The Other Lata

by Kirthana Ramisetti

A compulsively readable story of mistaken identity set within high society New York and the sacrifices made to keep up appearances, “as lively and refreshing as a chilled glass of champagne.” (Kirstin Chen)

Somewhere in New York City, Lata Murthy knows there is another person with her name living a much more interesting life. That's because Lata often receives the other Lata's invites to Hampton soirees, fundraising appeals from the New York City Ballet and reminders about sample sales at Soho boutiques. Lata's own life—working in digital content, watching Food Network marathons, spending recklessly on clothes she can't afford—feels pathetic in comparison. So, one day she decides to take on this other Lata's identity and jumps headfirst into the glamorous New York lifestyle ... but not without consequences.    

At first, it all feels like a fairy tale. All of Lata's NYC dreams come she gets a higher-paying job, moves into a chic Chelsea apartment and is embraced by an elite friend group that includes Rajeev, an up-and-coming fashion designer intent on making a splash at New York Fashion Week. But Lata doesn't just catch the attention of the handsome fashion designer—she also incurs the wrath of the mysterious woman she is impersonating. And this Other Lata wants Lata to pay...but in the oddest of ways. Other Lata's blackmail seems designed to humiliate Lata in front of her wealthy new circle, and Lata has no choice but to submit to her demands if she doesn't want to lose her new friends and lifestyle.   

Despite Other Lata's machinations, Lata and Rajeev's romance finds ways to blossom. But when Other Lata's demands change from mischievous to illegal, Lata must find a way to extricate herself from Other Lata's control once and for all.      

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, New York

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2025

About the author

Kirthana Ramisetti worked in media for over ten years before trying her hand at fiction. She received her MFA in creative writing from Emerson College, and her work has appeared in Newsday, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic and more. A pop culture addict whose brain is a repository for random information, she’d make an excellent addition to your trivia team. Her debut novel, Dava Shastri’s Last Day, will be published in December 2021.

Reviews

[amarachireads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fast paced fiction book in which a struggling Indian New Yorker impersonates a rich socialite that looks similar to her. The fmc goes by Lati and becomes friends with people in the rich group. Someone pitched it as Gossip girl with Bollywood vibes and I would say yes the rich wealthy lifestyle of GG and the the fmc heritage and Indian culture. The fmc did get very hooked to the presence and when the original Lati found out it brought a tension to the book. There is also a mini romance plot that was cute. Overall this is fun and lighthearted, it doesn’t go very deep into the characters but is good for getting out of a slump. Thanks to grand central for this arc for an honest review.

3.4/5

[Renaissance Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate what the author is trying to do and fully accept that this book just might not be for me. The author is a decent writer, but the story and character arcs and relationships simply didn’t go deep enough for me.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very nearly didn't finish this novel. I dislike stories about liars, and all along, that is what Lata was—and a thief. She worried more about the crowd she was finally hanging out with and less about her morals.

However, I gave it another chance and I am so glad I did. Lata redeemed herself wonderfully, the story became ever so intriguing, AND a mystery was solved. Lata even found herself a hottie!

The characters are very well drawn and most are even very likable. The writing flows smoothly, and the authors use of descriptions makes it easy for me to picture everything.

The perfect summer beach read or book club read.

*ARC was supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing, the author, and NetGalley. It will be out on April 1, 2025.

[Mai H.]

ANHPI TBR

📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing

[Stefani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The summary for this was way more interesting than it ended up being, unfortunately.

The story starts rolling pretty quickly. Everything from Lata getting an invite to an event meant for someone else to her email and her diving into the world of the wealthy pretending to be another person with the same name, all happens very fast. She doesn’t think much of it. She does it, but the emotion behind what she’s doing isn’t really there.

All of this felt like so much of just, on the surface writing. It tries to dig deeper into the story and the characters, but the writing just wasn’t there, it just wasn’t strong enough.

When she gets caught you’re just like ah well it was good awhile it lasted. The time flies by quickly, and in the end everything works out for her.

