DEAD GIRLS

When the fifth dead body in five weeks turns up, 17-year-old Ash is determined to clear her name and uncover who’s behind the gruesome murders.

Ash is the daughter of Evelyn Hargreeves, who has the dubious honor of being among the youngest female serial killers on record. So when five girls in small-town Clossdale go missing and are later found dead, local detective Helen quickly suspects that Ash may be a copycat who’s following in her mother’s footsteps. With the help of her foster sister, Cassie, and her best friend, Jamie, pale-skinned, flaxen-haired Ash sets out not only to prove her own innocence but to reclaim her mother’s story as well. As their investigation deepens, the trio begins to close in on the sinister truth behind the killings. In their author-illustrator debut, Kubrick does an excellent job of reimagining familiar horror tropes, creating a story that feels both nostalgic and new. The rich illustrations heighten the emotional intensity, reinforcing key moments of fear and tension. The sharp, contemporary humor strikes a balance with the heavier elements that keeps the story engaging without undercutting its darker themes. The racially diverse cast is fully realized and dynamic, with each character bringing a distinct voice and perspective that adds depth to the story. The main cast is queer.

A chilling slasher that effectively explores legacy, identity, confronting the past—and refusing to be defined by it.