Swipe by R.G. Belsky and Bonnie Traymore
The perfect book for readers who enjoy a propulsive plot but appreciate a meaningful story as well.
A brilliant and immersive matchup of two notable writers, Swipe takes readers into the world of app-based dating and on a hunt for a killer. In this literary thriller, the stakes are high as protagonists Sonya and Jake navigate lies, betrayal, false identities in search of justice, and with any luck, a meaningful long-term connection with someone special.
In the tradition of James Patterson, Gillian Flynn and Paula Hawkins, Swipe gives us a sexy, suspenseful story that features dynamic, courageous characters who are also imperfect and must overcome their own fears, insecurities and troubled pasts. This novel is particularly notable in the way the story touches on a number of meaningful themes and ideas to ponder long after you’ve turned the last page. In addition to the gripping story, authors Belsky and Traymore include reflections on love, loyalty, hope, family and forgiveness.
Her Quest for Justice
In the opening pages, a man plummets several hundred feet to his death, and our female protagonist finds herself at the scene, immersed in a very compromising situation. Sonya, who goes by many names on the dating app MetMee, has lost hope in finding true love but has found a new mission. She’s recently embarked on a campaign to lure in and mete out justice to the cheating, deceitful and abusive men she discovers on the dating app.
Learning how Sonya got to this point, we’re treated to a number of hilarious and horrifying vignettes of past meetups — each ending in awkward and appalling fashion. She finds very few men on the app who can be described as normal, respectful or harmless. After a parade of losers, liars and cheats, Sonya dedicates herself to exposing their lies and getting some degree of revenge for their mistreatment of women.
Not all of them end up on my hit list, of course … if the guy is nice, respectful, normal, we say our goodbyes and that’s that. Some of them need to learn a lesson, though. I consider this a public service.
For Sonya, this is a story of justice, revenge and standing up for other women. There is, however, an even deeper story of redemption. When she was younger, Sonya’s mother took her own life — leaving a note that vaguely pointed to the humiliation endured at the hands of her cheating father. Sonya’s crusade against deceitful men becomes cathartic and gives her new purpose in life. But she certainly never meant for anyone to die.
The Story of His Career
Enter Jake Parker: an award-winning journalist of some renown, slumming as a tabloid news reporter. Victim of sweeping cuts in the print media industry, Jake wants nothing more than to break a story that will enable his return to a more respectable news authority.
He’s writing a column for a local celebrity gossip outlet when an assignment to explore the world of online dating is foisted upon him by his editor. Jake creates a profile on the most popular app, MetMee, planning to meet women and ask about their experiences. His encounters range from unsettling to endearing. The accounts that Jake collects make for provocative and endearing stories, but lack the depth he desperately needs in order to make his way back to a journalistic spotlight.
Then Jake uncovers details of a suspicious death and a possible connection to a specific MetMee user who goes by the name Grace or Theresa or a host of other aliases. His investigative instincts kick in, and Jake takes big chances to discover the identity of the elusive woman who appears to be picking off men from the site one by one.
A Propulsive Thriller
Beyond the taut suspense of the plot, Swipe explores a number of meaningful themes along the way. Each character in this novel is driven by a complex series of motivations, regrets and desires that make them both interesting and relatable. We experience a wide spectrum of interpersonal relationships, both for the characters looking for love as well as those who have already married or even broken up.
Authors Belsky and Traymore show us the infatuation of young lovers, the awkward distrust of exes, the boredom of a long-married couple, and the regrets of those who have let love slip through their fingers. Some relationships are a slow burn, others have no spark at all, but the most provocative encounters in this novel give readers a taste of the magical chemistry that can occur between two people for reasons difficult to define.
Love and hope have a huge part to play in the interpersonal dynamics of this novel and serve as motivation when each character faces their unique challenges and disappointments. These two experienced authors create a dynamic writing duo. Sections and passages blend seamlessly to create a fluid narrative with a double perspective.
Swipe is the perfect book for readers who enjoy a propulsive plot but appreciate a meaningful story as well. In addition to gripping action and a twist that most won’t see coming, Swipe explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, hope and much more. For many, the search for love may seem like a hunt for buried treasure. In this book, we witness how the search drives some to be the best version of themselves. For others, the mental and emotional pressure and the dark realm of jealousy can drive them to insanity. Be sure to check out the additional titles from each of these accomplished authors.
R.G. Belsky is an award-winning author of crime fiction and a journalist in New York City. He has a degree in journalism from Ohio University and has had an illustrious career in both print and television news. He is the former Vice President at NBC Local Digital News, Managing Editor of the NY Daily News, News Editor of Star Magazine and Metropolitan Editor of the New York Post. Most recently, he was a Managing Editor of NBC News. Belsky’s crime novels reflect his extensive media background in newspapers, magazines and TV/digital news. He also writes thrillers under the name Dana Perry, and he is a contributing writer for The Big Thrill magazine as well as BookTrib.
Bonnie Traymore is the Amazon Bestselling author of nine domestic/psychological thrillers. Her thrillers feature strong but relatable female protagonists who peel back the layers of suburban American life and give readers a peek inside. The plots explore difficult topics such as jealousy, infidelity, murder and the impact of psychological disorders, but she also includes bits of romance and humor to lighten the mood from time to time.
Bonnie loves Hitchcock movies, psychological thriller novels, coffee and dark chocolate, not necessarily in that order and sometimes simultaneously. She has a doctorate in United States history and resides in Honolulu with her family. She’s an active member of International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America.
Publish Date: 4/27/2025
Genre: Fiction, Suspense, Thrillers
Author: R.G. Belsky and Bonnie Traymore
Page Count: 278 pages
ISBN: 9798230469544
