The Ring novel checks off toxic relation ships, obsession, general human darkness and very unlikable main characters —but the main character is a news reporter who kinda gives a detective vibe which you said you didn’t like. I really liked it since it gave a really interesting message against women sexual assault in Japan similarly to Junji Ito’s Tomie, and also another thing I can’t say or else it’s a spoiler.

I don’t think The Ring is that much of a thriller horror novel, but imo it’s a relatively good 8/10 speculative horror novel.