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Pageant
"Pageant's first charm is its healthy serving of early nineties nostalgia-so many beloved memories returned as I read. I also loved its focus on a deep and meaningful mother-daughter bond, as well as its explosive finale!"
-Christi Nogle,Bram Stoker Award® winning author of Beulah
"Wendy Dalyrymple is en pointe with PAGEANT, a wicked little dance number that keeps the tempo building up until its gloriously gory crescendo."
-Brian McAuley, author of CANDY CAIN KILLS and CURSE OF THE REAPER
"PAGEANT upholds Wendy Dalrymple's reputation for fun, accessible and imminently enjoyable storytelling... Perfect pacing and a satisfying plot combine with truly frightening and horrific elements to make PAGEANT another must-read for horror lovers."
- Laurel Hightower, author of BELOW and THE DAY OF THE DOOR
Tiffany Baldwin is nine years old and already nearly past her prime in the competitive world of child beauty pageants. She loves to sing and dance and perform, but she isn't as cute as she once was, and is realizing just how cruel some of the adults are. Pressure builds as the holiday-themed Pageant of Lights nears, and Tiffany realizes that something is changing about her. Something big, and bold, and terrible. Something that she must learn to control.
Pageant is a psychological pink horror novella that marries the nostalgia of the 1990s with the heart of Little Miss Sunshine and the terror of Carrie.
-Christi Nogle,Bram Stoker Award® winning author of Beulah
"Wendy Dalyrymple is en pointe with PAGEANT, a wicked little dance number that keeps the tempo building up until its gloriously gory crescendo."
-Brian McAuley, author of CANDY CAIN KILLS and CURSE OF THE REAPER
"PAGEANT upholds Wendy Dalrymple's reputation for fun, accessible and imminently enjoyable storytelling... Perfect pacing and a satisfying plot combine with truly frightening and horrific elements to make PAGEANT another must-read for horror lovers."
- Laurel Hightower, author of BELOW and THE DAY OF THE DOOR
Tiffany Baldwin is nine years old and already nearly past her prime in the competitive world of child beauty pageants. She loves to sing and dance and perform, but she isn't as cute as she once was, and is realizing just how cruel some of the adults are. Pressure builds as the holiday-themed Pageant of Lights nears, and Tiffany realizes that something is changing about her. Something big, and bold, and terrible. Something that she must learn to control.
Pageant is a psychological pink horror novella that marries the nostalgia of the 1990s with the heart of Little Miss Sunshine and the terror of Carrie.
- GenresHorror
98 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2024
3 people are currently reading
96 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Dalrymple
81 books301 followersWendy Dalrymple loves to explore the beauty in horrific things.. When she’s not writing #pinkhorror or Florida Gothic horror, you can find her hiking with her family, painting (bad) wall art, and trying to grow as many pineapples as possible. Follow her on IG or TikTok @wendydalrymplewrites.
Www.wendydalrymple.com
Www.wendydalrymple.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
December 8, 2024
Dance Moms meets Carrie, steeped in 1990s nostalgia. If this statement appeals, please pick up this book!
With Pageant, Wendy Dalrymple has crafted another satisfying novella in her signature style: equal parts fun and spooky, with highly readable prose and moments of over-the-top (sometimes gross!) horror.
This book centers on 9-year-old Tiffany, a girl living in Florida in the early 1990s, who is perhaps Dalrymple's most endearing protagonist yet. As she prepares for the upcoming Christmas dance pageant, strange things start to happen, culminating in an intense conclusion. Throughout the story, we root for underdog Tiffany to succeed, and we feel her pain when struggles arise. Aside from Tiffany, the rest of the characters (both good and bad!) feel realistic and memorable, quite an achievement for a story less than 100 pages long.
It's impossible to talk about Pageant without mentioning the 1990s. References to this decade are EVERYWHERE, and of course I won't spoil anything by mentioning any specifically. Coming across them is part of the fun. The 90s were an important decade for me, informing everything from the music/movies/books I enjoy to my values as a person; here, the author captures a sense of nostalgia for the decade in an authentic and enjoyable way.
While it's easy to go on and on about the fun aspects of Dalrymple's work, there are also some other, very serious matters addressed in Pageant. Mainly, the pressure of competition at a young age, and all the problems that go along with it (classism, eating disorders, pushy parents/teachers). There is a sense of poignancy in Tiffany's struggles, because they feel so relatable, and it makes you wonder if there is a slight autobiographical aspect woven into the pages.
Carrie was mentioned above, and comparisons to Stephen King's seminal novel will be inevitable. And they're somewhat fair, considering a few shared, surface-level elements. But I'm not sure any writer would be able to use these tropes without falling under the shadow of a novel that has become a pop cultural force unto itself. But, Wendy Dalrymple's story is different enough that Pageant feels more like a nod to Carrie as opposed to a carbon copy. In fact, one of the most significant differences is also, in my opinion, the emotional core of Pageant: here, the protagonist and her mother have a GREAT relationship. Tiffany's mother is a caring person who is willing to do anything in support of her daughter, even if it means sacrificing some of her own happiness. Of course, this cannot be stated about Carrie White and her mother!
Overall, I really liked this book. It was a perfectly paced story that also gave me a lot to think about. If you're looking for some quick and punchy horror to round out the year (after all, it's also Christmas themed!) Pageant is one to check out.
With Pageant, Wendy Dalrymple has crafted another satisfying novella in her signature style: equal parts fun and spooky, with highly readable prose and moments of over-the-top (sometimes gross!) horror.
This book centers on 9-year-old Tiffany, a girl living in Florida in the early 1990s, who is perhaps Dalrymple's most endearing protagonist yet. As she prepares for the upcoming Christmas dance pageant, strange things start to happen, culminating in an intense conclusion. Throughout the story, we root for underdog Tiffany to succeed, and we feel her pain when struggles arise. Aside from Tiffany, the rest of the characters (both good and bad!) feel realistic and memorable, quite an achievement for a story less than 100 pages long.
It's impossible to talk about Pageant without mentioning the 1990s. References to this decade are EVERYWHERE, and of course I won't spoil anything by mentioning any specifically. Coming across them is part of the fun. The 90s were an important decade for me, informing everything from the music/movies/books I enjoy to my values as a person; here, the author captures a sense of nostalgia for the decade in an authentic and enjoyable way.
While it's easy to go on and on about the fun aspects of Dalrymple's work, there are also some other, very serious matters addressed in Pageant. Mainly, the pressure of competition at a young age, and all the problems that go along with it (classism, eating disorders, pushy parents/teachers). There is a sense of poignancy in Tiffany's struggles, because they feel so relatable, and it makes you wonder if there is a slight autobiographical aspect woven into the pages.
Carrie was mentioned above, and comparisons to Stephen King's seminal novel will be inevitable. And they're somewhat fair, considering a few shared, surface-level elements. But I'm not sure any writer would be able to use these tropes without falling under the shadow of a novel that has become a pop cultural force unto itself. But, Wendy Dalrymple's story is different enough that Pageant feels more like a nod to Carrie as opposed to a carbon copy. In fact, one of the most significant differences is also, in my opinion, the emotional core of Pageant: here, the protagonist and her mother have a GREAT relationship. Tiffany's mother is a caring person who is willing to do anything in support of her daughter, even if it means sacrificing some of her own happiness. Of course, this cannot be stated about Carrie White and her mother!
Overall, I really liked this book. It was a perfectly paced story that also gave me a lot to think about. If you're looking for some quick and punchy horror to round out the year (after all, it's also Christmas themed!) Pageant is one to check out.
November 14, 2024
This novella is a 90's themed look into the world of pageants and dance. Hairspray, eating disorders, and dreams of trophies for the girls in this book will bring nostalgia for some. But what starts as an exploration of passion is going to be a blood stained nightmare by the end.
Our protagonist is nine years old and loves dancing in general but really shines when performing for an audience. The relationship between her and her mother is one of love, understanding, and acceptance. This forms the basis for the horrors to come.
She's been experiencing things. Headaches when she gets angry lead to broken lights and mirrors. But there's a big pageant coming up and her instructor is becoming overbearing and mean to the students. We also get to get a peek into the lives of some of the other students. A younger girl lives with her abusive grandmother and uncle and our protagonist takes her under her wing.
As the pageant gets underway, all of those emotions are going to lead to a horrific blood bath and secrets are going to be revealed.
This novella is a great story of family and supernatural powers that will have you breaking out Ace of Bass while the screaming commences. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Our protagonist is nine years old and loves dancing in general but really shines when performing for an audience. The relationship between her and her mother is one of love, understanding, and acceptance. This forms the basis for the horrors to come.
She's been experiencing things. Headaches when she gets angry lead to broken lights and mirrors. But there's a big pageant coming up and her instructor is becoming overbearing and mean to the students. We also get to get a peek into the lives of some of the other students. A younger girl lives with her abusive grandmother and uncle and our protagonist takes her under her wing.
As the pageant gets underway, all of those emotions are going to lead to a horrific blood bath and secrets are going to be revealed.
This novella is a great story of family and supernatural powers that will have you breaking out Ace of Bass while the screaming commences. I highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
December 6, 2024
Fantastic fun!
Who would have thought one of my favorite main characters in a book would be a 9 year old?
As if the pageant world isn’t horrifying enough, wait til you get to the second half of this novella.
Although this one takes place during a Christmas pageant, you could enjoy this any time of the year.
Who would have thought one of my favorite main characters in a book would be a 9 year old?
As if the pageant world isn’t horrifying enough, wait til you get to the second half of this novella.
Although this one takes place during a Christmas pageant, you could enjoy this any time of the year.
October 28, 2024
What in the wide world of 90’s kid Carrie did Wendy Dalrymple do here??? I dunno, but we should all be thankful we did and pray to REDACTED that we SPOILER ahemgetasequelahem SPOILER. If you’ve ever even read a short story by Dalrymple, you know she thrives on character. She can write characters that force you to turn the page in a way that a bag of Cheetos makes you crave orange fingers. Pageant isn’t any different in that way. Pageant does manage to be something wholly unlike anything else Dalrymple, or any one else has done. The subject matter is something that could turn tacky, gross, and exploitative in another writer’s hands, but Dalrymple has made a story about beauty pageant somehow relatable to anyone. The feelings of dread, anxiety, and just being a kid who feels out of place are done masterfully. K thx.
December 6, 2024
¡Muy divertido! La protagonista es adorable. Tiene su poquito de crítica a la tiranía de la belleza, una pizca de terror, otra de gore y música de Ace of Base. Ahora quiero leerlo todo de Wendy Dalrymple.
December 4, 2024
Pageant is about Tiffany, a nine-year-old who just wants to tap dance as a human Christmas tree, but finds herself confronted by cruel adults and a confusing new...outlook on life.
Anyone who has known me for a while knows I am a huge fan of Wendy Dalrymple. She's a master of pink horror, unexpected twists, and characters you care about. When you pick up one of her books, you know you're in for an unputdownable read, and Pageant is no exception.
This fun novella is full of horror, heart, and the classic Dalrymple humor; it's set during a perfectly nostalgic Christmas in 1993 and wrapped up in an On-The-Go Girl Caboodles. And I really mean nostalgia. I'm talking Zebra Cakes, Pizza Hut salad buffets with extra ranch dressing and black olives, and pristine bangs.
Dalrymple did an exceptional job of writing from the POV of a child without it feeling too YA. I do wish there was more, because I feel like I was just getting to know Tiffany by the end, but this is a perfect holiday read for all horror fans—especially those who miss the Christmases of the 90s.
Thank you so much to Wendy Dalrymple for the ARC! 💕
Anyone who has known me for a while knows I am a huge fan of Wendy Dalrymple. She's a master of pink horror, unexpected twists, and characters you care about. When you pick up one of her books, you know you're in for an unputdownable read, and Pageant is no exception.
This fun novella is full of horror, heart, and the classic Dalrymple humor; it's set during a perfectly nostalgic Christmas in 1993 and wrapped up in an On-The-Go Girl Caboodles. And I really mean nostalgia. I'm talking Zebra Cakes, Pizza Hut salad buffets with extra ranch dressing and black olives, and pristine bangs.
Dalrymple did an exceptional job of writing from the POV of a child without it feeling too YA. I do wish there was more, because I feel like I was just getting to know Tiffany by the end, but this is a perfect holiday read for all horror fans—especially those who miss the Christmases of the 90s.
Thank you so much to Wendy Dalrymple for the ARC! 💕
November 25, 2024
A tiny little 84 page pink horror novella chock full of 90’s nostalgia, too much hairspray, pageantry eating disorders, and the cliquey-ness of being a part of a dance/pageant production as a young girl. This was a fun read that hooked me right away! I absolutely loved sweet Tiffany and her amazing Momma. The description of “the nostalgia of the 1990s with the heart of Little Miss Sunshine and the terror of Carrie” is completely spot on, and I have no better way to describe it! 👯♀️
Thank you so much to @madaxemedia and @wendydalrymplewrites for the advanced copy! I can’t wait to read more from this author and publisher🤗
Thank you so much to @madaxemedia and @wendydalrymplewrites for the advanced copy! I can’t wait to read more from this author and publisher🤗
January 9, 2025
This tiny book kicks a lot of ass! Brought back so many memories from my childhood. Zebra cakes, personal pan pizzas, Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) being played literally everywhere...we didn't know how good we had it.
Also, sequel when??
Also, sequel when??
January 7, 2025
This was a fun, quick story! definitely curious to read more from this author
February 10, 2025
I wish this book had a Goosebumps style cover, because that's definitely more the vibe lol
Packed with 90s nostalgia, Pageant is a quick, fun little read for the American Millennial, particularly those who might have had some guilty pleasure in watching 00s shows like Toddlers & Tiaras, and America's Next Top Model. The story follows Tiffany, a child pageant star who has aged out of her peak pageant years and lost the magic of performing. She still has a passion for singing and dancing of course, but at 9 years old, the exploitation and abuse of everyone around her at the hands of their parents and dance teacher is becoming all too clear. Not to mention she's started feeling awfully strange lately... Enter some Carrie-esque shenanigans, and we're in for some good ol bloody catharsis lol
I enjoyed this read. The characters, the blood, and the comeuppance were fun, and I especially appreciated the relationship between Tiffany and her Momma. Feels like I rarely see moms sticking up for their daughters, so that aspect felt good to read. I also enjoyed the ending themes of otherness, and feel like parallels can be made here to neurodivergence. (I am reminded specifically of Kevin Wilson's Nothing to See Here) That being said, I also can't help but feel like the target was just a little off its mark overall. Pageant relies heavily on name dropping brands and songs to establish its 1993 setting, which is fine for those of us who know what trapper keepers and cassette tapes are, who remember WaldenBooks, Lisa Frank, and the cast of 90210. But Pageant is written from the first person perspective of a 9 year old girl, and the prose, pacing, and structure of the story reflect that, making the novella feel like it's written more for an Upper MG / Lower YA crowd, ala Goosebumps. But for the MG-YA crowd of 2025, I don't think those name drops are enough. So then I'm left wondering: who was the real target of this story? Young horror readers? Or their moms?
Anyway, THIS mom had a good time. So if you're in the mood for a quick Christmas romp in spandex and tinsel, with girls supporting girls and moms supporting daughters, give this one a try. You'll like the ending. 💖
Thank you so much to the Small Spec Book Awards and Mad Axe Media for providing me an arc of this novella! All thoughts are my own.
Packed with 90s nostalgia, Pageant is a quick, fun little read for the American Millennial, particularly those who might have had some guilty pleasure in watching 00s shows like Toddlers & Tiaras, and America's Next Top Model. The story follows Tiffany, a child pageant star who has aged out of her peak pageant years and lost the magic of performing. She still has a passion for singing and dancing of course, but at 9 years old, the exploitation and abuse of everyone around her at the hands of their parents and dance teacher is becoming all too clear. Not to mention she's started feeling awfully strange lately... Enter some Carrie-esque shenanigans, and we're in for some good ol bloody catharsis lol
I enjoyed this read. The characters, the blood, and the comeuppance were fun, and I especially appreciated the relationship between Tiffany and her Momma. Feels like I rarely see moms sticking up for their daughters, so that aspect felt good to read. I also enjoyed the ending themes of otherness, and feel like parallels can be made here to neurodivergence. (I am reminded specifically of Kevin Wilson's Nothing to See Here) That being said, I also can't help but feel like the target was just a little off its mark overall. Pageant relies heavily on name dropping brands and songs to establish its 1993 setting, which is fine for those of us who know what trapper keepers and cassette tapes are, who remember WaldenBooks, Lisa Frank, and the cast of 90210. But Pageant is written from the first person perspective of a 9 year old girl, and the prose, pacing, and structure of the story reflect that, making the novella feel like it's written more for an Upper MG / Lower YA crowd, ala Goosebumps. But for the MG-YA crowd of 2025, I don't think those name drops are enough. So then I'm left wondering: who was the real target of this story? Young horror readers? Or their moms?
Anyway, THIS mom had a good time. So if you're in the mood for a quick Christmas romp in spandex and tinsel, with girls supporting girls and moms supporting daughters, give this one a try. You'll like the ending. 💖
Thank you so much to the Small Spec Book Awards and Mad Axe Media for providing me an arc of this novella! All thoughts are my own.
December 8, 2024
Carrie, if she were a young pageant girl with an appetite for justice.
This book sent me back in time to my childhood as a young ballerina in the 90’s … and all the pain that comes with it.
But in this story, the kid who is sick of pageants (and sick of adults being so mean to her) gets her revenge.
I loved everything about this novella and read it in two sittings. It’s got nineties nostalgia (from a girls perspective which I appreciate so much), a very unfortunate but true account of what it’s like being a pageant kid (or dancer, etc), Christmas “magic”, and a protagonist that cares so much about the people she loves that she JUST. CAN’T. STAND IT.
PAGEANT reminds me of my own childhood, and what I wished I could’ve done … 😉
The “don’t have much but each other” mother-daughter relationship was compelling, the friendship between Tiffany and Samantha was heartwarming and fun to watch (especially as they learned their powers together), and the bloody gory telekinesis of it all, made this the perfect little holiday horror.
A wonderful story told fantastically through the lens of a child, PAGEANT reminds you not to underestimate the mightiness of Girl Power ✌️☮️
Carrie X Little Miss Sunshine = PAGEANT
(in the most fun Christmas horror way🎄)
This book sent me back in time to my childhood as a young ballerina in the 90’s … and all the pain that comes with it.
But in this story, the kid who is sick of pageants (and sick of adults being so mean to her) gets her revenge.
I loved everything about this novella and read it in two sittings. It’s got nineties nostalgia (from a girls perspective which I appreciate so much), a very unfortunate but true account of what it’s like being a pageant kid (or dancer, etc), Christmas “magic”, and a protagonist that cares so much about the people she loves that she JUST. CAN’T. STAND IT.
PAGEANT reminds me of my own childhood, and what I wished I could’ve done … 😉
The “don’t have much but each other” mother-daughter relationship was compelling, the friendship between Tiffany and Samantha was heartwarming and fun to watch (especially as they learned their powers together), and the bloody gory telekinesis of it all, made this the perfect little holiday horror.
A wonderful story told fantastically through the lens of a child, PAGEANT reminds you not to underestimate the mightiness of Girl Power ✌️☮️
Carrie X Little Miss Sunshine = PAGEANT
(in the most fun Christmas horror way🎄)
December 19, 2024
Oh I loved this little book and it reminded me a lot of my childhood actually. It seems I’ve been reading a lot of nostalgic books lately that bring back many memories of the late 80s and 90s for me. Tiffany reminded me so much of me at that age. I loved to dance, took dance classes and loved to perform but was always just a little bigger than the other girls so I never felt like I could really make a go of it beyond a certain point. And right around that age is when the bullying and body shaming and all my life long insecurities began. But I didn’t have any “special abilities” threatening to ruin everything either. (Or make them better depending on how you see things 😅 probably for the best because I probably would have made a bully or two explode).
Up until the last few chapters where it really pulls no punches and we get quite a bloodbath, Pageant is actually a heartwarming story of a single mom and daughter’s struggle to get by and make ends meet while still striving for a little normalcy and a few special treats like .39¢ McDonald’s cheeseburger nights along the way. (I remember those days) This is a one-sitting read I devoured and I truly recommend it if you love a sentimental book with a touch of supernatural horror.
Up until the last few chapters where it really pulls no punches and we get quite a bloodbath, Pageant is actually a heartwarming story of a single mom and daughter’s struggle to get by and make ends meet while still striving for a little normalcy and a few special treats like .39¢ McDonald’s cheeseburger nights along the way. (I remember those days) This is a one-sitting read I devoured and I truly recommend it if you love a sentimental book with a touch of supernatural horror.
December 15, 2024
Ten year old Tiffany is a veteran of the Suzy Dawn Dance Studio and its annual Pageant of Lights. She still loves dancing, but pageants and competing have stopped being fun - especially because super mean Miss Suzy won't let her use Jingle Bell Rock for this year's solo performance. She is afraid to share her feelings with her hardworking single mom, who creatively moves mountains to take care of them and to keep Tiffany in dance classes. To make matters worse, Tiffany has been seeing and feeling strange things that she doesn't understand - her book research into the whys come up with the word "telekinesis ".
This was a fun and surprisingly touching supernatural holiday novella. Dalrymple nails Tiffany's voice and the 90s setting, and does a great job of illuminating the darker side of a dance competition environment. Tiffany is a smart and spirited girl with a good heart, and I loved her budding friendship with younger dancer Samantha, and especially her relationship with her mama bear of a mother. The central mystery is engaging, and the payoff is fantastic. A fast, excellent holiday read.
This was a fun and surprisingly touching supernatural holiday novella. Dalrymple nails Tiffany's voice and the 90s setting, and does a great job of illuminating the darker side of a dance competition environment. Tiffany is a smart and spirited girl with a good heart, and I loved her budding friendship with younger dancer Samantha, and especially her relationship with her mama bear of a mother. The central mystery is engaging, and the payoff is fantastic. A fast, excellent holiday read.
December 23, 2024
I can't begin to describe how much I loved reading this nostalgic little Christmas horror novella. It honestly felt like reading a day dream I had when I was in all the dance recitals in the 90s. What little girl doesn't wish they had special abilities?
9 year old Tiffany is a kid in the early 90s, living and competing in a Christmas beauty pageant in Florida. When strange things start to happen, she notices the world around her may be different than she ever imagined.
Wendy Dalrymple writes such a sweet little story about a girl living with her single mother, sprinkled in with little memories, such as Pizza Hut reading awards and Ace of Base. Tiffany is such a cool little girl and you immediately love her. She is talented, creative, and most importantly, cares about the people around her.
Pageant feels like it takes inspiration from Drop Dead Gorgeous and Carrie and ends with quite a bloodbath. The story feels familiar, yet fresh all at once. Dalrymple's writing is very lovely and any reader will immediately feel comfortable in her story. It's like Lisa Frank found a chainsaw and became a slasher. It's perfect.
9 year old Tiffany is a kid in the early 90s, living and competing in a Christmas beauty pageant in Florida. When strange things start to happen, she notices the world around her may be different than she ever imagined.
Wendy Dalrymple writes such a sweet little story about a girl living with her single mother, sprinkled in with little memories, such as Pizza Hut reading awards and Ace of Base. Tiffany is such a cool little girl and you immediately love her. She is talented, creative, and most importantly, cares about the people around her.
Pageant feels like it takes inspiration from Drop Dead Gorgeous and Carrie and ends with quite a bloodbath. The story feels familiar, yet fresh all at once. Dalrymple's writing is very lovely and any reader will immediately feel comfortable in her story. It's like Lisa Frank found a chainsaw and became a slasher. It's perfect.
October 22, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this short read. The characters are fantastic, the storyline is so easy to get sucked into, and it is such a mind-blowing experience... Following the highs and lows of our protagonist, we really get an insight into her life and experiences with those around her. Her situation starts so down to earth and emotionally relatable. With the backdrop of a pagent dancer, living basically and putting her heart and soul into what she does, and how she cares for people, it really gets you rooting for her and invested in her story, and when thing go a little eery, you find yourself needing to know who, what and why. With just the right amount of suspense, mystery, and emotion, a great story is created. I really hope to hear more from these characters and to learn what happens next, especially after that ending!
December 8, 2024
Full review coming to Cemetery Dance - https://www.cemeterydance.com/extras/...
This is my first time reading Wendy Dalrymple and I have to get my hands on more of her work. She hooked me with this sweet, shocking (😮 just wait until the night of the pageant), and impressive tale. It’s got guts, bloody ballet slippers, and lots of hairspray!
The dread-pacing in Pageant was incredible. Dalrymple knows how to mound tension in a way that will delight horror readers
And I fell in love with her characters - Tiffany 🎄, Tiffany’s mother, and sweet little Sammy
But don’t think this book is all glitter and gold. It’s wild and graphic in the best way
This is my first time reading Wendy Dalrymple and I have to get my hands on more of her work. She hooked me with this sweet, shocking (😮 just wait until the night of the pageant), and impressive tale. It’s got guts, bloody ballet slippers, and lots of hairspray!
The dread-pacing in Pageant was incredible. Dalrymple knows how to mound tension in a way that will delight horror readers
And I fell in love with her characters - Tiffany 🎄, Tiffany’s mother, and sweet little Sammy
But don’t think this book is all glitter and gold. It’s wild and graphic in the best way
July 16, 2025
I read Dalrymple’s White Ibis a few years ago and really enjoyed it, but Pageant was on a whole different level. Wendy’s writing has only gotten better since that earlier book, and this one is a new favorite. I might make it a Christmas tradition, since I know I’m definitely going to want to read it again. Tiffany was an awesome kid and I loved her and her mother’s relationship. It was just my mom and me for a while as a kid, so I really identified with how close and protective of each other they were. Love love loved this one.
December 9, 2024
A sweet and fun nostalgic horror story with an explosive dose of feminine rage! I loved Tiffany and her independent thought and compassion for others and the relationship between her and her mother--a woman determined to do whatever it takes for her daughter. And as a former Cape Coral resident, Dalrymple's references were "en pointe!" A great quick holiday read!
May 11, 2025
This was a fun and interesting read set in the 90’s. It gave me Carrie meets Toddlers and Tiaras plus Dance Moms vibes. I really enjoyed this story. I loved the mother duo a lot and thought the ending was very cute.
July 13, 2024
Excellent character work and family building, and great use of a child's POV. Compelling, freaky, and so much fun to read.
August 21, 2024
A fun read and filled with emotions. Really felt for Tiffany and Samantha. Will definitely read more from this Author
December 15, 2024
All the nostalgia! This was a fun read and I’m going to think about Tiffany for a long time! 🤩
December 21, 2024
This book is just straight up fun! Tiffany is amazing, and I now need to go hot glue myself a Christmas tree costume.
April 11, 2025
Wendy Dalrymple is a force in the #pinkhorror world. Pageant is one wild ride and I want to know more! You will be singing "Gonna Make You Sweat." This author is on fire!!!
July 16, 2025
I would not classify this as a horror - it’s a middle grade, cute and sweet. The humor was lacking, the point of view of a child was not as quirky as I expected. Quick read.
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August 31, 2025This is a Small Spec Book Awards Nominee!
December 18, 2025
I loved this one. It was like Carrie: The Christmas Musical 🩸😂
December 25, 2025
There was so much more packed into this book than I expected.
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and story.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing and story.
I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!
December 27, 2025
“Pageant” is a quick and gory read, reminiscent of Carrie, that touches on the hardships in the world of children beauty pageants. The holiday elements are very minor, but with how short this story is, it’s well worth it to add it to your holiday TBR!
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