Gasp! That is what you will do when you get to the big reveal. They Never Learn is a mystery on the level of Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl. If you loved Gone Girl, you will love They Never Learn. The best part about the big reveal is that it comes in the middle of the novel and there are so many juicy thrills yet to be revealed.
This modern thriller is not for the weak. It is a modern psychological thriller. The action starts in chapter one and doesn’t slow down until the very end of the book. Scarlett is a strong intelligent woman who will not be manipulated because she is too busy manipulating those around her.
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
Literary Leftovers are book reviews and recommendations that do not contain recipes, but are books that I highly recommend.
They Never Learn by Layne Fargo Book Review
Murder Mystery Books🔪🔪🔪🔪🔪
Book Review Outline and Tone:Â
You know the mystery is good when you find yourself rooting for a protagonist that behaves like an antagonist. Scarlett kills, but she only kills those who deserve it. This book is what would happen if the Showtime television show Dexter had a baby with the novel Gone Girl. If you liked either of those, run, don’t walk, to get this book. I couldn’t put it down.
The fast paced novel intertwines two stories that when revealed how they fit together, you will gasp out loud. After reading Where the Crawdad’s Sing, my mom and I went to see the movie together. The audible gasp that occurred when that story’s big reveal separated those who had read the book (and knew the reveal was coming) and those who had not read the book. I guarantee the shock in this novel is even bigger!
The author:Â
According to Layne Fargo’s website, she writes books that support women’s rights—and wrongs. She lives in Chicago. Before making writing her full time job, she was a literary manager, dramaturg, and a librarian. She is active on X (formerly Twitter) @LayneFargo. On Pinterest, she has several boards that highlight her books. She does have a Facebook page, but she has not posted yet (at the time of this original blog posting). She is much more active on her Instagram page. I am looking forward to what she will post about next.
What is not to like?:Â
Good question. I liked all of it. If, however, you are adverse to content that is a little graphic (not strongly, just slightly more than a cozy mystery), then this might be too much. I would still recommend reading it just for the amazing twists.
The verdict:Â
Read this juicy novel and enjoy its scandalous and intriguing content. This book would be great for a book club. There are lots of juicy details to discuss.
Book Club Recommendation:
Read it! 5/5 Books 📚📚📚📚📚
The Statistics
- by Layne Fargo
- Rating: 5 Stars
- Genres: Mystery, Psychological Thriller
- Series: No
- Setting: Gorman College
- Pages: 352 pages
- Format: Hardcover, Kindle, Paperback, Audio Book
- Published by: Gallery Books (April 20, 2021)
- Get Your Copy at: Amazon
- Information Sources: Amazon, Goodreads
Disclaimer: In the name of full transparency, please be aware that this blog post contains affiliate links and any purchases made through such links will result in a small commission for me (at no extra cost for you).
Looking for more book reviews of novels that aren’t cozy mysteries. Check out my Literary Leftover Book Review page.
More Book Recommendations for Book Clubs
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
Read my review of The Teacher here.
 To Fill the Void by Ken McCarthy
Read my review of To Fill the Void here.
 The Inmate by Freida McFadden
Read my review of The Inmate here.
  The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva RoseÂ
Read my review of The Perfect Marriage here.
The Light Pirate by Lily Brooks-Dalton
Read my review of The Light Pirate here.