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A review by alookinsideri
The Mole People by Kevin Landt
4.0
Kevin Landt’s The Mole People is an emotionally charged and atmospheric thriller that delves into the hidden underbelly of Las Vegas, a stark contrast to the city’s dazzling exterior. This haunting novel brings readers into a world where the line between reality and delusion is often blurred, creating a gripping psychological exploration of mental illness, survival, and isolation.
At the heart of the novel is Suzie Franks, a young woman whose struggle with schizophrenia leads her into the dark, subterranean tunnels of Las Vegas, inhabited by the forgotten and displaced. Suzie’s journey is both a literal descent into the city’s underworld and a symbolic confrontation with her inner demons. Kevin Landt paints a vivid and unsettling portrait of Suzie’s mental state, keeping readers on edge as they question what’s real and what’s a product of her illness. This constant tension gives the novel its razor-sharp intensity, pulling readers into the fractured lens through which Suzie views the world.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Mole People is the depth of its character development, particularly in Suzie. She’s not just a victim of her circumstances or her illness; she’s a multifaceted protagonist, one who is resourceful and resilient even when pushed to her breaking point. Her battle with schizophrenia is portrayed with raw honesty, highlighting the confusion, paranoia, and fear that often accompany the condition. Landt does a masterful job of making Suzie’s struggles feel deeply personal and relatable, ensuring that readers empathize with her as she tries to navigate a reality that seems to shift and twist around her.
The plot is as layered as the characters themselves. Suzie’s descent into the tunnels below Las Vegas is filled with tangible and intangible threats, making it difficult for her—and for readers—to discern who or what can be trusted. The underground world Landt creates is hauntingly claustrophobic, filled with eerie figures, dangerous situations, and moments of stark beauty amidst the decay. The community of outcasts that Suzie encounters in the tunnels adds a sense of melancholy and danger, as they each grapple with their own demons while surviving on the margins of society. Suzie’s interactions with these people reveal as much about her character as they do about the world she’s entered, shedding light on her mental resilience and emotional vulnerability.
Landt skillfully weaves themes of survival, mental health, and societal neglect into the narrative, using the bleak setting of Las Vegas’ underground to reflect the struggles of those living on the fringes of society. The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of mental illness and homelessness, but it does so with nuance, avoiding clichés and instead focusing on the complex inner lives of its characters. There’s an underlying question that permeates the novel: Is Suzie’s journey to escape the tunnels an allegory for her battle with her own mind? And will she find redemption, or be lost to the darkness?
As the stakes rise and Suzie’s situation becomes increasingly perilous, the pacing of The Mole People builds to a nail-biting climax. Readers will find themselves holding their breath as Suzie faces not only physical danger but also the ever-present threat of her mind turning against her. The novel strikes a delicate balance between being a thriller and a psychological drama, keeping readers engaged on multiple levels as they try to piece together the mystery alongside Suzie.
In The Mole People, Kevin Landt has crafted a novel that is both a riveting exploration of human resilience and a sobering reflection on the darker sides of society. The story grips readers from the very first page and doesn’t let go until long after the final chapter. Suzie’s journey—both physical and psychological—will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever struggled to find their way in a world that doesn’t seem to fit. For fans of thrillers with complex, well-developed characters and a deep emotional core, The Mole People is an unforgettable addition to any bookshelf.
At the heart of the novel is Suzie Franks, a young woman whose struggle with schizophrenia leads her into the dark, subterranean tunnels of Las Vegas, inhabited by the forgotten and displaced. Suzie’s journey is both a literal descent into the city’s underworld and a symbolic confrontation with her inner demons. Kevin Landt paints a vivid and unsettling portrait of Suzie’s mental state, keeping readers on edge as they question what’s real and what’s a product of her illness. This constant tension gives the novel its razor-sharp intensity, pulling readers into the fractured lens through which Suzie views the world.
One of the most compelling aspects of The Mole People is the depth of its character development, particularly in Suzie. She’s not just a victim of her circumstances or her illness; she’s a multifaceted protagonist, one who is resourceful and resilient even when pushed to her breaking point. Her battle with schizophrenia is portrayed with raw honesty, highlighting the confusion, paranoia, and fear that often accompany the condition. Landt does a masterful job of making Suzie’s struggles feel deeply personal and relatable, ensuring that readers empathize with her as she tries to navigate a reality that seems to shift and twist around her.
The plot is as layered as the characters themselves. Suzie’s descent into the tunnels below Las Vegas is filled with tangible and intangible threats, making it difficult for her—and for readers—to discern who or what can be trusted. The underground world Landt creates is hauntingly claustrophobic, filled with eerie figures, dangerous situations, and moments of stark beauty amidst the decay. The community of outcasts that Suzie encounters in the tunnels adds a sense of melancholy and danger, as they each grapple with their own demons while surviving on the margins of society. Suzie’s interactions with these people reveal as much about her character as they do about the world she’s entered, shedding light on her mental resilience and emotional vulnerability.
Landt skillfully weaves themes of survival, mental health, and societal neglect into the narrative, using the bleak setting of Las Vegas’ underground to reflect the struggles of those living on the fringes of society. The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of mental illness and homelessness, but it does so with nuance, avoiding clichés and instead focusing on the complex inner lives of its characters. There’s an underlying question that permeates the novel: Is Suzie’s journey to escape the tunnels an allegory for her battle with her own mind? And will she find redemption, or be lost to the darkness?
As the stakes rise and Suzie’s situation becomes increasingly perilous, the pacing of The Mole People builds to a nail-biting climax. Readers will find themselves holding their breath as Suzie faces not only physical danger but also the ever-present threat of her mind turning against her. The novel strikes a delicate balance between being a thriller and a psychological drama, keeping readers engaged on multiple levels as they try to piece together the mystery alongside Suzie.
In The Mole People, Kevin Landt has crafted a novel that is both a riveting exploration of human resilience and a sobering reflection on the darker sides of society. The story grips readers from the very first page and doesn’t let go until long after the final chapter. Suzie’s journey—both physical and psychological—will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever struggled to find their way in a world that doesn’t seem to fit. For fans of thrillers with complex, well-developed characters and a deep emotional core, The Mole People is an unforgettable addition to any bookshelf.