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The Pretty Ones
A terrifying novella from the bestselling author of Within These Walls, Brother, and The Bird Eater!
New York, 1977. The sweltering height of the Summer of Sam. The entire city is gripped with fear, but all Nell Sullivan worries about is whether or not she’ll ever make a friend. The self-proclaimed “Plain Jane” does her best to fit in with the girls at work, but Nell’s brother, Barrett, assures her that she’ll never be like them. When Nell manages to finally garner some much-yearned-for attention, the unthinkable happens to her newfound friend. The office pool blames Son of Sam, but Nell knows the awful truth…because doing the devil’s work is easy when there’s already a serial killer on the loose.
New York, 1977. The sweltering height of the Summer of Sam. The entire city is gripped with fear, but all Nell Sullivan worries about is whether or not she’ll ever make a friend. The self-proclaimed “Plain Jane” does her best to fit in with the girls at work, but Nell’s brother, Barrett, assures her that she’ll never be like them. When Nell manages to finally garner some much-yearned-for attention, the unthinkable happens to her newfound friend. The office pool blames Son of Sam, but Nell knows the awful truth…because doing the devil’s work is easy when there’s already a serial killer on the loose.
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First published July 6, 2015
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About the author
Ania Ahlborn
20 books7,619 followersBorn in Ciechanow Poland, Ania has always been drawn to the darker, mysterious, and sometimes morbid sides of life. Her earliest childhood memory is of crawling through a hole in the chain link fence that separated her family home from the large wooded cemetery next door. She’d spend hours among the headstones, breaking up bouquets of silk flowers so that everyone had their equal share.
Author of nine novels, Ania's books have been lauded by the likes of Publisher's Weekly, The New York Daily News, and The New York Times. Some titles have been optioned for film.
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ania currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina.
For more from Ania, visit her site, or connect via social media on Facebook and Twitter.
Web: http://www.aniaahlborn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aniaahlborn
Twitter: @aniaahlborn
Author of nine novels, Ania's books have been lauded by the likes of Publisher's Weekly, The New York Daily News, and The New York Times. Some titles have been optioned for film.
Hailing from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Ania currently lives in Greenville, South Carolina.
For more from Ania, visit her site, or connect via social media on Facebook and Twitter.
Web: http://www.aniaahlborn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aniaahlborn
Twitter: @aniaahlborn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 324 reviews
March 31, 2023
Nell "Beary" Sullivan is overweight and working in a call center. She has no friends and lives in a bad part of town. Her situation changes as she wants to befriend Linnie Carter, a colleague. When she declines visiting Nell, a series of murder starts. Who's committed those murders? How is her brother Barrett involved in Nell's fate? What about her mom and her parents? Can somebody help Nell? This is a very dark psychological story about a social outcast losing her marbles. Ania Ahlborn comes up with a grim portrait of a bullied young woman who turns into a terrifying loony. The story very slowly evolves and you are relentlessly driven to the climax. "Carrie" by Stephen King is directly referred to. In flashbacks you hear more about her tragic youth. A very good horror tale with a great ending. Highly recommended!
July 22, 2019
THE PRETTY ONES does not really fit into the horror category (for me) but does fit crazy and still good albeit predictable pretty early on.
Poor Nell. Only 22 and just doesn't fit in with the pretty shapely girls at work. As a social outcast and often bullied, she is not only harassed at work, but on the unsafe streets as she returns to her dilapadated apartment building each evening....with a killer on the loose.
Thank God for brother Barrett though. Older by two years, her wannabe writer brother is her only confidant and companion. Mute since childhood and the incident with their abusive alcoholic mother has made him lazy, but she could not function without him.
THE PRETTY ONES does not compare to Ahlborn's more recent offerings, BROTHER or my favorite, I CALL UPON THEE, but for a short novella is A-OK.
July 14, 2021
David Richard Berkowitz is better-known as the Son of Sam. He was responsible for the murder of eight women and much fear and panic, in New York during the late 1970s. Nell Sullivan's concerns lie less with him and more on the women at her workplace, however. She is desperate to fit in with them, despite knowing her social anxiety and frumpy clothing mark her as one to be pitied or ridiculed rather than accepted and befriended. A girl can dream though, and so she does. Everyday she imagines other scenarios presenting themselves, with small interactions becoming the first moments of friendship or slights and snubs ending in bloodshed and tears. This is only in her mind though, of course...
There was no flaw in the creation of this horrifying novella, but it merely did not become as depraved or blood-soaked as I had hoped. It was a far quieter story but once I understood that this was to be a more introspective and less dramatic read I continued to enjoy it for exactly what it was.
The note at the end cited Robert Bloch's Psycho as an inspiration and, despite no overlap in plot or characters, I can definitely see the resemblance. Both are quietly clever and deceptively sharp-witted reads that lure the reader into anticipating the expected before delivering something quiet different once their guard has been dropped. The one here was a little less of a jaw-dropping moment for me but it did leave me to reread the last few pages, and a few passages prior to this, with an admiration of the author's skill as I did so.
There was no flaw in the creation of this horrifying novella, but it merely did not become as depraved or blood-soaked as I had hoped. It was a far quieter story but once I understood that this was to be a more introspective and less dramatic read I continued to enjoy it for exactly what it was.
The note at the end cited Robert Bloch's Psycho as an inspiration and, despite no overlap in plot or characters, I can definitely see the resemblance. Both are quietly clever and deceptively sharp-witted reads that lure the reader into anticipating the expected before delivering something quiet different once their guard has been dropped. The one here was a little less of a jaw-dropping moment for me but it did leave me to reread the last few pages, and a few passages prior to this, with an admiration of the author's skill as I did so.
April 16, 2022
I liked it!! A solid serial killer story overall. The main character was definitely something, what an interesting POV! 😂
January 22, 2018
Ania Ahlborn has become one of my favorite thriller/horror writers!!! Within the last year I've read four of her books and every single one of them has blown me away! Her style is one of a kind, she's brilliant!
The Pretty Ones is in my opinion right up there with the best of her work!! Brother is still my favorite, but this one is seriously neck and neck. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Ania threw in a curve and had me wide eyed with my jaw to the floor! I freaking loved the end of this book. From cover to cover it offers everything a great psychological thriller should. It's nasty, twisted and shocking, yet it still has that authentically raw and believable feel to it.
The main character Nell is extremely quiet and self conscious. She's awkward, full of a longing to belong, and she has this deep routed hate that practically consumes her. Nell works day in and day out at a tedious call center, surrounded by girls that she absolutely loathes. These women either ignore her completely, leaving her to feel invisible, or they pick on her. She sticks with the job, and keeps quiet to support her brother Barrett in their crappy apartment on a very dicey part of the city.
Barrett doesn't speak. He's an aspiring writer, who makes notes to Nell to communicate. They are both extremely obsessive, possessive, protective and weird with each other. This very strange brother sister relationship was forced into it's weirdness by their horrible up-bringing. Their father died when they were young and their mother was an awful woman. What makes their relationship unique is that it's layered into physiological surprises that unfold in perfect timing through out the story.
There has been a series of killing in the city, and as the book unravels those murders grow closer and closer to home. This book is awesome and I'll definitely be reading more and more of Ania's work!
The Pretty Ones is in my opinion right up there with the best of her work!! Brother is still my favorite, but this one is seriously neck and neck. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Ania threw in a curve and had me wide eyed with my jaw to the floor! I freaking loved the end of this book. From cover to cover it offers everything a great psychological thriller should. It's nasty, twisted and shocking, yet it still has that authentically raw and believable feel to it.
The main character Nell is extremely quiet and self conscious. She's awkward, full of a longing to belong, and she has this deep routed hate that practically consumes her. Nell works day in and day out at a tedious call center, surrounded by girls that she absolutely loathes. These women either ignore her completely, leaving her to feel invisible, or they pick on her. She sticks with the job, and keeps quiet to support her brother Barrett in their crappy apartment on a very dicey part of the city.
Barrett doesn't speak. He's an aspiring writer, who makes notes to Nell to communicate. They are both extremely obsessive, possessive, protective and weird with each other. This very strange brother sister relationship was forced into it's weirdness by their horrible up-bringing. Their father died when they were young and their mother was an awful woman. What makes their relationship unique is that it's layered into physiological surprises that unfold in perfect timing through out the story.
There has been a series of killing in the city, and as the book unravels those murders grow closer and closer to home. This book is awesome and I'll definitely be reading more and more of Ania's work!
October 4, 2016
My crush on the author in no way influenced my rating of the book more than maybe a little.
August 16, 2015
It took 10 months from the time I pre-ordered Ania's mystery e-book (in September of 2014 it was still untitled on Amazon) until on July 6th my profound patience and curiosity paid off and The Pretty Ones arrived on my Kindle. It was absolutely worth the wait.
Nell Sullivan is the epitome of unpopular, in her work as well as her home life. As appealing to the rest of her co-workers as Poison Ivy, they have nicknamed her 'sweaty' and avoid her like the plague. Nell is overweight, frumpy, and friendless. Living with her mute brother who criticizes her every move - with notes - her only real solace is a stuffed bear. While the rest of her office and the city of New York is worried about the Son of Sam killings that seem to be increasing, Nell just desperately wants to fit in.
From start to finish this novella was excellently done. More psychological thriller than horror, the story is well-paced and adequately tension-building. The writing, as always, is stellar and gives you a rather in-depth view into the minds of the deranged. I very much enjoyed this and can't wait until her new novel Brother comes out next month!
Nell Sullivan is the epitome of unpopular, in her work as well as her home life. As appealing to the rest of her co-workers as Poison Ivy, they have nicknamed her 'sweaty' and avoid her like the plague. Nell is overweight, frumpy, and friendless. Living with her mute brother who criticizes her every move - with notes - her only real solace is a stuffed bear. While the rest of her office and the city of New York is worried about the Son of Sam killings that seem to be increasing, Nell just desperately wants to fit in.
From start to finish this novella was excellently done. More psychological thriller than horror, the story is well-paced and adequately tension-building. The writing, as always, is stellar and gives you a rather in-depth view into the minds of the deranged. I very much enjoyed this and can't wait until her new novel Brother comes out next month!
May 3, 2019
I have become an instant fan of author Ania Ahlborn. I recently finished up two of her novellas on my kindle and am currently reading Brother.
There isn't anyone better than Ania Ahlborn at character development. You not only know each character, you feel them. Nell is socially awkward and peculiar, and considered an outcast by her co-workers. Ahlborn skillfully pulls the reader into each uncomfortable moment and it
is as unsettling for the reader as it is for the character.
The story takes place in New York in the 1970's while the women in the city lived in constant fear of the Son of Sam serial killer. Ahlborn writes exquisitely and the tension of the time is felt throughout the story. The story flows so smoothly it is a very quick read. Although I knew from the beginning where the story was going and I wasn't surprised by the ending, I still enjoyed it thoroughly. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and exciting read.
There isn't anyone better than Ania Ahlborn at character development. You not only know each character, you feel them. Nell is socially awkward and peculiar, and considered an outcast by her co-workers. Ahlborn skillfully pulls the reader into each uncomfortable moment and it
is as unsettling for the reader as it is for the character.
The story takes place in New York in the 1970's while the women in the city lived in constant fear of the Son of Sam serial killer. Ahlborn writes exquisitely and the tension of the time is felt throughout the story. The story flows so smoothly it is a very quick read. Although I knew from the beginning where the story was going and I wasn't surprised by the ending, I still enjoyed it thoroughly. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick and exciting read.
November 9, 2022
This was a slow, slow burn. Not as intense as Ahlborn's other novels. It's a slow unraveling of a woman at the bottom of society's barrel. A social outcast. All during the crimes of the Son of Sam. It's clever and sharp. The ending, while not bloody or horrific, is a predictable yet unfortunate unveiling.
November 2, 2015
This is one of those short novellas that feels that incredibly long. Ania Ahlborn has such a knack at putting so much into her stories, and this one is no different.
Edit: I forgot to add that the author really makes the reader feel the pain of loneliness and being an outcast that the main character feels. Aside from the great twist in the plot, this makes the book very compelling on its own.
As I was reading the first 25% or so, I thought I was reading a "Falling Down" scenario about a young lady that was losing it and on the verge of snapping. The further the story went, the more the story twisted into a Psycho-like plot (acknowledged in the afterword).
Ultimately, this was a great Halloween read!
Edit: I forgot to add that the author really makes the reader feel the pain of loneliness and being an outcast that the main character feels. Aside from the great twist in the plot, this makes the book very compelling on its own.
As I was reading the first 25% or so, I thought I was reading a "Falling Down" scenario about a young lady that was losing it and on the verge of snapping. The further the story went, the more the story twisted into a Psycho-like plot (acknowledged in the afterword).
Ultimately, this was a great Halloween read!
June 3, 2018
It was pretty good. My biggest disappointment being that I figured it all out VERY early on. However the writing was so good I barely cared.
January 3, 2017
GREAT short story!!! I was surprised by where it took me, as well.
Ah, the things we've likely done to try to belong ... to fit in a little better.
The 130 or so pages FLEW by. Definitely recommended.
Ah, the things we've likely done to try to belong ... to fit in a little better.
The 130 or so pages FLEW by. Definitely recommended.
July 19, 2015
Likeable novella from Ahlborn about a mousy desk worker who struggles with dealing with more popular co-workers during Son of Sam's reign of terror. The story progresses well enough, building tension along the way, and ends with a flourish, at least part of which you'll likely see coming. The biggest problem is that there isn't much new or original here and what is here, while enjoyable, doesn't blow you over. The length is just right (118 pages), as it would have been difficult to sustain the story in a 250-400 page novel. I liked it but was hoping for more coming from Ahlborn. Recommended for a quick read.
November 14, 2024
What I love about Ania is that she pulls her readers in from the very beginning. Each book, while all horror, are different from each other and equally hypnotizing. Easy reading yet you feel for every character. So glad I took a chance on Seed and have read every book since. Every new one I read instantly become a new favorite. Who doesn't understand not fitting in and how mean people can be? Take a chance. Not just on this book, but any of hers.
Just did a re-read on audio this time and feel the same!
Just did a re-read on audio this time and feel the same!
June 29, 2018
Σημείωση: Μπήκε στο ράφι "I didn't see that coming" για την (παν)έξυπνη ιδέα, της cameo εμφάνισης γνωστού κατά συρροήν δολοφόνου.
Ania,
Ania,
January 13, 2018
Really well done! A story that was just as fulfilling as a long novel, full of foreshadowing and hints at the real horror to come throughout the writing. --Jen from Quebec :0)
July 6, 2016
Review can also be found here: http://bit.ly/1Rd4KJB
4.5 stars
"Wherever you go, there you'll be."
Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. This was... amazing.
I was expecting to like this, but not love it! To begin with I wasn't sure what to think, it felt slow and boring to be honest and I thought Barrett was such an arsehole, but wow. The ending really satisfied me, really pleased me!
Nell is an outcast, she doesn't fit in. She's carrying a little extra weight and she hasn't got the money for nice clothes but all she wants to do is 'be one of the girls'. Nell's story is truly heartbreaking, Ahlborn has done such an amazing job at describing what loneliness and rejection feel like, you really empathise will Nell. All those horrible things she goes through just because she's not as pretty as the other girls. And then the way she's treated by Barrett, her brother, her one and only friend, the emotional abuse he puts her through so he knows she'll stay with him. No wonder she's so unstable, so self-hating and psychotic.
I really just couldn't put this book down even though I thought it wasn't going anywhere. I'd been craving a horror book for so long so there was no way I was gonna give up on this and I'm so glad I didn't. While the story has definitely be done before, though no-one has been clever enough to set the scene of terrified New York circa Son of Sam as Ahlborn so terrifically did, and the ending has also been done a million times over, there's just something about the writing in this book that makes this one particular story stand out so well amongst the others. An excellent read, I urge anyone who likes psychological thrillers and horrors to pick this up as soon as you can!
4.5 stars
"Wherever you go, there you'll be."
Whoa. Whoa, whoa, whoa. This was... amazing.
I was expecting to like this, but not love it! To begin with I wasn't sure what to think, it felt slow and boring to be honest and I thought Barrett was such an arsehole, but wow. The ending really satisfied me, really pleased me!
Nell is an outcast, she doesn't fit in. She's carrying a little extra weight and she hasn't got the money for nice clothes but all she wants to do is 'be one of the girls'. Nell's story is truly heartbreaking, Ahlborn has done such an amazing job at describing what loneliness and rejection feel like, you really empathise will Nell. All those horrible things she goes through just because she's not as pretty as the other girls. And then the way she's treated by Barrett, her brother, her one and only friend, the emotional abuse he puts her through so he knows she'll stay with him. No wonder she's so unstable, so self-hating and psychotic.
I really just couldn't put this book down even though I thought it wasn't going anywhere. I'd been craving a horror book for so long so there was no way I was gonna give up on this and I'm so glad I didn't. While the story has definitely be done before, though no-one has been clever enough to set the scene of terrified New York circa Son of Sam as Ahlborn so terrifically did, and the ending has also been done a million times over, there's just something about the writing in this book that makes this one particular story stand out so well amongst the others. An excellent read, I urge anyone who likes psychological thrillers and horrors to pick this up as soon as you can!
May 21, 2016
Ania Ahlborn pens an ode to Robert Bloch’s Psycho with a mid-1970’s New York backdrop in The Pretty Ones.
The Son of Sam is on the loose and Nell Sullivan is undergoing some major changes at work. Despite the growing fear and tension in the city, this may be Nell’s big year. She may finally fit in and have some friends at last. Luckily for her, she has her brother Barrett with her to guide her thru her extreme social awkwardness. That is if she can navigate “the pretty ones” in the office and make them accept her into their group.
An enjoyable novella and homage to one of the greats. 3.5 Stars!
The Son of Sam is on the loose and Nell Sullivan is undergoing some major changes at work. Despite the growing fear and tension in the city, this may be Nell’s big year. She may finally fit in and have some friends at last. Luckily for her, she has her brother Barrett with her to guide her thru her extreme social awkwardness. That is if she can navigate “the pretty ones” in the office and make them accept her into their group.
An enjoyable novella and homage to one of the greats. 3.5 Stars!
January 19, 2022
I’ve been wanting to try Ania Ahlborn horror novels since Scribd suggested her books last year! In The Pretty Ones, its a novella that uses the story of Son of Sam, the murderer who was responsible for the death of eight women in New York during the late 1970s as the background for the killings in the book. Or so that’s what the author wants you to believe. Using a pitiful, vulnerable character, the author slowly unravel Nell’s background and past experience which leads to hints, clues and realisation as to what really happen. I can already guess the possible twists which led me to give this a 4 star. Excited to try the author’s other works!
January 21, 2024
WHEREVER YOU GO, THERE YOU’LL BE.
Nell Sullivan is a loser. A mouse. A square.
At the office of Rambert & Bertram, no one wants to be caught dead socializing with the social pariah. No, Nell is a loner. All she has is her dull wardrobe, her deep Brooklyn apartment, and her loyal younger brother, Barrett. But this is 1970s New York City, so when the Son of Sam killings reach their peak, the office girls at R&B lose their cool. Social lines dissipate, and Nell finds a way into the inner circle of pretty, popular girls she’d be stupid not to take. ⌨️
I have a goal this year to read every one of Ania Ahlborn’s books. She’s quickly become a favorite author of mine and her talent in portraying toxic, unhealthy familial relationships continues to astound me. The Pretty Ones was no exception. 📚
There is not too much I will say about this novella. It’s a little over 100 pages and contains the vibes of late 1970s New York City grime and terror. Halfway through the book, I predicted the twist. By the end, I was actually annoyed about the payoff. I know Ahlborn prefers ambiguous endings and I don’t mind them but with certain routes, I do like to be spoiled with information. I found myself discontent, believing the story to be shallow and exploitative until I read the Author’s Note and found that I could understand the purpose.
Not my favorite Ahlborn book however her writing is wonderful. I’m studious when it comes to prose, syntax, vocabulary, and I adore Ahlborn’s writing style. I think her characters are vivid and believable. I have a ton of excitment for what I will read from her next! 🔪
Nell Sullivan is a loser. A mouse. A square.
At the office of Rambert & Bertram, no one wants to be caught dead socializing with the social pariah. No, Nell is a loner. All she has is her dull wardrobe, her deep Brooklyn apartment, and her loyal younger brother, Barrett. But this is 1970s New York City, so when the Son of Sam killings reach their peak, the office girls at R&B lose their cool. Social lines dissipate, and Nell finds a way into the inner circle of pretty, popular girls she’d be stupid not to take. ⌨️
I have a goal this year to read every one of Ania Ahlborn’s books. She’s quickly become a favorite author of mine and her talent in portraying toxic, unhealthy familial relationships continues to astound me. The Pretty Ones was no exception. 📚
There is not too much I will say about this novella. It’s a little over 100 pages and contains the vibes of late 1970s New York City grime and terror. Halfway through the book, I predicted the twist. By the end, I was actually annoyed about the payoff. I know Ahlborn prefers ambiguous endings and I don’t mind them but with certain routes, I do like to be spoiled with information. I found myself discontent, believing the story to be shallow and exploitative until I read the Author’s Note and found that I could understand the purpose.
Not my favorite Ahlborn book however her writing is wonderful. I’m studious when it comes to prose, syntax, vocabulary, and I adore Ahlborn’s writing style. I think her characters are vivid and believable. I have a ton of excitment for what I will read from her next! 🔪
June 4, 2024
I'm not completely sure if I liked this or not.
A weaving tale of murder, loneliness and loss.
A weaving tale of murder, loneliness and loss.
March 19, 2021
**Spoiler-ish review ahead** Having liked SEED and loved THE SHUDDERING by the same author I was looking forward to THE PRETTY ONES. Unfortunately, what I'd thought would be a quick read turned into a bit of a laborious task as I figured out quite early on how things were going to unfold.
I didn't really have any sympathy for Nell and found her to be quite a weak and unlikeable character. In fact, I didn't really feel drawn to any of the characters, although as a novella, it may simply be there wasn't enough opportunity to give depth to the tertiary characters.
There were undertones of Psycho here for me but unfortunately not as intricately revealed. I had higher expectations for this book but that's not to say others won't enjoy it.
I didn't really have any sympathy for Nell and found her to be quite a weak and unlikeable character. In fact, I didn't really feel drawn to any of the characters, although as a novella, it may simply be there wasn't enough opportunity to give depth to the tertiary characters.
There were undertones of Psycho here for me but unfortunately not as intricately revealed. I had higher expectations for this book but that's not to say others won't enjoy it.
June 19, 2016
Ahlborn set this in '77, Summer of Sam, but it would have been the same story set anytime, anywhere.
She has such a gift at making us actually feel what her characters feel. Nell is an unpopular outcast and as much as I wanted to feel sorry for her, she was also a bit of a bitch, so I couldn't. This is another gift of Ahlborn's, making me care about characters I don't like.
The writing itself was worth five stars, but the story was not. I found the plot predictable, and despite being surprised at how nasty Nell's internal voice was I knew how this would end almost from the beginning.
She has such a gift at making us actually feel what her characters feel. Nell is an unpopular outcast and as much as I wanted to feel sorry for her, she was also a bit of a bitch, so I couldn't. This is another gift of Ahlborn's, making me care about characters I don't like.
The writing itself was worth five stars, but the story was not. I found the plot predictable, and despite being surprised at how nasty Nell's internal voice was I knew how this would end almost from the beginning.
April 23, 2020
"The man who smiles when things go wrong has thought of someone to blame it on." –Robert Bloch
I loved the Robert Bloch quote the author used before she begins the story. It really sets the tone. Ania Ahlborn gives a great depiction of NY during the seventies era, and does an excellent job at showing the reader just how unstable, the lead character is.
You can read my full review here http://bit.ly/1F2ytFZ
I loved the Robert Bloch quote the author used before she begins the story. It really sets the tone. Ania Ahlborn gives a great depiction of NY during the seventies era, and does an excellent job at showing the reader just how unstable, the lead character is.
You can read my full review here http://bit.ly/1F2ytFZ
April 30, 2020
3.5
I think it's a case of the wrong book at the wrong time. I saw the twist coming from the beginning and I wasn't able to get into the story.
I think it's a case of the wrong book at the wrong time. I saw the twist coming from the beginning and I wasn't able to get into the story.
November 23, 2024
*Audiobook
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
TW: Murder, this is NOT a body positivity book, terrible parents, mean girls
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending me an early copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator, Gail Shalan, did a good job with this narration.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get into it. The relationship between Nell and her brother Barrett sort of weirded me out because Nell seemed like she talked about him like he was more of a boyfriend than a roommate brother. Codependent for sure, giving Psycho vibes. Anyway you eventually find out more about their closeness and trauma.
I really struggled to root for Nell, she was a bit needy and while the other girls were def not nice, I’m like girl don’t worry about them they aren’t your people. I did like the rock scene where she took charge of a scary situation, I was like “yaaaaaas girl!”
