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Creep #1
Creep
Pulsing with the dark obsession of Radiohead’s song “Creep,” Jennifer Hillier’s superb debut thriller is a terrifying cat-and-mouse game between a woman with everything to lose, and the lover she couldn't resist…who’s now the monster who won’t let her go.
A popular psychology professor in Seattle, Sheila works hard to keep her secrets hidden. On the surface, she’s an expert in human behavior and a well-liked educator, but nobody knows she’s a recovering sex addict in therapy—not even the love of her life, Morris. And she needs it to stay that way, or she could lose everything.
But Ethan Wolfe is impossible to resist. The graduate student is brilliant, charming, and seductive as hell. He’s also Sheila’s teaching assistant, and thirteen years her junior. Ignoring the risks to her career and relationship, they begin an illicit affair that lasts three months, until Morris asks her to marry him. Determined to get her life back on track, Sheila commits to a future with her fiancé, a man she’s not sure she deserves.
But Ethan can’t move on so easily. He didn’t pursue his professor for as long as he did to get dumped for some boring, middle-aged suit. Ethan’s made plans too, and he doesn’t take rejection well. When the body of one of Sheila’s students is discovered floating in Puget Sound—a young woman Ethan was rumored to have dated—it’s clear that the graduate student has secrets of his own.
And he’s not about to let Sheila get away.
A popular psychology professor in Seattle, Sheila works hard to keep her secrets hidden. On the surface, she’s an expert in human behavior and a well-liked educator, but nobody knows she’s a recovering sex addict in therapy—not even the love of her life, Morris. And she needs it to stay that way, or she could lose everything.
But Ethan Wolfe is impossible to resist. The graduate student is brilliant, charming, and seductive as hell. He’s also Sheila’s teaching assistant, and thirteen years her junior. Ignoring the risks to her career and relationship, they begin an illicit affair that lasts three months, until Morris asks her to marry him. Determined to get her life back on track, Sheila commits to a future with her fiancé, a man she’s not sure she deserves.
But Ethan can’t move on so easily. He didn’t pursue his professor for as long as he did to get dumped for some boring, middle-aged suit. Ethan’s made plans too, and he doesn’t take rejection well. When the body of one of Sheila’s students is discovered floating in Puget Sound—a young woman Ethan was rumored to have dated—it’s clear that the graduate student has secrets of his own.
And he’s not about to let Sheila get away.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
2875 people are currently reading
58353 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Hillier
13 books17.8k followersJennifer Hillier imagines the worst about people, and then writes about it.
She's the author of seven psychological thrillers, including the USA Today, Toronto Star, and The Globe and Mail bestselling Things We Do in the Dark, winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best Audiobook. Described as “an intoxicating thrill ride” by the New York Times and “propulsive and chilling” by People magazine, it was a Book of the Month Club selection, an Indigo Top Ten Best Book of the Year, an Amazon Editor’s Spotlight Pick, a Loan Stars pick, and her third consecutive novel to be honored as a LibraryReads pick, which places her in their Hall of Fame.
She's also published six other novels, including the USA Today bestselling Little Secrets (finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Anthony Award), and Jar of Hearts (winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best Hardcover Novel and shortlisted for the Anthony and Macavity Awards). She also wrote Creep, Freak, The Butcher, and Wonderland, which have been recently reissued by Gallery Books in beautiful trade paperback formats. Her books have been published in twenty-four languages so far.
Jennifer is Filipino-Canadian, born and raised in Toronto, but she spent eight amazing years living in Seattle, which is where she first became a published author. She's a Seahawks fan who married a Packers guy, and they have a son in middle school who wishes she wrote books like Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (she does too, kid, she does too).
She's afraid of the dark and can’t sleep unless she's checked the locks on the doors several times. She loves writing when it’s raining, sleeping when it’s sunny, and reading after everyone else has gone to bed. She's a cat person without a cat, which makes her sad. But she's now back in the Toronto area permanently with her family, which makes her happy.
Heart of Glass, her newest thriller, will be coming August 25, 2026 from Minotaur Books.
She's the author of seven psychological thrillers, including the USA Today, Toronto Star, and The Globe and Mail bestselling Things We Do in the Dark, winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best Audiobook. Described as “an intoxicating thrill ride” by the New York Times and “propulsive and chilling” by People magazine, it was a Book of the Month Club selection, an Indigo Top Ten Best Book of the Year, an Amazon Editor’s Spotlight Pick, a Loan Stars pick, and her third consecutive novel to be honored as a LibraryReads pick, which places her in their Hall of Fame.
She's also published six other novels, including the USA Today bestselling Little Secrets (finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Anthony Award), and Jar of Hearts (winner of the ITW Thriller Award for Best Hardcover Novel and shortlisted for the Anthony and Macavity Awards). She also wrote Creep, Freak, The Butcher, and Wonderland, which have been recently reissued by Gallery Books in beautiful trade paperback formats. Her books have been published in twenty-four languages so far.
Jennifer is Filipino-Canadian, born and raised in Toronto, but she spent eight amazing years living in Seattle, which is where she first became a published author. She's a Seahawks fan who married a Packers guy, and they have a son in middle school who wishes she wrote books like Jeff Kinney’s Diary of a Wimpy Kid series (she does too, kid, she does too).
She's afraid of the dark and can’t sleep unless she's checked the locks on the doors several times. She loves writing when it’s raining, sleeping when it’s sunny, and reading after everyone else has gone to bed. She's a cat person without a cat, which makes her sad. But she's now back in the Toronto area permanently with her family, which makes her happy.
Heart of Glass, her newest thriller, will be coming August 25, 2026 from Minotaur Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,758 reviews
November 3, 2024
That was NUTS and I need the sequel right now 😅 What a trip
October 28, 2016
WOW!! Could not put this book down!! Kept me up late into the night! I devoured it!
Dr. Tao a Psychology Professor at a University in the NW launches into an affair with her teaching assistant. It quickly turns into a dangerous, obsessive, stalking situation when she tries to break it off.
This book pulls you along and you think you know where its headed but then you have that moment where your jaw drops, because you never saw the twist coming!
Best psychological thriller I have read in a long time. Can't wait to start the next in the series... FREAK.
Dr. Tao a Psychology Professor at a University in the NW launches into an affair with her teaching assistant. It quickly turns into a dangerous, obsessive, stalking situation when she tries to break it off.
This book pulls you along and you think you know where its headed but then you have that moment where your jaw drops, because you never saw the twist coming!
Best psychological thriller I have read in a long time. Can't wait to start the next in the series... FREAK.
October 16, 2011
Meh.
