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Under the Influence: A Psychological Thriller
When the camera is on, so is April. She’s the friend everyone wishes they had. Full of life and vigor. She’s always smiling. Always happy.
But outside the lens, she’s something else entirely.
Crippling agoraphobia grips her life, controlling every thought and determining every move. Haunted by anxiety, she stays locked away in her house—retreating into a reality she can control.
The people who love her think she needs help. And each one is certain they know what’s best. Because a life built on fear is no life at all.
But April is convinced she can handle it. Until she can’t.
When the walls she so carefully built begin to crumble, there’s nowhere for her to hide. She sees things that aren’t there; hears things she can’t explain; and smells things that blur the line between the present and the past. Is it just her imagination or is she under the influence of something more sinister?
But outside the lens, she’s something else entirely.
Crippling agoraphobia grips her life, controlling every thought and determining every move. Haunted by anxiety, she stays locked away in her house—retreating into a reality she can control.
The people who love her think she needs help. And each one is certain they know what’s best. Because a life built on fear is no life at all.
But April is convinced she can handle it. Until she can’t.
When the walls she so carefully built begin to crumble, there’s nowhere for her to hide. She sees things that aren’t there; hears things she can’t explain; and smells things that blur the line between the present and the past. Is it just her imagination or is she under the influence of something more sinister?
- GenresThriller
264 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2021
16 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Layne Deemer
7 books133 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.
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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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 21, 2021
This book was SO GOOD! I received this book as an ARC and I am so glad I did! I don’t read a ton of psychological thrillers, but I do enjoy one every now and then. And this was PERFECT. Every time I thought I figured out what was happening I was proved wrong! This was about April who has severe anxiety and has had a hard time dealing with the loss of her grandmother. She seemingly has it all figured out, she has her YouTube channel and her husband is helpful. Everything is fine until it’s not. The plot twist in this was so good I literally didn’t see it coming. I’m so happy I was came across Layne Deemer and was able to read her book!
October 26, 2021
***4.5 STARS***
“There’s a security in knowing what to expect—a kind of comfort in the ordinary.”
Under the Influence will not be what you expect…and it is far from ordinary. In fact, this book is quite the opposite: it is unique, creepy, surprising and twisty. It is everything you want in a psychological thriller.
April is an influencer, making her living reaching thousands of viewers when ironically she suffers from agoraphobia, the fear of leaving home. She is supported and cherished by her husband Marcus who is protective and loving—two things he didn’t receive from his dismal upbringing. As April starts to see, hear, and smell strange occurrences, the reader, as well as April, starts to wonder what is real and what isn’t. Things get super creepy, accusations start forming and everything is not as it seems. And the ending? Did not see that coming at all. Layne Deemer has once again delivered an addictive, clever page turner…and I enjoyed every eerie second.
“There’s a security in knowing what to expect—a kind of comfort in the ordinary.”
Under the Influence will not be what you expect…and it is far from ordinary. In fact, this book is quite the opposite: it is unique, creepy, surprising and twisty. It is everything you want in a psychological thriller.
April is an influencer, making her living reaching thousands of viewers when ironically she suffers from agoraphobia, the fear of leaving home. She is supported and cherished by her husband Marcus who is protective and loving—two things he didn’t receive from his dismal upbringing. As April starts to see, hear, and smell strange occurrences, the reader, as well as April, starts to wonder what is real and what isn’t. Things get super creepy, accusations start forming and everything is not as it seems. And the ending? Did not see that coming at all. Layne Deemer has once again delivered an addictive, clever page turner…and I enjoyed every eerie second.
November 2, 2021
Psychological thriller is not my normal go-to genre, but I really wanted to get into spooky season and let me tell you, this book is amazing.
The twists and turns and the psychological trips that this book took me on is just... I have no words. I think it was so well written and the plot is perfect. I love how you assumed one thing was going on and in the end, it was entirely different (that makes no sense if you are reading this review without having read the book. Trying to do no spoilers.
Just read it. It's amazing.
I will be getting a physical copy of this book for my bookshelf!
ARC provided by author
The twists and turns and the psychological trips that this book took me on is just... I have no words. I think it was so well written and the plot is perfect. I love how you assumed one thing was going on and in the end, it was entirely different (that makes no sense if you are reading this review without having read the book. Trying to do no spoilers.
Just read it. It's amazing.
I will be getting a physical copy of this book for my bookshelf!
ARC provided by author
October 20, 2021
If you haven’t read any of Layne’s books you are severely missing out. She has such a way of sucking you into her stories and not letting you go till you reach that final page.
I absolutely adored her newest psychological thriller, Under the Influence.
This was such a binge worthy read! Once I started it I could not put it down, I just had to know what the hell was going on with April!
April was such a relatable character for me. she has crippling anxiety and severe agoraphobia. I don’t have agoraphobia but I related sooo much to her irrational fears and thoughts, and just the fact that her anxiety truly ran her life.
I had so many questions while reading this!! Is she losing her mind? Is something supernatural happening?! Is someone messing with her?! Were just a few of the questions swirling through my mind while reading this.and once you reach the end your jaw will literally drop just like mine did.
Seriously, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers you have to grab this book!!!
I absolutely adored her newest psychological thriller, Under the Influence.
This was such a binge worthy read! Once I started it I could not put it down, I just had to know what the hell was going on with April!
April was such a relatable character for me. she has crippling anxiety and severe agoraphobia. I don’t have agoraphobia but I related sooo much to her irrational fears and thoughts, and just the fact that her anxiety truly ran her life.
I had so many questions while reading this!! Is she losing her mind? Is something supernatural happening?! Is someone messing with her?! Were just a few of the questions swirling through my mind while reading this.and once you reach the end your jaw will literally drop just like mine did.
Seriously, if you’re a fan of psychological thrillers you have to grab this book!!!
October 15, 2021
Let me just start off with .. wow!
Layne Deemer takes us inside the mind of April, helps us to understand her struggles, and learn her fears. The story is suspenseful and with all of the creepiness and twists you'll find yourself not wanting to stop reading. Things are happening, but why? Layne takes you down a path that you think you've solved the book and then you'll be turned in another direction! So many twists and turns. I would have never had guessed that shocking ending!
I read this book in a day and I'm still thinking about the story, the creepiness and that ending. Layne's writing is wonderful, I cannot wait to read more of her work.
I'd love to write more but I honestly don't want to give away any spoilers. This book would be perfect for a book club with a discussion group to talk about it afterwards. I'd love to talk to someone else who has read it. Which leave me to end this review with- I highly recommend you all to read Under the Influence by Layne Deemer!
Layne Deemer takes us inside the mind of April, helps us to understand her struggles, and learn her fears. The story is suspenseful and with all of the creepiness and twists you'll find yourself not wanting to stop reading. Things are happening, but why? Layne takes you down a path that you think you've solved the book and then you'll be turned in another direction! So many twists and turns. I would have never had guessed that shocking ending!
I read this book in a day and I'm still thinking about the story, the creepiness and that ending. Layne's writing is wonderful, I cannot wait to read more of her work.
I'd love to write more but I honestly don't want to give away any spoilers. This book would be perfect for a book club with a discussion group to talk about it afterwards. I'd love to talk to someone else who has read it. Which leave me to end this review with- I highly recommend you all to read Under the Influence by Layne Deemer!
October 21, 2021
Ok, I didn’t know what to think of this book at first. It’s a psychological thriller, about a woman who has severe anxiety, and is afraid to leave her house. But when I started reading, I was instantly hooked. It drew me in and did not let go. The story is compelling, and will have you on the edge of your seat. At first I didn’t like the main character, April. She seemed whinny, and acted like no one understood what she was going through. But that changed quickly when all these strange things started happening to her. It leaves you wondering what is going on. Halfway through, I was 98 percent sure I know what was going on. I had everything figured out. But boy was I wrong. I absolutely loved this story. It’s one that holds onto you, and you have to finish to know what is going on. I definitely recommend this book. This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, but it for sure won’t be the last.
October 15, 2021
( I received this book as an ARC) Let me start off and say that before reading this book, I was in a thriller slump. I have not touched a murder mystery or thriller in a year because I was feeling burnt out and in a bit of a slump. I didn’t know the genre and went in completely blind, which was an amazing idea because at every turn in the book there was revelation after revelation that boggled my mind. I can easily say that this was a great book. No spoilers but if you are looking for a slow descent into madness that you don’t realize is coming upon you this book is amazing. Now you might be wondering do I want to descend into madness? And the answer is yes because I felt like Alice waking up in Wonderland upon finishing the book. It’s really well paced and builds the tension gradually to the point where the end hits you. I very rarely give 5 stars but I feel like the intense “wow” feeling I had was well worth it!
October 14, 2021
I was able to receive an ARC of this book and I can't recommend it enough. The main character, April, is really relatable as a social media influencer dealing with anxiety. I couldn't put it down and just when you think you know how it's going to end, you are wrong!!
October 22, 2021
I was not expecting that!
April is a YouTuber with debilitating agoraphobia.
When she starts seeing, hearing and experiencing things that make no sense - she thinks she’s going crazy or is she?
Suspenseful with an ending you don’t see coming!
Grab this one.
April is a YouTuber with debilitating agoraphobia.
When she starts seeing, hearing and experiencing things that make no sense - she thinks she’s going crazy or is she?
Suspenseful with an ending you don’t see coming!
Grab this one.
October 21, 2021
I had the chance to read the ARC of this book, and all I can say is wow! I typically don’t choose thriller books as my first choice, but Layne’s writing had me captivated. The chapters are quite long, and I honestly could not figure out the ending until the actual ending! It had me double checking myself in mirrors, looking over my shoulder in the dark, and I had to stop reading a few times out of fear.
If psychological thrillers are your thing, this is definitely the book for you. I am looking forward to reading more of Layne’s books…but probably only during the day!
If psychological thrillers are your thing, this is definitely the book for you. I am looking forward to reading more of Layne’s books…but probably only during the day!
October 19, 2021
Thank you Layne and team for sending me an ARC of this book!
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller. The beginning was a bit slow but after the 30% mark I couldn’t put this book down. There were twists and turns that made me think I knew what was happening but the ending was so shocking, my jaw was on this floor.
I loved the writing and it also made me question what was going on. I highly recommend reading!
I really enjoyed this psychological thriller. The beginning was a bit slow but after the 30% mark I couldn’t put this book down. There were twists and turns that made me think I knew what was happening but the ending was so shocking, my jaw was on this floor.
I loved the writing and it also made me question what was going on. I highly recommend reading!
October 14, 2021
4.5 stars! I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and I loved it! I loved the way April was portrayed, both her job as an influencer and also her struggles with her agoraphobia. The plot twists were intriguing and I was right there with April wanting to find out what was happening to her and why. It kept me in suspense trying to figure it out the whole way through, and then when it all finally came together it was unexpected but made so much sense. It's definitely a book I would recommend
October 15, 2021
I received an ARC of this book. April is an influencer, but also severely agoraphobic. As strange things keep happening to her in her home, she no longer feels safe in the one place that made her comfortable. But there’s a reason behind all these strange occurrences. The ending wraps up all the loose ends and gives April the answers she so desperately needs. Or does it?
October 21, 2021
This book was truly amazing in its own ways. A psychological thriller i couldn't put down but it was slow at the beginning, after 20% 30% it picked up speed. I don't usually read this genre but I gave this book a shot and it was great I loved it! The ending was so shocking. You should totally read this book.
October 21, 2021
I received an early copy of this book (ARC).
I was worried about finishing this book before the release but WOW! I flew threw it. I was so invested in the story that I hate to say I neglected my normal duties (LOL no regrets).
There were so many twists that's I didn't see coming and the book kept me guessing throughout.
Highly recommend this book if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
I was worried about finishing this book before the release but WOW! I flew threw it. I was so invested in the story that I hate to say I neglected my normal duties (LOL no regrets).
There were so many twists that's I didn't see coming and the book kept me guessing throughout.
Highly recommend this book if you enjoy psychological thrillers.
October 18, 2021
I had the opportunity to read this book as an ARC. This books takes you on a journey with April a social media influencer who struggles with anxiety and agoraphobia. Outside of those issues she seems to be a pretty happy person, until strange things start to happen to her. This book kept my interest as you just have to know why all these things are happening and who is behind them, or if it is just her mind. Excellent thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat!
