Only someone as conversant in horror tropes as Grady Hendrix could bring us a horror novel that's both a loving critique of the genre and an expansion of its possibilities. Focused on the plight of several "Final Girls" from different real life murders that were made into horror series, the novel explores our collective attraction to the survivors of these gruesome stories and asks what survival means if you're never free of the past. In true Grady Hendrix fashion, the novel is equal parts humor and pathos, invitation and indictment. The monsters, as always, are us, but so too are the heroes. Women's friendships and networks of care are the weapons of survival in Grady Hendrix's stories and that is what makes him one of the most interesting and exciting writers in the genre today.

I would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have been a huge fan of Grady Hendrix since I first found Paperbacks from Hell and went back and read his novels, they never disappoint. This is another great read, not to be confused with Riley Sager’s Final Girls, this is its own book. Grady takes you on a wild ride with plot twists and turns right from the beginning. This book captured my interest right from the start and I couldn’t put it down. With an interesting cast of “broken” women who have fought to survive after tragedy struck, this book will have you along for their wild ride.

Fourth time is the charm for myself and Grady Hendrix. I enjoyed his other novels enough, but wasn't blown away by them. Well, this time I'm blown away. Like his other novels, this one includes a cast of flawed characters who aren't necessarily likeable. However, by the end I was rooting for every single one of the protagonists in all their damaged glory. I loved the nods to tropes and famous slasher stories, just enough nostalgia for this horror fan. I would highly recommend this one, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars.

While I really enjoyed this book, it should come with a warning for those with weak stomachs. The descriptions of crime scenes are bloody and will absolutely turn your stomach. That said, I really had a good time reading this. I think it was fun that the backstories of the actual Final Girls seemed to be based on movie plots. That was an interesting addition. (Ex: Halloween, Scream; the place of the final showdown was named Camp Red Lake- a play in Camp Crystal Lake? ) There was no shortage of excitement and twists, and I had a hard time putting this one down. Sure to be a best seller.

#TheFinalGirlSupportGroup
#MustRead2021
First let me say thank you so much for the E-arc copy of this book!!! So much!
The first time I read Grady Hendrix was his last book The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, which was wonderfully creepy! I knew that I had to read this one when I saw it available on NetGalley.
The Final Girl Support Group brings the sh*t to the table. It is a dark, thrilling suspense filled novel that twists and spins your head. The characters are fascinating women with dark pasts and harden lives. The plot of this novel though makes me giddy. I started it one day and stopped but I kept going back to it in little times. Finally, I just had to stay up all night and let it engulf me. It did too. I page turned until the terrifing end and let me tell you it was worth it! It is a Must Read!

By now, we all know the final girl is the one who survives the lunatic killer at the summer camp or the creepy abandoned house. She’s the innocent ingenue, more interested in books than boys. In real life, the final girl’s life goes on long after the media sensation dies away, then what? Lynette survived a horrific ordeal 22 years ago and it still affects her every single day; that’s why she and five other final girls have formed a support group where they share their fears and survivor’s guilt. The one day, one of the women doesn’t show up and Lynette worries her greatest fear has come true and that someone has discovered their little group, someone who intends to be sure there are no more final girls. Chilling

Like all of Grady Hendrix's books, I was totally enraptured by TFGSG and read it in one sitting. It was engrossing and thrilling and violent, but kind of lacked the Grady Hendrix magic!

Of his books that I've read, it's the first non-paranormal title, and I think that's just where he shines. By saying "what if slasher franchises were based on real murders?" it really changed the vibe of the book. TFGSG had sort of layers of Final Girls getting their revenge / poking fun at the trope / questioning why we love to watch women getting murdered in movies...but the experience ended up being more stressful than terrifying.

But! It's still Grady Hendrix and I will recommend this book to all horror + eighties nostalgia fans.