Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group for kindly providing me with an e-arc!

This was a really fun ride! I enjoyed our two main characters Deary and Cole, their snark and whit was really refreshing.

This was said to be a cross between Scream and Clueless and I completely agree with that. The snark and murder was balanced really well.

This story also kept me guessing at who the killer was. I guessed just about every character but was satisfied with the final ‘whodunnit’. Overall I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fun and fast packed thriller.

A funny and exciting page-turner. The twist was well done and genuinely surprised me despite having seen way too many slasher movies in my life. My only two major criticisms are 1. there could have been more kills, especially in the first half of the book 2. Calling people "flops" got annoying after a while and didn't really feel authentic to the characters or the demographic.

I was very excited for this because I had seen it described as a queer Scream meets Clueless, but I was disappointed on all counts. I found the writing to be pretty cringey, I didn't like any of the characters or find them easy to root for (except for Kevin, who was an adult side character, not even one of the teens), and I didn't find the solution to the mystery to be very interesting. There were also a lot of random major time jumps early in the book that were jarring and seemed like basically portions of the book had just been cut out to keep it from being 600 pages long.

Here’s the thing with this one…I desperately wanted to like this. I’ve been dying to get my hands on a juicy gay thriller for awhile now. This being marketed as “Scream” meets “Clueless” in a very queer way made me excited. The problem lies in the characters. Wow, did I not enjoy either Cole or Dearie. Both of these boys are so self centered they do not care about how they treat others, openly mocking and teasing their fellow queer club members and labeling them “flops”. While morally grey protagonists are nothing new, it felt like these two were actively trying to make the reader not like them. The selling point being the ending, and their reaction and almost joy of having to kill. We spend the whole book talking about how unhinged this killer is (rightfully so) to then celebrate a kill at the hands of the protagonist’s. The ending was a bit trifle as well, I would of preferred these two separate because wow do they need to be away from each other, but alas they speed off into the sunset together. If you’re just looking for a fave value thriller, this isn’t terrible in that respect. If you’re character driven, like myself, this one’s hard to get through

I really enjoyed this one. It was such a good quest YA mystery/thriller read. I highly suggest this one.

Great queer representation. But me in the mindframe of the scream films. Kept my attention throughout and was a fun read.

I really wanted to like this book. I adore a slasher and a queer led horror feels right up my alley, but I just struggled to get into it. I think the biggest thing is things don't happen fast enough to keep the heightened stakes feeling heightened, which is quintessential for a good slasher. The anticipation can build up too much and then the pay off really falls flat It was incrediblyrefreshing for this to not result in a the two best friends realize they are in love with a killer after them thing though. It was well written but the whole thing just dragged on for me a little too much

Your Lonely Nights are Over is the slasher novel that I can't wait to tell everybody about!!

This story is fun and gory, and it delivers on its promise of being the LGBTQIA+ Mean Girls and Scream crossover. This story follows the Sandman, a serial killer with a haunting calling card. A calling card that once received, signs your death warrant. As someone who personally believes that the comedy/tragedy masks are inherently terrifying, this story gave me the thrills and chills I wasn't expecting at first. I loved a masked killer and this story gave me twist after twist as I raced to finish it.

Adam Sass's writing style is one that grabs you quickly and doesn't let go until the very last page. Whether they want their readers to feel grief, happiness, or in this case terror, Sass takes you there! I promise you will be cheering, crying, frustrated all of the emotions as you read this novel. I don't want to say too much about this because these twists are ones that I never saw coming and I don't think readers will see them either. You won't see this ending coming until it's right BEHIND YOU!

Check this book out because you won't be disappointed!

Reminiscent of a Scream but for the gays and theys, this slasher/mystery is as full of sass as the author’s last name. The story is told from dual/BFF POVs. One is Cole, the resident “mean queen” with the confidence of someone twice his age—who’s also the prime suspect. The other is (Frankie) Dearie, the more internalized friend. But perhaps they are best described by Dearie: “Cole is a scuffed-up fist. I’m a glistening dagger.”

Not only was the dual POV masterfully handled, but the whodunnit aspect was gripping and the story was incredibly inclusive. With this book, you get sex-positive rep from all over the 🏳️‍🌈 spectrum, AND the mother figures all all represented as present, badass women who are detectives, doctors, moms who feed and teachers who provide safe spaces for queer kids.

Loved this book.

I was incredibly excited about this book. And I was not disappointed. On the contrary!
A queer Young Adult slasher - like the Scream series but make it gay.
Okay, maybe it was a no-brainer because: I love slashers, being an 80's kid's.
Also, Young Adult Slasher/Horror are currently on the rise and Adam contributes a contender for my written top spots. Because "Your lonely nights are over" really thrilled and convinced me. It has great, extremely likable characters that feel so refreshingly real and, most importantly, relatable. These characters weren't just written queer, they are queer through and through. So authentic and tangible. And I love it!
In addition to the characters, the typical YA themes of self-discovery, upcoming (college) move, relationships, and friendships were able to draw me in a lot.
Plus, there's the sass-y (see what I did there?) way the main characters in particular think and talk - and I was totally into that!
Of course, otherwise it wouldn't be a slasher, the murder elements don't come up short either. I could imagine that some (adult) reader could wish for more slash/horror, but personally I find it a successful mix for a Young Adult book. Adam mixed the important YA themes with queerness and slasher elements, so that in the end it was well rounded, exciting and extremely entertaining for me.
"Your lonely nights are over" is definitely already one of my queer book highlights of 2023. 🫶

"Scream" is my favorite horror movie of all time, so when I read the blurb for "Your Lonely Nights are Over" (and having been a big fan of Sass's previous novel "The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers"), I was super excited to dive in. It did not disappoint, with its original slasher/true crime mystery, the constant anticipation of "who's next", and lots of twists/misdirections along the way. All leading to a satisfying conclusion. The main characters are lovable with a charming friendship, the dialogue is witty and fun, and the exploration of queer loneliness (at all ages) is thoughtfully portrayed. There are a few side characters I would have liked to spend more time with, so they didn't just feel like potential fodder. But all in all, this a great YA/LGBT horror story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing an advanced copy in return for my honest review.

I’ve been meaning to pick up a book by Adam Sass for a while now, and I was not disappointed. As I soon as I saw this book being marketed as Scream meets Clueless, I knew it was going to be a book for me. I grew up loving the Scream movies so I was expecting a very campy horror novel, and that is exactly what Sass delivered.

I loved the friendship between Dearie and Cole, it felt authentic, and I was very glad to finally read a novel where two gay best friends can be exactly that, best friends and not lovers. I love friends to lovers, but it’s just really refreshing to see.

I thought the murder/horror plot was very engaging and well thought-out. I did guess a few of the reveals ahead of time (but I am someone who have analyzed the Scream movies for all the hints, so it’s really hard to stump me!), but that did not change my enjoyment of them nor the novel. This novel definitely keeps your on your toes throughout the book, and I had a very hard time putting it down because I wanted to see what will happen next.

I can’t wait to dive into another one of Adam Sass’ books!

Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the e-Arc!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC!

To paraphrase Ms. Spears, this [book] is dangerous, and I’m loving it.

From the very first line of the summary, Your Lonely Nights Are Over had me hooked. “Scream meets Clueless?” You have allllll my attention. Those are some pretty high standards to aspire toward: two of the most iconic 90’s films out there, including one of the greatest slashers of all time.

This book doesn’t just meet those expectations, though; it exceeds them.

Bloody, thrilling, and hilarious, Your Lonely Nights Are Over gives new meaning to the phrase “page-turner.” The whole time I was reading, I found myself caught between wanting to live inside this story forever and needing to know what happened. I found myself flying through scenes and then going back to re-read just to make sure I didn’t miss a word.

It’s not all murder and mayhem, though — beneath the blood and guts, this is a story with a real heart to it. Heavy topics are handled with all the tenderness and care that they deserve. Discussions on queer loneliness especially made me feel seen — and more than that, they made me feel less alone. That, to me, is the mark of a truly special book.

Your Lonely Nights Are Over is definitely not a flop. I couldn’t recommend this book more if I tried.

Your Lonely Nights Are Over is a fun, timely story of the strength of friendships, especially when tested by a murderer. The characters are authentic and jump off the page, representing a vast number of identities and backgrounds. Cole and Dearie are real, flawed kids with good intentions, and their alternating POVs offers insight into where each character makes mistakes and falls short. Ultimately, a great, fast read with lots of twists, and a nostalgic nod to Scream.

I received an advanced readers copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you!!!

I absolutely loved this book. I’ve never really read into any type of crime or mystery book before and this book had me absolutely hooked, I couldn’t wait until I had an opportunity to read it every chance I got.

Maybe it’s because I’m new to this genre or maybe the author did a really great job throwing twists and turns in, but I absolutely did not see the ending of the book coming. I think this was a stellar read and I only wish there was more of the story!

I loved the characters and I think they were portrayed in very realistic ways - I just wish we got to see more of the side characters because they were really interesting in their own rights. A really beautiful story that was compelling and also a dive into some of our darker emotions. Found family, feelings of loneliness, I think are something anyone in the LGBT+ community faces and I think the author did a great job portraying what loneliness is and how it can all affect us differently.

This book really was like a queer scream, full of suspense and twist, I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next and who the Sandman was.
But beyond that it’s a book about what community coming together can help you solve a mystery.
Disclaimer: I got an ARC through NetGalley.

First -- I need to thank NetGalley for an advance copy of the book in exchange for a review! It is June, and I am so happy I got this before it hits the shelves in September.

Y'all, I am obsessed with this book. The premise was described as Scream meets Clueless / Heathers / Mean Girls, and Adam Sass delivered on that.

Over the last few years, there has been such a resurgence of queer horror literature. Ever since movies like the Fear Street series, further Scream films, and X, novels have followed suit. What I loved most about Your Lonely Nights Are Over was that it wasn't a copycat of any of these. There were clear influences and homages to this style of 1990's horror throughout the story. It's incredibly meta and it's well aware that it's emulating the movies it was inspired by while still remaining something all its own. (That murder weapon? Holy shit. Brutal.)

Scream is my all-time favorite movie. It's been 3 months since Scream VI was released and I've had a Scream hangover since then -- this book mended that hangover. There's something so fun about trying to solve a slasher mystery before the big reveal. This book had red herrings, misdirects, and fake-outs -- the hallmark of any great serial killer mystery. And let me say this. Scream is infamous for its wild, chaotic third act bloodbaths. Your Lonely Nights Are Over ran with that, and has a third act that did NOT disappoint.

In addition to being fun, creepy, and unique, the book gives us something important -- something meaningful. It gives us commentary on society. (We love elevated horror!) The book ends up exploring the way that trauma, emotional abuse, and gaslighting affects others, especially in the queer community. It looks at racism in the justice system, and that element in specific is done so effectively. The strength of queer community is an enormous focus on the book, and it proves that when LGBTQ folks band together, nobody, even a cold-blooded killer -- can stop us.

TLDR -- This love letter to slashers was absolutely incredible. It keeps you guessing, it makes you outraged at the injustice of it all, and it makes a statement. I was a huge fan of The 99 Boyfriends of Micah Summers, but Adam outdid himself with this one.

Horror fans, this is for you!

This book was one heck of a good time! It’s described as Clueless meets Scream, and I cannot think of a more accurate label. I was hooked from the first page, and it gave me all the YA slasher vibes that I have been looking for. I loved the friendship between Cole and Dearie, not to mention the found family dynamic that was created throughout the story with the Queer Club. The story was tense and suspenseful, and I felt like there were legitimate stakes that added to the intensity of the book, something that sometimes I find lacking in YA novels. While I was able to guess the twist, that did not take away from my enjoyment of the story, rather I found myself more invested, trying to determine whether my prediction was correct. If you are a fan of classic slasher films, then this is the book for you!

