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Like, Follow, Die
'Deeply empathetic and profoundly unsettling, this is contemporary crime fiction at its finest' - Dinuka McKenzie
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door on a rainy morning, she knows why. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could anyone have prevented it?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is grappling with his own personal crisis both at home and at work. Torn between his duties and a growing sympathy for Corinne, Kyle must decide how far he's willing to go to help her.
We Need to Talk About Kevin meets None of This Is True in this shattering and provocative psychological thriller that dives into the darkest corners of the internet and the powerful bonds between parents and children, from the bestselling author of Dark Mode.
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door on a rainy morning, she knows why. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could anyone have prevented it?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is grappling with his own personal crisis both at home and at work. Torn between his duties and a growing sympathy for Corinne, Kyle must decide how far he's willing to go to help her.
We Need to Talk About Kevin meets None of This Is True in this shattering and provocative psychological thriller that dives into the darkest corners of the internet and the powerful bonds between parents and children, from the bestselling author of Dark Mode.
Audible Audio
Published June 3, 2025
40 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
10 books168 followers
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
is an author, speaker and podcaster. Her number one bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode, was published in Australia/NZ, the UK, South Korea and Germany. It was shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, the Ned Kelly Awards and the Danger Awards.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
July 11, 2025
Where do I even start Ashley Kalagian Blunt? Like Follow Die is an audible exclusive that shocks. It is absolutely brilliant, perfect for audio and would make a fantastic Netflix series. We need to make this happen!
Trust me when I say that this book will make you uncomfortable. It felt like a ripped from the headlines story, one that could very easily happen in today’s world. Ben goes from a champion swimmer and history enthusiast at 12 to something so dark and scary . The only son to single mother Corrine, his online activity sees him dealing with some really unscrupulous people, changing his perception on the world and women.
It is a hard story to explain without spoilers. It is told through the eyes of Ben as he grows up, his mother Corrine and police detective Kyle. It is dark, emotional and frightening. It made m cry, it made me angry.
The cast of narrators, including the fabulous Claudia Karvan, were amazing. At times I forgot it was fiction, it was so realistic. If you have an Audible account you need to read this book. If you don’t have one you need one. You really don’t want to miss this book. I can’t recommend it more, honest, Ashley has outdone herself here. Brilliant!!
Trust me when I say that this book will make you uncomfortable. It felt like a ripped from the headlines story, one that could very easily happen in today’s world. Ben goes from a champion swimmer and history enthusiast at 12 to something so dark and scary . The only son to single mother Corrine, his online activity sees him dealing with some really unscrupulous people, changing his perception on the world and women.
It is a hard story to explain without spoilers. It is told through the eyes of Ben as he grows up, his mother Corrine and police detective Kyle. It is dark, emotional and frightening. It made m cry, it made me angry.
The cast of narrators, including the fabulous Claudia Karvan, were amazing. At times I forgot it was fiction, it was so realistic. If you have an Audible account you need to read this book. If you don’t have one you need one. You really don’t want to miss this book. I can’t recommend it more, honest, Ashley has outdone herself here. Brilliant!!
June 12, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Dark Web Drama, Tech Thriller
- - -
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has officially cemented her status as the queen of dark web thrillers. If Dark Mode gave you the creeps in all the right ways (5 stars from me ⭐️) then Like, Follow, Die takes that unease and turns it all the way up.
This Audible exclusive was perfectly timed as I decided to dive back into fiction audio. It came complete with a full cast of narrators who brought the story to life through news bulletins, police reports and multiple points of view that made it feel frighteningly real. The production alone deserves a round of applause.
The story digs into the underbelly of online life from manipulative online forums, dangerous ideas and how fragile identity and morality can become behind a screen. It’s dark, twisty and intense. I often found myself asking ‘how does Ashley even come up with this level of crazy?’ until I remembered she didn’t make it all up. It really happens. That’s the truly terrifying part.
This story had as many controversial topics as it did twists and turns. From gender misogyny, narcissism, gun violence and the heartbreaking guilt placed upon the mother, it was a very large reality check at how a young life can be so dramatically changed by life experiences and the views and influence of others. As a parent especially it’s not easy listening but it is essential.
If you want a gripping, thought provoking thriller that makes you side eye every online interaction and question your digital footprint, this one’s for you. Think The Mires by Tina Makereti but with a tech noir twist.
Vibes: Dark Web Drama, Tech Thriller
- - -
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has officially cemented her status as the queen of dark web thrillers. If Dark Mode gave you the creeps in all the right ways (5 stars from me ⭐️) then Like, Follow, Die takes that unease and turns it all the way up.
This Audible exclusive was perfectly timed as I decided to dive back into fiction audio. It came complete with a full cast of narrators who brought the story to life through news bulletins, police reports and multiple points of view that made it feel frighteningly real. The production alone deserves a round of applause.
The story digs into the underbelly of online life from manipulative online forums, dangerous ideas and how fragile identity and morality can become behind a screen. It’s dark, twisty and intense. I often found myself asking ‘how does Ashley even come up with this level of crazy?’ until I remembered she didn’t make it all up. It really happens. That’s the truly terrifying part.
This story had as many controversial topics as it did twists and turns. From gender misogyny, narcissism, gun violence and the heartbreaking guilt placed upon the mother, it was a very large reality check at how a young life can be so dramatically changed by life experiences and the views and influence of others. As a parent especially it’s not easy listening but it is essential.
If you want a gripping, thought provoking thriller that makes you side eye every online interaction and question your digital footprint, this one’s for you. Think The Mires by Tina Makereti but with a tech noir twist.
June 3, 2025
Like, Follow, Die echoes the sharp lens of Ashley’s bestseller Dark Mode, delving deep into the growing concerns around online misogynistic groups, and the chilling impact these forces can have on today's impressionable youth.
The journal chapters, written by Ben between the ages of 12 and 19, are especially haunting. You can hear the shift in his voice as he ages, each entry pulling you further into the unravelling mind of a lonely and struggling teen. The emotional descent feels disturbingly real and lends weight to the theory that the more isolated someone feels, the easier they are to manipulate. It pushes readers to consider a compelling third factor in the age-old Nature vs. Nurture debate: Influence, particularly that of the digital world.
Detective Kyle Nazarian’s chapters play the pivotal role of grounding the narrative in a procedural reality. Amid the psychological tension and converging timelines, these chapters serve as a reminder that at the root of the story lies a chilling unsolved double murder. The investigation threads suspense throughout, keeping the reader guessing, and doubting, at every turn.
When the bombshell dropped two-thirds of the way through, it left me breathless. I won’t spoil it, but it taps into one of my deepest fears. It also changed the trajectory of the story from this point forward.
If this book makes you uncomfortable, it’s because the threat is very real. As a mother of a teenage son, I felt an almost primal urge to audit his digital life after listening to it. I felt myself deeply empathising with Corrine, even when her actions and choices challenged my sense of morality. That’s the power of Ashley’s writing, it tugs at your conscience and evokes emotions you didn’t expect to confront. If one thing had been different, would it have changed everything?
It should come as no surprise that I binge-listened to this on release day. The cast and audio production was phenomenal, and I may have just sent my play-by-play reactions to Ashley as the day progressed 🤣.
It's an easy 5 stars from this Front Row Bandit 🙌🏼
The journal chapters, written by Ben between the ages of 12 and 19, are especially haunting. You can hear the shift in his voice as he ages, each entry pulling you further into the unravelling mind of a lonely and struggling teen. The emotional descent feels disturbingly real and lends weight to the theory that the more isolated someone feels, the easier they are to manipulate. It pushes readers to consider a compelling third factor in the age-old Nature vs. Nurture debate: Influence, particularly that of the digital world.
Detective Kyle Nazarian’s chapters play the pivotal role of grounding the narrative in a procedural reality. Amid the psychological tension and converging timelines, these chapters serve as a reminder that at the root of the story lies a chilling unsolved double murder. The investigation threads suspense throughout, keeping the reader guessing, and doubting, at every turn.
When the bombshell dropped two-thirds of the way through, it left me breathless. I won’t spoil it, but it taps into one of my deepest fears. It also changed the trajectory of the story from this point forward.
If this book makes you uncomfortable, it’s because the threat is very real. As a mother of a teenage son, I felt an almost primal urge to audit his digital life after listening to it. I felt myself deeply empathising with Corrine, even when her actions and choices challenged my sense of morality. That’s the power of Ashley’s writing, it tugs at your conscience and evokes emotions you didn’t expect to confront. If one thing had been different, would it have changed everything?
It should come as no surprise that I binge-listened to this on release day. The cast and audio production was phenomenal, and I may have just sent my play-by-play reactions to Ashley as the day progressed 🤣.
It's an easy 5 stars from this Front Row Bandit 🙌🏼
August 5, 2025
And that’s how you write a psychological thriller!! The hook for once was absolutely spot on - None of This is True meets Adolescence! Ashley is the absolute queen of dark web thrillers. It was so twisted and chilling, my jaw was on the FLOOR.
July 9, 2025
Wow! Like, Follow, Die has truly placed Ashleigh onto my list of my auto-buy authors!
As with her highly acclaimed previous novel, Dark Mode , Kalagian Blunt once again deep dives into the chilling world of social media and online influencers. She doesn't hold back on the scary truths, drawing real life inspiration from crimes committed and stories of people who have been radicalised in one way or another. It is a sad story of how quickly our youth can be influenced and manipulated online.
I especially loved the journal entry chapters. It showed how Ben's thinking and attitude changed over the course of his teenage years and how different things in his life unfortunately, and unbeknownst to his mother, slowly pushed him into this dark world looking for online gratification and cementing his beliefs and finally his actions.
As with her highly acclaimed previous novel, Dark Mode , Kalagian Blunt once again deep dives into the chilling world of social media and online influencers. She doesn't hold back on the scary truths, drawing real life inspiration from crimes committed and stories of people who have been radicalised in one way or another. It is a sad story of how quickly our youth can be influenced and manipulated online.
I especially loved the journal entry chapters. It showed how Ben's thinking and attitude changed over the course of his teenage years and how different things in his life unfortunately, and unbeknownst to his mother, slowly pushed him into this dark world looking for online gratification and cementing his beliefs and finally his actions.
June 3, 2025
Ashley Kalagian Blunt never ceases to amaze me! I binge-listened to this one on release day! It is brilliant! Very powerful... The narrators were fantastic too. An easy five star from me!!
October 15, 2025
One of my fave books of the year. Listened via audible as paperback isn’t released until 2026. I normally dislike audiobooks but this was great. Voice actors were really good and the writing is superb. Could see it play out in my mind. Binged it over a few days. Absolutely love this author and think this is her best yet
June 5, 2025
Oh My Goodness Ashley has done it again. 😱
Like Follow Die is the latest tech noir from Ashley, & has been released exclusively on audible and narrated by Claudia Karvan, Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and a full cast.
Like Follow Die hits very close to home, especially if you are a parent. It makes you sit up & pay attention. It makes you question your parenting style & wonder if you’d pick up the signs of your child being influenced online. Ashley has a way of putting these tech issues in the forefront of your mind, & force difficult conversations around the dinner table.
Whilst I predicted a couple of twists, my jaw still hit the floor multiple times towards the end as the story unravelled and the true impact of one lost little boy was revealed.
If you loved Dark Mode, this is for you! It’s a continuation of the reality of the internet. Highly recommend!
The audible cast were amazing - I loved the different narrators for different characters & the way Ashley intertwined police and news interviews.
All the stars for you my friend 👏🏻 I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Like Follow Die is the latest tech noir from Ashley, & has been released exclusively on audible and narrated by Claudia Karvan, Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and a full cast.
Like Follow Die hits very close to home, especially if you are a parent. It makes you sit up & pay attention. It makes you question your parenting style & wonder if you’d pick up the signs of your child being influenced online. Ashley has a way of putting these tech issues in the forefront of your mind, & force difficult conversations around the dinner table.
Whilst I predicted a couple of twists, my jaw still hit the floor multiple times towards the end as the story unravelled and the true impact of one lost little boy was revealed.
If you loved Dark Mode, this is for you! It’s a continuation of the reality of the internet. Highly recommend!
The audible cast were amazing - I loved the different narrators for different characters & the way Ashley intertwined police and news interviews.
All the stars for you my friend 👏🏻 I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
June 9, 2025
Should you need an @audible_au audio book please look no further, this gripping story will have you hanging on the edge of your seat right to the very end. I adored Dark Mode and it was awesome to see the little overlap.
This psychological thriller is told in two time lines and explores not only the darkest parts of the internet, but narcissistic and misogynistic men (yuck)@akalagianblunt absolutely nailed this audio which is narrated by no other than @karvanclaudia , Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and more.
About the book, Corinne Gray’s life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian turns up on her doorstep one rainy morning, she knows exactly why he’s there. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her gentle, history-loving boy with dreams of Olympic gold ended up doing something unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could it have been stopped?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has devoted herself to uncovering the sinister people behind her son’s actions and the shadowy online spaces that exploit vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is dealing with personal turmoil of his own, both at home and on the job. As he gets drawn into Corinne’s world, he’s torn between his duty as a detective and his growing sympathy for a mother desperate for answers. How far is he willing to go to help her?
This psychological thriller is told in two time lines and explores not only the darkest parts of the internet, but narcissistic and misogynistic men (yuck)@akalagianblunt absolutely nailed this audio which is narrated by no other than @karvanclaudia , Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and more.
About the book, Corinne Gray’s life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian turns up on her doorstep one rainy morning, she knows exactly why he’s there. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her gentle, history-loving boy with dreams of Olympic gold ended up doing something unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could it have been stopped?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has devoted herself to uncovering the sinister people behind her son’s actions and the shadowy online spaces that exploit vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is dealing with personal turmoil of his own, both at home and on the job. As he gets drawn into Corinne’s world, he’s torn between his duty as a detective and his growing sympathy for a mother desperate for answers. How far is he willing to go to help her?
June 18, 2025
4 🌟
Where do I start? I hated every minute of this book down to my core... but that was the point. The author shines a light on how quickly things can escalate when nobody knows what you do in the dark. Misogyny in its most dangerous form.
What happens when an impressionable young man finds himself slowly withdrawing from his mother and blaming her for everything he perceives to be wrong with his life. What happens when that impressionable young man finds himself in group chats and reddit threads that lead him to social media personalities that promote misogyny and hatred against women. All but solidifying his opinion that his mother ruined his life. And how far down the rabbithole will he go before ultimately making deadly life altering decisions.
Who will society blame? The young man? The mother? Social media? The men who slowly groomed him into his extreme thinking? Is their a true right or wrong? Or is this where we should look to the gray areas?
Honestly, the title needs some work. But this is a book that will make you think, and it will make you wonder how many real-life stories like this have already happened? And how many more will come?
Where do I start? I hated every minute of this book down to my core... but that was the point. The author shines a light on how quickly things can escalate when nobody knows what you do in the dark. Misogyny in its most dangerous form.
What happens when an impressionable young man finds himself slowly withdrawing from his mother and blaming her for everything he perceives to be wrong with his life. What happens when that impressionable young man finds himself in group chats and reddit threads that lead him to social media personalities that promote misogyny and hatred against women. All but solidifying his opinion that his mother ruined his life. And how far down the rabbithole will he go before ultimately making deadly life altering decisions.
Who will society blame? The young man? The mother? Social media? The men who slowly groomed him into his extreme thinking? Is their a true right or wrong? Or is this where we should look to the gray areas?
Honestly, the title needs some work. But this is a book that will make you think, and it will make you wonder how many real-life stories like this have already happened? And how many more will come?
August 30, 2025
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door, she knows he wants to talk about her son, Ben. Her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people.
I was so glad I caught this Audible Original. I’d say this would even be worth getting a trial account if you didn’t have any audible membership. Since this was especially produced for audio format, it came with multimedia format incorporating ‘news’ and ‘interviews’. The multi-cast narrators really acted the scenes perfectly.
The story itself was solid. I can say this was now my favourite Ashley Kalagian Blunt book. There was no lull in the pacing - the suspense, the character designs, the dialogues and the beats were on point. Just like other books by the author, this was also a techno-thriller, tackling the issue of extreme influencing and the impact to vulnerable young minds. Another realistic digital-age thriller, this one was scarily close to the truth.
As usual, Ashley’s author’s notes highlighted the plot idea and background research. She tied everything together including touching on the topic of crossovers with her other books. Highly recommended if you have read Blunt’s other books, or if you love techno thrillers in general!
See my bookstagram review.
I was so glad I caught this Audible Original. I’d say this would even be worth getting a trial account if you didn’t have any audible membership. Since this was especially produced for audio format, it came with multimedia format incorporating ‘news’ and ‘interviews’. The multi-cast narrators really acted the scenes perfectly.
The story itself was solid. I can say this was now my favourite Ashley Kalagian Blunt book. There was no lull in the pacing - the suspense, the character designs, the dialogues and the beats were on point. Just like other books by the author, this was also a techno-thriller, tackling the issue of extreme influencing and the impact to vulnerable young minds. Another realistic digital-age thriller, this one was scarily close to the truth.
As usual, Ashley’s author’s notes highlighted the plot idea and background research. She tied everything together including touching on the topic of crossovers with her other books. Highly recommended if you have read Blunt’s other books, or if you love techno thrillers in general!
See my bookstagram review.
June 23, 2025
I’m really not sure how I feel about this book. It has quite the plot twist. It shows a good picture of how complex life can be. How sometimes our best laid plans come to ruin. This book shows how important empathy is and how important it is to support and care for one another. This book also shines a much-needed light on very real issues like hateful ideologies, violence, the Armenian genocide, and the how easy it is to be influenced by the what we see online. The best quote in this book was that “Violence echoes across generations.” Violent or not, our actions don’t end with us, and that’s something I’ll think on for a very long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2025
A thriller, set in Sydney, written by Ashley? Of course this was going to be good. But good is an understatement. I was obsessed with pressing play every second I had a chance. I was captivated. This was brilliant.
The plot is strong, and while it's fiction, it's likeness to real life situations is confronting and eye-opening. Chapter 50 physically gave me goosebumps.
The characters are multidimensional, well-thought-out and interesting to follow. Listening to the way the journal entries got darker and darker as Ben got older was terrifying.
I also loved the short chapters, how it goes between multiple POV narrations and evidence logs. The narrators were also perfect voices for the characters.
The plot is strong, and while it's fiction, it's likeness to real life situations is confronting and eye-opening. Chapter 50 physically gave me goosebumps.
The characters are multidimensional, well-thought-out and interesting to follow. Listening to the way the journal entries got darker and darker as Ben got older was terrifying.
I also loved the short chapters, how it goes between multiple POV narrations and evidence logs. The narrators were also perfect voices for the characters.
June 29, 2025
Fantastic audiobook. Very engaging! I loved the cast of narrators including Claudia Karvan (Secret Life of Us, Bump and many more). Really enjoyed this audio. Explores misogyny. Easy listen! Dark Mode by this author is excellent too which also explores misogyny. Enjoy!
July 30, 2025
This was not a bad read, but it wasn’t as good as some of the other thrillers I’ve read. I kind of had an idea early of something’s that were happening.. like it’s too obvious for some things. I really enjoyed the Australia setting tho!
July 30, 2025
(Audio) 3.5
August 11, 2025
3.5/5 rounded up to 4.
The Red Pill is cancer and the Manosphere is poisoning the minds of young impressionable boys, fueling misogyny and violence against women.
Do you need me to say it again louder for the incels in the back?
Watch the Adolescence mini-series on Netflix for an excellent portrayal of the issue
The Red Pill is cancer and the Manosphere is poisoning the minds of young impressionable boys, fueling misogyny and violence against women.
