Yours Cruelly, Elvira: Memoirs of the Mistress of the Dark

Written by:
Cassandra Peterson
Narrated by:
Cassandra Peterson

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
39
Narrator
18
Release Date
September 2021
Duration
10 hours 42 minutes
Summary
The woman behind the icon known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the undisputed Queen of Halloween, reveals her full story filled with intimate bombshells—told by the bombshell herself. 

On Good Friday in 1953, at only 18 months old, 25 miles from the nearest hospital in Manhattan, Kansas, Cassandra Peterson reached for a pot on the stove and doused herself in boiling water. Third-degree burns covered 35% of her body, and the prognosis wasn't good. But she survived. Burned and scarred, the impact stayed with her and became an obstacle she was determined to overcome. Feeling like a misfit led to her love of horror. While her sisters played with Barbie dolls, Cassandra built model kits of Frankenstein and Dracula, and idolized Vincent Price.

Due to a complicated relationship with her mother, Cassandra left home at 14, and by age 17 she was performing at the famed Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas. Run-ins with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Tom Jones helped her grow up fast. Then a chance encounter with her idol Elvis Presley, changed the course of her life forever, and led her to Europe where she worked in film and traveled Italy as lead singer of an Italian pop band. She eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she joined the famed comedy improv group, The Groundlings, and worked alongside Phil Hartman and Paul "Pee-wee" Reubens, honing her comedic skills.

Nearing age 30, a struggling actress considered past her prime, she auditioned at local LA channel KHJ as hostess for the late night vintage horror movies. Cassandra improvised, made the role her own, and got the job on the spot. Yours Cruelly, Elvira is an unforgettably wild memoir. Cassandra doesn't shy away from revealing exactly who she is and how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds. Always original and sometimes outrageous, her story is loaded with twists, travails, revelry, and downright shocking experiences. It is the candid, often funny, and sometimes heart-breaking tale of a Midwest farm girl's long strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon.

Instant New York Times Bestseller, Los Angeles Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, Publishers Weekly Bestseller

A New York Times Best Books to Give This Season selection
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Reviews
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Debbie P.

I loved this book, it was my first audiobook I have read and it was just Like me listen to Elvira telling her story and I'm in a room with her listening to her read me her life love love loved it ❤

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Anthony G.

Elvira is and will always be an icon, the story of Cassandra’s life is beautiful, and simultaneously hilarious- listening to her tell her story is incredible. 10/10 can’t recommend enough, I hope she writes more books in the future!

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miss.m.l.y

10/10 !! Loved every minute of it !!! Really enjoyed Cassandra’s narration !

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Erin W.

An absolutely fantastic book, I lived an entire other life through her words, amazing!!!!

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Andrew G.

Just an excellent all around book. She has had an absolutely amazing life!

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Caroline P.

Absolutely LOVED this book and the fact its read by her makes it even better. Hilarious and shocking. The stories of her life are endless. Great book!

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David M.

Cassandra Peterson has an amazing story to tell.

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