A Monterey reporter desperate to escape his traumatic past investigates a reemerging serial killer by day while infiltrating a cult that offers memory-erasing pills by night, only to find his own identity unraveling as he uncovers the cult’s dark secrets. Blending thriller, speculative fiction, and literary exploration, the story delves into themes of memory, grief, and the cost of forgetting, with a haunting, emotional atmosphere and a protagonist whose reality fractures as his memories fade.

Reader Review Summary

Set in Monterey, California, the novel follows Dash Hassan, a reporter grappling with trauma and desperate to escape his past. By day, Dash investigates the reemergence of a dormant serial killer, while by night he becomes involved with a criminal cult called the Liberty Subterraneans, who offer a pill that can erase traumatic memories. As Dash becomes more entangled with the cult and begins to lose his memories, he uncovers a disturbing secret about the group. The narrative weaves together elements of thriller, mystery, science fiction, and literary fiction, employing dual timelines and frequent flashbacks to explore themes of identity, grief, memory, and the consequences of forgetting. The story also features a subplot involving a father-son relationship, a dog in peril, and Dash’s struggles with his career and personal relationships, all set against a backdrop of psychological tension and noir atmosphere.

Readers praised the book for its lyrical and evocative prose, with several noting the emotional depth and complexity of the characters, particularly Dash and his relationships with supporting characters like Enzo, Cal, Fuji, and Glitch. The exploration of trauma, memory, and grief resonated with many, as did the book’s ability to blend speculative elements with a high-stakes thriller plot. The atmosphere was frequently described as haunting and immersive, and the narrative’s structure—using dual timelines and a slow-burn approach—was highlighted as effective in building suspense. The inclusion of a serial killer subplot, cult dynamics, and a focus on mental health and identity were also cited as strengths. Some readers found the book thought-provoking and suitable for book club discussions, and several mentioned being emotionally affected, with some even brought to tears by the story’s intensity.

Criticisms centered on the book’s pacing and narrative structure, with some readers finding the story disjointed or difficult to follow due to frequent timeline shifts and the protagonist’s memory loss. A number of reviewers felt that the plot tried to juggle too many genres or ideas at once, leading to a lack of cohesion and direction. Some found the writing style inconsistent, oscillating between poetic and awkward, and a few noted that the story dragged or became repetitive, especially in its exploration of grief and trauma. The depiction of female characters was criticized by at least one reviewer as underdeveloped and lacking substance. Others felt that the thriller and cult elements were underutilized, with the narrative focusing more on internal struggles than external suspense. Content warnings were mentioned for drug use, animal abuse (though not graphic), terminal illness, and other heavy topics.

The book was published on May 6, 2025, by Blackstone Publishing and is Omar Hussain’s debut novel. It has received 146 ratings and 28 full reviews, with an average rating of 4.02 out of 5. The story’s ending is described as ambiguous and appears to set up a potential sequel. The book has been recognized as one of Murder & Mayhem’s Most Anticipated Mystery, Thriller, and Crime Books of 2025 and a Goodreads Best Thriller & Mystery of 2025. Content warnings include drug use, animal abuse, withdrawal, kidnapping, bombing, and terminal cancer. The novel has been compared to works like Black Mirror, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Fight Club, and The Silent Patient, and has been recommended for readers interested in literary explorations of memory and trauma as well as those seeking unconventional thrillers.