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

At eighteen months old, Cassandra Peterson doused herself in boiling water and survived. She left home at fourteen and became a go-go dancer. At seventeen, she was performing as a showgirl in Las Vegas. Elvis Presley inspired her to travel to Europe, where she worked in film and toured Italy. In 1981, she auditioned for a local LA station as hostess for their late-night horror movies and got the job as Elvira, leading to fame and a forty-year career. Her memoir is candid, often hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking, revealing her long, strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Hachette Books

At just eighteen months old, Cassandra Peterson's life took an unexpected turn when she reached for a pot on the stove and accidentally doused herself in boiling water, resulting in third-degree burns that covered over 35 percent of her body. Miraculously, she survived the ordeal, but the scars and burns left a lasting impact on her physical and emotional well-being. Determined to overcome the obstacles she faced, Cassandra left her home at fourteen and embarked on a journey of self-discovery. She supported herself as a go-go dancer, showcasing her talent and charisma on the dance floor. By age seventeen, she had landed a role as a showgirl in Las Vegas, where she mesmerized audiences with her captivating performances.

However, it was a chance encounter with the legendary Elvis Presley that would truly ignite her passion for music and acting. Inspired by his talent and charisma, Cassandra decided to travel to Europe, where she worked in film and toured Italy as the lead singer of a band. Her journey took her to the bustling city of Los Angeles, where she joined the renowned comedy improv group, The Groundlings.

In 1981, Cassandra auditioned for a local LA station as a hostess for their late-night horror movies. Little did she know that this opportunity would change her life forever. She landed the role of Elvira, a character that would become synonymous with Halloween and horror.

Yours Cruelly, Elvira is an unforgettable memoir that delves into the life and times of Cassandra Peterson. With unflinching honesty and a wicked sense of humor, she shares her journey from a small-town girl to a global icon. From her early struggles to her rise to fame, Cassandra's story is filled with twists, travails, revelry, and downright shocking experiences.

What sets this memoir apart is Cassandra's unique voice and perspective. She doesn't shy away from revealing exactly who she is, flaws and all. Her story is a testament to her resilience, determination, and unwavering spirit. It is a candid, often hilarious, and sometimes heartbreaking tale of a Midwest farm girl's long, strange trip to become the world's sexiest, sassiest Halloween icon.

The book has received widespread acclaim, with numerous accolades and bestsellers lists. It was an instant New York Times Bestseller, Los Angeles Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, and Publishers Weekly Bestseller. It has also been selected as a New York Times Best Books to Give This Season selection.

Yours Cruelly, Elvira is a must-read for anyone who loves Halloween, horror, or the power of perseverance. Cassandra Peterson's story is a testament to the human spirit and the incredible things that can be achieved when you dare to dream big and never give up.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 139 x 210 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780306874383