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The Last Final Girl #2
Escape from Bastard Town
Parker Ames is back… well, kinda.
She’s been out of the hacking and slashing business for over a year. The killer teddy bears, haunted cars and the downright weirdness of it all was just too much for her. But when a couple of kids from an isolated Alaskan town need her help with a slasher that’s putting a severe dent in the population, she can’t say no.
But does Parker still have what it takes to confront evil head on?
If you love 80s horror movies and killer books like My Best Friend’s Exorcism you’ll love this next installment of Jack Quaid’s Last Final Girl series.
She’s been out of the hacking and slashing business for over a year. The killer teddy bears, haunted cars and the downright weirdness of it all was just too much for her. But when a couple of kids from an isolated Alaskan town need her help with a slasher that’s putting a severe dent in the population, she can’t say no.
But does Parker still have what it takes to confront evil head on?
If you love 80s horror movies and killer books like My Best Friend’s Exorcism you’ll love this next installment of Jack Quaid’s Last Final Girl series.
- GenresHorror
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2019
25 people are currently reading
192 people want to read
About the author
Jack Quaid
19 books40 followersBetween the years 1980 and 1999, American novelist Jack Quaid produced a series of fun and wild stories where anything could happen, and with Quaid behind the typewriter, they usually did. He called these books his Electric Mayhem series.
Jack Quaid was born in West Hollywood, California, in 1953. He won a scholarship to UCLA but dropped out after six months for a reason that, to this day, remains unknown. Two years later, he sold his first short story to Startling Mystery Magazine, but it was the publication of his novel The City on the Edge of Tomorrow in 1980 and the film adaptation starring Bruce Dern that set him on his way.
Fearing his initial success would fade, Quaid wrote obsessively for the next two decades and published under many pseudonyms. It’s unknown just how many books he produced during this period, but despite the name on the jacket, savvy readers always knew they were reading a Jack Quaid novel within the first few pages.
His books have long been out of print, and they now live on the dusty shelves of secondhand bookstores and in the memories of those who have been lucky enough to read them.
Quaid’s current whereabouts are unknown.
Jack Quaid was born in West Hollywood, California, in 1953. He won a scholarship to UCLA but dropped out after six months for a reason that, to this day, remains unknown. Two years later, he sold his first short story to Startling Mystery Magazine, but it was the publication of his novel The City on the Edge of Tomorrow in 1980 and the film adaptation starring Bruce Dern that set him on his way.
Fearing his initial success would fade, Quaid wrote obsessively for the next two decades and published under many pseudonyms. It’s unknown just how many books he produced during this period, but despite the name on the jacket, savvy readers always knew they were reading a Jack Quaid novel within the first few pages.
His books have long been out of print, and they now live on the dusty shelves of secondhand bookstores and in the memories of those who have been lucky enough to read them.
Quaid’s current whereabouts are unknown.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 19, 2019
Not as good as the first. Too extreme
January 18, 2020
Would Make An Awesome Movie
These books are so much fun. A must-read for any eighties horror movie fan. Someone needs to show them to Blumhouse.
These books are so much fun. A must-read for any eighties horror movie fan. Someone needs to show them to Blumhouse.
October 2, 2019
Minor spoilers
4.5/5
After a slasher killing in a toy store goes haywire, Parker Ames is living as a recluse in a dilapidated region of Detroit, serving various slime balls that pass through the diner where she is employed. Although somewhat depraved of her killing ability, she can’t refuse the alluring offer to jump back into action when two teenagers from Alaska beg her to save their slayed town.
Despite the endless grammatical flaws, I felt this was an excellent follow up in the series, maybe better than the first. The gore was endless, and the slashers were sickening. Possibly the biggest highlight of this particular read is an Austrian WWII slasher backstory, involving the BOOK OF EVIL.
4.5/5
After a slasher killing in a toy store goes haywire, Parker Ames is living as a recluse in a dilapidated region of Detroit, serving various slime balls that pass through the diner where she is employed. Although somewhat depraved of her killing ability, she can’t refuse the alluring offer to jump back into action when two teenagers from Alaska beg her to save their slayed town.
Despite the endless grammatical flaws, I felt this was an excellent follow up in the series, maybe better than the first. The gore was endless, and the slashers were sickening. Possibly the biggest highlight of this particular read is an Austrian WWII slasher backstory, involving the BOOK OF EVIL.
December 3, 2024
actual rating: ⭐⭐.25/5
October 15, 2019
Book 2 of The Last Final Girl starts off by copying the movie Child's Play: there's a serial killer whose spirit is trapped in a child's toy (in this case, a teddy bear) who belongs to a little boy who is being watched by his babysitter, and there's even a toy store on fire. Not very original there...
It felt like there was a lot of recycling from the first book: some of the same types of event and story structure, the same sayings/phrases, the same part about chapters of the original transcript being damaged so there's a skip in chapters and everything is on fire in the next scene. I was more perturbed with the missing chapters in this book because when the story came back there was a new character that showed up in the missing pages and he ends up making it to the end, a character that spent almost no time in the story survives and is set up to be featured in the next book -- other characters have pages of backstory and die in the same chapter, so I didn't really care for this.
Every time I came across one of those recycled bits it just took any enjoyment I was having away.
Aside from the character that comes out of nowhere the supporting cast are a lot better than in the first book, and actually seem to have a reason to be there. One even has a cool backstory that lasts three chapters and involves a super Nazi slasher (that was one of the best parts of the book and it really didn’t even have to be included, a summarized history could have led to the same result...*shrug).
There’s a third book in this series but I can’t bring myself to move onto it after seeing how recycled this sequel was.
It's not ALL bad, but there's just not enough great moments or character growth to make me want to keep going.
:::
Cover: As with the first book there is no mention of the artist or designer for the cover, so I’m still disappointed there.
It felt like there was a lot of recycling from the first book: some of the same types of event and story structure, the same sayings/phrases, the same part about chapters of the original transcript being damaged so there's a skip in chapters and everything is on fire in the next scene. I was more perturbed with the missing chapters in this book because when the story came back there was a new character that showed up in the missing pages and he ends up making it to the end, a character that spent almost no time in the story survives and is set up to be featured in the next book -- other characters have pages of backstory and die in the same chapter, so I didn't really care for this.
Every time I came across one of those recycled bits it just took any enjoyment I was having away.
Aside from the character that comes out of nowhere the supporting cast are a lot better than in the first book, and actually seem to have a reason to be there. One even has a cool backstory that lasts three chapters and involves a super Nazi slasher (that was one of the best parts of the book and it really didn’t even have to be included, a summarized history could have led to the same result...*shrug).
There’s a third book in this series but I can’t bring myself to move onto it after seeing how recycled this sequel was.
It's not ALL bad, but there's just not enough great moments or character growth to make me want to keep going.
:::
Cover: As with the first book there is no mention of the artist or designer for the cover, so I’m still disappointed there.
November 9, 2019
I loved how this book opened, but everything else was 2 steps behind in my opinion. No real substance, way to many slashers by the end. it was fun to read but it felt so random to me and no clear direction in where he wanted the story to go. But with that being said, i do look forward to the finale. Also it's missing 4 chapters, which apparently introduces a character towards the end that just kinda shows up and matters. It was just so random lol
March 11, 2020
This is the second of the Last Final Girl series (that I think should be renamed the Parker Ames series) which is an entertaining deconstruction of slasher films. It has some similarities to Buffy, Hack/Slash, and more than a few parodies of slashers that started entering the mainstream circa Scream and Behind The Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon.
The premise of the books is hard-drinking, hard-partying 80s science fiction author Jack Quaid wrote a trio of novels that Luke Preston (the real life author) has "discovered." They are about a survivor of a slasher, the aforementioned Parker Ames, who has since gone on a Van Helsing-esque quest to rid the world of slashers. She's tried retiring, working at a cheap diner, but it's not working as she's soon asked by the residents of a small Alaskan town to come get rid of their slasher problem.
Much like Escape from Happytown, this story is a mixture of stories from Parker's perspective as well as the "meat" of the town that exists to get slaughtered by serial killers. I actually think this has a better balance than the previous volume. Also, the ending isn't quite so depressing. There's also some twists I didn't expect like the fact that the slasher is apparently dealt with halfway through the book.
There's still the annoying, "a couple of chapters are missing from Jack Quaid's manuscript" which I find to be a mistake and not a terribly funny joke--because Luke Preston is a very entertaining writer and I was invested in his story without the parody element of skipping important scenes.
In any case, if you like 80s slashers and in-jokes as well as fun gory horror movies then this is the book for you. I recommend picking up the entire series as the three books are short, to the point, and entertaining. Parker is a lovable protagonist and the story never takes itself too seriously while never diverging into camp either. Well, maybe when the Nazi castle is assaulted and that requires you to read the book in order to understand.
The premise of the books is hard-drinking, hard-partying 80s science fiction author Jack Quaid wrote a trio of novels that Luke Preston (the real life author) has "discovered." They are about a survivor of a slasher, the aforementioned Parker Ames, who has since gone on a Van Helsing-esque quest to rid the world of slashers. She's tried retiring, working at a cheap diner, but it's not working as she's soon asked by the residents of a small Alaskan town to come get rid of their slasher problem.
Much like Escape from Happytown, this story is a mixture of stories from Parker's perspective as well as the "meat" of the town that exists to get slaughtered by serial killers. I actually think this has a better balance than the previous volume. Also, the ending isn't quite so depressing. There's also some twists I didn't expect like the fact that the slasher is apparently dealt with halfway through the book.
There's still the annoying, "a couple of chapters are missing from Jack Quaid's manuscript" which I find to be a mistake and not a terribly funny joke--because Luke Preston is a very entertaining writer and I was invested in his story without the parody element of skipping important scenes.
In any case, if you like 80s slashers and in-jokes as well as fun gory horror movies then this is the book for you. I recommend picking up the entire series as the three books are short, to the point, and entertaining. Parker is a lovable protagonist and the story never takes itself too seriously while never diverging into camp either. Well, maybe when the Nazi castle is assaulted and that requires you to read the book in order to understand.
October 26, 2025
Parker is back. It’s been a year since she quit the hunting business, and she’s now working in a restaurant under a new name. When two young teens from a small Alaskan town beg her to help them with their slasher problem, Parker refuses—at first. But she soon changes her mind and heads to the place everyone calls Bastard Town. She quickly takes down the slasher... but then another appears. And another. Soon the town is crawling with slashers, and Parker isn’t sure she’s making it out of this one.
It’s not often I enjoy a sequel as much as the first, but this one was brilliant. I mean, what could be worse than living in a town with one slasher? Living in a town with hundreds of them. The bar was definitely raised with this one.
One annoying thing in both books is that the author inserts notes right before major action scenes, saying that part of the story was “lost.” It means we miss big chunks of the plot — in this one, we don’t see what happened with Heather and her husband, a major fight scene, or what became of the diner and everyone in it. Very frustrating.
Again, it could have used a final edit — there were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes.
It’s not often I enjoy a sequel as much as the first, but this one was brilliant. I mean, what could be worse than living in a town with one slasher? Living in a town with hundreds of them. The bar was definitely raised with this one.
One annoying thing in both books is that the author inserts notes right before major action scenes, saying that part of the story was “lost.” It means we miss big chunks of the plot — in this one, we don’t see what happened with Heather and her husband, a major fight scene, or what became of the diner and everyone in it. Very frustrating.
Again, it could have used a final edit — there were quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes.
August 12, 2023
Jack Quaid stop claiming there’s a missing portion of the book to seem mysterious and get out of actually writing challenge. impossible.
This book was worst than the first one. maybe i didn’t catch it but wtf happened to the cheerleader girl??? all of a sudden she just isn’t there anymore.
plus, you’re telling me that one tiny mistake a while ago make Parker stop hunting slashers? i call bs. this girl kills those monsters for fun and yeah her accidental murder of a regular guy will shake her up. but there’s no way she would just quit. and!! not only would she not quit she’d also not just lose all sense of self and let herself be sexualized by random ass dudes in some diner.
The whole thing with Lee at the end was simply lazy writing my man deserved better.
will be finished the trilogy. wont be liking it.
This book was worst than the first one. maybe i didn’t catch it but wtf happened to the cheerleader girl??? all of a sudden she just isn’t there anymore.
plus, you’re telling me that one tiny mistake a while ago make Parker stop hunting slashers? i call bs. this girl kills those monsters for fun and yeah her accidental murder of a regular guy will shake her up. but there’s no way she would just quit. and!! not only would she not quit she’d also not just lose all sense of self and let herself be sexualized by random ass dudes in some diner.
The whole thing with Lee at the end was simply lazy writing my man deserved better.
will be finished the trilogy. wont be liking it.
March 12, 2021
This was a fun sequel, but I think it tries to cram too much into one story. There is a lot of scrambling to give characters back stories that often aren’t even necessary. Look at the 80’s slasher movies that inspired this and you won’t see a ton of character development wasted on the “canon fodder.” The continued use of the “let’s pause the main story to tell you about why you should care if this person dies” is a bit much. Here is hoping we get back to focusing on the main characters in the third book.
May 5, 2023
jack quaid did it again
another super fun and nostalgic bloody romp through the iconic decade of 80s slashers. extra points for including def leppard and billy idol on the soundtrack. when you’re kicking slasher ass and sending them back to hell, it’s an absolute necessity to blast “pour some sugar on me” and “white wedding”
gory in a “holy shit i can only imagine how iconic these practical effects would be in a movie” kind of way and not in a “oh my god i’m about to throw up” kind of way. it’s camp, baby!
i absolutely cannot wait to read parker’s final installment!!
another super fun and nostalgic bloody romp through the iconic decade of 80s slashers. extra points for including def leppard and billy idol on the soundtrack. when you’re kicking slasher ass and sending them back to hell, it’s an absolute necessity to blast “pour some sugar on me” and “white wedding”
gory in a “holy shit i can only imagine how iconic these practical effects would be in a movie” kind of way and not in a “oh my god i’m about to throw up” kind of way. it’s camp, baby!
i absolutely cannot wait to read parker’s final installment!!
November 16, 2023
slayer fun
These books are so easy to read; they have plenty of gore, slashers and interesting characters and once you crack it open it’s hard to put down. Framed around the mythical author Jack Quaid this 80s unpublished novel is jammed with nostalgia for 80s pop culture and horror and takes some wild and wacky twists least expect them.
Recommended for horror fans who want something quick to devour.
These books are so easy to read; they have plenty of gore, slashers and interesting characters and once you crack it open it’s hard to put down. Framed around the mythical author Jack Quaid this 80s unpublished novel is jammed with nostalgia for 80s pop culture and horror and takes some wild and wacky twists least expect them.
Recommended for horror fans who want something quick to devour.
December 4, 2022
A fun ride
Really enjoying this series but I really suck at having something original to say in reviews. The books are gory, clever, well written and if you're as ancient as I am, you'll really enjoy all the'80s references. If you're young, you'll just enjoy a good horror novel.
Really enjoying this series but I really suck at having something original to say in reviews. The books are gory, clever, well written and if you're as ancient as I am, you'll really enjoy all the'80s references. If you're young, you'll just enjoy a good horror novel.
January 17, 2023
Another 3 star rating for the second of The Last Final Girl series by "Jack Quaid". Still enjoying the series, although this book was not as good as the first. While the stakes may have been higher, it felt like I was reading the same book, as reader experience tricks were done the exact same way. Hopefully the third book doesn't do it again, but I don't have high hopes.
August 14, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. I enjoyed it more than the first one and I thought the pacing was better. I found a few typos but that's honestly kind of exciting so I don't mind. Can't wait to finish the third one!
July 29, 2025
Fun, just gory enough and full of action. I am having a lot of fun reading these and will be reading the third one for sure..however...the spelling and grammar mistakes are ridiculous. Not just in these books but a lot of ebooks I am noticing. Not the author's fault (I hope)
January 17, 2021
Fantastic
These scratch an itch I didn't know was possible to scratch with a book. Its like watching an 80's slasher movie that you somehow missed as a kid.
These scratch an itch I didn't know was possible to scratch with a book. Its like watching an 80's slasher movie that you somehow missed as a kid.
November 16, 2021
These books are such a fun wild ride!
October 24, 2022
It tickles me that this takes place in a town I know well, Whittier AK, that I’ve always found to be creepy and the perfect setting for a horror story. Well, here it is!
July 22, 2025
4.5 Stars, edgier & bloodier then the first one. If you want more craziness, more slashers, and more iconic Parker Ames moments, then Escape From Bastard Town is for you
November 14, 2019
This is the second in the The Last Final Girl trilogy and these books are so wild. It's like a psycho 80s slasher movie put in book form which is obviously awesome. If you would be interested in reading about teddy bears who kill (Teddy-Hugs-a-Lot, NO!), a Book of Evil that opens the gates of hell, Nazis, UNKILLABLE Nazis, bloody slayings, or remote Alaskan towns that harbor gobs of murderers, then read this thing. It's all here...
April 6, 2025
Eigentlich wollte Parker ihren Job als Slasher-Jägerin an den Nagel hängen, doch als sie ein Hilferuf erreicht, kann sie nicht Nein sagen.
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Diesmal war das Vorwort eine sehr coole Idee. Noch immer ist Parker eine coole Protagonistin, sie ist einfach knallhart und weiß genau, wie sie vorgehen muss. Diesmal geht es direkt um mehrere Slasher, alles sind auf ihre eigene Art und Weise einzigartig und haben wohl auch ihre eigene Herkunftsgeschichte. Auch hier hat mich der Schreibstil wieder total begeistert.
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Coole Fortsetzung
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Diesmal war das Vorwort eine sehr coole Idee. Noch immer ist Parker eine coole Protagonistin, sie ist einfach knallhart und weiß genau, wie sie vorgehen muss. Diesmal geht es direkt um mehrere Slasher, alles sind auf ihre eigene Art und Weise einzigartig und haben wohl auch ihre eigene Herkunftsgeschichte. Auch hier hat mich der Schreibstil wieder total begeistert.
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Coole Fortsetzung
September 15, 2019
Loved It!
This series is definitely old school Slasher and I loved it! I can't believe that I'd never heard of this Author.
If you're interested in Slashers you may want to give this Author a try!
The only real problem with this book is it's missing a few chapters. It doesn't change the storyline!
Good reading!
This series is definitely old school Slasher and I loved it! I can't believe that I'd never heard of this Author.
If you're interested in Slashers you may want to give this Author a try!
The only real problem with this book is it's missing a few chapters. It doesn't change the storyline!
Good reading!
September 15, 2019
Dang that was awesome
I wish this was a series instead of 3 books. I love Parker Ames. She is badass final girl. I recommend this book of you love 80s slasher films. Give it a shot, you might like it. 5 slasher out of 5.
I wish this was a series instead of 3 books. I love Parker Ames. She is badass final girl. I recommend this book of you love 80s slasher films. Give it a shot, you might like it. 5 slasher out of 5.
August 24, 2019
Awesome again
Another satisfying romp through 80a style slasher flicks with a twist. Cannot wait for the next book to be released.
Another satisfying romp through 80a style slasher flicks with a twist. Cannot wait for the next book to be released.
December 23, 2022
Not as good as the first book, but still a fun read. I look forward to reading the next book and see where the story goes.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews