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Head Like A Hole by Andrew Van Wey is a gripping, eerie throwback that leans hard into 90s nostalgia — and I was totally here for it. From the moment the story kicks off, there’s a moody, VHS-glow atmosphere that reminded me of late-night horror movies on worn-out tapes, and the particular brand of teenage recklessness that I Know What You Did Last Summer nailed so well. Van Wey plays with that same idea: a dark secret, a group of friends, and something-or someone-that won’t stay buried.
The writing is vivid. I mean, really vivid. At times, the descriptions are almost too intense, painting scenes that feel more like hallucinations than prose. That’s not a complaint — it gives the book this fever-dream atmosphere that makes you question what’s real right alongside the characters.
That said, the middle section lost me a bit. The momentum dips, and I found myself wondering where exactly it was heading. It’s not enough to derail the whole book, but the pacing definitely takes a hit before it picks back up. Thankfully, the final stretch pulls things together in a way that’s both unsettling and satisfying. The ending is intriguing — not necessarily neat, but all the better for it.
If you’re into horror with a psychological edge, wrapped in retro dread and guilt-soaked memories, Head Like A Hole is well worth the read. Just don’t expect a straightforward slasher — this one plays tricks on your head.
Gareth Ellis - Author 