Guillotine is a brutal and campy read perfect for fans of The Menu and Saw

Guillotine is a brutal and campy read perfect for fans of The Menu and Saw

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Delilah S. Dawson has truly outdone herself with her latest masterpiece, “Guillotine“. This book is an absolute rollercoaster ride of horror and thrill, reminiscent of a twisted amalgamation between “The Menu”, “Ready or Not”, and “Saw”.


Delilah S. Dawson is making a significant mark in the horror/thriller genre, and her newest work, “Guillotine,” promises to be a resounding success.

Published on September 10 by Titan Books, the book titled “Guillotine” offers a gruesome, extravagant, and exuberantly excessive bloodbath, taking place within a sumptuously opulent manor nestled by a private lake. Dez Lane isn’t dating her wealthy boyfriend for his wealth.

What she longs for is to connect with his mother, a renowned fashion magazine editor who he has aspired to work for since forever. If necessary, she’s prepared to flatter and maintain cordiality with Patrick Ruskin. Thus, she eagerly accepts the invitation to join the family gathering at their lakeside retreat during Easter.

The Guillotine storyline is often likened to a blend of “The Menu”, “Ready or Not”, and “Saw”. This comparison seems fitting to me. In fact, my only reservation about the novel is that it appears more tailored for a movie adaptation in line with those films’ styles, rather than a book format.

In summary, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Little does Dez know that she’s stepping into a complex situation when she agrees to Patrick’s invitation. Over the years, the Ruskins have been treating their housekeepers unfairly by imposing restrictive and underhanded contracts upon them. Consequently, they devise a plan to use the Easter gathering as an opportunity to put an end to the Ruskins’ mistreatment once and for all. And let me tell you, their strategies are not only cunning but also quite malevolent.

In this scenario, the characters inflict severe and grisly punishments, including burial and burning alive, among other brutal acts. When they have their moment for retribution, the staff spares no mercy. Each death scene is gruesome and vividly described, specifically designed for the Ruskin characters involved. This is where comparisons to the movie Saw are applicable due to the heavy emphasis on torture in their schemes.

In essence, “Guillotine” is an engaging and swift read, closer to a novella than a conventional novel. Reading it is much like attending a cinematic event, where a polished, dark, and captivating narrative unfolds in just one or two sessions. Despite the quick tempo and emphasis on the grisly events, the characters may seem somewhat one-dimensional, particularly those outside of Dez and another character I won’t reveal to avoid spoilers. However, this did not diminish my overall enjoyment once I understood the book’s grim narrative trajectory.

Guillotine is now on sale on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

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2024-09-11 02:25

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