Thank you so much to Alex Mura, Hanabi Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Fragmented. I will share my review to Amazon, Goodreads, and Barnes & Noble.

This dark and psychological thriller explores the costs of obsession, the pull of self-destruction, and the looming threat of one's own identity. The main character, Andy Giles, is a disillusioned, bored, frustrated history teacher in need of an outlet and excitement. He quickly finds his desires sated at Ralph's, a club where masks hide more than just your secrets. The ability to experience life without inhibitions or accountability is intoxicating for Andy, and his mid-life crisis becomes a full-blown explosion.

There's touches of Fight Club with of course Eyes Wide Shut; of finding that you've created a self as more of a performance and discover that it will never make you happy. The club atmosphere itself feels like a fever dream, which definitely mirrors the spiraling of Andy. But considering this is a thriller, Andy doesn't discover his true purpose is painting on the French Riviera, but something much darker. As much as I enjoyed the thrilling pace and unrelenting tension the book delivered, the story itself didn't strike any particular nerve. I appreciated it, and the ending did bring something different that I hadn't expected, but I do feel like the "guy bored with his life and self-destructs" has been done so many times, it doesn't feel fresh. From the very beginning, the main character felt selfish and that didn't change. But if you like these kinds of stories, this one would be right up your alley.

I have previously read Alex Mura's Silence in the Basement as an ARC, and enjoyed seeing how his writing has improved and expanded in Fragmented. I love the cover art, very spooky and fitting. I think the red font with the long letters gives a blood-dripping quality that really sets it off well. I can't wait to read Alex's next fore into the horrific and thrilling - he definitely seems to have a talent for pacing and I think the dialogue was much more realistic in Fragmented.

Reading Level: Adult Psychological Thriller (graphic sex, drug use, cheating, psychological trauma)

You might like Fragmented if you liked:

- Fight Club (Palahniuk)
- Eyes Wide Shut (film)
- American Psycho (Bret Easton Ellis, film & novel)

Main Themes and Tropes:

- Identity/Masks (literal & metaphorical)
- mid-life crisis
- underground club/spicy meet-ups
- hedonism vs. morality
- divorce/cheating
- unlikeable/unreliable/morally gray narrator
- self-destruction/descent into madness

Overall rating: 4/5 stars!

Fragmented was a quick read that was hard to put down. It’s a thrilling read about a history teacher who had lives a mediocre life. While his wife out performs him in every way possible.

Along comes Ralph a member of a secret society where the all wear masks, the club involves drugs, alcohol, torture and sex. Things turns messy dark and dangerous very quickly. As he starts to lose his self in the club and his sanity at the same time.

Alex's passion for teaching is gone. Teaching seems like a chore. Things change when he gets a invite to a club. This club has strange rules. How far will,Alex go?

If you had to chose between a bland marriage, a routine 9-5, and being known as just 'the husband' or letting go of your fears, and feeding into your wildest desires. Which one would you choose?

THIS REVIEW IS WRITTEN WITHOUT SPOILERS

Fragmented was an instant appeal to me. The cover is what initially caught my eye, and sold me on the book title. It screamed mystery, complex characters. and a dark ambiance, which are all of the things that I am looking for in my recent and upcoming reads.

I'm around 45.7% into the overall plot, I haven't had time to finish it just yet mainly due to university deadlines and other commitments. The plot follows Andy Giles, who's passion for teaching is no longer there and a marriage that is crumbling, one night on his way home from work he meets a stranger that invites him to private member's club Ralph's, but it isn't like him to do anything out of the ordinary. At least not until he spots a message on Grace's phone from Tom...

From there we see another side of him, one that indulges in nights of debauchery. But is all as it seems? Could Ralph's be hiding a lot more than what it offers? and how far is Andy willing to go for a few nights of freedom?

I can't provide a full review seeing as I haven't finished the book, but so far I am enjoying how the plot is developing, I do wish the characters were more fleshed out and that we got to see more from them, I do believe there is a big plot twist towards the end however I think I know what this may be even at 45% into the book.

If you had a choice between a stable marriage/career and to live a fast-paced, thrill seeking life interminably on the edge, which life would you choose? This is ultimately the question that faces Andy Giles in this thrilling and erotic new novel, Fragmented, by Alex Mura.

Andy is a history teacher, but what he really wanted was to be a HISTORIAN, doing work out in the field, but instead, he settled. Settled for comfortability. Being predictable. He has a wife, Grace, who has a cold and almost clinical approach to their marriage - she works too much, texts too much, and doesn’t pay actual attention to Andy nearly enough. So when Andy stumbles into the life of a strange man he meets at a bar, he may just get the excitement he thinks he needs in his life.

Andy finds himself invited into a very exclusive club, where anything goes. As his life devolves over the course of several months, he needs to answer the question, which Andy does he want to be?

I don’t want to say too much more about the plot, as there are some twists that make this book interesting. I will say that it is very fast-paced and thrilling, and I really didn’t want to put it down, prompting me to finish it in one night. It is a shorter read, and did go by very quickly as I mentioned above. Since this was a digital ARC, there were a decent amount of editing mistakes - typos, duplicate words, etc. - but I won’t hold that against the author. I’m hopeful they were corrected before it went to print.

There were major vibes channelled here - Stanley Kubrick’s 1999 film, Eyes Wide Shut, came to mind here for me almost immediately. Yes, think erotic sex club. There are many similarities between this book and the movie I just mentioned. Psychological thriller. Check and check. But the author did push further with this scenario, and Andy makes a difficult decision towards the end of the book. The ending is also a bit open-ended, which I usually do not enjoy, but I think it worked for this story. I think the author really shined primarily with the pacing in this book, and that proved to be the strongest attribute in my eyes.

There were flaws, of course. The writing was very basic, nothing illuminating or mind-blowing. There was also a lot of repetition in different scenarios, and a particular scene at the end with Grace is particularly worth mentioning, as the scene really should have been handled better. It was almost like he didn’t know how to write the scene and just kind of ended it. It was a bit irritating. Andy was also more than a little bit of a whiny bitch at points, especially as he continued to lose himself more and more. The overuse of the words hedonism and fractured/fragmented were grating until I got to the end. I couldn’t stop seeing them once I recognized the repetitiveness that felt forced.

Overall it was still a good read, and I did enjoy it. I would definitely recommend it for anyone who likes a touch of erotica mixed with a good psychological thriller - both those boxes are definitely checked off here! Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher/author for the digital ARC.

“It reminds me of Nikola Tesla," I say, stretching an arm across the back of the sofa. "Brilliant, one of the greatest minds in history. But deeply alone. Obsessed with his work. Lived in his own head. People thought he was eccentric, but really, he was just…isolated.”
“And yet, everyone remembers him.”
“Exactly. He created something bigger than himself. Even if loneliness tried to define him, it didn’t succeed.”

I'm going to be completely honest here. I dnf'd this because this was so boring. I read the first 100 pages but I just couldn't continue sorry.

Having read and enjoyed Alex Mura’s debut book, Silence in the Basement, I wasn’t surprised by how well-written Fragmented is. While his first book was full-on horror, this would fall more under psychological thriller. It’s about a history teacher who becomes bored with his life, and jumps at the chance to join an exclusive and very secret club. What he finds within is dark and disturbing, and it leads him on a path of destruction rather than salvation. Overall, I enjoyed it and found it very easy to get lost in the story. Would recommend!

I absolutely loved this story. From the first page it pulled me in and kept my attention all the way through the story. It was very well written and the storyline definitely makes you feel grateful for the things you do have in your life, no matter how mundane they may be.

This is a mesmerizing psychological thriller that lingers in the mind long after the final page.

Mura’s writing is hypnotic, drawing readers into a world where the masks we wear—both literal and metaphorical—blur the line between reality and illusion. The novel brilliantly explores how far one might go to escape the monotony of everyday life. Each page pulses with an unsettling energy, making it impossible to look away.

What sets Fragmented apart is its literary depth. This is not just a thriller—it’s a thought-provoking exploration of identity, morality, and the dangers of losing oneself in a constructed reality. Readers who appreciate psychological complexity will be utterly enthralled.

Dark, immersive, and deeply unsettling, Fragmented is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

Wow! This book checks SO many boxes of stories that I love. 1- cult like atmosphere, 2- narrator becoming unhinged, 3- questionable morals, and more and this book has it all. Fans of Bunny, The Centre, and Boy Parts will love this story. While stories like this often have a female main character who is losing it, I thought the male main character was a nice spin on the story and was very interested in his experiences as a teacher, husband, and true asshole throughout the story. I definitely want to read more from Alex Mura after this.

This book started off a bit slow and really gives you a feel for how mundane Andy’s life has become- at least to him. A teacher to kids who couldn’t care less, a stagnant phase has hit his life, career and marriage. He is looking for more, and he finds it after meeting a mysterious man in a bar. But at a cost. He receives an invite to a very secret society and his life turns upside down, lies and secrets pull him into a dark world. It picks up pretty quickly and is hard to put down. I really enjoyed this one. I love the way Alex writes. Thank you, NetGalley and Alex Mura for this arc read. Solid 4 star.
Review posted to Goodreads and Facebook

Well... this book goes from "give yourself over to absolute..." to "it's all fun and games until..."
We meet Andy Giles when he is floundering. He is bored and frustrated with his teaching job, the students appearing to give as little a stuff as he... and he is convinced that his marriage is on the rocks, with wife Grace having an affair. He is out on his own one evening when he meets a stranger who understands him, just gets him, totally. He offers him a solution to his life woes, an exclusive invitation to a members only club which will not only offer him a break from his humdrum existence, but also the chance to make new connections...
But be careful what you wish for, cos you might just get it, and then it will all get out of hand, cos everything has a price... buckle up readers, cos you are in for a wild and wacky ride, graphic and chock full of misogyny and hedonism, drugs and violence, as we watch Andy drowning in a whole different way...
And in the mean time, between visits to the club, we also witness Andy's real life, how he is changing, how his relationship with Grace changes too. This descent is really the main point of the book. It's all a bit car crash. We kinda know where we are going but it is still totally shocking when we eventually get there. It's inevitable but also hard to come to terms with.
The writing is sublime and pacing matches the narrative all the way through. There is no superfluous waffle or padding so it all gets on with itself very well. As it is quite graphic and hard hitting, I was thankful when the author dialled it down a notch and gave me some quieter moments for respite, which also kept the book balanced and stopped it getting to over-heavy.
All in all, a challenging and hard hitting, but well written book that pulls no punches but also does not go too far. I see that the author has a previous book which I have now also added to my TBR.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Fragmented by Alex Mura delivers a darkly compelling exploration of identity, escape, and the insidious nature of self-destruction. Andy Giles, a man suffocating under the weight of a failing marriage and a passionless career, is a character many can relate to, at least in some small way. His descent into the alluring world of Ralph's, and his transformation into Hannya, is both fascinating and unnerving.

Mura paints a vivid picture of the club, Ralph's, and the hedonistic temptations it offers. The atmosphere is thick with mystery and a growing sense of unease. You can feel Andy's initial intoxication with the freedom and anonymity, followed by the creeping dread as the lines between fantasy and reality blur. The author skillfully builds suspense, leaving you wondering just how far Andy will go to escape his old life.

The exploration of Andy's fractured psyche is a major strength of the novel. His internal struggles feel authentic, and Mura does a good job of portraying his moral compromises and the consequences they have. The supporting characters, while perhaps not as deeply developed, serve their purpose in driving the narrative and highlighting different facets of Andy's personality.

While the pacing is generally well-managed, there were moments where I felt the narrative meandered slightly, particularly in the middle section. Perhaps a tighter focus on the core plot points would have elevated the tension even further. The ending, while impactful, also felt a little rushed, leaving me with a few unanswered questions.

Overall, Fragmented is a thought-provoking and unsettling read that lingers in the mind long after you've finished. It's a well-written exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and the dangers of unchecked escapism. While not perfect, it's a compelling story that earns its four stars and comes recommended for those who enjoy psychological thrillers with a touch of the macabre.

This was a tantalizing read that really left me thinking.

From the beginning I was drawn in and the deeper I went the more gripping the book became. It’s fast paced and intense.

Andy is a relatable character; he’s stuck in a routine and feels like he’s drowning. His life isn’t quite what/where he wants it to be. He is tempted by a members club that promises an escape from reality. But as alluring as all of this seems there is a question that arises. How far is Andy willing to go? This left me pondering the same thing.

As a psychological thriller it hit the mark. I loved the eeriness of the cover and that same feeling can be found within the pages of this book.

Whew!!! I have had to take a few days to allow the book to settle in my mind. The way the mind works, what the flesh wants, and all the right/wrong ideals wrapped up in one guys life. I think this is a book I will read more than once because I have put more and more together after reading. It's attention grabbing and you will want to finish it in one night, so be prepared!!

Fragmented
by Alex Mura
Release date: March 28th
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5

Mid-life crisis meets moral freefall in Fragmented, a psychological thriller that lures you in with introspection and drags you into the abyss.

Alex Mura’s sharp, immersive writing makes Andy Giles’ descent chillingly real. Stuck in a failing marriage and a stale career, Andy embraces the reckless freedom of Ralph’s, a mysterious club where masks hide more than faces. But as the club’s theatrics take a sinister turn, he faces a terrifying choice—how much of himself is he willing to lose?

The pacing is a slow burn that erupts into chaos, and Mura masterfully balances tension, character depth, and shocking twists. Dark, compulsive, and thought-provoking, Fragmented is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers.

But be warned—once you enter Ralph’s, there’s no turning back.

Thanks to Hanabi Press and NetGalley for this copy for my honest, voluntary review.

#NetGalley. #Fragmented #HanabiPress #AlexMura

Wow!! This book was very descriptive. All of the prose was sharp and full of imagery. I was immediately caught and couldn't wait to read what happened next through out the entire story. It was mystifying and intriguing. This man was a very bitter man, of that much I am sure.

Do you want a fast paced thriller? This one is for you!! For one, the cover art? Two, the blurb? When a man’s life falls apart and he basically gets offered and exclusive invite to a private club? I mean I didn’t blame him but dang was it a ride with a rude awakening! If you like a book that has you questioning yourself and if you’re okay with things….this is it! Grab it and don’t think twice because I sure didn’t! #psychologicalthriller #privateclub #madness

I really enjoyed this book. The author created a world where I as a Reader got lost in. You can feel the tension while reading and I wanted to know more and more about who is who. Would 100% recvomend.

2.5☆ rounded to 3

Thank you to Alex and Netgalley for the ARC!

What an interesting read id say a 3 is a fair rating for this one

I enjoy spoiler free reviews myself, and my reviews will always be exactly that

Imagine, your life is nothing but a mediocre salary, uninterested uni students, and a wife who's slowly pulling away from you and out performing you in everyway. When one night, wallowing in your own sorrow at a small barely there bar ; your invited to a place that promises you everything you've ever wanted. Freedom. What would you do to just taste that? More importantly, what would you do to keep it?

What I liked

The cover- I know silly, but I do love it. Its very fitting for the book itself

The plot- although slightly confusing at times, I liked the general theme and plot of this novel. It left me thinking what would someone do in this situation. What one would do if they could do whatever sick twisted things they wanted to with one major consequence? It left me with many questions about human nature and what we'd truly turn into under Andy's same circumstances

The ambiance- You could really feel some parts of this novel. You really understand the way the mind bends when you do things you know you shouldn't be doing. Its a good example of what happens to the mind when your desensitized to those kinds of things

What I didnt-

The writing- Always left me wanting more, you never really know where any of this is happening, or what it even looks like. Which I feel would've made a great difference in immersing yourself into Andy's depraved world. The prose itself wasn't for me. although not necessarily Bad, it wasn't spectacular either.

The characters- Very one dimensional and lacking any depth. Makes it hard to feel for any of them or even care at all really. Andy just seems like a loser to me. Which could've been the point, but as the MC I was hoping for at least something to cling too. He just seems like a slightly jealous very self loathing man. Not my style!

Red- Just lackluster? once you realize who she is, although it seems it was meant to be a "NO WAY" moment, it was not.

Not a bad read, certainly could've been better!