I just didn’t feel much for the characters. Lata bails on her best friend at the beginning and the girl drops out of the novel never to be seen again. They mention her near the end like “we didn’t forget about her!” But it was a throw away line.

The romance is there in words but not in feelings. It’s just nothing.

Overall, this was all just sort of bland. And that’s such a bummer, cause the description promised me a fun time.

Thank you @netgalley and @grandcentralpub for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Erica Remington · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was just ok

[Pujashree · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was quite impressed with the Dava Shastri's Last Day a few years ago me. It was subversive about wealth and race and the intersectionality of it all in Indian-American lives. Dava was enigmatic and all her faults and foibles were fascinating to unfold. The premise of Other Lata is also enigmatic on paper, but I'm disappointed to say the writing and narrative pacing is nowhere near as masterful and intriguing as Dava Shastri. For one thing, Lata is not a very likable protagonist, with her wannabe socialite internal life and her naivete all through the end about valuing and befriending the glam pack of NYC a la Sex and the City. While it started off kind of thrilling with every identity con she pulled to get into increasingly exclusive gatherings, the suspension of disbelief got harder and harder to maintain that a) she didn't get found out, and b) she wasn't broke already. The fine line between why SHE deserved a redemption ending (way too easily) and not the righteously angry original Lata, is all but non-existent, boiling down to, "well this one was friendlier". There was SO MUCH opportunity here to tell a properly powerful story about power and wealth and identity, but anytime the story touched on that, it quickly handwaved it away with lazy explanations and justifications. Ultimately, it made for a rather inane story about chasing the glamour of high society, because I don't think Lata grew AT ALL as a character because she kept getting rewarded for her lies and callousness. Not the kind of fluff I was looking for. Which is a shame because the audiobook narrator is one of my favorites and did a wonderful job of keeping me reading about this insipid MC.

[Diana Glaser · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE OTHER LATA was a fun and twisty ride which explores the complex nature between the haves and have nots. Between the author’s ability to create likable unlikable female characters and the setting of high society New York City, this book was a great read that not only has a bit of mystery, but makes you think.

What I love about this author is her ability to write about people who are morally grey and humanly flawed, but ultimately their motives and their actions are more multifaceted as being right or wrong. Lata, the FMC, is a complex character who is benefitting from another and doing some pretty ethically icky things. But the author does such a great job with her character that you find yourself rooting for her rather than condemning her.

And the book is a fun mix of mystery, character centered narrative, and deep critique at the absurdities of the wealthy. I didn’t know where it was going, and that was refreshing. And all the while, New York City serves as the background to facilitate all these aspects. I think that they are done well where they seamlessly work together to create the central story.

This is a really interesting novel about race, class, and womanhood. If you like morally ambiguous female characters, New York City settings, character development, and some twists, read this.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! 

[Danielle | daniellereadslikealot · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Advika and the Hollywood Wives so I was really excited to read Ramisetti’s next book! The Other Lata is a fast paced look at the haves vs. the have nots. I loved the social commentary of classism, wealth and race. You do have to suspend your belief in reality a bit at times, but I still found the story incredibly intriguing. I will say, apart from Lata, I didn’t feel like I got to know the other characters very well and missed that connection I like to have that hooks me in. I did really enjoy that this book explores right and wrong in a very nuanced way. I also really liked each chapter being titled with a designer/store to show Lata’s journey through her struggles to her ascension in the rich kid circle. If you enjoy stories like Anna Delvey or the SoHo Grifter, this one might be for you!
CW: racism

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the digital readers copy!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so fun! After getting emails meant for someone with the same name, Lata Murthy decides to dive into the lavish lifestyle of the other Lata.

I liked how this was half thriller, half lit fic. The whole time I was nervous that Lata would get found out! I liked that we got to know a lot about Lata, too, like her familial relationships and her childhood tv show-loving personality. Her blooming relationships with Keiko and Rajeev were fun and satisfying to read.

Thank you to GCP for a copy of The Other Lata in exchange for an honest review!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complicated female protagonist is one I can appreciate.

[Ashley Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

more 3.5 but I didn’t hate it

[Karmen Tovar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing, and the author for this ARC! This book is available now!!!!

Oh how I love pretending to be the rich elites of NYC, and so does Lata Murthy! Not the sort of book I normally read, but a great step outside of my comfort zone. The absolute DRAMA happening in this book was crazy. I was gasping left and right! As a romance girly, I was hoping for a little more from the romance subplot, but that is truly a me thing and not the book thing. I kind of felt like the ending was a little rushed in areas (without spoiling I can’t say much) but basically I thought everyone forgave Lata waaaay too fast. I really liked this story and if you love a good mystery, this is right up your alley!

[Shakkiena Mackey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for an ARC of The Other Lat by Kirthana Ramisetti. This was my first novel by this author and it was very interesting. I loved the elements of slow-burn romance and humor. I also enjoyed the elements of suspense. A woman with financial troubles receiving invitations via email to extravagant events and infiltrates this other Lata's life. But who is the other Lata? This woman had no idea what she was getting into by impersonating Lata. That was a wild ride!

[Matt Chisling (MattyandtheBooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★ - THE OTHER LATA is a super fun, silver screen-ready story about mistaken identity, stolen identity, and the ways we seek identity amongst the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

Lata Murthy, erm, gets by in New York City. It feels like not much is going her way, and it all seems to be going beautifully for another Lata, a woman whose invitations occasionally appear in her inbox. When our Lata sees an invite for a party that looks too good to miss, she accepts the invitation and, suddenly, is not just a party crasher: She is believed to be the socialite intentionally invited to the party and, as such, pulled into her world of big donation galas, weekly shopping trips, and chance encounters with sexy, starry people, including Rajeev, a man on the cusp of breaking out as a fashion star. But decisions like these have consequences and, when the other Lata finds out what's going on, a course of blackmail, deceit, and bullying begins that makes our heroine realize that stealing someone else's identities could have greater consequences than an awkward run-in...

Kirthana Ramisetti elevates a rather conventional tale of stolen identities and glitzy New York social commentary by adding in an element of deceit and danger to her tale, making this story not only a perfect casual read, but one with a hell of a hook. It's always fun (and a little envious) to spend time with empty-headed socialites and people so rich they don't even realize it, but we also have a tender story of a young girl without a clear thing going for her, who is navigating approval from difficult parents, trying to find a partner, and learning what it means to grow up and take accountability for their actions. It's a story with a beating heart beyond the large black sunglasses and chunky diamond jewelry. It's a story that's as much Gossip Girl as it is Crazy Rich Asians, as it is Sex and the City. Which is to say: highly bingable, a definite recommendation.

[Lina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 / 5 Stars

This was a cute book with a nice dash of mystery and suspense! In “The Other Lata,” Lata Murthy’s life is just fine. She has a job that isn’t particularly fulfilling. She affords her rent but has a shopping habit that is putting her into debt. She hasn’t dated in a long time so she watched Food Network marathons with her friend instead. Her life isn’t dire – it is just fine. But there is another Lata Murthy who has a fabulous life. This Lata knows because she keeps getting emails meant for the other Lata. The other Lata gets invited to cool parties for nepo baby jewelry designers and soirees in the Hamptons where the houses are filled with weird sculptures. So this Lata decides that she’ll indulge and go to a few of these parties as the other Lata. And it’s fun and not as hard as she thought. She makes friends, she gets a better job, she moves into a better apartment, all because these rich folks think she’s the other Lata. She even falls for a handsome fashion designer. It’s all a teetering house of cards but it’s working.

Until the other Lata reaches out and she is not too happy. The other Lata starts blackmailing this Lata. The blackmail is weird at first, like requests to wear ridiculous clothes to a party or talk about herself in the third person to friends. But soon, other Lata becomes vengeful and her demands start becoming more nefarious and more illegal. How will this Lata handle it without losing her friends, job, apartment, and new love?

I really enjoyed the mystery and suspense in this book. I liked that it was written as Lata telling the story of all of this whole adventure and she would reference moments that changed her life or changed her trajectory. It was a fun device to get you hooked. I didn’t find the romance all that compelling but I found Lata’s backstory about her life growing up and her relationship with her parents to be super enthralling and it helped explain why she would continue with this ruse for as long as she did. It’s an easy read that keeps you hooked and folks that care about clothes and designers will love those details!

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing this eARC! All opinions are my own.

[Lulu]

Kirthana Ramisetti's "The Other Lata" is a highly entertaining high-society romp that deftly blends humor, identity, and social commentary.

The story follows Lata Murthy, a down-on-her-luck trivia company employee in Connecticut who stumbles upon a life-changing opportunity through a case of mistaken identity. Accidentally receiving invitations meant for her mysterious and glamorous namesake—a Mumbai-born heiress—Lata is drawn into a whirlwind of wealth, deception, and escapades.

The plot is a delightful mix of comedy and tension, and Ramisetti maintains an enjoyable momentum as Lata's double life grows increasingly elaborate and precarious. The impending threat of her facade unraveling adds an undercurrent of suspense that keeps readers hooked, even as they revel in the character's audacious exploits.

What truly makes the novel shine are its vivid and dynamic characters. Lata is a wonderfully flawed and relatable protagonist, whose desperation, resourcefulness, and wit make her both endearing and frustrating. The supporting cast of fashion designers, models, and socialites adds flair and intrigue, while the enigmatic Other Lata looms as a tantalizing presence throughout the story. Their contrasting lives serve as a fascinating lens through which issues of class, identity, and ambition are explored.

Ramisetti's humor sparkles on every page and the mix of wit and heartfelt moments makes for an immensely satisfying reading experience. "The Other Lata" is a joy to read, blending comedy and drama in a way that leaves you laughing, cringing, and reflecting on the cost of reinvention.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I haven’t read Kirthana Ramisetti before, but The Other Lata sounded right up my alley. I love books that satirically explore the lives of the uber-rich, and the premise of this one, mixing with the mistaken identity trope, sounded rather juicy.
And in some ways, it definitely is. I loved exploring the excesses of high-society life through Lata’s eyes, as well as the lengths she took to keep up the charade and reckon with “the Other Lata,” to whom this life actually belongs. And despite the seediness of it all, I Lata is nonetheless sympathetic in how she rationalizes it, given her comparatively poor origins.
But what starts as a very fast-paced and exciting story got bogged down in the second half by a very muddled timeline. One week later then, one month, and then another two months, and yet another three months passed, and it just really killed any momentum the story had built up at that point.
And where was the romance? I guess there is something between Lata and Rajeev, but it’s barely consequential. But with publishing calling everything a “romcom” these days even if the characters look at each other, and Rajeev not being super-prominent in the blurb to begin with, my expectations weren’t super-high in this department to begin with.
However, there is a good book in here, in spite of its flaws, and you might enjoy it if you enjoy fairly light stories around an average person “faking it” to navigate high society and all the shenanigans that ensue as a result.

[Brown Girl Bookshelf]

“It comes down to this: if somebody isn’t looking to see a difference, they simply won’t notice.” Thus begins the conceit of “The Other Lata.”

Lata Murthy has been mistakenly receiving lavish event invitations for months, until she finally decides to attend one meant for “the other Lata.” The dominos that ensues launch Lata into a gilded life, filled with wealth, luxury, and a glittering social calendar. For the first time in her life, Lata basks in the warm glow of the spotlight as a mysterious fresh face among the opulent New York elite. However, wealth and status come at a cost, as mounting credit card debt and the real Lata begin closing in on her deception.

“The Other Lata” is the sparkling socialite world of *Gossip Girl* meets the doppelgänger intrigue of The Prestige. Fans of Ramisetti’s previous work, “Advika and the Hollywood Wives,” will recognize the theme of an ordinary woman stumbling into larger-than-life circumstances.

Though Lata is very much the artist of her own problematic tableau, I related to her sense of latent displacement and lack of belonging in the predominantly white spaces where she grew up. The author also touches upon casual racism and subtle tokenism that occurs even in NYC’s diverse setting. While lavish lifestyle is a driving factor behind Lata’s actions, her main motivation are the connections she makes amongst the affluent. Even the chapter titles—an ode to designer and discount brands Lata wears—demonstrate a close and clever attention to detail.

Ramisetti delivers a lighthearted yet compelling tale of mystery, blackmail, family, and romance—ultimately exploring the messy, sometimes misguided journey of self-discovery.

[Sheila Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirthana Ramisetti creates a character that resonates with many readers. Lata Murthy receives an invitation that is not meant for her, but she decides to respond and then actually attends the event. By the grace of god, no one realizes that she is not the person they believe her to be. The life of the other Lata is so glamorous and wonderful that the protagonist sacrifices much of who she is and the life she currently has to pursue a life that she believes is better.

The character of Lata continually makes the wrong choice, but as story unfolds, we see her trying to be better. The audience is privy to her regret and her desire to extricate herself from the situation. This all compounds when she meets a man. Much of the ruse is perpetuated to allow Lata to continue to be in the social circles of this man. Ramisetti is pushing the idea of how far are we willing to go for love. While Lata feels like an imposter most of the time, she continues down the path of deception to stay in Rajeev’s orbit.

Ramisetti focuses on the desire to live a bigger life than we inhabit. While many people dream of rubbing elbows with the elite, Lata is taking the reins and trying to write her own narrative. However, Ramisetti also highlights the insecurity and doubt that plague most people when they find themselves in situations they don’t feel they deserve. Unfortunately, Lata didn’t have the confidence in herself to come clean at the first party after she quickly befriended people in the higher social circles. She didn’t believe that they could truly like her without social status. It is a true, but sad, statement about our class structure in the US.

[Lorena · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of a young woman of Indian ethnicity, living a broke and unfulfilled life in New York City, whose world is turned upside down after she mistakenly receives — and accepts — an exclusive invitation meant for someone else with the same name. The “real” Lata Murthy, known as the elusive “Mumbai Princess,” is a generous donor and a fixture at high-society fundraisers attended by New York’s wealthiest elites.

Our protagonist (or perhaps antagonist?) steps into this glamorous identity, quickly embedding herself into a core circle of wealthy friends and spending the summer racking up debt in her desperate attempts to look the part of a wealthy socialite. Her elaborate deception leads to a swanky new apartment, a prestigious job, and even a new romance — until the day she receives a message from the other Lata Murthy, who’s ready to call her bluff.

What follows is a slow, calculated unraveling of the imposter’s fragile house of cards, all orchestrated by the real Lata herself. The question is: when all is said and done, which Lata Murthy will be left standing?

I found this book both entertaining and engaging. It kept me hooked as I anxiously wondered how it would all end. Despite her flaws, the main character was surprisingly likable, which made her story all the more compelling.

Thanks to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for early access to ebook.

[M Soh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.

The Other Lata reminded me of the dramatic plots of the early 2000s where socialites and the culture of striving came together in lighter thrillers that were always fun to read. A slightly older sister to the YA and New Adult of those times, this story was fun but had enough darker elements to keep me intrigued.

Lata is in her early 30’s struggling to understand why her New York City life isn’t the one she dreamed about as one of the few minority kids in her youth in Connecticut. One a particularly boring day after finding out her BFF is leaving town and being over her job not going anywhere (or paying much), she accepts an invite intended for another Lata and opens the door to a year of seeing how ‘the other half’ parties and lives. While her life seems to get more charmed she’s not escaped the notice of the other Lata who has plans for her that don’t exactly look as sparkly as our Lata hoped.

I was curious how the story would spin up not just hoodwinking acquaintances of the two women into thinking there was only one but also how it would transform into a bit of a mystery. Well done, is all I can say. While this story could have gone deeper it was perfect brain candy with its blends of light nostalgia (gossip girl, anyone?), romance, and intrigue.

[Jasminegalsreadinglog · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Other Lata is a twisty, morally ambiguous story about identity and acceptance. Lata Murthy is a New Yorker struggling to make ends meet. Though she has always been surrounded by wealth, her own family was never truly wealthy. Lata craves acceptance and a life of luxury, and when an opportunity arises, she seizes it, plunging into the world of New York high society. But is the cost worth it?

This is one of those books that will stay with me for a long time. At its core, it’s a simple story with a touch of mystery and romance. However, what truly sets it apart is the undercurrent of angst woven throughout. Lata’s Indian identity, the otherness she has felt growing up, and her deep need to belong all shape her decisions, making her a deeply flawed yet compelling character.

The most thought-provoking question this book raises is: does anyone truly see beyond the surface? Lata impersonates another woman of Indian ethnicity, forcing us to consider whether people of the same race are perceived as interchangeable. Does wealth, class, and appearance dictate everything?

Fast-paced and filled with morally gray characters, The Other Lata has put this author firmly on my radar. I’ll be eagerly watching for what they write next.

Thank you, Grand Central Publishing, for the opportunity to read this book!

[Soni | soni.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Synopsis:

Lata Murthy often receives another Lata's invites to exclusive NYC events. Lata's own life—feels pathetic in comparison. So, one day she decides to take on this other Lata's identity and jumps headfirst into the glamorous New York lifestyle. She is embraced by an elite friend group that includes Rajeev, an up-and-coming fashion designer. But Lata doesn't just catch the attention of the handsome fashion designer—she also incurs the wrath of the mysterious woman she is impersonating. Other Lata finds ways to humiliate Lata in front of her wealthy new circle, and Lata has no choice but to submit to her demands if she doesn't want to lose everything. When Other Lata's demands change from mischievous to illegal, Lata must find a way to extricate herself from Other Lata's control once and for all.

Review:

This was an enthralling read. It was a think-piece on privilege, social class and the desire to fit in. Lata lives an ordinary life but is enthralled by keeping up with the Joneses, which is especially prevalent as a first generation American, the daughter of two hard-working immigrants, which makes the dynamics even more complex. As a daughter of immigrants myself, I could relate to wanting to fit in with the "locals" moreso than the uber-rich, but could see how Lata was tempted to join as the opportunities arose. She is one of those FMCs where you're shaking your head at the choices she makes, but like a train wreck, you can't look away - I think that's part of the reader experience for this one. I really enjoyed it!

Thank you so much to HBG Canada for my finished copy!

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this unique and fascinating new novel, readers discover a complex and entertaining story of mistaken identity against New York’s high society. Lata Murthy, posing as a different woman with the same first name, starts receiving the other Lata’s emails and taking her plate at exciting and expensive events across the city to live the glamorous lifestyle she has always wanted. As her dreams come true and she falls in love with Rajeev, an up-and-coming designer, Lata suddenly finds her world crumbling when the other Lata’s blackmail ventures become decidedly odd. As their relationship and identity confusion becomes more complicated, readers will love the drama and intensity of this entertainingly complex novel. The characters are definitely the stars of the novel, and the changing backdrop of high society and its intense and glamorous characters really bring Lata’s differences to life. With its rich storylines and incredible details, readers will love this entertaining and unique novel because its characters are so dynamic and complex and the world it exposes is so fascinating. Fun, entertaining, unpredictable, and definitely unique, readers will really enjoy the complexities, drama, and high stakes of this richly detailed novel and the characters that bring it to life.

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the advance copy.

[Ashby Dodd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kirthana Ramisetti returns with another sharp, socially savvy story about chasing the high life - only this time, it's less about marrying rich and more about stealing a name. Literally.

Lata Murthy lives a modest NYC life filled with digital content deadlines and Food Network binges. But thanks to a mysterious email mix-up, she keeps getting invites meant for another Lata - one who apparently sips cocktails in the Hamptons and shops SoHo sales. So Lata does what any of us might (but hopefully wouldn't): she takes on this Other Lata's identity and moves headfirst into a new, glittering world.

What starts as innocent curiosity snowballs into a double life of lies, glamor, and increasingly bizarre blackmail from the real Other Lata. Toss in a budding romance with a rising fashion designer, and you've got a story that's equal parts fun and messy.

The pacing gets a little slow at times, but just when you're ready to drift, Ramisetti pulls you back in. If you've ever felt like an outsider trying to fake your way into belonging, The Other Lata will hit a little too close, making it an enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for an advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fast-paced, New York-based rom com mystery! Kirthana Ramisetti's story is set in NYC and the plot thrives in the dynamic social ecosystems throughout the social network uptown, midtown, downtown-- and even the train ride away to the Hamptons. I liked the references to literature all throughout the story! Lata's references to reading Nancy Drew added a fun metafiction element to the book, and I was cheering for Late when she got the nerve to begin writing her own article! It was cool to see details of the writing journey, such as messaging with the editors and writing the drafts, as part of Lata's journey of unfolding into her truest self. I like how the plot's resolutions happened in a sequence of events, and the final chapter shifts to present tense. There is an aura of momentum and good energy at the story's conclusion where Late is setting new goals for herself.

Here's my favorite quote:

"I know I said I had experienced an infinite happiness before, but this moment, the two of us surrounded by his work while he holds mine, and the people we love close by, this is it. This is that feeling."

[Neha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I think I’m in the minority of readers for whom this book fell flat. I (maybe not-so-secretly) enjoy reading about the “rich lifestyle” and hidden lives of the rich, but Lata’s impostering really got under my skin. She often flashes back to the Indian-conservative life she had growing up and uses it to contrast the life she lives now, full of designer labels and credit card debt. The premise for her discovering the high-fashion life — a prom date who purchased an Armani gown for her…who does this?! — in addition to other situations that cropped up throughout the book (like the antics the Other Lata forced on her) made the story not only improbable but also practically-unreadable for me.

The story wanted to resemble Anna Delvey’s journey, but with heart, and it just didn’t work for me. Would be good for someone more interested in this lifestyle who is able to turn off the cynicism. I enjoyed the author’s debut (Dava Sastry’s Last Day) and will still continue reading her work.

[ashareads · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lata Murthy stumbles into the glamorous life of another woman with her name by impersonating her, gaining access to high society and a promising romance. But when the real “Other Lata” starts blackmailing her with increasingly dangerous demands, Lata must choose between keeping her new life or reclaiming her true identity.

In The Other Lata, the mistaken identity plot and the suspense kept me engaged. Lata was an interesting character. She was deeply flawed and messy which made the story entertaining. However, there was so much going on that none of the characters were fully developed and I was hoping for more depth. The scenes involving high society and Lata’s new friends were fun, but I couldn’t see the romance or any real chemistry between Lata and Rajeev. The writing style also didn’t work for me. The shifts between past and present felt abrupt and the timeline didn’t flow smoothly. I also wasn’t the fan of the ending. Overall, I’m starting to think Kirthana Ramisetti’s books might not be the right fit for me.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was really vibing with the first half of this book. It was really fun and a good break from my reality into someone else’s (albeit fictional). I loved this author’s other books but this one fell a little flat for me about halfway through and it was a slog to finish.

The pacing of this felt off. The narrator explains massive time jumps, which are necessary to move the story along, but it felt awkward in execution. Months would pass by in a sentence or two and could be really easy to miss. Even with the time jumps, it felt like this book took place over a summer rather than over a year, which I honestly think would have been better as just summer shenanigans. This gets even worse at the end where each chapter is at least a month time jump. They are literally titled “One month later”, “Two months later”, “Three more months later”.

Getting too into it would require spoilers but the ending was too nicely wrapped up in a perfect little bow. Though I did enjoy aspects of the ending and what we find out about the other Lata, most of the ending was absurd.

Overall this book was fine but I would recommend reading Ramisetti’s other books instead of this one.