One of the hundred books a year I read:

Alice Hill’s life forever changed at age fourteen when two classmates stabbed her, inspired by a sinister comic book character, Mr. Tender, created by Alice’s father.

A decade after the crime, Alice runs a successful coffee shop in New Hampshire. She continues to work on moving beyond her trauma, but the past continues to haunt her. The fears crescendo when her father’s death stirs renewed interest in the Mr. Tender phenomenon.

Mysterious packages on her doorstep and online messages suggest someone is watching her. To her horror, Alice discovers that Mr. Tender’s influence reaches far beyond what she imagined. As she investigates, she uncovers a network of devoted followers and realizes she must confront both the past and those who remain obsessed with her father’s dark creation.

The story weaves through Alice’s struggle with anxiety, her complex family relationships, and her journey to reclaim control of her life while facing threats from those who want to pull her back into Mr. Tender’s world.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of social media’s power to shape reality and the lingering effects of childhood trauma. This psychological thriller explores the impact of internet culture, family legacies, and personal resilience.