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Slasher Summer: A Novel
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26In this campy love letter to the slasher films of the 1980s, seven friends reunite for a weekend of fun—only to be hunted down by a cold-blooded killer. But the real horror is not being able to escape who you were in high school...
The sleepy town of Cedar Lake is best known as the shooting location of the campy ’80s horror flick Slasher. In high school, preppy Patrick, jock Jason, cheerleader Tiffany, stoner Freddy, goth Jennifer, and nerdy Mikey had played the cast of Slasher during midnight showings, with virginal Carrie as the Final Girl, of course.
Years later, the friends reunite at the remote cabin where Slasher was filmed. They've changed since high school—Carrie found a boyfriend, Patrick came out, Mikey bulked up, and, well, Freddy's still stoned—and they're looking forward to a weekend to catch up. But when night falls, and the eponymous masked killer is spotted, the reunion takes a deadly turn. The friends discover their tires deflated and the phone line disconnected, and soon they’re being stalked by a mysterious assailant. Is someone trying to make their Slasher experience as authentic as possible?
One thing is for sure. Before the night is over, they each will have to take on the role they thought they'd left behind.
The sleepy town of Cedar Lake is best known as the shooting location of the campy ’80s horror flick Slasher. In high school, preppy Patrick, jock Jason, cheerleader Tiffany, stoner Freddy, goth Jennifer, and nerdy Mikey had played the cast of Slasher during midnight showings, with virginal Carrie as the Final Girl, of course.
Years later, the friends reunite at the remote cabin where Slasher was filmed. They've changed since high school—Carrie found a boyfriend, Patrick came out, Mikey bulked up, and, well, Freddy's still stoned—and they're looking forward to a weekend to catch up. But when night falls, and the eponymous masked killer is spotted, the reunion takes a deadly turn. The friends discover their tires deflated and the phone line disconnected, and soon they’re being stalked by a mysterious assailant. Is someone trying to make their Slasher experience as authentic as possible?
One thing is for sure. Before the night is over, they each will have to take on the role they thought they'd left behind.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 23, 2026
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About the author
E.L. Chen
12 books22 followersE. L. Chen is the author of Summerwood/Winterwood, Sweetside Motel, Slasher Summer, and One of Us Is Already Dead. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her son and many TBR piles. Find more about her at elainechen.com.
**Disclaimer: I resurrected this account to support my fellow writers, so everyone gets 4 or 5 stars.**
**Disclaimer: I resurrected this account to support my fellow writers, so everyone gets 4 or 5 stars.**
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 25, 2026
ARC Review - 4.75/5 WOW. WOW. WOW!
The book’s slasher references feel authentic sprinkled throughout, homages fitting for members of a high school horror club. It will keep you guessing and doubting your own judgement as you try to unmask the Slasher alongside the Jumpscare Society, as they are picked off one-by-one.
The members of the J.S play into typical 80s archetypes and the group themselves are well aware of their Breakfast Club. Yes, cliché and obvious, but at no point does it feel tired or over-used. It works perfectly, and often feels meta. Preppy Patrick, goth Jennifer, popular Tiffany, jock Jason, innocent Carrie, geek Michael and stoner Freddy have secrets and reflections to come to terms with when reuniting for the first time since high school. These are sometimes unexpectedly thought provoking and give insight to the characters that upon some deaths, leave you wanting more that you can't have. Their inner voices are distinctive and well written, leaving you annoyed and humoured by Tiffany's selfishness, rolling your eyes at Patrick's need for control and laughing out loud at Jen's bold quips - to name a few.
Some of the deaths really do hit hard, which was unexpected as I try to never get invested in slasher characters (due to the genre rules that no one is safe - aside from the final girl, as the book literally reminds you throughout). This is real testament to how Chen wrote the group and their individual dynamics. I was pining for a certain duo to get together.
I could see this playing out in all it's campy, gory glory in my head. The ending had me gagged and gutted (just like some of the characters) and I will be reading more from this author, "XOXO".
The book’s slasher references feel authentic sprinkled throughout, homages fitting for members of a high school horror club. It will keep you guessing and doubting your own judgement as you try to unmask the Slasher alongside the Jumpscare Society, as they are picked off one-by-one.
The members of the J.S play into typical 80s archetypes and the group themselves are well aware of their Breakfast Club. Yes, cliché and obvious, but at no point does it feel tired or over-used. It works perfectly, and often feels meta. Preppy Patrick, goth Jennifer, popular Tiffany, jock Jason, innocent Carrie, geek Michael and stoner Freddy have secrets and reflections to come to terms with when reuniting for the first time since high school. These are sometimes unexpectedly thought provoking and give insight to the characters that upon some deaths, leave you wanting more that you can't have. Their inner voices are distinctive and well written, leaving you annoyed and humoured by Tiffany's selfishness, rolling your eyes at Patrick's need for control and laughing out loud at Jen's bold quips - to name a few.
