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Constructing Entropy
Sherman is an author and tea enthusiast who also moonlights as a self-loathing serial killer and a slave to his impulses. While attempting to find publishing for his newly completed masterpiece, he meets local guitarist, Heather, who shatters his glass house of delusions as the two of them grow closer.
Sherman must come to terms with who he truly is and how many of his problems he has manufactured himself while struggling to adjust to a new reality. The only thing standing in Sherman's way is the mysterious entity living in his head, the Shadow, who is not quite ready to give up their lifestyle and settle down to a cozy life with Heather.
Darkly humorous, horrific, and thought-provoking, Constructing Entropy is both a slasher story and philosophical quandary told through Sherman's often misleading perception with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
Sherman must come to terms with who he truly is and how many of his problems he has manufactured himself while struggling to adjust to a new reality. The only thing standing in Sherman's way is the mysterious entity living in his head, the Shadow, who is not quite ready to give up their lifestyle and settle down to a cozy life with Heather.
Darkly humorous, horrific, and thought-provoking, Constructing Entropy is both a slasher story and philosophical quandary told through Sherman's often misleading perception with plenty of twists and turns along the way.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 28, 2022
17 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Adams
12 books40 followersAuthor of horror, thriller, and transgressive fiction.
Writer of short stories, novellas, and novels.
Ex-filmmaker, welder and engineer by trade, and unabashed metalhead.
Writer of short stories, novellas, and novels.
Ex-filmmaker, welder and engineer by trade, and unabashed metalhead.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
April 12, 2023
I found my digital copy of CONSTRUCTING ENTROPY by Andrew Adams on KU!
CONSTRUCTING ENTROPY is a twisty turvy psychological thriller slash horror novella starring Sherman, an absolutely regular guy except he starts off by killing an editor who wouldn't take a paper copy of his book in the bar. So we learn about Sherman in this stunning open scene, so many things-- that he drinks, that he doesn't observe basic social custom like approaching professionals outside of their places of work, that he's a striving writer, and that he's a murderer. I mean... this bodes very well for the story, I thought, and I was right as the fates should have it.
Sherman isn't the only interesting character in this short book, either; Heather is fascinating and behaves in sometimes delightful, but always interesting ways that exert pressure on plot development and other characters' development. She rather surprises me in how she reaches to meets Sherman's influence in this story.
This might have been by design, honestly; the form of this story is one that might be fairly simple, or that has many moving parts. I thought I spied subtle metafictional elements and astonishing postmodern nods, you just never see that anymore! H-ll it could be my imagination, but either way, it's a good piece of horror writing!
Rating: 🥃🥃🥃🥃.5 / 5 bourbons too many
Recommend? Absolutely!
Finished: April 9 2023
Read this if you like:
🔪 Serial killer stories
👮♀️ True crime novels
👤 Psych thriller
❤️🩹 Bad romance
CONSTRUCTING ENTROPY is a twisty turvy psychological thriller slash horror novella starring Sherman, an absolutely regular guy except he starts off by killing an editor who wouldn't take a paper copy of his book in the bar. So we learn about Sherman in this stunning open scene, so many things-- that he drinks, that he doesn't observe basic social custom like approaching professionals outside of their places of work, that he's a striving writer, and that he's a murderer. I mean... this bodes very well for the story, I thought, and I was right as the fates should have it.
Sherman isn't the only interesting character in this short book, either; Heather is fascinating and behaves in sometimes delightful, but always interesting ways that exert pressure on plot development and other characters' development. She rather surprises me in how she reaches to meets Sherman's influence in this story.
This might have been by design, honestly; the form of this story is one that might be fairly simple, or that has many moving parts. I thought I spied subtle metafictional elements and astonishing postmodern nods, you just never see that anymore! H-ll it could be my imagination, but either way, it's a good piece of horror writing!
Rating: 🥃🥃🥃🥃.5 / 5 bourbons too many
Recommend? Absolutely!
Finished: April 9 2023
Read this if you like:
🔪 Serial killer stories
👮♀️ True crime novels
👤 Psych thriller
❤️🩹 Bad romance
May 1, 2023
Well, I can happily say that this was a very interesting read.
'How bizarre to meet a woman I didn't want to murder immediately. Is that love?'
This is one of those books where you think that you have everything figured out and know exactly where things are heading but all of a sudden it all turns upside down,
The novel follows Sherman, a struggling writer who kills an editor in a fit of rage and then tries to cover up his crime. Along the way, he meets Heather, a mysterious woman who seems to share his passion for writing and murder. The story is told from Sherman's point of view, which gives us a rare insight into his twisted, convoluted and complex psyche. He's not a reliable narrator, but he's an entertaining one. He had me hooked from the first page to the last.
The author does a great job of creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that draws you into the story. The characters are well-developed and complex, especially Sherman, who is both sympathetic and terrifying. The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue. The novel also explores themes such as creativity, madness, and morality in an original and provocative way.
This is a book that defies expectations and conventions. It's original, fun and compelling. I highly recommend it but don't blame me if you disagree with my opinion.
'How bizarre to meet a woman I didn't want to murder immediately. Is that love?'
This is one of those books where you think that you have everything figured out and know exactly where things are heading but all of a sudden it all turns upside down,
The novel follows Sherman, a struggling writer who kills an editor in a fit of rage and then tries to cover up his crime. Along the way, he meets Heather, a mysterious woman who seems to share his passion for writing and murder. The story is told from Sherman's point of view, which gives us a rare insight into his twisted, convoluted and complex psyche. He's not a reliable narrator, but he's an entertaining one. He had me hooked from the first page to the last.
The author does a great job of creating a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that draws you into the story. The characters are well-developed and complex, especially Sherman, who is both sympathetic and terrifying. The writing style is engaging and fast-paced, with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue. The novel also explores themes such as creativity, madness, and morality in an original and provocative way.
This is a book that defies expectations and conventions. It's original, fun and compelling. I highly recommend it but don't blame me if you disagree with my opinion.
April 3, 2023
This is my third read by Andrew Adams and again he pulls through with the dark humor. It’s incredible.
Sherman narrating his own story definitely gives me Dexter vibes and I am here for it. He may be a killer but he’s witty as hell. His perception is is a bit warped at times (as a serial killers tends to be) but at the same time he comes off as so philosophical. You can really see how much thought was put into this book.
If you’re a fan of serial killers (they do have fans) I highly suggest giving this book a go! Especially if you enjoy dark humor.
Sherman narrating his own story definitely gives me Dexter vibes and I am here for it. He may be a killer but he’s witty as hell. His perception is is a bit warped at times (as a serial killers tends to be) but at the same time he comes off as so philosophical. You can really see how much thought was put into this book.
If you’re a fan of serial killers (they do have fans) I highly suggest giving this book a go! Especially if you enjoy dark humor.
March 1, 2023
This is a very clever story of a Sherman, the unsuspecting serial killer/herbalist/aspiring author who meets the love of his life. But how is he going to balance his dark side and his need to kill with the new light in his life? This book goes from loveable and ordinary Sherman to dark and crazy real fast laced with dark humor that has you literally giggling at times, and then it hits you with a bomb twist and you left shaking your head wondering what the hell just happened. It was fantastic, amazing and I absolutely loved it!
August 31, 2022
Sherman is an author, a herbalist, and a tea enthusiast. He grows exotic herbs to support himself while writing and trying to get published. Oh, and he just also happens to be a serial killer. He feels as if there is another entity residing inside him, urging him to violence and murdering. He calls that entity The Shadow.
But what happens when Sherman runs into a woman that is a bubbly, singing ray of sunshine while he is stocking up on tea? Sherman is immediately drawn in by Heather, and does the unthinkable. He goes on a date with her. Can a serial killer fall in love?
“Big, bad Sherman, trapped in a love triangle where he makes up two of the three members.”
There are points in the story that ramble on in a narcissistic fashion, but as it is told from Sherman’s point of view, it tracks. It just can get a little hard to keep going when I feel like the main character is talking down to everyone, including me. But again, completely on point with the character. It is a great story line, and I loved the ending.
But what happens when Sherman runs into a woman that is a bubbly, singing ray of sunshine while he is stocking up on tea? Sherman is immediately drawn in by Heather, and does the unthinkable. He goes on a date with her. Can a serial killer fall in love?
“Big, bad Sherman, trapped in a love triangle where he makes up two of the three members.”
There are points in the story that ramble on in a narcissistic fashion, but as it is told from Sherman’s point of view, it tracks. It just can get a little hard to keep going when I feel like the main character is talking down to everyone, including me. But again, completely on point with the character. It is a great story line, and I loved the ending.
October 26, 2022
Tea-enthusiast. Herbalist. A struggling writer. There are many reasons for Sherman's struggles. Know-it-all and obnoxious publishers who won't appreciate his talent. Falling in love. Drinking too much whiskey. People to be killed by his schizophrenic alter-ego, Shadow. You know, the usual.
It's a dark, weirdly funny and (at an angle) philosophical story of a man who goes further down the rabbit hole of his own mind. The story follows Sherman as he tries to navigate between his killings and living a normal life. Everything changes when he meets musician Heather. Sherman now needs to find balance between different impulses that have led his life for a long time. Reader will spend a lot of time in his head as he shares his views on people and life in general. The ending was a cherry on the cake and I will not discuss it further because I might ruin it. Sherman is an interesting character, cold-hearted and obsessed to the core because he did not mind his eventual realization and "reality".
If you're a horror fan then this a book for you.
It's a dark, weirdly funny and (at an angle) philosophical story of a man who goes further down the rabbit hole of his own mind. The story follows Sherman as he tries to navigate between his killings and living a normal life. Everything changes when he meets musician Heather. Sherman now needs to find balance between different impulses that have led his life for a long time. Reader will spend a lot of time in his head as he shares his views on people and life in general. The ending was a cherry on the cake and I will not discuss it further because I might ruin it. Sherman is an interesting character, cold-hearted and obsessed to the core because he did not mind his eventual realization and "reality".
If you're a horror fan then this a book for you.
November 13, 2022
Dexter meets Joe Goldberg.
I loved being in Sherman’s head. Very entertaining.
I loved being in Sherman’s head. Very entertaining.
February 1, 2023
I’ve been on a bit of a binge read with Andrew Adams's books lately (4 in January 😅) and needless to say I can’t get enough of them.
Let me introduce you to the enigmatic and dark serial killer Sherman who also happens to be an author, tea enthusiast and a herbalist. This book takes you deep into the mind of Sherman and my goodness it’s an interesting place to be. Then we have the wonderful Heather who is a breath of fresh air and someone that I’d like to be best friends with.
I also learnt a lot about tea like the correct way to pronounce rooibos. You don’t even wanna know how I’ve been pronouncing it in my head 🤦🏻♀️😂 and then we come to the ending. Damn I did not see that ending coming at all 🤯 another great read and I can’t wait to see what Andrew Adams will bring us next.
Let me introduce you to the enigmatic and dark serial killer Sherman who also happens to be an author, tea enthusiast and a herbalist. This book takes you deep into the mind of Sherman and my goodness it’s an interesting place to be. Then we have the wonderful Heather who is a breath of fresh air and someone that I’d like to be best friends with.
I also learnt a lot about tea like the correct way to pronounce rooibos. You don’t even wanna know how I’ve been pronouncing it in my head 🤦🏻♀️😂 and then we come to the ending. Damn I did not see that ending coming at all 🤯 another great read and I can’t wait to see what Andrew Adams will bring us next.
November 16, 2023
Sherman is a writer who has a side of him that doesn't take criticism well and he deals with it in a unique way. He also loves tea and growing herbs. Will he find a way to balance his two sides and lead a peaceful life with the woman he loves?
I enjoyed the duality of this character. It was a very Ying and Yang existence. He also knows his herbs and a great cup of tea. It reminded me a lot of "Dexter" if Dexter grew herbs instead of working in forensics. The ending was very interesting.
I enjoyed the duality of this character. It was a very Ying and Yang existence. He also knows his herbs and a great cup of tea. It reminded me a lot of "Dexter" if Dexter grew herbs instead of working in forensics. The ending was very interesting.
July 26, 2024
Pretty cool and unique look into the mind of a serial killer. Really enjoyed the ending.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews