Review of The Collective by Alison Gaylin

Looking for a twisty revenge thriller? Check out my review of The Collective by Alison Gaylin!

The Collective by Alison Gaylin

Published on November 2, 2021 by William Morrow

Thanks to the publisher for providing an advance copy for review!

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Synopsis: Camille Gardner is a grieving—and angry—mother who, five years after her daughter’s death, is still obsessed with the privileged young man she believes to be responsible. When her rash actions attract the attention of a secret group of women—the Collective— Camille is drawn into a dark web where these mothers share their stories of loss as well as their desire for justice . Fueled by mutual rage, these women orchestrate their own brand of justice through precise, anonymous, complexly plotted and perfectly executed revenge killings, with individual members completing a specific and integral task in each plan. As Camille struggles to comprehend whether this is a role-playing exercise or terrifying reality, she must decide if these women are truly avenging angels or monsters. Becoming more deeply enmeshed in the group, Camille learns truths about the collective—and about herself—that she may not be able to survive. 

Review of The Collective by Alison Gaylin

I have a mixed history with revenge books, but overall I did enjoy The Collective.

It was impossible not to empathize with Camille. Her daughter Emily’s death at the hands of a callous college rapist completely destroyed Camille’s life. Five years later, she’s divorced, drinking too much and popping pills, and barely holding it together after the tragic death of her beloved therapist. When learns the young man she holds responsible for her daughter’s death is receiving an award, she decides to crash the event. This leads to her being invited to join The Collective, a group of mothers who gather anonymously online to plot the deaths of those who killed their children.

Camille’s relationship with the recipient of her daughter’s donor heart added a poignant and emotional touch to the story. I also liked how she questioned everything, a trait that repeatedly got her into trouble.

As I say in my Spoiler Review for The Collective, this book was like a wilder, crazier version of Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith, in which two men trade murders. Yes, The Collective itself was wildly improbable, but the book did a good job of showing how the women amplified each others’ rage until The Collective as like a fire burning out of control.

If you like revenge stories, you can also check out my list of YA Books about Revenge or this thriller about a rape victim seeing revenge OR this list of thrillers about angry women OR this post about Killer Queens – women who kill!

If you’ve read The Collective, head IMMEDIATELY to my spoiler discussion here!