What do you think?
Rate this book
Watch Me
"Riveting, chilling, and page-turning. Be prepared to stay up all night." -- New York Times bestselling author Lisa Scottoline
For fans of dark and twisty psychological thrillers, Watch Me is a riveting novel of suspense about how far obsession can go.
Kate Youngblood is disappearing. Muddling through her late 30s as a creative writing professor at Blackwood college, she’s dangerously close to never being noticed again. The follow-up novel to her successful debut tanked. Her husband left her for a woman ten years younger. She’s always been bright, beautiful, independent and a little wild, but now her glow is starting to vanish. She’s heading into an age where her eyes are less blue, her charm worn out, and soon no one will ever truly look at her, want to know her, again.
Except one.
Sam Grist is Kate’s most promising student. An unflinching writer with razor-sharp clarity who gravitates towards dark themes and twisted plots, his raw talent is something Kate wants to nurture into literary success. But he’s not there solely to be the best writer. He’s been watching her. Wanting her. Working his way to her for years.
As Sam slowly makes his way into Kate’s life, they enter a deadly web of dangerous lies and forbidden desire. But how far will his fixation go? And how far will she allow it?
A gripping novel exploring intense obsession and illicit attraction, Jody Gehrman introduces a world where what you desire most may be the most dangerous thing of all.
For fans of dark and twisty psychological thrillers, Watch Me is a riveting novel of suspense about how far obsession can go.
Kate Youngblood is disappearing. Muddling through her late 30s as a creative writing professor at Blackwood college, she’s dangerously close to never being noticed again. The follow-up novel to her successful debut tanked. Her husband left her for a woman ten years younger. She’s always been bright, beautiful, independent and a little wild, but now her glow is starting to vanish. She’s heading into an age where her eyes are less blue, her charm worn out, and soon no one will ever truly look at her, want to know her, again.
Except one.
Sam Grist is Kate’s most promising student. An unflinching writer with razor-sharp clarity who gravitates towards dark themes and twisted plots, his raw talent is something Kate wants to nurture into literary success. But he’s not there solely to be the best writer. He’s been watching her. Wanting her. Working his way to her for years.
As Sam slowly makes his way into Kate’s life, they enter a deadly web of dangerous lies and forbidden desire. But how far will his fixation go? And how far will she allow it?
A gripping novel exploring intense obsession and illicit attraction, Jody Gehrman introduces a world where what you desire most may be the most dangerous thing of all.
308 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2018
About the author
Jody Gehrman
15 books813 followersJody Gehrman is a native of Northern California, where she can be found writing, teaching, reading, or obsessing over her three cats most days. She is also the author of eleven novels and numerous award-winning plays. Her debut suspense novel, Watch Me, was published by St. Martin's Press. Her other adult novels are Bombshell, Notes from the Backseat, Tart, and Summer in the Land of Skin. Her Young Adult novels include The Truth About Jack, Audrey's Guide to Black Magic, Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, Babe in Boyland, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and Triple Shot Bettys in Love. Babe in Boyland was optioned by the Disney Channel and won the International Reading Association's Teen Choice Award. Her plays have been produced or had readings in Ashland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She is a professor of Communication at Mendocino College.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews
January 18, 2018
Deliciously creepy!! Wow!
Kate is a best-selling author. She’s also holding down a second job teaching creative writing at the local college. Newly divorced, Kate desperately struggles to hold onto what little she has, while watching everyone around her move successfully toward fulfilling their dream lives.
Sam is a student, currently enrolled in Kate’s class. He obsesses over his professor-he watches his professor-he wants his professor. In the worst way.
Sam methodically begins worming himself into Kate’s life. So chilling you feel like a fly on the wall, watching the events unfold, unable to step in and shout a warning. But does she really need one…?
The chapters are short, and seamlessly alternate from Sam’s to Kate’s POV with no interruption or repetition. This book gripped me from the beginning. And I devoured it in basically two sittings. I’ve read a few books recently dealing with obsession and stalking, but this one had a different feel to it. You really felt the heat and intensity from both perspectives.
Jody Gehrman writes a taught, chilling thriller that will leave you breathless and constantly glancing over your shoulder! So well done!
Highly recommend!
A chilling Traveling Sister read with Brenda, Lindsay and Mary Beth!:)
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaway and St Martin’s Press
For this review and our full Traveling Sister Review please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
Kate is a best-selling author. She’s also holding down a second job teaching creative writing at the local college. Newly divorced, Kate desperately struggles to hold onto what little she has, while watching everyone around her move successfully toward fulfilling their dream lives.
Sam is a student, currently enrolled in Kate’s class. He obsesses over his professor-he watches his professor-he wants his professor. In the worst way.
Sam methodically begins worming himself into Kate’s life. So chilling you feel like a fly on the wall, watching the events unfold, unable to step in and shout a warning. But does she really need one…?
The chapters are short, and seamlessly alternate from Sam’s to Kate’s POV with no interruption or repetition. This book gripped me from the beginning. And I devoured it in basically two sittings. I’ve read a few books recently dealing with obsession and stalking, but this one had a different feel to it. You really felt the heat and intensity from both perspectives.
Jody Gehrman writes a taught, chilling thriller that will leave you breathless and constantly glancing over your shoulder! So well done!
Highly recommend!
A chilling Traveling Sister read with Brenda, Lindsay and Mary Beth!:)
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaway and St Martin’s Press
For this review and our full Traveling Sister Review please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog:
http://www.twogirlslostinacouleereadi...
January 17, 2018
Watch Me is a dark and twisty psychological thriller. It has lots of twists and turns with suspense and shows you how far obsession can go. Kate is a professor at Blackwood College and is an author. She has a lot going for her. Sam also wants to be an author. Sam Grist is Kate's most promising student. But he is not there solely to be the best writer. He's been watching her, wanting her, and has been working his way to her for years. This is a gripping novel exploring intense obsession and illicit attention. What you desire may be the most dangerous thing of all. Sam's writing has a lot of dark themes with twisted plots. How far will he let his obsession go and how far will Kate allow it.
This was a very fast read. I thought the author did a great job on the characters. They were very well developed. I really got to know the characters very well. I was able to get in the mind of Sam's. He is an extremely creepy psychopath and also a sociopath and does not have any empathy.
The author really did a great job of his character. It kept me turning the pages to see what he would do next. He was full of hate. Sam's obsession was very scary. He hates his mother but he had a terrible childhood. Some of Sam's thoughts and one liners are jaw dropping. I would not want to meet Sam in real life.
I thought Kate was a very complicated character. I didn't care for her so much. It just took her too long to realize what a sociopath Sam was. She just seemed to love his attention and enjoyed him watching her. Kate had her own obsession. She just thrives on attention. She didn't seem like she could make her own mind up or make good decisions. One minute she wanted Sam and the next minute she didn't want him. I didn't like her behavior.
I did find this to be an entertaining story. There were parts that I loved and other parts that I didn't care so much for. It did keep me turning the pages and had to find out what was going to happen next.
This was a great dark psychological thriller. It was a Traveling Sister read and I really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts. It was a fun discussion. I recommend this to those that like a creepy psychological thriller.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Jody Gehrman for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was a very fast read. I thought the author did a great job on the characters. They were very well developed. I really got to know the characters very well. I was able to get in the mind of Sam's. He is an extremely creepy psychopath and also a sociopath and does not have any empathy.
The author really did a great job of his character. It kept me turning the pages to see what he would do next. He was full of hate. Sam's obsession was very scary. He hates his mother but he had a terrible childhood. Some of Sam's thoughts and one liners are jaw dropping. I would not want to meet Sam in real life.
I thought Kate was a very complicated character. I didn't care for her so much. It just took her too long to realize what a sociopath Sam was. She just seemed to love his attention and enjoyed him watching her. Kate had her own obsession. She just thrives on attention. She didn't seem like she could make her own mind up or make good decisions. One minute she wanted Sam and the next minute she didn't want him. I didn't like her behavior.
I did find this to be an entertaining story. There were parts that I loved and other parts that I didn't care so much for. It did keep me turning the pages and had to find out what was going to happen next.
This was a great dark psychological thriller. It was a Traveling Sister read and I really enjoyed reading everyone's thoughts. It was a fun discussion. I recommend this to those that like a creepy psychological thriller.
I want to thank Netgalley, St. Martin's Press and Jody Gehrman for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2018
Psychological character study of a sociopath and his prey.
I’m torn over this one. On the one hand, there’s Sam Grist--he’s one creepy, f*cked up stalker who makes for fascinating reading. And then there is Kate, who’s just kind of meh.
A breakdown of my star rating:
Sam Grist’s character: 5 stars
The plot and Kate’s character: 2.5 stars
Overall star rating: 3.5
The narrative alternates between Sam and Kate’s POV’s.
Sam is a 22 year-old student in Kate’s creative writing course. After reading Kate’s first novel when he was 17, Sam made it his life’s mission to meet Kate and make her fall in love with him. He creates this epic fantasy in which the two of them will fall in love, move to NYC and become famous writers. But Sam’s fanatasy is far removed from reality. He enrolls in Kate’s class, and begins obsessively watching and stalking her.
Kate’s in a vulnerable position. Recently divorced, finds Sam’s attention exhilarating. She’s aware that he’s watching her and basks in the glory of being “seen” by a younger man. She begins craving his attention more and more, to the point where the two develop an inappropriate relationship.
But crazy, obsessive stalkers can only function “normally” for so long. The more Sam immerses himself in Kate’s world, the more his obsession grows to the point where goes off the rails and commits several crimes all in the name of "helping" Kate. Even though Kate knows there’s something off about Sam, she still wants him; the way he sees her is like a drug.
The push and pull between Sam and Kate grows redundant. I loved reading Sam’s chapters--his voice is cold, creepy, and captivating. But Kate’s chapters were irksome, as her character lacks the dynamism of Sam’s.
This is a tension filled, fast-paced, but uneven read. But I would still recommend if only to experience the brilliance of Sam’s character.
I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway!
I’m torn over this one. On the one hand, there’s Sam Grist--he’s one creepy, f*cked up stalker who makes for fascinating reading. And then there is Kate, who’s just kind of meh.
A breakdown of my star rating:
Sam Grist’s character: 5 stars
The plot and Kate’s character: 2.5 stars
Overall star rating: 3.5
The narrative alternates between Sam and Kate’s POV’s.
Sam is a 22 year-old student in Kate’s creative writing course. After reading Kate’s first novel when he was 17, Sam made it his life’s mission to meet Kate and make her fall in love with him. He creates this epic fantasy in which the two of them will fall in love, move to NYC and become famous writers. But Sam’s fanatasy is far removed from reality. He enrolls in Kate’s class, and begins obsessively watching and stalking her.
Kate’s in a vulnerable position. Recently divorced, finds Sam’s attention exhilarating. She’s aware that he’s watching her and basks in the glory of being “seen” by a younger man. She begins craving his attention more and more, to the point where the two develop an inappropriate relationship.
But crazy, obsessive stalkers can only function “normally” for so long. The more Sam immerses himself in Kate’s world, the more his obsession grows to the point where goes off the rails and commits several crimes all in the name of "helping" Kate. Even though Kate knows there’s something off about Sam, she still wants him; the way he sees her is like a drug.
The push and pull between Sam and Kate grows redundant. I loved reading Sam’s chapters--his voice is cold, creepy, and captivating. But Kate’s chapters were irksome, as her character lacks the dynamism of Sam’s.
This is a tension filled, fast-paced, but uneven read. But I would still recommend if only to experience the brilliance of Sam’s character.
I won a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway!
May 17, 2018
4.25 seriously disturbing stars
Not sure what it says about me that I enjoyed spending time in the mind of crazy... there is just something I find enjoyable (for lack of a better word) when people like Sam justify their crazy actions in their own mind....
Sam is definitely completely out of his mind.... he has spent the past five years planning his perfect life with Kate, the problem is Kate and Sam have never even met... Kate is a lesser known author, but after Sam saw her picture on the back of a book cover, he just knew they were meant to be!
Sam takes stalking to the next level... however, Kate( who I am assuming is an intelligent woman because she is an English professor) doesn’t seem to clue into this when it seems fairly obvious.... and then even when she does clue in she seems more flattered than anything else, I think this just encouraged Sam even more....
Ironically I really actually like Sam more than Kate in this book, he did have a certain charm to him(Please keep in mind I have extremely bad taste in men).... Kate was really hard for me to read and very hard for me to relate to, I almost would have preferred a book from only Sam’s perspective.... perhaps then I would have more empathy for Kate..... The very ending to this book was ironic and perfect!
This book definitely is not for everybody, but if you enjoy twisted, disturbed, and interesting characters, I’d recommend this to you!
*** i’d like to thank Net Galley and St Martins Press for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review ***
Not sure what it says about me that I enjoyed spending time in the mind of crazy... there is just something I find enjoyable (for lack of a better word) when people like Sam justify their crazy actions in their own mind....
Sam is definitely completely out of his mind.... he has spent the past five years planning his perfect life with Kate, the problem is Kate and Sam have never even met... Kate is a lesser known author, but after Sam saw her picture on the back of a book cover, he just knew they were meant to be!
Sam takes stalking to the next level... however, Kate( who I am assuming is an intelligent woman because she is an English professor) doesn’t seem to clue into this when it seems fairly obvious.... and then even when she does clue in she seems more flattered than anything else, I think this just encouraged Sam even more....
Ironically I really actually like Sam more than Kate in this book, he did have a certain charm to him(Please keep in mind I have extremely bad taste in men).... Kate was really hard for me to read and very hard for me to relate to, I almost would have preferred a book from only Sam’s perspective.... perhaps then I would have more empathy for Kate..... The very ending to this book was ironic and perfect!
This book definitely is not for everybody, but if you enjoy twisted, disturbed, and interesting characters, I’d recommend this to you!
*** i’d like to thank Net Galley and St Martins Press for a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review ***
January 18, 2018
4.5 creepily addictive stars!!
Wow this was disturbingly good! I devoured this twisted story with heart-pounding intensity. I was fascinated by the dynamic between the two main characters, Kate and Sam. Kate is a creative writing professor and well-known novelist and Sam is her student. The relationship between these two had me glued to the pages, feeling the tension, anxiety, obsession and paranoia.
The author, Jody Gehrman, did an outstanding job with the narratives! The story is told from both Kate and Sam’s alternating POV’s and it truly pulls you into each of their minds. The writing was superb!
The language does get explicit at times, but I found it perfectly suited this dark and mesmerizing stalker story. There is also an undercurrent of humour throughout that lightened the dark tone of the novel.
I read this with my Traveling Sisters and we all LOVED it!! This is Gehrman’s debut suspense novel and it is definitely a winner in our eyes! To find this review, along with Brenda and Kaceey’s, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
A big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jody Gehrman for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
Wow this was disturbingly good! I devoured this twisted story with heart-pounding intensity. I was fascinated by the dynamic between the two main characters, Kate and Sam. Kate is a creative writing professor and well-known novelist and Sam is her student. The relationship between these two had me glued to the pages, feeling the tension, anxiety, obsession and paranoia.
The author, Jody Gehrman, did an outstanding job with the narratives! The story is told from both Kate and Sam’s alternating POV’s and it truly pulls you into each of their minds. The writing was superb!
The language does get explicit at times, but I found it perfectly suited this dark and mesmerizing stalker story. There is also an undercurrent of humour throughout that lightened the dark tone of the novel.
I read this with my Traveling Sisters and we all LOVED it!! This is Gehrman’s debut suspense novel and it is definitely a winner in our eyes! To find this review, along with Brenda and Kaceey’s, please visit Brenda and Norma’s fabulous blog at:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
A big thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jody Gehrman for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
January 30, 2018
4 super creeeeeeepy stalker stars to Watch Me! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Fans of one of the creepiest stalking thrillers I’ve read, You, should thoroughly enjoy my new favorite, Watch Me! Instead of creepy Joe, we had obsessed Sam, and his short chapters alternated with Kate’s, his victim. Have I mentioned how much I love short chapters in thrillers? #justonemorepage #justonemorechapter 💗
As one might expect, this is a dark story filled with twists. The build-up left me feeling anxious, and that’s how I know I’m reading a satisfying thriller. 👀
The only drawback for me? I only wanted to read Sam’s chapters. They were more engaging, and Kate’s somehow made her feel more distant and less intriguing than she might have been if the whole story had been told in Sam’s voice.
Overall, kudos to Jody Gehrman for a chilling, taut, obsessive thriller!
Watch Me was published on January 23, 2018. Thanks to Jody Gehrman, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy to review.
Fans of one of the creepiest stalking thrillers I’ve read, You, should thoroughly enjoy my new favorite, Watch Me! Instead of creepy Joe, we had obsessed Sam, and his short chapters alternated with Kate’s, his victim. Have I mentioned how much I love short chapters in thrillers? #justonemorepage #justonemorechapter 💗
As one might expect, this is a dark story filled with twists. The build-up left me feeling anxious, and that’s how I know I’m reading a satisfying thriller. 👀
The only drawback for me? I only wanted to read Sam’s chapters. They were more engaging, and Kate’s somehow made her feel more distant and less intriguing than she might have been if the whole story had been told in Sam’s voice.
Overall, kudos to Jody Gehrman for a chilling, taut, obsessive thriller!
Watch Me was published on January 23, 2018. Thanks to Jody Gehrman, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the complimentary copy to review.
September 29, 2018
4.5 Stars
I was lost in the creepy, open barren coulee with three of my Traveling Sisters reading Watch Me. We settled in a nice grassy sunny open spot all set to dive into this story of obsession. We soon felt a little exposed and uneasy as we were drawn to the depth of Sam Gist’s intense, obsession for older damaged Kate Youngblood. We started to sweat with the extreme unnerving creepiness we started to feel as we were pulled deeper and deeper into Sam’s mind. The hairs on the back of our necks started to rise and we wanted to run out of the heat and find a shadier less exposed part of the coulee. We became so fascinated with the story we couldn’t move but kept looking over our shoulder with an escape route in mind.
Watch Me is a highly entertaining, fascinating and disturbing story of the most intense obsession some of us have ever read. Our excitement and uneasiness had us hooked on this one from the very start and we didn’t let go until the very end.
The story is told by both Sam’s and Kate’s point of view. We had some different reactions to Kate that lead to an interesting discussion for us. Most of us enjoyed Sam’s point of view more and felt his POV was more interesting than Kate’s. Even though we were in the same coulee with this one some of us ended up on different sides of the coulee. We highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jody Gehrman for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Publication Date January 23, 2018
Traveling Sisters Review also can be found on our sister blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
I was lost in the creepy, open barren coulee with three of my Traveling Sisters reading Watch Me. We settled in a nice grassy sunny open spot all set to dive into this story of obsession. We soon felt a little exposed and uneasy as we were drawn to the depth of Sam Gist’s intense, obsession for older damaged Kate Youngblood. We started to sweat with the extreme unnerving creepiness we started to feel as we were pulled deeper and deeper into Sam’s mind. The hairs on the back of our necks started to rise and we wanted to run out of the heat and find a shadier less exposed part of the coulee. We became so fascinated with the story we couldn’t move but kept looking over our shoulder with an escape route in mind.
Watch Me is a highly entertaining, fascinating and disturbing story of the most intense obsession some of us have ever read. Our excitement and uneasiness had us hooked on this one from the very start and we didn’t let go until the very end.
The story is told by both Sam’s and Kate’s point of view. We had some different reactions to Kate that lead to an interesting discussion for us. Most of us enjoyed Sam’s point of view more and felt his POV was more interesting than Kate’s. Even though we were in the same coulee with this one some of us ended up on different sides of the coulee. We highly recommend.
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jody Gehrman for providing me with a copy to read and review.
Publication Date January 23, 2018
Traveling Sisters Review also can be found on our sister blog:
https://twogirlslostinacouleereading....
March 22, 2018
3.9 stars
Genre: Mystery and Thriller
Setting: Somewhere in Ohio
POVs: Dual, 1st person
Writing style: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall likability of characters: 4/5
Darkness level:
Calling all lovers of stalker books! Where are you?!
Okay, so the chemistry between Sam and Kate was steamy! Not just because they were physically attracted to each other but because they unknowingly complimented one another by sharing the same gritty, raw, and selfish perspective of life. Just in varying degrees. Sam reminded me of a slightly watered down version of "Ryan" in Ker Dukey's Empathy. They shared that same kind of dark humor, charm, dangerous edge, and magnetic draw. Some of Sam's thoughts?
I move the binoculars up to your face. I’m not a pervert, a Peeping Tom. I am Romeo, gazing up at Juliet by moonlight. And yes, okay, so I’m crouched in a urine-scented alley. That doesn’t make my mission any less noble. To study you. Understand you. Observe you in your natural habitat.
The less PG rated version of Sam's thoughts?
I loved the female protagonist in this story! I didn't agree with all of her viewpoints but she kept me chuckling from page to page with her unapologetic ways of thinking. Some of Kate's thoughts on motherhood?
▣ It’s not my fault every woman rounding the corner of thirty goes crazy and gives up everything for a tiny shit factory. Being the only sane one might make me lonely, but it shouldn’t earn me pity from the bitches who lose their minds.
▣ Kids find me compelling. Their chubby hands reach for me in grocery stores, in parks. They sense life in me. Surrounded all day by their parents’ rotting husks, their nannies’ dead eyes, they see me and grasp for the living.
So why not five stars?
I would've rated this story higher if there were graphic scenes mixed in, but this book was a solid four-star read up until the 97% mark. An incident occurred there that had me rolling my eyes with disbelief, disappointment, and shame for being fully invested in these characters, only to watch the ending amount to . . . that?
Disappointment doesn't begin to cover how I felt after reading that scene, but hopefully other readers will feel differently.
Minor issues?
It took me several chapters of reading to adjust to the writing style because Sam's POV read like a private journal addressed solely to Kate. After a while, I didn't mind. I also strongly disliked how Sam addressed the reader at the start of this story as well as at the 39% mark. I'm not a fan of narrators speaking directly to the reader, but that's just me. In addition, Kate and Sam sometimes used the exact same terms/ phrases within their inner monologues.
Fav lines in Kate's thoughts:
No wonder Fifty Shades of Shit charged to the top of the bestseller lists. Young American sensibilities are as refined as raw sewage.
▣ Overall, I enjoyed these characters!
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Genre: Mystery and Thriller
Setting: Somewhere in Ohio
POVs: Dual, 1st person
Writing style: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall likability of characters: 4/5
Darkness level:
Calling all lovers of stalker books! Where are you?!
Okay, so the chemistry between Sam and Kate was steamy! Not just because they were physically attracted to each other but because they unknowingly complimented one another by sharing the same gritty, raw, and selfish perspective of life. Just in varying degrees. Sam reminded me of a slightly watered down version of "Ryan" in Ker Dukey's Empathy. They shared that same kind of dark humor, charm, dangerous edge, and magnetic draw. Some of Sam's thoughts?
I move the binoculars up to your face. I’m not a pervert, a Peeping Tom. I am Romeo, gazing up at Juliet by moonlight. And yes, okay, so I’m crouched in a urine-scented alley. That doesn’t make my mission any less noble. To study you. Understand you. Observe you in your natural habitat.
The less PG rated version of Sam's thoughts?
I loved the female protagonist in this story! I didn't agree with all of her viewpoints but she kept me chuckling from page to page with her unapologetic ways of thinking. Some of Kate's thoughts on motherhood?
▣ It’s not my fault every woman rounding the corner of thirty goes crazy and gives up everything for a tiny shit factory. Being the only sane one might make me lonely, but it shouldn’t earn me pity from the bitches who lose their minds.
▣ Kids find me compelling. Their chubby hands reach for me in grocery stores, in parks. They sense life in me. Surrounded all day by their parents’ rotting husks, their nannies’ dead eyes, they see me and grasp for the living.
So why not five stars?
I would've rated this story higher if there were graphic scenes mixed in, but this book was a solid four-star read up until the 97% mark. An incident occurred there that had me rolling my eyes with disbelief, disappointment, and shame for being fully invested in these characters, only to watch the ending amount to . . . that?
Disappointment doesn't begin to cover how I felt after reading that scene, but hopefully other readers will feel differently.
Minor issues?
It took me several chapters of reading to adjust to the writing style because Sam's POV read like a private journal addressed solely to Kate. After a while, I didn't mind. I also strongly disliked how Sam addressed the reader at the start of this story as well as at the 39% mark. I'm not a fan of narrators speaking directly to the reader, but that's just me. In addition, Kate and Sam sometimes used the exact same terms/ phrases within their inner monologues.
Fav lines in Kate's thoughts:
No wonder Fifty Shades of Shit charged to the top of the bestseller lists. Young American sensibilities are as refined as raw sewage.
▣ Overall, I enjoyed these characters!
*NetGalley ARC kindly provided by St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2018
3.5
Obsession meets sexual attraction....
This novel gets into the minds of Kate (a college writing professor) and Sam (her student who is stalking her). Written in alternating first person narratives of Kate and Sam. What made this one different from other "stalker" type novels is that Kate also has an attraction to Sam. This creates a lot of sexual tension and causes Kate to put herself at risk and then has to "check" her ethics and motives. This part intrigued me and set it apart from a run of the mill stalker story.
Sam is a sociopath and has plans to spend the rest of his life with Kate. No matter what! I thought the author did great job with Kate's character, but Sam was lacking some development and his thoughts were somewhat repetitive and limited to his obsession with Kate.
It is fast paced and starts to get repetitive, but it really picks up in the last third. I liked the end, but also didn't think it was realistic. This has been compared to You by Caroline Kepnes, but it reminded me more of Exquisite by Sarah Stovell. Although I enjoyed this one much more.
I think fans of stalker stories will enjoy this one and it wasn't overly dark or graphic in my opinion.
I liked it and would like to read more from this author!
Thanks to St. Martins and Netgalley for my ARC. Released on January 23, 2018
Obsession meets sexual attraction....
This novel gets into the minds of Kate (a college writing professor) and Sam (her student who is stalking her). Written in alternating first person narratives of Kate and Sam. What made this one different from other "stalker" type novels is that Kate also has an attraction to Sam. This creates a lot of sexual tension and causes Kate to put herself at risk and then has to "check" her ethics and motives. This part intrigued me and set it apart from a run of the mill stalker story.
Sam is a sociopath and has plans to spend the rest of his life with Kate. No matter what! I thought the author did great job with Kate's character, but Sam was lacking some development and his thoughts were somewhat repetitive and limited to his obsession with Kate.
It is fast paced and starts to get repetitive, but it really picks up in the last third. I liked the end, but also didn't think it was realistic. This has been compared to You by Caroline Kepnes, but it reminded me more of Exquisite by Sarah Stovell. Although I enjoyed this one much more.
I think fans of stalker stories will enjoy this one and it wasn't overly dark or graphic in my opinion.
I liked it and would like to read more from this author!
Thanks to St. Martins and Netgalley for my ARC. Released on January 23, 2018
January 25, 2018
Deliciously creepy and unnerving, this story is both from the perspective of a young man obsessed with his professor and the woman herself. With each passing year as she gets older, Kate Youngblood feels less and less desirable. Eyes no longer follow her as she walks across a restaurant. She doesn't feel the heavy gaze of men's admiration. Recently separated from her unfaithful husband, she's unsure if she'll ever feel the kind of passion they shared again... until Sam Gist comes along. He's intelligent, talented, and young. He looks at her in a way she thought she wouldn't be looked at again, and she feels desired once more. Problem? He's her student... and he's been watching her longer than she thinks.
I loved getting into Sam's head. He's a fascinating character. You almost feel bad for him at first, the 22 year old obsessed with an older woman ever since he read her first book. It's not long before his obsession starts to escalate. Both characters seem to feel like they're superior to other people, but Kate still manages to be likable. 38 and child-free, she has just lost her husband and feels as if she's losing her best friend because she's having a child and her life is changing.
At first author Kate is intrigued by Sam's talent, convinced that he's the most promising young writer she's taught in her years at the college. It's not long before she feels herself being drawn to him for other reasons, completely naive to the fact that he's been planning this for a long time.
This one kept me up late. It's beautifully written and very descriptive, easy to sink into and get lost in. I loved getting the perspective of both the stalked and the stalker, knowing who they both are. A lot of times when we get the perspective of a stalker, he's always hiding in the shadows and we're guessing who he is. In this story, we're perfectly aware, just wondering what he'll do next and what lengths he'll go to!
I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
I loved getting into Sam's head. He's a fascinating character. You almost feel bad for him at first, the 22 year old obsessed with an older woman ever since he read her first book. It's not long before his obsession starts to escalate. Both characters seem to feel like they're superior to other people, but Kate still manages to be likable. 38 and child-free, she has just lost her husband and feels as if she's losing her best friend because she's having a child and her life is changing.
At first author Kate is intrigued by Sam's talent, convinced that he's the most promising young writer she's taught in her years at the college. It's not long before she feels herself being drawn to him for other reasons, completely naive to the fact that he's been planning this for a long time.
This one kept me up late. It's beautifully written and very descriptive, easy to sink into and get lost in. I loved getting the perspective of both the stalked and the stalker, knowing who they both are. A lot of times when we get the perspective of a stalker, he's always hiding in the shadows and we're guessing who he is. In this story, we're perfectly aware, just wondering what he'll do next and what lengths he'll go to!
I received an ARC of this book from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley, thank you! My review is honest and unbiased.
January 7, 2018
4.5 oh my god stars!
Obsession...possession.... Can one be without the other?
Sam Grist is a brilliant, erudite man. He has had a tough upbringing but has determined his course in life. At sixteen he had read a book that captured his soul. He has also fallen in love with a picture of its author, Kate Youngblood. For ten years he has plotted and schemed, worked and done everything possible to be with her. He is consumed by her and finally is able to work his way into a writing class Kate is teaching in a small town college. He is obsessed and he is crazy. You have heard the term crazy in love? Sam is the definition of this term. He has planned the life he intends to spend with Kate right down to its smallest detail. They are meant for one another, there is no other way for the road that Sam must follow, He needs Kate, she is his heart and soul.
Kate Youngblood is an author who has written one fairly successful book. She is newly divorced from her husband of ten years, who preferred a much younger woman to Kate. She is up for tenure and knows she can't lose this job. However, there is one student in her class that she finds she is drawn to. She feels his heat and his passion. She feels that same heat and passion in herself. Sam, however is her student. He is much younger than she and yet there is something hot and smoldering. She sizzles when he is around him. His touch burns into her soul. She is also consumed by her passion for him. She can't let it happen. She needs to keep the status quo, but she is also mesmerized by Sam.
However, Sam is crazy and as the story continues, Ms Gehrman lets us see just how very disturbed he is. Sam is a complex character, one that we can feel burning through the pages. He is so in love that he sees no further than that. He justifies his actions, pushes logic and reasoning aside in his overwhelming quest to possess the woman he loves. Kate, on the other hand is a character who is unresolved. She basks in the fury of passion, she feels the pull of attraction, but she endeavors to hold herself in check, fearful of grabbing unto something she can not control.
Ms Gehrman has written a wonderfully mesmerizing thriller. As each page is turned she allows the reader to see more and more of her two protagonists. In the end she presents us with two flawed characters who never really had the ability to reach out to one another. Was it possession they wanted or was it obsession? Could this be love?
Many thanks to Jody Gehrman, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this novel.
Obsession...possession.... Can one be without the other?
Sam Grist is a brilliant, erudite man. He has had a tough upbringing but has determined his course in life. At sixteen he had read a book that captured his soul. He has also fallen in love with a picture of its author, Kate Youngblood. For ten years he has plotted and schemed, worked and done everything possible to be with her. He is consumed by her and finally is able to work his way into a writing class Kate is teaching in a small town college. He is obsessed and he is crazy. You have heard the term crazy in love? Sam is the definition of this term. He has planned the life he intends to spend with Kate right down to its smallest detail. They are meant for one another, there is no other way for the road that Sam must follow, He needs Kate, she is his heart and soul.
Kate Youngblood is an author who has written one fairly successful book. She is newly divorced from her husband of ten years, who preferred a much younger woman to Kate. She is up for tenure and knows she can't lose this job. However, there is one student in her class that she finds she is drawn to. She feels his heat and his passion. She feels that same heat and passion in herself. Sam, however is her student. He is much younger than she and yet there is something hot and smoldering. She sizzles when he is around him. His touch burns into her soul. She is also consumed by her passion for him. She can't let it happen. She needs to keep the status quo, but she is also mesmerized by Sam.
However, Sam is crazy and as the story continues, Ms Gehrman lets us see just how very disturbed he is. Sam is a complex character, one that we can feel burning through the pages. He is so in love that he sees no further than that. He justifies his actions, pushes logic and reasoning aside in his overwhelming quest to possess the woman he loves. Kate, on the other hand is a character who is unresolved. She basks in the fury of passion, she feels the pull of attraction, but she endeavors to hold herself in check, fearful of grabbing unto something she can not control.
Ms Gehrman has written a wonderfully mesmerizing thriller. As each page is turned she allows the reader to see more and more of her two protagonists. In the end she presents us with two flawed characters who never really had the ability to reach out to one another. Was it possession they wanted or was it obsession? Could this be love?
Many thanks to Jody Gehrman, St Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing an advanced copy of this novel.
December 16, 2017
Kate Youngblood is an Author and College professor whose husband has left her for a younger woman. She is a lonely and sad woman who appears to have only one friend. To add to her melancholy, her second book bombed which was a huge let down as her first novel was a big success. She is just going through life when she notices one of her students taking notice of her.
Sam Gist is a promising student and writer himself. He has a dark talent that comes in second to his dark intentions. He has been watching Kate, making observations about her, wanting her and inserting himself in her life. Soon Kate has noticed Sam and has also noticed that she gets a thrill out of his attentions. But she is his professor and they are living in a small town. She needs to remain a professional and attempt to move on and rebuild her life. Sam is not deterred. He is determined to be in her life and continues to insert himself into situations where he will have contact with Kate.
This book is told through both characters POV in alternating chapters. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the book was mostly Sam's POV with maybe Kate's POV told in the beginning, middle and end of the book. Sam is a creepy, troubled person and his story was much more interesting. I also found I wanted more backstory on him and his mother. I felt there were some plot holes here. I also wanted to know what she knew about a character from the past who disappeared as she questions him this individual.
Dare I say that I wished this book had been darker and creepier. If Sam has a dark and violent past, let's see him go a little more over the edge in this. I found that obsession books have been done before and this didn't bring anything new to the table. Sam was interesting character. I found Kate to be flat and a little boring. The writing in this book is good but I found that I wanted more - more of Sam's backstory and more drama.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
Sam Gist is a promising student and writer himself. He has a dark talent that comes in second to his dark intentions. He has been watching Kate, making observations about her, wanting her and inserting himself in her life. Soon Kate has noticed Sam and has also noticed that she gets a thrill out of his attentions. But she is his professor and they are living in a small town. She needs to remain a professional and attempt to move on and rebuild her life. Sam is not deterred. He is determined to be in her life and continues to insert himself into situations where he will have contact with Kate.
This book is told through both characters POV in alternating chapters. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if the book was mostly Sam's POV with maybe Kate's POV told in the beginning, middle and end of the book. Sam is a creepy, troubled person and his story was much more interesting. I also found I wanted more backstory on him and his mother. I felt there were some plot holes here. I also wanted to know what she knew about a character from the past who disappeared as she questions him this individual.
Dare I say that I wished this book had been darker and creepier. If Sam has a dark and violent past, let's see him go a little more over the edge in this. I found that obsession books have been done before and this didn't bring anything new to the table. Sam was interesting character. I found Kate to be flat and a little boring. The writing in this book is good but I found that I wanted more - more of Sam's backstory and more drama.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
See more of my reviews at www.openbookpost.com
January 4, 2018
I really liked the premise of this book. A young female college professor is recently divorced. One of her writing students is stalking her. But he’s hot and he’s a good writer, so she’s drawn to him. “This is Harper Lee and Hunter S. Thompson’s sticky, malformed love child. His work is raw, sloppy, quick. It’s slow where it should be fast and fast where it should be slow. And yet...and yet. There’s something there, the X factor the mark of genius”. Gerhman really sticks the landing when she’s describing Kate’s reaction to finding she’s got someone with real talent in her class. It’s the excitement of getting to nurture an emerging voice balanced by the fear of screwing it up.
The novel is told from the alternating perspectives of Sam and Kate. What really amazed me is how Gerhman really has each voice speak in their own language. Oh my God, Sam’s voice is perfect. It is just as raw, as lush as Kate describes his writing. We, the readers, get a real sense of how twisted he is. Literally batshit crazy.
The plot does go over the top and at times you need to suspend belief. Once or twice I wished Gerhman had an editor to tame her writing like Kate tried for Sam. But this is a creepy, disturbing fun read.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
The novel is told from the alternating perspectives of Sam and Kate. What really amazed me is how Gerhman really has each voice speak in their own language. Oh my God, Sam’s voice is perfect. It is just as raw, as lush as Kate describes his writing. We, the readers, get a real sense of how twisted he is. Literally batshit crazy.
The plot does go over the top and at times you need to suspend belief. Once or twice I wished Gerhman had an editor to tame her writing like Kate tried for Sam. But this is a creepy, disturbing fun read.
My thanks to netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy of this book.
January 21, 2018
This is one creepy tale of obsession and stalking. Told from the POV of both the stalked and the stalker, Jody Gehrman takes us right into their thoughts, motives and the way they feel about each other.
A college English professor and published author, Kate Youngblood is thrilled to discover that she has a very talented student, Sam Grist, in her writing seminar. She has always wanted to discover and nurture a talented younger author with great promise, but little does she know that Sam has been watching her for quite a while and gradually working his way into her world and he hopes into her heart. Kate, recently divorced and struggling with her new novel, also finds herself drawn to handsome, athletic Sam but knows any involvement could spell the end of her career.
This is a disturbing, at times dark psychological thriller. Sam is clearly sociopathic and has built up a fantastical, deluded view of his perfect future. Despite all that he is an interesting, even charming character. Kate I felt was a little naive in not picking up on Sam's signals until late in the novel but perhaps she was blinded by her attraction to him and the other issues going on in her life.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher St Martin's for a copy to read and review
A college English professor and published author, Kate Youngblood is thrilled to discover that she has a very talented student, Sam Grist, in her writing seminar. She has always wanted to discover and nurture a talented younger author with great promise, but little does she know that Sam has been watching her for quite a while and gradually working his way into her world and he hopes into her heart. Kate, recently divorced and struggling with her new novel, also finds herself drawn to handsome, athletic Sam but knows any involvement could spell the end of her career.
This is a disturbing, at times dark psychological thriller. Sam is clearly sociopathic and has built up a fantastical, deluded view of his perfect future. Despite all that he is an interesting, even charming character. Kate I felt was a little naive in not picking up on Sam's signals until late in the novel but perhaps she was blinded by her attraction to him and the other issues going on in her life.
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher St Martin's for a copy to read and review
January 5, 2018
3.5 Stars
"You are an onion I intend to peel, layer by layer. I will love every second of it. Your mystery will yield to me, your dark cocoon penetrated by my patient, steady hands."
I always enjoy stories with obsessive characters. How they stalk their preys, plan for their encounter. How they think about everything, so organized. I know it’s really creepy but what can I say! I like these stories. They're my thing! This one was good too. my complaint is, considering it wasn’t that mysterious I expected it more thrilling and it could have been darker. But the good point was its writing especially Sam’s. As I said I really like to read about his thoughts and his troubled mind! Yep, creepy!
Kate is thirty-eight-year-old, recently divorced and she is a writer and also a college professor. She has a talented student (Sam) but his talent is a bit too dark. He is twenty-two-year-old and he’s obsessed with Kate. Not just her books, but with her every move. He thinks he knows her so well, even better than Kate herself! So he finds his way into her life step by step, by watching her! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. I enjoyed it and I hope you like it as well!
Thanks to Jody Gehrman, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
"You are an onion I intend to peel, layer by layer. I will love every second of it. Your mystery will yield to me, your dark cocoon penetrated by my patient, steady hands."
I always enjoy stories with obsessive characters. How they stalk their preys, plan for their encounter. How they think about everything, so organized. I know it’s really creepy but what can I say! I like these stories. They're my thing! This one was good too. my complaint is, considering it wasn’t that mysterious I expected it more thrilling and it could have been darker. But the good point was its writing especially Sam’s. As I said I really like to read about his thoughts and his troubled mind! Yep, creepy!
Kate is thirty-eight-year-old, recently divorced and she is a writer and also a college professor. She has a talented student (Sam) but his talent is a bit too dark. He is twenty-two-year-old and he’s obsessed with Kate. Not just her books, but with her every move. He thinks he knows her so well, even better than Kate herself! So he finds his way into her life step by step, by watching her! Told in dual POV, 1st person. It’s a standalone novel. I enjoyed it and I hope you like it as well!
Thanks to Jody Gehrman, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the advanced digital copy in exchange an honest review.
December 9, 2017
This is the first book I have read by author Jody Gehrman and to be honest I wasn't sure I was going to like it at first. I was about 20% into the book and then suddenly it had me and I continued reading pretty much straight through.
This is a dark psychological thriller and well worth reading. The main character is Kate Youngblood who is a writing professor at Blackwood college while also trying to make a career as an author. Kate's husband left her for a younger woman and one of her best students, Sam Grist is totally obsessed with her and wants more than a student, teacher relationship. Sam is determined to be part of Kate's life and starts watching her beginning a web of lies and deceit.
This is well written and rather creepy.
This is a dark psychological thriller and well worth reading. The main character is Kate Youngblood who is a writing professor at Blackwood college while also trying to make a career as an author. Kate's husband left her for a younger woman and one of her best students, Sam Grist is totally obsessed with her and wants more than a student, teacher relationship. Sam is determined to be part of Kate's life and starts watching her beginning a web of lies and deceit.
This is well written and rather creepy.
January 6, 2018
Watch Me by Jody Gehrman is a book being sold as a psychological suspense for the fans of You by Caroline Kepnes and Her by Harriet Lane. Now I’ve never read Her but I have read You and was a huge fan so of course I must have read that line and immediately grabbed this book to read. By the time I’d gotten around to this one though I quite honestly forgot what the synopsis had held since I’d have my copy a few months waiting until closer to publication to read. Immediately though when starting this one I thought to myself well this reminds me a lot of You so hopefully I’m going to love it.
Now I’m sure when seeing my rating of 2.5 stars one would begin wondering just where this went wrong for me. Well, I’m honestly partly not sure as again I seem to be in the minority with my rating but having been a fan of You this one to me just seemed to be a poor imitation that didn’t hold the spark of the original. People have told me that they even started rooting for Joe while reading You and while I wouldn’t go that far myself I did think he held a sort of comical charm to his rants that made that story what it was. While being completely creepy and disturbing having Joe learn so much off of so little and go about his stalking it also turned the tides and brought laughter into the read. With Watch Me I just found myself disliking both of the main characters in here and instead of the unlikable likable Joe they both remained simply unlikable to me through the whole book.
Also, as the story went on with this one and I never found myself warming up to Sam or Kate as it switched the point of view between them I just kept waiting for that moment when the story broke out of the shadow of another book and took on a life of it’s own and unfortunately for me that moment never came. To me this one remained somewhat mediocre or dull when all I kept thinking of was another book that I had loved no matter what was going on in the story. It’s one thing to remind me of another book to gain my interest but quite another to seemingly just stay in it’s shadow and do nothing to break free and wow me with it’s own uniqueness and creativity. So sadly I have to say this one just wasn’t for me although others seem to be enjoying it.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Now I’m sure when seeing my rating of 2.5 stars one would begin wondering just where this went wrong for me. Well, I’m honestly partly not sure as again I seem to be in the minority with my rating but having been a fan of You this one to me just seemed to be a poor imitation that didn’t hold the spark of the original. People have told me that they even started rooting for Joe while reading You and while I wouldn’t go that far myself I did think he held a sort of comical charm to his rants that made that story what it was. While being completely creepy and disturbing having Joe learn so much off of so little and go about his stalking it also turned the tides and brought laughter into the read. With Watch Me I just found myself disliking both of the main characters in here and instead of the unlikable likable Joe they both remained simply unlikable to me through the whole book.
Also, as the story went on with this one and I never found myself warming up to Sam or Kate as it switched the point of view between them I just kept waiting for that moment when the story broke out of the shadow of another book and took on a life of it’s own and unfortunately for me that moment never came. To me this one remained somewhat mediocre or dull when all I kept thinking of was another book that I had loved no matter what was going on in the story. It’s one thing to remind me of another book to gain my interest but quite another to seemingly just stay in it’s shadow and do nothing to break free and wow me with it’s own uniqueness and creativity. So sadly I have to say this one just wasn’t for me although others seem to be enjoying it.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
December 15, 2017
2.5 Stars
WATCH ME did not quite work for me, but there is a mystery to solve and I thought the writing good.
In a sleepy college town in Ohio, we have SAM, a dangerous student with secrets, a stalker with an evil mind, and an obsession with both his English teacher KATE and her murder mystery novel.
The prose alternates between SAM and KATE throughout the entire novel with a dual person POV as each protagonist narrates their own story and feelings toward each other and their lives....which was ok.
After a somewhat slow start, all was going along well until KATE makes some incredibly inane choices....choices that were difficult to swallow for a 38 year old college professor....choices she continued to make even after becoming aware of her privacy invasion. No matter how lonely or enamored KATE was with her handsome 22 year old undergrad student, the author lost me here.
2 Stars for plot....3 Stars for writing.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC COMING JANUARY. 2018 in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2018
This big mouth is at a loss for words. Wow.
Watch Me
is Jody Gehrman's debut suspense novel? You couldn't pay me to believe that.
Watch Me
is intense, scary, and kinda sexy if you like psychopath unilateral romances. Seriously, for this thriller junkie, the romance in this story is exactly what I wanted. #AmIPsychoTho In small town Blackwood, Kate Youngblood is a creative writing professor in the English department at Blackwood College. After her painful divorce, Kate is sinking into a minor depression; a funk or a bump in the road. In her late 30s, she's fully aware of how life continues on whether you're happy or not—her best friend is in a committed relationship with a baby on the way, her ex-husband is getting re-married, and her second book's sales have been flopping. Kate is in a rut and needs to get out of it.
Enter Sam Grist. Sam is a student in one of Kate's classes, and he is fully enamored by her. He's exhibiting stalker tendencies, but his behavior is all devoted to Kate and trying to convince her that he's the one she should be with. Sam is an aspiring writer who fell in love with Kate's first book, Pay Dirt, and has been idolizing her ever since. Sam has been watching Kate, wanting her, and is now ready to make the move. As Sam enters Kate's life, they are masked by deception, seduction, and murder.
Watch Me is definitely not going to be for everyone—let me just make that clear now. I usually cannot stand when authors write their stories about writers or people in the "book world", because I feel like it's a cheap way to come up with storyline. HOWEVER, Ms. Gehrman (may I call you that?) takes this concept and meticulously aligns it with the plot perfectly. At various points throughout the story, I felt like there was a story-within-a-story concept or even a breaking the fourth wall vibe, which was refreshing and also kind of fun. With this first person POV narrative and plot nuances, it truly immersed me into the story. For the first 60% of the story, you couldn't pry me away from the book. Literally, I think I brought it into a team meeting at work because I wanted to sneak-in some chapters. When we get to 70% of the story, I was kind of disappointed. I was expecting more sexy, more drama, more over-the-top bizarre behavior. I was begging for more! I wanted this story to keep erupting and although it didn't go the direction I was praying for, the end was satisfying enough for me to close the book in awe. Jody Gehrman, you have a new fan.
Enter Sam Grist. Sam is a student in one of Kate's classes, and he is fully enamored by her. He's exhibiting stalker tendencies, but his behavior is all devoted to Kate and trying to convince her that he's the one she should be with. Sam is an aspiring writer who fell in love with Kate's first book, Pay Dirt, and has been idolizing her ever since. Sam has been watching Kate, wanting her, and is now ready to make the move. As Sam enters Kate's life, they are masked by deception, seduction, and murder.
Watch Me is definitely not going to be for everyone—let me just make that clear now. I usually cannot stand when authors write their stories about writers or people in the "book world", because I feel like it's a cheap way to come up with storyline. HOWEVER, Ms. Gehrman (may I call you that?) takes this concept and meticulously aligns it with the plot perfectly. At various points throughout the story, I felt like there was a story-within-a-story concept or even a breaking the fourth wall vibe, which was refreshing and also kind of fun. With this first person POV narrative and plot nuances, it truly immersed me into the story. For the first 60% of the story, you couldn't pry me away from the book. Literally, I think I brought it into a team meeting at work because I wanted to sneak-in some chapters. When we get to 70% of the story, I was kind of disappointed. I was expecting more sexy, more drama, more over-the-top bizarre behavior. I was begging for more! I wanted this story to keep erupting and although it didn't go the direction I was praying for, the end was satisfying enough for me to close the book in awe. Jody Gehrman, you have a new fan.
June 20, 2018
If you like your antagonists in the company of Joe Goldberg from You or American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman, look no further than Sam Grist in Watch Me. This is a spine tingling chiller that will have you looking over your shoulder.
Kate Youngblood is a professor teaching creative writing. She has noticed exceptional talent in one of her students. To help his writing skills she spends extra time with him. Crossing an ethical line could have unseen consequences both professional and personal as they meet after hours. Unbeknownst to her, he knows a lot about her and has been obsessed with her for quite some time. As he stalks her the suspense ramps up. Sam Grist’s past comes into play and it’s full of surprises. How far will he go to have Kate all to himself? The creepy rating for this book is off the charts. Alternating chapters from Kate to Sam makes this a fast paced read.
Thank you NetGalley, St.Martin’s Griffin, and Jody Gehrman for the opportunity to read Watch Me.
Kate Youngblood is a professor teaching creative writing. She has noticed exceptional talent in one of her students. To help his writing skills she spends extra time with him. Crossing an ethical line could have unseen consequences both professional and personal as they meet after hours. Unbeknownst to her, he knows a lot about her and has been obsessed with her for quite some time. As he stalks her the suspense ramps up. Sam Grist’s past comes into play and it’s full of surprises. How far will he go to have Kate all to himself? The creepy rating for this book is off the charts. Alternating chapters from Kate to Sam makes this a fast paced read.
Thank you NetGalley, St.Martin’s Griffin, and Jody Gehrman for the opportunity to read Watch Me.
September 1, 2018
4.5 stars!!
I recently devoured this book while traveling on long flights. Watch Me centers around two main characters: Kate and Sam. Kate, a college professor and author, has hit a difficult time in her life and feeling lost. Sam, a student of Kate’s, wants more from her than just a good grade!
What I absolutely loved about this book: It defines “psychological thriller”. The examination and break down of both characters is excellent. It really gives the reader insight into how they are wired and the thoughts/reasoning behind their feelings and actions.
Forgive me, as I am terrible with similes and metaphors, but here goes: This book reminds me of a fireworks show. You know how the firework is launched into the sky and you watch as it steadily climbs? You know it’s going to burst, you just don’t know which design or color it’s going to be. That is Watch Me. It moves along smoothly and you watch it build up along the way. You have a feeling of what’s going to happen (just like you know you are going to see the firework explode), but until it “bursts”, you’re just not exactly sure what it’s going to look like. And when the firework bursts into its specific color/design, you see it and it feels complete, etc. It could have been a different design or color, but the outcome still makes sense. That’s Watch Me! You can see how this book could have gone in different directions, and it would have still made sense and worked. You become so dialed in to these characters’ psyches, that you can easily see how this story could go in various directions and why. Well done, Ms. Gehrman!!
Watch Me will keep you on your toes. It is creepy, twisted, lustful, intelligent. Enjoy!! :)
I recently devoured this book while traveling on long flights. Watch Me centers around two main characters: Kate and Sam. Kate, a college professor and author, has hit a difficult time in her life and feeling lost. Sam, a student of Kate’s, wants more from her than just a good grade!
What I absolutely loved about this book: It defines “psychological thriller”. The examination and break down of both characters is excellent. It really gives the reader insight into how they are wired and the thoughts/reasoning behind their feelings and actions.
Forgive me, as I am terrible with similes and metaphors, but here goes: This book reminds me of a fireworks show. You know how the firework is launched into the sky and you watch as it steadily climbs? You know it’s going to burst, you just don’t know which design or color it’s going to be. That is Watch Me. It moves along smoothly and you watch it build up along the way. You have a feeling of what’s going to happen (just like you know you are going to see the firework explode), but until it “bursts”, you’re just not exactly sure what it’s going to look like. And when the firework bursts into its specific color/design, you see it and it feels complete, etc. It could have been a different design or color, but the outcome still makes sense. That’s Watch Me! You can see how this book could have gone in different directions, and it would have still made sense and worked. You become so dialed in to these characters’ psyches, that you can easily see how this story could go in various directions and why. Well done, Ms. Gehrman!!
Watch Me will keep you on your toes. It is creepy, twisted, lustful, intelligent. Enjoy!! :)
February 4, 2018
3.5 stars.
I thought that this was quite a good read. It was entertaining and addictive but I'm not very sure if it's a book that is going to stand out against other similar psychological thrillers.
I really liked the character of Sam. I thought he was so cold and aloof and I thought he was quite fascinating. Some of his one-liners and observations about other characters were hilarious and awful. I especially liked how he put on an act for the outside world- how he told us what he conveyed with his actions but then told us what he was actually feeling. I enjoyed his POV chapters more than I enjoyed Kate's. She was quite unlikeable and annoying but I think that was maybe the point. She was despicable in a different way to Sam, but despicable all the same. I did like the different POV's because I thought that they were actually distinguishable and I did love how they were short and snappy chapters. I do wish that we had gotten more of an insight into Sam's past because what we got wasn't enough for me.
I liked the writing. It was straight to the point and I enjoyed it. The story was alright. I was waiting for a big climactic moment at the end but it didn't really happen. From the start of the book, it felt like it was slowly building to a really crazy scene and I thought it was going to happen a few times but the actual "climactic" scene was a bit meh for me. I thought it could have been so much better if it was done differently and if it had packed more of a punch. The ending was also severely unsatisfying. I was left sorely disappointed and I think that this book needed either a crazy climactic scene or a good ending to leave a lasting effect on me.
I would recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers or to people who think it sounds interesting. I would read more by Jody Gehrman.
*I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-------------------------
"Her urge to score, as always, outweighs any latent maternal instincts."
"God, I hate this. I feel like a whiny, self-righteous bitch, not to mention a hypocrite- impulsive slut one second, pious vigilante the next. Talk about an unreliable narrator."
I thought that this was quite a good read. It was entertaining and addictive but I'm not very sure if it's a book that is going to stand out against other similar psychological thrillers.
I really liked the character of Sam. I thought he was so cold and aloof and I thought he was quite fascinating. Some of his one-liners and observations about other characters were hilarious and awful. I especially liked how he put on an act for the outside world- how he told us what he conveyed with his actions but then told us what he was actually feeling. I enjoyed his POV chapters more than I enjoyed Kate's. She was quite unlikeable and annoying but I think that was maybe the point. She was despicable in a different way to Sam, but despicable all the same. I did like the different POV's because I thought that they were actually distinguishable and I did love how they were short and snappy chapters. I do wish that we had gotten more of an insight into Sam's past because what we got wasn't enough for me.
I liked the writing. It was straight to the point and I enjoyed it. The story was alright. I was waiting for a big climactic moment at the end but it didn't really happen. From the start of the book, it felt like it was slowly building to a really crazy scene and I thought it was going to happen a few times but the actual "climactic" scene was a bit meh for me. I thought it could have been so much better if it was done differently and if it had packed more of a punch. The ending was also severely unsatisfying. I was left sorely disappointed and I think that this book needed either a crazy climactic scene or a good ending to leave a lasting effect on me.
I would recommend this to fans of psychological thrillers or to people who think it sounds interesting. I would read more by Jody Gehrman.
*I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
-------------------------
"Her urge to score, as always, outweighs any latent maternal instincts."
"God, I hate this. I feel like a whiny, self-righteous bitch, not to mention a hypocrite- impulsive slut one second, pious vigilante the next. Talk about an unreliable narrator."
March 2, 2018
WATCH ME by Jody Gehrman is a tense dark creepy psychological thriller, dealing with stalking, powerful obsession and illicit attraction. This is my first novel written by the author, Jody Gehrman, and perfect for fans of dark and twisty fiction.
The main protagonist is Kate Youngblood, a late 30 creative writing professor at Blackwood college who is also trying to pursue a career as an author. Kate is divorced as her husband left her for a younger woman. One of Kate’s talented students, Sam Grist is completely obsessed with her and has resorted to stalking and watching her. Sam is determined to be in a relationship with Kate.
Sam Grist is Kate’s most promising student. An unflinching writer with razor-sharp clarity who gravitates towards dark themes and twisted plots, his raw talent is something Kate wants to nurture into literary success. But he’s not there solely to be the best writer. He’s been watching her. Wanting her. Working his way to her for years.
As Sam slowly makes his way into Kate’s life, they enter a deadly web of dangerous lies and forbidden desire. But how far will his fixation go? And how far will she allow it?
The story is told by both Sam’s and Kate’s point of view. Both Sam and Kate’s character were well-developed and their personalities soon became very clear. Sam was self-centered, patronizing and obsessive, while Kate was insecure and unhappy.
A chilling creepy but satisfying read.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for my copy.
The main protagonist is Kate Youngblood, a late 30 creative writing professor at Blackwood college who is also trying to pursue a career as an author. Kate is divorced as her husband left her for a younger woman. One of Kate’s talented students, Sam Grist is completely obsessed with her and has resorted to stalking and watching her. Sam is determined to be in a relationship with Kate.
Sam Grist is Kate’s most promising student. An unflinching writer with razor-sharp clarity who gravitates towards dark themes and twisted plots, his raw talent is something Kate wants to nurture into literary success. But he’s not there solely to be the best writer. He’s been watching her. Wanting her. Working his way to her for years.
As Sam slowly makes his way into Kate’s life, they enter a deadly web of dangerous lies and forbidden desire. But how far will his fixation go? And how far will she allow it?
The story is told by both Sam’s and Kate’s point of view. Both Sam and Kate’s character were well-developed and their personalities soon became very clear. Sam was self-centered, patronizing and obsessive, while Kate was insecure and unhappy.
A chilling creepy but satisfying read.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley for my copy.
January 21, 2018
Watch Me put a fresh spin on a classic stalker novel, I liked that it had the creepy, unsettling vibes of books like You but that the person being stalked kind of liked it?! As twisted as that sounds it’s true, Kate enjoyed the attention from Sam even as she knew it was seriously messed up. This one was a total one sitting type of read as I was captivated by the forbidden and warped relationship between Sam and Kate.
This is told via dual narratives and it changes back and forth between Sam and Kate with fluidity and ease. Some of Sam’s chapters did become a bit repetitive as his obsession with Kate was literally all he thought about. Kate was a strange one, on the one hand you can see why she was insecure and craving attention but on the other, not only is Sam her student, he’s creepy as all get out and intense to boot. So neither of them are likable but both were endlessly fascinating and the characterization was incredibly well done.
The author nailed the sinister vibe and has a strong, unique voice that worked well for me. The ending wasn’t as strong as I would’ve liked but this was definitely an enjoyable read that left me uneasy and feeling like someone was watching me!
Watch Me in three words: Obsessive, binge worthy and creepy.
This is told via dual narratives and it changes back and forth between Sam and Kate with fluidity and ease. Some of Sam’s chapters did become a bit repetitive as his obsession with Kate was literally all he thought about. Kate was a strange one, on the one hand you can see why she was insecure and craving attention but on the other, not only is Sam her student, he’s creepy as all get out and intense to boot. So neither of them are likable but both were endlessly fascinating and the characterization was incredibly well done.
The author nailed the sinister vibe and has a strong, unique voice that worked well for me. The ending wasn’t as strong as I would’ve liked but this was definitely an enjoyable read that left me uneasy and feeling like someone was watching me!
Watch Me in three words: Obsessive, binge worthy and creepy.
January 23, 2018
One word : creepy.
Kate feels like she’s disappearing. Her marriage hit the rocks, her best friend had a baby and is always busy and her career as a writer is going nowhere fast. And then Sam comes along and notices her, pays her the attention she’s been missing for so long.
Now, there are stalkers. And then there is Sam. Who takes things to a completely different level. Sam has been watching Kate for years and has mapped out their entire lives together. He seems to know everything about her and knows exactly which buttons to push to make his way into her life.
As far as the characters go, Kate utterly confused me and I couldn’t figure her out at all. Sam, on the other hand, is someone you can’t help feeling for, which is all kinds of weird. There was an intriguing backstory to his life that may have given more answers but unfortunately, I felt that wasn’t explored as much as it could have been done. Still, the chapters written from his perspective were incredibly gripping, albeit it sometimes slightly repetitive, and give a fascinating insight into how his stalker mind works.
After reading this, I may just walk the streets and continuously look over my shoulder to make sure nobody is watching me. There’s such a threatening and terrifying vibe throughout this story and as a woman, it’s sadly too easy to imagine being in this situation. This is a deeply unsettling story and a slightly different approach to the stalker genre so if that’s your thing, this may the book for you.
Kate feels like she’s disappearing. Her marriage hit the rocks, her best friend had a baby and is always busy and her career as a writer is going nowhere fast. And then Sam comes along and notices her, pays her the attention she’s been missing for so long.
Now, there are stalkers. And then there is Sam. Who takes things to a completely different level. Sam has been watching Kate for years and has mapped out their entire lives together. He seems to know everything about her and knows exactly which buttons to push to make his way into her life.
As far as the characters go, Kate utterly confused me and I couldn’t figure her out at all. Sam, on the other hand, is someone you can’t help feeling for, which is all kinds of weird. There was an intriguing backstory to his life that may have given more answers but unfortunately, I felt that wasn’t explored as much as it could have been done. Still, the chapters written from his perspective were incredibly gripping, albeit it sometimes slightly repetitive, and give a fascinating insight into how his stalker mind works.
After reading this, I may just walk the streets and continuously look over my shoulder to make sure nobody is watching me. There’s such a threatening and terrifying vibe throughout this story and as a woman, it’s sadly too easy to imagine being in this situation. This is a deeply unsettling story and a slightly different approach to the stalker genre so if that’s your thing, this may the book for you.
January 27, 2018
“I move the binoculars up to your face. I’m not a pervert, a Peeping Tom. I am Romeo, gazing up at Juliet by moonlight.” Sam Grist
Sam’s unhealthy attraction to Kate is foreshadowed early on in this novel and disturbing to say the least. Kate knows the professional boundary between professor-student but that line blurs as she is magnetically drawn to her student Sam Grist. Emotional decisions trump logical ones. I could see the train wreck coming. The story alternates between these two characters and their growing attraction/infatuation becomes unsettling , creepy yet completely irresistible.
I so enjoyed Jody’s storytelling. Kate and Sam’s thought processes and actions no matter how twisted and dysfunctional made for a great roller coaster ride. What a tangled web they weaved.
Author Jody Gehrman has authored ten novels and this was my first. It won’t be my last. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Sam’s unhealthy attraction to Kate is foreshadowed early on in this novel and disturbing to say the least. Kate knows the professional boundary between professor-student but that line blurs as she is magnetically drawn to her student Sam Grist. Emotional decisions trump logical ones. I could see the train wreck coming. The story alternates between these two characters and their growing attraction/infatuation becomes unsettling , creepy yet completely irresistible.
I so enjoyed Jody’s storytelling. Kate and Sam’s thought processes and actions no matter how twisted and dysfunctional made for a great roller coaster ride. What a tangled web they weaved.
Author Jody Gehrman has authored ten novels and this was my first. It won’t be my last. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 22, 2018
I am such a huge fan of the first person POV narrative style; especially when it comes to getting the inside scoop of an antagonist. Give me a novel with the deepest inner workings of a stalker or a serial killer and I am hooked. I don’t know what this says about me but I know for sure that novels like this keep me up late into the night and on the edge of my seat. Enter, Watch Me, the debut suspense novel by Jody Gehrman (best-known for her chick-lit).
From the first few lines of the synopsis, stating the novel would be for fans dark, twisty psychological thrillers and about how far obsession can go, I knew it would land at the top of my TBR pile. Young, recently divorced college professor looking for a protégé? Check. Handsome, promising student who wants more than a mentor? Check. Sexual tension? Check. Student turns out to be a stalker trying to ruin the professor’s life so she runs closer to him? Check. Check. Check. Told through back and forth narration between Kate, the college professor, and Sam, the creepy-stalkeresque student, the narrative unfolds and the reader is privy to both Sam’s obsession and Kate’s mounting fear.
Initially, Watch Me felt like a less gritty version of Perfect Days by Rapheal Montes or You by Caroline Kepnes. Sam Grist, the main antagonist of Watch Me, seemed a bit more surface than other stalker characters I have encountered. I felt like a lot of his backstory was left a little bit ambivalent. I do realize this could have been a deliberate choice from the author to keep the reader feeling like Kate (not knowing what is true or what Sam’s entire motives could be) but I feel like with a first-person narration, I wanted to understand the full story.
While bits felt a little redundant, I did enjoy Gehrman’s prose and I loved the bits and pieces that took place during Kate’s writing workshop. Discussion of the first person POV (how the reader should know all of the motives since they have sort of entered into a contract with the character) and the writer’s craft was so interesting to me. Although it had little to do with the actual plot, I felt like it added an extra layer of believability to the text.
I raced through the last 25% or so of the novel, even though the very end felt extremely sudden, and was pleased with the general direction it took. I was actually a little bit surprised at the final epilogue, which was nice.
Overall, if you are a fan of the stalker style thriller, then I feel like this would be a welcome addition to your shelves! I felt like it was paced well and solidly entertaining!
4/5 stars.
From the first few lines of the synopsis, stating the novel would be for fans dark, twisty psychological thrillers and about how far obsession can go, I knew it would land at the top of my TBR pile. Young, recently divorced college professor looking for a protégé? Check. Handsome, promising student who wants more than a mentor? Check. Sexual tension? Check. Student turns out to be a stalker trying to ruin the professor’s life so she runs closer to him? Check. Check. Check. Told through back and forth narration between Kate, the college professor, and Sam, the creepy-stalkeresque student, the narrative unfolds and the reader is privy to both Sam’s obsession and Kate’s mounting fear.
Initially, Watch Me felt like a less gritty version of Perfect Days by Rapheal Montes or You by Caroline Kepnes. Sam Grist, the main antagonist of Watch Me, seemed a bit more surface than other stalker characters I have encountered. I felt like a lot of his backstory was left a little bit ambivalent. I do realize this could have been a deliberate choice from the author to keep the reader feeling like Kate (not knowing what is true or what Sam’s entire motives could be) but I feel like with a first-person narration, I wanted to understand the full story.
While bits felt a little redundant, I did enjoy Gehrman’s prose and I loved the bits and pieces that took place during Kate’s writing workshop. Discussion of the first person POV (how the reader should know all of the motives since they have sort of entered into a contract with the character) and the writer’s craft was so interesting to me. Although it had little to do with the actual plot, I felt like it added an extra layer of believability to the text.
I raced through the last 25% or so of the novel, even though the very end felt extremely sudden, and was pleased with the general direction it took. I was actually a little bit surprised at the final epilogue, which was nice.
Overall, if you are a fan of the stalker style thriller, then I feel like this would be a welcome addition to your shelves! I felt like it was paced well and solidly entertaining!
4/5 stars.
January 8, 2018
A mesmerizing stalker novel that will keep your head in the book.
SUMMARY
Kate Youngblood is becoming invisible. She is a creative writing professor at Blackwood College. She wrote a successful mystery novel several years ago but ever since then things have gone south. Her follow-up novel was not so good. Her husband left her for a woman ten years younger, and her best friend is having her first baby. Kate is just shy of forty, and already she feels as if she is losing her glow, her beauty, her charm and her wit. No one will notice or want her ever again.
Sam Grist is 22, and Kate’s most talented student. And he knows it. Kate thinks his writing has potential and introduces him to her agent. But Sam wants much more than just a literary introduction from Kate. He has been watching her for years, ever since her first novel was published, but never from this close. He believe they have a future together. He makes his way into her life, and his attention awakens her. She knows that students are off limits, but she can’t help it, he makes her feel good, at first. And then it’s as if he can read her thoughts. Her knows her secret desires. He knows where she lives and where she is going to be. Is he reading her emails? Has he been in her house?
REVIEW
WATCH ME is a chilling stalker novel that I could not put down. While I was totally immersed in the book, I became frustrated with the dynamic of a smart, educated woman that become totally clueless when a man pays attention to her. So tired of reading about women as easily manipulated victims. While I may not have liked the characters, JODY GEHRMAN’s writing captured an riveting story with great character development. Both Sam and Kate’s character were developed layer by layer, and you got to know them well. Sam was egotistical, condescending and obsessive, while Kate was insecure, depressed and was loosing her edge.
Overall, WATCH ME was a good stalker novel that kept my head in the book. Thanks to Netgalley, St Martin’s Griffin and Jody Gehrman for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
SUMMARY
Kate Youngblood is becoming invisible. She is a creative writing professor at Blackwood College. She wrote a successful mystery novel several years ago but ever since then things have gone south. Her follow-up novel was not so good. Her husband left her for a woman ten years younger, and her best friend is having her first baby. Kate is just shy of forty, and already she feels as if she is losing her glow, her beauty, her charm and her wit. No one will notice or want her ever again.
Sam Grist is 22, and Kate’s most talented student. And he knows it. Kate thinks his writing has potential and introduces him to her agent. But Sam wants much more than just a literary introduction from Kate. He has been watching her for years, ever since her first novel was published, but never from this close. He believe they have a future together. He makes his way into her life, and his attention awakens her. She knows that students are off limits, but she can’t help it, he makes her feel good, at first. And then it’s as if he can read her thoughts. Her knows her secret desires. He knows where she lives and where she is going to be. Is he reading her emails? Has he been in her house?
REVIEW
WATCH ME is a chilling stalker novel that I could not put down. While I was totally immersed in the book, I became frustrated with the dynamic of a smart, educated woman that become totally clueless when a man pays attention to her. So tired of reading about women as easily manipulated victims. While I may not have liked the characters, JODY GEHRMAN’s writing captured an riveting story with great character development. Both Sam and Kate’s character were developed layer by layer, and you got to know them well. Sam was egotistical, condescending and obsessive, while Kate was insecure, depressed and was loosing her edge.
Overall, WATCH ME was a good stalker novel that kept my head in the book. Thanks to Netgalley, St Martin’s Griffin and Jody Gehrman for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2018
Um, somehow this felt like a knockoff of “You” by Carol Kepnes, which is excellent by the way. Of course, it had some differences and the writing was good but it missed the mark for me. I would however read more from this author.
December 26, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
OK so this book has a SERIOUSLY creepy beginning and it goes on from there. Dark and disturbing for sure.
Watch Me is pretty much your stereotypical stalker book. The stalker obsessing about his prey and fantasizing about the life they will have together when the object of his affection realizes they are in fact, supposed to be together. And of course doing all these crazy stalker things along the way out of jealousy/infatuation/craziness. As it stands it would probably be a 4-5 star book for people that are into this genre. It is very well written and the blurb tells you exactly what you need to know about the book. For me though it was too repetitive and stalkerish-but-nothing-else-happening to love.
WATCH ME has a very strong You/Hidden Bodies (both by Caroline Kepnes) vibe, only here the object of affection actually likes the person back (even though god knows they shouldn't). You and Hidden Bodies are the type of stalker / crazy narrator books that I like, but they just felt so different from WATCH ME. I loved those two novels, but this one fell a tad flat for me. I think it was just all the obsessing that Sam does the entire time and nothing else really seems to happen.
There is definitely quite a bit of repetition in this book in Sam's POV that I wasn't crazy about (Kate's point of view wasn't as repetitive). He literally obsesses about the exact same things like the entire novel. We also learn what I felt to be very little about his background, I would have liked to know more.
Final Thought: Personally, I didn't love this one, but I think lovers of straightforward stalker stories will love it. Like I said earlier, very well written, just not the story for me. Overall a fast read though, and I didn't skim anything so there is that too! I just couldn't bring myself to give it more than a 3 because of my personal preferences.
*This book is set to be published on 23 Jan 2018*
*HUGE thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book via NetGalley. My review is completely honest and unbiased*
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
____________________________________________________________
OK so this book has a SERIOUSLY creepy beginning and it goes on from there. Dark and disturbing for sure.
Watch Me is pretty much your stereotypical stalker book. The stalker obsessing about his prey and fantasizing about the life they will have together when the object of his affection realizes they are in fact, supposed to be together. And of course doing all these crazy stalker things along the way out of jealousy/infatuation/craziness. As it stands it would probably be a 4-5 star book for people that are into this genre. It is very well written and the blurb tells you exactly what you need to know about the book. For me though it was too repetitive and stalkerish-but-nothing-else-happening to love.
WATCH ME has a very strong You/Hidden Bodies (both by Caroline Kepnes) vibe, only here the object of affection actually likes the person back (even though god knows they shouldn't). You and Hidden Bodies are the type of stalker / crazy narrator books that I like, but they just felt so different from WATCH ME. I loved those two novels, but this one fell a tad flat for me. I think it was just all the obsessing that Sam does the entire time and nothing else really seems to happen.
There is definitely quite a bit of repetition in this book in Sam's POV that I wasn't crazy about (Kate's point of view wasn't as repetitive). He literally obsesses about the exact same things like the entire novel. We also learn what I felt to be very little about his background, I would have liked to know more.
Final Thought: Personally, I didn't love this one, but I think lovers of straightforward stalker stories will love it. Like I said earlier, very well written, just not the story for me. Overall a fast read though, and I didn't skim anything so there is that too! I just couldn't bring myself to give it more than a 3 because of my personal preferences.
*This book is set to be published on 23 Jan 2018*
*HUGE thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an electronic ARC of this book via NetGalley. My review is completely honest and unbiased*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 439 reviews