Thrillers, Horror, and Suspense

A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality

by Kate Khavari

★★★★

First, I’d like to thank @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for my audio ARC. I really enjoyed my ARC for the first of Saffron’s mysteries, so I was excited to see the audio for book two was available for requests. I got lucky; my request was approved on release day! Saffron is still the sassy, smart, and determined protagonist we met in book one; however, Saffron undeniably shows more confidence in the sequel. I enjoyed Lee’s character as well, as he challenged Saffron in a way that Alexander didn’t. Let me say though, his smug attitude did get on my nerves periodically just as it was likely intended to. The audio narrator did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. I found this murder mystery was not just a copy of the first book, so I’m thankful that Khavari was able to maintain some relationship between the books while also making the sequel original. It was dark, engaging, and led to me developing a variety of questions regarding poisons during that point in history. I look forward to seeing what she has in store for the inevitable book 3. 

Death on the Nile

by Agatha Christie

★★★

If you are looking for a quick audiobook so you can squeeze in one more read, the BBC Audio production for Death on the Nile is a solid choice. The story is told with a full cast, so every character has a unique voice. Death on the Nile follows Christie’s usual style of playing the whodunnit game while further bodies pile up during the investigation. While I think the evidence would have been easier to track in writing, I liked that it felt like I was listening to a movie. I enjoyed being able to hear the suspicion in one person’s voice or the fear in another’s. While I might not have enjoyed DOTN as much as And Then There Were None, I do not regret spending two hours listening.

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen

by Shea Ernshaw

★★★★

I let my fiancé pick some titles for me, and he chose well! I love The Nightmare Before Christmas, as well as Disney’s line of Twisted Tales. While Long Live The Pumpkin Queen is not a part of the Twisted Tales line, it seemed right up my alley. Ernshaw managed to capture the magic of TNBC within LLTPQ, and yet it was not merely just a sequel. I loved getting to know Sally more thoroughly, and I loved learning more about the alternate holiday worlds that we do not see during Jack’s travels. The story has the right amount of suspense to complement the storyline. I would definitely gift copies of this one to my book-loving friends!

Snow, Glass, Apples

by Neil Gaiman & Colleen Doran

★★★★★

I love a good classic retelling, and Gaiman writes the tale of Snow White from the standpoint that Snow is the problem. Doran created absolutely gorgeous art to show our wrongly persecuted queen and the monstrous child. This story is short, not so sweet, and definitely for mature readers.

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

by Holly Jackson

★★★★

This was officially the first audiobook I have ever completed. I hated audiobooks, as I typically found them hard to focus on. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder showed me that some audiobooks can actually be entertaining; while this narrator wasn’t my favorite and I wish alternative speakers were used for more than just interview recordings, it did encourage me to give audiobooks another chance. I found the story itself interesting, and I kept trying to predict the ending as Pippa got new information. I liked that it was full of mistakes and unethical choices since it shows the real difficulties of conducting an unofficial investigation, although I wish they acknowledged that some of the information would never be admissible in court as such. I enjoyed learning about the characters, and I would give Jackson’s other novels a chance.

Nightbitch

by Rachel Yoder

★★★
*Spoilers Ahead*

Okay, so I really thought this book was weird; considering some of the stuff I’ve read, that’s saying something. I thought the general concept was interesting, but I thought we’d get more information about the main character as a dog. Also, I found it really annoying that most of the characters never get a name. Pairing the lack of namelessness, I feel like we don’t really get to know the characters very much. The graphic animal murder was just disturbing; very little makes me feel genuinely nauseated, but Kitty’s death really got me. Beyond that, the story left neither impressed nor disappointed. I don’t know that I would ever gift a copy of this book to anyone, but at least I checked this one off my TBR. 

Sharp Objects

by Gillian Flynn

★★★★

I loved Gone Girl, so I decided to give Sharp Objects a chance when it became available on Libby. Although this one didn't have quite the same intensity as Gone Girl, it was still really good; I could definitely see the growth that Flynn made as a writer. I found that I had such conflicting feelings about the main character, Camille, due to the different depths of her personality that we encounter. Let me tell you- I hated 95% of the characters encountered in this story, so it helped me feel like I could understand how Camille became the woman she is after escaping Missouri. Her mother is horrid, and her little sister is a nightmare of a child. Although I won't say too much about Camille's issues and coping methods, I can say that her choices make much more sense after getting to know her family. Flynn has successfully left me with zero desire to check out Missouri in the future, as her stories tend to shine a light on the worst parts of living in a small town. I thought that the actual investigation of the murders was interesting, and I enjoyed trying to puzzle out the villain as more details emerged. I won't say who, but I actually did guess who the murderer turned out to be.

The House Across the Lake

by Riley Sager

★★★★

I snagged this bad boy on @libby.app when it became available, and now I understand why the wait list was so long! This is the second Sager novel I have read, and it did not disappoint. Like The Last Time I Lied, it was full of twists and surprises. I enjoyed the complexity of the protagonist- Casey Fletcher- and her lack of credibility adds to the thrill. I definitely get Rear Window vibes, so I thought it was cool that Sager actually brings it up within the story; we have the nosey neighbor, the odd spousal disappearance, and the poor sap that gets roped in just like in the Hitchcock film. The plot was strong, and most of the situation is pretty believable. Although there are a few twists that caught me off guard and weirded me out (won’t elaborate to avoid spoilers), I kept wanting to read more just to find out what happens next. I’m not huge on bouncing between timelines within a story, but Sager always manages to make it go smoothly. If your library has a copy of The House Across the Lake up for grabs, snag it while you can.

American Vampire

by Scott Snyder, Rafael Albuquerque, & Stephen King

★★★

I’m not a graphic novel person, so I will say upfront that it may have impacted my reading experience. I was not impressed by Volume 1 (Issue 1-5). American Vampire is essentially dedicated to vampires during the Western era; the authors express their goal was to make vampires “scary” again. I found the storyline underwhelming, but the artwork was cool. I normally love Stephen King, but this just didn’t do it for me. To be fair though, I also do not like Westerns. Check it out (or don’t)- it’s your call on this one.

Jane Slayre

by Charlotte Bronte and Sherri Browning Irwin

★★★★.5

I found this at my local used bookstore (Bookhounds Books) and I just had to snag it. I loved Jane Eyre, so I was thrilled to find an alternative version that satisfied my desire for a good fantasy read. If you enjoyed the classic, I highly recommend giving this one a chance. I found the changes to be well thought out, and they really fit what I knew about the characters originally. This story has it all- vampires, werewolves, and necromancers, oh my!- so it really embraces how different creatures would fit together in Jane's world. While I won't say what- I will warn that the ending differs from the original in a few key ways. Overall, this version of our darling Jane ranks pretty highly for me.

Girl, 11

by Amy Suiter Clarke

★★★★★

Ya'll... This book is so under-discussed! I love a good whodunnit, and good psychological manipulation can make a book really stand out. I won this title from a Goodreads giveaway months ago, and I wish I read it sooner. Elle, an independent investigator that solves cold cases with the help of her podcast followers, is a very intriguing main character. I loved that Clarke was able to really give the villain- a serial killer known as The Countdown Killer- depth. Along with the mind games that the story plays on Elle- and readers-, Clarke managed to keep me guessing. If you haven't read Girl, 11 yet, you should do so ASAP!

Into the Forest

by Christina Henry and Lindy Ryan

★★★★

First, thank you to Black Spot Books for an ARC of this title from Netgalley. This collection of short stories caught my attention right away, as I had not previously known very much about Baba Yaga (the folklore witch that lives in the woods in her house with chicken legs). As I researched her a bit, I realized there was a ton of variety in the lore pertaining to Baba; she was both a villain and a hero for many. I found that the collection of short stories written by female-identifying horror writers captures the complex idea and interpretations of Baba Yaga. I loved that she was loving in kind in many stories, as well as dangerous and vengeful. I found myself laughing, wanting to cry, and frequently rooting for her (even when I probably shouldn't be). The writing was strong, the stories were compelling, and the collection was educational overall. I would recommend checking out this one when it releases this fall!

