HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR MURDER by Danielle Valentine really was a fun teen slasher! I’d love to see it on the big screen!

After a knock on her head, Alice wakes up on Halloween night the year prior - the night of her sister’s murder. She realizes she has only until midnight to find the killer and keep her sister alive.

I listened to the audiobook and I’d highly recommend it! You can really see the scenes unfolding in front of you. Alice makes the usual mistakes you see in teen slashers and it does get annoying but it works for the story! And as with every YA horror/thriller I always wonder why they just never know how to explain/talk to cops! Or why their first instinct is not to take videos or pics since everyone has a cell phone handy at all times. But I’m probably doing the characters a disservice because it’s not like a normal occurrence to witness a murder. I’m sure maybe I’d behave the same exact way.

I did like the villainous twist at the end. It’s always so interesting to see people’s motives. Even some of the ghost face killer’s motives in the Scream movies were questionable at best but they still made for fun movies. The same for this book!

HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR MURDER is a tough book to review.

I’m a sucker for YA thrillers as you may know! There’s something about them that is so nostalgic to me. I love 90s slashers and this one has a ton of references!

I will say I did love 99% of this book. The ending though made me rage. I am still so damn mad about it. I hated it. I have never hated an ending of a book so much.
It honestly ruined it for me.
We got no answers.
I will forgive the author if we get a sequel.

Let’s ignore the ending for a bit and talk about the rest of the book.
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
The time travel twist was so good, I was not expecting that at all. It made the story even more captivating.

The audiobook was great, the narrator did a fantastic job! I recommend this format if you want something quick.

Overall I loved this book and I think everyone should read it. Be prepared to throw your book during the last two sentences.

This book was so fun! Oh my goodness! The perfect book for spooky season! it's a love letter to 90s horror movies and a really fun take on the final girl trope. It's grizzly, gory fun in the best, most entertaining way, and it really kept me guessing! Such a fun popcorn read! I loved every second!

Overall I thought this was a clever premise, but the writing style ended up annoying me more than anything. It's also one of those books I found myself drifting off while reading, as if I couldn't really focus on it because my mind was going other places. It just didn't grip me.

How to Survive Your Murder channels the feeling of watching a slasher movie into a reading experience almost seamlessly. Inventive, funny, and with a brilliant timeloop twist this is one of the most fun and engaging YA Horror reads of 2022

Reivew published on Goodreads, 4 June 2022:

While HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR MURDER was probably not the best book to read late at night in a hotel room by myself, I enjoyed it overall. The novel's cover and plot summary gave me A GOOD GIRL'S GUIDE TO MURDER vibes, which is apt in some ways and not in others. This book is much darker and gorier, which makes sense since it's basically a love letter to slasher movies. Not surprisingly, Alice spends a lot of the book playing cat-and-mouse with the killer, which keeps the story moving. Still, I would have preferred less running and screaming and more development of the mystery and the characters. Because of this lack, the story feels thin and rushed. The time slip aspect of the novel helps it feel original and leads to an unexpected plot twist at the end of the story, which I enjoyed. All in all, then, this is one of those liked-it-didn't-love-it reads. If I could, I would give it 3 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.

This was the perfect young adult slasher! I loved that it also went darker than I expected at times. I loved how the main character was obsessed with true crime, but once her sister was murdered she saw the darker side of it. The fall vibes were great and reminded me so much of all the classic slashers. I could not put this book down because I was so invested in what happened next. There was a plot point that was introduced that I would have loved to see resolved better. This plot point was a serious issue, but I feel like there really wasn't any resolution to it. I prefer a nice closed ending, and this book actually had a more open ending. However, I enjoyed the whole book so much that I wasn't going to let the ending ruin the 5 star rating!

Gripping, horrifying, suspenseful—you’ll be afraid to turn the next page of How to Survive Your Murder. Slasher movie fans are going to absolutely devour this book.

Well I have heard of Danielle Valentine and it’s no wonder! This author is damn good at what she does. It can be hard to get as invested into a YA thriller as an adult thriller. The characters can feel farther away because they’re younger and the threat doesn’t always hang as heavy. But not with this book! I was staying up late into the night, hardly daring to breathe as I started each new chapter.

Alice Lawrence is the only witness to her sister’s murder. Everything fell apart after her sister’s death: her friendships, her parents’ marriage, her grades and future ambitions. All she has left her confidence in what she saw: the identity of the man who killed her sister. A year after her the murder, Alice's testimony is being called into court against the killer. On the first day of trial Alice is knocked out in the bathroom and when she wakes up it is Halloween a year earlier and her sister is still alive. Alice has a chance to save her sister’s life, but at what cost?

Valentine fills up a scene with suspense like a fog machine, it creeps up on you until you're coated in it. You’ll be reading and suddenly your heart is hammering right alongside Alice’s. The descriptions are so tangible I quickly felt like I was watching a really darn movie. Nothing is lacking when it comes to the fear in this story. Every sense is shown, not stated. Each sentence layers on the suspense until you’re buried in it. I’ve rarely felt so immersed in someone’s terror and I loved every second of it.

Admittedly I am rubbish at guessing the whodunnit but still no way did I see that ending coming. I seriously want a sequel to this and that’s how I know it ended well.

A glowing 5 stars for the best YA thriller out there!

How to Survive Your Murder is a twisty bloody slasher. Although the main character is incredibly frustrating, everything else is so freaking good. This is how you do YA horror!

I absolutely loved this book!! If you haven't read it please
do, you will meet your new favorite book!
I love the characters and following Alice through this
slasher mystery! I was rooting for all the characters and
genuinely surprised by the end even though I had a
feeling who the killer was.
My favorite Halloween movie is scream and because of
that I loved it so much all the horror movie references
were perfect!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me
an ARC in exchange for an honest view.

Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
TW: death, violence & gore, grief, and discussions on racism

“I want to see lives ruined. People destroyed. I want to listen to other people screaming. It’s the only time I can drown out the screams still echoing through my head.”

Alice Lawrence is the sole witness in her sister’s murder trial. And in the year since Claire’s death, Alice’s life has completely fallen apart. On the first day of the murder trial, as Alice prepares to give her testimony, she is knocked out by a Sidney Prescott look-alike in the courthouse bathroom. When she wakes up, it is Halloween night a year earlier, the same day Claire was murdered. Alice has until midnight to save her sister and find the real killer before he claims another victim.

THIS BOOK!! Talk about unexpected twists!! Thrilling, fast-paced, and even a bit funny this story was exactly what my horror loving heart wanted! As a final girl & 90’s horror movies enthusiast, I loved how this movie felt like a classic 90’s slasher! The plot, the characters, the writing… it was all beautifully done! I truly wish I would reread this one over again! The end of this book, absolutely perfect in every single way!! Definitely add this one to your spooky season TBR!!

I recommend this one to anyone looking for an incredibly entertaining horror novel that will keep you hooked, fans “Crown in a Cornfield” and “Happy Death Day,” and those who appreciate the final girl trope and classic horror movies!

You couldn’t possibly get more “my type” than a book called How To Survive Your Murder that falls into the mystery and YA Fiction genres. It was like it was built for me. What intrigued me the most though was that this book had a little twist… time travel possibly? Now I am not much for science fiction, but this was an interesting twist and right away I was interested.


I think my favorite part about this book is that I could literally see it playing out on a big screen too. Not that a book should automatically be considered a movie, but it was like it was playing out in my head on a screen. Which means the author really got me INTO the book. I felt like I was there and created this world I fell right into. The character Allie was a fun one. I really liked her personality. Obsessed with true crime, suspicious of everyone, and yet terrified of real life horror. Allie and I could definitely be friends. Claire on the other hand was definitely not my type. She was polar opposite of Allie and yet the two were the perfect sisters, always backing each other up.

