Paper Dolls

by Mads Drake

Living a life built on illusions, they’re nothing more than cutouts waiting to be torn apart.

Fresh out of prison for a crime she didn’t commit, Celia expected freedom. Instead, she finds her life stolen by a stranger who wears her face.

Her name is Isla. Same husband. Same house. Same habits Celia thought were hers alone. A mirror.

Instead of tearing each other apart, Celia and Isla form a fragile alliance.

Together, they start to unravel the truth about who they are and how their lives became intertwined.

But every thread they pull only reveals another.

And every answer comes with darker questions.

Because Celia wasn’t the first. And Isla won’t be the last.

Now, the women must decide who they can trust and how far they’re willing to go to survive a truth that could destroy them both

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2025

Reviews

[Diane 🌻 Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

3/5

Started with a bang and while the momentum kept going the storyline became… disappointing, for lack of a better word.

Minimal character development, but just enough based on the premise. Once the final “plan of action” was put in place everything ended too quickly, imo.

Probably would have given this 2 ⭐️ but the final sentence had me laughing out loud.

Am I glad I read it? Yeah, it was mildly entertaining

Would I recommend it? Not really. If you already own it, go for it. Definitely don’t buy it

[Cinda Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! The tense mood was sustained throughout the story. And there were some unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend it to any who like this genre - and to those who think they don’t this is a good place to start!

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish this was a bit longer and paced slower. I really liked the plot twist at the end, if there's another book I'd definitely pick it up!!. I enjoyed this

[Scotty Renslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has everything I love: suspense, shocking twists, and characters who must work together to defeat a common enemy. It kept me on the edge of my seat, nail-biting all the way to a satisfying resolution.

[Amanda Barajas Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Page-turner!!

I couldn't put this book down...seriously, I read it in one day! If you are a lover of thrillers, I highly recommend it!!

[Maria Eisenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book ! Was thinking this could be a movie?!
And let’s just say… the last line in this book moved my rating from a 4 to a 5!

[Crysta · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left my jaw on the floor. The descriptions that Drake provides is astounding. At this point in my life, thrillers have become pretty predictable. However, Celia’s story left me guessing and on the edge of my seat.

I highly recommend this for someone who loves twists and turns up until the end. I have become a fan of Mads Drake and I cannot wait for more!

[Paula Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this twisty psychological thriller. It was so good I would have read it in one night, but I fell asleep. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes serial killer novels that don't focus on the same boring old tropes or bog down the plot with irrelevant sexual encounters. I hope she writes another book soon, because I can't wait to read more of her work.

[4estgrump · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not a professional book reviewer, I just enjoy reading. I enjoyed this book. I didn’t love it, and I surely didn’t hate it.

[Elizabeth Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great psychological thriller! The 4 ladies working to put all the pcs together was great!! Hooked from the first chapter!