Do you need me to say it again louder for the incels in the back?
Watch the Adolescence mini-series on Netflix for an excellent portrayal of the issue
July 14, 2025
I was more than ready to give this book 2 stars until I got to the author note.
It was a hard book to listen to, and I do not want to read it or anything like it again, but I do understand the author’s reasoning behind writing this book.
It is an important topic to try and understand but reading from the actual killer/incels perspective was not easy.
It was a hard book to listen to, and I do not want to read it or anything like it again, but I do understand the author’s reasoning behind writing this book.
It is an important topic to try and understand but reading from the actual killer/incels perspective was not easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
I almost didn’t read this because the title is so dumb, but it has good reviews and was free on Audible so I gave it a try. I couldn’t put it down. It was the perfect mix of incredible character development, mystery, twists and also making a point about a really scary epidemic that’s happening with our young boys right now.
July 12, 2025
Well written. Deep psychological themes. Perfectly narrated and character directed. It takes a village to raise a child - these days the village is mindbendingly dangerous. Not a true story, but filled with truth. I really liked this book.
July 20, 2025
Ashley has done it again!! I absolutely loved her previous book, Dark Mode and have recommended it to many. This is equally as good! A riveting, edge of your seat thriller with a frightening look into the dark web, this time on its effect on an extremely unhappy teenage boy, who is deeply troubled and prime to be brainwashed. I could empathise with Corrinne, his mother, who always did what she thought was best for her son. Although some of her decisions weren’t morally right, her intentions were honourable. The fact these misogynistic online groups actually exist is both extremely disturbing and chilling. The contrast between the old school detective, Duffy and the new probationary detective Nazarian was well portrayed. It was also interesting (and upsetting) to learn of Nazarian’s Armenian background. There are plenty of twists and turns but the final one in particular I totally didn’t see coming!
I listened to this as an audiobook, my first fiction listen and it captivated me so much I think my husband thought I was avoiding him, as I sat in the car for nearly half an hour when I got home, not wanting to turn it off!
5 stars
September 13, 2025
Like, Follow, Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt is an Audible exclusive that delivers a razor-sharp, gut-punching psychological thriller that is horrifyingly believable in our hyperconnected world.
Corinne Gray knows exactly why Kyle Nazarian has shown up at her door. The young probationary detective hasn’t come without reason. This is her chance to explain how her once sweet, loving son Ben could have done something so unthinkable, how he became unrecognisable through his teenage years, and whether there was ever anything that could have stopped it.
Told through multiple perspectives, Ben’s haunting journal entries, Corinne’s desperate search for answers, and Kyle’s conflicted investigation, the story unfolds like a true-crime documentary. Police reports, news bulletins, and a full cast of narrators (led brilliantly by one of my favourite actors, Claudia Karvan) make the production immersive and frighteningly real.
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has once again left me in awe. Her ability to shine a light on the darkest corners of the online world is astonishing. I kept asking myself: how does she know these details, this depth of horror? What makes the novel so devastating is its truth. Kalagian Blunt doesn’t invent monsters, she exposes the shadowy corners of the internet where vulnerable boys are groomed by manipulative communities steeped in misogyny, violence, and hate. Ben’s journal entries, spanning his adolescence, capture the chilling shift from hopeful child to radicalised young man. His descent feels authentic and deeply unsettling; a stark reminder of how fragile identity and morality can be when shaped by online influence.
Like, Follow, Die forces us to question the safety of our digital lives, the pressures of parenting, and the unseen risks our children face through their phones. It confronts us with the blurred lines of accountability when tragedy strikes: is it the boy, the mother, the men who groomed him, or the society that allowed it all to happen?
Kalagian Blunt balances the psychological tension with the procedural grit of Kyle’s chapters, grounding the narrative in a murder investigation full of twists, red herrings, and one bombshell revelation that left me breathless. By the final act, my jaw had hit the floor more than once.
Listen to this on Audible now or wait for the print edition to be released later this year.
Corinne Gray knows exactly why Kyle Nazarian has shown up at her door. The young probationary detective hasn’t come without reason. This is her chance to explain how her once sweet, loving son Ben could have done something so unthinkable, how he became unrecognisable through his teenage years, and whether there was ever anything that could have stopped it.
Told through multiple perspectives, Ben’s haunting journal entries, Corinne’s desperate search for answers, and Kyle’s conflicted investigation, the story unfolds like a true-crime documentary. Police reports, news bulletins, and a full cast of narrators (led brilliantly by one of my favourite actors, Claudia Karvan) make the production immersive and frighteningly real.
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has once again left me in awe. Her ability to shine a light on the darkest corners of the online world is astonishing. I kept asking myself: how does she know these details, this depth of horror? What makes the novel so devastating is its truth. Kalagian Blunt doesn’t invent monsters, she exposes the shadowy corners of the internet where vulnerable boys are groomed by manipulative communities steeped in misogyny, violence, and hate. Ben’s journal entries, spanning his adolescence, capture the chilling shift from hopeful child to radicalised young man. His descent feels authentic and deeply unsettling; a stark reminder of how fragile identity and morality can be when shaped by online influence.
Like, Follow, Die forces us to question the safety of our digital lives, the pressures of parenting, and the unseen risks our children face through their phones. It confronts us with the blurred lines of accountability when tragedy strikes: is it the boy, the mother, the men who groomed him, or the society that allowed it all to happen?
Kalagian Blunt balances the psychological tension with the procedural grit of Kyle’s chapters, grounding the narrative in a murder investigation full of twists, red herrings, and one bombshell revelation that left me breathless. By the final act, my jaw had hit the floor more than once.
Listen to this on Audible now or wait for the print edition to be released later this year.
August 25, 2025
.....📚 𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 📚.....
Like, Follow, Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt is a chilling and emotionally charged psychological thriller that dives headfirst into the murky depths of the internet and the fragile bonds between parents and children.
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door on a rainy morning, she knows why. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could anyone have prevented it?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is grappling with his own personal crisis both at home and at work. Torn between his duties and a growing sympathy for Corinne, Kyle must decide how far he's willing to go to help her.
Ashley Kalagian Blunt’s Like, Follow, Die tackles the timely issue of how boys are radicalized online and emotionally hollowed out by toxic digital culture. But while the novel aims to interrogate male violence, it leans heavily on women—Ben’s mother, his ex, a female podcaster—to carry the emotional fallout. Corinne, especially, is left to grieve, explain, and make sense of her son’s descent, while male characters largely escape emotional accountability. Blunt does raise urgent questions: how society fails young men, how digital spaces prey on vulnerability, and how parents are left scrambling. But when emotional labor is filtered almost entirely through women, the story risks reinforcing the very gender dynamics it seeks to critique.
Overall, I love this author, and this is an incredibly important and difficult topic. I do believe that this book would make a good one to dissect in a book club.
Like, Follow, Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt is a chilling and emotionally charged psychological thriller that dives headfirst into the murky depths of the internet and the fragile bonds between parents and children.
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door on a rainy morning, she knows why. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could anyone have prevented it?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is grappling with his own personal crisis both at home and at work. Torn between his duties and a growing sympathy for Corinne, Kyle must decide how far he's willing to go to help her.
Ashley Kalagian Blunt’s Like, Follow, Die tackles the timely issue of how boys are radicalized online and emotionally hollowed out by toxic digital culture. But while the novel aims to interrogate male violence, it leans heavily on women—Ben’s mother, his ex, a female podcaster—to carry the emotional fallout. Corinne, especially, is left to grieve, explain, and make sense of her son’s descent, while male characters largely escape emotional accountability. Blunt does raise urgent questions: how society fails young men, how digital spaces prey on vulnerability, and how parents are left scrambling. But when emotional labor is filtered almost entirely through women, the story risks reinforcing the very gender dynamics it seeks to critique.
Overall, I love this author, and this is an incredibly important and difficult topic. I do believe that this book would make a good one to dissect in a book club.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2025
Like, Follow, Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt
We all know that Ashley is the queen of tech-noir, and that she thinks I'm the queen of fan art (although I may have lost that title recently, so I might have to up my game). Like, Follow, Die was released back in June as an Audible Original, so I probably lost a few friendship points for letting her latest book languish on my TBR pile. Nevertheless, I overreached my reading availability with NetGalley ARCs, so here we all are.
Corinne's son did something terrible, and now, because of that, her life is falling apart. One Sunday morning, probationary detective Kyle Nazarian knocks on her door to talk about her son. Corinne thinks this is her chance to finally explain what really happened to her kid; she has poured herself into uncovering the sinister online communities that have preyed on vulnerable young people, and with this information, could the tragedy have been prevented, or could similar events be avoided in the future?
Huge thumbs up.
Like, Follow, Die is narrated by a full cast of actors, including Claudia Karvan, Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and Ryan Johnson.
Bodycount = this is spoiler territory. And speaking of spoilers, I'm ashamed to say that I completely missed the twist right up until the moment that twist had a gun in their hand.
#booksdeevaareads #2025bookshelf #goreadabook #bookoftheweek #allthebooks #Designer #GraphicDesign #DesignNerd #designdeevaa #CreativeLife #DesignInspiration #AussieAuthor #murdermystery #SupportArtists #ArtAndDesign #technoir #AussieAuthor @akalagianblunt
We all know that Ashley is the queen of tech-noir, and that she thinks I'm the queen of fan art (although I may have lost that title recently, so I might have to up my game). Like, Follow, Die was released back in June as an Audible Original, so I probably lost a few friendship points for letting her latest book languish on my TBR pile. Nevertheless, I overreached my reading availability with NetGalley ARCs, so here we all are.
Corinne's son did something terrible, and now, because of that, her life is falling apart. One Sunday morning, probationary detective Kyle Nazarian knocks on her door to talk about her son. Corinne thinks this is her chance to finally explain what really happened to her kid; she has poured herself into uncovering the sinister online communities that have preyed on vulnerable young people, and with this information, could the tragedy have been prevented, or could similar events be avoided in the future?
Huge thumbs up.
Like, Follow, Die is narrated by a full cast of actors, including Claudia Karvan, Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and Ryan Johnson.
Bodycount = this is spoiler territory. And speaking of spoilers, I'm ashamed to say that I completely missed the twist right up until the moment that twist had a gun in their hand.
#booksdeevaareads #2025bookshelf #goreadabook #bookoftheweek #allthebooks #Designer #GraphicDesign #DesignNerd #designdeevaa #CreativeLife #DesignInspiration #AussieAuthor #murdermystery #SupportArtists #ArtAndDesign #technoir #AussieAuthor @akalagianblunt
October 8, 2025
FYI - I don’t like audiobooks.
Ok, that’s a lie. I don’t like fictional audiobooks (give me biographies narrated by the author any day).
So I was a bit bummed when I found out Ashley’s newest novel was only available on Audible (because I mean, where will I display my trophy copy) but guys, this one just knocked it out of the park.
If you know me you’ll know im the unofficial founder of the Dark Mode fan club. I will recommend it to ANYONE who will listen.
Earlier this year, Cold Truth was released and again, it was damn amazing.
And now LIKE, FOLLOW, DIE has just made the trifecta of perfect novels by Ashley.
Ashley has this knack for writing thrillers and mysteries that have you thinking. She adds a level of technology complexity that makes you really think ‘shit, this could happen to me!!’. It’s a real incredible niche that she has to make us think like this.
Now, apart from this audiobook been written by one of my faves, there were multiple narrators which made it so easy to follow.
I sympathised with Corrine - the mother of Ben who was handed a bit of a hard deal in life and as a result, found himself to be in situations that were less than ideal. As a mother, it was difficult to hear her POV at times, particularly with how in the dark she was left with her own son.
When listening to Ben’s chapters, you could hear the innocent boy he was, and how easily he was swayed. It makes me incredibly anxious for my own boys when they enter pre-teens and teen years.
Ashley, you’re incredible and I can’t wait to read what you create next!
Ok, that’s a lie. I don’t like fictional audiobooks (give me biographies narrated by the author any day).
So I was a bit bummed when I found out Ashley’s newest novel was only available on Audible (because I mean, where will I display my trophy copy) but guys, this one just knocked it out of the park.
If you know me you’ll know im the unofficial founder of the Dark Mode fan club. I will recommend it to ANYONE who will listen.
Earlier this year, Cold Truth was released and again, it was damn amazing.
And now LIKE, FOLLOW, DIE has just made the trifecta of perfect novels by Ashley.
Ashley has this knack for writing thrillers and mysteries that have you thinking. She adds a level of technology complexity that makes you really think ‘shit, this could happen to me!!’. It’s a real incredible niche that she has to make us think like this.
Now, apart from this audiobook been written by one of my faves, there were multiple narrators which made it so easy to follow.
I sympathised with Corrine - the mother of Ben who was handed a bit of a hard deal in life and as a result, found himself to be in situations that were less than ideal. As a mother, it was difficult to hear her POV at times, particularly with how in the dark she was left with her own son.
When listening to Ben’s chapters, you could hear the innocent boy he was, and how easily he was swayed. It makes me incredibly anxious for my own boys when they enter pre-teens and teen years.
Ashley, you’re incredible and I can’t wait to read what you create next!
August 7, 2025
I wasn’t sure what to expect because I’d never heard of this book or author before, and I only got it because it was an Audible original and I needed a new listen. It grabbed me from the start, but then when it came to the police investigation things bogged down a bit and I almost stopped. About seven chapters in I decided to start the whole thing again from the beginning and pay closer attention, because it’s one of those books that skips all around in time and you really have to stay on the ball. Once I did that, I became engrossed and invested in the characters, especially Ben, the teenage son. Through his journal entries we are able to have an intimate look at how and why he changes, and the author did a great job with these, as did the narrator. I could feel his frustration and confusion..
This book had a lot to say about parenting. It really is like one of those old marble mazes, where you have to be careful because your marble could fall into a pit any second. Although the mother thought she was doing right by her son, in hindsight almost all of her choices were wrong. It made me relieved that our two daughters are well-functioning adult now and we navigated through their upbringing without making any major mistakes.
By the end I was thinking about my friends who would enjoy this book. If you like thrillers/ mysteries, you will probably enjoy it as well. I always know a book’s a winner if I’m eager to get back to it, and this one had me in its spell.
This book had a lot to say about parenting. It really is like one of those old marble mazes, where you have to be careful because your marble could fall into a pit any second. Although the mother thought she was doing right by her son, in hindsight almost all of her choices were wrong. It made me relieved that our two daughters are well-functioning adult now and we navigated through their upbringing without making any major mistakes.
By the end I was thinking about my friends who would enjoy this book. If you like thrillers/ mysteries, you will probably enjoy it as well. I always know a book’s a winner if I’m eager to get back to it, and this one had me in its spell.
October 5, 2025
Very unsettling and concerning. This weaves a tale that no one would dream could happen, but happen it does.
A mother who is only doing the best for her son. Society fails her. An angry teen groomed by the internet, believing if influencers are successful so can he be, a corrupt cop who has his own agenda but we aren’t aware of until it’s too late. A teenage son rebells against his mum and cannot see how she is doing her best for him. When a mother will do anything for her child but just how far will she go. A tragic story of how an upstanding mother in a good job can lose it all and the after effects on your young son. How society dismissed a single mother with a son who’s on a path to destruction.
This is disturbing, scarily easy to hide from adults and frightening real. Ashley takes us on a journey through cybercrime and corruption of young people who believe they can get rich quick from the many things the internet throws up.
If you’re not monitoring your child’s internet use then you need to be doing. Young people today can crack through the security features but putting them in place can slow them down and give you chance to look at what is inhabited their young minds.
A mother who is only doing the best for her son. Society fails her. An angry teen groomed by the internet, believing if influencers are successful so can he be, a corrupt cop who has his own agenda but we aren’t aware of until it’s too late. A teenage son rebells against his mum and cannot see how she is doing her best for him. When a mother will do anything for her child but just how far will she go. A tragic story of how an upstanding mother in a good job can lose it all and the after effects on your young son. How society dismissed a single mother with a son who’s on a path to destruction.
This is disturbing, scarily easy to hide from adults and frightening real. Ashley takes us on a journey through cybercrime and corruption of young people who believe they can get rich quick from the many things the internet throws up.
If you’re not monitoring your child’s internet use then you need to be doing. Young people today can crack through the security features but putting them in place can slow them down and give you chance to look at what is inhabited their young minds.
June 5, 2025
I couldn’t wait to start this and wasn’t disappointed. It was interesting and thought provoking from the get-go. Great characters and the narration was excellent. As someone who is hearing impaired I can struggle with audio books but the voices chosen and the tempo was great. There was mystery and great research with regard to particular topics and narratives. I loved that the author brought in more of her knowledge of misogynists and created some great content and that.
I also loved the Armenian characters and their stories. Living in western Sydney with its rich culture, I love hearing about others who’ve fled their countries to settle here. Getting a new start but always missing their loved ones.
I thought I had a good handle on where I thought the story was going but in true Kalagian-Blunt style there were some twists and thrilling turns!
This was a great read. I highly recommend it. Whether you’re needing a mental escape or want a juicy holiday read, you won’t be disappointed.
I also loved the Armenian characters and their stories. Living in western Sydney with its rich culture, I love hearing about others who’ve fled their countries to settle here. Getting a new start but always missing their loved ones.
I thought I had a good handle on where I thought the story was going but in true Kalagian-Blunt style there were some twists and thrilling turns!
This was a great read. I highly recommend it. Whether you’re needing a mental escape or want a juicy holiday read, you won’t be disappointed.
July 23, 2025
I can understand why I'm seeing mixed reviews for this. This isn't a book I like it love - but it is an objectively good book. But it's more than that - it's an IMPORTANT book. And make sure to read the Author's note afterwards, because that adds to the story. This book feels like it will be required in U.S. high school classes in a decade or so
spoilers below
For the duration of this book, I was upset by the fact that so much of this book reflects the real world. to find out that the idea for Like, Follow, Die was born from Columbine had me shocked. As an American, especially as one born shortly after the Columbine shooting had happened, it becomes 'easier' (for lack of a better word) to become desensitized to these things. I hadn't thought that the events of Columbine would reach other countries, especially as far as Australia.
spoilers below
For the duration of this book, I was upset by the fact that so much of this book reflects the real world. to find out that the idea for Like, Follow, Die was born from Columbine had me shocked. As an American, especially as one born shortly after the Columbine shooting had happened, it becomes 'easier' (for lack of a better word) to become desensitized to these things. I hadn't thought that the events of Columbine would reach other countries, especially as far as Australia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2025
Audible
the problem with these kinds of books is that you go in blind before you realize there's a big agenda. often the groups or situations that are the "bad" side are painted with a huge brush.
this one is speaking about men's rights.
they look like a bunch of outdated cavemen and you instantly dislike them.
however, only one side of the story is presented.
there is strong evidence that men are historically mistreated in family courts. the mom almost always gets the custody and often times alienates the children from their fathers. in these cases the men really don't have much recourse.
so, yes, tone down the rhetoric if you're one of the cavemen. that kind of speech is what ends up driving the real dilemma of men and fathers in the court system.
the problem with these kinds of books is that you go in blind before you realize there's a big agenda. often the groups or situations that are the "bad" side are painted with a huge brush.
this one is speaking about men's rights.
they look like a bunch of outdated cavemen and you instantly dislike them.
however, only one side of the story is presented.
there is strong evidence that men are historically mistreated in family courts. the mom almost always gets the custody and often times alienates the children from their fathers. in these cases the men really don't have much recourse.
so, yes, tone down the rhetoric if you're one of the cavemen. that kind of speech is what ends up driving the real dilemma of men and fathers in the court system.
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