I have told everyone about this book. I LOVED this book! From the stunning front cover to every page, character, and twist, it was TOPS! (audio and e-book). THE INFLUENCER exceeded all my expectations and more.A brilliantly crafted psychological suspense thriller with a twist!All you true-crime Gabby fans, this is a MUST-READ! What are you waiting for? It is free if you are an Amazon prime member.Living in South Florida, this is all we heard for months. I was obsessed with the true-crime Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie murder case. Nothing about it was right, especially with Brian, his family, and the attorney.Of course, we could not believe the case's outcome and could not wait for someone to retell it so we could get a better, more believable ending—justice for Gabby.The perfect author to tell his story is Joyce Maynard! I am a huge fan and have read all her books. Let me say it was SUPERB! Well done!AUDIOBOOK: In addition, I am also a fan of the female narrator, Hillary Huber, and when I discovered this e-book was coming out with accompanying audio, I could not wait for the pub date! Of course, I dropped everything the day it came out and listened/read in one sitting. Hillary and Patrick Lawlor did an outstanding job for all voices.Ok, Gabby fans and victims of domestic violence, you will DEVOUR Maynard's take. This is exactly how I would have imagined the scenario of the camping cross-country going bad. I could not have told it better. Every single action was perfect in the way Joyce wrote this.It was hilarious, suspenseful, entertaining, and satisfying.As a bonus, you will squeal with delight at the wickedly delicious witty twist ending with the fan girl Roxanne and her dog, Valerie Gosh, I had to rewind that a few times, as it made me smile. Also, another surprise twist, is the younger brother, Henry connection. @littlebrotherBefore I started writing this review, I purchased The Gabby Petito Story Lifetime movie on Amazon Video this morning. OMG! THE INFLUENCER was ten times better than the movie. The movie was not that good.This short story packed a wild punch with everything you could want. The movie was a big letdown. If the movie script had been written by Joyce and followed the book, it would have been killer! The movie focused on her best friend at home, not any influencer or follower. Lots of fighting, and the ending not satisfying as the book.E-BOOK: We hear the following POVs in the book. (names changed for the fictional book, of course). The e-book was very well done! It contained short chapters with alternating voices, marked well with the name titles for each POV. Highly recommend!Featuring:ReporterTammy- Girl (she is so innocent. What does she see in this guy?)Kevin - Guy (this guy is a total loser jerk, violent, and low self-esteem, narcissist, mama's boy)Lorraine (Kevin's mom) is so bad.Fred (Kevin's dad)Roger (Tammy's dad)Deb (Tammy's mom)Roxanne (fan girl and follower) @valeriadiscoversamerica Middle age, works at Amazon warehouse and loves dogs. A HIT! I LOVED HER.Valerie (Roxanne's dog) - The Havanese. Major player, 12 yrs old. Good partner in crime.Gordon (Kevin's attorney) friend of FredRoxanne wants to follow Tammy to look out for her. Much like the real-life crime gal that helped guide the authorities, but Roxanne became more involved, and fans, you will love the ending!These people sure like pizza!We all want to see the guy who killed Tammy get what he deserves. In this version, he does!Also, in this book, Tammy is a virgin and wants to remain so until married, and of course, Kevin resents this even though she told him this in the beginning (like he would be able to change her mind—please!)I loved how Joyce focused on the Kevin/mom relationship. This was so right on, and the sneaky way they planned to plant the backpack to escape, etc.In real life, this was never right. Brian, the parents, especially the mom's involvement, the attorney, and lack of help with authorities. Who would believe it?It is sad, this young couple had no business being together as a couple, much less in a small camper on a cross-country camping trip. Thinking they could make it big as influencers. This is a cautionary tale for all women victims of domestic violence. Look for the signs and stay away before it is too late. I know because this was my second husband- abusive. A real charmer. Thank goodness I got away from him.Fan girl follower Roxanne made the book and her dog! She feels like she knows these influencers because they tell you everything online. So easy for her to get a camper and follow them and befriend Tammy. She wants to get to know Tammy, not Kevin, of course. To help protect her.Now, Joyce, could you please write a fictional short story about the JonBenét Ramsey case? This family formerly lived down the street from me in Atlanta—another case that has always been haunting. Would love your take.Thank you, Joyce, for reimagining the case that haunted us all. Captivating. THE INFLUENCER is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to all year! (and I have listened to a ton).#JDCMustReadBooks