It’s rare to come across a horror novel that’s truly unique AND unsettling. Plus, it’s always nice reading a book with a lot of suspense. Especially one that makes you think.
Regina Watts’ Idol offers all of this and more. I’ve been wanting to read her books for a long time and I’m glad Idol was my introduction to her writing.
Regina and I were guests on Mothers of Mayhem’s Women in Horror panel. It was an honor to not only be on the podcast but to be there with other notorious writers. I reviewed Lucy Leitner first, I’m obviously reviewing Watts now, and my review of Candace Nola’s Hank Flynn will be next (loving it so far).
Back to Idol. While I definitely recommend this book, this isn’t a simple read. The story goes in so many twists and turns; when you think you understand what’s happening and can predict what’s next, Watts takes a turn in the opposite direction. She writes unreliable narrator in such a good way to where the reader is constantly questioning what is real and what isn’t. And giving everyone a heads up: you’ll have even more questions.
What’s Going on Here?
Regina Watts doesn’t give away the storyline immediately in this thriller. She brings the reader in for the ride, which I respect and enjoyed. But I do want to disclose some non-spoiler details because I was confused at the beginning of the book.
We first meet Melba and her cousin, Becky June. Melba has…a plan. That’s the best way to summarize it. That plan is more intricate than anything you can ever imagine. Until shit hits the fan, the first few chapters unveil tiny details about the plan. You get a good idea of what will happen, but you can’t predict everything that will occur.
There are some details that seem out-of-place but will make sense at the end of the book. For example, in the first chapter, Melba gets a tattoo. Watts continues to bring up the tattoo throughout the story. I kept wondering what was so significant about that tattoo until Melba answered my question at the very end. Watts has a method to her madness so trust the story and hang in there for the ride.
Who Are the Characters?
There are four main characters: Melba, Becky June, Rex Virgil, and the Gray Man. There are also a few secondary characters: Taylor, Candy, and Daisy.
Melba
I don’t want to give too much about Melba away because it would ruin part of the story. What I can say now is Melba is mentally sick in many ways. While she may seem like a “redneck,” she’s highly intelligent. She also used to have a successful career as an esthetician.
Becky June
Becky June (called “Junie” by Melba) is Melba’s cousin. Junie reminds me of your stereotypical sweet southern belle. She’s wholesome. Even though Junie is a nervous rut and hates what Melba is doing, she always sticks by Melba’s side and has unconditional love for her. Unconditional love. You’ll discover how far she’s willing to go for Melba.
Rex Virgil
Rex Virgil is a fictional famous actor. We first meet him as he “speaks” to Melba in her “thoughts.” It doesn’t take long to meet the real Rex. Rex’s character is an enigma throughout the entire story; you have no idea who he really is. What you do know is his relationship to Melba is very traumatic and unhealthy, which will explain her erratic behavior throughout the book.
The Gray Man
The Gray Man is an ominous character who Melba hallucinates. She’s acting out her “plan” to give sacrifices to The Gray Man. Yeah, you can guess what Melba is up to. Trust me, it’s so much more than what you’re thinking.
Taylor
Taylor is a redneck douche they meet at the lake they’re staying at. I couldn’t stand him throughout the book, so I’m not going to describe him anymore. Just know he gets what he deserves.
Candy and Daisy
Taylor’s family members who are staying with him on the lake. You don’t learn much else about them.
Reality vs Melba’s Mind
The big theme here is going back-and-forth between the real world and what’s occurring in Melba’s mind. Melba has schizophrenia. She hallucinates, hears voices, thinks people say things when they’re not, is paranoid, and has a warped view of people, religion, and more.
As the reader, it’s kind of sad. Melba is sick and no one is helping her. Becky June only enables her. You receive tidbits about her life; Melba also hallucinates about her father (she hints she was abused by her father) and you learn the whole story between her and Rex. These traumas just add to the sadness of the whole situation. And her mental state explains why she has a “plan.”
This is why you’re not sure if you should feel bad for Melba or hate her. You know she’s sick and needs help, but she’s doing these terrible things and always finds reasons for it. Throughout the book, you wonder if this is what evil is. If all of the terrible killers, rapists, abusers, and molestors also have their own justifications for the violent actions they commit.
Regina Watts gives us glimpses inside Melba’s mind but isn’t too literal about it. The entire book is written in third-person limited, so you’re stuck wondering what is in Mel’s mind and what is real. When you think you have it figured out, Watts throws a curveball. While I appreciate the complexity of this story, I’m left with more questions than answers — especially at the end of the book.
Is This Book Really Violent?
I have to say, this book isn’t as violent as I expected. There are some rough scenes, but it’s nowhere near as violent as other books I regularly read. This book is more unsettling than anything. I would consider this more psychological horror than splatterpunk. That and it’s just sad, based on what I said previously about Melba’s mental state.
Is There Anything I Didn’t Like?
My biggest complaint is one I already mentioned — I have more questions than answers. That’s not due to Regina Watts’ writing but the complexity of the story. Melba is a sick person and most of what goes on in her head doesn’t make sense. Inevitably, the reader gets confused. It doesn’t take away from the story or the enjoyment of the book, but if you want a fun and simple read, this isn’t the book for you.
There are some details that also don’t make sense. This one is kind of a spoiler so don’t read this part if you haven’t read the book. But I still don’t understand why Melba wanted to make a snuff film. The sacrifices I understand, but I kept getting lost during the parts where they tried to film. I tried to understand the significance of the snuff film — maybe it symbolizes Melba’s mind (how fantasy bleeds into reality) or maybe it represents her love of film and Rex?
The beginning was also a little slow, which is normal for books. Trust me, when shit happens then shit happens!
Where Can You Buy Idol?
I bought Idol on Amazon. I can’t find it on Godless, which is pretty shocking.
Overall, Idol is an unsettling horror novel. Regina Watts is a skilled writer that makes the reader question what really is going on. Let’s just hope you never cross paths with Melba …or Rex…or The Gray Man.
Follow Regina Watts:
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https://godless.com/products/regina-watts
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_VIqGUn6ssun4bPXYSOXzA
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