The Stalker

A Novel

By: Paula Bomer

Narrated by: Matt Godfrey

Robert Doughten Savile, aka "Doughty," is the son of a once-wealthy, now hard-up family from Darien, Connecticut. Doughty lives in a perpetual cloud of delusion, convinced of his own genius and status. While he has little capacity to accurately assess his own abilities or prospects, he cruises through life on the sheer force of his own sense of entitlement, dropping out of college and landing in the early '90s in New York City, a place brimming with both prosperity and desperation.

He cons his way from a bed at the YMCA into the posh Soho loft of a middle-aged book editor, while pursuing a young bartender, whom he also abuses and gaslights. He spins elaborate tales about his imaginary high-power job in real estate while, in reality, he passes his days watching comedy specials on VHS, smoking crack in Tompkins Square Park, and engaging in occasional sex work in the restrooms of Grand Central Station. His many failures, however, only serve to sharpen his one true gift: Doughty is a skilled predator, and the damage he inflicts on the women around him is real and remorseless. As shocking as it is illuminating, The Stalker confirms Paula Bomer as a contemporary master of the pitch-black comic novel.

©2025 Paula Bomer (P)2025 Highbridge Audio

Narcissistic sociopath

If you’ve ever known a true narcissist who had zero empathy for anyone but themselves you will find this almost humorous.

Most vile main character ever

Impressively written. This author created the perfect villain, who at times is so despicable I almost didn’t finish reading this book. Well done.

this must be made into mini series!

I had the constant feeling I dated a guy like this. then I had a feeling everyone has dated a guy like this at some point. I saw online people were asking themselves a question why do they choose to continue this disgusting book. but that's exactly why. it is so beautifully talented in portraying a very specific generation. and I'm sure there are boys who aspire to be like the protagonist for they think this is what masculinity is. if protagonist knew who Salinger was, I'm sure he'd think he was a modern catcher in the rye

Great narration.

The protagonist (or can we call him the antagonist?) was the most deplorable character ever written into literature. I was hooked from page 1. Loved the ending. Great narration. I will be thinking about this book long after I have finished it.

Tough Listen

I hated this character more than I've hated any character in any story I've ever seen or read. The author did an incredible job of that. For that reason alone, I rated this story 4 stars.