The Blondes    by Emily Schultz Order:  USA  Can Picador, 2016 (2015) Hardcover, Softcover     Reviewed by Jessica Maguire When I was younger I wished I were a blonde, if only for a day. I wanted to know what all the fuss was about. But what if there was a world where being blonde was not only undesirable, but deadly as well? Hazel, a grad student from Toronto and living in New York City, knows this world. In fact, she witnesses what is probably the first case of SHV, a rabies-like disease affecting blonde women. Rabid-like blondes soon start their reign of terror, first in New York City, and then across the world. The only way to possibly protect oneself is to cut off blonde locks or get cozy with Miss Clairol. Soon, salons are solidly booked and the darker hues of hair dye are flying off the shelves. But what about Hazel? As a redhead, is she at risk? And what about her unborn child, the result of an affair with her professor? Alone and pregnant with an illegitimate child, Hazel tries to get back to her native Toronto. But with blonde hysteria and tight border security, this is easier said than done. Hazel's ordeal is sure to keep you interested and involved in this action-packed comedic horror of a thriller. The tale is told with an interesting perspective, Hazel recounting the entire story to her unborn baby. The conclusion does leave some loose ends, a perfect lead in to a sequel, however annoying to readers like myself who like a nice, tidy conclusion. That said, I am just glad that my nice, tidy updo is keeping these brunette locks out of my face ... maybe it is better to be brunette after all! Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Contemporary books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews