A slasher novel based in a nursing home, yes you heard me correctly. Philip Fracassi‘s The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre is a bold, unique horror packed with a bit of dark humor, violence, and mystery that will have you guessing until the final page. Set in an unexpected location with a reimagined final girl, this novel is a wild, suspenseful ride.
Rose DuBois is not your average final girl. Rose is in her late 70s, living out her golden years at the Autumn Springs Retirement Home. When one of her friends dies alone in her apartment, Rose isn’t too concerned. Accidents happen, especially at this age! Then another resident drops dead. And another. With bodies stacking up, Rose can’t help but wonder: are these accidents? Old age? Or something far more sinister?
Together with her best friend Miller, Rose begins to investigate. The further she digs, the more convinced she becomes: there’s a killer on the loose at Autumn Springs, and if she isn’t careful, Rose may be their next victim.
Philip Fracassi is at it once again with an entirely original horror story in The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre, delivering a slasher story with a twist and a reimagined final girl. By setting this tale in a nursing home, Fracassi takes the horrors to a rarely seen corner of society which results in an unforgettable and fun read. No one really expects a horror novel told from a nursing home–which adds a bit of dark humor to the book–but here we are.
While the book falls squarely in the horror genre, it leans towards a more mainstream and accessible side of horror. It’s a thrilling tale without excessive blood or gore–not saying there isn’t any–but a tale for those looking for something more approachable. Beyond the horror elements, Fracassi integrates thriller and mystery vibes as well. The author also weaves in a few heartfelt moments that struck an emotional cord, creating a unique blend of terror and tenderness. Not to mention how Fracassi sheds light on an often-overlooked part in society, the elderly. Philip shows how real-life horrors are not just the jump scares, but lie in the heartbreaking truths about aging and society’s sometime disregard of the older population.
The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre features an amazing cast of characters. Fracassi pulls us into a crowd of relatable and lovable people that you can help but root for–even knowing their fates are likely not going to go well. This emotional attachment heights the suspense and tension, making for a rollercoaster of emotions.
Truthfully there is not much to dislike about this book, but if I were to put my finger on anything it was the length. Coming in at over 400 pages, there were moment I felt the story could’ve benefited from slight trimming to streamline the story. However, this does not in anyway take away from the over reading experience and was still an amazing story with an innovative premise that had me quickly turning each page.
The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre stands out as a unique tale in the horror genre. Philip Fracassi crafts a horror story with a clever setting, amazing characters, emotional depth, and thrilling kills. Fans of the author will truly love this novel, while those looking for something unique in the world of horror should definitely pick up this book.
The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre hits bookstores everywhere on September 30, 2025 from Tor Nightfire. The audiobook, narrated by January LaVoy, is available for pre-order at Libro.fm!