The Guest List

by Lucy Foley

★★.5

I tried pretty hard to get into this one, but it just wasn't for me. I used this for a "Give an author a second chance" reading prompt, and I honestly feel like that chance was wasted on Foley's works. I won't say that there is something particularly wrong with her work, but it felt like I was reading The Hunting Party all over again; if you haven't seen my review of THP, I wasn't a fan. I was intrigued by the basic idea of the trip gone bad whodunnit trope, but it left me very underwhelmed. I felt like the bulk of the plot was predictable, and she created the villain similarly to THP. I found that five different perspectives were just too much also, as I felt like I couldn't really get to know any of the characters well enough to care about them. I love the setting, but the story itself felt lacking to me. I never felt the urge to keep reading when I put it down; I just wanted the book over with by the time I was about 40% of the way through. I love thrillers and mysteries, but The Guest List was not for me.

Darling

By Mercedes M. Yardley

★★.5

I snagged this ARC from NetGalley. I thought this would be great since Yardley is highly praised as a horror writer, however, I felt the book did not match the author's hype. The concept of a town of horrors with frequent children disappearing was interesting,  but I found that the characters fell flat. Although I got a hint of their personalities, they all felt like they were shells of the people they were meant to be. I liked that she showed how cruel society can be towards a single mother, especially one with a special needs child, but I could really not empathize with the characters. I felt like the main issue with the town (will not further explain it due to spoilers) could have also been fleshed out more, as it doesn't really add substance to the story as it is. Overall, I was intrigued but disappointed.

The Last Thing He Told Me

by Laura Dave

★★★★.5

I’ll admit, I waited way too long to read this one. I got it in my BOTM box back in October, but I couldn’t read it since I had so much coursework. The term has ended, and that meant I finally had time to read this one. I definitely do not regret getting this one, as it kept me wondering what was next every step of the way. The characters (Hannah and Bailey) are relatable and intriguing; Owen left me with so many mixed feelings. I love that Hannah cared so much for her new family that she decided to investigate and find answers herself (as opposed to waiting for the police). While what I can say without giving away important details is limited, I will say that this shows just how strong the bonds of family (both chosen and by blood) can be. If you haven’t already checked out TLTHTM, I highly recommend you do so now!

Apples Never Fall

by Liane Moriarty

★★.5

I had heard some mixed opinions about Apples Never Fall. I started reading with an open mind, as I love a good mystery; this one moves so damn slow though! ANF comes from the perspective of more than seven different people, so I feel like I never could REALLY get to know each of the characters. I never really found myself wanting to read this after I put it down. While I thought the characters were fairly relatable, I didn’t feel compelled to care about them. Honestly, I was feeling this would be a 3.5-star book until I got to the ending, and then it easily dropped to a 2.5 for me. I ended this book feeling extremely underwhelmed after 464 pages of meh. I’m not saying that everyone is going to dislike this one, but I do finally get why people said you either love it or you hate it.

Hurricane Season

by Fernanda Melchor

★

Okay, so I absolutely HATED this one. I gave it an honest try as I saw it had really good reviews on Goodreads. I found the book disturbingly disgusting. There are books that are weird yet good... This was not it. This included everything considered taboo; it covered prostitution, drugs, bestiality, pedophilia, abortion, and much more. I can handle the vulgar language (do you know how many times they said c*ck?), but this book gets downright foul. I wasn't impressed by the writing style, and the story just seemed pointless to me. I did not find myself satisfied by the whodunnit answers either, as it didn't really come off as much of a mystery. If you have been waiting to read this one, I recommend just skipping it unless you are going to try it in the original language.

My Best Friend's Exorcism

by Grady Hendrix

★★★★★

I got this on Kindle, and my only regret is not reading it sooner. Hendrix brings all of the creepy vibes that readers expect after reading The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires, but this time we are taken to Charleston in 1988. This is a story full of hair spray, the Go Gos, and plenty of mix tapes. If you love 80s horror flicks, you’ll love this book; Hendrix successfully captures the same aesthetic. The Kindle edition is definitely a multimedia experience though; I love that readers can listen to the MBE-themed playlist containing 80s hits, read info pamphlets people really would have received, sort through news clippings, watch video footage, experience the ads of the time, and more. This story can be cheesy at times, but it is also a mix of humor and emotional turmoil. Now, in the name of the Go Gos, I *softly* command thee to read this one too!

