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Irish Dingo

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Irish Dingo is the chilling debut novel by Jeanette Shō, a psychological thriller steeped in soft horror and unanswered questions.

Kyle Casper Andersen is a confessed serial killer. He has admitted to dozens of murders - every one of them in meticulous detail - except one: the murder of Mayrin, the beloved wife of Robert Madeline.

Robert Madeline is not a man who knows restraint. He is driven by vengeance sharpened into purpose, ruled by obsession rather than reason. For Robert, truth is not something to be discovered - it is something to be extracted, no matter the cost.

Determined to uncover what happened to his wife, Robert takes Kyle on a brutal journey through the landscapes of his past crimes. One location at a time. One memory at a time. A physical descent into violence, guilt, and fractured truth - designed to break Kyle and force the answer out of him.

But as the line between memory and manipulation blurs, one question grows louder:
Is Mayrin truly dead - or is the truth something far more disturbing?

A dark, intimate thriller about obsession, control, and the lies we tell ourselves, Irish Dingo will linger long after the final page.

281 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2026

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About the author

Jeanette Shō

1 book9 followers
Jeanette Shō is a thriller and soft-horror author whose work delves into criminal motives and the inner worlds of the human mind.
Her debut thriller, Irish Dingo, explores the thin line between sanity and obsession, uncovering thoughts and impulses most people keep buried within.

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5 stars
16 (48%)
4 stars
9 (27%)
3 stars
5 (15%)
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1 (3%)
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2 (6%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for Lady Georgette (ieatpagesforbreakfast).
207 reviews9 followers
August 9, 2026
• BOOK REVIEW •

Date : 9th August 2026
Book : Irish Dingo
Author : Jeanette Shō
Genre : Psychological Thriller

This book gave me trust issues😂 The amount of manipulation and anxiety I had was intense as I was constantly trying to guess who was telling the truth and who’s actually in control.

This is about Kyle, a man who has admitted all of his past crimes. Well, I guess all except for one.. the disappearance of a woman named Mayrin. Her husband is grieving her and has no doubt in his mind Kyle is behind it, so he brings him to all of the crime sites to find out the truth.

Thank you to the author for reaching out to me months ago to read her work. I’m glad I finally got in the mood to give this book my undivided attention and for allowing me to give my honest thoughts on it. If you want a good read on mind games, then this one should definitely be added to you TBR, my dear friends.✨
Profile Image for Cheyenne Joy Mijdam.
384 reviews23 followers
June 19, 2026
Personal Copy Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Irish Dingo by Jeanette Shō
Published: February 2026

First, thank you Jeanette for trusting me with this story and for temporarily turning my brain into a washing machine set to the most aggressive cycle.

This book and I had a slightly complicated relationship in the beginning. It took me a little while to fully settle into it. The shifting timelines occasionally had my already questionable sense of direction wandering off into the woods without supervision. Some chapters felt incredibly precise and deliberate, while others felt almost chaotic. Maybe that was intentional. Maybe it was meant to reflect the minds we were trapped inside. Either way, for me it sometimes interrupted the flow and made me work harder to stay connected to the story. That’s the main reason this sits at four stars instead of five.

Now that I’ve said that, please lower your pitchforks.

Because once this story gets its claws into you, it does not let go.

This isn’t a thriller that relies on shock value alone. It’s a slow descent into damaged minds, unhealthy obsessions, buried trauma, and the dangerous stories people tell themselves to justify the things they do. The psychological manipulation woven through these pages is unsettling in the best possible way. Every layer you peel back reveals something darker underneath.

The husband fascinated me. Watching his desperate search for his missing wife felt like witnessing someone slowly walk deeper into a maze while convincing himself he’s still heading toward the exit. The more answers he needed, the further he was willing to go, and somehow he remained convinced his intentions were pure. Those are always the dangerous ones, aren’t they?

Then there’s the serial killer.

And honestly, that’s where this book really sank its teeth into me.

The glimpses into his childhood, his fears, the moments that shaped him into who he became—none of it felt like an excuse. It simply existed there in all its uncomfortable complexity. No finger-pointing. No neat explanations. Just a trail of wounds, choices, and consequences leading somewhere dark. And at the center of it all stands a woman both men seem to love, need, or perhaps simply claim as their own.

Do they actually care for her?

That’s the question that kept circling my head.

The ending hit me when I wasn’t looking. One of those moments where you stop reading for a second because your brain needs to catch up with what just happened. I actually sat there staring at the page for a moment, wondering if the book had just pulled the rug out from under me or if I’d willingly handed it the rug several chapters ago.

If you’re a fellow psychological damage goblin who enjoys crawling through the darkest corners of fictional minds, if you love morally questionable characters, twisted obsessions, and stories that leave you feeling slightly uncomfortable in your own skin, then I absolutely recommend this one.

Just don’t blame me when artists start making you nervous afterward. Some “paintings” are portraits.

Others are confessions.
Profile Image for Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales.
381 reviews17 followers
June 8, 2026
★★★★

“Kyle would never feel Rob's sorrow, his pain, or his loss, nor the burning desire for revenge simmering within him. No amount of torture would make Kyle feel those things. Therefore, the situation would never be fair - there would always be that missing piece, tormenting the one seeking vengeance. So, what was the point of striving for fairness?”

Kyle Kasper Andersen is a confessed serial killer. His victims seem as random as the souvenirs he takes from them. He has admitted to dozens of murders and has been sentenced to multiple life terms for his crimes. Yet there is one presumed victim whose fate remains unknown. Dead or alive, no one knows what happened to Mayrin Madeline. Kyle insists he didn't kill her. Is it a rare moment of honesty, or simply one final taunt from a deeply disturbed mind?

What a debut!

Kyle Kasper Andersen is both a chilling and fascinating character. Throughout the novel, readers are given glimpses into his childhood, raising the age-old question: nature or nurture? There is plenty to unpack as you piece together the events that shaped him.

The mystery surrounding Mayrin immediately hooked me. Where is she? Is she still alive? And why won't Kyle admit to killing her when he seemingly has nothing left to lose? His life is effectively over, yet perhaps there is some twisted satisfaction in watching Mayrin's husband, Robert, continue to suffer in uncertainty. After all, Kyle is not a man who thinks like the rest of us…

I don't want to reveal too much, but this story takes two or three sharp and completely unexpected turns. The ending, in particular, caught me entirely off guard. If you're a snacker while you read (like I am), you may want to set the snacks aside during some of the gorier scenes. While this falls more into the realm of soft horror than outright horror, there are a few graphic moments that might test your appetite. There are no paranormal elements here. The true horror comes from the very real darkness people are capable of inflicting on one another.

If you enjoy dark, gritty psychological thrillers with a touch of gore and plenty of twists, I highly recommend giving this one a try. As a bonus, you'll also be supporting an indie author. Thank you Jeanette Shō for a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Chellsvibes.
171 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2026

Some thrillers are about solving a mystery. Irish Dingo was about understanding the mind behind it.

This story follows a man searching for answers as he forces a confessed serial killer to revisit the places connected to his past. What unfolds is a psychological journey filled with trauma, manipulation, memories, and the search for the truth.

What I loved most was how the story made me question everything. It wasn’t just about what happened, but why it happened and how differently people can see the same events. The psychological depth kept me completely invested, and the ending had me rethinking everything I’d read.

If you enjoy thrillers that are more psychological than action-packed and leave you thinking long after you’ve finished, I highly recommend giving this debut novel a chance.


https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTAeBmxVx/
1 review1 follower
Read
March 2, 2026
Loved the book.

Even as a huge fan of unreliable narrators, I really didn't know how to categorize Kyle - it's not that he's UNRELIABLE, per se, it's just that he's a nutjob and fully thinks of himself as sane, rational and reasonable. I LOVED reading his POV, it was incredibly compelling.

All the characters are very complex, which is always a pleasure to read, and the unique mix of thriller elements + the absolute absurdity of the accompanying humor was PERFECT.

A very fun read!


Profile Image for Alexis Mae.
28 reviews
March 27, 2026
This book had me on edge the entire time. It genuinely felt like living rent-free inside a serial killer’s mind — unsettling, tense, and impossible to look away from. What made it even more gripping was the constant feeling of not knowing where Kyle's journey with Rob was leading. Every chapter added another layer, and I kept second-guessing everything I thought I understood.

One thing that really stood out to me was Kyle’s POV. Despite him being a serial killer — and someone whose mind you naturally shouldn’t trust — his perspective was surprisingly poetic. I loved how he viewed the world and how he appreciated beauty, even if his ways of expressing that appreciation were… unsettling. That contrast made his character even more fascinating and added depth to the psychological aspect of the story.

Their journey itself was tough and intense, but in the best way. The tension never really let up, and just when I thought I had a sense of direction, the story would shift again. By the time I reached the ending, I was completely hooked — and honestly, it’s the kind of ending that lingers and might even haunt you in your sleep.

I also loved how the chapters were arranged. The timeline descriptions were witty and clever, adding personality while still helping ground the reader in the progression of events. It’s such a small detail, but it made the reading experience even more immersive.

Overall, this was a dark, psychological ride that kept me engaged from beginning to end. No spoilers, but if you enjoy thrillers that put you deep inside complicated and unsettling minds — this one is definitely worth reading.

Special thanks again to the author, Ms. Jeanette Shō for reaching out and for letting me read her masterpiece! Keep on writing! :)
Profile Image for b..
153 reviews26 followers
March 24, 2026
“In every story, every poem, the beautiful sea is depicted as calm – its surface still, or at most gently rippling, glittering playfully under the sun. Yet in a storm, when its face is torn apart, its waves heaving and crashing with jagged force, it is no longer called beautiful. Then it is described as sinister, ominous. Perhaps inspiring, perhaps magnificent, but never beautiful.”

I thought I knew where the story was heading. I thought this was just like the thrillers I’ve read, that I was prepare for the darkness but BOY I WAS WRONG.

The cat and mouse game between Robert and Kyle was enough for me to keep on reading, enough to build the tension I need. Mind you, I’m not even a fan of third person POVs but this one got me hooked.

I won’t spoil this. But the way the truth was finally revealed was gut-wrenchingly french kiss.

It’s surprising and haunting. It’s beautiful, dark, twisted, and tragic. I’m honestly speechless.

I don’t think I’d pick up this type of thriller anytime soon (speaking in a good way, of course).

If you want a book that will leave you sitting in silence after you finish the last page, I think this is it.

Thank you, Jeanette, for giving me a free copy in exchange for this review. I appreciate this opportunity. Congratulations on such a successful debut!
Profile Image for Kim Layman.
271 reviews14 followers
May 7, 2026
In this book, we meet Kyle Kasper Anderson, a sociopathic and cunning individual, who has confessed to all of his murders but one. Opposite him is Robert Madeline, the cop who is convinced he has killed a woman named Mayrin, and he won’t stop until he gets him to confess. But did Kyle kill her?

This book kicks off right away with an interrogation and moves quickly into a game of cat and mouse. Woven through four this game is flashbacks to Kyle’s interactions with his victims, and how he killed them. It’s very reminiscent of the movie Seven. You also see flashbacks of Kyle’s childhood, and how what he experienced was instrumental is shaping who he became.

There is a lot of back and forth in this story that keep the reader on their toes. What story is this? Who is the person we’re talking about? How did Kyle end up here? And will Kyle figure out the rules to Rob’s game, and play it correctly? Nobody is who they seem to be, and Kyle knows he’s being watched everywhere he goes. The dynamic creates a palpable tension that builds as the story progresses and leading to the answer to the main question: where is Mayrin?

This novel is as engaging as it is suspenseful. I never knew where this story was heading or how it would play out. It didn’t disappoint, and the ending was fitting. Mystery/thriller fans, this is your next must read. 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Josette Thomas.
1,371 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2026
I was not prepared for how this book was going to affect me. From the opening chapter to the jaw dropping end; I was drawn into the world of a true sociopath. The question of nurture vs. nature was very evident when reading about Kyle. His early life was horrific plus he had all the signs of no empathy or attachment to anything living. When he did get some sort of feeling from controlling his life; it was easy for him to slide into the darker side of his humanity. I enjoyed the book being written from past tense to the present. The timeline truly made each character more real. I was completely horrified at Kyle’s lack of feelings or empathy towards his victims. Kyle did not feel remorse for any of his actions. All he cared about was his comfort, his interests and everyone else had to fit into his space. His obsession with perfection was his ultimate downfall or triumph? I was so involved into the reading of the relationship between Rob, Marin and Kyle that the ending snuck up on me and I was shocked! As in mouth open in shock and jaw on the floor from how this story came to a close. This truly had a shocking twist. I never saw this outcome coming. If you like truly terrifying and shocking stories then this is. the book for you. Thank you Jeanette Sho for the recommendation.
Profile Image for Carissa.
21 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2026
Irish Dingo by Jeanette Sho is a dark psychological thriller that follows confessed serial killer Kyle Casper Andersen, who has admitted to every murder except one—that of Mayrin, the wife of Robert Madeline. Obsessed with uncovering the truth, Robert forces Kyle to revisit the scenes of his past crimes in a brutal search for answers. As memories blur with manipulation, the mystery deepens: is Mayrin really dead, or is the truth even more disturbing?

I found the first half of this book a bit difficult to get into. The frequent shifts in timeline and the chaotic structure often felt like stepping directly into Kyle Casper Andersen’s fractured mind, which was intentionally disorienting but took some time to adjust to. I’m really glad I stuck with it because the second half completely hooked me. Without giving too much away, Irish Dingo reminded me of the film Se7en, with its dark atmosphere, psychological tension, and some intriguing parallels. It left me thinking long after I finished the final page.

3.5 ⭐️
85 reviews
March 31, 2026
This book completely pulled me in from the start. It had that perfect mix of tension, dark humor, and psychological depth that made it impossible to put down.

Kyle as a narrator was honestly fascinating. He’s not your typical “unreliable narrator,” but more someone who genuinely believes he’s rational and justified which somehow makes everything even more unsettling. I loved being inside his head, even when it felt uncomfortable.

The characters all felt layered and complex, and the dynamic between them kept me constantly questioning what was really going on. Every chapter added something new, and I never fully knew what to expect next.

What really stood out to me was the balance between thriller elements and that almost absurd, dark humor. It made the story feel unique and gave it a personality that stuck with me.

Overall, such a gripping and entertaining read definitely recommend if you enjoy psychological thrillers with a twist and a strong narrative voice.
Profile Image for Sophie Chapman.
2 reviews
April 13, 2026
For a start, the description and writing for Irish Dingo is so compelling yet easy to read. Being inside such a twisted mind is one of my favourite concepts for a book and this is done so well! Kyle as a main character is so entertaining and complex and shows new layers of himself in every chapter. All of the characters are deep and well written and you truly feel like you know them while reading. The changes in the timeline create a mysterious and captivating storyline unlocking parts of the past and creating some great twists. We see multiple perspectives and never truly know what is going to happen next with these unpredictable and dark characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a dark and twisty thriller with characters that you don’t know whether you should love or hate them.
1 review
May 1, 2026
This book was a 5 star read for me!
It closely follows Kyle who is a serial killer collecting 'parts' for his 'project. The lengths he goes to get these parts is unexpected!
I loved the cat and mouse between Kyle and Rob, not knowing who was realistically one step ahead of the other.
The book is so well written and was incredibly captivating, so much so l found myself wanting to read over doing other important things. I was continually thinking about this book and what was going to happen.
The plot is amazing the ending was so good! I wasn't expecting it to end like that!! The final 20% went so quickly, and the plot twists were great!!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely suggest it to anyone that loves a thriller!!
Profile Image for Joe.
1 review
July 10, 2026
☆ 3.8/5

Irish Dingo took me a little while to get into because of the shifting timelines and POVs, and I found myself a bit confused in the beginning. But once everything started connecting, I was hooked.

Kyle Casper Andersen was easily my favorite part of the book. He's such a fascinating character because he sees himself as an artist rather than a serial killer, and getting inside his mind was both disturbing and compelling. I also loved the psychological battle between Kyle and Rob—it kept me turning the pages.

The ending definitely caught me off guard and left me thinking long after I finished. It gave me gritty, psychological Se7en vibes, which I really enjoyed.

If you're into slow-burn psychological thrillers, morally gray characters, and supporting indie authors, I'd definitely recommend giving this one a try.

Thank you, Jeanette Shō, for trusting me with my first author collaboration. It truly means a lot. 🤍
Profile Image for Moevans_reads.
58 reviews
August 5, 2026
I am still trying to process what actually happened…

If you want a book that is going to leave you staring at the wall for a good couple hours then this is the book for you. There was so much intense foreshadowing in this book but yet so much was left for the reader to interpret on their own and yet I am still sitting here trying to process what the heck I even just read. I feel like this book had me in a literal chock hold and left me feeling uncomfortable but yet satisfied all at the same time. I honestly don’t know what to think of this book.
1 review
April 9, 2026
The book was intense, weaving together the present and the past. Kyle’s mother, BTW, is really crazy. 🤦🏻‍♀️ The intensity of the violence often left me needing a break to process Kyle's impulsive choices. For new readers, the violence can be shocking and may linger for weeks. I thought I had the ending figured out, but it surprised me—you will never expect it, 🙈 and it may haunt you like, 'WTF?'

The unexpected ending really left me in awe. ✨
Profile Image for queenitee.
15 reviews
August 2, 2026
This book was a great read. For someone who enjoy a psychological thriller a lot, it didn’t disappoint. It messed with my mind and that’s exactly how I love my thrillers. I was on edge all through and I couldn’t drop it till I finished.

Also made me realize how quickly you can move from seeking from one thing to getting into another that you didn’t even budget for.
1 review
March 22, 2026
Great book!

Absolutely loved this book!
It was engaging, thought-provoking, and beautifully written from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down and will definitely be recommending it to everyone!
Profile Image for Wendy Rose.
1 review
March 24, 2026
I read this so quickly because it was so interesting! Hard to put down I just wanted to know what happened next! I recommend it!
Profile Image for Mandy.
640 reviews37 followers
June 13, 2026
A tense and atmospheric debut, Irish Dingo excels at creating uncertainty and dread. Jeanette Shō’s writing draws you into a world where every answer raises a more disturbing question.
Profile Image for Scarlett.
1 review
August 7, 2026
great thriller

The book starts a bit slow, but once you get into it it's easy to follow. The storyline is great with dark psychological concept and the characters are well explained. Author did a great job with all the descriptive details. The ending was something very unexpected and twisted. Would definitely recommend reading it if you enjoy a good thriller with mystery elements and something that keeps you on the edge.
1 review
March 20, 2026
Irish Dingo is a fast paced thriller I could not put down.
Kyle is a serial killer who confessed to all of his murders, except for one, which is the mystery of the book- why would he deny the murder of Mayrin?
The book is told from Kyle's POV and yet the reason is not clear until the end, and I did NOT expect that ending!
1 review1 follower
May 31, 2026
AMAZING!!! A new definition of PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER.

This one messed up my mind i still have anxiety and trust issues.

I really thought i have it all figured out but damn! i have been questioning every single one's motives.

The MANIPULATION?! the OBSESSION?! the REVELATION?!! WHO?!! WHAT?!! the entire time!

NO SPOILERS IN HERE JUST READ IT ALREADY!!!!
Profile Image for Ali  O.
1,057 reviews58 followers
April 19, 2026
Irish Dingo by Jeanette Sho
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a wild and dark psychological thriller!
I was hooked quickly and the gripping storyline kept me engaged all the way through!! The book is full of twists and surprises!
The story focuses on Kyle, who is a serial killer. One of his kills was Robert’s wife and Robert will not rest until he gets the truth about what happened to his wife. He’s willing to do whatever it takes for answers!

The timeline bounces between past and present events, which makes it extra entertaining. The story is well written and there’s excellent character development.

This is the authors debut novel and I’m floored at how great of a book it is for her first one!

**A definite must read! Check it out!!**
Profile Image for Anisha Choudhury |  A Literary Autopsy.
262 reviews8 followers
March 16, 2026
Irish Dingo is a psychological thriller with a premise that immediately hooks you: a serial killer who has confessed to every crime except the one that haunts the man hunting him. The psychological tug-of-war between Kyle Kasper Andersen and Robert Madeline is the heart of this book, and when that tension is at the forefront, the story is incredibly compelling.

The character of Kyle is easily the highlight. He operates with a detached, chillingly consistent logic that makes his perspective fascinating to follow. However, the novel does experience some pacing issues in the middle, and while the central mystery is strong, I felt that Robert’s character lacked some of the psychological layers needed to truly match Kyle's intensity.

Jeanette Shō has a very distinct voice and a knack for atmosphere—even if the blend of absurdist humor and dread didn't always land for me, it was a bold swing that shows a lot of promise. A solid choice for fans of dark, character-driven thrillers.
Profile Image for Helpihaveabookproblem .
3 reviews
June 3, 2026
This book was a wild ride. 🤯🐺🔪

Kyle is one of the most fascinating characters I’ve read in a long time. He’s not your typical unreliable narrator—he genuinely believes he’s the sane one. 😳 Being inside his head was disturbing, captivating, and impossible to look away from.

The tension never lets up, and I spent the entire book wondering where Kyle and Rob’s journey was headed. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story would surprise me again. 😅

I also loved the dark humor woven throughout the story and the surprisingly poetic way Kyle viewed the world. 🌙✨ It made him even more unsettling and memorable.

And that ending… 😱 No spoilers, but it’s the kind that sticks with you long after you finish.

Huge thanks to Jeanette Shō for the opportunity to read this one! ❤️

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Jennifer Bendel.
304 reviews126 followers
June 24, 2026
I really liked the main idea for the book but it just didn’t meet expectations. At first it was hard to follow, then as I got used to the back and forth, the book seemed to drag. The end had potential to be epic and it ended up being disappointing. While the book wasn’t for me, it was a very unique idea that others may like.
Profile Image for Jenna.
125 reviews2 followers
July 28, 2026
I loved the concept of this. It has great potential, but this wasn't for me. I did have to DNF it. I love a good thriller and a serial killer who admits to all his murders a detective/husband of the remaining victim breaks ever law possible. I was just so confused by what was going on. It was just hard to read and understand for me.
Profile Image for Nicole.
16 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2026
Irish Dingo is a short thriller that somehow fits so much into 283 pages It’s not my usual type of thriller, but I still found myself drawn in. The frequent time jumps at the beginning of chapters left me confused at times, and it took me a little while to get my bearings. Around the 50% mark, though, the story really hit its stride. The tension picked up, the pieces started falling into place, and I found myself much more invested in the characters and where things were heading.
And the ending...I won’t spoil anything, but I genuinely didn’t expect the story to go the way that it did. If you love supporting indie authors I would definitely give this thriller a go.
Profile Image for Belle.
49 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2026
Great read! Kept me entertained throughout and could not put it down. 🥰
Very easy to read and no plot holes, and very intriguing characters!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews