Mr. Peanut is the first novel by Adam Ross. I remember coveting this book when it came out and being really excited to read it. His writing style is highly original and in a class of its own. It reminds me of Chuck Palahniuk.
David Pepin is hopelessly devoted to Alice, his wife of 13 years. Despite the many rough patches he’s experienced with his wife—such as dealing with Alice’s eating disorder and weight loss obsession—David has done nearly everything imaginable to ensure her happiness.
When Alice is found dead after eating peanuts—which everyone knows she’s allergic to—David becomes the prime murder suspect. The detectives assigned to David’s case have their own history with marital problems, and as both the “crime” and story unravel, the line between reality and fantasy begins to blur.
Mr. Peanut is incredibly clever. It contains numerous references to Alfred Hitchcock and M.C. Escher, and lots of other riddles that make it extremely pleasurable and fun to read.
I think this author is extremely creative, and he’s developed strong, witty, and hilarious characters. I love all the shocking statements made by David Pepin and the two detectives, it really makes their personalities shine through. All the characters in Mr. Peanut are so vibrant, intimate, and real.
If you like Chuck Palahniuk, you’ll love Adam Ross, and vice versa. I haven’t read everything by Palahniuk, but my favorites are Haunted (2005) and Survivor (1999).
Adam Ross released his 2nd novel, Playworld, in 2025, and a collection of stories, Ladies and Gentlemen, in 2011.
What did you think about Mr. Peanut?
Last Updated on January 20, 2026 by Sarah Ann
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