Slaughter at Seabridge

by Cassidy Frost

It's the 90's, and a masked man is able to find some relief from their haunted mind by tormenting a group of graduates. Donna Conrad, a young woman coming to terms with her bisexuality, is one of these unlucky teens. In Slaughter at Seabridge, Cassidy Frost's first novella, Donna and her friends fight to survive a macabre night in a cabin by the sea. If they work together will they bring justice back to the town of Seabridge?

Genres: Horror, Young Adult

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2022

Reviews

[Dustin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rereads have always been very rewarding, for as a dedicated bibliophile, I have a tendency to either forget certain details, or else I simply didn't pick up on some nuances the first time through. Slaughter at Seabridge, however, was an altogether different experience because I reread it, pretty much back-to-back (the exception being an audiobook still in progress,) and I'd never done that before. I went that route mostly for clarity.

You never knew what people could get away with in Seabridge.

***
DISCLAIMER: the author and I have been following one another for a couple months now. Shortly after I joined Instagram in July, 2022, Cassidy was one of the first individuals I really connected with. I consider her a friend. I'm reviewing her book of my own volition. My opinions are my own.

In Slaughter at Seabridge, Cassidy Frost subtlety toed the line between the macabre and the fantastical; between young adult and unsullied horror. The combinations were sophisticated, and the finer points were made more evident when things became increasingly intense. And although
her prose would have benefited from additional revisions, two ingredients were abundantly on display: her reverence of the horror genre, and the delicate nature in which she writes.

In her novella, the year 1990 was more than the time it took place, and more than mere backdrop for her isolationist, cabin horror. Actually, despite my longing for a more fleshed out world, it said more about society at large and the repressed state of that time than anything fictional. In turn, it also communicated a lot about Frost's primary character. Those similarities were profound. Not unlike the time and place itself, recent high school graduate, Donna Conrad, was someone who inexplicably intuited that the ways of the world (as she knew them then,) were rapidly evolving into a reality that not many talked about. Not openly, at least, because it was too taboo. Add to the fact that she was the eldest daughter of zealot preacher, Bill Conrad, and the implications of the New Age–sexuality, identity, and what eventually became the LGBTQ+ community– and it was easy to understand and sympathize with her plight.

Gone were the days of pretending that her feelings didn't exist. Or that they were somehow irrelevant. She sure as hell wouldn't conform to the world by condoning conversion therapy. She'd rather die than be someone untrue to herself.

Water hugged his skin, chilling him to his core. He shivered, sitting up and sinking his hands into wet sand. His midsection was submerged by the incoming tide. Looking around, he saw his family standing by, their feet wading in the water. Reaching out to him, they called his name, but he couldn't find their comforting arms, only the inevitable feeling that his skull would burst.

Although Donna's forward trajectory was significant, and unimaginably difficult, I went into Frost's debut hoping (maybe even expecting) to read about a protagonist's realities being centered around more than attraction to the same gender, or the inherent stakes of stepping "out of the closet." Essentially, I really wish Frost had gone beyond the norm; that it had explored Donna's personal journey in a non rudimentary manner.

Out further the waves became larger, and she could see them frothing with power. This water was unforgiving when it wanted to be, and the wind had picked up just enough for an angry concoction. Below her the water looked dark, trailing out in a line that ran below and beyond her with no visible end.

If I'd published my review as I'd initially written it, my overall opinions of the characters would've been significantly different, and for that reason alone, I'm happy to have reread it. For instance, I would have denied myself the pleasure of getting to know Donna and Elmer, and to a degree, Shelly Sinclair and "The Prisoner." I particularly loved reading about the close-knit friendship between Donna and Elmer. I thought that was very well-done. The scenes centered on them, when they were alone, were some of my favorites. Angie's characterization was decent, but I wanted more.

However, the developments of Jeff, Tonya, Buster and Frankie were unsatisfactory. I wanted to care about them, but I can't involve my heart if I don't know them in my head. Adding some slightly conflicting personality traits would've gone a long way, because it sets people apart; it gives them a unique quality which belies your typical character in a slasher story. Though to be fair, Frost did provide some really heartfelt reminiscences towards the conclusion, which helped establish the type of individuals some of them were.

Seriously, though, mere words cannot express the love I have for Elmer and Donna, and the agency the author gave them. They were easily my most beloved characters.

Shelly Sinclair wrote her own stories and songs into a little book she carried around. Elmer loved it when she'd read them aloud. His favorite story was about a lonely girl who wished for artistic abilities, so she spoke to the sea, and the sea spoke back. From its depths it presented her a gift: she would be able to sing like the angels, but there was a catch.

The plot itself was good. From its intentionally cryptic and harrowing prologue, the author consistently wove a tightly wound, lightning-quick narrative. It felt almost too fast, though. (Yet, I concede that she didn't want to bore the reader. The desire to plunge the audience right into the action–which was shockingly BRUTAL at times, and the kills were creative– was a valid concern on her part. The challenges of delivering a compelling story in equal parts character development and plot cannot be overstated.

The dread was remarkable. In those really intense scenes, it was efficient, while in the more quieter moments, the author employed lovely undertones of it. The dread permeated the pages, and I couldn't love that element more.

Enmeshed within the plot were a myriad of mysteries that kept me flipping pages– questions concerning the killer's identity, the infamous nature of Shelly Sinclair, and of motive. Personal identity and motive weren't exclusive to the murderer, either. What's more, the author alluded to an evil "rooted deep within" this quaint little town, and those heightened the mystery even more. Nonetheless, the titular town could've been fleshed out exponentially, if only to create optimal clarity, creepiness, and fascination.

In the darkness, Donna's bruised and beaten body pedaled its way through Seabridge. Passing the little neighborhoods and homes she'd driven by countless times, like Ms. Horncastle's house with the yellow shingles, a sweet old woman who'd sit our on her patio watching the birds. Or Mr. Garner's home, his yard littered with broken lawn mowers and one too many signs that read "RESIGN" in large red font.

The ending was my favorite part. After taking this high-octane journey alongside Donna and the others, finishing it on such a high note was monumentally relieving. It wasn't just good in ways that other slasher novels or films are good. The structure and finality was
mind-boggling. I was stunned by its deceptively simplistic approach, and deeply saddened and made proud by the heroism. Its bittersweetness left an indelible place in my mind, as well as my heart. In many ways, the whole novella was sad and not what I'd anticipated, and whenever an author manages that, I'm impressed.

Typically, slasher stories are obnoxious, campy fun, and personally, that's where the enjoyment tends to lie. Cassidy Frost did something different with her debut, though. She accomplished a feat I've rarely seen done, let alone well: she surpassed my admittedly high expectations by making me care about Donna and Elmer, and to an extent, even the killer. The latter's backstory was tragic and reprehensible, thus causing me to sympathize with the killer. That almost NEVER happens. Not to me.

Highly recommended, especially if you like your cabin horror brutal and in your face, pedal to the medal, and no filler.

[Cassidy Frost]

I’m biased, but I worked on this as a young adult right out of college, and it will always be a project that meant a lot to me. I studied writing when I should have been studying other things, and I wanted to put what I was learning use. I had so much fun in the process 🙂!

[H. Everend · Rating 4 out of 5]

[3.5/5]

What an exciting, gory tale from Cassidy Frost! This tells of Donna and her friends who want to throw one big bash before going on to the next chapter in their lives. However, someone out there wants them dead...and will stop at nothing until that is accomplished.

I enjoyed the character development of Donna and Elmer and the journey they go on to get to the bottom of the killings. I feel like some of the other characters were a little one dimensional, but with them getting knocked off rather quickly, it wasn't as necessary to get those details. The end was shocking (definitely wasn't expecting what did happen). Can't wait to see what Frost comes out with next.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find a lot of books marketed as slashers don't feel like slasher movies to me, but this tale of a supernatural killer stalking teens in '90s era rural New Brunswick really did. The pace was fast, the kills were gruesome and fun, and I liked the main characters. My one complaint is that a few things seemed to happen really quickly, but I think that mostly boils down to the novella length. Overall great read.

[Hot Flash Horror · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, fast paced read. I wasn't too sure at first because I'm not a big slasher reader but I liked all the different elements that brought the story together. I read it one in one sitting and definitely recommend.

[Stephanie Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review✨ Slaughter at Seabridge by Cassidy Frost

Donna can’t wait to leave her small town and follow her dreams of being a famous singer. But before leaving her extremely religious father in the dust, Donna plans to attend one last get together at her friend Jeff’s cabin. Little does she know that someone or something lurks deep inside the woods watching… waiting and ready for blood.

Slaughter at Seabridge is fun, fast paced and gruesome. I’m always on the look out for a good slasher book and Slaughter at Seabridge delivers.

I love the campy dialogue and the dynamic between Donna and Frankie. I particularly enjoyed that there are two LGBT+ badass characters/final girls. I always applaud authors for diversity in their characters.

The amount of gore is perfect and satisfying. There is a supernatural mystery in this book as well that helps the atmosphere feel even more creepy.

The ending was surprising and original with a shocking twist that sets this tale aside from other slashers and tropes. Cassidy Frost is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horror has been a new venture for me the past while, and this novella nails it home.

This was a smooth read that keeps you engaged but shocked with the quickness of the story’s events at the same time.

A great touch of well developed characters and human relationships, but with a dabble of the supernatural that fits well into the ‘90s slasher movie vibe.

I recommend for anyone getting into horror, or for any experienced readers looking for a great quick read.

[David Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun read!

I enjoyed this book. Well done bringing the spooks and the creeps. Makes you feel like you’re there at the camp by the beach and part of the circle of friends. Open ending, leaving plenty of room for a sequel!

[Cassie Alford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slaughter at Seabridge by Cassidy Frost was your typical classic 90’s slasher, with a supernatural twist. It is a novella, I read it in one sitting and like most slasher’s the first part started off a bit slow… introducing the characters and setting; but once it started, it took off. Although intriguing, the prologue was not very clear to me in the beginning, but I enjoyed the order the story went and how the information was given. I thought I knew who the masked man was, but I was wrong and knew nothing. There were several twists I did not see coming.

[J.M. Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The opening scene hooks you and doesn't let you go.

The setting was perfect. A cabin in the woods for some friends last hurrah but someone has something else in mind. Let the slasher fun begin.

The author did a great job with the cast of characters and giving them life. Definitely enjoyed seeing a few of the relationships grow over the course of the novella.

I enjoyed the direction the novella took with the origins of the slasher. The final confrontation did feel a bit rushed. Curious to see how things shake out for Donna.

[ELAINE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant!!!

Slaughter at Seabrdge had me hooked right from the first chapter!! I would love to see this made into a movie!! Anyone who loves to be on the edge of their seat should definitely read Slaughter at Seabridge.

[Jay Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The queer, retro, maritime slasher of your dreams

[Joe Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slasher film comes to life right there on the page! It's not always a successful transition, but debut author Cassidy Frost really captures the elements of shock and suspense in this fast-paced tale. You really hit the ground running in this one, as Frost wastes no time setting the stage before hacking and slashing her way all the way to the satisfying ending you likely won't see coming. Here and there she gives the reader a moment to catch their breath, but even when the characters aren't in immediate peril there's always a subtle undertone of dread, with certain death lurking just around the corner.

An easy five stars, and an ear to the ground for more from this exciting newcomer to the horror scene.

[Louise Ember · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced slasher about a group of friends spending time together before they all go their separate ways. This suspenseful novella has it all: drama, twists, blood, and a mind-blowing ending. This is your next favorite slasher read.

I had so much fun reading this story. A classic cabin-in-the-woods horror trope that has so many twists and turns that you get lost in the story. You’re so lost in the story, in fact, that you start to feel like you’re one of the characters. One of the friends trying to stay alive and a detective trying to figure out what the hell is happening in this small town.

As the author’s first solo work, she did a damn good job describing exactly what was going on in her head. I’m extremely impressed.

[Christopher Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Missing the 80’s and early 90’s slasher flicks? You’re want for those nostalgic movies is right here in the pages of Cassidy Frost’ Slaughter at Seabridge!!!! Right from the start you are immersed in a novel about a villainous killer. The story goes on to read from the characters POV and a true story is crafted among the old time slasher movies you’ve grown to love. I was immediately drawn in and hoping my favorite characters would make it to the last page. You’ll have to read yourself to find out if your favorite character can survive in Seabridge. A must read for slasher fans!

[E.C. Hanson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun from the jump. Lots of gore and a fast pace don't prevent the writer from developing the characters. A solid experience. Take note of Cassidy and track her future releases.

[Lit.for.Lit · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author describes her tone as “somewhere between innocence and ghastly.” In this slasher novella, I see why!

The 90s setting was such a refreshing variance. Tension is built and continues from the very beginning. Even the title of the prologue ignites the fire of inquisition. Characters were well developed, and I loved the gradual insight gained through the eyes of the main character. There are strong female characters, that fight back rather than play the damsel in distress card! The background of the slasher is different from that of any other I have read or seen in the past. Even if you suspect who is behind the killings, you will not know the motives until the very end!

Which brings me to the end. You will get answers. Subsequently, you will be filled with more questions. I truly hope there is more to come from this story because I need to know more!

Read this if you like Slash-Her by Janine Pipe and Jill Girardi, Take Your Turn Teddy by Haley Newlin, or the TV Show American Horror Story: 1984.