The bestselling author of The Party and The Arrangement returns with a twisted tale of fame, obsession, and the dark side of social media.
Camryn Lane is living her dream: after years of struggle and rejection, her first novel has finally been published. She’s on top of the world – until she receives a disturbing email from an unknown sender.
Rattled, Camryn swallows the sick feeling and resolves to put the missive out of her mind. But when she checks her ratings online, she finds an aggressive one-star review, and soon Camryn’s book is flooded with negative reviews and publicity. Could the reviewer be the same person who sent the ugly email? And why do they want to ruin her?
As the online harassment creeps into Camryn’s personal life, she vows to find out who’s behind it. Is it really a disgruntled reader, or could it be someone she knows? When the abuse escalates, Camryn will need to unmask the enemy so intent on destroying her – before it turns deadly.
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Read some great reviews from our Preview readers here:
“The Haters” by Robyn Harding follows high school counsellor Camryn Lane’s journey of her new popular book release. But when someone accuses her of plagiarism of her students work, it not only ruins her chances of writing another book but her whole life. This book was so bingeable I would’ve read it in one sitting if I could. I suspected so many people to be the culprit but once they were revealed, I don’t know how I missed it. Very well written, the kind of book you don’t want to put down. Margareta, SA, 5 stars
This was my third Robyn Harding book and they just keep getting better. It absolutely was a page turner, I read it in super quick time because I couldn’t look away from the absolute decimation of the main character’s life and wanted to know how it would all end. I loved the subject matter for this book – the relationship between authors and reviewers – and the creepy stalker vibes. I found the main character Camryn sympathetic and even though she was continually making decisions which saw her life spiral out of control I could really understand how she ended up there. Absolute cracker of a read, I recommend it, particularly if you loved last year’s hit Yellowface. Rebecca, QLD, 5 stars
An easy read for an uneasy subject. This novel focuses on the impact bullying in the online world can have on someone’s livelihood. The main character’s life is turned upside down when she receives negative publicity regarding her debut novel called Burnt Orchid. While it is fiction, I am sure there are people who can relate to this storyline. This book was an absolute page-turner. It was compelling reading and I desperately wanted to know who was behind the nastiness. The various characters were interesting and I was happy to get to know them. There are many red herrings which added to the drama. I recommend The Haters by Robyn Harding. This is a great book to read over a long weekend or to take on a plane ride. Now I’m hoping that Robyn Harding will actually write and release Burnt Orchid – or better yet, make Burnt Orchid into a movie! Leanne, SA, 5 stars
The Haters by Robyn Harding is the story of Camryn Lane who is a first time published author about to enjoy her book launch. Then the bad messages and reviews start and they escalate into her personal life. She needs to work out who is doing this and why. There are, unfortunately, quite a few suspects and their reasons. It could be an acquaintance or someone a bit closer. Camryn begins to suspect everyone from her ex-husband or his perfect wife, her actual boyfriend, to her daughter – or someone from the school where she is a counsellor or one of the groups she’s a part of. I get the feeling of Camryn being driven crazy one incident at a time, and can feel her potential new writing career slipping through her fingers while she can’t stop it. This is all interspersed with excerpts of her book Burnt Orchid. I enjoyed trying to work out the who and why, and with twists and turns thrown in there was enough to keep anyone interested and wanting to know how it ends. It is also a warning about social media and the way people become keyboard warriors when not seen. I will definitely be looking for more of Robyn’s books. Tara, SA, 5 stars
The Haters is a five star book that shows the dangers of social media for everyone young & old. The way it shows you can & should disconnect sometimes from being online is done well. The addition of the main theme of the book added to the book is a big plus. I’d love the author to actually write that book as well. All the characters in the book play their part & bring the book together nicely. Not knowing who it is & keeping you guessing until the end was a plus. If you can guess who before the end you’re a better detective than me. Again the traps of social media & online presents shows how the main character doesn’t pick up on a lot happening around her. It did make me put my phone down more & focus on my children more. I seriously recommend The Haters for a good who done it mystery. Terry, NSW, 5 stars
A gut wrenching story of how in today’s world of online lives and connectivity, vindictiveness and anger can be used to destroy lives and relationships. Terrifyingly believable. Would highly recommend, and I will be delving into Robyn Harding back catalogue very soon! Alanna, QLD, 5 stars
The Haters by Robyn Harding is a modern, psychological thriller that keeps the reader coming back for more. I found myself thinking about this book as I went about my day – wanting to get home to read more and find out more of the twisted details of Camryn’s life. Camryn is the main character in the book, and is entrapped in someone else’s game of social media hell. Interspersed with the main story line, are chapters of Camryn’s actual story, Burnt Orchid; which is the focus of the social media storm. My only wish is that Robyn Harding now finishes writing and releases Camryn’s book; as I loved these excerpts as much as Harding’s book itself. Camryn may have received many one star reviews for Burnt Orchid, but Robyn Harding receives a full five stars for her book, The Haters. I will definitely be recommending this one to my family and friends. Jessica, NSW, 5 stars
Robyn Harding is a new author to me and her book “The Hater’s”. This book offers and delivers a twisted tale of fame, extreme obsession and the dark depths of social media. Camryn Lane debuts her novel only to become a target of a very disturbing message from an unknown sender. In her pursuit of finding out who the unknown person is she has to face the fact – is the harassment from an unknown person or a person who is very close to her. The action of this troll accelerates fuelling their determination to destroy her reputation as an author and as a person. The reoccurring question is why is the troll out to get her and will Camryn discover in time who the troll is and why they are hell bent on destroying her. Catherine, NSW, 5 stars
After years of work, the dream finally comes true and Camryn has become a published author of a successful book. The excitement and feeling of accomplishment is marred by online trolls and threatens not only her career as a school counsellor but the safety and structure of her personal life. This book will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering who is behind it all as well as have you questioning modern society with its social media and lack of privacy. Tess, TAS, 5 stars
Camryn Lane works within the school community as a student counsellor, but has always dreamt of being a published author. Her time is finally here with the release of her first book, “Burnt Orchid”. At the launch night she has quite a crowd and as the night continues one woman in the audience raises questions about Camryn being a counsellor and using her client’s personal information in the book. This is not true as Camryn has kept the two separated, but it is the start of what becomes a nightmare scenario for Camryn, her family, and her friends. With things escalating quickly, the book receives bad reviews affecting sales. Camryn soon realises that the hate is spilling over into her personal life. She knows she has to find out who is doing this, as no-one is safe around her until they are caught. This book is an absolute page-turner and I couldn’t put it down until I found out who “The Hater” is, and why they were targeting her. There is almost more action than you can handle in this book and trying to unmask the person behind it brought all sorts of twist and scenarios. An excellent must-read if you like the murder/mystery genre, or if you like books by Sarah Barrie, Fleur McDonald, or JP Pomare. Vicki, VIC, 5 stars
A good read. I found myself wondering if writers actually experience those pressures that Camryn has and whether Harding is writing from experience. Jo, VIC, 5 stars
Fast paced story with really engaging characters. They were real, multifaceted, engaging and personable. Enjoyed the technology theme and social media threads.I spent some time during and after reading the book adding to my knowledge base. Always like that in a book. Loved the process of building the story line and kicker at the end. Looking forward to reviewing the authors backlog of titles and future stories. Throughly enjoyed it. Mark, SA, 5 stars
This was such a well written novel, I didn’t see that twist coming! I highly enjoyed the side story of Orchid as well and was interested to see where her journey would end (and what happened to Star and Lucy!!) Very well written and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommend! Emma, WA, 5 stars
Wow, what a fantastic page turner The Haters was. Gives a realistic idea of the publishing industry, and what an author goes through navigating trolls and social media. Loved the way the author integrated excerpts from the published book that received one star throughout the novel, this gave a better understanding of the stalker’s motivations. Highly recommend this novel if you like page turners! Janine, VIC, 5 stars
