This was a fun, campy old-school horror slasher. Though I was able to predict the killer and the complicit person early on, still it was ok. Fans of scream, phantom of the opera and greek mythology will appreciate this. This was a read me now book and the cover art plus title drew me in. Thank you, NetGalley for the arc.

Final Dress is a thriller/mystery/slasher set in the world of a community theater.

When Shawna takes an internship at the local theater, her Mayor father, Bill, isn't too happy. He has bigger plans for his daughter and doesn't particularly care for those weird theater people. But soon, Shawna gets the acting bug and lands a role in the latest production. But "breaking a leg" is the least of her thoughts once dead bodies start piling up.

This is more of a whodunit kind of novel for the first two thirds of the book. But It ramps up to full on horrifying slasher territory for the last few chapters with all the tropes I personally love from that genre.

While not the bloodiest or most brutal slasher tale, it's well written, has a fast paced narrative, and has a few twists at the very end you won't see coming.

I think fans of thrillers and mysteries might enjoy this one more than horror buffs but I found myself caught up in this world and hooked on the story because I had to know who the killer was.

This is a fantastic book to read if you're in the mood for something not so dark or gory to read. I recommend it.

Thank you Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

R. Saint Claire’s “Final Dress” is a chilling blend of theatrical intrigue, slow-burn suspense, and brutal slasher horror, though most of the thriller and horror aspects occur towards the end of the book. Set in a barn-turned-theater, the book explores the dark underbelly of a summer theater production, where ambition, jealousy, and long-buried secrets collide with blood-soaked consequences.

The story begins with a mysterious flashback involving the disappearance of a young actress, Candace, twenty years ago. This eerie prologue sets the stage for the modern-day plot, where Shawna Anthony, a naive and sheltered college graduate, begins her internship at the community theater. Shawna’s journey from intern to understudy to lead actress unfolds against the backdrop of simmering tensions among the theater’s colorful cast of characters. While the first half of the novel focuses more on theater life and Shawna’s personal growth, the horror elements take center stage in the latter part of the book, where the story truly comes alive, mostly in the last 70-80%, which is entertaining and filled with blood and gore.

Saint Claire’s writing excels in building atmosphere, particularly in the final act. The titular “final dress” rehearsal marks a sharp turn in the plot, ramping up the suspense and unleashing a series of gruesome, theatrical murders. The barn-turned-theater is an inspired setting, rich with eerie charm and foreboding ambiance that perfectly complements the carnage. The vivid and creative death scenes are a highlight, delivering on the gore and shocks that slasher fans expect.

The twist revealing the killer’s identity and motives is both surprising and satisfying, tying the mystery of Candace’s disappearance to the present-day horrors. The first half of the book does have a pretty slow start as the story mainly focused on Shawna’s growth in the theater world rather than the mystery aspects. I found the beginning of the book a bit of a struggle to get through. Shawna’s naivety sometimes felt more suited to a high school graduate than a college one. Some supporting characters, like the jealous Penny, verge on melodrama, but their exaggerated personalities add to the theatrical vibe. Overall, the pacing could have benefited from a more balanced distribution of action, as the first half occasionally drags.

However, the book’s strengths lie in its ability to weave an engaging story that blends Shakespearean drama with the slasher genre’s macabre thrills. I would recommend “Final Dress” for slasher enthusiasts and theater lovers who enjoy a slow-burn setup with a grisly payoff. R. Saint Claire delivers an unforgettable finale filled with gore, tension, and a touch of dark humor. While the slow start may require patience, the climactic bloodbath and shocking twists make this book a standout addition to the slasher genre.

I was hooked from the cover and description, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from the genre. It had that horror element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. The characters had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed figuring out what was going on. R. Saint Claire has a strong style for this genre and was glad I read this.

As soon as I saw the premise for this book I knew I had to read it and it definitely didn't disappoint. It hooked me into the darkness and kept me in its clutches for the entirety. I loved it

This was beyond brilliant!
Taut, scary and terrifyingly fun.
Packed with an assortment of despicable characters and with a massive twist you’d never guess, this creepy story packs a blood stained punch!
Fans of the late Richard Laymon will love this fast paced tale.
Highly recommended.
5 Stars.

I really love a nice slasher novel and this really hit the spot. I'm on edge the entire read, just the way I love it. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

If you enjoy slasher films or if you enjoy theatrical themed stories, you'll love this. If you like slasher films set IN a theatrical setting - hooboy, you are in for a treat.

Fast paced, holding back on nothing and keeping the reader engaged throuh each blood spurt; Final Dress is a fun, fast and fabulous gorefest that is also an anjoyably fast read.

Thank you for the opportunity to read it and I look forward to reading more words by R. Saint Claire.

R. Saint Claire’s Final Dress is a gripping and blood-soaked thrill ride that blends the drama of theater with the terror of a classic slasher horror. With its high-stakes tension, well-drawn characters, and a sinister, knife-wielding antagonist, this novel will leave horror fans on the edge of their seats, anxiously turning pages until the final curtain falls.

The story follows Shawna Anthony, an idealistic and somewhat sheltered recent college graduate, who eagerly accepts a summer internship at her local community theater. What begins as a promising opportunity to chase her dreams quickly turns into a nightmarish fight for survival when the final dress rehearsal is interrupted by a masked killer. The theater, once a stage for creativity and ambition, becomes a claustrophobic death trap, where the characters are forced to confront their worst fears.

Saint Claire’s writing shines in its ability to capture both the glitz and grit of the theater world. The backdrop of a community theater is evocative and atmospheric, and the author uses its narrow corridors, shadowy backstage areas, and eerie silence to build a sense of dread. The theatrical setting also provides a unique and fitting stage for a slasher story, where the line between performance and reality begins to blur.

Shawna is a relatable and compelling protagonist. Her journey from a starry-eyed newcomer to a determined survivor is well-paced, and readers will find themselves rooting for her as she fights to outsmart the killer. The ensemble cast of performers and staff adds depth to the story, with their interpersonal tensions and secrets fueling the drama and making each character a potential target—or suspect.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, keeping the suspense high as the body count rises. The killer’s identity is cleverly concealed, with red herrings and twists that will keep readers guessing until the shocking reveal. Fans of classic slasher films will appreciate the homage to the genre’s tropes, from the masked villain to the isolated setting, while Saint Claire’s sharp writing breathes fresh life into these familiar elements.

What sets Final Dress apart is its ability to balance horror with character-driven storytelling. The relationships between Shawna and her fellow cast members add emotional stakes to the carnage, making each loss hit harder. The book also explores themes of ambition, trust, and survival, elevating it beyond a simple slasher to something more substantial.

Saint Claire’s talent for crafting vivid, cinematic scenes ensures that Final Dress is as terrifying as it is entertaining. With its fast-paced plot, chilling atmosphere, and memorable characters, this novel is a must-read for fans of horror, thrillers, and stories set in the dramatic world of the arts.