The only thing keeping me from giving this book a five star was the ending. It was so abrupt and left a lot of questions. I don’t have to fee like a story wraps up nicely, but I do want some form of closure in a book and this one blew the opening wide and left me kind of in shock. Now, I will give it credit to the fact that I did not see it coming at all! It was insane. My mouth literally dropped on the last page. Valentine sure does know how to hit that climax and then leave you stunned. I just wish it hadn’t left me so… needing more. Maybe this isn’t a huge issue. Maybe it’s because I need more? A sequel possibly? That sounds perfect. Here’s to hoping Danielle Valentine can write me a sequel.


This all summarizes into How to Survive Your Murder being a great mystery with twists and turns and kept me guessing the entire book. I think I suspected everyone at least once. If you love a good YA mystery then this book is for you. Grab a copy instantly! You will not be disappointed!

I love a good thriller, especially close to the spooky season. this is great for thriller lovers. I enjoyed the plot, the characters took a bit to grow on me but I ended up really connecting with them. The twists and turns of this story had me hanging on to my seat. I look forward to reading more by this author.

This is a tough one for me.
I read a lot of Young Adult thrillers and horror books, so maybe that's where my problem comes from?!
Let's start with the good aspects:
+ The writing style was good.
+ The characters quite likeable.
+ The references to the slasher movies were very appealing at the beginning.

What leaves me undecided:
Over time, there were just too many references to horror movies, so at some point it was distracting and often, unfortunately, unnecessary for the story.

What I unfortunately did not like at all:
The plot was very weak and unbelievably transparent.

After the first chapter I already had a strong suspicion who the murderer is and what will happen. After 20% of the book I was completely sure of it. This lowered my enjoyment massively, but I hoped I might be wrong and everything would be different in the end. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. It came exactly as expected - and ended in huge disappointment, because the plot/perpetrator was painfully obvious - right from the first chapter. So from a certain point of the read I had to really force myself to read on.

Maybe it surprises some readers after all, and then the book is quite good, I think.
But those who guess the very simple, transparent plot early on (like me), will probably be rather disappointed.

okay this was interesting, one of the first of this kind of thriller type for YA that i’ve read in a while and it’s refreshing. it was QUITE the crazy ride, let me tell you, i was on the edge of my seat!

HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR MURDER just swooped it to take the place of top read in 2022 for me!

From the momentI started reading this book I was hooked in the same way you watch an amazing horror movie that you can’t look away from. There are moments that make you cringe, moments that make you laugh, and moments that make you scream “don’t go in the basement”! HOW TO SURVIVE YOUR MURDER oozes in Scream-vibes, taking all the parts we love from that movie and others like it and putting a modern twist on the horrors of a Halloween night gone wrong.

Just like in the best horror movies, I suspected everyone of being the killer at least once! While I was able to piece together what was happening before the big reveal, it didn’t stop that moment from making me want to clap my hands. Valentine’s writing is simply addictive in the way it draws you into the story and steals all of your attention.

I could gush about how much I loved this book for ages! If you’re looking for a fun and addictive horror read that serves up a major dose of nostalgia, while shouting out all of the best horror movies, you’re gonna need to run and get a copy of this book now!

A huge thank you to Razorbill and Penguin Teen for my gifted copy!

I love love Horror Movies, do I loved the chance to check out How to Survive Your Murder. The story was very engaging at first and hit a lull toward the middle, but thankfully picked up towards the end. It's definitely worth sticking with throughout, and the references are SO much fun for horror fans. I found the killer to be a little predictable, but the ending still SHOCKED me.

Such a great spooky season read, and will be insisting my little book club join in!

3.5 ⭐️

🔘 First for all, I was clearly not the right audience for this book. I think it’s geared towards those who love slasher movies, and to a younger (YA)audience. With #yabooks it can be a hit or miss for me depending on whether they are written for a more adult or younger audience. And that’s ok😃⁣
✔️ the overall story is enjoyable; the plot twist at the end is pretty good (that’s what got the last half star from me !)

I got 15% into this and did not vibe with the authors writing style. Bummer for me since I usually love this genre!

Picture the slasher horror movies of old, or even new, with nail biting cornfield chases, hair raising coincidences, creepy dark corners and an increasingly terrifying whodunnit mystery. How to Survive Your Murder pays homage the classic slasher film complete with a Final Girl. Alice is the sole witness to her sister, Claire’s murder and in the wake of tragedy, Alice’s life and her family has completely fallen apart. On the first day of the murder trial, Alice is set to testify against (insert character name, Owen?) when she is knocked out by a Sidney Prescott-lookalike in the courthouse bathroom. When Alice awakes, she is transported back in time to the day of Claire’s murder. This is her chance to make things right! But the Sidney Prescott-lookalike tells Alice she only has until midnight to uncover the truth and save her sister’s life and the deeper Alice digs into the mystery, the more she begins to realise that there is a certain comfort in not knowing.

I’ve never been one for horror movies, regardless of whether it’s a slasher, psycho thriller or straight up paranormal but the one thing that has fascinated me the most about horror films is the concept of the final girl and the order of deaths. It’s so cool that even the scariest of films are so formulaic. I unfortunately did not get most of the references in How to Survive Your Murder such as the Sidney Prescott-lookalike and the Halloween theme song and the constant references to Scream. But, I enjoyed it nonetheless! Mostly because there wasn’t any creepy music or jump scares to scare the living wits out of me.

How to Survive Your Murder takes you on an incredible ride from plot twist to plot twist, all the while the frenetic energy of the midnight deadline inches closer. Danielle Valentine is a fantastic writer in that they were able to recreate the dark, menacing atmosphere of slasher films so much so that I felt I was watching a movie in my head. The tension and palpable fear of the characters is fantastic as they tiptoed into dark rooms with bated breath and peered around suspicious corridors. I could feel Alice’s anxiety and helplessness as she struggles to save the victims from the suspected murderer and I was constantly screaming (in my head, of course!) at Alice to stop making stupid decisions. I also really loved that when she does make stupid decisions, she owns up to it and scolds herself for making them, even though she and her friends are horror film connoisseurs and should know better. I just can’t get enough of how well-written this book is!

I also really loved how youthful the characters’ voices are. Most of the time, I feel authors aren’t able to capture the experience of teenagers but the characters in How to Survive Your Murder all feel age appropriate. I also really loved that Valentine did not shy away from the gore and brutality of the genre; they’re all described in horrific and vivid detail. It truly captured the essence of the 90s slasher film.

But, I wish scenes had been longer because some of the plots and settings were too rushed. Readers barely had time to adjust and digest the scene and information, especially when important details are being revealed. The dizziness of the scene changes probably contributed to the sense of urgency, anxiety and helplessness. And while this pacing may work for a visual format, the written form requires a different approach. I think characterisation and motivations would have been clearer if there was more time given to character introspection and for Alice to process everything going on. Even in the visual form, there are low energy points in the pacing to give time for a scene to build in intensity.

Please skip this section if you don’t want How to Survive Your Murder to be spoiled. It’s not a major spoiler but for some, may ruin the anticipation and reading experience.
Spoiler Section

While a lot of reviews on Goodreads say that the ending absolutely ruins the entire book for them, I beg to differ. I saw the ending coming from a mile away but the reveal was perfection. Only just some of the character motivation seemed a little murky and implausible but that’s a slasher film for you. It gave me Final Destination vibes, if you know, you know. Also, once you’re done reading, you’ll sort of under the title of the book.

Spoiler Sections Ends

Did I Enjoy It?: Conclusion

Perhaps if you’re really into the horror or slasher genre, this book may not be for you as it reads exactly like a play by play of a typical slasher film. It’s deceptively simple in all of its aspects but as someone who does not enjoy this type of genre, this was so enjoyable and I finished it in a single sitting. It was very well-written, atmospheric and kept me on the edge of my seat. I’d definitely recommend it if you love old school slasher films.