What do you think?
Rate this book
A New Kind of Clean
Not yet published
Expected 5 Jan 27Haunting philosophical horror about what one aspiring actress is willing to surrender in exchange for making her dreams come true—a groundbreaking collaboration from the author of I'm Thinking of Ending Things and the filmmaker of the upcoming erotic drama Fleur.
Missy Djalo has spent years trying to mold herself into a real working actor. Someone who can become anyone. Someone who belongs in the spotlight. But so far, her life has been an endless loop of failed auditions, of sleepless nights running monologues in the seedy apartment she can barely afford, of constantly comparing herself to the prettier, richer, better-connected actresses that she’s passed over for again and again.
She knows her struggles will be worth it once she makes it big. Then, she’ll laugh in the face of everyone who ever doubted her. Like her mother, who never understood Missy’s passion.
When Missy is invited to audition for a lucrative commercial, it feels like a light at the end of the tunnel. The kind of paycheck and exposure that could change everything for her. But as the audition stretches on, the boundaries between reality and fantasy become increasingly blurred, and Missy begins to wonder: What will she have to sacrifice to reach her dreams?
Brimming with unease until the very last page, A New Kind of Clean is a surreal, minimalist fable about memory, alienation, ambition, and reality, from two critically acclaimed masters of their craft.
Missy Djalo has spent years trying to mold herself into a real working actor. Someone who can become anyone. Someone who belongs in the spotlight. But so far, her life has been an endless loop of failed auditions, of sleepless nights running monologues in the seedy apartment she can barely afford, of constantly comparing herself to the prettier, richer, better-connected actresses that she’s passed over for again and again.
She knows her struggles will be worth it once she makes it big. Then, she’ll laugh in the face of everyone who ever doubted her. Like her mother, who never understood Missy’s passion.
When Missy is invited to audition for a lucrative commercial, it feels like a light at the end of the tunnel. The kind of paycheck and exposure that could change everything for her. But as the audition stretches on, the boundaries between reality and fantasy become increasingly blurred, and Missy begins to wonder: What will she have to sacrifice to reach her dreams?
Brimming with unease until the very last page, A New Kind of Clean is a surreal, minimalist fable about memory, alienation, ambition, and reality, from two critically acclaimed masters of their craft.
208 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication January 5, 2027
About the author
Iain Reid
9 books4,839 followersIain Reid is the author of two critically acclaimed, award-winning books of nonfiction. His debut novel, I'm Thinking of Ending Things, was an international bestseller, and was translated into more than a dozen languages. Oscar-winner Charlie Kaufman is writing and directing the film adaptation for Netflix. Foe is Reid's second novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Want to Read
May 4, 2026MY FAVORITE AUTHOR IS BACK after YEARS and I am NOT OKAY
I don’t even have the book yet and it has already emotionally destroyed me.
I don’t even have the book yet and it has already emotionally destroyed me.
May 27, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I am extremely appreciative that I received this ARC, because Iain Reid is truly one of my favorite authors of all time. And even though A New Kind of Clean features Reid as a co-writer, the writing style is still just as unique and provocative as Reid’s other books. The other co-writer Elle Foumbi, coming from a background in film, lends a perspective that is movie-like in its creation of setting and characters that are easy to visualize while reading, in addition to a story that is cinematic in structure.
I found A New Kind of Clean to be a provocative glimpse into the life and psyche of a young person trying to make their way in the world of acting.
As with Reid’s other books, I am left with a stunned, numb feeling and I will need time, or even a re-read, to reflect on the book’s message, which is not directly stated but conveyed through many strange metaphors. It’s my favorite books that allow you to gain understanding of the message on your own terms, rather than explicitly telling the reader. Many of the weird, uncanny events that happen throughout the story are never explained, only meant to be interpreted by the reader. This would be a great choice for a book club because it is thought-provoking in that way.
I am extremely appreciative that I received this ARC, because Iain Reid is truly one of my favorite authors of all time. And even though A New Kind of Clean features Reid as a co-writer, the writing style is still just as unique and provocative as Reid’s other books. The other co-writer Elle Foumbi, coming from a background in film, lends a perspective that is movie-like in its creation of setting and characters that are easy to visualize while reading, in addition to a story that is cinematic in structure.
I found A New Kind of Clean to be a provocative glimpse into the life and psyche of a young person trying to make their way in the world of acting.
As with Reid’s other books, I am left with a stunned, numb feeling and I will need time, or even a re-read, to reflect on the book’s message, which is not directly stated but conveyed through many strange metaphors. It’s my favorite books that allow you to gain understanding of the message on your own terms, rather than explicitly telling the reader. Many of the weird, uncanny events that happen throughout the story are never explained, only meant to be interpreted by the reader. This would be a great choice for a book club because it is thought-provoking in that way.
Read
August 17, 20263.5 stars.
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get my hands on an arc of A New Kind of Clean! I discovered Iain Reid earlier this year, and immediately read his entire backlist, so needless to say this was a very highly anticipated read for me.
While this was a novel co-written with Ellie Foumbi, it definitely has Iain Reid's style of storytelling, which leaves a lot of room for the reader to come to their own conclusions and draw their own meaning, which I feel like would make this a great option for a book club discussion. I think of all of Iain Reid's books, this one reminds me the most of We Spread, in the sense that it is very disorienting and ambiguous.
I don't want to say too much, as I think it is best to go into this one knowing nothing... so what I will say is that I like the overall themes in this book. It took me some time to get into the story, but once the direction became more clear I started really enjoying it. I would have liked a little more information on the company and what was really going on there. While this is a very vague and ambiguous novel, I would recommend it for readers who like to theorize and formulate their own meaning. Generally, I don't tend to like ambiguous storytelling myself, but Iain Reid is my one exception. Foe is still my favourite from this author (the ending got me good!). I would also be interested to look into Ellie Foumbi's work after reading this.
Thank you to NatGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to get my hands on an arc of A New Kind of Clean! I discovered Iain Reid earlier this year, and immediately read his entire backlist, so needless to say this was a very highly anticipated read for me.
While this was a novel co-written with Ellie Foumbi, it definitely has Iain Reid's style of storytelling, which leaves a lot of room for the reader to come to their own conclusions and draw their own meaning, which I feel like would make this a great option for a book club discussion. I think of all of Iain Reid's books, this one reminds me the most of We Spread, in the sense that it is very disorienting and ambiguous.
I don't want to say too much, as I think it is best to go into this one knowing nothing... so what I will say is that I like the overall themes in this book. It took me some time to get into the story, but once the direction became more clear I started really enjoying it. I would have liked a little more information on the company and what was really going on there. While this is a very vague and ambiguous novel, I would recommend it for readers who like to theorize and formulate their own meaning. Generally, I don't tend to like ambiguous storytelling myself, but Iain Reid is my one exception. Foe is still my favourite from this author (the ending got me good!). I would also be interested to look into Ellie Foumbi's work after reading this.
Thank you to NatGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Read
July 19, 2026Notes for upcoming Library Journal review
Missy Djalo wants to be someone else. She dreams of success, fame, and to be someone who is desired, envied, and from a different background. She goes to auditions, leaves with resentment and anger as she races to her job as a security guard. Her Cameroonian mother is a cleans for a living, having lost her own dreams long ago. They are estranged and the memories of their last fight haunt Missy.
Her performances extend to her auditions - she wants to be come the girl they want her to be. She hates the other woman auditioning because she can become the the version of herself that they want. Missy's intense need to be known and recognized, special to someone. The relationship with her mother is key - does she want to success for herself or to prove her mother wrong?
Clean is in the title and is her mother's job.
The text seethe with Missy's resentment. - of her mother, for the loss of her father, her life in Raleigh NC. Behind that resentment is fear of being ordinary and forgotten. She's petty - she steals a makeup bag from another actress and sprays perfume at another. She has zero shame for these actions and believes that it's the survival of the fittest.
Missy sees negativity and pessimism in others and poison/dirty when it comes from other people like Liv, her roommate. She seems to be hiding from her mother both of because who her mother is and who Missy doesn't want to become.
A motivational speaker is the background drone in her car.
She receives a mysterious offer to audition for a company called Air Free. She's seduced by the fancy house and charm of those who meet her - Thomas and Violet. The house has a sense of surrealism and is minimalist in decor. Missy can sense something wrong but ignores her instincts.
The book is intense and psychological. It takes place inside Missy's head which gives it a claustrophobic feel.
They violate her personal boundaries and demand all of her while they maintain secrets.
Fans of Model Home by River Solomon will find the same vibes. There is a strong modern cult sense to the book with Air Free coming off like Scientology or NXIVM. Fans of beauty/wellness horror will also find a similar sense her.
It's not a novel where sense of place is strong as far a particular place. The city doesn't matter - just the homes of Missy's mother, Missy, and the Air Free house. The book wrestles with the question of who we are. Are we are dreams, desires, thoughts, and memories? Is it worth to lose all of that to become clean and to gain fame while leaving everything else behind?
She is given the promise of a new self.
Missy Djalo wants to be someone else. She dreams of success, fame, and to be someone who is desired, envied, and from a different background. She goes to auditions, leaves with resentment and anger as she races to her job as a security guard. Her Cameroonian mother is a cleans for a living, having lost her own dreams long ago. They are estranged and the memories of their last fight haunt Missy.
Her performances extend to her auditions - she wants to be come the girl they want her to be. She hates the other woman auditioning because she can become the the version of herself that they want. Missy's intense need to be known and recognized, special to someone. The relationship with her mother is key - does she want to success for herself or to prove her mother wrong?
Clean is in the title and is her mother's job.
The text seethe with Missy's resentment. - of her mother, for the loss of her father, her life in Raleigh NC. Behind that resentment is fear of being ordinary and forgotten. She's petty - she steals a makeup bag from another actress and sprays perfume at another. She has zero shame for these actions and believes that it's the survival of the fittest.
Missy sees negativity and pessimism in others and poison/dirty when it comes from other people like Liv, her roommate. She seems to be hiding from her mother both of because who her mother is and who Missy doesn't want to become.
A motivational speaker is the background drone in her car.
She receives a mysterious offer to audition for a company called Air Free. She's seduced by the fancy house and charm of those who meet her - Thomas and Violet. The house has a sense of surrealism and is minimalist in decor. Missy can sense something wrong but ignores her instincts.
The book is intense and psychological. It takes place inside Missy's head which gives it a claustrophobic feel.
They violate her personal boundaries and demand all of her while they maintain secrets.
Fans of Model Home by River Solomon will find the same vibes. There is a strong modern cult sense to the book with Air Free coming off like Scientology or NXIVM. Fans of beauty/wellness horror will also find a similar sense her.
It's not a novel where sense of place is strong as far a particular place. The city doesn't matter - just the homes of Missy's mother, Missy, and the Air Free house. The book wrestles with the question of who we are. Are we are dreams, desires, thoughts, and memories? Is it worth to lose all of that to become clean and to gain fame while leaving everything else behind?
She is given the promise of a new self.
June 26, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for making my dreams come true and letting me read an upcoming release by one of my favorite authors!
Okay, many many thoughts about this book, especially the final 20%.
I will start by saying that I’m a huge believer in Iain Reid. ITOET is one of the most innovative and original books that I’ve read in the last five years. I still think about the writing style and subsequent turn in the story years after reading the book.
That being said, I have read all of Reid’s works at this point, and felt that both Foe and We Spread missed a key component of suspense and originality that ITOET nails on the head. I am ecstatic to report that this is the first book that I think begins to rival what ITOET has to offer.
I would love to come back to this book upon its actual publication date and buy a physical copy, as the text itself is short yet incredibly dense, and I’m sure I glossed over or missed lots of the foreshadowing and imagery that make this such an interesting read.
🚨🚨🚨SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!! 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Finally, here are some of my immediate thoughts and ideas upon finishing this book:
I really enjoyed that as a reader I couldn’t really figure out what this book was trying to say or the lessons it was trying to teach me until I arrived at the final 20% of the book. At that point I was sitting in my house alone, audibly exclaiming revelations as I read the closing part of the story. I am really interested in the overall commentary on fame that the authors are able to make through the ending. Additionally, as a self proclaimed messy person, I felt that one thing that the authors were trying to teach us is that the dust of life is what makes life unique, beautiful and worth living. if we worry too much about what our life looks like, we irrefutably miss out on the nuance and specificity that Life has to offer.
Also, I love the bird symbolism. Enough said.
Final thought for now, I would love to someday teach A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and follow it up by reading this book with students.
Okay, many many thoughts about this book, especially the final 20%.
I will start by saying that I’m a huge believer in Iain Reid. ITOET is one of the most innovative and original books that I’ve read in the last five years. I still think about the writing style and subsequent turn in the story years after reading the book.
That being said, I have read all of Reid’s works at this point, and felt that both Foe and We Spread missed a key component of suspense and originality that ITOET nails on the head. I am ecstatic to report that this is the first book that I think begins to rival what ITOET has to offer.
I would love to come back to this book upon its actual publication date and buy a physical copy, as the text itself is short yet incredibly dense, and I’m sure I glossed over or missed lots of the foreshadowing and imagery that make this such an interesting read.
🚨🚨🚨SPOILERS BELOW!!!!!! 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Finally, here are some of my immediate thoughts and ideas upon finishing this book:
I really enjoyed that as a reader I couldn’t really figure out what this book was trying to say or the lessons it was trying to teach me until I arrived at the final 20% of the book. At that point I was sitting in my house alone, audibly exclaiming revelations as I read the closing part of the story. I am really interested in the overall commentary on fame that the authors are able to make through the ending. Additionally, as a self proclaimed messy person, I felt that one thing that the authors were trying to teach us is that the dust of life is what makes life unique, beautiful and worth living. if we worry too much about what our life looks like, we irrefutably miss out on the nuance and specificity that Life has to offer.
Also, I love the bird symbolism. Enough said.
Final thought for now, I would love to someday teach A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and follow it up by reading this book with students.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A New Kind of Clean by Iain Reid and Ellie Foumbi is a dark mystery thriller about the price of fame and what one is willing to lose in order to have it all.
Missy Djalo is a struggling aspiring actress who is desperate to make it big. The traumas of her childhood and struggling immigrant single mother motivate her to leave the past behind and go after her dreams. Faced with rejection after rejection, an amazing opportunity is offered to Missy from a mysterious company called 'Air Free.' With promises of fame, money, and glory, Missy ignores the too good to be true offer and finds herself in an abandoned house, with a gorgeous couple, and an audition that quickly reveals itself to be a dark Faustian bargain.
Twisted and propulsive, A New Kind of Clean asks a lot of questions to the reader. What is Air Free? Was it a demonic company that preyed on young aspiring talents and their traumas? Or was it all dream? Was the company trying to "clean up" the dirt and grime of Missy's memories? Or was it all just a metaphor for her desperation? Was the entire a story a fable about the price of fame or a satire about what it means to be a young successful woman?
The elusive nature of the story with these philosophical questions made this a quick page turner. The atmosphere was eerie and the rhythm of the writing was thrilling. This could be an episode of Dark Mirror or Severance or a good read for fans of The Substance. Ironically the role of a lifetime for Missy was one that completely erased who she was a person. I couldn't help but think about fame and how it essentially "cleans up" a person to the point of unrecognition. Who are you without your struggles, memories, and pain?
Creepy to the max and unexpectedly deep.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Missy Djalo is a struggling aspiring actress who is desperate to make it big. The traumas of her childhood and struggling immigrant single mother motivate her to leave the past behind and go after her dreams. Faced with rejection after rejection, an amazing opportunity is offered to Missy from a mysterious company called 'Air Free.' With promises of fame, money, and glory, Missy ignores the too good to be true offer and finds herself in an abandoned house, with a gorgeous couple, and an audition that quickly reveals itself to be a dark Faustian bargain.
Twisted and propulsive, A New Kind of Clean asks a lot of questions to the reader. What is Air Free? Was it a demonic company that preyed on young aspiring talents and their traumas? Or was it all dream? Was the company trying to "clean up" the dirt and grime of Missy's memories? Or was it all just a metaphor for her desperation? Was the entire a story a fable about the price of fame or a satire about what it means to be a young successful woman?
The elusive nature of the story with these philosophical questions made this a quick page turner. The atmosphere was eerie and the rhythm of the writing was thrilling. This could be an episode of Dark Mirror or Severance or a good read for fans of The Substance. Ironically the role of a lifetime for Missy was one that completely erased who she was a person. I couldn't help but think about fame and how it essentially "cleans up" a person to the point of unrecognition. Who are you without your struggles, memories, and pain?
Creepy to the max and unexpectedly deep.
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
August 17, 2026There is a lot to unpack in this book. I have read Iain Reid before and the complexity with which he tells his stories is intense and all consuming. A New Kind of Clean is beautifully grotesque in its symbolism. There is always a part of me that struggles with these books as I question my mind and if I'm taking the right messages away that he's trying to present. But then I realize that this is what he wants, whatever I as the reader can take away and process makes the story a success. To me this book revolved around dreams vs. reality. Beauty and self worth. Family and relationships. Confidence and aspirations. It took the idea of "clean" and twisted it into something that completely strips ones life and self into nothing but greed and ugliness. Desire is a major theme. The desire to be noticed, to be recognized, to be beautiful, to be successful......to just not be who you are. To be someone else, someone who is better. But is that all it's cracked up to be? Are our dreams worth whatever it takes to get them or are some sacrifices just too much?
As usual with Iains books I will sit here for the next while and ruminate on what I read and maneuver it around my head and see what else comes forth.
Always a huge thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada, the Authors and Netgalley for the eARC.
As usual with Iains books I will sit here for the next while and ruminate on what I read and maneuver it around my head and see what else comes forth.
Always a huge thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada, the Authors and Netgalley for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A New Kind of Clean is a surreal psychological horror that follows Missy, an aspiring actress desperate for her big break. When what seems like a career-changing audition turns into something increasingly strange and unsettling, the line between reality and illusion begins to disappear, forcing her to confront just how much she's willing to sacrifice for the life she's always wanted.
It's quietly unnerving, atmospheric, and intentionally ambiguous, inviting you to interpret its meaning rather than handing you clear answers. The writing style makes every scene feel purposeful, and the growing sense of dread is impossible to shake.
It effectively captured the desperation that can come with chasing a dream. Missy's determination, self-doubt, and need to prove herself felt painfully authentic, making the increasingly bizarre events feel even more impactful.
This won't be for readers who want everything neatly explained, still if you enjoy surreal horror that explores ambition, identity, memory, and the cost of "success", this one is absolutely worth experiencing. Also, it's a short, quick read.
Thank you @simonschusterca Iain Reid, Ellie Foumbi & NetGalley for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own!
It's quietly unnerving, atmospheric, and intentionally ambiguous, inviting you to interpret its meaning rather than handing you clear answers. The writing style makes every scene feel purposeful, and the growing sense of dread is impossible to shake.
It effectively captured the desperation that can come with chasing a dream. Missy's determination, self-doubt, and need to prove herself felt painfully authentic, making the increasingly bizarre events feel even more impactful.
This won't be for readers who want everything neatly explained, still if you enjoy surreal horror that explores ambition, identity, memory, and the cost of "success", this one is absolutely worth experiencing. Also, it's a short, quick read.
Thank you @simonschusterca Iain Reid, Ellie Foumbi & NetGalley for the #gifted earc. All opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Pub Date 6 Oct 2026
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can't say much about this book because it is a quick read. Try to go in with as little knowledge/preconceived notions as possible.
This is going to be a weird review because it is a five-star novel, but I truly don't know what I read. I *think* I get the themes/message, but the actual content/logistics are so ambiguous. However, this is not too different from other Iain Reid books (and I should note, Reid is my favourite author) in the way it trusts the reader to take away what they need/want from the writing. I think Ellie Foumbi added a really interesting visual atmosphere to this novel. I would love to know more about their working relationship in the creation of this book.
I am excited for more people to read this book because I want to hear other people's perspectives on what was going on in this novel. There are so many elements where I feel like I know what was going on, but could be swayed to think in completely different ways.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I can't say much about this book because it is a quick read. Try to go in with as little knowledge/preconceived notions as possible.
This is going to be a weird review because it is a five-star novel, but I truly don't know what I read. I *think* I get the themes/message, but the actual content/logistics are so ambiguous. However, this is not too different from other Iain Reid books (and I should note, Reid is my favourite author) in the way it trusts the reader to take away what they need/want from the writing. I think Ellie Foumbi added a really interesting visual atmosphere to this novel. I would love to know more about their working relationship in the creation of this book.
I am excited for more people to read this book because I want to hear other people's perspectives on what was going on in this novel. There are so many elements where I feel like I know what was going on, but could be swayed to think in completely different ways.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of A New Kind of Clean, a "surreal, minimalist fable about memory, alienation, ambition, and reality." This book was unsettling and creepy. I found myself unable to put it down in the odd hours of the deepest night. I liked no-nonsense punchy Missy who, despite being in a dire situation of necessity and desperation, did her best to stand grounded in reality as her weird audition turned surreal and unhinged. How far will she go to get this acting role and the huge paycheck? I liked the minimal yet evocative writing style. In it's own way, this book reminded me of the movie The Substance while being nothing like it at the same time.
I would have liked it to be a bit longer with more in depth information on the company, Air Free... but this is just personal curiosity and doesn't hinder my rating overall. It is effective to leave it to the reader's imagination.
I would have liked it to be a bit longer with more in depth information on the company, Air Free... but this is just personal curiosity and doesn't hinder my rating overall. It is effective to leave it to the reader's imagination.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was weirdly great in exactly the way I’ve come to love from Iain Reid. I’m not familiar with Ellie Foumbi’s work, but whatever they did together here WORKED.
This was strange, unsettling, and had that constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right. The further Missy gets pulled into Air Free, the more reality starts to blur, and I loved never really knowing what was happening or where the story was going. The themes of ambition, identity, memory, and just how much someone is willing to give up to get what they want were done so well.
This easily could have been a 5 star read for me, but I just could not vibe with Missy. There was something about her character that kept me from becoming fully invested in her, which held me back from loving this as much as I wanted to.
Still, this was weird, unsettling, thought-provoking, and completely unique. Exactly the kind of strange I’ve come to expect and love from Iain Reid.
Thank you to SoHo press for the gifted copy!
This was strange, unsettling, and had that constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right. The further Missy gets pulled into Air Free, the more reality starts to blur, and I loved never really knowing what was happening or where the story was going. The themes of ambition, identity, memory, and just how much someone is willing to give up to get what they want were done so well.
This easily could have been a 5 star read for me, but I just could not vibe with Missy. There was something about her character that kept me from becoming fully invested in her, which held me back from loving this as much as I wanted to.
Still, this was weird, unsettling, thought-provoking, and completely unique. Exactly the kind of strange I’ve come to expect and love from Iain Reid.
Thank you to SoHo press for the gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*ARC for review. Thank you to the publisher for an early copy in exchange for my honest review*
I’ve enjoyed all of Iain Reid’s books, and this collaboration with Ellie Foumbi is another great addition to the list.
Missy is an aspiring actor who finds herself at a very strange audition. As the story unfolds, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, leaving both Missy and the reader questioning what is really happening. The answers aren’t laid out clearly, making it the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished, inviting you to think about its meaning.
Surreal, eerie, creepy, and deeply unsettling, this is a thought provoking read that fans of strange, atmospheric fiction will likely enjoy.
I’ve enjoyed all of Iain Reid’s books, and this collaboration with Ellie Foumbi is another great addition to the list.
Missy is an aspiring actor who finds herself at a very strange audition. As the story unfolds, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur, leaving both Missy and the reader questioning what is really happening. The answers aren’t laid out clearly, making it the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished, inviting you to think about its meaning.
Surreal, eerie, creepy, and deeply unsettling, this is a thought provoking read that fans of strange, atmospheric fiction will likely enjoy.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Simon & Schuster CA for the physical ARC!
A New Kind of Clean is a psychological story following a 28-year old actress waiting for her big break.
Leading into fall, this was a perfect choice to get me into the seasonal reading spirit as the eerie characters and setting in the novel left me craving that October feeling.
I love a book that makes you question what is real or not and makes you stop to reread a section to make sense of what is happening. The ending!!! I have my opinion on what happened but I think this book will leave readers with different understandings which is perfect for a book club.
A New Kind of Clean is a psychological story following a 28-year old actress waiting for her big break.
Leading into fall, this was a perfect choice to get me into the seasonal reading spirit as the eerie characters and setting in the novel left me craving that October feeling.
I love a book that makes you question what is real or not and makes you stop to reread a section to make sense of what is happening. The ending!!! I have my opinion on what happened but I think this book will leave readers with different understandings which is perfect for a book club.
August 6, 2026
3.5
While I certainly still enjoyed it, this is unfortunately my least favorite of Iain Reid’s novels thus far. While Reid’s signature suspense and experimentalism is on full display here once again, this one feels jumbled in ways that his previous novels (particularly I’m Thinking of Ending Things and Foe) just simply don’t. It took me a good 50 or so pages to feel invested, but I flew through it once the central premise was set up. I can’t help but wonder if this would have worked better as a 100 page novella.
While I certainly still enjoyed it, this is unfortunately my least favorite of Iain Reid’s novels thus far. While Reid’s signature suspense and experimentalism is on full display here once again, this one feels jumbled in ways that his previous novels (particularly I’m Thinking of Ending Things and Foe) just simply don’t. It took me a good 50 or so pages to feel invested, but I flew through it once the central premise was set up. I can’t help but wonder if this would have worked better as a 100 page novella.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
★★★☆☆
“A New Kind of Clean” is weird and unsettling in a way that kept me curious. I liked the eerie atmosphere and never quite knowing what was real, but the story was sometimes so vague that I struggled to connect with it. It’s a quick, memorable read, though I wanted a little more from the characters and especially the ending. Definitely one for readers who enjoy surreal stories and Reid’s writing in particular.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
“A New Kind of Clean” is weird and unsettling in a way that kept me curious. I liked the eerie atmosphere and never quite knowing what was real, but the story was sometimes so vague that I struggled to connect with it. It’s a quick, memorable read, though I wanted a little more from the characters and especially the ending. Definitely one for readers who enjoy surreal stories and Reid’s writing in particular.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Soho Press, Hell's Hundred for an ARC of A New Kind of Clean.
Just like every other Iain Reid book I needed to stare at a blank wall for an hour after finishing so my brain could catch up. Also like every other Iain Reid book it was absolute dripping with dread perfection.
More than 5 stars.
Just like every other Iain Reid book I needed to stare at a blank wall for an hour after finishing so my brain could catch up. Also like every other Iain Reid book it was absolute dripping with dread perfection.
More than 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for the ARC!
3.75 stars.
Missy is an aspiring actress, stuck in a nothing burger of a job market making next to nothing, waiting for The Role that will commit her to stardom. Then, she's chosen for an audition that could do just that. Sure, there's some red flags, but with what they're offering to pay her, she's willing to look past them. Just how far is Missy willing to go for her dream? What is she willing to sacrifice? And what the heck does "a new kind of clean" even mean? A New Kind of Clean is surreal, freaky, and "brimming with unease until the very last page."
The first half of this book is a bit slow with lots of character building that is enjoyable but not the most captivating, though clearly necessary. I like Missy as a character, and I enjoyed learning about her and her past. The second half is so gripping and interesting, which made it fly by. It's a real freakfest! I wish we had more time with the second half to let the events breathe a bit more. Because of both of these - and I rarely say this - I wish the whole book was longer! Keep the first half the same length, but add 50-80 more pages to the second half to let the suspense build and have it be punchier.
I was worried that as a collaboration the things I love about Iain Reid's writing would be lost, but his style shines through. I was unfamiliar with Ellie Foumbi's other work, but I look forward to checking it out!
3.75 stars.
Missy is an aspiring actress, stuck in a nothing burger of a job market making next to nothing, waiting for The Role that will commit her to stardom. Then, she's chosen for an audition that could do just that. Sure, there's some red flags, but with what they're offering to pay her, she's willing to look past them. Just how far is Missy willing to go for her dream? What is she willing to sacrifice? And what the heck does "a new kind of clean" even mean? A New Kind of Clean is surreal, freaky, and "brimming with unease until the very last page."
The first half of this book is a bit slow with lots of character building that is enjoyable but not the most captivating, though clearly necessary. I like Missy as a character, and I enjoyed learning about her and her past. The second half is so gripping and interesting, which made it fly by. It's a real freakfest! I wish we had more time with the second half to let the events breathe a bit more. Because of both of these - and I rarely say this - I wish the whole book was longer! Keep the first half the same length, but add 50-80 more pages to the second half to let the suspense build and have it be punchier.
I was worried that as a collaboration the things I love about Iain Reid's writing would be lost, but his style shines through. I was unfamiliar with Ellie Foumbi's other work, but I look forward to checking it out!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
thank you, NetGalley, for early access!! a new fav of mine for sure. i have been a huge fan of the author since i’ve been thinking of ending things, and i was thrilled with the eerie atmosphere and gorgeous tone of its successor!
5/5 stars for me🫶🏻
5/5 stars for me🫶🏻
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This was perfectly unsettling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Loved this!!
I am not usually into fever dream horror. This had the perfect mix of reality and dream-like scenes. I was a big fan of the gore and the "backroom horror" elements.
I am not usually into fever dream horror. This had the perfect mix of reality and dream-like scenes. I was a big fan of the gore and the "backroom horror" elements.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Tthank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for this free eARC
Iain Reid is my favorite author so I was really excited to get my hands on this one!
A New Kind of Clean says so much more than the words on the page. So much is left for interpretation. You don't just read it and move on. You're left thinking about it for days. Lots of us love horror, but there is nothing more horrific than the tragedies that exist in our own lives and the regrets we carry. So many metaphors in this one.e.
Iain Reid is my favorite author so I was really excited to get my hands on this one!
A New Kind of Clean says so much more than the words on the page. So much is left for interpretation. You don't just read it and move on. You're left thinking about it for days. Lots of us love horror, but there is nothing more horrific than the tragedies that exist in our own lives and the regrets we carry. So many metaphors in this one.e.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews