"The Haters" by Robyn Harding is a popcorn thriller that, while serviceable, tends to lean into the corny side. The plot centers around Camryn Lane, a"The Haters" by Robyn Harding is a popcorn thriller that, while serviceable, tends to lean into the corny side. The plot centers around Camryn Lane, a debut author who finds herself targeted by an unknown assailant through disturbing messages and a barrage of one-star reviews. This online harassment quickly escalates, impacting her personal life and leading Camryn on a desperate quest to uncover the identity of her tormentor.
The book’s premise is intriguing, tapping into the fears many authors and public figures have about the power and reach of online criticism. Camryn's journey, from initial excitement over her novel's release to the dread and paranoia that follow, is a compelling setup. However, several aspects of the story fell flat for me. While Camryn's anguish and desperation are palpable, other characters lack depth and nuance. The relationships feel somewhat one-dimensional, and it's difficult to fully invest in their dynamics.
The narrative pacing is uneven. There are moments of intense suspense, but they are interspersed with slower, less engaging sections. This inconsistency detracts from the overall tension and thrill. The plot twists, while numerous, are somewhat predictable. The reveal of the antagonist and their motives felt underwhelming and didn't pack the punch I was hoping for. Some plot elements and dialogues veered into corny territory, reducing the impact of key scenes and making the story feel less serious and credible.
Despite these criticisms, "The Haters" is not without its merits. Harding's exploration of the dark side of social media and online harassment is timely and relevant. The book within a book, "Burnt Orchid," adds an interesting layer to the narrative, even if it doesn’t fully deliver on its potential.
In summary, "The Haters" is a decent thriller that offers a few moments of genuine suspense but ultimately falls short due to its predictability and lack of character depth. It’s a quick read for those who enjoy thrillers, but don’t expect it to leave a lasting impression. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for the ARC via NetGalley! ...more
"Here's what everyone thinks about me. And it's exactly what I've always suspected about myself."
The Villain Edit by Laurie Devore is a sharp and deli"Here's what everyone thinks about me. And it's exactly what I've always suspected about myself."
The Villain Edit by Laurie Devore is a sharp and delightfully dramatic novel, with a reality television setting and themes of self-discovery and reflection. If you love The Bachelor franchise or have ever found yourself rooting for a villain, this one is for you.
Jacqueline Matthis is a struggling romance author who makes an impulse decision to join reality dating show "the 1" in an effort to boost her career. As she competes for the attention of the show's eligible bachelor, Marcus, she's shocked to discover that her one-night-stand Henry is a producer on the show. To complicate matters further, she discovers she's being edited as the show's villain, throwing her plans for a loop.
I really enjoyed this book. The writing is engaging and fast-paced, and Jac is a complex character that I really found myself relating to and rooting for. There's a lot to ponder here, with reflections on self-doubt and self-loathing. Henry and Marcus are interesting characters as well. I loved the balance of humor and heart found here. This is a smart read for anyone who likes a romance where the protagonist is a little more complicated! Four very enthusiastic stars from this reader.
Thanks to Avon for the ARC! This book is out July 2nd....more
Love Letters to a Serial Killer is a dark, funny, and compelling debut thriller by Tasha Coryell that is simply unputdownable. This was truly a wild rLove Letters to a Serial Killer is a dark, funny, and compelling debut thriller by Tasha Coryell that is simply unputdownable. This was truly a wild ride from start to finish.
Our protagonist is Hannah, a late-twenties woman who finds community in an online true-crime forum after being ghosted by her not-boyfriend and feeling left behind by her friends. She begins writing letters to William, an accused serial killer awaiting trial, and as he responds and their correspondence gains steam, becomes obsessed with his case. Hannah's life spirals as she wonders - is her new boyfriend a murderer? Is that even a dealbreaker for her?
This book is laugh out loud funny and not quite as straightforward as it might seem upon first glance. Hannah is a very frustrating character, but while I found myself cringing at her sardonic inner dialogue, it was partially because some of her most self-deprecating thoughts hit a little too close to home. Is there any woman in her twenties who hasn't wondered why she hasn't gotten her happily ever after? Just because our coping mechanisms aren't quite as bad as Hannah's doesn't mean we don't understand how she got there. Coryell's writing is sharp and hilarious, and kept me turning the pages. Obsession is one of my favorite themes in literature and this story handles it so well.
This story is unique, engrossing, and wholly original. The thriller market has honestly become so oversaturated, and I love having a fresh voice take on a totally fresh take. I'm not claiming that this is a perfect book, but it's a very, very fun one. A perfect pool read for those of us who prefer slightly darker books. This is totally bonkers - but in the most fun way imaginable.
Thanks for the advance review copy, Berkley! This book is out 6/25....more
Loading...
