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A review by dhatislandbookworm
The Blonde Dies First by Joelle Wellington
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Though I appreciated the homages to 90s/00s slasher films, the group dynamic, and the underlying theme of gentrification (which I do wish we went more in-depth on), this did not work for me.
Going into this, I was expecting more of a high-stakes, campy slasher horror. Instead, the story veered more into the paranormal horror sub-genre with low stakes for the characters.
I also struggled with the uneven pacing. This could have been edited down at least 50-75 pages. It started off very slow and didn’t pick up for me until about 30%, However, when it did, the action scenes were great, but were few and far between and didn’t last very long.
Additionally, Devon and Drew’s relationship rift isn’t addressed until the book is almost over, and by that point I had forgotten about it.
I also accurately guessed the ending 4% into the book, which was a bummer, so the end fell completely flat for me.
This may be best enjoyed by someone dipping their toes into thriller/horror, but may disappoint more experienced horror readers.
Going into this, I was expecting more of a high-stakes, campy slasher horror. Instead, the story veered more into the paranormal horror sub-genre with low stakes for the characters.
I also struggled with the uneven pacing. This could have been edited down at least 50-75 pages. It started off very slow and didn’t pick up for me until about 30%, However, when it did, the action scenes were great, but were few and far between and didn’t last very long.
Additionally, Devon and Drew’s relationship rift isn’t addressed until the book is almost over, and by that point I had forgotten about it.
I also accurately guessed the ending 4% into the book, which was a bummer, so the end fell completely flat for me.
This may be best enjoyed by someone dipping their toes into thriller/horror, but may disappoint more experienced horror readers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Classism
Moderate: Body horror and Blood