I've seen this book all over Instagram in the last few weeks, so was delighted to get a copy. Debut novelist Sach Bischoff weaves a wonderfully meta tale, very much like a stacked doll, where you know there are multiple layers of intrigue and deception, but you're not quite sure which characters you can trust until the very end. That was incredibly satisfying for this reader, who was doing mental gymnastics during every reading session. The book sits comfortably within the thriller genre albeit at the literary end; mostly driven by the author retaining a very authentic voice commensurate with Fitzgerald's work. This works beautifully, adding a depth to the prose that feels rich and engaging. The book starts a little more slowly than you might expect - in order to set a compelling scene - but the pace soon picks up and you'll find yourself whisked along.

In reading the book, I was aware of two things that *might* put some readers off, so I'd like to address those here:
1) there are some topics in the book that could be difficult for some readers - I felt that these were written with care, and with a sparseness to the prose that means the reader gets just enough to understand the scene, but not so much that it is troubling. The events used are not gratuitous, each serving a purpose within the story.
2) the depth of the dedication to Fitzgerald's world - you don't need to be familiar with his work to appreciate this novel. I'm not a particular fan and didn't enjoy Gatsby (yes, I know!) but I'm really glad that I've read this . Consider the Fitzgerald immersion the backdrop, rather than an homage, and enjoy the novel for what it is.

I'd hugely recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys superbly twisty thrillers with a strong element of mystery.

This is such a complex and complicated book, and that reflects my feelings too. There is so much going on all at once; it's incredibly fast paced and my brain was racing to catch up.

First of all, the format of this book is very cleverly done. Although it is such a simple thing, I really enjoyed the way that it was almost written out as a script, with parts acting as 'Acts', and chapters as 'scenes'. It added to the whole cinematic feel of the book (which feels very apt give the author's background). Along with the cinematic format, I also enjoyed the alternate way of portraying dialogue through the notes of the therapist. This is a really unique way to see a different side of a character, and to be privy to their inside thoughts. I felt it worked really well.

While I enjoyed the flashbacks, and completely understand that they are a necessary part of the plot, sometimes it did feel like it was all a bit too much; there was already a lot going on all at once to keep track of, and the flashbacks just added something else that the reader had to catch up with.

I've always enjoyed the unreliable narrater trope; it makes books so interesting and thrilling. The way that an author can completely flip the book on it's head by snatching the comfort and familiarity from you is an incredible feat. And Sash does this really well in Sweet Fury. You're sure you know the flow of the book, the characters, the relationships and most importantly, who the bad guy is. But, the narrater (or narraters) are not always reliable. It's very cleverly done and really rocks your world.

I would say that my biggest problem was with the ending; it was a little too fast paced. So much blame is being thrown around and the villain constantly shifts to the point that you're just confused. and have to keep flipping the pages back to understand what's really going on. It can just become a little too confusing.

To round it off, I would say this is a really intriguing novel full of complicated characters and relationships, which explores what happens when art begins to mirror life. I would recommend!This is such a complex and complicated book, and that reflects my feelings too. There is so much going on all at once; it's incredibly fast paced and my brain was racing to catch up.

First of all, the format of this book is very cleverly done. Although it is such a simple thing, I really enjoyed the way that it was almost written out as a script, with parts acting as 'Acts', and chapters as 'scenes'. It added to the whole cinematic feel of the book (which feels very apt give the author's background). Along with the cinematic format, I also enjoyed the alternate way of portraying dialogue through the notes of the therapist. This is a really unique way to see a different side of a character, and to be privy to their inside thoughts. I felt it worked really well.

While I enjoyed the flashbacks, and completely understand that they are a necessary part of the plot, sometimes it did feel like it was all a bit too much; there was already a lot going on all at once to keep track of, and the flashbacks just added something else that the reader had to catch up with.

I've always enjoyed the unreliable narrater trope; it makes books so interesting and thrilling. The way that an author can completely flip the book on it's head by snatching the comfort and familiarity from you is an incredible feat. And Sash does this really well in Sweet Fury. You're sure you know the flow of the book, the characters, the relationships and most importantly, who the bad guy is. But, the narrater (or narraters) are not always reliable. It's very cleverly done and really rocks your world.

I would say that my biggest problem was with the ending; it was a little too fast paced. So much blame is being thrown around and the villain constantly shifts to the point that you're just confused. and have to keep flipping the pages back to understand what's really going on. It can just become a little too confusing.

To round it off, I would say this is a really intriguing novel full of complicated characters and relationships, which explores what happens when art begins to mirror life. I would recommend!

Sometimes, it's best to leave sleeping dogs to slumber. Because what is unleashed when they are awakened out of kilter, can be more than you bargain for...

Lila and Kurt are a celebrity couple who have everything going for them. Careers as a movie star and a film maker with an interesting collaboration coming up, they have a great deal to look forward to.

Until a revisiting of past traumas means that all hell breaks lose. And in such a situation, you cannot always be sure that you are safe in the people whom you have chosen to trust.

This is a nuanced and interesting story, with many layers to it. Feminist fiction with a sting in the tail. Worth a read, it gets 3.5 stars.

A tale of Hollywood, misogyny and therapy.

I wanted to love this book but there was not a single bit of subtlety to it. Usually as a reader we are trusted to make our own choices about how we feel but here you are signposted in to what you should think or even telling me when they have been clever about Fitzgerald.

A shame as the thriller has legs, but as a woman, you don’t need to tell me when misogyny and gaslighting happen, I will know.

Sweet Fury is a provocative and twisty exploration of fame, power, and identity in the modern world, set against the glamorous yet cutthroat backdrop of the film industry. The novel follows Lila Crayne, America’s darling actress, as she embarks on a feminist reimagining of F. Scott Fitzgerald's Tender Is the Night, only to find herself ensnared in a web of betrayal, secrets, and revenge. As Lila prepares for her role, her personal life begins to crumble, particularly as her therapy sessions with Jonah Gabriel—a suave, enigmatic therapist—bring her darkest traumas to light.
Bischoff weaves a deeply introspective narrative, expertly deconstructing the constructed facades that both the film industry and society at large demand of women. Lila’s story is a sharp critique of America’s enduring misogyny, questioning not only how women are perceived and exploited but also the roles they are forced to play in their own lives. The novel's exploration of the blurred lines between victim and perpetrator, particularly in the context of power dynamics, is both timely and thought-provoking.
The character-driven plot takes readers on a psychological rollercoaster, with plenty of twists and turns. Each character—from the charming therapist to the seemingly perfect fiancé—harbours secrets that slowly unravel, keeping the tension high and the stakes even higher. Bischoff's writing is intelligent and haunting, offering rich, multilayered prose that invites deep reflection on societal expectations, justice, and the manipulation of narrative.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

I was interested to read this but I found it a bit heavy handed. It said Fitzgerald fans would enjoy the references, but then went on to point out all the references as you went through. It lacked subtlety. I didn't mind the overall plot but it could have been better explained in places

I was hooked from the start and ended up finishing this in one sitting. Like other readers have mentioned the ending is the weak link in this story, it wraps things up but it feels rushed which doesn’t do the rest of the story justice. An epic debut novel from Sash Bischoff nonetheless, I can’t wait to read more from her in the future!

Thank you so much Random House UK, Transworld Digital, Bantam + NetGalley for the chance to read Sweet Fury before it’s published on 3rd April 2025!

This was a super quick and fast paced read. It has some interesting themes with lots of twists and turns. I didn't particularly enjoy the ending though and I found it felt a little rushed. Still, a pretty solid thriller.

Such a good book! I loved the different aspects of this book going from different character perspectives, therapy notes, letters, the filming scenes. It makes for a really interesting read. The comparison to the silent patient kinda spoils it for me as it means you’re suspicious of Jonah straight off the bat. I’m not sure I liked Lila, or any of the characters tbf? All the twists and turns keep the book dramatic and you never know which character you can trust!! A really good debut with some hard topics covered so check the trigger warnings.

OH what a read.

Lila is an actress but does she know when when her acting should stop and her reality begins.

She plays a victim well and she is rather manipulative. The people around her seem to let her get away with things she shouldn't and her therapist, while concerned, I think, doesn't see through her.

This is a good read, and while it isn't brilliant storytelling or writing it is a twisty and intriguing read.

Loved this novel along the lines of Evelyn Hugo. It had all the elements of a great book! Full of twist and turns. Glamour and suspense this book makes the perfect addition to your reading list or book club!