How to Survive Your Murder by Danielle Valentine

Rating: ★★★★✰

Dates Read: 7/11/23 - 7/13/23

    Alice Lawrence finds herself at the center of her sister's murder trial. Since Claire's tragic death, Alice's life has spiraled downward, with her parents' divorce, a less-than-ideal apartment, and the looming prospect of facing her sister's killer in court, all while grappling with doubts from others about what she saw that fateful night in the corn maze.

    Despite their differences, Alice and Claire were inseparable sisters, bonded by love and friendship. Claire was the all-American girl, popular and talented in theater, while Alice was a self-professed nerd, dreaming of becoming a forensic pathologist and indulging in her favorite horror movies at home.

    As the murder trial begins, Alice is preparing to give her crucial testimony when an unexpected turn of events takes her by surprise. A mysterious assailant, reminiscent of Sidney Prescott from the horror movies, knocks her unconscious in the courthouse bathroom. When she regains consciousness, she finds herself transported back in time to Halloween night, a year before Claire's murder.

    In this strange twist of fate, Alice realizes she has been given a chance to change the course of events and save her sister from a grim fate. With the clock ticking, she must navigate the past and uncover the truth about the real killer before he strikes again, all before the clock strikes midnight.

    "I want to see lives ruined. People destroyed. I want to listen to other people screaming. It’s the only time I can drown out the screams still echoing through my head."

    I can't express how much I enjoyed 'How to Survive Your Murder.' As someone with a literal ghostface tattoo, the references to Billy and Sidney from the Scream franchise really hit home for me. This book was written in such a gripping way that I felt like I was watching a scary movie while also being right in the middle of the action. It had me on the edge of my seat, completely engrossed and unable to put it down. And let me tell you, the ending left me in utter shock; I'm still reeling from the surprise twist. I'm seriously crossing my fingers for a sequel because I need to know what happens next!

    The mystery in this book is absolutely top-notch. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, the plot threw me for a loop, leaving me hanging on every word. It was masterfully constructed, with clever red herrings that led me astray, making the journey all the more exciting. The '90s references added a fun touch.

    Alice, the protagonist, was a messy and flawed character in the best way possible. Her determination and intelligence shone through as she tackled the terrifying events surrounding her. I was intrigued by her role in the story, and I wouldn't mind having her help me solve mysteries any day. While I found the book overall fantastic, there were a few moments when Alice's character became preachy about social issues that didn't directly relate to the story. These instances felt out of place and took away from the horror atmosphere. However, they didn't overshadow the overall gripping narrative.

    Despite that minor drawback, I wholeheartedly recommend "How to Survive Your Murder" to anyone looking for a thrilling Halloween slasher read. The mystery keeps you guessing until the very end, and the horror movie references add a nostalgic charm. It's a perfect pick for horror enthusiasts, and if this ever gets adapted into a movie, count me in for an annual Halloween screening. This book delivers a fantastic Scream meets Halloween vibe, and I'm here for it!