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Playing Jenna

On the darkest night of Monroe Perry’s life, her husband leaves her for another woman.

This mysterious woman, Jenna, causes Monroe to question everything she thought she knew about her life, her family, and her marriage.


Forced to face a life, and a love, full of lies and deceit— Monroe vows to exact revenge on the woman who caused her entire world to crumble around her.


As she begins digging into the affair, she finds herself uncovering clues that point to a much more sinister truth than she could have ever imagined.





Every belief Monroe had about her marriage, and her seemingly perfect husband, is called into question as she realizes she may not have known the man she married as well as she thought.



With all of the odds against her, Monroe sets out on a journey of self-discovery and self-preservation to uncover the truth about her past and the woman who ripped it all away from her.

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2017

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About the author

Kiersten Modglin

59 books16.2k followers
ABOUT KIERSTEN MODGLIN®:

Welcome to the KMod Squad—

The rooms change here.
The house stays the same.

KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author known for unique and unforgettable stories that explore the cobweb-filled corners of human nature. Her stories cross genre lines, inviting readers to follow her into psychological thrillers, domestic suspense, romantic thrillers, mysteries, and emotionally driven fiction. Each novel opens another doorway into the KMod Universe, where ordinary people and seemingly harmless decisions unleash blindsiding consequences.

A fiercely independent author, Kiersten has built her career around creative freedom, fearless storytelling, and a direct connection with the readers who have come along for the ride. Her books have sold over three million copies worldwide, been translated into multiple languages, and earned recognition including KDP Select All-Star, ThrillerFix’s Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine’s Best Book of 2021 Award, and multiple Silver Falchions.

From the darkest parts of the human mind to stories of resilience, love, and survival, Kiersten’s novels invite readers to explore an ever-expanding world where each story promises to be everything they hope for and nothing they expect. Her readers lovingly coined the name “KMod” early in her career, and it has grown into more than a nickname. It represents a storyteller whose curiosity leads her—and the readers who have joined her—through doors they never expected to open.

Make yourself at home here. Look around. Step into the next room. You never know what’s waiting for you.

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5 stars
933 (22%)
4 stars
1,359 (32%)
3 stars
1,344 (32%)
2 stars
440 (10%)
1 star
112 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
Profile Image for Nina (ninjasbooks).
1,775 reviews2,032 followers
September 13, 2023
I’m not sure how to rate this book, as it at times was fast-paced and I wanted to know what would happen next. At the same time I had trouble with the main character’s dissociative episodes. In my experience one does not switch to an alter for such a long time without any intrusions. Also, I had a problem with her sister being her therapist. Even if her sister manipulated ‘Jenna’ and her husband, there should have been some alarm-bells ringing. And why did her sister stay with her disturbed husband? I get that he got a hold on her, but she seemed like she saw him for what he was. And don’t even get me started on their mother. Such a horrible character that was very one-dimensional.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sarah.
105 reviews19 followers
February 18, 2023
The ending? What left me hanging… I read this in 2 hours, amazing book and writing. Kiersten Modglin is amazing and love her imagination!!
3 reviews5 followers
September 25, 2023
I rarely write reviews, but this book was awful. I listened to the audiobook, and the only way I was able to finish it was by speeding it up and skipping chapters, thankfully it was a short book to start with.....none of the characters actions made sense, absolutely nothing was explained. It seemed like everything that happened was contrived and happened only to ramp up the drama....

Spoilers below................



How did Natalie care about her sister and yet stayed with that despicable man....?

How did Monroe have a lifetime of memories as "Monroe" what were those memories and where did they come from?

How was the bad guy able to come to do what he did repeatedly without anyone finding out.....?

And I can't even express my frustration at that ending...wtf....


I am baffled by all the rave review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Donna Mallery.
969 reviews92 followers
October 30, 2023
I had read most of Kiersten’s books before I noticed this one. I like KMod. She has an easy writing style and she hold your attention. I was especially interested when I read the setting was in my home state of Mississippi. And I did enjoy this book…until the last page…….!!! She’s done this before, but mostly has satisfying endings. I HATED this one. Why not leave us all cozy and glad everything was resolved? So many popular writers have to add that last sentence or paragraph that ruins everything! I don’t understand the purpose of this. Am I supposed to shout, “Bravo!”? If you hadn’t ruined the ending, I would have thought you were a bad author???!!! But I’m obviously the outlier as I consistently see great reviews with these type of endings. I’m just scratching my head…..
Profile Image for Cheeseburger .
909 reviews
December 16, 2017
Kiersten you brilliant devil!

Holy cow this book was super intense! I bit my nails clean off with all the suspense.

I can't go into detail without spoiling this book, so I will just say, this is a book you don't want to miss. The blurb of the book says enough. The ending made me scream. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance.

I received an arc of this book for my honest review. I loved this so much that I had to buy my own copy.
Profile Image for lea.
198 reviews38 followers
July 11, 2022
Ahhh I have such mixed feelings about this book, mostly because of the last 40 ish pages. I wanted more from the ending and wanted Dustin to freaking BURN. Still an enjoyable read just not satisfying like the other KMod books I've read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elise a.k.a. PAPERNERD.
511 reviews32 followers
March 17, 2022

I can only say WOW !

Who is Monroe, and why did her husband leave her for another woman...
you will eventually find out, but when you do:
What a mental ride !

I enjoyed this story very much !
Profile Image for Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50).
2,260 reviews288 followers
April 20, 2024
Quick, twisted and Holy cow what a crazy ride and plot. A quick novella is what I needed and Modglin always delivers. Reading some older ones before I start her latest Hollow.

There is a dark part. Trigger: Rape
Families should protect you. This part of the story really bothered me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Joanne Cheek.
725 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2020
If I could give it no stars, I would. My regret is that I spent money on this book.
Profile Image for Kerry.
573 reviews11 followers
December 3, 2023
Wow this book was crazy! Classic Modglin, very twisty! My only complaint is I wanted more of a resolution at the end…left me wanting to know what happened next.
Profile Image for Amy K.
222 reviews17 followers
January 8, 2026
Cliffhanger

This is a quick and easy read that held my interest. It isn't my favorite from this author because I prefer things wrapped up with a neat little bow on top and this one ends rather abruptly.
Profile Image for KKEC Reads.
1,186 reviews70 followers
March 2, 2021
Your mind will be blown.

Published: March 29, 2017
Kiersten Modglin

Kiersten Modglin is an Amazon Top 30 bestselling author of award-winning psychological suspense novels and a member of International Thriller Writers. Kiersten lives in Nashville, Tennessee, with her husband, daughter, and their two Boston Terriers: Cedric and Georgie. She is best known for her unpredictable suspense, and her readers have dubbed her 'The Queen of Twists.'

“Who’s Jenna?”

Monroe is trying to get through it and figuring out how to start over, how to rebuild her life—divorcing her husband, who cheated, and trying to figure out what she is going to do next. Her life is a sad spiral of bad and worst days. But little does she know; it’s about to get a whole lot worse.

This was a total mind twist. And it was so well done. This is a tragic story that will rip your heart out of your chest chapter after chapter. You will be so filled with rage and sorrow that you really won’t know which emotion is taking priority.

The characters in this book are so well done. This is such a twisted tale. Such a dangerously dark story that leaves you feeling empty. But as the pieces start coming together and the story starts making sense, the brutal truth starts to peek from behind the shadows; the depths of secrecy and selfishness contained within will leave you dumbfounded.

The way that Kiersten handles mental illness and trauma is remarkable. She does so in such a raw, honest manner. But she also gives her survivors a voice, and she appropriately handles the information.

Colt is such a necessary character. He is so delicate, kind, and patient. Even when his heart is breaking, and he is at a point that he thinks he can’t take anymore- he does. He continues. He keeps doing everything in his power to be an advocate for his wife. To be her voice when she can’t be her advocate. Colt is the person every survivor deserves.

This is not a typical love story. There is no sunshine and rainbows here—only darkness, secrets, and pain. But my god, is it delivered in a brilliant way.

Profile Image for Barbara Fields.
179 reviews8 followers
January 30, 2020
This book, just wow….seriously I wasn’t quite sure what was happening at first, but It didn’t take long until I thought I knew what was going on.  Unfortunately, I was wrong on that MORE THAN ONCE when reading this book. -the story:

On the darkest night of Monroe Perry’s life, her husband leaves her for another woman.  This mysterious woman, Jenna, causes Monroe to question everything she thought she knew about her life, her family, and her marriage.  That’s the premise, that’s how the story begins.  You simultaneously feel sorry for this older woman who was shoved aside, thrown away really for someone much younger than she is,  without warning and out of the blue, and right away you absolutely hate her husband.  You feel her pain as she struggles to resume a new normal life, without her true love which includes a new job and living on her own. It is honestly a worst-case scenario for  an older woman,  to be left after so many years of marriage and for a much younger woman and being blindsided when he mutters HER name in his sleep. Isn’t that what happens? OR IS IT….once again I had no idea exactly what the story was until I kept reading it.  And once again I found myself wondering just who the bad guy was in this story.  Is it really that simple ?  No it definitely is not simple at all.  Because the more I read the more it became clear that what I thought was going on…what I thought was happening, well it wasn’t what was going on at all…or was it? Yikes I couldn’t put it down! Loved it, loved it loved it! I cannot read this author’s books fast enough…and I’m dreading the day when I’m all caught up…and have to WAIT for a new book…because honestly after reading these books other books seem so boring……So thanks Kiersten for entertaining me but I’m also kind of mad that you have ruined other books for me…lol…kind of….because it is totally worth it! Right down to the last page, and the last surprise  I did not see coming! AGAIN!!
Profile Image for Robyn.
2,379 reviews135 followers
March 5, 2024
Playing Jenna
Kiersten Modglin

I sat on my review of this book because I was uncertain of what I really thought about it. For most of the book, I was throwing out the BS card and cocking my head at it. I almost DNFed it several times, but came back and did the skim just to get to the end.

I do not like unreliable characters and have issues with authors who use them as a standard manipulation tool for the reader. If you are going to give insight, make the crazy, crazy the whole book, don't jump up at the end, and change how the reader believes because you lead me there.

2 stars

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Aklse .
50 reviews
January 27, 2021
This book doesn’t have a real ending! I can’t believe people are giving it any stars! As far as I can tell it’s not a series, yet there is absolutely no closure to this book. I just wasted all this time reading it. It’s like watching a tv show that gets canceled and has no ending.
Profile Image for Ashley.
Author 36 books123 followers
October 13, 2022
Whoa

Short and fast paced psychological thriller that I couldn’t put down! Those twists were crazy…per usual with KMOD plot twists!
812 reviews9 followers
September 9, 2023
If you're looking for something that is truly psychological, thriller, suspense, look no further. This is the book you want to read. You definitely need to pay close attention. I recommend the audio book. The narrator makes the book come to life. All throughout the book you are on a psychological roller coaster. Just when you think it can't get more confusing, you get to the end and your mouth is left open. Jenna is trying to live her life, Monroe is trying to live her life. You won't believe what is going on, and who is behind it. He will be addicted, you may read this all in one setting. I recommend you carve out some time.
Profile Image for Alison.
272 reviews
September 25, 2023
Quick & easy thriller that I enjoyed. I figured out the largest plot twist from the beginning but enjoyed the events as they unfolded. Ending made me mad, lol, but in a “I get why the author did that” way
Profile Image for Laura C.
612 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2024
This book had me turning the pages so fast and I was going to give it four stars but the ending made me feel like the entire story was pointless.

If anyone could explain that ending, it would be greatly appreciated.
Profile Image for Brooke.
123 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2025
~what did I just read~ but not in a good way. I love this author so I had to read this, but not her best. Definitely older in her backlist and it shows.

Thankfully it’s a really short book so it’s pretty easy to get through.
Profile Image for NurseRox.
679 reviews9 followers
March 1, 2024
3.25 🌟- I think I’m starting to be able to tell the difference between her recent works versus her earlier stuff.
104 reviews
July 6, 2026
It’s honestly hard to talk about this book without spoiling it, because what makes it work is the way the story keeps shifting and revealing new layers.

This is one of those books where you know pretty early on that the narrator isn’t reliable, but that doesn’t make the story predictable. If anything, it makes it unsettling, because you can tell something is off without being able to figure out exactly what. The backstory is completely unhinged, and as the story unfolds, it gets darker and stranger.

What made the book stand out for me was the plot twists. There wasn’t one simple shocking reveal—there were multiple, and they kept changing the entire story. Every time I thought I had finally figured out what was going on, the book pulled another twist that completely shifted everything again. It genuinely felt like a plot twist on top of a plot twist, and I loved that. It’s exactly the kind of psychological thriller I want: disorienting, surprising, and constantly making you question what you think you know.

My only real complaint is the ending. It was definitely surprising and unexpected, but it also left things unresolved (obviously on purpose, but still). I finished the book feeling like there were still multiple things that needed to be explored or properly concluded, and it honestly annoyed me that there isn’t a sequel. This is one of those books where I genuinely wanted a book two, because it feels like there’s still a story left to tell.
Profile Image for KayleeNeedsANewBook .
740 reviews11 followers
September 30, 2023
Playing Jenna by Kiersten Modglin
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Yet another Kmod backlog read- that was a big hit!
If you're looking for a truly psychological, thrilling suspense- look no further!
Kiersten, you gifted devil 😈 I was so at the edge of my seat; I fell off ... nails, I bit those clean off!
A quick read that didn't disappoint. With a captivating story that is sure to keep you interested 😉 who is Jenna?
Your mind will be blown.
Profile Image for Kali Dempsey.
2,657 reviews79 followers
June 11, 2024
4 ⭐ 0 🌶 4 🎧

I really enjoyed this book. In true KMod fashion, I thought I had it all figured and while I was correct, I was also so very wrong. Twist after twist hit us square between the eyes and I loved every last one.

*possible spoilers ahead, ignore if you want to go in completely blind*
My only complaint was the lack of closure in the end. I wanted everyone involved punished and I wanted a bit more of a happier end. All in all though, I loved it.
*end spoilers*

The audio was well done and I enjoyed Leanne Woodward's narration of this story.
Profile Image for TD.
529 reviews6 followers
September 28, 2023
Who is Jenna is right! This was a wild book and I loved every minute of it! Just when you think it's a scandal, so much more is revealed and you can't help but hyper-focus and see this through til the end!
Profile Image for Amy.
1,139 reviews4 followers
August 27, 2024
There's over the top, and then there's Over the Top. This is definitely the latter. The premise itself actually isn't bad. The manic back and forth in POVs also made sense, given the nature of the plot. But the reasonings and the reveals was a bit side eye.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews