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The Icon: A Chilling Psychological Thriller
She fooled millions with a microphone and a perfect smile.
Shae Halston was supposed to be a cautionary tale—until the internet turned her into a saint. Framed for a murder she insists she didn’t commit, she becomes a viral symbol of injustice… an icon the world needs to believe in.
But Shae isn’t a victim.
She’s a predator with a she doesn’t fabricate trauma—she edits it. And now, free and freshly rebranded, she’s building a new life in total isolation, far from the noise… and even farther from the truth.
Then the person who helped set her free vanishes.
A whisper becomes a headline. A headline becomes a frenzy. True-crime fans go feral. The Watcher—the anonymous voice that’s been stalking Shae’s narrative from the shadows—tightens the spotlight. And as the story turns ugly, one question consumes
Did Shae lie her way to freedom… and kill to keep it?
THE ICON is a chilling psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and the deadly power of a well-crafted story—perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, John Marrs, and Noelle West Ihli.
Some women survive the spotlight.
Shae weaponizes it.
Shae Halston was supposed to be a cautionary tale—until the internet turned her into a saint. Framed for a murder she insists she didn’t commit, she becomes a viral symbol of injustice… an icon the world needs to believe in.
But Shae isn’t a victim.
She’s a predator with a she doesn’t fabricate trauma—she edits it. And now, free and freshly rebranded, she’s building a new life in total isolation, far from the noise… and even farther from the truth.
Then the person who helped set her free vanishes.
A whisper becomes a headline. A headline becomes a frenzy. True-crime fans go feral. The Watcher—the anonymous voice that’s been stalking Shae’s narrative from the shadows—tightens the spotlight. And as the story turns ugly, one question consumes
Did Shae lie her way to freedom… and kill to keep it?
THE ICON is a chilling psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and the deadly power of a well-crafted story—perfect for fans of Freida McFadden, John Marrs, and Noelle West Ihli.
Some women survive the spotlight.
Shae weaponizes it.
302 pages, Paperback
Published February 11, 2026
About the author
Adriane Leigh
60 books2,867 followersis a USA Today bestselling author of multiple novels and novellas. With appearances in publications such as Vogue Magazine and The Montreal Gazette, the award-winning author, in addition to writing, founded RARE: Romance Author & Reader Events, a community of internationally-renowned book conventions that draw thousands of readers and #1 bestselling authors to events around the world each year.
She hosts a podcast, The Rebel Artist, and her books are translated into French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
She lives on Lake Michigan with her family.
She hosts a podcast, The Rebel Artist, and her books are translated into French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
She lives on Lake Michigan with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 20, 2026
I have a hate/love relationship with Shae! I was so excited for this book, but I enjoyed the first 2 books much more.
March 29, 2026
2.75 🌟
March 1, 2026
I had really enjoyed the previous books in this series, but this one left me...not even cold. Tepid. It bored me, quite frankly. I was no longer engaged with Shae, who had kept me on her hideous side until now, rooting for her against my better nature. in this book, it was more...just get on with it!! I'll probably read the next one, but now I'm not so bothered. Shame.
February 21, 2026
authors writing style is excessive
This is the 4th in a series, all of which I’ve read. Since there is such a long time in between, authors usually and helpfully, include recaps of characters and storylines as they’re reintroduced so the reader remembers. This author does not, so you’re left with some holes.
What I don’t like is her excessive use of the simile and metaphorical writing style…in practically every other sentence !! No one talks that way and it’s just so distracting to try to figure out what the characters actually mean when the reader is trying to untangle such flowery and unrealistic vocabulary.
“Lilac and warm sugar collide with the metallic edge of resentment.”
What does this even mean? And when every character speaks every sentence this way…!?
I’m not sure I will bother with the next book since this story ends with the main character’s future plan and I can only imagine that setting will be the perfect place for the author to (what sounds like)) grab chatGPT to embellish even more vocabulary with the annoying style.
This is the 4th in a series, all of which I’ve read. Since there is such a long time in between, authors usually and helpfully, include recaps of characters and storylines as they’re reintroduced so the reader remembers. This author does not, so you’re left with some holes.
What I don’t like is her excessive use of the simile and metaphorical writing style…in practically every other sentence !! No one talks that way and it’s just so distracting to try to figure out what the characters actually mean when the reader is trying to untangle such flowery and unrealistic vocabulary.
“Lilac and warm sugar collide with the metallic edge of resentment.”
What does this even mean? And when every character speaks every sentence this way…!?
I’m not sure I will bother with the next book since this story ends with the main character’s future plan and I can only imagine that setting will be the perfect place for the author to (what sounds like)) grab chatGPT to embellish even more vocabulary with the annoying style.
January 31, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I am blown away by Shae and her latest adventures. This is definitely one of the best of the series so far, and I can’t wait to see what happens from here!
March 18, 2026
This is book #4 in The Influencer series, which they have announced a TV show adaptation to now. This was probably my least favorite of the series, although I did still enjoy it. It terrifies me to think how this is so true with the power that social media and the internet holds in our lives today. She hooked me right off the bat again, and I loved the script and podcast vibes (even though most people in the reviews did not seem to). I am not necessarily rooting for Shae by any means as much as I am just wanting her to be one upped and caught at this point. I adore being inside her sociopathic head, but how does she keep getting away with the things she pulls? Definitely going to read book 5 "The Idol" when it comes out next year. I'll have to branch out and read more of her books other than this series eventually lol.
Favorite Quotes:
1. "None of that matters when the narrative is in motion, spiraling like an Instagram reel with the perfect soundtrack."
2. "Everyone wants to believe the worst. They look at scars and see a monster...But monsters don't cry when no one's watching."
3. "You can't choose the wounds that shape you," I whisper into the mic. "You can only decide how to survive them."
4. "Power lives in the pause." (I couldn't help but think of Joey from Friends and his, "OH, I want to long pause!" when he reads the stage directions 🤣🤣)
5. "People think justice is a courtroom and a gavel. It's not. It's perception. It's the story people choose when the truth is too messy to hold. And I'm the best storyteller I know."
6. "...mirrors are dangerous things. Sometimes it's easier to break the glass than admit you don't like what's staring back."
7. "Violence is easier to curate than a wedding registry, if you know which buttons to press."
8. "My parents didn't fail me. They curated me. They showed me what real love looks like--the kind that bites and leaves gaping wounds that never heal. And I learned to weaponize it."
9. "...the world wants a victim or a villain, and the only difference is how you tell the story."
10. "Love and loneliness wear the same face if you squint."
11. "People don't want truth. They want a version they can live with."
12. "Enemies. You don't get enemies unless you matter. No one throws stones at an empty stage...Villains are just protagonists with better lighting. People love to hate what they can't control."
13. "'Right' is a flexible word."
14. "Love is just proximity with expectations."
15. "Then we aren't the police," I say, sharper than I meant. "And yet. We make choices like they do. Which truth. Which angle. Whose body becomes a plot point."
16. "You signed up to make beautiful lies tell a kind truth," I say. "Sometimes the inverse happens."
17. "That's the thing about guilt--it makes people desperate to keep their co-conspirators close."
18. "They don't add up because people lie," I cut in. "And not just to protect themselves. Sometimes they lie because they're bored. Or because they want attention. Or because they hate someone for being prettier than they are."
19. "I say skepticism keeps us honest. I say institutions can be messy--and so can people."
Favorite Quotes:
1. "None of that matters when the narrative is in motion, spiraling like an Instagram reel with the perfect soundtrack."
2. "Everyone wants to believe the worst. They look at scars and see a monster...But monsters don't cry when no one's watching."
3. "You can't choose the wounds that shape you," I whisper into the mic. "You can only decide how to survive them."
4. "Power lives in the pause." (I couldn't help but think of Joey from Friends and his, "OH, I want to long pause!" when he reads the stage directions 🤣🤣)
5. "People think justice is a courtroom and a gavel. It's not. It's perception. It's the story people choose when the truth is too messy to hold. And I'm the best storyteller I know."
6. "...mirrors are dangerous things. Sometimes it's easier to break the glass than admit you don't like what's staring back."
7. "Violence is easier to curate than a wedding registry, if you know which buttons to press."
8. "My parents didn't fail me. They curated me. They showed me what real love looks like--the kind that bites and leaves gaping wounds that never heal. And I learned to weaponize it."
9. "...the world wants a victim or a villain, and the only difference is how you tell the story."
10. "Love and loneliness wear the same face if you squint."
11. "People don't want truth. They want a version they can live with."
12. "Enemies. You don't get enemies unless you matter. No one throws stones at an empty stage...Villains are just protagonists with better lighting. People love to hate what they can't control."
13. "'Right' is a flexible word."
14. "Love is just proximity with expectations."
15. "Then we aren't the police," I say, sharper than I meant. "And yet. We make choices like they do. Which truth. Which angle. Whose body becomes a plot point."
16. "You signed up to make beautiful lies tell a kind truth," I say. "Sometimes the inverse happens."
17. "That's the thing about guilt--it makes people desperate to keep their co-conspirators close."
18. "They don't add up because people lie," I cut in. "And not just to protect themselves. Sometimes they lie because they're bored. Or because they want attention. Or because they hate someone for being prettier than they are."
19. "I say skepticism keeps us honest. I say institutions can be messy--and so can people."
February 18, 2026
4.5stars- THE ICON is the fourth instalment in Adriane Leigh’s contemporary, adult THE INFLUENCER dark, psychological thriller focusing on Shae Halston. THE ICON should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events of book three THE INTRUDER.
SOME BACKGROUND: Shae Halston is the former social media influencer known as Mia Starr but the unreality of Mia’s online presence was in complete opposition to the reality of Shae’s own life. As Shae succumbed to the demons that were controlling her mind, she takes aim at anyone and everyone she blames for destroying her life
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several first person perspectives (Shae, Evelyn, The Watcher) THE ICON continues to focus on Shae Halston who is currently sitting in prison, quietly manipulating the people in charge. In an effort to secure her freedom, Shae establishes a fan base of believers, who worship at the altar that is Shae Halston, a fan base that will be successful in orchestrating Shae’s release. As Shae rewrites the script that was her life, a documentary crew molds and manages a version of Shae only her followers are willing to accept but someone else is working behind the scenes, revealing the true story about the woman who is once again leaving a trail of bodies behind.
The world building focuses on a predator; the narcissistic, antisocial yet determined psyche of Shae Halston, a master manipulator who controls, destroys and otherwise contributes to the destruction of other people’s lives. As the documentary crew begin to mold and manipulate, they ignore the obvious and the truth until it is too late. The crew and Shae’s followers feed into the frenzy that continues to build, resulting in the upsurge and ascension that becomes the Church of Shae Halston.
We are introduced to documentary producer Evelyn, Interviewer Harper Lane, cinematographer Blake Owens, officer Declan Ridge, and Shae’s half-sister Lila, all of whom will contribute to the intensification of Shae’s power and control.
THE ICON is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and manipulation. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the characters are puppets, easily controlled by the woman in charge. Shae’s story continues in book five THE IDOL.
copy supplied for review
SOME BACKGROUND: Shae Halston is the former social media influencer known as Mia Starr but the unreality of Mia’s online presence was in complete opposition to the reality of Shae’s own life. As Shae succumbed to the demons that were controlling her mind, she takes aim at anyone and everyone she blames for destroying her life
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several first person perspectives (Shae, Evelyn, The Watcher) THE ICON continues to focus on Shae Halston who is currently sitting in prison, quietly manipulating the people in charge. In an effort to secure her freedom, Shae establishes a fan base of believers, who worship at the altar that is Shae Halston, a fan base that will be successful in orchestrating Shae’s release. As Shae rewrites the script that was her life, a documentary crew molds and manages a version of Shae only her followers are willing to accept but someone else is working behind the scenes, revealing the true story about the woman who is once again leaving a trail of bodies behind.
The world building focuses on a predator; the narcissistic, antisocial yet determined psyche of Shae Halston, a master manipulator who controls, destroys and otherwise contributes to the destruction of other people’s lives. As the documentary crew begin to mold and manipulate, they ignore the obvious and the truth until it is too late. The crew and Shae’s followers feed into the frenzy that continues to build, resulting in the upsurge and ascension that becomes the Church of Shae Halston.
We are introduced to documentary producer Evelyn, Interviewer Harper Lane, cinematographer Blake Owens, officer Declan Ridge, and Shae’s half-sister Lila, all of whom will contribute to the intensification of Shae’s power and control.
