You might need to take a break with this book if you like YA horror, deadly nostalgia, generational curses, Midwest gothic vibes, maybe slightly haunted lakes.

It seems rather fitting that I would read a YA horror book about a vacation, while in fact on vacation. The vibes for bad creek are fantastic, there’s an eerie edge to it that sort of hovers over everything and a melancholy with knowing that there was a death the previous year.

Instead of staying in the typical murder mystery schemes, I liked the different twists and turns that Peyton added that made it unique and kept me enthralled with the book right up until the very end.

I received a gifted copy of this, all comments and thoughts are my own

Thank you Netgalley and W.W. Norton & Company for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Peyton June’s “Bad Creek” is a chilling and emotionally raw YA horror novel that focuses on grief, generational trauma, and the sinister legacy of privilege. With a tense and eerie atmosphere, the book follows three lifelong friends—Iris, Gum, and Aidan—as they struggle to process the loss of Iris’s sister, Glory, who drowned in the lake the previous summer. But as strange hauntings begin and secrets from the town’s past unravel, the trio realizes that Glory’s death is just one thread in a much darker history.

The supernatural elements in “Bad Creek” are deeply unsettling (in a good way), with genuine moments of horror that linger long after reading. The ghostly apparitions, the self-filling bathtub scene, and the eerie lake setting all contribute to an atmosphere of dread. June’s descriptions of Bad Creek are vivid, making the town itself feel like a living, breathing entity hiding unspeakable secrets.

Beyond the horror, the book explores weighty themes of repression, and the consequences of unchecked privilege. Gum’s struggle with his sexuality, particularly his fear of coming out in a small-town environment, is portrayed with heartbreaking realism. The story doesn’t shy away from depicting homophobia, adding to the book’s raw emotional depth. Meanwhile, the sinister legacy of powerful men conducting ritualistic sacrifices highlights themes of generational curses and the consequences of past sins. These men believe themselves to be chosen, yet their actions only bring suffering to innocent lives.

Iris’s relentless determination to uncover the truth behind Glory’s death—and the supernatural forces at play—leads her down an increasingly reckless path. Her willingness to offer herself to an unknown entity adds an extra layer of psychological horror. Aidan, dealing with the guilt of his final argument with Glory, brings another emotional dimension to the trio’s dynamic.

While some plot points could have been resolved more efficiently if characters simply communicated, such as the adults who were somewhat aware of the generational curse, the book ultimately delivers a powerful and satisfying conclusion. The ending offers a sense of closure, focusing on acceptance and hope, as the characters finally come together to move forward from Glory’s death.

Overall, “Bad Creek” is a gripping and vengeful debut that expertly blends horror with social commentary. It forces you to confront the real monsters—whether supernatural or human—lurking beneath the surface. Fans of atmospheric horror, generational curses, and stories that challenge societal norms will find “Bad Creek” an unforgettable read.

Bad Creek by Peyton June is one of the best books I've read this year so far. So so good. I couldn't stop reading this story. So so good.