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Old Ham: A Thriller
Everyone knows Junie Oldham is more than a little strange—but is she actually dangerous?
She's unique, to say the least. Junie Oldham is a middle-aged hoarder who knits sweaters for cats, befriends rescued mice, and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings. Living among the piles of childhood treasures in the home she inherited, she also hangs on to a few resentments—not all of them innocuous.
When a chance encounter with Blake Patton, her high school crush, presents Junie with an opportunity to reconnect with the guy who helped set her on her solitary path, she's ready to go to any length to become part of his life again. Blake doesn't recognize the girl he mocked as "Old Ham" in high school, and his wife is delighted to find such a good math tutor for their daughter. Now Junie has full access to their perfect suburban home. She's already hiding plenty of secrets of her own, but what's hiding in the Patton household?
As the lies unravel and old scars resurface, the Pattons' seemingly happy façade starts to crack open, and it's only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down. Because Junie's waited more than twenty years for the real story to come out, and if she can't get to the truth, there's going to be trouble . . .
From the Edgar Award–nominated author of On a Quiet Street, this hypnotic and razor-sharp psychological thriller about obsession, identity, and the cost of being overlooked is perfect for fans of Baby Reindeer, Gone Girl, and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
She's unique, to say the least. Junie Oldham is a middle-aged hoarder who knits sweaters for cats, befriends rescued mice, and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings. Living among the piles of childhood treasures in the home she inherited, she also hangs on to a few resentments—not all of them innocuous.
When a chance encounter with Blake Patton, her high school crush, presents Junie with an opportunity to reconnect with the guy who helped set her on her solitary path, she's ready to go to any length to become part of his life again. Blake doesn't recognize the girl he mocked as "Old Ham" in high school, and his wife is delighted to find such a good math tutor for their daughter. Now Junie has full access to their perfect suburban home. She's already hiding plenty of secrets of her own, but what's hiding in the Patton household?
As the lies unravel and old scars resurface, the Pattons' seemingly happy façade starts to crack open, and it's only a matter of time before everything comes crashing down. Because Junie's waited more than twenty years for the real story to come out, and if she can't get to the truth, there's going to be trouble . . .
From the Edgar Award–nominated author of On a Quiet Street, this hypnotic and razor-sharp psychological thriller about obsession, identity, and the cost of being overlooked is perfect for fans of Baby Reindeer, Gone Girl, and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
Audible Audio
First published October 13, 2026
About the author
Seraphina Nova Glass
21 books4,819 followersSeraphina Nova Glass is a two-time EDGAR AWARD nominated author. Hew novel, On A Quiet Street, was a New York Times Summer Read, a #1 Amazon Bestseller, and Editor’s Pick. It was also featured in the Boston Globe and Bustle.
Publisher’s Weekly has named her “a writer to watch.” She’s also an award-winning playwright and holds an MFA degree in
Dramatic Writing from Smith College, and a second MFA in Directing from the University of Idaho in Directing (theatre.)
She is a proud dog mom to Boston Terrier Spaghetti, and loves to travel the world with her husband, Mark. She resides in Dallas, TX.
Publisher’s Weekly has named her “a writer to watch.” She’s also an award-winning playwright and holds an MFA degree in
Dramatic Writing from Smith College, and a second MFA in Directing from the University of Idaho in Directing (theatre.)
She is a proud dog mom to Boston Terrier Spaghetti, and loves to travel the world with her husband, Mark. She resides in Dallas, TX.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews
October 19, 2026
If you like your thrillers with quirky characters and a leading lady who is unapologetically unhinged, then let me introduce you to Junie Oldham, or as her classmates called her, Old Ham. Charming, aren’t they?
Junie was bullied at school for being the oddball, but fast forward twenty years and she comes face to face with her childhood sweetheart, Blake, at an AA meeting. Now, Junie doesn’t actually drink. She’s there to socialise, or at least give it a go.
Unfortunately, Blake doesn’t recognise her, let alone show any interest. He’s married, after all, so perhaps that’s just as well! But Junie hasn’t forgotten what happened all those years ago, and she’s certainly not about to let it go. If she can’t have him, revenge will have to do. And what exactly did Blake do to deserve that? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
Changing her name, Junie manages to worm her way into Blake’s home as a private tutor to his daughter. And that’s when things start to get interesting.
This is a psychological thriller with a dark edge, and Junie is quite the character. She’s unapologetically unhinged, and I never quite knew what to expect from her. One minute she’s nice as pie, and the next she’s scheming away, sending shivers down my spine. It was how far she was willing to go that really got to me. You just never knew what she might do next!
I really enjoyed how Seraphina Nova Glass built the story around Junie and her need for revenge. There were a couple of moments that felt a little too far-fetched for me, but they didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with characters who are unapologetically unhinged and a revenge plot that keeps you on your toes, then Old Ham is well worth a look. Junie certainly got under my skin, and I’m not sure I’d want to get on her bad side!
Thank you to NetGalley, Podium Publishing and the author, Seraphina Nova Glass, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: 13 October 2026
Junie was bullied at school for being the oddball, but fast forward twenty years and she comes face to face with her childhood sweetheart, Blake, at an AA meeting. Now, Junie doesn’t actually drink. She’s there to socialise, or at least give it a go.