Some of the deaths really do hit hard, which was unexpected as I try to never get invested in slasher characters (due to the genre rules that no one is safe - aside from the final girl, as the book literally reminds you throughout). This is real testament to how Chen wrote the group and their individual dynamics. I was pining for a certain duo to get together.
I could see this playing out in all it's campy, gory glory in my head. The ending had me gagged and gutted (just like some of the characters) and I will be reading more from this author, "XOXO".
February 21, 2026
4.5/5 ⭐️’s I can’t decide!!!
I received this as an ARC and absolutely LOVED it!!
I genuinely could not put this down, I was up until 3am reading the last 3 hours of it all in one go!
I was so scared I felt like I was frozen at some points - I HIGHLY recommend!
The characters were all amazing - my favourites are definitely Patrick and Jen! - the writing was amazing and the PLOT TWISTS!
Every time I thought I had worked it out…plot twist!
I just loved it so much, I will definitely be reading more of this authors work :)
I received this as an ARC and absolutely LOVED it!!
I genuinely could not put this down, I was up until 3am reading the last 3 hours of it all in one go!
I was so scared I felt like I was frozen at some points - I HIGHLY recommend!
The characters were all amazing - my favourites are definitely Patrick and Jen! - the writing was amazing and the PLOT TWISTS!
Every time I thought I had worked it out…plot twist!
I just loved it so much, I will definitely be reading more of this authors work :)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Slasher Summer is a horror novel about a group who were once friends in high school, now reunited in the remote cabin where their cult favourite slasher film movie was filmed. Patrick has invited his old group of friends, all of whom came together to watch horror films, back together to stay in the cabin in their hometown where the film Slasher was made. Things between them haven't been the same since high school, but this is their chance to come back together. However, when they spot the slasher from the film in the woods, suddenly their reunion is more than just a chance to remember the horror films they used to watch.
This book is one of the many love letters to slasher stories that have been released in recent years, featuring many references to classic slasher films and characters. The book doesn't get too bogged down in the references though, and it really builds up the characterisation of the group as the focus rather than just ticking off tropes. I loved the way that it plays with some of the more dated elements of slasher tropes, particularly around race and sexuality, and questions who is allowed to play which role in the genre. At the same time, the narrative has a slow build up and then a gory second half, so it doesn't lack the kind of excitement you'd expect from the genre. I worked out the twist partway through, but it was still a satisfying ending that felt decently set up.
If you're a fan of fun slasher stories, but also want a version that takes characters who are slightly older than the usual teens and has them wonder if they really want to stay who they were in high school, then Slasher Summer is one to look out for. There's definitely a few characters whose deaths make you feel like you wished they could've had longer, which I think is a testament to the characterisation as in many slashers you can often struggle to tell the initial deaths apart.
This book is one of the many love letters to slasher stories that have been released in recent years, featuring many references to classic slasher films and characters. The book doesn't get too bogged down in the references though, and it really builds up the characterisation of the group as the focus rather than just ticking off tropes. I loved the way that it plays with some of the more dated elements of slasher tropes, particularly around race and sexuality, and questions who is allowed to play which role in the genre. At the same time, the narrative has a slow build up and then a gory second half, so it doesn't lack the kind of excitement you'd expect from the genre. I worked out the twist partway through, but it was still a satisfying ending that felt decently set up.
If you're a fan of fun slasher stories, but also want a version that takes characters who are slightly older than the usual teens and has them wonder if they really want to stay who they were in high school, then Slasher Summer is one to look out for. There's definitely a few characters whose deaths make you feel like you wished they could've had longer, which I think is a testament to the characterisation as in many slashers you can often struggle to tell the initial deaths apart.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Crown Publishing and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Loved the 80’s slasher vibe! In Cedar Lake a movie was made in the 80’s called Slasher. The movie never made it big but it’s this small town’s claim to fame. Now the cabin where it was filmed is rented out, they do live reenactments of the movie, and host Slasher Summer for a few days every summer. When Patrick, Jason, Carrie, Mickey, Jen, Tiffany, and Freddy were in high school they were the kids who did the reenactments of the movie, filling the classic slasher movie character stereotypes. They were also the members of their high school’s Jumpscare Society, a club devoted to horror movies. Four years later they are reuniting before the town takes the Slasher cabin down. One last time to get together at their old stomping grounds. Soon the group finds themselves stalked by someone dressed in the Slasher costume from the movie. Can they survive? Or will they find themselves picked off one by one? I love a good slasher, this one’s a little light on the slashing but it’s still full of intrigue and thrills! Plus there’s a ton of unresolved group drama and unrequited love! And it’s queer and I love a final boy! E.L. Chen a gory and suspenseful read that had me hooked until the end with a twisty end!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book… THIS BOOK! If you’re looking for truly great horror, this one absolutely delivers. Reading it felt like watching a movie unfold scene by scene. The writing is so vivid and cinematic that I could easily picture every moment.
The story is packed with clever references, strong representation, and twist after twist that kept me completely hooked. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author would pull the rug out from under me. Every theory I had fell apart until the exact moment the truth was revealed.
What really stands out is the sensory detail. The descriptions, especially in the more brutal, gory scenes, are so sharp and immersive that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing every terrifying moment with them.
Overall, this is one hell of a read for horror fans: intense, surprising, and incredibly atmospheric. If you enjoy horror that feels cinematic and keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is absolutely worth picking up. 🖤📖👻
The story is packed with clever references, strong representation, and twist after twist that kept me completely hooked. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the author would pull the rug out from under me. Every theory I had fell apart until the exact moment the truth was revealed.
What really stands out is the sensory detail. The descriptions, especially in the more brutal, gory scenes, are so sharp and immersive that I felt like I was right there alongside the characters, experiencing every terrifying moment with them.
Overall, this is one hell of a read for horror fans: intense, surprising, and incredibly atmospheric. If you enjoy horror that feels cinematic and keeps you guessing until the very end, this book is absolutely worth picking up. 🖤📖👻
March 11, 2026
*I was given an ARC of this book on NetGalley.*
overall, i found this book to be really well done — a constant commentary on slasher movie classics that lulled you into a sort of false sense of security. when the twists began, you were unprepared and began to recognize the bread crumbs spread throughout. it reminded me of a more modern slasher, subverting the genre, like a new scream movie or cabin in the woods.
!!!! ending spoiler below! !!!!!
the relief i felt only to be shattered by the impending doom at the realization it was far from over, was top notch. like when the extra scene plays after the credits roll.
would rec this for fans of the scream series, queer characters, slasher movies & books!
overall, i found this book to be really well done — a constant commentary on slasher movie classics that lulled you into a sort of false sense of security. when the twists began, you were unprepared and began to recognize the bread crumbs spread throughout. it reminded me of a more modern slasher, subverting the genre, like a new scream movie or cabin in the woods.
!!!! ending spoiler below! !!!!!
the relief i felt only to be shattered by the impending doom at the realization it was far from over, was top notch. like when the extra scene plays after the credits roll.
would rec this for fans of the scream series, queer characters, slasher movies & books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for an e arc in exchange for an honest review!
I really enjoyed the slasher references that were thrown in throughout the story, and as it promises it did really feel like a love letter to 80s/90s slasher movies!
The characters while all not necessarily likeable, had their own stereotypical cliche that is an essential part of classic slashers that made it worth having 7 POVs that you cycle through.
The slasher/gore elements were also quite brutal, and while I know you shouldn't expect many characters to survive a slasher, some deaths had be a bit sad for the characters.
Overall if you're a fan of slasher movies, and plot twists I would recommend this fun summer slasher.
I really enjoyed the slasher references that were thrown in throughout the story, and as it promises it did really feel like a love letter to 80s/90s slasher movies!
The characters while all not necessarily likeable, had their own stereotypical cliche that is an essential part of classic slashers that made it worth having 7 POVs that you cycle through.
The slasher/gore elements were also quite brutal, and while I know you shouldn't expect many characters to survive a slasher, some deaths had be a bit sad for the characters.
Overall if you're a fan of slasher movies, and plot twists I would recommend this fun summer slasher.
March 9, 2026
This is the absolute perfect book for slasher fans! The references alone made it worth it honestly! I loved this book so much with all the gore and intensity! Ate it up! And love that the ending sets up a potential sequel which yes please!!! If you’re a fan of slashers like scream Friday the 13th nightmare on elm street take a chance and read it!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m not going to say a single thing about what happens, because the suspense of finding out what was going to happen and who was going to die was so so delicious.
10/10, would spend a weekend with semi-estranged friends in the woods.
10/10, would spend a weekend with semi-estranged friends in the woods.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Slasher Summer
By E. L. Chen
Pub Date: Jun 23 2026
If you like horror films like Friday the 13th and Sleep Away Camp then you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
By E. L. Chen
Pub Date: Jun 23 2026
If you like horror films like Friday the 13th and Sleep Away Camp then you will enjoy this book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the opportunity to read this book early in return for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews