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Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark
The woman behind the icon known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the undisputed Queen of Halloween, reveals her full story, filled with intimate bombshells, told by the bombshell herself.
On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles from the nearest hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water. Third-degree burns covered 35% of her body, and the prognosis wasn't good. But she survived. Burned and scarred, the impact stayed with her and became an obstacle she was determined to overcome. Feeling like a misfit led to her love of horror. While her sisters played with Barbie dolls, Cassandra built model kits of Frankenstein and Dracula, and idolized Vincent Price.
Due to a complicated relationship with her mother, Cassandra left home at 14, and by age 17 she was performing at the famed Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas. Run-ins with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tom Jones helped her grow up fast. Then a chance encounter with her idol Elvis Presley, changed the course of her life forever, and led her to Europe where she worked in film and traveled Italy as lead singer of an Italian pop band. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she joined the famed comedy improv group, The Groundlings, and worked alongside Phil Hartman and Paul "Pee-wee" Reubens, honing her comedic skills.
Nearing age 30, a struggling actress considered past her prime, she auditioned at local LA channel KHJ as hostess for the late night vintage horror movies. Cassandra improvised, made the role her own, and got the job on the spot. Yours Cruelly, Elvira is an unforgettably wild memoir. Cassandra doesn't shy away from revealing exactly who she is and how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Always original and sometimes outrageous, her story is loaded with twists, travails, revelry, and downright shocking experiences. It is the candid, often funny, and sometimes heart-breaking tale of a Midwest farm girl's long strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon.
On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles from the nearest hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water. Third-degree burns covered 35% of her body, and the prognosis wasn't good. But she survived. Burned and scarred, the impact stayed with her and became an obstacle she was determined to overcome. Feeling like a misfit led to her love of horror. While her sisters played with Barbie dolls, Cassandra built model kits of Frankenstein and Dracula, and idolized Vincent Price.
Due to a complicated relationship with her mother, Cassandra left home at 14, and by age 17 she was performing at the famed Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas. Run-ins with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tom Jones helped her grow up fast. Then a chance encounter with her idol Elvis Presley, changed the course of her life forever, and led her to Europe where she worked in film and traveled Italy as lead singer of an Italian pop band. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she joined the famed comedy improv group, The Groundlings, and worked alongside Phil Hartman and Paul "Pee-wee" Reubens, honing her comedic skills.
Nearing age 30, a struggling actress considered past her prime, she auditioned at local LA channel KHJ as hostess for the late night vintage horror movies. Cassandra improvised, made the role her own, and got the job on the spot. Yours Cruelly, Elvira is an unforgettably wild memoir. Cassandra doesn't shy away from revealing exactly who she is and how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Always original and sometimes outrageous, her story is loaded with twists, travails, revelry, and downright shocking experiences. It is the candid, often funny, and sometimes heart-breaking tale of a Midwest farm girl's long strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon.
284 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2021
711 people are currently reading
9178 people want to read
About the author
Cassandra Peterson
10 books173 followersCassandra Peterson (born September 17, 1951) is an American actress best known for her on-screen horror hostess character Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She gained fame on Los Angeles television station KHJ wearing a black, gothic, cleavage-enhancing gown as host of Movie Macabre, a weekly horror movie presentation. Her wickedly vampish appearance is offset by her comical character, quirky and quick-witted personality, and Valley girl-type speech.
Born in Manhattan, Kansas, Peterson grew up near Randolph, until the area was flooded to create Tuttle Creek Reservoir; her family then moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. According to a 2011 interview, Peterson states that as a child, while other girls were occupied with Barbie dolls, she was more fascinated by horror-themed toys.[1] During her teens, Peterson worked as a go-go dancer in a local gay bar.[2]
She graduated from General William J. Palmer High School in 1969. Days after graduating, she drove to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she became a showgirl in "Viva Les Girls" at The Dunes, where she met Elvis Presley. She had a small role as a showgirl in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, played a topless dancer in The Working Girls (1974), and purportedly posed for the cover of Tom Waits's 1976 album, Small Change.[3] However, this story is apparently unverified as Peterson has since described it as "a giant mystery", claiming that while she has no memory of the event, the picture looks enough like her that she feels "pretty sure" that it is.[4] She is a vegetarian[5][6] and has appeared in a humorous Halloween-themed ad for PETA promoting a vegetarian diet.[7]
Born in Manhattan, Kansas, Peterson grew up near Randolph, until the area was flooded to create Tuttle Creek Reservoir; her family then moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado. According to a 2011 interview, Peterson states that as a child, while other girls were occupied with Barbie dolls, she was more fascinated by horror-themed toys.[1] During her teens, Peterson worked as a go-go dancer in a local gay bar.[2]
She graduated from General William J. Palmer High School in 1969. Days after graduating, she drove to Las Vegas, Nevada, where she became a showgirl in "Viva Les Girls" at The Dunes, where she met Elvis Presley. She had a small role as a showgirl in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever, played a topless dancer in The Working Girls (1974), and purportedly posed for the cover of Tom Waits's 1976 album, Small Change.[3] However, this story is apparently unverified as Peterson has since described it as "a giant mystery", claiming that while she has no memory of the event, the picture looks enough like her that she feels "pretty sure" that it is.[4] She is a vegetarian[5][6] and has appeared in a humorous Halloween-themed ad for PETA promoting a vegetarian diet.[7]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,634 reviews
September 27, 2021
Celebrity memoirs aren't typically my thing, but ELVIRA!!! Her campy affection for B-horror schlock, self-aware humor and sassy attitude is an inspiration to us all.
And that cleavage. WOW!
I couldn't pre-order fast enough and devoured the whole thing in less than a week. Unlike other memoirs, which tend to be surface-level cash grabs, it's clear this autobiography was written to be the definitive account of her life.
Peterson is vulnerable throughout, revealing intimate details about her upbringing, sexual escapades, rape, marriage problems, Hollywood failures, and everything in between. Of course she also manages to make it fun and empowering.
Her message that "scars," physical and emotional, can be treated as a blessing or a curse is especially relevant within the context of her life. Peterson/Elvira faced many moments where giving up seemed the most logical decision, but instead she kept going. Now she's celebrating 40 years of embodying one of the most iconic characters in American culture—and still looks gorgeous doing it!
The "story" of Cassandra Peterson, beyond her commercial success, is that she is a woman who's reached many brick walls where societal "rules" told her something was impossible, but she did it anyway. This includes being a 70-year-old sex symbol, but also the revelation that she's been in a relationship with a woman over the last 19 years.
With a lifelong attraction to men, it was surprising even to her that she was suddenly in love with another woman. It took a long time to come to terms with that, despite her ceaseless support of gay rights. Her situation is a great case study showing that sexuality can be fluid, is rarely as simple as "gay" or "straight," and depends a lot on individual people rather than individual anatomy.
Some may wonder why she chose to keep this a secret for so long, but I don't think that's any of their business. No one should be forced out of the closet by societal pressure, just like they shouldn't be forced into one. Her partner is a private person and maybe it was in the best interest of their relationship to keep things quiet.
I also understand the career aspect of her decision. The line between Cassandra Peterson and Elvira is incredibly thin, with many of us fans believing Elvira is a real person and pretending we don't see Peterson whenever she's out of drag. Because one of Elvira's most defining traits is her thirsty pursuit of men, I understand the fear that those jokes wouldn't land if the world knew the real Elvira had a girlfriend.
In any case, we can all celebrate her decision to come out now and that she's willing to share an entire book of personal details with us. The world doesn't deserve someone as fabulous as Elvira, but since we do have her, let's make the most of it. Who else is re-watching Elvira's Haunted Hills and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark??
And that cleavage. WOW!
I couldn't pre-order fast enough and devoured the whole thing in less than a week. Unlike other memoirs, which tend to be surface-level cash grabs, it's clear this autobiography was written to be the definitive account of her life.
Peterson is vulnerable throughout, revealing intimate details about her upbringing, sexual escapades, rape, marriage problems, Hollywood failures, and everything in between. Of course she also manages to make it fun and empowering.
Her message that "scars," physical and emotional, can be treated as a blessing or a curse is especially relevant within the context of her life. Peterson/Elvira faced many moments where giving up seemed the most logical decision, but instead she kept going. Now she's celebrating 40 years of embodying one of the most iconic characters in American culture—and still looks gorgeous doing it!
The "story" of Cassandra Peterson, beyond her commercial success, is that she is a woman who's reached many brick walls where societal "rules" told her something was impossible, but she did it anyway. This includes being a 70-year-old sex symbol, but also the revelation that she's been in a relationship with a woman over the last 19 years.
With a lifelong attraction to men, it was surprising even to her that she was suddenly in love with another woman. It took a long time to come to terms with that, despite her ceaseless support of gay rights. Her situation is a great case study showing that sexuality can be fluid, is rarely as simple as "gay" or "straight," and depends a lot on individual people rather than individual anatomy.
Some may wonder why she chose to keep this a secret for so long, but I don't think that's any of their business. No one should be forced out of the closet by societal pressure, just like they shouldn't be forced into one. Her partner is a private person and maybe it was in the best interest of their relationship to keep things quiet.
I also understand the career aspect of her decision. The line between Cassandra Peterson and Elvira is incredibly thin, with many of us fans believing Elvira is a real person and pretending we don't see Peterson whenever she's out of drag. Because one of Elvira's most defining traits is her thirsty pursuit of men, I understand the fear that those jokes wouldn't land if the world knew the real Elvira had a girlfriend.
In any case, we can all celebrate her decision to come out now and that she's willing to share an entire book of personal details with us. The world doesn't deserve someone as fabulous as Elvira, but since we do have her, let's make the most of it. Who else is re-watching Elvira's Haunted Hills and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark??
October 23, 2021
When I was a kid, I knew who Elvira was in a peripheral sense...kind of like Svengoolie. I knew they were both big news during the Halloween season, and that they had funny but corny shticks. I think I was also aware that Elvira had bigger breasts than Svengoolie.
Then, I was a teenager...reading horror movie magazines and always looking for the fun, low budget horror movies at Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. I came across an article on the making of Elvira’s Haunted Hills (the 2nd Elvira movie), rented it, fell in love, and the rest is history.
Cassandra Peterson is the woman behind Elvira, and she really lets her guard down and opens up in this memoir of her life.
From humble beginnings in a small town in Oregon, being burned by boiling water at 18 months old and having scars all over her body...to achieving her dream of being a Las Vegas showgirl...to singing in a rock band in Rome...to studying with the comedy group, the Groundlings...to getting a job on TV, playing b-grade and c-grade horror movie hostess Elvira on Movie Macabre...to Elvira becoming an international icon...to revealing a 19-year relationship with her girlfriend.
Cassandra goes over all of these moments, using her trademark humor and apparent zest for life. The last 50 pages seem a bit rushed with a hodgepodge of stories, but for the most part, she really delves deep into each and every reveal.
What I love is that it also covers many dark moments in her life, and shows how strong she was to overcome them. Cassandra is a fighter and has always followed her dreams. She has also managed to stay positive throughout many hardships, ending the book with a quote I love:
“We all have our own scars. Let them be a blessing and not a curse.”
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
Then, I was a teenager...reading horror movie magazines and always looking for the fun, low budget horror movies at Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. I came across an article on the making of Elvira’s Haunted Hills (the 2nd Elvira movie), rented it, fell in love, and the rest is history.
Cassandra Peterson is the woman behind Elvira, and she really lets her guard down and opens up in this memoir of her life.
From humble beginnings in a small town in Oregon, being burned by boiling water at 18 months old and having scars all over her body...to achieving her dream of being a Las Vegas showgirl...to singing in a rock band in Rome...to studying with the comedy group, the Groundlings...to getting a job on TV, playing b-grade and c-grade horror movie hostess Elvira on Movie Macabre...to Elvira becoming an international icon...to revealing a 19-year relationship with her girlfriend.
Cassandra goes over all of these moments, using her trademark humor and apparent zest for life. The last 50 pages seem a bit rushed with a hodgepodge of stories, but for the most part, she really delves deep into each and every reveal.
What I love is that it also covers many dark moments in her life, and shows how strong she was to overcome them. Cassandra is a fighter and has always followed her dreams. She has also managed to stay positive throughout many hardships, ending the book with a quote I love:
“We all have our own scars. Let them be a blessing and not a curse.”
Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com
January 27, 2022
I’m just going to keep loving Elvira from my past. The book, not so much. I just ain’t got time for this kinda crap. Moving on 😉
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
December 18, 2021
5 Stars for Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark (audiobook) by Cassandra Peterson read by the author.
I’m really glad that I ran across this book. I remember watching and enjoying the Elvira Mistress of the Dark movies when I was growing up. I thought the character was great. It was really interesting to find out where the character came from and how it had impacted her life. I think it’s amazing that Cassandra Peterson kept Elvira going for over 40 years. That makes me feel old. It was also interesting to learn about all of the high points and low points in her life. She sure has a lot of fun stories. And a few tragic ones too.
I’m really glad that I ran across this book. I remember watching and enjoying the Elvira Mistress of the Dark movies when I was growing up. I thought the character was great. It was really interesting to find out where the character came from and how it had impacted her life. I think it’s amazing that Cassandra Peterson kept Elvira going for over 40 years. That makes me feel old. It was also interesting to learn about all of the high points and low points in her life. She sure has a lot of fun stories. And a few tragic ones too.
November 5, 2021
One of the best memoirs I've read. I have the signed hardcover of this but I also got an audiobook because I just love memoirs straight out of the mouths of the person. And this was no exception as Cassandra Peterson has ALL of the emotions in this one and her voice, inflection, and pacing truly help each of her stories, memories, and lessons resonate deeply. I have always loved Elvira - growing up this character was one of my favorites! The Mistress of the Dark *IS* my entire childhood. I felt like after reading this that I really got to know her even more as a person (I guess that's an obvious understatement as it IS a memoir...) and that we could even be best friends. The connection she (doesn't even know) she made with me through this book is one that I can't quite articulate. But I laughed and cried all throughout this book. It might be the best memoir I've ever experience. And it is without a doubt one of the best books I have read all of 2021. Highly recommended whether you are familiar with her or not - her life story and teachings will change your life and the way you view yourself, women, the Hollywood industry, and it will make you wish all your favorite entertainers would step up to the plate and put out a memoir of their own! I love this book with every fiber of my being.
September 4, 2021
Immensely satisfying read.
Cassandra Petersen is one of my heroes, and I am a known freak professionally for well-written celebrity memoirs. They are my jam, and they don’t come around very often.
I’m With The Band by Pamela Des Barres has always been a guidepost for me as a writer and a feminist. Yours Cruelly is at the same rarified level of providing gasp-worthy gossip, witty jokes, hard-won advice for surviving and thriving in a misogynist culture, and just an unbelievable life story. I spent the whole book chuckling, gasping, or mumbling “What?!?!”
Cassandra Petersen has lived a truly radical life and she has been pretty quiet about it until now. Her influence is everywhere and I’m now convinced that she at least met every cool person of the late 20th century. Do not miss this book.
Cassandra Petersen is one of my heroes, and I am a known freak professionally for well-written celebrity memoirs. They are my jam, and they don’t come around very often.
I’m With The Band by Pamela Des Barres has always been a guidepost for me as a writer and a feminist. Yours Cruelly is at the same rarified level of providing gasp-worthy gossip, witty jokes, hard-won advice for surviving and thriving in a misogynist culture, and just an unbelievable life story. I spent the whole book chuckling, gasping, or mumbling “What?!?!”
Cassandra Petersen has lived a truly radical life and she has been pretty quiet about it until now. Her influence is everywhere and I’m now convinced that she at least met every cool person of the late 20th century. Do not miss this book.
January 6, 2023
I must admit that this book entirely changed my thoughts about Elvira.
She's a hard worker, tenacious, ballsy, funny and what a life she has led! From a burgeoning hippie and go-go dancer, to Vegas showgirl, to singer and then finally, to the Mistress of the Dark.
I came away from this with more respect for her than when I started, maybe you will too?
Highly recommended!
On a side note, I mentioned that I was listening to this bio and several of my coworkers, (between 20-30 years old), did not even know who Elvira is. And now I feel old!
I downloaded this free from my local library. Libraries RULE!
She's a hard worker, tenacious, ballsy, funny and what a life she has led! From a burgeoning hippie and go-go dancer, to Vegas showgirl, to singer and then finally, to the Mistress of the Dark.
I came away from this with more respect for her than when I started, maybe you will too?
Highly recommended!
On a side note, I mentioned that I was listening to this bio and several of my coworkers, (between 20-30 years old), did not even know who Elvira is. And now I feel old!
I downloaded this free from my local library. Libraries RULE!
September 28, 2021
"Revenge is better than Christmas."
My first ever experience with Elvira was in 1994. I was seven(ish) years old and obsessed with all things horror. She hosted a Halloween bash for Fox with George Carlin. Her spooky getup and her entire attitude sunk its claws into me and I was enamored ever since. I'll admit it, she was my first girl crush.
Like the rest of the world, I only knew so much about the Queen of Halloween, the Mistress of the Dark, and the true epitome of Halloween. We only see what they want us to see and I was excited to get a glimpse into the life of a true icon.
Cassandra doesn't hold back as she gets down to the nitty-gritty about her life. Even though she took a lot of chances and some didn't go as planned, she bares her soul to the world. Her courage shines through with every page. Your heart crumbles, shines brightly, and releases demons from hell as she tells her story. And I am here to tell you, she has lived a spicy life.
Yours Cruelly, Elvira was an amazing read and I found myself zooming through it. It was truly unputdownable. We get to see the good, the bad, and the downright spooky. The best part is that Cassandra is living her truest life and I love it! She will always be an inspiration to my dark soul.
My first ever experience with Elvira was in 1994. I was seven(ish) years old and obsessed with all things horror. She hosted a Halloween bash for Fox with George Carlin. Her spooky getup and her entire attitude sunk its claws into me and I was enamored ever since. I'll admit it, she was my first girl crush.
Like the rest of the world, I only knew so much about the Queen of Halloween, the Mistress of the Dark, and the true epitome of Halloween. We only see what they want us to see and I was excited to get a glimpse into the life of a true icon.
Cassandra doesn't hold back as she gets down to the nitty-gritty about her life. Even though she took a lot of chances and some didn't go as planned, she bares her soul to the world. Her courage shines through with every page. Your heart crumbles, shines brightly, and releases demons from hell as she tells her story. And I am here to tell you, she has lived a spicy life.
Yours Cruelly, Elvira was an amazing read and I found myself zooming through it. It was truly unputdownable. We get to see the good, the bad, and the downright spooky. The best part is that Cassandra is living her truest life and I love it! She will always be an inspiration to my dark soul.
December 20, 2021
Three words that describe this book: conversational, compelling, empowering
Any person who is even loosely connected to horror needs to read this. Anyone who has any fond memories of Elvira needs to read this.
And any woman should read this. It is a very honest and empowering story of a woman who did things her way and “made it.” Her frank discussions about how she wanted to be a go-go dancer and a show girl were important. Those who disparage her for playing up her "sexy" persona-- she addresses them directly.
There are discussion of substance abuse, the AIDS epidemic, the Me Too movement [her thoughts and discussions here were excellent], and animal rights.
Very touching at times, infuriating at others, and fun celebrity gossip.
The audio is read by Peterson which makes it even better. This is one of my favorite reads of the year.
Any person who is even loosely connected to horror needs to read this. Anyone who has any fond memories of Elvira needs to read this.
And any woman should read this. It is a very honest and empowering story of a woman who did things her way and “made it.” Her frank discussions about how she wanted to be a go-go dancer and a show girl were important. Those who disparage her for playing up her "sexy" persona-- she addresses them directly.
There are discussion of substance abuse, the AIDS epidemic, the Me Too movement [her thoughts and discussions here were excellent], and animal rights.
Very touching at times, infuriating at others, and fun celebrity gossip.
The audio is read by Peterson which makes it even better. This is one of my favorite reads of the year.
October 2, 2021
I wish I had been able to read more about her rather than the famous people she’s met (and how most of which wanted to bang her). I stand behind her as a sexual abuse survivor, but hated that the book focused more around name dropping other celebrities that have passed through her life rather than info about her that would have connected her with the reader. It was a miss for me.
April 13, 2024
I should probably preface this by stating that loved watching Elvira shows back in the 1980s, along with Joe Bob Briggs. For me, they were the queen and king of horror movies, playing late on weekend nights. Obviously, there is a real person behind the Elvira persona but outside of her animal activism, I never really knew much about her. Unlike Debbie Harry's memoir, another icon of mine from the 80s, Yours Cruelly really shined, giving a deep sense of the real Cassandra Peterson provided by 'snapshot' chapters of various episodes in her life to date. My god, she is over 70 now!
At times funny, at times outrageous and sad, the stories contained within this are presented very well, showing Peterson also has a gift for writing (along with other natural assets 😎). This will be hard to review without corny puns along the way so be prepared! Her childhood stories and struggles provided a first hand account of not only growing up in a dysfunctional family, but of the era she grew up in. While still in high school, Peterson was dancing in a go-go, and even dancing at the military base close to where she grew up (Colorado Springs no less!). Her big dream at the time? Becoming a show girl/dancer in Vegas, and yeah, she did it!
More than half of the book deals with her trials and tribulations trying to 'make it' before Elvira came along in about 1980, which she was 30, which I really appreciated. She oscillated between LA and NYC, trying to break into show biz, with little success until she got her big break with Elvira. What was amazing, however, is how many famous people she met along the way. In her teenage groupie days, she loved music, and even in the Colorado Springs some now famous bands/people played there. Her exploits to met her rock heroes were fantastic, although she does tarnish more than a few icons of the era, including a yucky story about Jimmy Page.
Besides chronicling her life's adventures and peaks (twin peaks?), Peterson delves into personal tragedies and misfortunes, of which there were plenty. The devastation of HIV in the gay community in the 80s stands out here, as many of her friends and such died of the plague then. I had no idea she used to work with drag queens and other assorted acts in the 70s! She also tosses in some nasty sexual abuse stories/rapes, but in doing so, ends the chapter demanding that people (men) need to do better to stop such behavior and she was not alone. You go gal!
Even if you were not in love/infatuated/etc. with Elvira (I sure as hell was!), if you are into memoirs, you should really enjoy this. I also appreciated how she keep politics out of this, except when it came to things like equal rights and animal abuse. I would give this 5 stars, but the last 1/3 felt a little disjointed, like she included some chapters as almost set pieces rather than the flowing narrative of the rest of the book. Nonetheless, an easy 4 cruel stars! Now, I am off to watch her first film (again!).
At times funny, at times outrageous and sad, the stories contained within this are presented very well, showing Peterson also has a gift for writing (along with other natural assets 😎). This will be hard to review without corny puns along the way so be prepared! Her childhood stories and struggles provided a first hand account of not only growing up in a dysfunctional family, but of the era she grew up in. While still in high school, Peterson was dancing in a go-go, and even dancing at the military base close to where she grew up (Colorado Springs no less!). Her big dream at the time? Becoming a show girl/dancer in Vegas, and yeah, she did it!
More than half of the book deals with her trials and tribulations trying to 'make it' before Elvira came along in about 1980, which she was 30, which I really appreciated. She oscillated between LA and NYC, trying to break into show biz, with little success until she got her big break with Elvira. What was amazing, however, is how many famous people she met along the way. In her teenage groupie days, she loved music, and even in the Colorado Springs some now famous bands/people played there. Her exploits to met her rock heroes were fantastic, although she does tarnish more than a few icons of the era, including a yucky story about Jimmy Page.
Besides chronicling her life's adventures and peaks (twin peaks?), Peterson delves into personal tragedies and misfortunes, of which there were plenty. The devastation of HIV in the gay community in the 80s stands out here, as many of her friends and such died of the plague then. I had no idea she used to work with drag queens and other assorted acts in the 70s! She also tosses in some nasty sexual abuse stories/rapes, but in doing so, ends the chapter demanding that people (men) need to do better to stop such behavior and she was not alone. You go gal!
Even if you were not in love/infatuated/etc. with Elvira (I sure as hell was!), if you are into memoirs, you should really enjoy this. I also appreciated how she keep politics out of this, except when it came to things like equal rights and animal abuse. I would give this 5 stars, but the last 1/3 felt a little disjointed, like she included some chapters as almost set pieces rather than the flowing narrative of the rest of the book. Nonetheless, an easy 4 cruel stars! Now, I am off to watch her first film (again!).
October 13, 2021
'Twas okay. I don't think I'll ever think about it again, but Cassandra Peterson's life certainly deserved a book written about it, assuming most of the events in it are true (which I generally doubt)
One thing I'll say is that I hate how she handled the Vampira/ Elvira feud in the book. She was dismissive of Maila Nurmi from the first time they met, and then blames the entire feud on the higher-ups, with her incurring Maila's wrath despite being just an innocent bystander who just did what she was told. How very convenient to completely absolve yourself of blame when you're the successful rich one (Cassandra keeps mentioning money troubles, but also mentions living in Hollywood mansions next to Brad Pitt in the same breath) and Maila Nurmi (who walked so you could run, as the kids say) died in poverty.
I'm not saying I'm completely on Maila's side about this, because I'm pretty sure she was just holding a massive grudge and lashing out to Cassandra when the higher ups indeed fucked her over, but she still deserved better given the cultural impact she left on the world, and I'm sure there're things about the feud we aren't told.
One thing I'll say is that I hate how she handled the Vampira/ Elvira feud in the book. She was dismissive of Maila Nurmi from the first time they met, and then blames the entire feud on the higher-ups, with her incurring Maila's wrath despite being just an innocent bystander who just did what she was told. How very convenient to completely absolve yourself of blame when you're the successful rich one (Cassandra keeps mentioning money troubles, but also mentions living in Hollywood mansions next to Brad Pitt in the same breath) and Maila Nurmi (who walked so you could run, as the kids say) died in poverty.
I'm not saying I'm completely on Maila's side about this, because I'm pretty sure she was just holding a massive grudge and lashing out to Cassandra when the higher ups indeed fucked her over, but she still deserved better given the cultural impact she left on the world, and I'm sure there're things about the feud we aren't told.
December 25, 2022
This felt very honest. Lots of wild moments (what a life this woman led as a teen/young woman) but there are also a lot of hard times and trauma revealed too. And LOTS of gossipy fun, lol. I very much recommend the audio read by Cassandra Peterson.
October 29, 2021
If you are a fan of Elvira, I would recommend skipping this book. I LOVE Elvira, have since I was a kid. I was excited to read this when I first heard about it. Kinda wish I never had.
It was one of the strangest memoirs I've ever read in that it focused on things most readers won't care about much- like the beer advertising campaign (seriously who gives a shit?) while glossing over situations like her marriage, her pregnancies, her friendships, her late life relationship. (I want to know the age difference...) It was hard to tell which were real friends/friendships in this memoir, and which mentions were just about dropping names, since everything skimmed the surface.
I tried to just go with the flow at the beginning, because young teenage girls are shallow. But then... there wasn't a lot of growth. The person who wrote the book stayed shallow as a puddle. She was naturally beautiful with huge boobs and that is really it. The book could easily have been titled "Life is Easier When You're Hot" because so many of the opportunities she was presented with were simply because she was there. Not talent, initiative, or drive. She literally was just walking by or sitting there, and would be approached with opportunities. I will say once that happened, she would work hard. But nowadays... it would not happen. Different generations, more competition. Nowadays you have to be hot AND talented. Or know someone.
I think my biggest disappointment was that Cassandra Peterson did not create Elvira. Everything about Elvira- from her hair, make-up, clothing, corny jokes, script, even the name- was created or written by someone else. Cassandra even says she is no good at creating characters; she learned that while part of the Groundlings. The only thing she seemed to bring to the character was the slinky way of standing she learned while being a Vegas showgirl.
That, combined with a particularly nasty fatphobic rant about the (clearly superior) performer Divine, has really soured the Elvira character for me. I hope in time I can separate the character from the actress and like her again.
It was one of the strangest memoirs I've ever read in that it focused on things most readers won't care about much- like the beer advertising campaign (seriously who gives a shit?) while glossing over situations like her marriage, her pregnancies, her friendships, her late life relationship. (I want to know the age difference...) It was hard to tell which were real friends/friendships in this memoir, and which mentions were just about dropping names, since everything skimmed the surface.
I tried to just go with the flow at the beginning, because young teenage girls are shallow. But then... there wasn't a lot of growth. The person who wrote the book stayed shallow as a puddle. She was naturally beautiful with huge boobs and that is really it. The book could easily have been titled "Life is Easier When You're Hot" because so many of the opportunities she was presented with were simply because she was there. Not talent, initiative, or drive. She literally was just walking by or sitting there, and would be approached with opportunities. I will say once that happened, she would work hard. But nowadays... it would not happen. Different generations, more competition. Nowadays you have to be hot AND talented. Or know someone.
I think my biggest disappointment was that Cassandra Peterson did not create Elvira. Everything about Elvira- from her hair, make-up, clothing, corny jokes, script, even the name- was created or written by someone else. Cassandra even says she is no good at creating characters; she learned that while part of the Groundlings. The only thing she seemed to bring to the character was the slinky way of standing she learned while being a Vegas showgirl.
That, combined with a particularly nasty fatphobic rant about the (clearly superior) performer Divine, has really soured the Elvira character for me. I hope in time I can separate the character from the actress and like her again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2021
Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark
by Cassandra Peterson
This is so interesting! She is 70 and has had such an amazing life! She has met and done so much in her life. Having a beautiful body and strong drive to succeed made her very successful. I am 65 and my life is so pale in comparison! Amazing who she has met in her life!
by Cassandra Peterson
This is so interesting! She is 70 and has had such an amazing life! She has met and done so much in her life. Having a beautiful body and strong drive to succeed made her very successful. I am 65 and my life is so pale in comparison! Amazing who she has met in her life!
September 5, 2023
Frothy, revealing (shockingly so at times) and a lot of fun. Peterson comes across as just as likeable, funny and determined as her creation.
January 2, 2022
Ms Peterson has had an interesting life to say the least. Great read from the Queen of Halloween. She must have kept a detailed diary, or has a photographic memory to recall all the names, dates and places stated in the book. Highly recommend the Memoirs of Elvira.
January 12, 2022
I hate (hate!) to say this, but this book was kind of a snooze. We didn't even get into Elvira until the last 100 pages... A lot of (practically irrelevant) name dropping, plus I'm kind of perplexed/horrified that she would put a picture of her with a man that sexually assaulted her in the book? Why? Just to prove you knew him?
Still a decent read, I just wanted so much more. 3.5 stars rounded up because I still love her.
Still a decent read, I just wanted so much more. 3.5 stars rounded up because I still love her.
April 7, 2022
I finished this yesterday morning but couldn’t be bothered to update goodreads. This was AMAZING. Run don’t walk to your nearest book store to pick this up. Cassandra bears all in this memoir and it really endears her to the reader, and her sense of humor is amazing.
Besides all of the headlines about her coming out, I think the shining moments in this book came from how she talks and deals with the abuse from her mother. Similarly, I was verbally and mentally abused by my father and I feel myself reacting similarly to Cassandra (especially the part about getting into an argument and saying the most nasty and hateful thing you can to hurt the other person). It’s something I’ve been working on but it was nice to see another person dealing with their abuse in a similar way and coming to be healthier and growing through it.
Truly, an amazing book I cannot recommend highly enough.
Besides all of the headlines about her coming out, I think the shining moments in this book came from how she talks and deals with the abuse from her mother. Similarly, I was verbally and mentally abused by my father and I feel myself reacting similarly to Cassandra (especially the part about getting into an argument and saying the most nasty and hateful thing you can to hurt the other person). It’s something I’ve been working on but it was nice to see another person dealing with their abuse in a similar way and coming to be healthier and growing through it.
Truly, an amazing book I cannot recommend highly enough.
October 19, 2021
A good cover. Toward the end of the book black and white photographs start to appear at the beginning of chapters and the photos are at best medium quality. The author dishes a lot of dirt on performers and entertainment celebrities. Very odd that Cassandra does not mention working with Sharon Stone in the movie Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold.
November 5, 2021
This was a fantastic memoir. Cassandra Peterson has led such a fascinating life, even before she landed the iconic role of Elvira, her escapades as a teenage go-go dancer/groupie to Las Vegas showgirl to musician in Rome would be enough for a whole book.
I love a good celebrity memoir. A good celebrity memoir should leave you with a feeling that you have a new understanding for the author, a familiarity. Also, hot goss. Name names! Cassandra does both. I highly recommend the audiobook.
TW: verbal abuse, rape, sexual assault, miscarriage
I love a good celebrity memoir. A good celebrity memoir should leave you with a feeling that you have a new understanding for the author, a familiarity. Also, hot goss. Name names! Cassandra does both. I highly recommend the audiobook.
TW: verbal abuse, rape, sexual assault, miscarriage
November 15, 2021
Queen of my Queer nightmares.
September 15, 2021
Oh. My. Stars. Just when you think you can’t love Elvira anymore OR the woman who created her, you can. Love this book so much.
November 26, 2025
This was one of the more entertaining and enlightening memoirs I've listened to. She's put up with, endured, suffered through, and pushed through more than anyone ever should have to. And to be as much of an icon and a success as she's been in her life. Absolutely, truly remarkable. I knew very little about her personal life before listening to this. She's witty, irreverent, wise, considerate, kind, and resilient. We should all be so lucky to have even half the virtues she has.
Well done, Cassandra Peterson. Well done, indeed.
Well done, Cassandra Peterson. Well done, indeed.
September 21, 2021
Cassandra Peterson has been playing the spectacularly funny and statuesque vamp Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, for four decades, and now the comedic bombshell has written a real bombshell of a memoir. Although Peterson's sardonic sense of humor and love of punny wordplay shines through, YOURS CRUELLY is not fluff. This memoir is explosive, surprising and written with wrenching candor as Peterson explores the physical and emotional abuse in her childhood and her family's three generations of addiction.
At 14, she started working as a go-go dancer at a bar, doing her school work between dance sets. After high school, she became a Las Vegas showgirl. On her 18th birthday, she declined an offer from magician Siegfried (minus Roy) to be her first sexual partner. She also fended off Andy Williams and had a career-changing encounter with Elvis Presley. Her sexual encounter with Tom Jones landed her in an ER. At 29, her agent told her she was too old to make it in Hollywood but she found success when she created the character of sexy punk vampire Elvira and landed a job hosting horror movies at a local Los Angeles TV station.
Peterson's captivating tale is one of survival and perseverance. After six miscarriages, she finally gave birth to her daughter at age 43. When her abusive 20-year marriage ended, she found love with her female personal trainer, and the two have been together since 2002. (This book is her first public disclosure.) Peterson's inspiring life story is written with wit, empathy and verve.
Cassandra Peterson's inspiring memoir is a roller-coaster ride of dizzying highs and crushing lows, told with wit and candor.
At 14, she started working as a go-go dancer at a bar, doing her school work between dance sets. After high school, she became a Las Vegas showgirl. On her 18th birthday, she declined an offer from magician Siegfried (minus Roy) to be her first sexual partner. She also fended off Andy Williams and had a career-changing encounter with Elvis Presley. Her sexual encounter with Tom Jones landed her in an ER. At 29, her agent told her she was too old to make it in Hollywood but she found success when she created the character of sexy punk vampire Elvira and landed a job hosting horror movies at a local Los Angeles TV station.
Peterson's captivating tale is one of survival and perseverance. After six miscarriages, she finally gave birth to her daughter at age 43. When her abusive 20-year marriage ended, she found love with her female personal trainer, and the two have been together since 2002. (This book is her first public disclosure.) Peterson's inspiring life story is written with wit, empathy and verve.
Cassandra Peterson's inspiring memoir is a roller-coaster ride of dizzying highs and crushing lows, told with wit and candor.
November 2, 2021
I found Cassandra Peterson's childhood more interesting than her career stories.
This is all shallow surface information and a lot of name dropping. She never goes deep.
This is all shallow surface information and a lot of name dropping. She never goes deep.
November 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this memoir! Cassandra Peterson just seemed like a cool down to earth person. Sexy and funny that defined horror movie personalities, awesome read!
December 13, 2021
Book-Song Pairing: Monster Mash (Boris Pickett)
Cassandra Peterson has done a whole lot of living in her seventy years on earth.
She’s gotten *ahem* romantic with some of the biggest names in the biz, lived in some extremely non-traditional housing units, and was allowed to do things as a child that would get her parents’ custodial rights revoked in modern times.
And what I’ve just mentioned only skims the surface of all the crazy -ish in this book.
Speaking of surface skimming, I agree with comments friends make about her lack of depth in discussing her ex-husband, her current partner, and her daughter.
But you know, I’m not mad about it. The way I see it, I’d never press a friend for details they’d prefer not to give… why would I do it to a perfect stranger?
Her job in this book was to give an overview of her experience in the Hollywood machine. She did that, and it’s all I expect. Well, that and a few laughs, which she amply provided.
Peterson’s humor skews a little “punny,” but I found myself laughing quite hard, then saying out loud, “Oh, that was really funny!” I don’t usually reinforce laughs with official proclamations, and I think it’s a good sign.
Cassandra Peterson has done a whole lot of living in her seventy years on earth.
She’s gotten *ahem* romantic with some of the biggest names in the biz, lived in some extremely non-traditional housing units, and was allowed to do things as a child that would get her parents’ custodial rights revoked in modern times.
And what I’ve just mentioned only skims the surface of all the crazy -ish in this book.
Speaking of surface skimming, I agree with comments friends make about her lack of depth in discussing her ex-husband, her current partner, and her daughter.
But you know, I’m not mad about it. The way I see it, I’d never press a friend for details they’d prefer not to give… why would I do it to a perfect stranger?
Her job in this book was to give an overview of her experience in the Hollywood machine. She did that, and it’s all I expect. Well, that and a few laughs, which she amply provided.
Peterson’s humor skews a little “punny,” but I found myself laughing quite hard, then saying out loud, “Oh, that was really funny!” I don’t usually reinforce laughs with official proclamations, and I think it’s a good sign.
October 11, 2023
This is probably one of the best memoirs I’ve ever read and I’m so glad it turned out that way. Sometimes with memoirs you come away from it with so much less respect and admiration for someone you’ve been a huge fan of for a long time and that can be quite disappointing. But after reading this I love Cassandra Peterson aka Elvira even MORE than I did before and that’s saying something! Her story is so inspiring to read, she’s living proof that if you don’t give up you can make your dreams come true and it’s such a beautiful message. I really loved learning about her early years and her struggles along the way to becoming the horror icon she is today.
October 15, 2021
Just...phenomenal. From being an underage nightclub dancer, to witnessing a murder, to living in a haunted house, to her own MeToo experiences...Full of feeling, humor, and evoking a ton of childhood nostalgia, this painted a vivid portrait of one of my favorite media personalities of all time. It even made me cry unexpectedly. What a great book - and I highly recommend the audiobook, narrated by the Mistress of the Dark herself. Spectacular.
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