i thought the story fell flat at parts but it was an interesting concept! it starts with the main character having a troubled and unstable childhood, then falling into a unrequited romantic relationship with Olivia. since she doesn't reciprocate his feelings, he obsesses over her and more specifically, her favorite author, Vernon Downs. i enjoyed reading it because of how Charlie's thought process worked. thank you to Jaime Clarke, Roundabout Press and NetGalley for this ARC!

Jaime Clarke's "Vernon Downs" is a darkly comedic thriller that explores the underbelly of literary fame and obsessive fandom. The story centers on Charlie, a young man adrift after a breakup, who latches onto his ex-girlfriend's favorite author, Vernon Downs, as a way to win her back. The protagonist's desperation and lack of self-identity are both pitiable and unsettling. We see him morphing into a chameleon, desperately trying to embody the image of Vernon Downs.

Initially, I wasn't into this book. It felt like a simple take on success in literature, making Downs seem more popular than complex. The early writing was too straightforward, leaving little depth. But as I kept reading, Clarke's style, though direct, revealed Charlie's real struggle—he's basically a nobody. The ending surprised me, shifting from what seemed like a thriller to something less intense. I had mixed feelings about the structure, though. Some threads were left hanging, and it felt a bit incomplete.

What I liked about Vernon Downs was how it didn't judge Downs and his lifestyle outright and after finishing I wasn't sure what Clarke himself thought of the character, which added an interesting layer to the whole experience.