New Release Review: The Haters by Robyn Harding
About the Book
*Synopsis from Goodreads
The bestselling author of The Party and The Drowning Woman returns with a twisted tale of fame, obsession, and the dark recesses of social media.
Camryn Lane is living her dream. After years of struggle and rejection, her first novel has finally been published. Her editor is happy; her teenage daughter is proud; and her boyfriend and friends are all excited for her. She’s on top of the world—until she receives a disturbing message from an unknown sender.
Rattled by the accusations she finds there, Camryn swallows the sick feeling in her stomach and resolves to put the missive out of her mind. But when she checks her ratings on a popular book site, she finds a scathing one-star review. The reviewer is so articulate and convincing that soon, Camryn’s book is flooded with bad reviews. Could the reviewer be the same person who sent the ugly email? And why do they want to ruin her?
As the online harassment creeps into Camryn’s personal life, she vows to find out who’s behind it. Is it really a disgruntled reader? Or could it be someone she knows? The troll’s actions are escalating, and when the abuse turns deadly, it will take everything Camryn has to unmask the enemy so intent on destroying her—and finally learn why she's being targeted.
Review
High-school counselor Camryn Lane publishes her debut novel, and it's not long before she receives "hate mail" from someone she doesn't know, followed by a dreadful, public, 1 star review. Unfavorable reviews are to be expected, only this review isn't just a reader's personal opinion on the story. No this review is making unfounded, damaging accusations that could tank her career that's only just begun. Soon the online hate spreads like wildfire, and eventually bleeds into her personal life as well. Camryn doesn't know the right thing to do. Does she follow her publisher's advice and leave it alone in hopes it blows over on its own, or does she track down and respond to the harasser herself?
The Haters was a page-turning read! Harding did a great job at setting the mood and atmosphere of the story.
Social media can be a dark place and those that hide anonymously behind a keyboard to spread negativity, often seem most bold. There were a number of characters in the novel, but not an overwhelming amount. I thought each was necessary to tell the story and to build the suspense. When the main character was in search of her harasser, there were a handful of possible suspects in her real every day life that could be the culprit. I was eventually able to pinpoint who it was before the reveal, so there was no "no way!" moment for me, but it was still far enough along in the story where it didn't spoil my reading experience.
All in all, The Haters was an entertaining read. The short chapters made it feel like it was flying by and I finished it in just a couple of sittings. If you're in the mood for a fast-paced thriller, check it out!
* Complimentary copy for review provided by Hachette Book Group Canada. All opinions expressed here are honest and entirely my own.
**TW/CW: bullying; harassment; SA; substance use
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About the Author
Robyn Harding is the bestselling author of several books and has written and executive produced an independent film. She lives in Vancouver, BC with her family and two cute but deadly rescue chihuahuas.
To learn more about Robyn's books visit: http://www.robynharding.com. Or follow her on Instagram: @rhardingwriter
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