La Sala, Ryan. Dead of Summer, The. Scholastic/Push, 09/2025. 400pp. Fiction. Trade $19.99. 978-15461-2587-7. GRADES 7–Adult. OUTSTANDING.
Even folks who don’t like horror can enjoy this roller coaster of a speculative disaster novel with a strong queer focus. The audio version is especially enjoyable, as it is a full cast recording with lots of background noises and sound effects, coming across more like a radio play than a traditional audiobook. Ollie and his mom return to their home on an island not unlike Provincetown (think drag queen brunches and bachelorette parties) only to be confronted by a fast-moving infection that destroys everyone it touches. La Sala is a great storyteller with masterful timing, believable dialogue, lots of humor, a clearly queer sensibility, and writing with all sorts of plot twists. Review based on an ARC.
Rachael Reiley—Independent