I am not a horror movie fan - except for the Scream franchise. Mainly the early movies because they're tongue-in-cheek, have a Gen-X esthetic, and if Courtney Cox is playing a bitch, I. Am. THERE. Anyway, The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix was an extremely popular book in 2021 that has been languishing on my Kindle thanks to, yet again, me getting suckered in by a NetGalley promo email. I thought the premise sounded clever and that's how I got sucked into this nightmare that I should have DNF'ed but didn't, because damn my eyes, I had to see how it ended.
Final Girls are the ones who end up surviving at the end of a horror movie and in Hendrix's world, all horror movies are based on true-life events. The Final Girl world is small, and a group of them meet every month in Burbank, California with a therapist. However after years of living with the trauma and trying to work through it (with very mixed results) the group is splintering at the seams - and the only one who seems to care is Lynette Tarkington - who, if you get down to brass tacks - isn't really a Final Girl. Oh sure, she survived a massacre, but did so by playing dead - which is not the same thing. She did not actively stop a monster, she simply waited to be rescued. But she's in the club, so to speak, and is the only one who seems to care when one of their group misses the latest meeting. Turns out she missed the meeting because her monster came back and she's dead.

What follows is Lynette running off half-cocked. The proverbial chicken with her head cut off while spouting conspiracy theories like a paranoid delusional. On one hand, Lynette is right - their group is in very real danger. The problem is she's half-crazed and wrong about so much else that nobody takes her seriously. This is a woman who has turned her apartment into a bunker (OK, understandable), keeps a pepper plant as a pet (seriously, she names it), and thinks she's so smart because she's always one step ahead, planning escape routes, staying off the grid as much as possible - but of course her security and walls are breached in short order.

The problem with this story is there's literally no one to root for. The secret to a good horror movie is that your Final Girl IS someone you can root for. The ordinary, everyday girl who thwarts a monster. These characters all did that, but they all left a bad taste in my mouth. Hell, even in Scream III when Sidney Prescott is living off the grid, she's answering phones for a women's crisis hotline. The one character in this group you could potentially root for is the character you never meet on page because she's the first to get killed off.

Hendrix also makes the choice to have many of the Final Girls in this story be survivors of events ripped straight from horror movies. I suspect this might have been done as a wink and nod to horror fans, but quite frankly (and this cannot be overstated) I found it lazy as hell. There's Friday the 13th, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Halloween. I'm pretty sure the Gnome movie was a rip-off of Leprechaun, and yes, there's even a Sidney Prescott wannabe and Scream rip-off - which, hand to God, Hendrix called Stab in this book. Yes, the same knock-off name they used in the Scream movie franchise when Neve Campbell's characters finds herself being played by Tori Spelling in the movie version.

I should have DNF'ed this early but stuck with it mainly because I had to see how it all played out in the end - and shockingly enough, I did like the ending. Unfortunately the ride to that ending was tedious and exhausting and there was just nothing there that worked for me. My New Year's Resolution? Stop getting suckered in by NetGalley promo emails.

Final Grade = D

Putting aside how unlikeable the MC, Lynnette, was, I really enjoyed all of the horror movie easter eggs and references throughout this book. As a huge horror movie fan, I loved the nods to Halloween, Nightmare on Elm Street, Silent NIght Deadly Night, Scream, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Some of them were so "tongue-in-cheek" that I had to laugh out loud (ice pick through the temple!). I also really liked the unique perspective of how a "final girl" would have to face life after such tragedy, especially throwing in how they all experienced their trauma more than once (hello, sequels!). I don't want to spoil the plot so I won't say too much except that I wish we had gotten more from the other characters -- I am fine with the story being from Lynnette's POV, but several of the other characters are in the story so little and I would have liked more from their storylines. But otherwise, it was a fast-paced, psychologically intriguing slasher perfect for horror movie fans.

**Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.**

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I love slashers and I expected to love this book just as much but it felt so one note. It was incredibly predictable — which maybe was the point because slashers often are, but regardless I felt impatient waiting for the characters to figure out what I already had.

This was my first Grady Hendrix book, and I’m not sure it was for me? I loved the plot of Final Girls joining together to protect each other and move on with their lives…and the mystery had some good twists. But a lot of the story felt kind of disjointed and slow at parts. This is definitely more of a slow burn, which is great, I just had a hard time fully connecting to the characters and or the mystery. But there were some definitely good moments, and I really liked how it ended!

"The Final Girl Support Group" by Grady Hendrix follows the story of Lynette Tarkington, a survivor of a horrific massacre. For over a decade, Lynette has been meeting with five other "final girls"—women who have lived through their own harrowing experiences of violence and horror. They gather for group therapy to support each other in dealing with their trauma. However, their lives are thrown into chaos when they realize that someone is targeting them once again. This pulse-pounding thriller keeps readers on edge as Lynette fights to protect herself and her friends from the new threat.

The novel explores themes of trauma, survival, and the long-term effects of violence. It delves into how these women cope with their pasts and the societal pressures they face. Hendrix also examines the commercialization of their tragedies, as each woman's story has been turned into a successful horror movie franchise. The book touches on themes of trust, resilience, and the struggle to reclaim one's narrative in a world that often sensationalizes their pain.

"The Final Girl Support Group" is a compelling and entertaining novel that offers a fresh perspective on the horror genre. Hendrix's exploration of trauma and survival is both poignant and timely, making it more than just a thriller. The book's strengths lie in its well-developed characters, engaging plot, and thoughtful commentary on the commercialization of violence. However, its heavy reliance on horror movie tropes may not resonate with all readers. Overall, it is a highly recommended read for those who appreciate clever, character-driven horror.

Don't you wonder what happens to the final girl after the credits roll? She survived that night, that killing spree, but what about the rest of her life? Grady Hendrix's The Final Girl Support Group shows us the toll of survival. All the final girls are real. Every famous slasher film actually happened in real life, and those survivors were based on real girls and women. And they now have a club, a support group, to help each other with their particular brand of unique trauma. But do they actually help each other? They don't all get along, that's for sure, but now someone is hunting them down one by one and they need to try to work together to survive...again. This is a creative look at the final girl trope and a genuinely deep exploration of trauma and survival. Hendrix delivers his classic high-action plot with moments of terror, gore, and humor blended together into a wonderfully enjoyable reading experience. If you like slasher films and are a fan of finals girls, this book is a must read.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC of The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix.

The premise of the book caught my attention. Each of the girls in the support group is a "final girl".

Lynnette is the survivor of a brutal massacre, a final girl. For many years, she has been part of a "final girl support group", which entails meeting with other final girls who survived brutal circumstances, along with their therapist. When one of the final girls goes missing, it becomes clear that someone is out to finish off the group. Despite this, Lynnette is determined to keep fighting and will not give up.

Although I generally enjoyed this book, the classification is completely wrong. This is not a horror book. It is still a fun read, but if you are looking for a horror novel, this is not it. I found this book hard to put down. There definitely was not a dull moment and I enjoyed the touch of humour. However, I was really surprised by any of the twists. it was fairly predictable.

I like how the author tied the novel to famous horror films. However, I do think it is really hard to translate a slasher into books. Slashers rely quite a bit on jump scares, which is obviously lost in a book.

This was my first Grady Hendrix read. I want to read The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires next!

Thank you Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

Grady Hendrix’s The Final Girl Support Group is a thrilling and inventive novel that pays homage to the horror genre while offering a fresh and engaging take on the “final girl” trope. Known for his ability to blend humor, horror, and heartfelt storytelling, Hendrix delivers a fast-paced and compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

The story revolves around a support group for “final girls”—women who have survived horrific massacres and are now trying to navigate their lives in the aftermath. The group, led by Dr. Carol, includes Lynette Tarkington, our protagonist, who has lived in fear and isolation since surviving her own nightmare twenty-two years ago. When one of the members goes missing, Lynette becomes convinced that someone is targeting the final girls. Her quest to uncover the truth forces her to confront her past and her deepest fears.

Hendrix’s portrayal of Lynette is nuanced and compelling. She is a deeply flawed and relatable character, scarred by trauma and living a life dictated by paranoia and survival instincts. Her journey from a reclusive survivor to a determined and proactive hero is both believable and emotionally resonant. Hendrix captures the psychological complexities of living with trauma, and Lynette’s internal struggles add depth to her character and the narrative.

The other members of the support group are equally well-drawn, each with their unique backstory and coping mechanisms. From Adrienne, who channels her trauma into running a camp for troubled teens, to Dani, who remains fiercely protective of her privacy, Hendrix provides a diverse cast of characters that enrich the story. The dynamics within the group are realistic and poignant, reflecting the varying ways individuals deal with shared trauma.

Hendrix’s writing is sharp and engaging, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for blending suspense with dark humor. The narrative is interspersed with excerpts from articles, police reports, and other documents that provide context and background, adding layers to the story. This format enhances the realism and immerses readers in the world of the final girls.

The pacing of The Final Girl Support Group is relentless, with twists and turns that keep readers on edge. Hendrix expertly builds tension and suspense, leading to a climax that is both satisfying and surprising. The action scenes are well-executed, and the sense of danger feels immediate and real, making for a gripping read.

One of the novel’s standout aspects is its meta-commentary on the horror genre. Hendrix cleverly references classic slasher films and plays with genre conventions, offering a critique of how society consumes and sensationalizes violence, particularly against women. This self-awareness adds depth to the narrative and makes it a thoughtful exploration of the final girl trope.

The themes of resilience, sisterhood, and the long-term impact of trauma are woven throughout the novel, giving it emotional weight. Hendrix handles these themes with sensitivity and insight, highlighting the strength and courage required to survive and heal from unimaginable horrors.

In conclusion, The Final Girl Support Group is a standout novel that showcases Grady Hendrix’s talent for combining horror, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. With its compelling characters, fast-paced plot, and thoughtful commentary on the horror genre, the book is a must-read for fans of thrillers and horror fiction. Hendrix’s ability to keep readers guessing while delivering a poignant and satisfying story makes The Final Girl Support Group a memorable and impactful read. Whether you’re a fan of slasher films or simply enjoy a well-crafted thriller, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression.

I tried to read this 4 times and made it about 50% each time before giving up. This one just didn't work for me, but I have loved all of the author's other novels!

I have mixed feelings on this one.

What I liked: the storyline was good and the packing was well done. I liked how it unfolded.

What I didn’t like: the audio narrator wasn’t one that I enjoyed. The characters seemed inconsistent and hard to connect to. There were some scenes that felt too drawn out or completely unnecessary.

So while I’m glad I read it, it definitely wasn’t as good as I was hoping it would be.

Grady Hendrix is a fantastic author. If you've never read My Best Friend's Exorcism, stop what you're doing right now and go.

This is an excellent follow up, though it lacks some of the punch of his his earlier works.

“Men don't have to pay attention the way we do. Men die because they make mistakes. Women? We die because we're female.”

So.........., "The Final Girl Support Group" by Grady Hendrix is an absolute rollercoaster of a read, and I found it fun and fabulous. I couldn't resist diving into it. Picture this: a gripping tale that flips the script on classic horror tropes, focusing on the survivors rather than the slashers. Hendrix weaves a narrative that's part thriller, part homage to the horror genre, and all-around unputdownable.

As a librarian, I appreciate how the author skillfully incorporates elements of suspense, mystery, and a touch of humor, creating a literary concoction that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The nods to classic horror movies and the examination of the psychological aftermath for these "final girls" add layers to the story. It's a wild ride that balances chills with an exploration of trauma and survival.

For any library collection, this book is a must-have, especially if you've got patrons who love a good psychological twist on horror. "The Final Girl Support Group" is not just a novel; it's an experience, and I'd totally recommend it to anyone looking for a fresh take on the horror genre. Happy reading!

This was the era of final girls. I’m still a bigger fan of the orginial Final Girls book and since then other books have come out with a similar vibe. Still a good read.

I've loved everything I've ever read by Grady Hendrix, and this one was no exception - I actually think it's probably one of my top favorites of his moving forward. The blend of modern with homages and nods to lots of my favorite slashers from the 80s and 90s was amazing, and I had such a fun time reading this one despite it being a horror / thriller book. Hendrix has a way of making his characters feel fully fleshed out, like people I know in real life and have been friends with for years. I end up rooting for all of them, even the sillier, more caricature-like ones. This was just excellent, loved it from start to finish.

With Hendrix's trademark humor and nods to the horror genre, The Final Girl Support Group offers a look at what happens when a group of slasher "final girls" comes together. It's a ton of fun, and highly recommended for all horror movie and book fans.

I really enjoyed this one! It seemed a little similar to Riley Sager's "Final Girls" (similar in name too), but overall I thought there were enough difference to separate this one from the rest.

I thought the pacing was well done, however it was a tad longer than it needed to be (as I feel most of Hendrix's novels to be). I also didn't love how these women in this support group were at each other's throats all the time, especially given what they all know the others to have been through, even after all this time.

However, the overall premise of this book was interesting, and I loved the setting. This book would be great as a movie honestly.

I finished this book in a day because I HAD to know what happened. I do not usually finish any 300-page books in that amount of time just because of the limited time I have throughout the day, but in every spare minute I had you could find me reaching for my Kindle. ❤️ There was no build-up to the drama in the book and it starts right away in chapter one capturing the reader with the main character in a final girl support group feeling targeted by superfans of final girls who would want to kill them off one by one. The author's writing style with mixed media such as newspaper clippings, online articles, etc. makes the book feel more authentic and breaks it up. I love it when thrillers include this aspect in their stories! I think the best kind of thriller is when the author even makes the main character a suspect in the plot. As the reader, we get tidbits from other characters and even the main character herself about how unreliable she is and unstable. Leaving you thinking about who to trust and who is telling the truth. I Found out that the author used ideas he gathered from thriller movies such as Summer Slaughter, Panhandle Meathook, Slay Bells, Gnome Coming, Babysitter murders, and Deadly Dreams to write this book. I didn’t even know these movies existed and thought the entire book that when he referred to these names for the final girls' murders he had made them up, but they refer back to the original thriller movies. Excited to look them up and check them out now 🙌


Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read an early reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was a really good read. I was very confused about where it was going for some time. But the way the author pulled it all together in the end was great and meaningful. I loved the comment about death not mattering that it was just the ! At the end.

Last year saw several horror novels achieve the kind of mainstream success that has mostly eluded the genre since the 1990s. Stephen Graham Jones’ The Only Good Indians and Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic both cracked the bestseller lists and received widespread critical acclaim for tackling serious issues and increasing representation while still delivering legitimate chills. Grady Hendrix’s The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires managed both feats as well while being a more purely “fun” tale. He’s hoping to repeat that success again this Summer with The Final Girl Support Group, a novel that both repeats and builds on some of the themes from last Summer’s hit, while also being a very different beast entirely.

The story operates in a world in which popular slasher movie franchises like Friday the 13th, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and Scream (along with some less popular entries like Silent Night, Deadly Night) are all based on real events that befell a diverse group of women. Each of them is known by the media as a “final girl”, a term that fans use to describe what is perhaps the most common trope of the genre. As one would expect of being the sole survivor of an incredibly tragic event, the women struggle with various psychiatric issues and deal with them (or not) in their own ways and meeting regularly with a therapist for group support sessions.

Lynnette is one of these girls, and is perhaps the one dealing with her trauma the worst out of the group of 5. She keeps herself locked in her apartment with the curtains drawn most of the day, only venturing out when absolutely necessary, and has several extreme security measures in place. When one of the group winds up dead, it is no surprise then that she is the first to begin to suspect that someone is out to get them all, while the others just write it off as paranoia. Her erratic behavior does little to help her cause, even as further attacks occur against her and the others, so she sets about trying to find out just who could be after them, and how she can stop them.

Despite being heavily inspired by several classic movies of the genre, this book feels much more like suspense than horror. While we do get descriptions of the different events that befell the women as girls, things mostly play out like a straight thriller with bursts of action. Since the girls’ backstories are based on actual movies (though each has a new title here, presumably for copyright reasons), they have a built-in familiarity for anyone who has seen the movies being referenced. This can be good in that it offers up some fun callbacks, but bad in that it effectively removes one of the bigger openings for unbridled creativity that the plot affords. Aside from Lynnette, none of the other women are particularly well-developed, so it’s a good thing that she is an interesting character, though this is likely to disappoint some who really enjoyed the bigger focus on the group’s dynamics in Hendrix’s previous novel. All that aside though, this is a fun read, which builds up some well-earned tension by the end, and features a central mystery around the killer’s identity that fells both hard-to-guess and satisfying. ★★★★