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A review by readundancies
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
So glad I listened to Kat from paperbackdreams when she commiserated with me at the fact that I had to pick this up from the library multiple times and just couldn't find the will to just pick it up.
But I did pick it up, and it was totally worth it.
Hands down the best adult thriller I've read this year.
I loved that Scarlett was a seasoned serial killer. It’s a perspective I’ve not yet come across in my brief serial killer fascination and the predatory nature of Scarlett‘s chapters was just perfection. It was so fluid and natural and creepy and I was here for it. There was also something incredibly human about Scarlett and her serial killer tendencies that we get the pleasure of reading about, and it was beautiful.
When I got to the plot twist within the first half of the novel, I had a literal jaw drop moment. I didn’t see it coming, and I *LOVE* that so much. Fargo got me good.
I will say that the main reason I couldn't give this anymore than 4.25 stars was because the second half of the story is a lot more romanticized than the first with respect to Scarlett's perspective. I would’ve preferred less romance to be honest, or even none at all, because the story lost its punch once the romance became a focus.
But it was still a wild ride, and I really enjoyed it, so I'll definitely be checking out Fargo's future work, and their previous novel, Temper.
But I did pick it up, and it was totally worth it.
Hands down the best adult thriller I've read this year.
I loved that Scarlett was a seasoned serial killer. It’s a perspective I’ve not yet come across in my brief serial killer fascination and the predatory nature of Scarlett‘s chapters was just perfection. It was so fluid and natural and creepy and I was here for it. There was also something incredibly human about Scarlett and her serial killer tendencies that we get the pleasure of reading about, and it was beautiful.
When I got to the plot twist within the first half of the novel, I had a literal jaw drop moment. I didn’t see it coming, and I *LOVE* that so much. Fargo got me good.
I will say that the main reason I couldn't give this anymore than 4.25 stars was because the second half of the story is a lot more romanticized than the first with respect to Scarlett's perspective. I would’ve preferred less romance to be honest, or even none at all, because the story lost its punch once the romance became a focus.
But it was still a wild ride, and I really enjoyed it, so I'll definitely be checking out Fargo's future work, and their previous novel, Temper.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment