The Mole People is an intriguing dive into the complex world of schizophrenia, substance abuse, and the profound impact untreated mental illness can have on both the individual and their loved ones.

The story presents a powerful and compelling concept that keeps you turning the pages. While I found some of the dialogue a bit repetitive and wished for more descriptive narration to bring the emotions to life, the overall experience was still engaging. Despite these minor quibbles, the book offers a unique perspective and is definitely worth the read.

A captivating and compelling storyline surrounding Suzie her downfall with schizophrenia. From the opening pages the reader is sucked into the world of voices, anger, mayhem and hurt. With a sometime hard to read storyline Kevin Landt introduces you to the underground of Las Vegas and the disease and drug use that plagues those involved. And that ending will make you wonder what exactly you just read and will leave you withe the need to start over and read it again. I read it all in one sitting - yes - it was that good!!

Amazing, impactful and gripping. I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for more by this author. Definitely got trigger warnings though

The Mole People by Kevin Lindt was too short of a read but a great read. Make sure to check your trigger warnings because this book deals with self harm, schizophrenia, eating disorders. drug use, and thoughts of unaliving oneself.

Suzy Franks is a college student who suffers from schizophrenia. The voices in her head won’t let her live a normal life and causes issues for her. Her mom wants to help her and threatens to have her committed. After some trouble in school and threats of being committed she decides to leave school and home. She finds herself in the flood tunnels under Las Vegas where she finds some outcasts called the Mole People.

This book is so different from anything I’ve read. I thought the story line and plot were really good and I like Kevin's writing style. I really like the mental health representation, I haven’t read too many stories about schizophrenia. Kevin knows how to pull you into the story and keep you hooked until the end. I do wish it were longer. Suzie’s struggles with schizophrenia and the voices in her head making her feel like she wasn’t lovable, was heartbreaking. It’s sad that she didn’t see how loved she truly was by her mother Dana, boyfriend Robbie, and college roommate Andrea. I cannot recommend this book enough. Thank you Kevin Landt and NetGalley for letting me read a copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.

A short but impactful story of the people who live on the fringes of society. In this case, we have our main character, Suzie, who is living with schizophenia and ends up living underground with the Mole People in Las Vegas. We really get so much wrong when it comes to mental health. I think 80% of the population is dealing with some sort of depression, PTSD, and a whole host of mental health issues. This is a story about those who select few who suffer from extremely troubling and debilitating mental health conditions, and how they are forced to slog through life. Life is hard enough when you are "normal" (whatever that is), but these serious mental health conditions lie. And we don't do enough for those people who suffer from these conditions. We think it is enough to diagnose them and then expect them to just take their medicine like good little patients and all will be well. But that is not the case. Their minds are too loud and the lies they hear inside their brains are too troublesome, so they don't take their medications and end up spiraling downward. Cast out of society, they find the only places where they feel accepted out on the streets and away from the help they truly need. We have got to do find a way to do better as a society. The Mole People should not exist and it is frightening to think that they do.

Looking for a twisted coming of age story from the perspective of a young woman with schizophrenia? Look no further. The Mole People follows Suzie, a troubled individual trying to wind through life without knowing whether what she’s experiencing is based in reality. When we first meet Suzie, she is teetering on the edge of stability while attending college with her boyfriend, Robbie, and her friend Andrea. As she progresses, Suzie begins to go down a dark spiral that leads her to Las Vegas, where she meets the Mole People, a group of unfortunate men and women who have fallen victim to addiction, mental illness, etc. It’s then we see Suzie begin to fight for her physical and mental wellbeing.

As a healthcare professional, I have met several individuals that have schizophrenia. I will be the first to say it is hard to understand and comprehend what they are witnessing at any given time. Kevin Landt does a decent job of putting us in the head of Suzie and describing what she is seeing, feeling, and hearing. Because of my experience, I feel like some of the hallucinations and voices are a little oversimplified, but again, there are varying degrees of schizophrenia, so anything goes. I particularly liked the sense of paranoia we get from Suzie throughout her story. That is one thing that makes her character feel relatable and real. I also have dealt with a number of people suffering from addiction, and in this book, the mannerisms and personalities are spot on. The Mole People definitely represent a large portion of our society that most people turn a blind eye to. Overall, this book is a good read for anyone wanting a story with some raw realism. It’s not a feel-good story, but it’s not meant to be. The best way to bring awareness to mental illnesses of all kinds is to submit yourself to the discomfort of acknowledging what it’s like. I would recommend it.

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I wanted to like this book more than I actually did, that being said, the book wasn't bad but I had a lot of trouble garnering sympathy for the main character, which made it harder care as much what happened to her. Perhaps that is the nature of her mental illness that it made it harder to connect with her. I felt that she brought a lot of what happened to her on herself. That said, it was an interesting look at mental illness and addiction, how the two can work hand-in-hand against the person suffering from them and how a person can end up at rock bottom.

Never, and I mean this, NEVER trust a dude in a fedora.

The author reached out to me and offered me an advance copy of this book. And after reading it, I’m glad he did.

So. I’m from Las Vegas and I absolutely love my city, all of its beauty and flaws and all. So fun fact about me, every time a film, show, or book is set here, I judge how accurate it is. I can’t help it, I just do. It’s not a thing the helps or hinders my enjoyment of the piece, it’s just a little separate compartment that goes “yup that’s right” or “pffffft not even close” the whole time.

Clearly the author is either from Vegas or has done his research because this is well written, which makes my neon heart glow.

With that bit out of the way, what a fascinating read. This book is such a gripping depiction of mental illness and addiction, I could not put it down. Susie is written as a complex character, she has depth and was written with care and empathy, where people with these afflictions in books and movies are so often treated as one note “crazies” or “junkies”.

Make no mistake, the book is haunting and uncomfortable at times. The subject matter is uncomfortable and it should be. This book may be fiction but these people exist, shoved underground by people who don’t want to see them. And they have a right to survival too.

Going into act 2 and beyond, when the mole people are introduced, we get into these people that society has cast aside, led by a charismatic cult-like figure in - you guessed it - a damn fedora. And the rollercoaster ride continues.

This author has a solid, decisive voice and this book will grab you and won’t let go. Highly recommend!

Special thanks to the author, Kevin Landt for the copy of the book.

This was a powerful read. I've never had to deal with schizophrenia, but I have had major depressive disorder and the descriptions of utter despair in the book were genuine. (I won't say triggering, but let's say I needed a minute.) For that alone, this book gets 4 stars.
I had a couple issues with the book overall--the atmosphere on college seemed more high school than college to me. Maybe things are different now, but high school had cliques, college didn't. And I rarely had lots of classes with the same people. Also, it's suggested that the MC's schizophrenia began in early childhood (grade school at least), but the NIMH says this disorder typically develops in women in the late 20s-early 30s (certainly not saying there aren't cases of it starting sooner, it's just not typical).
I would definitely read more from Mr Landt in the future!

In The Mole People, Kevin Landt crafts a haunting narrative that plunges readers into the shadows of Las Vegas, a city renowned for its glitz and glamour yet hiding a gritty underbelly filled with struggles and despair. The story centers around Suzie Franks, a young woman grappling with schizophrenia and personal turmoil, who finds herself abandoned by the life she once knew and thrust into an underground community of outcasts. Landt’s portrayal of Vegas as a duality of light and darkness is powerful and immersive. The reader can almost feel the stark contrast as Suzie ventures from the shimmering surface world into the damp, eerie tunnels inhabited by the "Mole People." This setting serves not only as the backdrop for her survival but also as a metaphor for her mental state—confusing, chaotic, and fraught with danger. Landt deftly intertwines the city’s two worlds, establishing an atmosphere of claustrophobia and tension that mirrors Suzie’s internal battle.
Suzie's character is richly developed, painted with layers of complexity that invite empathy while also highlighting her vulnerabilities. As her world spirals further into chaos, readers are given a front-row seat to her psychological struggles. Landt’s sensitive exploration of mental health, particularly schizophrenia, is commendable. It challenges the stigma surrounding mental illness by presenting Suzie not solely as a victim of her condition but as a resilient individual fighting for her survival. The narrative oscillates between her perceptions of reality and the threats posed by both the underground dwellers and her own mind, leaving readers questioning what is real and what is imagined.
The supporting characters in the underground community, each with their unique backstories and flaws, add depth to the narrative, providing a reflection of society's outcasts. These characters challenge Suzie in various ways, forcing her to confront her fears and delve deeper into her own psyche. Landt effectively uses these interactions to demonstrate the importance of connection and belonging, even in the most unwelcoming environments.
Overall, "The Mole People" is a compelling exploration of survival in both literal and metaphorical darkness. Kevin Landt's skillful storytelling and deep character development make this novel a thought-provoking read that sheds light on the often-ignored lives of society's marginalized. Through Suzie's harrowing journey beneath the glamorous facade of Las Vegas, the novel prompts reflection on mental illness, resilience, and the human condition. It is a stark, poignant reminder that beneath the surface, stories of struggle and strength await to be uncovered.

Thank you so much to Kevin Landt for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Mole People released on June 30, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The author actually reached out to me and thought I would be interested in reading his book, so I was really appreciative of that. I love getting books and was excited to check it out. I think it’s a quick read, but it definitely has a lot of plot. I loved the writing. I thought it was quick-paced and a gritty story. Suzie has had a rough life due to her schizophrenia. She gets into some trouble in Las Vegas, which can be a dangerous place. I thought the mole people were pretty creepy. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. Some of the plot points weren’t the usually things I read, but overall, I enjoyed it. I would definitely read another book by this author!

The Mole People is an intense, heart-wrenching read, one that will make you feel for the main character as we take a deeper look into mental illness and drug addiction.
In this book, we follow Suzie Franks, a college student who struggles with schizophrenia and paranoia. Suzie has the support of her mother and boyfriend, however, it isn't enough. Every day for her is a battle, as she struggles to cope with her illness, and her environment doesn't make it any better. She is teased at school for her differences and, as a result, turns to drugs as a temporary release. Eventually, as things worsen, Suzie finds herself running away from her life and everyone she knows in Oregon. She ends up in Las Vegas amongst the mole people, an underground community that promises to protect her. Her life starts spiraling further downhill, and it soon becomes apparent to Suzie that if she wants to live, she's going to have to fight.

This book broke me. I felt for Suzie in so many ways. Although we did not get Suzie's very beginnings, we do get flashbacks which give us an idea of the life Suzie has lived. We meet Suzie at a vulnerable time in her life, and it is heartbreaking to see her fall into a very dark place. I was rooting for Suzie the entire boom through, and the ending gave some sort of comfort, although it was a very rough journey getting there. I appreciate the author for touching on sensitive topics in today's society and shining light on the internal battles that many people are silently fighting.

Thank you NetGalley, Kevin Landt, and Ryland Publishing for this read.

This is not a book I’d typically pick up, but I’m glad I did. The main character's struggle with schizophrenia was heart wrenchingly written. It made my heart hurt for those actually living with this. The cycles of substance abuse and dangerous living situations due to mental illness were highlighted and expressed in a way that I feel could be all too real.

Thank you to Kevin Landt for encouraging me to read his book, as well as NetGalley.

The life of Suzie, a young college student with Schizophrenia. As if the 'mean girls' weren't enough for a regular student. She hears voices, sees things that aren't there. The medication has side affects she doesn't want to deal with so she runs.
She can't find peace as her demons follow her. She finds herself underground in Vegas, the storm sewers where the lost and fractured live. A life of drugs and criminal activities to survive.
Will her family manage to bring her home or will she die like others down there?
An intriguing tale of life and mental illness.

Such an emotional amount of a girl suffering with schizophrenia and addiction. The everyday struggles and torments were not easy to read. It's always frustrating when someone has loved ones trying to help and failing. There's not always happy endings.

Well I saw Mole People living under Las Vegas and I assumed it was going to be a spooky story. I think I should have read the description better. Suzie is schizophrenic, she is from a wealthy family, attends college and has a great, supportive boyfriend. Suzie really needs medication to block out the voices and crazy urges but is not a fan of being medicated. She travels through streets and cities alone using any drugs she can score until she enters the community of Mole people called that because they live in the storm tunnels under the city of Las Vegas. It was an interesting read because out west this is definitely a real thing. Good book!

Posting 9/5/24
Suzy’s battle with schizophrenia is so sad, and feels so real. This book truly feels like it’s non-fiction. Unlike a lot of people Suzy has support of her mom and her boyfriend, but it’s not enough. There isn’t anything that can be said to convince her to stay on her medication. And, that is another issue. She likes how she feels on the medication, she can feel it working, but she doesn’t like that it makes her gain weight. When did we starting putting out appearance before our health mental or physical?
The challenges that Suzy goes through are hard, but her loved ones never give up on her.
If you are looking for a book that dips into the underworld of the mentally ill just trying to survive in the world, this is a perfect read.

2.75 stars

I was contacted by the author about his book and it sounded great. I fast noticed that it's not quite a book I would really enjoy - but as it was not a long book I thought " come read, maybe you'll like it in the end ". It follows Suzie who suffers from schizophrenia, how she leaves everything behind and goes to Las Vegas. Some people there are good, some are not. It tackles mental health, drugs and the daily struggles.

It's actually a well researched book highlighting a lot of topics that usually are not talked about - therefore it's actually a good book.

For me it was just not it as it was too depressing and dark and left me deflated.

Thank you Kevin and Netgalley!

This book was a hard one to read. Not because it’s not good but because it’s about mental health, addiction, the hard life of being homeless. Sadly, these situation are too real for some families. The book was raw, well written.

It’s the story about Suzie who is battling schizophrenia along with other mental health problems, and addiction. She’s in college and has a really hard time admitting to herself she has schizophrenia and decides to not take the medication because in her mind, it was a way for the therapist and her family to spy on her. Finally, in a last attempt to not be rejected from college, she decides to take the medicine.

It did help. It did… but it was short lived when she tries drugs for the first time and realizes that it dims the voices. She decided to stop the meds and do it her way and run away. She end up being invited to be with the Mole People who live under Sin City. They take her in to protect her, but at what cost?

Will she be able to find what she’s looking for? Will she be protected as they say? Will she be able to finally gain balance with her mental health?

This was good. It made you feel like you were there. Fearing for her. Have anxiety for her. Be sad for her. And have hope for her.

TW: mental health, violence, struggle with homeless

I definitely recommend.

Thank you to Keven Landt and Netgalley for this book.

Content warnings: self harm, drug use, SA, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts, bullying
This was a very dark story about a young woman who has trouble treating her schizophrenia. I do not have experience with schizophrenia and I'm unsure if this is portrayed realistically. After finishing this book I googled The Mole People and found that there was a book written about those in NY in 1995.