What do you think?
Rate this book
The Trouble with Charlie
A mind-bending story of one teen’s descent into madness and another teen’s quest to prevent an unspeakable tragedy.
Fifteen-year-old Charlie Simpson is a ticking time bomb. If somebody doesn’t stop him, he is going to explode. Fellow student Sam Caffey has never met Charlie, but he’s been watching him. He knows that Charlie is dangerous, and he knows that if he doesn’t act fast, people are going to die.
But the more Sam learns about the enigmatic Charlie, the more he begins to question his own sanity. He wants to stop Charlie. He wants to tell somebody that Charlie has killed and is going to kill again. But he can’t. Something in his head won’t let him. Is Charlie controlling Sam’s thoughts? Or is Sam losing his mind?
Sam has seen Charlie kill, but nothing can prepare him for what Charlie is about to do next. Charlie wants revenge. He wants to kill everybody who has ever wronged him. Can Sam stop Charlie? Or will he be forced to join him?
Fifteen-year-old Charlie Simpson is a ticking time bomb. If somebody doesn’t stop him, he is going to explode. Fellow student Sam Caffey has never met Charlie, but he’s been watching him. He knows that Charlie is dangerous, and he knows that if he doesn’t act fast, people are going to die.
But the more Sam learns about the enigmatic Charlie, the more he begins to question his own sanity. He wants to stop Charlie. He wants to tell somebody that Charlie has killed and is going to kill again. But he can’t. Something in his head won’t let him. Is Charlie controlling Sam’s thoughts? Or is Sam losing his mind?
Sam has seen Charlie kill, but nothing can prepare him for what Charlie is about to do next. Charlie wants revenge. He wants to kill everybody who has ever wronged him. Can Sam stop Charlie? Or will he be forced to join him?
Audible Audio
First published August 7, 2020
481 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
About the author
Kenneth Preston
10 books71 followersKenneth Preston is the author of “The Trouble With Charlie,” “The Final Girl,” and “The Legend of Us.” From literature to television to film, the myriad tales that painted his cultural landscape inspired him to begin writing his own stories. He was born and raised on Long Island and studied English at the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
July 13, 2022
Story 3/5
Narration 3/5
This book is too long and too confusing. The story could have been better.
Narration 3/5
This book is too long and too confusing. The story could have been better.
October 7, 2023
This book was really thought provoking and unlike most other psychological thrillers I’ve read . The more I read, the more perplexed I got and the more I constantly questioned the fictional reality of everyone and everything occurring in the narrative, yet that’s what intrigued me to read on until the resolution. This wasn’t a light read either , and as a forewarning , this story is not afraid to delve into dark topics like mental illness , suicide, or abuse among other things .
While I cannot say much of my thoughts without revealing too much, I will say the “twist” was not a conventional one and though many of the initial hints scattered throughout the story were red herrings , there was cleverly placed foreshadowing if one pays attention .
Furthermore, I respected how the ending was not a conventional “happy” ending either. In its unique way, the book ended on hopeful yet somber note, because all the characters were at peace with themselves and where their respective journeys led them while still acknowledging the darkness that brought them there .
While I cannot say much of my thoughts without revealing too much, I will say the “twist” was not a conventional one and though many of the initial hints scattered throughout the story were red herrings , there was cleverly placed foreshadowing if one pays attention .
Furthermore, I respected how the ending was not a conventional “happy” ending either. In its unique way, the book ended on hopeful yet somber note, because all the characters were at peace with themselves and where their respective journeys led them while still acknowledging the darkness that brought them there .
March 6, 2022
The longer I sat on this review, the more I began to dislike the book. I will try my best to avoid spoilers while still discussing why this book didn't work for me.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The story was billed as "a mind-bending story of one teen’s descent into madness and another teen’s quest to prevent an unspeakable tragedy." A pretty cheap red herring, but that's why I downloaded the book. What I got instead was an almost exploitative account of mental illness. I do not like when authors use mental health as a trope and don't get their facts right. First, the condition that's at the forefront of this book is not commonly diagnosed in teens. Second, teachers are trained to notice signs that were so dramatically present in this book, and friends and family would certainly comment on and notice these behaviors as well. I guessed what was going on almost immediately, but I wanted to keep reading to see if I was wrong.
This book has excellent reviews on Amazon, and I would never try to persuade someone away from a book. This one simply wasn't for me.
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
The story was billed as "a mind-bending story of one teen’s descent into madness and another teen’s quest to prevent an unspeakable tragedy." A pretty cheap red herring, but that's why I downloaded the book. What I got instead was an almost exploitative account of mental illness. I do not like when authors use mental health as a trope and don't get their facts right. First, the condition that's at the forefront of this book is not commonly diagnosed in teens. Second, teachers are trained to notice signs that were so dramatically present in this book, and friends and family would certainly comment on and notice these behaviors as well. I guessed what was going on almost immediately, but I wanted to keep reading to see if I was wrong.
This book has excellent reviews on Amazon, and I would never try to persuade someone away from a book. This one simply wasn't for me.
September 5, 2021
Good read
Even though I figured it out at the beginning of the book what was going on, it was still a good book.
Even though I figured it out at the beginning of the book what was going on, it was still a good book.
October 28, 2020
I could not put this book down! A suspenseful ride in the high school lives of Charlie and Sam, two strangers who quickly become friends. Just when I think I had the mysterious happenings figured out, the author yanked me down another rabbit hole. My mind was racing to keep up with all the twists and turns and unexpected turn of events. Definitely recommend. An enthralling mind-bending read!
September 10, 2020
Follow the twists and turns to reality
Reading The Trouble With Charlie is like taking a.trip.down the rabbit hole. Impossible to put down or stop thinking about after you've been to Charlie's life. An exceptional look into mental illness.
Reading The Trouble With Charlie is like taking a.trip.down the rabbit hole. Impossible to put down or stop thinking about after you've been to Charlie's life. An exceptional look into mental illness.
August 7, 2023
Very good story! I was starting to think I knew what the twist was going to be, and I was close, but still surprised in some ways! Interesting, fast paced read.
September 8, 2020
I will review this later because it is now way past my bedtime!
I love to read fiction stories about. This was an excellent story in that capacity. I think I should have caught on sooner than I did, because I did notice a few things that didn't 'fit right'. The more I think about this story, the more I like it. I have a feeling I will be thinking about this story for some time.
I have to thank the author, Kenneth Preston, for the free copy of his story.
I love to read fiction stories about. This was an excellent story in that capacity. I think I should have caught on sooner than I did, because I did notice a few things that didn't 'fit right'. The more I think about this story, the more I like it. I have a feeling I will be thinking about this story for some time.
I have to thank the author, Kenneth Preston, for the free copy of his story.
August 26, 2020
This is a great read for anyone who loves a good page-turner. Numerous plot twists and the author's nimble writing style made for a fast-paced psychological thriller that had me questioning everything I thought I knew about the characters and their motives the further I went along.
December 27, 2020
Have you ever heard the phrase “it’s not WHAT you say, it’s HOW you say it”? This rings true for this book. The topic it explores (which I’d be spoiling the book if I divulged) is absolutely brilliant. I absolutely loved it and I was so happy about the representation in this book (again, I’d be spoiling if I explained). But the ending was overly explained in my opinion. If done differently (ie letting the reader figure everything out on their own), it would have been mind blowing. Overall though, I give it a 4 and I’d be interested in checking out more from this author as he progresses.
October 5, 2023
2 stars only because I finished it. Confused about all the great reviews. Predictable but was hoping for an ending that would blow me away. Didn’t happen.
June 16, 2023
PLEASE be sure to make yourself aware of the possible triggers in this story before you pick it up, as there are mentions of suicide, self harm, and homicide. Mental health is the biggest premise of this book, and with that comes possible triggers.
**spoiler alert**
The Trouble with Charlie is a great story, following Charlie Simpson and Sam Caffey through a series of highs and lows on a journey of self discovery.
This is probably one of the most accurate depictions of Disassociative Identity Disorder (DID) that I have ever read, and I enjoyed the way that the author brought to light the way that DID affects someone, and the way that their alters present themselves.
In the beginning of this book, I was convinced that Sam and Charlie were twins, or maybe that Charlie had some sort of a superpower, but as the story progressed, I came up with new theories and new ideas. All of them were wrong, of course, and it wasn't until near the end of the story that I considered the possibility of DID.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller, but also to anyone wanting to take a look into the reality of Disassociative Identity Disorder.
**spoiler alert**
The Trouble with Charlie is a great story, following Charlie Simpson and Sam Caffey through a series of highs and lows on a journey of self discovery.
This is probably one of the most accurate depictions of Disassociative Identity Disorder (DID) that I have ever read, and I enjoyed the way that the author brought to light the way that DID affects someone, and the way that their alters present themselves.
In the beginning of this book, I was convinced that Sam and Charlie were twins, or maybe that Charlie had some sort of a superpower, but as the story progressed, I came up with new theories and new ideas. All of them were wrong, of course, and it wasn't until near the end of the story that I considered the possibility of DID.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good thriller, but also to anyone wanting to take a look into the reality of Disassociative Identity Disorder.
April 13, 2021
Charlie is a disturbed young teen, to say the least. Sam, a student at the same school, observes him, realizing Charlie is unstable mentally and is concerned he may harm others. As time goes on, Sam discovers more of Charlie's profound darkness, which triggers him to question his own mental health. Charlie grows more and more disturbed and becomes lethally dangerous. The Trouble With Charlie is a distressing tale of one adolescent's succession into psychosis, and another’s mission to stop an appalling catastrophe. This is a nail-biting psychological page-turner that is disturbing but hard to put down. It’s not for the faint of heart, and hopefully, it can help bring more awareness to mental illness.
January 20, 2024
Sam begins to worry that a fellow student named Charlie is going to do something horrendous. His theory is that befriending Charlie will prevent a tragedy from taking place, but being friends with Charlie isn’t so simple. Charlie is mysterious, troubled, and seems to be able to keep Sam under his control. Can Sam stop Charlie from hurting the people he knows and loves? The writing was a bit confusing (part of which was intended by the author) and the ending was predictable, but it was still a twisty, creepy story.
January 31, 2024
3.5 / ⭐️ rounded down
A propulsive, fast paced read with an intriguing premise. This book cleverly explores mental illness and includes its fair share of TWs (suicide, suicidal ideation, etc). Somewhat hard to follow at times, but overall a solid read full of twists. I had a pretty good idea of what was happening as the story progressed and kept turning the pages to see how it all played out. Well executed story albeit a bit confusing and would definitely recommend if you enjoy a fast paced, unique thriller.
A propulsive, fast paced read with an intriguing premise. This book cleverly explores mental illness and includes its fair share of TWs (suicide, suicidal ideation, etc). Somewhat hard to follow at times, but overall a solid read full of twists. I had a pretty good idea of what was happening as the story progressed and kept turning the pages to see how it all played out. Well executed story albeit a bit confusing and would definitely recommend if you enjoy a fast paced, unique thriller.
November 20, 2020
Fascinating!
I absolutely loved this book. It really had me hooked from the beginning. It was hard for me to figure out what was "really going on" with the two main characters, and that's unusual! I can normally figure it out fairly easy. I will definitely be recommending this one. Not only here on Amazon, but also to my friends and family. I can't wait to read more from Kenneth Preston
I absolutely loved this book. It really had me hooked from the beginning. It was hard for me to figure out what was "really going on" with the two main characters, and that's unusual! I can normally figure it out fairly easy. I will definitely be recommending this one. Not only here on Amazon, but also to my friends and family. I can't wait to read more from Kenneth Preston
March 15, 2022
Interesting twists; a great psychological thriller!
Being trained in this field, I came to conclusions maybe earlier on than some. But I was still on a great ride, going up and down, back and forth until the last few chapters finally laid out the pretense of this book.
It's definitely quite the interesting, jerk your chain in many ways kind of book you don't come across every day. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
Being trained in this field, I came to conclusions maybe earlier on than some. But I was still on a great ride, going up and down, back and forth until the last few chapters finally laid out the pretense of this book.
It's definitely quite the interesting, jerk your chain in many ways kind of book you don't come across every day. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.
February 18, 2023
Stolen identity.
A solid surprise about what's happening to Sam and Charlie. Not a tear jerker but a sad reality to the minds power. Its so troubling to find out the truth in a OMG kind of way.
But a VERY sad reality for Charlie. He lived a horrible dream that no one could detect except Bonnie who already knew. He was so frightening that I never knew ahead of time what he was going to do. Poor Sam was lead through a nightmare that no one should have to live.
A solid surprise about what's happening to Sam and Charlie. Not a tear jerker but a sad reality to the minds power. Its so troubling to find out the truth in a OMG kind of way.
But a VERY sad reality for Charlie. He lived a horrible dream that no one could detect except Bonnie who already knew. He was so frightening that I never knew ahead of time what he was going to do. Poor Sam was lead through a nightmare that no one should have to live.
February 2, 2021
Fascinating read!
Probably one of the best books that I have read in a while. A mind-bending story of friendship and deception. While the final twist could be seen coming due to other clues and events in the story, it's still a satisfying conclusion and payoff. A real psychological mind-bender.
Probably one of the best books that I have read in a while. A mind-bending story of friendship and deception. While the final twist could be seen coming due to other clues and events in the story, it's still a satisfying conclusion and payoff. A real psychological mind-bender.
September 17, 2021
I couldn't put it down!
I didn't have a lot of hope for this book. A lot of books in this genre aren't very captivating. This one, though...A must read! I was hooked right away, and read the whole thing in about 24 hours. Breaks for life in between, but man...I absolutely LOVE this book!!!
I didn't have a lot of hope for this book. A lot of books in this genre aren't very captivating. This one, though...A must read! I was hooked right away, and read the whole thing in about 24 hours. Breaks for life in between, but man...I absolutely LOVE this book!!!
October 5, 2021
I am so impressed with this authors realism in his characters and storytelling. Not only bringing real life issues to fiction, but making the book readable,relatable,understanding. There's heart in every chapter,and although the characters are young this book is for all ages teen and up. I finished this book and still in the end wanted to learn more about Charlie and his family.
July 10, 2022
The Trouble with Charlie
Awesome!! Could not put down. Characters and storyline are awesome. I’ll admit it had me guessing until more toward the end. You will not know who Charlie is about (for awhile) but when you do you will really appreciate how this is handled. Definitely a must read!!!
Awesome!! Could not put down. Characters and storyline are awesome. I’ll admit it had me guessing until more toward the end. You will not know who Charlie is about (for awhile) but when you do you will really appreciate how this is handled. Definitely a must read!!!
December 5, 2022
Really liked this book - hard to write a review without giving away spoilers. Many twists and turns in this one but very suspenseful. This book deals with mental illness amongst teens and really stayed with me for days after I finished reading it. Very few books do that to me. Well written book - my first by Kenneth Preston - will definitely check out more by him.
January 20, 2024
At first this book was okay, then a few chapters in it changed. I didn’t want to put it down. It’s not the kind of book I usually read, but it was a Prime Reading choice a few months back. It had so many twists and turns!! You think you know what’s happening and then boom, nope! It all changes again.
April 22, 2024
confusing but really good
I kind of had it figured out early on. And then I didn’t. And then I did. And then when the twist/explanation (that I was right about) came, somehow I was still surprised. Not the most stellar writing I’ve ever read (a lot of phrases overused in my opinion), but the storyline is very very good.
I kind of had it figured out early on. And then I didn’t. And then I did. And then when the twist/explanation (that I was right about) came, somehow I was still surprised. Not the most stellar writing I’ve ever read (a lot of phrases overused in my opinion), but the storyline is very very good.
September 21, 2020
Hhmmmm
What to say. Couldn’t put the book down. Never sure what was real. Surprised and then not about what was real and real to Charlie. Well written, thought provoking and sad this world we live in and how we react to it
What to say. Couldn’t put the book down. Never sure what was real. Surprised and then not about what was real and real to Charlie. Well written, thought provoking and sad this world we live in and how we react to it
January 11, 2021
Really good book on mental health and how it can effect people.
This is the type of book i have never read before. Really enjoyed it. Was nice not to know what was happening until the end. Very much not what i expected at all.
This is the type of book i have never read before. Really enjoyed it. Was nice not to know what was happening until the end. Very much not what i expected at all.
February 18, 2021
Fascinating story!
Wow, I was so enthralled by this story! I can't say more without spoilers, but I'd say it's a very real dimension of human psychology. If you're interested the many dimensions the human mind can create, then you'll be as engrossed as I was.
Wow, I was so enthralled by this story! I can't say more without spoilers, but I'd say it's a very real dimension of human psychology. If you're interested the many dimensions the human mind can create, then you'll be as engrossed as I was.
June 27, 2022
Tackles the subject of mental illness very well and had me questioning everything
I thought the narration was excellent and really fit these characters
Overall a fantastic production that I would highly recommend 5stars
I thought the narration was excellent and really fit these characters
Overall a fantastic production that I would highly recommend 5stars
July 27, 2022
Interesting Read
I thought this was an interesting book. I liked both Sam and Charlie characters. They both have good insights to there characters and I did feel as though it would end differently.
I thought this was an interesting book. I liked both Sam and Charlie characters. They both have good insights to there characters and I did feel as though it would end differently.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews