A quick read, but with a lot of impact. I was shocked at how brutal this book became after quite a gentle start. For fans of anything summer camp, classic horror film, tropes.

Short and fast-paced YA slasher set at a summer camp at a manor house in the UK. Camp Miller is brand new, started by an American trying to foster the same summer camp environment common in the states. But rumour has it that a woman who owned the house originally went mad and now her ghost haunts the grounds. So when a camp counsellor almost drowns and they find an old dress in the lake with them, the counsellors wonder if something supernatural is afoot. Then the murders start.

This was super short and was on the younger side of YA. There’s not a ton of depth or character-work, but what’s there is easy to grasp and moves at a good clip. Not super memorable but not a bad book by any means. It’s fun to see a slasher aimed at a much younger audience. Also, genuinely refreshing to find a YA slasher that isn’t hugely referential to other slashers.

Also, really nice casual nonbinary rep with a side character.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Welcome to Camp Killer is a short, fast-paced read perfect for teens who want to get into thrillers and horror. This book reminded me a little of point horror books from my own teen years but a milder and quicker version.
Chad has set up a summer camp in the UK and has hired the teenage children of his former camp friends from his own youth. The story begins the night before the summer camp starts and the children arrive and the camp counsellors are gathered at the fire for a spooky story linked to the tragedy that happened at the house the camp is set next to. The next day, strange things begin happening to the camp councillors and get more and more dangerous each time. Is it bad luck, is someone trying to intentionally hurt them, or is there a ghost hellbent on revenge?
I enjoyed the story coming together towards the end and how the survivors supported each other despite their distrust midway through. This would be perfect for young teens who don't want anything too scary or gorey.

Welcome to Camp Killer is a fast-paced, suspenseful read that keeps you guessing until the end.

A great read for reluctant readers that are fans of the kind horror films where the characters all succumb to tragic accidents, and even die....one by one. Making those left behind wonder if it really is a ghostly presence, or could it be one of the counsellors behind it all.

If you're looking for a short, thrilling horror novel, this is definitely worth checking out.

This book was really quick and a fun read.
I loved the summer camp setting, along with the mysteries, making it perfect for this transition between summer and halloween.
For a book this short, the book was well developed, but it made me wish that the characteres were a bit more developed and showed more of themselves.
Overall it was a fun quick read, perfect for September/October.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for gifting me this advanced reader copy!

This book was fun and so campy! Honestly so perfect for summerween. It gave all the slasher summer camp vibes and that is one of my favorite scenarios! This book moves so quick, almost to a fault. I think it’s beneficial because it’s hard to put the book down with everything happening but also it was hard to care about the characters when there wasn’t time to really get to know them. I think this also reads really young for YA, and it felt very juvenile. But it totally reminded me of fear street with the extra paranormal elements in the story! I really did enjoy this book but I don’t think it’ll be for everyone

We all know how much I love a summer camp setting and murder mystery, so I was excited for this ARC.

Initially, I was shocked at how short this book was and how quickly it moved. If it had been longer and the characters had been more developed, I would’ve enjoyed it a lot more.

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC!

A well written short thriller/horror for older children and adults.

Everything you want in a thriller, but condensed to make an enjoyable short read.

Compelling concept, but ultimately not for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was alright, enjoyed reading it, the concept was interesting so kept me going. The writing was good so thats a plus. The characters didnt feel as alive to me and pacing wasn't the forte.

I was really excited to read this as I like Cynthia Murphy’s other books and this didn’t disappoint.

The shorter read with Barrington Stoke will be perfect for our Library for those that want a story with a bit of grit but may not yet have the reading ability for one of her bigger novels.

This was a really well written book that had a strong interesting story from the start and in my mind was an enjoyable YA read.

I would welcome more books like this.

“Welcome to Camp Killer” by Cynthia Murphy is a thrilling dive into the classic horror genre, with a modern twist that kept me on the edge of my seat. Set against the backdrop of an English stately home, the novel introduces us to Camp Miller, an American-style summer camp that quickly becomes the stage for a series of chilling events.

The plot unfolds as teenage counselors anticipate a summer filled with fun activities, but the camp’s atmosphere is tainted from the start. Whispered rumors of a past tragedy and sightings of a ghostly figure set a foreboding tone. As the story progresses, what seem like accidents—a near-drowning, a fatal fall—begin to paint a sinister picture. Is it just a string of bad luck, or is there a malevolent force at play?

Murphy’s writing style is engaging, with just enough detail to bring the eerie setting to life without slowing down the pace. The book is a short, quick read but doesn’t skimp on suspense. It cleverly nods to horror franchises and tropes. The climax of the novel is its crowning glory. Murphy masterfully builds tension, leading to a plot twist that is both unexpected and satisfying. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to flip back through the pages to see what clues you might have missed.

Barrington Stoke books are so fantastic for dyslexic readers, and also for those readers who prefer something a bit shorter (but still well written and plotted!). Cynthia Murphy's previous books have all been huge hits with our teen readers, so this partnership is a dream!
Camp Killer has all the twists and surprises of Murphy's other mystery/horror books, and the plot zips along at a good pace, with characters that are very well-developed considering the length of the book.
This book is a great option for all teen thriller/horror readers, but especially those who want an 'older' scary read, but who are either put off by or struggle with the longer books.

I thought this was really well written and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I think it will find readers at our library, so we will definitely be purchasing for the collection.

Brilliantly fun - this took me back to reading Point Horror books as a teenager. Aimed at a YA audience, but not holding back on the scares - this is a fun, compelling and well-written book that took me back to reading under my covers with a torch

Overall this wasn’t a bad read and maybe I am being a little harsh with my rating - my biggest problem was that it just wasn’t long enough. For there being so many characters (and murders) it felt underdeveloped and very rushed towards the end which just left me reeling and wanting so much more. I couldn’t empathise with the characters because I didn’t really know them and the twist was a bit predicable and underwhelming as a result.

This was a nice little spooky story that didn't get too crazy. I read it quickly and enjoyed it. I'll look for more from this author in the future.

Cynthia Murphy's latest novel, "Welcome to Camp Killer," is an exhilarating ride into the heart of darkness that surrounds the seemingly idyllic setting of a summer camp. With her knack for crafting vivid scenes and building suspense, Murphy has delivered a story that is not only gripping but also a fantastic addition to the young adult horror genre.

"Welcome to Camp Killer" introduces readers to a world where every shadow hides secrets and every friendly face might mask a deadly intent. The story follows a group of teenagers who arrive at camp with the hope of an unforgettable summer, only to find themselves entangled in a sinister mystery. Murphy masterfully weaves a tale that is both a classic coming-of-age story and a heart-pounding thriller. The pacing is perfect, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats while allowing for character development and atmospheric build-up.

While "Welcome to Camp Killer" is undoubtedly a thrilling horror story, it also tackles themes relevant to its young adult audience. Issues of trust, friendship, and facing one's fears are woven throughout the narrative, providing a thoughtful layer to the chilling tale. Murphy's ability to address these themes while keeping the story engaging is a testament to her skill as a storyteller.

"Welcome to Camp Killer" by Cynthia Murphy is a standout novel in the young adult horror genre. It combines all the elements of a gripping thriller with the emotional depth and character development that make for a memorable reading experience. Whether you're a fan of horror, mysteries, or simply looking for a thrilling story with heart, this book is sure to captivate and entertain. Murphy has proven once again that she is a master of creating suspenseful, engaging, and thought-provoking stories that resonate with readers long after the last page is turned.

3/5 stars. Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review.

This is giving Friday the 13th meets goosebumps vibes and I am here for it!! This is a perfect summer read and a quick one also. Perfect for younger readers looking to get into some scary ghost genres.

I love young adult mystery thrillers. This one had a lot of twists and turns I didn’t see coming, and I loved the mysterious aspect.