Spiked: Here’s to Revenge, northeast Ohio writer KL Griffiths’ debut novel, blends “getting even” with horror. We learn what can happened when a talented brewmaster discovers that his new job in metro middle-America Rootsville [AKA anywhere in the Cleveland metro area] involves more than ensuring quality craft beer.
When our hero, heavy-set Rory Harper settles into work-life at Telluric Lake Brew Works, he attracts the unwanted attention of Arthur Clifton, his immediate supervisor. Arthur, nicknamed “Arthole” by Rory’s fellow workers, “teases” everyone about whatever weakness he perceives they have — except, of course, the rich and powerful owner of the company, a genial and strict Benjamin Dubow.
After Arthur “fat shames,” and otherwise humiliates Rory one time too many, Rory decides his only chance to regain self-respect is to seek the perfect revenge, one that will teach his tormentor a lesson. Rory’s revenge scheme brings unexpected results. It ignites a chain reaction that changes his life and, ironically, sets him up for an encounter with Delene Dubrow, the woman who teaches him how to live and love (and become a runner, thus helping the “fat” problem).
But nothing stays right long for Rory and complications spiral so out of control that he decides murder might be the final answer to his problems. Griffiths conjures a complex story that vividly portrays hate, self-justification, and how unexpected love can grow and then fail as life moves on. His violent and shocking revenge leads — as Rory might agree — to what he has needed all along, even if it does involve a prison term.
The fast-moving adventure suggests, as brewery-owner Dubrow tells anyone who will listen, “revenge is the attitude of weaklings.” Griffith’s novel explores, among other things, the feelings that arise in employees who think they aren’t getting the respect they deserve, as well as their oft-felt reaction: “Life isn’t fair.” Following Rory’s journey — and one cannot help but like him even if he does mess up — takes us on one man’s life lessons that, while they may be bloody and frightening, make for compelling reading.
[Review by Laura Kennelly]