Killer House Party by Lily Anderson
From Printz Honor winning author Lily Anderson comes a young adult horror that follows Arden and her three best friends as their graduation party at an abandoned mansion turns into a bloody fight for survival. Red Solo cups? Check. Snacks? Check. Abandoned mansion full of countless horrors that won’t let you leave? Check.The Deinhart Manor has been a looming shadow over town for as long as anyone can remember, and it’s been abandoned for even longer. When the final Deinhart descendent passes, the huge gothic manor is up for sale for the first time ever. Which means Arden can steal the keys from her mom’s real estate office…It’s time for a graduation party that no one will ever forget.Arden and her best friends Maddy, Remi, and Shane, each have different reasons for wanting to throw the party to end all parties. But when the manor doors bar everyone inside and the walls begin to bleed, all anyone wants to do is make it out alive.
This was a fun read. It definitely took a turn I didn’t see coming that was pretty unique. I’m still not sure how I feel about that though.
Arden (love this name), Maddy May, and Remi are best friends that just graduated. Arden’s plan was always to be a doctor. But she found out that her parents spent her college money on buying an old haunted mansion in town. They are also now getting divorced. Arden is upset and doesn’t want to be stuck in her town. Maddy May and Remi talk about how kids are paying $100 each to get into a no alcohol party the school is throwing. They figure Arden can do the same, but with alcohol. Arden’s never been to a party, but she has something no one else has. A house with a very haunted/murder history. They don’t really believe it’s haunted, but it is old and in need of a lot of work. It definitely gives the creepy feels. Lots of kids show up and then weird things start to happen. The door and windows won’t open. There is blood and ghostly hands coming out of the walls. Arden realizes that ghosts are real and they won’t let anyone leave the house now that they are there.
The book has some neat parts with the stories different people have told about the house and family over the years. I liked that Arden has body positive about her size. More of that is needed in books. And life in general. There were times that she annoyed me though. I really liked both Maddy May and Remi. Remi’s crush on Hannah was super cute. Arden’s sort of ex was also annoying, but I did like what he added to the story.
Overall, this was fun and hard to put down. The ending was what made me give this 4 stars instead of 5.
Thank you to Netgalley for my earc.
Have you read this? Is it on your TBR?
