Every once in a while, a thriller comes along that feels both familiar in its fears and utterly fresh in its execution. Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli is exactly that kind of book. It takes the dangers of modern dating apps, a topic already ripe with unease, and adds a supernatural twist that makes the story both heartbreaking and empowering.
The Premise
Meghan, Brecia, and Skye have nothing in common except one devastating truth: they were murdered by the same man. He is a predator who hunts women online, disguising himself as the perfect date with polished charm and a killer smile. What he does not know is that his victims are not gone. United in the afterlife, Meghan, Brecia, and Skye find each other and vow to stop him before he strikes again.
What Works
The brilliance of this story lies in its unique point of view. Rather than focusing on the killer or the detectives alone, Ihli gives the victims the voice they were denied in life. We hear their anguish, their longing for justice, and their determination to protect other women. This narrative choice adds emotional weight and makes the book far more than just another serial killer thriller.
The social commentary is woven in seamlessly. Through the ghosts’ reflections, the book highlights how dangerously easy it is for women to be deceived, how often victim-blaming creeps into conversations, and how ordinary men can hide monstrous secrets behind normal, respectable facades. It also takes a sharp look at misogyny within law enforcement, contrasting the burned-out detective who shrugs off cases with the one who refuses to give up.
The pacing is tight overall. At under 300 pages, it is a quick read that many reviewers said they devoured in a single sitting. Ihli also smartly establishes clear “rules” for her ghost world, which helps avoid the usual confusion that can come with supernatural thrillers.
Where It Falters
Some readers may find the first half slower than expected. The three women do not fully unite until around the midway point, which means the early chapters lean heavily on individual perspectives. While this builds atmosphere, others might prefer more time spent with the trio working together. Additionally, juggling three points of view occasionally makes it tricky to keep track of who is narrating at any given moment.
Tone and Impact
Though this is a story about ghosts, it is not primarily a horror novel. The haunting here is less about jump scares and more about sorrow, unfinished business, and the unyielding need for justice. The result is a narrative that is haunting in the emotional sense, a blend of grief, empowerment, and revenge. It builds toward a second half full of tension, triumph, and even a few tear-worthy moments.
Verdict
Ask for Andrea is a bold, original thriller that blends supernatural suspense with sharp social insight. It is bingeable, emotional, and unlike most thrillers you have read before. If you are looking for a page-turner that will make you think as much as it makes you shiver, this one belongs on your reading list.
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