THE ICON is a story of secrets and lies, betrayal and vengeance, power and manipulation. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the characters are puppets, easily controlled by the woman in charge. Shae’s story continues in book five THE IDOL.
copy supplied for review
February 22, 2026
The Icon is the continuation of Shae Halston’s story. Please read the previous books in the series and read them in order before starting The Icon because you will want to read every page of Shae’s story.
We get to watch as Shae works her magic or is it madness into the world of social media, podcasts, and TV. Can she rewrite the narrative of her life to garner sympathy and support. Can the villain be the martyr. This installment is done like a podcast documentary so however she’s edited is how she is presented and Shae knows exactly how she wants her story to be told to the people. It makes you realize how much power social media holds over us.
Shae is constantly changing and adapting to fit whatever story will work the best for her. She is a master chess player and those around her are her pawns and social media is her game board.
Shae is beyond morally gray, but do I still secretly root for her and want to see what chaos and carnage she will cause next. Absolutely I do. And so should you.
We get to watch as Shae works her magic or is it madness into the world of social media, podcasts, and TV. Can she rewrite the narrative of her life to garner sympathy and support. Can the villain be the martyr. This installment is done like a podcast documentary so however she’s edited is how she is presented and Shae knows exactly how she wants her story to be told to the people. It makes you realize how much power social media holds over us.
Shae is constantly changing and adapting to fit whatever story will work the best for her. She is a master chess player and those around her are her pawns and social media is her game board.
Shae is beyond morally gray, but do I still secretly root for her and want to see what chaos and carnage she will cause next. Absolutely I do. And so should you.
February 19, 2026
shay, the female mc, is an unhinged narcissistic psychopath and yet somehow the writer has you rooting for her. shay is so completely unlikable and yet she pulls people into her gravitational field and uses them and they do it willingly. shay then without remorse kills people when they are no longer are of use to her or threaten what she hopes to accomplish. this series is a guilty pleasure, and I will gladly read these books as the author continues to write them. note: the series must be read in order as people and relationships from earlier books aren't explained if you haven't read the previous books
Review of advance copy received from Author
Shae, babes. You keep surprising me.
It’s almost hard to continue rooting for a character that deep down in your soul you know you hate. But here I am, hoping she survives. I can honestly say I’ve never read a more calculating and terrifying FMC before and she just keeps getting more and more powerful.
Bonus note • I think this book would be best read as an audio simply because of all of the podcast portions of the book. If it is released as an audio, I might listen to it that way again just for the vibes.
It’s almost hard to continue rooting for a character that deep down in your soul you know you hate. But here I am, hoping she survives. I can honestly say I’ve never read a more calculating and terrifying FMC before and she just keeps getting more and more powerful.
Bonus note • I think this book would be best read as an audio simply because of all of the podcast portions of the book. If it is released as an audio, I might listen to it that way again just for the vibes.
March 26, 2026
Just Awful
All I can say is that this fourth installment in The Influencer series is plain awful. Adriane Leigh’s already terrible writing gets worse if that can even happen. The plot is confusing and the new characters are superficial. I kept reading to know what happens next. I wanted to resolution and also revelation. I want all the loose ends to be resolved. I will have to wait for the fifth book if I can stand to read. I love and hate Shae at the same time and I want her to get justice. We’ll see if she’s caught
All I can say is that this fourth installment in The Influencer series is plain awful. Adriane Leigh’s already terrible writing gets worse if that can even happen. The plot is confusing and the new characters are superficial. I kept reading to know what happens next. I wanted to resolution and also revelation. I want all the loose ends to be resolved. I will have to wait for the fifth book if I can stand to read. I love and hate Shae at the same time and I want her to get justice. We’ll see if she’s caught
February 28, 2026
Adriane has taken Shae to a whole new level each book she writes, and this one is no different. This book was easily my favorite of the series (we’ll see if 5 tops it), and my favorite part was the podcast aspect delving into the truth of Shae Holston. I listened to the previous books and even though I read this one, I will definitely be buying it to listen because the narrators always do a fantastic job and with the different POVs, I know it’ll be a 5 star at that point! Do not skip it!
