Summerween Book Recs
–Wait, wait, summer what?
–Summerween! The people of this town love Halloween so much, they celebrate it twice a year!
–Summerween? Something about this feels unnatural…
Happy fall season, fellow bookworms! As summer officially comes to a close, I wanted to share my spooky Summerween recs that blend haunting Halloween horror with warm-weather wickedness.
Guillotine by Delilah S. Dawson
My rating: 3 stars
Length: 208 pages/ 5 hours
This book follows Dez Lane, a young fashion designer who decides to date a douchebag named Patrick solely to meet his mother, Marie Caulfield-Ruskin, the famous editor-in-chief of Nouveau magazine. Dez’s desperation for a job in fashion leads her to endure his obnoxious presence until she lands an invitation to his family’s island for their annual family reunion. Upon arrival, Dez is forced to sign an NDA–which, she tells herself, is common practice with the wealthy. A confiscated phone? Well, they do need to ensure their privacy. Standoffish staff that she is contractually obligated not to speak to? Sure, it’s a little weird, but they must have their reasons. When things take a bloody turn for the worse, Dez must decide whether it’s worth meeting her fashion idol–or getting off the island with her life.
I was pleasantly surprised by the plot, especially because I thought the story would go in a different direction. I am my father’s daughter, which means I annoyingly try to predict the end of every movie, show, and book. A habit that will forever have me in a chokehold. Although it takes place during spring, the bloody island setting just screaaams summerween! If you want a quick, spooky book to read while on vacation or in the sun, this is the one for you!
Annie Bot by Sierra Greer
My rating: 4 stars
Length: 240 pages/ 10 hours
Meet Annie. Annie is a robot. To be more precise, she’s a sex doll, or a “Cuddle Buddy”. Meet Doug. Doug is Annie’s owner. Doug decides what Annie wears, how much weight she loses, and her libido levels. For Annie, she’s just happy if Doug’s happy. Only, this begins to change the more sentient Annie becomes.
I loved this book. The only problem is, now I can’t hear the name ‘Doug’ without my hands automatically balling into fists as my blood pressure rises to dangerous levels (Except for Hannah’s dog Douglas, who is a good boy). I really like what Wandering Words said at the beginning of their review: “Annie Bot is what would happen if the Barbie movie was written by Mary Shelley.” I’d categorize this as horror because although Annie is technically a robot, she develops a female consciousness. So, the terrors Doug puts her through would be every woman’s worst nightmare. Think Don’t Worry Darling. The story isn't set in any specific season, but it feels scary and summery enough for me.
How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson
My rating: 3.5 stars
Length: 368 pages/ 11 hours
The last thing best friends Jamie and Laurie imagined when signing up for a speed-dating event was seeing their dates’ dead bodies littered on the floor after the lights go out–until now. It seems dating really can be messy. As the killer slits throats and leaves love letters to Jamie via organs, she and her friends must quickly figure out a way to stop him–or die trying. Luckily, Jamie’s writing her dissertation on slashers and horror films, so she should know what to do. Right?
This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed this “bubblegum horror” subgenre. Although it solely takes place inside a renovated nightclub, it gave me major summer camp slasher vibes. I loved the romance subplot between the main character and her hunky, protective man. I will say this was very millennial-coded, so if pop culture references aren’t your thing, you may not be into it. Otherwise, this was a super funny and entertaining book with a plot that kept me engaged the whole way.
A Good Person by Kirsten King
My rating: 5 stars
Length: 304 pages/ 8 hours
What would you do if your summer situationship broke it off, prompting you to drunkenly hex him, only for him to end up dead the next day? As the police’s number one murder suspect, it’s up to Lillian to clear her own name as she deals with her not-really-boyfriend’s death and the pain of learning he left behind a loving, grieving girlfriend. It’s enough to make a girl go crazy.
I have an unhealthy obsession with hating (well-written) hateable characters. Idk whether I dislike Lillian or June from Yellowface more. They’re both batshit and had me staying up until 12 am, red-faced and screaming at the pages. But like, in a fun way. I included this (thriller) because it was TERRIFYING to be in that girl's head!!!!!
The Starving Saints by Caitlin Starling
My rating: 4 stars
Length: 352 pages/ 13 hours
This book follows three women in a castle under siege. For half a year, water and food have run scarce, and they've heard nothing from their allies about rescue. Just as they’re about to give up hope, the Constant Lady and her Saints arrive with sustenance. They perform good works. The people are happy and eating again. Celebrations come at all hours. Only, for Ser Voyne, Lady Phosyne, and Treila, things don’t feel right. The women must figure out what’s going on in order to save the castle from their saintly arrivals.
This was an absolute fever dream of a book. And by that, I mean I was pulled into a thick, hazy cloud that transported me to medieval times. I was right alongside the women, seeing what they saw like a tiny little fly on the wall. I believe this takes place in summer, as it goes into great detail about their sweaty, moist bodies and…well, I don’t wanna give too much away. Just trust me when I say this is a spookishly sinister read for a sweltering hot day ;p
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