What do you think?
Rate this book
Let's Split Up #2
Be Right Back
DO YOU DARE STEP OUT ALONE?
A year has passed since the events in Sanera left the town reeling. Buffy, Jonesy, Amber and Cam unmasked the killer of 2001, but now, a new horror stirs.
Back for the inaugural Hallowed Fall Fest where tourists wander the streets in masks and costumes, the bodies start piling up. With each new death, the gang is left a cryptic clue, leading them deeper into a horrifying mystery. But soon, they realise the killings are no longer confined to Sanera.
An online forum is filled with speculation about local legends, and there is a clue buried within it … if the gang can work it out, they will be able to stop the killer in their tracks… but it’s possible the killer is one step ahead. It all leads to a grand finale, back where it all began…if they can make it there…alive.
SCREAM meets SCOOBY DOO. From the bestselling author of Let’s Split Up.
A year has passed since the events in Sanera left the town reeling. Buffy, Jonesy, Amber and Cam unmasked the killer of 2001, but now, a new horror stirs.
Back for the inaugural Hallowed Fall Fest where tourists wander the streets in masks and costumes, the bodies start piling up. With each new death, the gang is left a cryptic clue, leading them deeper into a horrifying mystery. But soon, they realise the killings are no longer confined to Sanera.
An online forum is filled with speculation about local legends, and there is a clue buried within it … if the gang can work it out, they will be able to stop the killer in their tracks… but it’s possible the killer is one step ahead. It all leads to a grand finale, back where it all began…if they can make it there…alive.
SCREAM meets SCOOBY DOO. From the bestselling author of Let’s Split Up.
352 pages, Paperback
Published March 3, 2026
About the author
Bill Wood
5 books526 followersBill Wood is a British author of young adult mysteries and adult fantasy. After earning a degree in Film & Screenwriting at Birmingham City University, he worked as a bookseller while writing his novels and building a presence on TikTok.
His debut novel, Let’s Split Up was published by Scholastic in September 2024 and quickly became the UK’s fastest-selling YA debut of the year. It was followed by two bestselling sequels, Be Right Back and One Last Scare.
Nightslayer, his adult debut will be released May 2027.
When he’s not writing, Bill can usually be found watching old Scooby-Doo reruns or spending time with his dog, Macey.
His debut novel, Let’s Split Up was published by Scholastic in September 2024 and quickly became the UK’s fastest-selling YA debut of the year. It was followed by two bestselling sequels, Be Right Back and One Last Scare.
Nightslayer, his adult debut will be released May 2027.
When he’s not writing, Bill can usually be found watching old Scooby-Doo reruns or spending time with his dog, Macey.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 470 reviews
November 7, 2025
Be Right Back is the sequel to Bill Wood's 2025-release, Let's Split Up. These are YA Horror books that follow a group of friends in the small town of Sanera, California.
These novels are multi-perspective and channel all the fun spooky vibes of 80s and 90s Horror Fiction. There's something about these books that feels nostalgic to me. I think it's Bill Wood's set-up and delivery. They're very fun.
This sequel is set a year after the events of Let's Split Up. Our friends, Amber, Buffy, Jonesy and Cam, have all now graduated high school, and moved on to their next steps as young adults. They've all left town, attending different colleges, except for Cam, who has stuck around and is currently an assistant coach at their old high school.
The start of this novel finds Amber, Buffy and Jonesy all returning home to attend the Sanera Halloween Festival. It's the first time they've reunited, and it feels so good.
That is until the murders start. The gang, now known as the Sanera Four, is thrust into a grisly mystery as the Halloween Festival descends into chaos. It seems someone is using local legends as inspirations to commit their heinous crimes.
It's clear the killer wants to get the attention of the Sanera Four, as the legends they're choosing seem to specifically target the myths they once debunked. With the gang drawing unwanted attention, they must solve the mystery and catch the killer before they have a chance to strike again.
It didn't take me long to remember why I liked Let's Split Up so much. I was so happy and excited to be back with this great cast of characters that Wood has created. The Sanera Four are all well-developed, and I love getting each of their perspectives over the course of the book.
Another aspect I adore is the heavy Scooby-Doo vibes, which if you've read the Author's Note of the 1st-book, you realize is intentional. But it's not just Scooby-Doo. They're pretty trope heavy, so feel nostaglic in that way, which I enjoy.
For example, this one was giving me sort of combined I Still Know What You Did Last Summer with Urban Legends; both popular Teen Screams of 1998. When I'm reminded of Horror media of the past that I've loved through a story, without it feeling copy-catty, I'm happy.
Bill Wood makes me happy.
I also respect how these books don't take themselves too seriously. They're pure entertainment, so if you're looking for an entertaining and nostalgic feeling YA Horror series, I would absolutely recommend these books.
There's already been a 3rd-book announced, One Last Scare, which is slated to release in October of 2026. I'm planning to be first in line for that. I cannot wait.
Thank you to the publisher, Scholastic, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm not sure how many books are going to end up being in this series, but either way, I have a feeling Bill Wood and I are going to have a long and beautiful friendship!
These novels are multi-perspective and channel all the fun spooky vibes of 80s and 90s Horror Fiction. There's something about these books that feels nostalgic to me. I think it's Bill Wood's set-up and delivery. They're very fun.
This sequel is set a year after the events of Let's Split Up. Our friends, Amber, Buffy, Jonesy and Cam, have all now graduated high school, and moved on to their next steps as young adults. They've all left town, attending different colleges, except for Cam, who has stuck around and is currently an assistant coach at their old high school.
The start of this novel finds Amber, Buffy and Jonesy all returning home to attend the Sanera Halloween Festival. It's the first time they've reunited, and it feels so good.
That is until the murders start. The gang, now known as the Sanera Four, is thrust into a grisly mystery as the Halloween Festival descends into chaos. It seems someone is using local legends as inspirations to commit their heinous crimes.
It's clear the killer wants to get the attention of the Sanera Four, as the legends they're choosing seem to specifically target the myths they once debunked. With the gang drawing unwanted attention, they must solve the mystery and catch the killer before they have a chance to strike again.
It didn't take me long to remember why I liked Let's Split Up so much. I was so happy and excited to be back with this great cast of characters that Wood has created. The Sanera Four are all well-developed, and I love getting each of their perspectives over the course of the book.
Another aspect I adore is the heavy Scooby-Doo vibes, which if you've read the Author's Note of the 1st-book, you realize is intentional. But it's not just Scooby-Doo. They're pretty trope heavy, so feel nostaglic in that way, which I enjoy.
For example, this one was giving me sort of combined I Still Know What You Did Last Summer with Urban Legends; both popular Teen Screams of 1998. When I'm reminded of Horror media of the past that I've loved through a story, without it feeling copy-catty, I'm happy.
Bill Wood makes me happy.
I also respect how these books don't take themselves too seriously. They're pure entertainment, so if you're looking for an entertaining and nostalgic feeling YA Horror series, I would absolutely recommend these books.
There's already been a 3rd-book announced, One Last Scare, which is slated to release in October of 2026. I'm planning to be first in line for that. I cannot wait.
Thank you to the publisher, Scholastic, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm not sure how many books are going to end up being in this series, but either way, I have a feeling Bill Wood and I are going to have a long and beautiful friendship!
October 14, 2025
If you want scooby doo read it i guess
April 3, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
This sequel definitely brings back the same Scooby-doo vibes as Let’s Split Up, even more so, I’d say!
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first, but I still was thoroughly entertained. Definitely a reading-slump-curing series with super fast pacing & predictable but engaging plot twists.
This sequel definitely brings back the same Scooby-doo vibes as Let’s Split Up, even more so, I’d say!
I didn’t enjoy this one quite as much as the first, but I still was thoroughly entertained. Definitely a reading-slump-curing series with super fast pacing & predictable but engaging plot twists.
October 9, 2025
Bill's sequel packs in so many things I love: a spooky festival, creepy mansion, local legends and a masked killer. Fun and twisty with a found family at its heart, I can’t wait to see what Bill writes next!
April 23, 2026
Overall Rating : C+
"The sequel is always bigger, with more deaths, more blood, and nobody is off-limits."
If you liked the first book, you'll like this one. For me, it was a little too similar for me to properly enjoy it, but it was fun, quick, and campy.
"The sequel is always bigger, with more deaths, more blood, and nobody is off-limits."
If you liked the first book, you'll like this one. For me, it was a little too similar for me to properly enjoy it, but it was fun, quick, and campy.
October 12, 2025
did i guess who the killer was immediately… yes . but did i read this in two sittings bc it was that good… also yes . very fun read i liked how meta it was about knowing it was a sequel
October 12, 2025
ooooo so spooky - lost 1 ⭐️because i guessed the killer instantly :( but still was a v good mystery
October 26, 2025
2.75 stars
Cam really is the Dewey of this series 😭😭😭😭
I love the plots of these books but nothing happened for the first third and it’s so obvious who the killers are 😭😭😭
Although Bill how was an 18 year old a secret investor in a museum????
ALSO WHY DO THE REST OF THE FOUR NOT GAF WHENEVER CAM GETS HURT???
ANOTHER THING, I WAS EXPECTING MORE FROM AMBER’S POV AFTER KILLING GRAHAM???
Cam really is the Dewey of this series 😭😭😭😭
I love the plots of these books but nothing happened for the first third and it’s so obvious who the killers are 😭😭😭
Although Bill how was an 18 year old a secret investor in a museum????
ALSO WHY DO THE REST OF THE FOUR NOT GAF WHENEVER CAM GETS HURT???
ANOTHER THING, I WAS EXPECTING MORE FROM AMBER’S POV AFTER KILLING GRAHAM???
November 1, 2025
i literally guessed who the killer was so early on so there wasn’t much suspense throughout the book - i also didn’t feel like there was that much character development from the first book
side note: chapter 19 is supposed to be from cam’s pov but mentioned him in third person? it also mentioned all of the other characters in third person too so couldn’t have been anyone’s else’s pov🙃
side note: chapter 19 is supposed to be from cam’s pov but mentioned him in third person? it also mentioned all of the other characters in third person too so couldn’t have been anyone’s else’s pov🙃
March 16, 2026
Scooby-Doo meets Scream. The gang is back together again for another adventure. Too bad the ghoul is plainly obvious this time or maybe I just have really good detective skills.
May 26, 2026
3.5 stars!
This was fun! A pretty solid sequel! I don’t like it as much as I liked the first book, but still worth the read!
I love the audiobook so much. Especially Cam’s narrator. He does such a good job! That really makes the book. Poor Cam, he really has it rough so often!
The killer was so painfully obvious, I knew right away who it would be. It didn’t really ruin the book, but sort of like the first book, I wasn’t super shocked by who it was.
The book is more for the journey than the destination.
It seems like there could be a third book, which I’d probably listen to! Especially because I thought the fortune would be more prevalent in this book, especially with Buffy talking about it in the last chapter of the first book.
It’s a pretty good YA novel. Nothing too crazy, but short and entertaining to listen to.
This was fun! A pretty solid sequel! I don’t like it as much as I liked the first book, but still worth the read!
I love the audiobook so much. Especially Cam’s narrator. He does such a good job! That really makes the book. Poor Cam, he really has it rough so often!
The killer was so painfully obvious, I knew right away who it would be. It didn’t really ruin the book, but sort of like the first book, I wasn’t super shocked by who it was.
The book is more for the journey than the destination.
It seems like there could be a third book, which I’d probably listen to! Especially because I thought the fortune would be more prevalent in this book, especially with Buffy talking about it in the last chapter of the first book.
It’s a pretty good YA novel. Nothing too crazy, but short and entertaining to listen to.
October 22, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down.
I loved all the scream and horror movie references in this book, because of my love for horror and especially the scream franchise, I was able to figure out who the killer was, which was pretty fun.
It was also nice to see that Buffy had chapters in this book through her perspective. But I also feel absolutely horrible for her. She really had a rough time this book.
I cannot wait until book three releases.
I loved all the scream and horror movie references in this book, because of my love for horror and especially the scream franchise, I was able to figure out who the killer was, which was pretty fun.
It was also nice to see that Buffy had chapters in this book through her perspective. But I also feel absolutely horrible for her. She really had a rough time this book.
I cannot wait until book three releases.
June 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
All the Scooby Doo vibes and I love it!!!
Did I immediately guess the plot and who the killer would be? Yes, but I honestly had such a fun time with this sequel as someone who also loves horror movies. This embodies the early-2000s cliché-horror era to me. Think Scream meets the Mystery Inc!!
Perfect for a palate cleanser and so easy to read!
All the Scooby Doo vibes and I love it!!!
Did I immediately guess the plot and who the killer would be? Yes, but I honestly had such a fun time with this sequel as someone who also loves horror movies. This embodies the early-2000s cliché-horror era to me. Think Scream meets the Mystery Inc!!
Perfect for a palate cleanser and so easy to read!
May 7, 2026
Okay this was everything! 6/5 stars just like the first one. This is slowly becoming a new fav YA Mystery Thriller series for me! This also gave me huge Scream 2 vibes (which is probably one of my favs in the franchise personally) in the best way ever! I just love how Bill mixes the Scream vibes with the Scooby Doo vibes but still makes it feel authentic and real! I just love this sooo much! Can’t wait for Book 3!
October 20, 2025
4.5⭐️ not enough cam and jonesy for my liking but still great
October 21, 2025
I pretty much worked out who the killer was from the off, but did that make it any less enjoyable? Absolutely not. Be right back is the sequel to let’s split up. Following 4 teenagers in their fight to solve a string of murders, presenting as urban legends - ending nicely with the carrington ghoul. It was well written, great chapter length with a mystery and back story that tied in nicely. A perfect read for October for a YA read. A great scooby do, who done it feel with all the vibes.
What did I enjoy - the perfect carry on in my opinion from the first book. Well written, with added twists and turns. I really enjoyed it.
What didn’t I enjoy - the only thing that let this down I’d say was some of the unrealistic aspects to it, don’t get me wrong…it’s fiction it’s all made up but I like to picture things done in some element of realism and this skipped it a little for me. From the parents letting the kids put themselves at risk, to the police asking them for assistance, stealing evidence and it not being brought up are just a few bits. Kinda gave me the film “scream” vibes at times too.
Overall - I enjoyed it! A great sequel and loved the writing style. Really looking forward to reading more from bill wood. If you like a YA book give these two a read.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What did I enjoy - the perfect carry on in my opinion from the first book. Well written, with added twists and turns. I really enjoyed it.
What didn’t I enjoy - the only thing that let this down I’d say was some of the unrealistic aspects to it, don’t get me wrong…it’s fiction it’s all made up but I like to picture things done in some element of realism and this skipped it a little for me. From the parents letting the kids put themselves at risk, to the police asking them for assistance, stealing evidence and it not being brought up are just a few bits. Kinda gave me the film “scream” vibes at times too.
Overall - I enjoyed it! A great sequel and loved the writing style. Really looking forward to reading more from bill wood. If you like a YA book give these two a read.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2025
Bill has done it again! Another incredibly fun, mysterious, and action-packed novel that had that nostalgic feeling once again! Like the first book, I thought this was brilliant, but dare I say... I slightly preferred this one!
The group have had a year to dwell on the goings-on of the first novel and reunite together back in their hometown for a festival when things start going wrong once again! You can tell in this book that each character has grown and developed even in the short space of time in the storyline! There's more depth to them all! As well as this, the group's camaraderie seems even stronger, showing that no challenge is too great!
Filled once more with all the twists and red-herrings that were so great in the first book, sending the reader in various directions, I thought this one was wrapped up well, and has been cleverly left open for the possibility of another mystery?
I'm looking forward to seeing what Bill writes next! I'll definitely be checking it out!
Rating: 8.5/10 (rounded down!)
The group have had a year to dwell on the goings-on of the first novel and reunite together back in their hometown for a festival when things start going wrong once again! You can tell in this book that each character has grown and developed even in the short space of time in the storyline! There's more depth to them all! As well as this, the group's camaraderie seems even stronger, showing that no challenge is too great!
Filled once more with all the twists and red-herrings that were so great in the first book, sending the reader in various directions, I thought this one was wrapped up well, and has been cleverly left open for the possibility of another mystery?
I'm looking forward to seeing what Bill writes next! I'll definitely be checking it out!
Rating: 8.5/10 (rounded down!)
October 22, 2026
Book 2 brought even more murders to Senara, with three suspects on my radar and plenty of twists along the way. The twist this book brought to the original plotline was really great and kept me on my toes. I was reading this like an episode of CSI, corkboard and red string everywhere. The urban legends were a really fun addition.
Rick Field was a strong villain this time round, his character really getting some more flesh on the bones. I personally didn’t like the addition of Buffy’s boyfriend, I found him a bit insufferable and puppy-dog-like.
It was great to see the Senara Four’s character arcs and how they stayed true to their original selves from book one. However, this time round I clocked the killer straight away and continued to pick up clues as the story progressed. While I enjoyed piecing everything together, knowing who was behind it so early on took away the suspense and meant the reveal didn’t have the same impact. I wanted to be kept guessing, but unfortunately, I never really was.
Rick Field was a strong villain this time round, his character really getting some more flesh on the bones. I personally didn’t like the addition of Buffy’s boyfriend, I found him a bit insufferable and puppy-dog-like.
It was great to see the Senara Four’s character arcs and how they stayed true to their original selves from book one. However, this time round I clocked the killer straight away and continued to pick up clues as the story progressed. While I enjoyed piecing everything together, knowing who was behind it so early on took away the suspense and meant the reveal didn’t have the same impact. I wanted to be kept guessing, but unfortunately, I never really was.
October 11, 2025
Honestly the way I didn’t think the sequel could be even better than the original but safe to say bill has done it again ! Honestly this entire book the horror movie references the nostalgia with it feeling like something straight out of a scoobydoo episode mixed it with scream ! I cannot wait for hopefully more in this series/ anything to come because I’m just obsessed with this series ! Was the killer predictable ? Yes but did I still have the most amount of fun ever ABSOLUTELY butttt bill has left us with some questions surrounding the ending soooo I’m hoping for a requel / third installment ?! Also the SEANCE SISTERS ! A ode to the hex girls I love !!
June 25, 2026
Okay so this is fully my fault but accidentally read this book first in the series. Buttt I still think it was a good book. I honestly got most of the way through this book before I even realized it. I rated this a 3 because I guessed it very easily. The book reviews compare this book to the movie Scream which I could see. The teenagers are solving the mystery and the cops aren’t very good at their job and there is also a news reporter involved in the case! I will still have to go back and read the first one!
November 23, 2025
A great sequel to ‘Let’s Split Up’!! Still very Scream esq but I get the feeling it’s meant to be!
I don’t have the best memory but the way it was written helped me to remember the details and the characters from book one very quickly! Lots of spooky vibes to it and lots of suspicious characters!
The twist was good but predictable, but that was ok and didn’t necessarily ruin it. There was also the obvious loose end there at the end and I will be interested to see what the final book is like.
I don’t have the best memory but the way it was written helped me to remember the details and the characters from book one very quickly! Lots of spooky vibes to it and lots of suspicious characters!
The twist was good but predictable, but that was ok and didn’t necessarily ruin it. There was also the obvious loose end there at the end and I will be interested to see what the final book is like.
June 29, 2026
3⭐️ Not as good as the first book but still a decent read. Storyline was very similar to the first one which was a little disappointing. Also quite a few grammar errors throughout the book which were a little distracting.
December 29, 2025
I love reading these books and making myself believe I work for the FBI
my brain was working overtime
my brain was working overtime
June 8, 2026
Scooby Doo vibes, but it was very predictable from the second the character was introduced that they were going to be the villain, so there was really no suspense from that point onwards. I also still think these books should be set in the UK!
May 1, 2026
I love this series sooo much!!! I have guessed the killer both times but also slasher movies are my favs !! Loved and can’t wait for the third book!
October 7, 2025
I guessed the killer almost immediately but it didn’t stop me from devouring this book! I absolutely love the characters, the setting and literally everything! Praying to the gods that there will be a third book in this series!
August 31, 2026
How insufferable can Bill Wood make his characters before someone actually chucks his book out of a window? Because I am VERY close
Kate stop trying to make me read mystery, it only brings pain (for me ☹️ and the book)
I finished it though because I'm not weak
Unlike my eyes apparently...
Kate stop trying to make me read mystery, it only brings pain (for me ☹️ and the book)
I finished it though because I'm not weak
Unlike my eyes apparently...
October 13, 2025
this is basically a ya scream!
it was fun and simple to follow and i loved the ending!!
it was fun and simple to follow and i loved the ending!!
December 5, 2025
Really good but I guessed the killer too easily again
October 11, 2025
He’s done it again 👏🏻
Amazing!!
Amazing!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 470 reviews