How to survive a horror movie

Anna – Y9 Warden Park

A compellingly creepy and chilling book – of course, with touches of comedy thrown in! I loved the concept of Charley being able to interact with the ghosts, and the plot twists caught me off guard. Overall, a gripping story that gave me chills!

Hannah yr7

I found How To Survive A Horror Movie intriguing and thrilling. Scarlett Dunmore twisted shock and clues into the plot, this lead to a shocking end that managed to fit into the clues. I enjoyed how Charley’s past was mixed into her future. This book was an excellent read but I wouldn’t recommend it if you were searching for a gory book as it doesn’t go into much detail. With phenomenal twists the development in Charley is clear and enlightening in some ways. I liked the end as I didn’t suspect it in any way. Overall I would say this is a fantastic read and would rate it 4.5 stars.

amber YR9 rye college

I enjoyed this book because it had a mixture of murder mystery and horror. Charley is my favourite character because she is like a detective of the book and solving clues. I would like more bloody scenes .

Nancy Year 8

How to survive a horror movie – Scarlett Dunmore.

This book has a really gripping plot and lots of unique twists that are very unexpected. I like how it has its own style to it and the deaths and intense scenes were very described and made me feel like I was really in the moment. The end, however, was a little rushed and could’ve been slowed down instead of being really complicated and hard to keep up with. Overall, I think this book is really amazing and has been added to my favorites ; I really recommend reading it.

Chloe

I love murder and gory stuff but not usually proper horror but after reading this I think I will read horror , it’s very gory and I love the the end, very unexpected! I loved this book so much I’m asking for the second one for Christmas [how to survive a horror sequel] I recommend this book to anyone [who’s not squeamish]

Annabel y8

I loved this book! It really hooked me in with all the plot twists and I could not stop reading. From finding a head in a fridge and watching horror movies every night, this book was filled with surprises. I also love how the author wrote very descriptively and how they mentioned well known films and movies. Overall, I loved this book and would definitely recomend!

Otto year 8

How to survive a Horror Movie was a book I really enjoyed. At first, I wasn’t sure about it, but then I got more into it and it was really interesting how the characters develop. It was creepy but also hilarious. I also loved how Charley was literally hunting down a school murderer but still managed to make time for her lover. However I did not fancy it when Olive quite literally stabs Charley in the back. It was not an idea I had in mind. This is truly one of the most masterful and intelligently made books and I would definitely recommend it.

Helena Y9

I really loved this book. I enjoyed the plot twist of Olive and Saoirse knowing Charley’s old partner, Sadie, and finding out that she died in the prison she was kept in after the trial. I didn’t fully understand the ending and I’m glad that there’s a sequel because I had questions that I hope the sequel answers.

Georgina

How to Survive a Horror Movie by Scarlett Dunmore is easily one of the most entertaining and addictive books I’ve read. From the very first chapter, Dunmore pulls you straight into a world that feels both hilariously self-aware and genuinely thrilling. The characters are sharp, charismatic, and impossible not to root for, and the way the story plays with classic horror-movie rules is incredibly clever without ever feeling gimmicky.

What I loved most is how the book balances tension with humour—it keeps you laughing one moment and fully invested in the next. Every chapter adds something new, and even when you think you know where things are heading, the book finds a way to surprise you without relying on cheap tricks or major spoilers. It’s the perfect blend of fun, suspense, and creativity.

I’ve already recommended it to so many friends, because it’s one of those rare books that keeps you turning the pages just to see how the characters are going to navigate the next ‘rule’ or chaotic situation. If you love horror, comedy, or anything in between, this is an absolute must-read.

Leo

I think out of the two I’ve read, this one is a definitive favourite! I loved how the author used ways to survive an actual horror scene or crime as names for the chapters, it shows how creative she is and how she pulls the reader in. The fact they are in a boarding school “50 miles from nowhere” makes the horror element so real. This book was scintillating with thrill while also being able to sneak in some humour here and there. I genuinely think this book is the winner because of how it gripped me as soon as I read the first couple paragraphs, one to remember!

Herbert

This is one of the best horror books I think that I have ever read. Because it really captures the horror element but also leaves space for the other smaller genres. This book was full to the brim of thrill and action packed humour which at times left me breathless! It even gives you very helpful tips about what to do in a horror movie as the title of the chapters. An all round excellent book and I would definitely recommend it for ages 11 to 16.

Louis year9

I think this book was a great mix of comedy and horror with gory and bloody scenes perfectly described for any horror fan and the book had awesome comedy scenes that will make you laugh. It’s also funny that the person getting chased by the killer in fact loves horror films and uses the rules of the survivors from horror films to live and to find out who the killer is. Overall I loved every page of this book and I loved the final cliff hanger, I think this book was a 10/10!

Dalia – year 8

How to survive a horror movie is probably the best book of the Southern Schools book awards that I have read so far. Personally my favourite genre to read is horror and murder mystery and this book really captured all of those elements. Probably my favourite part was right at the end when she comes back home and sees the TV playing Scream because it really made your mind think about why that was playing. I also loved the cliffhanger at the end about the writing on the mirror spelling Splasher Saturday it really added to that idea of mystery. As I said at the beginning, this is definitely my favourite book that I have read so far for the SSBA. I HIGHLY recommend!

Amelia

This is one of the best books I have read to date, every chapter was thrilling and I found it hard to put it down. The plot twist was well executed and the antagonistic plan was clearly very well thought out. The reference to horror movies rules and plots makes this a perfect novel for anyone who loves horror films. The language used to write was the perfect balance of teenage language and descriptions, providing an amazing read and I wish I could forget the plot line and go back and read it again.
Basically 5 stars would definitely read again.

Etta y8

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has to be my favourite out of all the Southern Schools Book Award books! I loved how it wasn’t your classical horror book with a main character who seems to have never seen a horror movie. I loved how they knew what was happening but also didn’t at the same time, the ending was superb and I thoroughly recommend this book.

James

I loved reading this book and it has now become one of my favourite books I have read this year. I love the amazing plot twist and I never knew that it was coming. The first few time I picked it up I wasn’t so sure about it but as I got further into the book there was no looking back. I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone that loves reading as much as I do (even if they don’t I would still recommend it!!)

Cole Y8

This book was spooky and hilarious at the same time, like watching a horror movie with popcorn jumping out of the bowl. The main girl by the end of the movie has definitely mastered how to survive. My favorite part was when they were watching a horror movie and she got scared because she saw something outside which I can totally relate with! Some parts were tense which made me hold my breath but I could never stop listening. If you like chills, laughs and a entertaining story then this book is meant for you.

Maddie

Greatbook! It had a great plot twist; full of mystery and a splash of romance… I loved the end and the plot twist was incredible. I can’t wait for the second book!

Khumo – St Paul’s Yr 10

I loved this book. It was very thrilling and had twists at every corner. Each chapter was very interesting and I couldn’t put it down most of the time. The ending fully surprised me! I was always trying to predict who it’d be and I never would’ve guessed tbh. I really loved Megan and her commentary- she was my favourite.

Sylvia y9

I enjoyed this book a fair amount, in particular the references to real horror movies, and the way that the book was structured in a way that mirrored formats within the genre. However, I did find it over-the-top in places, and it wasn’t really an intellectual challenge in any way, which disappointed me somewhat. I loved the mix of comedy, horror and a splash of romance, but I have read better.

Beatrice

4th Former -Lancing College
Beatrice

I quite enjoyed this book it was engaging and fast paced. If you like anything to do with horror and scares this one is for you. The one think I didn’t like about it was the amount of gory detail but that might just be me. A great read nonetheless

Phoebe

4th Form.
The Boy I love by William Hussey
The Boy I Loved is a moving WWI romance about two soldiers who fall in love amid the horrors of war. It’s tender, tragic, and beautifully written—a story of love, loss, and courage in a time of fear. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Phoebe B

The Boy I Loved is a moving WWI romance about two soldiers who fall in love amid the horrors of war. It’s tender, tragic, and beautifully written—a story of love, loss, and courage in a time of fear. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Hannah

SPOILER ALERT!

I love this book, at first I wasn’t sure if I would love it because the start was quite hard for me to get into the book but the further I got into it the more I started to like it. I also liked how when every death happened, they found way of making it funny and it was smart of the author to make every chapter a different rule. One bit I loved was when Olive stabbed Charlie in the back at the end because it was very unexpected and a good plot twist.

Theodore Year 8

SPOILER ALERT!

“How to survive a horror movie” is a very good mix of the horror and comedy genres. I read it in 3 days, enjoying the book every time I picked it up. My favourite part was when the ghost of Meghan was criticizing and also helping Charley. I enjoyed the plot twist when both Olive and Saoirse were friends and killed all the people. I would recommend this book to young teenagers and a bit younger but anyone who enjoys horror or murder mysteries would enjoy it.

Anonymous

I think How To Survive a Horror Movie is a great book for anyone that likes horror and stories that make them squirm but I do not recommend the book if you are the kind of person that does not like gore. Overall I think It had a good plot and I liked how you got to know and see her as a character develop. I also think that the title for the book was well chosen and represents the book wonderfully.

Edward year 8

This book was extremely entertaining, it had one of the best plots. My favourite part was when Meghan died and I quote “was shipped back to the mainland in a box like an Amazon package”. I also liked how it hinted at other movies like Scream as well.

Rafe yr8

This has been one of my favourite books I’ve read this year. I loved the surprising plot which really gave a massive shock to me. The book is very easy to read and I couldn’t stop flicking pages! It had a great mix of emotions with being funny, very interesting and a bit of horror all at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves these genres. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out and I will read it as soon as possible!

Aya Yr9

This book was very exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat. The scary twists and the deep plot made it really interesting and nerve-racking. The references to different horror movies throughout the book were really clever and so are the titles of the chapters. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys murder mysteries and horror stories, as this book is a great blend of the two. It had lots of surprising plot twists, and the idea that Charlie was haunted by the victims of the murders really added to the story.

Josh Yr9

SPOILER ALERT!

I found this book really interesting and gripping and I loved the way they mix horror with comedy. I particularly liked the ghosts because although they were dead, they acted normal while having a fence or knives through their chests. I really liked the plot twist at the end because it came as a complete shock when she was betrayed by her best friend and the person she had a crush on. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like horror movies and I don’t usually like horror things but I found this book very interesting and quite fun.

Marcus

‘How to survive a horror movie’ is a comedy, detective, horror fiction. This book is really special and very amusing! It is one of a kind of the horror books I’ve read so far. I really enjoy the scene where Charley is trapped in the cave with the killer, and the ghosts ‘looking forward’ to watching Charley’s death. Overall, I highly recommend this book because it is very unique and it is really tense.

Norah Yr8

I was happily surprised with this book, not only by the many plot twists at the end but also I was intrigued by the mystery of Charley’s past and would of loved to learn more. I also loved how well written the book was, not only through the fast-paced plot but also the homage to many horror classics (like Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street). Charley as a character was also well written and relatable making the book even more gripping and exciting. In conclusion I would say this book will always keep you second guessing and is perfect for anyone trying to get into the horror genre. Charley and Olive took ‘Slasher Saturday’ to the next level!

Rosie Year 8

I extremely enjoyed How To Survive A Horror Movie by Scarlett Dunmore. I found the ghosts very funny, and the plot twists made the book very exciting and leaves you wondering what is going to happen next. I also enjoyed the play on words, and jokes hidden in the book. In addition to this, I found the structure of the chapters interesting, (so each chapter was one of the survival rules.) My favourite character, is Olive because she is so unpredictable and my favourite scene is when Saorise and Charley are talking in the cave, and the plot starts to unravel. The book is very cleverly written, making us feel like we are Charley trying to find out who the Harrogate killer is. An example of Scarlet Dunmore using play on words to make the book more intriguing (spoiler alert), is when Olive quite literally stabs Charley in the back. This is another one of my favourite scenes. Overall, the book is a great mix of comedy and horror, and I am eager to read book 2!

Bella St Paul’s yr10

‘How to survive a horror movie’ was a delight to read. Though it started off rather slow, as soon as the ghosts were introduced in a quite frankly creepy library scene I just couldn’t put it down! This book was amazing but not for the squeamish, the in depth description of various murders made me feel as if I were there. I would have liked to hear more about Saorise and her life before the island and also more about Charley’s life back on the mainland. The ending was one of the best I have read with two major plot twists in the course of a page at the end and the very final line left me dying to know what comes next (pun intended). I liked the semi-informal tone throughout the novel and loved the build up of tension using sound and light all the way through such as Sarah’s “snap, crackle, pop’ and Megan’s vocal warm ups. Dunmore did an excellent job here and I will definitely be buying the next book! The whole book kept me guessing who it could possibly be and at one point even believing Charley to be a psychopath and unreliable narrator but through all my guesses I never would have got to the real answer though now I think about it, the signs were all there. None the less the book left me shook and wanting more.

Dasha year 8 St Paul’s

I found that at the start of the book, it took me a while to get into it but as soon as the ghosts and everything else was being introduced, I started to really enjoy it. Near the end I couldn’t put it down and accidentally went to bed a 3am. The fact that it was a horror book and I was reading late at night made it even more dramatic for me and I literally screamed so many times after I finished it because I was so freaked out. This book had lots of good moments and plots, which means that I will be reading the second book, but I feel like the author could have made it better. The reason for this was because I found the plot to be quite similar to some other books l’ve read, and they could have made it more unique to make it even better to how it is now! However, I think I really enjoyed the plot and reading about Charley’s background and what caused her to do the things she did. This book is definitely for horror fans of all sorts and I would rate it a 8.5/10 because it wasn’t my favourite but definitely not my least favourite.

Anonymous

Amazing plot with an interesting story for the main character; really good setting. Must read. I loved it!

Niamh year 8 St Pauls

I actually enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. The story was so gripping and the multiple plot twists at the end were so unexpected I almost screamed in class! As well as that, the constant references to different horror movies made it feel more like it was real and the ghosts were actually quite funny. The only thing I’d have like to see more of was Charley’s backstory – we got some hints but never knew the whole story. I’d rate this book a 9.5/10 and I think that both horror book lovers and horror movie lovers would enjoy this book.

Olivia year 8

This is very good book, once I read the first few chapters I could not stop!
I loved the survival rules at the beginning of the chapters. The ghosts made me laugh.
I could really picture the story happening in real life. Great mix of comedy and horror. Well done.

Saoirse

I enjoyed the mix of comedy and horror in this book and how fast paced it was. I liked the constant references to different horror movies and also the horror rules at the start of each chapter. I enjoyed the build up of tension especially the scene when the murderer comes to kill the main character with the axe. I also enjoyed the many unexpected plot twists throughout the book because I didn’t see any of them coming. I’m sure the sequel will be just as good

Evie

I found it hard to get immersed into the book at the start, but once I got more into it, I found it was really easy to read as one scene just flowed into the next. I enjoyed the experiencing journey with Charly as I found her very easy going and funny. My favourite scene as probably the one with the fridge and the head, and of course the last scene- the plot twist was so unexpected and was very thrilling and also I found the ghost really funny. Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who like humour, horror and mystery.

Conrad Year 8

SPOILER ALERT!

I liked this book because it was thrilling and immersive. It made me feel like I was Charlie. It was a perfect mix of funny and scary. I liked the ghosts because they made funny comments and did mad actions that made me laugh. I liked the plot twist at the end when Olive stabbed Charlie in the back at the last second because it was unexpected because I thought they were best friends. I liked this book because I read it even out of school.

Lily Year 8

This is one of my favourite books ever, I love Charlie’s reconciliation with who she is and the things she’s done in the past. I love the scene where she finds the head but the best part for me was when the plot twist is revealed. I never would have guessed it and reading that scene was perfection! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes horror or mystery. I cannot wait for the next book and I already know it’s going to be just as amazing as the first.

Saskia

How to survive a horror movie was a brilliant book. I loved how fast – paced it was and how although it describes very scary scenes, they make it seem funny. It is very clever how each chapter links back to a different rule of how to survive in a real horror movie. I never saw the plot twist at the end coming and I was so shocked and worried for Charley at the end of the book. I would definitely recommend this book to others.

Gabriella Ardingly Y9

From the start, “How to survive a horror movie” was mysterious and captivating. The plot was thrilling, and overall, the book was well written. The main character, Charlie, was like-able, and it was funny when Megan made sarcastic jokes to her. The setting of the book really helped with the horror element, as the characters were stuck on an island, which none of them could leave, and they were all far away from home. It was spooky how all the ghosts followed Charlie around, and disturbing as she could see all of their injuries. In conclusion, I really enjoyed reading this book because of the gripping plot and tension.

Adrian YR8

This book is an excellent introduction to horror movies as a “preview” for people who haven’t watched any yet. The classic story of a pair of friends in a school that defies its purpose of being a safe place for students, where you can trust no one. The main character, Charlie is the generic horror movie lover, but has an unexpected backstory. It is full of funny gags and references, as well as a mix of a familiar environment with the unknown. Funny yet scary, perfectly blended.

Kasia Yr 9- St Paul’s

When I first started reading How To Survive A Horror Movie, I found it quite similar to other books I have read. However once the ghosts started being introduced one by one I couldn’t put the book down! Also, the small bits of Charley’s past were very interesting and helped lead up to the final part when the killer was revealed. I did enjoy the ending but I thought it was all quite sudden. Especially the final plot twist. My favourite part of the book would be the scene when Charley and the ghosts are trying to find out who the killer could be. I thought it was very funny and entertaining! I think How To Survive A Horror Movie was a well written book with elements of horror and comedy. I will definitely be reading the sequel!

Amelia Yr8

This book is one of the most captivating novels I have ever read. Just when you think that you know who the luring killer is, there is another intriguing plot twist that throws you off the scent completely. I really love the character Megan as she mixes humour and sarcasm to light up the fact that she is dead! I also really enjoyed the dramatic and enticing characters, Saoirse and Charley. The way that the author wrote these characters’ intertwined back story was dynamic and haunting. As Charley struggles to find out who the great Harrogate Killer is, more and more people that somehow are connected keep dying. This is truly one of the most masterful and intelligently made books and I would definitely recommend. Well do you want to know who the Harrogate Girls Killer is? I guess you’ll have to read the book!

Ayla Yr8

How to survive a horror movie is one of the most gripping stories I have ever read and much recommended. I love the character Charley, she was brave and strong and I love her very descriptive back story which really made me feel like I was in the book. Also I loved Megan and her humour, how she was sarcastic and how she was helpful to Charley. My favourite scene was the bathroom scene and with Megan’s help Charley could escape unharmed There were lots of chilling twists and turns throughout this book. It was very well written, well described and enticing the whole way through. I especially loved the sense of gore without it being too over the top scary. This is definitely one of my favourite books of all time and I can’t wait to read the sequel!

Quinn – Park Community School

I absolutely loved this book. It had so many significant features giving the story a more authentic feel. Especially, as the book is made to seem like an instruction manual, but within the guidelines there is still an emotive story that I could connect and empathise with the characters inside the book. Also, the plot twists that are entangled within such a manipulative tale, made the book ever more grasping to read. Overall, a fantastic book and would recommend to those who love a teen scream with a humorous touch.

Ruby yr 8

At 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

This 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

I 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

How 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

I 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

How 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

I 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

I 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

This 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.