SWIPE
R.G. Belsky and Bonnie Traymore
Independently Published (2025)
Reviewed by Sheri Hoyte for Reader Views (03/2025)
Co-authoring is certainly not a new thing, but it has become more popular and visible in recent years. R.G. Belsky and Bonnie Traymore take full advantage of this trend, combining their distinctive storytelling strengths to create “SWIPE: A Twisty Psychological Thriller.” Belsky is an expert crime journalist and thriller author, who brings an investigative edge to the story, while Traymore is a recognized force in psychological thrillers, adding emotional complexity and suspense.
The story explores the dark side of online dating while weaving together a compelling mystery with strong character-driven storytelling. And after devouring this book, I, for one, am decidedly grateful that I’m not in the dating pool! These people are vicious, manipulative, unhinged, and downright predatory. It’s a brutal world out there, and “Swipe” makes it abundantly clear—swiping right might just be the worst decision of your life.
Sonya, the protagonist, is on a personal quest to expose deceitful men on dating apps. Her motivation seems fueled by a troubled past, and she ruthlessly judges the ethics of the so-called players’ in the dating scene. Her actions escalate when one of her targets, Matt Furman, falls to his death during a confrontation. But was it an accident, or was Sonya responsible? And, as she continues her charade, readers have to wonder—is she any better than the men she targets?
Meanwhile, Jake Parker, a decorated investigative journalist, has to adjust to a modern media outlet that prioritizes clickbait, viral content, and sensationalism over hard-hitting news. When he’s assigned to write a feature on the online dating phenomenon, he gives some serious pushback. What begins as a routine assignment soon turns into an obsession when his intuition tells him there’s more to the recent dating app death than meets the eye. As the investigation picks up, he discovers connections between Sonya and the recent deaths of two of the dating app members. He gets closer to solving the truth with every clue, but how far is he willing to go in the name of justice given his growing concern for Sonya?
I had so much fun reading this story! What works well in “Swipe” is the premise of realizing the anxieties of the modern dating culture. I love the tension provided by the dual points of view. Sonya’s impulsive actions keep readers questioning her motives, and Jake’s pursuit of the truth provides a sharp contrast and is the driving force behind the narrative. Readers are immediately pulled into the story through the web of lies, secrets, and unexpected turns. Each chapter peels back another layer of deception keeping the momentum high, and the sharp dialogue and realistic characterization give the story authenticity.
I’m a big character-driven kinda gal, and the two main characters in “SWIPE” are worthy of some accolades. Sonya is one of those characters I both liked and wanted to shake silly at the same time. She’s smart and fearless in using a situation to her advantage. Her messy past makes her motives easy to understand, and her struggle with her own morality adds some solid depth to her character. On the flip side, her hypocrisy is glaring—she’s impulsive and puts herself and others in danger, escalating situations completely without remorse and without considering consequences. That girl’s a hot mess, but that’s exactly what makes her feel real.
Jake is driven by truth, and his gut instinct makes his investigation into Matt Furman’s death intriguing. He’s sharp, persistent, and resourceful, which makes him a great contrast to Sonya’s impulsiveness. Even with all his cynicism, he still believes in justice, and that makes him easy to root for. But he does wallow in self-pity over his lost career—not that I blame him. The media world’s a mess, and he’s just trying to find his place in it. My favorite thing about Jake is that he doesn’t always take charge, but he knows how to read the room and work the system, getting the police to trust him while quietly steering the investigation his way. He’s got a way of making people do exactly what he wants. One part of his role that felt a little thin was his romantic subplot—his dating life felt more like an investigation than an actual connection. Which of course it was, but I still wanted a little more from him, maybe a bit more subtlety or emotional depth.
The supporting characters add depth to the story’s twists, with some blurring the lines between right and wrong, and others serving as clear obstacles or victims in Sonya and Jake’s paths. They keep the tension high and the story intriguing.
I highly recommend “Swipe” by R.G. Belsky and Bonnie Traymore. It’s an engaging thriller that blends psychological depth with an absorbing mystery. Fans of “Gone Girl” and “You” will enjoy the elements of obsession, deception, and the consequences of hidden identities. If you’re looking for a suspenseful thriller that will keep you guessing, “Swipe” delivers.