How to Survive a Slasher

How to Survive a Slasher by Justine Pucella Winans is a sweet coming of age story masquerading as a self-aware teen slasher novel - and it’s a solid read for both. 

At 11 years old, C.J. Smith witnessed their father’s murder at the hands of the Wolf Man killer - the younger brother of the original Wolf Man killer from whom their father had escaped when he was a teenager.

Since then, their mother has diligently trained C. J. and their three siblings on what to do if they are ever in danger - especially from the Wolf Man killer- which is hard to do because even though both Wolf Men are dead, thanks to two “based on a true story” novels about the killings and the town’s insistence on embracing the nickname “Slasherville” (instead of Satterville) with a yearly festival, Wolf Men are everywhere. 

C.J. receives a manuscript which appears to be a third novel from Slasherville writer Moon Satter - but this one predicts murdered that haven’t happened yet - setting C.J. and their friends on a path to try to prevent them and identify who the new killer is. 

Along the way, C.J. uncovers not only who the killer is, but also learns more about themself, who they are, and who they want to be. 
How to Survive a Slasher had all the tropes I look for in a slasher novel, and while none of the reveals were that surprising, C.J. was a charming, relatable narrator, and it was a fun ride to be with them as they worked it out.

A note on the audio: the narrator SJ Valiquette did an amazing job, and the audio production was too-notch.

I borrowed the ebook and audiobook from my local library via https://libbyapp.com/interview/welcome#doYouHaveACard , but, if you decide to purchase, support your favorite indie bookstore (and me) by using my link to order the audiobook from https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm60355 OR if you prefer using your eyes to read, support your favorite indie (and give us both 20% off if it’s your first purchase) by using my link at https://refer.bookshop.org/candidanorwood.