Review of Under the Blade
Author: Matt Serafini
Genre: Horror
Length: 344 pages
Author’s Site: Matt Serafini
Amazon Link: Purchase Here
Summary:
It’s been twenty-five years since Cyrus Hoyt’s infamous killing spree at Camp Forest Grove. A quarter-century since teenage counsellor Melanie Holden left him mortally wounded and escaped with her life.
Today, Melanie’s teaching career has bottomed out and left her with no choice but to return to the scene of the crime. Motivated by a lucrative publishing offer, as well as a desire to free herself from recurring nightmares, Melanie’s research into the murderer’s life brings resistance from all directions as she uncovers skeletons in Forest Grove’s past.
Because of Melanie, a long-held secret is about to be revealed—one that somebody is willing to kill for in order to protect. And Melanie is going to discover she has a lot more to lose than just her mind.
The stalk-and-slash suspense of Friday the 13th meets the small town mystery of Sharp Objects in this white-knuckle horror story of a final girl’s revenge.
What I Thought:
A classic slasher, layered like an onion.
Going into this novel, I thought I had it all figured out. I thought the story was reminiscent of “Head Full of Ghosts” by Paul Tremblay. I thought I knew the end before it even began. Oh man was I dead wrong.
Melanie Holden is the sole survivor of a campground massacre. Decades later, she returns to the infamous town for… closure? Professional redemption? Fame and fortune? Her motivations differ between who you ask in the small sleepy town of Forest Grove. From the moment Melanie stepped foot in the conservative town, gruesome events build on a shameful past long thought buried. No spoilers here. Just know, you’ll be kept on your toes til the end.
This book pairs well with a Blue Moon and warm campfire. Just keep your eyes on the shadows.
About the Author:
Hailed as “one of the best new voices in horror fiction” by Brian Keene, Matt Serafini’s books include Feral, Devil’s Row, Island Red, and Under the Blade, which FilmThrills called “one of the best slasher films you’ll ever read.”
He co-authored a collection of short stories with Adam Cesare called All-Night Terror and his short fiction has appeared in numerous anthology collections, including Dead Bait 4, Clickers Forever: A Tribute to J.F. Gonzalez, and the upcoming Welcome to the Show.
He has written extensively on the subjects of film and literature for numerous websites including Dread Central and Shock Till You Drop. His nonfiction has also appeared in the pages of Fangoria and HorrorHound.
Matt lives in Massachusetts with his wife and children.
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