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Unhinged
Meet Olivia Graham, former NYT Bestselling Author turned big-screen actress. Supposedly, love led her down a dark path. Now she's an inmate at Annandale Super Max Prison for Women. Her horrific deeds and incarceration had media circuits buzzing for years. Many critics speculated that the Bestselling Author committed the heinous act as research to write her next book. Though she vowed never to return to Annandale, Reporter Ivory Addison, could not miss an opportunity for an exclusive interview with the author-turned-inmate. Join Ivory as she follows Olivia down a rabbit hole of madness that may leave her with more questions than answers.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2025
213 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Octavia Grant
90 books873 followersOctavia Grant found her passion for Creative Writing in 2002, while a Junior in high school. She began writing professionally in 2016, two years later she decided to take the reins of her literary career and became an Independent Author. As an Independent Author, Octavia has penned over 30 novels. She’s spoken on the Thriller Author Panel at ESSENCE Fest, been interviewed by Narrator iiKane, interviewed by Literary Reviewer and Movie Commentator Tamara Walker of Tam Telling Tales, featured in magazines WYB Lifestyle, VoyageJacksonville, Canvas Rebel, named in 160 Black Women In Horror. Octavia's psychological thriller novella, Dear Vicky, was the winner of Black Girls Who Write It’s Lit Award for Best Black Mystery/Suspense, Audio In Black North Star Award Winner and AAMBC Award Winner for Mystery/Thriller Book of the Year. Octavia loves reader interaction and encourages her readers to follow her on social media:
FB: Octavia Taneka Grant
IG: Octavia_vs_otaneka
TikTok: Tavi_vs_Otaneka
FB: Octavia Taneka Grant
IG: Octavia_vs_otaneka
TikTok: Tavi_vs_Otaneka
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
January 20, 2025
MUST READ…Grant has done it again!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved all the stories! I enjoyed how the prologue and epilogue were tied together so well. After I read the epilogue I went back to the prologue to read it again to be sure I read what I read correctly! I loved all the twists and turns and the exploration of mental health issues. I really wish there was more to “Rear Seat.” These men better learn to stop cheating and better be good to their wives! 👏🏾❤️ Thank you again for allowing me to be an ARC reader. #octaviaunhingedgrant #octaviagrantoctaviagrant #hiprettygirl #prettygirlsdoread #unhinged #OctaviaGrant
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I loved all the stories! I enjoyed how the prologue and epilogue were tied together so well. After I read the epilogue I went back to the prologue to read it again to be sure I read what I read correctly! I loved all the twists and turns and the exploration of mental health issues. I really wish there was more to “Rear Seat.” These men better learn to stop cheating and better be good to their wives! 👏🏾❤️ Thank you again for allowing me to be an ARC reader. #octaviaunhingedgrant #octaviagrantoctaviagrant #hiprettygirl #prettygirlsdoread #unhinged #OctaviaGrant
October 28, 2025
The Title speaks for itself self and the book lives up to the name Octavia writes the most unhinged but great characters
I just love her short stories.. in this book you get 8 stories in one book.. it’s a must read
I just love her short stories.. in this book you get 8 stories in one book.. it’s a must read
March 12, 2025
This wasn't it!
Almost a dnf. It started out great. An talented author who is also notorious murderer is being interviewed in prison. As part of the interview she reads some of the stories she's written to the reporter.
This is where I got lost and became disinterested. The book ventures off into several random short stories within the story while completely ignoring the beginning plot. Not for me.
Almost a dnf. It started out great. An talented author who is also notorious murderer is being interviewed in prison. As part of the interview she reads some of the stories she's written to the reporter.
This is where I got lost and became disinterested. The book ventures off into several random short stories within the story while completely ignoring the beginning plot. Not for me.
January 11, 2025
Octavia Grant has done it again! The absolute psychotic behavior she writes into her characters has made my jaw drop, clutch my pearls and laugh out loud. I realize that I’m not all there in my head to be entertained by the level of unhinged she writes, but there are no f’s given!
These mini stories within a mini story are pure genius.
These mini stories within a mini story are pure genius.
January 21, 2025
Whoo chile!
The book starts off unhinged and becomes immediately diabolical.
The author introduces you to inmate Olivia Graham who is serving a life sentence for multiple murders.
