What do you think?
Rate this book
Where You End
A Good Morning America Buzz Pick
A Mary Calvi Book Club Pick
“A perfectly paced, addictive thriller with a vicious twist.” —Paula Hawkins
When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions: What happened? Where am I? Who am I?
Amid this tragedy, Jude sees an irresistible opportunity: she can give her sister a brand-new past, one worlds away from the lives they really led. She spins tales of an idyllic childhood, exotic travels, and a bright future.
But if everything was so perfect, who are the mysterious people following Kat? And what explains her uncontrollable flashes of violent anger, which begin to jeopardize a sweet new romance?
Duped by the one person she trusted, Kat must try to untangle fact from fiction. Yet as she pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, she has no idea of the catastrophe she’s inviting.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and the quest for redemption.
A Mary Calvi Book Club Pick
“A perfectly paced, addictive thriller with a vicious twist.” —Paula Hawkins
When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions: What happened? Where am I? Who am I?
Amid this tragedy, Jude sees an irresistible opportunity: she can give her sister a brand-new past, one worlds away from the lives they really led. She spins tales of an idyllic childhood, exotic travels, and a bright future.
But if everything was so perfect, who are the mysterious people following Kat? And what explains her uncontrollable flashes of violent anger, which begin to jeopardize a sweet new romance?
Duped by the one person she trusted, Kat must try to untangle fact from fiction. Yet as she pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, she has no idea of the catastrophe she’s inviting.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and the quest for redemption.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2024
544 people are currently reading
27610 people want to read
About the author
Abbott Kahler
4 books208 followersThis author is also published under Karen Abbott
Abbott Kahler, formerly writing as Karen Abbott, is the New York Times bestselling author of Sin in the Second City; American Rose; Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy; and The Ghosts of Eden Park. She is also the host of Remus: The Mad Bootleg King, a podcast about legendary Jazz Age bootlegger George Remus. A native of Philadelphia, she lives in New York City and in Greenport, New York.
Abbott Kahler, formerly writing as Karen Abbott, is the New York Times bestselling author of Sin in the Second City; American Rose; Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy; and The Ghosts of Eden Park. She is also the host of Remus: The Mad Bootleg King, a podcast about legendary Jazz Age bootlegger George Remus. A native of Philadelphia, she lives in New York City and in Greenport, New York.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 990 reviews
January 24, 2024
For two weeks, Kat Bird hovered between life and death. Comatose following a horrendous car accident, her identical twin sister, Jude, just prayed she’d wake up. But when Kat finally opens her eyes, Jude is startled to learn that Kat’s only memories from before the accident are of her. Luckily for Kat, though, she’s got Jude by her side. After all, they’ve been closer than close since conception itself.
Once out of the hospital, Kat tries to start putting the puzzle pieces of her memory back together with Jude’s help. At the top of the list are who she is and how she landed in a hospital bed. Little does she know, however, that Jude has taken this opportunity to reinvent the past. Instead of their shared history, she packs her sister’s blank slate with a happy childhood full of bliss along with glistening hopes for a promising future.
While Jude is at work, however, Kat gets down to business rediscovering who she is on her own terms. Wandering the neighborhood by herself, she meets Sab, a man who she’s instantly drawn to. Before she knows it, she has fallen head over heels. But just as the new romance is hitting the perfect chord, Kat discovers she has a violent streak that she never before knew existed.
Asking for an explanation from Jude, it just doesn’t seem to add up. Even more unnerving is how Kat feels as though she’s being followed. If their life was so perfect, what exactly is going on? Has Jude been lying to Kat? And how can she uncover the truth for herself? What Kat doesn’t realize, however, is that her fact finding mission may have very real—and very dangerous—consequences that could reach far beyond the twins’ relationship.
What a twisted, twisted tale. From the beginning, Where You End felt decidedly more like a drama than psychological thriller. Complete with one dark and creepy underlying premise that gave me very real shivers, it took me on one heck of a ride. It did not, though, display ever ratcheting suspense or any truly epic twists and turns. Yet despite that fact, I still found myself being pulled into the story, eager to learn where the events would eventually lead.
Out of all of the winning attributes of this book, the brilliant characters took a starring role. Fully fleshed out and yet wholly unreliable, I didn’t know who to trust for much of the novel. But as the secrets were exposed and the truth was laid bare, their behaviors resonated with an odd sense of sincerity that I didn’t expect. Did they come across just a bit juvenile to this reader? Well, yes, but it fit into the premise just right. After all, their childhood was far from the idyllic fairytale that Jude wove for Kat and who knows how that would impact their mental age.
For a good two thirds of this book, the epic drama unfurled through a well-written plot that left me doubting nearly everything and everyone. But as I reached the last one hundred pages, the danger grew larger and the thriller finally took over. And while perhaps not filled with unease or any particularly shocking twists and turns, the cunning, smart prose hit just the right chord and kept me happily turning the pages.
There were, unfortunately, a few hitches along the way. Right off the bat, I was surprised by the slow pace and somewhat literary feel. After a bit, I did adapt to the style, but it took awhile to get past the departure from true blue thriller. The only other piece that irked me just a tad was how the climax and conclusion felt as if it was being chronicled and not brought to life. It’s hard to explain, but it felt somewhat detached from the action. But then, even that didn’t truly ruin this one for me.
All in all, I still found this book to be utterly unputdownable and addictive. Told in dual timelines and POVs, I was beyond curious about what Jude was hiding. Just the same, I wish I’d known ahead of time that this was anything but an action-packed thriller. It wouldn’t have stopped me from diving in, but perhaps it would’ve changed my expectations a bit (and thereby my rating). Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Abbott Kahler and Henry Holt for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: cult, blackmail, homelessness, suicide, child abuse
Once out of the hospital, Kat tries to start putting the puzzle pieces of her memory back together with Jude’s help. At the top of the list are who she is and how she landed in a hospital bed. Little does she know, however, that Jude has taken this opportunity to reinvent the past. Instead of their shared history, she packs her sister’s blank slate with a happy childhood full of bliss along with glistening hopes for a promising future.
While Jude is at work, however, Kat gets down to business rediscovering who she is on her own terms. Wandering the neighborhood by herself, she meets Sab, a man who she’s instantly drawn to. Before she knows it, she has fallen head over heels. But just as the new romance is hitting the perfect chord, Kat discovers she has a violent streak that she never before knew existed.
Asking for an explanation from Jude, it just doesn’t seem to add up. Even more unnerving is how Kat feels as though she’s being followed. If their life was so perfect, what exactly is going on? Has Jude been lying to Kat? And how can she uncover the truth for herself? What Kat doesn’t realize, however, is that her fact finding mission may have very real—and very dangerous—consequences that could reach far beyond the twins’ relationship.
What a twisted, twisted tale. From the beginning, Where You End felt decidedly more like a drama than psychological thriller. Complete with one dark and creepy underlying premise that gave me very real shivers, it took me on one heck of a ride. It did not, though, display ever ratcheting suspense or any truly epic twists and turns. Yet despite that fact, I still found myself being pulled into the story, eager to learn where the events would eventually lead.
Out of all of the winning attributes of this book, the brilliant characters took a starring role. Fully fleshed out and yet wholly unreliable, I didn’t know who to trust for much of the novel. But as the secrets were exposed and the truth was laid bare, their behaviors resonated with an odd sense of sincerity that I didn’t expect. Did they come across just a bit juvenile to this reader? Well, yes, but it fit into the premise just right. After all, their childhood was far from the idyllic fairytale that Jude wove for Kat and who knows how that would impact their mental age.
For a good two thirds of this book, the epic drama unfurled through a well-written plot that left me doubting nearly everything and everyone. But as I reached the last one hundred pages, the danger grew larger and the thriller finally took over. And while perhaps not filled with unease or any particularly shocking twists and turns, the cunning, smart prose hit just the right chord and kept me happily turning the pages.
There were, unfortunately, a few hitches along the way. Right off the bat, I was surprised by the slow pace and somewhat literary feel. After a bit, I did adapt to the style, but it took awhile to get past the departure from true blue thriller. The only other piece that irked me just a tad was how the climax and conclusion felt as if it was being chronicled and not brought to life. It’s hard to explain, but it felt somewhat detached from the action. But then, even that didn’t truly ruin this one for me.
All in all, I still found this book to be utterly unputdownable and addictive. Told in dual timelines and POVs, I was beyond curious about what Jude was hiding. Just the same, I wish I’d known ahead of time that this was anything but an action-packed thriller. It wouldn’t have stopped me from diving in, but perhaps it would’ve changed my expectations a bit (and thereby my rating). Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Abbott Kahler and Henry Holt for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: cult, blackmail, homelessness, suicide, child abuse
January 7, 2024
DNF @ 40%
Not for me. Found the story boring and couldn't establish any emotional connection with the characters.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Abbott Kahler, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Not for me. Found the story boring and couldn't establish any emotional connection with the characters.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Abbott Kahler, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
January 9, 2024
First off, what drew me into this one was the stunningly creepy cover art. After reading the synopsis, I just knew this one would be a winner.
