What do you think?
Rate this book
Somebody I Used to Know
The bestselling author of Somebody's Daughter and Cemetery Girl , “one of the brightest and best crime fiction writers of our time” ( Suspense Magazine ) delivers a pulse-pounding thriller about a man who is haunted by a face from his past...
When Nick Hansen sees the young woman at the grocery store, his heart stops. She’s the spitting image of his college girlfriend, Marissa Minor, who died in a campus house fire twenty years earlier. But when Nick tries to speak to her, she acts skittish and rushes off.
The next morning the police arrive at Nick’s house and show him a photo of the woman from the store. She’s been found dead, murdered in a local motel, with Nick’s name and address on a piece of paper in her pocket.
Convinced there's a connection between the two women, Nick enlists the help of his college friend Laurel Davidson to investigate the events leading up to the night of Marissa’s death. But the young woman’s murder is only the beginning...and the truths Nick uncovers may make him wish he never doubted the lies.
When Nick Hansen sees the young woman at the grocery store, his heart stops. She’s the spitting image of his college girlfriend, Marissa Minor, who died in a campus house fire twenty years earlier. But when Nick tries to speak to her, she acts skittish and rushes off.
The next morning the police arrive at Nick’s house and show him a photo of the woman from the store. She’s been found dead, murdered in a local motel, with Nick’s name and address on a piece of paper in her pocket.
Convinced there's a connection between the two women, Nick enlists the help of his college friend Laurel Davidson to investigate the events leading up to the night of Marissa’s death. But the young woman’s murder is only the beginning...and the truths Nick uncovers may make him wish he never doubted the lies.
464 pages, Paperback
First published July 7, 2015
323 people are currently reading
12651 people want to read
About the author
David Bell
31 books2,269 followersDavid Bell is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning suspense novelist. His most recent thriller from Berkley/Penguin is KILL ALL YOUR DARLINGS. His previous novels include THE REQUEST, LAYOVER, SOMEBODY'S DAUGHTER, BRING HER HOME, SINCE SHE WENT AWAY, SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW, THE FORGOTTEN GIRL, NEVER COME BACK, THE HIDING PLACE, and CEMETERY GIRL. He is currently a Professor of English at Western Kentucky University and can be reached via his website at www.davidbellnovels.com, on Twitter at Twitter.com/davidbellnovels, and on Facebook at Facebook.com/davidbellnovels.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,122 reviews
July 14, 2015
3.5 stars
Nick is just an everyday guy. He works a job he is good at, tries to see his son (step-son) when he can, recently got divorced, and he has gotten himself a dog. He is just existing. So when he goes to the grocery one afternoon and sees a woman who is a twin to his college girlfriend he tries to talk to her. She runs. Later she is found dead with his name and address in her pocket.
The police of course find him interesting since he was the last person to see her alive and she had that paper with his name/address on it.
Nick and his old friend Laurel decide to start looking into what happened back in their college days themselves. (That story trope always throws me for a loop. Their asses would have probably gotten arrested-or at least I would have if I poked my nose in stuff)
This book for me was just moving along pretty fine at first. It's very well written and I was interested in where the author would go with the storyline.
Then we get to that ending.
The ending just wasn't as good as the rest of the book was. You can't have a great book and then flop it at the end. It bugged me that much.
But then I'm kinda weird.
Major deflate of my love for the book.
Something else that keep popping up in the descriptions of characters. How thin and fit everyone was. There was only one large woman and she was pointed out as such. I think I stepped into the Stepford wives for a minute there with the perfect people running around.
The final verdict on this one though: It's a pretty decent read. I would recommend it.
I GOT THIS FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
Nick is just an everyday guy. He works a job he is good at, tries to see his son (step-son) when he can, recently got divorced, and he has gotten himself a dog. He is just existing. So when he goes to the grocery one afternoon and sees a woman who is a twin to his college girlfriend he tries to talk to her. She runs. Later she is found dead with his name and address in her pocket.
The police of course find him interesting since he was the last person to see her alive and she had that paper with his name/address on it.
Nick and his old friend Laurel decide to start looking into what happened back in their college days themselves. (That story trope always throws me for a loop. Their asses would have probably gotten arrested-or at least I would have if I poked my nose in stuff)
This book for me was just moving along pretty fine at first. It's very well written and I was interested in where the author would go with the storyline.
Then we get to that ending.
The ending just wasn't as good as the rest of the book was. You can't have a great book and then flop it at the end. It bugged me that much.
But then I'm kinda weird.
Major deflate of my love for the book.
Something else that keep popping up in the descriptions of characters. How thin and fit everyone was. There was only one large woman and she was pointed out as such. I think I stepped into the Stepford wives for a minute there with the perfect people running around.
The final verdict on this one though: It's a pretty decent read. I would recommend it.
I GOT THIS FROM NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
July 20, 2015
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
2.5 Stars
You know how sometimes when you have cramps and then the remote falls behind the bed and you’re feeling all blah so you say “F*&^ IT!” and keep it on the Lifetime Movie Network all day instead of doing something productive? That’s kind of what I felt like I was doing while reading this book.
The basic premise behind Somebody I Used To Know is that Nick sees a young woman in a grocery store who just so happens to resemble his old college girlfriend – who died 20 years ago. Before getting a chance to figure out if there is any connection between the two women, the stranger runs off – and is found murdered that night with Nick’s name and address on a slip of paper in her pocket. While attempting to clear himself of the crime, Nick is drawn back into the past trying to discover the connection between the two dead women . . .
The main problem I had with this book wasn’t the fact that it could have easily been a “movie of the week” – it was that it was soooooo drug out and just waaaaay too complicated. I mean, I figured out the basic “whodunit” before the halfway point (don’t believe me? here you go: ), but then more plot twists and side stories kept getting added in and it just went on forever. It also didn’t help that Nick was giving me just a wee bit too much of a creeper vibe to really get on board with him ever interacting with any woman . . .
and really just kind of needed to . . .
However, I seem to be the lone wolf when it comes to the low rating, so if Somebody I Used To Know is on your TBR, it should most definitely remain there. I will warn you, though, that the song will NEVER stop playing in your head while you’re reading this. EVER. It won’t stop after you’re finished either.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
That awkward moment when you just give in and download the damn book you keep seeing on NetGalley in the hope that maybe the song will FINALLY get unstuck from your brain . . .
2.5 Stars
You know how sometimes when you have cramps and then the remote falls behind the bed and you’re feeling all blah so you say “F*&^ IT!” and keep it on the Lifetime Movie Network all day instead of doing something productive? That’s kind of what I felt like I was doing while reading this book.
The basic premise behind Somebody I Used To Know is that Nick sees a young woman in a grocery store who just so happens to resemble his old college girlfriend – who died 20 years ago. Before getting a chance to figure out if there is any connection between the two women, the stranger runs off – and is found murdered that night with Nick’s name and address on a slip of paper in her pocket. While attempting to clear himself of the crime, Nick is drawn back into the past trying to discover the connection between the two dead women . . .
The main problem I had with this book wasn’t the fact that it could have easily been a “movie of the week” – it was that it was soooooo drug out and just waaaaay too complicated. I mean, I figured out the basic “whodunit” before the halfway point (don’t believe me? here you go: ), but then more plot twists and side stories kept getting added in and it just went on forever. It also didn’t help that Nick was giving me just a wee bit too much of a creeper vibe to really get on board with him ever interacting with any woman . . .
and really just kind of needed to . . .
However, I seem to be the lone wolf when it comes to the low rating, so if Somebody I Used To Know is on your TBR, it should most definitely remain there. I will warn you, though, that the song will NEVER stop playing in your head while you’re reading this. EVER. It won’t stop after you’re finished either.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
ORIGINAL REVIEW:
That awkward moment when you just give in and download the damn book you keep seeing on NetGalley in the hope that maybe the song will FINALLY get unstuck from your brain . . .
June 17, 2015
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.
5 Stars!
I loved this book! I am not really sure what prompted me to download this book from NetGalley. There was just something about it that made me take a second look and the reviews looked very positive so I decided to add it to my TBR list. I didn't actually plan to read it right away but when I opened the file to take a look as I often do, I started reading it and was immediately pulled into the story. Every time I thought about how I needed to put the book down to get other things done, I kept telling myself that I would read just one more chapter. Famous last words. I ended up reading the whole book in less than 24 hours.
This is exactly the kind of book that I tend to love. It was full of twist and turns that kept me guessing the whole time. This book was really hard for me to put down because I just had to know what was going to happen next. The pacing of the story was excellent. The characters felt authentic and the plot was believable.
Nick is a divorced man in his early forties. He sees a young woman in the grocery store who not looks a lot like his college girlfriend but also shares some of her mannerisms. Nick's college girlfriend, Marissa, died in a house fire back when they were in college. When he approaches the girl to find out if she might be related, she immediately runs away. When the police show up at his door the next morning because the same girl has been murdered, Nick finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation and starts questioning all of the things that happened 20 years ago while he was in college.
I was really impressed with how this story was able to keep me guessing. I actually cared about the outcome because I could relate to the characters because they felt real. While it may be a little far fetched to imagine all of the things that happen in this book actually occurring, I always felt like everything was plausible. I am surprised by how much I related to Nick. He really seems like an average good guy who is thrown in the middle of a situation and decides to try to figure out what is really going on.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery thriller. I think fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay will enjoy this fast paced novel. This is the first book by David Bell that I have had a chance to read but I am definitely planning to check out other works by this author very soon.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group Berkely, NAL via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
5 Stars!
I loved this book! I am not really sure what prompted me to download this book from NetGalley. There was just something about it that made me take a second look and the reviews looked very positive so I decided to add it to my TBR list. I didn't actually plan to read it right away but when I opened the file to take a look as I often do, I started reading it and was immediately pulled into the story. Every time I thought about how I needed to put the book down to get other things done, I kept telling myself that I would read just one more chapter. Famous last words. I ended up reading the whole book in less than 24 hours.
This is exactly the kind of book that I tend to love. It was full of twist and turns that kept me guessing the whole time. This book was really hard for me to put down because I just had to know what was going to happen next. The pacing of the story was excellent. The characters felt authentic and the plot was believable.
Nick is a divorced man in his early forties. He sees a young woman in the grocery store who not looks a lot like his college girlfriend but also shares some of her mannerisms. Nick's college girlfriend, Marissa, died in a house fire back when they were in college. When he approaches the girl to find out if she might be related, she immediately runs away. When the police show up at his door the next morning because the same girl has been murdered, Nick finds himself in the middle of a murder investigation and starts questioning all of the things that happened 20 years ago while he was in college.
I was really impressed with how this story was able to keep me guessing. I actually cared about the outcome because I could relate to the characters because they felt real. While it may be a little far fetched to imagine all of the things that happen in this book actually occurring, I always felt like everything was plausible. I am surprised by how much I related to Nick. He really seems like an average good guy who is thrown in the middle of a situation and decides to try to figure out what is really going on.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery thriller. I think fans of Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay will enjoy this fast paced novel. This is the first book by David Bell that I have had a chance to read but I am definitely planning to check out other works by this author very soon.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Penguin Group Berkely, NAL via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
April 18, 2024
This is the first novel I have read by this author, a mystery suspense thriller/ literature fiction, that had me glued to my seat.
This book is about past love, hate, revenge, relationships, secrets and lies.
All my favorite things?!
Not…. But I love a good mystery.
It had interesting characters, a layered plot and the push of strong writing.
This book is about past love, hate, revenge, relationships, secrets and lies.
All my favorite things?!
Not…. But I love a good mystery.
It had interesting characters, a layered plot and the push of strong writing.
March 12, 2022
Whoa, that was fun!
This book totally piqued my interest. The premise wasn’t that far-out but I felt genuinely compelled to know how the plot would play out.
Nick lost his first love, Marissa in a fire twenty years ago. He hasn’t moved on since then. While grocery shopping, he saw a young woman who is a spitting image of his dead girlfriend. The next day, she turned up dead.
I enjoyed being in the dark with this one. A tangled-web filled with lies, secrets and revenge. How grief and loss could lead to murder. How a death of a loved one could suck the life out of everyone involved. A sad and twisty tale of conpiracy and cover-up.
This book totally piqued my interest. The premise wasn’t that far-out but I felt genuinely compelled to know how the plot would play out.
Nick lost his first love, Marissa in a fire twenty years ago. He hasn’t moved on since then. While grocery shopping, he saw a young woman who is a spitting image of his dead girlfriend. The next day, she turned up dead.
I enjoyed being in the dark with this one. A tangled-web filled with lies, secrets and revenge. How grief and loss could lead to murder. How a death of a loved one could suck the life out of everyone involved. A sad and twisty tale of conpiracy and cover-up.
February 6, 2016
OK. I get it. I'm probably in the minority in regards to this book. Me thinks that some of us would be better served by the Gotye song/lyrics with a similar title. My own opinion is that David J. Bell left more loops open in this one than lassos at a Texas rodeo.
Nick Hansen is shaken when he spots a young woman in a grocery store who bears an uncanny resemblance to his college girlfriend, Marissa, who died in a fire twenty years ago. After twenty years, one would think that Nick would no longer have Marissa on his here-and-now radar. But he does and he is obsessed in pursuing this. Nick takes on the role of detective and rounds up his ol' college friends and previous neighbors of Marissa who have 20/20 hindsight. He finds himself in cemeteries and as an uninvited guest at a funeral.
To my mind's eye, this book could have been so much more. I dislike storylines that are so contrived that details are jammed in like porcupine quills. The ending also had one character wrapping everything up in dialog best never having been required to be spoken. It's a good airplane read or the like. I have The Forgotten Girl waiting on my shelf for me. May give this author another try. Maybe not.
Nick Hansen is shaken when he spots a young woman in a grocery store who bears an uncanny resemblance to his college girlfriend, Marissa, who died in a fire twenty years ago. After twenty years, one would think that Nick would no longer have Marissa on his here-and-now radar. But he does and he is obsessed in pursuing this. Nick takes on the role of detective and rounds up his ol' college friends and previous neighbors of Marissa who have 20/20 hindsight. He finds himself in cemeteries and as an uninvited guest at a funeral.
To my mind's eye, this book could have been so much more. I dislike storylines that are so contrived that details are jammed in like porcupine quills. The ending also had one character wrapping everything up in dialog best never having been required to be spoken. It's a good airplane read or the like. I have The Forgotten Girl waiting on my shelf for me. May give this author another try. Maybe not.
July 8, 2015
3.5 Nick is a man who has been divorced but still tries to have a relationship with his young stepson. He is a social worker who is admired by his co-workers for his handling of difficult scenarios. The trouble with Nick is he is unable to move forward, he is really still pining for his first love, a girl named Marissa that he met in college. He still can't understand why she broke up with him a week before she dies in a house fire. Or did she? He has his doubts after encountering a young woman at the grocery shop, a woman who looks remarkably like his dead first love. A young woman who runs from him and than turns up murdered.
I loved the character of Nick and his dog Riley. I definitely wanted to know what was going on in this book. Many of us have never forgotten our first loves, I;m sure but Nick, even through his marriage cannot quite let go of Marissa. A journey through the past as Nick must come to terms with the past and find out what is happening in the present. Not quite sure I can go with the ending though, seems quite out of character for Nick. Can't say more, it would be a spoiler but you can read it for yourself. A good story by an author that continues to write absorbing suspense.
ARC from NetGalley.
I loved the character of Nick and his dog Riley. I definitely wanted to know what was going on in this book. Many of us have never forgotten our first loves, I;m sure but Nick, even through his marriage cannot quite let go of Marissa. A journey through the past as Nick must come to terms with the past and find out what is happening in the present. Not quite sure I can go with the ending though, seems quite out of character for Nick. Can't say more, it would be a spoiler but you can read it for yourself. A good story by an author that continues to write absorbing suspense.
ARC from NetGalley.
July 26, 2015
Many thanks to the publisher, Penguin Group Berkley, NAL and NetGalley for an ARC of “Somebody I Used to Know” by David Bell, in exchange for an honest review. First I would like to say, that I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book. Very intriguing! This is the first novel I have read by this author, a mystery suspense thriller/ literature fiction, that will have you glued to your seat.
Nick Hansen is a social case worker, divorced and stepdad to Andrew, his ex-wife, Nina’s son. Nick Hansen, now 40, fell deeply and totally in love with Marissa when they were college sweethearts at Eastland University. Twenty years later, he still hasn't forgotten her though she died in a house fire shortly after suddenly breaking up with him 2 years after they were involved. He never got over her. Now Nick lives with his dog, “Riley”, a mutt, German Sheppard/Retriever mix.
The memories never go away!
Then, one evening, when he was at the market, he turns to see a young woman who looks just like Marissa. He can’t believe it, and tries to initiate conversation…but she runs off. Nick finds out the following day that the girl, he saw at the market, had been murdered in a motel. But what was really strange was that in her pocket was a paper with his name and address! What is going on? Now he becomes a “person of interest”, in the death of this young woman.
And now he is on a mission, to find out what is going on? He is led into a web of lies and deception, until, at last, the truth comes out and Nick finds closure.
The clues are revealed on a need-to-know basis, which allows the reader to be totally involved in also solving the mystery. Lots of twists and turns throughout. This novel has something for everyone-Love, Mystery, Revenge, Lies and Deception. Don’t miss out on this absorbing suspense mystery thriller.
Nick Hansen is a social case worker, divorced and stepdad to Andrew, his ex-wife, Nina’s son. Nick Hansen, now 40, fell deeply and totally in love with Marissa when they were college sweethearts at Eastland University. Twenty years later, he still hasn't forgotten her though she died in a house fire shortly after suddenly breaking up with him 2 years after they were involved. He never got over her. Now Nick lives with his dog, “Riley”, a mutt, German Sheppard/Retriever mix.
The memories never go away!
Then, one evening, when he was at the market, he turns to see a young woman who looks just like Marissa. He can’t believe it, and tries to initiate conversation…but she runs off. Nick finds out the following day that the girl, he saw at the market, had been murdered in a motel. But what was really strange was that in her pocket was a paper with his name and address! What is going on? Now he becomes a “person of interest”, in the death of this young woman.
And now he is on a mission, to find out what is going on? He is led into a web of lies and deception, until, at last, the truth comes out and Nick finds closure.
The clues are revealed on a need-to-know basis, which allows the reader to be totally involved in also solving the mystery. Lots of twists and turns throughout. This novel has something for everyone-Love, Mystery, Revenge, Lies and Deception. Don’t miss out on this absorbing suspense mystery thriller.
April 16, 2021
4 Could Not Read Without Thinking of the Song Stars
* * * *Spoiler Free-An Early Review
This was intriguing with twists and turns. It felt as if the author had been drawn to an idea from the song of the same title... either that or I am projecting my own obsession with the tune.
It had characters, a layered plot, and the push of strong writing. I am glad Carole's review sent me into the pull of this book. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...?
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in...."
The hints and teases of my Update feed draws me back into the Mystery/ Thriller whirlpool
Carole...I blame you! :D
This blurb... and the haunting song of the same title did it...
A gifted copy was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * *Spoiler Free-An Early Review
This was intriguing with twists and turns. It felt as if the author had been drawn to an idea from the song of the same title... either that or I am projecting my own obsession with the tune.
It had characters, a layered plot, and the push of strong writing. I am glad Carole's review sent me into the pull of this book. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...?
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
"Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in...."
The hints and teases of my Update feed draws me back into the Mystery/ Thriller whirlpool
Carole...I blame you! :D
This blurb... and the haunting song of the same title did it...
A gifted copy was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 19, 2016
Empty characters. Way too long of a read. Nothing stood out. My favorite character was was damn dog.
October 19, 2015
TOP MARKS
I have been waiting to write my review.
I see lots of other readers who have taken time to review this awesome book has agreed how much they enjoyed it.
This book was up on Net Galley, when I first saw it, I wasn't drawn in by the cover, but by the blurb. I read what it was about and I thought...hmm I have read a few books lately where the blurb is better than the book.
This was not true in this case this book lived up to all my hopes and expectations.
I read a lot and many who know me, know I hate starting a new book.
Why?
Because I need to concentrate to get into some of them and then it picks up for me, but not so with this one.....wham bam...you are literally shoved into it.
Its not just your nose that gets stuck in this book, oh no, its your entire life until you finish reading it. I kid you not.
The way this author writes is just great IMHO
I love how he writes the dialogue, its just so 'life like' we all interrupt sometimes yeah? well, so does some in this book. Or as one sentence finishes the other starts up.....
You would have to read this to understand what I mean.
The narration was excellent, not too much detail that usually gets to me at time......
for example...he went over to pull the black blinds, he pulled the cord until they shut.
Well of course they shut!
No, this author does credit to its readers and knows we are not silly, we can read between the lines that if he goes to the bathroom we can guess what he is doing...we don't have to read it, we can GUESS..
I loved everything about the way this was written.
Now to the story.
Oh where do I start? I don't want to give anything away, I am so excited by this story because it has you fooled. You think you solved it like some Private detective only to find you are absolutely rubbish at it and the author is much cleverer than you are.
This book kept me up. Yes it kept me up to the early hours of the morning where I couldn't function good the next day, I blame the author.
I have read one other book by him [yet to read the others I have] and I found the same, he is so good at his craft.
I will be stalking this author because:
1.. I love his style of writing
2..he has a balance between narration and real life like dialogue.
3..he keeps me guessing
4..he keeps me awake and alert, the way he makes up these stories intrigue me, keep me guessing, and I can't help but RAVE about this.
Nick Hansen is a social worker. He had a first love, Melissa.
He has never got over her. He still loved her even though its twenty years on. But he has his faithful companion...he dog.
Where did Melissa go?
What happened to her?
I thought....oh yes, its going to be a straight forward case of........lets look for Melissa.
DON'T YOU BELIEVE IT
Its more much, much, much more than this. This is what I mean, his last book was like this, keeps you guessing. This book is like that, you think its a case of.....SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW...oh lets find out if that was her, or what happened to her....
is it a love story?
Its love
Its lost love
Its past love
Its mystery
Its intrigue
Its complicated
It has missing puzzles that take you ages to find....so annoying...but sooooo worth it.
I think you can guess. I LOVED this boo.
I am looking forward to reading more from him
_Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW via Net Galley for an early copy of this for me to read and review _
October 7, 2015
This was a difficult book to put down. I started it last night and I probably would have kept reading it if my eyes wouldn't have kept closing on me. It was a fast read but very enjoyable. There's been a couple of David Bell's other works that have been on my radar this past year and after reading this one, I'll definitely be reading his other books. I found it to be suspenseful; I just wanted to find out what happened to Marissa, and all the other lies and secrets that were going on. Lots of twists and turns! I did feel the "reasoning" was a bit much but what does anyone really know what they would do unless you fall into those situations? Good mystery...kind of reminded me of a Harlan Coben book, which is never a bad thing!
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
**Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2016
We all remember our first loves - not our first girl/boyfriend, but our first love.
And if that love has never been allowed to run it's course, if it has been cut short by death, then we are likely to hang on to that love and use it as a measuring stick for all the loves that come after it.
At least that is what Nick Hansen has done. With a failed marriage and a string of failed relationships behind him, he can never quite forget Marissa, the love of his life who died in a house fire. So when he sees a girl who is the double of Marissa, he tries to talk to her.
Alarmed, she runs off, and the next day is found strangled.
She has Nick's name and address in her pocket. And it was not Nick who gave it to her.
Now a murder suspect, Nick must do some investigating of his own to clear his name. he doesn't realise that by doing so, he puts those he loves at risk.
David J Bell has done a great job of this novel. The suspense slowly builds and there are many a red herring. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I had it wrong. Every time, I thought "I will just read till the end of this chapter then put it down", I found myself reading on.
Characters are realistic, as is the dialogue. The story line flows and has many unexpected twists and turns. A worthwhile read!
Thank you to NetGalley, and Penguin Group Berkley, NAL for the gift of an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
And if that love has never been allowed to run it's course, if it has been cut short by death, then we are likely to hang on to that love and use it as a measuring stick for all the loves that come after it.
At least that is what Nick Hansen has done. With a failed marriage and a string of failed relationships behind him, he can never quite forget Marissa, the love of his life who died in a house fire. So when he sees a girl who is the double of Marissa, he tries to talk to her.
Alarmed, she runs off, and the next day is found strangled.
She has Nick's name and address in her pocket. And it was not Nick who gave it to her.
Now a murder suspect, Nick must do some investigating of his own to clear his name. he doesn't realise that by doing so, he puts those he loves at risk.
David J Bell has done a great job of this novel. The suspense slowly builds and there are many a red herring. Every time I thought I had it figured out, I had it wrong. Every time, I thought "I will just read till the end of this chapter then put it down", I found myself reading on.
Characters are realistic, as is the dialogue. The story line flows and has many unexpected twists and turns. A worthwhile read!
Thank you to NetGalley, and Penguin Group Berkley, NAL for the gift of an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
June 13, 2015
This book is about past love, hate, revenge, relationships, secrets and lies.
Nick is a man, basically a normal man, middle-aged, divorced and still in love with the ghost of his college sweetheart. So when he walked into the grocery store, the last thing he expected to see was Marissa, who had died in a house fire 20 years ago.
Following her through the store, he sees the differences, small ones, but differences all the same. Then it occurred to him, this wasn't a ghost, but maybe someone related. When he tries to talk to her, she looks scared to death, drops her basket and runs away like the hounds of hell are after her.
When police show up at his door the next morning, he's a little bewildered. The young woman he had frightened had been murdered during the night .. and his name and address were written on a piece of paper she had in her possession.
So begins a journey..one he probably should have taken 20 years earlier. But when you're young, the brain is usually not running on all pistons.
With the help of a friend who is also a cop, he starts looking for whatever connection he may have had with the young murdered woman. It's like playing hide and seek with clues weaving in and out, leaving more questions than answers.
I loved the story. I could identify with the characters. I liked how well-defined the characters were described... they came across as real people, not cardboard cutouts. There were even a couple that I instantly disliked ... and later found out why I felt that way.
It's un-put-downable. Every time I thought I found a place to stop, something would pop up and I had to keep on reading. Highly recommended! 4 1/2 Stars!
Many thanks to NetGalley/Penguin Random House for making this available.
*** Not a part of review*** To all the NetGalley readers here, the uncorrected copy is awful to read. the words and sentences either ran together or were separated in odd ways. Itd rov eme cra zya t t im es. I'm sure the print book will be much better. :-)
October 19, 2025
I liked this! My first by David Bell, and there were some things that sort of put me off, but with that being said, I read it quickly and wanted to keep going so that’s a huge win!
Nick is a 40 year old man who lost the love of his life to a house fire 20 years ago. When he spots a younger looking version of that love in a grocery store he can’t help but go up to her, but she’s spooked and runs away. When that girl ends up dead, Nick find himself a suspect in her murder. This was a pretty wild ride down a twisty history of love, lies, betrayal and mystery! I did enjoy it quite a bit! And bonus, I didn’t see the twists coming!
Full transparency, the things that drove me a little crazy were… the main character was sort of insufferable… I think he was meant to sound like a hero but I found him super whiny and sort of self righteous. The other thing was how all the woman in his life, I feel like gave him a million chances even though he never paid them any returned appreciation because he was too hung up on the woman who died 20 years earlier, but maybe that was to help drive forward the plot. But I feel like they constantly threw themselves at him to help him, but then would get annoyed when he gave a theory or something… it was just weird. I probably shouldn’t have even mentioned those things because I still have it 4 stars and enjoyed the ride… but it stuck out so I noted it!
Nick is a 40 year old man who lost the love of his life to a house fire 20 years ago. When he spots a younger looking version of that love in a grocery store he can’t help but go up to her, but she’s spooked and runs away. When that girl ends up dead, Nick find himself a suspect in her murder. This was a pretty wild ride down a twisty history of love, lies, betrayal and mystery! I did enjoy it quite a bit! And bonus, I didn’t see the twists coming!
Full transparency, the things that drove me a little crazy were… the main character was sort of insufferable… I think he was meant to sound like a hero but I found him super whiny and sort of self righteous. The other thing was how all the woman in his life, I feel like gave him a million chances even though he never paid them any returned appreciation because he was too hung up on the woman who died 20 years earlier, but maybe that was to help drive forward the plot. But I feel like they constantly threw themselves at him to help him, but then would get annoyed when he gave a theory or something… it was just weird. I probably shouldn’t have even mentioned those things because I still have it 4 stars and enjoyed the ride… but it stuck out so I noted it!
June 13, 2016
A special thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Berkley/NAL and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Nice Cover!
Having read David Bell’s Cemetery Girl, The Hiding Place, and The Forgotten Girl, was thrilled to read an early reading copy of SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW, a suspense mystery thriller keeping you page-turning into the wee hours of the morning!
Nick Hansen is a social case worker (housing authority) helping those less fortunate find affordable housing. Nick is divorced, and was a stepdad to Andrew, his former wife Gina’s son. He is a lonely soul, grasping time with the boy, and lives alone with his dog (a hero). He has never gotten over the love of his life, Marissa (his first love), from his college days-- over twenty years earlier. She died in a campus fire and he still thinks of her yet today..
One evening, with a quick run to the nearby market, he is astounded when he runs into a young woman, who looks exactly like a younger version of Marissa. He is so shocked, as is the girl---dropping her milk and fleeing. Nick runs to try and catch up with her; however, she gets away. He cannot believe the resemblance to his former girlfriend. He cannot get the girl out of his head.
The next day he discovers the girl he saw in the market the previous night has been murdered in a nearby motel, and to make matters worse, in her pocket was a paper with his name and address! Of course, he has no clue; however, the cops are on his door stop wanting answers.
What comes next is a complex web of deceit, lies, and betrayal; a string of crimes centered around Marissa’s death, her sister, her family, and others all with hidden agendas; endless connections--- caught in the crossfire. Nick is obsessed and will stop at nothing to find answers.
Is Marissa alive? Why did her family fall off the face of the earth? Could this be Marissa’s daughter? Was she faithful to him or was there another guy involved? Can his friend Laura help him find answers?
Nick is a likable romantic soul; however, quite obsessed with Marissa (a lot); carrying his grief and unresolved issues, into his future failed relationships. He never had closure; not being able to grasp why she had broken up with him, when they were so in love--then her sudden death shortly thereafter, as well as her family's abrupt move and disappearance. However, some of the women in his life, not quite as nice.
I was traveling while reading, unfortunately, with a lot of stopping and starting; dying to learn the identity of the killer-- pulling into Starbucks for a cozy seat and a Café Americano for the satisfying grand finale!
David weaves a complex and intriguing plot with skill and finesse, keeping the intense high with twists and turns around every corner. A riveting tale, you could read in one sitting, as difficult to put down. An engaging and absorbing suspense mystery, not to miss ---Bell’s best work, thus far.
JDCMustReadBooks
Be sure and check out Since She Went Away Coming June 21, 2016!
Having read David Bell’s Cemetery Girl, The Hiding Place, and The Forgotten Girl, was thrilled to read an early reading copy of SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW, a suspense mystery thriller keeping you page-turning into the wee hours of the morning!
Nick Hansen is a social case worker (housing authority) helping those less fortunate find affordable housing. Nick is divorced, and was a stepdad to Andrew, his former wife Gina’s son. He is a lonely soul, grasping time with the boy, and lives alone with his dog (a hero). He has never gotten over the love of his life, Marissa (his first love), from his college days-- over twenty years earlier. She died in a campus fire and he still thinks of her yet today..
One evening, with a quick run to the nearby market, he is astounded when he runs into a young woman, who looks exactly like a younger version of Marissa. He is so shocked, as is the girl---dropping her milk and fleeing. Nick runs to try and catch up with her; however, she gets away. He cannot believe the resemblance to his former girlfriend. He cannot get the girl out of his head.
The next day he discovers the girl he saw in the market the previous night has been murdered in a nearby motel, and to make matters worse, in her pocket was a paper with his name and address! Of course, he has no clue; however, the cops are on his door stop wanting answers.
What comes next is a complex web of deceit, lies, and betrayal; a string of crimes centered around Marissa’s death, her sister, her family, and others all with hidden agendas; endless connections--- caught in the crossfire. Nick is obsessed and will stop at nothing to find answers.
Is Marissa alive? Why did her family fall off the face of the earth? Could this be Marissa’s daughter? Was she faithful to him or was there another guy involved? Can his friend Laura help him find answers?
Nick is a likable romantic soul; however, quite obsessed with Marissa (a lot); carrying his grief and unresolved issues, into his future failed relationships. He never had closure; not being able to grasp why she had broken up with him, when they were so in love--then her sudden death shortly thereafter, as well as her family's abrupt move and disappearance. However, some of the women in his life, not quite as nice.
I was traveling while reading, unfortunately, with a lot of stopping and starting; dying to learn the identity of the killer-- pulling into Starbucks for a cozy seat and a Café Americano for the satisfying grand finale!
David weaves a complex and intriguing plot with skill and finesse, keeping the intense high with twists and turns around every corner. A riveting tale, you could read in one sitting, as difficult to put down. An engaging and absorbing suspense mystery, not to miss ---Bell’s best work, thus far.
JDCMustReadBooks
Be sure and check out Since She Went Away Coming June 21, 2016!
October 20, 2015
Nick Hansen is a decent guy who happens to be in the wrong grocery store at the wrong time. He happens upon a young girl who is the spitting image of his long ago deceased girlfriend. She runs off when he approaches her and is found dead the next morning with his name and number in her pocket. What follows is a journey to uncover the connection this girl has to Nick and to find the truth about what really happened to his girlfriend Marissa the night of the fire.
David J. Bell is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. While his novels aren't typically "edge of your seat suspense", they typically always have a nice mystery that keeps me reading quickly wanting to find out what really happened. I felt Somebody I Used to Know was a more well written novel than his earlier works. All his books are easy reads and fairly light with nothing too graphic. I typically can figure out what's going on before the big reveal, but still really enjoy his work. I would highly recommend if you like a good mystery with short chapters but a decent length to the book (unlike most James Patterson novels, this one has normal sized font and is over 400 pages long). A great break from some of the heavy stuff I tend to read!
David J. Bell is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. While his novels aren't typically "edge of your seat suspense", they typically always have a nice mystery that keeps me reading quickly wanting to find out what really happened. I felt Somebody I Used to Know was a more well written novel than his earlier works. All his books are easy reads and fairly light with nothing too graphic. I typically can figure out what's going on before the big reveal, but still really enjoy his work. I would highly recommend if you like a good mystery with short chapters but a decent length to the book (unlike most James Patterson novels, this one has normal sized font and is over 400 pages long). A great break from some of the heavy stuff I tend to read!
September 8, 2022
I thought this book was really good and there was some parts in this book that really surprised me!
July 16, 2015
David Bell has a knack for writing suspenseful crime fiction with a strong emotional, human element, and his latest, SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW, is no exception. This is his third novel that I've read, and once I get started, I just can't put them down.
The book's opening is fantastic. The main character Nick sees a young woman who reminds him of somebody he used to know - his college girlfriend who died twenty years earlier. From that moment he is caught up in a web of lies, mystery, and murder. Nick is a very real, relatable character, determined to solve a complex puzzle to clear his name and uncover what really happened all those years ago when he lost his true love.
This was a fast-paced, suspenseful novel with several surprise twists along the way. It's a perfect read for fans of dark mysteries and crime thrillers mixed with a poignant family drama. Loved it! 4.5-stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book's opening is fantastic. The main character Nick sees a young woman who reminds him of somebody he used to know - his college girlfriend who died twenty years earlier. From that moment he is caught up in a web of lies, mystery, and murder. Nick is a very real, relatable character, determined to solve a complex puzzle to clear his name and uncover what really happened all those years ago when he lost his true love.
This was a fast-paced, suspenseful novel with several surprise twists along the way. It's a perfect read for fans of dark mysteries and crime thrillers mixed with a poignant family drama. Loved it! 4.5-stars.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 6, 2016
The writing style and language type used within this book's conversations? And also, even more so, within the thoughts/plans of the main character who seeks Marissa? Well, to be kind, is juvenile, trite and also shallow. As if about a third of all English words didn't exist, so you need to repeat the same ones over and over. Not a fan of this writing at all.
People just don't talk to each other this way either. Really! One time Nick's help tells him that he must not be a murderer because he is always so gracious and kind. Honestly, I truly did laugh out loud.
And the plot? You knew who Emily was from the get-go.
Sorry, I also did not like the people in this book. Cardboard.
People just don't talk to each other this way either. Really! One time Nick's help tells him that he must not be a murderer because he is always so gracious and kind. Honestly, I truly did laugh out loud.
And the plot? You knew who Emily was from the get-go.
Sorry, I also did not like the people in this book. Cardboard.
January 22, 2019
Thank you so much Get Red PR and Berkley Publishing for my free copy of SOMEBODY I USED TO KNOW by David Bell -
As if I could become more of a fan of Bell’s work, but this book took it to another level!! What you see pictured here is the exact spot where I read this compulsive, suspenseful mystery from beginning to end! He’s one of those authors where no matter how long the book, they are easy, quick reads. Highly recommend you read this one because once you start, you won’t stop! Full review to come!
As if I could become more of a fan of Bell’s work, but this book took it to another level!! What you see pictured here is the exact spot where I read this compulsive, suspenseful mystery from beginning to end! He’s one of those authors where no matter how long the book, they are easy, quick reads. Highly recommend you read this one because once you start, you won’t stop! Full review to come!
October 2, 2015
I have long since been a fan of David Bell, his stories are always centered around families and the lies and secrets that are kept within. I love this type of psychological thriller and David Bell is one of the best! When I see his name on a book I get excited because I automatically know I’ll love it, I don’t even need to read the blurb on the back. So imagine my thrilling surprise when Somebody I Used to Know became available on NetGalley, of course I instantly requested it and then crossed my fingers and toes hoping I’d be approved, luckily I was :)
Somebody I Used to Know centers on Nick, an average divorced dad in his early forties. When he sees a young woman at the grocery store who strongly resembles his girlfriend from college he can’t believe it. Not because this girl is so young but because his college girlfriend, Marissa died 20 years ago in a tragic house fire along with her roommates. Nick tries to approach her, thinking maybe she’s related to Marissa, but the girl takes one look at Nick & immediately runs out of the store looking terrified. Nick shrugs off the incident until the next day when the police show demanding answers. The girl Nick saw in the store has been murdered, what’s more disturbing is that she had a piece of paper in her pocket with Nick’s address written on it. While Nick attempts to clear himself from the investigation he’s drawn back into his past where he looks again at the events of 20 years ago. What is the connection between these two women? Why was his address in the pocket of a young woman he’s never met? And what really happened the night of the house fire 20 years ago?
David Bell wastes no time in sucking you into his story, Somebody I Used to Know starts off with an immediate bang that doesn’t let up until the story is over. I loved Nick and really wanted to see him get some sort of happy ending. He’s an all-around nice guy and I really felt for him each time he found himself in another difficult predicament. Lucky for him he still has a few wonderful and loyal friends whom he can trust. Laurel, who he’s known since college is now a cop and begins helping Nick investigate possible leads and connections between Marissa and the murdered young woman. I just adored Laurel and found it refreshing to see a platonic friendship work as well as it did here! Laurel and her husband are happily married and have recently had a baby. When Nick reaches out to her she immediately makes the necessary arrangements in her life so that she can offer Nick her undivided help, what’s even better is that her husband supports her in this decision! I loved that there wasn’t any jealousy, possible adultery or any other weird issues between these three characters.
I was really impressed with how much this story kept me guessing! There are twists and turns at every corner and while I admit I did figure a few things out along the way, the ending and constant revelations blew me away! This is where Bell really shins as a storyteller; he has this ability to lead readers in one direction by leaving little bread crumbs & making us feel confident that we’ve got it figured out when suddenly he switches gears and lays a bomb in your lap.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a twisty, fast paced psychological thriller with complex characters! This is a superb story full of secrets, lies, and deceit; Bell has outdone himself here and Somebody I Used to Know is now my favorite of his books. Don’t stop with this one though; The Hiding Place and Cemetery Girl are also fabulous reads!
Thank you to the publishers, Penguin Group Berkley, NAL and to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary, advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Somebody I Used to Know centers on Nick, an average divorced dad in his early forties. When he sees a young woman at the grocery store who strongly resembles his girlfriend from college he can’t believe it. Not because this girl is so young but because his college girlfriend, Marissa died 20 years ago in a tragic house fire along with her roommates. Nick tries to approach her, thinking maybe she’s related to Marissa, but the girl takes one look at Nick & immediately runs out of the store looking terrified. Nick shrugs off the incident until the next day when the police show demanding answers. The girl Nick saw in the store has been murdered, what’s more disturbing is that she had a piece of paper in her pocket with Nick’s address written on it. While Nick attempts to clear himself from the investigation he’s drawn back into his past where he looks again at the events of 20 years ago. What is the connection between these two women? Why was his address in the pocket of a young woman he’s never met? And what really happened the night of the house fire 20 years ago?
David Bell wastes no time in sucking you into his story, Somebody I Used to Know starts off with an immediate bang that doesn’t let up until the story is over. I loved Nick and really wanted to see him get some sort of happy ending. He’s an all-around nice guy and I really felt for him each time he found himself in another difficult predicament. Lucky for him he still has a few wonderful and loyal friends whom he can trust. Laurel, who he’s known since college is now a cop and begins helping Nick investigate possible leads and connections between Marissa and the murdered young woman. I just adored Laurel and found it refreshing to see a platonic friendship work as well as it did here! Laurel and her husband are happily married and have recently had a baby. When Nick reaches out to her she immediately makes the necessary arrangements in her life so that she can offer Nick her undivided help, what’s even better is that her husband supports her in this decision! I loved that there wasn’t any jealousy, possible adultery or any other weird issues between these three characters.
I was really impressed with how much this story kept me guessing! There are twists and turns at every corner and while I admit I did figure a few things out along the way, the ending and constant revelations blew me away! This is where Bell really shins as a storyteller; he has this ability to lead readers in one direction by leaving little bread crumbs & making us feel confident that we’ve got it figured out when suddenly he switches gears and lays a bomb in your lap.
I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a twisty, fast paced psychological thriller with complex characters! This is a superb story full of secrets, lies, and deceit; Bell has outdone himself here and Somebody I Used to Know is now my favorite of his books. Don’t stop with this one though; The Hiding Place and Cemetery Girl are also fabulous reads!
Thank you to the publishers, Penguin Group Berkley, NAL and to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary, advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
June 21, 2015
Well written, gripping thriller from David Bell. It's the first i've read of his but I'll be looking into the others immediately. Brilliant plot but even better writing style, this is one not to miss.
Many thanks to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Berkley, NAL / Signet Romance, DAW for this review copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2019
3.5 stars. a lot happening. entertaining.
March 13, 2016
You know how when you start reading a book and from page one you just know you are going to love it? Ya, well this is one of those books...
Well written and full of twists and turns, this one kept me turning the pages in anticipation of what was coming next. My only issue is that I would have liked a little more closure for Nick, a HEA if you will. What can I say, it's the romance reader in me coming out!
Well written and full of twists and turns, this one kept me turning the pages in anticipation of what was coming next. My only issue is that I would have liked a little more closure for Nick, a HEA if you will. What can I say, it's the romance reader in me coming out!
December 31, 2018
This was intense, twisty and unputdownable, I loved it!
June 25, 2015
‘Somebody I Used to Know’ was a lovely little mystery, and I am so glad I stumbled across it. The unique circumstances and unpredictable twists meant that I devoured this book in no time, and it captured my attention until the very end. To put it simply; I really did enjoy this book.
Nick Hansen is plodding along with his average life; divorced and in his forties, living with his dog. One trip to the shops changes all of that, where he sees a young girl who is the spitting image of his old college girlfriend; Marissa Minor. The catch? She died 20 years ago in a house fire. Trying his hardest to recuperate from such an unpleasant blast from the past, Nick is unable to forget the incident as the very next day the police confront him; the unknown girl has been murdered and Nick’s phone number was found in her pocket. Now Nick finds himself tangled in the centre of multiple mysteries; who was this girl, and why was she killed? What is the truth behind her startling resemblance to his ex-girlfriend? And most importantly; what really happened to Marissa?
The author skilfully combines Nicks current predicament with the painful memories he has of his happy life with Marissa, and convincingly describes Nick’s journey as he unearths truths which have long since been buried. Whilst it is by no means the most outstanding novel I have read lately, I would certainly place it above the majority. None of my predictions and half formed theories were right, the plot was too impulsive and exciting for me to guess at. The pages are bursting with misleading clues and suspicious characters, and it held my interest consistently – not a dull moment in sight.
The characters were very stable and varied; in particular I loved Nick and really empathised with the tough circumstances that were continually thrust upon him. He was a genuinely loveable protagonist and I think his amiable narrative is what made the novel so easy to read. No one was shown as inherently evil or good; shades of grey were depicted well in this novel, and each person had their own motives and agenda.
The ending was extremely tidy (something which I value) and dealt neatly with any outstanding queries, and yet left the reader wondering at what would be the next step; the author really struck the perfect balance. I really can’t find too much to fault with this book, it was a very interesting, if not a little safe, mystery novel; I would definitely recommend it.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
Nick Hansen is plodding along with his average life; divorced and in his forties, living with his dog. One trip to the shops changes all of that, where he sees a young girl who is the spitting image of his old college girlfriend; Marissa Minor. The catch? She died 20 years ago in a house fire. Trying his hardest to recuperate from such an unpleasant blast from the past, Nick is unable to forget the incident as the very next day the police confront him; the unknown girl has been murdered and Nick’s phone number was found in her pocket. Now Nick finds himself tangled in the centre of multiple mysteries; who was this girl, and why was she killed? What is the truth behind her startling resemblance to his ex-girlfriend? And most importantly; what really happened to Marissa?
The author skilfully combines Nicks current predicament with the painful memories he has of his happy life with Marissa, and convincingly describes Nick’s journey as he unearths truths which have long since been buried. Whilst it is by no means the most outstanding novel I have read lately, I would certainly place it above the majority. None of my predictions and half formed theories were right, the plot was too impulsive and exciting for me to guess at. The pages are bursting with misleading clues and suspicious characters, and it held my interest consistently – not a dull moment in sight.
The characters were very stable and varied; in particular I loved Nick and really empathised with the tough circumstances that were continually thrust upon him. He was a genuinely loveable protagonist and I think his amiable narrative is what made the novel so easy to read. No one was shown as inherently evil or good; shades of grey were depicted well in this novel, and each person had their own motives and agenda.
The ending was extremely tidy (something which I value) and dealt neatly with any outstanding queries, and yet left the reader wondering at what would be the next step; the author really struck the perfect balance. I really can’t find too much to fault with this book, it was a very interesting, if not a little safe, mystery novel; I would definitely recommend it.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for an honest review.