The Mine

by Frances Carden

★★.5

So I won this one a while back from the @goodreads giveaways… I’m not quite sure why I finished this one. The novella follows two couples and their children as they attempt to pull riches from an abandoned mine located in a Congolese jungle. The overall plot has some potential, but the POV killed the story for me. The narrator speaks directly to the audience repeatedly and said narrator is quite pompous and irritated the hell out of me. The writing style was also a bit odd to me, as it came off like the writer was trying way too hard. I hate posting negative reviews, but I have limited positive thoughts on this 132-page story. I liked the idea of people opening a mine and unleashing something evil; I just didn’t like the way the story was executed. I really hope someone else enjoys this more than I did though, as it did get some positive comments on Goodreads’ review section. I don’t have much else to say without just being mean, so I’m going to go ahead and cut the review off here. 

The Shadows 

by Alex North

★★★★

I loved The Whisper Man, so I decided to give The Shadows a go. While it wasn't quite as fantastic in my opinion, it was still really good. Paul is forced to face his past when a copycat killer recreates the murder of his friend and the suspicious Charlie Crabtree. As Crabtree was never seen again, no one knows what became of him. Paul's mother calls him home with the concern that something is in her house, so he is stuck playing investigator in more ways than one. Paul is smart, and he is determined to get answers. Follow along with this horror movie-style tale as the town attempts to find the copycat killer. Beyond all else, you'll find yourself wondering what really happened to Charlie Crabtree.

The Silent Patient 

by Alex Michaelides

★★★★

TSP ponders the classic question: why does a good woman just kill her husband one day? This read will take you on a psychological rollercoaster ride unlike any other. If you love Stephen King or Riley Sager, then this is the book for you! Only 3% of BOTM users marked this book as a 'disliked' title, and it deservingly was a BOTM Book of the Year Finalist

He Loves Me, She Loves Me Not

by Emersyn Park

★★★★

I received this one as an ARC from NetGalley, and just...wow. Park explores the life of Lily Armstrong and her chaotic upbringing. The first chunk of the novel follows Lily's life from childhood until it's almost time for her to leave for college; don't worry about timeline confusion, as each shift is clearly marked. Lily's life then alternates between her current time (the late 80s), as well as her mother's perspective via her writing. Her mom, Daisy, is a one-of-a-kind class-A bitch, and she's known for being the town whore. Lily is not only left to deal with the consequences of her mother's reputation but also how Daisy treats her directly. Their relationship is saddening, and their overall life experiences are disturbing. The writing flows smoothly, and this is a fairly quick read. Overall, I found myself growing from unimpressed (the first 20%) to totally hooked and needing to find out how it ends. Although the reader does not get to know Lily herself very well, you'll definitely get to know Daisy.

Mexican Gothic

by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

★★★★

Mexican Gothic is the perfect read for the upcoming stormy weather. Socialities Noemi finds herself seeking the truth in deep, dark, and dangerous places. The imagery of the small village in rural Mexico is so vivid that the damp air may feel suffocating to readers. Summoning her inner King, Moreno-Garcia will leave you questioning your sanity. Follow along as Noemi, ever the fun-loving party girl, as she sets out to save her cousin. If you love the mysterious horror associated with Poe, or the rainy day vibes of R. L. Stine growing up, this is the perfect read for you. 

Cell

by Stephen King

★★★★★

The zombie apocalypse is here, but it isn't what you'd expect. People are behaving oddly, and it all started with cell phones. After the public is hit with an unexplainable signal, violence explodes across the country. There are some lucky survivors- primarily those who had no phones or those who powered theirs off before it began- but they aren't out of danger yet. Clay, a "lucky" survivor that is away on a work trip, just wants to save his son who is still stuck in their hometown. Clay unites with other survivors in an attempt for them to all find their families and a place to hide out. Their plight is heart-wrenching, anxiety-inducing, and downright disturbing at times. I can honestly say one scene actually made me cry, and that's a rare occurrence.

Petrified Women

by Jeremey Ray

★★★★

I'm typically into longer stories, but this novella was worth the read. This story is for victims of sexual assault- whether we feel that our experience was "real" assault or not, no matter how we responded to the trauma while it occurred. This is for the survivors that might not choose to do anything, or may decide to wait years to do so. Harley has always known about the reactions of fight or flight, but no one warned her that there is an unexpected third response- to freeze. In the name of giving love another chance, Harley tries to see the best in her boyfriend Aiden. Only Aiden, an artist that carves wooden sculptures of women, isn't all that he seems. Their story is harshly relatable, frightening, and horrifically magical. This is also a good story for those looking for a quick read; I finished this one in about an hour. 

