the setup…
Things are working out exactly as Evie Porter planned. She’s in a relationship with Ryan Sumner, has moved in and most of his circle of friends has accepted that she’s now important in his life. The problem? Evie Porter isn’t her name and one of his former friends has shown up with a girlfriend who not only looks like her, but has her real name! Uh, oh.
the heart of the story…
It only takes a couple of paragraphs to figure out Evie is up to something and I got drawn in…fast. Be forewarned that the story shifts from present to moments in Evie’s past that provide context, moving the needle forward bit by bit. And, those transitions to the past are often under aliases. When that woman shows up with her name and looks like Evie did before altering her current appearance, it was a game changer. Evie works for the mysterious Mr. Smith who she’s never met nor heard his unaltered voice. Yes, there’s a lot going on and Evie has some serious skills and you soon learn why she’s a successful con artist. Did I like her? Yeah, despite my best efforts to not get pulled in.
the narration…
Saskia Maarleveld is one of my very favorite narrators because of her storytelling chops and she went all in on this one. And, her voice distinctions made it seem like there were multiple narrators. It was an exceptional performance. Please…get the audio version.
the bottom line…
I can’t give anymore details because it would all be spoilerish. The pace is fast, the twists show up around every corner and it ain’t easy figuring out who you can and cannot trust. The transitions are tricky so don’t try to read or listen to this around distractions. I missed a crucial clue that I later had to backtrack and figure out when I got to the end. For me? This lived up to the hype.
Book Info
- Release Date: January 2, 2024
- Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
- Audio Length: 9 hours, 16 minutes
- Publisher: Penguin Audio
Blue Mood Café 
Fantastic review Jo and glad it lived up to the hype!
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Thanks, Nicki💜 I couldn’t believe the hype…until I started the book.
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The audiobook is on my TBR list. Thanks for the warning to listen without distractions. Excellent review Jonetta!
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Thank you, Jodie💜 The one time I got distracted, I missed a big reveal. Had to go back and figure it out.
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haha it sounds like a bit of an unreliable narrator because she is trying to be deceptive. Twisty is good though.
Anne – Books of My Heart
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No, she’s not unreliable to the reader…she’s brutally honest and direct. She left stuff out but never lied…to us😏
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Okay, I have to read this now! Thanks for sharing your review, Jo.
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Thanks, Jody💜 I don’t normally bend right away to the hype but…
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It lived up to the hype for me too, Jo, what a relief 😄
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Yay💜💜💜 It’s such a good feeling, right?
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The best!
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Isn’t it hard to review thrillers? 😂 Glad it lived up to the hype, I do enjoy a questionable narrator who’ll keep me guessing – adding it to my list!
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It is SO hard to not spoil stuff! I was determined to keep this simple. Hope you enjoy, too, Sarah💜
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Fab review! This goes straight to my wishlist. 😉
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Thanks, Yvo💜 I hope you enjoy, too!
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Okay – so, Easton came to Davidson a couple of weeks ago. Since the book sounded like one I’d love, I went ahead and reserved a couple of seats and a book. Then, as that night came around, I realized there was no way I could go 🤦🏻♀️. I hate that I missed out especially after reading your review.
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You know, it might be a good thing that you didn’t go if you hadn’t read the book, though I’m feeling your disappointment. I’m assuming you got the book?
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I’m really hoping I can fit this one in next month. It sounds so good!
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I’m hoping you can, too, Suzanne💜
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I wasn’t going to because of the hype and just a general fatigue with this genre, but I bought it earlier today. Mostly because it was only €0.99 😏
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That’s one of the reason I mix it up as it’s easy to get weary. I hope this one works for you, Eva💜
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