Helpless

It has been a minute since a book had me in a chokehold the way this one did. Maybe since Verity. At times, I felt paralyzed, like I physically could not put the book down. I will warn you that it’s dark and messed up, but I like dark and messed up. There is a content warning for abuse. The protagonist is deeply unlikeable and hard to relate to. She makes horrible decisions! Still, I loved it. These things were all intentional on Knoll’s part, and her writing (specifically Faye, the main character’s, observations) is incredible. Faye Heron is a successful Hollywood actress and part of a powerhouse producing duo with her husband. When her very beloved former professor suddenly passes away, she returns to her college campus, where she will speak at the memorial. There, she runs into her ex-boyfriend from college, Henry. Henry is the one who got away, the person she never stopped thinking about, her first great love. Old feelings come spiraling back, and things get very dark when Henry drugs and kidnaps her. Is she being punished? Protected? I will say no more, just this: clear your afternoon, you won’t be able to step away.