Dead Teenager Movie

by Cethan Leahy

In this YA slasher, a horror-obsessed girl joins a group of wealthy teens for a wild weekend in a remote house, only to discover that the local murder rumours may be far more real – and far closer – than she imagined.

She loved scary movies… until she had the starring role.

A spree of murders is haunting Cork city, leaving behind stories of ghost parties and dismembered janitors, of dead diner owners and folkloric entities.

Die-hard horror buff April ignores it all for one perfect weekend of debauchery with Carl and his group of rich, hot and dangerously irresistible friends.

Together, they head to the West Cork countryside for an unforgettable trip before college begins. But in a remote mountainside house with views to die for, the dream party turns into a nightmare. Because some stories don't stay stories. And someone, or something, inside the house wants more than fear. They want blood.

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

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2026

About the author

Cethan Leahy is an author from Cork and likes writing stories about sad ghosts.

Reviews

[Fifi’s Bookshelf]

lol ok wait. I’ll admit it. I went into this with preexisting notions (I mean, it’s literally called Dead Teenager Movie) and was really just expecting nothing more than some unserious campy, brain rotting entertainment. As a fan of the horror genre, I saw this on Netgalley and was like, why the hell not! 😂 But that first chapter? It won me over.

Books like these I’m not going to judge in the same way as other genres. The best comparison I can think of is how you’d a made for tv Disney channel movie or a hallmark movie over a theatrical release. The standards and expectations are different. With a book like this, l I’m not expecting realism, elaborate writing or expertly executed plot devices. I’m looking for is plain old entertainment, plot twists, and the readability factor. And with that criteria? This book delivered. I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s SO unserious. There’s a literal killer and no one is hysterical, shocked, and way too unruffled despite the circumstances 😂 I mean, would a group of teenagers really be so calm and collected in a situation like this? But it was madly entertaining, in a slasher scooby doo type of way. It was giving, horror comedy, ridiculous in the best way. I loved it.

I don’t love slashers tbh but you know what, sometimes you just need something intense, mindless, and entertaining. And this? Compared to most of the others in this genre which I usually find mid, this was genuinely GOOD. Like, actually. It’s felt so unserious but it was clearly supposed to be, and that was part of the fun. AND THE PLOT TWISTS, THEY’RE GOOD.

I could not put this down. I zipped through this book SO quickly. In all honestly this was probably the most fun I’ve had reading a slasher, maybe ever. I think this is the first slasher (that I can think of at least) that I’ve given 4 stars to. Who would’ve thought?

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

[Mehsi]

I received this one from the publisher/tour organiser in exchange of an honest review.

💖 April, our MC as I would see her, is an awesome one. Do I think she was a bit dumb to just get into the car with her boyfriend and some stranger when there is a murderer (or murderers) hunting people? Heck yes. But hey, that is how horror stuff goes, we need dumb decisions, haha. I loved how strong she was and how she used her knowledge of movies to figure things out/get the upper hand. When things got turned around and April had a big role? Oh boy, was I rooting for her.
💖 The mysterious person who is controlling things, I at first thought “Oh Lord, I don’t need THIS.”, but then we learned who they were and what their plans were (or at least those they tell us) and I was curious to see how things would continue. It was an interesting addition to the plot and one that made things even more exciting. Especially when a costume was worn.
💖 The twists and turns. At first you think x and then suddenly we get more deets and we learn that it is actually y. Yes, I am keeping it vague. I have to say I had some niggling feeling in that regards, but I hadn’t expected it to be THAT for real. It was a shocker and I definitely went WTF several times through the story as we find out more and more.
💖 The many many movie references throughout the book. I haven’t watched all the movies, but thankfully a lot of them are bigger movies/popular ones, so I could get the reference. It made me smile to see these references especially since April is such a movie buff along with the title of the book.
💖 The cover of the book is just so cool and so fitting!
💖 Loved how things started quite OK, at least in the mansion, but when things went hard, things really went hard. That moment when an arrow just piercing someone’s hand to a can of beer I knew things would ramp up and we would be in for a ride. And heck yes we were.
💖 I also liked that you weren’t safe anywhere. Not in the tower. Not outside in the garden. Not in the mansion. Nowhere. That added to the thrill. You never knew who was lurking in the dark.
💖 I am also a big fan of big mansions in the middle of nowhere and good luck if you are stuck with something scary. Because all those phones? Won’t work. The landline? Often doesn’t exist anymore and can be cut. You can run, but the way to the town is dark and often not the easiest on foot.
💖 The ending, and with that I mean the last bits of what is going on at the mansion + what came after, was a good one, it made me sad a few times, but I really liked how things were wrapped up. Yes, more vagueness, teehee.
💖 The details of the murders were gruesome, disturbing, and WTF, but also fitted perfectly with the story/the rest of the book. And I appreciate the way the author slowly gave us more details on things, I did enjoy getting more information/more details, yes, given the things you learn this sounds disturbing, but I am sure you understand what I am saying. It was well-written and it gave us a bigger picture on what is going on.

🙄 Two certain other characters. Those two made my eyes roll so hard.

😫 Those who know me know that I DON’T like villain/baddie POVs. And we do get some of those in this book. And I really struggled to read them. I just wanted to skip it but I knew I may miss details for the next chapter. So I struggled through.
😫 At times there were just TOO many POVs for me. I would have loved it was just April + the mysterious person organising this whole thing. That would just have worked much better for me.
😫 Harry Potter references in 2026? People, seriously, do better.

All in all, I had fun with this one, it was creepy, disturbing, terrifying at times, and in overall a rollercoaster ride. Recommended.

Review also posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[bella ✯]

★★★☆☆
A fun, fast-paced slasher with plenty of twists and classic horror vibes. I liked how it played with the usual tropes, but some of the pacing and character development felt a little rushed. Overall, a quick and entertaining read, just not a new favourite! forgot to update it here on goodreads again gosh i am such a klutz lol.

[★]

a group of teenagers go to the mountainside house to spend the weekend without knowing there are serial killers waiting for them.. creepy..

i love it when books start off strong and begin the plot on the first page!! really saves me from getting bored easily. in the very first chapter we find out about a murder that took place at a fake party, and honestly i don't think there was a better way to start the story.

it was entertaining. the characters were good but sometimes pissed me off which i think is normal when you're reading a book about teenagers. april, a horror obsessed teen, thinks that going with her boyfriend, and his friend group (complete strangers to her) to a house that's so far from the town, is a great idea. carl's group is just some rich spoiled kids, who refuse to accept april as one of their friends. pretty annoying honestly.
i had low expectations, given the fact that it's aimed at teen audience, but i found it pretty enjoyable. really predictable, but still ok. there were plenty of horror and tense moments. we get a view from the villain's pov, which i think was an interesting addition to the story.
there were a LOT of movie references, given that April is a movie fan. it was nice to see april use her knowledge on horror movies and turn them into something useful that helped her get through some things.

some parts made little sense. how did their phones get switched for the ones that were controlled by the killer? you're telling me no one noticed? how did they manage to control everything in the house? there were more things but they happened later in the book, still, it felt pretty stupid and so obviously added with zero explanation.

not really my favourite. i found it pretty predictable and very obviously a teens novel. but i still think the younger audience would love it! especially those who like horror and some drama on the side.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Island for this arc in exchange for an honest review!!

[Gemma]

4.5*

Dead Teenager Movie is a brilliant YA slasher that uses classic horror tropes to create a tense and thrilling story perfect for horror fans. There have been a spate of local murders and a group of teenagers think it’s a good idea to have a wild weekend in a remote house which turns into a nightmare hunt as they realise the murders might actually be a lot closer to home.

There is a tense first chapter to start which sets the tone of the novel and then the reader is introduced to April, a horror movie obsessed teen who is going for what she thinks is a nice weekend away with her new boyfriend Carl and his rich and rude best friends who try their best to make sure she knows she isn't welcome. The horror soon begins as they realise they are being targeted and April uses her vast horror knowledge to make a plan with hopes of surviving to the end.

I liked that there was multiple POVs used in the story including April, the director who is watching the chaos they created unfold through hidden cameras and Deidre who stumbles upon the open access of the cameras online with her friend Alex and thinks it’s a fun, fake film that they want to get involved in. The short chapters make the story feel really fast paced and the kills are gruesome and graphic to make sure you never want to put the book down. I also really liked that most of the chapter titles were named after horror films and shows.

There is a very surprising twist halfway through which changes everything I thought I knew about the story and will definitely make you rethink what’s happening. I liked that April wasn’t part of the director’s initial plan which made me think she could cause problems for them and it was really fun how different parts came together for an unpredictable read.

I liked how everything connected in the end and although I thought the ending felt a little rushed and there could have been more kills and excitement, all the loose ends are neatly tied up for a fast paced novel perfect for slasher movie fans.

[Melissa]

This book was provided for review by The Write Reads as part of Write Reads Tours. Thank you!

April has always been something of an outsider. Never quite fitting in, she was astonished when she caught the eye of the rich and handsome Carl. She was even more astonished when he invited her to join him and his friends for a weekend away. One last hurrah before they all went their separate ways.

At first April was ecstatic, but as the night goes on the situation turns strange. Someone, or something, is hunting the small group. What started for April and the group as a dream getaway quickly turns into a bloody nightmare.

Fans of horror movies will immediately recognize the basic premise of Dead Teenager Movie. A group of kids celebrating getting out of school, gathering for one last big party before college pulls them all in different directions. The setup is a staple of horror movies as is what happens next with flickering lights and voices coming from nowhere.

What is unique, at least in my opinion, is what happens after that.

Dead Teenager Movie takes the horror movie tropes that have become so well known and gives them a bit of a stir. I freely admit I was expecting a story that went one way and was pleasantly surprised when it went another. There are a few times where the story leans on the help of horror tropes a bit too much, and there are a handful of references that not everyone will understand, but that makes little difference in the long run.

Dead Teenager Movie is a book that is much like the horror movies the main character loves. There are twists and turns and just when you think you know where the story is going, it changes direction. At not quite 300 pages, I found it to be a fairly quick read. It was quite enjoyable and while it’s main audience is the young adult crowd, I can see this appealing to older readers as well.

[Danni (_forbookssake)]

Dead Teenager Movie begins with a bang. Throwing you straight into the darkness and the danger, with the deception and death of Tommy Keating. It builds the suspense from the very first pages, and leaves you wanting more. The following chapters then provide an introduction to our main characters, and build a picture of what is to come.

