By: Shailee Thompson
“The reality is you can’t avoid that danger if someone really wants to manhandle you into its path”
I read this one for a book club, and it’s a very different type of read for me. I love reading thriller books, but there isn’t a ton of gore in them. This one had a bit more gore than I’m used to. So let’s get into it!
Jamie and her best friend Laurie attend a speed dating event. During one of the dates, the lights go out and the guy Jamie is on a date with has his neck slashed. A murder spree incurs. Jamie loves horror movies and romance movies. She knows the rules of horror movies: hide for longer than you think you need to, don’t run upstairs, don’t split up, etc… She convinces the other speed daters to go along with her for a while, and then things start to go awry. It seems as though the killer is doing this to woo a girl.
I really did like the premise of the book, but I could do without some of the gore. The idea of stepping bare feet into blood really grosses me out, haha! This is a personal preference so don’t let that dissuade you from reading the book. I thought the characters were unique and all had different personalities. There were a number of speed dating characters that weren’t central to the story and I had kind of forgotten about them.
I will say that for me, the middle of the book kind of dragged a little. The set up could have been slightly faster, the middle shortened, and then the end was perfect. I didn’t figure out who the person was – I didn’t have any guesses at all. There was also a twist in there that I didn’t see coming, so that was really nice!
All in all, a decent read for me, but I know others have loved it. Maybe you will too!
Publish Date: February 3, 2026
Find the book here.
*This post contains an affiliate link. I earn a small commission if you purchase the book through this link.
Book Addict Book Blog 