I LOVED this book, I absolutely tore through it. It was so much fun and gave me that spooky autumnal feeling I CRAVE! Freddie, the FMC, was SO funny and I simply just adored her - she was cheeky and fun but SO clever as well and I loved her progression through the book. She's just someone you could imagine being best friends with. I enjoyed the prank wars and teenage drama mixed in with the mystery and murder and more spooky side. I thought it was really well balanced. I also really loved the romance side plot. I was kind of shocked by the twist at the end but I also didn't really understand why our villain was doing what they were doing or maybe more that it seemed so trivial? HOWEVER, I had so much fun and I really enjoyed it. I definitely recommend to read this near halloween if you're looking for a fun scooby-dooesque spooky mystery.

I gave this a 4.5 stars on fable and storygraph (unable to leave half stars here or on goodreads).

Susan Dennard never disappoints—her storytelling is marvellous!

From the very first page, I was completely hooked. The story follows Freddie, a determined and quirky high- schooler investigating a string of gruesome murders. As she digs deeper, she finds herself caught between a rivalry between two high schools and mysterious, supernatural warnings tied to a haunting poem.

This book gave off major Scooby-Doo, Stranger Things, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes—in the best possible way. The 90s references added a layer of nostalgia that made the reading experience even more enjoyable. The small-town setting during a Halloween festival created the perfect cozy and eerie atmosphere.
Freddie was a standout character. Her love for The X-Files, her catchphrases, and her relentless determination made her both endearing and engaging. I appreciated her tenacity and the depth she brought to the narrative.

The rivalry between the schools added humor and tension, elevating the stakes and character dynamics without overshadowing the central mystery. I won’t spoil anything, but let’s just say the twists and reveals were expertly paced and genuinely surprising.

The blend of science and the supernatural was handled cleverly, creating a suspenseful, spooky, and thoroughly entertaining read.

Loved the characters, the plot was engaging especially with the 3 different timelines. I preordered this book as I loved it so much!

The Executioners Three is a really fun and engaging YA paranormal mystery – it’s full of atmosphere and absolutely perfect for spooky season.

The story follows Freddie Gellar who, one night, hears screaming in the woods and calls the police. She ends up getting half the pupils from a rival high school arrested. How was she to know it was a party? Freddie is hailed as a hero and becomes an official member of the prank squad. When a body is found in the woods the following day, the police rule it a suicide, but Freddie isn’t so sure. Determined to uncover the truth, she sets out with her trusty camera to find clues, but what she uncovers is a centuries-old curse and a whole host of secrets.

This was a thoroughly entertaining read that I raced through in a few sittings. It was fast paced with a tense, creepy atmosphere. There are plenty of really eerie, spooky moments in this story, particularly in the woods. There were also lots of twists and turns (and the reveal at the end was not one I suspected at all). I really enjoyed Dennard’s writing style and I found this a really easy story to get lost in.

I thought the characters were really well done, and I really liked seeing the friendships and rivalries between the different groups. I thought the romance was well developed, and I loved the portrayal of friendship between Freddie and Divya. Freddie is a bright protagonist, and I particularly enjoyed seeing her searching for clues and unravelling the mysteries. The only reason this wasn’t a five star read for me was that I felt there were one too many 90s references. Freddie frequently mentions Lance Bass, NSYNC, The Backstreet Boys, X-Files, and her Nokia phone. After a while, these felt a little jarring and took me out of the story. Despite this I had a really terrific time with The Executioners Three so if you’re looking for a compelling paranormal mystery with a brilliant protagonist, this one is definitely a must read.

If you enjoyed Dennard’s previous series, The Luminaries, then I think you’ll enjoy her latest release. In this book, we follow a young teenage girl, Freddie, who accidentally gets students at her rival high school arrested for under age drinking when she hears a scream coming from the woods and reports it to the police. However, the next day a body is found. Brushed off as a suicide, Freddie’s instincts tell her otherwise and she starts investigating an old curse linked to a poem called The Executioner’s Three.

As a 90s kid, this book was nostalgia heaven - references such as playing snake on your Nokia and Goldeneye on the N64. Freddie is also a massive X-Files fan and makes reference to Scooby Doo. If you take those two shows, mix them with Dennard’s distinctive writing style from The Luminaries and you get this book. I loved Freddie as a main character - she was funny and tenacious - there were some great side characters and a really sweet romance amidst the spooky setting. Definitely a great read for the autumn as it’s set around Halloween. It’s a YA book and, while it definitely does read YA, it’s not immature and both the plot and the characters were interesting enough to keep me engaged, despite not being the target age range for this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC of this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Daphne Press for approving this eARC in exchange for a honest review - I was thrilled to be accepted!


Cozy horror romance, filled with 90s nostalgia, a paranormal mystery and an ancient curse? Yes please.

I have nothing but praise for this book. I love Susan Dennards “The Luminaries” trilogy and this definitely has a similar feel. It’s giving heaps of Sleepy Hollow/ Stranger Things vibes and it’s the perfect Halloween read, I’m really looking forward to this publishing!

The story intrigued me from the very first page - I loved Freddie, our FMC, who is so easy to like and I could definitely relate to her awkwardness at some points 😂 I loved her determination to follow her instincts throughout the book as she delves deeper in the mysteries of the town and all of the strange happenings that are going on.

I think the friendships throughout this book are lovely, especially between Freddie and Divya. They’re both so supportive of each other throughout and it was really lovely to read.

The other main draw of the book for me was the romance - it was cheesy in some parts, but I loved it. The relationship between Freddie and Theo is swoon worthy, with just the right amount of snarky banter and tenderness between them.

I would 100% recommend this book if you love spooky, cozy YA romance with a paranormal mystery woven in. I’m really hoping there will be a sequel to this book as I loved it so much!

3.75 stars

The premise is good. I did not expect the ending (or the plot for that matter) to play out like that, especially the final section. The main issues for me were that the start was a bit too slow (and I think it should have just been a bit shorter) and the relationship between Freddie and Theo was too prominent; and should have been something developing more in the background as opposed to trying to take up half the plot.

A fun, paranormal mystery thriller with suspense, decade long curses and cool characters engaged in prank wars.

Overall I think this is a 3.8 star for me, I love a YA (well out that age bracket now) but I found that I was definitely a little on the older audience side and I think that effected my overall enjoyment (that's on me and doesn't take away from me recommending the book to people who I know would love!). The dialogue and writing style for these late teens (18-19) took me a minute to get into (or over in my case).

The curse, mystery and Scooby Doo meets The X-Files vibes was lots of fun. Spooky summerween vibes with cool, reliable and intuitive main character who's gut and heart speak volumes in solving this small town thriller.

*small spoiler warning*
I did find it predictable and guessed the 'who done it' as soon as they were introduced. Constant reference to 'out-of-towners' and one pops up and is intregrated into the storyline...

Overall I enjoyed my time reading once you look past the slightly quirky / 18 year old late 90's dialogue!!

I have no bad things to say about this book. From the cover, to the poems, to the mystery, the aesthetics (I invisioned stranger things), the banter. EVERYTHING. I was sat there trying to bring out my inner answer finder to solve the mystery myself 😂. I will credit myself a little bit because I my list of suspicion was not far off 👀.
I loved the references that I was able to understand and I bet the ones I didn't were amazing too.
I really liked the love story as well ☕😌 it really was my cup of tea.
The coloquial language also tickled my fancy just right.
I know I might sound a bit vague, but I would hate to spoil this to anyone.
I really recomend this read to you guys, it was fun, outgoing and the author really killed it at grasping my attention throughout the whole book. Never got bored.
Overall, this was an Very Amazing Book Indeed ☺️
Big thanks to Susan Dennard for sharing this one with us.
Can't wait to read more of her books.

This was such a fun mix of spooky and nostalgic. Set in the late 90s, it’s got small-town vibes, creepy woods, a murder mystery, and a heroine who’s equal parts awkward and determined. Freddie and Theo’s banter gave just the right touch of rivals-to-something-more, and the horror moments genuinely got under my skin.

