Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Where Pop Stars Go to Die

Rate this book
Phoebe Fox has it all!
The loving family, the supportive boyfriend, and the lavish life that comes with fame.

For the better part of two decades, Phoebe Fox has etched her name into pop-culture history. The Through The Years International Stadium Tour is the most must-see event, pulling in legions of screaming fans from all corners of the world.

After a show in Ireland, Phoebe and her security team hop on a private jet for the next city.
Amsterdam.
When they arrive, enroute to a private estate, Phoebe and her security detail are ambushed by a menacing and well-coordinated group at gunpoint.

Phoebe Fox has been taken.
With her head covered and her wrists bound, she arrives in an unknown location where she is auctioned off to the highest bidder among an exclusive elitist group made up of some of the world’s most powerful and influential people.

The situation worsens and her desperation grows with every new revelation. When Phoebe learns how she may be tied to deeper happenings within—and who is involved—who she was disappears, and who she must become to survive is born.

Phoebe Fox isn’t just writing songs.
She isn’t just taking back control of her story.
She’s taking back her life.
… Even if it means taking another.

238 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2025

4 people are currently reading
61 people want to read

About the author

David Washburn

8 books132 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
38 (62%)
4 stars
19 (31%)
3 stars
3 (4%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Amy Tackett.
Author 6 books165 followers
May 23, 2025
A Swiftie-inspired horror story? YES, please!

I read an early copy of WHERE POP STARS GO TO DIE, and this may be my favorite book from Washburn yet. The story was intriguing and grotesque, hooking me from the start, and it had wild, jaw-dropping twists along the way. The pacing was action-packed and fast, in a similar vein to his debut novel DTP, but with the growth he’s experienced as a more seasoned writer. This is the entertaining pop culture horror story you’ve been waiting for!

Read if you like:

🎤 Pop music
🩸 Gore galore
🌈 Entertainment industry
🎥 Documentaries
👀 Conspiracy theories
Profile Image for Yvonne.
292 reviews23 followers
July 10, 2025
Oh my GOD I devoured this book 😭
It’s giving pop star ✨meets horror movie nightmare and I was obsessed.
The gore had me flinching, the plot twists were wild, and Phoebe Fox? She’s THAT girl.
If you love horror and Taylor Swift, this one’s for you.
Profile Image for Honey Dy.
305 reviews15 followers
September 8, 2025
Not since DIY Exorcism, Kill for Me, and Tickle Monster have I been so impressed with David Washburn’s creativity and storytelling. Where Pop Stars Go to Die might just be his boldest, most unforgettable work yet.

Do not let this pretty, glittery, sparkly cover fool you. This novel is SICK, with lots of horrific gore and blood. Theres scenes of extreme violence, bu it is not that extreme that I need to advise of trigger warnings.

Whether you’re a lifelong Swiftie or someone who can’t stand pop music, this book will hook you.

It’s a dark, fast-paced horror story that takes the glitz and glamour of pop culture and twists it into something completely unpredictable and seriously addictive.

Phoebe Fox is an unforgettable character. Her fight for survival after being kidnapped is both terrifying and empowering, making her stand out as one of Washburn’s best creations.

I’ve read plenty of Washburn’s books before, but Washburn took a big risk: a story inspired by a beloved pop star who looks and feels a lot like Taylor Swift, but thrown into a world of gore and horror?

As a Swiftie myself, I thought this might annoy me…but honestly? I loved it.

What sets Washburn apart is his ability to make a book feel like a movie. Told in gripping first person, every shocking twist, gritty detail, and burst of action puts you right there, living the chaos.

This isn’t just a story about a pop star—it’s a sharp, brutal look at fame, obsession, and control, and it feels way too real.

You don’t have to love Taylor Swift or pop culture to enjoy this book. This is a story about survival and power, and it’s impossible to put down.

With its short, punchy chapters and relentless pacing, I found myself reading late into the night, desperate to see what happened next.

This is a bold, intense horror story that will leave you breathless long after the final page.
Profile Image for Heather.
369 reviews28 followers
October 3, 2025
Where Pop Stars Go to Die was such a wild, bloody, and unexpectedly brilliant ride! As a Swiftie,inspired horror novel, I honestly thought it might veer into cheesy parody territory, but David Washburn completely surprised me. The book blends the glittery, high drama world of pop stardom with a slasher level horror aesthetic that’s soaked in gore, music, and satire. The result is something that feels fresh, outrageous, and so much fun.

The gore is unapologetically over-the-top in the best way it leans into camp but never forgets to keep you on edge. What impressed me most was how Washburn didn’t just rely on the shock factor; he layered in biting commentary about fame, fandom, and the pressures of being a pop icon. Every scene was drenched in neon energy, blending the glamour of music videos with the brutality of horror. It gave me the same thrill as watching a cult-favorite slasher but with a modern, glitter pop soundtrack running through my head.

The creativity here shines the kills are inventive, the pop culture references are hilarious yet smart, and there’s a wicked sense of humor laced throughout. It reads like a love letter to both horror and pop music while holding up a mirror to the darker sides of celebrity culture. I could not put it down, and I finished with the biggest grin on my face, still humming along to the imagined soundtrack. If you’re a fan of horror that doesn’t shy away from excess and you happen to love pop music, this is a must read.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for RoseDevoursBooks.
414 reviews78 followers
September 18, 2025
I’ll be honest, the cover doesn’t do this book any favors. Don’t let the cheesy exterior fool you though, because the story inside is an absolute bloody blast!

The novel follows Phoebe Fox, a pop superstar clearly inspired by a very familiar real-life icon. While on her massive “Through the Years” international stadium tour, Phoebe and her security team are ambushed. She’s kidnapped by masked men and sold off in an elite underground auction. When she ends up in the clutches of “The Artist,” she has no choice but to fight for her survival…

This gave off “Taken” (from the pop star’s POV) with a dose of “Hostel” vibes. Glamour and bloodshed collide, and it works perfectly. What really hooked me were the documentary-style segments showing Phoebe’s rise to fame. They highlighted how she refused to conform, which made her feel strikingly real and layered. That unapologetic authenticity carries through when she turns her fury on her captors - wielding whatever weapons she can find and proving herself unstoppable. And then there’s The Exhibit, a brilliant concept! The ‘Artist’s’ grotesque human canvases were so disturbingly detailed that I kind of want to see them myself (if you’re a sicko like me, you get it 🙃). The ending was also very satisfying, Phoebe Fox is a pop star final girl with true badass energy!

If you’re craving a fast-paced, blood-soaked horror novel that blends feminine rage with glitz, gore, and survival, I highly recommend this one. I’m not a Swiftie myself, but that didn’t stop me from loving it. Give it a read!
Profile Image for Danielle Morris.
Author 6 books98 followers
May 7, 2025
WHERE POP STARS GO TO DIE isn’t your typical horror novel; it’s a gripping story of one woman’s fight for survival—and the lengths she’ll go to discover her strength in the darkest of situations. 

Phoebe Fox seemingly has it all: a supportive boyfriend, adoring fans, and an optimistic attitude that has brought her more fame and notoriety than she ever dreamed possible. That is, until her life comes to a violent halt when she is kidnapped during the overseas leg of her biggest tour to date. Awakening in a strange and deadly location, she is left wondering why this is happening to her and who is pulling the strings. Phoebe’s journey quickly turns into a twisted game of cat and mouse as she desperately tries to escape the confines of her concrete prison, even if it means destroying her own soul and morals. 

David Washburn expertly weaves a tale of psychological horror filled with visceral and physical danger, raising the stakes at every turn. As Phoebe fights for her life, she transforms into someone she never imagined she could be—a true final girl. She’s determined to escape the monsters that lurk around every corner and won’t go down without a fight.

WHERE POP STARS GO TO DIE is a haunting survival horror novel that immerses readers in the true heart of terror and paranoia, lingering in the mind long after the final page is turned.

This is truly Washburn’s best work yet, and I’m honored to have had the privilege of reading an early copy. Swifties and horror fans alike are going to love this one!

Profile Image for Ali.
1,143 reviews41 followers
July 15, 2025
I was admittedly hesitant to read this, definitely not being the target market of a Swiftie, and always having been more of a fan of rock bands than singular pop stars in general, so I didn't think I'd connect to the main character. But this started off strong for me, and you couldn't help but get swept up in Phoebe Fox's glamorous world and upbeat positivity after seeing her triumphant stage show and sweet interactions with fans. Things go south for her really quickly after her entourage is ambushed en route to her Amsterdam concert, and she finds herself abducted and auctioned off to the highest bidder at an underground gathering of elites. A heavy suspension of belief is needed as Phoebe manages to get out of several life threatening situations while meeting shady characters from her past, and blowing through them using whatever bloody means she can get her hands on. There was a bit more telling than showing, and a decision to break up the action with lengthy "Behind the Music" type interviews interrupted the flow of the story and felt more like filler to add words to an already short novel. I'm always quick to side eye a man writing a woman, or saying things about misogyny and female empowerment, but I didn't feel like this was done in an offensive way in this case. The ending was satisfying, because girl, wish I could do the same. Overall this was a punchy, quick read which didn't take much effort to read in less than a day.
Profile Image for Heather.
39 reviews
September 17, 2025
Where Pop Stars Go to Die by David Washburn

Phoebe Fox is a world renowned pop star, a self made singer, songwriter and musician who has it all! Fame, Fortune, Glamour, Adoring fans, a supporting mother and a loving boyfriend.

Phoebe’s perfect world is upended when she travels overseas and is kidnapped in route to the next concert in her world tour.

The kidnappers take Phoebe to a house of horrors where the past she tried to leave behind comes back into play. Phoebe finds out more about her strength’s, weaknesses, who she can actually trust and where Pop Stars Go To Die!

A quick read that I found myself becoming more invested in as the plot developed. Thank you for the opportunity to read and review Where Pop Stars Go to Die.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Arti Manani.
Author 5 books32 followers
May 6, 2025
I didn’t just read this. I felt it. This book is a brutal, fast-paced ride that’s as addictive as it is unputdownable. Think Squid Game or Hunger Games colliding with pop culture icons like Taylor Swift and Britney Spears, then throw in a deadly dose of dark art and twisted survival. It’s gruesome, satisfying, and hands down the best book I’ve read this year. One woman’s fight for survival, victory, and taking back control is both empowering and terrifying. Phoebe Fox has me hooked! And as for Washburn, massive respect. A master storyteller. Entertaining in the most messed-up way possible.
Profile Image for Mallory McCartney.
Author 10 books503 followers
September 29, 2025
If I could give this book ten stars I would. One of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint!

Like many I'm a huge swiftie so when I heard this was The Eras tour meets hostel I couldn't wait!!!! Washburn writes Phoebe unflinchingly, and man oh man this story is a heart pounding, bloody, wild ride. Phoebe Fox is the final girl I didn't know I needed in my life and I just really, really loved this book.
Profile Image for Madame Strange.
118 reviews4 followers
June 12, 2025
“Where Popstars Go To Die” by David Washburn completely lived up to its incredible title!

★★★★★

From the moment the title of this novel was announced I got excited and being blessed with the opportunity to be an ARC reader has been an absolute pleasure!

This is a fast paced, gripping thriller that pulled me in from the first page. I tried to savour it, but failed miserably, honestly I just couldn’t stop reading. The documentary style snippets and social media posts between chapters really added to the story and gave it a very “now” feel.

As for Phoebe Fox, I’m officially a fan and you undoubtedly will be too after going on this dark, twisty, unputdownable ride. This was a solid 5 star read!
Profile Image for Jessica Huntley.
Author 21 books391 followers
October 28, 2025
Hands down, the best final girl book I've ever read. ❤️ Think Pop Princess meets Final Girl Gore.

It's rare that I root for a character from the start. That I instantly like and admire a character instantly. Phoebe Fox is a brilliant role model and I was rooting for her from the get go.

This book kept me in it's clutches the whole time I was reading. I wanted more when it finished!

Truly, a remarkable and powerful book about female power and determination. You won't regret it.
Profile Image for Vicky Chapman.
289 reviews14 followers
September 11, 2025
I ate this one up - gloriously gore filled and slightly unhinged! Full of feminine rage and redemption it's a fast, fun read (if you can stomach it!)
Huge thanks to the author and booksirens for the arc ebook, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
67 reviews3 followers
July 18, 2025
WOW! This book is the perfect combination of Taken and Hostel, with fantastic female rage thrown in. I loved everything about it, from the writing style, to the story, to the fabulous ending. This is the second book I've read by David Washburn, and it will not be the last!!
Profile Image for Joan.
18 reviews
June 23, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I tore through this book in just two days! Even though I didn’t necessarily like the main character, I couldn’t stop thinking about her and genuinely cared about what happened to her. That kind of emotional pull is rare for me.

One of the things that stood out to me was how the story explores the treatment of women in the music industry but also women in general. The book doesn't shy away from showing,in a wonderfully bloody and violent way, how power can be abused and how difficult it is can be to reclaim your voice once it’s been taken.

And yes, it’s also a killer revenge story. Smart, sharp, and satisfying in all the right ways.

Highly recommend if you like complex characters and stories that keep you turning pages way past bedtime.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Profile Image for Mo Medusa.
Author 2 books13 followers
August 5, 2025

Phoebe Fox is the epitome of the international pop star fantasy: fame, money, respect, adoration …

But after stopping in Amsterdam for one part of the European leg of her huge world tour, she finds that her superstardom may have made her a target.

And after being kidnapped and taken hostage in a strange place, she finds that the reasons why she was targeted are scarier than she could’ve ever imagined.

Her safety, life, and future on the line, she has no choice but to learn how to fight—for survival, for her freedom, and to prove to herself and the world that she is not someone to be messed with.

‘Where Pop Stars Go to Die’ is a fast paced, action filled story of survival, blurring the lines of genre to result in something truly unique.

It’s glittery but bloody, fantastical but somehow relatable, and polished but raw with human experience (even though most of our experiences aren’t that of an international pop star. 😉)

It’s asks the age old question: what would you do if it happened to you?

I had the honor of Beta reading this incredible new story by @washburnwrites and I can honestly say everything I read from him keeps getting better.

One of those books that you can’t stop reading until you’ve finished.

5 stars!
Profile Image for Chris Alden.
32 reviews
June 30, 2025
Where Pop Stars Go To Die:

Phoebe Fox has it all!
The loving family, the supportive boyfriend, and the lavish life that comes with fame.

For the better part of two decades, Phoebe Fox has etched her name into pop-culture history. The Through The Years International Stadium Tour is the most must-see event, pulling in legions of screaming fans from all corners of the world. That is until she embarks on the next leg of her tour and it all unravels.

Phoebe Fox has been taken.
With her head covered and her wrists bound, she arrives in an unknown location where she is auctioned off to the highest bidder among an exclusive elitist group made up of some of the world’s most powerful and influential people.

Phoebe Fox isn’t just writing songs.
She isn’t just taking back control of her story.
She’s taking back her life.
… Even if it means taking another.

Imagine Taylor Swift staring in Hostel and you’ll get the general premise of this book.

From the opening line to the final chapter I was hooked. This story has it all: a final girl that you initially despise but then grow to adore, an industry mogul that you can imagine existing in the real world (and no doubt they do), and a revenge plot that keeps you turning page after page.

Fast paced, and great descriptive writing which helps to create a very tense atmosphere. Where Pop Stars is a smart and often brutal insight into the misogynistic world of Pop Music. This is Taylor Swift going through her Britney Soears Era.

A fantastic read.

4⭐️
Profile Image for Aura.
137 reviews
June 11, 2025
Arc reader review.

Oh my god.

When I read the synopsis, I knew right away that I needed to know more. This is a book I would have picked up even if I hadn't been allowed an advanced copy.

Who does not love a final girl? A strong one at that. She is nothing but passion and love for music, her family and fans and it's said passion that made her fight so hard.

I absolutely loved every second. Every pages. It was so nicely written. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Or the end of the bus stop bench when I missed my bus this morning too busy reading right after receiving it.

This is an author I had never read before but I will definitely keep an eye out for other books.

Thank you for the opportunity.

Ps: was the "French" man actually supposed to be French? Because except during German classes I never used this insult lmao.
Profile Image for Kat M.
5,133 reviews18 followers
June 28, 2025
I was hooked from the description of "eras tour meets Hostel" and this book didn't disappoint. It uses the horror element perfectly and was investing what was happening with the characters and this journey. I thought it had that suspenseful atmosphere and and thought the overall concept was so well done. David Washburn has a strong writing style and has a feel for the horror concept. I'm glad I got to read this as it was so well done.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Jason.
48 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2025
Where Pop Stars Go to Die is a fun fast-paced gorefest. As soon as I saw the tagline, "The Eras tour meets Hostel" I knew this was a must read, and it did not disappoint.

The only thing that kept me from giving it 5-stars were the documentary style flashback scenes. They kind of dragged on a bit and took me out of the story. I didn't feel that they were necessary.

This was my first David Washburn book, but I will definitely be checking out some of his other work.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cristy  T.
25 reviews5 followers
June 11, 2025
Wow!!
This was a book that I couldn't put down (just ask my work that suffered so I could finish it ...ha ha)! Very "Pop Star meets Hostel," but more twisted, thanks to The Exhibit.
David is officially on my "instant book buy" list after this one.
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader, but you bet I have a physical copy coming when this comes out in September because.... CAN WE TALK ABOUT THAT BEAUTIFUL COVER?! Well done with this, David!
Profile Image for Steff.
32 reviews1 follower
September 17, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! I flew through it in one night and was so bummed when it ended. I felt a connection to Phoebe and it was so easy to root for her. I did guess the big twists and that’s why I rated it 4 stars. Other than that fantastic book and I will absolutely read this author again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Bethany.
532 reviews7 followers
October 12, 2025
A novella by David Washburn? Yes!
With that title and cover?! More yes!

Well that lived up to my expectations. Phoebe Fox is a huge success. Pop Star. Huge fandom. You know the drill. While on a huge tour, she's kidnapped. And all hell breaks lose. Literally.

Once you get to the kidnapping, this becomes a fast paced blood soaked killer of a novella which you absolutely will not want to put down. I regretted starting it when I simply didn't have enough time to keep going... And it was in my head until I could pick it up again.

Phoebe might be a good singer, but she's also a badass who isn't going down without one hell of a fight!

Another great story by David!
Profile Image for Sara Kate.
Author 11 books61 followers
June 23, 2025
A fast-paced action packed revenge quick thriller.
I loved the premise. David did a great job creating a suspenseful scene throughout the entire book. The pop star main character faught back in every way she could and I loved it! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Becca.
867 reviews86 followers
August 21, 2025
Thank you so much to the author, David Washburn, for providing me with an eARC of Where Pop Stars Go to Die!

Once you reach the first quarter mark of Where Pop Stars Go to Die, this horror novel becomes a fast-paced & tension-packed read. Admittedly, I was a bit worried during that first portion, because my attention span is similar to a squirrel’s & there was a bit of time spent on getting to know our pop star, Phoebe Fox & her team. But once it starts, IT STARTS & you’ll feel like you just got dropped into the film Hostel.

Where Pop Stars Go to Die is HEAVILY influenced by a well-loved pop star — with lots of references, such as Phoebe Fox’s tour being called “Through the Years.” This could be a pro or a con, depending — for me, I imagined Phoebe to be in the likeness of the real life pop star — I didn’t hate this concept & actually had fun imagining her kicking a little ass.

Where Pop Stars Go to Die is a fun read, especially once the tables are turned. We love powerful women in this house ✨✨ & I love the message (outside of the violence 😅) of taking back your life.

I definitely recommend this one for its unique premise, the action & tension elements, and girl power ✌️

176 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2025
This is an immersive, fast-paced read. Highly recommended!

I also recommend purchasing the "Bundle Pack" from the author's website: washburnwrites.com (It comes with a concert ticket that can be used as a bookmark - not an actual concert ticket as stated on itself, haha - a friendship bracelet, keychain, stickers, "pop star" glasses, candy, and even - passion flavored - tea, which is quite tasty.)
Profile Image for Robert King II.
Author 1 book6 followers
November 4, 2025
Everything it’s advertised as: Taylor Swift meets Hostel. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a shorter, fun read!
Profile Image for Jami.
31 reviews3 followers
August 7, 2025
I really, really wanted to love this book. It had such a fun plot! It was just ok though. There was a weird story within the story that didn’t do anything for it except add word count. If we take that part out the story was ok. It was a fun, gruesome ride for the most part. Ridiculous, but in a good way. Many parts felt rushed and the ending was just eh. It’s not bad, I just didn’t love it.
4 reviews
September 15, 2025
One of the best horror books I've read in a while. Washburn has amazing story telling ability. Add in the plot twists and gore makes this an all time favorite!
Profile Image for Brianna North.
Author 5 books40 followers
September 22, 2025
Reading a Swiftie-inspired horror was definitely not on my bingo card this year but I had SO much fun with this one! This was so intense, and I read most of this in one sitting because I had such a hard time putting it down. Phoebe Fox, the world's biggest popstar, is kidnapped in another country and sold to the highest bidder in a messed-up secret auction where she endures horrors she never imagined at the hands of her captors. Phoebe was such a badass character who didn't take sh*t from anyone! I also really loved the documentary scenes because it gave such great insights into her initial rise to fame, and some foreshadowing into the events to come. I definitely recommend this one if you're looking for a fast-paced read with a unique twist!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.