“Shhh! Don’t Spread the Word!
What: Epic house party
When: Presidents’ Day weekend
Where: White Rock House on Henry Island
Why: Because if you miss this party you’ll regret it forever”

Bad adaptation. A lot of clichés and forgettable characters.
dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I just want to know what happened on homecoming night

This book was such a quick read! It's an older title that didn't seem to take off too much, but I think that this would make a fantastic movie! (I found a movie version, it is very different than the book and not worth the watch, FYI)
There were a few parts that seemed awkward and not seamless, but overall the story is very good and I'm glad I found it.
dark mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Ten by Gretchen McNeil is a fast-paced YA slasher mystery that pays clear homage to classic horror tropes, delivering enough suspense and twists to keep the pages turning. The setup is delightfully familiar—ten teens stranded on a remote island during a storm, only to be picked off one by one. McNeil effectively uses red herrings to build tension, and there are some genuinely creepy moments that capture the spirit of old-school horror.

That said, seasoned fans of the genre will likely see the big twist coming. Despite the well-placed misdirections, the “whodunit” and their motive become fairly obvious early on if you’ve watched or read a fair share of slashers. Still, this doesn’t detract too much from the overall enjoyment, especially when viewed through the lens of its intended audience.

For teens just dipping their toes into the world of horror and mystery, Ten is a solid and accessible introduction. It’s atmospheric, engaging, and delivers just the right amount of scares without going too far. A great gateway book for younger readers looking to explore darker genres.

📖 Ten by Gretchen McNeil
⭐️ 3.25/5 Stars
I’ve been stuck in a reading slump all month, but Ten was just the right pick to help ease me out of it. I’ve always had a soft spot for thrillers, and this one—clearly inspired by And Then There Were None, one of my all-time favorites—delivered the suspense I was craving. It kept me guessing the entire time, with each twist and every death pulling me deeper into the story. While it wasn’t a perfect read, it was fast-paced, fun, and just what I needed to shake off the slump.
medium-paced

Stupid dialogues and unrealistic reactions 
dark mysterious medium-paced
dark mysterious tense fast-paced

weird