This was definitely one of Blake Crouch’s older works.

It wasn’t bad, just not as well written as his more recent pieces. There were definitely a few moments that were shocking and make you go “wow”. Also a quick easy read so perfect for an out of town work trip.

Looking forward to the movie with Zac Efron!

Although this was a reissue, I’ll still give thanks to Netgalley for the eARC.

This was a bit of wild ride. It follows a character named Lancelot who happens to look exactly like famous movie star James Jansen. We follow Lance as he sets out to become him.

I appreciated the setting took place in the late 90s. I don’t think the story would have worked as well if it were more modern. I was engaged throughout the entirety of the story, though I was anxious for Lance the whole time. I felt the story could have been a bit longer to build up to the ending, but thought the ending was appropriate, though kind of crazy. I actually really appreciated it.

Fun, quick read. I have many Crouch books waiting to be read on my shelf, but this is my first time reading one. I don’t know what’s taken me so long.

I've read almost every book by Blake Crouch and appreciate that some of his early books that are out of print are being reissued by the publisher. This was a very fast read, however I thought it was one of his weaker books. I think since this initial release, he has become a much stronger writer, so I think compared to other titles (like Wayward Pines and Dark Matter), this one doesn't stack up to those.

The concept was fine and unusual, but just didn't feel like the story landed very well. I am glad I read it, but it won't be one of my favorites from him.

I'm a big Blake Crouch fan and I was excited to download this title.

This was not the book for me at the time I tried to read it. The main character was extremely dislikable - which is part of the point since he is impersonating movie star James Janson after abandoning his mundane life.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars

This book was totally unexpected. Not what I thought it would be whatsoever. And I absolutely love that. Definitely recommend.

Thank you Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book!! This was an interesting take on a Crouch novel. It was expectedly unexpected and different from what I thought it could be based on reading previously novels... but then again not at all. I am excited to see how the movie evolves! Thank you!

Famous was definitely an odd one out compared to Blake Crouch’s usual mind-bending thrillers. The story follows Lance, a 38-year-old paralegal who gets fired right at the start and then decides to become the celebrity he looks exactly like. While the premise is intriguing and the dark humor is on point, the book felt more like a slow psychological character study than the fast-paced suspense I've come to expect from Crouch.

I appreciated seeing a main character with a job like mine—paralegal life isn’t often featured in thrillers—but Lance’s awkwardness and descent into obsession made him a tough character to root for. The story explores fame, identity, and mental health in a way that’s unsettling but also a bit uneven. The ending felt abrupt and left me wanting more closure.

Famous is an interesting, offbeat read that fans of Crouch’s other works might find surprising, but it’s not his strongest.

Thank you to netgalley for the copy of this book!
I usually really enjoy Blake Crouch, but I can’t get behind this one. I knew exactly where the story was going (except for the totally off putting twist of a last chapter). All the characters were uninteresting. The story dragged.

I've said it before and I've said it again, this man needs to be studied, his brain is absolutely wild.

This was relatively tame in terms of suspenseful Blake Crouch novels, but that doesn't mean I enjoyed it any less. I usually do not vibe with novellas at all, but the length of this, although still quite short, did not impede my entertainment either, this was fantastic.

i am a SUCKER for a Hollywood celebrity plot. They are just so riveting and suck me in instantly, and this sure did that. Take that celeb aspect and make it thrilling and mysterious and a bit insane and I'm sold. Blake took advantage and made every single page count. Although this was a tad bit more predictable, in some aspects, than his other books (which I can't predict at all), the twist at the end still had me shaking my head.

Again, despite the length, I felt I knew the main character so beyond well and his twisted mind was fascinating to be inside of and watch succumb further and further into absolute madness.

Not a lot I can say without completely spoiling, but this was a huge page turner and I have never read a book by him I haven't liked.

The A24 film is going to be SO good and I can't wait to watch it and read Blakes next book.

4/5 stars.

Famous by Blake Crouch. More so a short story with an unlikeable character in Lance. The ending also seemed abrupt. Not a favorite read of Mr. Crouch.

Thank you to the author, Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

Famous reminds me of Crouch's earlier Pines series, where a touch of horror invades the story. It was a crazy read, where a guy spends years turning himself into an actor he resembles.

2.5 stars, rounded to 3. Note that this book was originally published in 2011, This appears to be a reissue, so if you are a big Crouch fan make sure you haven’t already read it!

This is the story of one fancily-named Lancelot Blue Dunkquist, (which is really crying out for a “III” at the end.) a seldom-do-well who has but one questionable claim to fame: he looks like Hollywood star and Oscar winner James Jansen. So he decides to chuck his unsatisfying life in Charlotte and make something out of that. He heads to NYC, then to LA to become Jansen.

And, well, that’s pretty much it. This isn’t much like Crouch’s usual book with their mix of horror and sci-fi, it’s really just what it sounds like. I have no idea why Lance does what he does at the end, and there’s a pretty big issue left unexplained but I kept turning the pages up til then. I wish I could keep rating at a 2.5, mainly because of the ending, but I’m OK with rounding to a 3.

It was short and interesting, but not my favorite by this author. Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

A first read by this author for me. The premise is simple-a normal everyman gets fired from his job and has one incredible asset: he bears a striking resemblance to a famous actor and literally assumes the role. It’s a good read-short, at times funny, then suspenseful, and finally in a totally unexpected ending ,tragic. I really liked the book. I guess the lesson is “be careful what you wish for”- but on the other hand, Lancelot had a great experience while it lasted.

Famous by Blake Crouch is a darkly humorous and gripping story with a truly standout premise. The opening few chapters hooked me with a great premise and delivering intrigue and excitement. However, despite this strong start, the ending was a bit abrupt, leaving the story feeling an incomplete. While the ending is not what I had hoped for, the story is captivating.

Meet Lance. Thirty-eight years old. Works a meaningless job. Still lives above his parents’ garage. By all accounts, a world-class loser. Save for one glaring exception: He has a million-dollar face.

Lance has been mistaken eighty-seven times for the Oscar-winning movie star James Jansen, and for the last ten years, he’s saved his money and studied Jansen’s films, his moves, his idiosyncrasies—even the way he speaks. Now, after an unceremonious termination from his job, Lance has decided that the time has come to go after his dream of truly becoming Jansen.

From New York’s avant-garde, off-off Broadway scene to the glitter of Los Angeles, Lance embarks on a journey toward becoming James Jansen that will take him closer to the star than even he had dreamed—and to darker lengths than he could’ve possibly imagined.

Famous is one of New York Times bestseller Blake Crouch's earlier novels, originally self published in 2010, now set to get a new release this coming September. The new edition is in preparation for the upcoming film adaptation from A24, starring Zac Efron in the dual roles of actor James Jensen and his lookalike fan, Lance Dunkquist.

Crouch has become a must-read author for me over the years, so with such a strong premise that immediately pulled me in opening up, Famous was a no-brainer. The novel tackles fame, identity, and mental health in outstanding ways. However, while the story builds strong momentum, it's the ending that left much to desire. The close of the book almost felt abrupt, as though the final chapter was missing, leaving with a unsatisfied sense of closure. Despite this, the book remained engaging throughout and had me quickly turning the pages.

At its core, Famous is a genre-blending and darkly humorous thriller that captured my attention with unexpected twists and a provocative examination of society's obsession with fame. The story grapples with deep, complex topics which gave it a memorable edge. That said, it's still the conclusion that held me back. Thankfully, this is one of Crouch's earlier works, and his track record of exceptional writing since then is undeniable.

With director Jody Hill and screenwriter Chad Hodge adapting Famous for the big screen, there's hope they can take Blake Crouch's original premise and bring it to life with full potential. Definitely recommend reading the new edition before heading to the theaters to see A24's take.

A departure from Crouch's typical thrillers, this novel offers a fast-paced narrative with a less violent tone. While the ending may feel abrupt, the story keeps readers engaged throughout. A quick read that leaves you pondering the nature of fame.

This book was not what I was expecting from Blake Crouch, and I still can't decide if I liked it or not. It was an engaging read, and the twist at the end made me glad I stuck with it, but I much prefer Crouch's other books.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
3⭐️
Famous by Blake Crouch is a haunting dissection of fame, obsession, and the twisted intimacy between the watcher and the watched. In the same vein as the film Fan (SRK), Crouch explores a parasitic bond that’s as alluring as it is terrifying. With a minimalist but razor-sharp style, Crouch peels back the layers of human fragility, revealing a story where nothing is straightforward—especially not love, devotion, or admiration. The tension lives in the silences, in the moments between words, and it’s these gaps that truly make your skin crawl. Chilling, introspective, and unforgettable, Famous is a masterclass in psychological suspense that asks: who’s more broken—the one who craves the spotlight or the one already trapped in it?
Blake Crouch is an auto-buy author for me, even if this wasn’t my favourite by him!

I debated between three and four stars. I loved the premise and while the middle was a little confusing as to a lack of detail (you’ll know what what I mean when you read it) the ending bumped it up to a four star read. I think the story will resonate with many people who are obsessed with celebrity gossip and status.

✨️Review✨️
Famous by Blake Crouch
2/5 🌙's

Overview: This book is about Lancelot. He looks like a famous actor. He often gets confused for the famous Jensen. Lance gets fired from a job he doesn't really like anyways and decides to take things into his own hands.

Thoughts: I read this book because it was on netgalley for reviews. I assume this is due to a re-release or a newly trade published book. I dont know if im not deep enough, but this book was definitely a quick read. However, I didn't get it. I guess if anything, it just confirmed that inside the mind of a famous person isn't somewhere I want to be. Im a little disappointed. If this book was a little longer and had more information It could have easily been a five-star. I flew through the pages. When I got to the end, it fell flat. flatter than a pancake. I loved Blake Crouches' book Dark Matter. I've read several other books, and I am accepting that although I loved Dark Matter, I dont think Blake Crouch is for me.

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to go through a wild time. This book delivers plenty of fast-paced action.