Book Review: Security by Gina Wohlsdorf

Birthday BashHaunted Library MonthBook Review

6 Nov

Book Review: Security by Gina Wohlsdorf

I'm going to keep this short and sweet, just liek the book itself, but it's definitely a worthy mention in the Slasher category, and I'll never pass up the opportunity to promote a woman in horror.
I read Security about a year or go, and although Slasher subgenre isn't my usual go-to for books (I far prefer to watch them) I really found myself having a good time with this one! Security is told through multiple perspectives by following multiple employees at the illustrious new Manderley Hotel (a nod to classic horror/mystery novel, Rebecca!) shortly before it opens its doors. The story unfolds partly through narration by each character in and around the hotel, and partly through video camera surveillance footage. Although slightly confusing at times, I did find that to be a creative reveal tactic, and a fun way of adding an edge of voyeurism similar to the premise used in such films as Rear Window or Disturbia 13 Cameras or even Night Clerk. The writing style is a bit brusque and rough-edged in places with a very dark sense of humor in parts, but I personally find that it fits the aesthetic and energy of its characters and 80s-Slasher-meets-Tarantino vibes.

The storytelling mechanism is creative, and I enjoyed the odd way it blends the energy of Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel with some over the top violent Tarantino energy and a generous helping of Hitchcockian murder mystery like Psycho! When it works, it really works, but the narrative can get a little tangled in some parts with the flip-flopping between character viewpoints, and sometimes gets a little muddy as a result. With so many bits of the story unfolding simultaneously through different characters' eyes over the course of about 10-12 hours, it falls a little short in terms of the reader being able to follow it all happening at once. Bouncing back and forth so often can find you flipping back to gather the details of the timeline to keep it all on track. I'd love to see it adapted for screen, though, because that's where Wohldorf's innovative storytelling style would really shine!

As for character development, it can be a challenge to fully flesh out multidimensional characters in such a short timespan, but I think they're carved out just enough to be satisfying. Besides, no one reads a slasher for "character development" (To me, that's like watching porn for the plot...) Everyone knows we're here for the kills and the blood! Everything else is just background noise. Personal development and character evolution are really second fiddle to the murder and mayhem in this subgenre. Although, I will say it's rather refreshing to read the perspectives of creepy men written by a woman author instead of a man. Those parts had a little Joe Goldberg-y vibe to me, which was great fun.
Overall it's a fairly speedy read clocking in at about 250ish pages, and will make a great quick read for anyone looking to consume the Slasher Movie format in book form! If you're looking for a good bloody payout and a bit of a "popcorn read" for a weekend afternoon, I'd recommend giving this one a go. And I'll keep my fingers crossed in hopes of seeing it pop up as a future film adaptation.