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Follow Me
From the author of Truth Be Told (formerly titled Are You Sleeping)—now an Apple TV series of the same name—comes a cautionary tale of oversharing in the social media age for fans of Jessica Knoll and Caroline Kepnes’s You.
Everyone wants new followers…until they follow you home.
Audrey Miller has an enviable new job at the Smithsonian, a body by reformer Pilates, an apartment door with a broken lock, and hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers to bear witness to it all. Having just moved to Washington, DC, Audrey busies herself impressing her new boss, interacting with her online fan base, and staving off a creepy upstairs neighbor with the help of the only two people she knows in town: an ex-boyfriend she can’t stay away from and a sorority sister with a high-powered job and a mysterious past.
But Audrey’s faulty door may be the least of her security concerns. Unbeknownst to her, her move has brought her within striking distance of someone who’s obsessively followed her social media presence for years—from her first WordPress blog to her most recent Instagram Story. No longer content to simply follow her carefully curated life from a distance, he consults the dark web for advice on how to make Audrey his and his alone. In his quest to win her heart, nothing is off-limits—and nothing is private.
Kathleen Barber’s electrifying new thriller will have you scrambling to cover your webcam and digital footprints.
Everyone wants new followers…until they follow you home.
Audrey Miller has an enviable new job at the Smithsonian, a body by reformer Pilates, an apartment door with a broken lock, and hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers to bear witness to it all. Having just moved to Washington, DC, Audrey busies herself impressing her new boss, interacting with her online fan base, and staving off a creepy upstairs neighbor with the help of the only two people she knows in town: an ex-boyfriend she can’t stay away from and a sorority sister with a high-powered job and a mysterious past.
But Audrey’s faulty door may be the least of her security concerns. Unbeknownst to her, her move has brought her within striking distance of someone who’s obsessively followed her social media presence for years—from her first WordPress blog to her most recent Instagram Story. No longer content to simply follow her carefully curated life from a distance, he consults the dark web for advice on how to make Audrey his and his alone. In his quest to win her heart, nothing is off-limits—and nothing is private.
Kathleen Barber’s electrifying new thriller will have you scrambling to cover your webcam and digital footprints.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published February 25, 2020
About the author
Kathleen Barber
2 books955 followersKathleen Barber’s first novel Truth Be Told (formerly published as Are You Sleeping) is the inspiration for the Apple TV+ series of the same name, produced by Reese Witherspoon’s Hello Sunshine and starring Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul. Kathleen was raised in Galesburg, Illinois, and is a graduate of the University of Illinois and Northwestern University School of Law. She lives in Washington, D.C., with her husband and son. Follow Me is her second novel.
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March 10, 2020
Four welcome to attention seekers world don’t have any problem to bring their stalkers into their own lives because main motto of own the social media obsessed fakers’ is: “If it doesn’t kill you, it makes you interesting” stars!
You know, one of my favorite musical’s theme song: (the beginning of my addiction to move like Travolta and drink like Jagger) was Grease’s “Four Season”. But I’m changing words and adapting to our new introvert, artificial, faking people whose face glued to their phones to post new photos and distorted facts about their pathetic, miserable lives (at least that’s what they think because they’re not satisfied with their true selves). Here we go: Social media is the word, is the word that you heard! It's got a groove, it's got a meaning! Faking is the time, is the place, is the motion! Deceiving yourself is the way we are feeling !”
So we have virtual world’s amazing queen Audrey who is an exclusive, experienced presenter of her upgraded self on social media jungle. She has millions of followers, admirers, followers and real stalkers. But guess what, she has to move to D.C. for getting a proper titled job to make her ends meet and live in an apartment without roommates even the place is trashy basement and landlord’s grandson has friendly tendencies to be appeared from nowhere by using his secret key and harassing her.
Audrey’s best friend Cat is climbing ladders at her law firm, workaholic and all work no play kind of dull girl, relieved to see her friend Audrey moved to the same city she is living. But Cat is insecure, having troubles to be accepted by other people, shy, introvert, social dysfunctional. It’s sad but true to say that Audrey feels safe with her because she likes to use her as her protection shield and she knows, Cat cannot steal her spotlight! (There are so many things about Audrey to make easier to hate her, detest her and slap her but we can’t because we know behind the closed doors, she’s so vulnerable and she needs to be cared and loved. She’s loner and neglected by her own family. That’s why she’s keeping Cat in her life because she knows Cat never leaves her and she is tolerant to her antics and selfishness!)
But there is HIM, Joe Goldberg’s rich and loaded version, coming from a classy family , has bad luck with the girls ( because he’s obsessively falling in love with them and when he is dumbed, he gets devastated by all those rejections. But thankfully he doesn’t have a special basement dungeon covered with glasses to lock those girls. Our guy is harmless when we compare him with Joe!)
So HIM is in love with Audrey and he thinks they’re fated. He watches every step her take, every move her make, every bond she break, she’s watching her! (It’s not as creepy as it seems when the song was sang by Sting and Robert Downey Jr, yes I’m talking about my favorite Ally McBeal scene!)
The author misguided us between six guys who could be stalker. But I found it eventually, not thank to my spider sense, it was easy catch!
The one thing bothered me is the way of the men look at Audrey as if she’s goddess. But nothing is extraordinary about her. She’s manipulator, amazing presenter and faker but come on ! Why everyone is so obsessed with her? Everyone is acting like graduated with PR degree in our modern world. Nothing makes special a good faker!
If only his ex was like that I would say okay, maybe his ex had his own issues to move on. But even her colleagues, Cat’s long time crush friend, random guys passing by the museum seemed like infuriated by her magical pus… (Fill the blanks) This part about the book irritated me!
I was about to give three stars but intriguing, mysterious, page turner pacing and amazing ending changed my mind and I’m giving four stars. In my opinion this is so much better stalker book from You! (Definitely too much better than Hidden Bodies, too)
The social media references and fast, riveting chapters, way of story-telling and sarcasm hid between the lines made me enjoy this book so much,
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing me this fascinating ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest and completely satisfied review!
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You know, one of my favorite musical’s theme song: (the beginning of my addiction to move like Travolta and drink like Jagger) was Grease’s “Four Season”. But I’m changing words and adapting to our new introvert, artificial, faking people whose face glued to their phones to post new photos and distorted facts about their pathetic, miserable lives (at least that’s what they think because they’re not satisfied with their true selves). Here we go: Social media is the word, is the word that you heard! It's got a groove, it's got a meaning! Faking is the time, is the place, is the motion! Deceiving yourself is the way we are feeling !”
So we have virtual world’s amazing queen Audrey who is an exclusive, experienced presenter of her upgraded self on social media jungle. She has millions of followers, admirers, followers and real stalkers. But guess what, she has to move to D.C. for getting a proper titled job to make her ends meet and live in an apartment without roommates even the place is trashy basement and landlord’s grandson has friendly tendencies to be appeared from nowhere by using his secret key and harassing her.
Audrey’s best friend Cat is climbing ladders at her law firm, workaholic and all work no play kind of dull girl, relieved to see her friend Audrey moved to the same city she is living. But Cat is insecure, having troubles to be accepted by other people, shy, introvert, social dysfunctional. It’s sad but true to say that Audrey feels safe with her because she likes to use her as her protection shield and she knows, Cat cannot steal her spotlight! (There are so many things about Audrey to make easier to hate her, detest her and slap her but we can’t because we know behind the closed doors, she’s so vulnerable and she needs to be cared and loved. She’s loner and neglected by her own family. That’s why she’s keeping Cat in her life because she knows Cat never leaves her and she is tolerant to her antics and selfishness!)
But there is HIM, Joe Goldberg’s rich and loaded version, coming from a classy family , has bad luck with the girls ( because he’s obsessively falling in love with them and when he is dumbed, he gets devastated by all those rejections. But thankfully he doesn’t have a special basement dungeon covered with glasses to lock those girls. Our guy is harmless when we compare him with Joe!)
So HIM is in love with Audrey and he thinks they’re fated. He watches every step her take, every move her make, every bond she break, she’s watching her! (It’s not as creepy as it seems when the song was sang by Sting and Robert Downey Jr, yes I’m talking about my favorite Ally McBeal scene!)
The author misguided us between six guys who could be stalker. But I found it eventually, not thank to my spider sense, it was easy catch!
The one thing bothered me is the way of the men look at Audrey as if she’s goddess. But nothing is extraordinary about her. She’s manipulator, amazing presenter and faker but come on ! Why everyone is so obsessed with her? Everyone is acting like graduated with PR degree in our modern world. Nothing makes special a good faker!
If only his ex was like that I would say okay, maybe his ex had his own issues to move on. But even her colleagues, Cat’s long time crush friend, random guys passing by the museum seemed like infuriated by her magical pus… (Fill the blanks) This part about the book irritated me!
I was about to give three stars but intriguing, mysterious, page turner pacing and amazing ending changed my mind and I’m giving four stars. In my opinion this is so much better stalker book from You! (Definitely too much better than Hidden Bodies, too)
The social media references and fast, riveting chapters, way of story-telling and sarcasm hid between the lines made me enjoy this book so much,
Special thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for sharing me this fascinating ARC COPY with me in exchange my honest and completely satisfied review!
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November 16, 2019
3.5 stars
A guy becomes obsessed with a girl. He stalks her online and takes extraordinary measures and extra creepy steps to learn everything about her. He will do whatever it takes to insert himself in her life and make her his own. Sound familiar?
While Follow Me is quite similar to You, it is not a copy cat. There are enough differences that make it interesting to read.
Someone is stalking Audrey, a social media influencer who posts EVERY element of her life online. The reader doesn’t know who her creepy stalker is, turning this into a bit of a mystery. Is it her new handsy co-worker? Her crazy best-friend? Her ex-boyfriend? Her new boyfriend? The creepy guy who has gained access to her workplace? A random fan who follows her online? I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out, and boy do they take an interesting turn.
Follow Me is split between the POV’s of Audrey, “Him,” and Cat (Audrey’s best friend).
Audrey is maybe a slightly more likable version of Beck. She is self-involved and annoying, but there are moments when I felt bad for her. They didn’t last long, though.
“Him” ain’t no Joe. He lacks Joe’s charisma and sinister charm.
Cat is Audrey’s best friend. Cat, well, she changes everything! She has the most interesting voice of the three characters, IMHO.
Is Follow Me better than You? HELL NO! However, it’s a thoroughly entertaining and twisty read that kept me guessing. The ending is all kinds of crazy and over the top fun. Barber adds an interesting twist by playing off the vulnerability of those who feel the need to live their lives on Social Media.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A guy becomes obsessed with a girl. He stalks her online and takes extraordinary measures and extra creepy steps to learn everything about her. He will do whatever it takes to insert himself in her life and make her his own. Sound familiar?
While Follow Me is quite similar to You, it is not a copy cat. There are enough differences that make it interesting to read.
Someone is stalking Audrey, a social media influencer who posts EVERY element of her life online. The reader doesn’t know who her creepy stalker is, turning this into a bit of a mystery. Is it her new handsy co-worker? Her crazy best-friend? Her ex-boyfriend? Her new boyfriend? The creepy guy who has gained access to her workplace? A random fan who follows her online? I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out, and boy do they take an interesting turn.
Follow Me is split between the POV’s of Audrey, “Him,” and Cat (Audrey’s best friend).
Audrey is maybe a slightly more likable version of Beck. She is self-involved and annoying, but there are moments when I felt bad for her. They didn’t last long, though.
“Him” ain’t no Joe. He lacks Joe’s charisma and sinister charm.
Cat is Audrey’s best friend. Cat, well, she changes everything! She has the most interesting voice of the three characters, IMHO.
Is Follow Me better than You? HELL NO! However, it’s a thoroughly entertaining and twisty read that kept me guessing. The ending is all kinds of crazy and over the top fun. Barber adds an interesting twist by playing off the vulnerability of those who feel the need to live their lives on Social Media.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 27, 2020
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I gravitate towards books that have anything to do with social media so there was no doubt I was going to be reading this book.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you more interesting”
Audrey Miller is a popular Instagrammer. She loves sharing her life with her many followers. Audrey has just moved to Washington, DC to start her dream job as Social Media Manager at the Hirshhorn Museum. Her friend Cat invites her to stay in her guest room but Audrey declines. Cat is nice but she has always been too needy. Plus Audrey already found a place to live. She found an ad on Craigslist and after speaking with the landlady on the phone, she said she would take it…UNSEEN! “How bad could it be?” It won’t be long before Audrey regrets that decision.
Cat has always felt like Audrey’s friendship saved her. However, Cat is the complete opposite of Audrey, she doesn’t even have an Instagram account. Cat wants to become partner at the law firm where she works. Now that Audrey is in town, Cat has been going out a lot more and her work begins to suffer. But Cat feels like Audrey needs her right now. She feels like Audrey would do the same thing for her. At least that’s what she tells herself.
Lately, Audrey has been feeling like someone is watching her but tells herself that it is just her imagination. She is working on a social media campaign for a new exhibit called “The Life and Death of Rosalind Rose”. If she does well this could mean a terrific promotion. But when strange things start happening we have to wonder if life could be imitating art.
Someone IS obsessed with Audrey. This person has been following everything she does online. He knows almost everything about her. NOW he thinks he’s found a way to keep an even closer eye on Audrey.
This was a compelling and cautionary tale.
Cover up your webcam!
The story is told from multiple points of view. We hear from Cat, Audrey, and “HIM”. I liked the alternating points of view. The story was gripping and I finished it in just a few sittings. This is a fictional story so there are definitely some over-the-top moments. However, I thought this was a very entertaining and thought-provoking read. If I hadn’t done it already, this book would have me jumping to cover up all of the webcams in my home.
I’m currently watching the TV series “Truth Be Told” which is based on the author’s previous novel “Are You Sleeping”. I think this book would make an excellent movie/TV series too!
A fascinating and terrifying story about friendship, love, obsession, and jealousy.
I'd like to thank Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
I gravitate towards books that have anything to do with social media so there was no doubt I was going to be reading this book.
“What doesn’t kill you makes you more interesting”
Audrey Miller is a popular Instagrammer. She loves sharing her life with her many followers. Audrey has just moved to Washington, DC to start her dream job as Social Media Manager at the Hirshhorn Museum. Her friend Cat invites her to stay in her guest room but Audrey declines. Cat is nice but she has always been too needy. Plus Audrey already found a place to live. She found an ad on Craigslist and after speaking with the landlady on the phone, she said she would take it…UNSEEN! “How bad could it be?” It won’t be long before Audrey regrets that decision.
Cat has always felt like Audrey’s friendship saved her. However, Cat is the complete opposite of Audrey, she doesn’t even have an Instagram account. Cat wants to become partner at the law firm where she works. Now that Audrey is in town, Cat has been going out a lot more and her work begins to suffer. But Cat feels like Audrey needs her right now. She feels like Audrey would do the same thing for her. At least that’s what she tells herself.
Lately, Audrey has been feeling like someone is watching her but tells herself that it is just her imagination. She is working on a social media campaign for a new exhibit called “The Life and Death of Rosalind Rose”. If she does well this could mean a terrific promotion. But when strange things start happening we have to wonder if life could be imitating art.
Someone IS obsessed with Audrey. This person has been following everything she does online. He knows almost everything about her. NOW he thinks he’s found a way to keep an even closer eye on Audrey.
This was a compelling and cautionary tale.
Cover up your webcam!
The story is told from multiple points of view. We hear from Cat, Audrey, and “HIM”. I liked the alternating points of view. The story was gripping and I finished it in just a few sittings. This is a fictional story so there are definitely some over-the-top moments. However, I thought this was a very entertaining and thought-provoking read. If I hadn’t done it already, this book would have me jumping to cover up all of the webcams in my home.
I’m currently watching the TV series “Truth Be Told” which is based on the author’s previous novel “Are You Sleeping”. I think this book would make an excellent movie/TV series too!
A fascinating and terrifying story about friendship, love, obsession, and jealousy.
I'd like to thank Gallery Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2020
Holy flipping crap! This book is creeeeeptastic! I can't believe I waited this long to read this book. Sure it just came out but had I known what I know now I would've jumped on this ARC the second I got it. Okay, okay, you get it.....but I LOVED this book.
Part of the reason I loved this book so much was the author's style of writing. I love it when you crack open a book and you have never read the author before. I usually find myself either drawn to the writing style...or not. Well instantly I knew this would end up being a favorite author for me. See- I love dark, witty, gritty humor...and this book is riddled with that. I love it! Everyone who has read any of my reviews knows, I love, love, love me a Liz Nugent book. This reminded me of that kind of dark style. I am an ER nurse, we thrive on that.
Audrey Miller is an "it" girl or so she thinks. Audrey is all about Audrey. With all the Audrey's self love splashed all across Instagram, she has managed to get herself a million plus followers. Pretty impressive Audrey. She considers herself a celebrity and doesn't care if everyone knows her every move...well as long as it looks good. It is highly entertaining to think how true this "staging" is when you consider people on social media. So true to real life!
Things really take a turn as Audrey moves into a basement...with a complete weirdo living upstairs. With a broken lock...with someone watching her sleep....HELLLS to the no! Not this girl. I would be out of there in a flash. I dare you not to be creeped out!
Especially creepy was the author's note. I am just minding my own business reading it, not realizing at first that it was about her research for the book. OMG this research is insane. Note to self- sticky note over camera...check..
As for the ending, well that was very well played! EEKKK! Okay I am done being a drama queen but I blame Audrey! Her drama must have rubbed off on me for this review. Seriously though, I loved this book and hope you do too.
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for this fantastic ARC!!! Now this is a thriller!
Part of the reason I loved this book so much was the author's style of writing. I love it when you crack open a book and you have never read the author before. I usually find myself either drawn to the writing style...or not. Well instantly I knew this would end up being a favorite author for me. See- I love dark, witty, gritty humor...and this book is riddled with that. I love it! Everyone who has read any of my reviews knows, I love, love, love me a Liz Nugent book. This reminded me of that kind of dark style. I am an ER nurse, we thrive on that.
Audrey Miller is an "it" girl or so she thinks. Audrey is all about Audrey. With all the Audrey's self love splashed all across Instagram, she has managed to get herself a million plus followers. Pretty impressive Audrey. She considers herself a celebrity and doesn't care if everyone knows her every move...well as long as it looks good. It is highly entertaining to think how true this "staging" is when you consider people on social media. So true to real life!
Things really take a turn as Audrey moves into a basement...with a complete weirdo living upstairs. With a broken lock...with someone watching her sleep....HELLLS to the no! Not this girl. I would be out of there in a flash. I dare you not to be creeped out!
Especially creepy was the author's note. I am just minding my own business reading it, not realizing at first that it was about her research for the book. OMG this research is insane. Note to self- sticky note over camera...check..
As for the ending, well that was very well played! EEKKK! Okay I am done being a drama queen but I blame Audrey! Her drama must have rubbed off on me for this review. Seriously though, I loved this book and hope you do too.
Thank you so much to Gallery Books for this fantastic ARC!!! Now this is a thriller!
December 6, 2019
This book will have you thinking long and hard about how much of yourself you share on line. And if it doesn’t? Well, I warned you!💁🏻♀️
Audrey is a social influencer. With over a million followers on Instagram she posts anything and everything about her life on line. She’s literally made her life an open book, available for all her followers. And yes, for her Stalker!
A job opportunity of a lifetime takes her from her beloved New York City to Washington DC. But that’s OK! She considers it a small price to pay. After all, her former sorority sister from college lives there! Not to mention her college boyfriend that she still has unfinished business with.
The looming question is, will this move keep her safe and away from her stalker? Oh come on! Not a chance!
Wow! This book kept me pondering and pointing my judgmental, accusatory finger at who I thought surely was the stalker all the way up to the big reveal! Even with that...there were some extra juicy twists sprinkled in!
There were a few parts where my believability had me rolling my eyes! But overall a fabulous thriller that I think will be an explosive hit for 2020.
A fabulous thrilling buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Bianca Salvant at Gallery Pocket Books via Netgalley and Kathleen Barber for an ARC to read and review.
Audrey is a social influencer. With over a million followers on Instagram she posts anything and everything about her life on line. She’s literally made her life an open book, available for all her followers. And yes, for her Stalker!
A job opportunity of a lifetime takes her from her beloved New York City to Washington DC. But that’s OK! She considers it a small price to pay. After all, her former sorority sister from college lives there! Not to mention her college boyfriend that she still has unfinished business with.
The looming question is, will this move keep her safe and away from her stalker? Oh come on! Not a chance!
Wow! This book kept me pondering and pointing my judgmental, accusatory finger at who I thought surely was the stalker all the way up to the big reveal! Even with that...there were some extra juicy twists sprinkled in!
There were a few parts where my believability had me rolling my eyes! But overall a fabulous thriller that I think will be an explosive hit for 2020.
A fabulous thrilling buddy read with Susanne!
Thank you to Bianca Salvant at Gallery Pocket Books via Netgalley and Kathleen Barber for an ARC to read and review.
January 26, 2020
Ever feels as if someone was watching you? Ever come home and get the feeling someone has been there even though nothing has been taken?
Audrey Miller has everything - a job at the Smithsonian, a huge social media following and a stalker!
Audrey shares almost every moment of her life online, she is used to having fans, even creepy ones....until one day, one decides to walk into her life and make her his own.
Audrey has moved to Washington, DC and is working hard at impressing her boss, spending time with her best friend, Cat, hooking up with her ex, all while dealing with her landlord's creepy son. Things should be falling into place for her, but she can't shake the feeling that someone is watching her, that someone has entered her apartment and may even be following her.
This is a fast-paced book that is told through various POV - Audrey, Cat and "Him". Each has an interesting story to tell. We get a better glimpse into their lives, thoughts and emotions. The reader also learns that one is hiding a secret while the other is well....you'll have to read the book!
I really enjoyed Kathleen Barber's book Are You Sleeping and found that I did not enjoy this one as much. It's still enjoyable, but I do recommend checking out her other book as well! This one was slightly predictable but had a nice twist. I wasn't shocked at the identity of "Him" I thought it was obvious but enjoyed how the characters found out.
This was an enjoyable fun read, that didn't require much thought. It is well written and had a nice pace throughout. Although, I enjoyed it, I thought the characters could have used a little more dimension and oomph. Some just felt a little flat to me and none really stood out as likable.
Overall, an enjoyable book which cautions the reader about over sharing on social media. It also begs the question about how well we know those in our lives.
Thank you to Gallery, Pocket Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Audrey Miller has everything - a job at the Smithsonian, a huge social media following and a stalker!
Audrey shares almost every moment of her life online, she is used to having fans, even creepy ones....until one day, one decides to walk into her life and make her his own.
Audrey has moved to Washington, DC and is working hard at impressing her boss, spending time with her best friend, Cat, hooking up with her ex, all while dealing with her landlord's creepy son. Things should be falling into place for her, but she can't shake the feeling that someone is watching her, that someone has entered her apartment and may even be following her.
This is a fast-paced book that is told through various POV - Audrey, Cat and "Him". Each has an interesting story to tell. We get a better glimpse into their lives, thoughts and emotions. The reader also learns that one is hiding a secret while the other is well....you'll have to read the book!
I really enjoyed Kathleen Barber's book Are You Sleeping and found that I did not enjoy this one as much. It's still enjoyable, but I do recommend checking out her other book as well! This one was slightly predictable but had a nice twist. I wasn't shocked at the identity of "Him" I thought it was obvious but enjoyed how the characters found out.
This was an enjoyable fun read, that didn't require much thought. It is well written and had a nice pace throughout. Although, I enjoyed it, I thought the characters could have used a little more dimension and oomph. Some just felt a little flat to me and none really stood out as likable.
Overall, an enjoyable book which cautions the reader about over sharing on social media. It also begs the question about how well we know those in our lives.
Thank you to Gallery, Pocket Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 27, 2020
Well, this is certainly a timely novel. Lately, the news has been filled with clips concerning folks taking control of other peoples’ webcams, baby monitors and the like, which is scary beyond belief. Kathleen Barber had an awakening when she stumbled on the subject on a legal advice website, which led to her writing this novel.
Unfortunately, this stalker book has been done before. And done better. I never felt that Audrey seemed like a real person, especially the idea that she would attract every man within a one mile radius.
We hear from Audrey, Him (the stalker) and Cat, Audrey’s introverted, hardworking friend. The three different POVs keep the book moving at a fast pace, especially since the chapters tend to be short. The author uses Cat to good advantage, expressing the fear of social media compared to Audrey’s obsessive need for exposure.
While the author’s writing isn’t particularly enticing, every now and then a line hit home with me. “My family - and my parents in particular - had the emotional capacity of cats. They knew how you felt; they simply didn’t care.”
Still, Audrey was so obnoxious and egocentric, I had trouble caring about her, especially when she was so incredibly stupid. At times, Audrey reminded me of the GEICO ad when the teenagers say, “let’s go hide behind the chainsaws”. You also have to be able to willing to suspend your need for believability because there are some big leaps of faith. The twist at the end was just good enough to allow me to rate this a 3 star.
Again, maybe it’s my age and that I’m not totally wedded to my phone and don’t even use most social media. Certainly, the book is getting lots of strong reviews. But this one just didn’t really work for me.
My thanks to netgalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of this book.
Unfortunately, this stalker book has been done before. And done better. I never felt that Audrey seemed like a real person, especially the idea that she would attract every man within a one mile radius.
We hear from Audrey, Him (the stalker) and Cat, Audrey’s introverted, hardworking friend. The three different POVs keep the book moving at a fast pace, especially since the chapters tend to be short. The author uses Cat to good advantage, expressing the fear of social media compared to Audrey’s obsessive need for exposure.
While the author’s writing isn’t particularly enticing, every now and then a line hit home with me. “My family - and my parents in particular - had the emotional capacity of cats. They knew how you felt; they simply didn’t care.”
Still, Audrey was so obnoxious and egocentric, I had trouble caring about her, especially when she was so incredibly stupid. At times, Audrey reminded me of the GEICO ad when the teenagers say, “let’s go hide behind the chainsaws”. You also have to be able to willing to suspend your need for believability because there are some big leaps of faith. The twist at the end was just good enough to allow me to rate this a 3 star.
Again, maybe it’s my age and that I’m not totally wedded to my phone and don’t even use most social media. Certainly, the book is getting lots of strong reviews. But this one just didn’t really work for me.
My thanks to netgalley and Gallery Books for an advance copy of this book.
December 23, 2019
Instagram madness....
Anyone who has an instagram account will surely get some shivers after reading this book about the dangers of posting too much information. TMI
Audrey Miller had over a million subscribers (that is a lot of eyes!) The problem is that someone is watching her every move, following all her social media accounts and stories. This person knows where she lives, works and her favorite hang-out spots. Scary!
We get this mystery stalker's pov as he anticipates Audrey's every move. She begins to sense "someone" watching her, but brushes away concern. Well, she is a bit naive and learns quickly she should have been more cautious.
The pace is good and there are plenty of suspects to keep the guessing going until the end. While some happenings were definitely over the top, I still enjoyed the game of figuring out who this stalker was!
I would call this a light stalker, but cautionary tale. This was just my speed!
Thanks to Gallery Books and NG for my review copy! OUT on FEB 25, 2020
December 10, 2019
3.75 Stars
Attention. Some people thrive on it and sometimes, it might just get you into trouble.
Just ask Audrey Miller. She’s hooked on Instagram and has more than hundreds of thousands of followers.
Her Insta account is how she got a job at the Smithsonian as a Social Media manager. One of the problems with Audrey is that she loves her followers and of course, they love her. Some, in fact, are obsessed with her. Too bad Audrey doesn’t take it seriously. That however is a problem that will be remedied, quickly I might add.
Do you feel the need to look over your shoulder? Close down your social media accounts? Perhaps you should do both. Just a friendly warning from a concerned citizen.
“Follow Me” is a terrifying look at social media and how it can impact a young woman’s life in this day and age. While some parts of this novel were a bit far-fetched in my opinion, this was a compelling, intense read that both scared and entertained me.
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Bianca Salvant at Gallery Books, NetGalley and Kathleen Barber for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Netgalley on 12.1.19.
Attention. Some people thrive on it and sometimes, it might just get you into trouble.
Just ask Audrey Miller. She’s hooked on Instagram and has more than hundreds of thousands of followers.
Her Insta account is how she got a job at the Smithsonian as a Social Media manager. One of the problems with Audrey is that she loves her followers and of course, they love her. Some, in fact, are obsessed with her. Too bad Audrey doesn’t take it seriously. That however is a problem that will be remedied, quickly I might add.
Do you feel the need to look over your shoulder? Close down your social media accounts? Perhaps you should do both. Just a friendly warning from a concerned citizen.
“Follow Me” is a terrifying look at social media and how it can impact a young woman’s life in this day and age. While some parts of this novel were a bit far-fetched in my opinion, this was a compelling, intense read that both scared and entertained me.
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Bianca Salvant at Gallery Books, NetGalley and Kathleen Barber for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Netgalley on 12.1.19.
February 21, 2020
Audrey posts her move from New York to DC on her social media account for her millions of followers to view, like, and comment on. After her move, she notices someone is commenting very specific things on her posts that only someone following her would know. She starts hearing things outside her apartment. Things escalate. Who is following her?
Wait, doesn't she want followers....?
Chapters alternate between Audrey, Cat, and Him. Audrey has the most chapters in the novel, and was certainly a naive and self-centered main character that I often rolled my eyes at. Her best friend, Cat, is an attorney in DC and is socially opposite of Audrey. "Him" is the stalker.
Suspense throughout the story involves “Him”. Trying to unearth the identity of the stalker “Him” is the guiding light behind the tension of the novel. (The relationship between Cat and Aubrey, their past relationships with boys, their time in college together, and the banter between them was a yawn for me.)
There is a good twist in the end, but the questions and purpose buried beneath the conclusion spotlighted the main objective. It's in the conclusion that the true essence of the novel is encapsulated, which made me really like it. Measuring accountability regarding social media is a subject of speculation that drives the novel home.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy. Opinions are my own.
Wait, doesn't she want followers....?
Chapters alternate between Audrey, Cat, and Him. Audrey has the most chapters in the novel, and was certainly a naive and self-centered main character that I often rolled my eyes at. Her best friend, Cat, is an attorney in DC and is socially opposite of Audrey. "Him" is the stalker.
Suspense throughout the story involves “Him”. Trying to unearth the identity of the stalker “Him” is the guiding light behind the tension of the novel. (The relationship between Cat and Aubrey, their past relationships with boys, their time in college together, and the banter between them was a yawn for me.)
There is a good twist in the end, but the questions and purpose buried beneath the conclusion spotlighted the main objective. It's in the conclusion that the true essence of the novel is encapsulated, which made me really like it. Measuring accountability regarding social media is a subject of speculation that drives the novel home.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance copy. Opinions are my own.
March 1, 2020
Have you ever been scared or freaked out by social media? Do you worry about your privacy and the security of your personal data? I think many of us can relate, and Kathleen Barber’s newest book, Follow Me, addresses this type of scenario in a thrilling way.
“Everyone wants new followers…until they follow you home.”
Eek! That’s it in a nutshell. Audrey works at the Smithsonian, and puts it all out there. Oh, and the lock on her apartment door doesn’t work. She has no idea that moving to DC for this job has now put her in the direct crosshairs of someone who’s been obsessed with her for years, following her every move on her blog and Instagram. He’s not giving up until Audrey is “his.”
Yikes. This book scared the soup out of me. The reason is because it felt so real and like it could actually happen. I compulsively and - obsessively - read this book from start to finish. Audrey could be any one of us, even if she was annoying and pretty self-absorbed at times! 😂 Overall, I enjoyed this intense cautionary tale of social media!
I received a gifted copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
“Everyone wants new followers…until they follow you home.”
Eek! That’s it in a nutshell. Audrey works at the Smithsonian, and puts it all out there. Oh, and the lock on her apartment door doesn’t work. She has no idea that moving to DC for this job has now put her in the direct crosshairs of someone who’s been obsessed with her for years, following her every move on her blog and Instagram. He’s not giving up until Audrey is “his.”
Yikes. This book scared the soup out of me. The reason is because it felt so real and like it could actually happen. I compulsively and - obsessively - read this book from start to finish. Audrey could be any one of us, even if she was annoying and pretty self-absorbed at times! 😂 Overall, I enjoyed this intense cautionary tale of social media!
I received a gifted copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
February 27, 2020
"Self-absorbed to the point of boring," and "what doesn't kill you makes you interesting no stronger." That's has been my experience with social media and a bit with this story as well.
The premise to this story sounds like nothing new however Kathleen Barber does add something a little different here with our stalker that left me a bit rattled and putting a sticker on the camera for my computer. I am not easily rattled that way, so I have to applaud her for bringing that creep to the story for me.
So here I am again really wanting to love a book but left wondering where my groove is. I thought I would be entertained but was left disappointed with the uninteresting characters, kind of like every time I go on social media. Big sigh!!
I received a copy from NetGalley
The premise to this story sounds like nothing new however Kathleen Barber does add something a little different here with our stalker that left me a bit rattled and putting a sticker on the camera for my computer. I am not easily rattled that way, so I have to applaud her for bringing that creep to the story for me.
So here I am again really wanting to love a book but left wondering where my groove is. I thought I would be entertained but was left disappointed with the uninteresting characters, kind of like every time I go on social media. Big sigh!!
I received a copy from NetGalley
January 13, 2020
Audrey Miller is a woman that has it all including over a million followers on Instagram. She has a carefully curated life that she shares with all of her followers any chance she can get. To say she may be addicted to the attention is an understatement.
"The side effect of only showing the best and most beautiful bits of my life to everyone meant that I felt I couldn't reveal my messier, more complicated emotions to anyone other than a trusted few." <---- that's some first world problems right there, amiright? To say Audrey didn't gain my sympathy is an understatement.
What's the problem with posting every detail of your life you might ask? That information could fall into the wrong hands. Hands that may believe that you are fated to be together.
Having recently moved to Washington DC from NYC for a job change she reconnects with her college best friend, Cat. Cat has always admired Audrey's charm and carefree lifestyle but at the same time it causes her great concern that Audrey isn't more careful and that perhaps she is too trusting of strangers.
Audrey suddenly feels like she's being watched at all times. Is she being stalked or is she being paranoid?
This was a fast paced psych thriller that may be a bit predictable but was still a fun read. I will admit that the ending wasn't exactly how I was expecting it to go and it was also the most disappointing aspect of the book for multiple reasons. 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
"The side effect of only showing the best and most beautiful bits of my life to everyone meant that I felt I couldn't reveal my messier, more complicated emotions to anyone other than a trusted few." <---- that's some first world problems right there, amiright? To say Audrey didn't gain my sympathy is an understatement.
What's the problem with posting every detail of your life you might ask? That information could fall into the wrong hands. Hands that may believe that you are fated to be together.
Having recently moved to Washington DC from NYC for a job change she reconnects with her college best friend, Cat. Cat has always admired Audrey's charm and carefree lifestyle but at the same time it causes her great concern that Audrey isn't more careful and that perhaps she is too trusting of strangers.
Audrey suddenly feels like she's being watched at all times. Is she being stalked or is she being paranoid?
This was a fast paced psych thriller that may be a bit predictable but was still a fun read. I will admit that the ending wasn't exactly how I was expecting it to go and it was also the most disappointing aspect of the book for multiple reasons. 3.5 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 26, 2019
This book is a great read and definitely hits home because I'm using social media everyday! I like reading Audrey's view. She's good at pretending she's brave or confident when she's laced with fear or anxiety. I like that she doesn't want to be a damsel in distress by relying on a guy for protection. I'm actually surprised that Audrey's job is not so glam for an Instagram public figure, but definitely a nice detail with her living area as compared to how she present herself online. The story would have been a bit more interesting if readers get to join in on trivia night with a few questions and answers. I like having the view of the mystery guy for his side of the story. It's interesting to get an analysis of Audrey from Cat.
There are two main characters in this book: Audrey and Cat. They both knew each other from way back in college. Audrey is now an Instagram famous with more than one million followers. She just moved to Washington DC, which of course all of her followers knew about it. Cat is a lawyer who is always self conscious. She's the opposite of Audrey in the way that she doesn't trust the internet. She often analyzes Audrey and herself. Then there's the view of the mystery "him". He found Audrey on the internet and followed all of her social media platforms. Seeing her on social media is not enough so he takes an extra step.
Follow Me is well written, though the story drags on with the characters' struggling love life and less than glam careers. I like the reminder to not click on the link. Cat's mysterious past is such a suspense! I guessed the mystery "him" early on so when he was revealed, I thought I was right, but then that twist! I love that twist and I'm as surprised as Audrey to find out. That ending was a nice surprise, finally learning what Cat's secret was. This book definitely reminds us influencers to remember to not over share our lives on the internet! Well, and to watch out for friends.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
***Thank you Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review! Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
There are two main characters in this book: Audrey and Cat. They both knew each other from way back in college. Audrey is now an Instagram famous with more than one million followers. She just moved to Washington DC, which of course all of her followers knew about it. Cat is a lawyer who is always self conscious. She's the opposite of Audrey in the way that she doesn't trust the internet. She often analyzes Audrey and herself. Then there's the view of the mystery "him". He found Audrey on the internet and followed all of her social media platforms. Seeing her on social media is not enough so he takes an extra step.
Follow Me is well written, though the story drags on with the characters' struggling love life and less than glam careers. I like the reminder to not click on the link. Cat's mysterious past is such a suspense! I guessed the mystery "him" early on so when he was revealed, I thought I was right, but then that twist! I love that twist and I'm as surprised as Audrey to find out. That ending was a nice surprise, finally learning what Cat's secret was. This book definitely reminds us influencers to remember to not over share our lives on the internet! Well, and to watch out for friends.
xoxo,
Jasmine at www.howusefulitis.wordpress.com for more details
***Thank you Gallery Books for the opportunity to read and review! Please be assured that my opinions are honest.
December 12, 2019
This one kept me guessing to the end!
LITERALLY!
I still didn’t know how it would end at the 98%point!
Audrey Miller has hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and has just landed a dream job at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC where she is tasked with generating interest for a new exhibit that will soon be opening...”The Life and Death of Rosalind Rose”
It is an exhibit of dioramas, based on a rising starlet’s murder.
But one of Audrey’s followers has become obsessed with HER.
Referred to as “HIM” he has found a way to install a RAT (Remote administration tool) to her computer, and he is watching her every move, while eating animal crackers, as she eats animal crackers and gazes back at him, oblivious that she is being watched.
Soon her life becomes as disturbing as the dioramas she is promoting...
And, her stalker could be ANY of the many men in her life..
Told from the perspectives of Audrey, her best friend, Cat, and “HIM” this was a fast paced story that I was engaged with from start to finish.
Despite this being described as a “cautionary tale of oversharing in the social media age” (which it is), I would recommend it for readers like myself who like the “fun thrillers”! It is witty and suspenseful, rather than dark and scary.
But, I did immediately cover the camera on all of my devices upon finishing this one!! 😬🙄
Another fun buddy read with DeAnn!
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and Kathleen Barber for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This title will be released on Feb. 25, 2020 but you can preorder now!
LITERALLY!
I still didn’t know how it would end at the 98%point!
Audrey Miller has hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and has just landed a dream job at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC where she is tasked with generating interest for a new exhibit that will soon be opening...”The Life and Death of Rosalind Rose”
It is an exhibit of dioramas, based on a rising starlet’s murder.
But one of Audrey’s followers has become obsessed with HER.
Referred to as “HIM” he has found a way to install a RAT (Remote administration tool) to her computer, and he is watching her every move, while eating animal crackers, as she eats animal crackers and gazes back at him, oblivious that she is being watched.
Soon her life becomes as disturbing as the dioramas she is promoting...
And, her stalker could be ANY of the many men in her life..
Told from the perspectives of Audrey, her best friend, Cat, and “HIM” this was a fast paced story that I was engaged with from start to finish.
Despite this being described as a “cautionary tale of oversharing in the social media age” (which it is), I would recommend it for readers like myself who like the “fun thrillers”! It is witty and suspenseful, rather than dark and scary.
But, I did immediately cover the camera on all of my devices upon finishing this one!! 😬🙄
Another fun buddy read with DeAnn!
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and Kathleen Barber for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This title will be released on Feb. 25, 2020 but you can preorder now!
December 28, 2019
4.5 stars for keeping me guessing to the end!
LITERALLY!
I still didn’t know how it would end at the 98%point!
Audrey Miller has hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and has just landed a dream job at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC where she is tasked with generating interest for a new exhibit that will soon be opening...”The Life and Death of Rosalind Rose”
It is an exhibit of dioramas, based on a rising starlet’s murder.
But one of Audrey’s followers has become obsessed with HER.
Referred to as “HIM” he has found a way to install a RAT (Remote administration tool) to her computer, and he is watching her every move, while eating animal crackers, as she eats animal crackers and gazes back at him, oblivious that she is being watched.
Soon her life becomes as disturbing as the dioramas she is promoting...
And, her stalker could be ANY of the many men in her life..
Told from the perspectives of Audrey, her best friend, Cat, and “HIM” this was a fast paced story that I was engaged with from start to finish.
Despite this being described as a “cautionary tale of oversharing in the social media age” (which it is), I would recommend it for readers like myself who like the “fun thrillers”! It is witty and suspenseful, rather than dark and scary.
But, I did immediately cover the camera on all of my devices upon finishing this one!! 😬🙄
Another fun buddy read with DeAnn!
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and Kathleen Barber for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This title will be released on Feb. 25, 2020 but you can preorder now!
LITERALLY!
I still didn’t know how it would end at the 98%point!
Audrey Miller has hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers and has just landed a dream job at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC where she is tasked with generating interest for a new exhibit that will soon be opening...”The Life and Death of Rosalind Rose”
It is an exhibit of dioramas, based on a rising starlet’s murder.
But one of Audrey’s followers has become obsessed with HER.
Referred to as “HIM” he has found a way to install a RAT (Remote administration tool) to her computer, and he is watching her every move, while eating animal crackers, as she eats animal crackers and gazes back at him, oblivious that she is being watched.
Soon her life becomes as disturbing as the dioramas she is promoting...
And, her stalker could be ANY of the many men in her life..
Told from the perspectives of Audrey, her best friend, Cat, and “HIM” this was a fast paced story that I was engaged with from start to finish.
Despite this being described as a “cautionary tale of oversharing in the social media age” (which it is), I would recommend it for readers like myself who like the “fun thrillers”! It is witty and suspenseful, rather than dark and scary.
But, I did immediately cover the camera on all of my devices upon finishing this one!! 😬🙄
Another fun buddy read with DeAnn!
Thank you to Netgalley, Gallery Books and Kathleen Barber for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review! This title will be released on Feb. 25, 2020 but you can preorder now!
May 7, 2021
I'm biased, of course, because I wrote this book, but I love it and really hope that you do too!
April 26, 2020
'My favorite image was of her standing on a beach, her milky-white skin glowing against her black crochet bikini. She was partially turned away from the camera, her body angled toward the ocean behind her, her eyes looking straight through the screen into mine. One hand restrained her flowing hair, the other was extended to the camera, beckoning, as if to say, Follow me.'
I LOVED this book, friends. LOVED it. In fact, I'm giving it 4.5 stalker-ish stars!
A cautionary tale about the perils of social media, Audrey's story hits very close to home...especially as a mother of two teens myself. Told from alternating points of view...those of Audrey, her best friend, Cat, and the ominous "Him," I found myself with a very keen desire to cover my laptop webcam with duct tape.
Kathleen Barber did an excellent job of providing a large number of suspects, which will keep you guessing until the very end. I can honestly say that while I suspected who our stalker was at around the 70% mark, I wasn't entirely sure until it was revealed at the conclusion. That's always a win for me.
My only complaint, and it's a minute one...parts of this story do require suspension of belief, as I couldn't understand why Audrey wouldn't call the police when her apartment was ransacked. Hence, 4.5 stars instead of 5.
I highly recommend this crazy ride.
I LOVED this book, friends. LOVED it. In fact, I'm giving it 4.5 stalker-ish stars!
A cautionary tale about the perils of social media, Audrey's story hits very close to home...especially as a mother of two teens myself. Told from alternating points of view...those of Audrey, her best friend, Cat, and the ominous "Him," I found myself with a very keen desire to cover my laptop webcam with duct tape.
Kathleen Barber did an excellent job of providing a large number of suspects, which will keep you guessing until the very end. I can honestly say that while I suspected who our stalker was at around the 70% mark, I wasn't entirely sure until it was revealed at the conclusion. That's always a win for me.
My only complaint, and it's a minute one...parts of this story do require suspension of belief, as I couldn't understand why Audrey wouldn't call the police when her apartment was ransacked. Hence, 4.5 stars instead of 5.
I highly recommend this crazy ride.
December 26, 2019
4.5 stars rounded up
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: Feb 25, 2020
Audrey Miller is an Instagram “influencer”, and has recently moved to DC to take on a job as social media manager for a huge new artwork installation at the Smithsonian. However, she also has an apartment with a broken lock, and a creepy stalker. With her entire life online, her admirer is able to follow her wherever she goes. Audrey’s friends and family blame her for putting her entire life online for all to see, and even the police don’t believe her when she reports a supposed intruder. However, her stalker does exist and he is out there. And he will be with her no matter what.
Follow Me by Kathleen Barber is a modern day psychopathic suspense novel, with a hint of You by Caroline Kepnes; her second novel after her very successful Are You Sleeping that is a soon to be Apple TV series. Follow Me is downright creepy, even for someone like me who has a barely visible social media presence.
Although utterly shallow, protagonist Audrey is not completely unlikable. A young woman in a modern era, Audrey uses those around her to get what she wants, whether it’s a warm body in the night to fight off loneliness (usually in the arms of her ex-boyfriend Nick), or an offer to hock new product from various companies worldwide. Even her closest friends are used and abused by Audrey, bending to her every whim and catering to her every beck and call. That being said, there is a lot of sympathy for Audrey as she struggles with anxiety and outright fear, an honest emotion that is utterly relatable in the face of a dangerous stalker.
There are many takers in the “whodunit” pool in this novel, but yet I was unable to completely guess the ending. You know there are things “off” with certain characters, and yet there is still enough doubt to keep them off the suspect list. This is what the ending of a perfectly written suspense novel should be; completely believable yet unpredictable.
This novel is my first introduction to Barber and I’m addicted. This novel gets going from page one, and it instantly pulled me into its clutches. Terrifyingly real and honest, it will have you double locking your doors, monitoring your online presence, and questioning every little bump in the night.
“Follow Me” is just the novel for today’s technology-addicted, social media-obsessed generation.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected pub date: Feb 25, 2020
Audrey Miller is an Instagram “influencer”, and has recently moved to DC to take on a job as social media manager for a huge new artwork installation at the Smithsonian. However, she also has an apartment with a broken lock, and a creepy stalker. With her entire life online, her admirer is able to follow her wherever she goes. Audrey’s friends and family blame her for putting her entire life online for all to see, and even the police don’t believe her when she reports a supposed intruder. However, her stalker does exist and he is out there. And he will be with her no matter what.
Follow Me by Kathleen Barber is a modern day psychopathic suspense novel, with a hint of You by Caroline Kepnes; her second novel after her very successful Are You Sleeping that is a soon to be Apple TV series. Follow Me is downright creepy, even for someone like me who has a barely visible social media presence.
Although utterly shallow, protagonist Audrey is not completely unlikable. A young woman in a modern era, Audrey uses those around her to get what she wants, whether it’s a warm body in the night to fight off loneliness (usually in the arms of her ex-boyfriend Nick), or an offer to hock new product from various companies worldwide. Even her closest friends are used and abused by Audrey, bending to her every whim and catering to her every beck and call. That being said, there is a lot of sympathy for Audrey as she struggles with anxiety and outright fear, an honest emotion that is utterly relatable in the face of a dangerous stalker.
There are many takers in the “whodunit” pool in this novel, but yet I was unable to completely guess the ending. You know there are things “off” with certain characters, and yet there is still enough doubt to keep them off the suspect list. This is what the ending of a perfectly written suspense novel should be; completely believable yet unpredictable.
This novel is my first introduction to Barber and I’m addicted. This novel gets going from page one, and it instantly pulled me into its clutches. Terrifyingly real and honest, it will have you double locking your doors, monitoring your online presence, and questioning every little bump in the night.
“Follow Me” is just the novel for today’s technology-addicted, social media-obsessed generation.
January 14, 2020
This book makes you think a lot about the social media age we are all in. Audrey has a very big following on instagram. Does she really know every person that follows her? No. Does she know if any of those people could be mentally unstable? No. Does she share far too much private information? Yes. Enter perfect stalker material.
For the most part this was a good and enjoyable read but it was not a "knock it out of the park" type thriller either. Parts of the book seemed a bit mundane to me and I didn't really like or relate much to Audrey. The author did a good job with some red herrings and the ending seems to be open for perhaps another book. I enjoyed it enough that I would continue with another one. I would like to know more about, the "stalker" and his background.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
For the most part this was a good and enjoyable read but it was not a "knock it out of the park" type thriller either. Parts of the book seemed a bit mundane to me and I didn't really like or relate much to Audrey. The author did a good job with some red herrings and the ending seems to be open for perhaps another book. I enjoyed it enough that I would continue with another one. I would like to know more about, the "stalker" and his background.
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
December 21, 2019
4 chilling stars
I quite enjoyed this one! How much do you share on social media? This book may make you rethink all of it . . .
This one features Audrey, who is an Instagram star with a million followers and she documents all her daily activities. Her professional life also involves social media, promoting exhibits at the Smithsonian. She’s so busy online, she doesn’t notice that someone is watching her every move. She’s recently moved to DC for this new job and trying to make a place for herself in a new city.
She’s reunited with an old college friend, Cat, and an ex-boyfriend, but soon she feels like she’s being watched all the time. Does she have a stalker?
The book has three narrators, Audrey, her friend Cat, and HIM – I was constantly trying to figure out who this was? Has Audrey met this person yet? Was it a man? This book moved at a fast pace and the tension builds towards a power-packed ending. I did not successfully guess the outcome in this one and for that it earns all 4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kathleen Barber, and Gallery/Pocket Books for an early copy of this one to read and review. Watch for this one on 2/25/20.
I quite enjoyed this one! How much do you share on social media? This book may make you rethink all of it . . .
This one features Audrey, who is an Instagram star with a million followers and she documents all her daily activities. Her professional life also involves social media, promoting exhibits at the Smithsonian. She’s so busy online, she doesn’t notice that someone is watching her every move. She’s recently moved to DC for this new job and trying to make a place for herself in a new city.
She’s reunited with an old college friend, Cat, and an ex-boyfriend, but soon she feels like she’s being watched all the time. Does she have a stalker?
The book has three narrators, Audrey, her friend Cat, and HIM – I was constantly trying to figure out who this was? Has Audrey met this person yet? Was it a man? This book moved at a fast pace and the tension builds towards a power-packed ending. I did not successfully guess the outcome in this one and for that it earns all 4 stars from me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kathleen Barber, and Gallery/Pocket Books for an early copy of this one to read and review. Watch for this one on 2/25/20.
January 24, 2020
Anyone using Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. will take a step back and consider carefully what they are posting after reading this book. It is dead-on relative to all social media users.
Audrey's entire life revolves around social media and she has built her career on it. She has over a million followers and has obtianed a job at the Smithsonian handling the social media for an upcoming art exhibit. But unknown to Audrey, she has a stalker who has been following her social media for years and is now in the same city.
Tension builds stronger as the story moves on - a good pace. The characters are well-drawn and I enjoyed them. I didn't know for sure who Audrey's stalker was until the end because she has several guys interested in her with her sparkling personality. I enjoyed the book and think many others will too.
Thanks to Kathleen Barber and Gallery Books through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Audrey's entire life revolves around social media and she has built her career on it. She has over a million followers and has obtianed a job at the Smithsonian handling the social media for an upcoming art exhibit. But unknown to Audrey, she has a stalker who has been following her social media for years and is now in the same city.
Tension builds stronger as the story moves on - a good pace. The characters are well-drawn and I enjoyed them. I didn't know for sure who Audrey's stalker was until the end because she has several guys interested in her with her sparkling personality. I enjoyed the book and think many others will too.
Thanks to Kathleen Barber and Gallery Books through Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2020
Love, love, LOVED Kathleen Barber's upcoming psychological thriller,
Follow Me
. This book is the 2020 Instagram version of Caroline Kepnes' YOU, so if you enjoy that book or Netflix series, buckle up because Miz Barber's got something wicked coming your way this year.
The story focuses on two friends, Audrey Miller and her best friend Cat. Audrey accepts a new career that will relocate her to Washington DC, but her favorite hobby is her social media following. Living in New York, Audrey has become a lifestyle brand on Instagram and has a million followers. Audrey is reaping the perks of having such an influencer-styled life and she has countless of male suitors that will bend over backwards for her. After Audrey relocates to DC, she reconnects with college best friend Cat. Cat is an attorney at a large law firm and has been working as hard as she can to climb to Partner. The two women have vastly different lives, but they continue to forge a strong bond.
As Audrey invades Cat's life in DC, she can't help but notice that Audrey is still very superficial and self-absorbed. Audrey attracts any guy she wants, but Cat is overlooked by men who have always held her interest. Audrey leads the life that Cat has always dreamed...until Audrey finds out she has a stalker. This man is hiding in the shadows, but has infused his life with hers. Following her on all social media, he now has the chance of a lifetime—Audrey has moved to his neighborhood.
We live in a world where social media has taken away of anonymity completely. Follow Me shows the dangers of over exploitation through the power of social media, but it also shows the incentives behind it as well. It really steered a deeper conversation for me, while also providing the most interesting psychological thriller narrative I've seen in a long time. I believe anyone who uses social media will resonate with this book in some capacity, even if they aren't using them the way Audrey does. You've made a fan of me Kathleen Barber and you've also made me a little concerned that I could possibly have a stalker on my bookstagram account @scaredstraightreads (see what I did there ;) ). Can't wait to see what's next for this author!
The story focuses on two friends, Audrey Miller and her best friend Cat. Audrey accepts a new career that will relocate her to Washington DC, but her favorite hobby is her social media following. Living in New York, Audrey has become a lifestyle brand on Instagram and has a million followers. Audrey is reaping the perks of having such an influencer-styled life and she has countless of male suitors that will bend over backwards for her. After Audrey relocates to DC, she reconnects with college best friend Cat. Cat is an attorney at a large law firm and has been working as hard as she can to climb to Partner. The two women have vastly different lives, but they continue to forge a strong bond.
As Audrey invades Cat's life in DC, she can't help but notice that Audrey is still very superficial and self-absorbed. Audrey attracts any guy she wants, but Cat is overlooked by men who have always held her interest. Audrey leads the life that Cat has always dreamed...until Audrey finds out she has a stalker. This man is hiding in the shadows, but has infused his life with hers. Following her on all social media, he now has the chance of a lifetime—Audrey has moved to his neighborhood.
We live in a world where social media has taken away of anonymity completely. Follow Me shows the dangers of over exploitation through the power of social media, but it also shows the incentives behind it as well. It really steered a deeper conversation for me, while also providing the most interesting psychological thriller narrative I've seen in a long time. I believe anyone who uses social media will resonate with this book in some capacity, even if they aren't using them the way Audrey does. You've made a fan of me Kathleen Barber and you've also made me a little concerned that I could possibly have a stalker on my bookstagram account @scaredstraightreads (see what I did there ;) ). Can't wait to see what's next for this author!
March 11, 2020
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
3.5 Stars
But people like Audrey would make you believe they are. Pushing a million followers and a new gig curating the social media behind an upcoming art exhibit’s release at the Smithsonian, Audrey has manufactured an enviable lifestyle for the masses on social media. Maybe she has put too much of her life out on the interwebs. Unexpected flower deliveries might be a little creepy when only a couple of people are supposed to know your new address, but open apartment doors and someone watching through your bedroom window are an entirely different situation.
So this was simply a great way to spend a few hours. Saturday was spent at the ball fields for the inaugural “Blue/White Scrimmage,” but Sunday I was freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee and it was so nice outside I decided to haul all of the deck furniture out of storage and get it set up – by myself . . . .
Then I sucked this puppy up like an Instagram influencer does Rosé. Again, not a lifechanger of a book – simply a delicious timesuck with a not-so-likeable potential victim as an added bonus for a creep like me. I breezed through this in a couple of hours. These social media stories have definitely become my jam recently. I’m obsessed with people’s obsession with followers and likes and sharing every detail of their lives with strangers. And yes I’m well aware of the fact that I post fairly religiously to this (nerdy, but still) social media site as well as a Bookstagram account so I may indeed be the pot calling the kettle black. I just hope if I’m as vapid and awful as Audrey someone wants to off me too.
This was my first Kathleen Barber, but it certainly won’t be my last. And for a little teeny bit of my own oversharing – turns out this author is from my hometown. To that I say . . . .
3.5 Stars
But people like Audrey would make you believe they are. Pushing a million followers and a new gig curating the social media behind an upcoming art exhibit’s release at the Smithsonian, Audrey has manufactured an enviable lifestyle for the masses on social media. Maybe she has put too much of her life out on the interwebs. Unexpected flower deliveries might be a little creepy when only a couple of people are supposed to know your new address, but open apartment doors and someone watching through your bedroom window are an entirely different situation.
So this was simply a great way to spend a few hours. Saturday was spent at the ball fields for the inaugural “Blue/White Scrimmage,” but Sunday I was freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee and it was so nice outside I decided to haul all of the deck furniture out of storage and get it set up – by myself . . . .
Then I sucked this puppy up like an Instagram influencer does Rosé. Again, not a lifechanger of a book – simply a delicious timesuck with a not-so-likeable potential victim as an added bonus for a creep like me. I breezed through this in a couple of hours. These social media stories have definitely become my jam recently. I’m obsessed with people’s obsession with followers and likes and sharing every detail of their lives with strangers. And yes I’m well aware of the fact that I post fairly religiously to this (nerdy, but still) social media site as well as a Bookstagram account so I may indeed be the pot calling the kettle black. I just hope if I’m as vapid and awful as Audrey someone wants to off me too.
This was my first Kathleen Barber, but it certainly won’t be my last. And for a little teeny bit of my own oversharing – turns out this author is from my hometown. To that I say . . . .
November 7, 2019
Seriously twisted book!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This author was sure able to get under my skin. She set up a perfect story loaded with all of the creep factor.
* A questionable apartment.
* Weird neighbor.
* Strange friend.
* Stalkers.
* New job with a weird event.
* Social media “influencer” that everyone knew too much about.
* Old boyfriend has been pining away for her.
* Even her new boyfriend was a bit odd.
We had so many options it was hard to determine just who exactly was the culprit. Who wants Audrey? Everyone it seems!
I don’t think I’ve had as many uneasy moments with a book as I have reading this particular story. Especially if you’re single and live alone.
The author did an amazing job crafting this story with all of the highlights on issues we take for granted in our life. While I’m not going to give up any bit of the secrets as to the ending, let’s just say getting there is so entirely worth it.
Just make sure you read this during the day and be aware of things that go bump in the night!
A five star review because Kathleen Barber has captured my attention and gutted me with her psychological crime thriller that will make you squirm!
Highly recommended.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/follow-me-by...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This author was sure able to get under my skin. She set up a perfect story loaded with all of the creep factor.
* A questionable apartment.
* Weird neighbor.
* Strange friend.
* Stalkers.
* New job with a weird event.
* Social media “influencer” that everyone knew too much about.
* Old boyfriend has been pining away for her.
* Even her new boyfriend was a bit odd.
We had so many options it was hard to determine just who exactly was the culprit. Who wants Audrey? Everyone it seems!
I don’t think I’ve had as many uneasy moments with a book as I have reading this particular story. Especially if you’re single and live alone.
The author did an amazing job crafting this story with all of the highlights on issues we take for granted in our life. While I’m not going to give up any bit of the secrets as to the ending, let’s just say getting there is so entirely worth it.
Just make sure you read this during the day and be aware of things that go bump in the night!
A five star review because Kathleen Barber has captured my attention and gutted me with her psychological crime thriller that will make you squirm!
Highly recommended.
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/follow-me-by...
December 30, 2019
Where are my You fans at?! If you like creepy and unsettling stalker stories you have GOT to read this one! Have you ever thought about exactly what you share on social media? Most of us post somewhere online daily, but have you ever really thought about the dangers of over sharing online? Or the fact that if any of youraccounts are public you have no idea who may really be watching your every move? CREEPY AF I told you! If this book doesn’t make you think about your own online presence I don’t know what will.
The whole story has a really menacing vibe and you hear from Audrey, her best friend Cat and Him, her obsessed stalker. The chapters from Him were chilling, I always love getting a glimpse inside the mind of someone who is disturbing and this guy was terrifying. People beingwatched never fails to scare the shit out of me and Barber did an amazing job of bringing that fear to life. This is definitely another page turner from the author and only solidifies her place on my list of must read authors!
The whole story has a really menacing vibe and you hear from Audrey, her best friend Cat and Him, her obsessed stalker. The chapters from Him were chilling, I always love getting a glimpse inside the mind of someone who is disturbing and this guy was terrifying. People beingwatched never fails to scare the shit out of me and Barber did an amazing job of bringing that fear to life. This is definitely another page turner from the author and only solidifies her place on my list of must read authors!
November 13, 2019
Thanks to Bianca Salvant @simonandschuster.com and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this precautionary tale of folks who put their Whole life on social media!! You Never know exactly Who is 'following' you, how close they feel to you, and how close they Really Are!!
