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I Know the Ants: A Novel
A young woman’s life spirals out of her control after her childhood best friend publishes a memoir that discusses the tragic events of their childhood, in this beautiful, powerful novel from the internationally bestselling author of Others Were Emeralds.
Mei’s life isn’t what she thought it would be. She's still entangled in a love triangle with Jacques and Kath that began when they were teens; her parents are drowning in debt; and she’s stuck pulling off identity fraud jobs for her cruel auntie and her auntie’s nauseating son, who won’t leave Mei alone.
But Mei’s world begins to truly unravel when she hears her childhood best friend Soey’s voice for the first time in years, being interviewed on the radio about her new memoir, chronicling the childhood attack that left Soey with brain damage and killed her younger sister. When Mei reconnects with Soey, the leader of their childhood friend group known as the Daisy Chain, their encounter kicks off a series of events that culminate in another shocking death, putting Mei squarely in the public eye. As past and present collide, Mei starts spiraling after Soey implores her to find out who killed Daiyu—a search that leads Mei to uncover what happened that dark day in the woods behind their school, all those years ago.
Revered for her lyrical imagery, emotional acumen, and thoughtful voice, Lang Leav uses her gifts to brilliant effect, exploring unsolved mysteries, cycles of trauma and abuse, and the answers to a timeless how do you honor someone's memory without losing sight of yourself?
Mei’s life isn’t what she thought it would be. She's still entangled in a love triangle with Jacques and Kath that began when they were teens; her parents are drowning in debt; and she’s stuck pulling off identity fraud jobs for her cruel auntie and her auntie’s nauseating son, who won’t leave Mei alone.
But Mei’s world begins to truly unravel when she hears her childhood best friend Soey’s voice for the first time in years, being interviewed on the radio about her new memoir, chronicling the childhood attack that left Soey with brain damage and killed her younger sister. When Mei reconnects with Soey, the leader of their childhood friend group known as the Daisy Chain, their encounter kicks off a series of events that culminate in another shocking death, putting Mei squarely in the public eye. As past and present collide, Mei starts spiraling after Soey implores her to find out who killed Daiyu—a search that leads Mei to uncover what happened that dark day in the woods behind their school, all those years ago.
Revered for her lyrical imagery, emotional acumen, and thoughtful voice, Lang Leav uses her gifts to brilliant effect, exploring unsolved mysteries, cycles of trauma and abuse, and the answers to a timeless how do you honor someone's memory without losing sight of yourself?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Lang Leav
20 books11.7k followersNovelist and poet Lang Leav was born in a refugee camp when her family were fleeing the Khmer Rouge Regime. She spent her formative years in Sydney, Australia, in the predominantly migrant town of Cabramatta. Among her many achievements, Lang is the winner of a Qantas Spirit of Youth Award, Churchill Fellowship and Goodreads Reader’s Choice Award.
Lang has been featured on CNN, NPR, SBS Australia, Intelligence Squared UK, Radio New Zealand and in various publications, including Lithub, Vogue, Newsweek, the Straits Times, the Guardian, and the New York Times.
Lang has been featured on CNN, NPR, SBS Australia, Intelligence Squared UK, Radio New Zealand and in various publications, including Lithub, Vogue, Newsweek, the Straits Times, the Guardian, and the New York Times.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
2026
February 6, 2026📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Perennial
August 3, 2026
Set in Sydney, Australia in 2010, this story follows a close-knit group of five friends—who call themselves the "Daisy Chain" (unbreakable, like a chain made of flowers)—and their larger circle growing up. The narrative moves back and forth between two timelines: their childhood growing up together and present day.
Their lives are deeply intertwined, particularly by a tragedy from their teenage years when one of the sisters was killed. The murder mystery remains unsolved until present day, when our main character, Mei, slowly begins to uncover the truth.
The story highlights several of the girls, their upbringings, and cultural aspects of Asian heritage deeply steeped in superstition. It tackles heavy topics, including cycles of trauma and abuse, making for a dark, grim, yet powerful and emotional literary coming-of-age story.
While I wasn't always completely pulled in, there was more than enough intrigue and depth to keep me listening.
Their lives are deeply intertwined, particularly by a tragedy from their teenage years when one of the sisters was killed. The murder mystery remains unsolved until present day, when our main character, Mei, slowly begins to uncover the truth.
The story highlights several of the girls, their upbringings, and cultural aspects of Asian heritage deeply steeped in superstition. It tackles heavy topics, including cycles of trauma and abuse, making for a dark, grim, yet powerful and emotional literary coming-of-age story.
While I wasn't always completely pulled in, there was more than enough intrigue and depth to keep me listening.
July 30, 2026
thank you netgalley and harper perennial for the advanced reader copy.
i don’t live under a rock. i’ve seen leav’s books floating around the internet for years but never picked them up. i’m not a poetry person at all. but when i found out that she released a novel, i immediately was excited. and i was excited when i got approved for the ARC.
the premise seemed right up my alley—coming of age, girlhood, dark secrets. and the dark and mysterious atmosphere hooked me right off the bat. i liked the writing style—the prose was lush yet fluid, not abstract like i was scared it would be (because leav mostly writes poetry and i am adverse to that kind of style).
but my issue with this book is that it felt like leav didn’t know what it wanted to be—just a literary fiction on memories and girlhood, or crime thriller? it oscillated between both and i felt like there could have been a better balance. it wasn’t executed very well. around the 30% mark, things started slipping for me.
also, the main narrator (mei) was not consistent. she began as an interesting character—a little aimless, but still cool. but then she did a complete 180, turning into a caricature of herself. she became too indecisive and stupid to a point that didn’t even make sense.
i also think that the daisy chain group should have had less members because none of them were really fleshed out. they were truly side characters, including mei. there really shouldn’t have been too many characters either because no one was developed.
i really wish i could have ignored these inconsistencies, but i couldn’t. and even the ending was too rushed where certain bombshell pieces of events weren’t fully executed. something that emotional should have stunned the reader but i just left the story feeling indifferent. and again, because the characters weren’t fully developed, i wasn’t impacted.
so yes while i did love the premise and the writing style, i can’t give this book more than 2 ⭐️ it wasn’t terrible or anything like that. it just fell flat to me after a certain point. i would still be interested in reading more of leav’s works (novels, short stories) in the future. it’s just that this book needed more development in my opinion.
i don’t live under a rock. i’ve seen leav’s books floating around the internet for years but never picked them up. i’m not a poetry person at all. but when i found out that she released a novel, i immediately was excited. and i was excited when i got approved for the ARC.
the premise seemed right up my alley—coming of age, girlhood, dark secrets. and the dark and mysterious atmosphere hooked me right off the bat. i liked the writing style—the prose was lush yet fluid, not abstract like i was scared it would be (because leav mostly writes poetry and i am adverse to that kind of style).
but my issue with this book is that it felt like leav didn’t know what it wanted to be—just a literary fiction on memories and girlhood, or crime thriller? it oscillated between both and i felt like there could have been a better balance. it wasn’t executed very well. around the 30% mark, things started slipping for me.
also, the main narrator (mei) was not consistent. she began as an interesting character—a little aimless, but still cool. but then she did a complete 180, turning into a caricature of herself. she became too indecisive and stupid to a point that didn’t even make sense.
i also think that the daisy chain group should have had less members because none of them were really fleshed out. they were truly side characters, including mei. there really shouldn’t have been too many characters either because no one was developed.
i really wish i could have ignored these inconsistencies, but i couldn’t. and even the ending was too rushed where certain bombshell pieces of events weren’t fully executed. something that emotional should have stunned the reader but i just left the story feeling indifferent. and again, because the characters weren’t fully developed, i wasn’t impacted.
so yes while i did love the premise and the writing style, i can’t give this book more than 2 ⭐️ it wasn’t terrible or anything like that. it just fell flat to me after a certain point. i would still be interested in reading more of leav’s works (novels, short stories) in the future. it’s just that this book needed more development in my opinion.
March 1, 2026
4.75
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was a heavy story that also managed to be beautiful. Half literary fiction half mystery I honestly couldn’t tell where this book was going. The last half of the book is definitely more interesting than the start bu I think the slow build up allowed for the climax to be what it was. A heartbreaking story about cycles of trauma and how the things that happen to us and those around us can haunt us forever. At the center of the story everyone is trying to solve a murder but so much more ends up being discovered. The characters all do flawed and real really carry this story along. This is definitely one you want to check you trigger warnings on though beware they could spoil the ending. I highly recommend you keep your eye on this one when it releases.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was a heavy story that also managed to be beautiful. Half literary fiction half mystery I honestly couldn’t tell where this book was going. The last half of the book is definitely more interesting than the start bu I think the slow build up allowed for the climax to be what it was. A heartbreaking story about cycles of trauma and how the things that happen to us and those around us can haunt us forever. At the center of the story everyone is trying to solve a murder but so much more ends up being discovered. The characters all do flawed and real really carry this story along. This is definitely one you want to check you trigger warnings on though beware they could spoil the ending. I highly recommend you keep your eye on this one when it releases.
July 23, 2026
It’s no secret how much I love Lang Leav’s OTHERS WERE EMERALDS (it’s one of my all-time favorite books) and her new novel, I KNOW THE ANTS, is just as good. It’s a devastating read about friendship and memories with an overarching mystery, and how the past can have a hold on a group of friends desperate to break away from the trauma and abuse that continues to haunt them.
Set in Cabramatta, Australia, the story follows Mei and her friends, Kath, Helene, Jen, and Soey, who during their youth called themselves the Daisy Chain. Years ago, Soey and her younger sister, Daiyu, were attacked outside of school. The incident left Soey with a brain injury, causing her to lose a year of memories, and Daiyu dead. Now in 2010, Soey has written a memoir about the Daisy Chain and her recovered memories connected to her sister’s murder. After another tragedy, Mei descends into a desperate search for the truth about what really happened that leads her to unraveling a darker secret.
I honestly needed a week to recover to let everything I read sit. In under 300 pages and told through lyrical prose, Lang Leav weaves a story that its core is about girlhood, friendship, and that loss of innocence. There is a tenderness in the way she writes about Mei and the Daisy Chain, which makes it all the more heartbreaking as we follow them as adults and seeing that innocence shattered with the revelations that come to light. It makes it hard to look away in Mei’s quest for answers.
Memory plays a key role in this and how it’s evoked and carried through time. While there is a sense of nostalgia, there is also the truth within their history and what they remember that collide, like a swarm of ants infesting what was once beautiful.
There is so much more I haven’t mentioned, but I know I will still be thinking about this book for a while. I urge readers to take care while reading and recommend checking the content/trigger warnings. It’s an unforgettable read that will leave you speechless, heartbroken, yet hopeful that not all is lost.
Thank you so much Lang Leav and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
Set in Cabramatta, Australia, the story follows Mei and her friends, Kath, Helene, Jen, and Soey, who during their youth called themselves the Daisy Chain. Years ago, Soey and her younger sister, Daiyu, were attacked outside of school. The incident left Soey with a brain injury, causing her to lose a year of memories, and Daiyu dead. Now in 2010, Soey has written a memoir about the Daisy Chain and her recovered memories connected to her sister’s murder. After another tragedy, Mei descends into a desperate search for the truth about what really happened that leads her to unraveling a darker secret.
I honestly needed a week to recover to let everything I read sit. In under 300 pages and told through lyrical prose, Lang Leav weaves a story that its core is about girlhood, friendship, and that loss of innocence. There is a tenderness in the way she writes about Mei and the Daisy Chain, which makes it all the more heartbreaking as we follow them as adults and seeing that innocence shattered with the revelations that come to light. It makes it hard to look away in Mei’s quest for answers.
Memory plays a key role in this and how it’s evoked and carried through time. While there is a sense of nostalgia, there is also the truth within their history and what they remember that collide, like a swarm of ants infesting what was once beautiful.
There is so much more I haven’t mentioned, but I know I will still be thinking about this book for a while. I urge readers to take care while reading and recommend checking the content/trigger warnings. It’s an unforgettable read that will leave you speechless, heartbroken, yet hopeful that not all is lost.
Thank you so much Lang Leav and Harper Perennial for the ARC!
July 24, 2026
Too slowburn for a murder mystery but enthralling much tor its friendship premise and how it was explored. Of guilt, trauma, grief and lost following years after the Daisy Chain friendship has torn apart due to a horrific incident. Now reaching 30, Mei was forced to revisit that past again and the long-buried memories after the estranged Soey published a memoir mentioning about the unresolved tragedy and the scattered details of what had happened that day.
There are layered of secrets hidden in between the girls esp with Soey of how the tragedy has provoked and triggered her on the aftermath. From Mei to Jen, Kath and Helene; all too flawed in their own ways with messy entanglement and emotional sufferings, untold and almost too haunting. It was engaging to see how their characterisation were so differ— nothing too likeable even for Mei; her love conflict stressed me out and as much as I want to understand how far she has to oblige and wrestle with her responsibility as a daughter, I wish she can handled her familial troubles more wisely rather than just followed what was given.
A late to come revelation that you need an amount of patience to get engross entirely on the arc; I was anxious and just overly invested on the second half after the suspense gets more twisty with those hint about the ants, of resentment, one’s trust and those fractured side of stories that broke my heart; could make my guess on the whodunnit—though the plot not entirely about solving the mystery after all—but did not foresee how the truth could be that psycho and emotionally complicated throughout.
**thank you Times Reads and Harper Perennial for the gifted review copy
There are layered of secrets hidden in between the girls esp with Soey of how the tragedy has provoked and triggered her on the aftermath. From Mei to Jen, Kath and Helene; all too flawed in their own ways with messy entanglement and emotional sufferings, untold and almost too haunting. It was engaging to see how their characterisation were so differ— nothing too likeable even for Mei; her love conflict stressed me out and as much as I want to understand how far she has to oblige and wrestle with her responsibility as a daughter, I wish she can handled her familial troubles more wisely rather than just followed what was given.
A late to come revelation that you need an amount of patience to get engross entirely on the arc; I was anxious and just overly invested on the second half after the suspense gets more twisty with those hint about the ants, of resentment, one’s trust and those fractured side of stories that broke my heart; could make my guess on the whodunnit—though the plot not entirely about solving the mystery after all—but did not foresee how the truth could be that psycho and emotionally complicated throughout.
**thank you Times Reads and Harper Perennial for the gifted review copy
February 9, 2026
I Know the Ants was a beautiful and heartbreaking story. It was a heavy read with twists and turns that I truly didn’t expect and I truly don’t know if I will ever stop thinking about this story. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The type of book you can’t put down. I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I’m in awe of the writing and storytelling and would recommend this book to literally anyone. Powerful, heartbreaking, mind boggling.
July 22, 2026
How do you honour someone’s memory without losing sight of yourself?
Some friendships never really leave us. No matter how much time passes, or how much life gets in the way, they continue to shape who we are. I Know the Ants is a poignant exploration of memory, trauma, and the people who stay with us long after we’ve drifted apart.
After hearing her estranged childhood best friend Soey discussing a memoir about the tragedy that forever altered both of their lives, Mei is forced to confront a past she’d spent years trying to outrun. As old memories resurface, she begins uncovering what really happened all those years ago.
Like memory itself, the novel reveals its truth slowly. Rather than presenting the truth outright, Lang Leav lets it emerge through conflicting accounts, long-held secrets, and the fragments of memory Soey slowly begins to recover. Piecing together the truth alongside Mei made every revelation feel quietly significant, reshaping everything that came before.
But what stayed with me most was the friendship at the heart of the novel. It’s messy, complicated, and at times painfully dysfunctional, but it’s also full of genuine love. The novel captures something so true: being friends as children is easy, but being friends as adults is hard. Life gets in the way. People change. The very best friendships have a way of picking up where they left off. They may be bruised and weighed down by everything that’s happened in between, but that connection never quite disappears.
Lang Leav’s prose is, unsurprisingly, beautiful. There’s a quiet lyricism to her writing that makes the novel deeply introspective, yet profoundly heartbreaking. It’s both quiet and loud all at once - quiet in its introspection, loud in the emotions it leaves behind.
I Know the Ants is more than a literary mystery. It’s a thoughtful meditation on memory, grief, the ways trauma reverberates across a lifetime, and the friendships that become woven into who we are.
The ANTicipation is finally over! I Know the Ants is officially out in the world 🐜💜
Some friendships never really leave us. No matter how much time passes, or how much life gets in the way, they continue to shape who we are. I Know the Ants is a poignant exploration of memory, trauma, and the people who stay with us long after we’ve drifted apart.
After hearing her estranged childhood best friend Soey discussing a memoir about the tragedy that forever altered both of their lives, Mei is forced to confront a past she’d spent years trying to outrun. As old memories resurface, she begins uncovering what really happened all those years ago.
Like memory itself, the novel reveals its truth slowly. Rather than presenting the truth outright, Lang Leav lets it emerge through conflicting accounts, long-held secrets, and the fragments of memory Soey slowly begins to recover. Piecing together the truth alongside Mei made every revelation feel quietly significant, reshaping everything that came before.
But what stayed with me most was the friendship at the heart of the novel. It’s messy, complicated, and at times painfully dysfunctional, but it’s also full of genuine love. The novel captures something so true: being friends as children is easy, but being friends as adults is hard. Life gets in the way. People change. The very best friendships have a way of picking up where they left off. They may be bruised and weighed down by everything that’s happened in between, but that connection never quite disappears.
Lang Leav’s prose is, unsurprisingly, beautiful. There’s a quiet lyricism to her writing that makes the novel deeply introspective, yet profoundly heartbreaking. It’s both quiet and loud all at once - quiet in its introspection, loud in the emotions it leaves behind.
I Know the Ants is more than a literary mystery. It’s a thoughtful meditation on memory, grief, the ways trauma reverberates across a lifetime, and the friendships that become woven into who we are.
The ANTicipation is finally over! I Know the Ants is officially out in the world 🐜💜
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: July 21, 2026
At thirty, Mei’s life isn’t what she expected it to be. She is stuck in an off-again, on-again relationship with her childhood friend, Jacques, who also happens to be in a relationship with one of Mei’s closest friends. Mei lives at home, trying to help her parents who are drowning in debt and works clandestinely for her “auntie”, doing photography jobs that are not exactly legal. Then, she hears the voice of her estranged friend, Soey, on a podcast, speaking about the day Soey’s sister went missing and Soey was seriously injured and just like that, Mei is brought back to the horrible time in her, and her friends’, lives. Mei is given the oppourtunity to find out what really happened to Soey’s sister but she has to risk everything she has in order to hear the truth. Is the answer to a decades-old mystery worth sacrificing it all?
Novelist and poet Lang Leav’s newest novel, “I Know the Ants” encompasses many genres. It is a coming-of-age women’s fiction, mystery and cultural examination all rolled into one emotional, seamless and powerful novel.
Protagonist Mei is forced into an arranged marriage with her friend’s brother, Vinnie, a man she has always despised (with good reason) , all in an attempt to find out the truth about Soey’s sister and save her parents from losing her childhood home. All while this is going on, Soey herself is releasing a memoir about her experiences with the loss of her sister and Mei reconnects with her childhood group of friends who are fearful of just how many secrets Soey will expose. There is no shortage of drama in “Ants” and the story itself has many relevant, thought-provoking themes, from feminism, to sexual assault, to physical and emotional abuse and arranged marriages (to name a few), so be prepared from some heavy, but important, topics.
“Ants” has some convenient plot hole patches, such as none of the “Daisy Chain” friendship group remembering any of the important details from the same period of their teenage years and the only one who was physically there suffering a brain injury and memory loss. That being said, however, Leav is able to connect all of the dots and brings the novel to a seamless and satisfying close, with the mystery being solved and more than a few tears being shed.
“Ants” is a unique read but it is not an easy one. It is a novel that is not to be missed, however, and will leave a huge imprint on readers.
Expected publication date: July 21, 2026
At thirty, Mei’s life isn’t what she expected it to be. She is stuck in an off-again, on-again relationship with her childhood friend, Jacques, who also happens to be in a relationship with one of Mei’s closest friends. Mei lives at home, trying to help her parents who are drowning in debt and works clandestinely for her “auntie”, doing photography jobs that are not exactly legal. Then, she hears the voice of her estranged friend, Soey, on a podcast, speaking about the day Soey’s sister went missing and Soey was seriously injured and just like that, Mei is brought back to the horrible time in her, and her friends’, lives. Mei is given the oppourtunity to find out what really happened to Soey’s sister but she has to risk everything she has in order to hear the truth. Is the answer to a decades-old mystery worth sacrificing it all?
Novelist and poet Lang Leav’s newest novel, “I Know the Ants” encompasses many genres. It is a coming-of-age women’s fiction, mystery and cultural examination all rolled into one emotional, seamless and powerful novel.
Protagonist Mei is forced into an arranged marriage with her friend’s brother, Vinnie, a man she has always despised (with good reason) , all in an attempt to find out the truth about Soey’s sister and save her parents from losing her childhood home. All while this is going on, Soey herself is releasing a memoir about her experiences with the loss of her sister and Mei reconnects with her childhood group of friends who are fearful of just how many secrets Soey will expose. There is no shortage of drama in “Ants” and the story itself has many relevant, thought-provoking themes, from feminism, to sexual assault, to physical and emotional abuse and arranged marriages (to name a few), so be prepared from some heavy, but important, topics.
“Ants” has some convenient plot hole patches, such as none of the “Daisy Chain” friendship group remembering any of the important details from the same period of their teenage years and the only one who was physically there suffering a brain injury and memory loss. That being said, however, Leav is able to connect all of the dots and brings the novel to a seamless and satisfying close, with the mystery being solved and more than a few tears being shed.
“Ants” is a unique read but it is not an easy one. It is a novel that is not to be missed, however, and will leave a huge imprint on readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book had me absolutely captivated and I just blew through it in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down.
In this story we’re following Mei, who grew up with 4 other girls (Jen, Helene, Soey, Kath) in a friend group that they called The Daisy Chain, which was a name given by Soey’s younger sister. The 5 of them are all very close with one another until tragedy strikes and Soey’s younger sister gets murdered and Soey is also bludgeoned, losing her memory of what happened. What unfolds after this is completely heart breaking as these 5 young girls are put in terrible positions surrounding their tragedy.
As the years progress, they all drift, until one day Mei hears Soey being interviewed about her newest book called “The Daisy Chain,” a memoir about her sister’s death and loss of memory. This brings some of the girls back together, while also tearing them apart, and we start to learn just how much we don’t know about their friendship, as well as what happened to Soey’s sister.
I felt like I was holding my breath for 70% of this book because the pieces start to fall together, but then they don’t. Mei’s character is put through so many incredibly awful situations, and that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. This is a very tragic and dark story that opens up more the further you get into it, and I found myself deeply hurting for almost all of our characters. Even though we are fully tangled in this web of secrets, murder, lies, and sorrow, Lang writes this in such a way that it’s not as heavy as I feel it could have been. Don’t get me wrong, this was a very heavy and traumatic story, but it didn’t pull me down with it. I’ve always really loved Lang’s writing and I feel that she wrote this so fluidly while also keeping such great intrigue with the mystery and care with triggering subjects.
Your heart is going to hurt after this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book.
In this story we’re following Mei, who grew up with 4 other girls (Jen, Helene, Soey, Kath) in a friend group that they called The Daisy Chain, which was a name given by Soey’s younger sister. The 5 of them are all very close with one another until tragedy strikes and Soey’s younger sister gets murdered and Soey is also bludgeoned, losing her memory of what happened. What unfolds after this is completely heart breaking as these 5 young girls are put in terrible positions surrounding their tragedy.
As the years progress, they all drift, until one day Mei hears Soey being interviewed about her newest book called “The Daisy Chain,” a memoir about her sister’s death and loss of memory. This brings some of the girls back together, while also tearing them apart, and we start to learn just how much we don’t know about their friendship, as well as what happened to Soey’s sister.
I felt like I was holding my breath for 70% of this book because the pieces start to fall together, but then they don’t. Mei’s character is put through so many incredibly awful situations, and that’s not even the tip of the iceberg. This is a very tragic and dark story that opens up more the further you get into it, and I found myself deeply hurting for almost all of our characters. Even though we are fully tangled in this web of secrets, murder, lies, and sorrow, Lang writes this in such a way that it’s not as heavy as I feel it could have been. Don’t get me wrong, this was a very heavy and traumatic story, but it didn’t pull me down with it. I’ve always really loved Lang’s writing and I feel that she wrote this so fluidly while also keeping such great intrigue with the mystery and care with triggering subjects.
Your heart is going to hurt after this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for a digital ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy
I Know the Ants is part crime novel, part mystery, and part exploration of grief, trauma, and friendship. The tangled relationships between the characters made it nearly impossible to predict where the story was heading, and I was captivated from beginning to end.
The story follows Mei as she is drawn back into a tragedy from her childhood when her former best friend, Soey, publishes a memoir recounting her younger sister’s death and the involvement of their childhood friendship group, the Daisy Chain. Long-buried memories, hidden secrets, and unresolved wounds begin to surface, forcing the group to reckon with a past they have spent years trying to outrun.
The writing is richly atmospheric, weaving seamlessly between the present and vivid childhood flashbacks. Leav uses specific items and images to rejig memories of the past - a Minnie Mouse T-shirt, Picture books of Noddy and Peter Rabbit (I remember these from my childhood 🥹). The frequent shifts in time create a dreamlike, nostalgic quality, gradually revealing pieces of the truth while keeping the mystery tightly wound. The novel builds to a fast-paced, whodunnit-style resolution that kept me guessing until the very end!
The book extends well beyond the mystery itself. It explores the exploitation of individuals, especially children, by the media and the adults we assume should know better, the loss of innocence, and the lasting effects of trauma. I was shaken by the amount of grief and trauma each character had to carry in their own way.
I loved that Leav wove elements of her own life into the novel, setting the story in Cabramatta, the suburb in Sydney where she grew up. A personal touch I always appreciate in any author’s work. It felt as though she had entrusted readers with a small piece of herself, and I found that incredibly special.
The story follows Mei as she is drawn back into a tragedy from her childhood when her former best friend, Soey, publishes a memoir recounting her younger sister’s death and the involvement of their childhood friendship group, the Daisy Chain. Long-buried memories, hidden secrets, and unresolved wounds begin to surface, forcing the group to reckon with a past they have spent years trying to outrun.
The writing is richly atmospheric, weaving seamlessly between the present and vivid childhood flashbacks. Leav uses specific items and images to rejig memories of the past - a Minnie Mouse T-shirt, Picture books of Noddy and Peter Rabbit (I remember these from my childhood 🥹). The frequent shifts in time create a dreamlike, nostalgic quality, gradually revealing pieces of the truth while keeping the mystery tightly wound. The novel builds to a fast-paced, whodunnit-style resolution that kept me guessing until the very end!
The book extends well beyond the mystery itself. It explores the exploitation of individuals, especially children, by the media and the adults we assume should know better, the loss of innocence, and the lasting effects of trauma. I was shaken by the amount of grief and trauma each character had to carry in their own way.
I loved that Leav wove elements of her own life into the novel, setting the story in Cabramatta, the suburb in Sydney where she grew up. A personal touch I always appreciate in any author’s work. It felt as though she had entrusted readers with a small piece of herself, and I found that incredibly special.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩, 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘭, 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦. 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘴 𝘢 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘧 𝘥𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘦𝘴.”
Thank you Harper Perennial for the advanced reader copy! #harperperennialpartner
They named themselves the Daisy Chain, a girlish friendship circle formed in an immigrant community turned into a lifetime bond - for better or worse. This story is told through the lens of Mei, who is faced with revisiting a defining tragedy as it becomes intertwined with her own personal struggles. Reluctantly, she takes on this responsibility to bring light to the truth, through whatever darkness she needs to venture through.
What I loved most about this book was the nostalgia and vulnerability in Lang Leav’s writing, her voice truly shines through to make it such a rich story. While my own personal experience was not exactly the same, it stirred in me those memories of growing up in an Asian immigrant family in the 90s - the struggle and trauma, but also the cultural community and family outside of those related by blood.
As a psychological mystery, I was simply unable to put this book down once I started it. The writing was so engaging that I needed to know what happens next. I definitely had some audible gasps and shocked moments in the book, a thrilling experience for sure.
I Know the Ants is such a unique read to put on your list- it’s heavy, it’s unsettling, it’s incredibly immersive and impactful!
Thank you Harper Perennial for the advanced reader copy! #harperperennialpartner
They named themselves the Daisy Chain, a girlish friendship circle formed in an immigrant community turned into a lifetime bond - for better or worse. This story is told through the lens of Mei, who is faced with revisiting a defining tragedy as it becomes intertwined with her own personal struggles. Reluctantly, she takes on this responsibility to bring light to the truth, through whatever darkness she needs to venture through.
What I loved most about this book was the nostalgia and vulnerability in Lang Leav’s writing, her voice truly shines through to make it such a rich story. While my own personal experience was not exactly the same, it stirred in me those memories of growing up in an Asian immigrant family in the 90s - the struggle and trauma, but also the cultural community and family outside of those related by blood.
As a psychological mystery, I was simply unable to put this book down once I started it. The writing was so engaging that I needed to know what happens next. I definitely had some audible gasps and shocked moments in the book, a thrilling experience for sure.
I Know the Ants is such a unique read to put on your list- it’s heavy, it’s unsettling, it’s incredibly immersive and impactful!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙗:
A haunting, emotionally layered story about friendship, trauma, and the secrets we carry from childhood. When Mei’s life starts falling apart, her past resurfaces through her childhood best friend’s memoir, forcing her to confront a tragedy that never truly left her.
𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨:
Mei is messy, flawed, and deeply human—you don’t always agree with her, but you feel her confusion and pain. Soey’s presence lingers like a ghost throughout the story, while the dynamics between the childhood friend group add depth and tension.
𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
This one is slow-burning but deeply unsettling in the best way. The writing is lyrical (as expected from Lang Leav), almost poetic, yet it carries a quiet heaviness. The story gradually unravels, pulling you into its emotional chaos rather than shocking you outright.
It’s not your typical fast-paced thriller—it’s more introspective, more about why things happen than just what happens. The themes of memory, guilt, and perception stay with you long after you finish.
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳-𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱.
This book needs a place in your shelf, so make sure to preorder it. I know the ants comes out on 21st July.
#LangLeav #netgalley #harperperennial #readersofinstagram #bookreview
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘽𝙡𝙪𝙧𝙗:
A haunting, emotionally layered story about friendship, trauma, and the secrets we carry from childhood. When Mei’s life starts falling apart, her past resurfaces through her childhood best friend’s memoir, forcing her to confront a tragedy that never truly left her.
𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨:
Mei is messy, flawed, and deeply human—you don’t always agree with her, but you feel her confusion and pain. Soey’s presence lingers like a ghost throughout the story, while the dynamics between the childhood friend group add depth and tension.
𝙈𝙮 𝙏𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨:
This one is slow-burning but deeply unsettling in the best way. The writing is lyrical (as expected from Lang Leav), almost poetic, yet it carries a quiet heaviness. The story gradually unravels, pulling you into its emotional chaos rather than shocking you outright.
It’s not your typical fast-paced thriller—it’s more introspective, more about why things happen than just what happens. The themes of memory, guilt, and perception stay with you long after you finish.
𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳-𝘥𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘢 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘬, 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺, 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘶𝘱.
This book needs a place in your shelf, so make sure to preorder it. I know the ants comes out on 21st July.
#LangLeav #netgalley #harperperennial #readersofinstagram #bookreview
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First of all, thank you NetGalley for the ARC! Once I started this book, I simply couldn’t stop. This story felt like one large spider web of plot lines and relationships so messy but also so savory in their drama and intrigue, all linked to a terrible tragedy dating back to the main characters’ childhoods. I have to applaud Lang Leav, who I’ve never read before but have added to my list of must read authors, for the wonderful prose and the attention to care and detail with these characters. When several characters are involved, it can be so easy for a couple to fall to the wayside, for some to get swept under the rest of the story and/or larger characters, but I found that each of them sparked feelings in me when on the page, whether they be positive or negative, and they all felt so distinct. A lot of this book rode on the over arching question of “what really happened/who caused Daiyu’s murder?” and I think Leav did an excellent job breadcrumbing us, then delivering a satisfactory ending that left me both a bit emotional and at peace.
I must add that I did find the protagonist to be quite annoying at times, as she made several bad calls/heeded none of the very obvious warnings, which is always frustrating from a reader/bird’s eye view, but I can let it pass because clearly these characters are deeply flawed and traumatized, and it was written so well.
I must add that I did find the protagonist to be quite annoying at times, as she made several bad calls/heeded none of the very obvious warnings, which is always frustrating from a reader/bird’s eye view, but I can let it pass because clearly these characters are deeply flawed and traumatized, and it was written so well.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A group of friends is torn apart by a tragedy and old feelings resurface when a victim decides to publish a memoir.
Oh my goodness, what did I just read? I KNOW THE ANTS is a web of betrayals, sneaky thoughts, heavy topics and grudges that essentially emphasize the shared trauma and the way one personal trauma can haunt people in different ways. With polished prose, Leav digs deep into toxic relationship, belonging, friendship, loss and media toxicity with singular touch through a cast of messy and broken characters. Their shared story is unfolded in a slow burn and introspective plot, stirring a roller coaster of emotions that intensely transported me out from wherever I was reading this story.
I was on my vacation and I was infuriated, heartbroken and honestly quite depressed (is there a way to say in a 'good' way?). The chain of events that build up the mystery keep us on the edge of our seats and I was counting down the pages to find out the answers. Ultimately, it's brutal, cruel and sadistic as Leav unravels the layers of human's vulnerability and darkness.
I KNOW THE ANTS is a raw and harrowing literary thriller that will leave one devastated. It's been a while since I've read a book as powerful and heart-wrenching as this one.
ps: do check the trigger warnings!
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Harper Perennial . All opinions are my own ]
Oh my goodness, what did I just read? I KNOW THE ANTS is a web of betrayals, sneaky thoughts, heavy topics and grudges that essentially emphasize the shared trauma and the way one personal trauma can haunt people in different ways. With polished prose, Leav digs deep into toxic relationship, belonging, friendship, loss and media toxicity with singular touch through a cast of messy and broken characters. Their shared story is unfolded in a slow burn and introspective plot, stirring a roller coaster of emotions that intensely transported me out from wherever I was reading this story.
I was on my vacation and I was infuriated, heartbroken and honestly quite depressed (is there a way to say in a 'good' way?). The chain of events that build up the mystery keep us on the edge of our seats and I was counting down the pages to find out the answers. Ultimately, it's brutal, cruel and sadistic as Leav unravels the layers of human's vulnerability and darkness.
I KNOW THE ANTS is a raw and harrowing literary thriller that will leave one devastated. It's been a while since I've read a book as powerful and heart-wrenching as this one.
ps: do check the trigger warnings!
[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Harper Perennial . All opinions are my own ]
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Fans of deeply atmospheric, slow-burn mysteries that explore the fragile nature of memory and childhood trauma will find this book has so much to offer.
I immediately loved the premise of this story. Mei's estranged childhood best friend publishes a bombshell memoir about a traumatic event from their past, forcing Mei to confront a history she’s spent decades trying to bury. With a decades-old murder reexamined and long-hidden secrets bubbling to the surface, the story takes you deep into the woods behind their old school to uncover the truth.
The author does a truly beautiful job with the atmosphere. It is a haunting, literary exploration of grief and the lasting impact of childhood tragedy. The emotional weight of the characters' pasts is palpable, and the writing itself is incredibly evocative and thoughtful.
Not quite my usual style, as I didn’t fully connect with the characters, but I can absolutely see the appeal for readers who enjoy rich prose and intricate psychological studies. Readers who enjoy authors who unpack the complexities of buried trauma and the unreliability of memory will definitely want to add this beautifully written mystery to their TBR list.
Many thanks to HarperPerennial for the early copy of this book.
I immediately loved the premise of this story. Mei's estranged childhood best friend publishes a bombshell memoir about a traumatic event from their past, forcing Mei to confront a history she’s spent decades trying to bury. With a decades-old murder reexamined and long-hidden secrets bubbling to the surface, the story takes you deep into the woods behind their old school to uncover the truth.
The author does a truly beautiful job with the atmosphere. It is a haunting, literary exploration of grief and the lasting impact of childhood tragedy. The emotional weight of the characters' pasts is palpable, and the writing itself is incredibly evocative and thoughtful.
Not quite my usual style, as I didn’t fully connect with the characters, but I can absolutely see the appeal for readers who enjoy rich prose and intricate psychological studies. Readers who enjoy authors who unpack the complexities of buried trauma and the unreliability of memory will definitely want to add this beautifully written mystery to their TBR list.
Many thanks to HarperPerennial for the early copy of this book.
August 2, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.
This book was amazing, but I really don't know if I'm able to review it very well, because there was simply so much in the novel and it's very difficult to talk about it without spoiling everything. The way in which all these stories are interwoven; all the different traumas and how each of the characters is so deep in their own trauma that they cannot see that of the others; the relationships and how everyone manipulates each other, not always for malicious reason; the interwoven history and politics that aren't all that relevant until they are suddenly very relevant; heritage vs freedom; vulnerability and shame and pride... There's SO MUCH in here and I really really enjoyed every second of this novel, which I read in one single sitting, simply because it's just that good and really keeps you that hooked.
This is a VERY heavy read, which I didn't quite expect as I knew Lang Leav as a poet rather than a novelist, so I would advise readers to look up the triggers, but it's also a very great novel so I definitely just. recommend it to everyone, basically.
This book was amazing, but I really don't know if I'm able to review it very well, because there was simply so much in the novel and it's very difficult to talk about it without spoiling everything. The way in which all these stories are interwoven; all the different traumas and how each of the characters is so deep in their own trauma that they cannot see that of the others; the relationships and how everyone manipulates each other, not always for malicious reason; the interwoven history and politics that aren't all that relevant until they are suddenly very relevant; heritage vs freedom; vulnerability and shame and pride... There's SO MUCH in here and I really really enjoyed every second of this novel, which I read in one single sitting, simply because it's just that good and really keeps you that hooked.
This is a VERY heavy read, which I didn't quite expect as I knew Lang Leav as a poet rather than a novelist, so I would advise readers to look up the triggers, but it's also a very great novel so I definitely just. recommend it to everyone, basically.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you Lang Leav for the early copy 🤍 🐜
This book was chilling and gripping all at the same time.
The story follows a group of friends haunted by a tragic murder mystery from their early teenage years, and years later, we witness how that moment has shaped each of them in vastly different ways.
Despite its darker themes, theres nostalgia woven throughout. Set in Australia, the novel captures a very specific atmosphere of long summers, suburban living, and the unspoken weight carried within immigrant familie. Themes of financial struggle and intergenerational trauma are present, adding depth and realism to the characters experiences.
The book balances tension with introspection, creating a story that feels both eerie and deeply human. To me, it didnt just feel like it was about what happened, but how people live with what happened and how the past has a way of creeping back in, no matter how far you think you’ve moved on
I couldn’t put this book down, it was a very powerful read that i will be thinking about for a while.
This book was chilling and gripping all at the same time.
The story follows a group of friends haunted by a tragic murder mystery from their early teenage years, and years later, we witness how that moment has shaped each of them in vastly different ways.
Despite its darker themes, theres nostalgia woven throughout. Set in Australia, the novel captures a very specific atmosphere of long summers, suburban living, and the unspoken weight carried within immigrant familie. Themes of financial struggle and intergenerational trauma are present, adding depth and realism to the characters experiences.
The book balances tension with introspection, creating a story that feels both eerie and deeply human. To me, it didnt just feel like it was about what happened, but how people live with what happened and how the past has a way of creeping back in, no matter how far you think you’ve moved on
I couldn’t put this book down, it was a very powerful read that i will be thinking about for a while.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of this book for free from the author for promotional purposes.
I’m a huge fan of Lang Leav. I love her poetry and have enjoyed the two novels of hers that I’ve read (Sad Girls and Others Were Emeralds). I think this book is her best novel yet!
The story is part drama exploring grief, trauma, and friendship and part murder mystery. It came together masterfully! The balance between the drama and the mystery was perfect. One aspect did not overshadow the other, nor did it feel like the book was trying to do too much. I really enjoyed the mystery. It had just the right amount of intrigue and was not overly obvious. I was satisfied with how it was resolved.
The characters were complex and flawed. They were far from perfect which made them feel real. The friendship between the girls (aka the Daisy Chain) was so interesting. Each girl was different and had their own distinctive personality.
The writing was beautiful and lyrical which was no surprise. Lang is such a gifted writer and her prose is addicting to read. Every scene felt vividly painted by her prose. She captured the heavy emotions of the characters so brilliantly.
Overall, I loved this one and it will probably end up being one of my top reads of the year!
I’m a huge fan of Lang Leav. I love her poetry and have enjoyed the two novels of hers that I’ve read (Sad Girls and Others Were Emeralds). I think this book is her best novel yet!
The story is part drama exploring grief, trauma, and friendship and part murder mystery. It came together masterfully! The balance between the drama and the mystery was perfect. One aspect did not overshadow the other, nor did it feel like the book was trying to do too much. I really enjoyed the mystery. It had just the right amount of intrigue and was not overly obvious. I was satisfied with how it was resolved.
The characters were complex and flawed. They were far from perfect which made them feel real. The friendship between the girls (aka the Daisy Chain) was so interesting. Each girl was different and had their own distinctive personality.
The writing was beautiful and lyrical which was no surprise. Lang is such a gifted writer and her prose is addicting to read. Every scene felt vividly painted by her prose. She captured the heavy emotions of the characters so brilliantly.
Overall, I loved this one and it will probably end up being one of my top reads of the year!
July 21, 2026
I Know the Ants 📚🐜✨ by Lang Leav is a haunting, beautifully written novel that lingers long after the final page. Part coming-of-age story, part literary mystery, and part exploration of friendship and trauma, this book slowly unravels the secrets of a childhood tragedy while examining how the past continues to shape the people we become.
Leav's poetic background shines through in every chapter. Her prose is lyrical and atmospheric, creating a dreamlike sense of nostalgia that contrasts perfectly with the darker themes woven throughout the story.
What I appreciated most was how deeply human the characters felt. They are flawed, messy, and often difficult to understand, but that only made their struggles feel more authentic. Rather than focusing solely on the mystery itself, the novel explores the emotional aftermath of tragedy and the ways people carry their wounds into adulthood.
A beautifully melancholic novel about friendship, memory, and the truths we spend years trying to uncover. 📚🐜✨
Leav's poetic background shines through in every chapter. Her prose is lyrical and atmospheric, creating a dreamlike sense of nostalgia that contrasts perfectly with the darker themes woven throughout the story.
What I appreciated most was how deeply human the characters felt. They are flawed, messy, and often difficult to understand, but that only made their struggles feel more authentic. Rather than focusing solely on the mystery itself, the novel explores the emotional aftermath of tragedy and the ways people carry their wounds into adulthood.
A beautifully melancholic novel about friendship, memory, and the truths we spend years trying to uncover. 📚🐜✨
August 2, 2026
This was my first book by Lang Leav, and I went into it with pretty high expectations. I absolutely loved the title and the synopsis, and the blend of a coming-of-age story with a literary mystery instantly caught my attention. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint.
One of my favorite things about this novel was its characters. Lang Leav writes people so well!! They feel messy, flawed, and incredibly real. No one is perfect, and everyone is shaped by their own fears, regrets, and past experiences. I was so invested in every relationship, especially Mei's. Even when the characters made frustrating choices, I understood where they were coming from, which made me care about them even more.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. It's atmospheric without feeling overdone, and it perfectly captures the loneliness, confusion, and intensity of growing up. I also loved how the novel explored trauma, grief, friendship, memory, abuse, and the way the media can sensationalize tragedy. It asks difficult questions without giving easy answers, and I really appreciated that.
The middle section was my favorite part of the book. Once the mystery really took off, I genuinely binge-read it because I needed answers. Every chapter revealed another piece of the puzzle, and I loved how the past and present slowly collided. The twists kept me engaged, and even when I started putting things together myself, I still wanted to see how everything would unfold emotionally.
The ending didn't hit me quite as hard as I hoped because I'd already guessed the main twist before it was revealed. That took away some of the shock factor for me. Even so, I still thought the conclusion was satisfying. It stayed true to the emotional heart of the story rather than relying on the mystery alone, and I appreciated that.
All in all, this is a beautifully written coming-of-age mystery with deeply human characters and an emotional core that stayed with me long after I finished. If you enjoy flawed characters, slow-burn mysteries, and stories that explore important themes, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
One of my favorite things about this novel was its characters. Lang Leav writes people so well!! They feel messy, flawed, and incredibly real. No one is perfect, and everyone is shaped by their own fears, regrets, and past experiences. I was so invested in every relationship, especially Mei's. Even when the characters made frustrating choices, I understood where they were coming from, which made me care about them even more.
The writing was absolutely beautiful. It's atmospheric without feeling overdone, and it perfectly captures the loneliness, confusion, and intensity of growing up. I also loved how the novel explored trauma, grief, friendship, memory, abuse, and the way the media can sensationalize tragedy. It asks difficult questions without giving easy answers, and I really appreciated that.
The middle section was my favorite part of the book. Once the mystery really took off, I genuinely binge-read it because I needed answers. Every chapter revealed another piece of the puzzle, and I loved how the past and present slowly collided. The twists kept me engaged, and even when I started putting things together myself, I still wanted to see how everything would unfold emotionally.
The ending didn't hit me quite as hard as I hoped because I'd already guessed the main twist before it was revealed. That took away some of the shock factor for me. Even so, I still thought the conclusion was satisfying. It stayed true to the emotional heart of the story rather than relying on the mystery alone, and I appreciated that.
All in all, this is a beautifully written coming-of-age mystery with deeply human characters and an emotional core that stayed with me long after I finished. If you enjoy flawed characters, slow-burn mysteries, and stories that explore important themes, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up.
Read
August 4, 2026It’s been a little while since I finished this book. It was just one of those books that I needed some distance from it and to sit in my feelings before really being able to write some thoughts on it. It was a mashup of literary fiction and a murder mystery. It was a very slow moving book but one that kept you wanting to know where the story would go next. Most of the characters are flawed and there were plenty of unlikable characters that you kept hoping would be put in their place. It was a heartbreaking book in many ways. It was sad to see how this tragedy affected these young girls and how it was still affecting them as adults. When everything is finally revealed in the end, it broke my heart. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a while. While there is a mystery to uncover, this is a book about friendship, trauma, and grief. It’s definitely a book to check your trigger warnings if you have any.
June 13, 2026
4.5 stars!
I really loved this book. I got sucked into the story and the writing just amplified that. The way the story is portrayed is so attention-grabbing; the deep descriptions, emotion, and darkness all together; but also the a sense of anticipation and suspense for what happened to Soey & her sister added so much to the plot. There’s just so much mystery which really kept me reading.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters dynamics and their hardships. The mystery of what happened to Daiyu and Soey was written out so well and flowed perfectly with the rest of the plot.
This book was such a captivating and intriguing read; a tragic but beautiful book.
I definitely recommend if you love coming-of-age stories, thriller/ mystery, cultural fiction, family drama, friendships, secrets, etc.
I really loved this book. I got sucked into the story and the writing just amplified that. The way the story is portrayed is so attention-grabbing; the deep descriptions, emotion, and darkness all together; but also the a sense of anticipation and suspense for what happened to Soey & her sister added so much to the plot. There’s just so much mystery which really kept me reading.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters dynamics and their hardships. The mystery of what happened to Daiyu and Soey was written out so well and flowed perfectly with the rest of the plot.
This book was such a captivating and intriguing read; a tragic but beautiful book.
I definitely recommend if you love coming-of-age stories, thriller/ mystery, cultural fiction, family drama, friendships, secrets, etc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Harper Perennial for sending me a free advance copy!
4.5 stars
Wow, I’m impressed as I KNOW THE ANTS delivered more than I originally anticipated. As the story progresses, it’s like you are slowly peeling back the layers and getting a better understanding of the characters and the cultural norms and expectations. It’s a thoughtful read and one that brought out a lot of emotions by the end.
I wouldn’t categorize this one as a mystery although the plot is centered around getting answers about a brutal attack that took place years ago. It left one girl, Daiyu, dead and her older sister, Soey, with brain damage. Soey has recently published a book with the hope it will lead to finding the killer. Mei, Soey’s childhood pal, is determined get justice once and for all. But what will she uncover?
There’s so much sadness, pain, and hurt running throughout the story and it breaks your heart. Trauma does a number on people and that’s clearly illustrated in this novel. Mei was a bit challenging to understand in the beginning but as I saw more of her interactions with family and friends and was given context into her life, I better grasped her actions and motivations. It’s a hard read at times, but that’s often the case with stories that leave a meaningful impression.
4.5 stars
Wow, I’m impressed as I KNOW THE ANTS delivered more than I originally anticipated. As the story progresses, it’s like you are slowly peeling back the layers and getting a better understanding of the characters and the cultural norms and expectations. It’s a thoughtful read and one that brought out a lot of emotions by the end.
I wouldn’t categorize this one as a mystery although the plot is centered around getting answers about a brutal attack that took place years ago. It left one girl, Daiyu, dead and her older sister, Soey, with brain damage. Soey has recently published a book with the hope it will lead to finding the killer. Mei, Soey’s childhood pal, is determined get justice once and for all. But what will she uncover?
There’s so much sadness, pain, and hurt running throughout the story and it breaks your heart. Trauma does a number on people and that’s clearly illustrated in this novel. Mei was a bit challenging to understand in the beginning but as I saw more of her interactions with family and friends and was given context into her life, I better grasped her actions and motivations. It’s a hard read at times, but that’s often the case with stories that leave a meaningful impression.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. I’m always going to love gripping stories about mysterious childhood friend groups who grow apart but come back together in adulthood to unearth their pasts!! This was super enjoyable and kept me sucked in the entire time. However, like with a lot of mysteries, I feel like the ending was a little rushed and wrapped up a little too neatly. That’s something I have a problem with in most mysteries/thrillers so it didn’t bother me so much that I wouldn’t recommend. In fact, I absolutely WOULD recommend.
July 19, 2026
Wow a beautifully heartbreaking story that I was not expecting. The tone of the overall book was absolutely captivating & the story felt completely original & fresh. The messaging was deep & impactful. I found Mei frustrating at times but also believe based on her characters history/experiences that those frustrating choices/behaviors lent to her authenticity. So much is packed into this short read, I was really impressed & highly emotionally affected by this book.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
Big thanks to Netgalley & the publisher for allowing me to enjoy this.
July 22, 2026
I really enjoyed I Know the Ants. This was my first Lang Leav book, and I was completely invested in the Daisy Chain girls and their complicated history. The secrets, friendships, and ripple effect of past choices kept me guessing until the end.
I switched to the audiobook halfway through, which helped me stay immersed in the story. I loved seeing how everything connected and how the small details from the characters pasts became meaningful later on. A memorable read with plenty of twists and emotions.
I switched to the audiobook halfway through, which helped me stay immersed in the story. I loved seeing how everything connected and how the small details from the characters pasts became meaningful later on. A memorable read with plenty of twists and emotions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At times, this felt like a soap opera with the amount of drama Mei was navigating, but I appreciated what it had to say about trauma, memory, and friendship.
I liked how it questioned our tendency to romanticize the past instead of confronting the harm it caused. One traumatic event can ripple through an entire friend group, with each person carrying a different version of what happened and what it meant.
I liked how it questioned our tendency to romanticize the past instead of confronting the harm it caused. One traumatic event can ripple through an entire friend group, with each person carrying a different version of what happened and what it meant.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
I Know the Ants was a mysterious book with a lot of twists and turns I did not expect. It ends in a beautiful but absolutely devastating way that I think did a really good job of tying everything together and explaining a lot of the odd behavior of some of the characters.
tw: physical abuse, mild explicit content, sexual abuse, mentions of sexual abuse of minors
tw: physical abuse, mild explicit content, sexual abuse, mentions of sexual abuse of minors
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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