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Fruit Fly
Not yet published
Expected 23 Apr 26Anyone can write a bestseller. Here's how.
GO GAY
It's been seven years since Mallory shot to fame as a literary sensation. But after years of struggling with writer's block, she's desperate to resurrect her career before it spirals into obscurity. She needs inspiration to strike – and fast.
GO SAD
Enter Leo – a young struggling addict sleeping under bridges and trading sex for survival. He's vulnerable. He's enigmatic. He's exactly what Mallory has been looking for.
GO DARK
Mallory needs Leo if she wants another bestseller. Authenticity sells, and there's nothing more authentic than real life. She's the perfect person to tell Leo's story. Gay, sad, dark – just what the world needs right now. But as secrets threaten to unravel more than just her career, Mallory must just how far will she go to pen the perfect story?
GO GAY
It's been seven years since Mallory shot to fame as a literary sensation. But after years of struggling with writer's block, she's desperate to resurrect her career before it spirals into obscurity. She needs inspiration to strike – and fast.
GO SAD
Enter Leo – a young struggling addict sleeping under bridges and trading sex for survival. He's vulnerable. He's enigmatic. He's exactly what Mallory has been looking for.
GO DARK
Mallory needs Leo if she wants another bestseller. Authenticity sells, and there's nothing more authentic than real life. She's the perfect person to tell Leo's story. Gay, sad, dark – just what the world needs right now. But as secrets threaten to unravel more than just her career, Mallory must just how far will she go to pen the perfect story?
Audible Audio
Expected publication April 23, 2026
1740 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 25, 2026
This has completely and utterly blown me away. I’ve been a fan of Josh since his debut, HappyHead was released a few years ago and have read everything he’s written with fevered excitement. Ever since Fruit Fly was announced I’ve been dying to read it so much so that the moment I was approved for an earc I started reading it straight away.
Quite frankly, it’s a stunning book. It flips between comical, to creepy, to sad, to hopeful, to totally bonkers and back again. The plot is handled with such care and skill, I could not stop reading, desperate to find out what would happen next.
I really enjoyed Mal and the unravelling of her life. I loved Leo and his struggle to try and sort his life out.
Honestly this book has to be read and appreciated. My words just do not cut it but Josh Silver’s most certainly do. I wish I could scoop this book out of my brain so that I could read it again for the first time!
Thank you to NetGalley and Magpie for my earc!
Quite frankly, it’s a stunning book. It flips between comical, to creepy, to sad, to hopeful, to totally bonkers and back again. The plot is handled with such care and skill, I could not stop reading, desperate to find out what would happen next.
I really enjoyed Mal and the unravelling of her life. I loved Leo and his struggle to try and sort his life out.
Honestly this book has to be read and appreciated. My words just do not cut it but Josh Silver’s most certainly do. I wish I could scoop this book out of my brain so that I could read it again for the first time!
Thank you to NetGalley and Magpie for my earc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a fantastic read. I've read all of Josh Silver's other books and loved them all; I wasn't sure how i was going to enjoy this one given that it's his first adult book and the subject matter isn't something I would normally be drawn to. But it's Josh Silver so I had to.
I loved this book; the obsession, the sickness, the gaslighting. And honestly, Mal blasting through her novel made me want to start writing again.
Spoilers Below
What a fantastic read. I've read all of Josh Silver's other books and loved them all; I wasn't sure how i was going to enjoy this one given that it's his first adult book and the subject matter isn't something I would normally be drawn to. But it's Josh Silver so I had to.
I loved this book; the obsession, the sickness, the gaslighting. And honestly, Mal blasting through her novel made me want to start writing again.
Spoilers Below
January 21, 2026
4.5 🌟 Fruit Fly was a book I simply couldn’t put down. From the start, I was very curious about Leo and Mal and eager to learn more about them and their stories.
The characters are incredibly complex, layered, and rich in personality. They felt very real to me, which made the story even more emotional. Despite the heavy themes, the book is still full of humour, creating a great balance.
Early on, I already disliked the relationship between Mal and Ronan, but this added tension and unease and made me root for Mal even more.
The ending was absolutely perfect, I don’t think it could have ended better. This was such a great story and an entertaining read. I loved it.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The characters are incredibly complex, layered, and rich in personality. They felt very real to me, which made the story even more emotional. Despite the heavy themes, the book is still full of humour, creating a great balance.
Early on, I already disliked the relationship between Mal and Ronan, but this added tension and unease and made me root for Mal even more.
The ending was absolutely perfect, I don’t think it could have ended better. This was such a great story and an entertaining read. I loved it.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I don't know if this one hit too close to home for me or what, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I absolutely adored Josh's previous works. The subject matter is obviously very different and the setting is supposed to be much more realistic, but I didn't find myself really believing either of these characters.
I found the way he peeled off the layers of Mal being emotionally abused by her husband (the bit that triggered me the most, next to Leo's rape scene) very very clever, but I didn't really find myself ever rooting for her simply because she reads as quite unlikable as a person through and through, to the very end of the novel. It isn't even about the fact that she's a woman written by a man, she's just not the kind of person I would ever look at twice after exchanging a couple of words with her.
As for Leo, he didn't feel like he could or wanted to be helped. In so many ways, he made himself look irredeemable, with only a few glimpses of hope here and there — but not enough to make me actively believe he could be a decent person underneath all the trauma. I know that Josh has experience as a mental health specialist and I don't, but as a simple reader with only superficial knowledge of psychology and the cycles of addiction this didn't feel ~right, somehow.
Still very happy I've read this, though, and thank you so much to Oneworld Publications for the ARC via NetGalley ❤️
I found the way he peeled off the layers of Mal being emotionally abused by her husband (the bit that triggered me the most, next to Leo's rape scene) very very clever, but I didn't really find myself ever rooting for her simply because she reads as quite unlikable as a person through and through, to the very end of the novel. It isn't even about the fact that she's a woman written by a man, she's just not the kind of person I would ever look at twice after exchanging a couple of words with her.
As for Leo, he didn't feel like he could or wanted to be helped. In so many ways, he made himself look irredeemable, with only a few glimpses of hope here and there — but not enough to make me actively believe he could be a decent person underneath all the trauma. I know that Josh has experience as a mental health specialist and I don't, but as a simple reader with only superficial knowledge of psychology and the cycles of addiction this didn't feel ~right, somehow.
Still very happy I've read this, though, and thank you so much to Oneworld Publications for the ARC via NetGalley ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
I loved this book, I am so grateful that I had a chance to read it before it is officially released! Definitely one to grab when it is published!
February 22, 2026
I’ve loved every YA book Josh has written and his adult novel was just as incredible as his other books ❤️
Josh is still the king of writing the best endings to any book
I absolutely loved Fruit Fly
The characters were so interesting that I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what they were going to do next
This is the best book I’ve read all year and everyone should go read it when it’s out 23rd April
Josh is still the king of writing the best endings to any book
I absolutely loved Fruit Fly
The characters were so interesting that I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what they were going to do next
This is the best book I’ve read all year and everyone should go read it when it’s out 23rd April
January 24, 2026
A Novel About Who Owns a Story
Fruit Fly is a dark, uneven novel about authorship, power and what happens when pain is turned into material. It is interested less in healing than in exposure, and it rarely lets the reader settle.
The novel centres on Mallory, a writer stalled by writer's block and fixation, and Leo, a volatile and magnetic figure whose presence destabilises everyone around him. Their connection is intense and unsafe, driven by need and projection rather than trust. Mallory’s marriage to Ronan appears steady at first, yet gradually reveals itself as something more restrictive and quietly coercive. The story traces how these relationships tighten, fracture and eventually spill beyond private control.
What works especially well is the contrast in voice. Leo’s sections are sharp, propulsive and darkly funny, carrying urgency and threat. His chapters give the book momentum and edge. The novel also handles addiction, desire and queerness without sanitising them, refusing easy redemption or moral clarity.
Where the book falters is pacing. Mallory’s sections sometimes linger too long inside anxiety and self-scrutiny, slowing the narrative at moments that call for pressure and movement. These stretches feel over-indulged rather than deepened, creating imbalance against the novel’s otherwise strong forward drive.
The final section shifts into the aftermath of publication, where private damage becomes public narrative. This turn is one of the book’s most interesting moves, exploring how control changes once a story no longer belongs to the person who lived it.
Fruit Fly is uneven but ambitious, unsettling rather than satisfying, and likely to divide readers. Those drawn to dark literary fiction that interrogates power, authorship and emotional exploitation will find much to engage with here.
Thank you NetGalley and Oneworld Publications, Magpie publishers for the ARC.
Fruit Fly is a dark, uneven novel about authorship, power and what happens when pain is turned into material. It is interested less in healing than in exposure, and it rarely lets the reader settle.
The novel centres on Mallory, a writer stalled by writer's block and fixation, and Leo, a volatile and magnetic figure whose presence destabilises everyone around him. Their connection is intense and unsafe, driven by need and projection rather than trust. Mallory’s marriage to Ronan appears steady at first, yet gradually reveals itself as something more restrictive and quietly coercive. The story traces how these relationships tighten, fracture and eventually spill beyond private control.
What works especially well is the contrast in voice. Leo’s sections are sharp, propulsive and darkly funny, carrying urgency and threat. His chapters give the book momentum and edge. The novel also handles addiction, desire and queerness without sanitising them, refusing easy redemption or moral clarity.
Where the book falters is pacing. Mallory’s sections sometimes linger too long inside anxiety and self-scrutiny, slowing the narrative at moments that call for pressure and movement. These stretches feel over-indulged rather than deepened, creating imbalance against the novel’s otherwise strong forward drive.
The final section shifts into the aftermath of publication, where private damage becomes public narrative. This turn is one of the book’s most interesting moves, exploring how control changes once a story no longer belongs to the person who lived it.
Fruit Fly is uneven but ambitious, unsettling rather than satisfying, and likely to divide readers. Those drawn to dark literary fiction that interrogates power, authorship and emotional exploitation will find much to engage with here.
Thank you NetGalley and Oneworld Publications, Magpie publishers for the ARC.
September 14, 2025
Omg this was INSANE. Funny, very dark and so so moving. The twist at the end is to die for - cannot WAIT to read everything else Josh Silver’s written. BRILLIANT!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fruit Fly is a novel about a writer struggling for a plot, who meets a young gay addict and realises his story will sell. Mallory's debut novel brought her literary fame, but since then she's struggled. She now works as barely-a-therapist after being encouraged by her husband to do a course and feels trapped. When she realises that maybe something gay and edgy will bring inspiration, she sets out on a path that leads her to Leo, a young man struggling with addiction. He's perfect for Mallory's next novel, but Leo is a real person, and neither of their stories are simple.
I've read one of Josh Silver's previous YA novels and I was intrigued by the cover and description of this one, the latter fitting into a trend for delving into ideas of authenticity versus trends in art. However, I found Fruit Fly difficult to get into as I started it, with the story beginning with a lot of Mallory's perspective as she tries to navigate Grindr and gay chemsex culture for book ideas. The satire felt silly (yes, many people not involved in that world don't know all of the drug slang) and I couldn't quite tell what the literary trend it was satirising was, as someone who reads a lot of queer literary fiction who wasn't aware there was a big issue with straight women lying on Grindr for plots.
As the book goes on, it actually diverges from the satire into something darker and with some more nuance. You get far more of Leo's perspective, making it clear that any simple depiction of him as Mallory is looking for will be missing the complexity of a real person, and you also see that Mallory's plotline isn't just a straightforward satire of a straight woman looking for literary fame. There is one particularly dark point for Leo that almost feels jarring given the tone of the rest of the book, but is also one of the only moments that acknowledges the actual danger he finds himself in. Though this part isn't very graphic (as the book generally shies away from anything graphic in relation to drugs and sex in favour of telling you things rather than showing them), the final book probably needs a warning that it contains sexual assault.
Mallory's plot becomes more nuanced as the book goes on and, without wanting to ruin the narrative for anyone, doesn't just paint her as the 'bad guy' profiting off Leo, though that side is still explored throughout. I found the literary world side of the book perhaps the most frustrating part as it didn't feel very fleshed out (for example, I could never tell how much Mallory's debut novel was meant to be a literary darling and how much it was a YA novel loved by teens) and maybe it is one for the insiders in the book world to appreciate than readers who don't tend to see that side of things. The ending really returns to the book world side of things, and whilst it is quite neat, it felt like a return to the simple satire of the start.
Overall, I found that there's some really great ideas in the book, but I wasn't always a fan of the execution. At times I felt like the book was more aimed at someone like Mallory, i.e. someone in the literary publishing world who doesn't read gritty LGBTQ books written by queer authors, but just thinks they might be popular. That said, I'm sure a lot of people will gel with this book, which combines a kind of literary fiction satire with some more tense, thriller aspects. It just wasn't entirely for me.
I've read one of Josh Silver's previous YA novels and I was intrigued by the cover and description of this one, the latter fitting into a trend for delving into ideas of authenticity versus trends in art. However, I found Fruit Fly difficult to get into as I started it, with the story beginning with a lot of Mallory's perspective as she tries to navigate Grindr and gay chemsex culture for book ideas. The satire felt silly (yes, many people not involved in that world don't know all of the drug slang) and I couldn't quite tell what the literary trend it was satirising was, as someone who reads a lot of queer literary fiction who wasn't aware there was a big issue with straight women lying on Grindr for plots.
As the book goes on, it actually diverges from the satire into something darker and with some more nuance. You get far more of Leo's perspective, making it clear that any simple depiction of him as Mallory is looking for will be missing the complexity of a real person, and you also see that Mallory's plotline isn't just a straightforward satire of a straight woman looking for literary fame. There is one particularly dark point for Leo that almost feels jarring given the tone of the rest of the book, but is also one of the only moments that acknowledges the actual danger he finds himself in. Though this part isn't very graphic (as the book generally shies away from anything graphic in relation to drugs and sex in favour of telling you things rather than showing them), the final book probably needs a warning that it contains sexual assault.
Mallory's plot becomes more nuanced as the book goes on and, without wanting to ruin the narrative for anyone, doesn't just paint her as the 'bad guy' profiting off Leo, though that side is still explored throughout. I found the literary world side of the book perhaps the most frustrating part as it didn't feel very fleshed out (for example, I could never tell how much Mallory's debut novel was meant to be a literary darling and how much it was a YA novel loved by teens) and maybe it is one for the insiders in the book world to appreciate than readers who don't tend to see that side of things. The ending really returns to the book world side of things, and whilst it is quite neat, it felt like a return to the simple satire of the start.
Overall, I found that there's some really great ideas in the book, but I wasn't always a fan of the execution. At times I felt like the book was more aimed at someone like Mallory, i.e. someone in the literary publishing world who doesn't read gritty LGBTQ books written by queer authors, but just thinks they might be popular. That said, I'm sure a lot of people will gel with this book, which combines a kind of literary fiction satire with some more tense, thriller aspects. It just wasn't entirely for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me an early copy of this to review!!*
An absolute banger. Very gay, very sad, very dark. And an absolutely fascinating look at the way the current media market pushes for these vulnerable and raw stories, and who profits/suffers as a consequence.
One thing about Josh Silver - whether he’s writing YA or adult - he’s going straight for the throat. I absolutely love the direction he took with this one, and I think he’s going to absolutely thrive in the litfic world. He’s got such an amazing voice and breadth of perspective, I’m in love with the way he weaves the most creative and engaging narratives. So current and cutthroat, his emotional and social intelligence is plain to see. I ended up devouring this book in two sittings and didn’t want to put it down.
Another thing about Josh Silver, he’s going to traumatise you in one paragraph, and then make you actually laugh out loud with the next. I struggle with the use of humour in books, but he’s got this dry, self deprecating, ridiculously warm voice that comes out with the most outrageous one liners. He’s so effortlessly funny, and I think he really utilises satire and dark humour so well in his stories. His narratives have such personality to them, and his writing style feels totally unique. It’s so full of suspense and shocking twists, and the fact that he’s able to upkeep the ridiculously snappy pacing is so impressive.
Don’t be fooled by the vibrant cover and tongue in cheek tagline though, this is still a very bleak narrative at times. It’s a very real and raw look at mental health and substance abuse, and what that looks like when you’re a person who has been a cog in the system for a long time and doesn’t have a home or safe space to go to, or a support network to lean on. There are also themes of domestic violence, sexual violence, and extremely controlling and manipulative behaviours. It’s a wild ride.
I think Silver balances these so well in the story, and I always appreciate how gritty he allows himself to write and how dark his characters are allowed to go. He doesn’t sugarcoat or romanticise anything, it’s a very uncomfortable and upsetting experience for the most part. The characters of Mallory and Leo work so well to push this story forward, and watching everything unfold through two completely different perspectives was unputdownable.The last 150 pages of this book were insane and I was locked in. His endings are always jaw dropping and leave me craving more, I both love and loathe the ‘THATS THE LAST PAGE?!’ feeling. He gets me with it every single time.
It felt fresh and original and exciting, and I loved it. Creative and fun whilst also posing some really interesting and important questions about the commercialisation of tragedy, particularly when it comes to vulnerable and marginalised groups. I know this one isn’t even out yet and I’m being greedy, but I cannot wait to see what Josh Silver does next. This book is a must read for 2026.
An absolute banger. Very gay, very sad, very dark. And an absolutely fascinating look at the way the current media market pushes for these vulnerable and raw stories, and who profits/suffers as a consequence.
One thing about Josh Silver - whether he’s writing YA or adult - he’s going straight for the throat. I absolutely love the direction he took with this one, and I think he’s going to absolutely thrive in the litfic world. He’s got such an amazing voice and breadth of perspective, I’m in love with the way he weaves the most creative and engaging narratives. So current and cutthroat, his emotional and social intelligence is plain to see. I ended up devouring this book in two sittings and didn’t want to put it down.
Another thing about Josh Silver, he’s going to traumatise you in one paragraph, and then make you actually laugh out loud with the next. I struggle with the use of humour in books, but he’s got this dry, self deprecating, ridiculously warm voice that comes out with the most outrageous one liners. He’s so effortlessly funny, and I think he really utilises satire and dark humour so well in his stories. His narratives have such personality to them, and his writing style feels totally unique. It’s so full of suspense and shocking twists, and the fact that he’s able to upkeep the ridiculously snappy pacing is so impressive.
Don’t be fooled by the vibrant cover and tongue in cheek tagline though, this is still a very bleak narrative at times. It’s a very real and raw look at mental health and substance abuse, and what that looks like when you’re a person who has been a cog in the system for a long time and doesn’t have a home or safe space to go to, or a support network to lean on. There are also themes of domestic violence, sexual violence, and extremely controlling and manipulative behaviours. It’s a wild ride.
I think Silver balances these so well in the story, and I always appreciate how gritty he allows himself to write and how dark his characters are allowed to go. He doesn’t sugarcoat or romanticise anything, it’s a very uncomfortable and upsetting experience for the most part. The characters of Mallory and Leo work so well to push this story forward, and watching everything unfold through two completely different perspectives was unputdownable.The last 150 pages of this book were insane and I was locked in. His endings are always jaw dropping and leave me craving more, I both love and loathe the ‘THATS THE LAST PAGE?!’ feeling. He gets me with it every single time.
It felt fresh and original and exciting, and I loved it. Creative and fun whilst also posing some really interesting and important questions about the commercialisation of tragedy, particularly when it comes to vulnerable and marginalised groups. I know this one isn’t even out yet and I’m being greedy, but I cannot wait to see what Josh Silver does next. This book is a must read for 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
‘Fruit Fly’ by Josh Silver is a story of a blocked author exploiting a young man's trauma that makes for an intense and compulsive read. From the description, I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so dark and heavy, dealing as it does—in a high level of detail—with topics such as addiction, rape, and domestic abuse (including controlling behaviour, psychological abuse, and financial abuse). It’s hard for me to describe a book that is so painful as enjoyable, and yet I couldn’t tear myself away from it, and when I did have to put it down, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. It’s like a scab that you can’t not pick.
The novel says a lot about the way people use each other—and the way the publishing industry uses everyone—but does so in a way that is more illustrative and encourages the reader to draw their own conclusions rather than being overt or preachy, as is the case with books like R.F. Kuang’s ‘Yellowface’. This makes for a more nuanced and engaging read.
The author also refuses to cast any one character as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but instead shows them as a sum of their experiences and traits, which feels more true to life and refreshing, and although I did not like any of the characters, I felt I could understand them and see them as real human beings.
I particularly like the parallels drawn between Mallory and Leo—though, this did feel a touch too heavy and overt at times, for example, when in back-to-back chapters they each encounter their mothers after a period of estrangement. Still, it functions fantastically to provoke thought and discussion, particularly around issues such as class and how that impacts a way a person is treated and perceived.
The only issue I have with the novel, which stops it from being a five-star read for me, is the depiction of Mallory’s mental state towards the end—when the hallucinations kick in, it feels like the author’s tight control of the story slips and it loses its way for a moment. But the ending itself is brilliant. This is a novel that really goes out with bang and leaves you reeling.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Josh Silver and Magpie for the ARC.
⚠️ Drug use, addiction, alcoholism, violence, vomiting, forced institutionalisation, mental illness, domestic abuse, rape, suicide
The novel says a lot about the way people use each other—and the way the publishing industry uses everyone—but does so in a way that is more illustrative and encourages the reader to draw their own conclusions rather than being overt or preachy, as is the case with books like R.F. Kuang’s ‘Yellowface’. This makes for a more nuanced and engaging read.
The author also refuses to cast any one character as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but instead shows them as a sum of their experiences and traits, which feels more true to life and refreshing, and although I did not like any of the characters, I felt I could understand them and see them as real human beings.
I particularly like the parallels drawn between Mallory and Leo—though, this did feel a touch too heavy and overt at times, for example, when in back-to-back chapters they each encounter their mothers after a period of estrangement. Still, it functions fantastically to provoke thought and discussion, particularly around issues such as class and how that impacts a way a person is treated and perceived.
The only issue I have with the novel, which stops it from being a five-star read for me, is the depiction of Mallory’s mental state towards the end—when the hallucinations kick in, it feels like the author’s tight control of the story slips and it loses its way for a moment. But the ending itself is brilliant. This is a novel that really goes out with bang and leaves you reeling.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Josh Silver and Magpie for the ARC.
⚠️ Drug use, addiction, alcoholism, violence, vomiting, forced institutionalisation, mental illness, domestic abuse, rape, suicide
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s been seven years since Mallory shot to fame as a literary sensation, but after years struggling from writers block, she is desperate to resurrect her career. She needs inspiration fast and that is when she sees Leo, a young struggling addict who is vulnerable. He is exactly what she needs for another bestseller, so sets about telling his story. Only as secrets unravel, she must decide how far she will go for the perfect story.
I have been interested in reading books by this author since being intrigued by his young adult books, however with YA not being my usual genre, I had yet to pick one up. Because of this I was excited to see he had written an adult book, especially seeing all the hype behind it. After finishing, I can safely say this has got the recognition it deserves! This ended up being a hugely compelling, multi layered and absolutely fantastic story - one of the best books I have read for a while and certainly so far this year.
The author did a brilliant job at developing the characters, especially that of Mallory and Leo. I was completely enthralled by them and they felt authentic and fresh with their many flaws and the actions they took. The story did not shy away from very dark, hard hitting moments, exploring provocative and disturbing scenes, however managing to do this in a thought provoking way. I liked that through the bleak moments, there was also an emotional depth, while also having an undercurrent of dark humour. The writing style was interesting, where you could really get a feel of the characters and their inner turmoil. I enjoyed the exploration of the creative world and the shadowy side to the industry, while also finding the ending cleverly constructed, bringing the story together well.
Overall a chaotic, creepy and at times crazy read and one I will highly recommend. I will definitely be seeking out more from this author now and look forward to seeing what else he comes up with. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I have been interested in reading books by this author since being intrigued by his young adult books, however with YA not being my usual genre, I had yet to pick one up. Because of this I was excited to see he had written an adult book, especially seeing all the hype behind it. After finishing, I can safely say this has got the recognition it deserves! This ended up being a hugely compelling, multi layered and absolutely fantastic story - one of the best books I have read for a while and certainly so far this year.
The author did a brilliant job at developing the characters, especially that of Mallory and Leo. I was completely enthralled by them and they felt authentic and fresh with their many flaws and the actions they took. The story did not shy away from very dark, hard hitting moments, exploring provocative and disturbing scenes, however managing to do this in a thought provoking way. I liked that through the bleak moments, there was also an emotional depth, while also having an undercurrent of dark humour. The writing style was interesting, where you could really get a feel of the characters and their inner turmoil. I enjoyed the exploration of the creative world and the shadowy side to the industry, while also finding the ending cleverly constructed, bringing the story together well.
Overall a chaotic, creepy and at times crazy read and one I will highly recommend. I will definitely be seeking out more from this author now and look forward to seeing what else he comes up with. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Josh Silver’s Fruit Fly is a brilliantly uncomfortable, descent into the moral rot of the modern creative world. It moves away from the dystopian themes of his previous work to deliver a razor-sharp adult satire that feels dangerously grounded in reality. The story follows Mallory Maddox, a failing author desperate for a comeback, who decides to "rescue" Leo, a young man struggling with homelessness and addiction. However, Mallory isn’t interested in saving Leo’s life; she’s interested in mining his trauma to write a bestselling novel.
The narrative is fueled by the jarring contrast between its two leads. Mallory is a chillingly relatable "villain-protagonist" whose ambition has completely swallowed her empathy, making her see Leo’s suffering as mere "content" to be polished for a middle-class audience. Leo, meanwhile, is the tragic heart of the book—a vulnerable soul in freefall whose desperation makes him an easy target for Mallory’s predatory "help." Silver’s background as a mental health nurse shines through here, as the depiction of addiction is visceral, unglamorized, and deeply empathetic.
The darkness of Fruit Fly doesn't come from jump scares, but from the clinical way it explores human exploitation. It is a savage critique of the "trauma porn" industry, questioning the ethics of who gets to tell whose story and at what cost. The book is often physically difficult to read because it forces you to witness a slow-motion car crash of moral bankruptcy, where "giving someone a voice" is actually just a polite term for theft. It’s a haunting, cynical, and necessary look at how society turns real-life tragedy into a clickable commodity.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC in return for an honest review.
The narrative is fueled by the jarring contrast between its two leads. Mallory is a chillingly relatable "villain-protagonist" whose ambition has completely swallowed her empathy, making her see Leo’s suffering as mere "content" to be polished for a middle-class audience. Leo, meanwhile, is the tragic heart of the book—a vulnerable soul in freefall whose desperation makes him an easy target for Mallory’s predatory "help." Silver’s background as a mental health nurse shines through here, as the depiction of addiction is visceral, unglamorized, and deeply empathetic.
The darkness of Fruit Fly doesn't come from jump scares, but from the clinical way it explores human exploitation. It is a savage critique of the "trauma porn" industry, questioning the ethics of who gets to tell whose story and at what cost. The book is often physically difficult to read because it forces you to witness a slow-motion car crash of moral bankruptcy, where "giving someone a voice" is actually just a polite term for theft. It’s a haunting, cynical, and necessary look at how society turns real-life tragedy into a clickable commodity.
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I think I’m still absorbing this one! I was absolutely invested in this book but found the plot incredibly uncomfortable (by design). Initially, I found it reminiscent of Yellow Face. An author taking on someone else’s diversity to increase book sales. But found it was a very different story with themes on therapeutic boundaries and unstable relationships
I would say the plot is very interesting but the characters are hard to like. Particularly Mallory. Again this is not a flaw of the writing but a feature. But it meant her personal struggles in the book felt a little distant, I found myself not overly concerned with her circumstances resolving.
I very much enjoyed Leo’s input on how others wanted his own story to look - the tragedy of an academic overachiever in his position rather than simply an average student etc. It added a touch of dark humour to some serious moments. However, some of Leo's distressing moments often felt very graphic in a book otherwise filled with hints at the past rather than clear recollections. And it felt as though these moments were often weighted against some much less concerning moments in other character plots.
I left this book a couple of days to review after reading, as I do feel as though there is a lot to process here, and I may return with further thoughts. Despite some elements not being quite for me, this book has stuck with me and I would be interesting in looking into other works by Josh Silver!
Received as an ARC through Net Galley to review.
I would say the plot is very interesting but the characters are hard to like. Particularly Mallory. Again this is not a flaw of the writing but a feature. But it meant her personal struggles in the book felt a little distant, I found myself not overly concerned with her circumstances resolving.
I very much enjoyed Leo’s input on how others wanted his own story to look - the tragedy of an academic overachiever in his position rather than simply an average student etc. It added a touch of dark humour to some serious moments. However, some of Leo's distressing moments often felt very graphic in a book otherwise filled with hints at the past rather than clear recollections. And it felt as though these moments were often weighted against some much less concerning moments in other character plots.
I left this book a couple of days to review after reading, as I do feel as though there is a lot to process here, and I may return with further thoughts. Despite some elements not being quite for me, this book has stuck with me and I would be interesting in looking into other works by Josh Silver!
Received as an ARC through Net Galley to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC Review -
Mallory needs to write a best-selling novel and in comes Leo, to inspire her to do this.
This opening scenes had be laughing out loud. Mallory’s inner dialogue whilst making a Grindr account and connecting with gay men was giving Georgia Nicholson in the Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging universe (this is the highest of compliments). This set the initial tone for the book however, the story developed into something deeper, more thought provoking and completely anxiety inducing.
Mallory and Leo were complex and often at times completely unlikeable in both their personalities and their decisions. However, I couldn’t help but feel a complete sense of empathy toward both of them and their experiences. I might have been giving in to them as unreliable narrators but I wanted to like Mallory and Leo and wanted better for them.
I had so many thoughts racing through my mind regarding the ending and I was not unsatisfied.
I will be picking up other books by Josh Silver after finishing this one. Also the cover?? obsessed.
Thank you to NetGally and all for the ARC!
Mallory needs to write a best-selling novel and in comes Leo, to inspire her to do this.
This opening scenes had be laughing out loud. Mallory’s inner dialogue whilst making a Grindr account and connecting with gay men was giving Georgia Nicholson in the Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging universe (this is the highest of compliments). This set the initial tone for the book however, the story developed into something deeper, more thought provoking and completely anxiety inducing.
Mallory and Leo were complex and often at times completely unlikeable in both their personalities and their decisions. However, I couldn’t help but feel a complete sense of empathy toward both of them and their experiences. I might have been giving in to them as unreliable narrators but I wanted to like Mallory and Leo and wanted better for them.
I had so many thoughts racing through my mind regarding the ending and I was not unsatisfied.
I will be picking up other books by Josh Silver after finishing this one. Also the cover?? obsessed.
Thank you to NetGally and all for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.
This was absolutely mind blowing!