With a serial killer on the loose, a trip to a remote mountainside house seems like the last place you would want to be, but April is horror obsessed, and when her new boyfriend Carl invites her along for the trip, there’s no way she’s turning it down. Carl’s friends; Scarlett, Erica, and John, are spoilt rich kids, and aren’t the most welcoming towards April, but she’s willing to put up with them for a dreamy party weekend with Carl. But, things very quickly take a turn for the worse, and the group are left stranded and fearing for their lives. And so, the hunt begins.

The characters were certainly an odd mix. I wasn’t a fan of any of Carl’s friends, and I don’t know how April put up with them. I did really like April though, and thought she was a great protagonist. I also loved Deirdre and Alex, they were definitely my vibe, and the sort of people I would have been friends with at school. However, I’m not actually sure what their purpose was within the book. They didn’t really impact any outcome, and the story could have been almost exactly the same without them even being in it…

The hunt itself was super exciting. It was truly edge of the seat stuff from start to finish, and I had no idea who was going to make it through the ordeal alive. There were also a few huge twists that I could have never expected, and I loved them! The whole thing was incredibly entertaining.

For a YA slasher horror, there was the perfect amount of blood and gore, while also having the relationship and teen drama elements that you typically want from this type of book. An all round thoroughly enjoyable book which I highly recommend.

I give Dead Teenager Movie a 4.5 star rating!

[A Voracious Reader (a.k.a. Carol)]

3.5
Book source ~ TWR Tour

I’m not a huge fan of horror, so I haven’t read a whole lot of it. I’m not sure if this plot is unique in general or only unique to me. In any case, I mostly like how it’s written. Some of it seems a bit cliché or maybe it’s meant to be that way? Like a tongue-in-cheek telling? And while I know this is fiction and horror on top of that, some of the things happening just stretch my believability to the very outer limits. Having said all that, it is an entertaining book. It had me turning the pages to see what could possibly happen next. Be sure to read on a dark stormy night with the lights off to get the full body creepy effect.

[ReadItRichard]

A super entertaining and fast paced slasher about a girl who loves horror movies who ends up getting a bit more horror than she'd wanted when she goes on a trip to a creepy house in the middle of nowhere. It is set in Ireland in County Cork, which is really cool, I think more books like this should be set in Ireland. I liked the writing style. Its very fast paced and punchy and easy to read. The pages just fly by. I took a star off because i felt it was a little predictable, but that didn't stop me enjoying it. and Thank you little island and the writereads for gifting me a copy!

[Sam]

Dead Teenager Movie is a fun horror read for teens. April, the main character, joins a group of popular kids for a weekend getaway. I don’t think she truly knew what she was walking into. It felt a bit juvenile to me, but I know the right audience will enjoy this one.

I appreciated how the author nodded to different popular horror movies whether that be in the chapter title itself or a random name drop as the story progressed.

[Alora Khan]

I loved this. First of all, I’m a big slasher fan. Second of all, I did NOT see the surprise twist coming and I was definitely shocked. I think it’s definitely got an air of mystery and I enjoyed that most of the chapter titles were old horror movies. I thought the characters were interesting and this played out just like a horror movie. If you’re looking for slashers for this fall season, I definitely recommend this one. Coming September 2026.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf)]

Horror fan April accepts an invitation to party at a remote house in the countryside with Carl, his sister Scarlett, & friends john & Erica, who are all out to celebrate the end of exams. What April is really hoping for is some time alone with Carl, but their plans are in disarray when it becomes clear they are being stalked by a killer. Is it the same killer as the one behind a local murder spree?

OK, this author knows how to write an introduction that hooks the reader - that opening chapter was perfection. In fact the whole main plot was good but the characters of Deirdre, Alex, & Alex's mother didn't really add anything apart from slowing down the action.

It’s pretty fast-paced, & at under 300 pages doesn’t outstay its welcome, but there was just something missing for me & I hate characters that just keep getting back up no matter what is thrown at them. Once, ok. Twice, maybe. Three or more times? On the absurd side. 3.25 stars (rounded down)

SUMMARY:
Plot: 3.5/5 - Main plot was good but additional characters slowed down the action..
Writing Style: 4/5 - Knows how to write an introduction that hooks the reader.
Enjoyment: 3/5 - It’s pretty fast-paced, & at under 300 pages doesn’t outstay its welcome, but there was just something missing for me.

My thanks to NetGalley & publishers, LIttle Island Books, for the opportunity to read an ARC.

[Katie Clemens-Seely]

4.5 stars rounded up

I went into Dead Teenager Movie with fairly low expectations, expecting a fun but ultimately mediocre slasher novel. Instead, I ended up absolutely loving it.

This book was such a fun ride from start to finish. The pacing was relentless, the twists genuinely caught me off guard, and the story constantly took turns I wasn't expecting. Every time I thought I had things figured out, the book surprised me with something new and different.

As a slasher novel, this isn't a book you're picking up for award-winning prose or literary depth. What it does deliver is exactly what I wanted: a gripping, entertaining story that is incredibly hard to put down. I ended up devouring it in a single sitting because I just had to know what happened next.

If you're a fan of slashers, horror with plenty of twists, and books that prioritise entertainment and momentum, I'd definitely recommend giving Dead Teenager Movie a go. It was far more enjoyable than I expected and ended up being one of those rare books that completely consumed my attention until the very last page.

[Nicole Austin]

Thank you NetGalley and Little Island Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Dead Teenager Movie” by Cethan Leahy is basically what happens when a slasher movie and a horror fan's dream journal collide. The book wastes no time establishing that this is a full-on horror story, opening with a gruesome murder and immediately letting you know that nobody is safe. There's blood, gore, and plenty of tension throughout, making it better suited for older YA readers and horror fans who enjoy their slashers with a decent body count.

The story follows April, a horror-obsessed teenager who impulsively joins a group of wealthy teens for a weekend party at an isolated house in the West Cork countryside. At the same time, true-crime enthusiast Deirdre becomes fascinated with a string of local murders. What starts as two separate storylines quickly spirals into a chaotic slasher nightmare as more characters get involved and bodies start dropping.

One of the coolest things about this book is the killer. Rather than simply hunting people down, they treat the entire situation like they're directing their own horror movie. The killer follows classic horror movie rules and tropes, even referring to themselves as "The Director." There are cameras throughout the house, chapters from the killer's perspective, podcast transcript sections, and chapter titles inspired by classic horror films. It genuinely feels like you're watching a slasher movie unfold on screen.

April is easily the standout character. Since she's basically a walking horror encyclopedia, she recognizes the patterns the killer is using and actively tries to exploit horror movie logic to stay alive. Instead of constantly making terrible decisions like most slasher victims, she's surprisingly competent and becomes the perfect final girl. Watching her use her horror knowledge against the killer was one of the most entertaining parts of the book.

The pacing is incredibly fast, with short chapters and multiple points of view that make it easy to fly through in a sitting or two. Just when you think you've figured out where the story is going, the book throws in a major twist that completely changes your understanding of what's happening. Then it keeps doing it. There were several reveals that genuinely caught me off guard, including one especially shocking betrayal that I never saw coming.

Despite leaning heavily into familiar slasher tropes like "rich teens in a remote house making terrible choices," the book manages to feel fresh because it understands those tropes so well. It's clearly written by someone who loves horror movies, and it feels like a giant love letter to the genre. The mystery elements work surprisingly well too, and there were multiple moments where I had no idea who to trust or what would happen next.

The climax is packed with tension, revenge, unexpected deaths, and satisfying payoffs. Most of the major storylines are wrapped up by the end, although the final pages leave just enough uncertainty to make you wonder if the nightmare is really over. Honestly, that ending completely messed with my brain and left me wanting a sequel immediately.

Overall, “Dead Teenager Movie” is a bloody, twisty, fast-paced slasher that feels like a classic horror movie brought to life. If you love final girls, isolated cabins, shocking twists, and horror references everywhere you look, this is an incredibly fun read that's perfect for spooky season.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle]

April spends this entire book realizing that having encyclopedic knowledge of slasher movies is a lot more useful than knowing how to flirt. She walks into this weekend getaway thinking she's about to live out the cool coming-of-age movie where the awkward girl finally gets noticed by the pretty crowd. Instead, she accidentally auditions for the bloodiest remake nobody asked for.

I immediately liked that she wasn't trying to be the smartest person in the room. She was just the one person who had watched enough horror movies to recognize that literally every single decision these people were making deserved the dramatic violin music. Remote house? Check. Wealthy teenagers acting weird? Check. Creepy local murder stories everyone keeps casually brushing off? Babe... respectfully... get back in the car.

And these rich kids. My goodness. They have the exact confidence that comes from never believing consequences apply to them. They're attractive, dramatic, carrying enough secrets to power three seasons of a prestige TV show, and somehow still convinced the suspicious vibes are probably nothing. I spent half the book wanting April to run and the other half wondering if she even could.

I also loved how much this leaned into being a love letter to horror without feeling like it was constantly elbowing me in the ribs going, "Did you catch that reference?" April's obsession with scary movies actually mattered. She wasn't just listing films to prove she had good taste. She was desperately trying to survive using the only survival guide she'd ever trusted, and honestly... if I ever end up being hunted by a masked killer, I also want the horror nerd on my team.

Once everything really kicked off, I stopped pretending I was going to read "just one more chapter." Every time I thought I'd figured out where things were headed, somebody pulled another rug out from under me. Then someone else picked the rug back up and hit me with it. I kept changing my mind about who I trusted, what was actually happening, and whether anybody was making it out of this weekend with all their limbs attached.

What surprised me most, though, was that underneath all the screaming and bloodshed, April still felt like a teenager trying to figure out where she belonged. That hit harder than I expected. Wanting to be chosen by the cool crowd is such an ordinary feeling, and watching that fantasy unravel into something genuinely terrifying gave the story more heart than I was expecting. Sometimes the scariest thing isn't the monster. It's realizing you've been trying way too hard to impress people who were never worth the effort.

This ended up being one of those books that knows exactly what kind of ride it wants to be. It doesn't apologize for loving slashers. It just hands you the popcorn, turns off the lights, and politely reminds you that absolutely nobody should split up.

This landed at a solid 3.5 stars for me. I had a ridiculously fun time with it, flew through it, and now I'm probably going to side-eye every isolated vacation rental for the foreseeable future.

Whodunity Award: For Making "One Last Party Before College" Sound Like the Single Worst Group Chat Plan Ever

And thank you to Little Island Books and NetGalley for the ARC. Next time you send me a weekend getaway, could it maybe include one less masked killer and one more functioning exit strategy? I feel like that's a fair trade.

[Sandra Emes]

7/10

Picking up this book, I wondered if a slasher genre made sense in book form. After all, you can't use the usual cinematic tricks like jump scares, unsettling shadows, or suspense-building music. Are words alone enough to credibly convey the feeling of danger, entrapment, and hounding? I don’t think the author had the same doubts, yet his approach addresses them in a way that's both entertaining and appropriately unsettling.

Rather than trying to strictly adhere to the genre's framework, Leahy creates something between parody and homage, evoking classics (for example, in the chapter titles) and playing with conventions while simultaneously respecting them and not making a joke of history. It's disturbing, bloody, and menacing, and at the same time... it's not.

The atmosphere and plot of "Dead Teenager Movie" reminded me a lot of "Until Dawn" (the game, I haven't seen the film). Detail by detail, with each passing page, it became more and more similar... However, before the feeling of "I've seen this before" overcame my enjoyment of the book, the novel took a rather interesting turn. And while I'm not sure if the plot twist fully convinced me, it was undoubtedly the breath of fresh air I'd been waiting for (though not entirely new). Ultimately, the story is original and familiar at once, and all the elements come together to form a well-planned whole that, surprisingly, isn't overwhelmed by the number of used motifs.

The aforementioned play with convention also involved drawing on classic hero patterns. They are stereotypical, yes, but this is entirely intentional and, in a sense, temporary. Although the description claims horror-movie fanatic April as the protagonist, I feel we're dealing with more of a collective hero here. Each character appears in this story with a specific goal, and to achieve it, they're given just as much time and development (minimal, but still) as the others. A group of teenagers facing the twisted game of a masked perpetrator in a secluded house basically plays itself. "That weird one", "the popular girl", "the jock", and several other clichéd characters cleverly fit into the plot, taking (almost) a 180-degree turn at key moments.

The ending... is definitely "SOMETHING." Whether it's good or bad is hard for me to say for sure. Did it meet my expectations? Yes. Would I have preferred a slightly different direction? Also, yes. The important thing is that I had fun. And above all, that's what I was hoping for. Overall, this won't be a novel for everyone. Fans of the genre who can approach their favorite themes with healthy distance will be satisfied. Not too long, not too short, just the right amount of entertainment with a touch of thrills – perfect for "Summerween"... but not only for that ;)

++ARC review via NetGalley++

[Insert Name Here]

April knows every horror movie rule. She knows the tropes, the villains, the warning signs. Unfortunately, knowing how the story works doesn't mean you can avoid becoming part of it.

📚 Pre-Reading Thoughts
A horror fan protagonist is always an interesting choice. When someone understands the genre, the story has to find new ways to surprise them—and the reader.

The challenge with self-aware horror is finding the balance between acknowledging the rules and still letting the scares work. Too little awareness can feel unrealistic; too much can make the whole thing feel like a joke.

📖 Post-Reading
As I thought...

This is exactly the kind of horror that understands why people love horror. The story has fun with the genre while still delivering genuine tension.
The Irish setting adds a great sense of atmosphere, particularly with the blend of modern horror, folklore and the isolation of the countryside.
The humour works because it doesn't completely undermine the danger. The characters can joke about horror conventions while still feeling like they're in a genuinely frightening situation.
It surprised me by...

How well it balances meta commentary. The characters understand horror tropes, villains discuss their own dramatic tendencies, and the story plays with expectations—but it never feels like it's simply winking at the audience.
How cinematic it feels. There are moments that practically demand a camera: sweeping landscapes, isolated houses, escalating tension and spectacularly over-the-top horror imagery.
That despite leaving room for more, the story feels complete. A sequel would be welcome, but this book stands confidently on its own.
A funny, self-aware horror story that knows exactly what genre it belongs to—and has a great time playing with it.

🎧 Music Pairing
🎵 Featured Song:
Teenage Dirtbag

🎶 Vibe Album:
The Black Parade

🎧 Artist Recommendation:
The Smashing Pumpkins — dramatic, nostalgic, and perfect for a horror movie montage.

🌈 Vibe Check
Colour Palette: blood red, midnight black, old gold, stormy grey
Soundtrack: distant thunder, a crackling radio, the sound of footsteps where nobody should be
Season: late summer turning dark
Mood: chaotic, funny, creepy
Scent: bonfire smoke, damp grass, old wood
🃏 Tarot Pull
The Fool

April begins the story as someone who thinks she understands horror. She knows the rules, recognises the patterns, and believes that makes her prepared. But The Fool reminds us that every adventure begins with stepping into the unknown. Curiosity, courage and a willingness to explore are wonderful things—but sometimes the path ahead has surprises waiting.




👀 For fans of
Scream
Cabin in the Woods
Irish horror with a modern twist

[donutdot]

thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the e-arc!!

solid 3.5☆ rounded down (wanted to round up but it didn't feel like a pseudo 4☆)

i requested this title specifically because i love horror and slashers and ya thrillers have been a hit with me recently. the atmosphere of this felt campy, maybe a little satire and reminded me a little of bodies, bodies, bodies (2022) but ya. a compliment cause both are cheesy and entertaining as heck.

the synopsis doesn't do the story justice, it covers half of it, a half i was very excited to dive into. i love the whole, rich kids go party and drugs and shit and get killed. yes i myself don't like those rich kids and don't mind seeing this happen in film and books in all its gory glory. the main group— carl, scarlett, erica, john and our mc april are supposedly hunted for sport by a costumed killer the morrigan. safe to say i hated all of them except april, and john but spoilery reasons i will discuss later. even hated when carl was trying to be charming.

at first, it leans VERY hard into the typical tropes. the 'cursed' video, the whole home invasion and the essential play by play april the horror fan can give, throwing one person out to be sacrificed. and so. many. references. i thought the chapter titles with horror film names were cool, but there were so many name drops i almost got the ick. i love references and this almost got too much.

the second half, you could not have guessed from the synopsis, but it is somewhat reminiscent of ready or not (2019). murder is wrong but i support women's wrongs in this book!! only if they are beth andrews, april and jodie. spoilers ahead!! april donning the morrigan costume to go after the remaining rich kids is honestly so satisfying. and beth ending erica was a highlight for me.

did not care for scarlett but john being the mole was probably predictable?? i saw it coming and somehow i was sad that he sacrificed himself and died. carl and erica are absolute psychos though. erica is just a crazy and high and loves murder, like a cockroach that doesn't die. carl is just a manipulator. his final words saying he loves april in that deranged serial killer way was so icky.

also social commentary about casual cruelty and escalation in the privileged and all that.

[Shez]

Review of Dead Teenager Movie via Netgalley 

4.5*

The title Dead Teenager Movie doesn't exactly leave much to the imagination… but somehow, that didn't make the opening any less gripping. The story throws you straight into the action with the death of a teenager, and from that moment, I was HOOKED.

Then we have April, a self-proclaimed know-it-all horror fan, who decides to trick her parents into thinking she's staying at a friend's house for the weekend — despite the fact that there is literally a killer on the loose. Like, girl, be for real??? Surely a horror fan should know that this is the first bad decision you don't make in a horror movie.

Instead, April heads off to a party at a mansion with her new almost-boyfriend and a group of his friends. And I have to say, I was immediately not impressed by the vibes these friends were giving (think: stereotypical snobby rich kid)

John did make me laugh, though, so I'll give him that.

But once the story really gets going — aka the hunt begins — I was completely invested. The whole thing played out so vividly in my head that I could genuinely picture this as an actual slasher movie. The tension and the sheer chaos had me flying through the pages.

And those TWISTS?! I did not see some of them coming.

The multiple POVs also worked really well for the story, as each character's perspective revealed little details that helped piece everything together. I did find the switching between POVs a little confusing at times, but overall, I thought they added a lot to the story and helped build the suspense.

But the HUNT itself???

10/10 🔪

Watching everything unfold and wondering who would make it to the end , or, more importantly, who would be the "last one standing" , was exactly what I wanted from a slasher story.

And apparently, I wanted it badly enough to sacrifice my sleep because I could not put this book down.

Did I finish it way after 1am? Yes.

Do I regret the broken sleep schedule? Maybe a little, actually

Was it worth it?

Absolutely.

[Supriya K]

💥I LOVED IT 1000/1000! 💥

Horror and thriller lovers, just read it. You’re in for one hell of a ride.

Dead Teenager Movie
by @cethanleahy

Pub Date: Sep, 3, 2026
Publisher: Little Island Books
Mystery & Thrillers, New Adult,Teens & YA

Description:
April is a die-hard horror fan who heads to a remote house in the West Cork countryside with a group of wealthy, dangerously irresistible friends for one last wild weekend before college. But with a spree of murders haunting Cork city, their dream party soon turns into a nightmare. Because some stories don't stay stories… and someone or something inside the house wants more than fear. They want blood.

💥My Screams:

Okay… ahem! I started this book just going with the story flow, and before I knew it, I was completely INVESTED!

I was literally screaming, “Guys, DON'T! DON'T! Just listen to April! Please use your brains!” 😂

And then…

THE STORY FLIPPED. 💥

WHAT. A. TWIST. 😱🔪

Wooow! This book was so vivid and cinematic. I was so damn in love with the story and writing! It gave me the complete satisfaction of watching a scary, scream-worthy slasher movie.

My heart was constantly in my throat. I was on the edge of my bed (I'd definitely roll down 😂), biting my nails and screaming internally!

It gave me everything scares, tension, twists, chills shivers ,chaos, enjoyment, and complete satisfaction!

And April? I LOVED her! She is literally us the thriller and horror-obsessed girl representing all of us! 😍

🎃 The perfect Halloween pick!

🔪 A MUST-READ if you love slasher and scary movies!

Scary movies have nothing on the experience this book gave me!

I’m definitely buying a physical copy when it releases! 😍

Thank you @netgally and @littleislandbooks for The ARC.



#Bookstagram #halloweenreads #DeadTeenagerMovie #NetGalley

[Jeremy Fowler]

A Slasher Within A Slasher?!

Dead Teenager Movie is a slasher lover's dream and a complete mind trip all rolled into one. April, a horror-obsessed outsider, jumps at the chance to spend a weekend with the cool kids at a remote house in the Irish countryside, only to find herself trapped in a nightmare that seems to be operating by horror movie rules. However, with this story, nothing is as it seems. The bodies begin to pile up, making this slasher something more. Something evolved! It's a story that constantly plays with your expectations and then gleefully shatters them. Cethan Leahy clearly knows the genre inside and out, and that love for horror bleeds through every page, from the references to the structure itself.

Fans of horror are going to dive into this story feet first. With the classic nods to horror within all the chapter titles to the classic tropes that some of the characters exhibit, this story has all the staples. HOWEVER, expect the unexpected. Every time I thought I had figured out what was happening, Leahy pulled the rug out from under me and revealed another layer hiding beneath the one I'd just uncovered. The twists aren't there just for shock value either; they completely reframe what you think you know about the story. Somehow, despite all the meta-horror chaos, the book never loses its momentum. It feels like being trapped inside a horror movie where the script keeps rewriting itself in real time. Fast-paced, bloody, clever, and ridiculously fun, Dead Teenager Movie is the kind of book that had me flying through chapters and immediately wanting to talk about it the second I finished. Run for your copy of this book!

[The Sassy Bookworm]

Book Review: Dead Teenager Movie by Cethan Leahy

Rating: ★★★★☆

First off, this book has such a fun, eye-catching cover—it immediately made me want to pick it up. And honestly, fun is the best way to describe the reading experience. I flew through it in just a couple of hours, and it was exactly the kind of quick, entertaining horror read I was in the mood for.

The story follows April, a girl who absolutely loves horror movies, as she joins Carl and his wealthy, attractive friends for a reckless weekend away before college starts. Their destination is a remote house in the West Cork countryside, but the getaway comes with some unsettling baggage. Cork has been plagued by strange murders and disturbing local legends involving ghostly parties, gruesome deaths, and supernatural folklore. April initially treats the stories like another horror-movie premise—until the weekend begins to feel less like a holiday and more like a deadly setup.

I really enjoyed the cast of characters, as well as the steady stream of twists and turns. The book has a strong slasher-movie atmosphere, with plenty of tension, mystery, and darkly entertaining moments. It also captures that wonderfully over-the-top feeling of classic ’80s horror without taking itself too seriously.

Overall, Dead Teenager Movie is a fast, bloody, enjoyable read that would be perfect for anyone who loves retro horror, doomed parties, and a good old-fashioned house full of secrets. It may be a quick book, but it delivers plenty of entertainment.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[nikki]

arc received from netgalley in exchange for an honest review

dead teenager movie is definitely an experience to read. the good: its thrilling and gripping, has you on the edge of your seat and so action-packed that time flies by as you read. the author's good with building tension and anticipation, as well as the unsettling fear that there's something quite not right. the twist at the middle of the book had me floored — jury's out if in a bad or good way, however. still, the twist worked somewhat? or at least, it managed to carry the book towards its end. i know this is young adult fiction, so people would say that its supposed to be "easier" and more "juvenile", but i think all books should at least have some substance or weight behind the actions and choices made in a novel. so much of this book is surface level. i wasn't convinced behind any of the reasons why these people did what they did, why they turned traitor, etc. there's an explanation provided, but they're so haphazard and clumsy??? the banter was also kinda stupid and corny, there were certain arguments in the middle of a MURDER where i wanted to throw my device away. needless to say. this book has flaws — a lot of it. but it was still fun and thrilling, and isn't that almost the same as every other horror movie we watch?

[Claire Veldman]

Thank you @netgalley for letting me read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

In this YA horror book we follow April who loves a good slasher movie. She does, until she ends up in one in real life. She joins some teenagers who are going away for the weekend in a cabin in the woods. And you might have guessed it right, there are going to happen some horrible things and they can't get away... 👀

Alright, let's be honest. I would absolutely LOVE this book when I was younger but I just didn't feel it. Yeah, I know it's a YA but it felt more like a teen book to me... I didn't dislike the book but I feel like I wasn't the right audience. 😬

The story was fast paced though and I finished it in a day. There were short chapters (which I appreciate) and it was easy to follow. 🌈 The main character, April, is a fun mc to follow and I really liked her storyline. I wished this was the only storyline.... Sometimes there were chapters written from other POV's and they didn't interest me that much. There were even some characters that shouldn't have to be included in the book in my opinion. 🫣

I don't only want to complain about this book, because I do feel like a lot of teens will enjoy this one! So please don't let me scare you and if the blurb sounds interesting to you, go check it out!

[ObscureVi]

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Okay, that was so... chaotic and absurd, but in that good, entertaining way.

First off, I should probably say, that it might be just me, but I feel like the blurb is a bit... misleading? I don't think it does the book justice and some people might not be happy with the direction the book is going to take, as what you can read fits for about... 1/3 of the book, I think?

I didn't mind it and I had fun, but it definitely wasn't what I originally signed up for, that for sure.

Alright, but about the book itself... it was a fast-paced ride and there wasn't a single moment that made me feel bored. It was also rather short (probably around 200 pages in the finished copy?), but as I already mentioned, the pace was rapid and on top of everything I could feel strong dark comedy vibes, ones that make you think of all those horror comedies where everything is ridiculous, but oh so satisfying.

It's packed with references all the way till the very end and you will probably recognize a lot of them, especially if you're a horror lover. You might also want to take a longer peek at the chapter titles, brilliant!

I do hope, that the author will reach for YA horror genre again, because I would be so willing for another book in such style!

[karla_bookishlife]

Dead Teenager Movie by Cethan Leahy is a witty, self-aware, and fast-paced YA slasher novel that times tropes from classic horror cinema. Leahy pays homage to his filmmaking background with nods to classic horror cliches. The characters are intentionally named after cult slasher figures, like Jason, Carrie, and Michael, whih is an entertaining link for horror movie aficcionados.
The protagonist April is a horror movie buff who joins agroup of wealthy, attractive friends for a wild getaway weekend before college starts in a remote Irish cottage in Cork whixhnis linked to murder rumours and local urban legends. The rumours become terrifyingly real as a masked figure begins to stalk the group. It is like Friday the 13th meets Scream in novel form. As per these movies, the main characters all fit with stereotypes ;the nerd; the sports star and the wealthy elitist, which ultimately lends us to feel sympathy for some and less for others, so when the murders strike, we don't always feel too upset. The eerie landscape, the dread of urban legend and the stalking masked figure makes this an adrenaline fuelled read which reaches it's peak in a bloodied and frenzied finale. The frantic pace is absorbing. This is the perfect read for young horror fans. #deadteenagermovie #cethanleahy #littleislandbooks #TheWriteReads

[Iseult Murphy]

Leahy obviously knows and loves the horror genre. He knows how to play with tropes and reader expectations. The result is so fun. Some characters, such as April, are knowingly aware of the conventions of slasher movies, while others are manipulated by the author to bring attention to, or subvert said conventions.
The characters and setting are extremely Irish. This aspect may not work so well for readers from other countries, but it increased the entertainment value for me.
I loved the inclusion of the round tower. For those who don’t know, these were built by Irish monks to hide from the Vikings. A round tower is used in this book in a clever way.

The book is fast paced, with short, exciting chapters.

While there is an occasional tense atmosphere to this novel, and the twists and turns of the plot are surprising, the overall tone of the book is so humorous that it should be classed as a horror comedy. There is one scene where the teens are waiting in the kitchen for the masked figure to appear that is laugh out loud funny. Horror fans will find plenty to chuckle at, with frequent references to other horror novels and movies, and the very Irish reaction of the characters to the typical slasher movie set-ups. I also loved that the chapter titles were all horror movies.

Overall, ‘Dead Teenager Movie’ is a satisfying horror comedy in similar vein to the movies ‘Tucker and Dale vs Evil’ and ‘Cabin in the Woods’.

[Louise]

I received an ARC Copy of this book for free from NetGalley and I am writing this review voluntarily.


Dead Teenager Movie by Cethan Leahy is one of those books that feels like it was written for people who grew up on horror films and group chats. It’s fast, messy in a fun way, and very self aware without trying too hard. April is such a relatable little horror nerd, and watching her get pulled into this world of rich, chaotic teens is genuinely entertaining. You can feel the tension building from the first chapter, and the short, punchy pacing makes it ridiculously easy to binge.

The slasher vibes are strong, but it never feels like a copy of anything. It plays with familiar tropes, then twists them just enough to keep you guessing. The multiple POVs add a cinematic feel, especially the director watching everything through hidden cameras. It’s weird, but in a way that works. The Irish setting gives it a slightly eerie, folklore‑adjacent atmosphere that makes the whole thing feel more grounded and less like a typical American teen horror.

The humour lands, the kills are graphic enough to satisfy horror fans, and the mid‑book twist genuinely surprised me. It’s fun, it’s bloody, and it doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a slasher story that knows exactly what it is.

[Amber]

Thank you to netgalley & publishers for this arc!

This was a fun, campy, slasher-y horror that follows April as she joins a group of teens for a weekend getaway in a remote house only to realise that the local murder rumours may be circling closer than she thinks.

I would describe this as ready or not x scooby doo but with teens in a 90s slasher way. It felt like watching a slasher film in the way the book flowed. It has several nods to popular horror films and literature which I loved!

I loved that this was a little unserious - how the characters act, given there's a killer on the loose had me in stitches at times. One of the most interesting things about this was the killer itself. The way the whole situation is manipulated as if they are directing the scene truly makes it feel as if im watching a film.

But what really got me in this was the plot twists!! Those last few chapters had me at the edge of my seat. The climax is so incredibly satisfying - between tension and final kills it wraps up relatively well. Or at least I thought so until I reached that last page and holy plot twist -

This book is perfect if you love YA horror or slasher films in general - if you want something fun, campy and a little different this is the perfect book for you!

[mya]

WATCHING HORROR MOVIES IS BETTER THAN STARRING IN YOUR OWN... ★ ★ ★ ⯪ ☆

In attempt to escape a string of murders in Cork City, April flees to the countryside with her friends as a last trip before college starts. But, their weekend away quickly turns into a horror-movie, as cinnephile April realises she prefers watching Horror, not starring in it.

As a huge fan of the horror-genre, I flew through this book. It's an easy read, and is super trope heavy for people who LOVE the genre. Sometimes, I did find it a *little* too trope-y for my liking -- but regardless, I enjoyed the book for what it is.

Dead Teenager Movie has the PERFECT horror-movie setting, the remote 'cabin' in the woods -- the rich hot friends, the murderer on the loose! It's a great book for the Halloween time, hitting every mark perfectly.

Though at times the huge cast of characters and jumbled POVs did make the story a little difficult to follow at times, and some of the reveals were a little far-fetched!

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

If you like:

☑ Tropey Horror (Like Scream)
☑ Murder Mystery
☑ Final Girls

Then you're going to **love** this book.

· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Island Books for access to this ARC. All opinions are my own.