February 2, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC copy and I was very thrilled to read it. I am not a huge thriller reader I'm more the the paranormal fantasy reader but really wanted something different to try out. The beginning of this book was a bit slow and I honestly wasn't sure I would be able to get into and read it thoroughly which would be no ones fault but my own for diving into a book out of my taste level. as the story progressed and we are living through Aprils mind the story did pick up and I did in fact enjoy the book and would recommend it. The character are familiar and relatable and the twists kept me guessing.
October 18, 2021
Under the Influence is yet another mind-bending kind of read from the talented Layne Deemer. One of those stories where you are waiting for that shoe to drop and keep turning those pages until that inevitable 'a-ha' moment catches you off guard. With a great, fresh, and relevant premise wherein April is an influencer on YouTube, I did not pick up on the whys of her sudden hallucinations until all was revealed. Deemer had me going in all kinds of directions and wanting to suspect all those who are a part of April's insular world, feeling like she did that it didn't seem possible anyone close to her would want to hurt her in this way.
There are plenty of detours and smart tangents that had me scratching my head as April tries not to lean on her husband Marcus for everything yet can't help but stay inside her home, frightened of the world outside of it. It was an interesting dichotomy wherein April is followed by thousands of viewers who rely on her opinions wrt a vast array of products she tests out, yet she is practically a prisoner in her home, of her own doing I might add.
There is a subtle kind of build-up as her husband, parents, bestie in Emma, and Marcus's bud in Zach all begin to make it feel as if the walls are closing in on April. But I'm glad that in the end, she was the one who was able to crawl out of her paranoia and set herself free. Despite all that she might think at times throughout this twisted tale, she had the sense to realize something just wasn't right.
A true study of what the mind can conjure up due to memories, long-forgotten experiences, and a sense of loss, Deemer knows how to mess with my own brain on the regular with these unusual yet gripping stories that I simply can't resist. I'm continually in awe of her writing abilities and the way she keeps me on my toes.
Sure to make you think and realize just when you thought you had it all figured out, that you don't, Under the Influence is another great addition to the world of Layne Deemer and I happily give it a huge 4 stars!
There are plenty of detours and smart tangents that had me scratching my head as April tries not to lean on her husband Marcus for everything yet can't help but stay inside her home, frightened of the world outside of it. It was an interesting dichotomy wherein April is followed by thousands of viewers who rely on her opinions wrt a vast array of products she tests out, yet she is practically a prisoner in her home, of her own doing I might add.
There is a subtle kind of build-up as her husband, parents, bestie in Emma, and Marcus's bud in Zach all begin to make it feel as if the walls are closing in on April. But I'm glad that in the end, she was the one who was able to crawl out of her paranoia and set herself free. Despite all that she might think at times throughout this twisted tale, she had the sense to realize something just wasn't right.
A true study of what the mind can conjure up due to memories, long-forgotten experiences, and a sense of loss, Deemer knows how to mess with my own brain on the regular with these unusual yet gripping stories that I simply can't resist. I'm continually in awe of her writing abilities and the way she keeps me on my toes.
Sure to make you think and realize just when you thought you had it all figured out, that you don't, Under the Influence is another great addition to the world of Layne Deemer and I happily give it a huge 4 stars!
October 20, 2021
4.5⭐️
I was luck enough to receive this as an arc! Phychological thriller isn’t my usual go to genre but wow this book!
I will admit it started off a little slow but this twist and turns this book had kept my on my toes the entire time. I was consistently questioning things and coming up with theories (none were right!)
This book was so well thought out and has very modern characters that was relatable.
READ👏🏼THIS👏🏼BOOK👏🏼
I was luck enough to receive this as an arc! Phychological thriller isn’t my usual go to genre but wow this book!
I will admit it started off a little slow but this twist and turns this book had kept my on my toes the entire time. I was consistently questioning things and coming up with theories (none were right!)
This book was so well thought out and has very modern characters that was relatable.
READ👏🏼THIS👏🏼BOOK👏🏼
October 21, 2021
I will start by saying that it did take me just a bit to get into this story, but once I did, WOW. I blew through it in no time! April is such a well written character! And all of the twists! I loved this story and can’t wait to read more of Layne’s work now! Definitely an edge of your seat thriller!!
October 13, 2021
This book was gripping and compelling from the very beginning. I literally could not put it down. I am a pretty quick reader and Under the Influence was a super fast read for me. Layne did an outstanding job. I love how she portrayed her characters struggle and how she clearly depicted how easy it is to pretend without anyone knowing what is truly going on behind closed doors.
October 17, 2021
This was the first fiction book I've read in years and boy, it did not disappoint. I very easily connected with April and her struggles with agoraphobia, even though I've never experienced it before. I couldn't put the book down as I was so invested in figuring out what was happening to April. Sad to see it end, but it was a perfect ending. I will probably read this one again to see all the little clues Layne sprinkled throughout that I might have missed.
October 12, 2021
Ok. So the book seems slow to start. Stick with it, I promise it's worth it! I was so mist twisted by the time everything clicked into place at the end I almost cried! In a good way no sad tears here. Long ride but totally grabs you and twists you up.
October 21, 2021
100% a fantastic psychological thriller. I was kept guessing the entire way through this book on what is the actual cause of Aprils' hallucinations and mental stress. Layne Deemer did a fantastic job skewing the readers perception and throwing in just the right amount of information to keep you guessing. I felt like I was watching a movie and going through the same emotional rollercoaster one does in the theater suspenseful music and all. Deemer truly captures the reader with the 1POV and makes you feel just as foggy headed as April does during her psyche attacks. I felt like I was reading in a dark gloomy room during those scenes and then as soon as something came in to break the 'attack' off it was all sunshine and rainbows again. Very well written and I look forward to reading more thrillers by Leyne Deemer.
October 27, 2021
I loved this book. The whole time I was unsure of what was going on. Was she losing her mind or was someone gaslighting her.
October 22, 2021
April has severe anxiety that inhibits her in a lot of ways. When she thinks she can overcome it on her own, she finds out the hard way she may not be able to.
This book was absolutely gripping. It starts off a little slow, but once your learn how April is, how her mind works and her dynamic with her family, the story begins to really pick up. There are some twists you don't expect, and the ending was a complete curve ball. You think you know how things will end, and you find out you had no clue. I loved that, and kudos to the author for giving a book that really makes you question things as the story progresses.
This book was absolutely gripping. It starts off a little slow, but once your learn how April is, how her mind works and her dynamic with her family, the story begins to really pick up. There are some twists you don't expect, and the ending was a complete curve ball. You think you know how things will end, and you find out you had no clue. I loved that, and kudos to the author for giving a book that really makes you question things as the story progresses.
October 21, 2021
Rating this 4.5 stars!
So so good! Not my typical read but this was so great. It started off slow but the plot twists kept me so intrigued I couldn’t put it down. This book definitely makes me want to read more psychological thrillers!
So so good! Not my typical read but this was so great. It started off slow but the plot twists kept me so intrigued I couldn’t put it down. This book definitely makes me want to read more psychological thrillers!
November 16, 2021
As always, I love reading Layne’s books. You really get involved in her characters and it brings you much deeper into the story and that’s makes it a page turner . Loved it 🥰
October 18, 2021
Whoa! This gripped me from page one, rattled my brain and left me reeling in the way only fantastic psychological thrillers can. I am continuously floored by Layne Deemer’s ability to make me go “I did not see that coming!”. From Frayed to Decompose and now with her newest release, Under the Influence! Each book truly unique and yet they all sock you in the face with Deemer’s gift of storytelling, her ability to bend your mind and keep you guessing all the way through.
Getting into April’s head in Under the Influence really did me in! You get the chilling perspective of the inside looking out. It’s haunting watching April unravel. Is it all her? Is it those around her? Or is she completely Under the Influence of something else entirely? You’ll just have to read it to find out!
Getting into April’s head in Under the Influence really did me in! You get the chilling perspective of the inside looking out. It’s haunting watching April unravel. Is it all her? Is it those around her? Or is she completely Under the Influence of something else entirely? You’ll just have to read it to find out!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews