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Spiked
Beer chemist Rory Harper loves his job and has the beer belly to prove it. He also has a problem. Named Arthur. With an endless barrage of fat jokes and obnoxious pranks, Arthur turns Telluric Lake Brew Works into Rory's personal hell. Revenge fantasies are all Rory has to soothe his battered ego and during a company party, he decides to carry out the "perfect," anonymous payback.
But something goes wrong. Arthur, who should be home afflicted with explosive diarrhea, shows up the next day unscathed, and Rory's seventy-year-old boss is dead in the taproom. The coroner rules it a heart attack, but Rory's not convinced. Some careful digging confirms Arthur switched the beers. But is the spiked beer what caused the boss's heart attack? Did Arthur know it was spiked?
To uncover the truth about the night the boss died, Rory and Arthur play a clandestine game of cat and mouse. The more information that comes to light, the more certain it becomes that the only solution to Rory's bully problem is another anonymous payback. This time, he'll get it right. This time it won't be an accident when someone dies.
For anyone who's been bullied and dreamt of revenge...
For anyone who's taken revenge and had it go all wrong...
For anyone who's had it go all right...
SPIKED
But something goes wrong. Arthur, who should be home afflicted with explosive diarrhea, shows up the next day unscathed, and Rory's seventy-year-old boss is dead in the taproom. The coroner rules it a heart attack, but Rory's not convinced. Some careful digging confirms Arthur switched the beers. But is the spiked beer what caused the boss's heart attack? Did Arthur know it was spiked?
To uncover the truth about the night the boss died, Rory and Arthur play a clandestine game of cat and mouse. The more information that comes to light, the more certain it becomes that the only solution to Rory's bully problem is another anonymous payback. This time, he'll get it right. This time it won't be an accident when someone dies.
For anyone who's been bullied and dreamt of revenge...
For anyone who's taken revenge and had it go all wrong...
For anyone who's had it go all right...
SPIKED
- GenresFiction
286 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2023
17 people want to read
About the author
K.L. Griffiths
2 books11 followersKelly Lynn (KL) Griffiths lives in her imagination and works as a librarian in Northeast Ohio. Her horror and sci-fi stories have appeared in various publications and have been nominated for Best Small Fictions.
Long before thriller was a genre, it was Kelly’s way of life. Known to jump off cliffs and throw cartwheels in fancy places, her happiest moments are spent wandering the local trails with her husband, practicing yoga, and eating ice cream.
You can find her at klgriffiths.com.
Long before thriller was a genre, it was Kelly’s way of life. Known to jump off cliffs and throw cartwheels in fancy places, her happiest moments are spent wandering the local trails with her husband, practicing yoga, and eating ice cream.
You can find her at klgriffiths.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 1, 2023
Wow! I don't normally read thrillers. But I know the author, and she is an incredible writer. This is her debut novel. I'm so glad I read it!
Spiked was hard to put down. I had to read just one more chapter, one more page, to see what would happen next to our anti-hero Rory. Griffith surprised me over and over again. It's a book about revenge, but more importantly about telling the truth.
Note to my Christian friends: The author is a Christian, but this is not a Christian novel. It contains some language you may find offensive.
Spiked was hard to put down. I had to read just one more chapter, one more page, to see what would happen next to our anti-hero Rory. Griffith surprised me over and over again. It's a book about revenge, but more importantly about telling the truth.
Note to my Christian friends: The author is a Christian, but this is not a Christian novel. It contains some language you may find offensive.
September 13, 2023
This is a great book. Perhaps the best I’ve seen from a debut author. In fact, while I read, I often queried whether it was actually written by a blockbuster author under a pen name like Stephen King did as Richard Bachman. Think King’s or Shirley Jackson’s writing and the internal psychological darkness of their characters, with a mix of Dan Brown murder mystery, and a sprinkle of Scott Turow crime-fic legal thriller. It’s on par with the work of those greats but exceeding them as a unique blend of genres that will serve as catnip for all sorts of readers.
Regardless of comparisons, Griffiths stands on her own as an author. She expertly weaves a sympathetic, relatable character through a series of unfortunate events, and does what all aspiring authors try (and often fail) to do: make you care as a reader, make the character change, and, in the end, deliver important life lessons that help us better understand our human existence. And she does so by deftly weaving dialogue with setting and action, internal thoughts and emotions with external observations, and paces the novel to perfection.
Craft observations aside, in summary, this is a darn fine book from a debut author that doesn’t read like this is her first rodeo. I highly recommend picking up a copy of Spiked, sitting in your favorite recliner by the fire with a winter stout, or on the back porch with a cold IPA, non-alcoholic brew, or lemonade (spiked or unspiked, your choice—different strokes, different folks), and unraveling the twists and turns of Rory’s spiraling experience that, without saying more, could have been avoided had he followed a few Golden Rules of life. Easy five stars from this reader.
October 18, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I thank Booksirens, the publishers and the author for the copy.
This review is based on my reading of this book.
We've all had our fair share of bullies in life or have been the one doing the bullying, depending on which side of the fence you are on.
The fantasies that a bullied person imagines against the bully is the stuff of movies and books.
In this story we have one such duo who play the game in this novel exercise of a book.
The best part of this story is the way the game translates under the active abetment of the author Kelly. She shows the reader a mirror and leaves us unnerved by what we see there lurking under the surface. the monster that has a house inside everyone of us and which just needs a right prod or a timely release and everyone of us has the ability to become the villain of our own stories.
This is a takeaway for me from this story.
The story for its part has a protagonist, Rory a seemingly nice person who seems to be always the butt of jokes and shaming by his co-worker Arthur. Under this constant shaming we see the gradual transformation of Rory and how he slowly spirals out of control and when the demonic side takes over the book goes into another level.
This review is based on my reading of this book.
We've all had our fair share of bullies in life or have been the one doing the bullying, depending on which side of the fence you are on.
The fantasies that a bullied person imagines against the bully is the stuff of movies and books.
In this story we have one such duo who play the game in this novel exercise of a book.
The best part of this story is the way the game translates under the active abetment of the author Kelly. She shows the reader a mirror and leaves us unnerved by what we see there lurking under the surface. the monster that has a house inside everyone of us and which just needs a right prod or a timely release and everyone of us has the ability to become the villain of our own stories.
This is a takeaway for me from this story.
The story for its part has a protagonist, Rory a seemingly nice person who seems to be always the butt of jokes and shaming by his co-worker Arthur. Under this constant shaming we see the gradual transformation of Rory and how he slowly spirals out of control and when the demonic side takes over the book goes into another level.
November 7, 2023
It seems as though I may be the odd one out. I didn't hate the book, but I didn't love it either. It seemed as though the story dragged out. The "incident" occurs fairly early in the book and isn't really resolved until the very end. I did enjoy the twist of the resolution, though! For a debut novel, it truly was well written. It just wasn't my pace.
November 5, 2023
Here's what I said on Amazon.com after reading an advance copy. I've gotta say, brewing beer is more complex than I dreamed.
Spiked: Here’s to Revenge
KL Griffiths
In Griffiths’ debut novel, revenge blends with horror as a talented brewmaster discovers that his new job in metro middle-America Rootsville involves more than ensuring quality craft beer.
When heavy-set Rory Harper settles into work-life at Telluric Lake Brew Works, he attracts the unwanted attention of Arthur Clifton, his immediate supervisor. Arthur, nicknamed “Arthole” by Rory’s fellow workers, “teases” everyone about whatever weakness he perceives they have—except, of course, the rich and powerful owner of the company, a genial and strict Benjamin Dubow. After Arthur “fat shames,” and otherwise humiliates Rory one time too many, Rory decides his only chance to regain self-respect is to seek the perfect revenge, one that will teach his tormentor a lesson. Rory’s revenge scheme brings unexpected results. It ignites a chain reaction that changes his life and, ironically, sets him up for an encounter with Delene Dubrow, the woman who teaches him how to live and love (and become a runner, thus helping the “fat” problem). But nothing stays right long for Rory and complications spiral so out of control that he decides murder might be the final answer to his problems. Griffiths conjures a complex story that vividly portrays hate, self-justification, and how unexpected love can grow and then fail as life moves on. His violent and shocking revenge leads—as Rory might agree—to what he has needed all along—even if it does involve a prison term.
A fast-moving adventure that suggests, as brewery-owner Dubrow tells anyone who will listen, “revenge is the attitude of weaklings.” Griffith’s novel explores, among other things, the feelings that arise in employees who think they aren’t getting the respect they deserve as well as their oft-felt reaction—“Life isn’t fair.” Following Rory’s journey—and one cannot help but like him even if he does mess up—takes us on one man’s life lessons that, while they may be bloody and frightening, make for compelling reading.
Spiked: Here’s to Revenge
KL Griffiths
In Griffiths’ debut novel, revenge blends with horror as a talented brewmaster discovers that his new job in metro middle-America Rootsville involves more than ensuring quality craft beer.
When heavy-set Rory Harper settles into work-life at Telluric Lake Brew Works, he attracts the unwanted attention of Arthur Clifton, his immediate supervisor. Arthur, nicknamed “Arthole” by Rory’s fellow workers, “teases” everyone about whatever weakness he perceives they have—except, of course, the rich and powerful owner of the company, a genial and strict Benjamin Dubow. After Arthur “fat shames,” and otherwise humiliates Rory one time too many, Rory decides his only chance to regain self-respect is to seek the perfect revenge, one that will teach his tormentor a lesson. Rory’s revenge scheme brings unexpected results. It ignites a chain reaction that changes his life and, ironically, sets him up for an encounter with Delene Dubrow, the woman who teaches him how to live and love (and become a runner, thus helping the “fat” problem). But nothing stays right long for Rory and complications spiral so out of control that he decides murder might be the final answer to his problems. Griffiths conjures a complex story that vividly portrays hate, self-justification, and how unexpected love can grow and then fail as life moves on. His violent and shocking revenge leads—as Rory might agree—to what he has needed all along—even if it does involve a prison term.
A fast-moving adventure that suggests, as brewery-owner Dubrow tells anyone who will listen, “revenge is the attitude of weaklings.” Griffith’s novel explores, among other things, the feelings that arise in employees who think they aren’t getting the respect they deserve as well as their oft-felt reaction—“Life isn’t fair.” Following Rory’s journey—and one cannot help but like him even if he does mess up—takes us on one man’s life lessons that, while they may be bloody and frightening, make for compelling reading.
September 1, 2023
Do you remember the first time you heard Steven King's name? Or JK Rowling’s? Well, remember this moment. Griffiths is destined to become a household name.
Her debut book, Spiked did not disappoint. It's filled with thrilling twists and turns that kept me engaged. So engaged I left the laundry unfolded and handed my poor husband a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for supper because I couldn't stop reading. I read the second half straight through in one sitting. In total I picked up the book four times start to finish, which says something in and of itself.
Griffiths not only entertains but leaves the reader chewing on takeaways about themselves and those around them. I don't want to say anything else about the book because I want you to experience the same emotions I did with each page turn. Just go out and grab a copy. You won't be disappointed.
Her debut book, Spiked did not disappoint. It's filled with thrilling twists and turns that kept me engaged. So engaged I left the laundry unfolded and handed my poor husband a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for supper because I couldn't stop reading. I read the second half straight through in one sitting. In total I picked up the book four times start to finish, which says something in and of itself.
Griffiths not only entertains but leaves the reader chewing on takeaways about themselves and those around them. I don't want to say anything else about the book because I want you to experience the same emotions I did with each page turn. Just go out and grab a copy. You won't be disappointed.
October 3, 2023
Spiked is a highly emotional thriller with just the right amount of humor and betrayal to ground it to reality. The logic of the narrative keeps the pages turning, right down to the gasp-inducing final scene.
Spiked plays on a moral theme, but I noticed several sub themes also at work, themes that naturally blossom from the protagonist’s actions and thoughts, desires and needs. To say any more would ruin the journey.
I took a lot away after reading Spiked, and I’ll never look at a cocktail glass the same way again.
Spiked plays on a moral theme, but I noticed several sub themes also at work, themes that naturally blossom from the protagonist’s actions and thoughts, desires and needs. To say any more would ruin the journey.
I took a lot away after reading Spiked, and I’ll never look at a cocktail glass the same way again.
December 5, 2023
This was described as a tale of cat and mouse between two coworkers that didn’t like each other but it’s so much more. It follows Rory through several years of work, frustration, growth, joy and heartbreak. I found myself either wanting to smack Rory or cheer him on. By the end of the book I felt like I’d been through an emotional wringer with the three main characters. Great book club question - who’s side would you be on??
February 14, 2024
I believe she may have self-published and I think it is her first work.. I was very impressed! The story of a young man who goes to work at a brewery and because of the harassment he receives from one particular co-worker he decides to play a mean spirited prank. The prank goes terribly wrong and that is really just the beginning. Many twists and turns await you as you follow the story of Rory Harper. I definitely recommend and hope you enjoy!
January 2, 2024
How much damage can one lie cause? What happens when the lies start to build? How do you deal with the unintended consequences of those lies? Spiked by KL Griffiths makes you think about the answers to these questions. It is definitely worth a read.
August 29, 2025
I'm not sure what to say about this. I didn't hate it, but I didn't particularly like it. The characters felt a little over-the-top.
April 7, 2024
Spiked is a deep dive into the human psyche and what a man will do in desperation. When we first meet Rory, he seems like an innocent, bumbling, and nice guy who just can't get a break. The reader instantly empathizes with him when his jerk coworker, Arthur, at his new job at a brew pub does nothing short of making sure every day is hell for Rory. A string of carefully crafted events, on Kelly Griffith's part (not Rory's), leads one seeming mishap into another. Before long, Rory is spiralling inwardly out of control, and we start to see a darker side of him. Griffiths is a master at twisting the mundane into the macabre. It's scary how a little below the surface lurks a monster in all of us. Spiked will keep you guessing at every turn and therefore turning the page, wondering just how far down the depravity hole Rory will get, including falling in love and marrying based on a lie, before he must either come clean or, gasp, end his life. For lovers of subtle horror, an exploration of the human condition, and dark humor, grab a copy of Spiked.
August 29, 2024
Spiked is a well written fast paced thriller that kept me wanting more and to find out what happens next with the main character Rory.
I found the characters to be well written. Yes there were some unlikeable one but they all felt realistic and relatable and they added to the plot.
I really liked the way Kelly interwind important life lessons into the plot. I must admit I didn’t notice these while reading, but while trying to tell a friend about the book I discovered them.
There are some thing readers may find triggering but overall I thought it was a great compelling debut novel.
I think this is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys thrillers subtle horror and dark humour reads.
A big thank you to Kelly for reaching out and sending me a digital review copy of this book. these are my honest and unbiased thoughts and I am sharing them voluntarily.
I found the characters to be well written. Yes there were some unlikeable one but they all felt realistic and relatable and they added to the plot.
I really liked the way Kelly interwind important life lessons into the plot. I must admit I didn’t notice these while reading, but while trying to tell a friend about the book I discovered them.
There are some thing readers may find triggering but overall I thought it was a great compelling debut novel.
I think this is an ideal read for anyone who enjoys thrillers subtle horror and dark humour reads.
A big thank you to Kelly for reaching out and sending me a digital review copy of this book. these are my honest and unbiased thoughts and I am sharing them voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews