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A New Kind of Clean
Haunting 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
First published October 6, 2026
About the author
Iain Reid
11 books4,922 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.
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Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Okay, WTF did I just read? 👀👀👀👀
Boy, this one was wild. I’m just going to lay it all out there…. If ambiguous reads are not your jam, give this one a pass. If you love them, definitely add this to your TBR!
Missy Djalo is a wannabe actress. She constantly runs to auditions only to be let down. She has a dead in security job, can’t pay her rent, and no relationships in sight. Then, she gets a call to show up to an audition of a lifetime.
She shows up to a house in the middle of nowhere. It’s pristinely clean and these weird orbs are in the room emitting some kind of light and mist. She has no idea what’s she’s auditioning for.
For most of the book, I was confused. However, I think that’s exactly the point. Ultimately, it has a deeper message about identity and grief.
Do you know who you really are?
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 1/27
Thank you SoHo Press for the gifted copy.
Boy, this one was wild. I’m just going to lay it all out there…. If ambiguous reads are not your jam, give this one a pass. If you love them, definitely add this to your TBR!
Missy Djalo is a wannabe actress. She constantly runs to auditions only to be let down. She has a dead in security job, can’t pay her rent, and no relationships in sight. Then, she gets a call to show up to an audition of a lifetime.
She shows up to a house in the middle of nowhere. It’s pristinely clean and these weird orbs are in the room emitting some kind of light and mist. She has no idea what’s she’s auditioning for.
For most of the book, I was confused. However, I think that’s exactly the point. Ultimately, it has a deeper message about identity and grief.
Do you know who you really are?
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Out 1/27
Thank you SoHo Press for the gifted copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Maleba "Missy" Djalo, a wannabe actress, is invited to audition for a lucrative commercial that could change everything for her. But, as the audition stretches on, the boundaries between reality and fantasy become increasingly blurred.
Iain Reid has once again managed to mesmerize me while at the same time making me very uneasy and filling my mind with dread. This short novel (barely over 200 pages) held me transfixed and I picked it up every chance I got. Most people could probably read it in one sitting. I'm not going to say much because I think it's one of those stories that will mean different things to different people and you should read it for yourself. Written in collaboration with Ellie Foumbi, a filmmaker, I didn't find it as chilling as some of Mr. Reid's standalones but still very creepy. It reminded me a lot of Mona Awad's writing.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada, via Netgalley, for approving my request to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: October 6, 2026
Iain Reid has once again managed to mesmerize me while at the same time making me very uneasy and filling my mind with dread. This short novel (barely over 200 pages) held me transfixed and I picked it up every chance I got. Most people could probably read it in one sitting. I'm not going to say much because I think it's one of those stories that will mean different things to different people and you should read it for yourself. Written in collaboration with Ellie Foumbi, a filmmaker, I didn't find it as chilling as some of Mr. Reid's standalones but still very creepy. It reminded me a lot of Mona Awad's writing.
My thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada, via Netgalley, for approving my request to read an advance copy of this novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: October 6, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Reading for a future issue of Booklist
Three Words That Describe This Book: nightmarish, claustrophobic, technology horror
Other words: body horror, uneasy throughout, liminal space, actors, nanotechnology horror, cinematic.
This novel is written by a duo of critically acclaimed storytellers-- Iain Reid (novelist) and Ellie Foumbi (filmmaker). I am not surprised with Foumbi on board how cinematic this novel is and not just the part in the AIR FREE house. Missy's horrible city apartment is very well described too.
Missy is our only narrator. She is a dark skinned, African immigrant, late 20s struggling actress. She is estranged from her mother. No other family in NYC. The story opens at an audition, already a stressful event. The unease of her life permeates the story from here. In her head we find out how she came to America, her situation with her mother, and how much she wants (even needs) to be an actress even though she is failing, has a job in security that barely pays the bills, lives in a barely habitable apartment, etc....
In MIssy's head we understand her drive, we understand her past, we feel her disappointment, rage etc.... but are worried for her, but then when she takes the offer to go upstate, a drives hours away to an isolated house for an audition for Air Free-- to be the face of the campaign....indefinitely-- well as she drives, we are nervous, when she gets there and it is stark white inside, no dust anywhere, VERY CLEAN, and there are 2 strange people for her audition-- a man and a woman, who act strange but not scary-- we the reader are screaming turn around and go back quickly. But we stay because we need to see what is going on, even though we know it cannot end well for Missy.
The claustrophobic tone of the entire story is well done. Yes in NYC we feel it, but even out in the open of upstate NY, even in the open floor plan and bright home we feel it. Some of it comes form the short sentences and chapters. The staccato nature of the language moves the walls in on the reader.
It is "easy" to read sure, the pages move quickly, but the story slowly closes in on Missy and the reader even as her opportunities seem to expand, the unease that ratchets up to full on run for your life terror, that part is not easy on your nervous system. There is also a thought provoking layer here-- thinking about technology's infringement on our lives. How much are we willing to give over to technology. And at what price. How much will you give up for a new kind of clean?
Readalikes: Writing style and feel of Mona Awad. 100% technology meets body horror of Incarnate by Alma Katsu, and technology work place horror meets liminal space horror of Abyss of Nicholas Binge
Also Model Home by Rivers Solomon.
Three Words That Describe This Book: nightmarish, claustrophobic, technology horror
Other words: body horror, uneasy throughout, liminal space, actors, nanotechnology horror, cinematic.
This novel is written by a duo of critically acclaimed storytellers-- Iain Reid (novelist) and Ellie Foumbi (filmmaker). I am not surprised with Foumbi on board how cinematic this novel is and not just the part in the AIR FREE house. Missy's horrible city apartment is very well described too.
Missy is our only narrator. She is a dark skinned, African immigrant, late 20s struggling actress. She is estranged from her mother. No other family in NYC. The story opens at an audition, already a stressful event. The unease of her life permeates the story from here. In her head we find out how she came to America, her situation with her mother, and how much she wants (even needs) to be an actress even though she is failing, has a job in security that barely pays the bills, lives in a barely habitable apartment, etc....
In MIssy's head we understand her drive, we understand her past, we feel her disappointment, rage etc.... but are worried for her, but then when she takes the offer to go upstate, a drives hours away to an isolated house for an audition for Air Free-- to be the face of the campaign....indefinitely-- well as she drives, we are nervous, when she gets there and it is stark white inside, no dust anywhere, VERY CLEAN, and there are 2 strange people for her audition-- a man and a woman, who act strange but not scary-- we the reader are screaming turn around and go back quickly. But we stay because we need to see what is going on, even though we know it cannot end well for Missy.
The claustrophobic tone of the entire story is well done. Yes in NYC we feel it, but even out in the open of upstate NY, even in the open floor plan and bright home we feel it. Some of it comes form the short sentences and chapters. The staccato nature of the language moves the walls in on the reader.
It is "easy" to read sure, the pages move quickly, but the story slowly closes in on Missy and the reader even as her opportunities seem to expand, the unease that ratchets up to full on run for your life terror, that part is not easy on your nervous system. There is also a thought provoking layer here-- thinking about technology's infringement on our lives. How much are we willing to give over to technology. And at what price. How much will you give up for a new kind of clean?
Readalikes: Writing style and feel of Mona Awad. 100% technology meets body horror of Incarnate by Alma Katsu, and technology work place horror meets liminal space horror of Abyss of Nicholas Binge
Also Model Home by Rivers Solomon.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I'm not sure how I feel about this. I love the metaphor and the message (would it be a spoiler to talk about that? ). LOVE that. Once I realized that's where this was going, I was (figuratively) on the edge of my seat.
But something about the execution was lacking for me. That's never been my experience yet with Iain Reid, so I can only assume it was the result of two authors with very different styles working together. Because on the one hand, the writing was impeccable. On the other hand, the main character made a long string of terrible decisions and missed obvious signs and misinterpreted things in ways I can't imagine someone misinterpreting them.
So, in some ways I really, really enjoyed this. In other ways, I found it aggravating. Take from that what you will.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.
But something about the execution was lacking for me. That's never been my experience yet with Iain Reid, so I can only assume it was the result of two authors with very different styles working together. Because on the one hand, the writing was impeccable. On the other hand, the main character made a long string of terrible decisions and missed obvious signs and misinterpreted things in ways I can't imagine someone misinterpreting them.
So, in some ways I really, really enjoyed this. In other ways, I found it aggravating. Take from that what you will.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC.
October 25, 2026
Thank you so much to Tandem Collective Global and Simon & Schuster for sending me a copy of this book to read a long.
I love this cover and I liked the premise of this novel, it was very intriguing. This was a quick read, I do wish I could have read it all in one go and not follow our pages schedule for the read a long ahha. I was sucked in right from the beginning and the pace was good. I didn’t usually want to put it down but then at some point it got very confusing and the end lost me. I get horror shouldn’t have happy endings but I wanted this one too. It just had so many unanswered questions and introducing these things and then not giving more than on them served no point to the story so why have them at all? Unless there will be a second book, otherwise I didn’t like that. Missy pissed me off so bad haha, like she ignored every red flag in the book because she was so desperate to gain fame and make something out of herself. In saying that I would absolutely read more books from both of them. Their way with words was spellbinding and they wrote so seamlessly as two people you’d never know there was more than one author. I also had the pleasure of meeting Ellie and Iain and they are such nice people and amazing to listen to. They had mentioned this story had started off as a screenplay and to be honest I’d watch it.
I’d recommend this read to others even though it wasn’t quite my cup of tea.
I love this cover and I liked the premise of this novel, it was very intriguing. This was a quick read, I do wish I could have read it all in one go and not follow our pages schedule for the read a long ahha. I was sucked in right from the beginning and the pace was good. I didn’t usually want to put it down but then at some point it got very confusing and the end lost me. I get horror shouldn’t have happy endings but I wanted this one too. It just had so many unanswered questions and introducing these things and then not giving more than on them served no point to the story so why have them at all? Unless there will be a second book, otherwise I didn’t like that. Missy pissed me off so bad haha, like she ignored every red flag in the book because she was so desperate to gain fame and make something out of herself. In saying that I would absolutely read more books from both of them. Their way with words was spellbinding and they wrote so seamlessly as two people you’d never know there was more than one author. I also had the pleasure of meeting Ellie and Iain and they are such nice people and amazing to listen to. They had mentioned this story had started off as a screenplay and to be honest I’d watch it.
I’d recommend this read to others even though it wasn’t quite my cup of tea.
Read
October 21, 2026This new horror/scifi by Iain Reid and Ellie Foumbi reads like a fever dream. An aspiring actress is so desperate for a big break-- and an escape from a disgruntled life-- that she accepts a bizarre audition that involves a term stay in an eerie apartment with two occupants that seem unreal, or at least unrealistically gorgeous. I liked the strong first half of the book which really captures the character's stressed, survival-driven, fight-or-flight instincts as a disadvantaged immigrant with an embattled relationship with her mother, who found employment as a cleaner. It reveals the kind of tough socioeconomic experiences that drives a person to an embittered, hardened, cynical mindset. I also liked the question the book poses, of what kind of cleansing we'd accept to achieve our material dreams of glory and success.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC of this book. I think this book had a cool premise that it delivered on pretty well. Missy is a down on her luck actress who receives the audition of a lifetime. That audition will change her life for the better (or worse?). I liked Missy and how hard she tried to make it as an actress. I liked her complicated relationship with her mom, as well. I enjoyed the setting for the book, it was just creepy and off putting enough to work for me! I know some people won't like how open-ended the ending was, but I liked it. I like an ambiguous ending! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a short but fast paced novel to get them out of a reading slump.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a great short read for October.
A New Kind of Clean is a classic Iain Reid, with incredible atmosphere, lots of deeper meanings and that crazy amount of unsettling dread. Honestly I still don't fully understand it but I had a hell of a time reading!
I enjoyed the exploration of family, grief and personal expectations. Ellie Foumbi will be an author to watch!
A New Kind of Clean is a classic Iain Reid, with incredible atmosphere, lots of deeper meanings and that crazy amount of unsettling dread. Honestly I still don't fully understand it but I had a hell of a time reading!
I enjoyed the exploration of family, grief and personal expectations. Ellie Foumbi will be an author to watch!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If I’ve learned anything from reading Iain Reid’s novels, it’s that the best rule of thumb is to trust nothing and no one. After finishing A New Kind of Clean, I stand by that statement.
I loved the premise of this book. We meet Missy, a young woman whose dream is to be an actress. It’s a tough industry to break into and Missy is certain that she’s been passed over for prettier, more stylish women who fit a certain mold. When she gets the opportunity to audition for a commercial, she thinks that this could be her break. Be careful what you wish for, Missy.
People assume that the grass is always greener. If we could just be like this or have that it would solve our problems. Missy wasn’t unique to these beliefs, but her resentment and shame toward her mother and her upbringing contributed to her insecurity. Missy had some pretty deep emotional scars.
The overall story, societal and cultural themes of the book were timely and relevant, but don’t get too comfortable believing that you will just sail through it without a few heart-pounding moments. As I said previously, I trusted nothing about this book. There were times that I couldn’t tell if the things were actually happening to Missy or if they were a figment of her imagination. Iain Reid and Ellie Foumbi excelled at blurring the lines and delivering eerie, frightening scenes that will scare the bejesus out of you.
*4 Stars
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
I loved the premise of this book. We meet Missy, a young woman whose dream is to be an actress. It’s a tough industry to break into and Missy is certain that she’s been passed over for prettier, more stylish women who fit a certain mold. When she gets the opportunity to audition for a commercial, she thinks that this could be her break. Be careful what you wish for, Missy.
People assume that the grass is always greener. If we could just be like this or have that it would solve our problems. Missy wasn’t unique to these beliefs, but her resentment and shame toward her mother and her upbringing contributed to her insecurity. Missy had some pretty deep emotional scars.
The overall story, societal and cultural themes of the book were timely and relevant, but don’t get too comfortable believing that you will just sail through it without a few heart-pounding moments. As I said previously, I trusted nothing about this book. There were times that I couldn’t tell if the things were actually happening to Missy or if they were a figment of her imagination. Iain Reid and Ellie Foumbi excelled at blurring the lines and delivering eerie, frightening scenes that will scare the bejesus out of you.
*4 Stars
*I received a copy of the book from the publisher (via NetGalley).
May 26, 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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada and Tandem Collective Global for the gifted copy and the opportunity to join this readalong! 🤍
What a strange and unsettling ride this was! 😭
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how cinematic the writing felt. It was like watching a psychological thriller unfold right before my eyes! The atmosphere was so eerie and mysterious, and everything felt a little too perfect, especially that ridiculously clean and spotless house. There was this constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right.
Missy was definitely not the most likeable character, especially at the beginning. She carried so much frustration and resentment, but as I learned more about her circumstances and complicated family relationships, I could understand where she was coming from. I found it interesting to be inside her head and follow her thoughts throughout the story.
And the mysteries?! Thomas, Violet, the company, the house, the hermit, the powder… EVERYTHING was suspicious! 🚩😂 There were so many strange details that kept me curious and turning the pages. The story was so intriguing that I couldn’t resist reading ahead and ended up finishing it earlier than planned!
However, I have mixed feelings about the ending. I was really hoping that all those mysterious details would eventually come together and make sense, but instead, I was left with more questions than answers. I can understand and appreciate why the author might have chosen to end the story that way. I’ve noticed this kind of open-ended conclusion in quite a few thrillers lately, so it doesn’t really surprise me anymore. Still, I personally would have loved a little more clarity and closure.
But beyond the mystery and suspense, what I really appreciated was the message behind the story. There are things in life that are simply beyond our control. We may hate the circumstances we find ourselves in, wish things had turned out differently, or question why certain things had to happen to us. But whether we like it or not, those experiences become part of our story. The good, the bad, and even the things we wish we could change all contribute to shaping who we are today. And I think that’s such a meaningful message to take away from this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The eerie atmosphere, suspense, and cinematic writing made it such an immersive reading experience. Although I would’ve appreciated a little more clarity and closure in the ending, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the journey. What stayed with me most was the meaningful message behind the story, which gave me something to reflect on even after turning the final page.
What a strange and unsettling ride this was! 😭
One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how cinematic the writing felt. It was like watching a psychological thriller unfold right before my eyes! The atmosphere was so eerie and mysterious, and everything felt a little too perfect, especially that ridiculously clean and spotless house. There was this constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right.
Missy was definitely not the most likeable character, especially at the beginning. She carried so much frustration and resentment, but as I learned more about her circumstances and complicated family relationships, I could understand where she was coming from. I found it interesting to be inside her head and follow her thoughts throughout the story.
And the mysteries?! Thomas, Violet, the company, the house, the hermit, the powder… EVERYTHING was suspicious! 🚩😂 There were so many strange details that kept me curious and turning the pages. The story was so intriguing that I couldn’t resist reading ahead and ended up finishing it earlier than planned!
However, I have mixed feelings about the ending. I was really hoping that all those mysterious details would eventually come together and make sense, but instead, I was left with more questions than answers. I can understand and appreciate why the author might have chosen to end the story that way. I’ve noticed this kind of open-ended conclusion in quite a few thrillers lately, so it doesn’t really surprise me anymore. Still, I personally would have loved a little more clarity and closure.
But beyond the mystery and suspense, what I really appreciated was the message behind the story. There are things in life that are simply beyond our control. We may hate the circumstances we find ourselves in, wish things had turned out differently, or question why certain things had to happen to us. But whether we like it or not, those experiences become part of our story. The good, the bad, and even the things we wish we could change all contribute to shaping who we are today. And I think that’s such a meaningful message to take away from this book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! The eerie atmosphere, suspense, and cinematic writing made it such an immersive reading experience. Although I would’ve appreciated a little more clarity and closure in the ending, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed the journey. What stayed with me most was the meaningful message behind the story, which gave me something to reflect on even after turning the final page.
October 25, 2026
This book oozes unsettled and suspenseful vibes. Maleba is an interesting main character. Her desperation to land an acting role leads to questionable behavior and reckless decisions. The secondary cast is small but mighty. The ambiguous ending left me with questions and wanting more. Fans of psychological thrillers and horror are likely to enjoy this book. Thank you, @simonschusterca, @tidydissolve, @ellie.foumbi, and @tandemcollectiveglobal for the gifted hardcover.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Very eerie!
Full review soon!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my gifted review copy!
Full review soon!
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my gifted review copy!
October 6, 2026
Thank you to Simon & Schuster for the gifted copy of A New Kind of Clean by Ian Reid and Ellie Foumbi.
I’ve loved Reid’s other works and was very excited to dig into the newest book. I’ve always appreciated his ability to create unsettling, thought-provoking stories, that leave you with so many questions and theories. While A New Kind of Clean contains Reid's signature atmosphere and intriguing ideas, I was left wanting more.
The premise is compelling, and Reid once again demonstrates his talent for crafting a sense of discomfort. However, I kept waiting for the story to develop into something deeper or more impactful. The narrative raises interesting questions but never quite explores them, leaving me wanting more from both the story and characters.
While fans of Reid's distinctive style may still enjoy this one, it didn't resonate with me as strongly as his previous work.
Review of advance copy
I loved ITOET and Foe, and liked We Spread, but this is just awful. What happened here? This is easily one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The authors should be embarrassed to release this to the public and charge money for it. The concept is… fine, it could even be good; but the writing might be the worst I’ve ever seen in a literary novel. Shockingly bad, seriously. By page 170 I was skimming just to get to the end because I couldn’t possibly have cared about how it ended. Very disappointed. I’ve been anticipating a new Reid book since buying We Spread at launch and devouring it in one sitting. This was a complete failure and now I’m not sure if I even want to read his next book. And why were there two authors? Who is this woman? The whole thing is a disaster. Do not read.
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
“I want to be on the inside of something for once. I want people to look at me the way I’m looking at him right now. I want to crave what I have, for others to want it too. I want to wake up with a smile on my face just because I’m alive.”
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Rating: 3.75 stars
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What are you willing to give up, to get everything you’ve ever wanted?
I typically write out a shorter version of the book’s blurb in my reviews, but I won’t do that with this one because I think it’s best to go into this reading experience not knowing much about the overall storyline.
Reid and Foumbi make a masterful duo when it comes to writing atmospheric and downright creepy scenes, especially towards the end of this read.
I have read one other book by Ian Reid and you can pick up his signature writing style in this book, but the flashbacks that were written as screenplays must have been Foumbi’s doing. These were SO cleverly interspersed and really added a unique element to this read when paired with the auditions Missy was attending in real time. The chapters also felt intentionally disjointed, enough to match Missy’s own messy thoughts as she’s struggling to take control of her life amidst all of the failures she’s constantly facing.
The second you start reading this book, you get the feeling that something is “off,” so much so that I couldn’t help but wonder if Missy was a reliable narrator or not at the beginning. Then, as we get to know her better and we come to understand the decisions she makes more and more, you realize that she is a reliable narrator, but that the book is rife with symbolism showing us just how far we’re willing to go to achieve our goals. I did also want to shake her out of it most of the time, because I could not believe the bad decisions she was making. But then again, it’s interesting to read about a character who wants something so desperately, she’s willing to go to the lengths that Missy went to just to get to where she thinks she needs to be.
I think my main “issue” with this read, however, is that I didn’t feel like we got to connect with Missy as much as I would have liked to. I saw multiple reviews saying that she was unlikeable, but I didn’t feel that, necessarily. I just felt oddly disconnected from her, even though I was inside her head for 200 pages. Given the overarching themes in this book, I wonder if that was done purposefully…
This brings me to one of the main points of this book - this is a story that is layered and that I sat with for hours and still felt like I didn’t grasp all of the threads that the authors wove together. You could likely reread this book multiple times and still find some new, hidden meaning each time.
Overall, if you’re looking for an eerie book that will have you spiralling philosophically about the power of memories, the cost of ambition and the question of whether we’re ever really able to outrun our pasts, then I would definitely pick this one up.
Sending a huge thank you to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster and the authors for this e-arc!!
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Rating: 3.75 stars
-
What are you willing to give up, to get everything you’ve ever wanted?
I typically write out a shorter version of the book’s blurb in my reviews, but I won’t do that with this one because I think it’s best to go into this reading experience not knowing much about the overall storyline.
Reid and Foumbi make a masterful duo when it comes to writing atmospheric and downright creepy scenes, especially towards the end of this read.
I have read one other book by Ian Reid and you can pick up his signature writing style in this book, but the flashbacks that were written as screenplays must have been Foumbi’s doing. These were SO cleverly interspersed and really added a unique element to this read when paired with the auditions Missy was attending in real time. The chapters also felt intentionally disjointed, enough to match Missy’s own messy thoughts as she’s struggling to take control of her life amidst all of the failures she’s constantly facing.
The second you start reading this book, you get the feeling that something is “off,” so much so that I couldn’t help but wonder if Missy was a reliable narrator or not at the beginning. Then, as we get to know her better and we come to understand the decisions she makes more and more, you realize that she is a reliable narrator, but that the book is rife with symbolism showing us just how far we’re willing to go to achieve our goals. I did also want to shake her out of it most of the time, because I could not believe the bad decisions she was making. But then again, it’s interesting to read about a character who wants something so desperately, she’s willing to go to the lengths that Missy went to just to get to where she thinks she needs to be.
I think my main “issue” with this read, however, is that I didn’t feel like we got to connect with Missy as much as I would have liked to. I saw multiple reviews saying that she was unlikeable, but I didn’t feel that, necessarily. I just felt oddly disconnected from her, even though I was inside her head for 200 pages. Given the overarching themes in this book, I wonder if that was done purposefully…
This brings me to one of the main points of this book - this is a story that is layered and that I sat with for hours and still felt like I didn’t grasp all of the threads that the authors wove together. You could likely reread this book multiple times and still find some new, hidden meaning each time.
Overall, if you’re looking for an eerie book that will have you spiralling philosophically about the power of memories, the cost of ambition and the question of whether we’re ever really able to outrun our pasts, then I would definitely pick this one up.
Sending a huge thank you to Netgalley, Simon & Schuster and the authors for this e-arc!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Canada for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was fast-paced psychological thriller that had me hooked from the beginning. If vague, cryptic, make-you-question-everything type thrillers aren’t your thing, I would maybe skip this one. But if you love a story that makes you work a little for the answers, this is definitely worth picking up.
I went into A New Kind of Clean pretty blind, and I’m really glad I did. The less you know going in, the better. There’s such an unsettling feeling throughout the book, and I was constantly trying to figure out exactly what was happening and where everything was headed.
And the ending… I think I loved it?! 😂 This is definitely one of those endings you have to sit with and think about for a minute. Similar to the author’s first book, iykyk. I can already see this being one people want to discuss immediately after finishing.
Overall, this was weird, twisty, unsettling, and incredibly engaging. Exactly the kind of psychological thriller that keeps you thinking long after you finish.
This was fast-paced psychological thriller that had me hooked from the beginning. If vague, cryptic, make-you-question-everything type thrillers aren’t your thing, I would maybe skip this one. But if you love a story that makes you work a little for the answers, this is definitely worth picking up.
I went into A New Kind of Clean pretty blind, and I’m really glad I did. The less you know going in, the better. There’s such an unsettling feeling throughout the book, and I was constantly trying to figure out exactly what was happening and where everything was headed.
And the ending… I think I loved it?! 😂 This is definitely one of those endings you have to sit with and think about for a minute. Similar to the author’s first book, iykyk. I can already see this being one people want to discuss immediately after finishing.
Overall, this was weird, twisty, unsettling, and incredibly engaging. Exactly the kind of psychological thriller that keeps you thinking long after you finish.
October 1, 2026
A short mystery I flew through in an evening. What would you surrender for promise of security all while following your dreams? Aspiring access Missy is faced with that choice. Living beyond pay cheque to pay cheque, Missy dreams of making it big. That chance appears, and all she has to do is stay overnight in a house featuring some new tech she will be pitching in commercials afterwards. As the audition progresses, Missy starts to wonder if the money and security it will provide is worth the cost.
I liked how fast paced and eerie this one was. We are in the dark with Missy, trying to piece together what is going on and who to trust. The new technology is a quiet backdrop to this story of ambition, and reality. Missy did make a few choices I would not have but they were believable, creating an uncanny tale on how far we will let technology and authority seep into our lives. A lot is left to your imagination so if you like fully explained plots, this may not be the book for you. I didn’t mind the ambiguous nature of this creepy tale.
Thank you @simonschusterca for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
I liked how fast paced and eerie this one was. We are in the dark with Missy, trying to piece together what is going on and who to trust. The new technology is a quiet backdrop to this story of ambition, and reality. Missy did make a few choices I would not have but they were believable, creating an uncanny tale on how far we will let technology and authority seep into our lives. A lot is left to your imagination so if you like fully explained plots, this may not be the book for you. I didn’t mind the ambiguous nature of this creepy tale.
Thank you @simonschusterca for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
October 5, 2026
Do I know what I just read? Mmmmnope, not really. But I was completely glued to the pages and read it in one sitting, so there’s that.
I loved the weird horror vibes throughout the story. It was unsettling from the first page to the last, and the ambiguous ending added to that feeling because I didn’t fully understand what had happened or why any of it happened to begin with.
It was interesting to read about the MC, someone who will do pretty much anything to achieve her goals and escape her difficult past, only to realize that there are some things that are not worth it.
This is a shorter read, so if you’re looking for a quick one to add to your 2026 reads and enjoy an eerie and enigmatic story, I recommend you give this one a try.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my gifted copy!
I loved the weird horror vibes throughout the story. It was unsettling from the first page to the last, and the ambiguous ending added to that feeling because I didn’t fully understand what had happened or why any of it happened to begin with.
It was interesting to read about the MC, someone who will do pretty much anything to achieve her goals and escape her difficult past, only to realize that there are some things that are not worth it.
This is a shorter read, so if you’re looking for a quick one to add to your 2026 reads and enjoy an eerie and enigmatic story, I recommend you give this one a try.
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for my gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🩷𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕖𝕞 ℝ𝕖𝕒𝕕𝕒𝕝𝕠𝕟𝕘🩷
Title: A New Kind of Clean
Author: Iain Reid & Ellie Foumbi
Genre: Philosophical Horror
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🚫
Pub Date: October 6, 2026
130/150📚
Missy has had a hard life and desperately wants to become an actress and give a "I told ya so" to everyone especially her mother. After another failed audition she gets a call to come for a special audition..in the middle of nowhere with no details on what the audition is for. The house she arrives at is eerily clean, not a speck of dust anywhere. She must decide if she's going to stay or walk away - but will they let her?
This is a very ambiguous read and normally not my usual style but I think it worked well with this story and kept me turning those pages. It's a fast paced book and I enjoyed it! The ending leaves you with your own interpretation and a lot of questions. I don't want to say anything more to give it away!
Thank you again @tandemcollectiveglobal and @simonschusterca for my #gifted copy!
Title: A New Kind of Clean
Author: Iain Reid & Ellie Foumbi
Genre: Philosophical Horror
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🚫
Pub Date: October 6, 2026
130/150📚
Missy has had a hard life and desperately wants to become an actress and give a "I told ya so" to everyone especially her mother. After another failed audition she gets a call to come for a special audition..in the middle of nowhere with no details on what the audition is for. The house she arrives at is eerily clean, not a speck of dust anywhere. She must decide if she's going to stay or walk away - but will they let her?
This is a very ambiguous read and normally not my usual style but I think it worked well with this story and kept me turning those pages. It's a fast paced book and I enjoyed it! The ending leaves you with your own interpretation and a lot of questions. I don't want to say anything more to give it away!
Thank you again @tandemcollectiveglobal and @simonschusterca for my #gifted copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was really into this story, it was creepy and foreboding throughout most of the book. However, for me the ending felt rushed and left me with too many unanswered questions.
Overall, I did enjoy the read, but again I just wanted more from the ending...the last 40 pages or so had a lot of action just kind of jammed in.
Overall, I did enjoy the read, but again I just wanted more from the ending...the last 40 pages or so had a lot of action just kind of jammed in.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved this book. What a great debut for Ellie Foumbi! It has Iain Reid as co-writer and I can definitely picture it becoming a movie, similar to I’m Thinking of Ending Things. It’s one that will make you think and want to discuss with others.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Simon & Schuster Canada and NetGalley for an eARC of A New Kind of Clean in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 3 / 5
I liked the story a lot but was not a fan of the writing unfortunately. I expected more psychological thriller and unease but wasn’t as drawn into the story as I had hoped.
Rating: 3 / 5
I liked the story a lot but was not a fan of the writing unfortunately. I expected more psychological thriller and unease but wasn’t as drawn into the story as I had hoped.
October 23, 2026
Wow. Wow. Wow.
This is wow. I have no words
This is wow. I have no words
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher for this ARC!
I liked this. It examines how far someone might go to achieve their dream, as well as how easy it is to keep going further down an uncomfortable path that grooms you to accept more and more uneasiness. The novel(la?-it is a short read) is unsettling in a great way. It also does not spoon feed you the meaning and what is occurring as you are living this experience through the lens of the MC. It is more philosophical and ambiguous, asking the reader to reflect and infer. I personally love books like this, but if you don't like ambiguity, this may not be for you. But it was a great read for me!
I liked this. It examines how far someone might go to achieve their dream, as well as how easy it is to keep going further down an uncomfortable path that grooms you to accept more and more uneasiness. The novel(la?-it is a short read) is unsettling in a great way. It also does not spoon feed you the meaning and what is occurring as you are living this experience through the lens of the MC. It is more philosophical and ambiguous, asking the reader to reflect and infer. I personally love books like this, but if you don't like ambiguity, this may not be for you. But it was a great read for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This writing style definitely won’t work for everyone, but jeez, I just really love Iain Reid’s writing. This was my first experience with Ellie Foumbi, and the two of them created such a strange, unsettling little book.
This was basically a fever dream from beginning to end. Reality becomes more and more blurred, and there were so many moments where I wasn’t entirely sure what was happening, but I mean that in the best way. The uneasiness just keeps building as everything gets weirder.
It’s surreal, uncomfortable, and the kind of weird horror that I really enjoy. I can already tell this is going to be one that people either completely vibe with or absolutely do not. As for, I absolutely vibed with it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hell’s Hundred | SoHo press for the gifted e-arc!
This was basically a fever dream from beginning to end. Reality becomes more and more blurred, and there were so many moments where I wasn’t entirely sure what was happening, but I mean that in the best way. The uneasiness just keeps building as everything gets weirder.
It’s surreal, uncomfortable, and the kind of weird horror that I really enjoy. I can already tell this is going to be one that people either completely vibe with or absolutely do not. As for, I absolutely vibed with it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hell’s Hundred | SoHo press for the gifted e-arc!
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.
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