What do you think?
Rate this book
Frayed
Owen Hansen packs a bag and leaves his past where it belongs—dead and buried in his small Connecticut hometown. His new life as a clothing inspector is boring and predictable and the perfect escape. He’s finally in control.
Lydia March is unexpected, but he can’t avoid her even if he tries. She makes him feel things and throws the delicate balance of his orderly life off its axis.
When Owen begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown admirer, it’s not long before his world begins to spiral and nothing is as it seems. Is Lydia writing the notes or is it someone else? Has his past finally caught up with him?
When reality starts to fray at the edges, it’s impossible not to pick at the loose threads and watch as everything unravels. Can Owen hold on to the control he so desperately clings to or will his life be reduced to nothing more than a tangled mass of chaos?
Lydia March is unexpected, but he can’t avoid her even if he tries. She makes him feel things and throws the delicate balance of his orderly life off its axis.
When Owen begins receiving mysterious messages from an unknown admirer, it’s not long before his world begins to spiral and nothing is as it seems. Is Lydia writing the notes or is it someone else? Has his past finally caught up with him?
When reality starts to fray at the edges, it’s impossible not to pick at the loose threads and watch as everything unravels. Can Owen hold on to the control he so desperately clings to or will his life be reduced to nothing more than a tangled mass of chaos?
278 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2019
95 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Layne Deemer
7 books134 followersLayne Deemer aims to push boundaries with her writing. Her stories deconstruct the ordinary until it becomes something else entirely.
She has a degree in Communications with a minor in English and has worked in the fields of public relations, marketing, and advertising, but writing has always been her true passion. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading. Her wish list of books will take her a lifetime to get through.
She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, Adam, their two kids, Stella and Jasper, and their bulldog, Archie. Frayed, a psychological thriller, is her first novel.
Want a FREE book? Sign up for my newsletter to receive your copy of the short story, The Perfect Type. https://BookHip.com/TQQJSSL
Amazon https://amzn.to/36ngXgr
Instagram https://bit.ly/3xutv1A
Facebook https://bit.ly/3jZjzt8
BookBub https://bit.ly/2UxFkpd
She has a degree in Communications with a minor in English and has worked in the fields of public relations, marketing, and advertising, but writing has always been her true passion. When she isn’t writing, she’s reading. Her wish list of books will take her a lifetime to get through.
She resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, Adam, their two kids, Stella and Jasper, and their bulldog, Archie. Frayed, a psychological thriller, is her first novel.
Want a FREE book? Sign up for my newsletter to receive your copy of the short story, The Perfect Type. https://BookHip.com/TQQJSSL
Amazon https://amzn.to/36ngXgr
Instagram https://bit.ly/3xutv1A
Facebook https://bit.ly/3jZjzt8
BookBub https://bit.ly/2UxFkpd
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 25, 2019
But that’s the thing about manipulation. When you’re the puppet, you can’t always see the strings that control you.
Wow. I jumped into this one blind and I’m so glad I did. I was sucked in from the first page by Deemer’s sharp and subtly witty writing style. It kept me guessing all the way through, but ¾ in, my heart was in my throat. I was torn between not wanting to put it down and fear for what was coming. Curiosity prevailed and I finished just as the sun was coming up. Thank God, because I was a little freaked out trying to read it in the dark!
Frayed isn’t an in-your-face psychological thriller. Its suspense is gradual and addictive with fascinating characters you can’t help but root for. If you enjoyed You, I strongly recommend you give this riveting, mind-bending debut a shot. Absolutely loved!
If you want to do something, do it. If you don’t, then don’t. But never waste time in the in between. Nothing happens, good or bad, if you’re standing still.
Wow. I jumped into this one blind and I’m so glad I did. I was sucked in from the first page by Deemer’s sharp and subtly witty writing style. It kept me guessing all the way through, but ¾ in, my heart was in my throat. I was torn between not wanting to put it down and fear for what was coming. Curiosity prevailed and I finished just as the sun was coming up. Thank God, because I was a little freaked out trying to read it in the dark!
Frayed isn’t an in-your-face psychological thriller. Its suspense is gradual and addictive with fascinating characters you can’t help but root for. If you enjoyed You, I strongly recommend you give this riveting, mind-bending debut a shot. Absolutely loved!
If you want to do something, do it. If you don’t, then don’t. But never waste time in the in between. Nothing happens, good or bad, if you’re standing still.
November 12, 2019
4 1/2 "Unraveling" Stars!!
"Everything has a weakness, and if you pick at it long enough, it’ll unravel. All it takes is a frayed edge."
