Conjoined

by K.T. George

Allyson Marta is a celebrated mixed-media artist dwelling in the shadows of Seattle's gritty underbelly. She struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder while grappling with the jagged edges of self-harm and past suicide attempts. Her identical twin, Andrea, is a hedonist at heart. She thrives as the vibrant art director of the cult-favorite "The Caretaker" horror movie series, which ensnares devotees in its macabre embrace. When H0rr Studios, the go-to streaming service of horror fans worldwide and Andrea's employer, reports her missing, Allyson finds herself torn between her ongoing recovery and helping to unravel the mystery shrouding her histrionic twin's whereabouts.
After Roger Wotke, the star of The Caretaker, also disappears, Allyson is thrust into a perilous crossroads where the twin demons of mental anguish and familial duty collide. In a descent into the abyss of society's dark appetite for what goes bump in the night, Allyson grapples with safeguarding her tenuous sanity or delving deeper into the labyrinth of depravity that threatens to expose not just her own darkest secrets, but also those of her family.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2024

About the author

K.T. George resides in the heart of Chicago with their family of four and their beloved fluffer, Lincoln. They draw inspiration from the vibrant cityscape that surrounds them. Formerly an esteemed I.T. Executive and cybersecurity expert, their unique ability to seamlessly transition from science to art has cemented their status as a formidable force in the literary realm.

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right from the start, we’re thrown into the thick of it and it gave me Criminal Minds, Pretty Little Liars, and Sharon J. Bolton novel vibes. Lots of plot twists and little revelations and it totally felt like watching a tv show because of how much happens in the book. Every chapter and pov, I was like what is abt to happen 🫣

Middle of book got a bit confusing 200 pages in w Andrea’s povs but it adds to the chaos Andrea felt and went through. Evrything escalated real fast and I was extra invested, especially with the last third of the book. It all was very intriguing, and overall it was a pretty good read and solid debut! Thank you KT George for reaching out and giving our book account (@paperbacktrio on insta) our very first ARC.

[skhye ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

To begin with, this book contains a lot of triggers so I would definitely read with caution if you are sensitive to things like self harm, mutilation, and death. That being said, this was a solid debut novel. It had that eerie uneasy feeling that I love sensing when reading a psychological thriller. The many twists and turns also kept me on my toes. My only critique is that there were a few minor plot holes. I also didn’t care for all the cursing but that’s just a personal preference. Overall, entertaining read and I can’t wait to see what else this author has in store!

[Kelsy Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️Book Review✨️

Conjoined
By K.T. George

Themes:
👣 Unexplained Murders
🏥 Mental Health
👬 Twin Drama

Release Date: June 4, 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5

"Conjoined" by K.T. George was a wild ride! I couldn't predict where the story was going, and that's what kept me intrigued. Sometimes, it felt like there was a lot happening all at once, which made it a bit tricky to follow. Still, if you're into mysteries and want something totally different, "Conjoined" is worth checking out.

Congratulations to @author_ktgeo on the debut novel! Thank you for the #ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Christina Faris (books_by_the_bottle) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allyson is a mixed media artist, who struggles with Borderline Personality disorder. Her identical twin, Andrea, thrives as an art director of a horror movie series. When Andrea’s theatre reports her missing, Allyson finds herself struggling with the difficult choice to continue with her recovery or trying to find her sister. The more she is drawn into her sister’s world, the more sinister the things she finds.

From the very beginning of this story, the feelings of restlessness, and impending doom, permeate the pages. The quick pacing kept me captivated the entire time, even though it was a little bit difficult for me to keep track at times. In what felt like a deliberate move, the changing points-of-view only further explored what Allyson and Andrea were experiencing. “Conjoined” is a truly wild ride and KT George did a remarkable job of capturing several mental health issues.

Please check trigger warnings before reading ❤️

“Conjoined” is out now! Thank you to KT George for the copy 🥰 this review will be shared to my Instagram blog (@books_by_the_bottle) shortly :)

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was intense, outside of my normal genres, and I could not put it down! It was dark and at times horrifying, especially as a reader whose go to genre is happily ever after romances, but it was so well written that it drew me in and hooked me. I had to know how it ended! This is the story of twins that are connected in unexpected ways. It is told from multiple points of views which brings the reader into the story. The twists and turns kept me guessing and gasping and I did not see the ending coming.

Thanks to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.

[Ari Cross · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great concepts and touches on mental health which I really appreciate, but I did not love the story line, personally.

For me, this story got far too convoluted. Too many characters, too much going on, and I just really had a hard time following it. I really struggle to stay focused on a complicated plot. This was just overall not my cup of tea.

I really appreciate the author for sending me an advance e copy of this book so I was able to read and review it!

[Karen]

Thank you @author_ktgeo @KateRockBookTours for my complimentary copy. My thoughts are my own.

This psychological thriller has a complex plot. Taking the reader behind the scenes on a horror movie set, this novel explores mental illness and the bond between twins. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives and timelines, which I found to be confusing at times. However, the conclusion is strong!

[Marybeth Cortese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book is a great debut for KT George. It was a great read. It sucked me in right away with the characters and the twist and turns. This genre is not what I generally gravitate towards but it didn’t disappoint. Very creative and intriguing with the descriptions and plot

[Barb Kohley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book into the wee hours of the morning . I couldn’t put it down. I double checked my doors to be sure they were locked. This is my first time reading a KT George book and I totally enjoyed every page. I could close my eyes and smell the ember smoldering in the fireplace and learned of its demise. I felt like I was there with the characters. This author has a way of writing so generously making sure you see the muscular lines on Ram’s body and then the sharp end of the knife! You will laugh out loud and gasp at the ending. I’m recommending to everyone who wants a wild ride!

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This psychological thriller will keep you guessing, literally until the last page, about which characters can be trusted or not, as well as what is real or not. It is fast paced with the end of each chapter feeling like a mini cliff hanger making you want to just keep going. Finding that “just right” spot to stop reading is not easy. If you’re a fan of thrillers looking for an addictive beach read this summer pick up this debut novel!

[Kelsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the ARC, I’m honored that you trusted me to read your work!
While this wasn’t for me, I can definitely see and appreciate the vision that the author was working to flesh out. It was an interesting premise, and I’m curious to see what other ideas the author comes up with next.

[Readingwithdesi · Rating 5 out of 5]

That twist at the end! Seriously freaking great! the very last page 😱

[Jules | one_more_bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conjoined by K.T. George // Psychological Thriller out everywhere June 4, 2024

This book easily makes my top 10 reads of the year list. From the end of the first chapter, K.T. had me hooked. I had no clue what was going on, but I just had to find out. I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. A story told from multiple points of view, Conjoined has strong mental health themes, and gives due respect to ethnic stereotyping, as well as the LGBTQ+ community. Working in psychiatric mental health, I especially appreciated Allyson’s character and some of the absolutely beautiful, stigma breaking comments about mental health. I HIGHLY recommend you grab a copy of this fantastic thriller when it is released! Available 5/21 in ebook from and 6/4 in print!

[Deep Choudhary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conjoined by K.T. George is a haunting and deeply emotional thriller that weaves together the raw struggles of mental health, the intricacies of family relationships, and the eerie allure of the horror entertainment industry. From the first page, this book immerses you in a world that is as unsettling as it is captivating, with characters and themes that linger long after the story ends.

The novel follows Allyson Marta, a talented mixed-media artist living in Seattle, who is in the midst of her recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder. Allyson is a flawed and vulnerable protagonist, and her battle with self-harm and the echoes of past suicide attempts are written with sensitivity and honesty. Her life takes an unexpected turn when her identical twin sister, Andrea, goes missing. Andrea, a bold and unapologetic hedonist, is a creative powerhouse and the art director behind The Caretaker, a wildly popular horror movie series. Despite their shared bond, Allyson and Andrea are polar opposites, and this dynamic becomes central to the story. While Andrea thrives in the spotlight, reveling in her role within H0rr Studios, Allyson lives in the shadows, haunted by her own struggles and the distance between them. When Allyson is reluctantly pulled into the search for Andrea, she must confront not just her sister’s world but her own painful past and the complexity of their relationship.

The mystery unfolds with mounting tension as Allyson discovers that Andrea’s disappearance is just the beginning. The stakes are raised when Roger Wotke, the lead actor in The Caretaker, also vanishes, and Allyson finds herself drawn deeper into a dark, twisted web. The investigation forces her to navigate the macabre corners of the horror industry, exposing a side of her sister—and their family—she never expected. K.T. George’s writing is vivid and atmospheric, capturing both the gritty reality of Allyson’s struggles and the eerie, almost surreal world of H0rr Studios. The descriptions of the Seattle underbelly are immersive and grim, perfectly setting the tone for a story that feels both intimate and unnerving. The horror elements are not overdone but rather serve as a backdrop that mirrors Allyson’s inner turmoil and the themes of identity, fear, and resilience.

What stood out most to me was the emotional depth of this book. At its core, Conjoined is a story about family and the complicated bond between siblings, especially twins. Allyson’s journey to understand her sister—and herself—is just as compelling as the mystery surrounding Andrea’s disappearance. Their relationship is messy, raw, and real, and it adds a layer of emotional weight to the story that makes it more than just a thriller. This book does not shy away from difficult topics, and its portrayal of mental health is both unflinching and compassionate. Allyson’s struggles are central to the narrative, and the author does a remarkable job of balancing her pain with moments of strength and growth.

If you enjoy dark, character-driven mysteries with a psychological edge, Conjoined is a must-read. It’s a gripping story that keeps you guessing, but it’s also an exploration of family, identity, and the ways we confront our past. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a thought-provoking, emotional, and atmospheric read.

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘Conjoined’ is the debut novel from Chicago-based author, K T George. The action is seen from several different perspectives in the third person and the past tense. Plunging straight into the fast-moving story, we are introduced to forensic investigator, turned horror film creative director, Andrea Marta, who has been abducted. Andrea, of Argentinian descent and from a wealthy family, is clearly a feisty individual who makes every effort to escape from captivity.

In the second chapter, we meet Andrea’s twin sister, mixed-media artist, Allyson, who has ongoing struggles with her mental health. News of Andrea’s disappearance seems to leave Allyson unfazed; we therefore quickly realise that their relationship is rocky and the dynamic between them, complex.

In a third thread, we share the thoughts of celebrated actor, Roger Wotke, a colleague and on/off partner of Andrea. When he too disappears, Allyson has a choice to make; does she prioritise her own mental well-being or does she try to ascertain what happened to her sister and Roger? When successful investigative journalist, Ram Helm, suggests she should tag along with him, it seems her mind is made up. Shortly after this, a third person goes missing from the same film studio. In addition, dismembered feet keep washing up on the beach; is this coincidence or somehow connected to the disappearances?

Chapters unfold with a mixture of present day and backstories being interwoven; at times I wasn’t sure if the story was moving forward or if we were delving into memories or imagination. As Andrea is initially alone in her predicament, her story has to be told through description. Having no dialogue other than when she is talking to herself, I found my concentration wavering.

I would have liked more depth to the main characters to fully empathise with them in the first part of the book. However, I commend the author on their research into sensitive areas such as mental health, self-harm, drug misuse and racism. They also touch on a myriad of emotions, including rivalry, jealousy, pain, fear, mistrust and revulsion.

This is K T George’s first novel and a story of two halves. The structure suffers at times through too much frantic action and, certainly at the beginning, the plot seemed muddled. For the most part, I found it dark and humourless and had I not committed to delivering a review, I may have given up. However, once Allyson became fully focused on finding out the truth, I became more invested in the story.

Whilst it’s a little rough around the edges, the book certainly packs a punch and fans of this genre will be rewarded for their perseverance. There are rather a lot of characters and some unanswered questions but it’s an unusual, unpredictable read and in my opinion, worth a rating of three-and-a-half stars. I wish the author well with their future writing endeavours.

[Eunice · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to psychological thrillers, "Conjoined" takes readers on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride of suspense and unease. From the moment I started reading, it felt as though I was transported into the story, enclosed in a virtual reality headset that allowed me to experience every hair-raising moment firsthand. And let me tell you, I couldn't get enough!

One of the aspects that truly captivated me was how the author masterfully crafted the main characters. Just when I thought I had them figured out, the author ingeniously toyed with my expectations, blurring the lines between who was good and who harbored a sinister secret. It kept me on my toes, constantly questioning and second-guessing myself. It's rare to find a writer who can achieve such an intricate balance and leave readers in a state of delightful confusion.

The eerie scenes scattered throughout the book had my skin crawling in the most deliciously spine-chilling way. The author's knack for channeling the darkest corners of the human psyche created a gripping atmosphere that had me eagerly turning the pages, eager to uncover the secrets lurking within. Each revelation struck with precision, leaving me in awe of the author's ability to weave a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

What impressed me the most about "Conjoined" was how seamlessly it blended different genres. Mystery, suspense, romance, and even touches of the paranormal or mind games, all intertwined to create a narrative that was impossible to put down. It kept me guessing, wondering what twist would be waiting for me on the next page.

However, as engrossing as the story was, I couldn't help but wish for closure on a few unresolved plot threads. The mysterious events surrounding Andrea in the motel left me yearning for answers, craving a deeper understanding of her fate. Nevertheless, perhaps this open-end hints at the possibility of a sequel. And if that's the case, I am eagerly awaiting its arrival.

Additionally, I found myself hoping that the author might consider exploring the story of "The Caretaker." This enigmatic character left an indelible mark on the story, and I cannot help but imagine the captivating story that could be spun around them. Such potential for further exploration left me eager for more.

[Viga Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not every book I review that makes me late for a doctor’s appointment, but that’s what happened as I eagerly raced through the 394 pages of Conjoined by K.T. George. I just couldn’t put it down. It’s almost hard to believe that this psychological thriller, borderline horror story that George started 7 years ago, is a debut novel. The large cast of characters is fascinating and complex; the theme is dark and macabre but very poignant; and the plot is so convoluted with twists that it keeps readers in suspense, always guessing until they turn that very last page. In short? Conjoined is unique and explosive.

At the center of the story, if you haven’t already figured it out, are female twins, but there’s no love lost between them. In fact, they hate each other. Both are artistically gifted and while their talents are compatible, their motivations, degrees of success, and activities are vastly different. It will take readers time to determine exactly what is going on with each of them, but as the mystery unfolds like a tightly wound ball of yarn, the pace speeds up with every revolution of that ball till it’s racing to its eye-opening conclusion. Psychological thriller fans couldn’t ask for more.

Whether K.T. George intended it or not, as the story drew near its end I found myself thinking as much about the messages he was sharing about society, fandom, TV and film viewership, celebrity and high-level coverups as I was about what happened in Conjoined. That, for me, is the sign of a book I’d have no hesitation in recommending. Excellent writing style, flawless formatting, and a killer read in more ways than one. Bravo K.T.

Reviewed by Viga Boland
http://www.vigaboland.com

[Marcy Sorenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗞.𝗧. 𝗚𝗲𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4/5

❗️I received an advance reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily❗️

This book took a bit to get into because it’s written in multiple POVs. It felt like three separate books in the beginning and I found it a bit difficult to keep things straight, but further in to the story, I got invested. Would recommend.

𝖡𝖫𝖴𝖱𝖡:

Allyson Marta is a celebrated mixed-media artist dwelling in the shadows of Seattle's gritty underbelly. She struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder while grappling with the jagged edges of self-harm and past suicide attempts. Her identical twin, Andrea, is a hedonist at heart. She thrives as the vibrant art director of the cult-favorite "The Caretaker" horror movie series, which ensnares devotees in its macabre embrace. When H0rr Studios, the go-to streaming service of horror fans worldwide and Andrea's employer, reports her missing, Allyson finds herself torn between her ongoing recovery and helping to unravel the mystery shrouding her histrionic twin's whereabouts.
After Roger Wotke, the star of The Caretaker, also disappears, Allyson is thrust into a perilous crossroads where the twin demons of mental anguish and familial duty collide. In a descent into the abyss of society's dark appetite for what goes bump in the night, Allyson grapples with safeguarding her tenuous sanity or delving deeper into the labyrinth of depravity that threatens to expose not just her own darkest secrets, but also those of her family.

[Andrea- The Shelf Life Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

‼️ Right Now this is Free on KU‼️
First and foremost, I want to thank the author, KT George for sending me an ARC of this Novel.

I couldn’t believe this was a debut novel from KT George. They write like a seasoned author. This book is everything I hoped it would be. It’s creepy, fasted paced and a edge of your seat psychological thriller.

This story is told from multiple points of view. We hear from Andrea and Allyson Marta, who are twins but lead very different lives. When Andrea is reported missing by her employer, Allyson must make the decision to give up on her mental health road to recovery to look for Andrea. Allyson knows that not only will it shed light on her dark secrets, but also on the family’s and Andrea’s.

This book kept me guessing until the last page. I loved the unreliable characters and trying to figure out what was real or not. If you’re a fan of thrillers looking for an addictive beach read this summer pick up this debut novel! Conjoined deals with strong mental health themes, as well as the LGBTQIA+ community.

Available 5/21 in e-book and 6/4 in paperback!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as mixed-media artist Allyson Marta is on track to get her life together following a lifelong struggle with mental illness, she is hit with the news that her twin sister Andrea is missing.
When Andrea’s famous coworker Roger Wotke, of the wildly popular ‘The Caretaker’ horror movie franchise, also disappears, Allyson is forced to choose between her recovery and helping to solve the mystery behind the disappearances.
Allyson’s sense of obligation plunges her into the dark and twisted world of what people find entertaining, where she’ll face the demons of her past and even more shocking horrors of her present.

What a unique and immersive tale! I was fascinated by the concept and appreciated the focus on mental health. The horror elements, intriguing twin dynamics, and sinister theme kept me glued to the story. I had to keep reading to make sense of what was going on. At times it was difficult to tell what was reality and what was imagination as the twisted and unfathomable truths come to light.

[Paula Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Debut author, #KTGeorge’s Psychological Thriller is unlike anything I’ve read before!
It starts with a bang! The action is already going on in the first chapter ! Each chapter is told from the view of a different character.
I always appreciate any book that handles mental health with love and care. And I love twins!
If you’re looking for an intense and fast paced thriller, this should be on your radar!

[Kristen Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I highly enjoyed this book and once I started I could not stop! I HAD to know what was happening and how it ended!! This book follows two identical twins Allyson and Andrea who could not be more different from the other. When Andrea goes missing, Allyson throws herself into the case to find out what happened to her twin. In the process she finds that her twin is not who she thinks she is. Will Allyson be able to save her twin or is she too late?? This book for those who like psychological thrillers, murder, and twisted mind games. Highly recommend!!

[Maggie Shanley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark and twisty family secrets. Twins that are mirrors and knives. This meta tale takes us into the world of a horror film studio and the tortured mind of an artist. If you like to be kept guessing and your tales bloody, this is the book for you!