How to survive a horror movie by Scarlett Dunmore
Two friends trying to survive senior year – literally!
Horror movie enthusiast Charley is determined to keep a low profile when she’s enrolled at a girls’ boarding school on a remote island. That is, until someone starts killing off her senior class! From elaborate scare tactics to severed heads in fridges, Charley has found herself at the centre of a teen horror movie. And that’s not the only alarming thing that’s happening – she’s now seeing the ghosts of her former classmates!?
Haunted by her peers, and with everyone beginning to suspect her, Charley decides to do something about it. She and her only best friend Olive are going to solve the murders and find out who’s killing off the class before graduation. Charley just needs those pesky ghosts to shut up and give her a hand.
9 Comments
Ruby yr 8
2nd October 2025 at 9:26 pmAt first, I wasn’t sure about this book, but then I got more into it and it’s amazing!! I thought it mixed humour and horror really well, and the author is very descriptive, you really feel like you’re the one finding the murders, not Charley! One of my favourite things about the book is how it mentioned many movies, tv shows and books that I’ve read or watched in real life. I also loved how Charley was literally hunting down a school murderer but still managed to make time for her crush, because of course that’s the most important thing! But, I didn’t really like ending, I felt like it happened way too quickly and was quite confusing. Other than that. I thought this was a great book and would definitely recommend to anybody looking for gory teen horror or anyone who loves dark murder books.
Finley – Year 8
2nd October 2025 at 12:03 pmThis book had a gripping storyline that hooked you from the very first chapter and had characters that weaved into the plot. I really loved the elements of humour scattered throughout the story even though it is a horror. I also enjoyed the ending building up to the final reveal of the killer and motifs. It was unexpected and shocked me.
I only disliked the different paces throughout the book, however it sometimes flowed nicely, and I felt there could have been a few more characters introduced. Scarlette Dunmore’s way of keeping you reading was incredible and her introduction of ghosts to a classic horror theme was interesting. How to Survive a Horror Movie particularly reminded me of the Good Girl’s Guide to Murder book series and the horror movie Scream (which is even mentioned in the story). Even though it had similarities to different stories, it had many aspects that were new to my reading. I will definitely be picking up the sequel!
Anonymous
1st October 2025 at 8:51 pmI thought How to Survive a horror movie was actually a pretty good book!! At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but then I got more into it and it was really interesting. It was creepy but also hilarious.
Alexandra Year 8
1st October 2025 at 7:51 pmHow To Survive A Horror Movie might be one of the most gripping books I’ve read. I finished the entire book in one sitting, I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter’s ending and beginning draws you straight into the book, from the cliffs where Charley found her first body, to her finding Gabrielle’s head in the fridge! I was squealing with excitement every time I flipped the page. You can tell the author put a lot of thought and effort into the book, the book is full of details and in some gruesome way, it’s really beautiful. And the plot twists are crazy! You never know what to expect next. In conclusion, How To Survive A Horror Movie is a perfect mix of humour, thriller, and of course horror!
Felix Year 8
30th September 2025 at 2:26 pmI like this book because it only took me two weeks to read. It pulled me in and made me want to read more and find out what happens next! My favourite part is when the Ghost of Megan makes comments on what to do and its funny because only Charley can see her and everybody is thinking, “What is she doing speaking to herself ?”. I think the book did a really good job of making you think you are the character and you think what she thinks in the book. I would really like a part 2 too see what happens to Charley and see if Olive tries to kill her again.
Tommy
23rd September 2025 at 1:01 pmHow to survive a Horror Movie was a book I really enjoyed. The pacing was fast but flowing, and I found the plot satisfying and surprisingly original! I especially enjoyed the vivid description and atmosphere about the remote location, and the way in which the author built up tension around the ‘pop, snap, crack’ noise towards the beginning, before Charley discovers the ghosts. There were a few parts of the story that I didn’t particularly like, such as the ending which I felt was slightly too fast with the way the killer was revealed, and I don’t think there were quite enough real clues to who it was throughout the story, and the backstabbing part at the end seemed random and abrupt compared to the flow of the story.
Overall though, I’m definitely glad I read this book and I would certainly recommend it to others! I would love a sequel, especially given the irony of the fact that the main character hates them.
Clea Year 8
18th September 2025 at 3:10 pmI really loved How to survive a horror movie, it only took 2 days for me to finish this book. After picking it up I didn’t stop – I had to take the book so I could eat and as soon as I woke up the next day I read the last chapters and it was done. I have not read a book so good since I first read Harry Potter! I think my favourite scene in the book would be at the party when Charlie finds Gabriella’s head in the fridge I laughed so much! I think this book definitely deserves the title, and I cant wait to read the sequel I know it will be amazing!
Ella Yr8
18th September 2025 at 3:03 pmI loved How To Survive A Horror Movie, it was incredibly detailed right down to the smallest point. I love the amazing plot twist that I never knew was coming. The realisation of the plot twisted in to a slow but breath-taking finish. This audience is perfect for those that love the bitterness of the horror and heart stopping mysteries. One of the many scenes I love, is the scene of Charlie in the library realising the ghosts are following her and she is trapped in this two dimensional world she can’t escape. How To Survive A Horror Movie was an outstanding, phenomenal book that most definitely deserves the title. I already know that the sequel will be nothing but exceptional!
Tabitha year 9
11th September 2025 at 9:15 amThis book has been my favourite book for a while, I love how the author consistently referenced horror movies that I have watched and love. I love the scene from the party and I basically loved all of it. the book is incredible and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves horror movies (especially Scream and Final Destination) who also wants to get into reading. I also love how each of the chapters are about one key element of surviving a horror movie. A great mix of comedy and horror.