Reminded me alot of the early seasons of Riverdale and the cw version of Nancy Drew. Kids solving mysteries and trying to catch a killer. Lots of twists and turns, comedy, thrills, mystery, and some romance. Was a good YA book.

Dennard has done it again with an incredible X-Files, 1990's filled book. It follows a very Romeo and Juliet, West-Side Story vibe with those at the rich school, and those in the town. You encounter Freddie, and then another secondary main character, Theo. The primary focus on the book is that there are weird things happening in their historically minded small town, and that they seem to follow a creepy poem. The secondary focus is the cutesy romance that I'm sure will leave any teen kicking their feets with their will they won't they dynamic. I believed the story while enjoyable was predictable in some aspects, while in others I was surprised by. I think that the 1990's timing was nostalgic for me personally, it might lose some Young Adults in the referencing of tech. I would 100% purchase this for my library. For those that need to know for RA: the romance is not spicy, only making out. Some language is used. Murder is depicted.

This was my first read by this author. The cover, the title and the description caught my attention. I will admit it was a little slow in the beginning but after a few chapters it drew me in.
It took place in a small historical town. As in most towns it was preparing for its Halloween festival and pageant. This town also has a mysterious past that comes to light during this time which is where we are introduced to two groups of teenagers who are in different schools and play pranks on each other . While playing these pranks and planning the festivities all hell brakes loose and the fun and action begins.
The characters are like able except for one . In this book there is mystery, murders, suspense , complicated relationships, romance, history, and twist and turns. It was scary at times too! I would recommend reading this book in the fall around Halloween!! It was a fun read!!!

Interesting in premise, I found the writing to be hard to follow and I was not a fan of the main character. there were one or two supporting characters that stood out to me but all in all, one that I will not revisit.

Thank you Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Susan Dennard delivers an irresistibly fun and spooky ride in “The Executioners Three,” a YA mystery-horror book filled with supernatural chills, high school drama, and 90s nostalgia. Set in 1999, the book follows Freddie Gellar, a witty and ambitious high school senior who wants nothing more than to be popular, and participating in a prank war with a rival school is a perfect way to gain the attention of her classmates. But when dead bodies start piling up—including one particularly gruesome decapitation—Freddie and her new friends find themselves entangled in an eerie, decades-old curse that no one in town seems willing to talk about.

Dennard masterfully balances humor with horror. Freddie’s sarcastic and quirky voice is a highlight, and her character growth—especially as she begins to care less about popularity and more about uncovering the town’s dark secrets—is well-executed. Though she starts off a little boy-crazy and naive, her transformation over the course of the story feels realistic and rewarding. The mystery unfolds with perfectly timed reveals and unexpected twists, keeping the suspense high while still making room for playful high school antics, including an ongoing prank war between rival schools.

The supernatural horror elements are genuinely unsettling, with a creeping sense of dread that lingers even amid the humor. It’s hard to believe that no one in town is talking about the murders, but the eerie small-town secrecy adds to the book’s atmospheric tension. The generational curse tied to the town’s history is fascinating, though the villain was a bit obvious to me, though the motivation as unique.

Romance plays a strong role in the story, with Theo Porter as the undeniable green-flag love interest. His chemistry with Freddie is electric, their banter is charming, and their relationship—while fast-paced—feels organic and well-developed. Freddie’s friendship with Divya is another standout aspect of the novel. Their deep, unwavering bond adds emotional depth, and Divya’s presence provides much-needed LGBTQ representation.

Perhaps the most delightful aspect of “The Executioners Three” is its nostalgic setting. Dennard weaves in countless 90s references, from boy bands to old-school cell phones, making the book a love letter to the era. The setting feels authentic, and older readers who grew up in the late 90s will especially appreciate the attention to detail.

While there are some minor plot holes, and Freddie sometimes feels younger than a high school senior, the book’s mix of humor, horror, and heart makes for an undeniably engaging read. With its witty dialogue, eerie mystery, and a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends—including hinting at an exciting future for Freddie—"The Executioners Three” is a must-read for fans of supernatural thrillers with a nostalgic twist. Whether you’re here for the scares, the romance, or the prank wars, this book is pure entertainment from start to finish.

Love, love, love it! Freddie Gellar is the epitome of a 90s teen detective (very Nancy Drew/Hardy Boys) and she puts her sleuthing skills to the test amid a school prank war. Cue Theo Porter caught in the crossfire of said prank war and drawn into the chaos that is Freddie.
This book was amazing, mystery, romance and a little supernatural thriller all mixed into one. I had never read anything by Susan Dennard but this book made me a fan. Her writing is fast paced, detailed and so immersive. She caught the vibes of a teen in the 90s perfectly and Freddie felt like Freddie not a knock off of other teen sleuths. 100% would recommend!

Thank you to Tor Teen for providing an Advanced Reading Copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

As an elder millennial, I couldn’t get enough of the 90s references sprinkled throughout The Executioners Three. Susan Dennard crafts a story that feels both nostalgic and fresh, weaving in nods to an era that shaped so many of us. The moment I realized that I graduated high school the same year as Freddie, I felt an instant connection—honestly, I think we would have been friends in real life. Her quirky, offbeat personality was one of the highlights of the book for me. She’s smart, a little awkward, and endlessly determined, making her a protagonist I couldn’t help but root for.

That said, I was completely unprepared for how scary this book would actually be. The supernatural elements were incredibly well done, setting a creepy and unsettling tone that lingered long after I put the book down (which, to be fair, wasn’t often). Once the mystery started unraveling, I found myself unable to stop reading—I even read straight through my lunch and barely noticed my stomach growling.

One of the strongest elements of the book was the loyalty between Freddie and her best friend, Divya. Their friendship felt so authentic, with its mix of unwavering support, inside jokes, and the kind of fierce devotion that can only come from years of shared experiences. It’s rare to find female friendships in fiction that are this well-developed, and I absolutely loved seeing their dynamic unfold.

And then, of course, there’s Theo. The interactions between Freddie and Theo were an absolute delight—filled with tension, humor, and just the right amount of heart. Their chemistry jumped off the page, making every scene between them something to look forward to.

With the quirkiness of the characters, the Buffy-esque dialogue, and the cozy yet terrifying mystery, The Executioners Three felt, in the very best way, like the early books of Sarah Rees Brennan. The blend of humor, horror, and heart made for a truly immersive reading experience. If you love books with smart, quirky protagonists, strong friendships, and a touch of 90s flair, this one is definitely worth picking up!