Today, I want to talk about Layne Fargo’s TEMPER, a book that came out just a few days ago and has already set my summer on fire.
I usually stick to literary fiction, and I’ve read some popular psychological thrillers years ago like GONE GIRL and GIRL ON THE TRAIN and LUCKIEST GIRL ALIVE. I liked those books, but Layne’s book, which is filled with complex yet totally relatable characters and is vivid with such acute observations about gender, sex, and power, was such a complete delight to read that I think I will start seeking out these sorts of thrillers more often.
Basically, an actress named Kira who has had little luck landing big roles makes her break when a notorious and manipulative theater-owner named Malcolm gives her the part in his play. What follows is a wild ride as the novel alternates between Kira’s perspective and the perspective of the other co-owner of Malcolm’s theater company–a woman who is as wrapped up in Malcolm’s world as Kira is about to be.
I found myself marveling at the author’s spot-on descriptions and her ability to capture the nuances of power-making in interpersonal relationships. The plot is thoroughly satisfying but the characterization was just as strong, too, making it a book I kept wanting to return to each time I put it down.
You can buy Layne’s book now!
