Halloween is a special time for Blackwood, a small town with no mall and nothing to do for bored teens but every year, near Halloween this little dull as dishwater town transforms. Every year, kids die and they all blame Benny Rose. Benny Rose is the towns’ urban legend, dating back to the 50s/60s, of a self-proclaimed Cannibal King. Over time, the stories have gotten wilder and wilder. Benny Rose didn't disappoint. The author wasted no time in creating a brutal backstory, nor is there any anticipating action. She cleverly gives just a taste of what's to come before she redirects the reader’s attention to the characters, a group of high school juniors deciding to prank the new girl in town. The trap is set swiftly as new girl, Gabrielle, is roped into having a slumber party at her house while her grandma's away. However, the Glade Street Retirement Community, the only street in Blackwood not decorated for Halloween, has its own secrets to tell. A wicked look at a particularly gruesome urban legend, Piper gives brushstroke backgrounds on the characters, providing the depth the reader needs to care about them, and to understand their actions and imperfections. However I loved that, in contrast to the typical 80s slasher movies, the characters didn’t made the typical headless decisions. Benny Rose, The Cannibal King is the perfect Halloween read. We had 80s nostalgia, a small town, legends and conspiracies, friendships. It reminded me much of Halloween, Friday the 13th and Nightmare on Elm street.