06 February 2025

Zelda’s Review:

L.M. Chilton’s Don’t Swipe Right has shown up on my social media feeds so often, that I simply had to add it to my TBR this year. This is a darkly comedic, sharp-edged thriller that brilliantly blends the awkwardness of modern dating with the pulse-pounding suspense of a murder mystery. It’s a captivating ride that kept me hooked from the first swipe to the final twist. If you are considering joining a dating app, you will find this book may change your mind.

Gwen Turner is a refreshingly relatable protagonist—a mix of self-deprecating humour, vulnerability, and determination. Her messy life and questionable choices make her a character you can’t help but root for, even as she stumbles through disastrous dates and a sea of red flags. Chilton does an excellent job of capturing the peculiar highs and lows of online dating, sprinkling the narrative with moments that are hilariously cringe-worthy yet all too familiar.

The murder mystery at the heart of the story is both clever and chilling. The connection between the victims and Gwen’s dating app escapades creates a unique and engaging premise. The suspense ramps up with every chapter as Gwen races to track down her former dates, and the twists are masterfully placed, even if it’s a little predictable.

I enjoyed the balance of humour and darkness. Chilton weaves biting social commentary about dating culture into the plot without losing the tension or the fun. The small-town setting adds a layer of charm and claustrophobia, heightening the stakes as Gwen’s world begins to close in around her.

The only reason this isn’t a five-star read is that some parts of the pacing felt uneven. While the story’s second half was a breathless sprint to the finish, the first half occasionally lingered too long on Gwen’s dating misadventures, which, while entertaining, slowed the momentum.

Still, Don’t Swipe Right is a thoroughly enjoyable and unique thriller that’s as witty as it is gripping. It’s a must-read for fans of dark humour, modern relationship drama, and mysteries with a clever twist.

Alicia’s Review:

I honestly had such a good time reading this book. Gwen Turner, the main character, is hilarious and relatable. She’s a 29-year-old entrepreneur and part-time barista, who’s into true-crime podcasts and is just trying to live her best life in the world of online dating. But things take a dark turn when her dates start mysteriously dying.

The mix of dark humour and murder mystery made this book super entertaining. I loved Gwen’s sarcastic commentary and all the quirky, awkward moments on her dates. The author did a great job balancing the humour with the darker, suspenseful moments. Some of the characters Gwen meets along the way are just so ridiculous that you can’t help but laugh, even while wondering who the killer might be.

One of the coolest parts of the book is how Gwen starts backtracking through all her previous dates to figure out what’s going on. She’s desperate to connect the dots before someone else ends up dead, and it adds this frantic energy that kept me hooked. Watching her try to piece everything together while also dodging suspicion herself? It’s chaotic in the best possible way.

That said, I did think the plot was a little predictable. I figured out who the murderer was pretty early on. I wish the twists had been a bit harder to spot. Even so, it didn’t take away from how much I enjoyed this book.

If you’re looking for something light and funny with a side of murder mystery, this book is worth checking out. Even with the predictability, it’s such a fun, fast-paced read with a main character you can’t help but root for. I recommend giving it a shot!