Social media influencer Audrey Miller has just moved to Washington, D.C., from New York, to work for the Smithsonian. Unbeknownst to her, her move has brought her dangerously close to someone who's obsessively followed her social media presence for years—from her first WordPress blog to her most recent Instagram Story.
The story feels utterly believable .. some of the situations the characters get wrapped up in might come off as a bit over the top to some readers, but that’s honestly one of the things I liked best about this book. The basic premise could have been taken from the headlines, but the mystery itself is addictive enough to keep readers up well past their bedtimes. There’s something so delightful about reading a book where all sorts of crazy things happen, things you’d roll your eyes at in any other setting. You’re content to suspend your disbelief and follow where the author leads, and trust me when I say Ms. Barber isn’t taking you anywhere you might be expecting to go. Certain aspects of the story are pretty dark, so if you’re disturbed by stories that center around stalking, you might want to give Follow Me a pass. I don’t think the author goes overboard when it comes to the level of violence contained in the novel, but everyone’s tolerance for violence on the page is a little different. I’ve read much worse, but I have a pretty strong stomach when it comes to books like this ... It’s everything I love in a good thriller with several unique twists that make it stand out from the crowd of other similar stories.
This novel highlights the risks everyone faces when they become too involved in social media without taking the time to be cautious about what is shared online and how it is shared. Kathleen Barber’s fast-paced writing and short, action-filled chapters make Follow Me an easy and enjoyable read. The story is told from multiple points of view, which gives readers additional insight into the minds of the main characters.
Readers who had to look up what an 'influencer' is will not fancy this book. On the other hand, soul-cycling, Pilates-perfected, media-savvy readers will devour it. Barber’s narrative, like social media itself, is as addictive as it is disturbing.