This book is billed as a psychological thriller. Honestly, the pace never got to a point that anyone could honestly call this book thrilling and though there was a twist at the end and it was about a woman who teaches psychology, I didn't feel especially challenged in any mental capacity. It's pulp genre fiction. At no point was I on the edge of my seat. This wasn't a page turner by any means. You turn the pages because that's what you do, not because you can't wait to find out what happens on the next page.
That isn't to say this book is horrible--or even bad, it's just not all that great. It's nothing we all haven't read before. It isn't written with a style of any particular interest. A lot of it is trite and saccharine. The dialogue of the men in the book was painful in places--obviously the way a woman would talk, not a man and it might not be as aggravating when read by a woman, but to a guy it just seems awful.
Still. I made it all the way through this book, which says something, I suppose. Like I said, it's not horrible, it's just very average. It doesn't distinguish itself in any particular way. The characters have dimension to them, but seem almost less-than-adult in a lot of ways. There's a lot of teen angst going on for a book about adults. There will be people who love this book--probably for a lot of reasons that I didn't. So, the best way to sum it all up is to say that this is one of those books written for a particular audience and if you're a part of that audience, you'll think everything I've written here is crap. I'd imagine that if you like Stephanie Meyer's books you'll love this one. Unlike Meyer, Hillier even has a full command of the English language and uses it properly.
It just wasn't my cup of tea.
This book is billed as a psychological thriller. Honestly, the pace never got to a point that anyone could honestly call this book thrilling and though there was a twist at the end and it was about a woman who teaches psychology, I didn't feel especially challenged in any mental capacity. It's pulp genre fiction. At no point was I on the edge of my seat. This wasn't a page turner by any means. You turn the pages because that's what you do, not because you can't wait to find out what happens on the next page.
That isn't to say this book is horrible--or even bad, it's just not all that great. It's nothing we all haven't read before. It isn't written with a style of any particular interest. A lot of it is trite and saccharine. The dialogue of the men in the book was painful in places--obviously the way a woman would talk, not a man and it might not be as aggravating when read by a woman, but to a guy it just seems awful.
Still. I made it all the way through this book, which says something, I suppose. Like I said, it's not horrible, it's just very average. It doesn't distinguish itself in any particular way. The characters have dimension to them, but seem almost less-than-adult in a lot of ways. There's a lot of teen angst going on for a book about adults. There will be people who love this book--probably for a lot of reasons that I didn't. So, the best way to sum it all up is to say that this is one of those books written for a particular audience and if you're a part of that audience, you'll think everything I've written here is crap. I'd imagine that if you like Stephanie Meyer's books you'll love this one. Unlike Meyer, Hillier even has a full command of the English language and uses it properly.
It just wasn't my cup of tea.
December 13, 2024
I’m afraid I’m now a Jennifer Hillier stan and I’m about to make it all of your problems.
SO GOOD!!
SO GOOD!!
August 24, 2014
I purchased a copy of "Creep", a psychological thriller, by Jennifer Hillier to read on my Kindle after hearing great reviews. This is the first novel by this author, followed by "Freak" and "The Butcher".
I must say I read The Butcher, but I have to admit I was a little disappointed with that novel. I know that The Butcher was listed as a psychological thriller, but I consider it more of a psychological drama. In The Butcher, the author revealed the ID of the killer in the first few chapters, so the book became more of a psychological character study than thriller, although the last bit is fast paced as we approach the resolution. So right at the beginning the reader knows the Who...the How...and the Why. But I kept asking myself why would she do this? I understand that this allows the author to write in the killer's POV, and can reveal his thought processes.
But I LOVED "Creep". This novel has everything...lies, deceit, murder, sex and alcohol addiction, obsession, unrequited love and self-pity. I was totally absorbed with this novel, and definitely plan to read the next book in the series called "Freak".
The setting for the novel is in Seattle, and recently engaged psychology professor Sheila Tao is looking to end the three-month long sex-affair she has been having with her student/assistant, Ethan Wolfe. The problem is Ethan didn't see WHY it had to end...and starts to stalk her. Ethan's twisted response was "But it doesn't change anything between you and me."
Ethan threatens to expose their affair and post some sexy video on the internet, if she tries to get rid of him. He also tries to learn as much as he can about Sheila’s fiancé, Morris, in order to find out what she truly sees in him. Ethan is adamant in stopping the wedding, Sheila belongs to HIM!
Jennifer Hillier strikes it big with this first book in a new series. Hillier weaves a vicious web of twists and turns, leaving the reader unsure up to the bitter end of how things are going to turn out for both Ethan and Sheila. This novel kept me turning page after page wanting to know the final outcome.
I would recommend Creep to any fans of psychological thrillers or mysteries. I will definitely be reading her next novel "Freak". You will not be able to put this book down...until you finish it!
July 9, 2018
THREE STARS
This is a typical stalker/missing woman tale. It's a fast read, but still seems too drawn out. As a psychological suspense novel, I can't really recommend it. While initially interesting, it quickly becomes implausible, repetitive and definitely too long.
This is Hillier's debut novel and the cool thing is you can see glimpses of the great writer she is destined to become. Her latest, Jar of Hearts hits it out of the park and I loved it.
This is a typical stalker/missing woman tale. It's a fast read, but still seems too drawn out. As a psychological suspense novel, I can't really recommend it. While initially interesting, it quickly becomes implausible, repetitive and definitely too long.
This is Hillier's debut novel and the cool thing is you can see glimpses of the great writer she is destined to become. Her latest, Jar of Hearts hits it out of the park and I loved it.
April 11, 2017
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Many thanks to my friend Jennifer for writing a review that put this little diddy on my radar in the first place. The title pretty much was a “you had me at hello” moment and by the time I got around to . . . .
“Welcome to my workroom. This is where I get rid of the mess.”
I was like . . . . .
Sheila Tao didn’t really think much about starting an affair with her teaching assistant Ethan a few months ago. I mean really, they were both consenting adults and it was only kind of unethical. When Dr. Tao’s boyfriend unexpectedly proposed, she knew it was time to cut things off with Ethan. And that’s when things got a little . . . .
This was my idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon read. There wasn’t a whole lot of focus on the “whodunit” aspect, but rather watching all of the skeletons fall out of the two main characters’ closets. The writing style kept the pages turning and the pacing made for not many lulls in the story. Even one particular moment that made me say . . . .
Due to it being the biggest coinky-dink in the history of coinky-dinks didn’t lessen my enjoyment much. The only thing that did? Seeing this is labeled as part of a series. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Jennifer Hillier, you’re lucky I had so much fun with this. Generally I would take one of your stars away for that.
If you’re looking for a bit darker than the average thriller that might leave you asking . . . . .
“Now who’s the psychopath?”
Spoiler Alert: It’s probably still me. DEFINITELY still Mitchell. But maybe it’s you as well.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who adds books like this to your TBR simply to bash or not finish ormanwomanwhateversplain to the world how dumb readers are for daring to enjoy things that are obviously sooooo stupid and beneath your literary genius, please do everyone a favor and leave this off your TBR. And while you're at it, you can take that attitude . . . . .
Understand????
Many thanks to my friend Jennifer for writing a review that put this little diddy on my radar in the first place. The title pretty much was a “you had me at hello” moment and by the time I got around to . . . .
“Welcome to my workroom. This is where I get rid of the mess.”
I was like . . . . .
Sheila Tao didn’t really think much about starting an affair with her teaching assistant Ethan a few months ago. I mean really, they were both consenting adults and it was only kind of unethical. When Dr. Tao’s boyfriend unexpectedly proposed, she knew it was time to cut things off with Ethan. And that’s when things got a little . . . .
This was my idea of a perfect Sunday afternoon read. There wasn’t a whole lot of focus on the “whodunit” aspect, but rather watching all of the skeletons fall out of the two main characters’ closets. The writing style kept the pages turning and the pacing made for not many lulls in the story. Even one particular moment that made me say . . . .
Due to it being the biggest coinky-dink in the history of coinky-dinks didn’t lessen my enjoyment much. The only thing that did? Seeing this is labeled as part of a series. Ain’t nobody got time for that. Jennifer Hillier, you’re lucky I had so much fun with this. Generally I would take one of your stars away for that.
If you’re looking for a bit darker than the average thriller that might leave you asking . . . . .
“Now who’s the psychopath?”
Spoiler Alert: It’s probably still me. DEFINITELY still Mitchell. But maybe it’s you as well.
On the other hand, if you’re someone who adds books like this to your TBR simply to bash or not finish or
Understand????
July 24, 2020
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
"I wish I was special"
I LOVED Jennifer Hillier's recent novels, "Jar of Hearts" and "Little Secrets". For some reason, I thought JOH was her first novel, but I was really happy to see that she's written a few others.
I decided to check "Creep" out on audio and I really liked it! Twisted and gripping, I listened late into the night just to finish it.
An entertaining psychological thriller. Jennifer Hillier really knows how to tell a compelling story.
I was thrilled to see there is a follow-up to this novel. "Freak" is up next!
"I don't care if it hurts
I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
When I'm not around"
"I wish I was special"
I LOVED Jennifer Hillier's recent novels, "Jar of Hearts" and "Little Secrets". For some reason, I thought JOH was her first novel, but I was really happy to see that she's written a few others.
I decided to check "Creep" out on audio and I really liked it! Twisted and gripping, I listened late into the night just to finish it.
An entertaining psychological thriller. Jennifer Hillier really knows how to tell a compelling story.
I was thrilled to see there is a follow-up to this novel. "Freak" is up next!
"I don't care if it hurts
I wanna have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
When I'm not around"
June 22, 2022
even feeling quite spoiled by reading
the second book in the series first, I've
found a lot to love in these creepy dark
academia vibes - whenever you crave
intensity, this is an author to persue. ♡
the second book in the series first, I've
found a lot to love in these creepy dark
academia vibes - whenever you crave
intensity, this is an author to persue. ♡
April 2, 2023
Dr. Sheila Tao is an expert in human behavior and knew she was playing with fire when she began an affair with Ethan Wolfe, her teaching assistant. She has a lot to lose - her job and her fiancé. When she decides to end the affair, Ethan is not willing to go away quietly. He threatens to release a sex video which will destroy her life. Soon she engages in a cat-and-mouse which could lead to devastating consequences.
Hats off to Jennifer Hillier who created a heart pounding page turner which kept me on my toes, shaking my head, rolling my eyes, and on the edge of my seat. I was fully invested in the plot and wondering what was going to happen next!
I loved the tension and mounting danger both personally and physically in this book. Sheila has really stepped in it this time; will her knowledge of human behavior save her or will she be one step behind and lose everything. How far each was willing to go was both captivating and appalling.
Such a great page turner! I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I listened to the audio version of this book and enjoyed the narration.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Hats off to Jennifer Hillier who created a heart pounding page turner which kept me on my toes, shaking my head, rolling my eyes, and on the edge of my seat. I was fully invested in the plot and wondering what was going to happen next!
I loved the tension and mounting danger both personally and physically in this book. Sheila has really stepped in it this time; will her knowledge of human behavior save her or will she be one step behind and lose everything. How far each was willing to go was both captivating and appalling.
Such a great page turner! I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I listened to the audio version of this book and enjoyed the narration.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
August 15, 2016
So you know that song “Creep” by Radiohead? Well, if you are a fan of that song I suggest perhaps not reading this book. Otherwise every time you hear the song from this point forward, you will definitely get chills! (Thanks to my GR friend Stephanie for the recommendation!)
Dr. Sheila Tao is a psychology professor, engaged to a former football star and having an affair with one of her students, popular teaching assistant Ethan. When Sheila decides to focus on her upcoming marriage and ends the relationship with Ethan, things begin to go sour. Ethan decides that if he can’t have Sheila, nobody else will and takes matters into his own hands (his sick and very twisted hands).
The novel is the first one for Jennifer Hillier, and it is one hell of a debut novel. The story is very readable, and plays out like something from a movie. The characters have a strong human side that allows for easy relatability, and the plot has the right amount of intrigue and suspense. Combine that with a shocking ending, and the likability of this novel just increased. There is limited gore or graphic sex in this novel, which I always appreciate, as the novel’s plot is able to stand on its own without the extraneous filler.
When reading the novel, I am sure many readers do not ignore the irony that both of the main characters in this novel are members of the psychology community, and are the most flawed characters in the whole book. I was not surprised (*she says as she holds her psyc degree*). After all- those who can’t do, teach. Therefore those that can’t heal, treat. It does add the extra amount of creepiness too, knowing how easily someone can get into our minds if we let them- and what they can do with the information they find there.
I am all for Hillier’s work and look forward to investigating her next novel, “Freak”.
Dr. Sheila Tao is a psychology professor, engaged to a former football star and having an affair with one of her students, popular teaching assistant Ethan. When Sheila decides to focus on her upcoming marriage and ends the relationship with Ethan, things begin to go sour. Ethan decides that if he can’t have Sheila, nobody else will and takes matters into his own hands (his sick and very twisted hands).
The novel is the first one for Jennifer Hillier, and it is one hell of a debut novel. The story is very readable, and plays out like something from a movie. The characters have a strong human side that allows for easy relatability, and the plot has the right amount of intrigue and suspense. Combine that with a shocking ending, and the likability of this novel just increased. There is limited gore or graphic sex in this novel, which I always appreciate, as the novel’s plot is able to stand on its own without the extraneous filler.
When reading the novel, I am sure many readers do not ignore the irony that both of the main characters in this novel are members of the psychology community, and are the most flawed characters in the whole book. I was not surprised (*she says as she holds her psyc degree*). After all- those who can’t do, teach. Therefore those that can’t heal, treat. It does add the extra amount of creepiness too, knowing how easily someone can get into our minds if we let them- and what they can do with the information they find there.
I am all for Hillier’s work and look forward to investigating her next novel, “Freak”.
August 6, 2019
IF HE CAN'T HAVE HER.....
NO ONE CAN.
When Dr. Shiela Tao, Psychologist and professor at Puget Sound State University, tells her teaching assistant, Ethan Wolfe, that Morris has proposed and their affair is over he didn't take it very well.
Tonight Ethan is was a foul mood because Dr. Shiela Tao had dumped him. For Morris. An oversize gorilla who'd somehow managed to made him feel tiny and inconsequential.
He wanted to kill them both.
Ethan begins following her, hoping to learn anything more about her that he can use to destroy her. He hits pay dirt when he discovers that she is a sex addict and has been attending Sex Addicts Anonymous meetings once a week.
Shiela wants to marry Morris more than anything in the world. But he doesn't know about her addiction. He doesn't know that she's been having an affair with her teaching assistant for the past three months. With the wedding set for only three weeks away, she decides to tell Morris everything. Stunned and hurt, he leaves town without telling her where he's going or when he'll be back. Now, her world is in tatters. She doesn't know if Morris will forgive her.
Ethan is trying to destroy her reputation and her career.
But Shiela has underestimated Ethan's obsession for her. Soon, she will find out that losing Morris and her career pales in comparison to what Ethan has planned for her. And Morris.
******
After reading Jennifer Hillier's most recent novel Jar of Hearts, I was really looking forward to reading her debut, Creep.
When I read the description about this book I was anticipating a creepy, tension filled storyline about a man's obsession for a woman who has rejected him for another man. While the basis of the story does fit the criteria it doesn't have the level of fear, terror, or suspense I was expecting. As the story plays out the plausibility seems a little unlikely considering the intelligence of the characters.
The story is written well, though, and there was enough anxiety and tension to make it worth reading.
NO ONE CAN.
When Dr. Shiela Tao, Psychologist and professor at Puget Sound State University, tells her teaching assistant, Ethan Wolfe, that Morris has proposed and their affair is over he didn't take it very well.
Tonight Ethan is was a foul mood because Dr. Shiela Tao had dumped him. For Morris. An oversize gorilla who'd somehow managed to made him feel tiny and inconsequential.
He wanted to kill them both.
Ethan begins following her, hoping to learn anything more about her that he can use to destroy her. He hits pay dirt when he discovers that she is a sex addict and has been attending Sex Addicts Anonymous meetings once a week.
Shiela wants to marry Morris more than anything in the world. But he doesn't know about her addiction. He doesn't know that she's been having an affair with her teaching assistant for the past three months. With the wedding set for only three weeks away, she decides to tell Morris everything. Stunned and hurt, he leaves town without telling her where he's going or when he'll be back. Now, her world is in tatters. She doesn't know if Morris will forgive her.
Ethan is trying to destroy her reputation and her career.
But Shiela has underestimated Ethan's obsession for her. Soon, she will find out that losing Morris and her career pales in comparison to what Ethan has planned for her. And Morris.
******
After reading Jennifer Hillier's most recent novel Jar of Hearts, I was really looking forward to reading her debut, Creep.
When I read the description about this book I was anticipating a creepy, tension filled storyline about a man's obsession for a woman who has rejected him for another man. While the basis of the story does fit the criteria it doesn't have the level of fear, terror, or suspense I was expecting. As the story plays out the plausibility seems a little unlikely considering the intelligence of the characters.
The story is written well, though, and there was enough anxiety and tension to make it worth reading.
September 5, 2014
Creep, yes five stars !!
Let's get one thing out of the way, this is the best psychological thrillers I have read in a long time, a brilliant debut author performance.
Creep grabs you from the start, keeps you on the edge of the seat with a fast paced, smartly written suspense thriller with shocks, twists and turns.
Darkly delicious page turner with strong and powerful and memorable characters, Creep will entertain and enthrall from beginning to end.
Dr. Sheila Tao is a professor of psychology, an expert in human behaviour with her own hidden past. But she's not the only one keeping secrets . . .
When Sheila began an affair with her sexy graduate assistant Ethan Wolfe, she knew she was playing with fire. Consumed by lust when they were together, she was riddled with guilt when they were apart. Now she's finally engaged to a good man, and it's time to end the dangerous liaison. But Ethan has something different in mind. He intends to make Sheila pay for rejecting him.
As Sheila attempts to counter Ethan's increasingly threatening moves, he schemes to reveal her darkest, most intimate secrets by destroying her prestigious career . . . and then her. Caught in a terrifying cat-and-mouse game, Sheila must fight for her life and free herself from the ex-lover whom she couldn't resist - who is now the manipulative monster who won't let her go.
Pulsing with the dark obsession of Radiohead's song "Creep," this "truly frightening" debut thriller rockets to a heart-pounding climax.
In my head I had picked "cast" members for the film.
Lucy Lui ... Sheila
Jerry ... Samuel L Jackson
Morris... James Gandolfini (sadly not possible)
(let me know what you think of my cast !)
Ethan... difficult to pick..
Let's get one thing out of the way, this is the best psychological thrillers I have read in a long time, a brilliant debut author performance.
Creep grabs you from the start, keeps you on the edge of the seat with a fast paced, smartly written suspense thriller with shocks, twists and turns.
Darkly delicious page turner with strong and powerful and memorable characters, Creep will entertain and enthrall from beginning to end.
Dr. Sheila Tao is a professor of psychology, an expert in human behaviour with her own hidden past. But she's not the only one keeping secrets . . .
When Sheila began an affair with her sexy graduate assistant Ethan Wolfe, she knew she was playing with fire. Consumed by lust when they were together, she was riddled with guilt when they were apart. Now she's finally engaged to a good man, and it's time to end the dangerous liaison. But Ethan has something different in mind. He intends to make Sheila pay for rejecting him.
As Sheila attempts to counter Ethan's increasingly threatening moves, he schemes to reveal her darkest, most intimate secrets by destroying her prestigious career . . . and then her. Caught in a terrifying cat-and-mouse game, Sheila must fight for her life and free herself from the ex-lover whom she couldn't resist - who is now the manipulative monster who won't let her go.
Pulsing with the dark obsession of Radiohead's song "Creep," this "truly frightening" debut thriller rockets to a heart-pounding climax.
In my head I had picked "cast" members for the film.
Lucy Lui ... Sheila
Jerry ... Samuel L Jackson
Morris... James Gandolfini (sadly not possible)
(let me know what you think of my cast !)
Ethan... difficult to pick..
January 5, 2024
This is nice. Creepy, funny and outrageous!
I didn't have to like the main female character to enjoy this book. It was fast-paced, the supporting characters were well-written. I loved the chemistry of Morris and Jerry. And did I mention Morris is a complete green flag? I was thinking he's too good for Sheila—with her cheating and all.
The twist at the end didn't really struck me, I felt that it was merely added to intensify the motive of the bad guy but I wasn't really feeling it, I don't know, it just came out of nowhere or maybe I just missed a hint? Either way, it was meh.
Overall, this is a decent read. There was one part of the book where I laughed so hard my jaw ached. HAHAHA. Not bad.
I didn't have to like the main female character to enjoy this book. It was fast-paced, the supporting characters were well-written. I loved the chemistry of Morris and Jerry. And did I mention Morris is a complete green flag? I was thinking he's too good for Sheila—with her cheating and all.
The twist at the end didn't really struck me, I felt that it was merely added to intensify the motive of the bad guy but I wasn't really feeling it, I don't know, it just came out of nowhere or maybe I just missed a hint? Either way, it was meh.
Overall, this is a decent read. There was one part of the book where I laughed so hard my jaw ached. HAHAHA. Not bad.
January 5, 2022
Well Ethan takes stalking to a whole new level. He is not about to take rejection from his almost married lover laying down. He starts a terror campaign that will make the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Sheila has secrets of her own and all will be exposed.
There were truly some creepy moments and twists. For me it was a okay read. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
There were truly some creepy moments and twists. For me it was a okay read. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it.
March 22, 2017
OMG, this book is psychotic! The creep in this story is no joke. He's got serious issues that you don't see coming at first but believe me, they're there! Jennifer Hillier's debut novel: Creep takes readers on a steady ride to crazy town. It has elements of thriller/suspense, mystery, horror, addiction, crime, and detective fiction. It is truly unpredictable (OMG that ending!!!) and I was 100% invested in the storyline and characters! Can't wait to continue on to the sequel: Freak. If you like thriller/mysteries with darker themes, check it out!!
My favorite quote:
"After thirty years as a cop, I've learned there are no rules when it comes to human behavior."
June 21, 2018
It was a crazy book awesome through out with a lot of surprises
July 21, 2013
After all these years, Radiohead's Creep still gave him shivers. The first time he had heard it, he'd been in love. And having sex. And strangling someone
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G
Teacher/student relationship - ✔
psychotic characters - ✔
Interesting and captivating story - ✔
Mind blowing surprises - ✔
kidnapping - ✔
mind fuck - ✔
Addictive - ✔✔
Fantastic Author - ✔✔✔
I read all nearly 400 pages in 10 hours, I literally couldn't stop! And and and a book two? Yes please!
Okay so this has so many twists and turns that you don't see coming, my mouth dropped like multiple times.
This isn't gory sick like a Kimberly A. Bettes type thriller it wasn't pure gore; it was more 'Oh shit' and 'Oh my god!'
It starts off slow and I hated Sheila at the start, she was dumb for a professor and she had made such stupid choices but as the story carried on it became more of a journey with her and I really wanted a HEA for her.
Ethan Wolfe. Wow. An epic character. Sad, fun, sociopathic, interesting,... He was strangely captivating. I felt for him, bad things, good things and almost sadness at times. He is a brilliant 'villain' and I would love to see him in film.
The relationship between Shelia and Ethan reminded me of the movie Taking Lives (fantastic movie btw)
This is a mind fuck for sure, people who like big surprises with little clues where you think 'Oh my god, I didn't see it before, its so clear'
Try this book, try this author. If you like a bit of a mind fuck with a little less gore and an edge of humour then you'll love this!!
Five motherfucking stars!
I bought this today randomly for these reasons.
A. It has a character called Ethan Wolfe and my editor is called Edward Wolfe so the similarity amused me
and
B. Booklist said it is 'An engaging thriller, with the kind of twisted story that makes you a bit queasy even as you can't look away' and you damn well knew I had to read it after that!
and finally
C. Two reasons in one.. Tag line 'If he cant have her... NO ONE CAN. and the synopsis... 'the lover she couldn't resist is now the monster who will never let go'
So you see... I HAD TO!
My next read for sure!
....
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G
Teacher/student relationship - ✔
psychotic characters - ✔
Interesting and captivating story - ✔
Mind blowing surprises - ✔
kidnapping - ✔
mind fuck - ✔
Addictive - ✔✔
Fantastic Author - ✔✔✔
I read all nearly 400 pages in 10 hours, I literally couldn't stop! And and and a book two? Yes please!
Okay so this has so many twists and turns that you don't see coming, my mouth dropped like multiple times.
This isn't gory sick like a Kimberly A. Bettes type thriller it wasn't pure gore; it was more 'Oh shit' and 'Oh my god!'
It starts off slow and I hated Sheila at the start, she was dumb for a professor and she had made such stupid choices but as the story carried on it became more of a journey with her and I really wanted a HEA for her.
Ethan Wolfe. Wow. An epic character. Sad, fun, sociopathic, interesting,... He was strangely captivating. I felt for him, bad things, good things and almost sadness at times. He is a brilliant 'villain' and I would love to see him in film.
The relationship between Shelia and Ethan reminded me of the movie Taking Lives (fantastic movie btw)
This is a mind fuck for sure, people who like big surprises with little clues where you think 'Oh my god, I didn't see it before, its so clear'
Try this book, try this author. If you like a bit of a mind fuck with a little less gore and an edge of humour then you'll love this!!
Five motherfucking stars!
I bought this today randomly for these reasons.
A. It has a character called Ethan Wolfe and my editor is called Edward Wolfe so the similarity amused me
and
B. Booklist said it is 'An engaging thriller, with the kind of twisted story that makes you a bit queasy even as you can't look away' and you damn well knew I had to read it after that!
and finally
C. Two reasons in one.. Tag line 'If he cant have her... NO ONE CAN. and the synopsis... 'the lover she couldn't resist is now the monster who will never let go'
So you see... I HAD TO!
My next read for sure!
....
April 23, 2019
Wow!! What an unexpected entertaining, thrilling, joyride of a book!! I read Hillier's most recent novel Jar of Hearts when it came out last year (loved it!) and seemed to remember her author photo on the back of the jacket looking familiar. I let my curiosity get the best of me and tore through all my bookshelves and found this little book which I had purchased a couple years back and never gotten around to reading. Boy, I'm so glad I gave it a chance! I could not put this down, it was so fast-paced and had me captivated from chapter to chapter! It had a little bit of everything in it, adult situations for sure, comedic although intense scenes, likable yet flawed characters, a study of psychopathy that I was impressed by to say the least, and a mystery that had me quite shocked at the end when all was revealed! I would definitely recommend this book for pretty much any adult looking for something fast paced thrilling and juicy!! I may just go back and give all of her previous novels a read!
November 2, 2014
I have a number of Goodread friends who read this book, and their opinions are all over the map. I decided to read it for myself. My assessment is mixed.
What did I like about the book? First of all, the storyline is intriguing and is summarized in the author's synopsis. Secondly, this novel is named after Radiohead's Creep, and I love the exquisite creepiness of that song. The scene in the book which had that composition playing in the background merits high honors for doing the song justice. Major props for that. I also liked the idea of a psychology professor (Sheila) dabbling with an antisocial psychopath. I admired the way the psychologist used her professional skills to try to get herself out of a dreadful situation; the cat and mouse exchanges between Sheila and The Creep were extremely interesting to me. The character development was very good, especially of Sheila and to a lesser extent Sheila's fiance Morris and bad boy Ethan. What I enjoyed most was the investigation of Sheila's disappearance, starring Morris and Jerry the private investigator. This was well done and drew me in quickly. This section flowed wonderfully, and I couldn't wait to see how this horrible mess was going to turn out.
What did I not like? Other than when Sheila was using her psychospeak in attempting to free herself, I really did not like the chapters detailing her predicament at the hands of The Creep. I do generally like my thrillers dark and deranged, but I think it was probably the fact that the victim was the protagonist, a very likeable protagonist, that really turned me off. I felt repulsed and could not wait for that part to be over. I also found the set up a titch slow for me, but I do think it was necessarily that way in order to strengthen the meat of the book. Another thing I did not like about the novel was the last page. 'Nuff said. Will I read the next book? Yes, I have to now!
I recommend this novel to lovers of psychological suspense, with the one warning that the reader may feel uncomfortable during the nastier parts of the story. I am awarding Creep 3 stars.
What did I like about the book? First of all, the storyline is intriguing and is summarized in the author's synopsis. Secondly, this novel is named after Radiohead's Creep, and I love the exquisite creepiness of that song. The scene in the book which had that composition playing in the background merits high honors for doing the song justice. Major props for that. I also liked the idea of a psychology professor (Sheila) dabbling with an antisocial psychopath. I admired the way the psychologist used her professional skills to try to get herself out of a dreadful situation; the cat and mouse exchanges between Sheila and The Creep were extremely interesting to me. The character development was very good, especially of Sheila and to a lesser extent Sheila's fiance Morris and bad boy Ethan. What I enjoyed most was the investigation of Sheila's disappearance, starring Morris and Jerry the private investigator. This was well done and drew me in quickly. This section flowed wonderfully, and I couldn't wait to see how this horrible mess was going to turn out.
What did I not like? Other than when Sheila was using her psychospeak in attempting to free herself, I really did not like the chapters detailing her predicament at the hands of The Creep. I do generally like my thrillers dark and deranged, but I think it was probably the fact that the victim was the protagonist, a very likeable protagonist, that really turned me off. I felt repulsed and could not wait for that part to be over. I also found the set up a titch slow for me, but I do think it was necessarily that way in order to strengthen the meat of the book. Another thing I did not like about the novel was the last page. 'Nuff said. Will I read the next book? Yes, I have to now!
I recommend this novel to lovers of psychological suspense, with the one warning that the reader may feel uncomfortable during the nastier parts of the story. I am awarding Creep 3 stars.
July 14, 2018
This book was a mediocre read for me. Cliche story-line with characters, although well developed, I felt no connection with. A modestly clever twist at the end wasn't enough to make up for the mundane narrative. No desire to continue with this series.
November 18, 2020
“Did you kill her?”
“Ha. Right. I was just a kid when she died.”
There was a minimum age requirement for monsters?”
― Jennifer Hillier, Creep
Creep was an interesting read. Unlike with many of these types of books we know who the stalker is early on. And boy oh boy is he a ...creep.
Sheila is our main character and she has a problem. She is newly engaged but had a brief affair with our stalker. Now she wants to break it off only stalker guy is not so sure about that.
This was an OK read. I neither loved it nor disliked it. I liked Sheila and felt for her and had the usual feelings of revulsion toward Stalker guy. But I have read many a book like this and while I found Creep mildly interesting, I didn't love it.
The strength of the book was in creating some really fun characters. I adored Sheila's fiancee who really turns out to be a decent guy. Sheila herself is amazingly gutsy for all she goes through.
There is a twist which is done very well and I'll tell you..if you are seeking a quick read in the stalker genre you just may like this. It sure does have its gripping moments.
However I also did not know this was a series. (Sigh). This seems to be happening to me alot lately. The ending is a cliff hanger which is not a spoiler because all series end on that note. I may gt on to the next one and I may not.
In terms of this book, I can see the appeal and it really has some very creepy moments. Three stars from me.
“Ha. Right. I was just a kid when she died.”
There was a minimum age requirement for monsters?”
― Jennifer Hillier, Creep
Creep was an interesting read. Unlike with many of these types of books we know who the stalker is early on. And boy oh boy is he a ...creep.
Sheila is our main character and she has a problem. She is newly engaged but had a brief affair with our stalker. Now she wants to break it off only stalker guy is not so sure about that.
This was an OK read. I neither loved it nor disliked it. I liked Sheila and felt for her and had the usual feelings of revulsion toward Stalker guy. But I have read many a book like this and while I found Creep mildly interesting, I didn't love it.
The strength of the book was in creating some really fun characters. I adored Sheila's fiancee who really turns out to be a decent guy. Sheila herself is amazingly gutsy for all she goes through.
There is a twist which is done very well and I'll tell you..if you are seeking a quick read in the stalker genre you just may like this. It sure does have its gripping moments.
However I also did not know this was a series. (Sigh). This seems to be happening to me alot lately. The ending is a cliff hanger which is not a spoiler because all series end on that note. I may gt on to the next one and I may not.
In terms of this book, I can see the appeal and it really has some very creepy moments. Three stars from me.
June 30, 2022
I don't even know what to think about this. Such a messed up book yet I loved it!
November 15, 2015
4 .. Maybe 4.5 stars. 4.25 stars? :D
When I first became an avid reader I read primarily psychological thriller type novels; that’s almost all I read. So when I heard about this one, it not only sounded good, but I realized I had yet to read a single psychological thriller this year I decided to dive into this one right away. My eventual love for this novel was a combination of the long time spent away from the genre and the fact that the novel was truly riveting and I couldn’t stop turning pages (or clicking my kindle button).
Essentially the story is Dr. Sheila Tao, a professor of psychology, and a recovering sex addict. After her first marriage ended when she caught her husband sleeping with his male nurse she went through a hard period in her life where she kept seeking validation of herself as an attractive woman. Waking up in her car one night, half naked, and having no idea what just occurred she knew she had hit rock bottom and needed help. After going through the 12-step recovery process she begins dating a man named Morris and her life seems to be going on the right track again. After the death of her father she relapses and begins an affair with one of her graduate students, Ethan Wolfe. After 3 months into the affair, Morris proposes and Sheila decides to end things with Ethan. What follows is a crazy psychological roller coaster where Sheila realizes Ethan isn’t willing to let her go that easily and that if he can’t have her… well, then nobody can.
This book was exciting enough to have me reading like a madman to get to the end; I finished this in less than 24 hours. The plot wasn’t overly complex, but still managed to throw a few curveballs in that you may or may not see coming. Overall I was incredibly pleased with this novel and will be looking for future books by this author.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
When I first became an avid reader I read primarily psychological thriller type novels; that’s almost all I read. So when I heard about this one, it not only sounded good, but I realized I had yet to read a single psychological thriller this year I decided to dive into this one right away. My eventual love for this novel was a combination of the long time spent away from the genre and the fact that the novel was truly riveting and I couldn’t stop turning pages (or clicking my kindle button).
Essentially the story is Dr. Sheila Tao, a professor of psychology, and a recovering sex addict. After her first marriage ended when she caught her husband sleeping with his male nurse she went through a hard period in her life where she kept seeking validation of herself as an attractive woman. Waking up in her car one night, half naked, and having no idea what just occurred she knew she had hit rock bottom and needed help. After going through the 12-step recovery process she begins dating a man named Morris and her life seems to be going on the right track again. After the death of her father she relapses and begins an affair with one of her graduate students, Ethan Wolfe. After 3 months into the affair, Morris proposes and Sheila decides to end things with Ethan. What follows is a crazy psychological roller coaster where Sheila realizes Ethan isn’t willing to let her go that easily and that if he can’t have her… well, then nobody can.
This book was exciting enough to have me reading like a madman to get to the end; I finished this in less than 24 hours. The plot wasn’t overly complex, but still managed to throw a few curveballs in that you may or may not see coming. Overall I was incredibly pleased with this novel and will be looking for future books by this author.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
February 13, 2024
Creep was definitely the right title for this book
Creep was a fun rollercoaster ride following a woman named Sheila who is having an affair with her teaching assistant Ethan. When Sheila decides to call it off, Ethan does not take it very well, and so the obsession and manic behavior begins.
I really enjoy this authors book, she really sucks you in invested and stuck in her stories. With some of her other books this one was a little predictable but I didn't catch on till the latter part of the book.
Some parts of the book could have been taken off as it did make the flow of the story drag on longer than necessary but other than that it was an adrenaline filled read.
I wasn't aware that this book was a duology series. I will def have to read book 2 at some point this year.
3.5 ⭐
Creep was a fun rollercoaster ride following a woman named Sheila who is having an affair with her teaching assistant Ethan. When Sheila decides to call it off, Ethan does not take it very well, and so the obsession and manic behavior begins.
I really enjoy this authors book, she really sucks you in invested and stuck in her stories. With some of her other books this one was a little predictable but I didn't catch on till the latter part of the book.
Some parts of the book could have been taken off as it did make the flow of the story drag on longer than necessary but other than that it was an adrenaline filled read.
I wasn't aware that this book was a duology series. I will def have to read book 2 at some point this year.
3.5 ⭐
January 27, 2022
The entire time I read this book I thought about Joe Goldberg from You. I loved it👏
March 5, 2017
Prequel BR with Her Freaky Majesty!!!
This was a decent thriller. Well-written, suspenseful, funny at times, the story of an affair gone wrong between a University professor, Sheila Tao, and her TA, Ethan Wolfe. A former sex addict, Sheila is now engaged to Morris whatshisface, but can't resist having one last fling with a youngster before being tied down to one man. When she lets Ethan know that she wants to end their affair, his childhood mommy-related traumas come to surface with a vengeance and he decides to teach Sheila a lesson: if he can't have her, no one will.
Is Ethan a hypocrite because he's also in a stable relationship with someone else? Sure, but he's lucky, because his girlfriend is one special lady. Read the book! You'll see what I mean. :)
This was a decent thriller. Well-written, suspenseful, funny at times, the story of an affair gone wrong between a University professor, Sheila Tao, and her TA, Ethan Wolfe. A former sex addict, Sheila is now engaged to Morris whatshisface, but can't resist having one last fling with a youngster before being tied down to one man. When she lets Ethan know that she wants to end their affair, his childhood mommy-related traumas come to surface with a vengeance and he decides to teach Sheila a lesson: if he can't have her, no one will.
Is Ethan a hypocrite because he's also in a stable relationship with someone else? Sure, but he's lucky, because his girlfriend is one special lady. Read the book! You'll see what I mean. :)
July 15, 2022
Where to begin about what I didn’t like about this novel? I was going to give it three stars because I think the author definitely has a lot of potential, but the ending was just too stupid, at least for me. I want to read one of her more recent books.
Just because this falls under the genre of “psychological thriller” doesn’t mean everyone has to be a psychologist. Then they are usually really awful psychologists, like in this story. What kind of psychologist can’t even tell that her own husband is gay? Or that the man she is cheating on her husband with is a mass murderer? And, of course, in these stories the psychologists are mostly basket cases themselves.
A rule that I remember from high school journalism class is to avoid clichés when writing. This is like a dictionary of clichés. Just a few examples:
I’m not getting any younger (not just a cliché, just awful)
If I’ve told him once I’ve told him…
What is the world coming to? (unless said highly ironically, ugh)
Nothing to write home about
She has a certain je ne sais quoi. (c'est un énorme tas de merde.)
What the hell did it mean? Think, damn it
And then there are various mentions of the protagonist suffering a “mid-life crisis” which is a huge cliché in itself. Is that a scientific concept? No, it isn’t; it’s just a really tired idea.
OK, the dude is a graduate student with teaching assistant duties, some other student’s boyfriend, a mass murderer, does volunteer work at a soup kitchen, and he also has time to have a woman locked up in his dungeon? Busy guy.
Phony credit card to rent the vehicle. Where do you get one of those?
Couldn’t make out the plate number.” Only when it moves the story where you want it to go, kinda like “I don’t have any phone reception” just when someone needs it.
It seems like a dungeon would be pretty expensive, like a lot more than a normal apartment. In Seattle? Forget about it. Maybe he splits the rent with other cash-strapped serial killers?
And why does he even keep her in his dungeon? He says he wants to kill her. Then kill her already. This makes little sense. The longer she is there, the more chance he has of being caught. And he is going to clean her diapers? Even for a serial killer used to hacking bodies into pieces, this seems like a lousy job (I was going to call it a “shit job” but stopped myself, thank goodness).
Can you imagine discussing sex addiction in a church? Christ,” Morris said, and Jerry smiled at the pun.
Christ isn’t a pun in this sentence.
The whole sex addict angle was stupid, but I guess it sells books to frustrated women who have never had an orgasm. And what does a sex addicts anonymous meeting look like? A room full of gross pervos waiting for a woman to show up?
Sheila chooses to be celibate with her fiancé? He’s like the one guy she’s supposed to screw. When Sheila finally decides to give Morris a pity fuck or whatever, he can’t get it up because she’s too good in bed. Huh?
The story can never decide if Ethan is a maniac or a heart-broken romantic, a young man hopelessly in love who just happens to have a freezer of body parts in his dungeon.
The private investigator hears Abby say that the swimmer girl had her throat cut, which evidently hadn’t been revealed to the press and this was why he was on to her. It was common knowledge that she was stabbed 40 times as this is mentioned just a few pages more in the narrative. You could assume that one of those 40 blows slit her throat. Small point, but I still thought it was stupid. She could have thought up something more intimate about the case that the public didn’t know.
Why in the hell did Abby even talk to the cops about Ethan and basically rat him out? And why didn’t the police go immediately to the house? Then she cuts that investigator’s throat in the police station break room?
Why she had tried to kill him was anybody’s guess.
Sorry, that’s one of the dumbest lines a narrator could ever say.
Just because this falls under the genre of “psychological thriller” doesn’t mean everyone has to be a psychologist. Then they are usually really awful psychologists, like in this story. What kind of psychologist can’t even tell that her own husband is gay? Or that the man she is cheating on her husband with is a mass murderer? And, of course, in these stories the psychologists are mostly basket cases themselves.
A rule that I remember from high school journalism class is to avoid clichés when writing. This is like a dictionary of clichés. Just a few examples:
I’m not getting any younger (not just a cliché, just awful)
If I’ve told him once I’ve told him…
What is the world coming to? (unless said highly ironically, ugh)
Nothing to write home about
She has a certain je ne sais quoi. (c'est un énorme tas de merde.)
What the hell did it mean? Think, damn it
And then there are various mentions of the protagonist suffering a “mid-life crisis” which is a huge cliché in itself. Is that a scientific concept? No, it isn’t; it’s just a really tired idea.
OK, the dude is a graduate student with teaching assistant duties, some other student’s boyfriend, a mass murderer, does volunteer work at a soup kitchen, and he also has time to have a woman locked up in his dungeon? Busy guy.
Phony credit card to rent the vehicle. Where do you get one of those?
Couldn’t make out the plate number.” Only when it moves the story where you want it to go, kinda like “I don’t have any phone reception” just when someone needs it.
It seems like a dungeon would be pretty expensive, like a lot more than a normal apartment. In Seattle? Forget about it. Maybe he splits the rent with other cash-strapped serial killers?
And why does he even keep her in his dungeon? He says he wants to kill her. Then kill her already. This makes little sense. The longer she is there, the more chance he has of being caught. And he is going to clean her diapers? Even for a serial killer used to hacking bodies into pieces, this seems like a lousy job (I was going to call it a “shit job” but stopped myself, thank goodness).
Can you imagine discussing sex addiction in a church? Christ,” Morris said, and Jerry smiled at the pun.
Christ isn’t a pun in this sentence.
The whole sex addict angle was stupid, but I guess it sells books to frustrated women who have never had an orgasm. And what does a sex addicts anonymous meeting look like? A room full of gross pervos waiting for a woman to show up?
Sheila chooses to be celibate with her fiancé? He’s like the one guy she’s supposed to screw. When Sheila finally decides to give Morris a pity fuck or whatever, he can’t get it up because she’s too good in bed. Huh?
The story can never decide if Ethan is a maniac or a heart-broken romantic, a young man hopelessly in love who just happens to have a freezer of body parts in his dungeon.
The private investigator hears Abby say that the swimmer girl had her throat cut, which evidently hadn’t been revealed to the press and this was why he was on to her. It was common knowledge that she was stabbed 40 times as this is mentioned just a few pages more in the narrative. You could assume that one of those 40 blows slit her throat. Small point, but I still thought it was stupid. She could have thought up something more intimate about the case that the public didn’t know.
Why in the hell did Abby even talk to the cops about Ethan and basically rat him out? And why didn’t the police go immediately to the house? Then she cuts that investigator’s throat in the police station break room?
Why she had tried to kill him was anybody’s guess.
Sorry, that’s one of the dumbest lines a narrator could ever say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2021
If you're a psychological suspense/thriller lover and haven't read Hillier yet, you need to remedy that IMMEDIATELY. After loving her last 3 books, I had to go to the backlist. I'm currently listening to The Butcher and then just have to read Freak and I'm all caught up... which just means Hillier needs to hurry up with the next book already! (Please and thank you!)
Turns out, Creep and Freak are actually standalones that just take place in the same fictional Seattle world and another won't be coming anytime soon, but I certainly would welcome more from this world, or any world Hillier wants to bring us readers. But right now... right at THIS exact moment... I'm kicking myself for not reading her backlist earlier. Obsession, psychopaths, sex addicts, engagements, murder.... do I need to say more?
Hillier likes to write twisted stories about twisted people and she always delivers. I actually wished this had gone just a tad darker but that probably says more about me than anything else. *shrug* But then I remember that this is her debut novel and you can see the growth from this to the latest. Across the board, highly entertaining from beginning to end, creepy antagonists, flawed protagonists.... Hillier just brings her own vibe to stories avid thriller readers have seen before. I'm a fan. Basically, read all her books. Thank you and goodnight!
Turns out, Creep and Freak are actually standalones that just take place in the same fictional Seattle world and another won't be coming anytime soon, but I certainly would welcome more from this world, or any world Hillier wants to bring us readers. But right now... right at THIS exact moment... I'm kicking myself for not reading her backlist earlier. Obsession, psychopaths, sex addicts, engagements, murder.... do I need to say more?
Hillier likes to write twisted stories about twisted people and she always delivers. I actually wished this had gone just a tad darker but that probably says more about me than anything else. *shrug* But then I remember that this is her debut novel and you can see the growth from this to the latest. Across the board, highly entertaining from beginning to end, creepy antagonists, flawed protagonists.... Hillier just brings her own vibe to stories avid thriller readers have seen before. I'm a fan. Basically, read all her books. Thank you and goodnight!
December 29, 2018
Yup, this book creeped the heck out of me!! But I LOVED it!! It was a VERY twisty plot, full of flawed characters, and that ending!?!! I’m gonna go and get my “Freak” on!! Lol (Get it?)
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