In Malice, Quite Close
- Lesley Goldthorpe

- Apr 24
- 1 min read

The story centers around Tristan, who becomes completely obsessed with a teenage girl named Karen—and not in a subtle way. It’s intense, uncomfortable, and honestly kind of disturbing watching how far that obsession goes. The whole book has this quiet, eerie vibe where you can tell something isn’t right, but you can’t look away either.
What stuck with me the most was how deep it gets into the characters’ heads. You’re not just watching things happen—you’re right there in it, seeing how they justify their choices, even when those choices are clearly messed up. It makes the whole thing feel a little too real at times.
It’s not a fast-paced thriller, and it’s definitely not an easy read. It’s more slow and psychological, with a lot of focus on control, manipulation, and identity. There were moments where I had to pause and just sit with what I’d read.
I will say, this isn’t for everyone. The subject matter is heavy and pretty uncomfortable, and the characters aren’t meant to be likable. But if you’re into darker, character-driven stories that get under your skin, this one definitely delivers.
Overall, it’s creepy, thought-provoking, and lingers with you after you finish.



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