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The Groomer Kindle Edition

3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 6,169 ratings

Andrew McCarthy grows concerned for his family after he catches a young man, Zachary Denton, photographing his daughter, Grace McCarthy, and other children at a park. To his dismay, Zachary talks his way out of trouble when he’s confronted by the police. He hopes that’s the end of it. Then he finds Zachary at a diner and then at a grocery store. He knows their encounters aren't coincidences. And just as Andrew prepares to defend his family, Grace vanishes.

As the police search stalls and the leads dry up, Andrew decides to take matters into his own hands. He starts by searching for sex offenders in the area and researching enhanced interrogation techniques... He convinces himself he’ll do anything to rescue his daughter, unaware of the pure evil he'll face in his journey. He’s willing to hurt—
to torture—anyone to save his family.

Jon Athan, the author of
Into the Wolves’ Den and The Abuse of Ashley Collins, delves into the underworld of internet predators in this disturbing horror novel. Are your children safe?

WARNING: This book contains graphic content. Reader discretion is advised.
Popular Highlights in this book

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B083XGTYG1
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (March 19, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 19, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1000 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.8 3.8 out of 5 stars 6,169 ratings

About the author

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Jon Athan
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Jon Athan is an author from California. Jon was born on September 12, 1992 during a stormy night. As a child, he enjoyed writing and telling scary short stories. Some of these stories got him into some serious trouble with his teachers, but he persevered through the detentions and therapy sessions. (One of those didn't actually happen.) As an adult, Jon has published over 100 short horror stories and several novels. He is a prolific author of dark fiction, known for his shocking horror novels. However, he also dabbles in science-fiction and fantasy. Regardless of genre, Jon does not compromise his vision. His deep-rooted love for horror and storytelling has kept him going through the years.

Other than his love for horror and writing, Jon loves films, especially Korean movies, electronics, video games, and music. He also loves Japanese and Korean culture. In his spare time, he writes movie reviews for several websites and enjoys helping others accomplish their goals. He even writes helpful books for other authors under the pen name "Jonathan Wright."

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Customer reviews

3.8 out of 5 stars
6,169 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers praise the book's writing quality and eye-opening narrative. They find it thought-provoking and engaging, leaving them with mixed emotions. However, some readers found the content disturbing and graphic, while others found it well-written and essential reading. Opinions vary on the suspenseful storyline and readability.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

165 customers mention "Writing quality"116 positive49 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality. They find it well-written and detailed, making it a difficult yet engaging read. The book is described as elaborate and heartfelt, though some parts may be hard to follow.

"...be looking into more of Jon Athan's books simply due to his writing being so great. Will this book make you cringe and feel bad feelings?..." Read more

"...I found this to be refreshing. The boldness and bravery to write about such a taboo topic as trafficking was astounding in itself, but to write from..." Read more

"...I also thought it was pretty well written. It wasn’t difficult to follow and more of a medium speed read, due to having to read slower and be able..." Read more

"...emotional depth and subtlety for shock value, making it an extremely difficult read...." Read more

59 customers mention "Eye-opening"59 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking and fascinating. They say it brings perspective to everyday life and is educational for parents. Readers appreciate the author's writing style and awareness. The book holds their attention with its pacing and intensity.

"...you have yet to experience within yourself. Shocking and interesting as it is, you will ALWAYS remember this book...always..." Read more

"...It truly is a eye opening read apart from just a overall well written story." Read more

"...The Groomer had the potential to be a gripping and thought-provoking novel, but the relentless violence made it an unpleasant and, at times,..." Read more

"While it was good storytelling I hate the way this book ends. There are no happy endings here...." Read more

315 customers mention "Suspenseful"111 positive204 negative

Customers have mixed reviews about the book. Some find the storyline disturbing and engaging, with startling characters and scary facts. They appreciate the father-turning-vigilante plot. However, others feel the gore and horrific details are too much to stomach, leaving them feeling sick. There are also complaints about unrealistic torture methods.

"This reading, although subject is beyond sickening, is probably one...if not the NUMBER ONE, best ever books that kept me up, awake, and incapable..." Read more

"...I gave it 5 stars for the truly gut wrenching light it brings to child abduction and the torture etc it brings to the topic...." Read more

"...While I found some of the torture methods to be a little unrealistic I did appreciate how correct terminology was used when describing the different..." Read more

"The storyline was good, the writing style was ok, and the violence was simply EXTREME! Procede with caution if you’re squeamish!!" Read more

196 customers mention "Readability"129 positive67 negative

Customers have different views on the book's readability. Some find it engaging and hard to put down, describing it as essential reading. Others find it disturbing, graphic, and gory.

"...is beyond sickening, is probably one...if not the NUMBER ONE, best ever books that kept me up, awake, and incapable of putting the reading down...." Read more

"I’m all for a good, traumatic story. But what I don’t like is switching perspectives...." Read more

"...But I stand by my decision. This book is not for the weak. Every major trigger warning is in this story!..." Read more

"...The story line is really well done and it is a really good book as long as you can get through some of the graphic images in the first part of the..." Read more

88 customers mention "Ending"33 positive55 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the ending. Some find it worthwhile, while others find it hard to read due to horrific details that overwhelm the story. The storyline is described as good and relatable, though some wish for more scenarios.

"...This suggests a rushed plot, a neglected story - immature and undeveloped. Due to the swiftness, the novel lacked depth...." Read more

"...I think I need more time to ponder on the ending. I did enjoy the Epilogue and found it to show more of Max's insight on things...." Read more

"Almost couldn’t finish this one. Almost could make it through the first couple chapters actually...." Read more

"...The story line is really well done and it is a really good book as long as you can get through some of the graphic images in the first part of the..." Read more

41 customers mention "Graphic content"27 positive14 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the graphic content of the book. Some find it vivid and disturbing, with disturbing scenes based on true crimes. Others feel the details are sadistic and twisted, and the world is ugly and evil like what was depicted. The cover seems cheesy to some readers.

"...Totally unique, and you will ask yourself "what am I reading?"..." Read more

"...I found this to be refreshing. The boldness and bravery to write about such a taboo topic as trafficking was astounding in itself, but to write from..." Read more

"...It’s not an artistic style. Within the same paragraph even, the perspective will shift...." Read more

"...I feel sick to my stomach. The scenes are graphic, but it’s the psychological mess of sadness that has rendered me…just shaking my head...." Read more

19 customers mention "Trigger warning"7 positive12 negative

Customers have different views on the trigger warnings in the book. Some find them disturbing and unsettling, while others say they are excessive and not suitable for those with sensitive reactions.

"This book has TRIGGERS. It will definitely test your ability to stomach the story...." Read more

"...This is definitely a trigger book. I haven’t read this genre of books but it did not disappoint. The book was well written...." Read more

"...Read at your own risk as this book has multiple content warnings...." Read more

"**This is not a book for those with triggers and absolutely not recommended for those that DON'T read splatterpunk books** you've been warned!..." Read more

50 customers mention "Heart rate"7 positive43 negative

Customers find the book intense and heart-wrenching. They say it's not suitable for the faint of heart, with parts that make them cry and others that cause nightmares. The sensitive subject is described as gruesome and gets their hearts pumping.

"...This book is not for the faint of heart, and even readers without content triggers may find it distressing." Read more

"...It’s disgusting, gross and disturbing and will pull at your heart strings just as much as you travel down the path of Grace’s father." Read more

"...This was a nonstop, couldn't put it down read. This book is not for the faint of heart but could be a tool for those who have kids who use the..." Read more

"This is a very intense reality of what happened to children everyday and also the amount of effort a father will go through to save his family" Read more

The parental emotional rollercoaster is real with this one!
5 out of 5 stars
The parental emotional rollercoaster is real with this one!
First off I have to start with I didn’t give this 5 stars because I “liked” the book. I gave it 5 stars for the truly gut wrenching light it brings to child abduction and the torture etc it brings to the topic. I had to set this book down numerous times for its in depth content. Its graphic! But with that said I also finished it in half a day. Particularly because I wanted it done. I felt if I didn’t finish in one sitting, I wouldn’t pick it up another day. Spoiler, out of everything in this book what just stuck so badly with me is the grocery store part. As a mom, I just get the reality of that. And it’s scary! The entirety is terrifying. But I’ve always thought of myself as someone who is very aware, I do a lot of research and donating into child trafficking and things along the line because I’ve always wished I had the means to help these families find their children and just protect all the children. If I could, I would! That’s what got me to even read this book. I would recommend to people with a strong stomach & an open mind to understanding why someone could and would write a book like this. And this is my first and so far only book I’ve read of this authors. If you want a truly eye opening look into the world of child abduction, read this! But if you don’t think you can handle the deeply graphic details please do read something less descriptive. It has a warning label for a very strong reason! And that’s why I’m even leaving the review because typically I don’t review books on Amazon. To the author, if you read this… Oh to discuss this book with you would be something unreal.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024
    This reading, although subject is beyond sickening, is probably one...if not the NUMBER ONE, best ever books that kept me up, awake, and incapable of putting the reading down. It consists of unbelievable events, startlingly characters, and truly scary facts of the depth of mental sickness that possesses the minds of some members of this society we all reside in. Jon Athan, the Author of this book, the very first of his writings I have read, truly amazes me of his knowledge of some sad facts unknown to many of us until viewing his writings herein, and his determination and guts to share this story with all of us encourages me to read all of his publications as I have no doubts they, too, will blow my mind. If you think you are strong enough to experience the above, I
    definitely know it will draw you in from the beginning to the end...with many emotions
    you have yet to experience within yourself.
    Shocking and interesting as it is, you will
    ALWAYS remember this book...always...
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2024
    When I started the journey that is The Groomer I was prepared to have this be the one and only extreme novel I didn't finish. I was 42 pages in and notated on a small post it that "this was hard to read" so I would know if I ever went back into this book that this was the point in which I was either going to continue or give up. I clearly continued and I am honestly glad I did! I feel weird saying that, but I'm not going to lie and state otherwise. This was the first ever book that I notated, marked, wrote in the pages my lil remarks - whatever but while reading the story I found myself getting sucked more and more into the story. I am about to get to my review on this book, don't worry but I do want to add this small personal blurb in this; I am a AVID extreme horror, thriller, general horror reader. I have read some books that have made me question my own sanity for even finishing them. I've read books that I found just flat out Stupid to have a lack of a better word to use and I've read books that most people would look at as trash, but I found meaning in them. I also should add I am a single mother to a teenage daughter who I found myself comparing to a lot of characters in this book. I have yet to find a "trigger" in the books I read, but things involving children do tend to pull on my thin heart strings. This being a long winded explanation as to why I was either going to move past page 42 or stop.

