Candy Cain Kills Again

This is the slasher sequel we all knew we needed and wanted. The Christmas slay to ring in the holiday season. And the Christmas poem to recap book one was truly perfect.

Taking place moments after the first ended, this sequel is a high octane trip through Christmas lights and bloody pews. The survivors of book one are at the diner, recuperating a little before finally heading back to…well, whatever’s left. Meanwhile, Candy Cain goes a little Michael Myers on some firefighters and steals their truck. She’s headed to the church to take care of some left over business.

McAuley offers exactly what you’d want from a slasher sequel and more. It needs to be said (again) that the author is really bringing some new and exciting things to the genre of slasher. With new redemption arcs, character development, and unique kills. And let me tell you, these are some truly interesting, and awfully brutal kills. Each one more unhinged than the last. If this was on the big screen you’d look away.

As I said with my review of the first, I really enjoy the use of Christianity here. It’s not only used to show the religious side of the Christmas season, but to me it grounds the story. From something that could be viewed as silly, the religious zealotry adds a creepy culty layer to the story that makes it all feel more real to me. The abuse of power and faith, the abuse of people, and especially the abuse of children—this town is anything but the product of god, and just maybe Candy Cain is their savior.

And again of course there is the continuation of great LGBTQ and Disability representation here. No one is weak, no one’s a stereotype. They’re human and heroes alike.

While this wrapped things up great, we know there’s always a revival to these slashers. I’m not saying we need it (but it is maybe a want!) but maybe Killer VHS series # 12? Candy Cain is Back? Candy Cain Kills Again, Again? You never know.