It does pick up and I’d say it’s def worth a listen. It’s a shorter story than what her other works like Brother are but this isn’t some mind-blowing novella that will stick with you. It’s pretty good for a shorter book but Brother was on a different level. This one read like a YA book, I don’t usually enjoy YA so that could add to why I wasn’t all that into this one.
I think this might be better as a script for some anthology TV show.
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5/5)
TW: Murder, this is NOT a body positivity book, terrible parents, mean girls
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for sending me an early copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
The narrator, Gail Shalan, did a good job with this narration.
At first I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get into it. The relationship between Nell and her brother Barrett sort of weirded me out because Nell seemed like she talked about him like he was more of a boyfriend than a roommate brother. Codependent for sure, giving Psycho vibes. Anyway you eventually find out more about their closeness and trauma.
I really struggled to root for Nell, she was a bit needy and while the other girls were def not nice, I’m like girl don’t worry about them they aren’t your people. I did like the rock scene where she took charge of a scary situation, I was like “yaaaaaas girl!”
It does pick up and I’d say it’s def worth a listen. It’s a shorter story than what her other works like Brother are but this isn’t some mind-blowing novella that will stick with you. It’s pretty good for a shorter book but Brother was on a different level. This one read like a YA book, I don’t usually enjoy YA so that could add to why I wasn’t all that into this one.
I think this might be better as a script for some anthology TV show.
November 26, 2017
I consider myself as a fan of this writer as all her books are different and doesn't give the vibe that I am reading the novels from the same author.
This novella was also spectacular. The plot revolves around a typist in a big company, Nell, as she tries to get above her physical insecurities and blend in with the popular and beautiful co-workers. However, things don't go according to Nell's plan and soon the colleagues who bullies her start to end up murdered in narrow alleys. Nell gets stuck between wanting to make friends with them and saving his murderer brother from the police.
While reading this, I was feeling the silent cries of Nell, who was trying so hard to make a friend. Even a subtle hint of goodliness in someone could make her float in the clouds of happiness. Nell projected the agony to blend in, the sufferings of loneliness. The nervousness, the pain to get through a day somehow reminded me of myself in my younger ages. I must give credit to the writer for making the character in such a realistic level because this is what made the ending praiseworthy. It had a Robert Bloch's "Psycho" vibe though, and I was glad when I found the writer mention it in her acknowledgement part.
Overall, a good reading experience, but not quite exciting as I had expected.
This novella was also spectacular. The plot revolves around a typist in a big company, Nell, as she tries to get above her physical insecurities and blend in with the popular and beautiful co-workers. However, things don't go according to Nell's plan and soon the colleagues who bullies her start to end up murdered in narrow alleys. Nell gets stuck between wanting to make friends with them and saving his murderer brother from the police.
While reading this, I was feeling the silent cries of Nell, who was trying so hard to make a friend. Even a subtle hint of goodliness in someone could make her float in the clouds of happiness. Nell projected the agony to blend in, the sufferings of loneliness. The nervousness, the pain to get through a day somehow reminded me of myself in my younger ages. I must give credit to the writer for making the character in such a realistic level because this is what made the ending praiseworthy. It had a Robert Bloch's "Psycho" vibe though, and I was glad when I found the writer mention it in her acknowledgement part.
Overall, a good reading experience, but not quite exciting as I had expected.
October 31, 2017
This fast-paced novella is about an awkward typist whose only friend and companion is her older brother, Barrett. Nell would like to be like the other pretty girls she works with, but her brother is terrified she will turn into an alcoholic monster like their mother. In the meantime, the Son of Sam has terrified female New Yorkers into cutting their hair and dyeing it blonde. It's the perfect backdrop for revenge ...
This is the second book I've read by Ania Ahlborn, and I remain very impressed. In a novella format, it's common for a story to feel rushed or truncated, but here I feel like nothing was withheld. Nell is a three-dimensional character, and the tone throughout is appropriately uncomfortable and claustrophobic.
This is the second book I've read by Ania Ahlborn, and I remain very impressed. In a novella format, it's common for a story to feel rushed or truncated, but here I feel like nothing was withheld. Nell is a three-dimensional character, and the tone throughout is appropriately uncomfortable and claustrophobic.
June 30, 2023
Very good. It had me gripped from start to finish
January 3, 2025
a lot of the reviews said it was predictable, but I would have never guessed this ending..
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