It's October, and that means Halloween! What better way to celebrate the month for readers and authors, especially those scribes interested in penning hair-raising yarns, than reading that spookiest of genres, horror. In this post, I dish on a YA horror series that sparked my interest in the genre.
Clown in a Cornfield
Don't let the corny name fool you, Clown in a Cornfield by Adam Cesare, and indeed the entire trilogy, is a spine-chilling good time. Before picking up this novel after learning it won the Bram Stoker award, I never realized a slasher yarn could be so much fun.
The town of Kettle Springs is in hospice after the Baypen factory closes. And someone blames the younger generation for the town's plight. Dressed as Baypen's mascot, Frendo the Clown, the slasher paints the cornfields red with teenage blood.
I've heard this novel called a classic slasher, harkening back to the movies and books of the 80s. I'm not versed enough in the genre to comment on the veracity of such claims. However, I will say this: Quinn Maybrook makes a fantastic final girl, the intergenerational conflict heightens the creep factor by several notches, and dark humor abounds. I admit I found myself chuckling in places while reading this one. Cesare is also very skillful at creating annoying teens who nevertheless have enough redeeming qualities that the reader feels bad when Frendo comes knocking.
Clown in a Cornfield 2: Frendo Lives
If you enjoyed Clown in a Cornfield, you'll enjoy the follow-up, too. Once again, Cesare seamlessly weaves together slasher gore and social commentary.
Quinn has left Kettle Springs for college, but she can't escape the massacre that left her scarred. Conspiracy theorists deny the massacre online and stalk her in real life. Eventually, she must return home to face Frendo and his followers.
This is another fun one. It's grimmer than its predecessor but just as enjoyable.
Clown in a Cornfield 3: The Church of Frendo
The third novel completes the series, I think. But honestly, who knows? Perhaps Cesare will bring Frendo back for a fourth dance. I'll be reading the tale if he does.
Quinn is out for revenge, stalking everyone who has hurt her, her loved ones, and her town. But she's not the only one on the hunt…
In this one, the reader encounters a religious cult that worships… you guessed it, a killer clown.
The third installment is the grimest of the trilogy. But it's still a hell of a lot of fun. I highly recommend this series to fans of YA looking to dip their toes into slasher horror and horror aficionados. It is eminently readable, disturbing enough to give you the chills, and most of all, a wild ride.
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