I don't think I've ever met an R. L. Stine story I didn't like. His middle grade and YA titles are [pun intentional] "to die for." No exception is his newest, the MG-oriented SLIME DOESN'T PAY. [Or does it?] The characters are readily relatable, the author plays a smooth riff on themes of mental health and the extent to which friendship can be pressed, plus familial dynamics and dysfunction. I really appreciated the character evolution, and the denouement and conclusion were lots of horrific fun. Easily a one-sitting and a fun evening's entertainment.

Release 26 September 2023