Ambtion. For actor Kira Rascher, it’s a way of life. It doesn’t matter how many times you hear “no” at an audition, you still have to go to the next one and do your best. And Kira is up for that.

And then when she gets the audition for Temper at Chicago’s famous Indifferent Honest Theater Company. A two-person play about a relationship in crisis, Temper would mean Kira alone on the stage with the talented actor and director Malcolm Mercer. The unpredictable Malcolm Mercer. The possibly dangerous Malcolm Mercer.

Mercer’s partner in Indifferent Honest, Joanna Cuyler, is not a fan of Kira. She doesn’t think the actress can fulfill the role. But she knows that no one can tell Mercer what to do. Once he’s made his mind up, that’s it.

And he’s made his mind up about Kira.

Layne Fargo’s powerful novel Temper is about what happens when ambition meets opportunity. And jealousy. And a manipulative narcissist who is willing to push his actors far beyond their breaking point to get the performance he wants.

This novel is intense! It’s good, a captivating novel that pushes the reader almost as far and as hard as it pushes the reader. The psychological warfare is difficult to read at times, but the characters are fascinating. This novel isn’t for everyone. I think it would be too much for a casual reader. But if you’re up for a crazy, fierce, astonishing ride of a thriller, then Temper is just what you need to read. And you won’t be able to put it down!

Galleys for Temper were provided by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.