at the deep end of the pool.

This was a fun, medium paced sapphic, horror/thriller/paranormal read. At 11 years old on the run Sundae and her mom flee to a motel. There she meets 𝐻𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝐽𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑦, a monster who grants her 3 wishes but she soon realizes those wishes come with a price.

Seven years later Sundae’s school is headed back to the Jersey Shore for Prom and she has no choice but to return. While there she meets a guitar playing, rock band baddie who gives off a leather jacket Winona Ryder type of vibe. I also see like a Wednesday/Enid vibe if it was sapphic.

Sundae still owes her debt and the monster will do anything to collect..

Highly recommend this book! It would be super fun to read during the summer as it gives like creepy spring break slasher! I loved loved the relationship between Sundae and Lia. You could literally feel the energy they had leaping off the pages!

Oh and the police car scene… my jaw came unhinged. The way it played out in my head was like a scene from a horror movie. There was nothing YA about it! I’m still thinking about it long after the book.

Thank you so much NETGALLEY & Disney Publishing for the arc! This was fun from beginning to end and really took me out of my reading slump

𝑃𝑢𝑏 𝐷𝑎𝑡𝑒: 𝟶𝟻.𝟶𝟻.𝟸𝟼

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review!!

Body Count - Double Meaning - How many sexual partners you have had. - How many dead bodies at a scene of a crime. -

We get both in this rollercoaster ride of a book. While I will admit that I am likely not the target audience of this book, I had a really good time reading this. We follow Sundae as she returns to a place on prom weekend, that she has a traumatic past with. While on this weekend trip, the Slut Cup is in full effect. Also coming into town is Lia and her band, and this is Lia's first time preforming since the "Incident" in Philly.

Overall I really enjoyed the story, it was pretty fast paced after getting a few chapters in. I did get a little annoyed at a couple of scenes that had some buzz phrases, and that did bring my experience down some. Once things kick off, the action is pretty non stop. I felt the panic with the characters as they navigated this brutal story. I wouldn't say that I loved any of the characters with the exception of Neeli, Edison and Dallas, and they aren't even main characters. The way the entity in this is crafted is really well done, and a fun idea at that. I also love so much of the craziness taking place at the boardwalk.

Great fun story, a lot to keep you interested and the last 60% becomes very hard to put down. Highly recommend.

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body Count by Codie Crowley is a YA horror novel that blends a campy slasher setup with supernatural elements and a beach-town setting. Centered around a prom weekend trip to Wildwood, the story follows Sundae Valentine as a past connection to something dangerous begins to resurface, turning what should be a fun getaway into something much darker.

What stood out to me most was the premise. The combination of a summery, nostalgic setting with a supernatural twist gives the story a fun, high-concept hook, and it leans into that mix of teen chaos, friendship dynamics, and looming danger in a way that feels very accessible for its target audience. There’s also a strong sense of energy throughout, especially in the way the group interactions and relationships drive the story forward.

This is very much a YA horror in tone, with a focus on character dynamics, romance, and a more playful, campy approach to its darker elements. I can see this working especially well for younger readers or anyone looking for a lighter, fast-paced horror read that blends tension with a bit of humor and heart.

Overall, Body Count has a fun, engaging concept and a tone that feels well-suited to readers who enjoy teen horror with a supernatural edge. I think it will resonate most with those looking for an entertaining, character-driven story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. 3.5/5.

[Nikki Kossaris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body Count by Codie Crowley is exactly the kind of chaotic, sunburnt horror that lures you in with neon lights and beach vibes and then drags you under.

This one feels like a fever dream set at the Jersey Shore. Sticky, electric, and just a little feral. You’ve got prom weekend, tequila, rides on the pier, and that reckless “nothing bad can touch me” energy. Except something very bad already did, and it’s not done yet.

Sundae really worked for me as a main character. There’s this constant tension between her trying to be a normal teenager and the very real fact that she made a deal she doesn’t understand. That dread hums under everything. Even the softer moments, especially with the girl she can’t stop orbiting, feel edged with it. Those parts were tender in a way that made the horror hit harder.

And the monster is genuinely unsettling. The imagery, silver coin eyes and rusted teeth, sticks in your brain in that gross, intrusive way. It’s not just scary. It lingers.

The pacing leans fast and a little chaotic, but it fits. It feels like a spiral, like everything is slipping just a bit out of control the whole time. If you want something clean and tidy, this isn’t it. But if you like messy, sharp, emotionally charged horror, it works.

Overall, this felt like grief, bad decisions, queer longing, and summer horror all tangled together, and I was into it.