The Shards

In 1981 Los Angeles, a group of privileged high school friends faces the threat of a serial killer while navigating obsession and paranoia, as one of them harbors a dangerous secret. The Shards explores these intertwined dangers.

"The Shards" is a captivating novel by Bret Easton Ellis, marking his return after a 13-year hiatus. Set in Los Angeles in 1981, the story follows a group of affluent high school friends at Buckley College who find themselves in the midst of a chilling series of murders committed by a serial killer known as The Trawler. The narrative centers around 17-year-old Bret, who becomes increasingly entangled in the dark events unfolding around him.

As Bret navigates his senior year, the arrival of a new student, Robert Mallory, complicates his life. Mallory is charismatic and enigmatic, quickly becoming a part of Bret's close-knit circle while harboring secrets that intrigue and disturb Bret. This burgeoning obsession with Mallory coincides with Bret's growing fixation on The Trawler, whose brutal acts of violence seem to encroach upon their lives, heightening the tension and fear within their seemingly privileged existence.

In a world where trust is questioned and paranoia looms, Bret grapples with his relationships and his own psyche. The interplay between the dangers posed by The Trawler and his connection to Mallory leads Bret into a spiral of isolation and anxiety. "The Shards" expertly blends elements of suspense, dark humor, and emotional depth, offering a haunting exploration of youth, obsession, and the complexities of human desire. Through this intricate narrative, Ellis delivers a thought-provoking examination of the darker aspects of adolescence.