A quick read of a slasher. Our MC, willow, an ex-TV person, goes to a mindfulness camp (a camp where no one uses smart phones or goes on social media) to reclaim her life back. The book has great momentum, though the themes and the writing style of those themes in the subplots (not the horror elements, those I liked a lot) did not appeal to me as much as I liked.

If you like slashers and the setting in Silver Coin #2 (the comic book), you will find this enjoyable,

Thank you to Michael Joseph and NetGalley for the digital ARC!

Here we've got a good, old fashioned camp slasher story. If you love the 80s horror flicks, then this is definitely one for you to pick up and read!

Our main character is an actress, who stars as Willow on the Netflix sitcom We Love Willow. Or she did, until a single event caused her to be cancelled by the masses, and in turn lead to her show being cancelled, her being jobless, homeless and newly single. Understandably, she needs a break and opts for a digital detox at Camp Castaway, a summer camp for adults who want to reset.

There's a small number of other campers, all of whom have their own reasons for being there. One of the things they all do is lock away their phones and choose a new name for the duration- our character opts for Willow, after her sitcom. The others are a diverse range of people, from old school Hollywood actors to unknown authors, and all have something they're running from.

It all seems great, until campers start to disappear in unusual situations. Not only that, but strange things start to happen...a woman no one knows being seen around camp, body less doll heads appearing and someone stealing things. And that's all before the heads truly start rolling!

This was such a fun read, and I enjoyed all the horror aspects of it. It'd make a fantastic film, or even a short series or something.

Our main character is queer, and there are other LGBTQ+ characters both mentioned and seen. It deals with religion, and the negative effects it can have on the LGBTQ+ society, as well as how it can end up twisted to suit someone's needs. Obviously, it deals with cancel culture, and how someone's life can be ruined over the tiniest thing - whether it's intended, something said in jest or something they didn't even say at all.

I really enjoyed this, and hope others pick it up to read!

Head Will Roll by Josh Winning
Rating: 4/5
Release Date: 8 August 2024

Willow desperately needs an escape.Once a beloved sitcom star, she's now the target of online shaming after a regrettable post.
Seeking solace, she checks into Camp Castaway, an adults-only retreat set in an old woodland campground.

On the first night, campers gather around the fire to share ghost stories. Willow hears about Knock Knock Nancy, a local legend of a witch who was brutally beheaded in these very woods. According to the tale, Nancy’s restless spirit knocks on doors late at night, and if you answer, she takes your head. Willow scoffs at the ghost stories. But the next day, a camper mysteriously vanishes.

While “Heads Will Roll” started off a bit sluggish, it soon gained momentum, taking us on a thrilling journey infused with dark humour and gore as well as exploring current day topics such as cancel culture and LGBTQ+ rights. Winning skilfully crafted characters and a narrative that kept us eagerly perched on the edge of our seats.

This horror narrative promises to leave readers thoroughly satisfied. It's a must-read for fans of slashers, summer camp atmospheres, and intellectually stimulating horror tales.

Thank you so much to NetGalley, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House | Michael Joseph, and the author, Josh Winnings, for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for an honest and fair review.

Title: Heads Will Roll by Josh Winning

Release Date: August, 8th, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Stars


Willow, a sitcom star who spiralled into infamy after a disastrous tweet, finds herself sent to Camp Castaway in upstate New York, a retreat for adults seeking anonymity and escape from their pasts. Initially relieved by the peaceful atmosphere and the company of fellow campers, including her favourite actress and a flirtatious writer, Willow's relief turns to fear when a terrifying woman emerges from her wardrobe and a camper goes missing. As paranoia and terror escalate, the group realises they're being hunted, and their attempt to escape their pasts might lead to a deadly fate.


In my opinion, this novel delves into LGBTQ+ rights and cancel culture in a compelling way, drawing readers in with its well-crafted characters and captivating plot. The vivid imagery creates a cinematic experience, particularly enjoyable for those who love slashers and summer camp settings. The diverse cast and fast-paced storyline, complete with gore and dark humour, ensure readers stay engaged from start to finish.

While the beginning may feel a bit rough, the narrative smooths out as secrets unravel and twists emerge, reminiscent of classic horror films. Despite some moments that may seem unrealistic, the overall storytelling is skilful, making it a recommended read for fans of camp slasher tales.

Thank you to The Publisher Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House | Michael Joseph ,The Author Josh Winning & NetGalley for an advanced reader copy (ARC) in exchange for my honest review.