I was really impressed by Danielle Valentine’s debut adult novel, Delicate Condition. I went in expecting something more contemporary, but it turned out to be much darker and more unsettling—in the best way. Once I adjusted my expectations, I was hooked. It leans fully into horror and had me completely gripped.

What I really appreciated was the underlying theme about how women are often dismissed or doubted in the healthcare system. That added a powerful, real-world weight to the more graphic and intense parts of the story.

It wasn’t quite a five-star read for me—some parts felt a bit predictable—but overall, it kept me on my toes. Chilling, smart, and thought-provoking. A great pick for May’s buddy read!