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Frenzied
Live . . . work . . . play . . . dieSouth Haven is the premier mixed-used community in metro Atlanta, a vibrant place where old-fashioned country living gets a modern update. There’s the town square where residents watch family movies on the lawn on warm summer nights. The corner market stocked with organic foods. The bakery with fresh coffee and Wi-Fi. The stately homes on shaded, gently winding streets. The water park where children splash, laugh, and run . . .
There’s also something deadly lurking.
The first incident is dismissed as an a college student goes berserk and hacks his family to chunks with a machete. But a day later, a young woman riding her bicycle is chased through the streets by her own neighbors. Then a teenager takes a deadly joyride, using his pick-up truck to mow down everyone in sight. As the incidents pile up, the only thing they share is that each person launched into an inexplicable, uncontrollable frenzy.
Mark Deacon, an ex-cop and chief of South Haven’s private security force, has never seen anything like it. And it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
Within twenty-four hours, South Haven is declared a quarantine zone, with every entrance barricaded and military snipers positioned outside the perimeter with orders to shoot on sight. Fearful residents huddle inside, uncertain whom to trust, anxiously watching one another for clues of where the terror might strike next.
Together with Dr. Hannah Bailey, a brilliant CDC scientist dispatched to investigate the threat, Deacon teams up with a motley crew of neighbors, and they hatch a desperate plan to find out answers--and stay alive.
But the spreading menace might not have arrived by accident . . .
What readers are saying about Brandon Massey's thrillers..."This was my first read by this author and it did not disappoint...this story kept me glued to the pages." Goodreads Reviewer"Enjoyed this book very much. Caught my attention right from the start, the storyline kept flowing throughout the entire book!" Goodreads Reviewer"I inhaled this book in pretty much one day and I'm just blown away by it." Goodreads Reviewer"Another engrossing book by Mr. Massey. Un-put-downable, seat of your pants wild ride." Goodreads Reviewer"I was left speechless." Goodreads Reviewer
There’s also something deadly lurking.
The first incident is dismissed as an a college student goes berserk and hacks his family to chunks with a machete. But a day later, a young woman riding her bicycle is chased through the streets by her own neighbors. Then a teenager takes a deadly joyride, using his pick-up truck to mow down everyone in sight. As the incidents pile up, the only thing they share is that each person launched into an inexplicable, uncontrollable frenzy.
Mark Deacon, an ex-cop and chief of South Haven’s private security force, has never seen anything like it. And it’s about to get a whole lot worse.
Within twenty-four hours, South Haven is declared a quarantine zone, with every entrance barricaded and military snipers positioned outside the perimeter with orders to shoot on sight. Fearful residents huddle inside, uncertain whom to trust, anxiously watching one another for clues of where the terror might strike next.
Together with Dr. Hannah Bailey, a brilliant CDC scientist dispatched to investigate the threat, Deacon teams up with a motley crew of neighbors, and they hatch a desperate plan to find out answers--and stay alive.
But the spreading menace might not have arrived by accident . . .
What readers are saying about Brandon Massey's thrillers..."This was my first read by this author and it did not disappoint...this story kept me glued to the pages." Goodreads Reviewer"Enjoyed this book very much. Caught my attention right from the start, the storyline kept flowing throughout the entire book!" Goodreads Reviewer"I inhaled this book in pretty much one day and I'm just blown away by it." Goodreads Reviewer"Another engrossing book by Mr. Massey. Un-put-downable, seat of your pants wild ride." Goodreads Reviewer"I was left speechless." Goodreads Reviewer
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2017
268 people are currently reading
441 people want to read
About the author
Brandon Massey
56 books852 followersHere’s a little about me, Brandon Massey. (“Massey” is not pronounced “macy,” by the way. Think of “mass” instead.)
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
I was born June 9, 1973, in Waukegan, Illinois. I grew up in Zion, a suburb north of Chicago.
I originally self-published Thunderland, my first novel, in 1999. After managing to sell a few thousand copies on my own, Kensington Publishing Corp. in New York offered me a two-book contract, and published a new, revised edition of Thunderland in December 2002.
Since then, I’ve published up to three books a year, ranging from thriller novels such as The Other Brother, to short story collections such as Twisted Tales, and anthologies such as Dark Dreams.
My newest suspense thriller, Covenant, was published in November 2010.
I’ve got plenty more stories in the works that I’ll publish in the coming years.
I live with my family near Atlanta, GA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 21, 2021
Suspicious!
Something is going wrong in the neighborhood. People are suddenly turning violent…vicious…virulent. What is one to do?
Will help from the CDC help put a stop to the danger, or is it too late?
This is my first book from this author and boy is it a doozy…
Something is going wrong in the neighborhood. People are suddenly turning violent…vicious…virulent. What is one to do?
Will help from the CDC help put a stop to the danger, or is it too late?
This is my first book from this author and boy is it a doozy…
January 7, 2018
Brandon did it again!!
Another reading on the edge of my seat page turner. I felt like I was watching a movie. I couldn’t put this book down. Mr Massey never disappoints. Can’t wait for his next book.
Another reading on the edge of my seat page turner. I felt like I was watching a movie. I couldn’t put this book down. Mr Massey never disappoints. Can’t wait for his next book.
February 16, 2020
Fantastic!
This is the first book by Brandon Massey that I have read. And it won’t be my last. The book is fantastic! It is so full of suspense and mystery and you find it hard to put down.
This is the first book by Brandon Massey that I have read. And it won’t be my last. The book is fantastic! It is so full of suspense and mystery and you find it hard to put down.
October 31, 2025
What a fantastic way to wrap up October! Frenzied is my second dive into the captivating world of Brandon Massey, and I am absolutely eager to explore more of his work! This year, I've been completely hooked on post-apocalyptic novels, and Frenzied truly exceeded my expectations!
October 15, 2021
His eyes were inflamed, outlined with crusty crimson whorls, his pupils dilated. Similar red lesions spotted his face, back, and arms. Blood trickled from his nostrils.
It was a sickness, an illness. A lapse in judgement and morals, a time when you slinked backwards in evolution to your most primal or urges. This wasn’t merely a cold or flu, or was something much stronger and left those infected on obsessive, murderous rampages. With seemingly no way to cure or stop the progression from your initial headache, or needed only a drop of your blood for the Peruvian Tick to take you as it’s host for a feeding before setting the person loose with bloodshot eyes. A perpetual nosebleed is all that marked your infection, before the lesions and sores took to your flesh and your eyes began red, inflamed and crusted over. For the up class society residing in South Haven, this would be the start of the end for so many people, all stemming from one man. Mark Deacon turned in the badge after countless stress filled years on the Atlantic PD and turned to the easier option of being a security personnel at this community. Seemingly crime free, the shock of a lifetime came the night Ryan Turner turned a machete on his parents, resulting in twenty seven bullets to put him down. He seemed compulsive and sick, yet the inflammation of his eyes and leaking sores left him uncontrollable. As this spiraled quickly into an outbreak leaving many falling ill, it would take the CDC and a quarantine to try to salvage the rest of America from the plague infesting. This is where Deacon met Hannah Bailey, a lead scientist who helped discovered the Ticks used to poison the citizens, planted by Dr. Kent Falcon. Brother to the nefarious man who helped set the town in motion, Kent craved sending the world back to a less populated time, and through sibling rivalry set it in Motion during a weekly movie night in the grasses of town square. With everything in them being tested, the survivors have to fight through people who fell to the illness, as well as countless animals plagued as well. Along for the ride is his partner Jim, who sadly succumbed to an attack as well as Emily; a Med student who Was hiding her pregnancy. After discovering the whereabouts of Kent, the three set out to the abandoned mine where they set it ablaze with Dino its, killing both brothers. As they stumbled out of the town and into a neighboring city, they reflect to the lies the news broadcasted about a carbon monoxide leak, while knowing the truth from the citizens who showed the world the videos and texts of what really happened that weekend.
“The average American has no survival skills whatsoever. They’re estranged from nature. Who among them, if abandoned in the wilderness, could select edible plants? Who could locate drinkable water? Kindle a fire without matches and other artificial tools? Gather raw materials to construct a place of shelter that keeps them safe and warm? Hunt for food without a firearm?”
It was a sickness, an illness. A lapse in judgement and morals, a time when you slinked backwards in evolution to your most primal or urges. This wasn’t merely a cold or flu, or was something much stronger and left those infected on obsessive, murderous rampages. With seemingly no way to cure or stop the progression from your initial headache, or needed only a drop of your blood for the Peruvian Tick to take you as it’s host for a feeding before setting the person loose with bloodshot eyes. A perpetual nosebleed is all that marked your infection, before the lesions and sores took to your flesh and your eyes began red, inflamed and crusted over. For the up class society residing in South Haven, this would be the start of the end for so many people, all stemming from one man. Mark Deacon turned in the badge after countless stress filled years on the Atlantic PD and turned to the easier option of being a security personnel at this community. Seemingly crime free, the shock of a lifetime came the night Ryan Turner turned a machete on his parents, resulting in twenty seven bullets to put him down. He seemed compulsive and sick, yet the inflammation of his eyes and leaking sores left him uncontrollable. As this spiraled quickly into an outbreak leaving many falling ill, it would take the CDC and a quarantine to try to salvage the rest of America from the plague infesting. This is where Deacon met Hannah Bailey, a lead scientist who helped discovered the Ticks used to poison the citizens, planted by Dr. Kent Falcon. Brother to the nefarious man who helped set the town in motion, Kent craved sending the world back to a less populated time, and through sibling rivalry set it in Motion during a weekly movie night in the grasses of town square. With everything in them being tested, the survivors have to fight through people who fell to the illness, as well as countless animals plagued as well. Along for the ride is his partner Jim, who sadly succumbed to an attack as well as Emily; a Med student who Was hiding her pregnancy. After discovering the whereabouts of Kent, the three set out to the abandoned mine where they set it ablaze with Dino its, killing both brothers. As they stumbled out of the town and into a neighboring city, they reflect to the lies the news broadcasted about a carbon monoxide leak, while knowing the truth from the citizens who showed the world the videos and texts of what really happened that weekend.
“The average American has no survival skills whatsoever. They’re estranged from nature. Who among them, if abandoned in the wilderness, could select edible plants? Who could locate drinkable water? Kindle a fire without matches and other artificial tools? Gather raw materials to construct a place of shelter that keeps them safe and warm? Hunt for food without a firearm?”
April 18, 2021
Sci-fi, action, thriller
I enjoyed the story very much. I would have given the book 4 stars, but the editing sucked, big time.
Good character development and the plot was very good.
Just edit, please. Misspellings, poor sentence/paragraph construction. Good editing would have gotten this book another star. Too bad.
I enjoyed the story very much. I would have given the book 4 stars, but the editing sucked, big time.
Good character development and the plot was very good.
Just edit, please. Misspellings, poor sentence/paragraph construction. Good editing would have gotten this book another star. Too bad.
December 21, 2017
Amazing
This is my favorite title from Brandon Massey. The plot was so thought out and came to a perfect ending. Job well done
This is my favorite title from Brandon Massey. The plot was so thought out and came to a perfect ending. Job well done
June 15, 2022
I just finished reading Brandon Massey’s “FRENZIED”, and I must say, Massey was in great form with this one! The story was intriguing, as was the premise. It is a pleasantly unexpected twist on the “zombie” genre!
The main characters and supporting cast were well fleshed out and the descriptions of the environment were also vivid and puts the reader right in the middle of it. There are of course twists and turns, the unexpected and a few surprises that made the story anything but predictable.
One thing the author did that I really liked was to describe the internal dialog of someone who was becoming “frenzied” – that is an aspect of zombies that I have wondered about and been wanting someone to explore for a long time. The way he did it was satisfying, though I will admit I wish it had stretched out a tiny bit more, to really get deep down into the character’s thoughts as he or she (as not to spoil anything), made the transition.
The book began as a good read and by the beginning of the final act – for me at least – it graduated to “can’t put it down” status, and I mean that literally!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of zombie action, or just action in general with a healthy dose of mystery and fright thrown in!
This book deserves a sequel, I hope Massey decides to do one and continues the saga.
The main characters and supporting cast were well fleshed out and the descriptions of the environment were also vivid and puts the reader right in the middle of it. There are of course twists and turns, the unexpected and a few surprises that made the story anything but predictable.
One thing the author did that I really liked was to describe the internal dialog of someone who was becoming “frenzied” – that is an aspect of zombies that I have wondered about and been wanting someone to explore for a long time. The way he did it was satisfying, though I will admit I wish it had stretched out a tiny bit more, to really get deep down into the character’s thoughts as he or she (as not to spoil anything), made the transition.
The book began as a good read and by the beginning of the final act – for me at least – it graduated to “can’t put it down” status, and I mean that literally!
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of zombie action, or just action in general with a healthy dose of mystery and fright thrown in!
This book deserves a sequel, I hope Massey decides to do one and continues the saga.
January 25, 2022
I had very mixed feelings about Frenzied.
I enjoyed the premise and the reveal at the end. There were some good characters. The story unfolded in a very traditional, movie-like cadence, which made it easy to follow. However, these positives were beset by contrived dialog and thought tracks and flat or inconsistent characters. Ultimately, Frenzied seemed ripe with potential but unpolished. I feel the snags and rough edges could have been massaged or buffed to strengthen the book.
In the interest of full disclosure, my enjoyment was hampered by a movie I recently saw. Though Frenzied was released first, I read it after watching the Taiwanese movie, The Sadness. The underlying premise of both is very similar, and Frenzied seemed derivative and lackluster in the shadow of The Sadness. This is no insult to Massey since Frenzied was published first, but it may have colored my experience.
The narrator for the audiobook was also terrible. I powered through, but his voice grated on my nerves the entire time, so the fact that I finished the book speaks to its merit.
I enjoyed the premise and the reveal at the end. There were some good characters. The story unfolded in a very traditional, movie-like cadence, which made it easy to follow. However, these positives were beset by contrived dialog and thought tracks and flat or inconsistent characters. Ultimately, Frenzied seemed ripe with potential but unpolished. I feel the snags and rough edges could have been massaged or buffed to strengthen the book.
In the interest of full disclosure, my enjoyment was hampered by a movie I recently saw. Though Frenzied was released first, I read it after watching the Taiwanese movie, The Sadness. The underlying premise of both is very similar, and Frenzied seemed derivative and lackluster in the shadow of The Sadness. This is no insult to Massey since Frenzied was published first, but it may have colored my experience.
The narrator for the audiobook was also terrible. I powered through, but his voice grated on my nerves the entire time, so the fact that I finished the book speaks to its merit.
July 11, 2021
A Spellbinding Thriller
The author keeps you engaged in this well-written, well-executed, page-turning, gripping plot, highlighting a multitude of characters with unconventional conduct, great dialogue, and stunning descriptive settings. The location is South Haven, Georgia, an upscale business district and a friendly residential area with its racially/ethnically diverse residents. The grass always looks greener until you turn it over, exposing secrets and lies, infidelity, betrayal, and death. Mark Deacon, a former cop, is head of security in South Haven and is dealing with his own personal and professional issues but may find the answers to what is occurring in the community. Emily Taylor, a medical student, has a secret but begins to witness pandemonium at a community medical center. When Dr. Hannah Bailey of the CDC appears, the narrative becomes even more riveting, revealing questionable activities of some vile characters, building up to an ending you will never see coming.
The author keeps you engaged in this well-written, well-executed, page-turning, gripping plot, highlighting a multitude of characters with unconventional conduct, great dialogue, and stunning descriptive settings. The location is South Haven, Georgia, an upscale business district and a friendly residential area with its racially/ethnically diverse residents. The grass always looks greener until you turn it over, exposing secrets and lies, infidelity, betrayal, and death. Mark Deacon, a former cop, is head of security in South Haven and is dealing with his own personal and professional issues but may find the answers to what is occurring in the community. Emily Taylor, a medical student, has a secret but begins to witness pandemonium at a community medical center. When Dr. Hannah Bailey of the CDC appears, the narrative becomes even more riveting, revealing questionable activities of some vile characters, building up to an ending you will never see coming.
February 7, 2024
It was a peaceful day in the neighborhood as she strolled down the sidewalk soaking in the morning sun. People were out mowing their lawns, walking their dogs, kids were playing in their yards. It was a day like any other day… until it wasn’t.
Frenzied is a horror/thriller following multiple point of views as a small town of people turn into crazed individuals and those who are still functioning as normal are trying to survive.
This book started off with a bang and never let off the gas pedal. Fast-paced, entertaining, a wild, scary ride… this was an enjoyable read! A few things were far-fetched, and the book ended abruptly, but it was still a good time.
I recommend this book for fans of the movies Contagion, The Happening, and Zombieland.
CW: Murder, Physical Violence, Body Horror, Suicide, Gun Violence, Animal Death, Terminal Illness.
Frenzied is a horror/thriller following multiple point of views as a small town of people turn into crazed individuals and those who are still functioning as normal are trying to survive.
This book started off with a bang and never let off the gas pedal. Fast-paced, entertaining, a wild, scary ride… this was an enjoyable read! A few things were far-fetched, and the book ended abruptly, but it was still a good time.
I recommend this book for fans of the movies Contagion, The Happening, and Zombieland.
CW: Murder, Physical Violence, Body Horror, Suicide, Gun Violence, Animal Death, Terminal Illness.
September 4, 2018
Incredibly cliche and poorly written. The book starts off action packed but extremely repetitive. Various ways people get attacked but adds nothing new to the story. Unoriginal story line, very predictable plot with misogynistic undertones. In fairness, I don't care for suspense thrillers but every time I tried to get into this book, something stupid happens. I'm surprised the author is 45 yrs old, it reads like it was written by a 19 yr old.
June 25, 2019
Something about a quarantine had my notice. A well planned community with a security force. Movie night for the community. Then, things start going crazy. People doing wierd stuff, as are some of the animals. But not everybody is affected. What is causing it and why did it happen? Here comes the CDC. Then....... things really start to go nuts.
For me, there are too many disconnects, but you might like it better than I did. Good luck.
For me, there are too many disconnects, but you might like it better than I did. Good luck.
June 10, 2020
An appropriate book to read during covid 19 since this deals with a deadly contagious disease that takes over a small town and it either turns them into ravenous monsters or just shells of their former selves. An eclectic mix of characters that have a pretty realistic take for handling diseases with the CDC coming in, arranging quarantines, and finding several ways to find a cure. This was a good blend of sci-fi and horror with realistic tones. Find it free on kindle!
September 28, 2020
Wow
Man, talk about riveting! This was descriptive, action packed, heavy, imaginative, and just plain good. Your girl's eyes were on lock, I couldn't stop reading. It had some horror movie formula, like when you yell at the screen : "why you ain't tell nobody??" Or "girl, what you doing!!?!!?" This had me on the edge of my seat. True, the ending was a little lacking... But only a little. I'm trying to tell y'all, it's a good read.
Man, talk about riveting! This was descriptive, action packed, heavy, imaginative, and just plain good. Your girl's eyes were on lock, I couldn't stop reading. It had some horror movie formula, like when you yell at the screen : "why you ain't tell nobody??" Or "girl, what you doing!!?!!?" This had me on the edge of my seat. True, the ending was a little lacking... But only a little. I'm trying to tell y'all, it's a good read.
February 24, 2025
Caught me off guard! absolutely loved this story!
Brandon Massey is becoming one of my favorite storytellers along with S.A. Cosby, Stephen King, and T. Due to just name few!
This story took me by surprise from the very first page and did not disappoint. This is my first book by this author but most certainly not my last.
Great storytelling and also loved the characters, main and supporting!
Brandon Massey is becoming one of my favorite storytellers along with S.A. Cosby, Stephen King, and T. Due to just name few!
This story took me by surprise from the very first page and did not disappoint. This is my first book by this author but most certainly not my last.
Great storytelling and also loved the characters, main and supporting!
July 26, 2018
WOW. This is my first time reading a book by this author. I must say this book kept you on the edge of your seat. I like suspenseful I am not sure I like the thriller portion. Mr. Massey has a lot of twists and turns in this book that keeps you wanting more. I look forward to reading more books by this author.
May 31, 2023
This book was a waste of my time. This was my first time reading a book by Mr. Massey and I was not impressed. The storyline was interesting but the characters and reactions were unbelievable, unrealistic and plain dumb. It took me 3 weeks to finish, I focused myself. I wouldn’t recommend this book.
December 17, 2023
Great book
This book is a cliffhanger from the beginning to end. It’s very well written. The plot was developed nicely to characters. They were develop nicely this book as well. It was very engaging, very well written I had a great time reading this man Brandon does not disappoint as usual.
This book is a cliffhanger from the beginning to end. It’s very well written. The plot was developed nicely to characters. They were develop nicely this book as well. It was very engaging, very well written I had a great time reading this man Brandon does not disappoint as usual.
April 25, 2025
3/5
I was teetering between and 3 and a 4 mainly because I don’t think the book was terrible however I do think it was very…. Movie-esq and cliche in a way. I do think this was a better read than other books I have read that have a more of that Get Out type of vibe however I still don’t think this one was good enough for me to be.. blown away
I was teetering between and 3 and a 4 mainly because I don’t think the book was terrible however I do think it was very…. Movie-esq and cliche in a way. I do think this was a better read than other books I have read that have a more of that Get Out type of vibe however I still don’t think this one was good enough for me to be.. blown away
June 17, 2019
Scary horror thriller.
People in a supposedly safe gated community started tearing each other apart. A med student, doctor from the CDC and a security guard were up against the frenzied crowd.
People in a supposedly safe gated community started tearing each other apart. A med student, doctor from the CDC and a security guard were up against the frenzied crowd.
June 14, 2020
Not My Cup Of Tea
I just could not get into this. Why would most of these people naked? Or why was some of them violent and some not? I know the answer but i won't give it aways. 1 lazy explaining out of 5
I just could not get into this. Why would most of these people naked? Or why was some of them violent and some not? I know the answer but i won't give it aways. 1 lazy explaining out of 5
February 26, 2021
A lot of action
This was an ok book. It started out really exciting but then it became predictable and long. I expected the ending to be more exciting than it was but 4 stars because I love the author!!!
This was an ok book. It started out really exciting but then it became predictable and long. I expected the ending to be more exciting than it was but 4 stars because I love the author!!!
October 26, 2021
Really good
This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it. It was so exciting and terrifying at the same time. I could see the scenes playing out in my mind as I read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
This was my first book by this author. I really enjoyed it. It was so exciting and terrifying at the same time. I could see the scenes playing out in my mind as I read. I look forward to reading more from this author.
July 28, 2024
Different!
I always enjoy different takes on the zombie genre. This one was no different. The ending started to drag a little, but I enjoyed all of the rest. And, there weren't many characters I didn't like. Pops and Jim are favorites of mine.
I always enjoy different takes on the zombie genre. This one was no different. The ending started to drag a little, but I enjoyed all of the rest. And, there weren't many characters I didn't like. Pops and Jim are favorites of mine.
October 17, 2017
Omg! Wow
Another masterpiece. The action was real and vivid. Fast paced and kept me reading. It's a pretty quick read too
Another masterpiece. The action was real and vivid. Fast paced and kept me reading. It's a pretty quick read too
October 27, 2017
Massey does it again with this page turning suspense novel. Interesting storyline that has several twists and turns. Outstanding!!!!
January 18, 2018
Frenzied
I enjoyed this novel my kind of story. Loaded with twists, turns & horror. I am a big fan of Brandon Massey keep them coming I'm looking forward to your next novel.
I enjoyed this novel my kind of story. Loaded with twists, turns & horror. I am a big fan of Brandon Massey keep them coming I'm looking forward to your next novel.
April 12, 2018
This is my first book by this writer and it will not be the last. 'Frenzied' is a fast paced thriller.
Highly recommend!!
Highly recommend!!
May 8, 2018
This is a good, crazy, but funny story that could not happen in the real world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews