Charley, an avid horror enthusiast, moves from the city to a remote island in the middle of the sea to attend an all-girls boarding school. However, as her classmates begin dying one by one, she realises her once-fictional obsession is slowly becoming a reality and a killer is on the loose. Stuck on the island, Charley sets out to unravel the killings and find the suspect before it’s too late…
Dunmore’s novel is a delightful homage to the horror genre, packed with nods to the tropes that horror fans know all too well. From Scream to The Midnight Club, Dunmore encompasses all aspects of the horror genre to excite readers. The island setting is atmospheric and unsettling. The imposing stone monasteries, jagged cliffs, and unpredictable weather create a school shrouded in mystery and suspense.
A major theme seen throughout is Charley’s attempt to figure out the unwritten rules of “surviving” a horror movie, including “don’t split up” and never say “I’ll be right back.” The book is broken up not by traditional chapters, but rather by Charley’s rules, which I thought was really clever and engaging. The self-awareness of this book was one of its strongest points; Dunmore knew exactly what readers expect from the genre and used that to her advantage, creating twists that both honoured and subverted those expectations.
I really enjoyed reading this book, and I think it would especially appeal to those who love horror movies. A fast-paced, thrilling homage to the horror genre, How to Survive a Horror Movie is the ultimate book for horror fans.
Review by Lasairíona Scarff, 18
How to Survive a Horror Movie
Scarlett Dunmore
Little Tiger, 2024
Paperback, £8.99
ISBN: 9781788957120