Audrey basically lives just to post amazing photos of her life- likes,where she Is, what she is doing, and how she feels about anything she comes across- on her Instagram feed. Even when she has to set things up so they look great, when all around her is chaos...But when she begins to feel someone watching her, footsteps in her alley,noises outside her bedroom window..she starts to become a little spooked!
Someone is completely Obsessed with Her,and when he learns on the black web of a device that turns her computer into a program he can Watch 24-7, problems become bigger and Scarier!! A bunch of flowers on her doorstep..With the heads cut off..leaving Only the stems...
A story that is current in today's society, and Will make you pause before you hit that button on Your computer!!
This review is of my honest thoughts and feelings after reading this intriguing story!
Audrey basically lives just to post amazing photos of her life- likes,where she Is, what she is doing, and how she feels about anything she comes across- on her Instagram feed. Even when she has to set things up so they look great, when all around her is chaos...But when she begins to feel someone watching her, footsteps in her alley,noises outside her bedroom window..she starts to become a little spooked!
Someone is completely Obsessed with Her,and when he learns on the black web of a device that turns her computer into a program he can Watch 24-7, problems become bigger and Scarier!! A bunch of flowers on her doorstep..With the heads cut off..leaving Only the stems...
A story that is current in today's society, and Will make you pause before you hit that button on Your computer!!
This review is of my honest thoughts and feelings after reading this intriguing story!
January 7, 2020
Audrey Miller is an instagram influencer with about 1 million followers, what she did not expect is to be stalked obsessively to the point where she fears for her safety.
The book is narrated from different points of view, one is Audrey, the other one is Cat (Audrey's best friend), and the last narrator is "him". "Him" is Audrey's stalker and she suspects the this person could be anyone close to her.
The novel takes place, mostly, in Washington D.C. and moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed it, and the author did a great job at making us suspect that anyone close to Audrey's could be a suspect. I recommend it to readers of thrillers and mysteries.
ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley
The book is narrated from different points of view, one is Audrey, the other one is Cat (Audrey's best friend), and the last narrator is "him". "Him" is Audrey's stalker and she suspects the this person could be anyone close to her.
The novel takes place, mostly, in Washington D.C. and moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed it, and the author did a great job at making us suspect that anyone close to Audrey's could be a suspect. I recommend it to readers of thrillers and mysteries.
ARC provided by Publisher via Netgalley
March 9, 2020
Sinister And Exciting!
Audrey Miller yearns to be an it girl on social media. She has hundreds of thousands followers and the numbers keep growing to her satisfaction. Audrey documents almost every waking moment on the internet naively unaware that she could be attracting some nefarious followers. As she continues her popularity in social media, Audrey makes a major move to Washington D.C. From New York for the job of her dreams where she reconnects with her old friend and college roommate (now an attorney) Cat, and her ex-boyfriend Nick who she still has unresolved feelings for. Unfortunately for Audrey, she chose her new apartment sight unseen off the internet so she is not too happy finding herself with a basement apartment not in the best of neighborhoods. "Too late, Audrey, you have already signed the contract! Sigh!"
Unbeknownst to Audrey, someone has been following (stalking) her for a long time on all her blogs and they now think it is fate that she has moved to their fair city and meant to finally be together and they will do anything and everything to make sure Audrey understands the true meaning of LOVE!I
Kathleen Barber has really captured the nuance and allure of social media for anyone to understand if they weren't too saavy about how it works for certain people to gain popularity with followers. This book is truly a story that is fun and current while keeping a sinister tone throughout. The writing is tantalizing and fluid so it is easy to keep on tract with all the characters as their history.
I found this story deliciously seductive and now want to read more books that are similar to this storyline. The character of Audrey Miller is a driven and charming, self-centered beauty, outwardly egotistical but with many insecurities in her real self but she can be whoever she wants to be under the disguise of her social media persona and the writer brings the reader on a wild and dangerous adventure following Audrey's exciting and very scary way of living step by step into a an unfathomable and unforgettable finale!
Don't Miss Reading This Book!
I want to thank the author "Kathleen Barber", the publisher "Gallery, Pocket Books" and Netgalley for providing the opportunity to read "Follow Me" and all opinions expressed are unbiased and my own in this review.
I highly, highly recommend this book and have given a rating of 5 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
Audrey Miller yearns to be an it girl on social media. She has hundreds of thousands followers and the numbers keep growing to her satisfaction. Audrey documents almost every waking moment on the internet naively unaware that she could be attracting some nefarious followers. As she continues her popularity in social media, Audrey makes a major move to Washington D.C. From New York for the job of her dreams where she reconnects with her old friend and college roommate (now an attorney) Cat, and her ex-boyfriend Nick who she still has unresolved feelings for. Unfortunately for Audrey, she chose her new apartment sight unseen off the internet so she is not too happy finding herself with a basement apartment not in the best of neighborhoods. "Too late, Audrey, you have already signed the contract! Sigh!"
Unbeknownst to Audrey, someone has been following (stalking) her for a long time on all her blogs and they now think it is fate that she has moved to their fair city and meant to finally be together and they will do anything and everything to make sure Audrey understands the true meaning of LOVE!I
Kathleen Barber has really captured the nuance and allure of social media for anyone to understand if they weren't too saavy about how it works for certain people to gain popularity with followers. This book is truly a story that is fun and current while keeping a sinister tone throughout. The writing is tantalizing and fluid so it is easy to keep on tract with all the characters as their history.
I found this story deliciously seductive and now want to read more books that are similar to this storyline. The character of Audrey Miller is a driven and charming, self-centered beauty, outwardly egotistical but with many insecurities in her real self but she can be whoever she wants to be under the disguise of her social media persona and the writer brings the reader on a wild and dangerous adventure following Audrey's exciting and very scary way of living step by step into a an unfathomable and unforgettable finale!
Don't Miss Reading This Book!
I want to thank the author "Kathleen Barber", the publisher "Gallery, Pocket Books" and Netgalley for providing the opportunity to read "Follow Me" and all opinions expressed are unbiased and my own in this review.
I highly, highly recommend this book and have given a rating of 5 Sinister 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Stars!!
January 6, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This was an entertaining read, but it wasn’t without its flaws, starting with Audrey. I expected to relate to her easily: She’s a young adult in DC, I’m a young adult in DC. But Audrey came across less as a real person and more as a parody of a millennial. As the plot unfolded and creepy or unsettling things started happening to her, though, I was able to empathize with her.
Audrey’s friend Cat was far more relatable – I also have social anxiety and was bullied in school – although I quickly tired of her endless self-pity. Whereas Audrey was going through a legitimately scary experience, Cat’s problems were largely of her own making. There was a reveal involving her, and I was easily able to guess what it was from pretty early on.
The dialogue in this book was stilted and unnatural. Audrey’s “friendship” with Izzy was inexplicable and ended abruptly. Some of her interactions with her colleagues struck me as unrealistic. I could not have been less interested in the drama of Audrey and Cat’s love lives. And story itself was riddled with clichés.
The unexpected highlight of the book was Audrey’s unnamed stalker. His point-of-view was uncomfortable, almost painful to read, and intentionally so. I liked the short chapters and shifting viewpoints, which built tension and kept the story moving along at a quick pace. I’ve had good luck in that regard lately; this was the third book in a row that only took me a day to read.
Follow Me is one of the few books I’ve read that contained feminist themes that didn’t feel clumsy or forced. The reveal of Audrey’s stalker’s identity wasn’t a total surprise, but there were some red herrings along the way that threw me off the trail.
The ending was disappointing.
This was an entertaining read, but it wasn’t without its flaws, starting with Audrey. I expected to relate to her easily: She’s a young adult in DC, I’m a young adult in DC. But Audrey came across less as a real person and more as a parody of a millennial. As the plot unfolded and creepy or unsettling things started happening to her, though, I was able to empathize with her.
Audrey’s friend Cat was far more relatable – I also have social anxiety and was bullied in school – although I quickly tired of her endless self-pity. Whereas Audrey was going through a legitimately scary experience, Cat’s problems were largely of her own making. There was a reveal involving her, and I was easily able to guess what it was from pretty early on.
The dialogue in this book was stilted and unnatural. Audrey’s “friendship” with Izzy was inexplicable and ended abruptly. Some of her interactions with her colleagues struck me as unrealistic. I could not have been less interested in the drama of Audrey and Cat’s love lives. And story itself was riddled with clichés.
The unexpected highlight of the book was Audrey’s unnamed stalker. His point-of-view was uncomfortable, almost painful to read, and intentionally so. I liked the short chapters and shifting viewpoints, which built tension and kept the story moving along at a quick pace. I’ve had good luck in that regard lately; this was the third book in a row that only took me a day to read.
Follow Me is one of the few books I’ve read that contained feminist themes that didn’t feel clumsy or forced. The reveal of Audrey’s stalker’s identity wasn’t a total surprise, but there were some red herrings along the way that threw me off the trail.
The ending was disappointing.
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