January 20, 2018
Life is messy. So is this story. Nick is 40, divorced, adores his step-son and his dog and does very little besides go to work and live a quiet life. His quiet life ends when he sees a girl in the grocery store who resembles his dead girlfriend of 20 years ago. When he attempts to talk to her, she runs away and Nick is greeted by the police the following morning. That girl is dead and she died with Nick's name and address in her pocket. The characters are well drawn and Nick is determined to find out who, what, when and where it all went wrong.
January 28, 2016
“My dead love came to me. She moved through the fair.’” I so wanted to like this story. I’d enjoyed one of David Bell’s other books. Tho’ I’d found parts of the author’s Cemetary Girl hard to believe - a child disappears & when when she reappears she is oh so changed . . . In folklore she would have been “away with the fairies.” Somebody I Used to Know is equally charged with archetypal energy, as my opening quotation shows. Unfortunately the author’s own contribution & execution weren’t equal to his material.
Our narrator, Nick, whose college love of 20 years ago seems mysteriously to reappear, is simply too passive. When Marissa’s look-alike turns up dead with his name & address, he launches his own investigation to clear his name. He moves about a lot - as 1st person narrators must - along with three woman characters (an ex-spouse, a PI, & an on-again-off-again girlfriend) & then two more, as well as a police detective who’s not as odious as most these days. But tho’ Nick encounters many persons who knew Marissa & her family in the past, he never figures out anything using his own wits. He seems totally clueless. Informants literally have to come to him, in one case climbing through his window, to tell him what was happening. Readers will be about a chapter ahead of him throughout & will divine the main plot twist long before Nick does.
When we learn the back story of what happened to Marissa 20 years ago, too much seemed comparatively trivial (a very contrived road accident), arbitrary (a most unlikely pregnancy) & unbelievable (a revenge plot & a jealousy motive), to engage my interest or make me care how it ends, despite being a romantic. I was gratified that a character I thoroughly disliked turned out to be a villain but not by the role of the narrator’s pet dog. When we are constantly reminded that there is a dog in the story we know that the doggie will play some role in the denouement - but I wish the author had thought up something more original.
As an audio voice, Andy Paris was a bit monotonous, the characters all spoke in the same voice & his poor enunciation too often made the name Marissa sound like the common pronunciation of MRSA, the superbug. At least he didn’t try to make the police detective sound like Peter Falk playing Colombo.
Our narrator, Nick, whose college love of 20 years ago seems mysteriously to reappear, is simply too passive. When Marissa’s look-alike turns up dead with his name & address, he launches his own investigation to clear his name. He moves about a lot - as 1st person narrators must - along with three woman characters (an ex-spouse, a PI, & an on-again-off-again girlfriend) & then two more, as well as a police detective who’s not as odious as most these days. But tho’ Nick encounters many persons who knew Marissa & her family in the past, he never figures out anything using his own wits. He seems totally clueless. Informants literally have to come to him, in one case climbing through his window, to tell him what was happening. Readers will be about a chapter ahead of him throughout & will divine the main plot twist long before Nick does.
When we learn the back story of what happened to Marissa 20 years ago, too much seemed comparatively trivial (a very contrived road accident), arbitrary (a most unlikely pregnancy) & unbelievable (a revenge plot & a jealousy motive), to engage my interest or make me care how it ends, despite being a romantic. I was gratified that a character I thoroughly disliked turned out to be a villain but not by the role of the narrator’s pet dog. When we are constantly reminded that there is a dog in the story we know that the doggie will play some role in the denouement - but I wish the author had thought up something more original.
As an audio voice, Andy Paris was a bit monotonous, the characters all spoke in the same voice & his poor enunciation too often made the name Marissa sound like the common pronunciation of MRSA, the superbug. At least he didn’t try to make the police detective sound like Peter Falk playing Colombo.
September 10, 2017
Nick Hansen is forty years old, a professional who works for the housing authority in Eastland, Ohio. He lives alone with his rescue dog Riley.
Back in college, Nick fell in love with the beautiful red-headed Marissa Minor. Sadly, Marissa perished in a house fire along with three of her housemates. Though Nick eventually married, then divorced, he never got over Marissa, the love of his life.
“Whoever said time heals was lying”
Until… while shopping he caught a glimpse of Marissa’s double. When he confronts her he realizes that because she is young, she couldn’t possibly be Marissa. The young girl runs from him.
The next day he is told that the girl has been found murdered in a hotel room – with Nick’s name and address in her pocket!
This sends his life on a whirling spiral that changes everything he has ever believed for the past twenty years. Also, it puts Nick in the unenviable position of being a suspect in the girl’s murder…
“Chasing ghosts”
With the aid of some good friends, Nick does some investigating – to find that nothing that happened twenty years ago was as it first seemed…
Of course, being the avid thriller reader that I am, I had the whole thing figured out before I was half finished the book. However, I WAS WRONG! Gosh, how embarrassing.
The author leads the reader in the direction he wants to. I was gullible and went along. Upon reflection, the red herrings were too obvious – but I succumbed.
In summation, “Somebody I used to know” is a compelling page-turner that will be enjoyed by everyone who likes suspense fiction. With great characters and excellent narration, the book moves along smoothly – taking the reader along for the ride.
This is my first title by David Bell. Wow! I’ve really been missing out. Thankfully he has several titles already written, the latest of which is “Bring her home“, which thankfully I have in my TBR queue already.
Thanks to Penguin/Berkley via NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this novel for the purposes of this review.
Back in college, Nick fell in love with the beautiful red-headed Marissa Minor. Sadly, Marissa perished in a house fire along with three of her housemates. Though Nick eventually married, then divorced, he never got over Marissa, the love of his life.
“Whoever said time heals was lying”
Until… while shopping he caught a glimpse of Marissa’s double. When he confronts her he realizes that because she is young, she couldn’t possibly be Marissa. The young girl runs from him.
The next day he is told that the girl has been found murdered in a hotel room – with Nick’s name and address in her pocket!
This sends his life on a whirling spiral that changes everything he has ever believed for the past twenty years. Also, it puts Nick in the unenviable position of being a suspect in the girl’s murder…
“Chasing ghosts”
With the aid of some good friends, Nick does some investigating – to find that nothing that happened twenty years ago was as it first seemed…
Of course, being the avid thriller reader that I am, I had the whole thing figured out before I was half finished the book. However, I WAS WRONG! Gosh, how embarrassing.
The author leads the reader in the direction he wants to. I was gullible and went along. Upon reflection, the red herrings were too obvious – but I succumbed.
In summation, “Somebody I used to know” is a compelling page-turner that will be enjoyed by everyone who likes suspense fiction. With great characters and excellent narration, the book moves along smoothly – taking the reader along for the ride.
This is my first title by David Bell. Wow! I’ve really been missing out. Thankfully he has several titles already written, the latest of which is “Bring her home“, which thankfully I have in my TBR queue already.
Thanks to Penguin/Berkley via NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this novel for the purposes of this review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,122 reviews