Unfortunately, this book was a deeply disappointing read that left me frustrated and disconnected. Marketed as a mystery thriller, it failed to deliver on both counts, offering neither suspense nor intrigue. Instead, it felt like an amateurish attempt at a “feminist rage novel” that leaned heavily on stereotypes and flat characters, with a tone that felt raunchy and overly vulgar with excessive cursing, which quickly wore thin.

The story follows two main characters: Scarlett, a serial killer targeting men, and Carly, an insecure college freshman. Scarlett, often compared to a female Dexter, lacks any redeeming qualities that made Dexter compelling. She’s a miserable, jaded woman who takes a disturbing joy in murdering men she deems deserving, regardless of their actions. I firmly believe serial killers are evil, no matter their motives, and Scarlett’s hypocrisy, condemning older male colleagues for sleeping with students while justifying her own affair with her TA, only made her more unlikable. Her actions felt like a caricature of feminist rage, portraying men as universally deplorable while glorifying her own violence. The opening scene, meant to showcase her predatory nature, was shockingly mundane, as if she were performing a routine chore rather than committing murder. There’s no tension, no nuance, just bad people doing bad things.

Carly, the other protagonist, is equally grating. Her incessant insecurity and “woe is me” attitude read like a cringeworthy, immature CW coming-of-age story, minus the drama. Both characters, who are bisexual and interested in women, seem to pivot to women due to negative experiences with men, reinforcing a narrative that demonizes every male character. Every man in this book is portrayed as a bad person, while female characters are either victims or glorified for their independence. This oversimplification is not only unrealistic but also insulting, as it assumes all men are inherently harmful and all women are either victims or heroes. Wes, a male character, deserved better than being reduced to another stereotype.

The novel’s feminist undertones felt heavy-handed and one-dimensional, lacking the complexity to make its message meaningful. The campus setting and dark academia vibe, paired with the fall atmosphere, were highlights, as were the short, quick-paced chapters and the audiobook’s solid narration. However, these small positives couldn’t salvage the story. The plot lacked substance, with flat, predictable characters and no meaningful tension. The so-called “thrilling” twist in the final 10% was neither surprising nor impactful, and the ending was infuriatingly unsatisfying.

Overall, this book felt overrated and not worth my time. I found myself rooting against Scarlett, hoping she’d get caught for her awful actions. The novel’s attempt to be a bold, feminist thriller fell flat, relying on stereotypes and a lack of depth. I don’t recommend this book to anyone seeking a true mystery or thriller experience.

**This book is part of a thriller real-time reaction episode, which you can listen to here.