I enjoyed this book for the entire first act, and then it just went downhill from there. By the end I was so relieved it was finally over. 

I know this is an unlikely and probably unpopular opinion, especially coming from me, considering how much I enjoy just about every book that throws punches at the patriarchy and advocates for feminine rage. The fact is: The first act of this book was impeccably written and had me looking forward to an intense thriller told from the POV of a narcissistic and unreliable narrator, and then the second and third acts were a hot mess when it comes to writing. 

When I got to the beginning of the second act and realized we were switching from Cole’s POV to another POV altogether, I was wary, but willing to try. It didn’t take me too long to realize Hall had moved from what I was beginning to consider a fantastic, creepy, charismatic novel about a smarmy incel that might build and build in tension and violence to a disorganized format consisting of flashbacks, social media posts, blog posts, newspaper articles, newscast transcripts, an art installation information pamphlet, press releases, and present-day POV. In my opinion, this switch ruined the novel. There was no more thrill, no more suspense, and no more mystery. It was just chaos, and I no longer really cared. 

The aims, messages, and goals of the story were good. I’m sure this book will be a hit with a lot of people and it will resonate with many. I just didn’t jive with it. I wanted a thriller, and this wasn’t one. 

I was provided a copy of this title by NetGalley and the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.