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Scary Movie Night: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 14 Jul 26In 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 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 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.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 14, 2026
About the author
Miranda Smith
91 books123 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Miranda Smith - Suspense
Miranda Smith is a long-standing editor of information books for both children and adults. She has a particular interest in the field of natural history and has written books and articles for children on the subject, including the encyclopedic Living Earth (for Dorling Kindersley).
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
This profile may contain books from multiple authors of this name
For other authors of this name, see:
Miranda Smith - Suspense
Miranda Smith is a long-standing editor of information books for both children and adults. She has a particular interest in the field of natural history and has written books and articles for children on the subject, including the encyclopedic Living Earth (for Dorling Kindersley).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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⭐️
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!
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
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!
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.
Read
March 16, 2026tk
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Bantam for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Scary Movie Night” is a twisty locked-room mystery packed with secrets, suspicious characters, and plenty of cinematic flair. The story features a glamorous party setting with a classic whodunnit structure, Miranda Smith delivers an entertaining story full of tension, hidden motives, and surprises that keep you guessing until the end.
The book follows Tippi, a popular film blogger trying to rebuild her life after a painful breakup with her fiancé, Oliver. She’s ready for a fresh start abroad, but first she has to survive her 35th birthday celebration, which ends up being a lavish, Hitchcock-themed costume party hosted by her best friend at her grandmother’s sprawling historic estate. What should be a fun send-off quickly turns unsettling when Tippi begins finding mysterious, threatening notes seemingly left by her ex. As guests start disappearing and secrets surface, the party takes a deadly turn, and Tippi must figure out who she can trust.
The story starts a bit slowly as it sets up Tippi’s backstory, her messy (to say the least) breakup, and the party itself, but once the danger kicks in, the tension ramps up quickly. The eerie estate provides a wonderfully gothic backdrop, and the horror party atmosphere creates a strong sense of unease as the group becomes increasingly trapped and suspicious of one another. The setting feels vivid, from elaborate costumes to the maze-like house filled with hidden corners.
One of the book’s strengths is how it layers multiple timelines and perspectives. Chapters alternate between present-day events and flashbacks to Tippi’s relationship with Oliver, gradually revealing the darker truth behind their breakup. The story also includes entries from Tippi’s movie blog, featuring commentary on classic thriller films that loosely mirror the events unfolding in the house. If you enjoy Hitchcock movies, you may enjoy Tippi’s mini-reviews, especially when you see how these reviews match what is happening in Tippi’s life.
As the mystery deepens, it becomes clear that everyone at the party is hiding something. Each character has secrets, motives, and suspicious behavior, making it difficult to determine whether the killer is among the guests or an outsider targeting them. The plot grows increasingly complex with numerous twists, shocking revelations, and shifting alliances that keep the suspense high. The ending ties the threads together in a satisfying way, revealing the truth behind the crimes and showing Tippi’s journey toward understanding who she can trust.
Although marketed with strong horror and “scary movie” elements, the book leans more toward mystery than outright thriller. If you’re expecting heavy horror, then you may want more focus on the scary movie theme, but if you enjoy character-driven suspense and intricate secrets, then you will likely appreciate the direction.
Overall, “Scary Movie Night” is a fun, fast-paced mystery with an atmospheric setting, layered characters, and plenty of unpredictable twists. If you enjoy locked-room puzzles, dramatic secrets, and stories where everyone has something to hide, this entertaining read is worth picking up.
“Scary Movie Night” is a twisty locked-room mystery packed with secrets, suspicious characters, and plenty of cinematic flair. The story features a glamorous party setting with a classic whodunnit structure, Miranda Smith delivers an entertaining story full of tension, hidden motives, and surprises that keep you guessing until the end.
The book follows Tippi, a popular film blogger trying to rebuild her life after a painful breakup with her fiancé, Oliver. She’s ready for a fresh start abroad, but first she has to survive her 35th birthday celebration, which ends up being a lavish, Hitchcock-themed costume party hosted by her best friend at her grandmother’s sprawling historic estate. What should be a fun send-off quickly turns unsettling when Tippi begins finding mysterious, threatening notes seemingly left by her ex. As guests start disappearing and secrets surface, the party takes a deadly turn, and Tippi must figure out who she can trust.
The story starts a bit slowly as it sets up Tippi’s backstory, her messy (to say the least) breakup, and the party itself, but once the danger kicks in, the tension ramps up quickly. The eerie estate provides a wonderfully gothic backdrop, and the horror party atmosphere creates a strong sense of unease as the group becomes increasingly trapped and suspicious of one another. The setting feels vivid, from elaborate costumes to the maze-like house filled with hidden corners.
One of the book’s strengths is how it layers multiple timelines and perspectives. Chapters alternate between present-day events and flashbacks to Tippi’s relationship with Oliver, gradually revealing the darker truth behind their breakup. The story also includes entries from Tippi’s movie blog, featuring commentary on classic thriller films that loosely mirror the events unfolding in the house. If you enjoy Hitchcock movies, you may enjoy Tippi’s mini-reviews, especially when you see how these reviews match what is happening in Tippi’s life.
As the mystery deepens, it becomes clear that everyone at the party is hiding something. Each character has secrets, motives, and suspicious behavior, making it difficult to determine whether the killer is among the guests or an outsider targeting them. The plot grows increasingly complex with numerous twists, shocking revelations, and shifting alliances that keep the suspense high. The ending ties the threads together in a satisfying way, revealing the truth behind the crimes and showing Tippi’s journey toward understanding who she can trust.
Although marketed with strong horror and “scary movie” elements, the book leans more toward mystery than outright thriller. If you’re expecting heavy horror, then you may want more focus on the scary movie theme, but if you enjoy character-driven suspense and intricate secrets, then you will likely appreciate the direction.
Overall, “Scary Movie Night” is a fun, fast-paced mystery with an atmospheric setting, layered characters, and plenty of unpredictable twists. If you enjoy locked-room puzzles, dramatic secrets, and stories where everyone has something to hide, this entertaining read is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Last year I read this author's previous novel and it was one of my favourite reads of 2025, so I was obviously excited to read a new book from Miranda Smith. And, to me, she does not disappoint with Scary Movie Night.
The locked-room mystery/thriller inside a secluded mansion during a birthday dinner party themed Hitchcock's movies was a perfect setting for my personal taste. I do love Hitchcock's movies and lores, and pretty much every thriller or horror that uses his works to build tension and a creepy background.
I thought it was easy to empathise and care for the main character, Tippi. Her backstory, her relationship with her grandma, her past and her present. Tippi's friends are diverse and...debatable whether they are more prone to the likable or unlikable side.
The pacing is well done, so the story never drags on or it is too rushed. There are multiple plot twists (one of them I was very surprised by it), and the conclusion can be very satisfying to a lot of readers, in my opinion.
There is a background story being told, as well. A 'past' timeline that is important to understand the motivations of a certain character in the present timeline.
Also, between some chapters there is a nice treat for Hitchcock's fans: shorter chapters, almost like intermissions, with a summary of a Hitchcock's work that will set the tone for the next few chapters. They are not spoilers, though.
I don't genuinely believe the reader must know Hitchcock's movies and lores around his name to fully enjoy this book. However, if you know some (or a lot) it'll be more entertaining to you personally. Whereas, if the reader strongly dislikes Hitchcock, then it might likely not be too easy to feel invested in the story as a whole.
I can recommend this book to any thriller fans out there who enjoy a locked-room set up with people being picked up one by one, multiple plot twists, and a not-so-realistic plotline. This is not a story to be taken too seriously. It is supposed to be FUN and entertaining, not realistic. And it does the job very well, in my opinion.
I loved it! Still prefer Miranda Smith's previous novel. Yet, I loved this one, too.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
The locked-room mystery/thriller inside a secluded mansion during a birthday dinner party themed Hitchcock's movies was a perfect setting for my personal taste. I do love Hitchcock's movies and lores, and pretty much every thriller or horror that uses his works to build tension and a creepy background.
I thought it was easy to empathise and care for the main character, Tippi. Her backstory, her relationship with her grandma, her past and her present. Tippi's friends are diverse and...debatable whether they are more prone to the likable or unlikable side.
The pacing is well done, so the story never drags on or it is too rushed. There are multiple plot twists (one of them I was very surprised by it), and the conclusion can be very satisfying to a lot of readers, in my opinion.
There is a background story being told, as well. A 'past' timeline that is important to understand the motivations of a certain character in the present timeline.
Also, between some chapters there is a nice treat for Hitchcock's fans: shorter chapters, almost like intermissions, with a summary of a Hitchcock's work that will set the tone for the next few chapters. They are not spoilers, though.
I don't genuinely believe the reader must know Hitchcock's movies and lores around his name to fully enjoy this book. However, if you know some (or a lot) it'll be more entertaining to you personally. Whereas, if the reader strongly dislikes Hitchcock, then it might likely not be too easy to feel invested in the story as a whole.
I can recommend this book to any thriller fans out there who enjoy a locked-room set up with people being picked up one by one, multiple plot twists, and a not-so-realistic plotline. This is not a story to be taken too seriously. It is supposed to be FUN and entertaining, not realistic. And it does the job very well, in my opinion.
I loved it! Still prefer Miranda Smith's previous novel. Yet, I loved this one, too.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine, for providing me with a free eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝐍𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲'𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 𝐒𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮'𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧'𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝.
Tippi is finally choosing herself after walking away from a controlling relationship, and what better way to celebrate than a horror-themed birthday party in your Marmie's secluded mansion with all your closest friends dressed as iconic movie characters? Truly, what could go wrong? But when messages from her supposedly long-gone ex start appearing in envelopes around the house, threatening to expose a secret she buried for a reason, the vibe shifts fast. When guests start disappearing, this is no longer just a themed party; this is survival mode with the whole setup leaning hard into that classic “ the call is coming from inside the house” energy, and it delivers beautifully.
This book is an absolute love letter to horror fans. The references, the tropes, the vibes are all here, and it’s campy in the best nostalgia-filled way, and it was just such a delight to read. You start recognizing the archetypes and setups, the “don’t go in there” moments, and instead of rolling your eyes, you’re grinning because that’s exactly the point. It plays with expectations while still giving you that creeping tension as the night spirals further and further out of control.
What I loved most is how it balances that fun, almost playful horror energy with just enough bite to keep you invested. There’s real tension underneath the camp, especially as Tippi starts realizing that the people around her might not be who she thought they were. It’s messy, dramatic, a little chaotic, and completely entertaining. If you love horror movies, this one feels like being dropped right into one with just enough self-awareness to let you enjoy the ride without taking it too seriously. I would absolutely RSVP yes to this party again, even knowing how it ends. Many thanks to Ballantine Books for this thrilling early copy that will publish July 14, 2026.
Tippi is finally choosing herself after walking away from a controlling relationship, and what better way to celebrate than a horror-themed birthday party in your Marmie's secluded mansion with all your closest friends dressed as iconic movie characters? Truly, what could go wrong? But when messages from her supposedly long-gone ex start appearing in envelopes around the house, threatening to expose a secret she buried for a reason, the vibe shifts fast. When guests start disappearing, this is no longer just a themed party; this is survival mode with the whole setup leaning hard into that classic “ the call is coming from inside the house” energy, and it delivers beautifully.
This book is an absolute love letter to horror fans. The references, the tropes, the vibes are all here, and it’s campy in the best nostalgia-filled way, and it was just such a delight to read. You start recognizing the archetypes and setups, the “don’t go in there” moments, and instead of rolling your eyes, you’re grinning because that’s exactly the point. It plays with expectations while still giving you that creeping tension as the night spirals further and further out of control.
What I loved most is how it balances that fun, almost playful horror energy with just enough bite to keep you invested. There’s real tension underneath the camp, especially as Tippi starts realizing that the people around her might not be who she thought they were. It’s messy, dramatic, a little chaotic, and completely entertaining. If you love horror movies, this one feels like being dropped right into one with just enough self-awareness to let you enjoy the ride without taking it too seriously. I would absolutely RSVP yes to this party again, even knowing how it ends. Many thanks to Ballantine Books for this thrilling early copy that will publish July 14, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Scary Movie Night by Miranda Smith is basically what happens when a group of adults decide, “Hey, let’s celebrate a birthday by reenacting every horror movie cliché ever,” and the universe responds with, “Oh, you meant that literally?”
The premise is wonderfully chaotic: a horror-themed birthday party at a secluded mansion where guests are all lying and hiding something. Because obviously, nothing says “fun night” like isolation, secrets, and a suspicious ex who may or may not be lurking somewhere between the punch bowl and your untimely demise.
Smith leans hard into the classic slasher vibes, and yes, the “call is coming from inside the house” energy is very much alive and well, which makes the book feel like a love letter to horror tropes, just with better outfits and more emotional baggage.
The pacing is fast, the tension builds nicely, and the paranoia is chef’s kiss. Everyone is suspicious, which is great if you enjoy aggressively side-eyeing every character. The main character, Tippi, is relatable in that she’s just trying to have a nice birthday, and in not many other ways, but instead gets, well, a survival scenario. We’ve all been there, right?
That said, if you’re looking for groundbreaking twists that reinvent the thriller genre, this might not be that book. It knows what it is, a popcorn thriller with a spooky aesthetic, and it sticks to that lane. Some moments feel a little predictable, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. It’s like yelling at the screen during a horror movie, except now it’s internal and slightly more judgmental.
Overall, Scary Movie Night is a fun, suspenseful ride that delivers exactly what it promises: drama, danger, and just enough chaos to make you glad your own birthday parties are significantly less murdery.
The premise is wonderfully chaotic: a horror-themed birthday party at a secluded mansion where guests are all lying and hiding something. Because obviously, nothing says “fun night” like isolation, secrets, and a suspicious ex who may or may not be lurking somewhere between the punch bowl and your untimely demise.
Smith leans hard into the classic slasher vibes, and yes, the “call is coming from inside the house” energy is very much alive and well, which makes the book feel like a love letter to horror tropes, just with better outfits and more emotional baggage.
The pacing is fast, the tension builds nicely, and the paranoia is chef’s kiss. Everyone is suspicious, which is great if you enjoy aggressively side-eyeing every character. The main character, Tippi, is relatable in that she’s just trying to have a nice birthday, and in not many other ways, but instead gets, well, a survival scenario. We’ve all been there, right?
That said, if you’re looking for groundbreaking twists that reinvent the thriller genre, this might not be that book. It knows what it is, a popcorn thriller with a spooky aesthetic, and it sticks to that lane. Some moments feel a little predictable, but honestly, that’s part of the fun. It’s like yelling at the screen during a horror movie, except now it’s internal and slightly more judgmental.
Overall, Scary Movie Night is a fun, suspenseful ride that delivers exactly what it promises: drama, danger, and just enough chaos to make you glad your own birthday parties are significantly less murdery.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Miranda Smith’s Scary Movie Night reads like a love letter to classic suspense, channeling the eerie charm of Hitchcock films, twisty whodunnits, and the intrigue of unreliable narrators. The story follows Tippi, a recently separated woman reluctantly celebrating her birthday at a horror-themed party her friends throw in her honor. Set at her grandmother’s remote, off-the-grid estate, the party leans fully into its cinematic inspiration with costumes, themed food, and film references. But the night takes a sinister turn when unexpected guests—possibly tied to Tippi’s ex-fiancé—begin to arrive, cryptic notes start appearing, and someone ends up dead, leaving behind a web of secrets to unravel.
The novel thrives on its atmosphere and structure, with short chapters that keep the story moving quickly and plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing. Fans of Clue-style mysteries will enjoy piecing together the puzzle alongside Tippi as the tension builds over the course of a single night. That said, the pacing doesn’t always feel as urgent as the premise suggests, and some of the heavier real-world inspirations behind the Hitchcockian elements may lessen the enjoyment for certain readers. Still, it’s a solid, classic-feeling mystery that delivers a fun, twisty ride—perfect for readers in the right mood for a suspenseful, cinematic escape.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
The novel thrives on its atmosphere and structure, with short chapters that keep the story moving quickly and plenty of red herrings to keep readers guessing. Fans of Clue-style mysteries will enjoy piecing together the puzzle alongside Tippi as the tension builds over the course of a single night. That said, the pacing doesn’t always feel as urgent as the premise suggests, and some of the heavier real-world inspirations behind the Hitchcockian elements may lessen the enjoyment for certain readers. Still, it’s a solid, classic-feeling mystery that delivers a fun, twisty ride—perfect for readers in the right mood for a suspenseful, cinematic escape.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2026
After ending her engagement to a controlling and emotionally unstable man, Tippi is ready for a fresh start and a fun thirty-fifth birthday celebration. Her friends throw her a horror movie themed party at a secluded mansion where everyone is dressed as iconic scary movie characters, but the night quickly turns terrifying when Tippi starts receiving threatening messages from her ex. As guests begin disappearing one by one, it becomes clear that someone at the party knows her darkest secret and no one is truly safe. Trapped inside the mansion, Tippi has to figure out who she can trust if she wants to survive the night.
This book felt like a complete love letter to horror movie fans and I loved every second of it. The locked room mystery, isolated setting, and constant twists made this such a fun and entertaining read. I loved how it balanced creeping tension with humor and playful nods to classic horror movies. It felt like stepping right into one of my favorite films. The characters were mess. There was so much drama and chaos. It was impossible to fully trust any of the characters which made the mystery even more addictive. If you love horror movies and thrillers where no one is safe, definitely pick this one up because it was an easy 5 star read for me.
Thank you to Bantam for the gifted copy! This book is out July 14, 2026.
This book felt like a complete love letter to horror movie fans and I loved every second of it. The locked room mystery, isolated setting, and constant twists made this such a fun and entertaining read. I loved how it balanced creeping tension with humor and playful nods to classic horror movies. It felt like stepping right into one of my favorite films. The characters were mess. There was so much drama and chaos. It was impossible to fully trust any of the characters which made the mystery even more addictive. If you love horror movies and thrillers where no one is safe, definitely pick this one up because it was an easy 5 star read for me.
Thank you to Bantam for the gifted copy! This book is out July 14, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this one! I love a locked room mystery, especially when it's a very believable reason for the locked room and a birthday party is very reasonable. The characters were all unique enough that it was easy to keep them all straight, some of them were very likeable, others were easy to hate, it was just a really good set up. My favorite thing about this book was the dual timeline situation where you are learning what caused Tippi to break off her engagement shortly before this party. The backstory is really interesting and pushes the story forward and is written in a way that provides easy ins for the backstory chapters, so they don't pull you out of the story.
I didn't love the little reviews of the old school horror movies. I understand what the author was going for, and maybe if I was a horror movie buff I would have appreciated them more, but unlike the backstory and present-day transitions, I felt like the reviews really snapped me out of the story and didn't do enough to further it to be worth it.
Overall, I really loved this one! The writing is good; the story starts quickly and builds well. Highly recommended for fans of locked room mysteries or horror movie buffs who will appreciate all the nods to the old-fashioned movies!
I didn't love the little reviews of the old school horror movies. I understand what the author was going for, and maybe if I was a horror movie buff I would have appreciated them more, but unlike the backstory and present-day transitions, I felt like the reviews really snapped me out of the story and didn't do enough to further it to be worth it.
Overall, I really loved this one! The writing is good; the story starts quickly and builds well. Highly recommended for fans of locked room mysteries or horror movie buffs who will appreciate all the nods to the old-fashioned movies!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A big thank you to NetGalley for allowing me an ARC of this book! Did I think it was great? No. Was I entertained? Yes! Definitely!
I went into this somewhat blind, which I think ended up being for the worse, as I was expecting something decidedly different. The title and the cover of this book really led me to believe it was going to lean more into the camp of horror films. It *almost* went there with The Birds outfit and the Hitchcock references, but it was rather flat in the end. Instead it felt more like a generic and familiar (nearly AI generated?) plot/storyline. I felt the characters lacked depth were uninteresting. I simply didn’t care about any of them.
I think it would have been more compelling if a) Marmee was into weird occult stuff with her girlfriend Mrs. Wilson, b) if Damien the red herring didn’t exist, and c) more people had been mysteriously murdered for the locked room trope.
All that said, I still found it to be an entertaining read. I was motivated to read on and find out what was going to happen. I also thought there was a bit of redemption for the bland characters in the end, as the women banded together to get rid of shitty men and raise a baby together instead.
2.5/5 rounded down
I went into this somewhat blind, which I think ended up being for the worse, as I was expecting something decidedly different. The title and the cover of this book really led me to believe it was going to lean more into the camp of horror films. It *almost* went there with The Birds outfit and the Hitchcock references, but it was rather flat in the end. Instead it felt more like a generic and familiar (nearly AI generated?) plot/storyline. I felt the characters lacked depth were uninteresting. I simply didn’t care about any of them.
I think it would have been more compelling if a) Marmee was into weird occult stuff with her girlfriend Mrs. Wilson, b) if Damien the red herring didn’t exist, and c) more people had been mysteriously murdered for the locked room trope.
All that said, I still found it to be an entertaining read. I was motivated to read on and find out what was going to happen. I also thought there was a bit of redemption for the bland characters in the end, as the women banded together to get rid of shitty men and raise a baby together instead.
2.5/5 rounded down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fun premise! What would you do if your birthday party turned into a real-life horror movie? Well, Tippi finds out! Tippi is a film blogger (how cool is that?) who has just suffered a nasty broken engagement with her ex, Oliver, even moving across the country. Tippi's 35th birthday is coming up so her friends throw her a horror-themed party at her grandmother's creepy mansion. Then the notes from Oliver, threatening to expose a secret Tippi has been hiding start showing up. Wait!? Didn't Oliver move far away? And then guests start dying. Who is behind all of this? Oliver? One of Tippi's friends? Tippi just has to get through this night! I went into this expecting more of a slasher type horror story and it is more Hitchcockian that horror, not that that was a bad thing. I loved the setting, an old mansion with a lot of rooms and the vibe was dead on. I guess my only complaint is that the ending just felt kind of out there. Not a bad ending, it just sort of came out of nowhere. I still really enjoyed this story and had a lot of fun reading it! I would recommend this book and author, for sure!
Thank you to Miranda Smith, #NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Miranda Smith, #NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Scary Movie Night by Miranda Smith was my second book by this author after Smile for the Cameras, and I can confidently say I enjoy her writing style. Her chapters are short, quick, and easy to fly through. It is very much a “just one more chapter” kind of read, which always works for me.
That said, I have to be honest. I didn’t connect with this one quite as much as I did with her previous book. I’m not entirely sure if it was the characters or the story itself, but I never felt fully pulled in. The tension is there, and the premise is solid, but I found myself a bit detached from everything that was happening.
Where this book really works is in its atmosphere. If you enjoy locked-room style mysteries, this will definitely hit the mark. There is also a fun layer of classic horror influence, especially with the nod to Alfred Hitchcock. The main character, Tippi, being named after Tippi Hedren from The Birds, is a great little detail that adds to the overall vibe.
Overall, this is an enjoyable and fast-paced read with a strong concept and some fun references. It did not stick with me in a major way, but it was still a good time while I was reading it.
Thank you to Miranda Smith, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
That said, I have to be honest. I didn’t connect with this one quite as much as I did with her previous book. I’m not entirely sure if it was the characters or the story itself, but I never felt fully pulled in. The tension is there, and the premise is solid, but I found myself a bit detached from everything that was happening.
Where this book really works is in its atmosphere. If you enjoy locked-room style mysteries, this will definitely hit the mark. There is also a fun layer of classic horror influence, especially with the nod to Alfred Hitchcock. The main character, Tippi, being named after Tippi Hedren from The Birds, is a great little detail that adds to the overall vibe.
Overall, this is an enjoyable and fast-paced read with a strong concept and some fun references. It did not stick with me in a major way, but it was still a good time while I was reading it.
Thank you to Miranda Smith, Ballantine Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a huge fan of horror in all its forms, the jacket copy had me clamoring for an ARC of this one, which makes the gap between what's advertised and what's actually delivered all the more frustrating.
The book promises a woman escaping an "increasingly demanding, controlling, and emotionally unstable" ex, except he reads as a perfectly fine boyfriend until roughly the halfway point, so that was spoiled. The "terrifying messages" she receives? Anything but. And the centerpiece event, described as a lavish horror-themed party where guests are disappearing one by one, is really just a dinner party of six people in costume? It wasn't a calculated misdirection for mystery-sake, this was just inaccurate.
There's a functional murder mystery buried in here somewhere, and some of the twists land well enough, but others are so cartoonishly telegraphed that the Hitchcock references peppered throughout feel less like homage and more like false advertising. If you're going to invoke the master of suspense, you need to earn it, and not just through costume. Scary Movie Night just doesn't quite get there, and the tragedy is it so easily could have, with source material this rich to draw from. A surface-level mystery dressed up in a much cooler outfit than it deserves.
The book promises a woman escaping an "increasingly demanding, controlling, and emotionally unstable" ex, except he reads as a perfectly fine boyfriend until roughly the halfway point, so that was spoiled. The "terrifying messages" she receives? Anything but. And the centerpiece event, described as a lavish horror-themed party where guests are disappearing one by one, is really just a dinner party of six people in costume? It wasn't a calculated misdirection for mystery-sake, this was just inaccurate.
There's a functional murder mystery buried in here somewhere, and some of the twists land well enough, but others are so cartoonishly telegraphed that the Hitchcock references peppered throughout feel less like homage and more like false advertising. If you're going to invoke the master of suspense, you need to earn it, and not just through costume. Scary Movie Night just doesn't quite get there, and the tragedy is it so easily could have, with source material this rich to draw from. A surface-level mystery dressed up in a much cooler outfit than it deserves.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4/5 Stars — 🔪 Hitchcock, Hollywood Glam, and a Twisted Timeline
If you put a horror-themed birthday party inside a secluded Old Hollywood mansion, I am already 90% sold. Scary Movie Night was such a fun ride that felt like a love letter to classic suspense.
I’m a huge Hitchcock fan, so I loved the mini blog post interludes. They were only a page or two long, but they kept me on my toes trying to guess which movie trope was about to play out next. The way the story jumped from the present-day party to the messy history between Tippi and her ex, Oliver, kept me hooked and helped me really get behind Tippi as a lead.
The best part? I totally thought I was smarter than the book. I caught what I thought was an "obvious" twist... and I was dead wrong. There are a lot of twists by the end (maybe a slightly overwhelming amount) but I was so engaged I didn't mind the chaos.
Pros:
- The setting is spooky, glam, and 100% needs to be a movie set.
- It actually kept me guessing (and mostly failing) until the end.
Definitely a solid 4 stars for anyone who wants a Hitchcockian "who-dun-it".
If you put a horror-themed birthday party inside a secluded Old Hollywood mansion, I am already 90% sold. Scary Movie Night was such a fun ride that felt like a love letter to classic suspense.
I’m a huge Hitchcock fan, so I loved the mini blog post interludes. They were only a page or two long, but they kept me on my toes trying to guess which movie trope was about to play out next. The way the story jumped from the present-day party to the messy history between Tippi and her ex, Oliver, kept me hooked and helped me really get behind Tippi as a lead.
The best part? I totally thought I was smarter than the book. I caught what I thought was an "obvious" twist... and I was dead wrong. There are a lot of twists by the end (maybe a slightly overwhelming amount) but I was so engaged I didn't mind the chaos.
Pros:
- The setting is spooky, glam, and 100% needs to be a movie set.
- It actually kept me guessing (and mostly failing) until the end.
Definitely a solid 4 stars for anyone who wants a Hitchcockian "who-dun-it".
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this ebook for review!
Scary Movie Night is a fun, twisty locked door thriller with just enough fun nostalgic classic horror movie elements to be unique.
I enjoyed the dual timeline in the book and the addition of excerpts from the main character's published work. I wished there was even more of those excerpts within the novel. I loved the relationship between Marmee and Tippi. I like the development of Tippi throughout the novel.
Some twists are a little predictable for a seasoned thriller reader and few of my least favorite thriller tropes are utilized in this novel. I also didn't quite enjoy the premise of how the characters became stuck to make this a locked room/isolated thriller (they all knowingly arrived to a place with no cell service by Uber? How did they ever expect to leave?). For these reasons, I am rating the book 3 stars.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read that kept me engaged, but it overall wasn't the most original or compelling story. Worth a read, especially if you're a fan of classic movies!
#ScaryMovieNight #NetGalley
Scary Movie Night is a fun, twisty locked door thriller with just enough fun nostalgic classic horror movie elements to be unique.
I enjoyed the dual timeline in the book and the addition of excerpts from the main character's published work. I wished there was even more of those excerpts within the novel. I loved the relationship between Marmee and Tippi. I like the development of Tippi throughout the novel.
Some twists are a little predictable for a seasoned thriller reader and few of my least favorite thriller tropes are utilized in this novel. I also didn't quite enjoy the premise of how the characters became stuck to make this a locked room/isolated thriller (they all knowingly arrived to a place with no cell service by Uber? How did they ever expect to leave?). For these reasons, I am rating the book 3 stars.
I found this book to be an enjoyable read that kept me engaged, but it overall wasn't the most original or compelling story. Worth a read, especially if you're a fan of classic movies!
#ScaryMovieNight #NetGalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fresh from breaking off her engagement to her fiancé Oliver, the last thing Tippi wants is to celebrate her birthday with her friends. Her close-knit group of friends decide to throw her a horror themed move night at her grandmothers isolated mansion in attempts to cheer her up. The night starts out smoothly but when one her friends is found dead from apparently being pushed from a balcony, Tippi fears the worst. One of her guests is a murderer, and she must get to the bottom of it before another death occurs.
This is your typical isolation murder mystery story with a horror movie theme to it. We bounce between the current timeline at the party and the events leading up to Tippi and Oliver calling off the wedding. Everyone is a suspect and you get led along by several red herrings. I felt the characters were really fleshed out which made me feel for each on in the end. There is an underlying theme of the unshakable bond of female friendship. While I don’t feel like the premise of this book is unique, it surprised me in places and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.
This is your typical isolation murder mystery story with a horror movie theme to it. We bounce between the current timeline at the party and the events leading up to Tippi and Oliver calling off the wedding. Everyone is a suspect and you get led along by several red herrings. I felt the characters were really fleshed out which made me feel for each on in the end. There is an underlying theme of the unshakable bond of female friendship. While I don’t feel like the premise of this book is unique, it surprised me in places and I thoroughly enjoyed the story.
Thank you Net Galley for allowing me to read and review an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved Smile for the Cameras, so I was excited to get my hands on this one. I enjoyed it but, as with her previous book, the description is inaccurate. The guests don't disappear one by one, and there are no calls at all. Not coming from inside the house or anywhere else. I really don't understand why the descriptions of Miranda Smith's books don't match what they are actually about. Regardless, this is still a good book even if not what I was expecting. The first chapter had me hooked and I stayed interested all the way through. The pace is fast with most of the action taking place over the course of one night. All the classic horror movie references were fun, and I liked the setting as well. I thought it was going to be predictable, but it turned out that I was totally wrong and there were plenty of twists and turns! Scary Movie Night is a quick, entertaining read and I definitely recommend it. I was just wishing that it actually had some scary moments in it.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love a good locked room thriller. Scary Movie Night did not disappoint!!! I was happy to receive an advanced copy from NetGalley.
Tippi loves horror movies, specifically Alfred Hitchcock films. She was named after Tippi Hedren, a heroine of The Birds. After experiencing a devastating breakup, she just wants to get away. She plans to spend her days traveling for her blog. Her friends decide to throw her a goodbye/birthday party at her grandmother Marmee's mansion to celebrate. The mood turns from celebratory to terrifying when it appears they may not be alone at this party. When the unthinkable happens, Tippi must find out who is trying to hurt her and her friends before it's too late.
Don't let the title fool you. This isn't a scary book, but it is fun.. While I could predict a few twists, I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Rating: 5 stars
A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballentine for graciously providing an ARC in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
This releases July 14, 2026!
Tippi loves horror movies, specifically Alfred Hitchcock films. She was named after Tippi Hedren, a heroine of The Birds. After experiencing a devastating breakup, she just wants to get away. She plans to spend her days traveling for her blog. Her friends decide to throw her a goodbye/birthday party at her grandmother Marmee's mansion to celebrate. The mood turns from celebratory to terrifying when it appears they may not be alone at this party. When the unthinkable happens, Tippi must find out who is trying to hurt her and her friends before it's too late.
Don't let the title fool you. This isn't a scary book, but it is fun.. While I could predict a few twists, I was pleasantly surprised by this one.
Rating: 5 stars
A big thank you to NetGalley and Random House/Ballentine for graciously providing an ARC in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.
This releases July 14, 2026!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book has all the elements I love: locked room ✔, twists ✔, fun theme ✔, cool murder house ✔. However, there's something about it that just didn't quite work for me, and I've been trying to figure out why that is. Some thoughts:
1. The party took place way too soon into the novel. With a little more buildup and time to get to know the characters better, I think I would have cared more about what happened to them.
2. I think the plot, though not exactly predictable, was a bit too pat, and there were many points where the author made everything just TOO easy for the main character. For an example without too many spoilers, we learn that Tippi and her grandmother have similar romantic backgrounds. Tying everything in a nice bow is appealing for a writer, I'm sure, but it felt like there wasn't much at stake for our lead.
Overall, a solid and entertaining mystery though and I'm sure it will be well-received!
Thanks to Ballantine, via NetGalley, for the ARC!
1. The party took place way too soon into the novel. With a little more buildup and time to get to know the characters better, I think I would have cared more about what happened to them.
2. I think the plot, though not exactly predictable, was a bit too pat, and there were many points where the author made everything just TOO easy for the main character. For an example without too many spoilers, we learn that Tippi and her grandmother have similar romantic backgrounds. Tying everything in a nice bow is appealing for a writer, I'm sure, but it felt like there wasn't much at stake for our lead.
Overall, a solid and entertaining mystery though and I'm sure it will be well-received!
Thanks to Ballantine, via NetGalley, for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Scary Movie Night” was a great thrill ride that had me guessing up till the very end. I mean, what could be better than spending the evening with great friends at an old mansion to celebrate you? Wellllll, about that.
I mean, maybe you aren’t feeling sociable when you just canceled your wedding. Sure, it would seem like you would want to see your friends before you leave to go overseas for a while, but if you are trying to avoid questions about your ex-fiance, you may wish you could just spend your time home alone.
There are shocks and surprises aplenty. Oh yeah, and a dead body.
This is a great summer read that will be a can’t miss. Your friends will be talking about this book, so don’t miss out.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
I mean, maybe you aren’t feeling sociable when you just canceled your wedding. Sure, it would seem like you would want to see your friends before you leave to go overseas for a while, but if you are trying to avoid questions about your ex-fiance, you may wish you could just spend your time home alone.
There are shocks and surprises aplenty. Oh yeah, and a dead body.
This is a great summer read that will be a can’t miss. Your friends will be talking about this book, so don’t miss out.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Imagine getting out of a marriage and being ready to get a fresh start, only to be told you had to wait for your birthday party to happen first. Tippi, our main character, was so ready to get going on her fresh start, but her friends put a lot into planning this elaborate party at the perfect house out in the middle of nowhere. Then people start showing up that are connected to her ex, and next thing she knows someone is dead.
This book was a fun who-dun-it very similar to classic Hitchcock. The characters and plot were all enjoyable. I was hooked and needed to figure out who-dun-it. The atmosphere really added a layer of anxiety with them essentially being isolated with no access to internet and phones. It was a fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good old classic mystery. Thank you, Miranda Smith, Ballantine, and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
This book was a fun who-dun-it very similar to classic Hitchcock. The characters and plot were all enjoyable. I was hooked and needed to figure out who-dun-it. The atmosphere really added a layer of anxiety with them essentially being isolated with no access to internet and phones. It was a fun read, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good old classic mystery. Thank you, Miranda Smith, Ballantine, and NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC.
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