Olivia is a former best selling author who life was turn upside down after falling for a married man.
What makes this story unique is the stories that Olivia has written while she has been incarcerated.
7 UNHINGED SHORT STORIES that are wrapped in a box with a big red bow on top for you to enjoy!
All were interesting but some appealed more than others to me. I will put them in order from most to least favorite.
This was a great treat from Octavia “Unhinged” Grant. Her mind must go to obscene places to come up with this treacherous filth, and I’m one who is forever grateful.
Trigger Warnings: Language, Gore, Explicit Sexual Content, Rape, Child Abuse, Cannibalism
As always, check your triggers and protect your peace!
This content isn’t for everyone!
Stories Ranked Most to Least Favorite:
Eyes Wide Shut
Mad
Choices
Good Gay
Rear Seat
Sucks to Be You
Toxic
The book starts off unhinged and becomes immediately diabolical.
The author introduces you to inmate Olivia Graham who is serving a life sentence for multiple murders.
Olivia is a former best selling author who life was turn upside down after falling for a married man.
What makes this story unique is the stories that Olivia has written while she has been incarcerated.
7 UNHINGED SHORT STORIES that are wrapped in a box with a big red bow on top for you to enjoy!
All were interesting but some appealed more than others to me. I will put them in order from most to least favorite.
This was a great treat from Octavia “Unhinged” Grant. Her mind must go to obscene places to come up with this treacherous filth, and I’m one who is forever grateful.
Trigger Warnings: Language, Gore, Explicit Sexual Content, Rape, Child Abuse, Cannibalism
As always, check your triggers and protect your peace!
This content isn’t for everyone!
Stories Ranked Most to Least Favorite:
Eyes Wide Shut
Mad
Choices
Good Gay
Rear Seat
Sucks to Be You
Toxic
October 15, 2025
“Hope I didn’t fuck your head up too bad. But, if I did, welcome to my world.”
Octavia Grant has done it again.
Everything she writes is absolutely insane & I am sat and here for it.
This was different than other books in her catalog. This is a story with a main plot in combination with a collection of short stories.
I wasn’t sure where this book was going after reading a few of the stories but by the end, I was sold.
Each story gives you a sprinkle of a different avenue of unhinged mess and I loved it.
This is perfect for spooky season but also if you’re a lover of unhinged MCs & quick read thrillers.
Octavia Grant has done it again.
Everything she writes is absolutely insane & I am sat and here for it.
This was different than other books in her catalog. This is a story with a main plot in combination with a collection of short stories.
I wasn’t sure where this book was going after reading a few of the stories but by the end, I was sold.
Each story gives you a sprinkle of a different avenue of unhinged mess and I loved it.
This is perfect for spooky season but also if you’re a lover of unhinged MCs & quick read thrillers.
February 19, 2025
Holy moly! Unhinged is definitely the correct word!
February 12, 2025
I wanted more the initial story. I didn’t care for the short stories within the stories
January 18, 2025
https://a.co/d/8tv3kDXMy jaw dropped so many times throughout this book! It was like reading different episodes of Snapped! The stories of revenge, karma, and the dark side of human nature kept me on the edge of my seat! It always amazes me what grief, pain, jealousy, and all the ugly things do to the brain, and this book dis not disappoint.
I did feel that the introduction would be better developed to give more context. Building that background was a little lacking and made it hard to really ponder the ending.
But, enter the doors of madness and enjoy the ride.
https://a.co/d/8tv3kDX
Get your copy!
I did feel that the introduction would be better developed to give more context. Building that background was a little lacking and made it hard to really ponder the ending.
But, enter the doors of madness and enjoy the ride.
https://a.co/d/8tv3kDX
Get your copy!
January 22, 2025
3.25 🌟 Welp! This was still just as deranged and unhinged (no pun intended) as expected from an Octavia Grant novella, but I can't say I particularly enjoyed the multiple short stories format within an already short story because I didn't get to spend enough time with the characters and the stories weren't flushed out enough for my liking. The longer short stories of the 7 stuck with me the most; “Sucks To Be You”, “Choices”, and “Eyes Wide Shut”.
But I honestly wanted to learn more about Olivia, her life story, her crimes, and her descent into insanity. I couldn't really understand the short stories she wrote from the perspective of possible crimes she committed that turned into cold cases/unsolved murders. It was nice to see the return of Ivory Addison as a recurring character; maybe eventually we will get a novella of Ivory going mad and losing sh*t reporting on all these crazy ass stories.
But I honestly wanted to learn more about Olivia, her life story, her crimes, and her descent into insanity. I couldn't really understand the short stories she wrote from the perspective of possible crimes she committed that turned into cold cases/unsolved murders. It was nice to see the return of Ivory Addison as a recurring character; maybe eventually we will get a novella of Ivory going mad and losing sh*t reporting on all these crazy ass stories.
January 18, 2025
I was never really insane except upon occasions when my heart was touched."
— Edgar Allen Poe
As Ivory stepped into the imposing gates of Annandale Prison, she anticipated a routine interview with the enigmatic author Olivia Graham. What she expected to be a simple conversation about Olivia's notorious crime quickly spiraled into a mind-bending encounter. What started as a straightforward assignment transformed into a thrilling mental tug-of-war, making them wonder if they had truly uncovered the full story or merely scratched the surface of a deeper mystery.
As someone familiar with Octavia Grant's work, I expected it to be wild! The way the story is laid out kept me intrigued until the end. Anyone who dives into this book is in for a wild ride, as her brilliant mind weaves horror in the best way. Prepare yourself for a wild, unhinged experience!
— Edgar Allen Poe
As Ivory stepped into the imposing gates of Annandale Prison, she anticipated a routine interview with the enigmatic author Olivia Graham. What she expected to be a simple conversation about Olivia's notorious crime quickly spiraled into a mind-bending encounter. What started as a straightforward assignment transformed into a thrilling mental tug-of-war, making them wonder if they had truly uncovered the full story or merely scratched the surface of a deeper mystery.
As someone familiar with Octavia Grant's work, I expected it to be wild! The way the story is laid out kept me intrigued until the end. Anyone who dives into this book is in for a wild ride, as her brilliant mind weaves horror in the best way. Prepare yourself for a wild, unhinged experience!
January 16, 2025
3.5/5 stars - Thank you to Pretty Girls Do Read for this ARC! This is the third book I've read by Octavia Grant, and her writing is literally unhinged lol. Definitely check the content warnings before reading this book (or any of her other books). Her writing style is very fast paced and entertaining, but I don't think it will be for everyone. My favorite stories in this collection were Choices and Sucks to Be You! If you don't mind the content warnings, I would recommend picking this up if you are in a reading slump or looking for a fast-paced thriller!
January 25, 2025
ATE THIS UP!
The way I read this book and was thinking about how crazy I am was insane lol. This book was amazing and Octavia can do no wrong in my eyes!
The way I read this book and was thinking about how crazy I am was insane lol. This book was amazing and Octavia can do no wrong in my eyes!
February 5, 2025
This was very entertaining and very aptly named. 3.5 rounded to 4 because I think I said WTF a dozen times during each story.
March 10, 2025
Octavia scares me and I love it! The things that live in her head... chefs kiss!
November 2, 2025
The way this book started off was crazy. The main character was definitely unhinged and I didn't really care for some of the unhinged behavior that she exhibited with respect to her lover's family. I also didn't know going in that it was a book with different stories that she as an author wrote about as opposed to more of her story. Overall, it was a decent read and most of the behavior of the characters in the stories were unhinged so it fit the title.
January 25, 2025
Reading this book was like not being able to look away from a terrible car crash. At first, the plot was enticing: murderous author being interviewed in prison as she explains her gruesome acts. However, the stories WITHIN the stories lacked depth, and the characters were all written similarly. Don’t even get me started on the grammar. Listen, I’m not an editor, but many mistakes distracted my ability to get through the book. And what’s up with all the damn erotica?? 😭 I appreciated the level of gore for some stories, but the way the characters were written made them feel child-ish and even theatrical in some aspects. Overall, not great.
February 12, 2025
This novella took me on the wildest of rides. So many of these stories had my jaw on the floor. When I first started this book, I expected the main character to be a bit crazy and out there. What I didn't bargain for was the complete lack of even an ounce of sanity within these pages or how much fun & anxiety I would have while these characters fought for their lives. This book made me want to lock all my doors and stay inside so I would never run into any of these crazy people.
As a non-horror girlie, I loved being able to dip my toes into this genre, and the short story format allowed me to enjoy so many varying themes and plots without feeling overwhelmed.
This book is shocking, jaw-dropping, and out of this world with the audacity of some of these characters. That last story and epilogue had me completely flabbergasted! The crazy scale definitely has been broken. Please note that there are many trigger warnings, so please please take heed as there are some very graphic scenes within these pages. The author definitely lives up to her name in this one.
Thank you to PrettyGirlsDoRead for the gifted e-arc
As a non-horror girlie, I loved being able to dip my toes into this genre, and the short story format allowed me to enjoy so many varying themes and plots without feeling overwhelmed.
This book is shocking, jaw-dropping, and out of this world with the audacity of some of these characters. That last story and epilogue had me completely flabbergasted! The crazy scale definitely has been broken. Please note that there are many trigger warnings, so please please take heed as there are some very graphic scenes within these pages. The author definitely lives up to her name in this one.
Thank you to PrettyGirlsDoRead for the gifted e-arc
January 16, 2025
I’m with Cameraman Chad my mouth was open and clutching my invisible pearls. I expect nothing but chaos from Octavia Grant because she is absolutely the queen of Unhinged. If you’ve read any books from Octavia then you know that the title Unhinged is very fitting. All seven stories were more unhinged than the one before. I found myself flying through this book because I had to see what happened in the next story. After listening to all of Olivia’s stories I think Ivory and the cameraman are rethinking their entire career choice. Olivia welcomed them into her world and then left the room with no explanation only a smirk. This was the right amount of Unhingedness and I’m here for it.
January 15, 2025
Octavia Grant’s upcoming release has a blend of The Twilight Zone meets Stephen King but amped up. The way the story is told is almost as if they are short stories within, but it is so cleverly tied to the key character. That character of the story is serving time for possibly doing some extreme things for the books she has written. As the reader, we are pulled into her world, albeit within 90 pages. The book is not for the faint of heart. There are TWs at the front for a reason. I enjoyed the story!
January 19, 2025
Octavia in my opinion can do no wrong. Her mind is beautifully dark and i love that for us readers.
Honey i was just like the cameraman with my jaw on the ground. I was so entertained by Olivia with her reason for being in jail and the characters in her short stories. I wasn’t even mad at the get backs. Does that mean I’m a little unhinged? 😂 I don’t know but nonetheless i was here for the shenanigans. The way Olivia left the interview with a creepy grin on her face had me smiling. This book was so good.
Favorite Shorts:
-Eyes Wide Shut
-Sucks To Be You
-Choices
Thank you Octavia and @prettygirlsdoread on IG for this opportunity.
Honey i was just like the cameraman with my jaw on the ground. I was so entertained by Olivia with her reason for being in jail and the characters in her short stories. I wasn’t even mad at the get backs. Does that mean I’m a little unhinged? 😂 I don’t know but nonetheless i was here for the shenanigans. The way Olivia left the interview with a creepy grin on her face had me smiling. This book was so good.
Favorite Shorts:
-Eyes Wide Shut
-Sucks To Be You
-Choices
Thank you Octavia and @prettygirlsdoread on IG for this opportunity.
January 24, 2025
Give her an Award!!!
This was an outstanding collection of short stories. Utter perfection with the way it was laid out and written. Each story had so many elements to it and a message woven within its fabric. They all were good but I would have to say my favorite one was the very last one. I was ready to shed a tear with the vivid imagery the author used to describe the horrific details of what happened to the mother and son. That name Olivia Graham keeps throwing me off lol but Octavia Grant deserves an award for this read!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
This was an outstanding collection of short stories. Utter perfection with the way it was laid out and written. Each story had so many elements to it and a message woven within its fabric. They all were good but I would have to say my favorite one was the very last one. I was ready to shed a tear with the vivid imagery the author used to describe the horrific details of what happened to the mother and son. That name Olivia Graham keeps throwing me off lol but Octavia Grant deserves an award for this read!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
January 15, 2025
The Queen of unhinged has officially become “unhinged” in this book. These short stories make your jaw drop more and more as the pages continue. 😱 is the emoji I would use to describe this must read.
This story follows Olivia Graham, famous author turned murderer who has been incarcerated due to her horrific and deadly acts! She agrees to an interview with our oh so infamous Ivory Addison, in which she shares short stories that she has written since being imprisoned. As Ivory’s eyes widen and mouth drops, she begins to wonder if there’s any truth to these “fictional” stories Olivia is sharing. Each story, drawing Ivory and her listeners in deeper as they try to enter the thoughts of a mad woman.
This story follows Olivia Graham, famous author turned murderer who has been incarcerated due to her horrific and deadly acts! She agrees to an interview with our oh so infamous Ivory Addison, in which she shares short stories that she has written since being imprisoned. As Ivory’s eyes widen and mouth drops, she begins to wonder if there’s any truth to these “fictional” stories Olivia is sharing. Each story, drawing Ivory and her listeners in deeper as they try to enter the thoughts of a mad woman.
January 13, 2025
WHEW!!! I’m honestly speechless. The moment you thought you could predict what is going to happen you find out you’re completely wrong! My mouth was open in shock the entire time I was reading this!!!
This psychological thriller is just as the title, UNHINGED!!!
I rating this a five star just based off the unpredictability and suspense! Although it was a quick read I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend!!!
This psychological thriller is just as the title, UNHINGED!!!
I rating this a five star just based off the unpredictability and suspense! Although it was a quick read I thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely recommend!!!
January 28, 2025
That doggone Olivia...
Olivia was completely cuckoo! However, regardless of her insanity she was still able to pen tales that sounded like modern day urban legends! And the plot twist... Absolutely diabolical! I enjoyed this book and Octavia Grant continues to pull me further into the dark side of literature. My final thought: If the nookie is so good it makes you off people, I don't want it! Highly recommended book!
Olivia was completely cuckoo! However, regardless of her insanity she was still able to pen tales that sounded like modern day urban legends! And the plot twist... Absolutely diabolical! I enjoyed this book and Octavia Grant continues to pull me further into the dark side of literature. My final thought: If the nookie is so good it makes you off people, I don't want it! Highly recommended book!
January 24, 2025
I love Unhinged so much. I loved all the short stories. There was a ghost story, revenge stories, and stories about consequences. She tied them all together at the end! I'm so glad that Ivory was back in another story.
What I love about her writing is that she can tell a story in such a short time, and it moves me. They are unforgettable. Unhinged was a good time! 5 stars!
What I love about her writing is that she can tell a story in such a short time, and it moves me. They are unforgettable. Unhinged was a good time! 5 stars!
January 25, 2025
speechless
This is how you write a five star. My jaw is still on the floor with these stories. The female main character was unhinged!! Each story was phenomenal but as you kept reading,the other stories just reached a level that exceeded phenomenal. some had me truly creeped out. I won’t forget this book! Bravo!!!
This is how you write a five star. My jaw is still on the floor with these stories. The female main character was unhinged!! Each story was phenomenal but as you kept reading,the other stories just reached a level that exceeded phenomenal. some had me truly creeped out. I won’t forget this book! Bravo!!!
January 21, 2025
Fitting Title
Every story fit the book title. My personal affirmation after reading the book: “I shall never meet any person similar to the characters in this book.” This read is perfect for fans who enjoy thrills, chills, and unhinged, unmedicated behavior.
Every story fit the book title. My personal affirmation after reading the book: “I shall never meet any person similar to the characters in this book.” This read is perfect for fans who enjoy thrills, chills, and unhinged, unmedicated behavior.
February 10, 2025
A Masterpiece!
Unhinged is a psychological/ thriller masterpiece! Oh smokes what did I just read! A story with a compilation of mini stories that will chill you and spook you out! That twist at the end has me still picking up my jaw!!
Unhinged is a psychological/ thriller masterpiece! Oh smokes what did I just read! A story with a compilation of mini stories that will chill you and spook you out! That twist at the end has me still picking up my jaw!!
January 21, 2025
Totally Unhinged!
WOW!! I loved every unhinged moment. Finished in one sitting!! Octavia Grant is the queen of the beautifully unhinged. I need more ASAP!
WOW!! I loved every unhinged moment. Finished in one sitting!! Octavia Grant is the queen of the beautifully unhinged. I need more ASAP!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews