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The Impersonators
IMPERSONATION SERVICES AVAILABLE NEAR YOU. Need someone to stand in as a partner, colleague or relative? Make the right impression by hiring a professional actor today. Complete discretion assured.
After a decade of waiting for the call that would change everything, Lucy's dreams are shattered when her agent drops her. But returning to the life she's spent ten years running from isn't an option.
Determined to keep her acting career alive, Lucy and her best friend Jack launch an Impersonation Agency, stepping into the lives of strangers and playing everything from supportive partners at family gatherings to charming plus-ones at corporate events.
It all seems harmless enough, despite the lies they're paid to spin - until they meet Zelda. A wealthy woman who was abandoned by her ex-boyfriend, Zelda's not just seeking a performance; she's out for revenge. 'I want to destroy him.'
Before they know it, Lucy and Jack are forced to question how far they're willing to go, and just what they've let themselves in for... Because when you're selling lies for a living, can you ever be sure who's really in control?
A totally unputdownable and twist-packed page-turner, perfect for fans of Bella Mackie and Katy Brent.
'A fascinating concept wonderfully executed, packed with engrossing characters' John Marrs, bestselling author of The One
'Twisty and thought-provoking' Woman's Weekly
'Truly original, it's quite brilliant' Woman & Home
'It's so great to pick up a book with a completely different concept to any I've read before... A really fresh read' Prima
'Fame, friendship and betrayal are the themes of this warm, sharp, original novel' Daily Mail
After a decade of waiting for the call that would change everything, Lucy's dreams are shattered when her agent drops her. But returning to the life she's spent ten years running from isn't an option.
Determined to keep her acting career alive, Lucy and her best friend Jack launch an Impersonation Agency, stepping into the lives of strangers and playing everything from supportive partners at family gatherings to charming plus-ones at corporate events.
It all seems harmless enough, despite the lies they're paid to spin - until they meet Zelda. A wealthy woman who was abandoned by her ex-boyfriend, Zelda's not just seeking a performance; she's out for revenge. 'I want to destroy him.'
Before they know it, Lucy and Jack are forced to question how far they're willing to go, and just what they've let themselves in for... Because when you're selling lies for a living, can you ever be sure who's really in control?
A totally unputdownable and twist-packed page-turner, perfect for fans of Bella Mackie and Katy Brent.
'A fascinating concept wonderfully executed, packed with engrossing characters' John Marrs, bestselling author of The One
'Twisty and thought-provoking' Woman's Weekly
'Truly original, it's quite brilliant' Woman & Home
'It's so great to pick up a book with a completely different concept to any I've read before... A really fresh read' Prima
'Fame, friendship and betrayal are the themes of this warm, sharp, original novel' Daily Mail
317 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 13, 2025
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 24, 2025
I found this book concept fascinating, it was a book that I requested as soon as I read the synopsis. The Impersonators follows Lucy and Jack, who are failed actors, open the Impersonation Agency where they can be hired to be whoever the clients need them to be. But when Zelda hires them, they start to question what it means to be an actor.
Despite my excitement, I struggled to get into this book and connect with the characters. I find it difficult to read books where I don't like the main characters, and that was a challenge here. In particular, I found Jack to be frustrating. I understand his desperation to become a successful actor, but he often came across as narcissistic. It took me a while to warm up to Lucy, but as the story progressed and I learnt more about her, she grew on me. The storyline carried this book for me, I wanted to learn how the story played out and whether things would get resolved. There was also a mini plot twist at the end, whilst it didn’t shock me, I also didn't predict it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I’m unsure whether I’d recommend it. The premise was intriguing, and the plot was enjoyable, but something about it didn’t fully click for me. That said, I think some people might have a different experience, so I probably would recommend this book.
Despite my excitement, I struggled to get into this book and connect with the characters. I find it difficult to read books where I don't like the main characters, and that was a challenge here. In particular, I found Jack to be frustrating. I understand his desperation to become a successful actor, but he often came across as narcissistic. It took me a while to warm up to Lucy, but as the story progressed and I learnt more about her, she grew on me. The storyline carried this book for me, I wanted to learn how the story played out and whether things would get resolved. There was also a mini plot twist at the end, whilst it didn’t shock me, I also didn't predict it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but I’m unsure whether I’d recommend it. The premise was intriguing, and the plot was enjoyable, but something about it didn’t fully click for me. That said, I think some people might have a different experience, so I probably would recommend this book.
May 11, 2025
I thought the concept of this book was original. People do this honeytrap thing to catch people out. However, I don't think (or hope) anyone would go to such extremes to con people.
I can only describe it as an average read. No surprises for me as I had worked out everything. I like books to have more depth and substance. Mel, the sister, was the most bitchy and judgemental character and yet she was agreeing to work for her sister with no experience whatsoever. The way they talked about their father, anyone would think he was a death's door. And he was only 60! The love scenes were rather mills and boon ish.
To end on a positive, I have read far worse, easy to read but easily forgettable.
I can only describe it as an average read. No surprises for me as I had worked out everything. I like books to have more depth and substance. Mel, the sister, was the most bitchy and judgemental character and yet she was agreeing to work for her sister with no experience whatsoever. The way they talked about their father, anyone would think he was a death's door. And he was only 60! The love scenes were rather mills and boon ish.
To end on a positive, I have read far worse, easy to read but easily forgettable.
June 16, 2025
Saw a review for this in press and bought it on a punt, on kindle, not h/b. Thoroughly enjoyed it, both the unusual premise of struggling young actress/actor setting up their own impersonation agency and the two protagonists (Lucy and Jack)'s back stories and how interlinked they were by tragedy, ambition, shared experiences and loss.
Chadwick created shaded, nuanced characters and wove a twisting plot of lies and fakery. Who is deceiving who? and what are their motives? The final twist and reveal was touching and powerful. Yup, I really enjoyed this one.
Chadwick created shaded, nuanced characters and wove a twisting plot of lies and fakery. Who is deceiving who? and what are their motives? The final twist and reveal was touching and powerful. Yup, I really enjoyed this one.
May 12, 2025
3.5 rounded up
June 28, 2025
Great holiday read. I was intrigued by the whole concept and I wasn’t disappointed. Really original story line, I would recommend.
January 2, 2026
Lucy and Jack have been friends since uni, where they studied acting and had dreams of success and stardom. A decade later they’re still in London, slogging away with auditions, rejections and odd jobs here and there. Lucy’s always felt in Jack’s shadow. From a humble upbringing with a taxi driver dad, she envied Jack for his disposable income and freedom of choice, but as firm friends they’ve got each others’ backs.
When they decide to start an agency of actors for hire, even they can’t predict the success it’s going to have.
Soon they become involved in providing plus-ones for parties, setting up honey traps, and their most risky of all: posing as a businessman’s love child, come out of the woodwork 30 years later.
While the cliches and Lucy counting her calories in order to stay slim and Jack’s unawareness of the real world got a little annoyingly repetitive, I enjoyed the book and it took some satisfying turns I wasn’t expecting.
When they decide to start an agency of actors for hire, even they can’t predict the success it’s going to have.
Soon they become involved in providing plus-ones for parties, setting up honey traps, and their most risky of all: posing as a businessman’s love child, come out of the woodwork 30 years later.
While the cliches and Lucy counting her calories in order to stay slim and Jack’s unawareness of the real world got a little annoyingly repetitive, I enjoyed the book and it took some satisfying turns I wasn’t expecting.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews