They Never Learn by Layne Fargo

I can see why Layne Fargo’s novels have been diagnosed “addictive.”

I’ve been on a serious True Crime kick, especially with all of the Hulu and Netflix productions as of late. This piece of fiction wholeheartedly scratched the itch in a very similar way. I couldn’t put it down, and the more I read, the more I cheered for our serial killer English professor.

Chapters alternated between two stories; Dr. Scarlett Clark, aforementioned murderer, smearing the campus with justice of the most controversial type; and Carly Gorman, anxious wallflower with similar revenge-obsessed tendencies.

It struck me that the chapters held a intentional cadence to create a rhythm of suspense as I made my through each individual storyline—particularly as they crashed head first into one another and became laced into one.

My heart went out to Carly as she did her best to survive freshman year—I felt warm and empathetic as I rode along on her journey. Scarlett’s story came HOT out of the gate with ice in her veins, and I felt that coldness reading her vivid descriptions of how and why she killed.

This story makes you think; about society, about psychological effects of abuse, about what it means—and what it takes!—to navigate both as a woman.

Feminist Thriller Fiction might be my new favorite genre.