    Now onto the review which is what everyone really cares about.

    The Groomer starts 0ff with Liam playing Minecraft with Cheese. Which I INSTANTLY felt was relatable. even being a grown woman, I have my "online friends" who I connect with whether it be our online games or smaller discord servers. You see the trust Liam has especially with his hands off parents. You feel his need to have someone there for him. you understand why a child his age would do what he does. His trust earned completely, Cheese convinces Liam to meet him in person and even though he is hesitant, he goes along with it and Hell quickly follows. We soon learn what happens to Liam after that IRL meet up and thus we are now at the notorious page 42. I knew going into a book called The Groomer there was going to be children being hurt... I didn't expect the hurt to be what it was, which is both a relief and yet still heartbreaking. There is also a chapter dedicated to online manipulation, which again brought me back to thinking of my own daughter and her friends who could very well be in that scenario if certain things aren't talked about enough.

    Shortly after you get past the different manipulations/Cons "Cheese" has going on you get to the main plot of the story which is a young girl, Grace, being kidnapped and her father, Andrew on a "hell hath no fury" mission to find her. We follow Andrew as he hunts down different pedophiles and does everything in his power to find the puzzle pieces that will lead him to Grace. Andrew changes from a grieving father on a mission to find his child to a straight up pedo-terminator who will stop at nothing to find his child. While I found some of the torture methods to be a little unrealistic I did appreciate how correct terminology was used when describing the different body parts and what they were lacking ( or losing ) after Andrew got his hands on them. While I am speaking on how I enjoyed the correct terminology being used, I want to mention how Jon Athan also talks about the medication that is used when dealing with Pedophiles. It is rarely mentioned even in real life discussions and the fact that he not only brings the medication up, but that he adds the side effects from the pills and the chances of medication working are slim to none. That was just a small detail that I appreciated and do not believe should be overlooked. There are multiple times I did get a little tired of reading to a lengthy extent of Andrew's torture of the different men he encountered, I understand its a part of the splatterpunk gore that the Author was bringing to the table, but I do believe this book would be just as good without going on and on... and on. I also found myself getting a little bored around chapter 16. Just because the focus was on what the family was doing/feeling in the wake of the kidnapping. I understand there needed to be some form of this being described, but it just felt like it also went on and on. That's my Personal opinion of course.

    I do not like to give away the story in my reviews, so I will not say what happens anymore, but I will say I found the ending both great and ridiculous at the same time. The parents of "Cheese" knowing everything and standing by them. The sister's "situation" while on the sofa. Andrew's outcome.. I don't know if I am 100% happy with it or upset. I think I need more time to ponder on the ending. I did enjoy the Epilogue and found it to show more of Max's insight on things.

    Overall is this book something I recommend? I don't know. I want to, of course! but there are some DARK moments that I don't think appropriate to tell people to read about. I will again refer to page 47. Am I content with my rating of this book? A B S O L U T E L Y! It earned each and every one of the 4 stars I gave it and in my humble opinion 4 stars is FENOMINAL! Especially for a book most people discourage you from reading. I will definitely be looking into more of Jon Athan's books simply due to his writing being so great.

    Will this book make you cringe and feel bad feelings? yes but I implore of you to dive in if you think you have the grit. It truly is a eye opening read apart from just a overall well written story.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
    I’m all for a good, traumatic story. But what I don’t like is switching perspectives.

    Now I can follow along, I can catch it fast - but why in the world do authors do this? It’s not an artistic style.

    Within the same paragraph even, the perspective will shift. This suggests a rushed plot, a neglected story - immature and undeveloped.

    Due to the swiftness, the novel lacked depth.

    However, despite all of this, I applaud the author for taking on the challenge of writing on a tragic, often taboo topic.

    People know children are abducted and trafficked, yet the thought ends there. This opens your eyes to the evil that can never be culled.

    Humanity is inherently evil; it just requires a key to unlock.

    I plan to read more from the author, because there is a valid sense of triumph that can be taken, but the storyline and characters deserved more flesh.

    The readers deserved more tearing of this flesh, but it was bitter, could be better, and yet read like butter.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    First off I have to start with I didn’t give this 5 stars because I “liked” the book. I gave it 5 stars for the truly gut wrenching light it brings to child abduction and the torture etc it brings to the topic. I had to set this book down numerous times for its in depth content. Its graphic! But with that said I also finished it in half a day. Particularly because I wanted it done. I felt if I didn’t finish in one sitting, I wouldn’t pick it up another day. Spoiler, out of everything in this book what just stuck so badly with me is the grocery store part. As a mom, I just get the reality of that. And it’s scary! The entirety is terrifying. But I’ve always thought of myself as someone who is very aware, I do a lot of research and donating into child trafficking and things along the line because I’ve always wished I had the means to help these families find their children and just protect all the children. If I could, I would! That’s what got me to even read this book. I would recommend to people with a strong stomach & an open mind to understanding why someone could and would write a book like this. And this is my first and so far only book I’ve read of this authors. If you want a truly eye opening look into the world of child abduction, read this! But if you don’t think you can handle the deeply graphic details please do read something less descriptive. It has a warning label for a very strong reason! And that’s why I’m even leaving the review because typically I don’t review books on Amazon. To the author, if you read this… Oh to discuss this book with you would be something unreal.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars The parental emotional rollercoaster is real with this one!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
    First off I have to start with I didn’t give this 5 stars because I “liked” the book. I gave it 5 stars for the truly gut wrenching light it brings to child abduction and the torture etc it brings to the topic. I had to set this book down numerous times for its in depth content. Its graphic! But with that said I also finished it in half a day. Particularly because I wanted it done. I felt if I didn’t finish in one sitting, I wouldn’t pick it up another day. Spoiler, out of everything in this book what just stuck so badly with me is the grocery store part. As a mom, I just get the reality of that. And it’s scary! The entirety is terrifying. But I’ve always thought of myself as someone who is very aware, I do a lot of research and donating into child trafficking and things along the line because I’ve always wished I had the means to help these families find their children and just protect all the children. If I could, I would! That’s what got me to even read this book. I would recommend to people with a strong stomach & an open mind to understanding why someone could and would write a book like this. And this is my first and so far only book I’ve read of this authors. If you want a truly eye opening look into the world of child abduction, read this! But if you don’t think you can handle the deeply graphic details please do read something less descriptive. It has a warning label for a very strong reason! And that’s why I’m even leaving the review because typically I don’t review books on Amazon. To the author, if you read this… Oh to discuss this book with you would be something unreal.
    Images in this review
    Customer image Customer image
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mae
    5.0 out of 5 stars brutal, but important
    Reviewed in Canada on December 18, 2024
    I cannot say I ENJOYED reading this. But these days, “be careful online!” Doesn’t do the trick. This is a brutal and important satire, showing you what can actually happen to children (or anyone!) online. Will never read again. But I’m glad I read once.
  • A.L.D
    5.0 out of 5 stars not for the faint hearted.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 29, 2024
    The first 3 chapters are extremely intense and uncomfortable to read, if you can get past those you have an incredible book. I feel those chapters were needed to build the anxiety and anticipation for the rest of the story and you cannot stop turning the pages after that.
    If you’re easily triggered don’t read, I have no trigger warnings yet I did struggle with those first few chapters but I’m so glad I stuck it out.
    Very eye opening, great book!
  • Kindle-klant
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lives up to the hype!
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on July 23, 2024
    BOIII did I find out why everyone's so upset. I've been nervous from start to finished and absolutely devoured this book.
    I really "loved" (you know what I mean) the seperate chapters that told a whole different story of another child. That was TRAUMATISING.
    Could not recommend it more, but probably going to cry in a corner now.
  • Jana K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars horrendous and bizarre yet realistic
    Reviewed in Germany on June 12, 2023
    This was an extreme insight into these preferences of people. Well researched and extremely detailed. I’m glad I pushed myself through the reading.
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars My heart shattered
    Reviewed in Australia on January 22, 2025
    What a story . Jon Athan is such a talented writer, his stories punch you right in your soul. I love his writing and this book was the first book out of hundreds I have read that made me cry uncontrollable tears. Even though the story was heart breaking it was also very eye opening about the world we actually live in. I appreciate this author so much.

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