This was so well-written, please 😭 it was a perfect balance of bone-chillingly terrifying and intriguing, and it kept me hooked to it from start to end. I mean, I had to make myself stop reading at 1am coz I was super terrified, but apart from that, I didn't put it down at all 😂

This book follows a resurfaced serial killer, who is back to his old MO <i>but</i> this time around, he's mostly targeting queer people, especially queer students who'w formed a community for themselves at one small town's high school. And the primary suspects? Two queer teens from this school who don't exactly get along with this club. And the plot worstens, because one of them is white and one is brown, and racism also plays a role in their respective interrogations etc.

Initially, I had assumed that the focus of this book would be the solving of the murders and subsequent finding of the serial killer? While the book did have this, there was also an equal component of the serial killer playing his game of threatening and targeting the community, and it definitely bone-chilling. I have to mention again here how well-written this book was, I literally felt like I was in the plot 😭

This book also had emotional plotlines of loneliness, queers in particular feeling lonely, emotional abuse/bullying, as well as themes of friendship and love in high school, and all of them were handled super delicately and well.

TWs - murder written explicitly on page with various gruesome forms, death, grief, anxiety, emotional abuse, bullying, serial killing with an MO, gun violence, racism by cops

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

I have two slightly silly bones to pick with this book before I get into the actual meat of the review. First, it’s pitched as “Scream meets Clueless.” I disagree; I think it’s much more like Scream meets Heathers, with its sardonic social commentary and campy theatrics. So take that for what it’s worth, marketing team. Second, and somewhat more meaningfully: the title of the book stems from the story’s serial killer’s schtick, which is to leave a note on the bodies of his victims saying “Your lonely nights are over.” The serial killer is nicknamed Mr. Sandman, after the song “Mr. Sandman,” where the line your lonely nights are over ostensibly came from. Except…it’s not? I happened to hear the song purely by coincidence while I was partway through the book, and the line is definitely “your lonesome nights are over.” I checked every single version and cover of the song I could find, including the original from 1950-something, and in every one it was lonesome, not lonely. And I simply do not understand why, if it’s meant to be a reference to this song, the author/editors wouldn’t just change it to lonesome. Is there some kind of bizarre copyright thing here? I don’t know, but it really bugs me. Not that it makes a real difference in terms of story and writing quality, but just.Why. Okay, moving on to things that are actually meaningful. There was a lot I really liked about this book. First and foremost, I loved Cole and Dearie’s friendship. It’s very unusual to see such a close friendship between queer men in media that doesn’t eventually become a romantic relationship; I’ve read more than one YA book that seems like it’s all about queer friendship until all of a sudden a romantic relationship between the two gets shoehorned in. And that wasn’t the case at all in this book; romance in general was really on the sideline. Cole and Dearie both have romantic and sexual relationships, but they aren’t the focus of the book, which I really liked. Similarly, I appreciated the exploration of the dynamics between the different queer students involved in the book. Too often there’s an assumption that all queer people will get along or will have each other’s backs, but that really isn’t the case, especially when there are other forms of privilege at play – for instance, Cole is dealing with the effects of both racism and homophobia throughout the book, and the other queer students are often responsible for his marginalization. In general the book does an excellent job of showing the complicated relationships between different people with different experiences – who are also high schoolers dealing with all the awkwardness and struggles that come along with that. But it isn’t too heavy or beating a dead horse, either; it very much feels like a campy 80s/90s slasher, complete with creepy jump-scare-esque scenes and a big, overly dramatic final confrontation. I would absolutely love to see a film adaptation. It plays with a lot of genre tropes in really clever ways as well. Probably my one criticism and the thing that kept this book from being perfect for me was that Cole and Dearie’s voices weren’t quite distinct enough. I kept forgetting whose perspective I was reading from and who had which relationships. Just slightly stronger character voices would have made this book just about perfect. Still, would very much recommend.