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The Wayside
The Wayside is a haunting, elegantly drawn psychological thriller perfect for fans of The Secret History, Big Little Lies, and The Maidens.
When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.
Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, The Wayside is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.
When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.
Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, The Wayside is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.
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Published August 13, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
June 13, 2024
This highly tense psychological thriller blends mystery with dark academia, dysfunctional family dynamics, mental health issues, and queer representation.
It delves into the depths of motherhood, exploring how far a mother can go while grappling with guilt, grief, and the quest for answers about the last days of her son, who died under suspicious circumstances just before his 21st birthday. Did he simply fall off a cliff, or was it something more sinister?
Kate Clearly's son, Jake, a student at an elite liberal arts college, was found dead beneath a cliff. Despite their strained connection in his final days, Kate refuses to accept that he had suicidal tendencies. As she searches his room and reads his diaries, she discovers a suspicious correspondence with a mysterious individual. Her obsession with the incident intensifies when she learns that another student has also died under similar circumstances.
What dark secrets lurk within the walls of the school her son attended? Was he part of a secret community that drove him to the brink, or was he silenced by someone else?
Kate's quest for the truth leads her into a relationship with a woman who harbors secrets of her own, possibly connected to her son. But as Kate delves deeper, she realizes that ignorance may have been the safer choice, and that the ugly truth could destroy her life forever.
Overall, the final chapters and twists are truly heart-wrenching and intense. While the main plot may lean more towards family drama and women's fiction than dark academia, the execution of the story as a whole is satisfying. It's a promising debut that you shouldn't miss.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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It delves into the depths of motherhood, exploring how far a mother can go while grappling with guilt, grief, and the quest for answers about the last days of her son, who died under suspicious circumstances just before his 21st birthday. Did he simply fall off a cliff, or was it something more sinister?
Kate Clearly's son, Jake, a student at an elite liberal arts college, was found dead beneath a cliff. Despite their strained connection in his final days, Kate refuses to accept that he had suicidal tendencies. As she searches his room and reads his diaries, she discovers a suspicious correspondence with a mysterious individual. Her obsession with the incident intensifies when she learns that another student has also died under similar circumstances.
What dark secrets lurk within the walls of the school her son attended? Was he part of a secret community that drove him to the brink, or was he silenced by someone else?
Kate's quest for the truth leads her into a relationship with a woman who harbors secrets of her own, possibly connected to her son. But as Kate delves deeper, she realizes that ignorance may have been the safer choice, and that the ugly truth could destroy her life forever.
Overall, the final chapters and twists are truly heart-wrenching and intense. While the main plot may lean more towards family drama and women's fiction than dark academia, the execution of the story as a whole is satisfying. It's a promising debut that you shouldn't miss.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with this digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
September 27, 2024
Not enough plot and predictable twists. Also- this is 100% a slow burn. Too slow imo!
September 16, 2024
The Wayside - Caroline Wolff
A slow burn academia read with some psychological thrill.
Kate is struggling with the suicide of her son so she steps into his life at his college so she can figure out why it happened but the more she learns, the more she understands she didn’t know her son like she thought she did.
It was super slow. I am not a fan of thrillers that move at a snail's pace. It was a lot of Kate’s grief driving the book and the things she does while trying to come to terms with her son’s death. I don’t think this book was bad, I think it is mis-genred. Had it been geared as a literary fiction because it was pretty much character driven and that I could have reconciled myself with. The second you say, thriller, I am expecting a moderate pace.
The storyline was great and had it been faster and less about Kate and more about the actual timeline of her son… I would have been singing its praises. It missed its mark and the ending was bizarre.
3.5 stars
September 30, 2024
A woman investigates her son’s death and finds out way more than she bargained for. The story was pretty good, definitely gave some Old Boy vibes towards the end but with its own twist. I had trouble feeling anything for any of the characters besides a deep hatred for John. The narrator did a good job I just wasn’t gripped. Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to review!
