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gareindeedreads's review against another edition
4.0
WOW. Last winter, I had the pleasure of reading FINAL GIRLS by Riley Sager and was blown away with the suspense novel that mixed together a novel with some elements of the horror movie genre. This read had such a similar feeling atmosphere that weaves together a dark past, a cunning and twisted stalker, and a beautiful blend of psychological and horror vibes. This is the ultimate fast paced suspense novel.
Wilson wrote one hell of a protagonist with Alice. I couldn't help but take on the novels beautiful imagery with this strong, yet fearful woman as she battles her inner demons, a clever stalker, and a multitude of shady characters as she gets to the bottom of the truth surrounding a website that is a little too close to home bringing light to events from fourteen years ago. The characters really jump from the page with this one and all have a dire purpose to the novel. They aren't there just to confuse you, distract you from the real antagonist, or fill pages. Each character is a puzzle piece to not only Alice's life, but the story Wilson is telling. And what a story it is.
With short, addicting chapters, this novel really seduces you further and further into a chilling plot that is action-packed, psychologically mystifying, and cleverly written. Told in three parts, the amount of cliffhangers sprinkled at the end of each chapter will not only completely draw you in, but the rather large twists and turns at the end of each section will seal your fate as you turn the page and sacrifice sleeping, eating, and all responsibility to get to the bottom of Mister Tender's Girl. Gripping, deliciously dark and violent, and masterfully wound, this is definitely one for fans of the 80's and 90's slasher films as well as those who have followed the Slender Man case.
*Special thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with this copy in exchange for my honest review.
Wilson wrote one hell of a protagonist with Alice. I couldn't help but take on the novels beautiful imagery with this strong, yet fearful woman as she battles her inner demons, a clever stalker, and a multitude of shady characters as she gets to the bottom of the truth surrounding a website that is a little too close to home bringing light to events from fourteen years ago. The characters really jump from the page with this one and all have a dire purpose to the novel. They aren't there just to confuse you, distract you from the real antagonist, or fill pages. Each character is a puzzle piece to not only Alice's life, but the story Wilson is telling. And what a story it is.
With short, addicting chapters, this novel really seduces you further and further into a chilling plot that is action-packed, psychologically mystifying, and cleverly written. Told in three parts, the amount of cliffhangers sprinkled at the end of each chapter will not only completely draw you in, but the rather large twists and turns at the end of each section will seal your fate as you turn the page and sacrifice sleeping, eating, and all responsibility to get to the bottom of Mister Tender's Girl. Gripping, deliciously dark and violent, and masterfully wound, this is definitely one for fans of the 80's and 90's slasher films as well as those who have followed the Slender Man case.
*Special thanks to Sourcebooks for providing me with this copy in exchange for my honest review.
torirogers's review against another edition
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
stephreadseverything's review against another edition
3.0
The book, which is based loosely on the Slender Man case is about Alice, who was attacked by twin “friends” if hers in England at age 14. The terror twins were convinced that Mr. Tender, a character in a graphic novel created by Alice’s father, was imploring them to kill her. She survives and moves to the US, where she spends her days owning a coffee shop and her nights being (understandably) terrified of her past. Sort of predictably, she starts getting weird messages from a stalker who seems to be obsessed with her and her history, and she must figure out who it is.
.
There was a lot done well in this book: I was interested in Alice’s character, who wasn’t a typical victim/damsel in distress. She suffered debilitating panic attacks but was aware and worked through them in way I found to be described really well. Alice also took self-defense classes and would kick a dude’s ass if she had too, which was unique. The psychological relationship with her mother and brother was fascinating and terrifying, so much so that I wish that had been the novel. I honestly could have done without the “hey there’s a psycho stalker” angle, and would’ve enjoyed a book focus solely on how Alice was coping (and not coping) with what happened to her and coming to terms with things she failed to due to her trauma.
.
Where the novel got a little cheesy for me was the main point of figuring out who this stalker is that enters her life in the form of mail/texts/computer messages. The theme of “there’s no hiding in the Information Age” was interesting enough, and the novel did a good job of portraying people obsessed with true crime, but it went a bit...far. I can’t say much about the ending without spoilers, but it was eye roll inducing. It does have all the aspects of a good thriller: a terrible crime, creepy-ass twins, a psycho stalker, surprise sub-plots out of left field, and more! Still, overall, it was a creepy and fun thriller, and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you read it!
.
There was a lot done well in this book: I was interested in Alice’s character, who wasn’t a typical victim/damsel in distress. She suffered debilitating panic attacks but was aware and worked through them in way I found to be described really well. Alice also took self-defense classes and would kick a dude’s ass if she had too, which was unique. The psychological relationship with her mother and brother was fascinating and terrifying, so much so that I wish that had been the novel. I honestly could have done without the “hey there’s a psycho stalker” angle, and would’ve enjoyed a book focus solely on how Alice was coping (and not coping) with what happened to her and coming to terms with things she failed to due to her trauma.
.
Where the novel got a little cheesy for me was the main point of figuring out who this stalker is that enters her life in the form of mail/texts/computer messages. The theme of “there’s no hiding in the Information Age” was interesting enough, and the novel did a good job of portraying people obsessed with true crime, but it went a bit...far. I can’t say much about the ending without spoilers, but it was eye roll inducing. It does have all the aspects of a good thriller: a terrible crime, creepy-ass twins, a psycho stalker, surprise sub-plots out of left field, and more! Still, overall, it was a creepy and fun thriller, and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you read it!
cassies_books_reviews's review against another edition
5.0
I’m sure everyone’s heard of the slenderman story and how two girls tried to kill their friend this story is very similar to that! It had me hooked from the first page! At fourteen Alice is brutally stabbed by two of her classmates claiming “mister tender” a fictional character that Alice’s father created in a comic book told them to kill her. Left clinging to life Alice’s life is forever changed. Ten years later Alice is living a new country with a different name trying to leave the horror of her past behind her. Alice suffers severe ptsd and panic attacks and has a hard time making it through each day. After logging onto a dating app one of her matches is mister tender! This doesn’t take long for Alice to realize someone is watching her after a book is mailed to her with illustrations and inscription from her late father who was murdered a few years before. She soon is contacted by a man named “mr interested” who runs a Mr tender fan site where she finds pictures of her home, pictures of her just living her normal life and she starts realize Mr interested is tracking her every move. Can Alice go back to her past to be able to survive and outwit Mr interested who just may be Mr. Tender? This book is a roller coaster you may think you have it all figured out but then your in for a surprise! This will leave you at the edge of your seat! Highly recommend!!!!
xokristim's review against another edition
4.0
I thought the cover of this one had just the right amount of creepiness to draw you in to picking up the book, because once you read the synopsis I feel like there is no way you wouldn’t want to devour this book. I like that the author talked a bit about her brother having Lyme Disease and Bipolar Disorder. It really added something in for me to learn more about, and I loved the way it was explained.
I could relate to Alice on so many levels, especially her panic attacks. They were extremely similar to the ones I suffer from. There was a quote said during a scene where Alice is having a panic attack. “There is nothing in this world more trapping thank one’s own mind.” I felt it such a powerfully perfect quote when dealing with panic. I found that the descriptions of her panic attacks were so real I could feel myself actually getting anxious for her at times. This is because I’ve been there so many times and it really just hit home. I found myself not trusting any of the side characters, there was not one that I wasn’t weary of. I enjoyed the fact that there wasn’t a romance as a focal point of the story. It really sets it apart from the thrillers where there is some sort of romantic savior.
There was a lot going on throughout the story, I feel like it really added to the twists because there were more details to be sorted out. I was surprised during each of the twists and turns, and there was no lack of them. I had a hard time seeing any of them coming, and I feel like that really makes a good thriller! I like the way everything was pulled together at the end, it left me not having to question any loose ends, which is what I look for in a standalone book. This author is an absolutely amazing storyteller and I will not be missing any of the books he writes.
I could relate to Alice on so many levels, especially her panic attacks. They were extremely similar to the ones I suffer from. There was a quote said during a scene where Alice is having a panic attack. “There is nothing in this world more trapping thank one’s own mind.” I felt it such a powerfully perfect quote when dealing with panic. I found that the descriptions of her panic attacks were so real I could feel myself actually getting anxious for her at times. This is because I’ve been there so many times and it really just hit home. I found myself not trusting any of the side characters, there was not one that I wasn’t weary of. I enjoyed the fact that there wasn’t a romance as a focal point of the story. It really sets it apart from the thrillers where there is some sort of romantic savior.
There was a lot going on throughout the story, I feel like it really added to the twists because there were more details to be sorted out. I was surprised during each of the twists and turns, and there was no lack of them. I had a hard time seeing any of them coming, and I feel like that really makes a good thriller! I like the way everything was pulled together at the end, it left me not having to question any loose ends, which is what I look for in a standalone book. This author is an absolutely amazing storyteller and I will not be missing any of the books he writes.
elliasjh's review against another edition
3.0
"How's your mother, Alice?"
The question catches me a bit off guard, so I reply with the first answer that enters my mind.
"Fat," I say, then start laughing..."she's so fat, Charles."
Well hell then, aside from the fat shaming and a couple racial stereotypes regarding people of color, Mister Tender's Girl was somewhat of a fast-paced thrill ride and ironically, a lackluster read.
I honestly thought given the dark nature the premise of the book had to offer, I was expecting something much darker and unsettling. Instead, I got a pretty much straightforward thriller that disappointingly stayed its course and didn't venture any further into anything new or exciting.
The strongest aspect of the book would have to be Carter's writing; holy shit it was really good. The level of apprehension and tension spurring from his words really enhanced the story itself and that, along with the actual premise, moved the whole book along a killer speed of fast and furious.
Not to say that this book didn't have its moments. Unsettling and creepy at times, but those times were rare and few, which unfortunately, left a little to be desired when expected so much.
3 STARS.
Twitter | Bookstagram | Youtube |
_________________
IM GETTING SLENDER MAN VIBES FROM THIS BOOK. IT SOUNDS INSANE.
elliasjhh's review against another edition
3.0
"How's your mother, Alice?"
The question catches me a bit off guard, so I reply with the first answer that enters my mind.
"Fat," I say, then start laughing..."she's so fat, Charles."
Well hell then, aside from the fat shaming and a couple racial stereotypes regarding people of color, Mister Tender's Girl was somewhat of a fast-paced thrill ride and ironically, a lackluster read.
I honestly thought given the dark nature the premise of the book had to offer, I was expecting something much darker and unsettling. Instead, I got a pretty much straightforward thriller that disappointingly stayed its course and didn't venture any further into anything new or exciting.
The strongest aspect of the book would have to be Carter's writing; holy shit it was really good. The level of apprehension and tension spurring from his words really enhanced the story itself and that, along with the actual premise, moved the whole book along a killer speed of fast and furious.
Not to say that this book didn't have its moments. Unsettling and creepy at times, but those times were rare and few, which unfortunately, left a little to be desired when expected so much.
3 STARS.
Twitter | Bookstagram | Youtube |
_________________
IM GETTING SLENDER MAN VIBES FROM THIS BOOK. IT SOUNDS INSANE.
ellias's review against another edition
3.0
"How's your mother, Alice?"
The question catches me a bit off guard, so I reply with the first answer that enters my mind.
"Fat," I say, then start laughing..."she's so fat, Charles."
Well hell then, aside from the fat shaming and a couple racial stereotypes regarding people of color, Mister Tender's Girl was somewhat of a fast-paced thrill ride and ironically, a lackluster read.
I honestly thought given the dark nature the premise of the book had to offer, I was expecting something much darker and unsettling. Instead, I got a pretty much straightforward thriller that disappointingly stayed its course and didn't venture any further into anything new or exciting.
The strongest aspect of the book would have to be Carter's writing; holy shit it was really good. The level of apprehension and tension spurring from his words really enhanced the story itself and that, along with the actual premise, moved the whole book along a killer speed of fast and furious.
Not to say that this book didn't have its moments. Unsettling and creepy at times, but those times were rare and few, which unfortunately, left a little to be desired when expected so much.
3 STARS.
Twitter | Bookstagram | Youtube |
_________________
IM GETTING SLENDER MAN VIBES FROM THIS BOOK. IT SOUNDS INSANE.
basicbsguide's review against another edition
4.0
Inspired by the Slender man case, the idea of this book intrigued me and terrified me at the same time. I finally gave into the temptation and I’m so glad I did. The moment I picked this book up I could not put it down. An incredibly fast paced book that had me flipping pages with all the lights on.
Carter Wilson talks about what draws him to the thriller genre in the authors notes. I would say he hit the nail in the head with this book. This book is so different from the domestic and psychological thrillers I’ve been reading. He has mastered the ability to create a paranoid reader. I couldn’t stop reading but I had to do it with all the lights on.
This isn’t a page turner in the way that you are trying to figure out a who done it. It’s more of how will Alice survive and persevere. Can she do it? Who will get hurt in the process?
I had heard of the slender man case and it completely creeped me out. I felt horrible for both sets of parents and I enjoyed how the author brought that into the story. We saw how the crime effected everyone.
I could feel the intensity of Alice’s panic attacks. I found myself wondering how I could live through something like that. I think that’s one of the things that drew me in. We can all picture ourselves being the victim.
This is under option for a tv series. I’m not sure I could handle watching it but I sure enjoyed reading it.
Read the authors notes for an interesting fact about the development of the story.
There are a few parts that may be difficult for those that can’t handle a little gore. It’s confined to just a few parts so I would say most could get past it.
Read this one! You won’t regret it.
Carter Wilson talks about what draws him to the thriller genre in the authors notes. I would say he hit the nail in the head with this book. This book is so different from the domestic and psychological thrillers I’ve been reading. He has mastered the ability to create a paranoid reader. I couldn’t stop reading but I had to do it with all the lights on.
This isn’t a page turner in the way that you are trying to figure out a who done it. It’s more of how will Alice survive and persevere. Can she do it? Who will get hurt in the process?
I had heard of the slender man case and it completely creeped me out. I felt horrible for both sets of parents and I enjoyed how the author brought that into the story. We saw how the crime effected everyone.
I could feel the intensity of Alice’s panic attacks. I found myself wondering how I could live through something like that. I think that’s one of the things that drew me in. We can all picture ourselves being the victim.
This is under option for a tv series. I’m not sure I could handle watching it but I sure enjoyed reading it.
Read the authors notes for an interesting fact about the development of the story.
There are a few parts that may be difficult for those that can’t handle a little gore. It’s confined to just a few parts so I would say most could get past it.
Read this one! You won’t regret it.
ashleynestlermsw's review against another edition
3.0
An incredible page turner, but unfortunately it was predictable and many of the characters weren't properly fleshed out.