How to Survive a Horror Sequel

How to Survive... #2

by Scarlett Dunmore

Can you be a final girl and survive your own horror movie - twice?

Almost a year after the horrors of Harrogate, Charley is slowly regaining some semblance of a normal life in a small village called Briar's Hill, AKA 'The Devil's Punchbowl'. Then she befriends the local misfits and learns of her new home's ties to witchcraft - and realises that Briar's Hill has more secrets than she bargained for.

However, the town's troubled past might just be the key to Charley understanding her ability to speak to the dead, especially with Halloween approaching. But when the Harrogate Killer makes a shocking return, blood is spilled and an entirely new terror is unleashed.

Before Charley can flee town, the dead are talking and if she doesn't start listening, they'll find ways to make her. Charley's horror knowledge will be put to the test once more, and if she and the Harrogate Killer don't figure out how to work together, they'll be trapped in Briar's Hill forever. Or worse - buried in it.

How to Survive a Horror Sequel is a fast-paced horror comedy, perfect for fans of RL Stine's Fear Street, Christopher Pike's Midnight Club and Kat Ellis' Harrow Lake. 

Genres: Horror, Young Adult, Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 4, 2025

About the author

Scarlett studied English and Creative Writing, eventually finding a love for YA literature. When she’s not writing, she can often be found watching scary films or exploring abandoned abbeys, old cemeteries and ruined castles in Scotland for inspiration.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this season of sequels, it seemed only fitting to board Scarlett Dunmore’s ghost train down into the devil’s doorway - proving that sequels are every bit as unforgettable as the story that started it all. Bloody, satirical, and dripping with atmosphere, How to Survive a Horror Sequel was exactly what I had hoped for, nailing the careful art of what it takes to be a Final Girl: a wickedly entertaining fusion that blends the very best the genre has to offer, from Halloween to The Blair Witch Project to The Craft, creating a thrilling, tongue-in-cheek guide to surviving the second act. Charley is an effortlessly likeable scream queen - a true final girl you can’t help but root for. Smart, scrappy, and constantly finding herself in new worlds of trouble, she gives the story its pulse, and by the time the metaphorical credits are ready to roll, readers will have a tricky time to let her go. As set forth in the first book, Dunmore’s ability to create atmosphere is unparalleled - moving from rocky clifffaces and sprawling schoolhouses to witchy, supernatural villages at the worst end of nowhere, the tiny town of Glendale was a perfect backdrop to set her sequel. In thick woodland and rural folklore, wickermen and halloween festivals, the setting became a character in its own right, weaving unsettling, vivid imagery throughout the prose. However, I do think that the plot overextended itself at times, and that there were far too many narrative threads competing for space. It’s as if the author struggled to seperate her debut from something wholly distinctive, and the reappearance of our original Jason figure could have been handled with far more restraint; hinting at future conflict and laying the groundwork for a third instalment without overcomplicating the story at hand. Nevertheless, an incredibly fun and unsettling read as the spooky season draws to an end!
4 stars!

[Cyd’s Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for approving me to read this book, I’m rating it 4.0 stars.

What a fun follow up to the 1st book! This sequel takes us on a whirlwind adventure that really reminded me of a supernatural version of the film Hot Fuzz if the main characters were teenagers, and also one of them were being potentially stalked by their ex best friend/attempted murderer.

Our FMC is reeling from last years events and has all these intense rules she forces her and her mum to live by in order to escape living through another horror movie. It seems though with her gift that chaos and gore finds her wherever she goes.

The story develops at a fairly decent pace keeping you on your toes with mystery and mythical villains. A perfect read for the autumn season.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded to 4!

I was so excited to dive headfirst into this sequel, not knowing what to expect. I absolutely devoured the first book, How To Survive A Horror Movie, and it made me obsessed with Scarlett Dunmore’s writing style. It was such a good YA horror… sharp, clever, and full of graphic imagery that stuck in my mind long after reading.

Naturally, I thought this sequel would hit that same mark again. And in some ways, it did — but in other ways, it didn’t quite land for me. Once again, we follow Charley, who after her traumatic past, is on the move with her mum. They end up in a small town where the people seem kind and welcoming… until Charley starts seeing ghosts again, and realises the town isn’t what it seems.

I loved the premise, I really did. The setup had so much potential, and I was excited about where it could go. But the story ended up feeling more like a slow burn, and I wasn’t as captivated as I was with the first book. I wanted more exploration of the town, more secrets unearthed, more intensity building as Charley dug deeper. Instead, the pacing sometimes dragged, and the horror edge felt dialed down. There was less murder, less urgency, and less emotional punch compared to book one, which made me miss the gore and personal stakes that originally hooked me.

Things did pick up in the final 20%, but the pacing then felt rushed, like everything happened all at once. And while I loved the idea of bringing back the antagonist from book one
, deranged, evil, and clearly immortal in full-on Michael Myers fashion, the way it was handled didn’t quite work for me. The dynamic between them was fun, especially the darkly comedic edge, but it felt almost slapped in there instead of flowing naturally with the rest of the story. I think that return could’ve been threaded in more smoothly to keep the momentum going.

That said, I still enjoyed the book. Scarlett’s writing style is just so easy to fall into, and the horror movie references sprinkled throughout are, once again, chef’s kiss. I also liked the uncertainty of the ending, which is not knowing what Charley will face next adds a delicious tension and definitely makes me want to pick up book three.

Overall, this wasn’t a bad sequel at all but just not quite the blood-soaked, adrenaline-fueled ride of the first. The concept was strong, the characters had some great moments, and I’ll absolutely be continuing the trilogy. Sequels are notoriously hard to pull off, and while this one didn’t fully stand out for me, it was still an interesting and different direction.

So, well done Scarlett, truly!!! You’ve still got a fan and supporter in me, and I’ll always show up for your work.

[Karen Barber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Charley has survived Olivia’s attempts to kill her. Unfortunately, she cannot rest as she is convinced Olivia remains alive and that she will pursue her in order to finish the job.
Charley and her mother have been nomadic, constantly moving on if something feels wrong, since the attack. They are on their way to the Scottish coast when an accident happens. Their car stops working. The mayor of the town offers them accommodation overnight, but before we know it events are conspiring to keep Charley and her mum in the town of The Devil’s Punchbowl. Charley remains on her guard,even when her mother accuses her of paranoia.
Mysterious deaths that nobody responds to are the first clue that all is not well. The town’s history is another warning. When Charley uncovers the secret of this creepy place, things get downright weird.
For a girl who dislikes sequels, she does a good job in this.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.

[Vicki (chaptersofvicki) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed How to Survive A Horror Movie so I’d been looking forward to reading this one, it certainly didn’t disappoint. I’d recommend reading the first book to fully understand everything that’s happening in this book.

I love how each chapter is a rule for survival in a horror movie. All the horror movie references too! This was so good.

I really liked following Charley and her friends as they try to survive. This is such a great YA read with a few twists I didn’t expect either.

Thank you to Pride Book Tours for having me on the tour and to the publisher for my gifted copies of the books.

[EmmaReadsCrime · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the sequel is even better than the first book! This is the second installment, following How to Survive a Horror Movie. I won’t go into too much detail about the plot to avoid any spoilers for the first book.

This is a YA horror novel, and it’s a great option if you’re looking for a spooky season read that’s not too serious, or if you’re looking to dip your toes into the horror genre.

It was fun to read, and the story kept me on my toes, with a decent twist! I really enjoyed the main character's sense of humor and appreciated that this book contained much less gore compared to the first one.

[elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars
this was incredible!! sequels are hard to get right but this was soo well done, i never knew i would enjoy a horror com this much! i loved the banter, the jokes, the plot twists, honestly everything & that ending omg! i even shed a tear or two, i just loved how deeper topics also came into play in this. i can’t wait to read more of the author’s work👀

[Zach Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.7 stars - I really enjoy this series and this is a great page turner. Wasn’t as good as the first and it all got a bit cluttered and supernatural for my liking, at least in this story universe. Still a good series and written in a way that’s got fun references and doesn’t feel too adult. I will read the third book when it comes out

[BookswithLydscl | · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh I'm so sad. I loved Book 1 and was so looking forward to the second instalment in the series and it was just such a let down in comparison. Too slow for far too long and then it all hit in the final third and was a whirlwind to the end. Where was the consistent craziness like we had in book 1?

I will still read book 3 but feel truly disappointed by this one.

[Caitlin Bunting · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fab second instalment. I had such a good time reading this one and now I’m craving popcorn and skittles. Will there be another one? Who knows… I hope so.

[Anique · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was very entertaining, but also very far fetched

[TheseHauntedPages · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's well known that sequels don't always live up to the original and in this case it unfortunately fell into that trap.

The story continues with Charley who is on the run from the past devastations of the previous book.

She lands in a small Scottish town known as "The Devils Punchbowl" and comes to realise things aren't quite right. The anniversary of the Harrogate incident is also coming up so she's super on edge.

For me I felt that the book took too long to fully establish the action so when it did the end was nearing and it felt a bit rushed.

I liked the continued use of the horror references and that each chapter started with a survival rule.

A trilogy is teased so I would like to see what's next for Charley.

[mo • lesmotsdemo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an enjoyable read. The perfect kind of book to binge read in a way. It is rather fast-paced and eventful. The plot was easy to follow and full of movies & tv shows references. I just wished the murders started happening a bit quicker, but other than that, I had a good time reading this book.
If you’re looking for a spooky read I highly recommend this book (and the book that comes before that one as well of course).

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at damppebbles.com

Horror movie fan Charley is still reeling from the events of last year and her short stint at posh boarding school, Harrogate. She and her mum have packed what they can into the car and hit the road, leaving Harrogate and its horrors for dust. Charley wants to keep moving for as long as possible, so that her tormentor from last year won’t be able to find them. Her mum has other ideas though. She’s looking for somewhere they can set down roots and start rebuilding their lives. On their way through Glendale, a small Scottish town fondly known by locals as The Devil’s Punchbowl, in the middle of a howling storm, their car breaks down. The local garage is unable to source the parts they need, so the local Mayor offers them somewhere to stay for the night. One night, of course, leads to many more. Charley’s anxiety about staying put for too long escalates. And there’s something about a group of kids at her new school that doesn’t quite sit right. When strange things start happening, when local residents start disappearing, and with Hallowe’en around the corner, Charley can’t help but feel history is repeating itself. All she needs now is for the Harrogate Killer to make an appearance…

First things first, if you’re planning on reading book one, How to Survive a Horror Movie (known from here on in as HTSAHM), then please read that first. There are some hefty spoilers for the first book in this sequel, including ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘why’, so please read the two books in order. Secondly, I have seen many, many reviews where the name of the killer in the first book is revealed. If you don’t want to know who the killer is (and seriously, why would you?), then please avoid all review sites 😂. You’re safe here, though. I won’t tell a soul!

How to Survive a Horror Sequel is a wonderfully fun, laugh-out-loud homage to horror movies, in general, but to horror movie ‘sequels’ specifically. Dunmore knew exactly what she was doing with this book, and she has done it extremely well. Charley is a lead character you can’t help but like. Just your everyday, ordinary horror movie geek who happened to end up in her own personal horror movie. Living by the lessons she’s learnt via the movies she loves so much. They did her well in the first book, but can those lessons keep her alive in the second? As the blurb says, ‘Can you be a final girl and survive your own horror movie – twice?’. I think if anyone can, Charley probably can. But you’ll have to read the book for yourself and see…

I love how Charley’s character has developed over the books. If you have read HTSAHM then that special skill Charley has in book one is still very much present in the sequel. With a little help from the local spirits, Charley’s suspicions of strange goings-on are eventually confirmed. All is definitely not right in the town of Glendale. But what exactly is Charley up against this time? With two great new friends, determined to help our final girl through, I thought the sequel was just as good as its predecessor. And we all know sequels tend to have an awful lot to live up to!

Would I recommend this book? I would, yes. How to Survive a Horror Sequel is a wild YA horror ride with twists and turns, a charming lead character and a plot to really get your teeth into. With a number of grisly deaths along the way, alongside some true laugh-out-loud moments, this follow-up is a must-read for teenage horror fans (slightly older teenagers, I would say). I loved the characters, even the ones you’re not supposed to like. The Scottish setting is beautifully drawn. The isolation and the seclusion of Glendale, aka The Devil’s Punchbowl, spilling from the page like a creeping, eerie fog (you know the type!). The small town feel, the odd local inhabitants and the feeling that, despite their car not working, perhaps Charley and Mum should do WHATEVER THEY CAN TO LEAVE. Leave now and never, EVER return! All in all, I loved being reunited with Charley. She’s a worthy final girl in my eyes. Great characters (old and new), a highly intriguing plot, a perfectly penned setting and a gloriously cinematic ending. There’s a well-written sense of impending doom throughout, which really grabbed my attention and had me rapt, hanging on every word. Marvellous stuff, and I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us next. Recommended.

[Emma Hamilton · Rating 3 out of 5]

We all knew that the Harrogate Killer must still be alive.

After all, their death was only confirmed by forensic testing, (AKA ‘expensive but cheatable laboratory tests completed by someone who could potentially - and in the horror fiction world, easily - be bribed or misled’,) not by anyone actually eyeballing their blood soaked corpse.

Then there was that teasing final scene in ‘How to Survive a Horror Movie’. Was Charley simply going mad? Or had her would-be killer cheated death only to tease the Final Girl, without killing her off?

What we didn’t know, was that the Harrogate Killer would be side-lined in what they thought would be their own sequel. Well, Charley’s sequel. After all, she’s the Neve Campbell character in this franchise.

-- What’s it about? --

I’m going to pinch the blurb for this one:

Can you be a final girl and survive your own horror movie – twice?

Almost a year after the horrors of Harrogate, Charley and her mum find themselves stranded in a small village called Glendale, AKA ‘The Devil’s Punchbowl’. Then she befriends the local misfits and learns of her new home’s ties to witchcraft – and realises that Glendale has even more secrets than she bargained for.

However, the town’s troubled past might just be the key to Charley understanding her ability to speak to the dead, especially with Halloween approaching. But after a series of disappearances, the ghosts acting differently this time, and the Harrogate Killer making a shocking return, Charley realises she might have taken on more than she can handle.

Before she can flee town, a new terror is unleashed, placing her friends and family in danger. Charley’s horror knowledge will be put to the test once more, and if she and the Harrogate Killer don’t figure out how to work together, they’ll be trapped in Glendale forever. Or worse – buried in it.

How to Survive a Horror Sequel is a fast-paced horror comedy, perfect for fans of RL Stine’s Fear Street, Christopher Pike’s Midnight Club and Kat Ellis’ Harrow Lake.

-- What’s it like? --

The back of my book sums this up nicely: More murders. More ghosts. More survival rules.

In Glendale Charley is puzzled to be confronted by ghosts who appear to have stuck around a lot longer than her Harrogate ghouls had been able to, but more disturbing is their sheer prevalence. Something definitely isn’t right in The Devil’s Punchbowl and it seems to once again fall upon Charlie, as one of the few people alert to something strange, to work out what it is.

Once again, expect a fast pace, frequent deaths and a generally sarcastic tone. Expect plenty of horror sequel tropes and tricks. Yes, the suspiciously handsome man and magnetically beautiful woman will turn out to be dangerous. Yes, you will inevitably discover bonus conspirators appear at just the wrong moment - but, equally, so might a friend that you left for dead a few chapters back (even if they really were dead!)

-- Final thoughts --

‘The creepy house had a basement. Of course it did.’

Mild horror and YA fans, you’re in for a treat. Expect much sarcasm, some slapstick deaths and the kind of pontificating from the villain/s that will allow our plucky heroine to escape into the next sequel.

I wanted more from these ghosts; different circumstances mean different relationships between Charley and the Devil's Punchbowl ghosts, and I missed the teenage bitchiness and preoccupations of the Harrogate ghosts. That said, the ghosts here have a rather different, and increasingly useful, skillset...

A truly fun dash through a ghost - and witch - infested town. I look forward to the next instalment!

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Natasha Salter · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to survive a horror sequel by Scarlett Dunmore

It’s been almost a year since Charlie had to survive her best friend (Psycho best friend) trying to kill her and succeeding in killing the rest of the school year. Since the terrible things that happened at Harrogate, Charlie and her mum have been on the move. Bringing them to the beautiful land of Scotland, a not do inviting place dubbed “The Devils Punchbowl” having made her own “survival list” Charlie knows something isn’t right when the car brakes down making them short term lodgers in Briars Hill. Halloween is right around the corner, with ghosts? And witches? And some secrets that Charlie needs to uncover. With all the weird and suspicious things going on Charlie needs to make fast decisions and learn to trust again. But can she do this with her past hiding in the shadows. Will her past come back to haunt her? Or save her? Or will she lose it all?

My thoughts and feelings with possible spoilers so please don’t read on if you don’t want that…

Whilst reading this book I found myself diving right in from them beginning. Great world building and character development. The British humour and sarcasm was spot on. I really felt we got to know Charlie and her feelings quick without it being slow, which I find sometimes gets forgotten in the sequel. The references to some great films were a cool little eater egg. Mentions like Scream, cabin in the woods, silence of the lambs, the lost boys and of course The craft. The Beetlejuice password, brilliant. I liked getting to know the new characters and trying to guess if we should trust them or not (I like that I was wrong on two of them!)
I did feel it needed something to happen a little quicker than 194 pages, a lot of build up and references to the first book made me want the action to start quicker. However the book didn’t disappoint at all and when it picked up IT PICKED UP! I couldn’t put it down once bodies started showing up. I love the names of the chapters, made the vibe have a feeling of a slasher film and I’m here for that!
Having the will she won’t she return was great! I didn’t see the ending coming and I really enjoyed how Scarlett referenced the first books, Gate killing and how Charlie is faced with the possibility of reliving Harrogate again.
This book is an easy 4.5 star read for me, I can’t wait for the trilogy! Because come on! The killer never really dies ;) And I would definitely enjoy some “ Flesh eating mermaids or Zombies in Dublin”
Thank you to Scarlett and Netgalley

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This YA horror sequel about horror sequels is brilliantly self-aware, clever, funny and (dare I say it?) even better than the first book. Film fans of the genre will adore the references. This series is an ideal starting point for readers looking to branch into horror without scaring themselves silly in the process.

It follows Charley, sole survivor of a massacre at a school (in the first book, How to Survive A Horror Movie). On the run from her best-friend-turned-killer who is determined to track down the final girl, Charley and her mother try to start a new life in the rural town of Glendale, Scotland. Right away, Charley knows something isn’t right, but when tourists start ending up dead, she falls right back into a sinister plot. This time, she must face witches and rituals, strange food, a new crush and a stubborn basement door that won’t stay closed. And all with a killer still on her trail.

This is such a fun ride. The characters are kooky and nerdy and sarcastic, forming a band of misfits you can get behind. I’ve never known a protagonist to eat so much junk food as Charley, who survives on pizza and skittles. All of them are memorable and fit tropes brilliantly, adding to the humour - even the villains.

I love the ‘rules for survival’ at the start of each chapter, and how the whole plot follows the unspoken rules of horror movies, even when Charley tries to be smarter than the average protagonist. If you’re a film buff, YA mystery enthusiast or just someone who loves to yell at horror characters for being stupid, confident that you’d do better, you absolutely must pick this up.

Thank you to @littletigerbooks and @scarlett_dunmore for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sifa Poulton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.

HOW TO SURVIVE A HORROR SEQUEL sees Charley use horror rules to try and survive again, or have things go spectacularly wrong when she is forced to ignore them.

The book continues HOW TO SURVIVE A HORROR MOVIE's semi-meta take on the genre. Charley is "aware" she is in a sequel and the book follows quite a few of the rules of horror sequels. From the involvement of the old antagonist to the new location and cast (to replace all the dead ones from the last instalment!)

Where the first book was a classic boarding school horror, this one plays on the small town trope with Charley as the outside stumbling onto something decidedly not right. I liked the very different setting for this book, though the tone (humorous at times as it poked fun while celebrating horror) was the same.

This tale uses the previous book's antagonist, Olive, in quite an interesting way. There's a new set of villains for Charley to survive, but Olive is a constant niggling worry. This means you are unsure how much of what's happening is Olive's fault. When she does arrive, it's in a rather unexpected role, which was fun.

The book is certainly setting up another instalment, which promises to see Olive and Charley collide again. I wonder which tropes will be used in that book!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

How To Survive A Horror Sequel is the sequel to How To Survive A Horror Movie and follows Charley a year after Harrogate. Convinced the Harrogate Killer is still alive, Charley and her mum move to a small village to try and regain some semblance of a normal life. But when Charley finds herself at the centre of her own horror movie again - packed with more ghosts, witchcraft and a killer return - she has to face the ultimate question: does she still have what it takes to survive as the final girl?

HTSAHS is a brilliant sequel and a smart, playful tribute to horror tropes. I flew through this book in one sitting, and loved stepping back into the chaos with our final girl, Charley. The addition of new characters, including that unexpected alliance, added a wickedly twisted edge to the story, whilst further crafting Charley’s growth in ways that made her feel even more relatable and compelling.

The atmosphere in HTSAHS is every bit as eerie as Harrogate - layered with witchy undertones and local folklore that make for an ideal backdrop of horror, the paranormal, and the mischief that inevitably follows Charley. The sharp sarcasm, dry wit, and morally grey humour woven throughout strike a perfect balance between tension and fun, leading up to a slasher-style finale that’s equal parts bloody, shocking, and satisfying.

Thank you so much to Little Tiger Books and Scarlett Dunmore for sending me this advanced copy of How To Survive A Horror Sequel to read and review. My opinions are my own. How To Survive A Horror Sequel is out 4th September!

[Heidi Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Survive a Horror Sequel by Scarlett Dunmore
★★★★★

I read How to Survive a Horror Movie last year and absolutely loved it, so of course I had to dive straight into the sequel – and it didn’t disappoint! If you know me, you’ll know how much I adore young adult fiction, so these books are completely my thing and perfect for spooky season.

I love how this one jumps straight into the story, pulling you right back into the creepy world Scarlett Dunmore has created. This time we’re in Scotland, surrounded by ghosts, witches and all sorts of eerie goings-on. It’s fast paced, easy to read, and filled with a great variety of characters that keep you guessing right to the end.

The atmosphere is perfectly creepy and beautifully descriptive. The mention of porcelain dolls gave me chills – discovering them so early on definitely had me sleeping with the lamp on! I also really appreciated the exploration of PTSD, which added another layer of depth to the story.

Scarlett’s writing style is just stunning; it’s so engaging and bingeable. If you’re a fan of Sixteen Souls, you’ll absolutely love this series. The plot twists were brilliant and kept me hooked throughout.

Thank you to Pride Book Tours for having me on this one – I really hope we get a book three soon!

👻 Have you read either of these yet? What’s your favourite spooky read this season?

#howtosurviveahorrorsequel #scarlettdunmore #pridebooktours #yafiction #youngadultbooks #horrorreads #spookyseason #bookreview #bookstagram #bookrecommendation #sixteensouls #bingeread #creepybooks #booklover #readersofinstagram

[Jamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not think it was possible- but I might actually love this more than the first one?
4.5 stars. I don't round up to 5 because I'm kinda stingy with 5 star ratings, but trust when I say that I thought this book was a straight up banger.

Here's the thing, this is a very slow burn. The first one was absolutely better paced, but this one is a more intriguing story. It is a very slow start, I actually found myself getting impatient wondering if anything was ever going to actually happen...but when things do start happening, it's batshit insanity in the most delightful of ways- if you're willing to just go where the author is taking you (meaning you're gonna need to suspend your disbelief). So my advice to those who read this is to enjoy the journey and trust that the payoff is worth the ride.

I live in the States and loved the first book so much that I wound up having this one imported from the UK because I couldn't wait until it was released here. I wasn't disappointed. I find tons of books funny, but in a "laughing on the inside" sort of way. There were things that happened in the last third of this book that actually made me laugh out loud.

Dunmore does an excellent job of blending humor and horror. Also- her character development is legit S-tier. It's kind of nuts to me this is only her second novel. It's like she came out hard and she keeps serving. I am so down for a third installment in this series...but I am offically a Dunmore fan and will be reading whatever she puts out next.

Just wanna say one more time- THIS WAS SO GOOD.

[Jodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

💬: "Friendship was a strange concept. When you had it in your life, you didn't notice. But when it was missing, the loneliness and isolation was so transparently clear."

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Omg this was so fun and such a nail-biting follow up to the first book!

💜 What I liked about it 💜

🍿 I really enjoyed How To Survive A Horror Movie, so it was a treat jumping back into this world (and hopefully getting more??). The fact that this is a very self-aware horror sequel book about horror sequel movies was great

🍿 I love how Dunmore expertly blends humour and horror in her writing, so the book keeps you on the edge of your seat but giggling all the way

🍿 I liked the creepy setting of Glendale and the unsettling cast of characters in this book, and watching Charley try to unravel the mysteries of the town

🍿 Having a main character who's a horror fanatic is so much fun and I appreciated all the horror film references that were scattered throughout the book - the chapters being named after rules to follow to survive a horror film is an excellent touch

🍿 Having a Sapphic MC is the cherry on top of this scarily delicious cake

✨️ What to expect ✨️

🔪 Slasher movie vibes
😱 YA thriller
🩸 Murder mystery
🏘 Creepy small town
👻 So many ghosts
🧳 MC running away from the past

💫 Thank you to Pride Book Tours and Little Tiger Press for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

💌 Follow me on Instagram and TikTok at @jodierosereads

[Haxxunne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tongue-in-cheek yet creepy sequel
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Sequel to How To Survive A Horror Movie, Dunmore’s Final Girl Charley and her mum are moving on from the murderous/ghostly goings on at Charley’s boarding school; and that means literally moving on, travelling wherever they feel safest, never putting down roots. Charley’s sure that Olive, her best friend and secret teen slasher, is still alive, despite the ending of the last book, but wouldn’t you know it? The car breaks down in the middle of nowhere, good samaritans offer Charley and her mum help and a place to stay, just until the car gets fixed, and before you know it, Charley’s enrolled in the local school, she’s starting to make friends, maybe even a romance, until the ghosts start appearing…

Full of the tropes you’d expect from any good returning slasher/horror/haunting pic, this sequel stands up on its own, needing only a little recap here and there to bring a new reader up to speed. The plot motors along, building the tension, paying off foreshadowing and introducing new characters with their own distinct roles to play, in a very much tongue-in-cheek but creepy enough way that reminded me a little of Hot Fuzz or The League Of Gentlemen. And the ending sets up the inevitable sequel, because you know those rumours of Olive’s death are nothing more than rumours, right?

[Alice magical library · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was absolutely insane, but it was brilliant!!

Charley is absolutely convinced that the Harrogate serial killer is still out there, so she and her mum have decided to move to a small, remote town in Scotland where no one will ever find them. However, there’s something peculiar about her new town…
Like, how it’s called The Devil’s Punchbowl, it’s filled to the brim with old ghosts, and it may just have a witch problem. So, Charley can clearly see that she is in the middle of her Horror Movie Sequel, but does she have what it takes to become the final girl once again??

I loved this book! There were so many bits that I did not expect, and it was quite literally insane. I was devastated last year after I read the first book when Scarlett said the sequel was coming out in 2025, as I thought I could wait that long. But to get an ARC copy of this book and read this book that I’ve been waiting a year for before the release date just means the world to me. Thank you Little Tiger and Scarlett, you really made it worth the wait. Not only do I have a full watchlist filled the brim with horror films and TV shows, I now have to wait until next year for the trilogy. Thank you again, and this book was amazing!!!

[andshe.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley has survived Olivias' attempt at killing her. However, since the events last year, Charley lives in a state of unease. She is adamant that Olivia is alive and is after her to finish what she started. Fleeing across the country, never staying anywhere for too long, they end up in a place dubbed 'The Devil's Punchbowl'. Halloween is right around the corner, Charley can see ghosts.. and lots of them. With talk of Witches and Secrets Galore, Charley finds herself in the midst of a horror movie sequal.

Damn this was funny. Each chapter has rules for survival, which I found super quirky. Horror movie buffs will enjoy the movie references throughout. I know I certainly did.

The characters are tropey, witty, sarcastic, and full of little quirks, adding to the humour that's weaved into this book. Even the 'baddies' are hilarious.

A trilogy you say?! Oh, I hope so. It definitely looks promising that we shall see Charley and Olivia cross paths again in another horror movie.

Thank you to Pride Book tours and the author for a copy of the book.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to survive a horror sequel is the sequel to how to survive a horror movie. It follows Charley a year after her time at Harrogate. Charley is certain the Harrogate serial killer is still after her and for the past year Charley and her mum have been on the run moving all over the UK. When the car breaks down they land in a small town in Scotland, Charley wants to leave as soon as possible. But her mum is tired of moving and they stay in the small sleepy town. Charley discovers there’s more to the town than meets the eye, does she have more to worry about than just a killer coming for her? Charley soon realises she is in the middle of another horror movie. Can she be final girl again? I absolutely loved the second book, it was fast paced, easy to read perfect for paranormal/slasher fans. Very spooky and a fun read!

[Debbie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fun, fear-filled follow-up, Scarlett Dunmore picks up with Charley and her mum on the run from Olive—Charley’s murderous ex from book one. Their journey takes them to a strange town called The Devil’s Punchbowl, where not everything adds up.

Leaning into 90s horror nostalgia, the book nods to classics like The Faculty and The Craft, embracing its cheesy charm in all the right ways. It plays with familiar horror tropes while still feeling fresh and entertaining.

As with any good sequel, it brings back familiar faces while introducing new ones, expanding the story in a satisfying way. Dunmore blends horror references, quirky moments, and character-driven storytelling into a sequel that’s as fun as it is clever.

A definite read for fans of 90s horror!

[Evangeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Little Tiger for sending me a copy, all views are my own.

What a fun sequel! Witty, well-paced and exciting (also creeeepy)! This book definitely took a turn that I wasn't expecting -witches- but I am so here for it. Packed full of easter eggs for all of us spooky horror fans! I'm certainly craving a share bag of skittles now!

After the events at Harrogate and with Halloween once again looming, Charley and her mum find themselves in a quaint but slightly off-putting little town, and something just doesn't seem quite right. With an overly friendly "mayor" and a whole host of new characters, will this be the fresh start Charley and her mum are hoping for? Or perhaps there can only be trouble on the cards.

[notmaiareading · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I feel about this book it was an easy read but near the end I was just reading it to not be reading it anymore.

I am not sure a sequel was necessary and the fact that Charly kept mentioning it was a sequel was really starting to do my head and by the end of it. There were also a few pop plot points that I thought could have been done I guess better, they weren't necessarily bad but I think going a different direction in specially one specific part of the plot would have made more sense.
Also marketing this book as a witch story does take away from the plot quite a bit, as for a majority of the plot Charly tries to figure out what is going on however knowing the town has witches really takes away from that. It meant there was nothing surprising about this novel.

[Tahlia David · Rating 5 out of 5]

The happiness I felt at seeing the last word in the book!! I loved the first one, as a huge fan of Scream and that making fun of the tropes style I was drawn in so quick. The second book was really great too, introducing the supernatural aspect in the first one with an otherwise moral murder mystery was a great introduction to the characters too, leading to this witchy showdown in book two!

I do wonder whether we’ll get any explanation of why Charley can see ghosts, or whether there will be any other supernatural elements brought in next. Loved it, no complaints, when’s the third one coming???😉