Rock Paper Scissors 

by Alice Feeney

★★★★

I finished this one at 3 am, and I just kept thinking about the plot twists! A married couple takes a "free" trip to the Scottish Highlands during winter (mistake one), as they feel it just might help save their marriage (mistake two). Filled with letters to the husband, as well as three other perspectives, this book will leave you with more questions than answers until the very end. Through the perspective of Amelia (a determined wife), Adam (a screenwriter with face blindness), and a mystery third perspective, readers will learn about the depths of their marriage and decide whether it should even be saved. Normally I can predict the outcome of a thriller, but not this one- it completely caught me off guard. RPS is the reminder that stories aren't always what they seem.

They Laugh Like Jackals

by Brian Melgar

★★★★★

This is one book that I am thankful for. A friend got a few of his books published, and this one is his pride and joy. I'm beyond thankful I had the opportunity to read it, and that college has put us in each other's paths. His novel is creepy, and it will definitely have you questioning the main character's sanity. Follow along as Rissa has to navigate her nightmares, as well as her stay in the psychiatric hospital. You'll meet a variety of charming (and not so much) characters that bring the story to life. If you like supernatural tales and thrillers, this is the book for you.

Carmilla

by Sheridan Le Fanu

★★★★

This throwback Thursday comes with one of the inspirations for Dracula. Carmilla is arguably the first *published* vampire novella. Laura, an isolated teen girl, finds herself one of the witnesses of a carriage accident. Carmilla, the young female passenger, reveals that she will now be essentially stuck staying nearby and agrees to stay with Laura and her father. Carmilla and Laura quickly become close friends, and it quickly begins to become a much more steamy relationship. However, Laura seems to be fizzling out as Carmilla heals from the accident...

The Last Time I Lied

by Riley Sager

★★★★

So this is the first book I ever read from Sager, and he gained another fan. This has the classic slasher film aesthetic, but the plot goes beyond what movies like Friday the 13th could offer. Filled with complex characters, secrets, and a touch of murder, this book is perfect for Halloween or to just read by a campfire. 

One Happy Family 

aka The Guilty Sister

by Arianne Richmonde

★★★.4

I found myself intrigued by the story concept, and the result definitely surprised me. However, the characters themselves didn't feel believable. The ending also comes out of nowhere. You have to be prepared for a weird flow though; the chapters from Sara's perspective are first-person while the chapters from Bradley's are in third-person. Overall, I applaud how the story kept me guessing, but it definitely could use some improvement. Props for inclusivity via Poppy Delight though!

The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires

by Grady Hendrix

★★★★★

If you love vampires and strong women, this is the perfect book for you. Hendrix brings to life the relentlessly strong Patricia Campbell. Although Patricia isn't your typical slayer, she demonstrates just how strong a mother's love is. Patricia and her fellow book club members are an unstoppable force of nature when a threat appears to be lurking too close to their families. With all of the skills of your average southern housewife, the book club will comfort you throughout the most anxiety-inducing moments.

The Hunting Party

by Lucy Foley

★★★

Let me start by noting that there is nothing inherently wrong about the book- it just didn't suck me in. This was one book I found that I never really thought about whenever I closed it; I prefer what I am reading to leave me with something to think about. Although this is probably great for fans of whodunnits, I found the whole thing to be extremely predictable. I also did not like that there were four different narrators, and some of them were written in the third person rather than in first-person like the majority. Every one of the "guests" was fairly shitty people, so this book would serve best for people who like to read from a villain or dislikable character's perspective.

N0S4A2

by Joe Hill

★★★★

Everyone is talking about holiday reads, so here's a spooky one that will take you on a ride to Christmas Land. Vic McQueen isn't your average kid- she can magically find things. When the nasty Charlie Manx tries to take Vic to Christmas Land, she managed to escape. However, Manx eventually reappears for Vic's son instead, and it's up to her to save them. This holiday read is dark, disturbing, and dangerous.

Under Her Skin

Edited by Lindy Ryan and Toni Miller

★★★

So I'm not normally a poetry person, but I decided to give Under Her Skin a try. This collection of horror poetry specifically focuses on body horror- the distinct process of a person losing control of their body. All poems in the collection were written by women or femmes, so this book is feminist through and through. Although I wasn't fond of half the poems, I did find some I really enjoyed. Some I liked include "Growing Pains," "Shed," "Betrayer," "I Become Numinous," "Queen," and "Dissolving Connections." If you like horror and poetry, you'll likely enjoy Under Her Skin.

Pretty Little Wife

by Darby Kane

★★★★★

This book will throw you through a loop. Lila, a respected lawyer, admits that she is probably the last person to have seen her husband alive. However, she doesn't know where he is when the police confirm that he is missing. It's odd when a dedicated high school teacher suddenly doesn't come to work one day, and neither his wife nor brother knows where he may have gone. Lila is left to defend herself- isn't it always the spouse?- while trying to figure out where he might be now. Lila is cunning, cool, and will wow you with her strength. This book is full of twists, and it is perfect for someone wanting to finish a book in 1-2 sittings!

No Exit

by Taylor Adams

★★★★★

If you love thrillers but like to keep your readings season, No Exit is the perfect read for you. It may not be a Christmas story, but it will definitely leave you feeling that winter chill. Picture this: you're a college student heading home for the holidays, but a blizzard leaves you stranded. You realize one of the other people stuck at the rest stop has a dangerous secret to hide- a child in their car. What would you do in this scenario? Darby is faced with the reality of not knowing who she can trust, but she knows she needs to save the kid without getting everyone hurt or killed. Darby is smart, caring, and determined to do the right thing. You'll fall in love with her reliability. Despite her fears and doubts, she maintains her can-do attitude. I'd reread this book if I had time in a heartbeat!  

All the Ugly and Wonderful Things

by Bryn Greenwood

★★★★★

In honor of the recently announced BOTM Book of the Year, here's the 2016 winner. Honestly, I chose to read this one because it was stirring up controversy in the BOTM book club I'm in. I can definitely understand why it makes people uncomfortable. The story starts with 8-year-old Wavy, a young girl who is being 'raised' by meth dealers. She is forced to endure her abusive parents, and she is selectively mute. Somehow her father's younger friend, Kellen, is the one person who can get through to Wavy, and in turn, Wavy falls in love with him by the time she is a teen. Greenwood demonstrates the various stages of friendship, and eventually disturbingly romantic, in the relationship between Wavy and Kellen. Kellen, who knows what he is doing is wrong, just wants to find a way to protect Wavy from her family and the life they lead. To be clear- I do NOT condone the behavior depicted in this novel; I do, however, applaud Greenwood for her ability to make me sympathize with a damn pedophile. This story repeatedly made me want to cry, vomit, and scream on behalf of Wavy, and yet, I felt proud of the woman Wavy grows up to become by the book's end. Although this is a very triggering story, I do highly recommend it.  

The Push

by Ashley Audrain

★★★★★

This book is one hell of a ride. I'm not normally one to read in bed, but this book went everywhere with me for the two days it took me to finish it. Blythe and Violet sunk their claws into me and left me trapped on the emotional rollercoaster with them. The characters are so believable; Blythe's struggle to connect as a mother and Violet's disturbing behavior left me fearing for their family in ways that many books never could. The Push is dark, disturbing, and might just downright make you question your own future as a parent. Proceed with caution; the side effects of this thriller may include paranoia and an uncontrollable urge to hug your babies!

#FasionVictim

by Amina Akhtar

★★

So I bought this as an e-book when it was on sale without reading any of the reviews, and I was seriously underwhelmed. Anya St. Clair is essentially your stereotypical fashionista (bitchy attitude and all)... Only she's actually a murderer. While the idea of a psychopathic fashion blogger was interesting in concept, the story itself lacked depth. As bodies hit the floor, Anya becomes less believable and more shallow. Although I found myself lacking curiosity about what Anya would do next, I pushed through since I hate leaving books unfinished. With more books available than I could possibly finish in my lifetime, I wish I hadn't wasted my time on this one.

Consensual Hex

by Amanda Harlowe

★★

This book left me unfulfilled, and not in the way that leaves us craving a sequel. The writing itself felt a bit sloppy, and the ending just felt like it came out of nowhere and didn't fit. The worst part? Goodreads reviewers claim that Harlowe was a former friend and that the characters each correspond to a member of their college friend group. They claim she stole their assault stories. There are countless reasons I do NOT recommend this read!