August 15, 2024
Copy via the Publisher.
This one is a hard, chaotic read with a dark ending that you see coming but also sort of desperately hope will have one last twist. If you want an academia mystery with darker and darker twists and to feel like you're at the bottom of a cliff when you finish this is the book for you.
Kate Cleary's son takes his own life and Kate goes to his college apartment in his elite college town and enmeshes herself in his life to dry and discover when he got to the edge. To examine if she could've stopped it. At first there's a question of if it's delusion brought on by grief but as Kate uncovers more and more details about Jake's life it becomes clear something happened that changed her son.
A lot dark, a lot sad, and a little soapy. I read it in one sitting.
This one is a hard, chaotic read with a dark ending that you see coming but also sort of desperately hope will have one last twist. If you want an academia mystery with darker and darker twists and to feel like you're at the bottom of a cliff when you finish this is the book for you.
Kate Cleary's son takes his own life and Kate goes to his college apartment in his elite college town and enmeshes herself in his life to dry and discover when he got to the edge. To examine if she could've stopped it. At first there's a question of if it's delusion brought on by grief but as Kate uncovers more and more details about Jake's life it becomes clear something happened that changed her son.
A lot dark, a lot sad, and a little soapy. I read it in one sitting.
September 3, 2024
The Wayside, a gripping psychological thriller, follows Kate Cleary's journey to uncover the truth behind her son Jake's death at his elite liberal arts college. Refusing to believe it was suicide, Kate delves into Jake's final days, encountering unknown forces and a dangerous mystery that leads her closer to a terrifying truth Jake wanted hidden. The story combines elements of dark academia, domestic fiction, and modern suspense, exploring themes of devotion and the secrets we keep from loved ones.
In this NetGalley ARC, we are met with grieving mother Kate, whose 21-year-old son just committed what seemed to be suicide. When another student (who may or may not have a connection to Jake) dies, she finds herself digging up things about the college these students attended.
I loved the angle of a college secret society, I felt that it gave the story so much depth. I think the way Kate was grieving just showed how far a mother's love goes. She felt in her heart there was something more there. I found myself getting immersed every time I listened. The narrator has this aura about her that seems so in tune when narrating as Kate. The twists and turns this book takes you on are so worth the listen!
In this NetGalley ARC, we are met with grieving mother Kate, whose 21-year-old son just committed what seemed to be suicide. When another student (who may or may not have a connection to Jake) dies, she finds herself digging up things about the college these students attended.
I loved the angle of a college secret society, I felt that it gave the story so much depth. I think the way Kate was grieving just showed how far a mother's love goes. She felt in her heart there was something more there. I found myself getting immersed every time I listened. The narrator has this aura about her that seems so in tune when narrating as Kate. The twists and turns this book takes you on are so worth the listen!
December 30, 2024
While this book is categorized as a thriller and there are a few twists, it feels much more like a mother coming to terms with her son's suicide rather than a mystery, until the final few chapters. It read much more like acceptance of grief: following his schedule, meeting his friends, wearing his shoes. If you are looking for a thriller I would pass on this, but if you are just looking for a general fiction this is a great novel.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, the author Caroline Wolff, and NetGalley for my copy of this audiobook.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, the author Caroline Wolff, and NetGalley for my copy of this audiobook.
August 7, 2024
This one just did not work for me. I finished it but it took everything in me to keep my attention. It was dull, it was slow and it just missed that excitement. It didn't feel like a thriller. It focused a lot on the mother and her grief, the way she acted also truly repulsed me.
This one was just not the book for me ! It will be for others though !
This one was just not the book for me ! It will be for others though !
August 19, 2024
An exciting psychological thriller that delves into deeper themes such as grief, coming of age, and college society. This book follows Kate Cleary as she tries to unlock the mystery of her son's death. In doing so, she uncovers the world of college secret societies, and the hidden pain of her son as he navigates the world as a young adult.
