A review by shereadytoread
Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis

dark emotional mysterious tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

If you want a slasher story, it definitely gives you those pieces and they are strong throughout. One of the biggest issues was the story not deciding if it wanted to be a slasher or something else until it was too late imo. I wanted to love this book more than I did. It is a strong debut, but could have used some polishing for me. I think this would be a divisive read. I think if it lands for you, you will LOVE it. Our main character is not a likeable girl at all. Understandably so when your dad is a serial killer and it has ruined your life. This book follows an entirely queer, black cast as they navigate a horror fun weekend gone terrible wrong. The individual girls have their own issues with one another on top of the main plot of Temple trying to figure out the mystery of her mother's death at her father's hands. 

Pros: 
- very strong slasher elements
- the gore and imagery is great 
- Strong character depth
- Lots of queer rep 
- excellent slasher body count

Cons: 
- overcomplicates itself with multiple reveals 
- the supernatural elements felt a little far off 
- the cast was too big (great for a body count but hard to keep track of) 
- some very convenient additions 

Disclaimer: I received a gifted ARC of this book from the publisher. A review was not required and all thoughts are my own.

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