Valentine’s 2024: 13 R. L. Stine books for those sick of lovey-dovey hype!
I am a bit of a sceptic when it comes to the 14th of February. There is a general sense of unrealistic expectations surrounding the holiday. Spending lots of money on stuffed bears holding love hearts, fancy chocolates, the premiums on dining out, lots of sparkling wine, and of course the commercial hype. That is not to say I am a complete ‘Valentine’s Scrooge’. I will shell out some cash and effort to show my appreciation for my partner, and she for me.
But it is the sentiment that supermarkets and advertisers all round tout that you should your entire months pay on a single evening. Of course, for me this cynicism does somewhat go out of the window during Halloween and Christmastime. Yet, both I and my partner find these times much more enjoyable! With that said, if you are not a fan of the sickly-sweet, but are more entertained by the gruesome and macabre, then this is a list for you.
These stories by R. L. Stine are for those who want a much darker Valentine’s Day this year. Or it may be the case you are looking for a horror-themed gift for that special person in your life, or indeed, that boyfriend-free-girl or girlfriend-free-boy you want to show some appreciation for (without breaking the bank!).
Point Horror: The Boyfriend
Beautiful and spoiled Joanna has everything a girl could want, including her boyfriend Dex. But then she dumps him. Joanna feels sad that Dex died in a horrific accident, but it was not her fault. She never really loved him. But Dex has returned from the grave, and he wants one final date.
Joanna is completely unlikable from the start, so will you end up rooting for her? Or will you be hoping Dex gets his revenge?!
A Fear Street Novel: The Dead Boyfriend
Caitlin has never been in a relationship before. When she starts seeing Blade (oh for goodness sake!), she dives headfirst into the relationship. She rejects her friends’ warnings that Blade (as if his name wasn’t a red flag in the first place) may be a phoney and that she is taking the situation too seriously. But Caitlin is smitten, not caring if she is losing her friends. All she wants is Blade.
But when Caitlin finds that Blade is cheating, she loses it. She loses her s**t, and blacks out. When she regains consciousness, she realises Blade is no longer alive—and she is responsible.
Point Horror: The Girlfriend
Scotty has the perfect girlfriend. But one weekend, when she is not around, Scotty goes a little…astray. All of a sudden, he has a new girlfriend. But after a single wild night, she will not leave him alone… She has turned into a nightmare!
Now, Scotty’s new girlfriend has decided she loves him…to death.
Fear Street: The Perfect Date
Brady is finally ready to move on after his girlfriend’s horrific sledging accident a year ago. He meets Rosha and falls hard. But he’s also gotten into trouble. Terrible accidents appear to occur whenever Rosha is there. And a weird person with a scarred face follows Brady everywhere he goes.
Is Rosha truly Brady’s dream girl? Or has she brought his greatest nightmares to life?
Point Horror: The Dead Girlfriend
Similar to the narrative of The Perfect Date, but from the other side of the coin. Annie meets Jonathan, but she is unaware how popular or beautiful his ex-girlfriend was… or that she died!
But she is soon to find out. The ex may be dead, but she is not buried!
Fear Street: Double Date
No girl in her right mind would reject a date with Bobby Newkirk. Not with his good looks, effortless charisma, and incredible guitar skills. Of course, some people believe he is conceited. But Bobby hasn’t let it stop him from breaking hearts.
At least, not until the stunning Wade twins relocate to Shadyside. And Bobby boasts to his pals that they will both fall for him. And they do. Unfortunately for Bobby, the twins never learned to share. One of them is insanely jealous. But will jealousy turn into murder?
If you would like to read the review for Double Date, you can read it here on 90s-horror.com!
Fear Street: The Cheater
Under pressure to score well on her math exam, Carter Phillips convinces math genius Adam to take the test for her in return for one date, but one date is insufficient for the dangerous math geek!
Fear Street: Secret Admirer
Selena has it all. She recently took the lead in her high school play, and everyone adores her. So when she begins getting dead flowers from a mysterious “admirer” dubbed The Sun, she simply figures it is a harmless fan.
Selena quickly realises that The Sun is dead serious. First, her understudy is hurt in a strange accident. Then, a speeding car nearly kills her! Selena has no idea what this maniac wants… All she knows is that her number one admirer has turned into her number one nightmare.
Fear Street Super Chiller: Broken Hearts
There is someone out there who kills on Valentine’s day. Josie and Melissa are terrified, especially when they get menacing valentines. Then the killings start. Who is sending these awful Valentine’s Day cards to the girls at Shadyside High School? Who will be the next to die?
Fear Street: Killer’s Kiss
Delia and Karina have always competed against each other. For the highest grades, the most friends, and the best looking guys. This year, they both want Vincent, the most popular kid at Shadyside High.
Karina is determined to win, whatever it takes. And if she can’t have Vincent, she’ll make sure no one else does.
Fear Street: First Date
Chelsea is shy and reserved. She would do anything to have her first date, even though she was always at home on Saturday nights. Chelsea’s luck finally changes when two new boys relocate to town and both ask her out.
Too bad one of Chelsea’s new boys has a bloody pastime: murder. Chelsea may be seeking for love, but he is hunting for a new victim.
Return to Fear Street: Drop Dead Gorgeous
Morgan Marks is the new girl, and no one can stop talking about her. She’s popular, clever, and beautiful, and everyone wants to be friends with her.
Morgan has a dark past, even those closest to her don’t know about it. But Shadyside Homecoming is right around the corner, and her secrets are going to be exposed for all the world to see.
Return to Fear Street: You May Now KILL The Bride
Two sisters, separated by time. Each carries a dreadful bitterness that she can scarcely contain. Two Fear family weddings, decades apart. Each bride will discover that the old curse that haunts the Fears lives on.
It feeds on the wickedness that runs through their blood. It takes its toll in unforeseen ways, allowing tragic history to be repeated. Familial connections bind the sisters together until death do they part!
