The crossover between slashers and the Christmas season are rare but becoming more common place and Brian McAuley is leading the charge with his novellas. He continues this blend of genres with Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying and we are here for it!
After surviving the horrors of Christmas Eve at the Thornton house, Austin, Mateo and Fiona head to the Church of Nodland to get some confessions from Pastor Wendell and his congregation. Little do they know that Candy Cain is coming to town to wish one and all a very merry axe-mas!
Let’s start off by saying we highly recommend reading Candy Cain Kills prior to devouring the sequel, but if you want to just dive into The Second Slaying we understand. This is why Brian McAuley did an outstanding job recapping the events of the prior novella in an ingenious holiday spirited way. But read the first book, like seriously read it.
Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying picks up right after Candy Cain Kills and is everything a slasher should be and more. A novella chock-full of gruesome and gory kills but also balanced with an emotional tale. While some may see this story as campy story with little depth, but what McAuley has been able to create over these two books is simply fantastic.
With well-developed characters and a solid story arc, Candy Cain Kills Again is an immersive reading experience. McAuley has crafted a slasher novella that reads like a classic slasher film, painting a clear picture of the story and making it an easy read for those fans of the genre. While Candy Cain Kills Again is part of Killer VHS series from Shortwave Publishing, this story is an extension of the first book and relies little on the VHS aspect which makes for a perfect sequel.
Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying is an excellent holiday slasher romp that is perfect for a nice winter day, but let’s be honest this next Killer VHS novella should be cracked open the second you get it in November. Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying is a perfect blend of horror and holiday cheer that delivers on all fronts.
Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying hits bookstore everywhere on November 12, 2024 from Shortwave Publishing.
