Table of Contents:

There is a lot to say about this contemporary thriller, lets unpack the basics.

Synopsis:

The night after her father’s funeral, Claire meets Lucas in a bar. Lucas doesn’t know it, but it’s not a chance meeting. One thoughtless mistyped email has put him in the crosshairs of an extremely put-out serial killer. But before they make eye contact, before Claire lets him buy her a drink—even before she takes him home and carves him up into little pieces—something about that night is very wrong. Because someone is watching Claire. Someone who is about to discover her murderous little hobby.

The thing is, it’s not sensible to tangle with a part-time serial killer, even one who is distracted by attending a weekly bereavement support group and trying to get her art career off the ground. Will Claire finish off her blackmailer before her pursuer reveals all? Let the games begin . . .

Review and Theme Analysis:

I am relatively new to the thriller genre, and this novel was a great way to get my feet wet. I wasn’t sure initially, as contemporary killing scenes can be a little dark for me to get through. However, Wallace intertwines the novel with dark humor that had me giggling. This is especially remarkable, considering it is a book about a serial killer. The quick wit was so dry and laughable that it made each character confrontational, almost charming. How does Wallace do it?
There are three main themes that I believe make this novel shine. The challenge of nature versus nurture, as reflected in Claire’s childhood, but also within the relationships of the side characters. The novel often reflects Claire’s childhood, which pushes the reader to examine why Claire thinks and acts within the present-day novel setting. Is a serial killer shaped by their experiences? How do emotions and relationships affect a person, and specifically, a child?
Secondly is the theme of the human condition. This includes a much broader topic than nature versus nurture. The novel challenges the reader to analyze what it means to be human and how the people around us are connected. We see the characters experiencing life together and understanding humanity at multiple points, even in unlikely conditions. At what point do we empathize, understand, and communicate with others? How does this impact our awareness?
Lastly is the theme of grief. It changes everything that you know and love. It affects everyone differently, even though everyone feels it. Throughout the novel, this theme is analyzed and discussed. And for a book about a serial killer – it can be wildly relatable. As Wallace states in her acknowledgments, “The biggest thanks go to my dad- for all the inspiration, the memories, and the laughter. How I wish he were still here to read this.” Once you finish the novel, I highly recommend reading the last of this dedication.
Overall, this novel was a fantastic read. I would rate it a 3.5 out of 5 stars. While I enjoyed the humor, themes, and plotline, I felt the ending was over too quickly and did not have the same pacing as the book’s first half. I would have loved a more even pacing. However, this is the opinion I tend to have overall with thrillers. I would recommend this novel to fans of Dexter, the television show (however, a very different storyline), and those who enjoyed The Thursday Night Murder Club by Richard Osman (if you liked the humor but wanted killer vibes).

Book Club Questions:

Book Club Questions contain spoilers.

• The theme of grief is a main point in the novel. How did the grief group affect the characters’ thoughts and experiences regarding it?
• Claire kills people that she sees as ghosts. Why do some individuals appear as ghosts while others do not?
• At one point, Claire begins to see certain people differently. What do you believe was the catalyst for this change?
• What are your thoughts on nature vs. nurture? Do you believe a serial killer is created or born?
• How much power do the characters have to change their world – or themselves?

I hope you enjoyed, and I would love to hear your thoughts on the novel. Feel free to comment and/or follow on my social media platforms.