2 stars

Twenty years ago actress Ella Winters was riding high on her fame as the final girl in cult classic “Grad Night” (which, if I’m being honest, sounds like a truly terrible horror movie that might have been plotted by your average fifth grader…not even a gifted fifth grader, mind you.) Something happened during filing that Ella and her costars agreed to keep secret. After a few more years in Hollywood and about six years on a TV show Ella left the business to care for her sick mother.

Now Ella wants to return to the business and her agent, Fiona has convinced her that the best way to do so is to agree to a “Grad Night” reunion with her surviving three costars and their director. They are going to return to the original location, a cabin in rural Tennessee and this is Ella’s first time seeing the group, including Leo, her former boyfriend, in twenty years. But then the scariness starts…are the former stars doomed?

Honestly, I didn’t care what happened to any of them, so (shoulder shrug.) Again, there’s no way this awful movie was loved by anyone (why? Because it had a couple of sex scenes in it? Um, welcome to every scary movie?) and the entire story was dull and contrived. There’s just nothing to like here, sorry. Give it a miss. It gets a star because it’s not badly written.

I enjoyed this thriller a lot! I'm a fan of typical horror/slasher films and this gave similar vibes. Felt some of it was predictable and a bit slow at times, however it was still enjoyable to read!

If you're a fan of 90s slasher flicks, then this one’s totally up your alley! Picture this: an actress, once Hollywood's "It Girl," returns to the scene 20 years after surviving a horror movie... only for life to start imitating art in the creepiest way possible. It’s got all the makings of a cult classic, with plenty of twists, suspense, and a sprinkle of nostalgia. The vibe definitely screams Scream and I Know What You Did Last Summer—super fun!

The pacing might feel a bit slow at first (trust me, it picks up), but the last part? Totally worth it. The twist? Didn't see it coming at all. I love when that happens! The alternating timelines between the past and present really give you that old-school slasher movie feel, while the script inserts are a nice touch, making the whole experience feel like you're watching the horror unfold in real-time.

Overall, it’s a solid, spooky read perfect for fans who crave a little bit of camp with their horror. It's an easy, entertaining way to get your slasher fix without being too over-the-top.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

This was such a fun thriller! It's a perfect read for people who loved horror films in the 90s. It's giving such nostalgic vibes. I did not see ANY of the twists in this book coming. That's rare for me in a thriller so I ate that up. I love how Miranda Smith writes fast-paced thrillers that must be devoured.

Ehhhhh... Are thrillers in general just getting more blase, or is it my taste, or do I just read too many? This had a lot of things going for it that I thought I would like such as the film references, the multiple timelines, the light mixed media... but it just ended up being whatever. There wasn’t anything particularly special about the writing, and the themes about the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood just felt so heavy-handed. The commentary is good and spot on, but I’m finding the more often I read books that feel heavy-handed, the more annoyed I am, even if I agree with the criticisms the author is making. This book was absolutely fine... It’ll be a fine straight-to-streaming movie someday.

Some “If you liked” style comparisons: Any 90's/2000's Slasher Flick would be relevant here... and it will reference them too.

Warning: If you are someone who needs content warnings, you will want to look them up for this book.

4 stars- this one kept me on my toes! between dual timelines and twists throughout the book, this one held my interest. thanks netgalley & the publisher for the ARC in exchange for honest review

Smile For the Cameras is a must read for all fans of 90s slasher horror films. I must admit that I never saw any of those movies. However, while this book was a slow burn at first, it picked up and was engaging and full of tension. Ella was the star and “final girl” for the Grad Night franchise, reluctantly agreeing to gather with the gang for a reunion documentary. For reasons revealed later and excruciatingly slowly, Ella is convinced by her manager to confront her fears in recalling the horrors of that original shoot. Told in alternating timelines, past and present, the author also inserts pieces of the original screenplay. The final part of the book is worth the wait, with several unexpected good twists. With thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this ARC. My opinions are my own.

Grad Night - a popular horror movie from 20 years ago is planning their reunion and the original cast is hoping to keep their secrets buried. We get a glimpse into the script from the original movie which feels like you are right there with the cast. Not all went according to plan during the original movie filming, and during the reunion filming, secrets threaten to be dug up. Excellent read. Very compelling, and kept me wanting to know what happens next. As someone who wishes she liked horror movies, this book is the perfect mix.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review.



Warning: Contains Spoilers



Ella is a former actress looking to break back into the entertainment business after her mother dies. The only catch is that she needs to attend the reunion of a slasher movie she did 20 years ago. There she reunites with her former cast to begin the weekend, only old secrets begin to surface. A deadly secret Ella and her cast mates share resurfaces, and people start dying in ways similar to those in their slasher movie, Grad Night. Ella needs to figure out if she will let the killer and guilt get to her or reprise her role as the Final Girl.



The book is told in three different ways: Then, Now, and the script of the movie the book is based on. At first, I thought I wasn't going to like it that way, that there could be some confusion with the story and timeline. But that wasn't the case. It was necessary for the story, especially when people start dying the way the deaths happened in the movie. Very well done.



What I loved most about this book was how it read. The characters were good, yes. I cared about Ella. I felt connected to Ella, especially with her anxiety. Even that wasn't the best part. The book read like a slasher movie. A campy, somewhat predictable (not a bad thing, plus there are some surprises) slasher movie we all know and love. Not to mention the nostalgia factor. Us horror buffs often wish for reunions or reboots (if done right) of our favorite horror movies and/or franchises (I'm looking at you, Nightmare on Elm Street). And you can clearly see the movies that the author borrowed ideas from. If the author isn't a horror fan, I'd honestly be surprised.



The book was a fun and quick read. Perfect for any horror fan, but especially those who are fond of slasher flicks. Do yourselves a favor this summer and get yourselves a copy of this book. I know I will. I plan on giving this another read over the summer by the fire pit before I settle in for a Friday the 13th marathon.



5/5

very well-written and well-done slasher movie thriller with some interesting twists and reveals and a compelling protag. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

⭐️⭐️ out of 5 Stars!

Twenty years ago, Ella was the Final Girl of Grad Night, a cult-classic slasher film. Now, the cast is reuniting—but it’s the last thing she wants. While the movie launched her career, she’s spent the past few years caring for her ailing mother and trying to forget the horrors that unfolded on set.

But when her manager, Fiona, convinces her that joining a highly anticipated documentary could reignite her career, Ella reluctantly returns to the remote filming location.

She expected nostalgia. She expected old faces. But she wasn’t prepared for the ghosts of her past—both real and imagined.

They survived once.

Will they survive again?



If this were my first introduction to the genre, I might have rated it higher. However, as someone who regularly reads books like this, it fell a bit flat. There were moments where the story felt like it was about to take off, but the forgetful, almost disjointed, narrative style made it difficult to connect with the characters.

The '90s campy vibe was strong, and while it worked well in some areas, in others, it felt more like unintentional cheesiness rather than charming nostalgia. That said, the book has real potential to be a fun, campy throwback—if it’s fine-tuned for better balance. Alternatively, leaning fully into a satirical approach could make it shine even more.

Thank you Netgalley For the ARC read, this does release in June of 2025.

Lights, camera, terror! Smile for the Cameras by Miranda Smith is a horror novel that will chill your spine, tingle your senses, and plant seeds for nightmares in your mind. From the very first page, Smith throws readers into a world of flashing lights, eerie shadows, and something lurking just out of frame. This isn’t just a novel, it’s a full-fledged cinematic horror experience, packed with slasher-film thrills and enough suspense to make your pulse pound like a runaway drum solo.

The plotting is taut-as-a-tightrope, with breakneck pacing that delivers moments of pure breathlessness to its readers. Just when you think you’ve caught your breath, WHAM!, another twist sends you reeling.

Fans of slasher films will eat this one whole, reveling in all the nostalgic vibes of their favorite cinematic creepshows. But even if you’re not a horror movie fanatic, movie buffs of all stripes will appreciate the stylistic flourishes that make every scene leap off the page. Smith doesn’t just write horror, she directs it, crafting a story that feels like a lost ‘90s cult classic brought to life in prose.

But beware: this book plays tricks on you. Don’t get too comfortable in your theories, because Smith is a master of misdirection. You don’t know what you think you know.

So, lock the doors, grab a warm beverage, and snuggle into your favorite reading chair. Get cozy. Once the tension grabs hold, you won’t be able to look away. Smile for the Cameras is a roller coaster of fun, with thrills, chills, and a finale that will leave you on the floor.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5/5 stars)

This book is like that summer slasher flick you can’t help but watch—except the popcorn isn’t as satisfying as you hoped, and the jump scares aren’t as heart-pounding as the trailer promised. That said, it’s still a great way to kill a few hours, especially if you enjoy a psychological thriller with a dash of retro horror references.

The story centers around Ella Winters, a one-time “it girl” who survived a cult-classic slasher movie called Grad Night. Flash forward two decades, and Ella’s re-entering Hollywood to participate in a reunion documentary. The catch? Someone—or something—seems to be recreating the gruesome deaths of the film’s characters, but this time for real. Think Scream meets Friday the 13th with a sprinkling of Cabin in the Woods vibes. Except with fewer blood splatters and more “Oooh, who’s behind the mask?” moments. You won’t be covering your eyes, but you will probably be raised an eyebrow or two.

The writing style is engaging enough to make you want to keep reading—just the right mix of suspense and mild dread without crossing into full-on horror territory. If you’re looking for a slasher with deep philosophical musings or thought-provoking commentary, this isn’t the book for you. But if you want something quick, snappy, and sprinkled with a healthy dose of pop culture humor, this will hit the spot.

Ella’s character was a bit of a mixed bag—at times she felt like the jaded actress with a secret, and other times she was a bit too predictable in her reactions. But let’s be real: she’s basically living every horror movie trope, and we all know those are impossible to avoid without a few terrible decisions along the way.

The pacing is solid; it’s like a quick jog through a haunted house—nothing too taxing, but you’re still entertained. The “whodunit” keeps you intrigued, even if the clues are a little too conveniently placed for anyone who’s seen one too many of these films. The climax? Meh, it delivers, but don’t expect any wild revelations.

In the end, this book is perfect for a breezy day by the pool when you’re craving a bit of fun, a sprinkle of suspense, and a mild dose of “Wait, what just happened?” Smile for the Cameras doesn’t reinvent the genre, but it certainly knows how to entertain.

Would I read it again? Eh, probably not. But would I recommend it to a friend who’s in the mood for some horror-lite fun? Absolutely. Just don’t expect a masterpiece—it’s more of a popcorn flick for your brain.

I was excited for this one! The concept and book cover drew me in. However, it just didn't resonate with me. I found myself bored halfway through and not invested in any of the characters. The big reveal left me scratching my head.....not because I didn't understand it but because I didn't like it.

I still gave it a 2 🌟 because it was an easy read and a good concept. It just fell a little flat for me 🤷‍♀️

Smile for the Cameras by Miranda Smith is a fast-paced, nostalgic thriller that’s perfect for fans of 90s slasher films. The story follows Ella, the "Final Girl" from the cult classic Grad Night, who is reluctantly reunited with her former castmates 20 years later for a documentary. While Ella hopes to move on from the trauma of her past, the isolated set soon brings back haunting memories—and new dangers.

Told through alternating timelines and interspersed with scenes from the original movie’s script, the book cleverly builds suspense and keeps the reader guessing. The first half can feel a bit slow, as it teases out the past without fully revealing the dark secrets of what happened on set. But once the action picks up in the final 25%, the twists and revelations hit hard, making the payoff well worth the wait.

Though the pacing falters at times, the atmospheric setting and unpredictable twists keep you hooked. Ella’s character grows on you, and by the end, her journey is both gripping and satisfying. The writing is sharp, and the unique structure adds an immersive, cinematic touch. Fans of twisty thrillers and nostalgic slasher films won’t want to miss this one—it’s a quick, engaging read with a fantastic, unpredictable ending.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was the slasher book of my DREAMS! It was like Friday the 13th, scream 3, and I know what you did last summer rolled into one marvelous book! Slice & dice, unreliable narrator, locked door location, and I twist I wasn’t even CLOSE to guessing! ugh this was SO GOOD.

I definitely enjoyed this book because I love all things slasher movies. This was a cast of people who were working on a 90s slasher film, and there was a horrible secret they held between them. Fast forward to the present and they all gather in a cabin in Tennessee for a reunion, but the cast members start dying off like they did in the movie. Their secret is out. While the beginning was a bit slow, it did pick up and the twists were fabulous. A great thriller read!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC before its publication in June 2025. I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I loved how the chapters seamlessly alternated between the present day and the past during the movie’s filming, adding depth to the story. Including the script from the original ‘90s slasher film was a fantastic touch. The short chapters made for a fast-paced read, but it was around the 48% mark that I was completely hooked—I couldn’t put it down! The first major twist was so unexpected that I went back to reread, convinced I had missed something, only to realize it was a genuine, well-executed surprise. The final twists left me absolutely stunned. I truly admire the author’s unique writing style and her ability to keep me guessing. Some characters genuinely made my skin crawl, adding to the eerie atmosphere. I highly recommend this book to fans of shocking twists and classic ‘90s slasher films! I'm eagerly anticipating the final publication in June 2025! I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy—especially a signed one by the author.

Unfortunately this book just didn’t work for me. The writing was very basic and I didn’t like any of the characters. The twists and reveals were not hard to figure out.

Engaging, entertaining, and atmospheric. A recommended first purchase for collections where horror is popular.