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Follow Me
Be a good psych patient, till they’ll let you out.
Haunted by voices and delusions her entire life, Lena longs to be free of controlling doctors and indifferent nurses. When a woman from a religious group claims Lena’s psychosis is not illness, but divine gifts, Lena thinks this could be the answer to her prayers.
But if all is not what it seems, will the woman’s claims really free Lena, or instead send her further into the labyrinth of her own delusional mind?
Haunted by voices and delusions her entire life, Lena longs to be free of controlling doctors and indifferent nurses. When a woman from a religious group claims Lena’s psychosis is not illness, but divine gifts, Lena thinks this could be the answer to her prayers.
But if all is not what it seems, will the woman’s claims really free Lena, or instead send her further into the labyrinth of her own delusional mind?
285 pages, ebook
First published June 4, 2024
68 people are currently reading
1605 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Graham
5 books69 followersRachel Graham is an author from New Zealand who is married and coos over dogs. She doesn’t read a lot of books, but when she writes them they’re not too bad. Her best feature is her killer smile, which is strategically hidden in her profile picture to evade police.
Follow her (no pun intended) across all social media @rachgrahamreads.
Follow her (no pun intended) across all social media @rachgrahamreads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 22, 2025
A book about the struggles of mental illness and religion. Lena has heard voices in her head her whole life. While locked in a psychiatric ward she has a visitor from a religious group that believes Lena’s psychosis is not an illness, but a gift. Could this be her getaway to freedom or send her further into madness?
I really enjoyed this book it really had me thinking! I really enjoyed the storyline and digging in to the mind of a psych patient that struggles with voices and delusions. The twist in the end was mind blowing and I found myself thinking about it for hours!
I can not wait to read more books from Rachel!
I really enjoyed this book it really had me thinking! I really enjoyed the storyline and digging in to the mind of a psych patient that struggles with voices and delusions. The twist in the end was mind blowing and I found myself thinking about it for hours!
I can not wait to read more books from Rachel!
October 20, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Follow Me by Rachel Graham is good! It's really good! It's different and different is good! As usual, I dived in blind so I didn't know what to expect so I was confused at the beginning. I liked that, even though I wasn't sure, the story was engaging and sort of sucked me in and I was curious, where all this is going? Around 48% I was really into the book and was desperate to find out where this story is heading. I started to create some theories but none of them was correct. The end twists came in unexpectedly and left me with an open mouth! WoW! And the ending! Oh my! I loved it!
Lena's dream is to get out of the mental hospital and enjoy freedom! Unfortunately, it's not so easy, doctors don't trust her and keep drugging her to keep calm. Lena feels trapped and abused and is ready to take things into her own hands. Will she find freedom or trap herself in a situation that will cost someone's life? Are the voices in her head mental illness or a precious gift that she must learn to control?
This is the debut novel of Rachel Graham and it's amazing! Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you Rachel Graham for the privilege to read an advance copy!
Follow Me by Rachel Graham is good! It's really good! It's different and different is good! As usual, I dived in blind so I didn't know what to expect so I was confused at the beginning. I liked that, even though I wasn't sure, the story was engaging and sort of sucked me in and I was curious, where all this is going? Around 48% I was really into the book and was desperate to find out where this story is heading. I started to create some theories but none of them was correct. The end twists came in unexpectedly and left me with an open mouth! WoW! And the ending! Oh my! I loved it!
Lena's dream is to get out of the mental hospital and enjoy freedom! Unfortunately, it's not so easy, doctors don't trust her and keep drugging her to keep calm. Lena feels trapped and abused and is ready to take things into her own hands. Will she find freedom or trap herself in a situation that will cost someone's life? Are the voices in her head mental illness or a precious gift that she must learn to control?
This is the debut novel of Rachel Graham and it's amazing! Can't wait for the next book!
Thank you Rachel Graham for the privilege to read an advance copy!
January 25, 2025
Thought provoking, heartbreaking, well written storyline.
Unbelievably beautiful executed character. Alena’s journey was incredible and the ending was very good storytelling.
Well done Rachel.
Unbelievably beautiful executed character. Alena’s journey was incredible and the ending was very good storytelling.
Well done Rachel.
April 24, 2024
A fast impelling story of a psyche patient struggling with whether she was psychotic or Mary, God incarnated as Mary, Jesus’ mother.
The struggles Lena suffered at the mental facility was a bit sad to read. ~ “There was no escape from this place. From the needles, the drugs, the haze that would steal away all my sense of self. A tear slid down and over the bridge of my nose, dripping onto the pillow beneath me.”
This book kept me compelled with the storyline, capturing bits of Lena’s past and present.
What a great read! Thanks for allowing me to be an ARC for this truly compelling story.
The struggles Lena suffered at the mental facility was a bit sad to read. ~ “There was no escape from this place. From the needles, the drugs, the haze that would steal away all my sense of self. A tear slid down and over the bridge of my nose, dripping onto the pillow beneath me.”
This book kept me compelled with the storyline, capturing bits of Lena’s past and present.
What a great read! Thanks for allowing me to be an ARC for this truly compelling story.
February 28, 2025
I recently had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook version of Follow Me and this was great! The author is also the narrator and I enjoyed her New Zealand accent. :)
The story deals with a woman who has mental health issues and she breaks free from the mental health facility where she has been kept. From there, she encounters a family/cult where they believe her to be their God. This had Mother God meets One Flew From the Cook’s nest vibes and I was here for it! Writing about someone who has a mental health issue and really making you feel like you’re in their head is no easy feat. I think that Rachel did a fabulous job of depicting the main character’s personality while also making you question what you know. (And this WILL question what you think you know!)
All that said, a great psych thriller has to have one very important ingredient, and that is the plot twist. I can assure you this book has that and it BLEW MY MIND. When I finished this book, my mouth dropped! I had no idea that is where this was headed. I felt I had this figured out and when all was revealed at the very end, I was SHOCKED.
This was a great read and I highly recommend it. WELL WORTH THE HYPE I’ve seen on it. I’m also giving a bonus to the author as this was available on Audible. February was crazy for me with travel, sports, work, etc and sometimes the only way I can get a good book in is to listen to it.
Please do yourself a favor and pick this up RIGHT NOW. You will not be disappointed.
The story deals with a woman who has mental health issues and she breaks free from the mental health facility where she has been kept. From there, she encounters a family/cult where they believe her to be their God. This had Mother God meets One Flew From the Cook’s nest vibes and I was here for it! Writing about someone who has a mental health issue and really making you feel like you’re in their head is no easy feat. I think that Rachel did a fabulous job of depicting the main character’s personality while also making you question what you know. (And this WILL question what you think you know!)
All that said, a great psych thriller has to have one very important ingredient, and that is the plot twist. I can assure you this book has that and it BLEW MY MIND. When I finished this book, my mouth dropped! I had no idea that is where this was headed. I felt I had this figured out and when all was revealed at the very end, I was SHOCKED.
This was a great read and I highly recommend it. WELL WORTH THE HYPE I’ve seen on it. I’m also giving a bonus to the author as this was available on Audible. February was crazy for me with travel, sports, work, etc and sometimes the only way I can get a good book in is to listen to it.
Please do yourself a favor and pick this up RIGHT NOW. You will not be disappointed.
September 23, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of “Follow Me” by Rachel Graham! This book is a thrilling psychological YA adventure that dives deep into the fascinating (and sometimes complex) themes of mental illness and religion. Honestly, it resonated with me in a personal way! It’s a fast and thrilling read that had me flipping through the pages. I’m so excited about Rachel Graham's work and can’t wait to dive into more of her books because this one was one-of-a-kind!
June 4, 2024
Rated: 4.5/5
“Follow Me” is a YA psychological suspense with deep and somewhat dark themes. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down!
I really enjoyed the comedic relief that is seamlessly interwoven throughout the narrative especially in a story where you wouldn’t think it’d work. And on the more serious side, a woman, Rose, from a popular religious group introduces an intriguing dynamic, challenging Lena’s perception of her condition and offering a different perspective on her experiences. This had me even second guessing my thoughts and emotions throughout the story!
The story follows Lena, a 16 year old girl in a mental facility due to an incident that occurred months before the story begins. Her journey blurs the line between reality and delusion, keeping me on the edge of my seat and constantly questioning what is real. The depiction of her mental health struggles is both empathetic and authentic, shedding light on the complexities of living with psychosis.
Lena’s heart-wrenching self-discovery journey is beautifully portrayed. Her struggle to find her own identity and the courage to believe in herself is inspiring and deeply moving. The novel’s exploration of coerced and forced psychiatric treatment can be unsettling for some readers, though it raises important ethical questions and adds to the overall tension of the story.
Overall, “Follow Me” is a compelling psychological suspense novel that I very thoroughly enjoyed. I’m rating 4.5 only because the ending made me a little upset, although I get it was particularly necessary in that setting. However, I highly recommend it and look forward to more works from this talented author!
“Follow Me” is a YA psychological suspense with deep and somewhat dark themes. It took me a few chapters to get into it, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down!
I really enjoyed the comedic relief that is seamlessly interwoven throughout the narrative especially in a story where you wouldn’t think it’d work. And on the more serious side, a woman, Rose, from a popular religious group introduces an intriguing dynamic, challenging Lena’s perception of her condition and offering a different perspective on her experiences. This had me even second guessing my thoughts and emotions throughout the story!
The story follows Lena, a 16 year old girl in a mental facility due to an incident that occurred months before the story begins. Her journey blurs the line between reality and delusion, keeping me on the edge of my seat and constantly questioning what is real. The depiction of her mental health struggles is both empathetic and authentic, shedding light on the complexities of living with psychosis.
Lena’s heart-wrenching self-discovery journey is beautifully portrayed. Her struggle to find her own identity and the courage to believe in herself is inspiring and deeply moving. The novel’s exploration of coerced and forced psychiatric treatment can be unsettling for some readers, though it raises important ethical questions and adds to the overall tension of the story.
Overall, “Follow Me” is a compelling psychological suspense novel that I very thoroughly enjoyed. I’m rating 4.5 only because the ending made me a little upset, although I get it was particularly necessary in that setting. However, I highly recommend it and look forward to more works from this talented author!
January 2, 2025
“Follow Me”by Rachel Graham, wow, what a ride. From start to finish, this book had me hooked. It follows a girl who’s in a psych ward, dealing with hearing voices that seem to blur the line between reality and something far more sinister. The best part? Her narration. She’s hilarious, so sharp and witty in her commentary, even though she’s clearly struggling with her mental health. It’s this mix of humor and uncertainty that really drew me in.
The entire time, I was unsure what was real, what was imagined, and what was just straight-up manipulative, which made it impossible to put the book down. Every page left me second-guessing everything, and I couldn’t help but try to piece the puzzle together—until the ending.
Honestly, I didn’t see that twist coming at all. It hit me out of nowhere, and I had to sit there for a minute, processing everything. The story pulls you in, gets under your skin, and leaves you with that “what just happened?” feeling. If you like psychological thrillers that keep you on edge and mess with your perception of what's real, you need to read this. Rachel Graham absolutely nailed it.
January 26, 2025
The absolute BEST thing you can do for authors is to shout about their books!i loved this book but at the save time I hate when someone is wrongfully held against their will. I am reminded of a movie where two girls traveling get stopped by cops. Trumped up charges. Sent to prison. Horrible conditions for the prisoners. I had to look it up to find out what the movie was. With that said every time I watch a show where someone is held prisoner wrongfully, it triggers something. I skipped a whole book in a series because I couldn’t deal with this whole book with this character I absolutely loved In prison and he’s innocent. Have a hard time watching. I just want to fast forward the movie or skip to the end of the book. That’s what this book reminds me of. Poor Lena. I’m ramblingThe movie was Nightmare in Badham County. The book was stag party a Patrick Flint series
June 3, 2024
This is a very interesting book. Very well written. I enjoyed reading into the mind of a psych patient. The patient is a young girl, at only 17 years old. It was a very suspenseful read. I finished it within a day. Very good book.
This ARC was received via the author. All opinions are my own.
This ARC was received via the author. All opinions are my own.
November 26, 2024
Gripping, original, and suspense-filled.
Absolutely gripping, original, and suspense-filled from start to finish. This is expert-level storytelling. Lena is a young lady living in a mental health facility. Voices taunt her from within.
Everyone seems to know what's best for her, but she longs for some semblance of normality. Surely she can have that if she can just leave this facility? Get away from these doctors and nurses. Do they know best? Should Lena tell them what they want to hear? Will they even listen?
A religious group makes contact, claiming that her apparent psychosis is a divine gift. They want to help her. Can Lena trust them? Can she trust her own mind to cut through the voices to guide her to the right decisions?
This is a storyline like no other that keeps you guessing until the very end. You think you know which way it's going, but do you? A definite, unquestionable 5⭐'s. I loved it!
Absolutely gripping, original, and suspense-filled from start to finish. This is expert-level storytelling. Lena is a young lady living in a mental health facility. Voices taunt her from within.
Everyone seems to know what's best for her, but she longs for some semblance of normality. Surely she can have that if she can just leave this facility? Get away from these doctors and nurses. Do they know best? Should Lena tell them what they want to hear? Will they even listen?
A religious group makes contact, claiming that her apparent psychosis is a divine gift. They want to help her. Can Lena trust them? Can she trust her own mind to cut through the voices to guide her to the right decisions?
This is a storyline like no other that keeps you guessing until the very end. You think you know which way it's going, but do you? A definite, unquestionable 5⭐'s. I loved it!
July 23, 2024
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for review. I had trouble starting the book, not the fault of the author, but because I had read so many dark and psychological books lately. Once I got into it, I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed the writing and a different take on a religious thriller
May 21, 2025
Followers
I chose this rating because for me personally it took me 3/4 of the book before I really got into it. This was a good storyline but it just wasn't for me. I did enjoy the funny parts of John Marrs books. I know this subject matter is important and I'm glad at the end of the book it cleared up some things I was wondering about.
I chose this rating because for me personally it took me 3/4 of the book before I really got into it. This was a good storyline but it just wasn't for me. I did enjoy the funny parts of John Marrs books. I know this subject matter is important and I'm glad at the end of the book it cleared up some things I was wondering about.
May 22, 2024
Great story. Kept me guessing all the way through. Can't wait for more from Rachel.
June 17, 2025
DNF
I listened to this on audio. Maybe the book is better, but the audio version is not very good
I listened to this on audio. Maybe the book is better, but the audio version is not very good
February 13, 2025
Wow. I am absolutely speechless. This was an amazing story, different from anything I've ever read. Never expected to find such a gem among the Psychological Thriller Readers recommendations on Facebook but I was in luck. Not only that I couldn't put it down, but it kept me guessing the entire time and I was so far from reality.
I won't spoil anything but it made me feel exactly what the main character was going through. It was a very deep dive into the complex human emotions that arise at the border between sanity and mental hell. My heart broke for the MC, I wish I could hug her through the book. This book will haunt me for a long time for sure.
I won't spoil anything but it made me feel exactly what the main character was going through. It was a very deep dive into the complex human emotions that arise at the border between sanity and mental hell. My heart broke for the MC, I wish I could hug her through the book. This book will haunt me for a long time for sure.
June 13, 2025
A fast-paced enjoyable read. This was so good, I'm sure it will be echoed through my brain for days. Definitely one I would wish to read again for the first time.
June 6, 2024
I seriously loved this book! I wasn’t sure if I would or not, but I immediately fell in love with the MC. The sarcasm had me laughing at times. LOL! But my heart also went out to her due to her mental health issues.
As for the story lines, I loved them. At times I was sad, then angry, then happy, then hopeful, then back to the beginning of the cycle (that’s a good thing).
And I loved the ending and wasn’t what I was I was expecting. I will absolutely recommend this book to people! ❤️
As for the story lines, I loved them. At times I was sad, then angry, then happy, then hopeful, then back to the beginning of the cycle (that’s a good thing).
And I loved the ending and wasn’t what I was I was expecting. I will absolutely recommend this book to people! ❤️
January 12, 2025
I went into this book completely blind not really knowing what I was in for and It was okay, I liked it but I didn't love it
May 8, 2024
I received an ARC copy of this novel from the author, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. This young adult thriller is perfect for those who don't want to read a thriller with explicit content or graphic violence. The book follows the story of a psychiatric patient who is struggling with the voices in her head that constantly tell her that she's not good enough. She tries to overcome her mental struggles and break free from them. Overall, it's a gripping story that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I'm eagerly waiting for more books from this author.
May 16, 2024
✨“The world was crazy and this whole notion of psychiatry was just a band aid for society. I’d been one of the unlucky ones to get caught in the middle.”✨
There’re thrillers which you read just for adrenaline rush but then there're thrillers that tug at your heartstring and Follow Me was the latter one for me. I never thought I could cry while reading a thriller.
Lena longs to be free from the voices in her mind, the psych ward, and the controlling doctors and nurses. When a woman from a religious group claims Lena’s psychosis is not an illness, but divine gifts, could this be her getaway to freedom or send her further into madness?
Lena as an MC was instantly likable, she was sassy and you could feel emotionally connected to her. The mystery part was so well done that pages flew by. The narrative kept me emotionally invested and intrigued to see what would happen next.
It has been quite some time since I've read such an in depth and well written YA thriller. The storyline was unique and well crafted. Even without any murder, gore or as such, the thrilling part was never compromised.
I actually held my breath for the last 50 pages. And the ending was clever and crafty: something I am pondering on afterwards.
To conclude, if you’re looking for a short, easy yet well written thriller, this should top your list! I was in a reading slump for almost a month, and this ignited my love for reading again. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book will be published on June 4, 2024.
My Rating: 5/5 ⭐
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
There’re thrillers which you read just for adrenaline rush but then there're thrillers that tug at your heartstring and Follow Me was the latter one for me. I never thought I could cry while reading a thriller.
Lena longs to be free from the voices in her mind, the psych ward, and the controlling doctors and nurses. When a woman from a religious group claims Lena’s psychosis is not an illness, but divine gifts, could this be her getaway to freedom or send her further into madness?
Lena as an MC was instantly likable, she was sassy and you could feel emotionally connected to her. The mystery part was so well done that pages flew by. The narrative kept me emotionally invested and intrigued to see what would happen next.
It has been quite some time since I've read such an in depth and well written YA thriller. The storyline was unique and well crafted. Even without any murder, gore or as such, the thrilling part was never compromised.
I actually held my breath for the last 50 pages. And the ending was clever and crafty: something I am pondering on afterwards.
To conclude, if you’re looking for a short, easy yet well written thriller, this should top your list! I was in a reading slump for almost a month, and this ignited my love for reading again. Highly recommended!
Thanks to the author for providing me with an arc copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book will be published on June 4, 2024.
My Rating: 5/5 ⭐
✨Follow @bookaddicted_soul on Instagram for more reviews and recommendations✨
March 16, 2025
Judge the book by its cover.
I have no idea who recommended this or how I came across it but I’m super annoyed that I did.
This was such a repetitively, whiplashing book. The back and forth. The full force of believing one and thinking they’re the end all be all to changing her mind with a confident stance that they were terrible. All it took was a conversation to make her change her stance and don’t get me started on her weirdly, uncomfortable at times, feelings of her brother. Lastly, the ending was terrible. It took forever for the book to get anywhere and when it finally gave you an idea of what this was all about it ended quickly and with utter nonsense.
‼️Might be considered spoiler ‼️ WTF was that very ending? Was the author trying to suggest that she was like JC because she sacrificed herself for everyone else (mostly hEr bRoThEr)? And why did her powers only work twice? If she was “god” and was able to move a can without any knowledge of “her powers” wouldn’t she have had an inclination that something was different about her? Outside of the voices?
End of story, I haven’t read a book this annoying or awful in a long time.
I have no idea who recommended this or how I came across it but I’m super annoyed that I did.
This was such a repetitively, whiplashing book. The back and forth. The full force of believing one and thinking they’re the end all be all to changing her mind with a confident stance that they were terrible. All it took was a conversation to make her change her stance and don’t get me started on her weirdly, uncomfortable at times, feelings of her brother. Lastly, the ending was terrible. It took forever for the book to get anywhere and when it finally gave you an idea of what this was all about it ended quickly and with utter nonsense.
‼️Might be considered spoiler ‼️ WTF was that very ending? Was the author trying to suggest that she was like JC because she sacrificed herself for everyone else (mostly hEr bRoThEr)? And why did her powers only work twice? If she was “god” and was able to move a can without any knowledge of “her powers” wouldn’t she have had an inclination that something was different about her? Outside of the voices?
End of story, I haven’t read a book this annoying or awful in a long time.
January 20, 2026
Lena has long lived with the voices in her head. Wherever she goes. Whatever she does. They follow. Then one quiet afternoon, a woman named Rose visits and turns Lena’s world upside down. There is more to the voices than anyone could ever imagine and Lena must decide what her future brings and what path to follow.
Rachel Graham gives us everything we need in this book to get to know Lena and to connect with her. Every interaction is another window into Lena’s mind and a chance for us to try to see if Lena really is who Rose says she is. The story pulls you through up to the end when Rachel whips the rug from under you and you question everything. I’m still thinking about it!
I found this to be a nicely paced book that made me look forward to finding out Lena’s story. I listened to the audiobook and I always love it when authors read their own book. They know right where to add inflections and the real motivations behind the characters to bring them to life.
Highly recommended read!
Rachel Graham gives us everything we need in this book to get to know Lena and to connect with her. Every interaction is another window into Lena’s mind and a chance for us to try to see if Lena really is who Rose says she is. The story pulls you through up to the end when Rachel whips the rug from under you and you question everything. I’m still thinking about it!
I found this to be a nicely paced book that made me look forward to finding out Lena’s story. I listened to the audiobook and I always love it when authors read their own book. They know right where to add inflections and the real motivations behind the characters to bring them to life.
Highly recommended read!
April 15, 2024
From the first chapter of Lena’s story, I was hooked.
Being inside the mind of a young woman that has been told her entire life that she’s sick, and her belief that she’s unworthy, to her believing in herself was incredibly beautiful.
The psychological twists and turns kept me engaged for the entire book and had me craving more information at the end of every chapter.
I can’t wait to see what Rachel comes up with next!
Being inside the mind of a young woman that has been told her entire life that she’s sick, and her belief that she’s unworthy, to her believing in herself was incredibly beautiful.
The psychological twists and turns kept me engaged for the entire book and had me craving more information at the end of every chapter.
I can’t wait to see what Rachel comes up with next!
July 15, 2024
I read the ARC book finished it April 12, 2024.
I just finished the book. Wow!!!! It was amazing, I was hooked the whole time. It was incredible.
There were a couple of mistakes because it hasn't gone to the editor for final cuts and such. But other than that, I am beyond grateful I was able to read such a great book. Definitely a book for the future best seller list.
It does deal with religion and mental illness. May have some traumatic scenes for people. Like a 17 year old girl being roughly handled by mental hospital nurses and male guards holding her down for a medication shot against her will.
Personally, it didn't bother me at all.
I just finished the book. Wow!!!! It was amazing, I was hooked the whole time. It was incredible.
There were a couple of mistakes because it hasn't gone to the editor for final cuts and such. But other than that, I am beyond grateful I was able to read such a great book. Definitely a book for the future best seller list.
It does deal with religion and mental illness. May have some traumatic scenes for people. Like a 17 year old girl being roughly handled by mental hospital nurses and male guards holding her down for a medication shot against her will.
Personally, it didn't bother me at all.
April 14, 2025
I'm pretty sure I don't even know my own reality now! What a ride it was reading this book. Lena is a hoot of a character. I love the internal banter she has. At times I found myself questioning my own sanity knowing I share the same commentary. I'm certain I'm not crazy but then again after reading this I am questioning it. Follow Me is a great read, the plot line is certainly unique, the character is relatable, and the writing style is fun. Highly recommend!
June 4, 2024
I’ve never read quite a story like this one! I enjoyed the take the author took on this book, for the fmc to really struggle through her mental illness in whether she had truly lost her mind or if she was really a reincarnation. If you love thrilling suspense I definitely recommend this one! Thank you Rachel for the opportunity to receive this arc! 🥰🖤
April 12, 2024
Couldn't put this book down!!! Is Lena really all powerful? Or is it another delusion caused by her mental illness? Can't wait for the sequel!!!
October 30, 2024
I seen this book had been added to Spotify and it immediately went to my next read.
This novel is set on a young girl Lena who at her young age is in a psychiatric hospital when a random woman turns up claiming to be someone who knew her mother. We follow Lena’s story through her mental illness, the challenges she faces and her relationship to the random woman who turns out to be Rose. She harbours her own secrets and you’ll doubt your own understanding of the story.
As an audio version I really enjoyed this one. I was glad the author read the novel and found her voice matched the characters well. My only slight criticism is that Ryan’s voice felt very put on and so I’m glad he only had a small part because the rest was great. I can imagine as a graphic audio this would be fantastic too.
For the story, I enjoyed it. I liked the fine balance between what is real and what was delusion. The addition of the internal voices having an audible voice added to the story in a way I haven’t heard in other novels. The nod to John Marrs was pretty good too and will appeal to those who frequent Facebook groups, understanding the hype around the infamous chapter. The chapters were snappy and quick to get through which made listening easy. There wasn’t a lot of unexpected twists which I enjoyed as I sometimes feel twists can detract from a storyline but these made sense and did make you have a sharp intake of breath! The ending was also an excellent nod to the mental health aspect of the novel and left you questioning yourself.
This was an easy listen for me however, I can imagine it could be challenging for those who may be new to stories about mental health but this was an excellent entry novel. I’m really looking forward to reading more by this author and hope she will continue to narrate her own books because this is the first I have listened to the author and it really allowed you more of an insight into who they are.
This novel is set on a young girl Lena who at her young age is in a psychiatric hospital when a random woman turns up claiming to be someone who knew her mother. We follow Lena’s story through her mental illness, the challenges she faces and her relationship to the random woman who turns out to be Rose. She harbours her own secrets and you’ll doubt your own understanding of the story.
As an audio version I really enjoyed this one. I was glad the author read the novel and found her voice matched the characters well. My only slight criticism is that Ryan’s voice felt very put on and so I’m glad he only had a small part because the rest was great. I can imagine as a graphic audio this would be fantastic too.
For the story, I enjoyed it. I liked the fine balance between what is real and what was delusion. The addition of the internal voices having an audible voice added to the story in a way I haven’t heard in other novels. The nod to John Marrs was pretty good too and will appeal to those who frequent Facebook groups, understanding the hype around the infamous chapter. The chapters were snappy and quick to get through which made listening easy. There wasn’t a lot of unexpected twists which I enjoyed as I sometimes feel twists can detract from a storyline but these made sense and did make you have a sharp intake of breath! The ending was also an excellent nod to the mental health aspect of the novel and left you questioning yourself.
This was an easy listen for me however, I can imagine it could be challenging for those who may be new to stories about mental health but this was an excellent entry novel. I’m really looking forward to reading more by this author and hope she will continue to narrate her own books because this is the first I have listened to the author and it really allowed you more of an insight into who they are.
June 2, 2024
Follow Me is going to be an extremely hard book to review, without giving away spoilers.
Lena is just 17, and an in patient at a secure mental health hospital. Understandably, she desperately wants to be free, to live the life any 17 year old would want. Sadly she has no parental support, Aidan, her brother, is her only family. Follow Me is Lena’s story, in every sense.
The majority of the first part of the book is setting the scene. Laying down the history of her trauma, the lack of autonomy and hope that she feels so deeply; the repetition of her Groundhog Day existence. There is a change of pace in the second half of the book, and the story picks up momentum. I was intrigued where the story was heading, I had absolutely no idea.
I found the book to be very thought provoking. After turning the last page, I sat for a while and considered what I had read, as I’m still doing now.
The author gives the reader complete discretion. Is Lena a reliable narrator? Is all or any of her reality, our reality? What do you believe is the true story?
Follow Me is Rachel Graham’s debut novel. She has worked as a mental health nurse, her experiences, and those of her patients have shaped this book. As a contrast of light touch, I loved the chapter 39 references. IYKYK.
I was intrigued and gripped by Follow Me, and I look forward to reading whatever Rachel writes next. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lena is just 17, and an in patient at a secure mental health hospital. Understandably, she desperately wants to be free, to live the life any 17 year old would want. Sadly she has no parental support, Aidan, her brother, is her only family. Follow Me is Lena’s story, in every sense.
The majority of the first part of the book is setting the scene. Laying down the history of her trauma, the lack of autonomy and hope that she feels so deeply; the repetition of her Groundhog Day existence. There is a change of pace in the second half of the book, and the story picks up momentum. I was intrigued where the story was heading, I had absolutely no idea.
I found the book to be very thought provoking. After turning the last page, I sat for a while and considered what I had read, as I’m still doing now.
The author gives the reader complete discretion. Is Lena a reliable narrator? Is all or any of her reality, our reality? What do you believe is the true story?
Follow Me is Rachel Graham’s debut novel. She has worked as a mental health nurse, her experiences, and those of her patients have shaped this book. As a contrast of light touch, I loved the chapter 39 references. IYKYK.
I was intrigued and gripped by Follow Me, and I look forward to reading whatever Rachel writes next. 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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