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Scary Movie Night
In this nail-biting thriller, a horror-themed birthday party turns deadly when guests start disappearing—and the birthday girl realizes that she must face a long-buried secret to make it out alive.
Tippi is ready for a fresh start. After breaking off her engagement to an increasingly demanding, controlling, and emotionally unstable man, she is newly inspired to do whatever it takes to put herself first. Plus, her thirty-fifth birthday is coming up: a perfect occasion to ring in this new era. Tippi’s friends see the opportunity, too, and lean into her love of horror films by throwing her a lavish theme party at a secluded mansion, where everyone dresses as characters from iconic scary movies. But Tippi's attempts to enjoy the night are shattered when she starts receiving terrifying messages from her ex, Oliver, to expose a secret she was ready to take to the grave.
At first, Tippi can’t believe her eyes. Oliver moved across the country after they broke up—he can’t have crashed her party. Could one of her friends have found out? But when her guests begin to disappear one by one, it becomes clear that the threats have very real consequences. And the messages make clear one the call is coming from inside the house.
As Tippi is forced to navigate the deception of those closest to her, she realizes that in the end, some things are indeed like in the movies, and she’ll do whatever it takes to just survive the night.
Tippi is ready for a fresh start. After breaking off her engagement to an increasingly demanding, controlling, and emotionally unstable man, she is newly inspired to do whatever it takes to put herself first. Plus, her thirty-fifth birthday is coming up: a perfect occasion to ring in this new era. Tippi’s friends see the opportunity, too, and lean into her love of horror films by throwing her a lavish theme party at a secluded mansion, where everyone dresses as characters from iconic scary movies. But Tippi's attempts to enjoy the night are shattered when she starts receiving terrifying messages from her ex, Oliver, to expose a secret she was ready to take to the grave.
At first, Tippi can’t believe her eyes. Oliver moved across the country after they broke up—he can’t have crashed her party. Could one of her friends have found out? But when her guests begin to disappear one by one, it becomes clear that the threats have very real consequences. And the messages make clear one the call is coming from inside the house.
As Tippi is forced to navigate the deception of those closest to her, she realizes that in the end, some things are indeed like in the movies, and she’ll do whatever it takes to just survive the night.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2026
About the author
Miranda Smith
16 books380 followersMiranda Smith writes psychological and domestic suspense novels. When it comes to fiction, Miranda writes about complicated women, dark impulses, and Southern settings. She is drawn to stories about ordinary people in extraordinary situations. She lives in East Tennessee with her husband and three children.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 232 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
It's a great closed room mystery with an interesting cast of characters and top notch drama. I loved the old Hollywood vibe.
It was a little slow to start but the tension really ramped up with the second act and keept getting higher and higher.
I had a great time.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC.
It was a little slow to start but the tension really ramped up with the second act and keept getting higher and higher.
I had a great time.
Thank you Ballantine for this ARC.
July 11, 2026
Honestly? HUGE SLAY. After the first half or so, the tension ramps up. A closed circle/isolation thriller is only as good as its cast, and these characters are not only balanced, but Messy with a capital M.
Add in endless twists and an overarching Hitchcock theme and this is both incredibly fun and highly satisfying.
Thank you to the author and Bantam Books for my ARC.
Add in endless twists and an overarching Hitchcock theme and this is both incredibly fun and highly satisfying.
Thank you to the author and Bantam Books for my ARC.
August 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Total popcorn thriller alert!!
Scary Movie Night follows Tippi, who is reeling from the end of her engagement while preparing for a months-long work assignment in Europe. Before she leaves, her closest friends gather at a sprawling, isolated mansion to celebrate her birthday and give her a proper sendoff. The evening begins with horror movies, laughter, and reminiscing, but beneath the surface, old grudges and unresolved tensions are simmering. When one of the guests is found dead, the celebration takes a horrifying turn, spiraling into a tense whodunit where no one can be trusted and every member of the group becomes a suspect.
This was such a fun, fast-paced popcorn thriller! The friend group was an absolute hot mess, and I mean that in the best way possible. Every single one of them had layers that weren't immediately apparent, and each new revelation made me rethink what I knew about them. There was always more to each character than initially met the eye, which kept me guessing throughout the entire novel.
One of my favorite aspects was trying to figure out who the antagonist was. Every time I settled on a theory, another secret or revelation would send me in a completely different direction. I genuinely could not make up my mind about who was behind everything, and I loved that the mystery kept me second-guessing myself until the very end - this is something that is becoming increasingly rare as I read thriller after thriller!
While these weren't the most likable group of characters, I honestly didn't mind. In fact, their flaws and dysfunction made the story even more entertaining. Watching all of their secrets, lies, and complicated relationships unravel was one of my favorite parts of the book, there was so much drama within this group!
The setting was another standout. The creepy, isolated mansion created the perfect backdrop for this story, adding an eerie atmosphere that made the tension even more palpable. I also loved the alternating chapters that paid homage to classic Hitchcock films. Those little nods added another layer of fun for horror and thriller fans and complemented the story really well.
The final twist was something I genuinely did not see coming, which is becoming increasingly rare for me with thrillers these days. I always appreciate a book that can still surprise me, and Miranda Smith absolutely pulled it off.
If you're looking for an entertaining thriller packed with secrets, dysfunctional characters, a creepy atmospheric setting, horror movie vibes, and a true whodunit that will keep you changing your mind about the killer until the very end, Scary Movie Night is definitely worth picking up.
Scary Movie Night follows Tippi, who is reeling from the end of her engagement while preparing for a months-long work assignment in Europe. Before she leaves, her closest friends gather at a sprawling, isolated mansion to celebrate her birthday and give her a proper sendoff. The evening begins with horror movies, laughter, and reminiscing, but beneath the surface, old grudges and unresolved tensions are simmering. When one of the guests is found dead, the celebration takes a horrifying turn, spiraling into a tense whodunit where no one can be trusted and every member of the group becomes a suspect.
This was such a fun, fast-paced popcorn thriller! The friend group was an absolute hot mess, and I mean that in the best way possible. Every single one of them had layers that weren't immediately apparent, and each new revelation made me rethink what I knew about them. There was always more to each character than initially met the eye, which kept me guessing throughout the entire novel.
One of my favorite aspects was trying to figure out who the antagonist was. Every time I settled on a theory, another secret or revelation would send me in a completely different direction. I genuinely could not make up my mind about who was behind everything, and I loved that the mystery kept me second-guessing myself until the very end - this is something that is becoming increasingly rare as I read thriller after thriller!
While these weren't the most likable group of characters, I honestly didn't mind. In fact, their flaws and dysfunction made the story even more entertaining. Watching all of their secrets, lies, and complicated relationships unravel was one of my favorite parts of the book, there was so much drama within this group!
The setting was another standout. The creepy, isolated mansion created the perfect backdrop for this story, adding an eerie atmosphere that made the tension even more palpable. I also loved the alternating chapters that paid homage to classic Hitchcock films. Those little nods added another layer of fun for horror and thriller fans and complemented the story really well.
The final twist was something I genuinely did not see coming, which is becoming increasingly rare for me with thrillers these days. I always appreciate a book that can still surprise me, and Miranda Smith absolutely pulled it off.
If you're looking for an entertaining thriller packed with secrets, dysfunctional characters, a creepy atmospheric setting, horror movie vibes, and a true whodunit that will keep you changing your mind about the killer until the very end, Scary Movie Night is definitely worth picking up.
July 20, 2026
I need to stay away from thrillers that mention any sort of Hitchcock connection, none of them have been good. The connection here is so slight I’m not sure why anyone bothered. From the first person narration to the indistinguishable characters to the ridiculous, not at all scary or thrilling “mystery” this one is DOA. Nothing much happens until about the 40% mark, well, lots of purple prose and not great similies happen.
July 14, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me a copy of this book to review!
3.75ish stars! This mystery was very fast paced and fun. I really like these sort of closed-circle mysteries and the setting of this one made it super fun, very Clue like with the small cast and the manor setting.
This book centers around Tippie as she celebrates her birthday with her group of friends after calling off her engagement, before everything at the party starts to go wrong. I liked Tippie as a lead. I enjoyed her love of Hitchcock movies and the way that was woven into the plot (though I do wish it was even more central, given the name of the book and how important it was to her character's life!). I will say, if you're not looking to read a book where the cast is mostly less-than-likeable, this might not be for you. I love that in my mysteries so I thought it was great! Very enjoyable and propulsive in a soap opera like way where you just have to keep reading to see what happens next.
The mystery itself was pretty good too, if maybe just a bit predictable. The vibe of the overall story definitely added a lot to my enjoyment so I still found it very entertaining even though I wasn't super surprised by any of the major plot beats, for the most part. Some of the set up is a little bit too convenient for my taste - there's absolutely no cell service even though there right outside NYC, they all Uber'd (to the place with no cell service...) even though some have cars, so they're completely stranded, etc. - but it's hard to realistically isolate people in the modern day, so I'm willing to let it slide.
The reason this is only 3.75 stars for me was a lot of the characters and their motivations felt a bit half-baked, particularly for our bad guy(s). With out giving anything away, this was not a well thought out crime. I was rolling my eyes a bit at some of the actions which felt a bit mustache twirling villain-like for me. I couldn't really take it very seriously. I just needed a bit more of an explanation for how all the pieces tied together and why, without that the ending was underwhelming.
I would definitely read more from this author in the future! I flew through this book and I think she has a lot of potential in the future, so I'm excited to see what she puts out next!
3.75ish stars! This mystery was very fast paced and fun. I really like these sort of closed-circle mysteries and the setting of this one made it super fun, very Clue like with the small cast and the manor setting.
This book centers around Tippie as she celebrates her birthday with her group of friends after calling off her engagement, before everything at the party starts to go wrong. I liked Tippie as a lead. I enjoyed her love of Hitchcock movies and the way that was woven into the plot (though I do wish it was even more central, given the name of the book and how important it was to her character's life!). I will say, if you're not looking to read a book where the cast is mostly less-than-likeable, this might not be for you. I love that in my mysteries so I thought it was great! Very enjoyable and propulsive in a soap opera like way where you just have to keep reading to see what happens next.
The mystery itself was pretty good too, if maybe just a bit predictable. The vibe of the overall story definitely added a lot to my enjoyment so I still found it very entertaining even though I wasn't super surprised by any of the major plot beats, for the most part. Some of the set up is a little bit too convenient for my taste - there's absolutely no cell service even though there right outside NYC, they all Uber'd (to the place with no cell service...) even though some have cars, so they're completely stranded, etc. - but it's hard to realistically isolate people in the modern day, so I'm willing to let it slide.
The reason this is only 3.75 stars for me was a lot of the characters and their motivations felt a bit half-baked, particularly for our bad guy(s). With out giving anything away, this was not a well thought out crime. I was rolling my eyes a bit at some of the actions which felt a bit mustache twirling villain-like for me. I couldn't really take it very seriously. I just needed a bit more of an explanation for how all the pieces tied together and why, without that the ending was underwhelming.
I would definitely read more from this author in the future! I flew through this book and I think she has a lot of potential in the future, so I'm excited to see what she puts out next!
August 4, 2026
Grab the popcorn, because you’re invited to Scary Movie Night.
A Hitchcock-themed birthday party? ✔️
Long-buried secrets? ✔️
A night that goes according to script? ❌
Don’t go into this expecting horror. What you’ll get instead is a layered locked-room mystery and a bit of a love letter to ol’ Hitchcock, and that’s exactly what I enjoyed about it.
At under 300 pages, I read this in a day. Between the threatening messages, long-buried secrets and the constant question of who Tippi could actually trust, I was always trying to stay one step ahead of the story. Every time I thought I’d worked it out, another reveal had me rethinking my theory.
What really made this book stand out for me was how naturally Hitchcock was woven into every part of Tippi’s life. It wasn’t just a themed birthday party. From her name to her career writing about Hitchcock, and even the excerpts from her own work scattered throughout the book, it all felt purposeful rather than gimmicky. As Tippi slowly warmed to the party she’d never wanted in the first place, what should have been a celebration of a fresh start quickly unravelled into something far more sinister.
A Hitchcock-themed birthday party? ✔️
Long-buried secrets? ✔️
A night that goes according to script? ❌
Don’t go into this expecting horror. What you’ll get instead is a layered locked-room mystery and a bit of a love letter to ol’ Hitchcock, and that’s exactly what I enjoyed about it.
At under 300 pages, I read this in a day. Between the threatening messages, long-buried secrets and the constant question of who Tippi could actually trust, I was always trying to stay one step ahead of the story. Every time I thought I’d worked it out, another reveal had me rethinking my theory.
What really made this book stand out for me was how naturally Hitchcock was woven into every part of Tippi’s life. It wasn’t just a themed birthday party. From her name to her career writing about Hitchcock, and even the excerpts from her own work scattered throughout the book, it all felt purposeful rather than gimmicky. As Tippi slowly warmed to the party she’d never wanted in the first place, what should have been a celebration of a fresh start quickly unravelled into something far more sinister.
July 23, 2026
I didn't enjoy this at all.
It's not horror. It references the classics but really they added nothing. You've been warned.
My fault for going in blind. It's not horror and the beautiful cover is very misleading.
It's just like any old basic everyday run of the mill average thriller that you can read anywhere. The characters are just there. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset to enjoy it like the other readers. There's drama if you like that. I didn't.
I liked the description of the estate though.
It's not horror. It references the classics but really they added nothing. You've been warned.
My fault for going in blind. It's not horror and the beautiful cover is very misleading.
It's just like any old basic everyday run of the mill average thriller that you can read anywhere. The characters are just there. Maybe I wasn't in the right mindset to enjoy it like the other readers. There's drama if you like that. I didn't.
I liked the description of the estate though.
July 22, 2026
I've never read a book that wanted me to know its favorite director quite this badly.
I learned two things while reading this book: the author loves Hitchcock, and I apparently have a limit for how many Hitchcock references I can tolerate.
This felt like a book written by someone who absolutely loves Hitchcock movies, so they wrote a mini book about Hitchcock movies and then wrapped an increasingly absurd story around it.
If you're a Hitchcock fan, I genuinely think you'll have a much better time with this than I did.
*I've already said "Hitchcock" more times in this review than I wanted to but apparently I’m just trying recreate the reading experience.*
For me, the characters were so underdeveloped that their personalities changed on a whim. People would make complete 180s in their behavior simply because the plot needed them to. The premise itself never felt grounded either. We're talking about an absurdly lavish mansion with essentially zero technology and seemingly no way to leave or get help in an emergency. I spent more time questioning the logistics than following the story.
The writing also left me cold. It was oddly detached and emotionless at times … when a character refers to a baby she supposedly adores as "the infant," it's hard to feel much emotional connection myself.
And then came the ending. Every page seemed determined to throw another twist at me. After a while they stopped feeling surprising and just became exhausting. When everything is a twist, nothing really is.
I actually feel a little bad writing this review because you can tell the author has genuine passions. It just felt like being trapped in a conversation with someone who desperately wants to tell you why CrossFit (read: Hitchcock) is the greatest thing ever, while you're scanning the room for literally anyone else to talk to.
Grateful to NetGalley for the ARC and for their ongoing courage in letting The Hateful Reader judge things. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: July 14 2026
I learned two things while reading this book: the author loves Hitchcock, and I apparently have a limit for how many Hitchcock references I can tolerate.
This felt like a book written by someone who absolutely loves Hitchcock movies, so they wrote a mini book about Hitchcock movies and then wrapped an increasingly absurd story around it.
If you're a Hitchcock fan, I genuinely think you'll have a much better time with this than I did.
*I've already said "Hitchcock" more times in this review than I wanted to but apparently I’m just trying recreate the reading experience.*
For me, the characters were so underdeveloped that their personalities changed on a whim. People would make complete 180s in their behavior simply because the plot needed them to. The premise itself never felt grounded either. We're talking about an absurdly lavish mansion with essentially zero technology and seemingly no way to leave or get help in an emergency. I spent more time questioning the logistics than following the story.
The writing also left me cold. It was oddly detached and emotionless at times … when a character refers to a baby she supposedly adores as "the infant," it's hard to feel much emotional connection myself.
And then came the ending. Every page seemed determined to throw another twist at me. After a while they stopped feeling surprising and just became exhausting. When everything is a twist, nothing really is.
I actually feel a little bad writing this review because you can tell the author has genuine passions. It just felt like being trapped in a conversation with someone who desperately wants to tell you why CrossFit (read: Hitchcock) is the greatest thing ever, while you're scanning the room for literally anyone else to talk to.
Grateful to NetGalley for the ARC and for their ongoing courage in letting The Hateful Reader judge things. Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for giving me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Pub date: July 14 2026
April 21, 2026
I love an isolation thriller and this one totally delivered! The characters were so messy and I couldn’t get enough. The plot twists totally blew my mind.
August 5, 2026
3.5 rounded up!
As someone who has been obsessed with scary movies since I was a little girl, this title immediately had me sold. A horror movie-themed birthday party at a secluded mansion? Say less. I was ALL in.
Unfortunately, I realized pretty quickly that the scary movie aspect wasn't really the focus of the story. For something that's literally the title of the book, it felt more like an afterthought than the main event, which was definitely disappointing.
That said, the friend group drama absolutely kept me hooked. The secrets, betrayals, and shifting alliances had me constantly questioning who could actually be trusted. I thought I had everything figured out... and I was completely wrong. Miranda Smith definitely got me with the twists.