Wow! Frayed was such a treat to read! Ms. Deemer has a talent for written imagery. I confess that I'm one of those readers who will sometimes skim through the "unimportant" information in a book to get to what I view as the "meat of the matter." Hey, don't judge me! I truly don't do it often, but sometimes... However, I definitely was NOT even tempted to pass over one word with Frayed. I enjoyed the clever buildup of Owen's character and feared that I would miss some critical information if I didn't read every single detail.
“The meaning of life. It always finds a way to catch up with you, and when it does, it turns you upside down and drops you right on your head.”
I enjoyed how Ms. Deemer continually had me wondering what the real situation was with Owen and Lydia. It was obvious that they both have troubling pasts but you aren't sure exactly what happened. We get snippets as we go. A lot of Owen's story comes to us via flashbacks which, in my opinion, was a perfect way to share his past. Other information is dropped in as you read and sometimes isn't what you're expecting. Basically, buckle up because this novel will have you questioning yourself and your theories until the end. Kudos to Ms. Deemer for a great debut!!
"We think we’ve made the perfect getaway and settled into a new normal. But the thing is, the past always finds a way to catch up with you. Life is a sneaky bastard.”
"Everything has a weakness, and if you pick at it long enough, it’ll unravel. All it takes is a frayed edge."
Wow! Frayed was such a treat to read! Ms. Deemer has a talent for written imagery. I confess that I'm one of those readers who will sometimes skim through the "unimportant" information in a book to get to what I view as the "meat of the matter." Hey, don't judge me! I truly don't do it often, but sometimes... However, I definitely was NOT even tempted to pass over one word with Frayed. I enjoyed the clever buildup of Owen's character and feared that I would miss some critical information if I didn't read every single detail.
“The meaning of life. It always finds a way to catch up with you, and when it does, it turns you upside down and drops you right on your head.”
I enjoyed how Ms. Deemer continually had me wondering what the real situation was with Owen and Lydia. It was obvious that they both have troubling pasts but you aren't sure exactly what happened. We get snippets as we go. A lot of Owen's story comes to us via flashbacks which, in my opinion, was a perfect way to share his past. Other information is dropped in as you read and sometimes isn't what you're expecting. Basically, buckle up because this novel will have you questioning yourself and your theories until the end. Kudos to Ms. Deemer for a great debut!!
"We think we’ve made the perfect getaway and settled into a new normal. But the thing is, the past always finds a way to catch up with you. Life is a sneaky bastard.”
November 22, 2019
Great thriller!
Interesting. Very, very interesting. This story definitely kept me turning the pages and second guessing what may or may not be happening. This was a great read.
Interesting. Very, very interesting. This story definitely kept me turning the pages and second guessing what may or may not be happening. This was a great read.
November 16, 2019
What a great book! And it's especially impressive for a debut! I was intrigued from the beginning and loved the methodical way the plot was laid out. My favorite mysteries are not only the ones that keep me guessing but also the ones where I constantly change my guesses, and with Frayed, I definitely did that. I adored Owen and his quirks and was pulling for him throughout. Can't wait to read more by this talented new author!
December 12, 2019
4.5 Stars
This was a really intriguing debut. As the main character who thrives on order and dull stability finds himself spiralling. Both characters seem to be hiding things and you cant help wonder who will crack first. It was compelling reading.
This was a really intriguing debut. As the main character who thrives on order and dull stability finds himself spiralling. Both characters seem to be hiding things and you cant help wonder who will crack first. It was compelling reading.
November 20, 2019
WOW! What an incredible twisty turny crazy story!! I LOVED it so much! I definitely recommend going into this blind; don't read any reviews, I've seen some spoilery and it messed with my head! Well, it doesn't take much to mess with my head. haha
I highly recommend this one to all my thrill lovers. Bravo, Layne!!!
I highly recommend this one to all my thrill lovers. Bravo, Layne!!!
November 10, 2019
“Everything has a weakness and if you pick at it long enough, it’ll unravel. All it takes is a frayed edge.”
What a fantastic, twisty mind game this was! I loved every minute of it!
Review closer to release date.
Update 11/6/19:
I had the privilege of reading an early copy of Frayed back in June and although it’s November, I’ve not stopped thinking about this book. I read a lot so that’s an accomplishment in itself. Layne Deemer’s ability to immediately draw you in and then keep you hooked is remarkable! As a debut novel, I’m blown away by her writing and prose with a “what’s coming?” undercurrent keeping you riveted and turning page after page. It’s near impossible to put this book down. Owen and Lydia will keep you mesmerized!
If you are in the mood for a sharp psychological thriller with razor focused characters, do yourself a favor and read Frayed. You’ll be guessing until the very last page!
Congratulations on a phenomenal debut, Layne Deemer!
What a fantastic, twisty mind game this was! I loved every minute of it!
Review closer to release date.
Update 11/6/19:
I had the privilege of reading an early copy of Frayed back in June and although it’s November, I’ve not stopped thinking about this book. I read a lot so that’s an accomplishment in itself. Layne Deemer’s ability to immediately draw you in and then keep you hooked is remarkable! As a debut novel, I’m blown away by her writing and prose with a “what’s coming?” undercurrent keeping you riveted and turning page after page. It’s near impossible to put this book down. Owen and Lydia will keep you mesmerized!
If you are in the mood for a sharp psychological thriller with razor focused characters, do yourself a favor and read Frayed. You’ll be guessing until the very last page!
Congratulations on a phenomenal debut, Layne Deemer!
November 12, 2019
***4.5 STARS***
”Never apologize for being real. It beats perfection any day.”
It’s hard to believe that this is Layne Deemer’s first novel. Her writing was effortless, the story was riveting, the characters were intriguing, and I was completely owned by this book and read it within 24 hours. (which I very rarely do) I could not put it down as it was filled with twists and turns and had my mind trying to conjure up all different ways this story would go.
“Everything has a weakness, and if you pick at it long enough, it’ll unravel.”
I highly recommend this page turner...things are not always as they seem! Owen’s story will keep you guessing and keep you glued to the pages of this fantastic debut novel. Looking forward to future novels from this very talented author.
“We all have secrets hidden away under our floorboards. Some of us are just better at hiding them.”
”Never apologize for being real. It beats perfection any day.”
It’s hard to believe that this is Layne Deemer’s first novel. Her writing was effortless, the story was riveting, the characters were intriguing, and I was completely owned by this book and read it within 24 hours. (which I very rarely do) I could not put it down as it was filled with twists and turns and had my mind trying to conjure up all different ways this story would go.
“Everything has a weakness, and if you pick at it long enough, it’ll unravel.”
I highly recommend this page turner...things are not always as they seem! Owen’s story will keep you guessing and keep you glued to the pages of this fantastic debut novel. Looking forward to future novels from this very talented author.
“We all have secrets hidden away under our floorboards. Some of us are just better at hiding them.”
November 18, 2019
Wow! Well done! Layne Deemer’s 1st Novel is a mystery that builds up and leaves you wondering what is up with Owen and Lydia and all the baggage?!
You may think you figured it out but wait for it....
It’s a fun twisted story that makes you think and rethink what details are given but you won’t be disappointed!
Loved it!
You may think you figured it out but wait for it....
It’s a fun twisted story that makes you think and rethink what details are given but you won’t be disappointed!
Loved it!
November 9, 2019
I have to say that I was very impressed with Layne Deemer, especially since Frayed is her debut story, because WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ?! Obviously, I had some suspicion that I would be taken on a crazy journey, but seriously?! This was a mind f*ck of epic proportions, and I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished every last page. She instantly gripped me, and never let go, even as far as craving more the instant I finished that last page. Let me tell you, the twists were turned in every direction, while the turns were all twisted up, leaving me dropping super loud f-bombs, until I couldn't drop anymore because I was that shocked into silence. This is the story of Owen & Lydia, and frankly, that's all I'm saying about them, as everyone needs to go in blind for your best shock value. I was mesmerized, sitting in one place for the entire length of story, and forget about putting it down for even one second, because that simply wasn't happening. Let me say this, Frayed is a psychological thriller at it's very finest, and don't think about it, just hit that one click button for the ride of your life! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
December 26, 2019
Twists and turns kept me guessing
A busy season and long hiatus kept me from reading this book as quickly as I wanted but I’m glad I was able to make the time to come back to it and finish. Each page seemed to put even more theories into my head of how it would end and which character would not be who I had come to expect. I was pleased to find that the conclusion both was and was not what I anticipated. Layne’s writing is descriptive and easy to read and I’ll look forward to reading more in the future.
A busy season and long hiatus kept me from reading this book as quickly as I wanted but I’m glad I was able to make the time to come back to it and finish. Each page seemed to put even more theories into my head of how it would end and which character would not be who I had come to expect. I was pleased to find that the conclusion both was and was not what I anticipated. Layne’s writing is descriptive and easy to read and I’ll look forward to reading more in the future.
December 27, 2019
I love when a book surprises me, and this book completely surprised me in the best way possible. I loved it!
December 9, 2019
Incredible book. I couldn’t put it down!
January 21, 2020
I loved this one!!!
The book is a bit of a slow burn but don’t let that deter you, it is done so well, and the writing is so great, we are given just enough information to keep us filled with suspense and wanting more. From the very first chapter I had an uneasy feeling I couldn’t explain, I just knew something wasn’t quite right! I I had so many questions! What characters can I even trust!? Is this narrator even reliable?! By the 50% mark I could not put it down and just had to know what was going on! I was kept in suspense till the very last page, and i loved it! If you like psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, and leave you staring into space mouth ajar, and shocked by the end, then this is the book for you! This was such a great debut novel, and I can’t wait to read more from the author in the future!
The book is a bit of a slow burn but don’t let that deter you, it is done so well, and the writing is so great, we are given just enough information to keep us filled with suspense and wanting more. From the very first chapter I had an uneasy feeling I couldn’t explain, I just knew something wasn’t quite right! I I had so many questions! What characters can I even trust!? Is this narrator even reliable?! By the 50% mark I could not put it down and just had to know what was going on! I was kept in suspense till the very last page, and i loved it! If you like psychological thrillers that keep you guessing, and leave you staring into space mouth ajar, and shocked by the end, then this is the book for you! This was such a great debut novel, and I can’t wait to read more from the author in the future!
November 8, 2019
First book I have read by this author and to say I was surprised, would be an understatement. The blurb is what caught my eye. It pulled me in and it was like it was speaking to me in this weird creepy voice “Read me. Read me!”
This book was seriously a page turner. Reading it, I just could not put it down. The character development was something out of this world. This author just had a way with her words. She pulled you in and put her hooks in you. Trust me you will not be sorry about it either. You feel as if the world around you has stopped. This book almost f*cked with my mind. It was twisty and turning and I just loved every minute of it.
This book was seriously a page turner. Reading it, I just could not put it down. The character development was something out of this world. This author just had a way with her words. She pulled you in and put her hooks in you. Trust me you will not be sorry about it either. You feel as if the world around you has stopped. This book almost f*cked with my mind. It was twisty and turning and I just loved every minute of it.
Read
November 9, 2019Brilliant! I could not stop 'till I got to the end. The plot twists and turns will keep you absolutely enthralled. From the beginning you know there is something you don't know. The sense of unease will keep you going until the last reveal. I loved it. Agatha Christie would love this book! Nothing is what it seems. Congratulations on a fabulous first book, Layne. We want more!
November 4, 2019
Great book. An absolute page-turner. I could put it down. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time.
Owen and Lydia take you on a wild ride full of twist and turns. My mind was blown by a couple of revelations that I NEVER saw coming.
If your looking for a book that will keep you guessing, I highly recommend Frayed!
Owen and Lydia take you on a wild ride full of twist and turns. My mind was blown by a couple of revelations that I NEVER saw coming.
If your looking for a book that will keep you guessing, I highly recommend Frayed!
February 23, 2020
I liked Owen's character. He came a live on paper. The book dragged a lot in the beginning, but ended nicely. I won't reread, but glad I gave it a try.
May 4, 2020
4.5 stars! I read this really quickly. It was really hard to put down! Would love a sequel to this! I read psychological thrillers constantly and enjoyed this one. I loved being inside Owen’s head and found him to be really funny. I only didn’t give this 5 stars because I am a huge cat lover and didn’t like the ending scene between Owen and his cat (that he believes to be his dead uncle).
November 24, 2019
Whoa. Read this book. Now. I love a good mind f*ck! Way to hit it out of the park with your first book. 5++++++ stars!!!!!
December 18, 2019
A psychological thriller isn’t the type of book I would typically be drawn to read, but I’m sure glad I did! Great read, couldn’t put it down, I look forward to more books from Layne!
November 13, 2019
This… was different. The first several chapters of the book are almost all Owen’s internal dialogue, with minimal interaction with other characters. He is quiet and keeps to himself, and wants little to do with others. We learn that he has basically run away to get a fresh start after a tragic accident. His mother and brother worry about him but he seems a bit detached from them. Then he meets Lydia at work, and she makes him start to feel again. Like Owen, Lydia is running from a past, hers being an abusive ex boyfriend. But nothing and no one are what they seem to be in this book.
Frayed is only told from Owen’s point of view, and it’s an odd journey through his mind. Lydia is a refreshing change from his greyness – but things don’t quite add up with her as well. But is it Owen’s misinterpretation? Or is she not what she seems? And the mystery of who is slipping Owen the anonymous notes adds to the confusion.
This was an enjoyable book, but I doubt I’ll reread it. I was curious to see what happened and get answers, all of which are revealed in the very end. And I mean all of them – including answers we didn’t know we didn’t have before. And honestly, that tainted my outlook of the whole book I think. I can’t say more because major spoilers, but just be warned this isn’t a happily ever after book.
If you like psychological suspense, check this out. It’s not a bad book at all and a good first book for an author. It just didn’t resonate with me like some others do. I do know why, but again, spoilers. I would have to give away the ending to explain it but it is 100% what I, personally, need from a book and nothing to do with the quality of the book at all.
Frayed is only told from Owen’s point of view, and it’s an odd journey through his mind. Lydia is a refreshing change from his greyness – but things don’t quite add up with her as well. But is it Owen’s misinterpretation? Or is she not what she seems? And the mystery of who is slipping Owen the anonymous notes adds to the confusion.
This was an enjoyable book, but I doubt I’ll reread it. I was curious to see what happened and get answers, all of which are revealed in the very end. And I mean all of them – including answers we didn’t know we didn’t have before. And honestly, that tainted my outlook of the whole book I think. I can’t say more because major spoilers, but just be warned this isn’t a happily ever after book.
If you like psychological suspense, check this out. It’s not a bad book at all and a good first book for an author. It just didn’t resonate with me like some others do. I do know why, but again, spoilers. I would have to give away the ending to explain it but it is 100% what I, personally, need from a book and nothing to do with the quality of the book at all.
February 15, 2020
Wow ! Loved it and the twists! I would love a Book 2 !
October 30, 2020
I started and put this book down because it was a bit slow at the jump. I’m so happy I picked it back up. If you like The Wives or Verity, this is your type of book. Read the words.
May 2, 2020
Psych thriller.. stalking. I wasn’t sure who it was.. not what I expected. Kept me reading.. finished in 2-3 days
May 20, 2020
Another book club referred me to this author and I'm so glad I took the chance! Slow clap! 5 stars!
July 8, 2020
I went into this book completely blind just picked at random from my kindle and long forgotten as to what it was about it certainly didn't show itself as a thriller at first but boy when it got moving, did it get moving! I didn't see the ending coming at all and I'm usually quite disappointed by being able to see the twist in thrillers coming but this completely blind sided me and the outcome was absolutely perfect in a twisted sort of way for both characters involved. Highly entertaining I found myself falling asleep trying to read long after 3am desperate to know what was going on and why.
Frayed and indeed Layne themselves deserve a much larger following than they have as Frayed imo was much more well executed than some of the best selling thrillers released.
Frayed and indeed Layne themselves deserve a much larger following than they have as Frayed imo was much more well executed than some of the best selling thrillers released.
February 11, 2020
Loved it! Kept you guessing all the way through!
April 10, 2020
This book had my head spinning and asking “What the heck is happening here?” I couldn’t put it down! And a shocking ending, too!
November 10, 2019
The parts that intrigued me most about FRAYED by Layne Deemer was the narrative told in flashback, where we learn about Owen Hanson’s past and the events that led him to turn his back on his old life. Now there’s the story I would have loved to read about in depth: how do you try and extricate yourself from a situation you’ve unwittingly become trapped in? How did you get there in the first place? What could you have done differently? Frustratingly, these good parts form a small portion of the overall book.
The back story is not, however, the focus of this book. Three years after leaving his home town, we end up spending a lot of time in Owen’s head as he lives his monastic life, works at an unskilled, repetitive job and where he meets and begins to fixate on Lydia, a female work colleague. It was struggle to get past the first half of this book because I found very little about Owen or his story to be intriguing. I never fully connected with him as a character, nor did I believe in his relationship with Lydia. It rang false.
The latter part of the book peels back more of the story’s layers in a much faster fashion. I enjoyed this much more, especially, as I mentioned at the start, the revelations about Owen’s past life.
The back story is not, however, the focus of this book. Three years after leaving his home town, we end up spending a lot of time in Owen’s head as he lives his monastic life, works at an unskilled, repetitive job and where he meets and begins to fixate on Lydia, a female work colleague. It was struggle to get past the first half of this book because I found very little about Owen or his story to be intriguing. I never fully connected with him as a character, nor did I believe in his relationship with Lydia. It rang false.
The latter part of the book peels back more of the story’s layers in a much faster fashion. I enjoyed this much more, especially, as I mentioned at the start, the revelations about Owen’s past life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews