Dead Teenager Movie is a young adult horror set in Ireland. The central character is April, a die-hard horror movie fan.
The plot focuses upon a string of unsolved murders that have been rife across Cork city. The killers have never been caught and have left gruesome stories in their wake. My reviews are always spoiler-free, and this one will remain true to that.
This book very much reminded me of the Point Horror books that I devoured in the early 90s. It was a slow burn; at times I was unsure as to where the story was going, but that was very much the goal of Leahy.
It kept me engaged, wanting more, so much so that I actually read this book in two sittings – one of which was in a busy airport where I was so engrossed I didn’t hear boarding announcements.
The prologue introduces us to a character called Tommy Keating. We are with him as he is invited to a house party from which he will never return.
Straight from this, the focus shifts to a different time and a different character. It jolts the reader – why the shift? But this sharp diversion has been cleverly woven into the fabric of the unfolding story without the reader even realising it.
From Tommy, we are transported to prom night with April and her new love interest, Carl, a crucial and pivotal relationship for the story.
I am an avid horror movie fan myself and so I did appreciate the gentle nods made to iconic characters such as Jason Voorhees and Michael Myers. I got a sense that those very movies were also an inspiration for Leahy.
As the story develops, those acknowledgements continue, with specific focus on the found-footage style of horror of the early 90s, which was instrumental in changing the format of horror movies.
The book is incredibly well written with a rich plot. Leahy is skilled at creating tension and horror, inserting gore without it becoming corny.
The characters are well developed, allowing the reader to build relationships with them, making that final payoff even more of a visceral response.
Although it is aimed at young adults, it is a book that any horror fan would enjoy as the nights start to draw in. Light a candle, grab a blanket and some popcorn. You won’t be disappointed.
Dead Teenager Movie is published by Little Island Books.
