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The Doppelganger
All is not as it seems. And neither is Jeffrey.
Emmeline Hopkins-Keller is in paradise, sharing a luxurious holiday on a tropical island with her husband Jeffrey and his family. But it’s hard to relax and enjoy it when she knows her marriage is in deep trouble.
One fateful night, a cataclysmic argument between Emmeline and Jeffrey sends him fleeing into the deep, dark forest. A day later he is still missing, leaving everyone shocked and bewildered.
Then, a miracle. Jeffrey turns up unharmed and wants to reconcile. But something is horribly wrong. He looks and sounds like Jeffrey, but Emmeline is 100% sure he's not the man she married. Even if everyone in his family is welcoming this stranger with open arms.
Which leaves her wondering, who exactly is this imposter? And how can he deceive everyone around him? And most of all – what are his plans for Emmeline?
Struggling to believe that everyone around her is lying, Emmeline begins to doubt herself, to lose her grip on reality. Only one thing is certain – when she finally uncovers the terrifying truth, her life will be changed forever.
Dripping with intrigue, The Doppelganger is an enthralling psychological thriller that will surprise you at every turn.
Emmeline Hopkins-Keller is in paradise, sharing a luxurious holiday on a tropical island with her husband Jeffrey and his family. But it’s hard to relax and enjoy it when she knows her marriage is in deep trouble.
One fateful night, a cataclysmic argument between Emmeline and Jeffrey sends him fleeing into the deep, dark forest. A day later he is still missing, leaving everyone shocked and bewildered.
Then, a miracle. Jeffrey turns up unharmed and wants to reconcile. But something is horribly wrong. He looks and sounds like Jeffrey, but Emmeline is 100% sure he's not the man she married. Even if everyone in his family is welcoming this stranger with open arms.
Which leaves her wondering, who exactly is this imposter? And how can he deceive everyone around him? And most of all – what are his plans for Emmeline?
Struggling to believe that everyone around her is lying, Emmeline begins to doubt herself, to lose her grip on reality. Only one thing is certain – when she finally uncovers the terrifying truth, her life will be changed forever.
Dripping with intrigue, The Doppelganger is an enthralling psychological thriller that will surprise you at every turn.
366 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2023
194 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Cole Baxter
46 books370 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
March 10, 2023
Emmeline Hopkins-Keller is in paradise, sharing a luxurious holiday on a tropical island with her husband Jeffrey and his family. But it's hard to enjoy it when she knows her marriage is in deep trouble. One fateful night, a cataclysmic argument between Emmeline and Jeffrey sends him fleeing into a deep, dark forest. A day later he is still missing, leaving everyone shocked and bewildered. Then, a miracle, Jeffrey turns up unharmed and wants to reconcile. But something is horribly wrong. He looks and sound like Jeffrey, but Emmeline is 100% sure he's not the man she married. Even if everyone in the family is welcoming him with open arms.
There's one thing we find out quite quickly reading this book, Emmeline is not a very nice character. In fact, she's despicable. The only character I did like was Jeffrey. This is quite a dark read. I do believe the story could have been a bit shorter than it was, there was an awful lot of repetition. I wasn't keen on the authors style in writing this book either. I nearly gave up on this book a couple of times, but I'm glad I didn't as the last couple of chapters were well worth the wait.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #ColeBaxter for my ARC OF #TheDoppelganger in exchange for an honest review.
There's one thing we find out quite quickly reading this book, Emmeline is not a very nice character. In fact, she's despicable. The only character I did like was Jeffrey. This is quite a dark read. I do believe the story could have been a bit shorter than it was, there was an awful lot of repetition. I wasn't keen on the authors style in writing this book either. I nearly gave up on this book a couple of times, but I'm glad I didn't as the last couple of chapters were well worth the wait.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #InkubatorBooks and the author #ColeBaxter for my ARC OF #TheDoppelganger in exchange for an honest review.
February 22, 2023
Jeez!! What a messed up book! I have read a few by this author but this book had me HATING Emmeline and turning the pages so fast to find out what the heck was going on.
Only one of my questions didn’t get answered which I really want answering, but the rest were and they were not the answers I was expecting.
I think the only character I liked, was Jeffrey and that’s I can say about it!
I knew this book would be dark but I was not expecting this!! It was so messed up! No one was likable and Emmaline was just awful and that is being very polite. She was a disgusting human being but she was addictive to read despite being so goddamn whiny!!
Despite my utter disgust for her, it was probably my favourite book by the author. That ending was a complete smackdown and I loved it. What a shocker, and it’s perfect!!
I read this book without reading the blurb and it made for an adventure and a half! I have so much I want to say but it’s hard to discuss it without ruining anything.
All you need to know is it’s dark, twisted, messed up, and addictive!
Only one of my questions didn’t get answered which I really want answering, but the rest were and they were not the answers I was expecting.
I think the only character I liked, was Jeffrey and that’s I can say about it!
I knew this book would be dark but I was not expecting this!! It was so messed up! No one was likable and Emmaline was just awful and that is being very polite. She was a disgusting human being but she was addictive to read despite being so goddamn whiny!!
Despite my utter disgust for her, it was probably my favourite book by the author. That ending was a complete smackdown and I loved it. What a shocker, and it’s perfect!!
I read this book without reading the blurb and it made for an adventure and a half! I have so much I want to say but it’s hard to discuss it without ruining anything.
All you need to know is it’s dark, twisted, messed up, and addictive!
March 11, 2023
Rich family. Rich husband. A whole island to themselves. What more could one want?
Emmeline Hopkins-Keller (maybe the double-barrel name makes her seem posher) is off on holiday with her gorgeous husband Jeffrey to a luxurious tropical island his family owns. Yep, an entire island aptly named Paradise Island. They are the last to arrive with the family having already settled in. But Emmeline finds it hard to relax and enjoy herself when she knows her marriage is in trouble. And her husband watching her every move.
It seems she cannot escape his watchful eye as she flirts with young Patrick whom the family have employed to keep them all in the lap of luxury they have come to expect. But she's only having a bit of fun. Isn't a girl allowed to do that every so often? It's harmless. After all, she always goes back to Jeffrey. So what's the problem?
Then one night, after a doozy of an argument regarding her faithfulness (of course), Jeffrey slams the door of their cabin and flees into the deep dark forest. Emmeline, not wanting her husband to have the last word, chases after him. But hours later she returns, dirty and muddied, having not found her husband.
The following day, Jeffrey still hasn't returned and Emmeline begins to worry. Has he fallen foul in the dark forest? Is he laying somewhere injured? Or maybe he's been abducted? All of these fears go unfounded when a day later, Jeffrey turns up unharmed enjoying breakfast with his family. Emmeline runs to greet him but stops short.
He looks like Jeffrey. He sounds like Jeffrey. But he isn't Jeffrey. Of that, she is sure.
No one is more surprised than Emmeline when he apologises for their fight and claims he wants to reconcile. But she is speechless. She cannot reconcile with this man...this man who isn't her husband, despite him saying that's exactly who he is. Something has happened to Jeffrey and this stranger, this imposter, has turned up in his place. But no matter how much she tries to prove otherwise, nobody believes her. And the more she tries, the more unstable she makes herself look and the crazier she sounds.
And then strange things begin to happen, nightmares about chasing Jeffrey or being chased by his imposter, to revelations of him possibly being a Doppelganger. The more she reads about Doppelgangers, the more frightened she becomes and her nightmares only increase. Despite this, Emmeline continues to insist that fake-Jeffrey is not real-Jeffrey and nothing she does seems to help her cause. She only seems to be digging herself in deeper and deeper, as the storyline just gets even messier and delusional...much like our main character.
So what would you if you were Emmeline? Continue to protest the imposter's identity? Probably. Particularly if you were so sure he was in fact an imposter. Which begs the question, why is she so sure he isn't Jeffrey? She gives no valid explanation. Just a few vague reasons about his height, the colour of his hair, his muscular physique and a mole that he may or may not have had on his nose. But everything about him oozed Jeffrey. He even knew every private and intimate detail about them and their marriage. And yet, no matter what was thrown at her, Emmeline was so sure he wasn't Jeffrey. There are two logical explanations as to why she was so adamant - but which one is the truth?
It was so hard to sympathise with Emmeline because she was such a self-absorbed entitled manipulative gold digger, but funnily enough I did sympathise with her...to a point. But she just grates on your nerves. And everything, and I mean everything, is just so damn repetitive. There was no real plot surrounding this supposed switch from real-Jeffrey to fake-Jeffrey...just repetitive dialogues of "you aren't my husband" to "Of course I am" over and over. Where's the building tension? Give us a reason to believe like an accident and amnesia to other potential red herrings. And please, give readers something to like about the main character! How on earth are we to sympathise with someone so self-absorbed? Here we have a silly young woman carrying on like they've been married for thirty years citing "after all I've put up with this past year". A year, that's it. And then the whole doppelganger arc was a real let down, I thought. In fact the whole book was. When it could have been so much more.
This book had such potential. It really did. The concept itself was so unique. But what the hell happened? I should have known as I have read two thrillers by Cole Baxter previously and they left something of the same after taste as well. There is just something about his style I don't get. But why? THE DOPPELGANGER could have been so good. It could have been so much better. Instead it felt like I'd taken then Tardis to an episode of "Death in Paradise".
I really struggled with this book. I didn't like one single character. I couldn't form much of an impression of Jeffrey because who were we actually presented with? A real-Jeffrey or a fake-Jeffrey? I couldn't be sure. But even so, I didn't really like the one we were presented with. And no one else was remotely likable either.
Overall, THE DOPPELGANGER had a unique concept, the story so much potential, but it all just fell flat. What ensued was 366 pages of repetitive nonsense to the bitter end and final reveal which really, wasn't worth sticking at it for.
I would like to thank #ColeBaxter, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheDoppelganger in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
Emmeline Hopkins-Keller (maybe the double-barrel name makes her seem posher) is off on holiday with her gorgeous husband Jeffrey to a luxurious tropical island his family owns. Yep, an entire island aptly named Paradise Island. They are the last to arrive with the family having already settled in. But Emmeline finds it hard to relax and enjoy herself when she knows her marriage is in trouble. And her husband watching her every move.
It seems she cannot escape his watchful eye as she flirts with young Patrick whom the family have employed to keep them all in the lap of luxury they have come to expect. But she's only having a bit of fun. Isn't a girl allowed to do that every so often? It's harmless. After all, she always goes back to Jeffrey. So what's the problem?
Then one night, after a doozy of an argument regarding her faithfulness (of course), Jeffrey slams the door of their cabin and flees into the deep dark forest. Emmeline, not wanting her husband to have the last word, chases after him. But hours later she returns, dirty and muddied, having not found her husband.
The following day, Jeffrey still hasn't returned and Emmeline begins to worry. Has he fallen foul in the dark forest? Is he laying somewhere injured? Or maybe he's been abducted? All of these fears go unfounded when a day later, Jeffrey turns up unharmed enjoying breakfast with his family. Emmeline runs to greet him but stops short.
He looks like Jeffrey. He sounds like Jeffrey. But he isn't Jeffrey. Of that, she is sure.
No one is more surprised than Emmeline when he apologises for their fight and claims he wants to reconcile. But she is speechless. She cannot reconcile with this man...this man who isn't her husband, despite him saying that's exactly who he is. Something has happened to Jeffrey and this stranger, this imposter, has turned up in his place. But no matter how much she tries to prove otherwise, nobody believes her. And the more she tries, the more unstable she makes herself look and the crazier she sounds.
And then strange things begin to happen, nightmares about chasing Jeffrey or being chased by his imposter, to revelations of him possibly being a Doppelganger. The more she reads about Doppelgangers, the more frightened she becomes and her nightmares only increase. Despite this, Emmeline continues to insist that fake-Jeffrey is not real-Jeffrey and nothing she does seems to help her cause. She only seems to be digging herself in deeper and deeper, as the storyline just gets even messier and delusional...much like our main character.
So what would you if you were Emmeline? Continue to protest the imposter's identity? Probably. Particularly if you were so sure he was in fact an imposter. Which begs the question, why is she so sure he isn't Jeffrey? She gives no valid explanation. Just a few vague reasons about his height, the colour of his hair, his muscular physique and a mole that he may or may not have had on his nose. But everything about him oozed Jeffrey. He even knew every private and intimate detail about them and their marriage. And yet, no matter what was thrown at her, Emmeline was so sure he wasn't Jeffrey. There are two logical explanations as to why she was so adamant - but which one is the truth?
It was so hard to sympathise with Emmeline because she was such a self-absorbed entitled manipulative gold digger, but funnily enough I did sympathise with her...to a point. But she just grates on your nerves. And everything, and I mean everything, is just so damn repetitive. There was no real plot surrounding this supposed switch from real-Jeffrey to fake-Jeffrey...just repetitive dialogues of "you aren't my husband" to "Of course I am" over and over. Where's the building tension? Give us a reason to believe like an accident and amnesia to other potential red herrings. And please, give readers something to like about the main character! How on earth are we to sympathise with someone so self-absorbed? Here we have a silly young woman carrying on like they've been married for thirty years citing "after all I've put up with this past year". A year, that's it. And then the whole doppelganger arc was a real let down, I thought. In fact the whole book was. When it could have been so much more.
This book had such potential. It really did. The concept itself was so unique. But what the hell happened? I should have known as I have read two thrillers by Cole Baxter previously and they left something of the same after taste as well. There is just something about his style I don't get. But why? THE DOPPELGANGER could have been so good. It could have been so much better. Instead it felt like I'd taken then Tardis to an episode of "Death in Paradise".
I really struggled with this book. I didn't like one single character. I couldn't form much of an impression of Jeffrey because who were we actually presented with? A real-Jeffrey or a fake-Jeffrey? I couldn't be sure. But even so, I didn't really like the one we were presented with. And no one else was remotely likable either.
Overall, THE DOPPELGANGER had a unique concept, the story so much potential, but it all just fell flat. What ensued was 366 pages of repetitive nonsense to the bitter end and final reveal which really, wasn't worth sticking at it for.
I would like to thank #ColeBaxter, #Netgalley, #InkubatorBooks and #ZoolooTours for an ARC of #TheDoppelganger in exchange for an honest review.
This review appears on my blog at https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
March 19, 2023
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Doppelganger' by Cole Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Cole Baxter and Inkubator Books.
Publication date 8th March 2023.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have also read 'The Perfect Suitor' which I would highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and unique cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I am a huge fan of Cole and if this is half as good as his 'The Perfect Suitor' then it is guaranteed to be a page turner!! I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the fictional Paradise Island.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Emmeline Keller. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
WOW!!! I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT TWIST!!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
The storyline was captivating from the first page until the last and I was completely invested in it. It was absolutely rammed full of family, secrets, shocks, deceit, tension, twists, suspense and everything you could ask for in a page turning psychological thriller. I just could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting. The atmosphere of Paradise was absolutely stunning and seeing how "the other half" live. This is one of those books that you just cannot put down!! Each and every time I said just one more chapter something happened and I had to read another and then another until next thing I know I had completely devoured the whole book in one sitting. I don't think I have ever read a book where I am constantly questioning myself and wondering what on Earth was going on and who was telling the truth as much as I did in this book. Cole's evocative writing skills puts the reader in the middle of the Island with all the characters coming to life around them.
The book began with a shock and ends in another one and I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie. I was absolutely disgusted about what a certain character was doing to another and how they thought there was nothing wrong with how they treated them was absolutely mind blowing but sadly also realistic. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil anything for future readers but I do want to say congratulations to Cole on bringing a certain "topic" to light and show it doesn't just happen one way. Arggh!! So annoying I can't say more but you'll just have to grab your copy today and find out what I mean!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. Unfortunately I am unable to say anything on how I feel about any of them without giving any of the storyline away. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!!
Congratulations Cole on yet another huge success. This is EXACTLY why you are one of my favourite male authors!! Here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller with an explosive twist!!
Genres covered in this book include Domestic Thriller, Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Thriller, Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, and Suspense Thriller and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Mark Edwards, Cathryn Grant, Daniel Hurst and anyone looking for an explosive psychological thriller with a shocking twist!!!
366 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheDoppelganger #ColeBaxter #InkubatorBooks #Inkubator #BookSprout #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited #NetGalley
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Review for 'The Doppelganger' by Cole Baxter.
Read and reviewed for ZooLoos Book Tours, Cole Baxter and Inkubator Books.
Publication date 8th March 2023.
This is the second book I have read by this author. I have also read 'The Perfect Suitor' which I would highly recommend.
I was originally drawn to this book by its eye catching and unique cover and intriguing sounding synopsis and title. I am a huge fan of Cole and if this is half as good as his 'The Perfect Suitor' then it is guaranteed to be a page turner!! I must admit I was also biased due to the publisher being Inkubator Books. I have yet to read a book published by Inkubator Books that I haven't enjoyed. Hopefully this won't be the first... Watch this space! (Written before I started reading the book).
This novel consists of 40 chapters. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!
This book is based in the fictional Paradise Island.
This book is written in third person perspective and the main protagonist is Emmeline Keller. The benefits of third person perspective are that it let's you see the bigger picture of what's going on and you get to know more characters more, what they are thinking and what they are doing. It feels like you get to see the whole picture and not miss out in anything.
WOW!!! I WAS NOT EXPECTING THAT TWIST!!!
This book is extremely well written with vivid descriptions that really set the scene and put you in the storyline. The cover and synopsis suit the book perfectly.
The storyline was captivating from the first page until the last and I was completely invested in it. It was absolutely rammed full of family, secrets, shocks, deceit, tension, twists, suspense and everything you could ask for in a page turning psychological thriller. I just could not put this book down and finished it in one sitting. The atmosphere of Paradise was absolutely stunning and seeing how "the other half" live. This is one of those books that you just cannot put down!! Each and every time I said just one more chapter something happened and I had to read another and then another until next thing I know I had completely devoured the whole book in one sitting. I don't think I have ever read a book where I am constantly questioning myself and wondering what on Earth was going on and who was telling the truth as much as I did in this book. Cole's evocative writing skills puts the reader in the middle of the Island with all the characters coming to life around them.
The book began with a shock and ends in another one and I would absolutely love to see this turned into a movie. I was absolutely disgusted about what a certain character was doing to another and how they thought there was nothing wrong with how they treated them was absolutely mind blowing but sadly also realistic. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to spoil anything for future readers but I do want to say congratulations to Cole on bringing a certain "topic" to light and show it doesn't just happen one way. Arggh!! So annoying I can't say more but you'll just have to grab your copy today and find out what I mean!!
Do not start this book until you have cleared your schedules as you will not be able to put it down!!
The characters were all realistic and strong and I was completely invested in them throughout. Unfortunately I am unable to say anything on how I feel about any of them without giving any of the storyline away. Regardless of what I thought about who, each character worked perfectly to make this page turning psychological thriller!!!
Congratulations Cole on yet another huge success. This is EXACTLY why you are one of my favourite male authors!! Here's to your next success 🥂!!
Overall an absolutely unputdownable psychological thriller with an explosive twist!!
Genres covered in this book include Domestic Thriller, Suspense, Domestic Fiction, Thriller, Women's Psychological Fiction, Psychological Thriller, Mystery, and Suspense Thriller and Psychological Fiction amongst others.
I would recommend this book to the fans of the above as well as fans of Mark Edwards, Cathryn Grant, Daniel Hurst and anyone looking for an explosive psychological thriller with a shocking twist!!!
366 pages.
This book is just 99p to purchase on kindle, free on kindle unlimited and £10.99 in paperback (at time of review) via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!
Rated 5/5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.
Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews
#TheDoppelganger #ColeBaxter #InkubatorBooks #Inkubator #BookSprout #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger #KindleUnlimited #NetGalley
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March 4, 2023
Finished ✔️ The Doppelgänger by Cole Baxter!
1 ⭐️’s
Publish Date: March 5th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Most dry, repetitive book I’ve ever read
There is a problem when you can skim read, skip paragraphs, & skip chapters AND still know what’s going in the storyline because they’re still discussing the same repetitive issues a few chapters earlier! 🤦🏻♀️
Absolutely no plot at all.
A book any reader could hold a full fledge conversation with others while in the mist of reading and still knowing what’s going on.
I don’t think you could loose your post in this book when someone is talking to you.
I’ll let others judge whether or not they want to read it. 😉
#DeesReading #DeesRecs #DeesBookRecommendations #BookNerds #BookNerdProblems #BookNerdsUnited #BookProblems #BookProblems101 #BookNerds101 #Bookworms #BookwormProblems #BooksOfFacebook #DeeTheBookReviewer #BookReviewer #NewToMeAuthor #ColeBaxter #ReadOfTheDay #BookOfTheDay #MysteriesAndThrillers #Doppelgänger #NetGalley
1 ⭐️’s
Publish Date: March 5th, 2023
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Most dry, repetitive book I’ve ever read
There is a problem when you can skim read, skip paragraphs, & skip chapters AND still know what’s going in the storyline because they’re still discussing the same repetitive issues a few chapters earlier! 🤦🏻♀️
Absolutely no plot at all.
A book any reader could hold a full fledge conversation with others while in the mist of reading and still knowing what’s going on.
I don’t think you could loose your post in this book when someone is talking to you.
I’ll let others judge whether or not they want to read it. 😉
#DeesReading #DeesRecs #DeesBookRecommendations #BookNerds #BookNerdProblems #BookNerdsUnited #BookProblems #BookProblems101 #BookNerds101 #Bookworms #BookwormProblems #BooksOfFacebook #DeeTheBookReviewer #BookReviewer #NewToMeAuthor #ColeBaxter #ReadOfTheDay #BookOfTheDay #MysteriesAndThrillers #Doppelgänger #NetGalley
April 5, 2023
Worth reading for THE most ludicrous climax of all time.
SPOILER
Hmmm.. I suspect my son's evil gold digging, cheating wife has murdered him and buried him somewhere on a small island i own... Now should i contact the police and ask them to maybe bring some sniffer dogs... No, thats too complicated. I know, ill call my nephew instead and get him to pretend to be her husband that's came back from the dead to freak her out so much she will dig up my sons body!
Mad!
SPOILER
Hmmm.. I suspect my son's evil gold digging, cheating wife has murdered him and buried him somewhere on a small island i own... Now should i contact the police and ask them to maybe bring some sniffer dogs... No, thats too complicated. I know, ill call my nephew instead and get him to pretend to be her husband that's came back from the dead to freak her out so much she will dig up my sons body!
Mad!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2023
Thank you NetGalley, Inkubator Books, and Cole Baxter for allowing me to read an advanced copy of The Doppelganger.
Up until the last two chapters I wanted to give this book a one star review. The main character, Emmeline, was infuriating and insufferable throughout the entire story. To put it bluntly, she was a narcissistic bitch! She was a manipulative bully and her thought process made for a very taxing and painful reading.
The conclusion made me change my mind about the book and that is why I am giving it four stars. I do not want to give away any spoliers, but the ending was definitely satisfying and worth the previous torture.
Up until the last two chapters I wanted to give this book a one star review. The main character, Emmeline, was infuriating and insufferable throughout the entire story. To put it bluntly, she was a narcissistic bitch! She was a manipulative bully and her thought process made for a very taxing and painful reading.
The conclusion made me change my mind about the book and that is why I am giving it four stars. I do not want to give away any spoliers, but the ending was definitely satisfying and worth the previous torture.
March 14, 2023
Where do I start, hmmm… this book made me feel like I was crazy. I had so many thoughts and scenarios running through my head on a loop. I didn’t know what was going to happen, and it was driving me insane. so this was definitely an incredibly well written book!!
Anyone who knows me, knows I am always playing the detective while I read. I feel a triumph when i am right, but when I can’t figure it out… that’s what I love… and this was definitely one of those stories.
The plot of this book, was fantastic. However; I felt it was more character focused, and to be honest I didn’t really like any one of them, in one way or another. They were a bunch of a weird people… now, that’s a first for me. I bet you’re thinking how can you read a book when you don’t like any of the characters?
Well, they were the kind of people who you didn’t like, but you couldn’t stop following. Mix that in with the crazy plot, wondering who the hell, you can trust, who has lost it and what on earth is going on. That definitely makes it an unputdownable read.
The Doppelganager was equally compelling as it was thrilling. Once I set my eyes on that first page, I needed to know more.
Anyone who knows me, knows I am always playing the detective while I read. I feel a triumph when i am right, but when I can’t figure it out… that’s what I love… and this was definitely one of those stories.
The plot of this book, was fantastic. However; I felt it was more character focused, and to be honest I didn’t really like any one of them, in one way or another. They were a bunch of a weird people… now, that’s a first for me. I bet you’re thinking how can you read a book when you don’t like any of the characters?
Well, they were the kind of people who you didn’t like, but you couldn’t stop following. Mix that in with the crazy plot, wondering who the hell, you can trust, who has lost it and what on earth is going on. That definitely makes it an unputdownable read.
The Doppelganager was equally compelling as it was thrilling. Once I set my eyes on that first page, I needed to know more.
March 11, 2023
Thankyou to Netgalley, the publisher and Cole Baxter for allowing me to read this ARC.
This is my first title by Cole Baxter and i enjoyed this book.
I must admit that in some parts i did find it a bit slow but i really did enjoy this book.
I like the story line, i think it was very unique.
The main female character did annoy me alot, she was very unlikeable.
This book was full of suspense, gaslighting and betrayal.
This book had twists and turns and a ending that i did not see coming!
I give this book 4/5 stars.
Thankyou
This is my first title by Cole Baxter and i enjoyed this book.
I must admit that in some parts i did find it a bit slow but i really did enjoy this book.
I like the story line, i think it was very unique.
The main female character did annoy me alot, she was very unlikeable.
This book was full of suspense, gaslighting and betrayal.
This book had twists and turns and a ending that i did not see coming!
I give this book 4/5 stars.
Thankyou
March 7, 2023
suspensful
This was an amazing mystery. The twists and turns keep you guessing the whole time. I absolutely loved this book
This was an amazing mystery. The twists and turns keep you guessing the whole time. I absolutely loved this book
March 17, 2023
This was without a doubt the worst book I have ever read. It just goes on and on with the dumbest dialogue. The only good thing is, you can skip page after page after page and you won’t miss anything. This was obviously self published, because there isn’t an editor in the world that would’ve let this one go through.
April 7, 2023
3,5 -4 stars.
Jeffrey and Emmeline are about to spend a few carefree weeks at his family's private island. Everything seems up to a great start, when suddenly, the sunny days are overshadowed by a strange turn of events, when an impostor takes Jeffrey's place and Emmeline is the only person on the island to realise the truth...
It's difficult to rate this one. At times, it was a 5 star read, full of surprises and unexpected turns of events, clever and shrewd.
At other times, it was a bit lengthy. I agree that some of the scenes could have been cut shorter.
I decided to rate it 4 stars because even though some parts felt somewhat repetitive, the book still held my interest. Emmeline's voice was addictive. She certainly isn't a main character to love and sympathise with, but oh boy did she draw me into the story. Like a car accident you can't avert your eyes from. Terrible, yet spine tinglingly captivating. I loved following her into the depths of the story, even though I agree with other reviews that there was not one character in the book that felt loveable.
Then again, this is not a story that calls for loveable characters. It's a twisty tale of psychological suspense that kept me on my toes, guessing and eager to uncover the truth about fake Jeffrey together with Emmeline.
The Doppelganger was the first Cole Baxter novel I've read, and I'll be sure to check out his other works.
I received an ebook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and would like to thank the publisher for introducing me to a new favourite author.
Jeffrey and Emmeline are about to spend a few carefree weeks at his family's private island. Everything seems up to a great start, when suddenly, the sunny days are overshadowed by a strange turn of events, when an impostor takes Jeffrey's place and Emmeline is the only person on the island to realise the truth...
It's difficult to rate this one. At times, it was a 5 star read, full of surprises and unexpected turns of events, clever and shrewd.
At other times, it was a bit lengthy. I agree that some of the scenes could have been cut shorter.
I decided to rate it 4 stars because even though some parts felt somewhat repetitive, the book still held my interest. Emmeline's voice was addictive. She certainly isn't a main character to love and sympathise with, but oh boy did she draw me into the story. Like a car accident you can't avert your eyes from. Terrible, yet spine tinglingly captivating. I loved following her into the depths of the story, even though I agree with other reviews that there was not one character in the book that felt loveable.
Then again, this is not a story that calls for loveable characters. It's a twisty tale of psychological suspense that kept me on my toes, guessing and eager to uncover the truth about fake Jeffrey together with Emmeline.
The Doppelganger was the first Cole Baxter novel I've read, and I'll be sure to check out his other works.
I received an ebook through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review and would like to thank the publisher for introducing me to a new favourite author.
November 24, 2024
Emmeline and Jeffrey are going on holiday with Jeffrey's side of the family. But after an argument, Emmeline and Jeffrey go to the forest and only Emmeline returns. Telling his family that she expected Jeffery to return on his own, she says it's unusual that no one has seen or heard from Jeffrey yet. Suddenly, Jeffrey returns - or at least, everyone but Emmeline believe Jeffery has returned. Then the entire story follows Emmeline trying to prove that this isn't the real Jeffrey, yet she gives no explanation why she thinks this only that it's not right. This therefore makes it really easy to know what happened in the forest at the beginning: that Emmeline had done something to Jeffrey (such as killing him) because it's the only reason she couldn't believe this was the real Jeffrey. As a character, Emmeline isn't likeable at all. She's manipulative and a bully to Jeffrey. She therefore receives the same treatment from 'fake Jeffrey' and fails to understand why she's a victim. What isn't made clear is why the family would play along with someone they don't know, and how they could be prepared to assume Emmeline would do something to Jeffrey. The story could have been shorter and less repetitive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2023
Readers: I suggest you read this book with the doors locked and the lights ON!! Cole Baxter has done it again…scared the bejeezus out of me! Man oh man—books don’t usually scare me but The Doppelgänger had me jumping at every little noise. It’s absolutely amazing!
The storyline is gripping; the characters are a study in crazy like a fox; the plot twists and turns keep you flipping those pages as you descend into madness; and the downward slide to the ending guarantees that you will be shocked out of your mind. It’s simply one of the most incredibly suspenseful and terrifying books I’ve had the pleasure to read—and I LOVE to be scared!!
If you’re looking for a solid but scary as hell suspenseful read…The Doppelgänger is for you. Be sure to grab a copy today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was absolutely blown away by it!!)
The storyline is gripping; the characters are a study in crazy like a fox; the plot twists and turns keep you flipping those pages as you descend into madness; and the downward slide to the ending guarantees that you will be shocked out of your mind. It’s simply one of the most incredibly suspenseful and terrifying books I’ve had the pleasure to read—and I LOVE to be scared!!
If you’re looking for a solid but scary as hell suspenseful read…The Doppelgänger is for you. Be sure to grab a copy today! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was absolutely blown away by it!!)
March 21, 2023
Get Ready To Jump Aboard The Emmeline And Jeffery Keller Crazy Train
This book is INSANE!!!
Unbelievably wealthy, entitled young couple, Emmerline, and Jeffery Keller, celebrating their one year wedding anniversary, jetting of to the beautiful “Paradise Island to celebrate with husbands family.
Two sisters - Lynne and Jessie Mae
Parents. Matthew and Odette
It’s safe to say Emmerline and Jeffery’s marriage has/ is having its problems.
So.
It comes as no surprise that, after a little indulgent flirting with the staff, by Emmeline, that her and Jeffery have a knock down, dragged out, fight of EPIC proportions.
Resulting in the “ D” word ( as in divorce ) being said
Jeffery flys off into the forest in a rage, with Emmerline in hot pursuit ranting at him.
Emmerline is FURIOUS with Jeffery but, she loses track of him (?) only to get lost herself.
Once she find her way back to their shared cabin, bruised and bleeding, she showers and goes to sleep.
Next morning, hubby still hasn’t returned…
In fact he doesn’t return for a whole twenty four hours.
And when he does…
Well.
He looks like Jeffery, sounds like Jeffery, but Emmeline is CERTAIN beyond doubt that
It is NOT Jeffery.
Like an almost identical twin…Almost.
Is she crazy?
Going out if her mind?
Especially since his own mother, and family are convinced this imposter is their son and brother.
As Jeffery goes about trying to convince her it is actually him, Emmerline sinks further, and further into madness.
Right up until the shocking, explosive, reveal at the end…
Emmeline is not a very pleasant female lead.
She has a shopping list of adjectives
Entitled
Immature
Self centred.
Paranoid
Delusional
Superficial
Shallow
Volatile
Not to mention, her libido’s is off the charts.
This girl never meet a male that she didn’t want to “flirt” with.
In fact, she thought nothing of sleeping with other men throughout her marriage.
She considered it the “evolution of a marital relationship”
Where couples weren’t expected to stay within the confines of “traditional” marriage
Safe to say, Hubby wasn’t onboard the Emmeline train when it came to this rationale, considering, the majority of their arguments revolve around her flirting with other men.
I think he has a case for his possessiveness and jealousy
And let me just say, this girl does a LOT of flirting with other men, which she is completely aware of,
“Every man wanted her; they all desired her. It was a fact.” - Emmaline’s musings
She enjoys getting under her husbands skin.
What blew my mind was her having the audacity to play the victim, and accuse her husband of being the unreasonable one.
I mean it was her behaviour with Patrick, the member of staff she got caught with, that kicked off the massive argument.
For someone supposedly in LOVE with her husband.it was outrageous.
THEN!
She turns around and accuse Jeffery of being possessive, and unreasonable
( eye rolls)
She liked the flirting.
She liked the attention.
She LIKED being a seductress,.. PERIOD!
The IDEA of the traditional marriage with its vows meant nothing to her, whereas it was everything to Jeffery.
The girl was completely, off-the-charts delusional.
However, No matter the drama going on in her life, Emmaline never let it distract her from admiring a good, strong, male body.
You know, at times I thought this book, …at certain points, …was badly written, but then I realised it was just the scatterbrained musings of our female lead.
( And BOY! were they crazy )
There is nothing worse than reading a book where the female lead makes stupid mistakes due to her superiority complex, only to sit around musing, and navel gazing over them for more than half the story.
CONSTANTLY!
Emmaline was a ball of contradictions.
EXAMPLE:-
1. She was totally surprised in ( fake ) Jeffery for slapping, kicking and beating her.
When she had no such problems admitting that she would slap, and punch REAL Jeffery throughout their marriage. ( she’s an abuser )
Being absolutely disgusted fake Jeffery for hitting a women…Ugh!
“ she was the real alpha in their relationship “ -
She mused after sending a girl packing, that her husband had the audacity to take as a lover.
What’s good for the goose, CLEARLY isn’t good for the gander.
2. She underestimated ( fake) Jeffery, when he was always two steps ahead of her, but it wasn’t HER fault.
She made Stupid mistake, after stupid mistakes due to her overblown opinion of herself, but it was NEVER her fault.
The girl was just plain crazy!!!
Which, in a way explained the twist/ big reveal at the end.
Yeah.
Emmeline annoyed the heck out of me, but I STILL found it hard to put this book down.
I just wanted to know WTF WAS GOING ON!!!
This is a first time read from Cole, and I might just have to take another trip into his crazy world after this on.
Four stars
This book is INSANE!!!
Unbelievably wealthy, entitled young couple, Emmerline, and Jeffery Keller, celebrating their one year wedding anniversary, jetting of to the beautiful “Paradise Island to celebrate with husbands family.
Two sisters - Lynne and Jessie Mae
Parents. Matthew and Odette
It’s safe to say Emmerline and Jeffery’s marriage has/ is having its problems.
So.
It comes as no surprise that, after a little indulgent flirting with the staff, by Emmeline, that her and Jeffery have a knock down, dragged out, fight of EPIC proportions.
Resulting in the “ D” word ( as in divorce ) being said
Jeffery flys off into the forest in a rage, with Emmerline in hot pursuit ranting at him.
Emmerline is FURIOUS with Jeffery but, she loses track of him (?) only to get lost herself.
Once she find her way back to their shared cabin, bruised and bleeding, she showers and goes to sleep.
Next morning, hubby still hasn’t returned…
In fact he doesn’t return for a whole twenty four hours.
And when he does…
Well.
He looks like Jeffery, sounds like Jeffery, but Emmeline is CERTAIN beyond doubt that
It is NOT Jeffery.
Like an almost identical twin…Almost.
Is she crazy?
Going out if her mind?
Especially since his own mother, and family are convinced this imposter is their son and brother.
As Jeffery goes about trying to convince her it is actually him, Emmerline sinks further, and further into madness.
Right up until the shocking, explosive, reveal at the end…
Emmeline is not a very pleasant female lead.
She has a shopping list of adjectives
Entitled
Immature
Self centred.
Paranoid
Delusional
Superficial
Shallow
Volatile
Not to mention, her libido’s is off the charts.
This girl never meet a male that she didn’t want to “flirt” with.
In fact, she thought nothing of sleeping with other men throughout her marriage.
She considered it the “evolution of a marital relationship”
Where couples weren’t expected to stay within the confines of “traditional” marriage
Safe to say, Hubby wasn’t onboard the Emmeline train when it came to this rationale, considering, the majority of their arguments revolve around her flirting with other men.
I think he has a case for his possessiveness and jealousy
And let me just say, this girl does a LOT of flirting with other men, which she is completely aware of,
“Every man wanted her; they all desired her. It was a fact.” - Emmaline’s musings
She enjoys getting under her husbands skin.
What blew my mind was her having the audacity to play the victim, and accuse her husband of being the unreasonable one.
I mean it was her behaviour with Patrick, the member of staff she got caught with, that kicked off the massive argument.
For someone supposedly in LOVE with her husband.it was outrageous.
THEN!
She turns around and accuse Jeffery of being possessive, and unreasonable
( eye rolls)
She liked the flirting.
She liked the attention.
She LIKED being a seductress,.. PERIOD!
The IDEA of the traditional marriage with its vows meant nothing to her, whereas it was everything to Jeffery.
The girl was completely, off-the-charts delusional.
However, No matter the drama going on in her life, Emmaline never let it distract her from admiring a good, strong, male body.
You know, at times I thought this book, …at certain points, …was badly written, but then I realised it was just the scatterbrained musings of our female lead.
( And BOY! were they crazy )
There is nothing worse than reading a book where the female lead makes stupid mistakes due to her superiority complex, only to sit around musing, and navel gazing over them for more than half the story.
CONSTANTLY!
Emmaline was a ball of contradictions.
EXAMPLE:-
1. She was totally surprised in ( fake ) Jeffery for slapping, kicking and beating her.
When she had no such problems admitting that she would slap, and punch REAL Jeffery throughout their marriage. ( she’s an abuser )
Being absolutely disgusted fake Jeffery for hitting a women…Ugh!
“ she was the real alpha in their relationship “ -
She mused after sending a girl packing, that her husband had the audacity to take as a lover.
What’s good for the goose, CLEARLY isn’t good for the gander.
2. She underestimated ( fake) Jeffery, when he was always two steps ahead of her, but it wasn’t HER fault.
She made Stupid mistake, after stupid mistakes due to her overblown opinion of herself, but it was NEVER her fault.
The girl was just plain crazy!!!
Which, in a way explained the twist/ big reveal at the end.
Yeah.
Emmeline annoyed the heck out of me, but I STILL found it hard to put this book down.
I just wanted to know WTF WAS GOING ON!!!
This is a first time read from Cole, and I might just have to take another trip into his crazy world after this on.
Four stars
May 28, 2025
Here is my review for The Doppelganger by Cole Baxter
I found this story to be a truly gripping psychological thriller that I just couldn’t put down as I wanted to know what happened next. I was hooked right from the start of the book. It’s time for Emmeline and Jeffrey to celebrate their first year of marriage and Jeffrey’s parents have invited them to their island to be with the family so they celebrate it all together. Emmeline’s not particularly happy with the idea but she agrees with it. Things between her and Jeffrey aren’t great and she is hoping that a holiday will give them time to be happy together again like they used to be before Jeffrey got so possessive over her. It’s like she can’t talk to another man, only him. Things go badly wrong on holiday though after an argument and then things might never be right again! This story was excellently written and superbly plotted. The characters of Emmeline and Jeffrey were exceptionally written and the actions seemed so real, it didn’t seem like just a story. I was on tenterhooks sometimes throughout this story. The other characters were well written and acted their parts well too. The synopsis drew me to read this book and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed. This author’s writing is so real, it keeps me captivated whilst reading his books. I like his writing style and find it very easy to read his writing. His stories are very descriptive and describe everything in detail but it leaves you in no doubt of what is happening or about to, that is why his novels are filled with suspense. I really enjoy reading his stories and can’t wait to read his next book.
Blurb :
All is not as it seems. And neither is Jeffrey.
Emmeline Hopkins-Keller is in paradise, sharing a luxurious holiday on a tropical island with her husband Jeffrey and his family. But it’s hard to relax and enjoy it when she knows her marriage is in deep trouble.
One fateful night, a cataclysmic argument between Emmeline and Jeffrey sends him fleeing into the deep, dark forest. A day later he is still missing, leaving everyone shocked and bewildered.
Then, a miracle. Jeffrey turns up unharmed and wants to reconcile. But something is horribly wrong. He looks and sounds like Jeffrey, but Emmeline is 100% sure he's not the man she married. Even if everyone in his family is welcoming this stranger with open arms.
Which leaves her wondering, who exactly is this imposter? And how can he deceive everyone around him? And most of all – what are his plans for Emmeline?
Struggling to believe that everyone around her is lying, Emmeline begins to doubt herself, to lose her grip on reality. Only one thing is certain – when she finally uncovers the terrifying truth, her life will be changed forever.
Dripping with intrigue, The Doppelganger is an enthralling psychological thriller that will surprise you at every turn.
I found this story to be a truly gripping psychological thriller that I just couldn’t put down as I wanted to know what happened next. I was hooked right from the start of the book. It’s time for Emmeline and Jeffrey to celebrate their first year of marriage and Jeffrey’s parents have invited them to their island to be with the family so they celebrate it all together. Emmeline’s not particularly happy with the idea but she agrees with it. Things between her and Jeffrey aren’t great and she is hoping that a holiday will give them time to be happy together again like they used to be before Jeffrey got so possessive over her. It’s like she can’t talk to another man, only him. Things go badly wrong on holiday though after an argument and then things might never be right again! This story was excellently written and superbly plotted. The characters of Emmeline and Jeffrey were exceptionally written and the actions seemed so real, it didn’t seem like just a story. I was on tenterhooks sometimes throughout this story. The other characters were well written and acted their parts well too. The synopsis drew me to read this book and I most certainly wasn’t disappointed. This author’s writing is so real, it keeps me captivated whilst reading his books. I like his writing style and find it very easy to read his writing. His stories are very descriptive and describe everything in detail but it leaves you in no doubt of what is happening or about to, that is why his novels are filled with suspense. I really enjoy reading his stories and can’t wait to read his next book.
Blurb :
All is not as it seems. And neither is Jeffrey.
Emmeline Hopkins-Keller is in paradise, sharing a luxurious holiday on a tropical island with her husband Jeffrey and his family. But it’s hard to relax and enjoy it when she knows her marriage is in deep trouble.
One fateful night, a cataclysmic argument between Emmeline and Jeffrey sends him fleeing into the deep, dark forest. A day later he is still missing, leaving everyone shocked and bewildered.
Then, a miracle. Jeffrey turns up unharmed and wants to reconcile. But something is horribly wrong. He looks and sounds like Jeffrey, but Emmeline is 100% sure he's not the man she married. Even if everyone in his family is welcoming this stranger with open arms.
Which leaves her wondering, who exactly is this imposter? And how can he deceive everyone around him? And most of all – what are his plans for Emmeline?
Struggling to believe that everyone around her is lying, Emmeline begins to doubt herself, to lose her grip on reality. Only one thing is certain – when she finally uncovers the terrifying truth, her life will be changed forever.
Dripping with intrigue, The Doppelganger is an enthralling psychological thriller that will surprise you at every turn.
October 16, 2025
The Doppelganger – Cole Baxter (Psychological Thriller Box Set II)
Emmeline, married to Jeffrey Keller, is living the dream , a loving husband, unlimited wealth, attention, and looks. You’d think this couple has it all. Like every marriage, though, there are ups and downs, and a luxurious vacation on the family island seems like the perfect chance to reconnect. But one fancy getaway turns into a nightmare, and everything comes crashing down. Will their marriage survive the trip… or will it be the end of them both?
OMG, this is a fast-paced psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat! The twists and turns literally had my mind reeling. Cole Baxter does an excellent job building suspense and layering uncertainty; that ending blew my mind. I never saw it coming! The story blurs the line between reality and fantasy in such a gripping way. It had me questioning everything and realizing you never truly know someone, no matter how long you’ve been with them. The mind is powerful… but also frighteningly fragile.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves intense, twisty psychological thrillers!
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher, for the advance copy for an honest review.
Emmeline, married to Jeffrey Keller, is living the dream , a loving husband, unlimited wealth, attention, and looks. You’d think this couple has it all. Like every marriage, though, there are ups and downs, and a luxurious vacation on the family island seems like the perfect chance to reconnect. But one fancy getaway turns into a nightmare, and everything comes crashing down. Will their marriage survive the trip… or will it be the end of them both?
OMG, this is a fast-paced psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat! The twists and turns literally had my mind reeling. Cole Baxter does an excellent job building suspense and layering uncertainty; that ending blew my mind. I never saw it coming! The story blurs the line between reality and fantasy in such a gripping way. It had me questioning everything and realizing you never truly know someone, no matter how long you’ve been with them. The mind is powerful… but also frighteningly fragile.
Highly recommend for anyone who loves intense, twisty psychological thrillers!
Thank you, NetGalley, the author and the publisher, for the advance copy for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
Okay.. I don't know how to feel about this one.
I loved the storyline. I thought it was very good. Very clever! I did not suspect the twist in the last few chapters.
However, I really really don't like Emmeline. I just don't understand her. She's blaming her husband for the arguments based on him being jealous when she is clearly crossing a line (more than once as you read on and hugely too).
I found her entitled and a spoilt brat! She loves to use her surname as a power move or right of passage (baring in mind she married into that family)!
I found her incredibly selfish and self-centred and completely stuck up. She also had a complete lack of respect for her husband.
I do have to give it to her, she doesn't give up. She is adamant that this isn't her husband and how to get revenge on him.
In hindsight, i don't think you're supposed to like Emmeline, especially during the last few chapters! And it just explains her as a person all over
I loved the storyline. I thought it was very good. Very clever! I did not suspect the twist in the last few chapters.
However, I really really don't like Emmeline. I just don't understand her. She's blaming her husband for the arguments based on him being jealous when she is clearly crossing a line (more than once as you read on and hugely too).
I found her entitled and a spoilt brat! She loves to use her surname as a power move or right of passage (baring in mind she married into that family)!
I found her incredibly selfish and self-centred and completely stuck up. She also had a complete lack of respect for her husband.
I do have to give it to her, she doesn't give up. She is adamant that this isn't her husband and how to get revenge on him.
In hindsight, i don't think you're supposed to like Emmeline, especially during the last few chapters! And it just explains her as a person all over
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2025
Is your spouse who you think they are..
Emmeline and Jeffrey have a wonderful and gifted life of leisure, having whatever they want. Including being able to vacation at their families own private island for them and their staff. The one rule... no phones, no computers, no internet.
Sounds absolutely fabulous, for this whole family and their families have some quiet relaxing time together. Until Emmeline finds that her husband does not seem to be himself, even though he looks just like him, minus the mole that should be on his nose... and he knows everything that her real husband Jeffrey knows, right down to very private details others should not know about. So when they get into a fight, she leaves him and wanders around for hours before finding out where the cabin is, why does Jeffrey not show up? It is like she is in a fog... until she is not!
What an amazing story, with an ending that is truly epic!
Emmeline and Jeffrey have a wonderful and gifted life of leisure, having whatever they want. Including being able to vacation at their families own private island for them and their staff. The one rule... no phones, no computers, no internet.
Sounds absolutely fabulous, for this whole family and their families have some quiet relaxing time together. Until Emmeline finds that her husband does not seem to be himself, even though he looks just like him, minus the mole that should be on his nose... and he knows everything that her real husband Jeffrey knows, right down to very private details others should not know about. So when they get into a fight, she leaves him and wanders around for hours before finding out where the cabin is, why does Jeffrey not show up? It is like she is in a fog... until she is not!
What an amazing story, with an ending that is truly epic!
March 15, 2023
I loved this title and the idea of what if you’re sure you’re right?
This story begins pleasantly enough when Emmeline Hopkins-Keller and her husband Jeffrey join his family on their luxurious private island for a holiday, but when Jeffrey disappears and then miraculously returns, things take a very dark turn. Emmeline is sure this Jeffrey is not her husband. This book is very well written as I could feel Emmeline’s descent into obsession and paranoia, although sometimes I really didn’t like her as she came across at times as a spoilt, self indulgent woman. But I could also understand her desperation as she tries to get the family to see what she does. It kept me wondering right until the last page what the truth actually was.
The Doppleganger is the first book I’ve read by Cole Baxter but it certainly won’t be the last.
This story begins pleasantly enough when Emmeline Hopkins-Keller and her husband Jeffrey join his family on their luxurious private island for a holiday, but when Jeffrey disappears and then miraculously returns, things take a very dark turn. Emmeline is sure this Jeffrey is not her husband. This book is very well written as I could feel Emmeline’s descent into obsession and paranoia, although sometimes I really didn’t like her as she came across at times as a spoilt, self indulgent woman. But I could also understand her desperation as she tries to get the family to see what she does. It kept me wondering right until the last page what the truth actually was.
The Doppleganger is the first book I’ve read by Cole Baxter but it certainly won’t be the last.
March 14, 2023
I did not like this book. Contrary to nearly every other psychological thriller I have read, and there have been many, the words written did not endear any of the characters to me. I felt no loyalty to any of the family; no sense of loss when the bad character was finally revealed.
Admittedly it is rather a short book but to be a really good read requires something more than just evil and hate and bad tidings. I don’t like the way this writer used certain words against the female characters, as if marking them all with the same pen. At the same time, the male characters were not people I would want to spend any time with either.
I suggest a total rewrite, taking care to think about what the words used reveal to the reader.
Admittedly it is rather a short book but to be a really good read requires something more than just evil and hate and bad tidings. I don’t like the way this writer used certain words against the female characters, as if marking them all with the same pen. At the same time, the male characters were not people I would want to spend any time with either.
I suggest a total rewrite, taking care to think about what the words used reveal to the reader.
May 18, 2025
Thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours for this ARC. It was well-written, and the characters were utterly infuriating. I cannot convey how much I hated Emmeline! I was having to pause every few pages to tell my partner the latest thing she'd done or said because she drove me so mad.
The thing that let this book down for me, sadly, is that I guessed the entire plot by about the twenty percent mark. As soon as the thing went wrong, I predicted to my partner how the book would play out, and I was totally right. Guessing whodunnit in a thriller is always fun, but when there was nothing more to unravel by the end, I was a bit disappointed.
If you want a quick thriller with lots of family drama, give it a whirl. Reading a book where you get angry with the characters is always fun!
The thing that let this book down for me, sadly, is that I guessed the entire plot by about the twenty percent mark. As soon as the thing went wrong, I predicted to my partner how the book would play out, and I was totally right. Guessing whodunnit in a thriller is always fun, but when there was nothing more to unravel by the end, I was a bit disappointed.
If you want a quick thriller with lots of family drama, give it a whirl. Reading a book where you get angry with the characters is always fun!
March 18, 2023
I've read several of Baxter's books of late and this one's definitely my favourite!
Hands up if you didn't like Emmeline...I didn't, she was the epitome of narcissism and probably the most unlikeable book character I've come across in a while.
'Doppelgängers are mysterious beings. They reside in realms that mirror our own. They're the exact replicas, doubles of real, living persons'
Can you imagine this happening to you? You'd know if there was a fraudster in place of your partner, wouldn't you?
Doppelganger was crazy, creepy and very compelling. It's a slow starter that picks up around the halfway mark.
Many thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hands up if you didn't like Emmeline...I didn't, she was the epitome of narcissism and probably the most unlikeable book character I've come across in a while.
'Doppelgängers are mysterious beings. They reside in realms that mirror our own. They're the exact replicas, doubles of real, living persons'
Can you imagine this happening to you? You'd know if there was a fraudster in place of your partner, wouldn't you?
Doppelganger was crazy, creepy and very compelling. It's a slow starter that picks up around the halfway mark.
Many thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
March 31, 2023
This wasn't a bad read although I came close to not finishing it several times. The actual story was great but it got so repetitious with Emmeline's whiny pathetic character I could hardly bear it sometimes. Hate is a strong word but I really despised her. I have no clue what Jeffery ever saw in her. If that's what she considers love I wouldn't want any part of it.
I loved what happened here even if it did have me wondering "what the heck" a few times!
#TheDoppelganger #NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this copy for an honest review.
I loved what happened here even if it did have me wondering "what the heck" a few times!
#TheDoppelganger #NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for this copy for an honest review.
April 22, 2023
Bad bad writing
I normally don't leave reviews, but this book took me two weeks to finish and it was painful to do so . the amount of times the author said the same thing over and over again was insane . the wife's character had to be the most irritating and annoying character in a book I have ever read . he made her out to seem like a child the whole time . almost four hundred pages of basically the same thing over and over , this book was by far one of my least favorite books I have read this year .
I normally don't leave reviews, but this book took me two weeks to finish and it was painful to do so . the amount of times the author said the same thing over and over again was insane . the wife's character had to be the most irritating and annoying character in a book I have ever read . he made her out to seem like a child the whole time . almost four hundred pages of basically the same thing over and over , this book was by far one of my least favorite books I have read this year .
May 19, 2025
Absolutely brilliant!! It keeps you on the edge of your seat as you question everything that you're reading.
Emmeline is such a monster that you can't help but dislike her and wish for Jeffrey to see sense. He's not sure lucky but Emmeline is not as clever as she thinks she is!! The Keller family are brilliant and stick together as you'd expect a family would, particularly when one of their own has been suffering.
I loved that this wasn't obvious and had Emmeline questioning herself and whether something supernatural was going on. A great read
Emmeline is such a monster that you can't help but dislike her and wish for Jeffrey to see sense. He's not sure lucky but Emmeline is not as clever as she thinks she is!! The Keller family are brilliant and stick together as you'd expect a family would, particularly when one of their own has been suffering.
I loved that this wasn't obvious and had Emmeline questioning herself and whether something supernatural was going on. A great read
May 31, 2025
A really excellent boxset for all psychological thriller fans.
This last book is no different a really good read, it keeps you hooked from start to finish, with all good thrillers the ended is surprising.
This boxset is on KU and if you want to buy it on kindle it is currently only 99p ( for 4 books 😃)
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @colebaxterauthor and @inkubatorbooks for having me on the tour and for a copy of
this boxset
#zooloosbooktours #lisareadsalot #boxset #psychologicalthrillers #bookstagram
This last book is no different a really good read, it keeps you hooked from start to finish, with all good thrillers the ended is surprising.
This boxset is on KU and if you want to buy it on kindle it is currently only 99p ( for 4 books 😃)
Thank you @zooloosbooktours @colebaxterauthor and @inkubatorbooks for having me on the tour and for a copy of
this boxset
#zooloosbooktours #lisareadsalot #boxset #psychologicalthrillers #bookstagram
March 16, 2023
.This book has a creepy premise that really intrigued me and I think it was delivered well throughout the book.
It is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I found Emmeline to be really annoying, she was so unlikeable but I think this made her even more believable.
The book is gripping, full of twists and unpredictability and crammed with action, suspense, betrayal, mistrust and a side order of gaslighting.
I really enjoyed it
It is well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters. I found Emmeline to be really annoying, she was so unlikeable but I think this made her even more believable.
The book is gripping, full of twists and unpredictability and crammed with action, suspense, betrayal, mistrust and a side order of gaslighting.
I really enjoyed it
March 21, 2023
Never liked her
It's a strange thing to read a book where you don't like the main character. When some of her ruminations showed her distorted thinking, I knew I didn't like her. I thought she would get killed off in the end, but I was wrong. The ending with its twists and turns makes sense. If it weren't for her flip flop countenance, somewhat elementary in scope, I would have given 5 stars. A unique story line.
It's a strange thing to read a book where you don't like the main character. When some of her ruminations showed her distorted thinking, I knew I didn't like her. I thought she would get killed off in the end, but I was wrong. The ending with its twists and turns makes sense. If it weren't for her flip flop countenance, somewhat elementary in scope, I would have given 5 stars. A unique story line.
March 26, 2023
A slightly terrifying situation and a clever main character, who isn’t one to let the truth go. This book is brilliantly written, with the undertones of fear and paranoia running throughout. It would be so difficult to be in this situation, especially without anyone believing you.
I loved the detail and suspicious moments the author added to the story, really bringing it to life. I also loved the big what if that bubbles under the surface. Overall an great wee read.
I loved the detail and suspicious moments the author added to the story, really bringing it to life. I also loved the big what if that bubbles under the surface. Overall an great wee read.
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