Unfortunately, Blake doesn’t recognise her, let alone show any interest. He’s married, after all, so perhaps that’s just as well! But Junie hasn’t forgotten what happened all those years ago, and she’s certainly not about to let it go. If she can’t have him, revenge will have to do. And what exactly did Blake do to deserve that? Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
Changing her name, Junie manages to worm her way into Blake’s home as a private tutor to his daughter. And that’s when things start to get interesting.
This is a psychological thriller with a dark edge, and Junie is quite the character. She’s unapologetically unhinged, and I never quite knew what to expect from her. One minute she’s nice as pie, and the next she’s scheming away, sending shivers down my spine. It was how far she was willing to go that really got to me. You just never knew what she might do next!
I really enjoyed how Seraphina Nova Glass built the story around Junie and her need for revenge. There were a couple of moments that felt a little too far-fetched for me, but they didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with characters who are unapologetically unhinged and a revenge plot that keeps you on your toes, then Old Ham is well worth a look. Junie certainly got under my skin, and I’m not sure I’d want to get on her bad side!
Thank you to NetGalley, Podium Publishing and the author, Seraphina Nova Glass, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Publishing date: 13 October 2026
October 22, 2026
4 OTT but I had fun with it ⭐️s
The blurb says it best, and it’s safe to read without worrying about spoilers.
The fact that Junie attends AA meetings and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic just to socialize was my first clue that she might be a little odd, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. The more I listened, the more I found myself cringing and thinking, “She wouldn’t!” Oh, but yes, she absolutely would, and without a shred of remorse. 😂
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a quirky, unhinged MC and a good revenge plot, this one is worth checking out. It was a quick, entertaining listen, narrated by Brittany Pressley, who, as always, nails the characterization and tone!
The blurb says it best, and it’s safe to read without worrying about spoilers.
The fact that Junie attends AA meetings and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic just to socialize was my first clue that she might be a little odd, but that was only the tip of the iceberg. The more I listened, the more I found myself cringing and thinking, “She wouldn’t!” Oh, but yes, she absolutely would, and without a shred of remorse. 😂
If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a quirky, unhinged MC and a good revenge plot, this one is worth checking out. It was a quick, entertaining listen, narrated by Brittany Pressley, who, as always, nails the characterization and tone!
October 31, 2026
Happy Halloween!🎃 Forget the ghosts, goblins or witches. Sometimes the creepiest characters aren’t hiding under your bed…they’re sitting right beside you. Meet Junie Oldham!
Junie Oldham has issues. As a socially awkward loner who is used to being picked on, it is understandable that she retreats in to herself and may do some rather odd things to keep herself occupied.
And, her greatest social outing, where she believes people will be nice to her, is attending AA meetings, even though she has never had a taste of alcohol in her life.
So, what happens when one of the attendees at the AA meeting turns out to be her old high school crush, someone who did something to her when she was younger?
Will this be what finally takes Junie over the edge?
This is a quick, creepy, weird, frenzied, high-octane suspense story that is so twisted readers will find pages flying by as they try to figure out what happens next. And then when it does happen, we are left wondering: are we happy for Junie, or are we dreading what she will do next?
(No spoilers from me.)
Junie Oldham has issues. As a socially awkward loner who is used to being picked on, it is understandable that she retreats in to herself and may do some rather odd things to keep herself occupied.
And, her greatest social outing, where she believes people will be nice to her, is attending AA meetings, even though she has never had a taste of alcohol in her life.
So, what happens when one of the attendees at the AA meeting turns out to be her old high school crush, someone who did something to her when she was younger?
Will this be what finally takes Junie over the edge?
This is a quick, creepy, weird, frenzied, high-octane suspense story that is so twisted readers will find pages flying by as they try to figure out what happens next. And then when it does happen, we are left wondering: are we happy for Junie, or are we dreading what she will do next?
(No spoilers from me.)
November 5, 2026
Oh my! This is quite the story! I enjoyed this novella on audio narrated by Brittany Pressley.
Junie Oldham was obsessed with Blake in high school and bumps into him again at an AA meeting many years later - no she’s not an alcoholic but goes there for kicks. When Blake doesn’t recognize her she thinks she can weasel her way back into his life again. Blake and his friends were never nice to her and always made fun of her by calling her, “Old Ham.” Now Junie is back and she wants revenge!
I think fans of Freida McFadden’s, “Dear Debbie” would enjoy this one as well. It’s a little OTT but it’s very entertaining.
Thank-you to my local library and Hoopla for my audio copy.
Junie Oldham was obsessed with Blake in high school and bumps into him again at an AA meeting many years later - no she’s not an alcoholic but goes there for kicks. When Blake doesn’t recognize her she thinks she can weasel her way back into his life again. Blake and his friends were never nice to her and always made fun of her by calling her, “Old Ham.” Now Junie is back and she wants revenge!
I think fans of Freida McFadden’s, “Dear Debbie” would enjoy this one as well. It’s a little OTT but it’s very entertaining.
Thank-you to my local library and Hoopla for my audio copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
JUNIE HOLDS A GRUDGE
Everyone knows Junie Oldham (called Old Ham by the classmates who teased her relentlessly) is socially awkward. Some might even call her STRANGE.
SURE, she knits sweaters for cats, (and rats!🐀 ) and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings.
But, is she dangerous?
When Blake Patton, her high school crush, shows up at one of her AA meetings, it seems like the perfect opportunity to reconnect- and to GET EVEN. Posing as a math tutor for their young daughter, CeCe, she now has full access to the Patton’s household…
And, her REVENGE has been 20 years in the making!
Pop that popcorn 🍿 and get ready to meet your NEW favorite character to hate!
Yes, she has been through some things, that might have earned her sympathy points, until she crossed the line. I was flipping through the 195 pages with my jaw hanging open! You never knew what she might do next!
And, from that ending-I am not sure if we have seen the last of her!
This author’s books have been hit or miss for me-but this novella was DIABOLICAL FUN! 😈
NOW AVAILABLE!!
Thank You to Podium Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
Everyone knows Junie Oldham (called Old Ham by the classmates who teased her relentlessly) is socially awkward. Some might even call her STRANGE.
SURE, she knits sweaters for cats, (and rats!🐀 ) and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings.
But, is she dangerous?
When Blake Patton, her high school crush, shows up at one of her AA meetings, it seems like the perfect opportunity to reconnect- and to GET EVEN. Posing as a math tutor for their young daughter, CeCe, she now has full access to the Patton’s household…
And, her REVENGE has been 20 years in the making!
Pop that popcorn 🍿 and get ready to meet your NEW favorite character to hate!
Yes, she has been through some things, that might have earned her sympathy points, until she crossed the line. I was flipping through the 195 pages with my jaw hanging open! You never knew what she might do next!
And, from that ending-I am not sure if we have seen the last of her!
This author’s books have been hit or miss for me-but this novella was DIABOLICAL FUN! 😈
NOW AVAILABLE!!
Thank You to Podium Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
October 21, 2026
I want to holler out my amazement for this book. Nova glass at her absolutely best. The main character was so interesting, having all that trauma that made you understand all her choices (and there were some very extreme ones). I couldn’t dislike her though, since she had good reasons. The most interesting part was how rash she acted, wanting to be their friend and first unroll she wanted revenge, and again hoping for friendship. I even wished she would get a friend in the end, for her need was heartbreaking. This will be one of my memorable read this year, and I hope there will be a sequel!
October 18, 2026
Junie Oldham has some issues! She is a middle-aged hoarder and so lonely that she pretends to be an alcoholic so she can make connections at AA meetings. Someone from her past shows up at the meeting.
Junie has been wronged in the past and can't / won't let it GO!!!!!!!!! 😲
This is the beginning of the bat crazy decisions she makes that had me feeling sorry for her, but also realizing just how dangerous she is!
You can expect a chance encounter, a disturbing revenge plot, along with some comic relief. If you enjoy a nutty, eccentric character who can make you cringe and laugh, you may enjoy this one too!
Out now and available on KU!
Junie has been wronged in the past and can't / won't let it GO!!!!!!!!! 😲
This is the beginning of the bat crazy decisions she makes that had me feeling sorry for her, but also realizing just how dangerous she is!
You can expect a chance encounter, a disturbing revenge plot, along with some comic relief. If you enjoy a nutty, eccentric character who can make you cringe and laugh, you may enjoy this one too!
Out now and available on KU!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Twenty years after being humiliated by her high school crush, Junie Oldham runs into him again and quickly decides to insert herself into his family under a fake identity. Yep, sensible enough. Safe to say, Old Ham still has a bone to pick.
This is only around 200 pages, so it didn’t take long for things to get weird or for me to buckle up for the ride. Junie is lonely, awkward, obsessive and a little unhinged. Okay, maybe a lotta unhinged. I felt bad for her, but there were also plenty of times where I wanted to give her a firm talking-to. Her thought process had me laughing more than once because she could be doing something absolutely deranged one minute, then worrying about a mouse or cat the next. Priorities, right?
The dark humour worked well here, but there was a lot more to it than I expected. As we learned about Junie and what happened with Blake years ago, you could really see how she ended up becoming this version of herself. She does some pretty messed up things, but with Blake not exactly waving any green flags either, I could see why Junie was ready to have it out with him. We also get Blake’s wife Dessa’s POV, which made things even more entertaining because she sees Junie as a little strange but harmless. Poor Dessa has absolutely no idea just how wrong she is.
By the second half, I’d pretty much given up trying to predict what Junie was going to do next. Some of what she gets away with is definitely a stretch, especially towards the end, but honestly, I was too entertained to pick at it. Things just kept getting more ridiculous, and somehow that only made it more fun.
Moral of the story here: be careful who you decide to bully. They might grow up to be a Junie Oldham and come back to bite you in the bum. Or just set it alight.
A quick, darkly funny little thriller that went completely off the rails, but never bored me.
Thanks to Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
This is only around 200 pages, so it didn’t take long for things to get weird or for me to buckle up for the ride. Junie is lonely, awkward, obsessive and a little unhinged. Okay, maybe a lotta unhinged. I felt bad for her, but there were also plenty of times where I wanted to give her a firm talking-to. Her thought process had me laughing more than once because she could be doing something absolutely deranged one minute, then worrying about a mouse or cat the next. Priorities, right?
The dark humour worked well here, but there was a lot more to it than I expected. As we learned about Junie and what happened with Blake years ago, you could really see how she ended up becoming this version of herself. She does some pretty messed up things, but with Blake not exactly waving any green flags either, I could see why Junie was ready to have it out with him. We also get Blake’s wife Dessa’s POV, which made things even more entertaining because she sees Junie as a little strange but harmless. Poor Dessa has absolutely no idea just how wrong she is.
By the second half, I’d pretty much given up trying to predict what Junie was going to do next. Some of what she gets away with is definitely a stretch, especially towards the end, but honestly, I was too entertained to pick at it. Things just kept getting more ridiculous, and somehow that only made it more fun.
Moral of the story here: be careful who you decide to bully. They might grow up to be a Junie Oldham and come back to bite you in the bum. Or just set it alight.
A quick, darkly funny little thriller that went completely off the rails, but never bored me.
Thanks to Podium Entertainment and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
October 23, 2026
What a delight. And exquisitely narrated, so full of drama, simply a brilliant narrator.
At times the story feels just a little bit implausible, so much happening in such a short span of time, and some of the persons are just a little bit gullible, but still. The last sentences make me believe that there will be a follow-up, bring it on, I will be sure to listen to it hopefully with the same narrator.
At times the story feels just a little bit implausible, so much happening in such a short span of time, and some of the persons are just a little bit gullible, but still. The last sentences make me believe that there will be a follow-up, bring it on, I will be sure to listen to it hopefully with the same narrator.
October 30, 2026
Packed to the brim with delicious dark humor, crazy-a** antics, and wild twists and turns, Old Ham was the crème de la crème of binge-worthy thrillers. With an unapologetically unhinged main character and a bully you’d want to burn to the ground, I couldn’t help but salivate at this dark and twisted tale. You see, Seraphina Nova Glass was at the top of her game yet again when she dreamt up these over-the-top scenes. Did I have to suspend all disbelief? Okay. I’ll admit that I did. But I didn’t care about that at all as Junie finally got even one twisted step at a time.
I do have to add that on top of the vengeance-seeking fun, this 200-page novella also managed to explore some thought-provoking themes such as loneliness, obsession, and bullying as the eye-popping revenge was served out to a couple of deserving individuals. Oozing even more Carrie-meets-Sally Diamond vibes with each additional page, I think both Stephen King and Liz Nugent would be proud of the lengths to which this victim-slash-villain settled the score.
So if you love delightful, heart-pumping cat-and-mouse games or quirky, morally gray narrators with a sad past, you’re going to want to grab a copy of this quick, easy read as soon as you can. A tense, fast-paced rollercoaster ride where long-buried secrets hide behind every turn, it was a story where I found myself shocked, sympathetic, and disturbed all at the same time. Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss out on this sublime one-sitting read. Rating of 5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Cat-and-mouse games
- Revenge thrillers
- Quirky, socially awkward narrators
- Morally gray characters
- Dark humor
- Deliciously unhinged scenes
- Two distinct POVs
- Mysterious pasts
- Short, fast-paced reads
- “WTF?!” twists
- Carrie-like vibes
- Thought-provoking themes
SYNOPSIS:
She’s unique, to say the least. Junie Oldham is a middle-aged hoarder who knits sweaters for cats, befriends rescued mice, and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings. Living among the piles of childhood treasures in the home she inherited, she also hangs on to a few resentments―not all of them innocuous.
When a chance encounter with Blake Patton, her high school crush, presents Junie with an opportunity to reconnect with the guy who helped set her on her solitary path, she’s ready to go to any length to become part of his life again. Blake doesn’t recognize the girl he mocked as “Old Ham” in high school, and his wife is delighted to find such a good math tutor for their daughter. Now Junie has full access to their perfect suburban home. She’s already hiding plenty of secrets of her own, but what’s hiding in the Patton household?
Thank you Seraphina Nova Glass and Podium Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 13, 2026
Content warning: house fire, death of a child, grief, panic attack, bullying, alcoholism, stalking, forced confinement, violence, mention of: death of a parent
I do have to add that on top of the vengeance-seeking fun, this 200-page novella also managed to explore some thought-provoking themes such as loneliness, obsession, and bullying as the eye-popping revenge was served out to a couple of deserving individuals. Oozing even more Carrie-meets-Sally Diamond vibes with each additional page, I think both Stephen King and Liz Nugent would be proud of the lengths to which this victim-slash-villain settled the score.
So if you love delightful, heart-pumping cat-and-mouse games or quirky, morally gray narrators with a sad past, you’re going to want to grab a copy of this quick, easy read as soon as you can. A tense, fast-paced rollercoaster ride where long-buried secrets hide behind every turn, it was a story where I found myself shocked, sympathetic, and disturbed all at the same time. Trust me, you’re not going to want to miss out on this sublime one-sitting read. Rating of 5 stars.
Read if you’re a fan of:
- Cat-and-mouse games
- Revenge thrillers
- Quirky, socially awkward narrators
- Morally gray characters
- Dark humor
- Deliciously unhinged scenes
- Two distinct POVs
- Mysterious pasts
- Short, fast-paced reads
- “WTF?!” twists
- Carrie-like vibes
- Thought-provoking themes
SYNOPSIS:
She’s unique, to say the least. Junie Oldham is a middle-aged hoarder who knits sweaters for cats, befriends rescued mice, and pretends to be a recovering alcoholic so she can socialize at AA meetings. Living among the piles of childhood treasures in the home she inherited, she also hangs on to a few resentments―not all of them innocuous.
When a chance encounter with Blake Patton, her high school crush, presents Junie with an opportunity to reconnect with the guy who helped set her on her solitary path, she’s ready to go to any length to become part of his life again. Blake doesn’t recognize the girl he mocked as “Old Ham” in high school, and his wife is delighted to find such a good math tutor for their daughter. Now Junie has full access to their perfect suburban home. She’s already hiding plenty of secrets of her own, but what’s hiding in the Patton household?
Thank you Seraphina Nova Glass and Podium Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 13, 2026
Content warning: house fire, death of a child, grief, panic attack, bullying, alcoholism, stalking, forced confinement, violence, mention of: death of a parent
October 17, 2026
This was as unhinged, crazy, wild, and cringey as everyone said it was. I feel for Junie, I really do! But she just may be a bit much for me to handle as a BFF. She doesn’t just toe that imaginary boundary line. She leaps right over it and asks what line?
While attending an AA meeting, Junie recognizes another participant as her old high school crush. Things didn’t end so well the last time she saw him, but she believes they can go better this time. Cue the cringe and uncomfortable tactics to worm her way into his life.
As I was reading, I was mentally pleading with her not to do some of the things she was doing. But she did them anyway, and I cringed. She had no shame. None.
This was definitely a fun, quick read and completely OTT. Sometimes that’s all that’s needed!
While attending an AA meeting, Junie recognizes another participant as her old high school crush. Things didn’t end so well the last time she saw him, but she believes they can go better this time. Cue the cringe and uncomfortable tactics to worm her way into his life.
As I was reading, I was mentally pleading with her not to do some of the things she was doing. But she did them anyway, and I cringed. She had no shame. None.
This was definitely a fun, quick read and completely OTT. Sometimes that’s all that’s needed!
November 10, 2026
Oh, Junie 🤦♀️🙀. That was wild!!! Obsession ✅ Revenge ✅ Dark humor ✅
I don't know what else to say without spoiling anything. I would just say read it! (Unless you're easily offended, then maybe pass.)
I smell a sequel, and I am here for it!
I don't know what else to say without spoiling anything. I would just say read it! (Unless you're easily offended, then maybe pass.)
I smell a sequel, and I am here for it!
October 26, 2026
This FMC gives Perla from The Last Party a run for her money!! You KNOW I love a morally questionable female main character but even better than that it’s a short read I read in one evening. Great slump breaker and a fantastic character study
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
At a little over 200 pages, Old Ham is a short, fast-paced psychological thriller that pulled me in immediately. Junie Oldham is totally unhinged. She’s lonely, socially awkward, obsessed with the past, and carrying around a lot of resentment. When she unexpectedly crosses paths with her former crush she sees an opportunity to finally get some answers and maybe a little revenge. Or a lot of revenge.
Without giving anything away, Junie’s starts realizing things aren’t quite as perfect as they appear. The story moves quickly with plenty of tension, uncomfortable moments, and a dark sense of humor.
Junie is such a fascinating character because even when she’s doing things that make you think "What is wrong with you?!" You also feel sorry for her. The loneliness, bullying, and hurt she experienced seemed to shape the person she became, making it difficult to dismiss her even when she crosses some very questionable lines. From the get go, Junie definitely gives crazy vibes!
If you enjoy short and twisty psychological thrillers with a seriously unhinged main character, Old Ham is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Without giving anything away, Junie’s starts realizing things aren’t quite as perfect as they appear. The story moves quickly with plenty of tension, uncomfortable moments, and a dark sense of humor.
Junie is such a fascinating character because even when she’s doing things that make you think "What is wrong with you?!" You also feel sorry for her. The loneliness, bullying, and hurt she experienced seemed to shape the person she became, making it difficult to dismiss her even when she crosses some very questionable lines. From the get go, Junie definitely gives crazy vibes!
If you enjoy short and twisty psychological thrillers with a seriously unhinged main character, Old Ham is definitely worth picking up.
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment for the opportunity to read this ARC. All opinions are my own.
October 27, 2026
➡️ A deranged female protagonist seeking revenge????
I'm in!
➡️ Only One Star?
Yes, I was feeling generous.
➡️ A narrator can "make or break" an audiobook.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Brittany Presley.
Brittany Presley's narration was shrill and disingenuous. Her sing/song voice screeches were painful and hurt my ears.
I can usually handle Brittany Presley in small doses, but not as the sole narrator.
➡️ UGH!!!!!.
I tried. DNF at 70%
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My favorite kind of thriller where our MC is just a bit (in this case, more than just a bit) unhinged!💫
Junie cannot believe her luck when her old high school crush sits down across from her in an AA meeting. Only he doesn’t recognize her. I mean it’s been 20 years after all.
But Junie is ready to pick up where she left off and insert herself right back into his life. Whether he likes it or not!
Wow, did SNG come up with the perfect character in Junie, aka Old Ham!
This book is on the shorter side. Maybe a bit more than a novella? But clear your afternoon, because this is the perfect book to complete in one sitting! Absolutely bingeable! Once you start it, you’ll be all in, needing to learn how this plays out!
Sometimes these shorter books feel rushed or leave you wanting more. Not here! Perfect length! Everything I wanted and wrapped up perfectly!
✍️ Seraphina Nova Glass
📄 219 pages
🗓️ Anticipated release date: October 13, 2026
📈 4.5/5🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
👉 Thriller, suspense, unhinged MC
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment
Junie cannot believe her luck when her old high school crush sits down across from her in an AA meeting. Only he doesn’t recognize her. I mean it’s been 20 years after all.
But Junie is ready to pick up where she left off and insert herself right back into his life. Whether he likes it or not!
Wow, did SNG come up with the perfect character in Junie, aka Old Ham!
This book is on the shorter side. Maybe a bit more than a novella? But clear your afternoon, because this is the perfect book to complete in one sitting! Absolutely bingeable! Once you start it, you’ll be all in, needing to learn how this plays out!
Sometimes these shorter books feel rushed or leave you wanting more. Not here! Perfect length! Everything I wanted and wrapped up perfectly!
✍️ Seraphina Nova Glass
📄 219 pages
🗓️ Anticipated release date: October 13, 2026
📈 4.5/5🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
👉 Thriller, suspense, unhinged MC
Thank you to NetGalley and Podium Entertainment
November 14, 2026
I think I’ve read too many books with an unhinged, deranged female main character, because I just didn’t like this story very much. Our main character, Junie Oldham, was bullied in high school. Therefore, she is now a grown woman (40 years old I believe), socially awkward, extremely dirty, manipulative, and out to terrorize anyone who crosses her (oh, she’ll terrorize those who are nice to her too). I usually root for the underdog, but unfortunately in this story, I despised Junie. So much so, I could picture her greasy hair, and smell the funk coming off the pages.
I’m not even going to go into detail as to what this story is about, as you can read the synopsis or other GR reviewers much loved reviews. I’m definitely an outlier with this story- but as I mentioned, I’ve had my fill this year with unhinged female characters and their OTT antics.
There is one good thing about this story- it’s a short one! So for those of you who are looking for a quick read, this is it! It was also free on Kindle+ (for those of you who have that subscription).
I’m not even going to go into detail as to what this story is about, as you can read the synopsis or other GR reviewers much loved reviews. I’m definitely an outlier with this story- but as I mentioned, I’ve had my fill this year with unhinged female characters and their OTT antics.
There is one good thing about this story- it’s a short one! So for those of you who are looking for a quick read, this is it! It was also free on Kindle+ (for those of you who have that subscription).
October 10, 2026
Seraphina Nova Glass is an auto-read author for me, so I was excited when I saw that she’d written a new book.
This is a fairly short novella that can be read in one day, but I wish that she’d instead made this a 350ish page novel because I really enjoyed it and could have easily kept reading.
Let’s just say that our FMC, Junie, isn’t that great at understanding social cues and norms.
She lives in a house that looks like an episode of Hoarders and when she meets a guy from a dating app she doesn’t really understand why he isn’t interested after she divulges that her profile picture was taken 19 years prior.
She also has a great appreciation for RC Cola and mice, and goes to a weekly AA meeting for social interaction despite the fact that she isn’t an alcoholic.
At one of her meetings her crush from high school, Blake shows up.
Bored and lonely, she quickly formulates a plan to snoop into his life and seek retribution for the way she was treated in high school.
Her behavior quickly goes from socially awkward and imposing to full-on batshit crazy.
This book was like a mixture of Carrie meets Misery meets Baby Reindeer.
Although they all had different themes and the FMC in each book had different goals, it also reminded me a lot of Best Offer Wins and Boring Asian Female.
It was definitely a fun read with many WTF moments.
My only critique is about a minor detail at the end of the book.
As an FSU alum who lived in Tallahassee for 4 years, I can tell you that there aren’t any beach bungalows there because there aren’t any beaches.
Thanks to Podium Entertainment for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley.
This is a fairly short novella that can be read in one day, but I wish that she’d instead made this a 350ish page novel because I really enjoyed it and could have easily kept reading.
Let’s just say that our FMC, Junie, isn’t that great at understanding social cues and norms.
She lives in a house that looks like an episode of Hoarders and when she meets a guy from a dating app she doesn’t really understand why he isn’t interested after she divulges that her profile picture was taken 19 years prior.
She also has a great appreciation for RC Cola and mice, and goes to a weekly AA meeting for social interaction despite the fact that she isn’t an alcoholic.
At one of her meetings her crush from high school, Blake shows up.
Bored and lonely, she quickly formulates a plan to snoop into his life and seek retribution for the way she was treated in high school.
Her behavior quickly goes from socially awkward and imposing to full-on batshit crazy.
This book was like a mixture of Carrie meets Misery meets Baby Reindeer.
Although they all had different themes and the FMC in each book had different goals, it also reminded me a lot of Best Offer Wins and Boring Asian Female.
It was definitely a fun read with many WTF moments.
My only critique is about a minor detail at the end of the book.
As an FSU alum who lived in Tallahassee for 4 years, I can tell you that there aren’t any beach bungalows there because there aren’t any beaches.
Thanks to Podium Entertainment for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley.
October 19, 2026
This lady was NUTS. It’s like …..I understood where she was coming from but …. Sheeeeeesh. That revenge was something else. She set it up beautifully 👏🏾 I too would want revenge on the ppl who tried to kill me
November 5, 2026
Junie Oldham has always been considered strange. Ever since her school days and even still in adulthood she is either invisible to those around her or she's mocked by them. Her home offers no solace as it's packed floor to ceiling in what most people would refer to as junk or garbage but to Junie they're valuable heirlooms. Even so, she's beginning to admit to herself that she may be a hoarder.
All that's about to change when she has a run in with her high school crush, Blake, at an AA meeting. Junie isn't an alcoholic, she only attends for the companionship so this seems like serendipity. Even better he doesn't seem to recognize her as the years haven't been kind to her.
With the help of Blake's cell phone that she just so happens to "borrow" she manages to weasel her way into their lives. A friend to his wife, a tutor to his daughter, and a nightmare in the making for Blake.
Will Junie be able to win the love of the boy she thought she lost all those years ago? You'll have to read this to find out!
I always gravitate to these Baby Reindeer-esque types of stories and while I enjoyed this I didn't love it as I have others in the past. The reason for that is because of how sorry I felt for Junie and how much I loathed Blake. When I read these books I want total batshit craziness but this just made me feel kind of sad. Don't misunderstand, Junie is not well and her decision making reflects that but, to me, it was more because of her PTSD than it was any type of psychopathy.
All that said this was a page-turner that kept my interest from start to finish. I didn't know what to make of the ending at first but the longer I think about it the more satisfied I am. Hello Sunshine State (IYKYK)! 3.75 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Podium Publishing for my complimentary copy.
All that's about to change when she has a run in with her high school crush, Blake, at an AA meeting. Junie isn't an alcoholic, she only attends for the companionship so this seems like serendipity. Even better he doesn't seem to recognize her as the years haven't been kind to her.
With the help of Blake's cell phone that she just so happens to "borrow" she manages to weasel her way into their lives. A friend to his wife, a tutor to his daughter, and a nightmare in the making for Blake.
Will Junie be able to win the love of the boy she thought she lost all those years ago? You'll have to read this to find out!
I always gravitate to these Baby Reindeer-esque types of stories and while I enjoyed this I didn't love it as I have others in the past. The reason for that is because of how sorry I felt for Junie and how much I loathed Blake. When I read these books I want total batshit craziness but this just made me feel kind of sad. Don't misunderstand, Junie is not well and her decision making reflects that but, to me, it was more because of her PTSD than it was any type of psychopathy.
All that said this was a page-turner that kept my interest from start to finish. I didn't know what to make of the ending at first but the longer I think about it the more satisfied I am. Hello Sunshine State (IYKYK)! 3.75 stars!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Podium Publishing for my complimentary copy.
October 13, 2026
OLD HAM immediately caught my attention because of the title alone. Who is Junie Oldham?! A hoarder with a serious anxious attachment style?! I was intrigued, confused, and already fully invested before I even cracked open the book.
Surprisingly, this was my first read by this author, but I can confidently say it will not be my last. I absolutely devoured this book in two sittings and the only reason it wasn’t one was because life rudely got in the way.
Don’t let the shorter page count fool you, because OLD HAM packs a serious punch from beginning to end. The obsession, the unsettling behavior, the increasingly uncomfortable situations—I was eating this book up.
If you watched Netflix’s Baby Reindeer and found yourself completely captivated by the obsession, the psychological discomfort, and the sheer audacity of it all, then OLD HAM needs to be on your radar immediately.
Short, twisted, wildly entertaining, and impossible to put down. This little book had me in a chokehold.
Surprisingly, this was my first read by this author, but I can confidently say it will not be my last. I absolutely devoured this book in two sittings and the only reason it wasn’t one was because life rudely got in the way.
Don’t let the shorter page count fool you, because OLD HAM packs a serious punch from beginning to end. The obsession, the unsettling behavior, the increasingly uncomfortable situations—I was eating this book up.
If you watched Netflix’s Baby Reindeer and found yourself completely captivated by the obsession, the psychological discomfort, and the sheer audacity of it all, then OLD HAM needs to be on your radar immediately.
Short, twisted, wildly entertaining, and impossible to put down. This little book had me in a chokehold.
October 16, 2026
This book isn't so much a mystery as a psychological study of Junie, a lonely, socially-inept hoarder. As a teen, Junie was abandoned on a boat in the middle of a storm. She washed ashore without a pulse but was resuscitated.
Twenty years later, purely by chance, Junie stumbles upon Blake, one of the men responsible for her near-drowning. Junie pushes her way into Blake's life and family, and everything begins to unravel.
Dessa, Blake's wife, is also given a voice. Wrapped up in her own trauma, grieving the recent death of her young son, Dessa pities Junie and wants to help her, which does not go as planned.
Due to oxygen deprivation, Junie is thought to have suffered an anoxic brain injury (ABI), but she's so cunning, strategic, and devoid of empathy, the story begs the question: is Junie brain damaged or a psychopath?
Old Ham is a tense, suspenseful, one-sit read. I couldn't tear myself away.
Unfortunately, the ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. I'm not convinced Junie would have gotten off scot-free
Even so, I wouldn't be mad if the author decided to write a sequel. Junie is one of those characters I love to hate.
Twenty years later, purely by chance, Junie stumbles upon Blake, one of the men responsible for her near-drowning. Junie pushes her way into Blake's life and family, and everything begins to unravel.
Dessa, Blake's wife, is also given a voice. Wrapped up in her own trauma, grieving the recent death of her young son, Dessa pities Junie and wants to help her, which does not go as planned.
Due to oxygen deprivation, Junie is thought to have suffered an anoxic brain injury (ABI), but she's so cunning, strategic, and devoid of empathy, the story begs the question: is Junie brain damaged or a psychopath?
Old Ham is a tense, suspenseful, one-sit read. I couldn't tear myself away.
Unfortunately, the ending was abrupt and unsatisfying. I'm not convinced Junie would have gotten off scot-free
Even so, I wouldn't be mad if the author decided to write a sequel. Junie is one of those characters I love to hate.
October 25, 2026
She's unstable and unhinged but has every reason to be🫡 Give them hell Junie I'm right behind you 🤺🤺🤺
October 21, 2026
Well, I tricked myself into reading another thriller. I thought it was more of a horror read, and had vowed to take a break from thrillers. I’m glad though because as thrillers go, this one was interesting!
Junie Oldham was the school weirdo when she was in high school. She had a crush on a very popular boy, and would not stop trying to get him to love her. Twenty years later, Junie is a hoarder and is also going to AA meetings, not because she’s an alcoholic, but because it’s a place she can go where people will talk to her. It is there that she runs into her old crush. Once again, she goes to great lengths to insert herself into his life.
Junie is the craziest, cringiest, most awkward villain and evil genius I have read in a long time. Like Junie, this whole story is crazy. I have to say I read thru this book quickly. Oh, the drama! I had to know what would happen next!
Ok so this could never pass for fine literature, I would call it a guilty pleasure— a trashy exciting thriller! It’s not necessary to worry about every little thing making sense, just get the popcorn and be entertained! Four stars.
Junie Oldham was the school weirdo when she was in high school. She had a crush on a very popular boy, and would not stop trying to get him to love her. Twenty years later, Junie is a hoarder and is also going to AA meetings, not because she’s an alcoholic, but because it’s a place she can go where people will talk to her. It is there that she runs into her old crush. Once again, she goes to great lengths to insert herself into his life.
Junie is the craziest, cringiest, most awkward villain and evil genius I have read in a long time. Like Junie, this whole story is crazy. I have to say I read thru this book quickly. Oh, the drama! I had to know what would happen next!
Ok so this could never pass for fine literature, I would call it a guilty pleasure— a trashy exciting thriller! It’s not necessary to worry about every little thing making sense, just get the popcorn and be entertained! Four stars.
June 8, 2026
Obsession and revenge in this crazy plot. The main character has been wronged and will stop and nothing to make sure the person who wronged her gets his due. CRAZY in a good way. Some
Secrets never die!
Secrets never die!
May 28, 2026
Seraphina Nova Glass knows how to hook her readers and Old Ham definitely delivers. I was totally invested in this short but utterly gripping novel.
Junie is a unique and quirky protagonist. I had a hard time coming to grips with my feelings for her. My heart went out to Junie for the struggles she had to endure, the cruelty that had been inflicted upon her, and simply for her general oddness, but she also totally freaked me out and I never trusted her. I most resonated with Dessa and empathized completely with her trying to right years of wrong while also being very wary. The history with Blake and Junie’s insertion into Dessa and Blake’s life was fascinating and Glass placed every domino perfectly. I could not flip the pages fast enough!
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are definite trigger warnings and the bomb at the end left me speechless. If you love quirky, fast-paced, shocking novels, Old Ham is absolutely for you! Everyone at The Pulse is going mad for Junie and I know you will too!
Old Ham releases October 13, 2026!
Junie is a unique and quirky protagonist. I had a hard time coming to grips with my feelings for her. My heart went out to Junie for the struggles she had to endure, the cruelty that had been inflicted upon her, and simply for her general oddness, but she also totally freaked me out and I never trusted her. I most resonated with Dessa and empathized completely with her trying to right years of wrong while also being very wary. The history with Blake and Junie’s insertion into Dessa and Blake’s life was fascinating and Glass placed every domino perfectly. I could not flip the pages fast enough!
This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. There are definite trigger warnings and the bomb at the end left me speechless. If you love quirky, fast-paced, shocking novels, Old Ham is absolutely for you! Everyone at The Pulse is going mad for Junie and I know you will too!
Old Ham releases October 13, 2026!
November 6, 2026
Wow, like for real wow lol! This was not what I expected but everything I wanted! I am at a loss for words because this jewel 💎 of a story was so cringe 😬 I couldn’t look 👀 away. The MC, bless her heart was out of control. As dark as it gets, it still manages to keep it light.
Looking for a quick jaw slapping of a good time? Then check this one out. This story had me tripping but in a good way and for that I say….thank you!!
Looking for a quick jaw slapping of a good time? Then check this one out. This story had me tripping but in a good way and for that I say….thank you!!
October 16, 2026
Glass has created an amazing character in Old Ham. My only hope is she continues her crazy story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨ What a bizarre little story! I’ll admit, it completely pulled me in—I read it in one sitting.
Reminiscent of Stephen King’s Carrie, this one is unsettling, disturbing, and, at times, incredibly sad. There’s something almost haunting about the story, and I found myself both horrified and intrigued as it unfolded.
For me, it read more like a short story than a full-length novel. I would have loved to see the characters and story fleshed out a bit more, because I think there was so much potential to explore. Still, it was a quick, suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages right to the end. 📖✨
Thank you to Net Galley and Podium Entertainment for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Reminiscent of Stephen King’s Carrie, this one is unsettling, disturbing, and, at times, incredibly sad. There’s something almost haunting about the story, and I found myself both horrified and intrigued as it unfolded.
For me, it read more like a short story than a full-length novel. I would have loved to see the characters and story fleshed out a bit more, because I think there was so much potential to explore. Still, it was a quick, suspenseful read that kept me turning the pages right to the end. 📖✨
Thank you to Net Galley and Podium Entertainment for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 30, 2026
quirky, funny, unhinged, scary,
compelling—the main character
in this gripping, unputdownable,
and darkly fun story deserves
their own book series! ♡
compelling—the main character
in this gripping, unputdownable,
and darkly fun story deserves
their own book series! ♡
Displaying 1 - 30 of 326 reviews