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Displacement
Displacement follows Liam Donohue, a seemingly ordinary eighteen year old boy who appears to have an enviable life. He’s just finished high school, has loving parents, and is about to start his final summer before college with his three best friends. However, there’s only one thing—he currently faces first-degree murder charges for a heinous, yet unknown crime.
Liam’s harrowing journey begins on a cool summer night in 1998, when he walks into a record store with his friends Jason, Madelyn, and Ashley. As he browses for his collection, something unexpected stops him dead in his an album featuring a menacing photo of him as a child on its cover. Horrified and confused, Liam becomes compelled to uncover how this photo ended up there—and why the sight of it fills him with an unshakable sense of dread that he cannot explain. As Liam digs deeper, he unravels a web of disturbing truths in his pursuit to learn about his past that will not only shatter his own understanding of who he is, but also the public’s.
Told through the transcript of the recorded interrogation between Liam Donohue and the detective assigned to his case, the reader must figure out for themselves whether Liam is telling impossible truths, or concealing something far more sinister.
Liam’s harrowing journey begins on a cool summer night in 1998, when he walks into a record store with his friends Jason, Madelyn, and Ashley. As he browses for his collection, something unexpected stops him dead in his an album featuring a menacing photo of him as a child on its cover. Horrified and confused, Liam becomes compelled to uncover how this photo ended up there—and why the sight of it fills him with an unshakable sense of dread that he cannot explain. As Liam digs deeper, he unravels a web of disturbing truths in his pursuit to learn about his past that will not only shatter his own understanding of who he is, but also the public’s.
Told through the transcript of the recorded interrogation between Liam Donohue and the detective assigned to his case, the reader must figure out for themselves whether Liam is telling impossible truths, or concealing something far more sinister.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 8, 2025
227 people are currently reading
1710 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
January 25, 2026
Hey everyone! Author of Displacement here. I want to thank you all for taking the time to read my debut novel, and for coming to Goodreads to leave your honest opinions about it. It means a lot!
Quick fun fact about Displacement: the idea came to me when my sister asked me for help with a creative writing assignment. Her assignment was to come up with an idea for a plot to a thriller novel revolving around music. I thought about how crazy it would be if someone walked into a record store to find an album cover with their picture on it. So, that night, I started writing about it. I never thought it would have turned into a novel, but here we are!
If you enjoyed Displacement, please share with your friends, family, and whoever else you know enjoys reading! I look forward to reading all your reviews!
Quick fun fact about Displacement: the idea came to me when my sister asked me for help with a creative writing assignment. Her assignment was to come up with an idea for a plot to a thriller novel revolving around music. I thought about how crazy it would be if someone walked into a record store to find an album cover with their picture on it. So, that night, I started writing about it. I never thought it would have turned into a novel, but here we are!
If you enjoyed Displacement, please share with your friends, family, and whoever else you know enjoys reading! I look forward to reading all your reviews!
January 12, 2026
Displacement was such a refreshing surprise! I’ve read a lot of thrillers and this is one of the first in a while that genuinely felt different—both in its plot and in the way the story itself is told.
One of my favourite parts was the structure. The entire book is written as an interrogation transcript between Liam and the detective on his case, and it works so well. It felt immersive and tense, and had me analysing every word and inconsistency.
This is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing from start to finish. I honestly had no idea where the story was going, and there’s no way I could have predicted that ending! I flew through this book because I constantly needed to know what would be revealed next. There are lots of small clues and subtle details throughout that had me repeatedly asking, “What is actually going on here?”
I was never fully sure whether I trusted Liam as a narrator, which added so much to the suspense and made the experience feel unsettling in the best way.
I could also totally see this working as a screen adaptation — it would be fascinating to watch.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that feel fresh, immersive and will keep you guessing the entire time, I’d definitely recommend Displacement!
4.5⭐️
One of my favourite parts was the structure. The entire book is written as an interrogation transcript between Liam and the detective on his case, and it works so well. It felt immersive and tense, and had me analysing every word and inconsistency.
This is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing from start to finish. I honestly had no idea where the story was going, and there’s no way I could have predicted that ending! I flew through this book because I constantly needed to know what would be revealed next. There are lots of small clues and subtle details throughout that had me repeatedly asking, “What is actually going on here?”
I was never fully sure whether I trusted Liam as a narrator, which added so much to the suspense and made the experience feel unsettling in the best way.
I could also totally see this working as a screen adaptation — it would be fascinating to watch.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that feel fresh, immersive and will keep you guessing the entire time, I’d definitely recommend Displacement!
4.5⭐️
January 8, 2026
4.5 ⭐️'s?! I had to make a review ranting about this on tiktok because that ending has me DISTRAUGHT in the best way. this is what I want when I read a thriller!!! this definitely set the bar high for other thrillers in 2026
December 15, 2025
Worth the read!
I found this author in my Facebook psychological thrillers group. A bunch of us thought it sounded interesting, so I'm thinking he got a bunch of downloads, and hopefully a lot will read it. I love books that are not like anything I've read before and trust me I've read a lot of books in my lifetime. This book fit the bill, and I look forward to his next one!
I found this author in my Facebook psychological thrillers group. A bunch of us thought it sounded interesting, so I'm thinking he got a bunch of downloads, and hopefully a lot will read it. I love books that are not like anything I've read before and trust me I've read a lot of books in my lifetime. This book fit the bill, and I look forward to his next one!
November 14, 2025
This was a really good psychological thriller. It kept me turning the pages, and every time I thought I knew what was coming next, I didn’t. The story moved quickly and kept my attention the whole way through.
The ending definitely caught me off guard — in a good way. I didn’t see it coming at all, which made the book even better. If you like thrillers that are easy to get into and keep you guessing, this one is worth reading.
Would recommend.
The ending definitely caught me off guard — in a good way. I didn’t see it coming at all, which made the book even better. If you like thrillers that are easy to get into and keep you guessing, this one is worth reading.
Would recommend.
January 1, 2026
Wow! It was refreshing to read a book with a plot I have not encountered before.
Written very well, hooked me and the end dropped my jaw. I encourage this author to keep writing and I’m glad I ran across his post introducing us to this gem.
Written very well, hooked me and the end dropped my jaw. I encourage this author to keep writing and I’m glad I ran across his post introducing us to this gem.
January 4, 2026
As its a new author I will be gentle. To me this it as if this book was written by two different people or one person that completely lost their way. The first 80% is quite good, it is written as a police interview which is a good idea. The story is both intriguing and interesting and there is some good character development. However the book moves away from this style with it becoming more a description rather than an interview. The writer tries to excuse this within the story itself but it is a mistake, the descriptions become overly wordy and drawn out and the pace drops completely. A good editor would sort that out. The last 20% is childish, poorly written and frankly completely bizarre and unbelievable. From a good idea to a terrible ending.
November 15, 2025
Not my typical genre but maybe I should start reading more cause it was great I was in the edge of my seat the whole time and was shocked at the end
January 5, 2026
I kept thinking to myself as I was reading "if this is his debut book then I can only imagine what the future will hold!" I can confidently admit im an absolute psychological thriller junkie, I love anything fast pace that constantly leaves me questioning which direction the book will take us and Justin you did not disappoint!!
Liam was such an excellent story teller in this book, just enough detail so I wasn't left with questions, but not so much detail that I would get that slow burn book feeling. The Dectective in the book left me giggling and smirking at times, the image painted for Liams best friends made it super relatable and draws you in to their funny personalities of teenagers just finishing high school.
I absolutely loved the style of writing having the different fonts and how its a transcript of the interview with the detective and Liam. so incredibly happy I came across the self promo post for this book because idk if I wouldve found it otherwise!
Displacement is an absolute MUST READ that will leave you questioning so much up until the very end and leave you hoping for a book to follow up on it all...or perhaps a prequel to it all?!
Liam was such an excellent story teller in this book, just enough detail so I wasn't left with questions, but not so much detail that I would get that slow burn book feeling. The Dectective in the book left me giggling and smirking at times, the image painted for Liams best friends made it super relatable and draws you in to their funny personalities of teenagers just finishing high school.
I absolutely loved the style of writing having the different fonts and how its a transcript of the interview with the detective and Liam. so incredibly happy I came across the self promo post for this book because idk if I wouldve found it otherwise!
Displacement is an absolute MUST READ that will leave you questioning so much up until the very end and leave you hoping for a book to follow up on it all...or perhaps a prequel to it all?!
December 30, 2025
This is an excellent read if you like psychological thrillers. I couldn’t put it down. It would make a great movie as well. Loved it!!
December 23, 2025
I’m not much of a big reader but this book has gotten me back into it. Throughout this book there wasn’t a point where I wanted to stop reading. So many clues and hidden messages that gets you thinking and wondering what could really be happening. At first you think you can make some sort of prediction as to what’s going to happen but you will soon realize that the ending will leave you mind blown. This mystery/thriller is so creative and unique and now I am impatiently waiting for a sequel. 5 stars.
December 27, 2025
Kept me guessing every step of the way. Enjoyed it from beginning to end. Hoping that the author has more books lined up because I'm itching to read more from him!
November 16, 2025
What an amazing book. I never saw the end coming. Such a great twist! I hope there’s a second book. I NEED to know what happens next!!
January 3, 2026
This book was a self-recommendation from a new author in a FB group that I am part of for psychological thrillers. Always wanting to support new authors I decided to give it a try. I started the first couple of chapters and then life got busy. I went back and at that point I couldn’t put it down. I read a few reviews about how they thought the book “fell flat” in the end. I disagree. Yes, you are possibly left with a WTH feeling but also hoping for a sequel?
There were times throughout this book where yes I thought things got maybe a little weird and sometimes overly descriptive, however, I rated it 5 stars for a few reasons. 1- One night I couldn’t keep my eyes open and had to put it down for the night. I literally dreamed about this book and the characters. What would happen next? As if I was on the journey with them. 2- A part towards the end of the book literally made me gasp out loud. 3- I truly felt actively engaged and emotional about what was happening. I don’t always have that type of a connection with books.
Congratulations to this new young author. I can’t wait to read more!
There were times throughout this book where yes I thought things got maybe a little weird and sometimes overly descriptive, however, I rated it 5 stars for a few reasons. 1- One night I couldn’t keep my eyes open and had to put it down for the night. I literally dreamed about this book and the characters. What would happen next? As if I was on the journey with them. 2- A part towards the end of the book literally made me gasp out loud. 3- I truly felt actively engaged and emotional about what was happening. I don’t always have that type of a connection with books.
Congratulations to this new young author. I can’t wait to read more!
January 3, 2026
Wow. Without giving away any spoilers, this book had me constantly questioning what I thought I knew. I found myself picking up on inconsistencies in Liam’s story, only for the narrative to pull me straight back into believing him again. That push and pull was incredibly effective and kept me fully engaged throughout.
The writing itself was excellent, particularly the way the story is structured. Being placed in the position of the jury was a brilliant choice and made the reading experience feel immersive and unsettling in the best way. You’re not just reading the story, you’re actively judging it.
The only thing I would consider adding is a subtle trigger warning around mental illness. This could be done without spoiling the plot and would be a thoughtful inclusion for readers who may find certain themes confronting.
Overall, this was a compelling and cleverly written book that stays with you long after you finish it
The writing itself was excellent, particularly the way the story is structured. Being placed in the position of the jury was a brilliant choice and made the reading experience feel immersive and unsettling in the best way. You’re not just reading the story, you’re actively judging it.
The only thing I would consider adding is a subtle trigger warning around mental illness. This could be done without spoiling the plot and would be a thoughtful inclusion for readers who may find certain themes confronting.
Overall, this was a compelling and cleverly written book that stays with you long after you finish it
January 6, 2026
A MASTERPIECE!
Fans of Twilight Zone, Catriona Ward, Nat Cassidy, Marcus Kliewer, pay attention!!
This was an absolutely unputdownable horror/ thriller with a touch of crime and even a bit of science fiction. The format it’s written in is so unique and the main character is so likable, I read this book so fast. I have seen people say they don’t like the ending of the book, however I absolutely loved it. It’s a great twist, and just when I thought I wouldn’t like the ending, it switched gears and had me reeling! I loved this book!!
Fans of Twilight Zone, Catriona Ward, Nat Cassidy, Marcus Kliewer, pay attention!!
This was an absolutely unputdownable horror/ thriller with a touch of crime and even a bit of science fiction. The format it’s written in is so unique and the main character is so likable, I read this book so fast. I have seen people say they don’t like the ending of the book, however I absolutely loved it. It’s a great twist, and just when I thought I wouldn’t like the ending, it switched gears and had me reeling! I loved this book!!
January 3, 2026
A Rollercoaster of a Ride!!
I’m still sitting here wondering, "Did that really just happen?" Displacement is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing from page one. I had no idea where Justin Pick was taking this story, but I was 100% along for the ride.
The protagonist, Liam, kept me on my toes—I went from rooting for him to doubting him and back again. It is incredibly rare for a book to catch me off guard twice, but the ending was a total mindf**k, followed by a final twist that absolutely blew me away. Highly recommended for thriller fans! 5+ Stars!!!
I’m still sitting here wondering, "Did that really just happen?" Displacement is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing from page one. I had no idea where Justin Pick was taking this story, but I was 100% along for the ride.
The protagonist, Liam, kept me on my toes—I went from rooting for him to doubting him and back again. It is incredibly rare for a book to catch me off guard twice, but the ending was a total mindf**k, followed by a final twist that absolutely blew me away. Highly recommended for thriller fans! 5+ Stars!!!
January 3, 2026
Really great and fast paced book. I thought I had it figured out a few times but I wasn’t even close.
I loved the way it was written and the story being told by Liam as he is being interrogated, it really kept me engaged.
Definitely recommend reading if you like a fast paced & twisty psych thriller.
I loved the way it was written and the story being told by Liam as he is being interrogated, it really kept me engaged.
Definitely recommend reading if you like a fast paced & twisty psych thriller.
January 3, 2026
Hooked me from page 1
Love a good psychological thriller and Displacement did not disappoint. Will there be a sequel? Great first book and hopefully not last by this author.
Love a good psychological thriller and Displacement did not disappoint. Will there be a sequel? Great first book and hopefully not last by this author.
January 12, 2026
3.5⭐️
What?! My mind is still reeling from the ending because HUH?!
I read this in about 4 hours because I just HAD to know what was happening. If you want a psychological thriller that leaves you staring at the wall after finishing this one is for you!
What?! My mind is still reeling from the ending because HUH?!
I read this in about 4 hours because I just HAD to know what was happening. If you want a psychological thriller that leaves you staring at the wall after finishing this one is for you!
December 22, 2025
I saw a post from the author on a Facebook psychological thrillers group I belong to, and decided to download the book. AWESOME book! I could not put it down. Very interesting and I was surprised by the ending! Read in 2 days. Highly recommend!
December 28, 2025
Great book! Had me on my edge and looking forward to my next time for reading. Lots of twists and turns. I liked how he wrote it - half from character and half from interview. Wish the end was a bit more clear.
January 9, 2026
I'm sorry, but this was just not good. I was super intrigued by the blurb & the fact that it was written in interview form, but Liam's story telling was painfully boring. I continued on in hopes that something exciting would happen, but nothing ever did.
The ending was a convoluted mess. The concept actually held a lot of potential, but the execution only left us with more questions & absolutely no answers as to why any of this was happening.
The ending was a convoluted mess. The concept actually held a lot of potential, but the execution only left us with more questions & absolutely no answers as to why any of this was happening.
December 15, 2025
Justin Pick
This book kept me going, kept me.asking questions. I was surprised at all the twists and turns! For a first book, this guy did amazing!! Love this book!
This book kept me going, kept me.asking questions. I was surprised at all the twists and turns! For a first book, this guy did amazing!! Love this book!
December 13, 2025
Great page turner
I really enjoyed this book. It keeps you guessing and makes you want to read more. The ending was a shock. I’m still thinking about it. Hoping for a sequel.
I really enjoyed this book. It keeps you guessing and makes you want to read more. The ending was a shock. I’m still thinking about it. Hoping for a sequel.
December 17, 2025
I really loved this book!! The style of writing sucked me in and had me hooked the whole time. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting at all! I thoroughly enjoyed this one
December 12, 2025
Great book, interesting the way it was written as if you are following an interview. I certainly didn't anticipate the twist at the end. Look forward to reading more from this new author.
December 15, 2025
Terrible!
Brutal! Boring, woodie….I was told the ending was worth the read, I tried and tried, after 2/3 of the book read I could not read another page…..
Brutal! Boring, woodie….I was told the ending was worth the read, I tried and tried, after 2/3 of the book read I could not read another page…..
January 13, 2026
This story starts with High School graduate, Liam Donohue, at a police station, about to begin the process of being interviewed for …
Some kind of incident?
What it is, we are not quite sure, we only know that it is something bizarre? traumatic ? Maybe?
Possibly Horrific?
We are in the dark about what it could be.
So.
Liam begins to tell the crotchety detective Freeman his story, while his parents sit and wait outside, insisting that he starts at the beginning
The very, VERY, beginning.
Liam painstakingly narrates the lead up to whatever exactly happened to him in minuet detail.
So, much, so, that even detective Freeman questions whether it is necessary for so much detail to be included.
Liam however, insists.
He must tell us all as he remembers it.
So, we follow Liam and his best friends Jason, Ashley, and Madelyn as they finish High School, and observe them as they deal with the Boredom in their small Long Island town,
Liam and Jason are huge music fans and propose that, one night they all go to an old CD and Record store, just for something to do.
It’s while they are there browsing through all the dusty old vinyl that Liam stumbles upon an ancient band called the Picture Frames,
.
He’s never heard of them , but it’s not their music that has his attention, it’s the record cover.
Because on the front is a photo of the grubby room where a skinny man sits on a chair, and sitting on his knee is a child.
That child is Liam, he knows this because on the boy’s forehead is scared in the shape of the letter “ K” exactly the same as the one Liam has.
Now, we are told some time earlier during Liam’s interview with detective Freeman , that he was adopted from an Orphanage by his parents at the age of four.
So, the mystery is, how has the toddler Liam ended up posing on this obscure Album Cover?
To say that Liam is confused and upset would be an understatement.
PLUS!
Not knowing anything about his life before the orphanage, this makes the creepy man who appears to be holding him, even MORE disturbing.
Of course, Liam purchase the record, takes it home and begins to investigate the label on his laptop.
The information he finds out about the record company is vague, but there is a small lead regarding a building in a town called Bath.
Liam intends to go there to find out more, but first he has a Pre Prom party, Prom, and after Prom party to attend with Jason, Ashley and his date ( crush ) Madelyn.
Madelyn, at this point, is the only one he has shared his plans of travelling to Bath,
But after the Prom parties, Ashley and Jason are also up for a road trip.
It’s what happens on this road trip that sets forward the unusual events that take place.
As Liam drags us through every aspect of the lead up to the events, Detective Freeman challenges him on some of the more finer details that doesn’t seem to be adding up.
It’s at these points when we started to wander if this was all one big fat lie.
However, Liam’s detailed analysis was so “ on point “you just don’t know.
Throughout the interview process though, we are privy to what the Detective is writing down in real time.
Then, towards the end we see the message that was given to the potential jurors, along with Liam’s handwritten notes found in his car.
However!
You will never guess… In a MILLION YEARS! the direction this book takes at the end. 😳
The only issue I had with this book was the fact that, with Liam’s insistence that he tell the story his way, or not at all made it made it drag out… A Lot!
But, I kinda get it because, it does succeed in giving you slow burn intense, paranoid , scary vibes as Liam’s mental state deteriorates
Especially when Liam starts to have his hallucinations, and we don’t know if they are real or of his own making.
Like I said the ending was crazy!
It delivered.
I’m just not sure whether I was satisfied with what it delivered.
It was definitely strange and unlike anything I have read before.
3.5 stars
,
Some kind of incident?
What it is, we are not quite sure, we only know that it is something bizarre? traumatic ? Maybe?
Possibly Horrific?
We are in the dark about what it could be.
So.
Liam begins to tell the crotchety detective Freeman his story, while his parents sit and wait outside, insisting that he starts at the beginning
The very, VERY, beginning.
Liam painstakingly narrates the lead up to whatever exactly happened to him in minuet detail.
So, much, so, that even detective Freeman questions whether it is necessary for so much detail to be included.
Liam however, insists.
He must tell us all as he remembers it.
So, we follow Liam and his best friends Jason, Ashley, and Madelyn as they finish High School, and observe them as they deal with the Boredom in their small Long Island town,
Liam and Jason are huge music fans and propose that, one night they all go to an old CD and Record store, just for something to do.
It’s while they are there browsing through all the dusty old vinyl that Liam stumbles upon an ancient band called the Picture Frames,
.
He’s never heard of them , but it’s not their music that has his attention, it’s the record cover.
Because on the front is a photo of the grubby room where a skinny man sits on a chair, and sitting on his knee is a child.
That child is Liam, he knows this because on the boy’s forehead is scared in the shape of the letter “ K” exactly the same as the one Liam has.
Now, we are told some time earlier during Liam’s interview with detective Freeman , that he was adopted from an Orphanage by his parents at the age of four.
So, the mystery is, how has the toddler Liam ended up posing on this obscure Album Cover?
To say that Liam is confused and upset would be an understatement.
PLUS!
Not knowing anything about his life before the orphanage, this makes the creepy man who appears to be holding him, even MORE disturbing.
Of course, Liam purchase the record, takes it home and begins to investigate the label on his laptop.
The information he finds out about the record company is vague, but there is a small lead regarding a building in a town called Bath.
Liam intends to go there to find out more, but first he has a Pre Prom party, Prom, and after Prom party to attend with Jason, Ashley and his date ( crush ) Madelyn.
Madelyn, at this point, is the only one he has shared his plans of travelling to Bath,
But after the Prom parties, Ashley and Jason are also up for a road trip.
It’s what happens on this road trip that sets forward the unusual events that take place.
As Liam drags us through every aspect of the lead up to the events, Detective Freeman challenges him on some of the more finer details that doesn’t seem to be adding up.
It’s at these points when we started to wander if this was all one big fat lie.
However, Liam’s detailed analysis was so “ on point “you just don’t know.
Throughout the interview process though, we are privy to what the Detective is writing down in real time.
Then, towards the end we see the message that was given to the potential jurors, along with Liam’s handwritten notes found in his car.
However!
You will never guess… In a MILLION YEARS! the direction this book takes at the end. 😳
The only issue I had with this book was the fact that, with Liam’s insistence that he tell the story his way, or not at all made it made it drag out… A Lot!
But, I kinda get it because, it does succeed in giving you slow burn intense, paranoid , scary vibes as Liam’s mental state deteriorates
Especially when Liam starts to have his hallucinations, and we don’t know if they are real or of his own making.
Like I said the ending was crazy!
It delivered.
I’m just not sure whether I was satisfied with what it delivered.
It was definitely strange and unlike anything I have read before.
3.5 stars
,
January 13, 2026
Justin Pick's Displacement is a tense, hall-of-mirrors psychological thriller that slowly peels back a teenager’s reality until the reader can no longer trust what’s real. Told mainly through an interrogation-format transcript, the novel builds dread through intimate, unreliable narration and skillful misdirection. Pick balances sympathetic characterization (Liam’s anxieties and yearning) with mounting, grotesque revelations about identity, exploitation, and the machinery of manipulation. The pacing tightens as the story moves from a believable suburban setting into a nightmare of copied lives and hidden industry, ultimately delivering an unsettling, memorable finish. Recommended for readers who like their thrillers claustrophobic, morally ambiguous, and emotionally raw.
I love how the immediate immersion makes Liam’s panic palpable, every small sensation becomes urgent and threatening. Anchoring us in Liam’s sensory world (ringing, flashes, breathless thought) turns ordinary details into triggers, so tension builds organically.
I love how the immediate immersion makes Liam’s panic palpable, every small sensation becomes urgent and threatening. Anchoring us in Liam’s sensory world (ringing, flashes, breathless thought) turns ordinary details into triggers, so tension builds organically.
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