Old Ham

by Seraphina Nova Glass

Everyone knows Junie Oldham is more than a little strange—but is she actually dangerous?

She’s unique, to say the least. Junie Oldham is a middle-aged hoarder who knits sweaters for cats, befriends rescued mice, and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings. Living among the piles of childhood treasures in the home she inherited, she also hangs on to a few resentments—not all of them innocuous.

When a chance encounter with Blake Patton, her high school crush, presents Junie with an opportunity to reconnect with the guy who helped set her on her solitary path, she’s ready to go to any length to become part of his life again. Blake doesn’t recognize the girl he mocked as “Old Ham” in high school, and his wife is delighted to find such a good math tutor for their daughter. Now Junie has full access to their perfect suburban home. She’s already hiding plenty of secrets of her own, but what’s hiding in the Patton household?

As the lies unravel and old scars resurface, the Pattons’ seemingly happy façade starts to crack open, and it’s only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down. Because Junie’s waited more than twenty years for the real story to come out, and if she can’t get to the truth, there’s going to be trouble . . .

From the Edgar Award–nominated author of On a Quiet Street, this hypnotic and razor-sharp psychological thriller about obsession, identity, and the cost of being overlooked is perfect for fans of Baby Reindeer, Gone Girl, and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.

Genres: Fiction, Thriller

216 pages, Paperback

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

Seraphina Nova Glass is a two-time EDGAR AWARD nominated author. Hew novel, On A Quiet Street, was a New York Times Summer Read, a #1 Amazon Bestseller, and Editor’s Pick. It was also featured in the Boston Globe and Bustle.

Publisher’s Weekly has named her “a writer to watch.” She’s also an award-winning playwright and holds an MFA degree in
Dramatic Writing from Smith College, and a second MFA in Directing from the University of Idaho in Directing (theatre.)
 
She is a proud dog mom to Boston Terrier Spaghetti, and loves to travel the world with her husband, Mark. She resides in Dallas, TX.

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Reviews

[Chelsey (a_novel_idea11) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seraphina Nova Glass knows how to hook her readers and Old Ham definitely delivers. I was totally invested in this short but utterly gripping novel.

Junie is a unique and quirky protagonist. I had a hard time coming to grips with my feelings for her. My heart went out to Junie for the struggles she had to endure, the cruelty that had been inflicted upon her, and simply for her general oddness, but she also totally freaked me out and I never trusted her. I most resonated with Dessa and empathized completely with her trying to right years of wrong while also being very wary. The history with Blake and Junie’s insertion into Dessa and Blake’s life was fascinating and Glass placed every domino perfectly. I could not flip the pages fast enough!

This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are definite trigger warnings and the bomb at the end left me speechless. If you love quirky, fast-paced, shocking novels, Old Ham is absolutely for you! Everyone at The Pulse is going mad for Junie and I know you will too!

Old Ham releases October 13, 2026!

[Christina Faris (books_by_the_bottle) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Podium Publishing and Serafina nova glass for the ARC!

Junie Oldham (“Old Ham”) is a little bit different, a little bit lonely and possibly just a little bit crazy!

When she runs into a past crush at an AA meeting (she is not a recovering alcoholic, just goes to meet people and maybe to have some cookies), she find the way to insert herself into his life and his family. It’s hard to know why at first, but as the story goes on, truth surface is bit by bit.

My heart broke for Junie. She was treated so horribly her whole life just for being different. And while clearly, her methods of leveling the playing field were a bit questionable, they sure was fun to read about - lol! This was another one of those books from Glass that I simply couldn’t put down. Told from multiple point of view, the pacing was perfect and I couldn’t wait to see how it was all going to come together. This was definitely one that I stayed up too late reading, but it was worth it!

My friends and I at The Pulse love this author, and this book is the perfect example of why!

“Old Ham” releases October 13, 2026! This review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obsession and revenge in this crazy plot. The main character has been wronged and will stop and nothing to make sure the person who wronged her gets his due. CRAZY in a good way. Some
Secrets never die!

[Cindy(groundedinreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So much going on in this disturbing, suspenseful novel!

Junie Oldham or Old Ham, her unwanted nickname, is unlike any other character I’ve come across! She’s a blend of being somewhat unreliable and unapologetically unhinged, but her reality is next level focused on brilliant revenge!

After her mother died, Junie inherited her family home where she is surrounded by a hoard of useless items and trash. When she reconnects with Blake Patton, her high school crush, (who fails to recognize her) she mobilizes a plan to infiltrate his life so he can see what he’s missed out on with her over the past twenty years!

This suspenseful novel has so many moving parts that kept me glued to the pages causing me to drop everything to read this in one sitting! As the disturbing details of her past cause cracks in Blake’s life, he feels threatened and Junie’s true colors shine through. Absolute stunner!

@ThrillerBookLoversthePulse

[Jeanie ~ Fables.and.fur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title a thriller Old Ham and I’m reading it. I’ve enjoyed the author’s previous books and was grateful to receive an early copy from @thrillerloversthepulse

Junie is a great main character who lost her moral compass due to excessive bullying and trauma. The lengths she will go to for revenge are impressive. This thriller is fast moving, entertaining and darkly funny. You can tell @seraphinanovaglass had fun writing this one and I sure had fun reading it!

[Melissa (Nissa_the.bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐎𝐔
🤪 love completely unhinged MCs
🔥 ever wanted to see it all go up in smoke
🍽️ believe revenge is a dish best served cold
🌭 enjoy watching eating contests

• 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐓’𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓

She’s unique, to say the least. Junie Oldham is a middle-aged hoarder who knits sweaters for cats, befriends rescued mice, and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings. Living among the piles of childhood treasures in the home she inherited, she also hangs on to a few resentments―not all of them innocuous.

When a chance encounter with Blake Patton, her high school crush, presents Junie with an opportunity to reconnect with the guy who helped set her on her solitary path, she’s ready to go to any length to become part of his life again. Blake doesn’t recognize the girl he mocked as “Old Ham” in high school, and his wife is delighted to find such a good math tutor for their daughter. Now Junie has full access to their perfect suburban home. She’s already hiding plenty of secrets of her own, but what’s hiding in the Patton household?

As the lies unravel and old scars resurface, the Pattons’ seemingly happy façade starts to crack open, and it’s only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down. Because Junie’s waited more than twenty years for the real story to come out, and if she can’t get to the truth, there’s going to be trouble . . .

• 𝐌𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒

This book was unhinged in all the best ways! Junie was absolutely nuts, and she reminded me a lot of the FMC from Send Help. She is sad and pathetic, and nobody was ever willing to take a chance on her, whether through friendship or more. I wasn’t sure what direction this story was heading when I first started, so I found myself surprised to be rooting for her nearly halfway through! I love that this is a quick read that packs a real punch, filled with bullying, revenge, hoarding, validation seeking, and so much more! The final twist was one I never saw coming, but it fit in so well with the rest of the story. This one is a must read!

[Elanda Birch · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in one sitting, it was a fairly short one. It was very tense, not because i was trying to figure out who the villain was, I knew, but because what was going on scared the living heck out of me! I think the author does a good job of asking the question "Who is the monster"? While some of the plot points were a bit unrealistic, and moved the story along a bit too conveniently, it does make you think and feel things that make you question your moral compass.
We have Junie, who scares the living crap out of me. She is who I fear the most, an unpredictable person who does not understand morality and will come for you if she decides you have wronged her. If you have or not. But it's not her fault she is the way she is. She was traumatized by a bunch of stupid teens while she was young, and ,as a result, has brain damage. These teens are now grown up, and one of them is married and his wife is looking for a tutor for their young daughter. Well, that opens up a possibility for Junie. She says she just wants an apology, but...
The grown man is a terrible human, he insists that what they did as teens was an accident and not his fault. But won't accept responsibility or apologize for what happened.
So, who is the monster? We at times both feel sorry for Junie and feel like she needs to be locked up for a very long time. I honestly would rather have the husband around me than her, at least I can predict what he is going to do, and plan his demise accordingly.
This book scared me and was a great thriller. I did think that some things were a bit unrealistic and mostly convenient to make the plot go that way the author wanted it to. The ending was horrifying!
3.5 stars from me.

[Dive Into A Good Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is a dangerous path to go down. It can become all-encompassing and quickly become an obsession! This is the backbone of Old Ham. A unique quirky name that makes you look twice and wonder what is behind the cover of this book. Let me tell you it is not at all what you expect. The characters appear to be someone else in the beginning, peel back the layers and they are something else entirely. The story kept me on my toes, and I needed to know why revenge was at the forefront of everything. This is a short read that packs a mighty punch. One that will leave you flying through the air and having the wind knocked out of you.

Junie Oldham is a little bit weird, extremely strange, and she really does not care. She is trying to find her true love, is on Bumble, and she is putting her best foot forward and striking out every single time. Junie is a hoarder there is one room downstairs where she sleeps on a mattress, a microwave and fridge nearby. Junie knits tiny sweaters for mice and hats for cats. One wonders if she has always been like this or if something traumatic happened to her. When she finds out that the boy she had a crush on in high school is back in town, she becomes obsessed. She needs to see him; no, she must see him. Junie is extremely clever and discovers that his daughter needs a math tutor. The first time they lock eyes he has no clue who she is. Leaving her heart in tatters and the need to seek revenge.

This is a clever, well-constructed masterpiece that had me hooked from the title. It is a must read in my book. Thank you to Seraphina Nova Glass, Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, and Podium Publishing for this gasp aloud read!

[Mickey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Junie Oldham is a weirdo. No friends. No social life. Living alone in a house that's basically being swallowed by rubbish. But when she unexpectedly bumps into her high school crush and realises he doesn't even remember who she is, something inside her snaps. And Junie decides she's going to become part of his life. Whether he wants her there or not.
What starts as an awkward encounter quickly spirals into something far more unsettling as Junie inserts herself deeper and deeper into his world. His home. His family. His job. Nobody opens a door for her, but somehow she keeps finding a way in.
This was a fast-paced, addictive thriller that kept me turning the pages. Junie is one of those characters where you're never quite sure what she's going to do next. She's clearly struggling with her mental health, and that unpredictability adds a constant sense of unease to the story. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were heading, Junie would do something completely unexpected.
My only real issue was the ending. The build-up was fantastic and had me expecting a huge payoff, but it felt like the story lost a little momentum right at the finish line. The ending wasn't bad by any means, it just didn't hit with the same impact as the rest of the book.
Still, this was another thoroughly entertaining read from an author who's quickly becoming a reliable choice when I'm in the mood for a twisty thriller.

🩸 Panic Verdict: Junie needs therapy. Everyone around Junie needs therapy. I might need therapy.

[Christina Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Ham by Seraphina Nova Glass is a suspense thriller that will be coming out on October 13th of this year! I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the book to read and review!! This book took me two sittings to finish it!

Junie Oldham is a very peculiar and strange individual, everyone that meets her will tell you the same. She is just a quiet woman who keeps to herself, knits sweaters for her little mice friends, and is a recovering alcoholic hoarder..well she is lying about the alcohol part! Thats just so she can socialize at the local church during their AA meetings. She is rather harmless…unless you are Blake Patton. He stumbles into the AA meeting Junie is attending and little does he know the mess she is about to make in his life! He was her high school crush who did something horrible to her..and she is out for revenge! The next couple weeks are intense, thrilling, and no one around Blake or Junie are safe!

This is a fast paced thriller that puts the female rage on full display! Definitely add this to your spooky season reads this year!! Thank you @thrillerbookloversthepulse and @seraphinanovaglass for letting me read this book early!

#bookreviews #arcreader #upcomingthriller #books

[Nikki B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Old Ham is a revenge thriller where the woman seeking revenge seems harmless enough on the outside but is harboring a lot of secrets.
Junie is socially awkward and doesn't have much friends. She knits sweaters for cats and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic because she heard attending AA meetings is a great way to meet people. She hoards in the childhood home she inherited and lives alone except for a mouse that she rescues. She seems strange, but innocent enough. Until she sees Blake Patton at an AA meeting, her old high school crush that caused her to be the way she is. He doesn't recognize her, but she recognizes him and sets herself on a path of revenge by inserting herself in his life. Starting off as his daughter's tutor and befriending his wife. Now, with full access to his home and family, she has gained all the access she needs to learn the dark secrets of the Patton household.
The story is suspenseful, fast paced, and keeps you hooked until the last page with a little twist! Blake better watch his back because Junie is willing to go to very, very far lengths to take him down!

[Lu thrillskillsandchills · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

If you loved Strange Sally Diamond, then I highly recommend adding Old Ham to your TBR.

At just 216 pages, this was a quick read that I absolutely flew through. Junie Oldham is quirky, socially awkward, lonely, still carrying the scars of her high school years, and spends her spare time knitting hats and clothing for cats and mice. She reminded me a lot of Sally Diamond in the way she views the world, and I found myself equally fascinated and concerned by some of her decisions.

