Honest review of Unhinged

by Octavia Grant (Author)

Updated at: 25/02/2025

Octavia Grant's "Unhinged" plunges readers into the twisted world of Olivia Graham, a once-celebrated author now serving time in Annandale Super Max. Olivia's descent from NYT bestseller to convicted criminal captivated the media, fueling speculation about the true nature of her heinous crimes. Was it meticulous research for her next novel, or something far more sinister? Ambitious reporter Ivory Addison secures an exclusive interview, venturing into Olivia's fractured reality. What begins as a quest for answers soon transforms into a descent into madness, as Ivory unravels a complex web of deceit and shocking revelations, leaving the reader questioning everything they thought they knew. Prepare for a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

4.6 / 125 ratings

Review Unhinged

Wow, "Unhinged" by Octavia Grant completely blew me away! From the very first page, I was hooked. The premise itself – a bestselling author turned inmate, with the tantalizing suggestion that her crimes might be twisted research – is pure genius. And Octavia delivers on that promise tenfold. It's not just one gripping story, but a collection of interconnected narratives, each a darkly fascinating glimpse into the mind of Olivia Graham and the world surrounding her.

The structure is masterful. The framing device of reporter Ivory Addison interviewing Olivia is brilliant; it adds a layer of mystery and keeps you guessing about the truth behind Olivia's actions. Each individual story within the book feels complete, yet they all build upon each other, slowly revealing more about Olivia's fractured psyche and the shocking events that led to her incarceration. It's like a meticulously crafted puzzle box, where every piece is crucial to understanding the whole unsettling picture.

I found myself completely engrossed in each tale, breathlessly turning the pages late into the night. Some stories were genuinely terrifying, others heartbreaking, and some left me with a lingering sense of unease long after I finished them. The descriptions are vivid and disturbing, and Octavia Grant's writing is so incredibly effective at creating suspense and building tension that I literally gasped out loud several times. It's the kind of book that stays with you, making you think about its themes and characters even after you’ve closed the cover.

The characters themselves are incredibly well-developed. Olivia is a complex and fascinating protagonist, simultaneously repulsive and strangely compelling. You can't help but be drawn into her world, despite the horrific nature of her actions. Even the supporting characters are richly portrayed, adding depth and intrigue to the already suspenseful narrative. Ivory, the driven reporter, is particularly well-written; her determination and unwavering curiosity propel the story forward, even as she becomes increasingly entangled in Olivia’s web of lies and secrets.

What struck me most, besides the sheer thrill of the plot twists, was the exploration of mental health issues woven into the narrative. The book isn't afraid to delve into the dark corners of the human psyche, and the way Octavia Grant handles these sensitive topics is both nuanced and thought-provoking. It's a book that leaves you pondering the nature of good and evil, the blurry lines between sanity and madness, and the motivations behind even the most horrific acts.

The ending was absolutely perfect – shocking, unexpected, and completely satisfying. The way the prologue and epilogue mirrored each other, tying the whole story together, was a brilliant stroke of writing. I actually reread both sections just to savor the clever connection! I completely agree with the other reviewers; this is five-star material, a truly unforgettable reading experience. Octavia Grant has cemented her place as a master of suspense, and I'm already eagerly anticipating her next work. This book is not for the faint of heart, be warned! But if you crave a thrilling, disturbing, and intellectually stimulating read, then "Unhinged" is an absolute must.