For the past twenty years the six friends that made up “The Literary Six” at Bendleton University have held a reunion every year to reminisce. Back in the day the group was famous for their elitist criticisms of students and faculty alike. Someone should have told them that people don’t like those who think so highly of themselves and that the harm you do to others can have very far reaching repercussions.

This year the reunion is being held in an old family hotel on a private island. They’ve come over on the ferry bringing with them all the supplies they will need. Unfortunately someone with a long memory and a deep grudge has come along for the ride as well. Trapped by water and a blizzard the friends must try to stay alive long enough to figure out who’s after them and what the hell they can do to survive.

This story reminded me of April Fool’s Day (which took plot points from Ten Little Indians) with a bit of Terror Train towards the end. Put any thoughts of cheese away though, this is a serious slasher story. Author Vince Liaguno has really done a great job putting the classic slasher formula to paper.

It’s funny, as many slasher films as I’ve watched I have never read one until now. At first I wasn’t sure I would like it; not being able to see the stalking and the blood fly but as I continued to read I enjoyed the fact that you got to know the individual people so well and learn their thoughts and motivations. Knowing what the victims are thinking as they’re dying is pretty nifty as well. It makes a nice change from one dimensional teens drinking, having sex then dying. Reading from the killer’s POV took a little getting used to but once the story really got going I enjoyed knowing his plans.

No slasher would be complete without hot sex and lots of blood and there is plenty here to satisfy. Our killer has an impressive array of house and garden tools on hand to get the job done.

A little slow in the beginning the book really takes off in the middle and doesn’t let up until the end, and what a great ending it was. The basic formula is here but it’s written well enough you don’t feel you’re reading something you’ve read or seen a million times before, and how often does that happen in the slasher genre?