Release: June 1, 1989
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Scholastic Point
Source: NetGalley
Find it at: Goodreads,
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The pretty lace dress that Robin finds in her mysterious employer’s attic does not look deadly; it looks perfect for the prom. Robin cannot resist the power the dress holds over her and decides to ‘borrow’ it to wear to prom. But the dress has a horrifying secret and lures innocent, unsuspecting girls into an evil and terrifying nightmare.
About the author:
CAREER:
Gates Rubber Co., Denver, CO, secretary, 1952-54; Life Insurance Association of America, New York, NY, secretary, 1954-60; worked as a medical secretary for a physician in New York, NY, 1960-63; writer, 1963–. Taught writing classes in writers’ programs at Pasadena City College and University of California–Los Angeles, 1978-88.
AWARDS:
Southern California Council on Children’s Literature Award for notable work of fiction, 1992, for Blue Skye; Best Books for the Teen Age, New York Public Library, 2003, for Lake of Secrets.
Prom Dress Review:
Unique Multi-Story Thriller (4/5 Stars)
Prom Dress stands out as one of the more unusual entries in the Point Horror lineup, weaving multiple storylines into a fast, engaging read.
What Works:
The structure of the story itself feels fresh, following different characters and showing how the cursed dress impacts each of them keeps things interesting. Of the three main girls, Nicole’s story hit me hardest; there’s something genuinely tragic about her arc that stuck with me. That said, Littke does strong work with Felicia and Robin too. While Robin gets the more physical scares as the central character, I appreciated how the author gave Felicia real emotional weight. The balance between external threat and internal struggle works well.
Moreover, the pacing is also tight. With multiple characters to check in on and a slim page count, there’s no room for drag. I was genuinely curious what would happen to each character and kept turning pages to find out.
What Falls Short:
The ending with Catherine feels abrupt. After building everything up, her final moments get barely any detail, as though the author suddenly wanted to finish the book. It’s abrupt in a way that undercuts some of the tension built earlier.
I also guessed the twist pretty early. The reveal makes sense, but without red herrings or misdirection, the surprise factor fizzles.
Verdict:
Despite the rushed finish and predictable twist, Prom Dress remains a fun, memorable Point Horror entry. The multi-character approach and genuine emotional stakes for all three girls elevate it above standard series fare. Worth picking up for something a little different.
Perfect for: Point Horror collectors, readers who enjoy interconnected stories, and fans of cursed object tales.
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