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Rewind or Die #18
Dead Eyes
On June 4, 1966, “Dead-Eye” Dave Darrow murdered and mutilated a group of teenagers at hisfamily’s home. His sister’s disappearance, his subsequent escape from the asylum, and a slew ofdeaths and missing persons surrounding the home have given birth to some wild local theories.Twenty years later, Lisa Thompson needs to finish her exposé on the infamous Darrow story toensure her full ride scholarship to U.C. Berkley’s School of Journalism. But the problem is, shedoesn’t have a killer ending.The girl moving in to the Darrow’s old place could be Lisa’s lucky break. But new blood in thehouse and Lisa’s research awaken something or someone evil and murders begin anew inspectacular fashion.Will Lisa uncover the truth within the Darrow house, or will she and her friends die trying?
116 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 1, 2024
First, the negatives, which is the opposite of how I usually craft my reviews. I really didn’t care for the info dump that happened during chapters 3 and 4. The premise for the antagonists, The Darrows, wasn’t bad at all, but I feel like there could have been much more creative ways to weave the troubled family’s history into the story. Instead, there were just two chapters worth of articles and interviews, which was very underwhelming. It also sort of gave too many hints to what the eventual conclusion was going to be. And, while I sometimes enjoy callbacks to famous horror films, the overuse of so many references really became too much. Beyond that, the book focused way too much on trying to uphold older horror film lore and not enough etching out its own individuality. And that was the biggest flaw for me. As a huge, gigantic mark for 80s horror, I found much more to take issue with here than enjoy, which should speak volumes. There was nothing unique here and it’s a shame because there were a ton of opportunities to do so. The author brought a lot of enthusiasm to this story, which made it fun to read, but nothing else came together.
April 9, 2021
Dead Eyes is a gory, fun read in the Rewind or Die series. I would love to see these 80’s themed novellas turned into films. There is such cheesy goodness to behold. But for now, we have these great books that don’t take things too seriously and that is perfectly fine by me.
Lisa is a teen writing a story for a college scholarship about the funeral home across the street. Many years earlier it was the scene of a massacre and has since remained empty until now . . . She spies a mother and her teen daughter moving in and wastes zero time getting to know Trisha and weaseling her way into the home. Who can blame her? I’d need to snoop it for myself too! Don’t even tell me you wouldn’t!
There’s a lot of fun stuff going on here plotwise including a creepy as hell murder house, mismatched but somehow still perfectly matched friendships, a mystery to solve, some bloody revenge, and enough EYEBALLS for everybody! It’s all here and it’s all incredibly amusing.
The characters are well written, sometimes they’re aggravating dumbasses (as they need to be here), and our main character Lisa has a great handle on sarcasm. The author uses 80’s references and tropes in the best way, often teasingly poking fun at them instead of throwing them at the reader.
“Did these fools know how much of a cliche they were?”
I may have guessed one of the secrets early on but that doesn’t take away from the joy of watching this all play out. If you’re a fan of 80’s slashers you shouldn’t miss this one!
Lisa is a teen writing a story for a college scholarship about the funeral home across the street. Many years earlier it was the scene of a massacre and has since remained empty until now . . . She spies a mother and her teen daughter moving in and wastes zero time getting to know Trisha and weaseling her way into the home. Who can blame her? I’d need to snoop it for myself too! Don’t even tell me you wouldn’t!
There’s a lot of fun stuff going on here plotwise including a creepy as hell murder house, mismatched but somehow still perfectly matched friendships, a mystery to solve, some bloody revenge, and enough EYEBALLS for everybody! It’s all here and it’s all incredibly amusing.
The characters are well written, sometimes they’re aggravating dumbasses (as they need to be here), and our main character Lisa has a great handle on sarcasm. The author uses 80’s references and tropes in the best way, often teasingly poking fun at them instead of throwing them at the reader.
“Did these fools know how much of a cliche they were?”
I may have guessed one of the secrets early on but that doesn’t take away from the joy of watching this all play out. If you’re a fan of 80’s slashers you shouldn’t miss this one!
January 18, 2021
‘The Breakfast Club’ meets ‘Nightmare’
When I review a new book, I like to try and pick two films to compare it to, to give you a ballpark idea of what to expect from it, and to provide a quick and easy reference to gauge whether it’s something you want to read. I don’t do it for all my reviews but if I can think of a good comparison, it’s a fun tool to use. When it came to ‘Dead Eyes’, book 18 in Unnerving’s Rewind or Die series, SO MANY sprang to mind! Just a few that didn’t make the cut are;
1. ‘Carrie’ meets ‘Maniac’
2. ‘Clueless’ meets ‘The House on Sorority Row’
3. Wes Craven’s Nancy Drew
4. ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ meets ‘Funhouse’
‘Dead Eyes’ is such a joyous ode to 80s cinema that its influences are numerous and worn proudly on its sleeve. Even a casual film fan will spot dozens of subtle nods, fun homages and overt references to many classic movies of the era.
Lisa is a budding journalist, finishing her final year of high school in a town with a bloody history. She is working on an article on the infamous Darrow Funeral Home murders, which she hopes will be enough to earn her a scholarship in a prestigious college next year. When a new girl and her mother move into the now legendary murder house, Lisa is quick to befriend her, unable to resist the opportunity to finally get inside the house and find that missing piece to the puzzle that will complete her research. Lisa soon finds out, however, that the local legends of the Darrow house may have more truth to them than she thought and instead of solving the murders, she may well become the next victim.
A lot of the book plays out at a high school, with all the usual cliques and clubs present and accounted for. There is a huge cast of characters, including the popular kids (referred to here as the ‘richies’), the jocks, the new kid, the horror obsessed outcasts, and the ‘normals’, like Lisa, who is our narrator in the story. The article on the Darrow murders that she is writing is cleverly used within the story to relay all the relevant background of the town and its history in an interesting and organic way, without the need for characters clumsily reciting dialogue to fill us in.
It is impressive quite how much Knight manages to pack into a 73-page novella. We’re presented with an intriguing mystery linked to a missing family, a sprawling cast of memorable characters and some gruesome set pieces, all of which build up to a franticly paced finale that rivals any 80s slasher you care to name in terms of over the top and inventive deaths.
‘Dead Eyes’ is pure 80s horror entertainment, elevated by relatable characters and a creative premise, it was an absolute joy to read, and one that you won’t be able to resist devouring in a single sitting.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
When I review a new book, I like to try and pick two films to compare it to, to give you a ballpark idea of what to expect from it, and to provide a quick and easy reference to gauge whether it’s something you want to read. I don’t do it for all my reviews but if I can think of a good comparison, it’s a fun tool to use. When it came to ‘Dead Eyes’, book 18 in Unnerving’s Rewind or Die series, SO MANY sprang to mind! Just a few that didn’t make the cut are;
1. ‘Carrie’ meets ‘Maniac’
2. ‘Clueless’ meets ‘The House on Sorority Row’
3. Wes Craven’s Nancy Drew
4. ‘Fast Times at Ridgemont High’ meets ‘Funhouse’
‘Dead Eyes’ is such a joyous ode to 80s cinema that its influences are numerous and worn proudly on its sleeve. Even a casual film fan will spot dozens of subtle nods, fun homages and overt references to many classic movies of the era.
Lisa is a budding journalist, finishing her final year of high school in a town with a bloody history. She is working on an article on the infamous Darrow Funeral Home murders, which she hopes will be enough to earn her a scholarship in a prestigious college next year. When a new girl and her mother move into the now legendary murder house, Lisa is quick to befriend her, unable to resist the opportunity to finally get inside the house and find that missing piece to the puzzle that will complete her research. Lisa soon finds out, however, that the local legends of the Darrow house may have more truth to them than she thought and instead of solving the murders, she may well become the next victim.
A lot of the book plays out at a high school, with all the usual cliques and clubs present and accounted for. There is a huge cast of characters, including the popular kids (referred to here as the ‘richies’), the jocks, the new kid, the horror obsessed outcasts, and the ‘normals’, like Lisa, who is our narrator in the story. The article on the Darrow murders that she is writing is cleverly used within the story to relay all the relevant background of the town and its history in an interesting and organic way, without the need for characters clumsily reciting dialogue to fill us in.
It is impressive quite how much Knight manages to pack into a 73-page novella. We’re presented with an intriguing mystery linked to a missing family, a sprawling cast of memorable characters and some gruesome set pieces, all of which build up to a franticly paced finale that rivals any 80s slasher you care to name in terms of over the top and inventive deaths.
‘Dead Eyes’ is pure 80s horror entertainment, elevated by relatable characters and a creative premise, it was an absolute joy to read, and one that you won’t be able to resist devouring in a single sitting.
You can read more reviews of new and upcoming horror releases at https://www.myindiemuse.com/category/...
I also promote indie horror via Twitter - @RickReadsHorror
January 19, 2021
I had a blast reading Dead Eyes & figuring out what was going on! This was a really fun slasher, and there's a lot to love here for horror fans. This is definitely one of my favorite recent horror releases.
CW - drugging, bullying
CW - drugging, bullying
February 4, 2021
Knight conjures up a bloody good read and a fast-paced slasher that is enjoyment from beginning to end.
Lisa Thompson is a high school student doing whatever she can to pay for the Berkley College of Journalism admission she just earned. When Trish moves into the local murder house (a murder mortuary, to be clear), the game is afoot.
There isn’t too much to say without giving away important reader discovery and I would be remiss to do so. The prose is clear and Knight has this great ability to make the reading seem like the story is playing out on screen. For genre fans, this is a great slasher with plenty of gore. Be sure to pick this one up: grab the popcorn, kick back, and enjoy. I will definitely look for more from this author and from the Rewind or Die series.
Full review: https://www.scifiandscary.com/dead-ey...
Lisa Thompson is a high school student doing whatever she can to pay for the Berkley College of Journalism admission she just earned. When Trish moves into the local murder house (a murder mortuary, to be clear), the game is afoot.
There isn’t too much to say without giving away important reader discovery and I would be remiss to do so. The prose is clear and Knight has this great ability to make the reading seem like the story is playing out on screen. For genre fans, this is a great slasher with plenty of gore. Be sure to pick this one up: grab the popcorn, kick back, and enjoy. I will definitely look for more from this author and from the Rewind or Die series.
Full review: https://www.scifiandscary.com/dead-ey...
February 2, 2021
The Rewind or Die series from Unnerving is such a blast. If you love bad horror movies from the eighties that don't really make sense but it doesn't even matter because the weirdness and inconsistency simply add to the charm of the movie, then these books are for YOU!
Dead Eyes fully encapsulated everything that I like about B-horror schlock. It's got a good sense of humor, a few likable characters and a few characters you love to hate, an excellent setting, the surprise twist you definitely see coming, and gory scenes of overly complicated and impractical murders.
Sometimes what you need is to turn off your brain, grab some popcorn, and take a spin on a wacky horror novella. Recommended!
Dead Eyes fully encapsulated everything that I like about B-horror schlock. It's got a good sense of humor, a few likable characters and a few characters you love to hate, an excellent setting, the surprise twist you definitely see coming, and gory scenes of overly complicated and impractical murders.
Sometimes what you need is to turn off your brain, grab some popcorn, and take a spin on a wacky horror novella. Recommended!
August 14, 2021
Lisa has always been interested in the house across the street. Mainly because of the brutal murders committed there while it was a funeral home.
When a new mother and daughter move in, Lisa sees ber chance to get an inside peek for any evidence that might have been missed 20 years ago.
But someone has sinister plans for the cool kids at Lisa's school and if she isn't careful she just might be end up as another murder victim herself.
A fun, gory 80's slasher read that I really enjoyed.
Definitely one of the gems in the Rewind or Die series. I loved the 80's throwback feels along with a bit of mystery, lots of action and gore as well as a killer ending!
November 27, 2020
Lisa’s college scholarship hinges on writing a compelling article on the eyeball-collecting murderer who used to live in the funeral home across the street. When a teenager moves in with her mom intending to turn the building into a bed and breakfast, Lisa sees a killer opportunity to use her new friend to get the scoop and score a free ride to Berkeley, but finding the answers comes with a deadly cost.
The novella is set in the eighties and has a fabulous retro feel. Setting the story during prom season gives a nice nod to Stephen King’s CARRIE. I really like how the story provides a potential love interest for Lisa. The high school cliques are well developed and the interactions between the various groups add to the overall conflict. The social groupings also help with the management of the large cast of characters. Graphic description of the murder scenes and the killer’s fascination for all things ocular are deliciously gross.
This installment of Unnerving’s Rewind or Die series has great slasher goodness reminiscent of VHS horror movies of the past. I adore the Rewind or Die series so much, I purchased the whole set of 2020 releases directly from the publisher.
The novella is set in the eighties and has a fabulous retro feel. Setting the story during prom season gives a nice nod to Stephen King’s CARRIE. I really like how the story provides a potential love interest for Lisa. The high school cliques are well developed and the interactions between the various groups add to the overall conflict. The social groupings also help with the management of the large cast of characters. Graphic description of the murder scenes and the killer’s fascination for all things ocular are deliciously gross.
This installment of Unnerving’s Rewind or Die series has great slasher goodness reminiscent of VHS horror movies of the past. I adore the Rewind or Die series so much, I purchased the whole set of 2020 releases directly from the publisher.
March 2, 2023
This is another E.V. Knight story that didn't disappoint!
Lisa Thompson is obsessed with the murders that happened twenty years ago in the house across the street. Actually, she's writing an article that she hopes helps secure a college scholarship. When a new girl and her mother move in, Lisa knows this is her chance to investigate. But things aren't always as they seem, and there are eyes everywhere...
Wow. This novella packs quite a punch, and totally hooked me in from beginning to end. Seriously, I read it in one sitting.
The 80s are captured so perfectly, this story could've been written in the 80s!
The slasher vibes are awesome. The family mystery intriguing. The characters are all fleshed out and feel/sound real. The teenage situations are perfect echoes of countless 80s movies. And the shocking ending really ties everything together, in the creepiest way possible.
Yeah, I enjoyed the hell out of this novella!
Lisa Thompson is obsessed with the murders that happened twenty years ago in the house across the street. Actually, she's writing an article that she hopes helps secure a college scholarship. When a new girl and her mother move in, Lisa knows this is her chance to investigate. But things aren't always as they seem, and there are eyes everywhere...
Wow. This novella packs quite a punch, and totally hooked me in from beginning to end. Seriously, I read it in one sitting.
The 80s are captured so perfectly, this story could've been written in the 80s!
The slasher vibes are awesome. The family mystery intriguing. The characters are all fleshed out and feel/sound real. The teenage situations are perfect echoes of countless 80s movies. And the shocking ending really ties everything together, in the creepiest way possible.
Yeah, I enjoyed the hell out of this novella!
April 2, 2023
This was so fun! I mean, it isn't subtle with its inspirations (I don't think anyone got a name that wasn't an old school horror movie reference) but it was a quick read that still managed to spook me. The eyeball motif... gets me every time. I need to pick up more from the Rewind or Die series. This one sounded like it would be the most up my alley though. I can't believe it was so short, felt like an entire movie played out. Extra points for knowing not to let it drag.
PS: sorry if my reviews this month are more bite-sized than usual, if I even get to them. I'm participating in a bunch of readathons, which means I'm reading more (yay!) but also lacking the brain capacity to put words together. On the upside, I'm having a great time on my new bookstagram if anyone would like to follow @elyareadsagain okay sorry for the shameless plug.
PS: sorry if my reviews this month are more bite-sized than usual, if I even get to them. I'm participating in a bunch of readathons, which means I'm reading more (yay!) but also lacking the brain capacity to put words together. On the upside, I'm having a great time on my new bookstagram if anyone would like to follow @elyareadsagain okay sorry for the shameless plug.
January 2, 2021
Totally 80s Slasher Vibe
Lisa is obsessed with the murders that happened in the old funeral home across the street. It is said that the killer is still on the loose and Lisa is writing an investigative piece on the murders in hopes of landing a full ride college scholarship. When a new family moves in Lisa quickly attaches herself to Trisha, the teen
daughter, in hopes of getting inside the funeral home and maybe closer to the truth.
Throughout this engaging, but brief story EV Hunt tips her hat to classic 1980s horror. The story has flashes of Carrie, Halloween, Sleepaway Camp, and other bloody great movies. The story is a tight and moves quickly to a bloody climax. The classic “sting in the tail” element from slasher movies is here, and was a pleasant surprise. I highly suggest this to anyone who wants a quick read that is chock full of bloody slasher goodness.
Lisa is obsessed with the murders that happened in the old funeral home across the street. It is said that the killer is still on the loose and Lisa is writing an investigative piece on the murders in hopes of landing a full ride college scholarship. When a new family moves in Lisa quickly attaches herself to Trisha, the teen
daughter, in hopes of getting inside the funeral home and maybe closer to the truth.
Throughout this engaging, but brief story EV Hunt tips her hat to classic 1980s horror. The story has flashes of Carrie, Halloween, Sleepaway Camp, and other bloody great movies. The story is a tight and moves quickly to a bloody climax. The classic “sting in the tail” element from slasher movies is here, and was a pleasant surprise. I highly suggest this to anyone who wants a quick read that is chock full of bloody slasher goodness.
August 26, 2024
I just finished Dead Eyes by EV Knight and loved it! In fact, this is my favorite of hers so far. She spun a little mystery here that kept me guessing until the very end. It's the kind of story you want others to read because it's so original. And the kind of story I wish I'd thought of first! 😊 This is so good, I can't recommend it enough!
December 30, 2020
What a blast! Reading this was just like sitting down to watch a classic slasher film and every bit as much fun.
The story leans hard into its tropes and is stronger for it. While indulgent, it is never contemptuous- you can tell how much fun Knight is having with this and that she wants the reader to have a great time too.
The story leans hard into its tropes and is stronger for it. While indulgent, it is never contemptuous- you can tell how much fun Knight is having with this and that she wants the reader to have a great time too.
July 22, 2021
A quick, fun little slasher read! A great entry in the rewind or die series for sure, the gore factor was crazy, some high school clique tropes were big and not my favorite, but all in all, I love the style and vibe of these novellas!
January 20, 2021
Fun little slasher.
September 6, 2021
Fun story, reminiscent of '80s slashers with the crazy twist ending. Enjoyed it!
October 27, 2021
One of the best in the RoD series. A throwback to 80s slashers with obvious twists, but fun ones.
January 12, 2022
Fast, cheesy 80s fun.
October 27, 2022
the ending wasn’t satisfying enough 🤷🏻♀️
September 23, 2023
✨4.7✨
F*cking loved this!! I'll admit the plot twists were predictable but not in an annoyingly way.
F*cking loved this!! I'll admit the plot twists were predictable but not in an annoyingly way.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews