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Like, Follow, Die
'Deeply empathetic and profoundly unsettling, this is contemporary crime fiction at its finest' - Dinuka McKenzie
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door on a rainy morning, she knows why. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could anyone have prevented it?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is grappling with his own personal crisis both at home and at work. Torn between his duties and a growing sympathy for Corinne, Kyle must decide how far he's willing to go to help her.
We Need to Talk About Kevin meets None of This Is True in this shattering and provocative psychological thriller that dives into the darkest corners of the internet and the powerful bonds between parents and children, from the bestselling author of Dark Mode.
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door on a rainy morning, she knows why. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could anyone have prevented it?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is grappling with his own personal crisis both at home and at work. Torn between his duties and a growing sympathy for Corinne, Kyle must decide how far he's willing to go to help her.
We Need to Talk About Kevin meets None of This Is True in this shattering and provocative psychological thriller that dives into the darkest corners of the internet and the powerful bonds between parents and children, from the bestselling author of Dark Mode.
400 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
30 people are currently reading
292 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
10 books179 followers
Ashley Kalagian Blunt
is an author, speaker and podcaster. Her number one bestselling psychological thriller, Dark Mode, was published in Australia/NZ, the UK, South Korea and Germany. It was shortlisted for the 2024 ABIA General Fiction Book of the Year, the Ned Kelly Awards and the Danger Awards.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth, which was also shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Novel, and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
Her latest thrillers are Cold Truth, which was also shortlisted for the Ned Kelly Award for Best Crime Novel, and Like, Follow, Die.
She has two earlier books, How to Be Australian, a memoir, and My Name Is Revenge, a thriller novella and collected essays. Her writing appears widely across Australian and international publications.
Ashley is a frequent speaker and panel moderator, and co-hosts James and Ashley Stay at Home, a podcast about writing, creativity and health. She has taught creative writing across Australia. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in South Korea, Peru and Mexico.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
February 28, 2026
“Every parent believes they know their child. Until the moment they realise how much they don’t.”
Like, Follow, Die is one of those reads that feels eerily plausible, the kind where you keep thinking, this could happen anywhere, to anyone. From the very first knock on Corinne’s door, there’s this quiet sense of dread that hums underneath everything, and it only grows stronger as the story unfolds.
What I loved most is how deeply human this novel is. At its heart, it’s about a mother trying to understand her child, a detective navigating empathy alongside duty, and a teenager searching for connection in all the wrong places. It would have been easy for this story to become sensational, but instead it’s thoughtful, compassionate, and incredibly nuanced.
The pacing is beautifully controlled, a slow burn that lets tension seep into your bones rather than explode on the page. Every revelation lands with emotional weight, and the shifting perspectives add layers that kept me completely invested.
The themes… wow. Loneliness, belonging, identity, the internet’s shadowy corners, and the fragile threads between parents and children. It’s confronting without being heavy handed, and reflective without losing that gripping narrative pull.
I finished this feeling unsettled in the best possible way, thoughtful, a little heart sore, and very impressed.
At this point, I’ll read anything Ashley Kalagian Blunt writes. I’ve loved every one of her books, and Like, Follow, Die just cements that admiration even more.
My Highest Recommendation.
Congratulations Ashley!
Thank you Ultimo Press for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
Like, Follow, Die is one of those reads that feels eerily plausible, the kind where you keep thinking, this could happen anywhere, to anyone. From the very first knock on Corinne’s door, there’s this quiet sense of dread that hums underneath everything, and it only grows stronger as the story unfolds.
What I loved most is how deeply human this novel is. At its heart, it’s about a mother trying to understand her child, a detective navigating empathy alongside duty, and a teenager searching for connection in all the wrong places. It would have been easy for this story to become sensational, but instead it’s thoughtful, compassionate, and incredibly nuanced.
The pacing is beautifully controlled, a slow burn that lets tension seep into your bones rather than explode on the page. Every revelation lands with emotional weight, and the shifting perspectives add layers that kept me completely invested.
The themes… wow. Loneliness, belonging, identity, the internet’s shadowy corners, and the fragile threads between parents and children. It’s confronting without being heavy handed, and reflective without losing that gripping narrative pull.
I finished this feeling unsettled in the best possible way, thoughtful, a little heart sore, and very impressed.
At this point, I’ll read anything Ashley Kalagian Blunt writes. I’ve loved every one of her books, and Like, Follow, Die just cements that admiration even more.
My Highest Recommendation.
Congratulations Ashley!
Thank you Ultimo Press for my early readers copy.
Available Now!
February 23, 2026
Where do I even start Ashley Kalagian Blunt? Like Follow Die is an audible exclusive that shocks. It is absolutely brilliant, perfect for audio and would make a fantastic Netflix series. We need to make this happen!
Trust me when I say that this book will make you uncomfortable. It felt like a ripped from the headlines story, one that could very easily happen in today’s world. Ben goes from a champion swimmer and history enthusiast at 12 to something so dark and scary . The only son to single mother Corrine, his online activity sees him dealing with some really unscrupulous people, changing his perception on the world and women.
It is a hard story to explain without spoilers. It is told through the eyes of Ben as he grows up, his mother Corrine and police detective Kyle. It is dark, emotional and frightening. It made m cry, it made me angry.
The cast of narrators, including the fabulous Claudia Karvan, were amazing. At times I forgot it was fiction, it was so realistic. If you have an Audible account you need to read this book. If you don’t have one you need one. You really don’t want to miss this book. I can’t recommend it more, honest, Ashley has outdone herself here. Brilliant!!
Trust me when I say that this book will make you uncomfortable. It felt like a ripped from the headlines story, one that could very easily happen in today’s world. Ben goes from a champion swimmer and history enthusiast at 12 to something so dark and scary . The only son to single mother Corrine, his online activity sees him dealing with some really unscrupulous people, changing his perception on the world and women.
It is a hard story to explain without spoilers. It is told through the eyes of Ben as he grows up, his mother Corrine and police detective Kyle. It is dark, emotional and frightening. It made m cry, it made me angry.
The cast of narrators, including the fabulous Claudia Karvan, were amazing. At times I forgot it was fiction, it was so realistic. If you have an Audible account you need to read this book. If you don’t have one you need one. You really don’t want to miss this book. I can’t recommend it more, honest, Ashley has outdone herself here. Brilliant!!
June 12, 2025
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibes: Dark Web Drama, Tech Thriller
- - -
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has officially cemented her status as the queen of dark web thrillers. If Dark Mode gave you the creeps in all the right ways (5 stars from me ⭐️) then Like, Follow, Die takes that unease and turns it all the way up.
This Audible exclusive was perfectly timed as I decided to dive back into fiction audio. It came complete with a full cast of narrators who brought the story to life through news bulletins, police reports and multiple points of view that made it feel frighteningly real. The production alone deserves a round of applause.
The story digs into the underbelly of online life from manipulative online forums, dangerous ideas and how fragile identity and morality can become behind a screen. It’s dark, twisty and intense. I often found myself asking ‘how does Ashley even come up with this level of crazy?’ until I remembered she didn’t make it all up. It really happens. That’s the truly terrifying part.
This story had as many controversial topics as it did twists and turns. From gender misogyny, narcissism, gun violence and the heartbreaking guilt placed upon the mother, it was a very large reality check at how a young life can be so dramatically changed by life experiences and the views and influence of others. As a parent especially it’s not easy listening but it is essential.
If you want a gripping, thought provoking thriller that makes you side eye every online interaction and question your digital footprint, this one’s for you. Think The Mires by Tina Makereti but with a tech noir twist.
Vibes: Dark Web Drama, Tech Thriller
- - -
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has officially cemented her status as the queen of dark web thrillers. If Dark Mode gave you the creeps in all the right ways (5 stars from me ⭐️) then Like, Follow, Die takes that unease and turns it all the way up.
This Audible exclusive was perfectly timed as I decided to dive back into fiction audio. It came complete with a full cast of narrators who brought the story to life through news bulletins, police reports and multiple points of view that made it feel frighteningly real. The production alone deserves a round of applause.
The story digs into the underbelly of online life from manipulative online forums, dangerous ideas and how fragile identity and morality can become behind a screen. It’s dark, twisty and intense. I often found myself asking ‘how does Ashley even come up with this level of crazy?’ until I remembered she didn’t make it all up. It really happens. That’s the truly terrifying part.
This story had as many controversial topics as it did twists and turns. From gender misogyny, narcissism, gun violence and the heartbreaking guilt placed upon the mother, it was a very large reality check at how a young life can be so dramatically changed by life experiences and the views and influence of others. As a parent especially it’s not easy listening but it is essential.
If you want a gripping, thought provoking thriller that makes you side eye every online interaction and question your digital footprint, this one’s for you. Think The Mires by Tina Makereti but with a tech noir twist.
June 3, 2025
Like, Follow, Die echoes the sharp lens of Ashley’s bestseller Dark Mode, delving deep into the growing concerns around online misogynistic groups, and the chilling impact these forces can have on today's impressionable youth.
The journal chapters, written by Ben between the ages of 12 and 19, are especially haunting. You can hear the shift in his voice as he ages, each entry pulling you further into the unravelling mind of a lonely and struggling teen. The emotional descent feels disturbingly real and lends weight to the theory that the more isolated someone feels, the easier they are to manipulate. It pushes readers to consider a compelling third factor in the age-old Nature vs. Nurture debate: Influence, particularly that of the digital world.
Detective Kyle Nazarian’s chapters play the pivotal role of grounding the narrative in a procedural reality. Amid the psychological tension and converging timelines, these chapters serve as a reminder that at the root of the story lies a chilling unsolved double murder. The investigation threads suspense throughout, keeping the reader guessing, and doubting, at every turn.
When the bombshell dropped two-thirds of the way through, it left me breathless. I won’t spoil it, but it taps into one of my deepest fears. It also changed the trajectory of the story from this point forward.
If this book makes you uncomfortable, it’s because the threat is very real. As a mother of a teenage son, I felt an almost primal urge to audit his digital life after listening to it. I felt myself deeply empathising with Corrine, even when her actions and choices challenged my sense of morality. That’s the power of Ashley’s writing, it tugs at your conscience and evokes emotions you didn’t expect to confront. If one thing had been different, would it have changed everything?
It should come as no surprise that I binge-listened to this on release day. The cast and audio production was phenomenal, and I may have just sent my play-by-play reactions to Ashley as the day progressed 🤣.
It's an easy 5 stars from this Front Row Bandit 🙌🏼
The journal chapters, written by Ben between the ages of 12 and 19, are especially haunting. You can hear the shift in his voice as he ages, each entry pulling you further into the unravelling mind of a lonely and struggling teen. The emotional descent feels disturbingly real and lends weight to the theory that the more isolated someone feels, the easier they are to manipulate. It pushes readers to consider a compelling third factor in the age-old Nature vs. Nurture debate: Influence, particularly that of the digital world.
Detective Kyle Nazarian’s chapters play the pivotal role of grounding the narrative in a procedural reality. Amid the psychological tension and converging timelines, these chapters serve as a reminder that at the root of the story lies a chilling unsolved double murder. The investigation threads suspense throughout, keeping the reader guessing, and doubting, at every turn.
When the bombshell dropped two-thirds of the way through, it left me breathless. I won’t spoil it, but it taps into one of my deepest fears. It also changed the trajectory of the story from this point forward.
If this book makes you uncomfortable, it’s because the threat is very real. As a mother of a teenage son, I felt an almost primal urge to audit his digital life after listening to it. I felt myself deeply empathising with Corrine, even when her actions and choices challenged my sense of morality. That’s the power of Ashley’s writing, it tugs at your conscience and evokes emotions you didn’t expect to confront. If one thing had been different, would it have changed everything?
It should come as no surprise that I binge-listened to this on release day. The cast and audio production was phenomenal, and I may have just sent my play-by-play reactions to Ashley as the day progressed 🤣.
It's an easy 5 stars from this Front Row Bandit 🙌🏼
August 5, 2025
And that’s how you write a psychological thriller!! The hook for once was absolutely spot on - None of This is True meets Adolescence! Ashley is the absolute queen of dark web thrillers. It was so twisted and chilling, my jaw was on the FLOOR.
July 9, 2025
Wow! Like, Follow, Die has truly placed Ashleigh onto my list of my auto-buy authors!
As with her highly acclaimed previous novel, Dark Mode , Kalagian Blunt once again deep dives into the chilling world of social media and online influencers. She doesn't hold back on the scary truths, drawing real life inspiration from crimes committed and stories of people who have been radicalised in one way or another. It is a sad story of how quickly our youth can be influenced and manipulated online.
I especially loved the journal entry chapters. It showed how Ben's thinking and attitude changed over the course of his teenage years and how different things in his life unfortunately, and unbeknownst to his mother, slowly pushed him into this dark world looking for online gratification and cementing his beliefs and finally his actions.
As with her highly acclaimed previous novel, Dark Mode , Kalagian Blunt once again deep dives into the chilling world of social media and online influencers. She doesn't hold back on the scary truths, drawing real life inspiration from crimes committed and stories of people who have been radicalised in one way or another. It is a sad story of how quickly our youth can be influenced and manipulated online.
I especially loved the journal entry chapters. It showed how Ben's thinking and attitude changed over the course of his teenage years and how different things in his life unfortunately, and unbeknownst to his mother, slowly pushed him into this dark world looking for online gratification and cementing his beliefs and finally his actions.
June 3, 2025
Ashley Kalagian Blunt never ceases to amaze me! I binge-listened to this one on release day! It is brilliant! Very powerful... The narrators were fantastic too. An easy five star from me!!
February 28, 2026
Like Follow Die is my first read from the author, and this one honestly broke my heart into pieces. It’s beautifully written, quietly powerful, full of lessons about parenting, depression, and the very real risks that social media and the online world can have on our mental health. I went in not knowing what to expect because it leans more toward crime than my usual thriller picks, but I still found myself deeply invested. The characters were so well-developed that I couldn’t help but feel attached, especially to Corrine and Benjamin Gray, the mother-and-son duo whose relationship is as complex as it is heartbreaking. The author really gave them justice.
The story unfolds through interviews, alternating perspectives, police evidence, and journal entries. All these pieces connect so seamlessly that the plot feels grounded and intentional. Even though I enjoyed the book overall, I couldn’t shake the heaviness I felt for Corrine and Ben, their ups and downs, their misunderstandings, and the emotional weight they carried throughout the story.
What I Enjoyed:
1. Delicately discussed depression and anxiety which were handled with care.
2. Parenting journey portrayed with honesty, realistic, and respectful.
3. Very timely themes especially in today’s world where online pressure is constant.
What Sort of Felt Off:
1. Corrine’s naivety at times (some decisions didn’t sit right with me from the beginning).
2. Heavy themes (extreme misogyny may be overwhelming for some readers).
3. Emotional overload (everything hits hard and all at once, which can be intense).
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 5⭐️
• Writing: 5⭐️
• Message: 5⭐️
• Overall: 5⭐️
In summary, this is a highly recommended crime novel for readers who enjoyed the Netflix series Adolescence. It’s powerful, emotional, and leaves a mark long after you close the book. What are you waiting for? Go grab a copy! Huge thanks to @ultimopress and @akalagianblunt for my copy - my thoughts are entirely my own.
~JaNnA~
The story unfolds through interviews, alternating perspectives, police evidence, and journal entries. All these pieces connect so seamlessly that the plot feels grounded and intentional. Even though I enjoyed the book overall, I couldn’t shake the heaviness I felt for Corrine and Ben, their ups and downs, their misunderstandings, and the emotional weight they carried throughout the story.
What I Enjoyed:
1. Delicately discussed depression and anxiety which were handled with care.
2. Parenting journey portrayed with honesty, realistic, and respectful.
3. Very timely themes especially in today’s world where online pressure is constant.
What Sort of Felt Off:
1. Corrine’s naivety at times (some decisions didn’t sit right with me from the beginning).
2. Heavy themes (extreme misogyny may be overwhelming for some readers).
3. Emotional overload (everything hits hard and all at once, which can be intense).
Ratings Breakdown:
• Setting: 4⭐️
• Characters: 5⭐️
• Writing: 5⭐️
• Message: 5⭐️
• Overall: 5⭐️
In summary, this is a highly recommended crime novel for readers who enjoyed the Netflix series Adolescence. It’s powerful, emotional, and leaves a mark long after you close the book. What are you waiting for? Go grab a copy! Huge thanks to @ultimopress and @akalagianblunt for my copy - my thoughts are entirely my own.
~JaNnA~
November 20, 2025
Book 100 for the year! 🙌 and what a goodie! I've been waiting to read an Ashley Kalagian Blunt novel and after signing back up with Audible, I knew I just had to do the audiobook of Like, Follow, Die.
The book is about Corinne, a single mother of a teenage boy, Ben, who has been preyed upon by influential members of an online community. In Corinne's desperation for justice, she is elated when young detective Kyle Nazarian knocks on her door desperate for information. What unfolds is a creepy, dark look at what lies in the darkest corners of the internet and a mother's undying love for her treasured son.
The audio was very well done. Featuring prominent Australian actors Claudia Karvan and Ryan Corr, it was an amazing production. Incorporating various voices for Ben's diary entries, breaking news stories etc it had it all. I think this book is a must listen experience, however I just saw the physical book is also being released next year! With the title, I was thinking it was going to more into the social media side of things so I was a little thrown, and I still can't figure out completely whose fault it all was 🤔 a very morally complex read and scary being the Mum of 3 young boys 🫣 I am excited to dive into Dark Mode and Cold Truth now!
The book is about Corinne, a single mother of a teenage boy, Ben, who has been preyed upon by influential members of an online community. In Corinne's desperation for justice, she is elated when young detective Kyle Nazarian knocks on her door desperate for information. What unfolds is a creepy, dark look at what lies in the darkest corners of the internet and a mother's undying love for her treasured son.
The audio was very well done. Featuring prominent Australian actors Claudia Karvan and Ryan Corr, it was an amazing production. Incorporating various voices for Ben's diary entries, breaking news stories etc it had it all. I think this book is a must listen experience, however I just saw the physical book is also being released next year! With the title, I was thinking it was going to more into the social media side of things so I was a little thrown, and I still can't figure out completely whose fault it all was 🤔 a very morally complex read and scary being the Mum of 3 young boys 🫣 I am excited to dive into Dark Mode and Cold Truth now!
February 25, 2026
I loved this book from start to finish. I genuinely couldn’t put it down and read it until my eyes felt like they were about to start bleeding.
It made me angry, sad and frustrated in equal measure. Some scenes had my heart racing and my jaw clenched.
Set against the world of influencers and the dangerously impressionable minds of young boys, it dives straight into the pull of the manosphere. It’s unsettling because it doesn’t feel far-fetched. It feels close. It feels possible. And not just possible; it’s happening right now, in real time, in the online voices shaping boys before we even realise it.
As a parent (and as a mum of two boys), this one lingers. It makes you ask the uncomfortable questions' what more could we be doing? Where could we get it wrong? And how far would we go to protect our kids?
This book doesn’t just tell a story. It sparks a conversation you can’t ignore.
It made me angry, sad and frustrated in equal measure. Some scenes had my heart racing and my jaw clenched.
Set against the world of influencers and the dangerously impressionable minds of young boys, it dives straight into the pull of the manosphere. It’s unsettling because it doesn’t feel far-fetched. It feels close. It feels possible. And not just possible; it’s happening right now, in real time, in the online voices shaping boys before we even realise it.
As a parent (and as a mum of two boys), this one lingers. It makes you ask the uncomfortable questions' what more could we be doing? Where could we get it wrong? And how far would we go to protect our kids?
This book doesn’t just tell a story. It sparks a conversation you can’t ignore.
October 15, 2025
One of my fave books of the year. Listened via audible as paperback isn’t released until 2026. I normally dislike audiobooks but this was great. Voice actors were really good and the writing is superb. Could see it play out in my mind. Binged it over a few days. Absolutely love this author and think this is her best yet
November 10, 2025
I will read anything Ashley writes, so when Like, Follow, Die came out as an audiobook I had to give it a shot. I didn’t want to miss out or wait for the book and I’m so glad I did it because it was incredible!! And yes, this is my first audio book and I really enjoyed it!
So twisty, dark and disturbing. I don’t want to give anything away but it’s so confronting and a real eye opener. So powerful and really gets you thinking about online communities and the dark side of the internet.
The twists got me good, holy moly they were shocking. Ben’s diary entries were really well written and they set the scene so well! The narrators were amazing, they really made the listening very easy and quite gripping.
Even though this is a psychological thriller, I still shed a tear. As a parent, this really packed a punch.
I highly recommend this audiobook and I can’t wait to read the book when it’s out too!
So twisty, dark and disturbing. I don’t want to give anything away but it’s so confronting and a real eye opener. So powerful and really gets you thinking about online communities and the dark side of the internet.
The twists got me good, holy moly they were shocking. Ben’s diary entries were really well written and they set the scene so well! The narrators were amazing, they really made the listening very easy and quite gripping.
Even though this is a psychological thriller, I still shed a tear. As a parent, this really packed a punch.
I highly recommend this audiobook and I can’t wait to read the book when it’s out too!
June 5, 2025
Oh My Goodness Ashley has done it again. 😱
Like Follow Die is the latest tech noir from Ashley, & has been released exclusively on audible and narrated by Claudia Karvan, Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and a full cast.
Like Follow Die hits very close to home, especially if you are a parent. It makes you sit up & pay attention. It makes you question your parenting style & wonder if you’d pick up the signs of your child being influenced online. Ashley has a way of putting these tech issues in the forefront of your mind, & force difficult conversations around the dinner table.
Whilst I predicted a couple of twists, my jaw still hit the floor multiple times towards the end as the story unravelled and the true impact of one lost little boy was revealed.
If you loved Dark Mode, this is for you! It’s a continuation of the reality of the internet. Highly recommend!
The audible cast were amazing - I loved the different narrators for different characters & the way Ashley intertwined police and news interviews.
All the stars for you my friend 👏🏻 I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
Like Follow Die is the latest tech noir from Ashley, & has been released exclusively on audible and narrated by Claudia Karvan, Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and a full cast.
Like Follow Die hits very close to home, especially if you are a parent. It makes you sit up & pay attention. It makes you question your parenting style & wonder if you’d pick up the signs of your child being influenced online. Ashley has a way of putting these tech issues in the forefront of your mind, & force difficult conversations around the dinner table.
Whilst I predicted a couple of twists, my jaw still hit the floor multiple times towards the end as the story unravelled and the true impact of one lost little boy was revealed.
If you loved Dark Mode, this is for you! It’s a continuation of the reality of the internet. Highly recommend!
The audible cast were amazing - I loved the different narrators for different characters & the way Ashley intertwined police and news interviews.
All the stars for you my friend 👏🏻 I can’t wait to see what you come up with next.
