In Craig DiLouie's darkly humorous horror novel, a famed 80s slasher director, Max Maurey, finds himself grappling with artistic frustration in a genre dominated by shallow gore. Despite his success, Max yearns to create something truly terrifying and meaningful. His chance comes when he stumbles upon an occult camera rumored to capture real horror. Ignoring ominous warnings, Max decides to use it for his next project, convinced it holds the key to crafting the ultimate horror film.

Enter Sally Priest, an aspiring actress determined to become the iconic Final Girl. She crosses paths with Max at a wrap party, eager to prove herself worthy of a leading role. As Max delves deeper into the camera's sinister capabilities, Sally becomes entangled in his increasingly dangerous obsession with making the most terrifying movie imaginable.

However, the camera's true nature becomes clear as supernatural occurrences and ominous wails haunt the production. Max, driven by his ambition and blind to the danger, is determined to finish the film at any cost. Meanwhile, Sally finds herself thrust into the role of Final Girl not just on screen, but in a real-life struggle against forces she never anticipated.

DiLouie blends elements of horror and dark humor as he explores the consequences of artistic obsession and the blurred line between fiction and reality. The novel promises a gripping narrative filled with suspense, supernatural intrigue, and the chilling exploration of what happens when the desire for cinematic perfection crosses paths with malevolent forces beyond comprehension.

As Max and Sally navigate their respective roles in this twisted tale, they confront their own fears while plunging deeper into a nightmarish reality where the price of creating true horror may be more than they ever bargained for. ❤️📚❤️