Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying by Brian McAuley … let’s talk about it. This is a novella that packs a punch, even though it clocks in at 114 pages. This story is the follow up to Candy Cain Kills, which takes place on Christmas Eve. Candy Cain Kills Again picks up right where the other story left off, at a small-town diner.
The events that follow can only be described as off-the-wall, bodies-hitting-the floor, pedal-to-the-metal horror fun. I don’t know if I can ever look at Christmas ornaments quite the same way again.
Brian’s writing is so cinematic, and that is no surprise, given his background in film and tv series’. He is credited for his work on the films Dismissed, Nanny Cam and Twisted Sisters as well as the TV series Fuller House. He also has a flair for comedic one-liners that had me laughing out loud as I read. It checked all the great horror story boxes.
This story picks up following Fiona, her brother, Austin, and their friend Mateo, in the immediate aftermath of the events of book one. Before they leave town, they wish to confront Nodland’s religious leader, Pastor Wendell, about Candy Cain’s family, their tragic past, and the cover up that followed.
What really happened to Candy Cain and her family had been documented on video and was found in their former home by the kids. Once they cross over that church threshold, it is quickly apparent that Candy Cain is not as dead as she is supposed to be. And she is out for blood.
After reading the book, I asked Brian a bit about the inspiration that went into the creation of the duology. He said that the original kernel of an idea that eventually became Candy Cain came from the movie “Sinister”, starring Ethan Hawke. For those who have never seen the film, in short, a struggling true-crime writer moves into a new home with his family and ends up finding a box of homemade snuff films.
So, Brian wondered “what could transpire if a family went somewhere secluded to reconnect during the holidays and such a film was found?”. He took the idea and went for it. The rest is history … well Candy Cain’s history.
Candy Cain Kills Again addresses heavy religious themes, and the problematic mentality often indoctrinated under these cult-like leaders. There were also many moments where I wondered if Brian would “go there,” and he sure did, plus a little extra. He has a true gift and is a master of gnarly kills. But also, and importantly, there is some emotion and love. The humor sprinkled in at the best times amps up the enjoyment too. I really loved it. Candy Cain Kills Again: The Second Slaying is book #5 in Shortwave Publishing’s Killer VHS Series and published November 12, 2024.
Alas, according to Brian, this is likely the end of this slashing queen and she will be missed. Candy Cain Kills Again is the perfect stocking stuffer for any horror fan. You can order directly from Shortwave Publishing and rest assured, their packaging and customer service is elite. The small press was also featured in Cat’s article Eight Indie Horror Publishers to Shop This Holiday Season In the name of the Candy and the Cain, we pray. Slaymen!
Brian McAuley is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Screenwriting at Arizona State University, and you can find him on Instagram as @brianmcwriter and on BlueSky & Twitter under the same handle. His debut novel, Curse of the Reaper, is also a blast. He does have a new novel coming September 2025 from Poisoned Pen Press, titled Breathe In, Bleed Out, so be on the lookout for that one
Images courtesy of Shortwave Publishing
Have strong thoughts about this piece you need to share? Or maybe there’s something else on your mind you’re wanting to talk about with fellow Fandomentals? Head on over to our Community server to join in the conversation!