The sophisticated writing of the book, paired with mentions of other literature, allows for the reader to feel fully immersed in the collegiate world, as if they are a silent character following alongside Kate's journey. Chapter one quickly captivates the reader, and the twists and turns throughout make the book both exciting and thought-provoking.
FIVE STARS! *****
If you enjoy a psychological thriller that is not just "fluff" then I HIGHLY recommend you read this ASAP!!!
The sophisticated writing of the book, paired with mentions of other literature, allows for the reader to feel fully immersed in the collegiate world, as if they are a silent character following alongside Kate's journey. Chapter one quickly captivates the reader, and the twists and turns throughout make the book both exciting and thought-provoking.
FIVE STARS! *****
If you enjoy a psychological thriller that is not just "fluff" then I HIGHLY recommend you read this ASAP!!!
Read
May 6, 2024I had high hopes for this one. The introduction to the story only raised my expectations, but as the first few chapters dragged on, I felt myself lose interest.
Instead of building suspense, I felt the prose was uninterested and dull, and the rare dialogue stiff and unnatural. In one of the first chapters, there's also not a single sentence that doesn't have at least two brand names or media references back to back.
Because of my short attention span and low patience, this book just wasn't for me, but I'm sure some people'd enjoy it.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Instead of building suspense, I felt the prose was uninterested and dull, and the rare dialogue stiff and unnatural. In one of the first chapters, there's also not a single sentence that doesn't have at least two brand names or media references back to back.
Because of my short attention span and low patience, this book just wasn't for me, but I'm sure some people'd enjoy it.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 28, 2024
I loved this beautifully-written thriller! It was more literary than expected, and truly delved into the inner workings of the characters minds and emotions in a stunning, thoughtful way. And the dark academia, mysterious vibes were so much fun. Highly recommend!
March 5, 2024
ARC for review. To be published August 13, 2024.
Kate Cleary’s son Jake is a student at Paloma College, a prestigious liberal arts college. When he dies from either accident or suicide his mother refuses to believe it is either and she stays in town to investigate. Then another student dies. What is going on at the college?
Ooooh, I’ll take a dark, secret college society any day! In fact, I wish there was more of that, less mother grieving. But you can’t have everything. And it was still OK.
Kate Cleary’s son Jake is a student at Paloma College, a prestigious liberal arts college. When he dies from either accident or suicide his mother refuses to believe it is either and she stays in town to investigate. Then another student dies. What is going on at the college?
Ooooh, I’ll take a dark, secret college society any day! In fact, I wish there was more of that, less mother grieving. But you can’t have everything. And it was still OK.
November 27, 2024
This bored me to no end, yet kept me interested to keep reading? Weird. Dark academia, motherhood, secret societies, this book has it all. Strange mix tbh and I don’t feel like it was worth reading 300+ pages for the lame twist, but then again I can’t bring myself to give it less than 4 stars I’m frankly not sure what’s even happening right now
October 3, 2024
This psychological thriller with a hint of dark academia fell short for me. I liked it, but I did not love it. I do not know that I would have finished had it not been for the audiobook. It just felt a little drawn out to me, but this is definitely the first thing I have ever read like this, so it may just not be for me. The ending made the book though!
Thank you Net Galley for my ALC!
Thank you Net Galley for my ALC!
September 22, 2024
For the most part, I enjoyed this book. Sometimes there was a lot going on, and it got confusing when it went back-and-forth between the past and the present, because it didn’t specify that at the beginning of the chapter. The ending left me with a few unanswered questions.
October 8, 2024
Kate Cleary’s son Jake was away at college when the unthinkable happened. Kate tries to uncover the truth to find out what exactly happened to Jake. Is it as the police say? As Kate immerses herself in Jake’s day to day life, she finds some unexplainable clues, speaks to people Jake had connections to; in turn, discovering something Jake could have been a part of during his time away. Then, the biggest secret of all is overturned, which affects Kate and knocks the air right from her.
