One of the most intense and fast-paced psychological thrillers I’ve read, you must read The Other You by J. S. Monroe.
The plot:
Is he who you think he is?
Kate used to be good at recognizing people. So good, she worked for the police, identifying criminals in crowds of thousands. But six months ago, a devastating car accident led to a brain injury. Now the woman who never forgot a face can barely recognise herself in the mirror.
At least she has Rob. Kate met him just after her accident, and he nursed her back to health in his high-tech modernist house on the Cornish coast. When she’s with him, the nightmares of the accident fade, and she feels safe and loved.
Until, one day, she looks at Rob anew – and knows, with absolute certainty, he has been replaced by an impostor. Is she right? Have her old recognition skills returned? Or is it all in her damaged mind?
I really can’t fault it
The Other You ticked all my boxes for an amazing psychological thriller. I’ve already added Monroe’s other books to my ‘must buy immediately’ list.
Firstly, I actually got a papercut by how quick I was turning the pages in this book. Chapters were often short, and there are lots of conversation, making it an impossible book to put down. I almost missed my train stop and woke up early to read (yes, wow) – I was addicted from the start. It covered the theme of identity really well, as well as just being an all-round awesome book. I haven’t read anything like it.
It’s a long book for this genre, the paperback sitting at 490 pages, and I relished this. Lots of character building with the twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout, and 490 pages to mess with your own head.
Monroe’s definitely thought: A) lets inception the readers, or B) I don’t even know what I want to happen – either way, it’s mind-blowingly good and unpredictable! Rest-assured you’ll gasp a few times and get goosebumps.
From the synopsis, I knew I was going to like it. But I didn’t realise I was going to like it this much. It’s tense, has those ‘what is going on, help’ moments, keeps you guessing, and a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
I really can’t fault it, and I’ll be highly surprised if this doesn’t become a film (currently sending an email to the Netflix Original team). And if it does get made into a film, I’ll be first in line.
If you’re a fan of reading generally, you’ll like The Other You (and yes, I’m that confident you’ll like it).
The Other You, J. S. Monroe, RRP £8.99 (paperback); Book Depository
Pages: 490
Publisher: Head of Zeus
Genre: Psychological Thriller