Where You End centers around 22-year-old twin sisters Kat and Jude Bird. After awakening from a coma from a car accident, all Kat can remember is her twin sister Jude. Jude then helps her sister try to remember her past. But as time passes, Kat begins to question what Jude is telling her and she begins her search for the truth.
Initially, it took me a bit to get invested in the story but once I did, I was hooked! I could not put this one down until I knew what had happened in the twin's past and why Jude was lying. But not only is Where You End a thrilling and suspenseful tale but it also highlights the deep bond of sisters. Overall I enjoyed Where You End and I look forward to reading what the author writes next.
Where You End by Abbott Kahler Will be available on January 16. A massive thanks to Henry Holt Books for the gifted copy!
Where You End centers around 22-year-old twin sisters Kat and Jude Bird. After awakening from a coma from a car accident, all Kat can remember is her twin sister Jude. Jude then helps her sister try to remember her past. But as time passes, Kat begins to question what Jude is telling her and she begins her search for the truth.
Initially, it took me a bit to get invested in the story but once I did, I was hooked! I could not put this one down until I knew what had happened in the twin's past and why Jude was lying. But not only is Where You End a thrilling and suspenseful tale but it also highlights the deep bond of sisters. Overall I enjoyed Where You End and I look forward to reading what the author writes next.
Where You End by Abbott Kahler Will be available on January 16. A massive thanks to Henry Holt Books for the gifted copy!
November 2, 2023
I was really excited about Abbott Kahler's 2024 psychological thriller, WHERE YOU END, and just had to read it early! The cover is actually incredible and the synopsis sounds so unique, so I knew I needed to prioritize this one.
The story is centered around two twin sisters, Kat and Jude. When 22 year old Kat wakes up from a coma, she sees her sister and has amnesia. She just recently gotten into a car accident and doesn't remember anything about her life prior to waking up. As Kat tries to relearn her history with the help of her sister, she begins to suspect that maybe she's been lied to, especially when she finds out that her sister kept a big part of their childhood out.
Part cult-drama, part psychological thriller, WHERE YOU END is definitely unique. The only reason why I didn't rate this book higher though is because I was genuinely confused for a third of the novel. The first third and last third of the book made total sense, but the second third was very confusing for me, and I had a lot of trouble understanding what was going on. This book is definitely creepy and intriguing, I highly recommend reading this one just for the unique experience alone. I will definitely look into what this author writes in the future.
The story is centered around two twin sisters, Kat and Jude. When 22 year old Kat wakes up from a coma, she sees her sister and has amnesia. She just recently gotten into a car accident and doesn't remember anything about her life prior to waking up. As Kat tries to relearn her history with the help of her sister, she begins to suspect that maybe she's been lied to, especially when she finds out that her sister kept a big part of their childhood out.
Part cult-drama, part psychological thriller, WHERE YOU END is definitely unique. The only reason why I didn't rate this book higher though is because I was genuinely confused for a third of the novel. The first third and last third of the book made total sense, but the second third was very confusing for me, and I had a lot of trouble understanding what was going on. This book is definitely creepy and intriguing, I highly recommend reading this one just for the unique experience alone. I will definitely look into what this author writes in the future.
January 15, 2024
Movements to expand human potential were a trend in the USA in the 1970s. Groups like EST (now rebranded as The Landmark Forum) and other new religious movements promoted self improvement via indoctrination into a group with strict rules and beliefs.
Where You End is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from these groups and describes a new religious movement called The Plan. The book’s protagonists create The Plan to improve their own lives, and they exploit their own children while convincing themselves that they are raising their kids to be better, stronger, and smarter adults.
Told in alternating timelines, the novel describes what the kids raised in this cult suffered through and what they turned out like as adults. I was fascinated by every chapter that was about the main theme of the inner workings of The Plan and what happened to it over the decades.
The book tries to do too much in my opinion, and throws in main characters who are not just twins but a rare type called mirror twins. Kat has a rare type of amnesia and relies on her mirror twin Jude to tell her what her life was like. The first 40 percent of the story moved slowly as Kat navigated daily life.
In the end, the story left a bunch of loose ends. The author went for shock value rather than a more thoughtful and nuanced conclusion. I have several unanswered questions and would have liked the author to have wrapped up all the various plot lines she started.
I’m rating Where You End 3.5 stars and I always round up. I listened to the audiobook and found the narration to be very good.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me a free digital audio arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Where You End is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from these groups and describes a new religious movement called The Plan. The book’s protagonists create The Plan to improve their own lives, and they exploit their own children while convincing themselves that they are raising their kids to be better, stronger, and smarter adults.
Told in alternating timelines, the novel describes what the kids raised in this cult suffered through and what they turned out like as adults. I was fascinated by every chapter that was about the main theme of the inner workings of The Plan and what happened to it over the decades.
The book tries to do too much in my opinion, and throws in main characters who are not just twins but a rare type called mirror twins. Kat has a rare type of amnesia and relies on her mirror twin Jude to tell her what her life was like. The first 40 percent of the story moved slowly as Kat navigated daily life.
In the end, the story left a bunch of loose ends. The author went for shock value rather than a more thoughtful and nuanced conclusion. I have several unanswered questions and would have liked the author to have wrapped up all the various plot lines she started.
I’m rating Where You End 3.5 stars and I always round up. I listened to the audiobook and found the narration to be very good.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me a free digital audio arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2024
Spooky Season 🧛🏻♀️ 🕷️ 🔪 ☠️ 👻 ⚰️
This was definitely a little more domestic thriller than horror, but I enjoyed it more than I didn't. Kat and Jude are mirror twins. When Kat wakes from a coma, Jude fills in the missing pieces of their lives. Or does she?
I wanted a New Age cult to be more culty. The things that were scary ended up being things that are scary for women irl. While I have personally never experienced any of these things, they hit a little too close to home for me to remove myself from the story.
🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
This was definitely a little more domestic thriller than horror, but I enjoyed it more than I didn't. Kat and Jude are mirror twins. When Kat wakes from a coma, Jude fills in the missing pieces of their lives. Or does she?
I wanted a New Age cult to be more culty. The things that were scary ended up being things that are scary for women irl. While I have personally never experienced any of these things, they hit a little too close to home for me to remove myself from the story.
🎧 Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio
March 15, 2024
Mirror twins, Kat and Jude are not only super close but have their own twin language. A language that will prove useful at books end. After a terrible accident that leaves Kat with no memory, Jude tries to fill her in on the life they led up to that time. Kat though is not sure she believes her sister and sets off on a journey of her own. Sometimes, one is better off not knowing. Ignorance can be bliss.
Unreliable narrators, more than one since we don’t know who to believe. There are many things in their past that spell danger. Throw I a selfish mother, a new age cult and a few mysterious happenings makes this a very strange read indeed.
Narration was spot on.
Unreliable narrators, more than one since we don’t know who to believe. There are many things in their past that spell danger. Throw I a selfish mother, a new age cult and a few mysterious happenings makes this a very strange read indeed.
Narration was spot on.
January 18, 2024
Gifted copy from the publisher, thanks 😊!!
Read this later and longer than planned but my genetics decided to have a party 🥳 for multiple weeks (Yay body hmm?)
Really enjoyed this one. It was suspenseful, creepy and twisty:). I guessed a couple things but it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all.
It was so intense for me at times I had to put it aside to gather myself (a compliment don't worry). I couldn't rip my focus away from it when I had the book open, wondering what was coming around the corner next.
I wouldn't call this Horror myself, I would say suspenseful with some horrific circumstances.
I would want Kat and Jude on my team.
Also just wanted to give them and Violet some hugs.
Would recommend this one 👌 It definitely kept me guessing.
Would love to re-visit this via audiobook and definitely gonna check out her other books :).
Read this later and longer than planned but my genetics decided to have a party 🥳 for multiple weeks (Yay body hmm?)
Really enjoyed this one. It was suspenseful, creepy and twisty:). I guessed a couple things but it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all.
It was so intense for me at times I had to put it aside to gather myself (a compliment don't worry). I couldn't rip my focus away from it when I had the book open, wondering what was coming around the corner next.
I wouldn't call this Horror myself, I would say suspenseful with some horrific circumstances.
I would want Kat and Jude on my team.
Also just wanted to give them and Violet some hugs.
Would recommend this one 👌 It definitely kept me guessing.
Would love to re-visit this via audiobook and definitely gonna check out her other books :).
January 7, 2024
This book is beyond bizarre and not what I was expecting. I really loved the premise of the story - two mirror twins one who has lost all of her memories after an accident. I listened to the audiobook and I liked the narrator and I think she did her best to bring the characters to life. But the two main characters and narrators of this story both fell a bit flat for me. I felt like the story moved too slowly and this was book I had to remind myself to read instead of tear myself away for breaks. IT did have some good twists and really is a good debut. When Kat wakes up with Jude’s name and face the only things in her mind. But Jude is happy to fill in her twin’s memories. But when Kat realizes she is a person who will believe everything she starts to question what she thinks she knows about herself and her past. The story alternates between past and present and the past is a bit more twisted than I was expecting.
December 20, 2023
I always find books like this one very hard to rate. Luckily, it looks like most people are having the same issue! How do you rate a book that is unique and interesting, but also confusing and campy?
Kat and Jude are set of strange identical twins; they are identical, but in mirror image (think dimples on different cheeks and hair parted differently). The book starts with Kat in a coma after a car accident. When she wakes up, she sees Jude and immediately recognizes her, but that’s about the only thing she remembers.
Now, it’s up to Jude to fill in the blanks for Kat. Who are their parents? What kind of childhoood did they have? Kat doesn’t even remember foods - what does she like to eat? To drink? Was she an athlete, a book nerd, a goth kid? She has nobody to tell her, except for Jude. Problem is, Jude is painting a rosy picture that has very little to do with the truth…
This bordered on having a YA feel, and I think that’s another reason why I think this one wasn’t for me. The plot was original, as were the characters, but overall there was just something missing. I know some twins have their own language, but theirs was annoying and childish. I do think this grew on me as it went along, but the beginning and end were the best parts - the middle was where it got a bit muddy. Still, this wasn’t a bad fiction debut. Three stars.
(Thank you to Henry Holt & Co., Abbott Kahler and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 16, 2024.)
Kat and Jude are set of strange identical twins; they are identical, but in mirror image (think dimples on different cheeks and hair parted differently). The book starts with Kat in a coma after a car accident. When she wakes up, she sees Jude and immediately recognizes her, but that’s about the only thing she remembers.
Now, it’s up to Jude to fill in the blanks for Kat. Who are their parents? What kind of childhoood did they have? Kat doesn’t even remember foods - what does she like to eat? To drink? Was she an athlete, a book nerd, a goth kid? She has nobody to tell her, except for Jude. Problem is, Jude is painting a rosy picture that has very little to do with the truth…
This bordered on having a YA feel, and I think that’s another reason why I think this one wasn’t for me. The plot was original, as were the characters, but overall there was just something missing. I know some twins have their own language, but theirs was annoying and childish. I do think this grew on me as it went along, but the beginning and end were the best parts - the middle was where it got a bit muddy. Still, this wasn’t a bad fiction debut. Three stars.
(Thank you to Henry Holt & Co., Abbott Kahler and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 16, 2024.)
July 1, 2023
I am such a sucker for any kind of story that involves cults. Maybe it was because of the time my parents made us go to a Mormon church? No idea. I loved this. It is eerie, creepy, and has you wondering who really is the reliable twin.
August 7, 2023
Kat awakes from a coma, and see her mirror twin Jude. Jude assures her she is safe and takes her home. As the month pass, Kat is unable to recall much of her former life. She questions what Jude is telling her, and she begins to explore outside their apartment.
The truth is worse than Kat could ever imagine and Jude is doing her best to shield her from it. She is mostly successful until one day everything explodes an the twins need to stand together to stay alive. Very creepy and dark and intriguing - this novel will make you question your initial decisions - what would you do?
#HenryHolt #Whereyouend #AbbottKahler #Netgalley
The truth is worse than Kat could ever imagine and Jude is doing her best to shield her from it. She is mostly successful until one day everything explodes an the twins need to stand together to stay alive. Very creepy and dark and intriguing - this novel will make you question your initial decisions - what would you do?
#HenryHolt #Whereyouend #AbbottKahler #Netgalley
January 22, 2024
I was so excited to begin this audiobook, but by the end I was so bored. It started out with so much promise,but it was just too strange. I didn’t emotionally connect with the writing or the characters and even though it took me a while to get into I still found it very confusing.
This one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan for allowing me to honestly review this.
This one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan for allowing me to honestly review this.
April 9, 2025
How to make twins, cults, and memory loss boring.
But also, a lot of the plot didn’t make sense. 🤷🏻♀️
follow me on booktok
follow me on bookstagram!
But also, a lot of the plot didn’t make sense. 🤷🏻♀️
follow me on booktok
follow me on bookstagram!
Read
June 29, 2023Review coming on PUB DAY 🥳 January 16 2024!
January 11, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I received Where a you End as an ALC through NetGalley and I couldn’t wait to read/listen to it! The beginning had me captivated and I was invested in Kat’s story, so captivated in fact that I chose this book as my Aardvark book box… but then somewhere in the middle the pacing felt like it came to a halt and as I was trying to push through, I found myself zoning out from time to time. I thought the narrator was fine but something about it didn’t quite get me to the five stars I really wanted it to be. Maybe the story to narrating didn’t translate how it should have but unfortunately it ultimately fell a bit flat for me. Now, I still found this story to be enjoyable and definitely unique! The beginning and end were great, I just got lost somewhere in the middle. I will definitely be checking out any other books Abbott Kahler puts out, and I’m curious to see other people’s thoughts on this one. Where You End comes out 1/16/24!
Thank you so much NetGalley, & Macmillan Audio for my advanced copy and the chance to review it honestly.
Happy reading!
I received Where a you End as an ALC through NetGalley and I couldn’t wait to read/listen to it! The beginning had me captivated and I was invested in Kat’s story, so captivated in fact that I chose this book as my Aardvark book box… but then somewhere in the middle the pacing felt like it came to a halt and as I was trying to push through, I found myself zoning out from time to time. I thought the narrator was fine but something about it didn’t quite get me to the five stars I really wanted it to be. Maybe the story to narrating didn’t translate how it should have but unfortunately it ultimately fell a bit flat for me. Now, I still found this story to be enjoyable and definitely unique! The beginning and end were great, I just got lost somewhere in the middle. I will definitely be checking out any other books Abbott Kahler puts out, and I’m curious to see other people’s thoughts on this one. Where You End comes out 1/16/24!
Thank you so much NetGalley, & Macmillan Audio for my advanced copy and the chance to review it honestly.
Happy reading!
October 5, 2023
I was really excited when I began reading, but by the very end, I was bored. I can say sometimes that losing your memory isn't such a bad thing.
Thanks for the ARC goodreads.
Thanks for the ARC goodreads.
March 10, 2024
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book
Wanted to DNF this book about halfway through but stuck it out. POVs from the past and present, but the past POV felt unnecessary…
1.5 stars
Overall 😕
So the beginning of this was creepy mysterious vibes. You're wondering what happened to Kat, is she Kat or is she Jude? who knows... only it DRAGGED ON... I was only 30% through and realized I was NOT enjoying it. With no twists no build-up, just bleh overall. I wasn't connected to the characters. They felt very plain and surface-level because the author wasn't really giving many details at the beginning. I doubt I'd read this again. I was hoping for more of a psychological thriller, but this was lacking for me.
Wanted to DNF this book about halfway through but stuck it out. POVs from the past and present, but the past POV felt unnecessary…
1.5 stars
Overall 😕
So the beginning of this was creepy mysterious vibes. You're wondering what happened to Kat, is she Kat or is she Jude? who knows... only it DRAGGED ON... I was only 30% through and realized I was NOT enjoying it. With no twists no build-up, just bleh overall. I wasn't connected to the characters. They felt very plain and surface-level because the author wasn't really giving many details at the beginning. I doubt I'd read this again. I was hoping for more of a psychological thriller, but this was lacking for me.
January 16, 2024
3.5 stars
Where you End has a lot of elements that appealed to me. It features twin sisters, with one of them suffering from amnesia. She starts to realize that her twin is keeping secrets from her and she is determined to figure out the truth. The sisters did not have an idyllic childhood and it seems the past is creeping on them. I don’t want to give too much away but this book strongly reminded me of the tv show The Clearing, which is based on a true story.
However, I found this book to be slow at times and it didn’t always hold my interest. I’m also not a huge fan of dual timelines which this story has. Overall, I liked the book but I didn’t love it, which is why I didn’t rate it higher.
Where you End has a lot of elements that appealed to me. It features twin sisters, with one of them suffering from amnesia. She starts to realize that her twin is keeping secrets from her and she is determined to figure out the truth. The sisters did not have an idyllic childhood and it seems the past is creeping on them. I don’t want to give too much away but this book strongly reminded me of the tv show The Clearing, which is based on a true story.
However, I found this book to be slow at times and it didn’t always hold my interest. I’m also not a huge fan of dual timelines which this story has. Overall, I liked the book but I didn’t love it, which is why I didn’t rate it higher.
February 24, 2024
Just...underdeveloped, in nearly every element and theme.
October 17, 2023
Did you miss me?
I spent the weekend in Salem, MA to catch the whole “spooky season” vibe and man oh man 10 out 10, recommend you do the same.
My trip was almost as fab as this book right here, Where You End.
I mean hellloooo?!?! Did you see this cover! It’s absolutely stunning and super creepy.
With my book in tow, I found a nice tree to sit under to dig in!
Me oh My! Does this book deliver!!!
Over and Over and Over, again.
This book checks all my boxes and is sure to be a contender for book of the year.
Check out this teaser :
From bestselling nonfiction author Abbott Kahler comes a spellbinding fiction debut: an unusual form of amnesia upends the lives of identical twins, forcing them to face the indelible, dangerous shadow of the past.
When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions:
Who am I?
Where am I?
What actually happened?
Amid this tragedy, Jude sees an irresistible opportunity: she can give her sister a brand-new past, one worlds away from the lives they actually led. She spins tales of an idyllic childhood, exotic travels, and a bright future.
But if everything was so perfect, who are the mysterious people following Kat? And what explains her uncontrollable flashes of violent anger, which begin to jeopardize a sweet new romance?
Duped by the one person she trusted, Kat must try to untangle fact from fiction. Yet as she pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, she has no idea of the catastrophe she’s inviting. At stake is not just the twins’ relationship, but their very survival.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and the quest for redemption.
I spent the weekend in Salem, MA to catch the whole “spooky season” vibe and man oh man 10 out 10, recommend you do the same.
My trip was almost as fab as this book right here, Where You End.
I mean hellloooo?!?! Did you see this cover! It’s absolutely stunning and super creepy.
With my book in tow, I found a nice tree to sit under to dig in!
Me oh My! Does this book deliver!!!
Over and Over and Over, again.
This book checks all my boxes and is sure to be a contender for book of the year.
Check out this teaser :
From bestselling nonfiction author Abbott Kahler comes a spellbinding fiction debut: an unusual form of amnesia upends the lives of identical twins, forcing them to face the indelible, dangerous shadow of the past.
When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions:
Who am I?
Where am I?
What actually happened?
Amid this tragedy, Jude sees an irresistible opportunity: she can give her sister a brand-new past, one worlds away from the lives they actually led. She spins tales of an idyllic childhood, exotic travels, and a bright future.
But if everything was so perfect, who are the mysterious people following Kat? And what explains her uncontrollable flashes of violent anger, which begin to jeopardize a sweet new romance?
Duped by the one person she trusted, Kat must try to untangle fact from fiction. Yet as she pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, she has no idea of the catastrophe she’s inviting. At stake is not just the twins’ relationship, but their very survival.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and the quest for redemption.
January 24, 2024
“Your mind might forget, but the body always remembers,” (47).
Well this book sure is a mystery right up until the last page. Kat and Jude are mirror twins but when Kat is in a near fatal car accident and loses her memory, she only has Jude to lean on. To teach her who she is, who she used to be, and all the things that make a person an individual. But things aren’t that simple. As Jude helps Kat remember her past - maybe the past is best left in the past.
This book reminded me of that Netflix documentary about siblings (I think twins?) who one lost his memory and his brother didn’t want to tell him about his true past so invented a better version of their childhood. Until the truth had to be brought out.
Great storyline that will keep you intrigued until the end. As Kat tries to figure out who she truly is, we are finding out at the same time. As the mystery deepens we are right there with Kat. Rooting for her. Brilliantly written this book won’t disappoint.
Well this book sure is a mystery right up until the last page. Kat and Jude are mirror twins but when Kat is in a near fatal car accident and loses her memory, she only has Jude to lean on. To teach her who she is, who she used to be, and all the things that make a person an individual. But things aren’t that simple. As Jude helps Kat remember her past - maybe the past is best left in the past.
This book reminded me of that Netflix documentary about siblings (I think twins?) who one lost his memory and his brother didn’t want to tell him about his true past so invented a better version of their childhood. Until the truth had to be brought out.
Great storyline that will keep you intrigued until the end. As Kat tries to figure out who she truly is, we are finding out at the same time. As the mystery deepens we are right there with Kat. Rooting for her. Brilliantly written this book won’t disappoint.
February 10, 2025
This is a great thriller! I enjoyed this unusual story about mirror twins. These twins grow into women with so many questions and so many pains.
This book has a dual timeline between childhood and young adulthood. One on the twins has suffered a terrible brain injury that she is told is from a car accident. The only thing she remembers is her twin. No past memory. While trying to discover her past, she discovers lies and trauma beyond belief.
I was able to predict most of the twists but, this is still a great book!!
I read this book originally in April 2024 and I loved this book as much the second time around!!!
This book has a dual timeline between childhood and young adulthood. One on the twins has suffered a terrible brain injury that she is told is from a car accident. The only thing she remembers is her twin. No past memory. While trying to discover her past, she discovers lies and trauma beyond belief.
I was able to predict most of the twists but, this is still a great book!!
I read this book originally in April 2024 and I loved this book as much the second time around!!!
February 18, 2024
4 stars--I really liked it. Twins escape a cult--and one loses her memory along the way, leaving the other twin to create a new past for them both. Gothic and surreal, this book has the kind of over-the-top melodrama that I enjoy.
October 11, 2023
Oh. Y'all. This was very very gewwwd. I read this in 2 sittings and the only reason why I didn't finish it in 1 is because my eyes hurt from staring at the pages and it was 2:30 AM.
I loved the progression of this story; the author blended in bits of what's actually going on little by little, reaching a perfect conclusion. I found the pacing to be excellent and absolutely thrilling from start to finish. Not a single complaint to be had here 💁🏻♀️
I received the ARC at an event from the publisher's booth ❤️
I loved the progression of this story; the author blended in bits of what's actually going on little by little, reaching a perfect conclusion. I found the pacing to be excellent and absolutely thrilling from start to finish. Not a single complaint to be had here 💁🏻♀️
I received the ARC at an event from the publisher's booth ❤️
October 31, 2023
this book started out really intriguing with an amnesia trope - a twin is trying to help her sister piece together her entire past after a coma, but is she telling the truth? i was hooked. but then i quickly realized that this was turning into a cult book, which is something i’ve been trying to steer away from as very few of them hit the mark for me.
February 4, 2024
I might be biased, but I love a good thriller featuring a cult!
January 3, 2024
Mirror twins, an unusual form of amnesia, and a hidden past all lead to an atmospheric literary thriller from nonfiction writer Abbott Kohler.
Following an accident, Kat Bird awakens from a coma with only memories of her twin sister Jude. As Kat is forced to relearn her history with the help of Jude, she begins to suspect there is much more to the story than she is being told.
I wanted so much to love this one. The premise, atmosphere, and insanely fascinating characters should have made this a win. And while it did start off with a bang that kept my attention early on, I found myself utterly confused for most of the book.
First, I would classify this book as more literary mystery than true thriller due to the pacing and story development. It is verrrryyy slow burn. The writing is unique and clever, but simultaneously disjointed as we bounced between the current and past timelines.
This book is also insanely dark at times (you will discover the rationale for the intense eerie cover) which to be honest, I wanted a bit more focus on. Every time I started to grasp what was happening by following the various threads, I felt as though they unraveled in my hands. I am honestly not even sure I understand the entirety of what happened here once I finished.
I think there is something wholly unique about this book. I would suggest doing an immersive read with the audiobook and physical book. I think it may end up being a better and more organized experience.
Read if you like:
•twin drama
•psychological thrillers
•slow burn
•cult thrillers
•dual timelines
Thank you {partners} @henryholt and @macmillanaudio for my gifted copies.
Following an accident, Kat Bird awakens from a coma with only memories of her twin sister Jude. As Kat is forced to relearn her history with the help of Jude, she begins to suspect there is much more to the story than she is being told.
I wanted so much to love this one. The premise, atmosphere, and insanely fascinating characters should have made this a win. And while it did start off with a bang that kept my attention early on, I found myself utterly confused for most of the book.
First, I would classify this book as more literary mystery than true thriller due to the pacing and story development. It is verrrryyy slow burn. The writing is unique and clever, but simultaneously disjointed as we bounced between the current and past timelines.
This book is also insanely dark at times (you will discover the rationale for the intense eerie cover) which to be honest, I wanted a bit more focus on. Every time I started to grasp what was happening by following the various threads, I felt as though they unraveled in my hands. I am honestly not even sure I understand the entirety of what happened here once I finished.
I think there is something wholly unique about this book. I would suggest doing an immersive read with the audiobook and physical book. I think it may end up being a better and more organized experience.
Read if you like:
•twin drama
•psychological thrillers
•slow burn
•cult thrillers
•dual timelines
Thank you {partners} @henryholt and @macmillanaudio for my gifted copies.
December 14, 2023
Where You End follows Kat who wakes up from a coma and sees her twin sister Jude. Jude is the only thing that Kat remembers from before the accident. Kat trusts Jude to help her with her memory. But as the months go on Kat thinks that Jude is lying to her about their past. Jude does that because the two grew up in a weird cult and she does not want Kat to remember that. Soon the past and the present come together and the two must find a way out.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. I wanted to like this one I really did. But this book was extremely confusing for me to follow. Sometimes I found it hard to figure out which twin was which. The whole cult aspect of this book just did not make since to me. I did not really get thriller vibes from this one. I also felt like this book dragged on and on. This was one that I would have DNFed if I had not received a copy of it. I just had such a hard time trying to figure out what this book was suppose to be about.
Thank you so much to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. I wanted to like this one I really did. But this book was extremely confusing for me to follow. Sometimes I found it hard to figure out which twin was which. The whole cult aspect of this book just did not make since to me. I did not really get thriller vibes from this one. I also felt like this book dragged on and on. This was one that I would have DNFed if I had not received a copy of it. I just had such a hard time trying to figure out what this book was suppose to be about.
August 12, 2024
It was an interesting story but it wasn’t very exciting. I was interested enough to get through it pretty quickly but it was a meh for me dog. I think it had some real potential it just didn’t grip me like I would’ve liked.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 990 reviews