Loved the throwback feel, loved the tension- this one’s perfect for autumn reading. Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

Sadly this was a DNF for me. I loved the sound of the story (having been a 90s teen!), but it seemed written for a very young audience, which I guess didn't work for me. If readers enjoy Goosebumps and such, they'll love this, I'm sure.

5/5, full stars, an amazing book! I feel like this was perfect for me - I was about the same age as Freddie in 1999 (when the book is set), my birthday is October 22nd which is a significant date in the story, Backstreet Boys were my favourite boy band (sorry Freddie, but I’m with Theo on that one), I love autumn/halloween (when the book is set) and I grew up watching X Files, Xena: Warrior Princess and Sabrina (all relevant to Freddie). This book sparked nostalgia and felt like a blast from the past in the absolute best way!

Saying that, you don’t have to be familiar with any of those references or that time to be fully immersed in this story. It’s part mystery, part supernatural and the author really nailed the spooky, autumnal atmosphere. I was reminded, in the best way, of reading Point Horror/Goosebumps books coupled with the cosy feel of Gilmore Girls. A juxtaposition that works so well! Perfect to read in Autumn.

I adored all the characters especially the main character, Freddie who was badass in a charmingly geeky way, a great friend and full of determination to solve a bunch of murders in her smalltown (I can overlook her N-Sync obsession as Theo evens that out with the Backstreet Boys love - that dance scene was everything!). Theo was another great character who I would’ve swooned for back in the 90s! Divya was such a great best friend and her relationship with Freddie was so fun and real.

I finished this book feeling like it was perfectly wrapped up and absolutely happy with the ending and imagining Freddie’s next steps (the truth is out there!)

I had an absolute blast with this book! Campy, cute, and creepy in spades; it had just the right amount of 90s nostalgia, a sweet and funny cast of characters who all managed to stand out as individuals, a lovable small town, diverse rep that had personalities beyond their race and sexuality, and a Goosebumps vibes supernatural murder mystery to keep you on your toes!

Freddie’s way of speaking and internal monologue and the dialogue between her and friends and family felt like a throwback to things I read as a young teen (like Angus, Thongs, and Full Frontal Snogging) - those sort of goofy and laugh out loud funny moments that really broke up the tension in a fun way. I just really enjoyed myself, honestly.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Daphne Press for the ARC!

This was such a fun read! I was hooked by the small town spooky forest vibes ‘for fans of Stranger Things’ from the blurb alone, and this book did not disappoint!

It had me intrigued right from the beginning, I’m a sucker for these sort of murder/mystery stories that deal with *potential* supernatural things and generational drama and this book is a fine contender for all things I love.

It’s definitely very YA - we have a lot of heavy 90s pop culture references, very stereotypical side characters, annoying moms and a romance that was teetering on the edge of being insta love (I usually like connections to have built up a little more before feelings begin) BUT… none of these things put me off because it was such a fast paced, engaging read with a really good main character and the romance WAS very cute.

And let me just copy and paste the note I made about the ending to get the true effect of how I felt: PROBABLY ONE OF THE COOLEST ENDINGS THIS STORY COULD HAVE HAD AHHHH!!!

^ Because yeah, I did not see that coming! Not so much the actual climax/reveal, which I did sort of predict, but more the aftermath and the way things were dealt with! I thought it was super creative and made me grin so hard. I would not be mad if this book gets a sequel that allows the MC to pursue the things that get hinted at!

Over all this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and perfectly scratched my Summerween itch!

4 ⭐️

Did I smell spooky season?! Yes, yes, yes. The small town environment and the historic atmosphere was the perfect settlement for solving a murder mystery.

Our FMC, Freddie, I could see a bit of myself on her! Her shyness, her awkwardness, but above all her determination to follow her guts. Oh, and how smart she is! It’s hard not to like her. Something I liked a lot, and feel it represents perfectly how friendships work in teens, is the friendship between Freddie and Divya. It felt so authentic, their dynamic was so well developed and natural. Of course, same applies to Theo… I was so delighted, their chemistry, the tension, the humor…loved it!

One last thing: I have to admit, as a millennial, the 90’s culture references…perfect! I thought I went time traveling and enjoyed every single moment.

So if you’re looking for an easy and entertaining read, well written, with a spooky murder mystery vibe!? This book delivers everything. Had fun reading it 🖤

Thank you very much to Susan Dennard and NetGalley for giving me the access to the ARC

“Ah,” Freddie replied, and she couldn’t help it: she laughed. An irrepressible sound that fizzed up from her lungs. Because really - no boy should be allowed to quote NSYNC and kiss her neck at the same time. It was like having every fantasy come true at once.”

Thank you so much to net galley and black crow pr for letting me read this early I was so excited when I read the premise and it most certainly lived up to my expectations.

A nostalgia filled teen mystery with small town folklore, dark academia and the most adorable rivals to lovers romance that will leave you swooning - whilst also wondering what the hell is going on! Imagine If you crossed the Gilmore girls small town vibe with the Scooby doo team and add a dash of goosebumps. I had SO much fun reading this and I feel like it will be a book I return to over and over.

After Freddie Gellar accidentally gets half of her rival school arrested she’s thrust into popularity and an ongoing prank war. An amateur detective and wannabe sherif, Freddie loves a good mystery especially anything otherworldly thanks to her love of the X Files so when a dead body turns up and she starts hearing strange noises in the woods, she starts to investigate. The story that follows is complex, with an interesting duality between a mysterious conspiracy and typical teen hijinx.

The things I loved most about this book were the romance - very swoon worthy, snarky and just fun, the town folklore and the friendships. The best friendship between Freddie and Divya was one of my favourite aspects, it was so heartwarming and reminded me of Lizzie and Miranda (Lizzie McGuire) which is also 90’s so it’s very fitting. They are there for each other, always on the phone and just are so in sync… (cue NSYNC jokes). The side characters in general really shine through in this, they are vibrant, funny and add so much flavour to the story.
Of course the main romance is the true draw, it really is a rivals to lovers situation but they are forced to work together due to what’s happening in the town. Their banter was so fun and the tension between them kept me glued to the page!! Mostly though it was just really sweet and adorable making me smile and laugh throughout.

The setting of this book was so wonderfully constructed it really brings you into the folklore, the creepy forests, old wooden houses, and lack of modern technology has such a camp crystal lake feel - but a small town instead. It really kept me invested in the mystery and made it so much more eerie. The plot was really well thought out and I couldn’t guess the ending which I loved, it was really interesting piecing the story together and trying to figure out alongside the main character. Overall I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a funny, spooky thriller with all the typical YA fun we love to read, whilst solving a really interesting and unique mystery.

First of all, thank you to NetGalley, Daphne Press, Titan Books and Susan Dennard for giving me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The only negative thing I have to say is that this is a perfect spooky season read, and I read it in Australia in July! I am so excited for this one to be released, there are multiple people I am dying to recommend it to!

What a fantastic YA horror/mystery! There is even some angsty highschool rivalry and teen romance in here - This book basically has something for everyone. I am always impressed by authors who are able to seamlessly change a scene from scary/creepy to laugh out loud funny on the same page.
This is the first of Susan Dennard's books that I have read and I will be coming back for more!

A Very Enjoyable Book Indeed!

I loved the author's last series so was looking forward to reading her latest offering and it did not disappoint. I loved the 90s nostalgia and Stranger Things vibes. The story was intriguing and kept me hooked and was well paced making this a quick read.

Dennard has produced yet another master piece. I love her style of writing and the ability to make her never want to put her books down. How do you describe this book.....its like Supernatural witha pinch of Buffy and a twist of Scooby Doo.....I loved the nerdy main character and how she suddenly slots into the popular gang club but doesn't change who she is.....this book had me guessing all the way through about what was going to happen and who the villian was. For me, this was such a welcome change at not being about to guess correctly. If you enjoyed the Illuminaries triology, you going to absolutely love this stand alone.

More 4 and half stars

A mystery filled with rivalry, romance and a gruesome curse that dates back centuries. A blend of small town murder mystery, chilling supernatural elements and an atmospheric ghost story sure to leave chills down your spine. Grotesque, ghostly and gothic.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐃𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 | 𝐓𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐝𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐝