Summer of Horror 2026 - The Friday 56 (With Book Beginnings): The Dead of Summer (The Dead of Summer #1) by Ryan La Sala
Happy Friday everyone! This week I'm spotlighting one of my Summer of Horror 2026 (hosted by Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy), The Dead of Summer (The Dead of Summer #1) by Ryan La Sala. I've only read a short story from this author so far and I need to try more. They all sound good, so I'm hoping it's as good as it sounds.
Beginning:
Two Days Before
Smile big enough and you'll end up with tears on your teeth!
56:
I knew my mom was going to die when she sat me down one August evening last year and told me we were going on vacation, because we didn't go on vacation.
What are you reading in June? Have you read this book? As always, thanks for visiting my blog and perhaps even commenting below!
I haven't read La Sala yet but definitely want to! Enjoy😁
ReplyDeleteI think it will be a good one!
DeleteWhy would her mother die if they went on vacation? That is a chilling thought.
ReplyDeleteIt definitely is.
DeleteThis sounds spooky - just the way I like it. I never read this author but it sounds good.
ReplyDeleteThat opening hook about tears on your teeth is instantly striking, but page 56 really delivers a gut punch of a sentence that perfectly sets up an ominous tone. Ryan La Sala has such a knack for making a regular concept like a family vacation feel completely terrifying with just a single line. It is a fantastic pick for a summer horror challenge because that contrast between a hot August evening and a sense of impending doom is so effective. Getting to sample their full-length storytelling after enjoying that short story is bound to be an exciting ride, especially with a setup that tense.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your summer of scary reads!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good read!
ReplyDeleteI've heard great things about this book so I hope you are loving it. Maybe I will pick it up eventually.
ReplyDelete