I enjoyed the setting of this dark novel, as well as the vivid descriptions Caroline Wolff creates.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing Audio Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel. It is on the shelves now! Go get yourself a copy for your fall reading list! 🍂🍁
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#carolinewolff #netgalley #blackstonepublishingaudiobooks #fallreads #thewayside
I enjoyed the setting of this dark novel, as well as the vivid descriptions Caroline Wolff creates.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing Audio Books and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this novel. It is on the shelves now! Go get yourself a copy for your fall reading list! 🍂🍁
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
#carolinewolff #netgalley #blackstonepublishingaudiobooks #fallreads #thewayside
October 3, 2024
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.
The Wayside by Caroline Wolff, narrated by Lauren Fortgang, is a haunting and intricately woven psychological thriller that delves into the depths of grief, obsession, and the dark secrets hidden within an elite liberal arts college.
The story follows Kate Cleary, a mother who refuses to accept the official explanation of her son Jake’s death. Found dead beneath a cliff at his prestigious college, Jake’s death is ruled a suicide, but Kate is convinced something more sinister is at play. Determined to uncover the truth, she retraces Jake’s final days, descending into a spiral of obsession that leads her into a dangerous and mysterious world.
Lauren Fortgang’s narration is a positive addition to this audiobook. Her expressive and nuanced performance brings the characters to life, capturing the emotional intensity of Kate’s journey and the eerie atmosphere of the college. Fortgang’s ability to convey the suspense and tension in the story enhances the listening experience, making it both immersive and gripping.
Wolff’s writing is sharp and evocative, blending elements of dark academia with domestic fiction. The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the listener guessing. The exploration of themes such as motherhood, mental health, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Kate is portrayed as a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist, driven by guilt and a desperate need for answers. Her interactions with other characters, including a mysterious woman who may hold the key to Jake’s death, are fraught with tension and intrigue. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding their own layer to the unfolding mystery.
The Wayside is a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers and dark academia. Caroline Wolff’s compelling storytelling, combined with Lauren Fortgang’s captivating narration, makes this audiobook a standout in its genre.
The Wayside by Caroline Wolff, narrated by Lauren Fortgang, is a haunting and intricately woven psychological thriller that delves into the depths of grief, obsession, and the dark secrets hidden within an elite liberal arts college.
The story follows Kate Cleary, a mother who refuses to accept the official explanation of her son Jake’s death. Found dead beneath a cliff at his prestigious college, Jake’s death is ruled a suicide, but Kate is convinced something more sinister is at play. Determined to uncover the truth, she retraces Jake’s final days, descending into a spiral of obsession that leads her into a dangerous and mysterious world.
Lauren Fortgang’s narration is a positive addition to this audiobook. Her expressive and nuanced performance brings the characters to life, capturing the emotional intensity of Kate’s journey and the eerie atmosphere of the college. Fortgang’s ability to convey the suspense and tension in the story enhances the listening experience, making it both immersive and gripping.
Wolff’s writing is sharp and evocative, blending elements of dark academia with domestic fiction. The plot is meticulously crafted, with twists and turns that keep the listener guessing. The exploration of themes such as motherhood, mental health, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth adds depth and complexity to the narrative.
Kate is portrayed as a deeply flawed yet relatable protagonist, driven by guilt and a desperate need for answers. Her interactions with other characters, including a mysterious woman who may hold the key to Jake’s death, are fraught with tension and intrigue. The supporting characters are equally well-developed, each adding their own layer to the unfolding mystery.
The Wayside is a must-listen for fans of psychological thrillers and dark academia. Caroline Wolff’s compelling storytelling, combined with Lauren Fortgang’s captivating narration, makes this audiobook a standout in its genre.
September 2, 2024
𝐁 𝐎 𝐎 𝐊 • 𝐑 𝐄 𝐕 𝐈 𝐄 𝐖 🖤 @carolinewolffauthor
A haunting exploration of grief and obsession that oozes mystery, and weeps with melancholy. The Wayside is cloaked in shadows and moody, gothic ambiance that feels like a slow fog rolling in around your feet and crawling up your spine... It's eerie and foreboding and it doesn't stop there. At its core lies a Secret society that breathes life into old literature with an ode to William Blake's 'The Tyger'...
𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙣𝙞𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝘼𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙨..
This hypnotic literary thriller plunges us straight into the tortured heart of a mother desperate for closure. Kate Cleary's son was just a day away from turning 21 when his crumpled body was recovered at the base of a cliff on the Scotia River banks. Accident? Sui*ide? Mur*er? They say he jumped but she refuses to believe it.
Kate's grief leads her down a dark, obsessive path as she searches for answers the Sutter Point PD failed to give her. She moves into Jake's apartment and begins frequenting The Paloma College Campus, hell-bent on unravelling the truth behind his unexpected de*th. But she ends up uncovering more than she bargained for, more than she was prepared for.. Peeling back shocking layers that reveal domestic dishonesty and long buried family secrets.
The Wayside is a breath-stealing first novel that was cerebral and impossible to put down. Wolff's writing was truly remarkable; velvety and romantic in the way it flowed but enticingly dark at the same time. I still can't believe this was a debut.
You can't sleep on this one, you guys! Wolff is going to be huge! I highly recommend this one for thriller readers, mystery lovers, dark academia junkies, armchair sleuths.. honestly anyone with a heartbeat. I loved this one.
FIVE STARS! Go read The Wayside and thank me later! 🖤
A haunting exploration of grief and obsession that oozes mystery, and weeps with melancholy. The Wayside is cloaked in shadows and moody, gothic ambiance that feels like a slow fog rolling in around your feet and crawling up your spine... It's eerie and foreboding and it doesn't stop there. At its core lies a Secret society that breathes life into old literature with an ode to William Blake's 'The Tyger'...
𝙄𝙩'𝙨 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙣𝙞𝙥 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝘿𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝘼𝙘𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙖 𝙛𝙖𝙣𝙨..
This hypnotic literary thriller plunges us straight into the tortured heart of a mother desperate for closure. Kate Cleary's son was just a day away from turning 21 when his crumpled body was recovered at the base of a cliff on the Scotia River banks. Accident? Sui*ide? Mur*er? They say he jumped but she refuses to believe it.
Kate's grief leads her down a dark, obsessive path as she searches for answers the Sutter Point PD failed to give her. She moves into Jake's apartment and begins frequenting The Paloma College Campus, hell-bent on unravelling the truth behind his unexpected de*th. But she ends up uncovering more than she bargained for, more than she was prepared for.. Peeling back shocking layers that reveal domestic dishonesty and long buried family secrets.
The Wayside is a breath-stealing first novel that was cerebral and impossible to put down. Wolff's writing was truly remarkable; velvety and romantic in the way it flowed but enticingly dark at the same time. I still can't believe this was a debut.
You can't sleep on this one, you guys! Wolff is going to be huge! I highly recommend this one for thriller readers, mystery lovers, dark academia junkies, armchair sleuths.. honestly anyone with a heartbeat. I loved this one.
FIVE STARS! Go read The Wayside and thank me later! 🖤
September 1, 2024
Title: The Wayside
Author: Caroline Wolff
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audiobook
Genre: Mystery
Audiobook Release was Date: August 13, 2024
My Rating: 2.7 Stars
Pages 320
I love stories featuring an academic setting especially
one with an eerie Gothic vibe..
In this story Kate Cleary is grieving the death of her son Jake who died at college under mysterious circumstances.
She refuses to believe it was suicide and sets out to investigate.
I feel terrible for anyone who has had to experience the death of a child I have no doubt I too would search for the truth. However, I had a hard time liking Kate; - when she used Jake’s student ID to get into dorms, the library and into classes; I had concerns about the safety of the college.
I thought I was going to like this but unfortunately it wasn’t working for me- it wasn’t terrible but was okay. I was ready to give up but I know there have been times the ending changed my mind so I hung in there.
I want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was August 13, 2024.
Author: Caroline Wolff
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Audiobook
Genre: Mystery
Audiobook Release was Date: August 13, 2024
My Rating: 2.7 Stars
Pages 320
I love stories featuring an academic setting especially
one with an eerie Gothic vibe..
In this story Kate Cleary is grieving the death of her son Jake who died at college under mysterious circumstances.
She refuses to believe it was suicide and sets out to investigate.
I feel terrible for anyone who has had to experience the death of a child I have no doubt I too would search for the truth. However, I had a hard time liking Kate; - when she used Jake’s student ID to get into dorms, the library and into classes; I had concerns about the safety of the college.
I thought I was going to like this but unfortunately it wasn’t working for me- it wasn’t terrible but was okay. I was ready to give up but I know there have been times the ending changed my mind so I hung in there.
I want to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date was August 13, 2024.
September 3, 2024
The Wayside is an incredibly unique, slow burn, dark academia mystery that simmers with tension before striking out with twists you don't see coming.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which follows a mother who is on a mission to understand the suicide of her son, and her unrelenting quest to piece together his last days at college before the unimaginable happened. When it becomes clear that there might be more to the story than just a straightforward death, she finds herself entangled in a situation that runs far deeper than she could have imagined.
This book manages to be both a mystery and a profound trail through a parent's grief in the unexpected loss of a child. Kate is a hugely sympathetic character, whose desperation for answers seeps through every decision she makes. Her certainty that there must be more to the story, while also having to accept that her son is gone either way makes for incredibly compelling reading.
No spoilers, but this story still manages to serve up some huge swinging twists that will surprise you and have you frantically flipping forward to see how it all conclusively ends.
A fantastic addition for those autumn reading lists.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which follows a mother who is on a mission to understand the suicide of her son, and her unrelenting quest to piece together his last days at college before the unimaginable happened. When it becomes clear that there might be more to the story than just a straightforward death, she finds herself entangled in a situation that runs far deeper than she could have imagined.
This book manages to be both a mystery and a profound trail through a parent's grief in the unexpected loss of a child. Kate is a hugely sympathetic character, whose desperation for answers seeps through every decision she makes. Her certainty that there must be more to the story, while also having to accept that her son is gone either way makes for incredibly compelling reading.
No spoilers, but this story still manages to serve up some huge swinging twists that will surprise you and have you frantically flipping forward to see how it all conclusively ends.
A fantastic addition for those autumn reading lists.
Many thanks to the publisher for my copy.
December 13, 2025
I went into The Wayside expecting a quiet, moody thriller, and that’s exactly what Caroline Wolff delivers — but with more emotional depth than I anticipated. This is a slow-burn story that leans heavily on atmosphere, unease, and the kind of tension that creeps up on you rather than exploding all at once.
The setting does a lot of the heavy lifting here, creating an isolating, almost claustrophobic feeling that mirrors the characters’ inner lives. Wolff is especially strong when it comes to exploring grief, guilt, and the ways people carry secrets, and I found myself more invested in the emotional undercurrents than in any single twist.
That said, this won’t be for everyone. The pacing is deliberate, and if you’re looking for nonstop action or shocking reveals every chapter, this might feel a bit restrained. But if you enjoy character-driven suspense that lets discomfort simmer and trusts the reader to sit with ambiguity, The Wayside is a rewarding read.
Overall, a thoughtful, quietly unsettling novel that lingers after the final page — more psychological tension than traditional thriller, and all the better for it.
The setting does a lot of the heavy lifting here, creating an isolating, almost claustrophobic feeling that mirrors the characters’ inner lives. Wolff is especially strong when it comes to exploring grief, guilt, and the ways people carry secrets, and I found myself more invested in the emotional undercurrents than in any single twist.
That said, this won’t be for everyone. The pacing is deliberate, and if you’re looking for nonstop action or shocking reveals every chapter, this might feel a bit restrained. But if you enjoy character-driven suspense that lets discomfort simmer and trusts the reader to sit with ambiguity, The Wayside is a rewarding read.
Overall, a thoughtful, quietly unsettling novel that lingers after the final page — more psychological tension than traditional thriller, and all the better for it.
August 2, 2024
Jake Cleary was found at the bottom of a cliff, seemingly dead by suicide. He had been his elite liberal arts college for a few years successfully, so it came as a surprise to everyone. His mother, Kate, is sure that something is wrong, that Jake didn't kill himself, so she moves into his apartment to investigate the last few days of Jake's life.
Whew. Doesn't that sound like an interesting plot? Too bad this isn't what I got out of this book. This is a horny woman, who is grieving her son, but being really creepy about it. Kate using his student ID to get into dorms, the library and into classes was weird and make me question the security of the school.
I really feel that the horniness of it all is what took me out. Like, I get it....but also, the way she spoke to the cop when she was 'so sure' that he wanted to sleep with her? No way, Jose.
Potential but nah...not happening.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Whew. Doesn't that sound like an interesting plot? Too bad this isn't what I got out of this book. This is a horny woman, who is grieving her son, but being really creepy about it. Kate using his student ID to get into dorms, the library and into classes was weird and make me question the security of the school.
I really feel that the horniness of it all is what took me out. Like, I get it....but also, the way she spoke to the cop when she was 'so sure' that he wanted to sleep with her? No way, Jose.
Potential but nah...not happening.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 18, 2025
I had a bit of a challenge keeping track of the characters in the group of S&S but that is really my only complaint about this book, and that is a critique of my own mind ability, not so much the writing.
I think this was a good book that was interesting and a good look into parental grief after suicide. Until you join the club that no one ever wants to be in, you don't know how you will handle the loss of a child. We also never know what leads up to that point in someone's mind that makes that decision for them. What makes one person cross the line, may not for another. I think this book poses those questions for us all. It also opens dialogue for us to talk about parental abandonment, family secrets we learn of later, a sense of belonging or not belonging, what to do when we witness assault, and questions of sexuality. More than anything, the importance of relationships and being there for one another during times of desperation.
I think this was a good book that was interesting and a good look into parental grief after suicide. Until you join the club that no one ever wants to be in, you don't know how you will handle the loss of a child. We also never know what leads up to that point in someone's mind that makes that decision for them. What makes one person cross the line, may not for another. I think this book poses those questions for us all. It also opens dialogue for us to talk about parental abandonment, family secrets we learn of later, a sense of belonging or not belonging, what to do when we witness assault, and questions of sexuality. More than anything, the importance of relationships and being there for one another during times of desperation.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2024
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
1.75 star read for me unfortunately.
I do think that this book would be enjoyed more by a person who has not ready many different psychological thrillers or thrillers in general, like if this was my first or second psychological thriller novel, it might be rated higher.
I think if this book focused more on the dark college society (plus it's a secret) instead of the loss/grief the mother was experiencing, I would have enjoyed it more. This book just took me forever to get through which typically tells me that a book just is not for me, but I did want to finish it so I could give a full and honest review.
1.75 star read for me unfortunately.
I do think that this book would be enjoyed more by a person who has not ready many different psychological thrillers or thrillers in general, like if this was my first or second psychological thriller novel, it might be rated higher.
I think if this book focused more on the dark college society (plus it's a secret) instead of the loss/grief the mother was experiencing, I would have enjoyed it more. This book just took me forever to get through which typically tells me that a book just is not for me, but I did want to finish it so I could give a full and honest review.
August 26, 2024
I’m not sure where to begin.
I had some high hopes, I really wanted to love it. The synopsis dragged me in but I found myself bored and not wanting to continue the book. I feel like it was seriously lacking in suspense. As a mother, I felt bad for Kate, and I wanted her to find justice for her son, Jake. But I felt that ever character she met was dull, lacking development. I will however say that it all came together, rather quickly in the end, but did come together. I don’t know, I’ve got adhd and if I had physically read this instead of listening, I probably would have DNF’d this book. It just didn’t have that “suck me in” moment.
But, that’s just me! This book is for someone, just not me. Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC audiobook of The Wayside.
I had some high hopes, I really wanted to love it. The synopsis dragged me in but I found myself bored and not wanting to continue the book. I feel like it was seriously lacking in suspense. As a mother, I felt bad for Kate, and I wanted her to find justice for her son, Jake. But I felt that ever character she met was dull, lacking development. I will however say that it all came together, rather quickly in the end, but did come together. I don’t know, I’ve got adhd and if I had physically read this instead of listening, I probably would have DNF’d this book. It just didn’t have that “suck me in” moment.
But, that’s just me! This book is for someone, just not me. Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC audiobook of The Wayside.
August 30, 2024
I’m not entirely sure what I was supposed to get out of reading this. Quite dull for a thriller, even after adjusting my own expectations to lean more towards domestic drama. I’m often fine with a slow pace but there wasn’t ever anything that happened that made me actually interested in where this was going.
It relied on one of my least favorite things that a thriller or mystery can do, which is an immense amount of exposition in the third act. The final twist should not have to have entire chapters to explain why it makes sense.
I had higher expectations for this one but ultimately it was not for me.
Also, big big big suicide tws.
Thanks NetGalley and Blackstone Pub for a copy of the audio in exchange for review.
It relied on one of my least favorite things that a thriller or mystery can do, which is an immense amount of exposition in the third act. The final twist should not have to have entire chapters to explain why it makes sense.
I had higher expectations for this one but ultimately it was not for me.
Also, big big big suicide tws.
Thanks NetGalley and Blackstone Pub for a copy of the audio in exchange for review.
December 24, 2024
This psychological thriller did keep my interest and as a mother of sons myself, I appreciated the MFC and her quest to find out what happened to her only child. She was portrayed to definitely be passionate that her son did not die pass by his own choice, albeit also somewhat naive in her actions and internal thoughts. There as a particular twist at the end was unexpected and sho of to me-and helped conclude the story to be a memorable one. The solo female narrator did bring the MFC to life, there was much passion, inflections and emotion in her narration that made for a captivating experience. 3.75 stars Many thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the audio copy.
July 9, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the copy of The Wayside by Caroline Wolff.Kate travels to her son’s college to investigate what would prompt her son Jake to take his own life. Eventually, it veered into the thriller genre but the majority of the ebook was about Kate coping (or not) and I wanted to know more about Jake and his life at school. There were missed opportunities to give context and background to him and his life that would have made the ending more believable and flow better.
August 29, 2024
When Kate's son Jake commits suicide she is so desperate to find out what could have driven him that she decides to dive deep down into his life. Going back to his college she manages to follow her son's footsteps and even lives parts of his campus-routine. This helps her to get to know the people her son surrounded himself with towards the end.
Well, this story did turn quite dark and I was totally engrossed in it. In my opinion the description as a combination of dark academia and domestic fiction hits home exactly!
The book is perfectly narrated by Lauren Fortgang
Thank you ##NetGalley #Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook
Well, this story did turn quite dark and I was totally engrossed in it. In my opinion the description as a combination of dark academia and domestic fiction hits home exactly!
The book is perfectly narrated by Lauren Fortgang
Thank you ##NetGalley #Blackstone Publishing for this audiobook
September 1, 2024
This was well written, complex and really emotional but unfortunately just not quite memorable enough. My ambivalence towards it may be due to the fact I wasn’t a huge fan of the narration so I may enjoy it more if I was to read it on hard copy. It was advertised as having dark academia themes and although there was a little of this I wish there had been so much more. This author clearly has a lot of talent and I would be keen to see what else they write in the future.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the audio ARC ❤️
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing for the audio ARC ❤️
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