March 15, 2026
terrible
This series just gets worse and worse. The first book was fine. It was a good book. The second one was worse, but still readable. The third one was awful so many things that were unbelievable that it was hard to read this one. I can’t get through because it’s just written so stupid. Not happy at all doubt I will even care to read the fifth one when it comes out next year.
This series just gets worse and worse. The first book was fine. It was a good book. The second one was worse, but still readable. The third one was awful so many things that were unbelievable that it was hard to read this one. I can’t get through because it’s just written so stupid. Not happy at all doubt I will even care to read the fifth one when it comes out next year.
March 22, 2026
The story line was meh
I couldn’t put down the first three books in this series. This one, I struggled. I read it quickly but the plot was not exciting. No spoilers, but the author did a much better job with the first 3, this one, I kept saying what am I reading and who cares. No action, just a diary with confusion running in the background. Hopeful for book 5, we’ve lost our way on this one.
I couldn’t put down the first three books in this series. This one, I struggled. I read it quickly but the plot was not exciting. No spoilers, but the author did a much better job with the first 3, this one, I kept saying what am I reading and who cares. No action, just a diary with confusion running in the background. Hopeful for book 5, we’ve lost our way on this one.
January 23, 2026
Thank you to Adriane Leigh for allowing me to be an ARC reviewer for you! This is my favorite book in the series. It’s very well crafted, I loved all of the different POVs. LOVED the podcast element. I can see how it built up to book 5. With how delicious the build up has been, I can’t wait to see if Shae has a downfall or not.
March 22, 2026
I was looking forward to this release for a really long time because the first three books in the series were sooooo good. I was disappointed by this. It felt flat and just didn’t for the same energy as the first three which I think happens when you’re this deep on one character. As a side note, I hated the “transcript” chapters of the watcher. I thought it was so difficult to follow.
February 24, 2026
The Icon by Adriane Leigh is a Mysterious, Captivating and Thrilling Psychological Thriller which pulls you in from the first page till the end.
I Couldn't put it down and Highly recommend it to all readers.
I Couldn't put it down and Highly recommend it to all readers.
February 26, 2026
I loved the first three books. I did not like this one so much and it was a serious struggle to get through. It was probably me but I didn’t like this book as much.
Hopefully The Idol is better. Book 5 is coming.
Hopefully The Idol is better. Book 5 is coming.
February 27, 2026
this book was such a disappointment! I've looked forward to the release of this one for so long, and to be let down like this was very disheartening! The introduction of a mindless character didn't make sense compared to the 3 books before this one in this series. Such a let down.
March 6, 2026
Speechless
I loved it, Adriane is a great author and shae is a beast . Her character is dangerous, unique and mysterious. Best book of the series I enjoyed book 1 but this book by far is my favorite. I can't wait until the next book.
I loved it, Adriane is a great author and shae is a beast . Her character is dangerous, unique and mysterious. Best book of the series I enjoyed book 1 but this book by far is my favorite. I can't wait until the next book.
March 9, 2026
I really wanted to love this book the way I’ve loved the others in the series, but The Icon isn’t it. The writing style seems so different, very choppy and maybe AI? I can’t put my finger on it but it’s just odd. That being said, Shea is still insane and we love her.
March 11, 2026
I’m not sure if I loved or disliked it, I was confused most of the time, but then something would happen to draw me back in, then it was predictable, and now I’m still excited to read the last one in this series.
February 21, 2026
I love this series! It grabs you right away and keeps you guessing. Highly recommend.
February 28, 2026
Disappointed
I found it very boring. I pushed myself to finish it. It was nothing like the previous books. I'm glad I paid for it on my kindle and not as a soft cover book.
I found it very boring. I pushed myself to finish it. It was nothing like the previous books. I'm glad I paid for it on my kindle and not as a soft cover book.
March 3, 2026
Not bad thriller, but it feels like something is missing
March 11, 2026
3.5 stars
March 17, 2026
I found this book to be really dull. I didn't find any of the characters likeable, and I'm confused by the intentions of certain characters. I'm hoping it's a good segue to the final book released next year.
March 17, 2026
This series is both addictive and frightening 🫢
March 24, 2026
Definitely my least favorite in the series!
March 28, 2026
Felt obligated to continue the series but should’ve quit after the last one. Snooze
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews