Thank you Netgalley and Spooky Things Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Blood on the Boardwalk” is a fast-paced, atmospheric YA horror that explores vampires and ghosts all while having 90s-inspired teen horror vibes into one addictive read. Inspired by “The Lost Boys” and classic horror-comedy, Donna Taylor delivers a creepy, fun ride that will appeal to both new horror fans (mostly younger YA readers) and those nostalgic for the genre’s heyday.

At the center of the story is Jenna, a teen with the rare ability to see and communicate with ghosts; this is a gift that made her a school outcast after her former best friend, Georgie, exposed her trauma is seeing vampire fangs as a child. When Jenna stumbles across blood-drained bodies on the fog-covered boardwalk, she suspects something supernatural is at play. The town may be turning a blind eye to the rising body count (especially among homeless victims), but Jenna knows what she saw. Now caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a vampire serial killer and suspecting Georgie’s new boyfriend may be connected, Jenna must confront old traumas and unlikely allies to survive.

The book’s opening chapters are atmospheric and tense, with the eerie boardwalk setting playing a starring role. The scene where Jenna witnesses corpses levitating through the fog is particularly chilling and immediately sets the tone. Taylor excels at capturing the strange liminality of boardwalks after dark, turning them into the perfect hunting ground for creatures of the night.

The book also shines in its character work. The supporting cast, including Georgie and Conner, the snarky but supportive friend, bring humor, heart, and layered dynamics to the story. Georgie’s personal struggle as a new vampire trying to retain her humanity adds emotional weight, while a mysterious stranger has a playful yet mysterious presence hints at a deeper vampire-hunting world that begs to be explored in future installments.

One of the book’s more unique twists on vampire lore involves psychic links formed through bites, with vampires able to influence dreams—an unsettling and creative addition that adds to the stakes. However, while Jenna’s ghost-seeing ability initially adds intrigue (and a fun ghosts versus vampires angle), it unfortunately fades into the background as the story progresses. I wished this supernatural element had been more integral to solving the mystery or aiding Jenna in her fight.

There are moments of predictable plotting and some info-dumps near the end, but the pacing remains brisk and the action-packed climax delivers satisfying vampire-hunting thrills. The story wraps on a cliffhanger, leaving Jenna with a major decision and several unanswered questions, which sets the stage for future books in what promises to be a fun, nostalgic series.

Overall, “Blood on the Boardwalk” is a strong entry in the current YA horror revival. This book is perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries, reluctant heroes, and eerie coastal settings.

This was a great slasher it was gory and it had vibes of tastes like candy i actually was reminded of that as I read it. It's also decently a fast read