I’ve become a big fan of Seraphina Nova Glass’s writing, and this upcoming release is another one to have on your radar. While this isn’t a twist-heavy thriller, I found myself completely invested in Junie and the lives she inserts herself into. The pages disappeared quickly, and I was always keen to see what she’d do next.

What worked best for me was Junie herself. She’s an unusual protagonist, but one I couldn’t help becoming invested in. At times I felt sorry for her, at others I wanted to shake some sense into her, and that’s what kept me turning the pages.

I really hope this is the beginning of a series because I’d happily keep reading more, especially after the way this one ends. 👀

[Suzi (Lil Bit Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like your main characters unhinged, then do I have a story for you! Meet Junie Oldham, or as her classmates mockingly called her “Old Ham.” After a chance encounter with her old high school crush Blake Patton, Junie infiltrates his seemingly perfect home and family. As she becomes more and more enmeshed in their lives, things spiral out of control.

When I tell you I ripped through this one in a single sitting, that’s partially because it clocks in at just over 200 pages but mostly because it’s an absolute bonkers ride that you know is going to end in a spectacular trainwreck, but you can’t look away or stop barreling down the tracks, so you just buckle up and devour every word! I was absolutely fascinated by Junie, my reactions running the gamut from amused to horrified to pitying, but always thoroughly entertained. What a crazy, captivating thriller!

I know my friends at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse will be buzzing like crazy about this book. It’s also perfect for fans of Julie Tudor is Not a Psychopath by Jennifer Holdich.

[Leisa Back Porch Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

🌿My Thoughts
✨From the quirky title to the very last page, this is a wonderfully unconventional psychological thriller that kept me on my toes with its expertly crafted cast of characters, jaw-dropping twists and turns and emotionally layered storytelling.

✨I love the way the author methodically peels back the layers of main character Junie who initially reads as an eccentric and lonely woman but who turns out to be far more complex and troubling. Watching her façade unravel is spectacularly page-turning.

✨Beyond the suspense, the novel explores the lasting impact of trauma and the complicated ways people learn to survive it. The author raises thought-provoking questions about how past trauma shapes identity, influences behavior, and echoes through a person’s life. The reader can’t help but wonder if they should feel a little sorry for the bad guy here, or if they have the wrong bad guy entirely… I think that’s a mark of exceptional writing.

✨I definitely recommend this one, friends.

🌿Read if you like:
✨Psychological suspense
✨R E V E N G E
✨Unhinged female main characters
✨Character-driven storytelling
✨Fast-paced thrillers
✨Dark humor

[KayleeNeedsANewBook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pack your bags, because this psychological thriller is about to completely burn your plans for the weekend down. 🔥🫣

​I officially need a moment to catch my breath! A massive thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse for keeping my thriller loving heart racing and being my absolute ultimate thrill providers. This one had me on the absolute edge of my seat from page one! 📈✨

​Old Ham by Seraphina Nova Glass is a quick, 216 page wild ride packed with obsession, revenge, and deep secrets that never die. I flew through it in just 2 days, and honestly? Give me more! Swipe to see my full review thoughts! 👉

​💬 Let’s talk: What is the last book that genuinely kept you on the edge of your seat until the very last page? Drop it below! 👇

​​#OldHam #SeraphinaNovaGlass #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerBookCommunity #EdgeOfYourSeat

[Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't wait to get stuck into this book and seeing it was on the shorter side (just over 200 pages), I decided to read a chapter before bed just to get a feel for it. Readers, I know what you're thinking....and you are exactly right. I ended up staying well past my bedtime because I COULD NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN!

The story follows Junie Oldham, or Old Ham, as she was known in high school. When Junie gets the chance to instill herself in her old crush's life again, she does all she can to get close to Blake and his family. After all, Blake is the one who made her into the oddball she currently is. Junie is ready for revenge. Blake and his family better be ready.

Folks, you don't want to miss this one. Cleverly written, the author has once again written a stellar novel that solidifies why I love this genre so much. You just know it's going to be a disaster but you're cheering Junie on all the same to finally get her revenge.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! It’s rare when I have a wow reaction to a thriller.
This book hooked me immediately and I did not want to put it down. It is a short read so very bingeable.

The FMC is completely unhinged. You want to like her but you can’t quite get there. The story moved along quickly and her behavior escalated in ways I didn’t fully expect.

Portion of the ending pages I found very interesting but other parts I felt could have been more taut. Some of it just didn’t quite pan out as I think made the most sense.

That being said this is still a 4.5 star read for me and if you like thrillers you should definitely check this one out.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let’s just start out by saying this girl needs to learn social boundaries. An unlabeled lunch in the work fridge is free food for her. Taking things just because she wants them is ok. I was shaking my head at her missed social cues and how natural they were to her.

Now onto the plot. I love it! @seraphinanovaglass is a master storyteller and I was hooked from the first page. Then you keep reading and the book starts to turn…..

Old Ham is available October 13, 2026 in the US and do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR now. I loved this book and it’s a must read of 2026!

[booked.with.julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an absolute wild ride! I thought I would read a few chapters and come back to it later. Nope. I ended up reading the whole book in one sitting because I was so invested.

Junie is such a bizarre and fascinating character. She's lonely, awkward, obsessive, and completely unpredictable. The entire time I was reading, I felt unsettled because I never knew what she was going to do next.

Captivating and a crazy wild ride that you’ll want to binge. 

Another great read we are loving at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse.

[Mary Crigger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a quick read and really pulled me in different direction...I so wanted to feel bad for Penny but then again- she was just so evil! The story line flowed rather quickly and kept me going because I wanted to make sure there was justice for the people who caused such strife...Not my first by this author and definitely not my last. I love her writing style and I enjoy reading books where I can envision how everything looks while watching the movie in my mind.

[Lydia Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Tonya Cornish with Thriller Book Lovers and Podium Publishing for the ARC of Old Ham by Serafina Nova Glass. I was thrilled to read this one early. I have read several of her books and she never disappoints. This one is no exception. It’s a quick read that you won’t be able to put down. It starts off with a bang and keeps up this pace throughout with one shocker after another. I loved this one and I highly recommend it.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had chills running up and down my spine the further I delved into this book.
There’s deranged and disturbed and then there’s Junie. She is an object of pity but don’t underestimate her deviousness, despite her story.
Blake is just a tool and deserved more than what he got as far as consequences.
It really is a mouth dropping plot and read!
Thanks Podium Publishing and Thriller Book Lover Pulse for the early copy.

[Marissa (holdme.thrillme) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author @seraphinanovaglass continues to blow me away with her thriller skills! The first thing that intrigued me about this book was the title and you do find out pretty quickly where it comes from. The main character of this story is extremely unhinged and unpredictable so I never knew what she’d do next which made for a wild ride! Read this if you love:

🐭 mice in sweaters
🐭 revenge
🐭 stalker
🐭 obsession
🐭 non-stop tension
🐭 fire
🐭 endings that make you want a book 2

[Heather Flaherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I lived this book about strange woman with strange obsessions. When she happens to run into her hush school crush, she insists it’s for a reason. She “inserts” herself into his and his families life and sons find outs the secrets this family holds. Can she dig a little deeper and make it all come tumbling down????

[Karen (kmo.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to @thrillerbookloversthepulse, and Podium Publishing for the gifted copy.

Imagine having a name that constantly sparks jokes. Junie has been dealing with that since high school, and it continues even at her current place of employment. Then she unexpectedly runs into an old crush from school, but he doesn’t even recognize her. What he and two others did to her years ago is something that causes her anxiety to this day. Junie will get the last laugh.

If you’re looking for a quick read that hooks you right away, this is it.

[Ashleigh Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! This was a shorter read, but man did it pack in all the craziness I love in a thriller! 😱

I'm so happy I got to read an advanced copy of this one! Seriously so good. If you love jaw dropping events, get OLD HAM from Seraphina Nova Glass on your radar!

[Ashley (adoseofthrills) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is a dish best served cold 🥶 holy crap was this one a crazy 🤪 ride! This book was absolutely wild! My jaw hit the floor multiple times- I never saw half the twists coming! Seraphina truly knows how to grab your attention and have you begging for more!

[Sabrina Stilwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR NOW!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
If you love unhinged female characters, you NEED Junie Oldham in your life.

I devoured this book in 2 days. If I didn't have a 2 year old, it would've been finished in one sitting. Easily a Top 5 read of the year.

[Amber (TheAmbersBookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Revenge is so sweet.. This was a quick read but boy was it such a wild and intense ride.. It was an absolute train wreck, but I just couldn’t look away..