Two STRONG, madly obsessed women in a thriller tackling murder, misogyny and what's right or wrong. This book is on fire.

First of all, I LOVE the premise of this thriller. Scarlett Clark, PhD, is an acclaimed English professor at Gorman University. But that's not all she does; Scarlett is also a murderer. She finds the most disgusting, awful, sinful men on campus and executes their punishment by killing them, They deserve to be punished for the sick things they do - but is murder the way to go about it? Scarlett certainly thinks so, and she has managed to get away with it.

But then, we are introduced to the second narrator: Carly Schiller, a freshman at Gorman who has also had her share of misogynists and scumbags in her life. She is happy to finally leave her abusive home to be at university, until... her roommate Allison is sexually assaulted at a party. Carly becomes obsessed with punishing whoever did it to Allison.

Will they be exposed? Will they get in each other's way? Is what they both they to do the same? Do they act in the name of justice?

I mean, it's genius. There is one main plot twist in the middle of the book, which really made it for me so that I couldn't put this book down.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“He wasn’t afraid of me…That was his first mistake.”

They Never Learn is a dark and devious psychological thriller about a female professor who murders men who have committed unspeakable acts of abuse against women.

Two women at Gorman University, one a student, the other a professor, are united in bringing down the perpetrators of sexual assault.

Carly is a shy and awkward, college freshman. She is scared to open up and let people know the real her. Struggling to fit in, while at the same time trying to navigate the dynamics of a new friendship, she finds herself in the dangerous and unsettling territory.

Scarlett is well-respected in her field, confident, and extremely intelligent. While others on campus remain silent about sexual assault and misconduct amongst students and faculty, Scarlett takes action and murders the men who are guilty of such crimes. Killing for her is an intense ritual that empowers, compels, and drives her. When someone starts to take a closer look at campus “suicides,” she begins to fear her crimes will be exposed.

Scarlett and Carly’s stories are very different, and it is not obvious how they relate until about halfway into the book. At a certain moment, their stories converge and all becomes clear. Chapters alternate between Scarlett's and Carly's perspectives. The reader knows early on who Scarlett is and what she does, but we don’t know what motivates her. Her story reveals what led her to this point. Carly is a mess, and her story feels messy. But all comes together in the end.

They Never Learn is a sharp, intense, and refreshing read. I loved Scarlett’s character. She is a killer, but it is easy to root for her. Her cold and calculating demeanor had me on edge. Watching how she usurps the power of those who have brutally taken the power of their victims was exhilarating. One should be horrified by Scarlett’s crimes, but given the acts her victims committed, watching them die was beyond satisfying.

“Killing a man is so much more satisfying than fucking a man could ever be.”


I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review.

Oh Ms. Fargo, you had me at the first line: "I'll know it's working when he starts to scream." It's Dexter meets Chelsea Cain, and they go to a party with Britney King and Wendy Heard! The novel alternates between Scarlett--an English professor at a fictional college who systematically kills the men who have abused or raped young women--and Carly, a young woman entering her freshman year at the same college who is uncertain and shy. Scarlett is a professional; she's never been caught and plans the murders meticulously. Carly is befriended by her roommate even as she is unsure of herself and very self-conscious. This is a thrill ride like you've never experienced before. I adored Temper so I knew I'd love this one as the writing is precise and insightful; I couldn't put it down! It's ultimately about revenge and justice in a school setting (which I love) with powerful (albeit flawed) characters who will have your head spinning in a million different directions!

The title says so much about the attitudes of the two women in the center of this excellently written tale of taking back the night. From page 1, Layne Fargo builds the tension, telling the story of two women at extreme points in their lives who have reached the same conclusions concerning abusive men. THEY NEVER LEARN. So, what to do? Narrated by these two women as we see the circumstances that have made them judge and jury, the story quickly becomes a hunt with results becoming a little too unpredictable for comfort. An excellent read, this one is one book you will not want to put down until the end!

**Thank you to Net Galley, Layne Fargo, and Gallery/Scout Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Release date: October 13, 2020**

If I could describe this book in one word, it would be PERFECTION! I absolutely loved it. It is a page turner that will have you at the edge of your seat. This story is told from two perspectives, one from the present (Scarlett) and one from the past (Carly).

Scarlett is a vengeful but methodical killer, but for good reason, in her opinion. She kills men who deserve it. Men who abuse and take advantage of women just because they can. She has kept this up for 16 years and hasn't been caught yet. Scarlett is a killer by night and professor by day.

Carly, on the other hand, is an incoming freshmen in college. Unlike other students, she couldn't wait to get out of the same house as her parents. Carly is not one to make friends easily, so when roommate Allison befriends her, she becomes infatuated with her to the point where feelings get hurt and intentions are misunderstood and the consequences are life changing.

I absolutely loved the dark and twisted plot. It made me laugh, gasp, and without helping it, root for the killer,
Some things to look out for is rape and graphic scenes. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a mystery/thriller that will have you wanting more when you're done.

This was SO FREAKING GOOD! This checked all the boxes for me: academic setting, English professor who is a Victorianist with a WGS focus, a murder mystery. Oh, and did I mention the English professor is also a serial killer? And as if this wasn't already just too much fun for me . . . I'm pretty sure it was set at a fictional version of the university where I went to school. My only concern was that people might think I wrote this book under the pseudonym of Layne Fargo--and since I have so much in common with Dr. Scarlett Clark, think this was a little too biographical. 😁 (I promise: I am not a serial killer.)

Fargo keeps you flipping the pages as the story fluctuates between Dr. Clark's story and that of a young freshman student, dealing with the various shocks and disappointments of her first year at university. Both stories rang quite true to me--from the shock the student endured at being dismissed while trying to report the sexual assault of a friend to the professional woman who is told she should take notes at every department meeting because "she's just so good at it." Fargo nails the micro and macro aggressions that exist at academic institutions everywhere.

There is also twist that I didn't totally see coming. I was a little suspicious, but it still got me--so good on you, Layne Fargo. And other than a couple minor blips (like, the 19th century person should not be teaching Shakespeare at a decent sized university), the academic setting was quite well utilized.

I totally and completely enjoyed this book. It's fast-pasted, dark, and yet reminds the reader of real world issues that too often get swept under the rug. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.

This was a fast-paced tale that kept my interest throughout! We meet Dr. Scarlett Clark, an English professor at a small college. She’s got a big secret – she targets men that she feels deserve to die, mostly for crimes against women, and then she carefully takes care of business! For years, she’s evaded any sort of punishment, but will she take things too far this time?

There’s another storyline with a freshman college student Carly and she’s trying to navigate her first year of college at Gorman. She’s excited to be away from her parents, but her roommate Allison seems a bit too perfect. Soon Allison has drawn her into the theater crowd and things get very interesting!

This one has a dynamite conclusion that did not go down the way I expected!

I thought this one was well-written and I would definitely seek out other books by this author. I highly recommend this one.

Scarlett Clark, a Gorman University English professor, is good at everything she does. Cool, confident, planning everything down to the letter, rarely a misstep, there is nothing that she can't do, when she puts her mind to it. That includes murdering men who she deems deserving of a well planned and fitting death. She's killed many men over the years and she's planning her biggest and most personal kill of all just as her school is looking into all the suicides that have taken place over the years. Suicides that weren't really suicides but instead, some of Scarlett's handiwork, as she cleans up the world, ridding it of men who prey on women.

We also meet Gorman freshman Carly Schiller, finally getting to leave home and get away from her emotionally abusive father. Carly is introverted, mousy, shy, and she's been assigned a room with popular, outgoing Allison Hadley. When Carly sees Allison being sexually assaulted while unconscious, Carly is determined to do something about it, despite the school officials brushing off the incident. Carly's sense of justice brings out the worst (or maybe the best) in her, as she takes matters into her own hands.

At about halfway into the book, these two stories merge and we begin to understand more how Scarlett and Carly make their mark on the campus. If only the men of Gorman knew that women were avenged, behind the scenes, they would be on their best behavior. Not much gets past Scarlett and Carly in this wickedly clever novel. 

Thank you to Gallery Books/Scout Press and NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for my honest review.

Wow! It’s been a while since I’ve read a suspense novel as good as this one! This book was told from the perspective of Scarlett and Carly, who are both at very different places in their lives - Scarlett is a successful college professor with a knack for getting away with murder (literally), while Carly is a college student who has developed a romantic interest in her roommate and would do anything for her. A feminist serial killer story that I would recommend to any suspense/thriller lover!

I knew by the first 10% that this would be a 5 star book for me!

So, let's set the mood, so you can settle in for this "unputdownable" read!

First, pour yourself a glass of ruby colored wine...

Then, get on YouTube and listen to the Karen Kamon song "Manhunt" from the classic 1983 film "Flashdance" , particularly the chorus...(if you don't already have the words memorized, as I do....)

" I'm goin on a manhunt, turn it around
Women have been hunted, now they're huntin' around
Manhunt, we all got the need
The one that's been waitin' has taken the lead

I'm goin' on a manhunt-I'm out for a kill! "

Now, open your book, and meet Scarlett Clark, an exceptional English professor, with flaming red hair and an even more fiery temper! Every year she selects the WORST man on Gorman campus and meticulously plans his demise. Too bad, "They Never Learn" and keep repeating their mistakes!

This song could've been written for Scarlett-and, I loved her!

But, she isn't the only one at Gorman who has had enough of the male species there.

When Carly Schiller's roommate, Allison is sexually assaulted at a party, she too, becomes obsessed with making someone pay. Although Scarlett's chapters were my favorite, Carly's are engaging too.

The narratives alternate, the pace is fast, and the humor is snarky! (my favorite kind!)

But one woman, may have just gotten sloppy, putting her secret life at risk of exposure..

If you miss the HBO show-Dexter, or enjoyed "My Lovely Wife", Jane Doe (#1) or "The Other Mrs. Miller",
this one is for you!!

A big Thank You to the publisher, Gallery/Scout Press for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review!

This title will be available on Oct. 13, 2020!
Mark your calendars!

I am in the minority with my review of They Never Learn. The first three quarters, I was totally “In” and then I started to shake my head. I do not want to be specific here, as I do not want to impart any spoilers, but then the story line got preposterous. I will give the book three stars, as the first three quarters were gripping, then it all imploded for me. Thank you Netgalley and Gallery/Scout Press for this ARC.

Thank you to Gallery/Scout Press for this ebook to review via Netgalley.

Blend “How to Get Away With Murder” and “Miss Meadows,” a 2014 film starring Katie Holmes and you get some of the terror provided by the heroine in this book.

Scarlett is a university professor at Gorman, but she also seeks vigilante justice for men who she’s deemed deserve it. Practicing serial killing for 16 years, she’s honed her skills well and never uses the same method twice.

Then there’s Carly Schiller, a student at Gorman, who has become obsessed with her roommate. And trying to keep her out of trouble with a certain guy in her life.

Revenge is sweet in this thriller. You might even cheer on the killer. One things for sure, there’s not a dull moment in this book.

Fargo writes very well, and plots even better. I highly recommend this title. Keep the lights on, though.

Want something dark and twisted to sink your teeth into? THEY NEVER LEARN by Layne Fargo may just bite you back as we travel into the mind and life of an English professor who deserves an “A” for getting away with murder, repeatedly. She may even deserve extra credit for making sure her victims are well-deserved of their fate. It all started back when Professor Scarlett Clark was college student, Carly Schiller and the body count is growing as she rids the world of predators of the worst kind, men who use their power, size, etc., to charm, control and abuse women.

Now she is about to choose her crowning victim, the ultimate dirtbag and it could be her downfall because she is too emotionally involved to keep things “professional.”

We are taken chapter by chapter back and forth between Carly and Scarlett over a sixteen year span of her version of justice and must decide, is she a crazed monster or just a well-meaning vigilante. Layne Fargo has done an eerily scary job of getting inside her readers’ minds, page after page. How far is too far? What made Carly/Scarlett cross that line between thinking about murder and actually meting out her punishment? How could no one see what was happening?

Gritty, disturbing and although I got lucky guessing the end, definitely something to take a look at for readers who like to walk on the dark side.

I received a complimentary ARC edition from Gallery/Scout Press! This is my honest and voluntary review.

One of the best thrillers I have read. I moved the private school setting and the cast of characters that took place in the book. This book will keep you up guessing how it will end!

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for this ARC.

This was a wild ride. Like a Netflix boarding school drama. These characters were evil, completely justified, but so deliciously evil. I'm not really into young adult narrators, but I feel like it was nicely balanced out having an English professor as a narrator. Overall, this was a gritty and fun read.

Wow, what a book! This was a page turner for sure. A dark twisted story about a female vigilante serial killer.

Thanks to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC which I received in exchange for my honest review. I read author Layne Fargo's debut novel, Temper, a few months ago and I absolutely loved it! I was so excited to be approved for this title and it did not disappoint.

They Never Learn is a taunt fast-paced thriller set in a small college town. Dr. Scarlett Clark is an English professor who also happens to be a serial killer. Carly is a freshman struggling to fit in and coming to terms with her dark tendencies. Readers will be surprised to find out the connection between Scarlett and Carly. Although I saw the twist coming, I really enjoyed it.

Layne Fargo is an absolute master of taking a character that readers might otherwise hate and turning her in to an avenging angel. Scarlett doesn't kill indiscriminately, she targets men who prey upon women and delivers the justice that would otherwise be denied to victims. Although some heavy topics are addressed in the book such as rape, sexuality and victim shaming, there are some light moments. Scarlett is at times quite hilarious while cooly assessing her next targets. My emotions were all over the place during this roller coaster ride of a book. I cried with Carly as she learned how female victims of sexual violence are marginalized and blamed for the actions of the men who violate them. I cheered for the brilliant and captivating Scarlett who meted out justice on her terms.

They Never Learn is utterly engrossing from start to finish and the character of Dr. Scarlett Clark will resonate with readers long after the final chapter. I highly recommend this dark yet empowering novel and I eagerly await the author's next release! 5 Stars!

“He wasn’t afraid of me…that was his first mistake.”

No spoilers here! You’ll just have to read and find out for yourself just how deliciously dark and impossible to put down this book is! One of my fav thrillers of the year! Highly recommend!

**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of They Never Learn.

I wasn't sure what to expect when my request was approved, but I'm pleased NetGalley gave me an opportunity to read it before it was released.

Professor Scarlett Clark is ambitious, smart and a professional. She is also a serial killer. Like Dexter, she kills men who deserve it, rapists and abusers, but unlike Dexter, she is empathetic, caring and longs to find a person who understands, respects and loves her.

When a kill goes disastrously wrong, two detectives probe into the death and get dangerously close to the truth. At the same time, Scarlett's indiscretions with her graduate assistant may be her undoing and her success as a professor and a killer of bad men may be coming to a close.

This is my first book my the author and it won't be my last.

This was an engaging and suspenseful read filled with strong female characters, realistic and believable.

Professor Clark is not likable per se, but she is relatable. Her inner thoughts and feelings are blunt and honest, her desire to care for her students supersedes her own feelings of self protection and she has risen from a shy teenager to the formidable woman she is now.

I love stories about revenge and vengeance (I always forget the difference) and They Never Learn will draw you in with its strong narrative, good writing and powerful women.

The ending was definitely better (and much happier) than Dexter, the show, not the books, though the latter could have been better, too.

I received a complimentary copy of They Never Learn from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This very unique novel had me cheering for the murderer! A fantastic, believable character, who takes action to make the world a better place, Scarlet seemed a bit unhinged at first glance, but soon morphed into more or less logical and methodical. I was unaware of a dual timeline for a bit of the novel, but when an overlap was revealed, everything made perfect sense. There was very little predictability, and I absolutely loved this book!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.