Author does a fantastic job with writing the syntaxes of all the characters. I could hear the different voices distinctly in my head. I enjoyed the comedic aspects of the book.

There were a few times I wanted to quit reading, it got a little too sciencey for me (mainly when Nisha was talking). Then the author would bring in a new little twist that piqued my interest again.

Overall, it was an interesting story with plenty of twists to make it fun.

Thank you to the publisher & NetGalley for this ARC!
Expected Release date: 9/13/2023

Hmm, I didn't love this one.

Let's start with the positives. It was easy to read and the way the truth was embedded within the narestors facade compelled you to keep reading.

Sadly, I felt like the book became a little confusing and the big reveal fell a little bit flat for me personally.

I love secret societies and I love an unreliable narrators. However in this book the connection between the two was not as solid as I would have liked.

Now there’s a title that gives a lot away. Don’t think about the title when you’re reading the book. What I’m thinking about is why such low reviews and ratings on GR? I rather liked it.
Thought it had a lot to offer for a debut thriller, for a thriller, in general. The genre is so overdone at the moment and here’s the author offering something fresh. Something weird, even. And definitely something cleverer than average.
A narrator with enough personalities to pass for an SNL cast member finds himself in a bind after failing to complete the job. Of course, it would be easier if he didn’t work for a mysterious criminal, a leader of what’s got to be the only untattooed bike gang in the world, but hey…pobody’s nerfect.
Now, our many-named protagonist got to scramble. But things just keep coming up. Like an overly friendly new neighbor. Or his past–a tragic love affair that haunts him still nearly a decade later.
Anyway, eventually, the guy ends up caught up in a profoundly complicated, intricately designed web of crime and drama and mystery. A multi-level situation, one that actually included a multi-level multi-purpose social club that’s…well, it’s unique.
I quite enjoyed the story. The two main characters are wildly unreliable but fun, and all the narrative convolutions were very entertaining. Except for the last one. I found the genre- prerequisite final plot twist to be a cry too far.
But overall, very entertaining, And daringly smarter than the average genre book. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.

I love an unreliable narrator as much as the next person, but it's important that we either believe the narrator OR we know we shouldn't believe them but don't understand what they are up to. This was a transparent read for anyone who has read a few thrillers. I didn't particularly like any of the characters and I definitely didn't have a 'love to hate them' relationship with them either. It was all flat.

Thank you to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

First of all, I loved the way it was written. The pacing and the humour of the writing was spot on. The character development was strong and effective and I enjoyed Anthony's progress and self discovery.

The only thing I struggled with was the genre. It started off as a crime/thriller which then watered down as the story went on. Upon reflection, the book falls more into a general fiction category with the main themes of relationships, redemption and growth. I enjoyed these elements now that I finished but I felt confused throughout as to the lack of crime/thriller aspects. Just my own experience though, it's possible that other readers won't feel the same!

Overall, I give the book 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the way it was written and definitely laughed out loud at a few one liners! I'll be on the look out for future books by this author.

this was such a great concept for a psychological thriller, it worked well on all levels and I enjoyed reading this. The characters worked well and were written realistically with dealing with this situation. J M Donellan has a great writing style and I'm glad I got to read this.

"That’s a long conversation we should have when we have both rested. Here, I got you something to say thank you for looking after Dante. I should probably keep it, given how that turned out. But I think you are deserving of a second chance.” She unzips the top pocket on her luggage, tosses me a small brown bag. Then she unzips a slender pocket on the side and takes out her keys. “Guess I hid these a little too well. Thanks for letting me stay here.”

It’s fast paced with an unreliable narrator. Well that’s all you will need to know.

I would have loved this if I read it when I just started reading thrillers. However, at this point, I feel like I have read too many similar settings for thrillers. I would say it’s a me problem.

The writing is good and it will keep you entertained. And it’s the best part when you read thrillers.

However, the plot and the ending fell a little flat for me.

Thank you, Poisoned Pen Press, for the advance reading copy.