3.5 stars rounded up to 4.*

This title came to my attention when the author DMed me on Goodreads and suggested I might enjoy his new title. Of course I could NOT pass up that offer!

Interestingly, the book that I had read that led Goodreads to suggest "The Mole People" was a travel murder mystery/thriller, and The Mole People is definitely more contemporary fiction. I enjoy both genres so it was a good miss in that way but I thought it was an odd connection for Goodreads to make.

I wasn't sure what I was getting into with this book. It begins with the story of a college girl, Suzie, who suffers from Schizophrenia and is struggling to keep her head above water. Suzie begins to spiral, goes off her meds and has a serious incident that causes the school to contact her mother and boyfriend resulting in her being forced to go back on her meds. Suzie agrees, but rather than returning to her dorm, she makes a run for it. Suzie lands in Las Vegas and begins to live among "the Mole People" a group of people suffering from addiction and/or mental health issues that live in a tunnel system beneath the city. The story is heartbreaking and led me to want to read more about the trials of those who opt to live outside of the norm with their mental health issues rather than take meds and try to be mainstream.

Parts of this story broke my heart, parts were really disturbing, but overall I enjoyed it. I will read more by Kevin Landt.

*with thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for this honest review. And also to Kevin Landt for the suggestion.

In reading the description of The Mole People by Kevin Landt, I will admit I was leery on whether I would enjoy the book based on the description alone, but this really was an intense read for me. It hit home based on the character of Suzie and her mental illness and Dana, Robbie and Andrea who are close to her. For families/friends who deal with mental illness among loved ones, understanding the ups and downs one faces and the patient refusal to take medication based on the real or imagined side effects, this book just nails it. An emotional read with some intriguing Las Vegas underground tales that will have you rooting for the forgotten mole people who have a good heart buried within their addiction. A very special thank you to Kevin Landt and NetGalley for the e-copy to read for which I leave a voluntary review. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book I have ever read from this author and was not really sure what to expect. This was definitely was one of those books that I could not put down. I started it in the evening and finished the same night because I needed to know what happened. Suzie has a very rough life due to her mental health issues and ends up spiraling down to the point that she is homeless. She meets Wonderman in Las Vegas and is brought to live in a tunnel with other people that have also met hard times. I wish there would have been a bit more structure with this read as I felt there were times that it needed to refocus. There were a couple of plot points that just felt were thrown in there out of nowhere and had nothing really to do with what was going on in the book. Overall, it was a fairly good read. Thanks for the ARC,NetGalley.

4.5 stars
this book follows suzie and her struggles with schizophrenia and paranoia and how much untreated mental illness can effect someone. this book had me hooked from the very beginning.

Susie is an intelligent, caring, beautiful young college student with the perfect boyfriend……and schizophrenia. Paranoid, she runs away from her loved ones for fear that they will have her committed. Eventually, desperate and hungry she accepts an invitation for shelter and safety and thus, becomes one of “the mole people” living in the dark, dank storm drains under Las Vegas. In this community of people experiencing homelessness she finds friendship, but also comes to fear Wonderman, the self-proclaimed ruler of the underground.
This book does an empathetic job at chronicling the experiences of “mole people”. This may be fiction, but the fact is that there are communities living under most city streets. These are human beings who found themselves in what they feel is the safest and most comfortable place they can find, the reasons are infinite. Mental illness, addiction, a history of being victimized, the feeling that they have no where to go and no one ,safe to go to. These are mothers, fathers, siblings, friends, children.
Suzie wants to leave, but Wonderman forbids this and she knows his punishments can be brutal. The skies over Las Vegas eventually come into 0lay as the rainy season begins and storms threaten the underground community. A turbulent climax wraps things up and we get our answers that address Suzie’s future and the fate of her friends and foes among the mole people. Thank you #KevinLandt for contacting me and Goodreads to offer me your excellent book. Thank you to #netgalley for the ARC of #TheMolePeople.

This story delves into the topic of mental illness. Suzie is suffering from schizophrenia and hallucinations. Although she has a wonderful support system in her mother and boyfriend, she thinks that they are trying to put her in an institution. She runs away and finds herself in the underbelly of Los Vegas, where she learns there are worse things that could happen. I liked the way the author portrayed the characters and topic with sensitivity and kindness. I would definitely recommend this book. I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my reviews.

The Mole People is a compelling read about a young girl called Suzie, who has schizophrenia and is struggling to deal with the disorder. Despite having a supportive mother, friend, and boyfriend, the voices combined with paranoia leads her to believe that they just want to lock her up in a secure facility. Medication helps, but leads to further issues, and soon Suzie is masking her pain with a concoction of alcohol and drugs, which have her spiralling into greater paranoia and dysfunctional behaviour. Suzie goes on the run, where rough living leads to deeper despair. She eventually lands in Sin City and into the clasp of Wonderman, who welcomes her into the protection of the Mole People, who live in the storm drains under the city. This protection doesn't come for free. It is a tough living in this underworld, and barely anyone escapes..The Mole People deals with tough subject matter, but it is a compulsive page-turner that has you rooting for Suzie, her friends and her family. #themolepeople #Kevinlandt #rylandpublishing #netgalley

Susie is a survivor and a fighter and you can see this throughout the book. This book depicts what life is like for people with mental illness who struggle day to day and must also deal with whatever curve ball is thrown at them like homelessness, drug addiction and society turning a blind eye to their struggles and needs. Hard to read at times but well worth it.

To be honest I really didn't like this book. I couldn't stay focused and couldn't keep up with the story. It wasn't terrible but it always wasn't one that I would read a sequel to either.

The Mole People dives into the complexities of mental illness and survival. The story follows Suzie Franks, a young woman battling schizophrenia, who finds herself in the hidden world beneath Las Vegas. It's in intriguing premise and a very interesting read, and I'm glad I went out of my typical genres to give this a shot! I would have like to have more depth to the characters. This makes it harder to fully connect with their journeys and motivations. I would have liked to read more about Suzie’s struggles with mental illness, as this aspect of the story had the potential to be deeply compelling but wasn’t explored in enough detail.

Overall, The Mole People is an interesting read with a unique setting and premise, but it could benefit from more nuanced character development. It’s worth picking up if you’re interested in stories about mental health and the unseen lives of society’s outcasts.

This is one of those books that I just could not put down. Even away from it, I couldn’t wait to get back to it.

College girl Suzie suffers from schizophrenia, and constantly see’s and hears people, who don’t exist. One day, leaving hospital, after almost losing her life, she decides that the only thing that will keep her safe, and everyone else, is to leave Oregon. She’s afraid that if she stays, her loved ones will force her into a mental health facility.

Finding herself in Las Vegas, she wanders into a rundown casino, where she meets the sleazy ‘Wonderman’ who offers her a place to stay…under the city, down in the rain tunnels, with ‘The Mole People’. As her mental health and drug addiction gets worse. She soon realises, nothing comes for free, and ‘Wonderman’ will want payment, for providing protection and somewhere to live.

This is fast paced, emotional, and tells the story of an umbrella of various, accompanying, mental health issues.
My heart hurt for Suzie, and for her friends and family who try to help her.

Thanks to Kevin Landt, Ryland Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.

This was a DNF for me, well more like a skip to the end after 30%. This is 100% on me, not the book, I should have paid closer attention to the description. I didn't realise how focused it would be on mental illness, addiction and relationships in general, these are genres I usually try to avoid.

That being said, I loved how the author's writing style flowed, I loved the detailed descriptions of the people and settings and feelings. Despite skipping through the middle I enjoyed the dramatic ending.

I would love to read future books by this author.

Kevin Landt’s The Mole People is an emotionally charged and atmospheric thriller that delves into the hidden underbelly of Las Vegas, a stark contrast to the city’s dazzling exterior. This haunting novel brings readers into a world where the line between reality and delusion is often blurred, creating a gripping psychological exploration of mental illness, survival, and isolation.

At the heart of the novel is Suzie Franks, a young woman whose struggle with schizophrenia leads her into the dark, subterranean tunnels of Las Vegas, inhabited by the forgotten and displaced. Suzie’s journey is both a literal descent into the city’s underworld and a symbolic confrontation with her inner demons. Kevin Landt paints a vivid and unsettling portrait of Suzie’s mental state, keeping readers on edge as they question what’s real and what’s a product of her illness. This constant tension gives the novel its razor-sharp intensity, pulling readers into the fractured lens through which Suzie views the world.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Mole People is the depth of its character development, particularly in Suzie. She’s not just a victim of her circumstances or her illness; she’s a multifaceted protagonist, one who is resourceful and resilient even when pushed to her breaking point. Her battle with schizophrenia is portrayed with raw honesty, highlighting the confusion, paranoia, and fear that often accompany the condition. Landt does a masterful job of making Suzie’s struggles feel deeply personal and relatable, ensuring that readers empathize with her as she tries to navigate a reality that seems to shift and twist around her.

The plot is as layered as the characters themselves. Suzie’s descent into the tunnels below Las Vegas is filled with tangible and intangible threats, making it difficult for her—and for readers—to discern who or what can be trusted. The underground world Landt creates is hauntingly claustrophobic, filled with eerie figures, dangerous situations, and moments of stark beauty amidst the decay. The community of outcasts that Suzie encounters in the tunnels adds a sense of melancholy and danger, as they each grapple with their own demons while surviving on the margins of society. Suzie’s interactions with these people reveal as much about her character as they do about the world she’s entered, shedding light on her mental resilience and emotional vulnerability.

Landt skillfully weaves themes of survival, mental health, and societal neglect into the narrative, using the bleak setting of Las Vegas’ underground to reflect the struggles of those living on the fringes of society. The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying the harsh realities of mental illness and homelessness, but it does so with nuance, avoiding clichés and instead focusing on the complex inner lives of its characters. There’s an underlying question that permeates the novel: Is Suzie’s journey to escape the tunnels an allegory for her battle with her own mind? And will she find redemption, or be lost to the darkness?

As the stakes rise and Suzie’s situation becomes increasingly perilous, the pacing of The Mole People builds to a nail-biting climax. Readers will find themselves holding their breath as Suzie faces not only physical danger but also the ever-present threat of her mind turning against her. The novel strikes a delicate balance between being a thriller and a psychological drama, keeping readers engaged on multiple levels as they try to piece together the mystery alongside Suzie.

In The Mole People, Kevin Landt has crafted a novel that is both a riveting exploration of human resilience and a sobering reflection on the darker sides of society. The story grips readers from the very first page and doesn’t let go until long after the final chapter. Suzie’s journey—both physical and psychological—will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever struggled to find their way in a world that doesn’t seem to fit. For fans of thrillers with complex, well-developed characters and a deep emotional core, The Mole People is an unforgettable addition to any bookshelf.

A young girl takes a dark emotional journey into the depths of instability in her mental health in this disturbing account of her downward spiral. This book had me feeling several things. I felt the uncomfortableness that comes when you don’t know how to respond or handle someone’s mental illness. I felt the overwhelming sense of helplessness of everyone around her because they could not make the choice for her to take the steps she needed to take to get better. I felt the drenching sadness and desperation to find some kind of normalcy when she felt no one around her could truly help. And I felt the defiance and determination of her will to survive, overcome her illness, and LIVE when she realized that she had to at all cost. This was a very moving and emotional tale of the battles of mental illness. I thoroughly enjoyed it, but more so, felt like it did a great job immersing the readers into empathy when confronted with the struggles of mental illness. I received an arc copy of the book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Mole People is a fast paced absorbing read. Suzie is a bright student in college at an Oregon university. A bit of an odd duck she stands out among her peers. Perpetuating her standing are the voices she hears in her head. Battling mental health issues and not taking her medication, she flees to Las Vegas to find solace among other 'lost souls'. In the dark tunnels under the city she finds a different kind of family to support her craving for drugs and live freely. Everything comes with a price. This riveting read covers addiction, mental heath, and unconditional love.

Chopin's Ballade No. 1 was mentioned throughout. It's fitting as with the ballade, the story starts off softly, chaos ensues, and ending with a comforting conclusion. It's a beautiful analogy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the very talented Kevin Landt for a copy.

The Mole People is an intriguing and heartfelt exploration of a young woman named Suzie, struggling with the harrowing effects of schizophrenia and paranoia. The novel aptly portrays the emotional and psychological toll her mental illness takes on both her and those who care for her. Suzie is well aware of her illness and she knows that her fears are irrational, yet she cannot resist the overpowering pull of her mind’s distortions.
With an interesting setting, where we see the protagonist finding refuge in an underground society of outcasts beneath Las Vegas—the “mole people.” This vivid and surreal environment reflects the darker corners of Suzie’s psyche as she spirals further into her illness, her journey a haunting metaphor for the isolation and alienation felt by those with mental health struggles.
The author could have done better with the exploration of Suzie's inner turmoil, but nonetheless the book was quite fascinating and enjoyable.
"The Mole People" is a thought-provoking read. It discusses the lack of support systems for the people dealing with mental issues. It lets the reader explore what it would be like for people suffering from acute mental health diseases. It is an excellent book that allows readers to see what the life of a mentally sick person is like. Definitely recommended for people who enjoy thrillers and suspense filled novels.

Suzie has schizophrenia, but is functioning fairly well as an English Lit student. She has real people around her, and unreal voices in her head. There aren’t many real people who care about her; her mother, Dana, her roommate, Anthea, her boyfriend, Robbie. Her erratic behaviour and paranoia mean she has difficulty making and keeping friends, and alienates her fellow students to various degrees, including active antagonism and bullying. This can lead to violence, and her psychopathology means she is inclined to strike before she is struck. After a particular incident, and not taking her medication, she takes to the road, abandoning her life in Oregon and disappearing into the demimonde of travelling people. Dishevelled and broke she ends up in Las Vegas, where she is taken in by a cohort of misfits who live in the storm drain system in and around the city (despite being in a desert, Las Vegas experiences periodic flash floods). They call themselves “The Mole People”. At first they seem like a safe refuge, but just because you are paranoid doesn’t mean you’re not in danger, and camaraderie can quickly turn to coercion.
This is a book of two halves, the initial part focuses on Suzie in the ‘normal’ world, and is quite analytical, revealing what is happening filtered through the brain of a paranoid schizophrenic. This feel quite real, more so than similar characters explored by other authors, and bodes well for the rest of the book. However, the second half becomes quite pedestrian, a linear, routine, totally predictable plot, with standard characters behaving as type. Suzie, on the other hand, has been through a great deal of trauma and hasn’t been medicated since before she left Oregon, but isn’t behaving like such a character type. I think this was a missed opportunity; it could have been more King, Ellis, Kesey; should have been more internalised. Having said that, it’s not a bad book, provides food for thought and an easy adventure story.
I was gifted this book, through Netflix, by the author. He didn’t require me to review it, but that’s what I do.

The Mole People synopsis had me like ready for a crazy, unique ride! I mean, a college girl battling schizophrenia and somehow ending up with mole people? Total mind-bender, right? And let me just say, the author did an amazing job with Suzie and her mental health journey. Like, it was super believable, and I was totally invested in how she was processing everything. Suzie felt real, you know?

Buuuut (and here's the tea), the other characters were kind of... meh. Like, flat as a day-old soda. And the plot had this super awkward jump from Suzie's college life to her living with mole people?! Girl, what? I was like, how did we get here? I needed more of the in-between, more of the "wait, what just happened?" moments. This book could have been longer!

And I hate to say it, but the story was just a little snoozy in parts. There were times I was like, "Okay, let’s spice this up a bit!" But you know what? Despite all that, I did keep reading because I had to know what happened to Suzie - was she going to be okay?! So yeah, not a total page-turner, but it kept me curious enough to finish. Three stars from me.

I really enjoyed this book.
Suzie is challenged throughout her life but college has her tortured. The stress of that, growing up & life just gets too much.
Her boyfriend and Mam try to help but as we do she thinks she can do it all herself.
The story takes a darker turn when she decided to run away. Ending up in a hole and with people she wouldn’t usually meet up with.
Dark and mentally challenged story that’s handled well.

Kevin Landt, writes this story, about Suzie Franks, who is plagued by schizophrenia which is part of her journey. I have to say, when I was asked to read this, I wasn't sure I would understand it, But I found myself saying yes. His writing to details, and the flow, kept me reading, and helped me understand her journey. All the things she was going through, the struggles, the difficulties of being who she is., the not understanding why things were happening to her, and sometimes, I found myself on the edge of my seat, just hoping she would hang on and make it through.
I received an ARC from Kevin Landt through NetGalley. I am glad I said yes to reading this book, because it gave me an understanding of what her life was like, felt like to her, and the things she had to face and go through. It gave me insight to a life I knew nothing about, and didn't think I would understand, but Kevin wrote it, so I understood her journey which is so different from mine.