Fruit Fly follows Mal, author turned therapist and Leo, drug addicted “sex-worker” they couldn’t be any more different but their paths intertwine when Mal’s search for inspiration for her next novel and Leo’s desperate need for money and help turns into mutual obsession.
Somewhere in the blurb this book is compared to the likes of “Young Mungo” and “A Little Life” and while both of those novels are phenomenal I personally think this is more comparable to the works of Dennis Cooper in its brutality, rawness and darkness.
I really enjoyed reading this book my only qualm was Mal’s absolute cringey cluelessness in the beginning which I found more painful than funny! However this is a very tiny complaint on my part because I do appreciate making fun of the performative support towards queerness from upper class white women.
All that being said I am definitely looking forward for the official release in April as this is definitely one for the bookshelf!
Best of luck to Josh Silver with his upcoming release hoping to see some more great work from him in the future.
This was absolutely mind blowing!
Fruit Fly follows Mal, author turned therapist and Leo, drug addicted “sex-worker” they couldn’t be any more different but their paths intertwine when Mal’s search for inspiration for her next novel and Leo’s desperate need for money and help turns into mutual obsession.
Somewhere in the blurb this book is compared to the likes of “Young Mungo” and “A Little Life” and while both of those novels are phenomenal I personally think this is more comparable to the works of Dennis Cooper in its brutality, rawness and darkness.
I really enjoyed reading this book my only qualm was Mal’s absolute cringey cluelessness in the beginning which I found more painful than funny! However this is a very tiny complaint on my part because I do appreciate making fun of the performative support towards queerness from upper class white women.
All that being said I am definitely looking forward for the official release in April as this is definitely one for the bookshelf!
Best of luck to Josh Silver with his upcoming release hoping to see some more great work from him in the future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
There’s an early buzz around this book so I had to dive in.
Mallory was a one hit wonder literary sensation, suffering from writers block since her debut. She’s searching for inspiration. Leo is a reckless risk taker, happy to sell sex, to be abused to pay for the drugs to keep him comfortably numb.
Mallory stumbles across Leo, them searches him out, convinced that’s he’s main character inspiration material for the book that will turn her fortunes around.
I’ve loved books about struggling writers stealing manuscripts, but never one about two lives intertwining, there’s an electric parasitic addictive energy about it. Two characters who need something from the other, which can help them unlock themselves.
Imagine early Irvine Welsh mixed with Karen Campbell (Paper Cup, This Bright Light).
I’ll say it comprehensive, some parts are seen through Mallory’s perspective, Leo’s and the fictionalised account. There’s also Mallory’s seemingly perfect marriage and home life to worry about. Plenty going on and it kept me gripped.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Oneworld Publications
Mallory was a one hit wonder literary sensation, suffering from writers block since her debut. She’s searching for inspiration. Leo is a reckless risk taker, happy to sell sex, to be abused to pay for the drugs to keep him comfortably numb.
Mallory stumbles across Leo, them searches him out, convinced that’s he’s main character inspiration material for the book that will turn her fortunes around.
I’ve loved books about struggling writers stealing manuscripts, but never one about two lives intertwining, there’s an electric parasitic addictive energy about it. Two characters who need something from the other, which can help them unlock themselves.
Imagine early Irvine Welsh mixed with Karen Campbell (Paper Cup, This Bright Light).
I’ll say it comprehensive, some parts are seen through Mallory’s perspective, Leo’s and the fictionalised account. There’s also Mallory’s seemingly perfect marriage and home life to worry about. Plenty going on and it kept me gripped.
Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Oneworld Publications
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mal Maddox, a writer who feels stuck in her life and marriage googles "how to write a bestseller" and comes across a reddit post that recommends that she write something dark and gay. This leads her in some convoluted ways to meet Leo, a young gay guy who is homeless and a drug addict, who becomes the inspiration for the story she sets out to write. (Which she names Slay!). It adresses the story of representation in writing, privilege and what is seen as authentic and what maybe actually is? As the story goes on it becomes clear that all is not well with Mal as well.
Fruit Fly is a great satire and critique of the book industry while also bringing an exciting and thrilling plot. The first 50 pages had me laughing out loud and then the laughter started getting stuck in my throat. It's dark comedy, it's domestic thriller, it's social satire, and it's made me think about the role readers have in what books become big. Why are Big Gay Books so bleak and sad? Who is telling these stories in this way?
A fantastic read that I will definitely be recommending to people!
Fruit Fly is a great satire and critique of the book industry while also bringing an exciting and thrilling plot. The first 50 pages had me laughing out loud and then the laughter started getting stuck in my throat. It's dark comedy, it's domestic thriller, it's social satire, and it's made me think about the role readers have in what books become big. Why are Big Gay Books so bleak and sad? Who is telling these stories in this way?
A fantastic read that I will definitely be recommending to people!
March 4, 2026
Another fantastic read from one of my all-time favourite authors. This story offers a much deeper and more mature exploration of a struggling gay man’s life than Silver’s previous YA novels, yet it still carries the same intensity and fast-paced energy that makes his books so gripping.
I absolutely loved Leo’s character development, watching him grow and unravel felt raw and authentic. At the same time, seeing Ronan and Mal’s relationship form and evolve added such a compelling emotional layer to the story. Silver has a real talent for building relationships that feel genuine and earned.
One of my favourite things about his writing is how he always knows exactly how to end a book, with a cliffhanger or powerful final statement that leaves you desperate for more. His stories linger long after the final page, sparking your imagination as if you’re already writing the sequel in your head.
I absolutely loved Leo’s character development, watching him grow and unravel felt raw and authentic. At the same time, seeing Ronan and Mal’s relationship form and evolve added such a compelling emotional layer to the story. Silver has a real talent for building relationships that feel genuine and earned.
One of my favourite things about his writing is how he always knows exactly how to end a book, with a cliffhanger or powerful final statement that leaves you desperate for more. His stories linger long after the final page, sparking your imagination as if you’re already writing the sequel in your head.
January 24, 2026
Highlights:
I was lucky to get an advanced reader copy, and this book has not left my head. Every character matters, no matter how small their role. Mallory is unforgettable. From an aspiring author’s point of view, her drive and the lengths she goes to be creative hit deep. Josh Silver’s voice shines in his first adult novel, darker and seedier than before, showing the underbelly of life when people are in crisis. It is gut‑wrenching, inspiring and disturbing in the best way.
Shadows:
Very little to fault. The only thing worth noting is that it stays heavy and confronting, which is part of its power, but not a light read you rush through.
Final Word:
A bold, unsettling, unforgettable novel that proves Josh Silver is just as powerful in adult fiction as in YA, and one of the best books I have ever read.
Rating:
5 out of 5 stars plus
I was lucky to get an advanced reader copy, and this book has not left my head. Every character matters, no matter how small their role. Mallory is unforgettable. From an aspiring author’s point of view, her drive and the lengths she goes to be creative hit deep. Josh Silver’s voice shines in his first adult novel, darker and seedier than before, showing the underbelly of life when people are in crisis. It is gut‑wrenching, inspiring and disturbing in the best way.
Shadows:
Very little to fault. The only thing worth noting is that it stays heavy and confronting, which is part of its power, but not a light read you rush through.
Final Word:
A bold, unsettling, unforgettable novel that proves Josh Silver is just as powerful in adult fiction as in YA, and one of the best books I have ever read.
Rating:
5 out of 5 stars plus
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was everything
Leo is such a strong character. I felt so bad for him and everything he goes through in this story. He’s so sarcastic and that makes me like him even more.
Mallory is an interesting character, the kind you love to hate. I found it so funny in the beginning when she’s using queer terms and not understanding them at all. She does kind of get some depth in the back half of the book, but I still don’t like her, Not liking her feels intentional though.
I love the ending. I worried when we reached the final part and I had so many pages left that it would drag, but I think it was the perfect length. The very last thing that happens in this book is absolutely perfect.
Leo is such a strong character. I felt so bad for him and everything he goes through in this story. He’s so sarcastic and that makes me like him even more.
Mallory is an interesting character, the kind you love to hate. I found it so funny in the beginning when she’s using queer terms and not understanding them at all. She does kind of get some depth in the back half of the book, but I still don’t like her, Not liking her feels intentional though.
I love the ending. I worried when we reached the final part and I had so many pages left that it would drag, but I think it was the perfect length. The very last thing that happens in this book is absolutely perfect.
September 1, 2025
Fruit Fly is a daring and deeply provocative novel that dives headfirst into the blurred lines between art, exploitation, and obsession. Josh Silver masterfully crafts a story that is as uncomfortable as it is compelling, following Mallory’s desperate hunt for inspiration and the fragile, haunting connection she forges with Leo. The writing is raw, unflinching, and layered with tension, forcing the reader to question not only the characters’ choices but also their own appetite for stories built on suffering. Both dark and thought-provoking, this is a book that lingers long after you close it.
January 29, 2026
Breezed through this in two days. Interesting concept, well written and fleshed out characters. Without going into details, one particular relationship felt absolutely suffocating, more and more so, as the book went on and as you slowly realise the extent of it. Thought that was super well done. Also, it’s set in the area of London I live which was bit cool. Really enjoyed it.
Arc/netgalley copy.
Arc/netgalley copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m just going to go ahead and say it: my favorite book of 2026 (yes yas, I know — it’s only January). Fruit Fly is unhinged, dark, laugh-out-loud funny, and genuinely brilliant. I could not put this down. Josh Silver, please write another novel immediately. I’ll be recommending this to absolutely everyone.
5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and Oneworld Publications for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 13, 2026
rtc because this was insane but also very incredible
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.5 ⭐️
ooh this book was messy and chaotic and I loved it! it was one of those books where you keep reading a chapter and keep reading a chapter because every time you go to put it down it’s too bloody good!
heavy subject matter but so expertly handled and intwined in an engaging story.
4.5 ⭐️
ooh this book was messy and chaotic and I loved it! it was one of those books where you keep reading a chapter and keep reading a chapter because every time you go to put it down it’s too bloody good!
heavy subject matter but so expertly handled and intwined in an engaging story.
February 5, 2026
This was recommended to me by John Marrs and I was thrilled when I finally received an ARC from Netgalley.
What a ride! Clever, funny, jaw dropping, disturbing, twisted and highly original.
Loved it and would definitely recommend it 👌
What a ride! Clever, funny, jaw dropping, disturbing, twisted and highly original.
Loved it and would definitely recommend it 👌
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