June 9, 2025
Should you need an @audible_au audio book please look no further, this gripping story will have you hanging on the edge of your seat right to the very end. I adored Dark Mode and it was awesome to see the little overlap.
This psychological thriller is told in two time lines and explores not only the darkest parts of the internet, but narcissistic and misogynistic men (yuck)@akalagianblunt absolutely nailed this audio which is narrated by no other than @karvanclaudia , Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and more.
About the book, Corinne Gray’s life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian turns up on her doorstep one rainy morning, she knows exactly why he’s there. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her gentle, history-loving boy with dreams of Olympic gold ended up doing something unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could it have been stopped?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has devoted herself to uncovering the sinister people behind her son’s actions and the shadowy online spaces that exploit vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is dealing with personal turmoil of his own, both at home and on the job. As he gets drawn into Corinne’s world, he’s torn between his duty as a detective and his growing sympathy for a mother desperate for answers. How far is he willing to go to help her?
This psychological thriller is told in two time lines and explores not only the darkest parts of the internet, but narcissistic and misogynistic men (yuck)@akalagianblunt absolutely nailed this audio which is narrated by no other than @karvanclaudia , Laurence Boxhall, Ryan Corr and more.
About the book, Corinne Gray’s life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian turns up on her doorstep one rainy morning, she knows exactly why he’s there. He wants to talk about her son, Ben. This is her chance to finally explain how her gentle, history-loving boy with dreams of Olympic gold ended up doing something unthinkable. What really happened to Ben? And could it have been stopped?
Desperate for justice, Corinne has devoted herself to uncovering the sinister people behind her son’s actions and the shadowy online spaces that exploit vulnerable young people. Kyle, meanwhile, is dealing with personal turmoil of his own, both at home and on the job. As he gets drawn into Corinne’s world, he’s torn between his duty as a detective and his growing sympathy for a mother desperate for answers. How far is he willing to go to help her?
June 18, 2025
4 🌟
Where do I start? I hated every minute of this book down to my core... but that was the point. The author shines a light on how quickly things can escalate when nobody knows what you do in the dark. Misogyny in its most dangerous form.
What happens when an impressionable young man finds himself slowly withdrawing from his mother and blaming her for everything he perceives to be wrong with his life. What happens when that impressionable young man finds himself in group chats and reddit threads that lead him to social media personalities that promote misogyny and hatred against women. All but solidifying his opinion that his mother ruined his life. And how far down the rabbithole will he go before ultimately making deadly life altering decisions.
Who will society blame? The young man? The mother? Social media? The men who slowly groomed him into his extreme thinking? Is their a true right or wrong? Or is this where we should look to the gray areas?
Honestly, the title needs some work. But this is a book that will make you think, and it will make you wonder how many real-life stories like this have already happened? And how many more will come?
Where do I start? I hated every minute of this book down to my core... but that was the point. The author shines a light on how quickly things can escalate when nobody knows what you do in the dark. Misogyny in its most dangerous form.
What happens when an impressionable young man finds himself slowly withdrawing from his mother and blaming her for everything he perceives to be wrong with his life. What happens when that impressionable young man finds himself in group chats and reddit threads that lead him to social media personalities that promote misogyny and hatred against women. All but solidifying his opinion that his mother ruined his life. And how far down the rabbithole will he go before ultimately making deadly life altering decisions.
Who will society blame? The young man? The mother? Social media? The men who slowly groomed him into his extreme thinking? Is their a true right or wrong? Or is this where we should look to the gray areas?
Honestly, the title needs some work. But this is a book that will make you think, and it will make you wonder how many real-life stories like this have already happened? And how many more will come?
August 11, 2025
3.5/5 rounded up to 4.
The Red Pill is cancer and the Manosphere is poisoning the minds of young impressionable boys, fueling misogyny and violence against women.
Do you need me to say it again louder for the incels in the back?
Watch the Adolescence mini-series on Netflix for an excellent portrayal of the issue
The Red Pill is cancer and the Manosphere is poisoning the minds of young impressionable boys, fueling misogyny and violence against women.
Do you need me to say it again louder for the incels in the back?
Watch the Adolescence mini-series on Netflix for an excellent portrayal of the issue
August 30, 2025
Corinne Gray is a woman whose life is falling apart. When probationary detective Kyle Nazarian unexpectedly knocks on her door, she knows he wants to talk about her son, Ben. Her sweet-natured child – who loved history and dreamed of swimming for Olympic Gold – grew up to do the unthinkable. Desperate for justice, Corinne has poured herself into uncovering the sinister figures behind her son's actions and the shadowy online communities that prey on vulnerable young people.
I was so glad I caught this Audible Original. I’d say this would even be worth getting a trial account if you didn’t have any audible membership. Since this was especially produced for audio format, it came with multimedia format incorporating ‘news’ and ‘interviews’. The multi-cast narrators really acted the scenes perfectly.
The story itself was solid. I can say this was now my favourite Ashley Kalagian Blunt book. There was no lull in the pacing - the suspense, the character designs, the dialogues and the beats were on point. Just like other books by the author, this was also a techno-thriller, tackling the issue of extreme influencing and the impact to vulnerable young minds. Another realistic digital-age thriller, this one was scarily close to the truth.
As usual, Ashley’s author’s notes highlighted the plot idea and background research. She tied everything together including touching on the topic of crossovers with her other books. Highly recommended if you have read Blunt’s other books, or if you love techno thrillers in general!
See my bookstagram review.
I was so glad I caught this Audible Original. I’d say this would even be worth getting a trial account if you didn’t have any audible membership. Since this was especially produced for audio format, it came with multimedia format incorporating ‘news’ and ‘interviews’. The multi-cast narrators really acted the scenes perfectly.
The story itself was solid. I can say this was now my favourite Ashley Kalagian Blunt book. There was no lull in the pacing - the suspense, the character designs, the dialogues and the beats were on point. Just like other books by the author, this was also a techno-thriller, tackling the issue of extreme influencing and the impact to vulnerable young minds. Another realistic digital-age thriller, this one was scarily close to the truth.
As usual, Ashley’s author’s notes highlighted the plot idea and background research. She tied everything together including touching on the topic of crossovers with her other books. Highly recommended if you have read Blunt’s other books, or if you love techno thrillers in general!
See my bookstagram review.
June 23, 2025
I’m really not sure how I feel about this book. It has quite the plot twist. It shows a good picture of how complex life can be. How sometimes our best laid plans come to ruin. This book shows how important empathy is and how important it is to support and care for one another. This book also shines a much-needed light on very real issues like hateful ideologies, violence, the Armenian genocide, and the how easy it is to be influenced by the what we see online. The best quote in this book was that “Violence echoes across generations.” Violent or not, our actions don’t end with us, and that’s something I’ll think on for a very long time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2025
Not my favorite, especially since the cover and title are intriguing. I guess I was expecting a fast paced thriller. No character is likable. Really drags in places. It seems to me the author wanted you to not like anyone. The pacing is slow. I hated the dynamic of the probationary detective guy, just awkward and unethical his old "hardened" detective guy was abusive. One of the audible narrators (of the many characters) was hard for me to understand. I just wanted this to end. I did speed up the audible just to get through it.
June 5, 2025
A thriller, set in Sydney, written by Ashley? Of course this was going to be good. But good is an understatement. I was obsessed with pressing play every second I had a chance. I was captivated. This was brilliant.
The plot is strong, and while it's fiction, it's likeness to real life situations is confronting and eye-opening. Chapter 50 physically gave me goosebumps.
The characters are multidimensional, well-thought-out and interesting to follow. Listening to the way the journal entries got darker and darker as Ben got older was terrifying.
I also loved the short chapters, how it goes between multiple POV narrations and evidence logs. The narrators were also perfect voices for the characters.
The plot is strong, and while it's fiction, it's likeness to real life situations is confronting and eye-opening. Chapter 50 physically gave me goosebumps.
The characters are multidimensional, well-thought-out and interesting to follow. Listening to the way the journal entries got darker and darker as Ben got older was terrifying.
I also loved the short chapters, how it goes between multiple POV narrations and evidence logs. The narrators were also perfect voices for the characters.
June 29, 2025
Fantastic audiobook. Very engaging! I loved the cast of narrators including Claudia Karvan (Secret Life of Us, Bump and many more). Really enjoyed this audio. Explores misogyny. Easy listen! Dark Mode by this author is excellent too which also explores misogyny. Enjoy!
July 30, 2025
This was not a bad read, but it wasn’t as good as some of the other thrillers I’ve read. I kind of had an idea early of something’s that were happening.. like it’s too obvious for some things. I really enjoyed the Australia setting tho!
February 8, 2026
WOW! This book is the best fiction I have read in 2026 so far! “Like, Follow,Die” is an emotional roller coaster to read, but very much worth it. It is highly relevant, addressing the impact of technology and social media on Generation Z, showing how mental health issues and isolation can lead to horrifying outcomes. I highly recommend this for older readers who may find themselves bewildered by the anger and hatred expressed by Generation Z young men. These boys and the young men are truly struggling and they need help and support.
July 30, 2025
(Audio) 3.5
July 14, 2025
I was more than ready to give this book 2 stars until I got to the author note.
It was a hard book to listen to, and I do not want to read it or anything like it again, but I do understand the author’s reasoning behind writing this book.
It is an important topic to try and understand but reading from the actual killer/incels perspective was not easy.
It was a hard book to listen to, and I do not want to read it or anything like it again, but I do understand the author’s reasoning behind writing this book.
It is an important topic to try and understand but reading from the actual killer/incels perspective was not easy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2025
I almost didn’t read this because the title is so dumb, but it has good reviews and was free on Audible so I gave it a try. I couldn’t put it down. It was the perfect mix of incredible character development, mystery, twists and also making a point about a really scary epidemic that’s happening with our young boys right now.
July 12, 2025
Well written. Deep psychological themes. Perfectly narrated and character directed. It takes a village to raise a child - these days the village is mindbendingly dangerous. Not a true story, but filled with truth. I really liked this book.
July 20, 2025
Ashley has done it again!! I absolutely loved her previous book, Dark Mode and have recommended it to many. This is equally as good! A riveting, edge of your seat thriller with a frightening look into the dark web, this time on its effect on an extremely unhappy teenage boy, who is deeply troubled and prime to be brainwashed. I could empathise with Corrinne, his mother, who always did what she thought was best for her son. Although some of her decisions weren’t morally right, her intentions were honourable. The fact these misogynistic online groups actually exist is both extremely disturbing and chilling. The contrast between the old school detective, Duffy and the new probationary detective Nazarian was well portrayed. It was also interesting (and upsetting) to learn of Nazarian’s Armenian background. There are plenty of twists and turns but the final one in particular I totally didn’t see coming!
I listened to this as an audiobook, my first fiction listen and it captivated me so much I think my husband thought I was avoiding him, as I sat in the car for nearly half an hour when I got home, not wanting to turn it off!
5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has done it again with her third psychological crime thriller LIKE FOLLOW DIE (Ultimo Press 2026) – she immerses the reader into a world of techno-crime and the dark spaces of the internet that frighten us all. If you enjoy a well-crafted psychological suspense full of twists, this book delivers. It will also appeal to those exploring the themes of the recent hit drama Adolescence: boys becoming men; ‘toxic masculinity’; men’s rights activists’ groups; online influencers; the discussion around the causes and mindsets behind mass shootings and radicalisation; the media and ideologies; the vulnerabilities of young people, especially those isolated or suffering mental health issues; and the concept of whether society inevitably contributes to the actions of individuals. LIKE FOLLOW DIE is scary because it is truth masquerading as fiction – highly relatable, plausible and seemingly more commonplace now than ever.
The structure of the story is clever and page-turning. The main narrative happens over only a few hours of one day, when ‘the most hated woman in Australia’ opens her door to a homicide detective. Corinne Gray’s life has been reduced to monotony, isolation and vitriol after her teenage son, Ben, committed an atrocious act of violence. At first, we are unaware of what tragedy has occurred, and we don’t know if Ben is missing, in hiding, in prison, estranged or dead, but it is clear he and his mother are no longer in contact. It is also clear that every Australian, fuelled by the media’s coverage of events, considers Corinne to be the very worst mother in every possible way. The sins of the son have become the neglect or terrible upbringing of his mother.
The second part of the narrative focuses on the homicide detective, Kyle Nazarian, in the few days before, and the day of, the climax. A newly minted detective, Kyle is keen to impress but immediately conflicted by the rough and ready attitude of his partner, DS Duff, who is highly regarded and respected but also takes a few liberties with scene of crime procedural policies and chain of evidence rules. Kyle knows he must demonstrate utmost loyalty to be trusted, but his conscience is tested several times by Duff’s decisions.
The third part of the story includes Ben’s diary entries, firstly handwritten as a 12-year-old boy, and then uncovered later (through police investigations) as a private digital journal. These entries reveal the slow unravelling of Ben’s thoughts, beliefs and resentments as he grows from a sweet boy to a troubled adolescent. These epistolary interludes add colour, interest and insight into the boy we never meet except off the page.
There are further human complications. DS Duff has cancer and this could be his last case – everyone on the force wants him to go out on a high with a successful closure rate. And Kyle’s wife Seda is at the tail end of a high-risk pregnancy. This is perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the story, as Kyle is constantly torn between wanting to be there for his wife, and needing to be one hundred percent focussed at work.
Kyle and his wife have a fascinating backstory related to their Armenian family, their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. The author has previously included references to the history of the Armenian genocide and its ongoing repercussions in her other novels (and also written non-fiction essays on the subject). This issue is not really mentioned in this novel until towards the end, but when it is included, it certainly packs a punch and explains a lot of Kyle’s indecision and conflicted emotion. There is one line, about his feelings when he sees his beloved wife’s pregnant stomach ballooning with new life, that will haunt me forever. It is a testament to Kalagian Blunt’s writing skills that she can incorporate such poignant human tenderness and fragility into the meat of a crime novel.
Because it IS also a crime novel, even though I have barely discussed that yet! Kyle and DS Duff are investigating the deaths of two people, murdered in gruesome ways and with identifying clues intentionally left behind by the killer. There appears to be no connection, Duff is keen to close the cases before his illness catches up with him, and Kyle is also keen to wrap them up so he can be home before Seda gives birth.
But the climactic day arrives, when Corinne and Kyle meet face to face, and Corinne is invited – and keen – to speak about her sweet-natured son Ben, a boy who loved history and his dog, a teenager dreaming of being an Olympic swimmer. She wants to explain and she wants to understand herself, how her gentle child could become the monster he is now known as; a monster lured to the dangerous shadows of the internet, or perhaps created and nurtured by those spaces. The truth is important to Corinne, and while she doesn’t expect sympathy, she wants – no, she needs – to warn others of how easily parenting can go horribly wrong.
As with all great thrillers, there are many red herrings, clues, twists and turns in LIKE FOLLOW DIE, the most significant at the end which, when you read it, upturns everything you have read before. The end of that chapter has dialogue by both Corinne and Kyle that is a heartbreaking demonstration of the parental bond. But the author goes even further, adding a final unexpected chapter that give us yet another astonishing reveal, this one tying together all the threads throughout the book, and explaining several plot points that didn’t seem important until this explanation resolves them all and gives us information that was hiding in plain sight all along.
LIKE FOLLOW DIE will be released in February but you can pre-order now from your local independent bookstore. A little bird told me that pre-orders may even be gifted something special for being so keen. (A used murder weapon? A secret dark web code? A body disposal suit? Who knows …)
The structure of the story is clever and page-turning. The main narrative happens over only a few hours of one day, when ‘the most hated woman in Australia’ opens her door to a homicide detective. Corinne Gray’s life has been reduced to monotony, isolation and vitriol after her teenage son, Ben, committed an atrocious act of violence. At first, we are unaware of what tragedy has occurred, and we don’t know if Ben is missing, in hiding, in prison, estranged or dead, but it is clear he and his mother are no longer in contact. It is also clear that every Australian, fuelled by the media’s coverage of events, considers Corinne to be the very worst mother in every possible way. The sins of the son have become the neglect or terrible upbringing of his mother.
The second part of the narrative focuses on the homicide detective, Kyle Nazarian, in the few days before, and the day of, the climax. A newly minted detective, Kyle is keen to impress but immediately conflicted by the rough and ready attitude of his partner, DS Duff, who is highly regarded and respected but also takes a few liberties with scene of crime procedural policies and chain of evidence rules. Kyle knows he must demonstrate utmost loyalty to be trusted, but his conscience is tested several times by Duff’s decisions.
The third part of the story includes Ben’s diary entries, firstly handwritten as a 12-year-old boy, and then uncovered later (through police investigations) as a private digital journal. These entries reveal the slow unravelling of Ben’s thoughts, beliefs and resentments as he grows from a sweet boy to a troubled adolescent. These epistolary interludes add colour, interest and insight into the boy we never meet except off the page.
There are further human complications. DS Duff has cancer and this could be his last case – everyone on the force wants him to go out on a high with a successful closure rate. And Kyle’s wife Seda is at the tail end of a high-risk pregnancy. This is perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the story, as Kyle is constantly torn between wanting to be there for his wife, and needing to be one hundred percent focussed at work.
Kyle and his wife have a fascinating backstory related to their Armenian family, their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents. The author has previously included references to the history of the Armenian genocide and its ongoing repercussions in her other novels (and also written non-fiction essays on the subject). This issue is not really mentioned in this novel until towards the end, but when it is included, it certainly packs a punch and explains a lot of Kyle’s indecision and conflicted emotion. There is one line, about his feelings when he sees his beloved wife’s pregnant stomach ballooning with new life, that will haunt me forever. It is a testament to Kalagian Blunt’s writing skills that she can incorporate such poignant human tenderness and fragility into the meat of a crime novel.
Because it IS also a crime novel, even though I have barely discussed that yet! Kyle and DS Duff are investigating the deaths of two people, murdered in gruesome ways and with identifying clues intentionally left behind by the killer. There appears to be no connection, Duff is keen to close the cases before his illness catches up with him, and Kyle is also keen to wrap them up so he can be home before Seda gives birth.
But the climactic day arrives, when Corinne and Kyle meet face to face, and Corinne is invited – and keen – to speak about her sweet-natured son Ben, a boy who loved history and his dog, a teenager dreaming of being an Olympic swimmer. She wants to explain and she wants to understand herself, how her gentle child could become the monster he is now known as; a monster lured to the dangerous shadows of the internet, or perhaps created and nurtured by those spaces. The truth is important to Corinne, and while she doesn’t expect sympathy, she wants – no, she needs – to warn others of how easily parenting can go horribly wrong.
As with all great thrillers, there are many red herrings, clues, twists and turns in LIKE FOLLOW DIE, the most significant at the end which, when you read it, upturns everything you have read before. The end of that chapter has dialogue by both Corinne and Kyle that is a heartbreaking demonstration of the parental bond. But the author goes even further, adding a final unexpected chapter that give us yet another astonishing reveal, this one tying together all the threads throughout the book, and explaining several plot points that didn’t seem important until this explanation resolves them all and gives us information that was hiding in plain sight all along.
LIKE FOLLOW DIE will be released in February but you can pre-order now from your local independent bookstore. A little bird told me that pre-orders may even be gifted something special for being so keen. (A used murder weapon? A secret dark web code? A body disposal suit? Who knows …)
September 13, 2025
Like, Follow, Die by Ashley Kalagian Blunt is an Audible exclusive that delivers a razor-sharp, gut-punching psychological thriller that is horrifyingly believable in our hyperconnected world.
Corinne Gray knows exactly why Kyle Nazarian has shown up at her door. The young probationary detective hasn’t come without reason. This is her chance to explain how her once sweet, loving son Ben could have done something so unthinkable, how he became unrecognisable through his teenage years, and whether there was ever anything that could have stopped it.
Told through multiple perspectives, Ben’s haunting journal entries, Corinne’s desperate search for answers, and Kyle’s conflicted investigation, the story unfolds like a true-crime documentary. Police reports, news bulletins, and a full cast of narrators (led brilliantly by one of my favourite actors, Claudia Karvan) make the production immersive and frighteningly real.
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has once again left me in awe. Her ability to shine a light on the darkest corners of the online world is astonishing. I kept asking myself: how does she know these details, this depth of horror? What makes the novel so devastating is its truth. Kalagian Blunt doesn’t invent monsters, she exposes the shadowy corners of the internet where vulnerable boys are groomed by manipulative communities steeped in misogyny, violence, and hate. Ben’s journal entries, spanning his adolescence, capture the chilling shift from hopeful child to radicalised young man. His descent feels authentic and deeply unsettling; a stark reminder of how fragile identity and morality can be when shaped by online influence.
Like, Follow, Die forces us to question the safety of our digital lives, the pressures of parenting, and the unseen risks our children face through their phones. It confronts us with the blurred lines of accountability when tragedy strikes: is it the boy, the mother, the men who groomed him, or the society that allowed it all to happen?
Kalagian Blunt balances the psychological tension with the procedural grit of Kyle’s chapters, grounding the narrative in a murder investigation full of twists, red herrings, and one bombshell revelation that left me breathless. By the final act, my jaw had hit the floor more than once.
Listen to this on Audible now or wait for the print edition to be released later this year.
Corinne Gray knows exactly why Kyle Nazarian has shown up at her door. The young probationary detective hasn’t come without reason. This is her chance to explain how her once sweet, loving son Ben could have done something so unthinkable, how he became unrecognisable through his teenage years, and whether there was ever anything that could have stopped it.
Told through multiple perspectives, Ben’s haunting journal entries, Corinne’s desperate search for answers, and Kyle’s conflicted investigation, the story unfolds like a true-crime documentary. Police reports, news bulletins, and a full cast of narrators (led brilliantly by one of my favourite actors, Claudia Karvan) make the production immersive and frighteningly real.
Ashley Kalagian Blunt has once again left me in awe. Her ability to shine a light on the darkest corners of the online world is astonishing. I kept asking myself: how does she know these details, this depth of horror? What makes the novel so devastating is its truth. Kalagian Blunt doesn’t invent monsters, she exposes the shadowy corners of the internet where vulnerable boys are groomed by manipulative communities steeped in misogyny, violence, and hate. Ben’s journal entries, spanning his adolescence, capture the chilling shift from hopeful child to radicalised young man. His descent feels authentic and deeply unsettling; a stark reminder of how fragile identity and morality can be when shaped by online influence.
Like, Follow, Die forces us to question the safety of our digital lives, the pressures of parenting, and the unseen risks our children face through their phones. It confronts us with the blurred lines of accountability when tragedy strikes: is it the boy, the mother, the men who groomed him, or the society that allowed it all to happen?
Kalagian Blunt balances the psychological tension with the procedural grit of Kyle’s chapters, grounding the narrative in a murder investigation full of twists, red herrings, and one bombshell revelation that left me breathless. By the final act, my jaw had hit the floor more than once.
Listen to this on Audible now or wait for the print edition to be released later this year.
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