Step into the small west Texas town driven by oil and cotton, where everyone knows everyone else’s business. This is the setting for I Was A Teenage Slasher written by New York Times bestselling author Stephen Graham Jones. Follow Tolly Driver, a good kid with more potential than application, as he is cursed to kill for revenge in this unique exploration of slasher horror from the perspective of the killer himself.
Jones delves deep into the Texas he grew up in and the unfairness of being on the outside through the eyes of Tolly, who is writing his own autobiography as a teenage slasher. Throughout the novel, readers will find themselves rooting for a killer in what feels like a summer teen movie gone full blood-curdling tragic. The book serves as a dissection on what makes a slasher, offering an emotional gut punch with Jones’ wit, comedic tone, and best of all…blood.
The gore, emotions, and pure slasher-ness are all expertly layered into one captivating story that keeps readers wanting more. Jones proves once again that he is an outstanding author with his ability to create such a compelling narrative. The way he weaves together elements of horror and coming-of-age themes makes for a truly unforgettable reading experience.
I Was A Teenage Slasher is written in the form of an autobiography from Tolly’s perspective, adding an extra layer of depth to this already intriguing story. With a wide array of characters and unexpected twists throughout, this novel kept entertained until the very end. The final twist is particularly satisfying and will leave you thinking about it long after you’ve finished reading.
Stephen Graham Jones’ I Was A Teenage Slasher is a wild ride that combines elements of horror, humor, and coming-of-age themes to create a truly unique reading experience. 2024 just seems to be the year of Jones, as he has nailed not one, but two amazing novels this year. His Indian Lake Trilogy wrapped up on March 26 with the release of The Angel of Indian Lake.
I Was A Teenage Slasher hits bookstores everywhere on July 16, 2024 from Saga Press. Pre-order the audiobook on Libro.fm!