Release date: August 29, 2023
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Blackstone
Synopsis:
The Girl on the Train meets the world of social media in this psychological thriller about influencer culture, parasocial relationships, and the secrets we keep from those we love most.
Molly Sullivan is used to sharing intimate details of her life with millions of followers. A thirty-one-year-old single mom, she has built a career out of fearless posts about parenthood and dating. But when Molly shares a photo of her new fiancé, Scott, she is shocked by his negative reaction. For the sake of their relationship, Molly agrees to remove the post and keep Scott and his ten-year-old daughter out of her social media spotlight.
But it’s too late, someone has already recognized him. Liv Barrett is certain Scott’s the man who killed her sister and disappeared with her infant niece nine years ago. The police don’t believe her, so Liv takes matters into her own hands. Driving cross-country to Colorado, Liv uses Molly’s social media posts to orchestrate “accidental” meetings, slowly gaining her trust. Meanwhile, newlywed Molly begins to unpack boxes in her new home and discovers her husband has been lying about his past.
While Molly and Liv uncover secrets that have been buried deep for almost a decade, they have no idea that someone else saw the photo of Scott–someone who poses a threat more dangerous than either of them can imagine. Someone who is watching them from the shadows.
Review:
I know some people are getting sick of social media influencers as characters in books but I eat that shit up. I love seeing everything from the darker side of SM to how huge influencers run their accounts and create their content so that aspect was what first drew me to this one. I also immediately liked the cat and mouse vibes and for about the first half I thought it was going to be an enjoyable, albeit predictable read and then things shifted and I was fully invested. This was addictive and gripping with a fast pace and a mixed media approach that I really liked. Every chapter starts with either a quote or tweet or comment from Molly and then there are snippets from a Reddit snark forum that just rags on her really showing just how nasty the internet can be. I think people who enjoy a lighter style of thriller will enjoy this, perfect for a summer binge read.
Overall rating: 4/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.
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