Erase Me

by Josh Silver

A struggling teen discovers solace in technology that lets him view the erased memories of others. As he delves into the past of another boy harboring a dark secret, he embarks on a thrilling journey that uncovers a love he was forced to forget. Perfect for fans of They Both Died at the End .

Seventeen-year-old Eli has been in a near-fatal car crash. As the anniversary looms, his therapist and family struggle to help him deal with the fall out. The accident has left him emotionally numb, with no memory of the months following the crash.

Desperate to feel something again, Eli discovers a black market for people’s memories. Erased memories that others can watch via a virtual reality simulation.

When he enters the story of a boy called Jack, he discovers a darker truth…a mind-blowing secret that sets Eli on a dangerous journey of what he was supposed to forget that can lead his heart back to where it belongs, or shatter his life forever.

Genres: Young Adult

416 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 10, 2026

Reviews

[Lauren Bayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book absolutely shattered my heart and blew my mind. I want to email high school librarians in my area and make sure that this book is in their spring order because I could easily see it becoming the next great YA thriller. This book brings up so many questions: the importance of memories (even the most traumatic and terrifying), the lengths people will go to seek out thrills and novelty, the monetization of vulnerabilities, the complexities of bodily autonomy when you are a young person. All revealed in a twisty, gripping story that had me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

And that ending? Oh my GOD, that ending. One of the best, most interesting endings I've read in a very long time.

One last note: I saw some of the press for this book describe it as similar to "Severance." That is true, but honestly it is even better than Severance because it doesn't get caught up in its own convolution, it reveals and thrills and drops jaws all at once.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Harlee Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erase Me by Josh Silver was a fast-paced thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I couldn’t help but fall in love with Elias and Jack, and their story was well thought out and beautifully developed.

The plot was engaging and full of suspense, and I especially loved that I couldn’t predict the ending — which is rare for a book in this genre. Overall, I would highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more of Josh Silver’s work.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Josh Silver for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this YA thriller and read it in just a couple of sittings because it was unputdownable. This is my favorite type of thriller- one where I'm not busy guessing what's going to happen next because I'm so wrapped up in the moment. Now, while I wait for the sequel that I hope for, will go read the rest of Josh Silver's books.

Thank you to Random House Children's Books, Delacorte Press, and NetGallery for access to the ARC.

[J R · Rating 5 out of 5]

an incredibly wild ride with unique plotting and a very awesome pair of protagonists. unraveling the mystery of what happened to them and how it ties back is a wonderful time. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.