I still can't wrap my mind around what just happened because it sure went from so-so to psycho real quick! I was squirming thinking about what's going to happen next and I'm not gonna lie, I did root for him. Exclusively. I guess it's true what they say, a cornered animal is a dangerous animal. Especially if that animal is a meek, bored human being.

A bunch of thanks to NetGalley and Koehler books for this free ARC. This review is made of my own accord with no monetary compensation, whatsoever from those mentioned above and/or the rightful owners of this ARC.

Through Net Galley, I was afforded the opportunity to read a copy of Privilege by Thomas H. Carry in exchange for a review. Daniel Waite is an aging, bored college professor who has lost his way. No longer satisfied with his life as the less talented husband of a much more successful wife, Daniel finds himself tempted by his new TA and willing to commit murder. Needless to say, things go from bad to worse.

Touted as a both a mystery and comedy, the story didn’t work on either level for this reviewer. None of the characters are particularly likeable and the jump from being a boring college professor to man willing to commit murder was a bit jarring and not particularly believable.

Privilege has an interesting story. There is a university professor that is bored with his life. He. Is neither interested in his class, his students or anything to do with his career. He is still a young man that is so close to retirement. Everyone believes that he has it so good and that he his wife is perfect. He does not see things the same way. He has become distracted by his Teacher Assistant and he does not understand why. Will he betray his wife with a much younger woman. Will he complete his tenure on a high? No one knows what he thinks about when he’s alone with his thoughts.

-Rebeca

I am not sure what I just read. Professor Daniel Waite is surely in a funk. But he goes from funk to murder in 3.5 seconds. This is a dark humor book, if there was really any humor. I am honestly now sure how to review this book. It is a short read, which is is best. It was quick to get through, right to the point and fast paced. I am tossed as to how many stars to give. I enjoyed the book but I was also often saying WTF. I think I want to give it a 3.5 rounded to 4. If you like different, quirky, dark humor books, I say give it a go.

The main character was an intriguing man and overshadowed the plot a bit so this is a great book for readers who really enjoy getting to know characters and exploring their motivations.

Reading Thomas H. Carry's Privilege is much akin to watching the episode 'Crocodile' from the show Black Mirror, albeit less diverting.

With less provocation, but a little more self-awareness, our protagonist commits a nonsensical murder of someone he barely knows, and conspires to spend the rest of the book finding himself covering up the lie whilst uncovering himself. Perhaps, Mr Carry's intention was to write a satire, gently prodding out well-worn tropes of a middle-age man trapped in passivity, emasculated and underwhelmed by the privilege he has been gifted with. It's the kindest reading of the first third of the thankfully short book I can give.

As for the latter two-thirds, this is seemingly given up by a writer who has become besotted with his character as to lose the plot, twice-fold.

Privileges fails - as a thriller, as satire, as a commentary, and most regrettably, as entertainment.