Idol Worship

A Scary Serial Killer Novel

Fiction - Horror
213 Pages
Reviewed on 04/26/2021
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

A lifelong horror fan, Rhonnie enjoys covering the many subgenres through a variety of mediums including novels, short stories, and screenplays. He most frequently posts updates on his Reddit sub r/rhonnie14FanPage in addition to rhonniefordham.com.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Idol Worship by Rhonnie Fordham, The Mayberry Murderer, the most feared serial killer of our time, has struck again with her trademark brutality. Her latest victims dared to enter the notorious Crane farmhouse in Stanwyck, Georgia, the scene of a brutal murder over thirty years ago. When Erika Lee, a TV news reporter from Atlanta, and her team, along with criminal psychologist/novelist, Dr. Celeste Newton, are given the opportunity to interview the elusive killer, they immediately head toward the Crane house to meet them. As they come face to face with the killer, Erika discovers shocking truths about the Crane house and the infamous murder. Erika and Celeste uncover a series of disturbing events from the killer's childhood that could have sparked their killing spree. When the interview is over and the truth is exposed, will the killer allow her interviewers to leave or will they become the next victims?

I was absolutely gripped by the dark and eerie plot from the outset. The descriptive narrative was exceptional and really transported you into the disturbing atmosphere of the Crane house. I loved how the author created such three-dimensional characters, even the minor ones who did not survive the Mayberry Murderer. Every personality was unique, vibrant, and interesting. The scenes where Celeste's questioning became confrontational toward the killer were absolutely amazing as I wasn't sure how the killer would react. The entire storyline was compelling and filled with tension as the psychological game of cat and mouse between the interviewers and the killer unfolded. The revelations around the killer's childhood were hard to read at times because they were so appalling. I thought the exposure of how childhood abuse can affect a person into adulthood was handled with total sensitivity. I also thought the plot highlighted the issues of misogyny, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and racism with incredible empathy. The tension and suspense throughout were amazing and the twist at the end was pure gold. I will never hear the song 'Eyes without a face' without feeling chills again. Idol Worship by Rhonnie Fordham is an absolute must-read.

Romuald Dzemo

Idol Worship by Rhonnie Fordham is a disturbing and gripping story that will appeal to fans of horror. It follows reporter Erika Lee and her crew, together with Dr. Celeste Newton, on a journey that takes them from the mean streets of Detroit all the way to the rural backwoods of Stanwyck, Georgia. Their mission: interview an evasive psychopath. The Mayberry Murderer has given them the chance that every news anchor wants — access to the killer’s childhood home and an exclusive interview. They are excited to provide “The Real Report,” but they have no idea of what awaits them in this town, and even a naked body sprawled and desecrated will not be the last of the killer’s signatures. But is Erika the person she claims to be?

Idol Worship is a well-plotted narrative filled with suspense and surprises. The twists in the story will surprise every reader. The characters are well-written and I loved how the author handles Caroline and Erika, two people with a connection that is very strong and intelligence that can fool the public. I liked Erika from the start of the story, but as the plot moved forward and things happened, I started noticing that something was wrong. Idol Worship is a gorgeously written novel with blood and gore; it is not for the faint of heart, and the characters are genuine and real. The locales and other aspects of the setting are well-crafted. Rhonnie Fordham is a gifted storyteller who knows how to awaken the sense of horror in readers and this book will keep them up through the night.

Pikasho Deka

Idol Worship is a slasher horror novel written by Rhonnie Fordham. Erika Lee is a sensationalist reporter with her own show titled The Real Report. After being invited for a personal interview by the infamous serial killer known as The Mayberry Murderer, Erika, alongside her cameraman Alex, and her producer and boyfriend J.R. England, travel to the sleepy southern town of Stanwyck, Georgia. Accompanying them on their project is the renowned therapist Dr. Celeste Lewton. However, upon their arrival at the killer's childhood home, the group quickly realizes that the killer is someone they could never imagine. As the killer regales the crew with tales of their traumatic past, they can't help but feel moved by the story. But everything is not as it seems, and the group is far from being free from mortal danger.

Bloody, violent, and unflinchingly visceral, Idol Worship feels like pure box-office entertainment that fans of the slasher genre are bound to enjoy. Author Rhonnie Fordham puts a unique twist on the tale of a serial killer and manages to keep your eyes glued to the pages till the end. The characters are well fleshed out with distinct quirks to them, making them riveting to read. The plot moves at a quick pace with twists and turns that seem unpredictable. Rhonnie Fordham pulls no punches during the action sequences and describes them in vivid detail. I found myself pleasantly surprised by the droll humor sprinkled throughout the book. Overall, I felt thoroughly entertained by Idol Worship and highly recommend it.