I received this book from the author for an honest review.

If you like scary, creepy, and psychologically twisted – boy have I got a book for you! A word of warning – don’t read it late at night when every noise will make you jump.

This twisted tale begins with an author named Alex gathering research for a book he is writing on killers. He is visiting Paul Hoffman, a man responsible for the murder of three people and the terrorizing captivity of a popular internet influencer and her family. As Alex begins his questioning, he initially feels a sympathy for Hoffman. This poor man was a victim of society. He was raised by a mother who didn’t engage with him, he had trouble in school, etc. Fortunately, this author knows that each story isn’t one sided. He interviews Hoffman’s brother too. As expected, the killer is trying to manipulate the author. Being interviewed about his crime is the most excitement Paul Hoffman has had in years.

Jennifer is Hoffman’s victim. She is a popular vlogger with over 250,000 followers. Her channel is about her life, being a single mom, and caring for her children. Jennifer has managed to parlay her popularity into a paying vlog. She has sponsors, a production team, and help with the show. She wants to help other people in similar circumstances by offering her knowledge and tips. Jennifer is also open about her personal life. She has shared her struggles with divorce and her ex-husband. The current personal struggle she has been working on is the integration of her boyfriend into her family. She films how as a divorced mom she is working on improving her children’s acceptance of her boyfriend. When they decide to try an “off the grid” vacation, the children are reluctant to go. They will be staying in a yurt in Montana cut off from civilization.

Tyler, Jennifer’s boyfriend, is excited to prove himself to Jennifer and the kids. He is aware of how capable Jennifer’s ex-husband can be. Having a fun and successful trip proves that he too can be capable. They arrive at their campsite parking – quite a hike from the yurt. After transporting their luggage and supplies up to the yurt, the family decides to settle in for the night. Friction between Tyler and Jennifer’s oldest son, Jayden, continues to intensify. In the morning, Tyler goes on a walk with the son but several hours later, they still haven’t returned. Jennifer is afraid but knows she needs to find them. How can she locate two people in a heavily forested area? Will she become lost too? After hours of searching she finds her son who tells her that Tyler has been killed by a stranger who appeared while they were hiking. When Jennifer and Jayden arrive back at the yurt, nothing appears to be amiss. When she enters the yurt, she realizes how mistaken she was. The man that killed Tyler has taken her daughter and younger son hostage. Now he binds Jennifer and Jayden up. In such isolation will anyone ever come looking for them? What is the intention of the killer?

I want you to experience this book like I did so I am not including any spoilers. This story is far from predictable and A.B. Whelan skillfully demonstrates how living your life on the internet can have toxic results. This is such an excellent reminder since many people have started channels during the pandemic. As Jennifer learns, even the best of intentions can be perverted.

This book has violence. It is not for young readers. A.B. Whelan masterfully draws us in, immersing us in this family’s life. What happens to this family is tragic and very believable. The book started slowly, building the backstory. As the family goes on vacation trouble begins. We are plunged into a horror that no one should endure. A.B. Whelan isn’t done with us…she lulls us into believing that there is a simple ending only to shock us with more. More evil, more horror, and more Paul Hoffman take us under again. There is so much unexpected action that I had to put the book down to let my head catch up.

I highly recommend this book. A.B. Whelan is a force to be reckoned with. Her mastery of psychological fiction guarantees you will enjoy any book with her name on it.

My Rating: 🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

Additional Thoughts: The internet seems to be such a warm and fun place. You can find more information than ever before. Streaming videos, TikTok, YouTube, and others all serve to amuse us. If you don’t know how to do something, odds are that you can watch a video to learn how. In all of this goodness, there can be evil. Hackers work to steal our information. People who wish us harm can troll us on the internet and do so much worse. Stalking has been elevated because it is so easy to learn about people with a simple search.

It is good to remember your online presence can give too much away. If you have children and elderly in your life, educate them on how to avoid internet traps.

Pick up a good book and read!

Deb