Body Count

Crowley’s sapphic feminist slasher thriller and sophomore YA title follows Sundae Valentine, who, seven years ago, made a fateful deal with a monster at the bottom of a motel pool in Wildwood, New Jersey. The creature offered her three wishes, which she soon realized came with a deadly price. After barely escaping with her life as a child, she has spent years trying to forget the encounter. Now 18, Sundae returns to Wildwood for prom weekend with her squad, with all competing for the “Slut Cup.” Our protagonist is much haunted by the debt she still owes to the mysterious man at the bottom of the pool, while her friends are focused on boardwalk rides and tequila-fueled partying. Even as all hell breaks loose, Sundae finds herself drawn to a mysterious, guitar-strumming girl, Lia, who is with the band playing at the prom party, adding a layer of final-girl romance to the high-stakes survival story. And Sundae is not the only one who should worry about surviving the night—everyone she knows is in danger. A lot of spatter and a bit of steam makes this fast-moving tale a ton of fun, with a touch of Scooby Doo and the gang!—Dodie Ownes