Say Cheese and Die!: Book Review

A Camera That Sees Catastrophe

Greg and his friends stumble upon an old camera in a dilapidated house, and it seems like a fun discovery—until they notice something odd. Each picture the camera takes shows a disturbing future event: a crashed car, a broken bone, a vanished friend. What was supposed to be a harmless thrill becomes a countdown to doom. The story escalates quickly as the teens try to escape the camera’s curse, only to realise the danger may be irreversible.

Character Analysis: Curious Minds and Growing Fear

Greg is a relatable protagonist—a typical teenager with a curious streak. His friends, Shari, Michael, and Doug, bring different shades of personality to the mix. Stine writes them with enough realism to make their reactions believable, especially as fear sets in. The character dynamics evolve as they grapple with moral questions, fear, and the burden of responsibility. Greg’s arc—from excitement to desperation—anchors the emotional heart of the story.

What Makes It a Great Read: Fast-Paced Fear for Young Minds

R.L. Stine excels in delivering horror that’s thrilling but age-appropriate. Say Cheese and Die! is filled with eerie suspense, short snappy chapters, and just enough horror to make readers’ hearts race. The concept of a cursed camera that captures doom is both clever and creepy. Young readers, especially those new to the genre, will find the book hard to put down thanks to its brisk pacing and mounting tension.

Literary Success: A Timeless Entry in the Goosebumps Canon

As part of the Goosebumps series, Say Cheese and Die! stands out for its unique premise and effective execution. Stine doesn’t rely on gore—he builds psychological suspense with a light touch. The book reinforces why Goosebumps continues to engage generations: it introduces children to storytelling that’s smart, scary, and addictive. A perfect pick for middle-grade readers and nostalgic adults alike.