"They Never Learn" by Layne Fargo is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The story follows Scarlett Clark, a brilliant professor with a dark secret—she’s been killing toxic men for years, avenging women who’ve suffered at their hands. Fargo expertly weaves tension, mystery, and morally complex characters into a fast-paced narrative that’s hard to put down.

What I loved most was the way Fargo played with perspective, alternating between Scarlett’s point of view and those of the women she’s helping—or hunting. The structure kept me guessing, and the twists were satisfying without feeling overly contrived. Scarlett herself is a fascinating character, equal parts sympathetic and unsettling, making her a compelling anti-heroine.

That said, I docked a star because the pacing slowed down a bit in the middle, with some scenes feeling a tad repetitive. While the build-up to the final reveal was worth it, there were a few moments where I wanted the plot to move a little faster.

Overall, "They Never Learn" is a dark, thought-provoking thriller that blends suspense with an exploration of justice and morality. If you enjoy books that keep you guessing and push you to question what’s right and wrong, this one’s a must-read!

This is the book you want to tell all of your friends about! It reminded me a bit of Killing Eve. It was such a dark and twisty thriller! I enjoyed it and read it in one sitting. My apologies for taking so long to review, but I am thankful for the chance to read this and recommend it to others.

Loved this book! Thank you for the ARC!
This was a quick read and really engaging. The characters were well developed and left you wanting to know who was doing what.

I was surprised by how much I liked this book. It is a vigilante serial killer novel that takes place in a University, and while I do tend to like a school/university setting, I am not altogether enamored of serial killer books. Nonetheless, this one had a number of things going for it. The characters were well developed, with backstories that made them feel like real people...in the same sense that Dexter (from the TV series) felt like a real person. The chapters were short and alternated between two characters (Scarlett and Carly), the former a professor and the latter a student. The pace at which the reader switched back and forth propelled the book forward without losing momentum through the change of perspective. There is a big twist mid-book, to which the author provides clues without making it obvious. Once the twist takes place, the reader is drawn deeper into the plot. Descriptive writing, particularly about the antics that college students (and professors) engage in, also helps draw the reader into the pages. There's a social message that is pretty hard hitting -- it made the book fun for me but could certainly turn others off. And, finally, the epilogue could be seen as affirming if the reader buys into the vigilante side of the serial killer's actions.

All in all, this was a fast paced thriller that I found highly entertaining.

GREAT BOOK! I like when authors make women characters that throw wrenches in society's stereotype, Revengeful, calculating, etc., but with enough back story to give them, and the reader, empathy.

I am kicking myself for taking so long to read this one. It was excellent and I couldn’t put it down!

In a world where women's rights are being questioned--and even taken away altogether--The Never Learn couldn't be more timely. Told in dual points of view, the characters are cruel and vindictive, but author Layne Fargo writes them in a way that makes them relatable--something I imagine is a difficult feat. The reader can't help but root for them, and we are rewarded with delicious twists I never saw coming. For those interested in queer thrillers--a trope not seen often enough in this genre--I highly recommend this one!

Incredible!!!! Show stopping!!! An absolute delight!!! This book is everything I want from a queer thriller. The women are cold and cruel and vindictive and I wanted them to get everything that they desired (and was rewarded with that very thing, thankfully). This is such a well done story and I loved the twist. Can’t recommend it enough!

I really liked the premise of this story but overall it just wasn't what I was hoping for and I just didn't like it that well. It's told in two different POV's and that was okay. We have Scarlett who is a professor and serial killer and we have Carly who is a college student. They are two different stories till they sort of colide. I would say it's a bit to much of a feminist read for me and the main character who is the killer is a very morally gray character as I understand why, but still murder is murder.  I just wasnt a huge fan of this one but it's liked by a lot of people.

The battle against violence toward women has taken on a number of different forms—from protests to court cases to social media movements. But in They Never Learn by author Layne Fargo, one woman has spent decades taking matters into her own hands to protect herself and other women who have suffered...

Full review published on NightsAndWeekends.com and aired on Shelf Discovery

This book about a bisexual female serial killer was everything I hoped it would be and more. I loved the characters, the plot, the romance, the twists.

This is one of the most impeccably well-structured books I've read in years.

Scarlett Clark is a respectable English professor at Gorman University, with a deadly secret. She murders men on campus.

THEY NEVER LEARN had all the thrilling elements I look for: detailed character development, non-stop suspense, a strong female MC, and one addictive plot! Scarlett is a sociopath we want to keep on rooting for, I worshiped her. I never would imagine rooting for a murderer, but here we are. Although she was strong-willed and ridiculously bright, Scarlett's alluring and seductive nature won me over. How can someone kill people yet make it sound sexy and cool? Beats me! All I know is that I was there for it, right until the end.⠀

What is the last book that you freely lived vicariously through? This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but THEY NEVER LEARN was it for me. Scarlett Clark is an English professor at the prestigious Gorman University during the day and serial killer by night. Each year, she picks a man from the school to kill. Unfortunately for this year, there are several boys that fall on the naughty list that prove to be too many options to just pick one. Scarlett gets greedy. She gets reckless. She wants these men to pay for their crimes. In her mind, they don’t deserve to be on the face of this earth anymore and she plans on making sure that happens... with all of them.

She inserts herself into the investigation and soon becomes entangled with the crime. Will she continue to be seen as a prominent professor just trying to help, or a suspect?

I really enjoyed this story. As for living vicariously through these characters, I felt a jolt of redemption every time someone got what they deserved. The chapters alternated between Scarlett and a first year named Carly, whose roommate was sexually assaulted. Their stories eventually intertwine as Carly sets up her own act of revenge.

"Scarlett Clark is an exceptional English professor."

Lol, even more so, Scarlett Clark is an excellent #MeToo style Dexter!! I loved the concept of this book and it did hold my attention throughout, however, I did see the "twist" coming.

I must say that I 100% agree with the title...(MEN) 'They Never Learn'!!!

I was not a fan of Layne Fargo's "Temper". In fact, I DNF'd it. But let me tell you she redeemed herself with They Never Learn. I was hooked from the first chapter and loved every minute of this book! Such an interesting premise and unputdownable. Totally gave me female Dexter vibes and, let me tell you, I was here for it!! I can't wait to see what Layne comes up with next. Thank you Gallery Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

There are so many things wrong with this book. I suppose as a feminist I should be pleased that the main character is a man killer. NO! That’s not what it means to be a feminist. This book was so bad that it was almost laughable. I can think of no redeeming characteristics.

Layne Fargo will forever be an auto-buy author for me. Her prose is always as sharp as a razor and so dark and witty. I loved this book!

OMG- what did I just read?! This book was so good. The tone reminded me a little bit of the Silent Patient- just with a plot on avenging women and taking down really horrible men. I liked Temper but this was even better! Some of the plot towards the end was a bit unbelievable (continuing to get away with murder even after moving to London) but the writing is superb and I love how it all wove together in the end. I think I have found a match in Layne Fargo.
4.5 stars

Will post review this month on instagram.

One of my top 5 favorite books of 2020! Layne Fargo is amazing at fleshing out complicated characters. This is a do not miss book. 5 stars; I’d give it more if I could.

This was sublimely creepy, and truly was a step away from traditional thrillers where the same over-the-top things happen that are implausible and just designed for shock value. What a breath of fresh air to read something like this that isn't the same old formulaic thriller.