Kate Raven’s Such A Good Guy is a psychological thriller that deftly intertwines the seemingly disparate worlds of crystal shops and TikTok fame, creating a narrative that is both intriguing and unsettling. At its core, the novel explores themes of obsession, grief, and the facades people maintain, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The story begins with Luna Gallagher, an introverted crystal shop owner, who is thrust into a whirlwind of emotions and mystery following the unexpected death of her brother, Adrian. Adrian’s demise occurs while he is on tour in Canada with his best friend, Luke O’Neill, a TikTok pop star sensation. This premise sets the stage for a gripping exploration of Luna’s journey as she navigates the complexities of grief, family secrets, and an unsettling fixation.

Raven’s portrayal of Luna is both nuanced and relatable. As a character, Luna is a refreshing departure from the typical protagonist found in psychological thrillers. Her introversion and affinity for crystals add layers to her personality, making her a compelling figure to follow. Luna’s skepticism and initial disdain for Luke’s seemingly charming demeanor are well-founded, as Raven skillfully peels back the layers of Luke’s character to reveal a more sinister side.

Luke O’Neill, with his “sweet golden retriever personality,” initially appears to be the antithesis of a villain. However, as the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident that his charm is a carefully constructed facade. Raven’s ability to craft a character who is both endearing and menacing is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. Luke’s obsession with Luna, masked by his declaration of a long-standing crush, adds a chilling dimension to the story, as it becomes clear that his intentions are far from innocent.

The theme of obsession is central to the novel, and Raven explores it with a deft hand. Luke’s fixation on Luna is reminiscent of the psychological tension found in works like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn or The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins. However, Raven’s approach is unique in its incorporation of modern elements such as social media fame and the pressures that accompany it. This contemporary angle adds a fresh twist to the genre, making Such A Good Guy a standout in the realm of psychological thrillers.

Grief is another prominent theme in the novel, as Luna grapples with the loss of her brother and the subsequent revelations about his life. Raven’s exploration of grief is poignant and authentic, capturing the myriad emotions that accompany such a loss. Luna’s journey through grief is intertwined with her growing suspicion of Luke, creating a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and suspenseful.

Raven’s writing style is engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the world she has created. Her ability to build tension and maintain suspense is evident throughout the novel, as each chapter leaves readers eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle. The pacing is well-executed, with a balance of introspective moments and action-driven scenes that keep the narrative moving forward.

In terms of character development, Raven excels in crafting multidimensional characters who evolve over the course of the story. Luna’s transformation from a reserved shop owner to a determined investigator is both believable and satisfying. Similarly, Luke’s descent from a seemingly harmless pop star to a menacing figure is handled with precision, making his character arc both compelling and chilling.

Overall, Such A Good Guy is a masterful blend of psychological tension and emotional depth. Raven’s exploration of obsession, grief, and the facades people maintain is both thought-provoking and thrilling. The novel’s contemporary elements, such as the influence of social media and the pressures of fame, add a unique dimension to the story, setting it apart from other works in the genre.

For readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with complex characters and a modern twist, Such A Good Guy is a must-read. Raven’s ability to craft a narrative that is both engaging and unsettling is sure to leave a lasting impression, making this novel a standout addition to the world of psychological fiction.