While this wasn't quite the slasher-inspired thriller I had imagined going in, it was still an entertaining, twisty read that kept me guessing until the very end. If you enjoy friend group thrillers packed with secrets and unexpected reveals, this one is worth adding to your list.
As someone who has been obsessed with scary movies since I was a little girl, this title immediately had me sold. A horror movie-themed birthday party at a secluded mansion? Say less. I was ALL in.
Unfortunately, I realized pretty quickly that the scary movie aspect wasn't really the focus of the story. For something that's literally the title of the book, it felt more like an afterthought than the main event, which was definitely disappointing.
That said, the friend group drama absolutely kept me hooked. The secrets, betrayals, and shifting alliances had me constantly questioning who could actually be trusted. I thought I had everything figured out... and I was completely wrong. Miranda Smith definitely got me with the twists.
While this wasn't quite the slasher-inspired thriller I had imagined going in, it was still an entertaining, twisty read that kept me guessing until the very end. If you enjoy friend group thrillers packed with secrets and unexpected reveals, this one is worth adding to your list.
May 4, 2026
Scary Movie Night by Miranda Smith
Overall .5/5
not like other girls 5/5
predictable plot 4.75/5
trying too hard 5/5
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a painful reading experience. Tippy is one of those “I’m not like other girls teehee” and is so flipping annoying. The plot is predictable. There was so much added background story filler that served no purpose. This book tried so hard to be mysterious and edgy but fell completely flat. I was bored throughout the book and was excited to finish so I didn’t have to read it anymore.
Overall .5/5
not like other girls 5/5
predictable plot 4.75/5
trying too hard 5/5
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. These thoughts and opinions are my own.
What a painful reading experience. Tippy is one of those “I’m not like other girls teehee” and is so flipping annoying. The plot is predictable. There was so much added background story filler that served no purpose. This book tried so hard to be mysterious and edgy but fell completely flat. I was bored throughout the book and was excited to finish so I didn’t have to read it anymore.
July 29, 2026
This was bush league. Writing was not good, including an egregious typo at 85%. I thought the characters were confusing and interchangeable and based on the typo, so did the author lol. Twists were somehow ridiculous and yet predictable. Pacing was all over the place. Did an editor come within 50 feet of this book?
February 16, 2026
I was so excited to receive an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Especially since I’ll be meeting the author next week in Scottsdale!
The synopsis of this book caught my eye, but the actual execution was even better. Tippi is still trying to get over her broken engagement, and is ready to spend some time abroad to get away from it all. But first she has to get through her birthday party. Thrown by her best friend, with the cooperation of her grandmother and the use of her gorgeous, historical home, a Hitchcock themed weekend should be the perfect send off. Until a picturesque night becomes a noir horror film. Why did Tippi and Oliver actually break up? Is there more to each of their stories? Is someone crashing the party?
The author did a great job of helping the reader envision the gothic beauty of the setting, and the themed costumes for the characters. The 4 best friends had depth, some more likable than others, but all characters had enough suspicious attributes to keep me guessing until the end.
I can’t wait to read more by Miranda Smith!
The synopsis of this book caught my eye, but the actual execution was even better. Tippi is still trying to get over her broken engagement, and is ready to spend some time abroad to get away from it all. But first she has to get through her birthday party. Thrown by her best friend, with the cooperation of her grandmother and the use of her gorgeous, historical home, a Hitchcock themed weekend should be the perfect send off. Until a picturesque night becomes a noir horror film. Why did Tippi and Oliver actually break up? Is there more to each of their stories? Is someone crashing the party?
The author did a great job of helping the reader envision the gothic beauty of the setting, and the themed costumes for the characters. The 4 best friends had depth, some more likable than others, but all characters had enough suspicious attributes to keep me guessing until the end.
I can’t wait to read more by Miranda Smith!
April 29, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Ballantine for an ARC.
What a fun premise! Tippi just broke off her engagement to Oliver, the man she thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with. Instead she is getting ready to move out of her apartment and travel Europe for the foreseeable future, writing about it. Before she leaves for Europe, her best friends are throwing her a birthday party. To make this party even more special for her thirty fifth birthday it will be a horror movie themed party since Tippi loves Hitchcock movies. During the party secrets start coming out including a huge one Tippi is willing to do anything to keep hidden. Tippi starts receiving notes claiming someone knows her secret and then the bodies start piling up.
I really enjoyed this book. The idea was so fun. I wish my friends would throw a party like that for me! Also I loved the setting. Tippi's grandmother's mansion sounded so interesting. The characters were okay, very messy. I found them a little whiny and annoying at times. The pace was really good and I liked how the story was constructed. It switches back and forth between the past and the night of the party with short chapters from Tippi's book about Hitchcock movies between them. I was in suspense for most of the book, trying to decide who the villain was. I finally figured it out, but just before they were revealed. Overall, it was very entertaining. I had fun reading this story, but I think it would also be a great movie!
What a fun premise! Tippi just broke off her engagement to Oliver, the man she thought she was going to spend the rest of her life with. Instead she is getting ready to move out of her apartment and travel Europe for the foreseeable future, writing about it. Before she leaves for Europe, her best friends are throwing her a birthday party. To make this party even more special for her thirty fifth birthday it will be a horror movie themed party since Tippi loves Hitchcock movies. During the party secrets start coming out including a huge one Tippi is willing to do anything to keep hidden. Tippi starts receiving notes claiming someone knows her secret and then the bodies start piling up.
I really enjoyed this book. The idea was so fun. I wish my friends would throw a party like that for me! Also I loved the setting. Tippi's grandmother's mansion sounded so interesting. The characters were okay, very messy. I found them a little whiny and annoying at times. The pace was really good and I liked how the story was constructed. It switches back and forth between the past and the night of the party with short chapters from Tippi's book about Hitchcock movies between them. I was in suspense for most of the book, trying to decide who the villain was. I finally figured it out, but just before they were revealed. Overall, it was very entertaining. I had fun reading this story, but I think it would also be a great movie!
July 27, 2026
Dude … another thriller that missed its mark. Why is it even called scary movie night? Well I guess I know why but tbh it’s a horrible title for the book. I have so many random jumbled thoughts about this book & that’s exactly what the story was — a random jumble. The characters were so 1 dimensional, none of them were likeable or relatable or personable. The twists had no shock factor & were pretty predictable & the ending was honestly dumb lol. Also.. so marmee was just chillin upstairs in her room the WHOLE DAMN TIME?? Wtf lmfao one star ⭐️
July 25, 2026
This was the actual pits.
The scary movie theme is an afterthought and has nothing to do with the plot, the characters are one dimensional and interchangeable with each other, the protagonist was dull, a granny is just chillin in the guest room waiting to dispense some wisdom that you know is coming, and the entire thing played out with a corpse just laying around that nobody seems particularly sad about.
This could’ve at least had the decency to be campy.
One of my least favorite books I’ve read this year. I would’ve DNF’ed had it not been short.
The scary movie theme is an afterthought and has nothing to do with the plot, the characters are one dimensional and interchangeable with each other, the protagonist was dull, a granny is just chillin in the guest room waiting to dispense some wisdom that you know is coming, and the entire thing played out with a corpse just laying around that nobody seems particularly sad about.
This could’ve at least had the decency to be campy.
One of my least favorite books I’ve read this year. I would’ve DNF’ed had it not been short.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Horror movie lovers rise up because this one's for you! Meet Tippi, classic horror movie enthusiast whos themed party is turning into one of the nightmares she grew up watching. A dead body, disturbing notes left behind, and an unreliable cast of characters, this party is a night to remember.
What I loved: Fast paced, short chapters and a plot full of twisty surprises. The classic horror movie references made this book so much fun, especially the chapters weaved in from Tippis "book". Shout-out to another Rear Window lover!
If you're new to Miranda's work, make sure you read her other book, Smile for the Cameras!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! Pub day: 7/14/26
What I loved: Fast paced, short chapters and a plot full of twisty surprises. The classic horror movie references made this book so much fun, especially the chapters weaved in from Tippis "book". Shout-out to another Rear Window lover!
If you're new to Miranda's work, make sure you read her other book, Smile for the Cameras!
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! Pub day: 7/14/26
August 7, 2026
When movie critic Tippi Rathbone returns to her grandmother’s secluded mansion for a birthday party before leaving for Europe, the weekend quickly unravels after a shocking death and a series of anonymous messages expose long-buried secrets.
I honestly did not expect this book to become a 5-star read.
The title had me convinced I was picking up a fun slasher with horror costumes, an isolated mansion, and a high body count. That’s not what I got at all, and I’m so glad. Instead, this turned into a layered psychological mystery where the relationships were every bit as compelling as the mystery itself.
The biggest surprise for me was how invested I became in these characters. Every revelation carried emotional weight because the friendships, betrayals, and family relationships felt authentic. By the second half, I wasn’t racing through the pages just to find the killer. I genuinely cared about what happened to these people.
The Hitchcock inspiration was another unexpected highlight. I loved the Tippi’s Takes essays sprinkled between chapters. Instead of feeling like random movie references, they became part of the story itself, adding another layer to the mystery and tying everything together beautifully. I’ve only seen The Birds and Psycho, but by the time I finished this book, I found myself wanting to watch Rear Window and several other Hitchcock films. I can’t remember the last time a novel made me want to dive into the work that inspired it.
I also loved how this book kept exceeding my expectations. I started out thinking it would be a solid 4-star read, but every twist added another layer instead of existing just for shock value. The mystery grew stronger, the characters became more complex, and the ending absolutely delivered.
If you’ve been skipping this one because the title makes it sound like a straightforward horror novel or slasher, don’t. I almost made that mistake myself. This is so much more than that, and it ended up being one of my biggest surprises of the year.
An easy 5 stars and one I’ll be recommending often.
I honestly did not expect this book to become a 5-star read.
The title had me convinced I was picking up a fun slasher with horror costumes, an isolated mansion, and a high body count. That’s not what I got at all, and I’m so glad. Instead, this turned into a layered psychological mystery where the relationships were every bit as compelling as the mystery itself.
The biggest surprise for me was how invested I became in these characters. Every revelation carried emotional weight because the friendships, betrayals, and family relationships felt authentic. By the second half, I wasn’t racing through the pages just to find the killer. I genuinely cared about what happened to these people.
The Hitchcock inspiration was another unexpected highlight. I loved the Tippi’s Takes essays sprinkled between chapters. Instead of feeling like random movie references, they became part of the story itself, adding another layer to the mystery and tying everything together beautifully. I’ve only seen The Birds and Psycho, but by the time I finished this book, I found myself wanting to watch Rear Window and several other Hitchcock films. I can’t remember the last time a novel made me want to dive into the work that inspired it.
I also loved how this book kept exceeding my expectations. I started out thinking it would be a solid 4-star read, but every twist added another layer instead of existing just for shock value. The mystery grew stronger, the characters became more complex, and the ending absolutely delivered.
If you’ve been skipping this one because the title makes it sound like a straightforward horror novel or slasher, don’t. I almost made that mistake myself. This is so much more than that, and it ended up being one of my biggest surprises of the year.
An easy 5 stars and one I’ll be recommending often.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me a read.
I like to thank also my sister and my father who love horror movies, vintage films and those that fall in between, to get me to sit with them and watch the movies.
This book is a bit of a love letter to classic cinema films like Hitchcock, who-dun-its, and narrators with a secret or that are unreliable. I may have let an angle be spoiled there, but hey - it's there. Our female lead just got out of marriage, plans on making a new start, but her friends want to throw her a party. A party inspired by her name, Tippi, who was the actress cast in The Birds. There are costumes, food inspired, and the films themselves.
But people start showing up that may or may not be linked to her ex-husband. Someone ends up dying with a secret. And the whole party is out in the middle of nowhere due to the host's grandmother not having internet access and phones (since she wants to live off the grid). It's the kind of things that make it an easy A in storytelling.
But with a story that has been done so often, you're looking for something new, something that you wouldn't see coming. Or, something that puts a spin on the twists that usually play out in these types of stories. While the story isn't AMAZING, it's a fun popcorn flick of a story that makes you stick around and wonder who is guilty and who isn't. I liked this better than the author's last romp (Smile for the Cameras). But, with my knowledge in horror and thrillers, I just felt like something was lacking. Perhaps it was the story? Perhaps it was the characters themselves? All in all, if you go in looking for a fun nod to Hitchcock thrillers you'll enjoy. If you go in knowing the ins and outs, it's not so fun.
I like to thank also my sister and my father who love horror movies, vintage films and those that fall in between, to get me to sit with them and watch the movies.
This book is a bit of a love letter to classic cinema films like Hitchcock, who-dun-its, and narrators with a secret or that are unreliable. I may have let an angle be spoiled there, but hey - it's there. Our female lead just got out of marriage, plans on making a new start, but her friends want to throw her a party. A party inspired by her name, Tippi, who was the actress cast in The Birds. There are costumes, food inspired, and the films themselves.
But people start showing up that may or may not be linked to her ex-husband. Someone ends up dying with a secret. And the whole party is out in the middle of nowhere due to the host's grandmother not having internet access and phones (since she wants to live off the grid). It's the kind of things that make it an easy A in storytelling.
But with a story that has been done so often, you're looking for something new, something that you wouldn't see coming. Or, something that puts a spin on the twists that usually play out in these types of stories. While the story isn't AMAZING, it's a fun popcorn flick of a story that makes you stick around and wonder who is guilty and who isn't. I liked this better than the author's last romp (Smile for the Cameras). But, with my knowledge in horror and thrillers, I just felt like something was lacking. Perhaps it was the story? Perhaps it was the characters themselves? All in all, if you go in looking for a fun nod to Hitchcock thrillers you'll enjoy. If you go in knowing the ins and outs, it's not so fun.
August 1, 2026
《3.5⭐️ rounded up to 4⭐️》
Tippi is ready to leave the past behind her after ending a toxic engagement. To celebrate her birthday, her closest friends throw her the ultimate horror themed party at her grandmother's secluded mansion complete with iconic Hitchcock themed costumes. But the party takes a deadly turn when Tippi begins receiving threatening messages seemingly from her ex. As paranoia spreads and old secrets claw their way to the surface, Tippi realizes someone at the party knows the truth she's been desperate to bury. To survive the night, she'll have to figure out who is turning her birthday celebration into a real life horror movie.
This is a locked room mystery wrapped in a love letter to Hitchcock. From the costumes to the classic slasher setup, Miranda Smith clearly knows and loves the genre! I love the Hitchcock feel throughout with the suspense coming more from what might happen than from non-stop action. The atmosphere was great with the isolated mansion, growing paranoia and constantly shifting theories. I had a great time seeing all the horror shout outs and trying to figure out who to trust. While I did manage to guess a few twists and wanted a little something else towards the end, I was still invested throughout. Overall a pretty solid whodunit that while I wasn't completely blown away, it was still an enjoyable ride!
Thank you to NetGalley, Miranda Smith, and Ballantine/ Bantam Books this eARC!
Tippi is ready to leave the past behind her after ending a toxic engagement. To celebrate her birthday, her closest friends throw her the ultimate horror themed party at her grandmother's secluded mansion complete with iconic Hitchcock themed costumes. But the party takes a deadly turn when Tippi begins receiving threatening messages seemingly from her ex. As paranoia spreads and old secrets claw their way to the surface, Tippi realizes someone at the party knows the truth she's been desperate to bury. To survive the night, she'll have to figure out who is turning her birthday celebration into a real life horror movie.
This is a locked room mystery wrapped in a love letter to Hitchcock. From the costumes to the classic slasher setup, Miranda Smith clearly knows and loves the genre! I love the Hitchcock feel throughout with the suspense coming more from what might happen than from non-stop action. The atmosphere was great with the isolated mansion, growing paranoia and constantly shifting theories. I had a great time seeing all the horror shout outs and trying to figure out who to trust. While I did manage to guess a few twists and wanted a little something else towards the end, I was still invested throughout. Overall a pretty solid whodunit that while I wasn't completely blown away, it was still an enjoyable ride!
Thank you to NetGalley, Miranda Smith, and Ballantine/ Bantam Books this eARC!
August 1, 2026
There is a ridiculousness to this that is very difficult to get past, and it doesn’t actually have much to do with classic movies. But it’s an entertaining read and structurally well crafted.
I wish this book had taken a bit more time to create better atmosphere, and that it had worked harder to incorporate the protagonist’s love of classic Horror films. Without that it’s a little bit difficult to wrangle with the absurdity of the plot, though I did find it entertaining and far, far better solved than I had originally anticipated.
There’s nothing outright scary happening here and very little that is truly spooky in that eerie, macabre sense, and I would have loved to see the author take the book more in that direction. Because of that it becomes more of a slow burn, domestic suspense novel rather than something akin to popcorn horror. That’s not a criticism, just an observation that the book is not quite as described in the summary.
The personal drama here didn’t interest me much, but the way it played out is well-plotted, and I have to give a lot of credit to the author for not Pollyanna-ing out at the end regarding the protagonist’s fate.
In all, this book could have been something really great if it had been a bit more dedicated to sense of place and atmosphere instead of the protagonist’s slightly repetitive inner monologue, but it’s definitely a fun read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I wish this book had taken a bit more time to create better atmosphere, and that it had worked harder to incorporate the protagonist’s love of classic Horror films. Without that it’s a little bit difficult to wrangle with the absurdity of the plot, though I did find it entertaining and far, far better solved than I had originally anticipated.
There’s nothing outright scary happening here and very little that is truly spooky in that eerie, macabre sense, and I would have loved to see the author take the book more in that direction. Because of that it becomes more of a slow burn, domestic suspense novel rather than something akin to popcorn horror. That’s not a criticism, just an observation that the book is not quite as described in the summary.
The personal drama here didn’t interest me much, but the way it played out is well-plotted, and I have to give a lot of credit to the author for not Pollyanna-ing out at the end regarding the protagonist’s fate.
In all, this book could have been something really great if it had been a bit more dedicated to sense of place and atmosphere instead of the protagonist’s slightly repetitive inner monologue, but it’s definitely a fun read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
July 21, 2026
OK, first of all, how fun does a horror-themed birthday party sound? Ah-mazing. Second, this was such a fun read! I loved the horror movie references; listening via audio was fantastic. Ina Barrón did an amazing job, but I did love having the book to follow along with, just for my own entertainment. Tippi is our FMC (how can you not love that name?!), and while she is a huge horror film fan, she is not too thrilled about this party. She’s newly single, but not yet ready to mingle. (I’ll see myself out now…) At said party, which is at a secluded mansion, she starts getting threatening messages from her ex, and it just starts going downhill from there.
I loved “Tippi’s Takes”, which were short chapters from Tippi's book on Hitchcock movies, woven in between the chapters of the main story. I really enjoyed these as well as the references to other scary movies throughout. This one kept me on my toes the entire time, and I had guessed several twists wrong, and really loved how it all wrapped up. Overall, I finished this in one day and honestly had the best time reading it.
Thank you to Bantam Books #partner and PRH Audio for the ALC to review.
I loved “Tippi’s Takes”, which were short chapters from Tippi's book on Hitchcock movies, woven in between the chapters of the main story. I really enjoyed these as well as the references to other scary movies throughout. This one kept me on my toes the entire time, and I had guessed several twists wrong, and really loved how it all wrapped up. Overall, I finished this in one day and honestly had the best time reading it.
Thank you to Bantam Books #partner and PRH Audio for the ALC to review.
Read
July 18, 2026"Our choices define us in life, and even after a series of bad ones, it's possible to do what's right." (p.281)
"Fate is cruel and unfair and soul-clenching."(p.160)
Secrets, betrayals, and schemes! This is a closed circle mystery that unites thriller fans and classic horror movie lovers! I love how Miranda Smith infused slasher-style survival elements into a traditional whodunit structure. It was also neat getting to read excerpts from Tippi's book as well! I got to learn a little about Hitchcock while figuring out who we could trust amongst our unreliable cast of characters. The book is a little slow to get going at the start, but as soon as one secret is revealed, it's like the floodgates are open as other betrayals and misdeeds bubble to the surface! The horror elements definitely come from the references and nods to the genre. I'd say this book definitely leans more towards the mystery/thriller side of things.
I guess it's time to watch more Hitchcock now. Thanks, Tippi!
Probably 3.75/5 rounded up to 4 stars
"Fate is cruel and unfair and soul-clenching."(p.160)
Secrets, betrayals, and schemes! This is a closed circle mystery that unites thriller fans and classic horror movie lovers! I love how Miranda Smith infused slasher-style survival elements into a traditional whodunit structure. It was also neat getting to read excerpts from Tippi's book as well! I got to learn a little about Hitchcock while figuring out who we could trust amongst our unreliable cast of characters. The book is a little slow to get going at the start, but as soon as one secret is revealed, it's like the floodgates are open as other betrayals and misdeeds bubble to the surface! The horror elements definitely come from the references and nods to the genre. I'd say this book definitely leans more towards the mystery/thriller side of things.
I guess it's time to watch more Hitchcock now. Thanks, Tippi!
Probably 3.75/5 rounded up to 4 stars
July 19, 2026
Scary Movie Night is a fast paced thriller, with a locked room feel, that will have you guessing and so curious. It has the feel of the game of clue, many rooms, many ways it could happen, and a small cast of characters.
Tippi is talked into having a birthday a birthday weekend with her friends at her grandmas famous mansion. She isn't keen on the idea, she's just ready to move on from a break up and a fresh start in a new location, but goes along with it anyway. The weekend starts off strange with an extra guest, friendship tension, and mystery card from her Ex fiancé! Secrets and lies are abound as the tension in the atmosphere rises. In the background Hitchcocks movies are the theme of the party. Strange goes to bad when someone dies and the group has no idea who did it and why.
The characters are all so different and keeping so many secrets, you can't tell who did what. They all feel guilty! It makes it a lot more fun to piece together. Little bits spill out at a time that will have your mind racing for what will come next.
. It also a story of friendship and what the real ones are like!
Over all a really fun read!
3.5
Thank you to Ballentine Books for my #gifted copy.
Tippi is talked into having a birthday a birthday weekend with her friends at her grandmas famous mansion. She isn't keen on the idea, she's just ready to move on from a break up and a fresh start in a new location, but goes along with it anyway. The weekend starts off strange with an extra guest, friendship tension, and mystery card from her Ex fiancé! Secrets and lies are abound as the tension in the atmosphere rises. In the background Hitchcocks movies are the theme of the party. Strange goes to bad when someone dies and the group has no idea who did it and why.
The characters are all so different and keeping so many secrets, you can't tell who did what. They all feel guilty! It makes it a lot more fun to piece together. Little bits spill out at a time that will have your mind racing for what will come next.
. It also a story of friendship and what the real ones are like!
Over all a really fun read!
3.5
Thank you to Ballentine Books for my #gifted copy.
February 17, 2026
Thank you to Ballantine and Miranda Smith for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you love Clue-style whodunnits and classic Hitchcock vibes, this is absolutely your kind of fright night. It’s twisty, packed with red herrings (maybe one too many 👀), and you get to piece everything together right alongside MC Tippi.
The short chapters kept me flying, but since the story unfolds over a single night, I wanted the pacing to feel a little more urgent. And after recently learning more about Hitchcock’s real-life inspirations (thanks, Ed Gein doc), those influences were more of a turnoff for me than I expected, which dampened some of my enjoyment.
Overall: a solid, classic-feeling mystery that keeps you on your toes (one I might have enjoyed more in a different time/mood/setting)
3.5⭐️
If you love Clue-style whodunnits and classic Hitchcock vibes, this is absolutely your kind of fright night. It’s twisty, packed with red herrings (maybe one too many 👀), and you get to piece everything together right alongside MC Tippi.
The short chapters kept me flying, but since the story unfolds over a single night, I wanted the pacing to feel a little more urgent. And after recently learning more about Hitchcock’s real-life inspirations (thanks, Ed Gein doc), those influences were more of a turnoff for me than I expected, which dampened some of my enjoyment.
Overall: a solid, classic-feeling mystery that keeps you on your toes (one I might have enjoyed more in a different time/mood/setting)
3.5⭐️
August 3, 2026
Scary Movie Night by Miranda Smith
After ending her engagement, Tippi’s friends throw her a lavish horror-movie-themed 35th birthday party at her grandmother’s secluded mansion to cheer her up. Then threatening messages begin arriving and the celebration turns deadly.
This wasn’t quite the book I expected. Based on the premise, I was anticipating an And Then There Were None-style situation with party guests getting picked off one by one. Instead, Scary Movie Night is much more of a straightforward murder-mystery thriller. Even the elaborate costumes and horror-movie party theme, while fun, aren’t actually important to the basic story.
That said, it’s still a fast-paced, entertaining read with plenty of twists and a cast of complicated characters. And the absolute highlight for me was Tippi’s grandmother. She stole every scene she was in, and frankly, I would happily read an entire mystery series starring her. Give Marmee a spin-off!
After ending her engagement, Tippi’s friends throw her a lavish horror-movie-themed 35th birthday party at her grandmother’s secluded mansion to cheer her up. Then threatening messages begin arriving and the celebration turns deadly.
This wasn’t quite the book I expected. Based on the premise, I was anticipating an And Then There Were None-style situation with party guests getting picked off one by one. Instead, Scary Movie Night is much more of a straightforward murder-mystery thriller. Even the elaborate costumes and horror-movie party theme, while fun, aren’t actually important to the basic story.
That said, it’s still a fast-paced, entertaining read with plenty of twists and a cast of complicated characters. And the absolute highlight for me was Tippi’s grandmother. She stole every scene she was in, and frankly, I would happily read an entire mystery series starring her. Give Marmee a spin-off!
July 24, 2026
We need to talk about this book. 😍
To say I loved it would be an understatement! I have no idea how 2026 keeps giving us so many fantastic books in the same year, but who am I to complain?
Once again, this is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year! The setting, the plot twists, the one-room suspense, the characters, the ending… and don’t even get me started on the tribute to Alfred Hitchcock. That was an absolute chef’s kiss for me.
I finished the book craving to watch every single Hitchcock movie. Hats off to this incredibly talented writer, whom I wasn’t familiar with before. This is only her second book, and all I can say is: please, please write faster! I desperately need a third masterpiece from you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An easy five-star read.
To say I loved it would be an understatement! I have no idea how 2026 keeps giving us so many fantastic books in the same year, but who am I to complain?
Once again, this is one of the best thrillers I’ve read this year! The setting, the plot twists, the one-room suspense, the characters, the ending… and don’t even get me started on the tribute to Alfred Hitchcock. That was an absolute chef’s kiss for me.
I finished the book craving to watch every single Hitchcock movie. Hats off to this incredibly talented writer, whom I wasn’t familiar with before. This is only her second book, and all I can say is: please, please write faster! I desperately need a third masterpiece from you.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An easy five-star read.
February 15, 2026
This is my second book by Miranda Smith and I absolutely love her writing style! This book was fast paced with short chapters and I loved the cinematic nod to horror movies. Also, the chapters from Tippi’s book were was an excellent addition!
After recently calling off her engagement the last thing Tippi wants to do is celebrate her birthday but her friends planned a horror themed party at her grandmother’s historic estate. Throughout the night she keeps finding notes from her ex-fiancé, is he crashing the party or is something else going on?
This was a blast with lots of secrets and twists and turns until the very last page. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
After recently calling off her engagement the last thing Tippi wants to do is celebrate her birthday but her friends planned a horror themed party at her grandmother’s historic estate. Throughout the night she keeps finding notes from her ex-fiancé, is he crashing the party or is something else going on?
This was a blast with lots of secrets and twists and turns until the very last page. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
August 3, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine: Bantam for the chance to read this clever and entertaining thriller! This was a creative murder mystery set at a horror themed birthday party held at a secluded mansion. I think my favorite part of the book were the descriptions of the house. It felt like its own character.
The alternating chapters with snippets from the main character Tippi's horror movie book was a fun touch as well! There were multiple mysteries interwoven and a cast of intriguing and vivid characters! It was hard to know who to trust.
Overall it was a fast and fun thriller and I enjoyed it!
The alternating chapters with snippets from the main character Tippi's horror movie book was a fun touch as well! There were multiple mysteries interwoven and a cast of intriguing and vivid characters! It was hard to know who to trust.
Overall it was a fast and fun thriller and I enjoyed it!
February 15, 2026
I really loved Smile for the Cameras, so when I saw Miranda had a new book coming out I knew I had to read it. This was such a fun book! I loved everything about the setting and trying to picture all these grand rooms in this gorgeous house. But besides the scenery, the murder mystery was great. There were so many twists towards the end. I loved the Hitchcock of it all. The movie review chapters were so interesting. I loved getting a look behind the scenes of hitchcock’s classics.
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you NetGalley for this arc!
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