Synopsis
A slasher sequel that picks up immediately where the first book left off with the festive killer coming to town on Christmas morning to punish a parish full of sinners.
Review
A huge, huge thank you to Shortwave Publishing for sending an ARC my way!
There’s no better way to kick off the holiday season with a return to all things holly, jolly, and gory in Brian McAuley’s Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying. In perfect “Halloween II” fashion, the events of this sweetly sinister novella pick up right where Candy Cain Kills left off (fret not if you don’t recall, McAuley pens an exquisite poem to bring us up to speed). We follow the wake of destruction and catch up with Fiona, Austin, and Mateo on the heels of one close call with Candy Cain. Jumping from different perspectives, it becomes abundantly clear that once the blood starts flowing, it doesn’t stop. Stuffed with creative kills and wrapped in sparkling character development, Candy Cain Kills Again is another must-read for those on both the naughty and nice list.
Sequels are delicate things that sometimes stick the landing but oftentimes fall short. Undoubtedly, McAuley manages to steer this sleigh ride soaked in blood to the perfect snowy rooftop landing. Most notable of both Cain Cain Kills and Candy Cain Kills Again is the delicate balance of propulsive slasher action and captivating characterization. This is something that applies not only to Mateo, Fiona, and Austin but to Candy Cain herself. The direction in which McAuley has taken this once insular tale of Christmas-themed chaos is nothing short of captivating, finding a conclusion that is equally fitting as it is moving.
While the character work within these pages shines, the unmatched creativity implemented with each slash, jab, and act of violence taps into the same horror magic of the “Final Destination” franchise. The pacing can only be described as breakneck as Candy Cain carves her way through Christmas, leaving events to transpire in the town church on the (un)holiest of days. This is a merry mash of mutilation, a creative chorus in Christmas horror.
For every fan of horror, the Candy Cain Kills books from Brian McAuley are the perfect stocking stuffer. This sequel executes on the beloved tropes of fun slasher fiction while still delivering marked character arcs to tug at your heartstrings. So sit down, pour yourself a mug of steaming hot chocolate, and usher in the holiday season in the best fashion: reading a double feature of Brian McAuley’s festive, frightful novellas that are the hallmarks of the Killer VHS Series from Shortwave Publishing.
Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying by Brian McAuley releases on November 12th from Shortwave Publishing! To support them directly, you can order a copy here: https://shop.shortwavepublishing.com/products/candy-cain-kills-again-the-second-slaying-killer-vhs-series-5-paperback
Also, read Ed’s stellar review here: https://fanfiaddict.com/review-candy-kills-again-the-second-slaying-by-brian-mcauley/
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