Robyn Harding brings you into the twisty and anonymous world of online reviews. This book is frighteningly realistic. As the story revealed dark power of an online enemy, I was transfixed. While I was sure I had all the possible perpetrators given to me on the page, I just needed to know how it all turned out at the end. Harding crafts her characters and relationships so well, and the story was gripping. Amy, NSW, 5 stars
Wow – what a great read! In this time, when we are all talking about our safety online and using social media, author Robyn Harding has explored the topic in The Haters in a perfect way. Camryn Lane has just written her debut novel and is so excited about the initial reviews about her book. Then she receives a concerning email from an unknown reviewer. The online world then kicks in and Camryn’s life spirals out of control. She can find no explanation for why this unknown stranger and is trying to ruin her life and the online world then slips into Camryn’s real world. This is a fantastic read. The story is compelling and shows how easy it is for an unknown online predator to become part of your life and damage that can be done. I loved the book. Camryn felt like she could be my friend and Jane Harding has captured the day to day life of us all perfectly. Congratulations Robyn Harding – I think this book is a winner! Maree, VIC, 5 stars
The Haters by Robyn Harding was a gripping story. Author Camryn Lane has just published her first book, and starts getting disturbing reviews on on a book site. Over time this increases to personal attacks on line, with no way of finding out where they are coming from. In the end, she does not know who to trust. The story covers how much we rely on social media in all facets of our lives, and how facts can be distorted or faked, and it is very difficult to find the true situation. Fay, VIC, 5 stars
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book .. Wow what a great read difficult to put done and the end was a surprise. Interesting subject that got out of hand. We are so open to comments good and bad trolls are everywhere Robyn was a new author to be and I can’t wait to read more of her books and will be telling friends about her Pat. QLD, 5 stars
Camryn has just published her first book called Burnt Orchid but someone is determined to tear her down. I loved how we get snippets of Burnt Orchid through the book making it a book within a book. I personally enjoyed the little bits of Burnt Orchid and I would love to read the whole story! The plot of The Haters is terrifyingly realistic as the online world becomes dangerous. We all know it happens but the lengths it goes to in the story is scary and will definitely make you second guess what you post on social media. I loved how fast the plot develops and maintains as the twists just keep coming. Taking you on a wild ride, so be prepared, it’s addictive! Leanne, QLD, 5 stars
Definitely no hate here for Robyn Harding’s latest thriller. The Haters provides a glimpse into the dark side of anonymity and social media. It resonates with anyone with a social media presence, through our own experience or observed directed toward others. The online environment providing keyboard warriors and trolls with an opportunity to do their damage, often behind the scenes and without reproach. You’re there with protagonist, Camryn Lane, school counsellor and newly published author, as she descends into paranoia and poor-decision making – the very things that feed these faceless nemeses. Out of a place of spiralling desperation to unmask these trolls, she takes ill-advised steps investigate the identity of ‘Ingrid Wandry’, who appears to have made it their sole mission to destroy Camryn’s writing career. I particularly enjoyed the twists and turns as Camryn loses grip on her relationships and becomes increasingly concerned that the culprit is someone she knows. This was an engrossing read and I would recommend for anyone who likes twists and suspense as the mystery coming to a startling head. Lisa, VIC, 5 stars
I could not put down The Haters by Robyn Harding. Not since Yellowface have I felt such anxiety and tension when reading a story. Camryn is on top of the world. Her debut novel has been published and all is looking good until she sees several one – star reviews. As the threats against her become personal Camryn must find her tormentor before things turn deadly. This one will leave you guessing till the end with its fast paced and well written story. I loved it! Michelle, QLD, 5 stars
The Haters was one of those books you can’t put down. I was flicking through the pages trying to find out who did what! Sometimes throughout the book I thought Cam why are you doing that but also could understand how she got so desperate. I’ve never really considered how people are affected by bad reviews on something they have poured their heart and soul into before. Definitely recommend this book! Kelly, QLD, 5 stars
The Haters was a great read on a subject matter few people think a lot about. The impact social platforms play on people’s lives, both professionally and personally and how much more aware we all need to be to protect ourselves and others mental health on these platforms. I’ve always dreamt of being a successful author but never considered the vitriol and personal attacks on an author and their work and how these attacks can affect everyone associated with the author. It was a great wake up call and an edge of your seat read trying to figure out Camryn can trust and who are the keyboard warriors. I really enjoyed this book. Hirell, NSW, 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book as it had a plot which kept you guessing until the end of the story. Camryn Lanes novel had recently been published which after many years of trying to be a published author she was overjoyed; her own life was going well and that of her daughter Liza. Things take a nasty twist when Camryn starts to get harassment and bad reviews online. Camryn then tries to find out who is targeting her and why as things turn very nasty and affecting her family and friends. The twists and turns in the story really keep you involved in the story, and it was hard to put the book down as I wanted to know the answers. Katrina, QLD, 5 stars
Wow! What a gripping novel! The Haters by Robyn Harding follows the ups and downs of a debut novelist, Camryn Lane. Soon after publishing her first book, Camryn is inundated with negative reviews on social media and harassing emails. As a school counsellor, she is accused of abusing her students’ privacy for her novel about teenagers. Things escalate and Camryn is unable to contain the toxic publicity. Not only is her career in jeopardy but her relationships with family and friends. This novel clearly exposes the risks of social media and the victims’ inability to defend themselves. The mental anguish is palpable throughout the book. Definitely worth a read. Michael, ACT, 5 stars
I love a good thriller, even better when its a psychological thriller. This book is gripping from the beginning. You follow along with Camryn after she has just published her debut novel when she received some negative online review, that turn into personal attacks in her life. She attempts to figure out who is behind the attacks and makes some questionable choices. It has me enthralled from the beginning. Not knowing who in her life would be the person who is making such attacks on her, but also trying to rule people out. It really makes you think about how well you know the people in your own life. The way that Harding has written Camryn in the novel really shows her excellence in writing as the character slowly devolves into a anxious mess toward the end of the novel. You can really feel compassion for the characters as you reach the conclusion. Nicole, SA, 4 stars
Robyn Harding’s The Haters is a crazy creepy wild ride through the dark side of social media. Gripping and sobering, it gets you in and you have to know why??? Highly recommend. Imogen, VIC, 4 stars
A compelling story, and impossible to put down! Thought provoking, both in terms of the characters in the story, and also the people in our real lives. It highlights the sometimes very harsh reality of social media. Recommended for lovers of light thrillers. Danae, TAS, 4 stars
I’m not usually a massive fan of the thriller genre but I really enjoyed this book. The story revolves around a single mother who achieves her dream of becoming a published author – then her worst nightmare results. It’s a very easy to read book, that will make you keep turning itspages to find out what happens next. It’s well-written and a great story. Paula, SA, 4 stars
The Haters by Robyn Harding This was an amazing read….it was a great plot and did not give much away until the very end. The characters were well thought out, the main character, Camryn Lane, was likeable and relatable. Through her journey into the world of struggling and emerging writers we were drawn into the darker side of readers’ opinions and the impact they can have on the authors but also the influence they have on people who read them. The problems she faced grabbed me from the first few pages, her relationship with her daughter particularly moved me as they navigated a path that was difficult for them. How do we know who to trust and who to question, when you, your family and your livelihood are threatened? How far would you go to try and find the person behind the harassment? These are the questions that led me to be drawn into this tale and kept me raptured until the end. If you like a fresh new storyline I would recommend this novel, I thoroughly enjoyed the ride it took me on! Gillian, QLD, 4 stars
This book explores some of the world of cyber bullying, for want of a better term. A newly published author begins to get bad reviews and feels that there could be a single person behind it all, and as much as she is discouraged, tries to find who is behind the vitriol. The parallel is that the ‘book’ focuses on troubled teens and the author is a high school counsellor- who has crossed the boundaries – author or teenager? I really enjoyed this read and the short chapters make it easy to dip into. The main story is woven between some chapters from the ‘book’ Has reality become the subject of the book, or the book become reality? Julie, VIC, 4 stars
I love a good thriller, even better when its a psychological thriller. This book is gripping from the beginning. You follow along with Camryn after she has just published her debut novel when she received some negative online review, that turn into personal attacks in her life. She attempts to figure out who is behind the attacks and makes some questionable choices. It has me enthralled from the beginning. Not knowing who in her life would be the person who is making such attacks on her, but also trying to rule people out. It really makes you think about how well you know the people in your own life. The way that Harding has written Camryn in the novel really shows her excellence in writing as the character slowly devolves into a anxious mess toward the end of the novel. You can really feel compassion for the characters as you reach the conclusion. Nicole, SA, 4 stars
Robyn Harding has done it again. As a fan of her previous novels, I was so excited to read her newest book. She has a great way of making everyone a suspect but does it in a subtle manner. I couldn’t put this book down! Tayla, VIC, 4 stars
Flying through at an alarmingly fast rate, this thriller was propelling, engaging, and exciting. A book to read late into the night, to devour ‘just a little bit more.’ Protagonist Camryn goes against the grain, ducking and weaving to solve her terror in a way that others would give up entirely, or rely on others to solve. My mind was in a whirlwind trying to piece it together, all the components thrown in the air made for excellent second guessing. It was chaotic, easily providing many avenues of suspicion; the fuel to keep turning the page. Readers devour stories about publishing and the book industry, the tables are turned when feisty and strong Camryn’s debut novel is slammed by negative reviews, instantly morphing to fierce trolling, online tormenting, and imminent physical danger. Intricacies of teenage relationships and social hierarchies mixed in with the folly that is social media, and the dangers of this is clever and intricate. Additionally, the interspersed chapters of Camyrn’s book a clever tool, and the last line? Priceless. Psychological trauma at the hands of evil teenagers created palpable tension, with feisty and unforgiving Camryn allowing the reader to enjoy a thoroughly engrossing read. Suzanne, NSW, 4 stars
The haters is the first book I have read by Robyn Harding. It grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let go until the end, which seemed to come all too quickly! I found the concept of online trolling and the potential destruction of an author’s reputation awfully possible. The storyline had the ring of truth, as though Ms Harding may have had or known someone who had been put through a similar ordeal. It was a bit of a cautionary tale for authors to keep the storyline separate from lived experiences and away from any perceived parallels in their lives and those of clients and friends. The publication of Camryn Lane’s first novel is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, but it’s not long before the trolling and hate mail has her so rattled that it is affecting her judgment and her most intimate relationships with friends and family. She is so desperate to find the person responsible that she engages a private detective, who does indeed flush out her attacker but also has unwanted consequences. Nevertheless, the book ends on a hopeful note, despite the damage done to her closest relationships and her reputation as a counsellor and author. I can recommend this book to those wanting a thrilling and fast-paced read. Robyn, QLD, 4 stars
The Haters is a great, suspense filled story within a story that shows how bad things can go when you add water to the wrong fire. The progression of the harassment experienced by the main character, was truly scary, and yet believable. What started as little more than a prank didn’t take long to turn disastrous. This was a hard book to put down as each new chapter added another question and concern about who was behind it and why. The reveal was unexpected after so many maybes and quite sad that the situation went that far. This is definitely a story that will take off. Jodie, WA, 4 stars
Another fabulous read by one of my favourite authors. A thriller that will have you guessing to the end Expertly crafted, this novel really gets you thinking about the consequences of the online world we live in ! Jack, QLD, 4 stars
Camryn, school counsellor and single mum of a teenager, has just achieved her dream. After years of trying, her first novel, Burnt Orchid, has been published and, excited but nervous, she’s about to give a launch speech. Clicking on what she was expecting to be her first piece of fan mail, instead there’s a nasty and vaguely threatening review. From then, harassment escalates through the power of social media. Hundreds of one- star reviews, critical emails, threats, faked texts, culminating in events that strike at not only Camryn but her family, lover, friends, her school counselling position and her future prospects as an author. Everyone becomes a suspect as Camryn tries to discover who is turning her life upside down. It’s a dramatic book that reminds us yet again of the pain and trauma that can be wrought by social media. Foolish actions escalate, haters get too much airing, tragedy is not uncommon. I enjoyed the book and felt the plot was well developed and the denouement made sense. It wasn’t quite at the thriller level of the recently published Dark Mode, but it certainly kept my interest (but not awake half the night)! Susan, VIC, 4 stars
This one was really fun! This one is absolutely a fun little snack of a thriller, definitely recommend getting a glass of red wine or an espresso martini and setting aside some time for it. A high school counsellor writes her big break of a book and can’t believe her dream is finally coming true. However, when reviewers begin to accuse her of exploiting her students trauma to write the book the author makes a sequence of horrible decisions trying to clear her name. This one was set in Vancouver so that was a really fun one to read. I love storylines like this so I was pleased. Margie, VIC, 4 stars
In ‘The Haters’ by Robyn Harding, we meet Camryn Lane, a dedicated high school counsellor who has always dreamt of being an author. To her delight, her first book ‘Burnt Orchid’ has finally been published and after years of rejections she is proud and excited for the future. Without warning, a scathing online review of her novel and personal integrity starts a snowball of online hate which quickly escalates to threats against Camryn and her family. Camryn has no idea where the vitriol began and soon is suspicious of even her closest friends and family members as her private life and fledgling career as an author rapidly implode. I enjoyed the tension generated by the author and understood not only the rage Camryn felt but also her helplessness and fear. A timely reminder of the insidious nature and anonymity of the internet and how damaging it can be to mental health and personal relationships. Dianne, QLD, 3 stars
A cautionary tale for would be authors, “The Haters” revolves around Camryn Lane, whose novel “Burnt Orchid “ has received solid reviews until…….one particularly nasty and personal one star review incites a flood of similar reactions. Bad reviews may be par for the course and engaging when hurt and angry is never advisable, but Camryn wants to identify her antagonist and begins the slippery slide into suspicion and distrust…..her daughter, ex and new partner, younger boyfriend, colleagues and peers all fall into her what if? suspect list…..which I found kind of sad. She didn’t have enough faith in herself and her relationships to stand strong and accept the support and advice offered. Her job as a school counsellor is the underlying cause for the torrent of abuse and accusations of breaking confidences and betraying the young people under her guidance. Robyn Harding has constructed a fast paced whirlwind of emotional trauma and conflict….with no relief in sight, which I found a little tiring. But eminently readable and if ever you needed a little nudge to be wary of social media and online activity this will do the trick! Lesley, QLD, 3 stars
This novel is about Camryn Lane a high school counsellor who after years of rejection has finally published her first novel “Burnt Orchid”. She has a teenage daughter Liza who is proud and a younger boyfriend and friends who are all excited and proud of her. Before she takes the stage at the launch party she receives an ugly email from an unknown sender. Obviously she is rattled and her insecurities take over. She receives a lot of one star ratings and backlash for the novel. She continues to received online harassment and eventually harassed in the real world. Her relationships with her boyfriend, daughter and friends are affected and she doesn’t know who to trust. She loses a lot of the people in her life because of her distrust and the harm and distress the online hater is causing everyone around her. Camryn is struggling and at times is scared to leave her apartment. To be honest I’m in two minds about this novel. At times I felt like each chapter did not progress through the story and repeated itself. Renae, QLD, 2 stars
The Haters has a great concept – the dark side of the publishing world albeit the internet. What happens when you write a good and people hate it? They take it personally? Well, for Camry Lane her dream of being a published author is ruined by someone out to get her. The paranoia is surrounded by female intuition elements – if you connect with Camryn you won’t be able to put this book down. The Haters has a fragmented crescendo – the peaks and troughs can go from giving you chapters of waiting to sentences of rushing to find out how it all ends. Kathleen, ACT, 2 stars
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