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Other People's Lives
THE SILENT PATIENT MEETS GONE GIRL
“Let me ask you. Are you worried that someone is watching you, or are you worried that you think someone is watching you?”
Sophie Portman has lost her husband, and she thinks she may be losing her mind.
She seeks the help of psychiatrist Andrew Thacker, but as she starts to open up, the truth begins to unravel and nothing is quite as it seems.
Other People's Lives is a gripping psychological thriller from bestselling author JE Rowney.
"A heart-stopping twist. I never saw it coming." - advance reader review.
“Let me ask you. Are you worried that someone is watching you, or are you worried that you think someone is watching you?”
Sophie Portman has lost her husband, and she thinks she may be losing her mind.
She seeks the help of psychiatrist Andrew Thacker, but as she starts to open up, the truth begins to unravel and nothing is quite as it seems.
Other People's Lives is a gripping psychological thriller from bestselling author JE Rowney.
"A heart-stopping twist. I never saw it coming." - advance reader review.
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 22, 2022
1449 people are currently reading
16048 people want to read
About the author
J.E. Rowney
40 books823 followersWriter.
Visit my website for previews, further information.
http://www.jerowney.com/
"I always dreamed of being a writer, until I realised that I was. Then I started to write."
Visit my website for previews, further information.
http://www.jerowney.com/
"I always dreamed of being a writer, until I realised that I was. Then I started to write."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 586 reviews
July 31, 2023
I am now completely changing my review after needing to have the twist explained! My goodness, that was clever. Will have to go back and reread some previous chapters since there obviously was something I missed, and it’s extremely rare I have to do so.
So, I’ve been thinking a bit more, and after now understanding the twist, the book made so much more sense. I have immense respect for a writer who manages to confuse me and that clear up that confusion by a lightbulb moment. When you want to read the same book again, it’s a very good sign. The writing was also spot-on, and I’ve highlighted a lot of sentences that spoke to me. It’s hard to talk more about the twist without giving it away, but you REALLY need to read it thoroughly to not miss the tells.
That being said, you absolutely SHOULD read it and have fun being a detective, because it demands proper focus.
So, I’ve been thinking a bit more, and after now understanding the twist, the book made so much more sense. I have immense respect for a writer who manages to confuse me and that clear up that confusion by a lightbulb moment. When you want to read the same book again, it’s a very good sign. The writing was also spot-on, and I’ve highlighted a lot of sentences that spoke to me. It’s hard to talk more about the twist without giving it away, but you REALLY need to read it thoroughly to not miss the tells.
That being said, you absolutely SHOULD read it and have fun being a detective, because it demands proper focus.
April 22, 2022
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY Not only is this book super awesome, but the author is extremely nice as well. Check it out!!!
Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
HOLY F@CK!NG $H!T OAJOFAFLMSMFMFKSSF!!!!!! BANGER ALERT!!!!
If you read this and are like MEH or ????? what happened to _____. MSG ME. I will happily explain the genius behind the twist.
Writing: 5 mf stars out of 5 | Plot: 4.5/5 | Endning: 4.5/5
THE PLOT
Sophie is seeing psychiatrist Dr. Thacker to help her cope with the disappearance of her husband and the feeling that someone is watching her. Where is her husband? And is she really being watched? READ IT AND FIND OUT!!!
MY OPINION
WOOOOOOOOOWWW. I am literally speechless. I don't want to give too much away because it will ruin the book, so JUST FKING READ IT YOURSELF. Maybe I am a BIG dummy, but I did NOT expect that. I actually had to double back and check.... I was like NAH, she didn't... but oh yes she did. BRAVO J.E. Rowney.
Yes, this will give you The Silent Patient vibes... But the scope of the twist is FIRE FLAME. The key word here is: SCOPE. I'm giving this 5 fat ass stars because the author showed her SKILL. Enough said.
This is a short book and you might find yourself wondering when tf something is gonna pop off. It seems like you're going in circles for awhile. But keep on keeping on, because it is WORTH IT in the end.
I read the other reviews and they didn't seem as impressed. So maybe I am a dummy? Or maybe the magnitude of what she pulled off wasn't fully understood? If you read this and you're like meh, pls DM me so we can discuss.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: absolutely blindsided by the reveal... causing me to go HUH??? and run it back so I could see how she pulled it off
Cons: the rest of the ending was too neatly wrapped up, but I'm still giving 5 stars based on how Rowney executed
Thank you BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. IYKYK, my reviews are always honest.
HOLY F@CK!NG $H!T OAJOFAFLMSMFMFKSSF!!!!!! BANGER ALERT!!!!
If you read this and are like MEH or ????? what happened to _____. MSG ME. I will happily explain the genius behind the twist.
Writing: 5 mf stars out of 5 | Plot: 4.5/5 | Endning: 4.5/5
THE PLOT
Sophie is seeing psychiatrist Dr. Thacker to help her cope with the disappearance of her husband and the feeling that someone is watching her. Where is her husband? And is she really being watched? READ IT AND FIND OUT!!!
MY OPINION
WOOOOOOOOOWWW. I am literally speechless. I don't want to give too much away because it will ruin the book, so JUST FKING READ IT YOURSELF. Maybe I am a BIG dummy, but I did NOT expect that. I actually had to double back and check.... I was like NAH, she didn't... but oh yes she did. BRAVO J.E. Rowney.
Yes, this will give you The Silent Patient vibes... But the scope of the twist is FIRE FLAME. The key word here is: SCOPE. I'm giving this 5 fat ass stars because the author showed her SKILL. Enough said.
This is a short book and you might find yourself wondering when tf something is gonna pop off. It seems like you're going in circles for awhile. But keep on keeping on, because it is WORTH IT in the end.
I read the other reviews and they didn't seem as impressed. So maybe I am a dummy? Or maybe the magnitude of what she pulled off wasn't fully understood? If you read this and you're like meh, pls DM me so we can discuss.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: absolutely blindsided by the reveal... causing me to go HUH??? and run it back so I could see how she pulled it off
Cons: the rest of the ending was too neatly wrapped up, but I'm still giving 5 stars based on how Rowney executed
May 24, 2022
Mixed feelings about this one. I'm in the middle of the road!
I don't agree with the blurb description of Silent Patient meets Gone Girl. That sets it up for higher than high expectations that are almost impossible to meet!
Sophie Portman thinks that someone is watching her. She starts sessions with Dr. Thacker to help her cope. She has suffered a significant loss, that of her husband. He diagnoses her with "persecutory delusions. Delusional disorder" He explains it is a "kind of mental disturbance that can happen to people ..... that have suffered a significant negative life event." Sophie gives him a sarcastic little laugh.
This one is definitely a quick, twisty little thriller. You will need to watch for the poker-faced, tricksty characters putting on their facade! There are twists and white lies that turn dark.
In the second half, you'll notice that something changes, someone has done something, you may catch it if you pay close attention to the details.
It is easy to miss and very sleight of hand. I prefer a more straight forward, Gotcha!, but check out all the higher reviews. Others have been much more enamored than I was!
I purchased on Amazon at a .99 special, it is now on KU if you're interested! 5/24/22
I don't agree with the blurb description of Silent Patient meets Gone Girl. That sets it up for higher than high expectations that are almost impossible to meet!
Sophie Portman thinks that someone is watching her. She starts sessions with Dr. Thacker to help her cope. She has suffered a significant loss, that of her husband. He diagnoses her with "persecutory delusions. Delusional disorder" He explains it is a "kind of mental disturbance that can happen to people ..... that have suffered a significant negative life event." Sophie gives him a sarcastic little laugh.
This one is definitely a quick, twisty little thriller. You will need to watch for the poker-faced, tricksty characters putting on their facade! There are twists and white lies that turn dark.
In the second half, you'll notice that something changes, someone has done something, you may catch it if you pay close attention to the details.
It is easy to miss and very sleight of hand. I prefer a more straight forward, Gotcha!, but check out all the higher reviews. Others have been much more enamored than I was!
I purchased on Amazon at a .99 special, it is now on KU if you're interested! 5/24/22
March 29, 2022
I am editing my original review thanks to my pal Pink that so kindly clarified my confusion and in doing so I am adding a star to this! Thanks, Pink! 😘
A short, fast paced, twisty little thriller.
Sophie's husband Jack has gone missing during an expedition in the Artic. Now she finds herself seeking therapy from Dr. Thacker because she feels she is being followed everywhere she goes. Is she still wallowing in her grief or is there are real threat to be faced?
Dr. Thacker is a psychiatrist that seems to need a lot of therapy himself. He's become obsessed with Sophie and would like to become more than just her therapist.
Jonah Washington is another patient of Dr. Thacker with his OCD and binge eating he bores him to tears but this is his job and he'll do it to the best of his ability.
This book was moving right along at a quick clip and I was 100% invested in the outcome of this novel and that's where this one let me down because I was left with more questions than answers. Even after reading the last few chapters again I still can't make any sense of it. But, but, but....
The truth is the author played me like a fiddle which I didn't realize was happening. Now isn't that a sign of good writing and clever wordplay? Yes, it is! Pink so kindly enlightened me on what happened and it all makes so much more sense now.
If you like twists, turns, and tricksy writing then grab a copy and enjoy this topsy-turvy ride! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my complimentary copy.
A short, fast paced, twisty little thriller.
Sophie's husband Jack has gone missing during an expedition in the Artic. Now she finds herself seeking therapy from Dr. Thacker because she feels she is being followed everywhere she goes. Is she still wallowing in her grief or is there are real threat to be faced?
Dr. Thacker is a psychiatrist that seems to need a lot of therapy himself. He's become obsessed with Sophie and would like to become more than just her therapist.
Jonah Washington is another patient of Dr. Thacker with his OCD and binge eating he bores him to tears but this is his job and he'll do it to the best of his ability.
This book was moving right along at a quick clip and I was 100% invested in the outcome of this novel and that's where this one let me down because I was left with more questions than answers. Even after reading the last few chapters again I still can't make any sense of it. But, but, but....
The truth is the author played me like a fiddle which I didn't realize was happening. Now isn't that a sign of good writing and clever wordplay? Yes, it is! Pink so kindly enlightened me on what happened and it all makes so much more sense now.
If you like twists, turns, and tricksy writing then grab a copy and enjoy this topsy-turvy ride! 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for my complimentary copy.
April 26, 2022
It’s not an obsession, merely an infatuation! Ummm…ok. 💁🏻♀️
Sophie has finally decided to seek out help from a psychiatrist. She has significant issues she needs professional help to deal with. First up, the disappearance of her husband seven months ago. And now she feels that someone is watching her.
This was a rapid, twisty thriller that had some twisty surprises along the way. The tension steadily building with each session with the good Dr. Thatcher.
I did feel the final reveal and ending wrapped up just a bit too quickly. It was an enjoyable read, but I would have liked it stretched out a bit more. (But, that’s just me).
Looking for a speedy, twisty read for this summer? This should fit the bill perfectly!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial.
Sophie has finally decided to seek out help from a psychiatrist. She has significant issues she needs professional help to deal with. First up, the disappearance of her husband seven months ago. And now she feels that someone is watching her.
This was a rapid, twisty thriller that had some twisty surprises along the way. The tension steadily building with each session with the good Dr. Thatcher.
I did feel the final reveal and ending wrapped up just a bit too quickly. It was an enjoyable read, but I would have liked it stretched out a bit more. (But, that’s just me).
Looking for a speedy, twisty read for this summer? This should fit the bill perfectly!
Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial.
October 6, 2022
It has been over six months since Sophie Portman lost her husband Jack. Jack a, a geologist by profession, had been selected for a project near the Arctic Circle, and from what we gather from her conversation with her psychiatrist Dr. Thacker disappeared during the expedition. Sophie, a teacher by profession, is yet to resume her work and spends most of her time at home. In addition to her difficulty in coping with the loss of her husband, she also has a feeling that she is being watched and assumes that someone is following her and tracking her every move, even when she is at home. In her initial sessions with Dr. Thacker, she finds it hard to talk about her marriage and her husband but gradually she opens up, giving us insight into her personal life. As the narrative progresses we also meet another of the psychiatrist's patients and his office staff. From what we can make out, Dr, Thacker seems to have some issues of his own, or does he? Is Sophie correct in assuming she is being stalked or she is losing her mind? Does Dr. Thacker truly have Sophie’s best interests at heart or does he have a personal agenda? What happened to Jack?
Other People's Lives by J.E. Rowney is a well-written psychological thriller in which only towards the end do we realize how the author cleverly manipulates our perceptions and interpretations of the characters and their interactions. Having said that, had this not been a relatively short novel (for which I am thankful! ) I do not think I would have finished reading it. Till about 60% of the novel, there’s nothing much to grab your attention and keep you engaged. To be honest, I felt a bit bored with the repetitive nature of the conversations in the psychiatrist’s office and found it difficult to sympathize with Sophie. The final 40% is fast-paced and suspenseful. It did feel a bit contrived though, and I felt that the author rushed the ending. The final revelation somewhat makes up for the long-drawn build-up and does make you rethink your understanding of the first half of the novel. The final twist is interesting and not entirely unpredictable if you follow the narrative carefully, though the author manages to throw in a few surprises.
Overall, this is a well-structured and interesting read and while I did not dislike it, I was not bowled over by it. However, mine is a minority opinion . Therefore I request that you go through other reviews before you decide on reading this book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing an advance review copy of the novel via Booksirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Other People's Lives by J.E. Rowney is a well-written psychological thriller in which only towards the end do we realize how the author cleverly manipulates our perceptions and interpretations of the characters and their interactions. Having said that, had this not been a relatively short novel (for which I am thankful! ) I do not think I would have finished reading it. Till about 60% of the novel, there’s nothing much to grab your attention and keep you engaged. To be honest, I felt a bit bored with the repetitive nature of the conversations in the psychiatrist’s office and found it difficult to sympathize with Sophie. The final 40% is fast-paced and suspenseful. It did feel a bit contrived though, and I felt that the author rushed the ending. The final revelation somewhat makes up for the long-drawn build-up and does make you rethink your understanding of the first half of the novel. The final twist is interesting and not entirely unpredictable if you follow the narrative carefully, though the author manages to throw in a few surprises.
Overall, this is a well-structured and interesting read and while I did not dislike it, I was not bowled over by it. However, mine is a minority opinion . Therefore I request that you go through other reviews before you decide on reading this book.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing an advance review copy of the novel via Booksirens. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 9, 2022
First impression after putting the book down...
Nope. No no no no no nooo!!! 🙉
Sophie Portman sees Dr. Thacker a psychiatrist. Sophia's going through a tremendous loss after her husband Jack went missing during a geological mission near the Arctic circle. She never wanted him to go but this has been his dream. Sophie also believes she's being stalked, she feels someone is watching her.
Yes, this is very clever. You got me, Ms. Rowney! I didn't catch it until the moment you want to give it away. The first reveal had me flipping back to the earlier chapters again. And to be quite honest, I knew in advance from the cover to listen carefully and watch closely. Obviously, I didn't do a good job at it.
This was a good psych thriller and very suspenseful after the second half. The first part was a bit repetitive. Sophie just irritates me so much that I thought Jack dodge a bullet missing at the north pole!
What the EF is that ending though? OMG it doesn't make any sense! Do I have to repeat my first impression? 😤 Overall, I thought it was pretty good, especially the shock value!
Thank you BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for this DRC.
Published 22 Apr 2022.
Nope. No no no no no nooo!!! 🙉
Sophie Portman sees Dr. Thacker a psychiatrist. Sophia's going through a tremendous loss after her husband Jack went missing during a geological mission near the Arctic circle. She never wanted him to go but this has been his dream. Sophie also believes she's being stalked, she feels someone is watching her.
Yes, this is very clever. You got me, Ms. Rowney! I didn't catch it until the moment you want to give it away. The first reveal had me flipping back to the earlier chapters again. And to be quite honest, I knew in advance from the cover to listen carefully and watch closely. Obviously, I didn't do a good job at it.
This was a good psych thriller and very suspenseful after the second half. The first part was a bit repetitive. Sophie just irritates me so much that I thought Jack dodge a bullet missing at the north pole!
What the EF is that ending though? OMG it doesn't make any sense! Do I have to repeat my first impression? 😤 Overall, I thought it was pretty good, especially the shock value!
Thank you BooksGoSocial and Netgalley for this DRC.
Published 22 Apr 2022.
July 11, 2023
Currently free on Amazon for a limited time if you were interested in giving it a whirl
4.25⭐
Publication date ~ April 22, 2022
Page Count ~ 180
Audio length ~ 5 hours 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Robin Coppock
POV ~ single 1st
What a brilliant twist!! Didn't see er coming either! Isn't that so exciting when that happens??
Sophie's husband, Jack, has disappeared and she's finding it hard to get on with her life. She thinks someone is watching her. She barely leaves her house, except to go to see a therapist, Dr. Thacker. Slowly she begins to open up and eventually she has agreed to go back to work as a teacher.
Some chapters are letters Sophie writes to Jack that really put their life together in perspective for us readers. In comes a couple twistaroos and I can't say much more.
This was an obsessively thrilling suspenseful psychological ride. The ending had an interesting and surprising wrap-up.
*Thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and J.E. Rowney for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
4.25⭐
Publication date ~ April 22, 2022
Page Count ~ 180
Audio length ~ 5 hours 29 minutes
Narrator ~ Robin Coppock
POV ~ single 1st
What a brilliant twist!! Didn't see er coming either! Isn't that so exciting when that happens??
Sophie's husband, Jack, has disappeared and she's finding it hard to get on with her life. She thinks someone is watching her. She barely leaves her house, except to go to see a therapist, Dr. Thacker. Slowly she begins to open up and eventually she has agreed to go back to work as a teacher.
Some chapters are letters Sophie writes to Jack that really put their life together in perspective for us readers. In comes a couple twistaroos and I can't say much more.
This was an obsessively thrilling suspenseful psychological ride. The ending had an interesting and surprising wrap-up.
*Thanks to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and J.E. Rowney for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
April 24, 2022
GirlWiththePinkSkiMask wasn't kidding ... this book is short and exceptional!
From the book blurb: "Sophie Portman has lost her husband, and she thinks she may be losing her mind. She seeks the help of psychiatrist Andrew Thacker, but as she starts to open up, the truth begins to unravel and nothing is quite as it seems."
I hesitate to add any more to the description or to say much about the story for fear of spoiling anything. You really need to read it for yourself but make sure you pay close attention. You really have to wonder how the author managed to keep it all straight in her head so that it made sense on paper or whatever! This is my first experience of this author but I'll definitely be looking at more of her work.
A big thank-you to BooksGoSocial via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: April 22, 2022
From the book blurb: "Sophie Portman has lost her husband, and she thinks she may be losing her mind. She seeks the help of psychiatrist Andrew Thacker, but as she starts to open up, the truth begins to unravel and nothing is quite as it seems."
I hesitate to add any more to the description or to say much about the story for fear of spoiling anything. You really need to read it for yourself but make sure you pay close attention. You really have to wonder how the author managed to keep it all straight in her head so that it made sense on paper or whatever! This is my first experience of this author but I'll definitely be looking at more of her work.
A big thank-you to BooksGoSocial via Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication Date: April 22, 2022
April 20, 2022
Be wary of believing everything people tell you, or indeed of their actions
I have read previous books by this author so was expecting the tightly woven psychological thriller I got, it crammed in a lot of characters and scenarios, all very well written and narrated to make a story that had you thinking and guessing right up to the last chapter
Being stalked is difficult enough but what if the person stalking you is your presumed dead husband and what if the psychiatrist you turn to for help needs more help than you do? I shall say no more but all fits cleverly into this taut thriller where there isn’t a spare second to be distracted
Enjoyed part of the book being written in letter form, sometimes I cant stand this in a book but this was done really well
A great read from this the author who does not disappoint in her dark tales of mistrust, secrets and lies
9/10
5 Stars
I have read previous books by this author so was expecting the tightly woven psychological thriller I got, it crammed in a lot of characters and scenarios, all very well written and narrated to make a story that had you thinking and guessing right up to the last chapter
Being stalked is difficult enough but what if the person stalking you is your presumed dead husband and what if the psychiatrist you turn to for help needs more help than you do? I shall say no more but all fits cleverly into this taut thriller where there isn’t a spare second to be distracted
Enjoyed part of the book being written in letter form, sometimes I cant stand this in a book but this was done really well
A great read from this the author who does not disappoint in her dark tales of mistrust, secrets and lies
9/10
5 Stars
April 26, 2022
Wow! If you’re looking for a quick read that is full of twists you’ll never see coming, look no more. Other People’s Lives delivers! I can’t say much about the plot, because I don’t want to give anything away. What I can say is paranoia, jealousy and revenge can be a deadly combination. Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, it would take a turn that I never expected. This is definitely a thriller that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend! Thank you BookSirens for my copy.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 30, 2022
I might be the outlier here. I saw some 5 star reviews for this and saw it was a pretty short book and available to read now so I grabbed it. Unfortunately I was underwhelmed.
Sophie Portman is struggling with her mental health. She is a teacher but has been on leave for months. Her husband is a geologist and is always travelling the globe for his research. When he tells Sophie he got a 6 week placement he was really keen on - in Arkhangelesk in the Arctic Circle in Russia she is devastated. She really wants him to stay with her. But now 6 months have gone by and there is no Jack. She starts to see a therapist, Dr Thacker, she thinks someone has been watching, maybe following her. Or is it all in her head. Dr Thacker is instantly smitten with Sophie. This is not good.
After a few sessions though the good doctor feels that Sophie is not being fully truthful with him - understatement, much. He has another patient that we focus on, Jonah Washington, and he drops a bombshell in his last session with the doctor. This is the set up for the big reveal. Only, I didn’t think it was much of a reveal. I thought the twists were mostly contrived and a result people using false names. The whole stalker thing has been done to death. Could Rupert Murdoch please post a full page ad in all his papers telling potential stalkers that creepy behaviour does not make people fall in love with you no matter how much you want it!
I didn’t even like any of the characters. Sophie was, well actually quite deluded. Dr Thacker should have referred her to a colleague then he would have been able to socialise with her. Serena - words fail me. And the Jonah character - again words just fail me. All in all, the book failed me. Many thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
Sophie Portman is struggling with her mental health. She is a teacher but has been on leave for months. Her husband is a geologist and is always travelling the globe for his research. When he tells Sophie he got a 6 week placement he was really keen on - in Arkhangelesk in the Arctic Circle in Russia she is devastated. She really wants him to stay with her. But now 6 months have gone by and there is no Jack. She starts to see a therapist, Dr Thacker, she thinks someone has been watching, maybe following her. Or is it all in her head. Dr Thacker is instantly smitten with Sophie. This is not good.
After a few sessions though the good doctor feels that Sophie is not being fully truthful with him - understatement, much. He has another patient that we focus on, Jonah Washington, and he drops a bombshell in his last session with the doctor. This is the set up for the big reveal. Only, I didn’t think it was much of a reveal. I thought the twists were mostly contrived and a result people using false names. The whole stalker thing has been done to death. Could Rupert Murdoch please post a full page ad in all his papers telling potential stalkers that creepy behaviour does not make people fall in love with you no matter how much you want it!
I didn’t even like any of the characters. Sophie was, well actually quite deluded. Dr Thacker should have referred her to a colleague then he would have been able to socialise with her. Serena - words fail me. And the Jonah character - again words just fail me. All in all, the book failed me. Many thanks to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for the much appreciated arc which I reviewed voluntarily and honestly.
April 19, 2022
I found this to be a well written, entertaining, engaging book, so I have to rate it 4 stars.
I felt like at the very end of it, I had to suspend my belief a tad, but it still was a fun read, I found it hard to put the book down.
I felt like I saw it coming from a mile away (but I did think he might have not be alive anymore!), however it did not ruin it for me!
Other People’s Lives by J.E. Rowney was my first book from this author, but I certainly would love to explore more of her work.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, thank you!
I felt like at the very end of it, I had to suspend my belief a tad, but it still was a fun read, I found it hard to put the book down.
I felt like I saw it coming from a mile away (but I did think he might have not be alive anymore!), however it did not ruin it for me!
Other People’s Lives by J.E. Rowney was my first book from this author, but I certainly would love to explore more of her work.
I received an advance review copy for free via BookSirens, thank you!
March 28, 2022
This book has me completely submerged into it the entire time. From beginning to end. I am so shocked by the twists, still sitting here thinking about it in awe. I absolutely loved this and all the twists I could've never guessed, especially the twist at the ending. 5 stars! Amazing writing and such an intense build up of suspense as you read the book.
This ARC was given to me from NetGalley and the publishers to read/review plus give my personal opinions on this book. All statements above are my own and based solely on my own opinions after reading the book.
This ARC was given to me from NetGalley and the publishers to read/review plus give my personal opinions on this book. All statements above are my own and based solely on my own opinions after reading the book.
July 16, 2022
Since losing her husband, Sophie Portman gets the feeling that she is being watched. She is starting to think it is all in her head and seeks the help of a psychiatrist, Dr. Thacker, who in turn tries to figure out if Sophie is being truthful or if she’s hiding something?
Other People’s Lives is a fun, quick, psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages. There was one twist that was clever and made me stop, go back and reread part of the book. I even had to have my friend Pink clarify a thing or two to make sure I understood what actually happened.
I did have a bit of an issue with the ending which felt a little too abrupt for my taste and left me with a few unanswered questions regarding motives. Despite my confusion and the unlikeable characters, I enjoyed the book and the writing style. This was my first J.E. Rowney book, but I look forward to reading more of her work. 4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Little Fox Publishing for my eARC. This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
Other People’s Lives is a fun, quick, psychological thriller that will keep you turning the pages. There was one twist that was clever and made me stop, go back and reread part of the book. I even had to have my friend Pink clarify a thing or two to make sure I understood what actually happened.
I did have a bit of an issue with the ending which felt a little too abrupt for my taste and left me with a few unanswered questions regarding motives. Despite my confusion and the unlikeable characters, I enjoyed the book and the writing style. This was my first J.E. Rowney book, but I look forward to reading more of her work. 4 stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Little Fox Publishing for my eARC. This book is currently available on Kindle Unlimited.
April 17, 2022
The writing is all "The Silent Patient" vibes!
Though with a different plot though. An unreliable narrator, a psychiatrist not too sure about their capabilities, a missing husband, hidden affairs and a dirty secret.
So you have to keep guessing. The writing is good. I would say the writing is fun and a much needed entertaining thrilling read. However, the twist did not surprise me much.
If you're someone who would like to read a short, fun psychological thriller you can go for this one.
Thank you, BooksGoSocial, for the advance reading copy.
Though with a different plot though. An unreliable narrator, a psychiatrist not too sure about their capabilities, a missing husband, hidden affairs and a dirty secret.
So you have to keep guessing. The writing is good. I would say the writing is fun and a much needed entertaining thrilling read. However, the twist did not surprise me much.
If you're someone who would like to read a short, fun psychological thriller you can go for this one.
Thank you, BooksGoSocial, for the advance reading copy.
April 29, 2022
HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY (22 April 2022) TO THIS AMAZING AND TWISTY BOOK!!
Are you ever worried someone is watching you? Do you ever get the feeling someone is looking at you and you turn to see no one there?? Does it feel like someone is following your every move and you can’t explain it???
This is Sophie Portman’s life, she is convinced - or thinks she’s convinced - no she’s convinced… someone is ‘Watching Her’. She has reported it to the police but there is no evidence, but she can see him… can’t she… is she losing her mind? Sophie has lost her husband and now feels like she’s slowly losing her mind - no way, someone is following her…. Aren’t they??
Sophie seeks the professional assistance of Dr Andrew Thacker a psychiatrist whose job it is to help Sophie come to terms with these feelings she’s having - that started directly after she lost her husband. Dr Thacker is here to help Sophie with her delusions - or is someone watching her? Other People’s Lives are just so interesting is someone watching everyone somewhere?
As Sophie begins to open up the truth is coming out thread by thread and nothing is as it seems - are you watching carefully????
Wowser, this is a quick read I was 80% done in a couple of hours, the sentences and chapters are refreshingly short and the story is interesting. The story is told via letters from Sophie to her lost husband and through the POV of Sophie’s visits to the therapist and her life. I do not want to give anything away because if the twist is spoilt the book is spoilt…
You will go HUH hang on… What did I just read? Around the 80% mark… you might track back and try to figure out… my suggestion read on… roll into the story… read to the end then stop….. process and go back and read bits and pieces where you think but wasn’t that… or didn’t so and so say…. AND THEREIN LIES THE GENIUS OF THIS BOOK.
You think you have it all figured out… I know I did. What amazing writing and I was suckered in from the get go… I had to know what was going on… Sophie’s crazy right… sure…. OR is someone watching her…. Read the book it wont take long… Once you have read it you could go back and read it again and feel the WTF feeling I felt when I re-read some parts.
I do think the ending was a little sharp and neat but I didn’t mind - it was worth it, a definite recommended read - do it!!!
Thank you to BooksGoSocial, NetGalley and the author for this advanced copy for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Big thank you to my speed reading friend @GirlWithThePinkSkiMask for recommending this one to me 🫶
Are you ever worried someone is watching you? Do you ever get the feeling someone is looking at you and you turn to see no one there?? Does it feel like someone is following your every move and you can’t explain it???
This is Sophie Portman’s life, she is convinced - or thinks she’s convinced - no she’s convinced… someone is ‘Watching Her’. She has reported it to the police but there is no evidence, but she can see him… can’t she… is she losing her mind? Sophie has lost her husband and now feels like she’s slowly losing her mind - no way, someone is following her…. Aren’t they??
Sophie seeks the professional assistance of Dr Andrew Thacker a psychiatrist whose job it is to help Sophie come to terms with these feelings she’s having - that started directly after she lost her husband. Dr Thacker is here to help Sophie with her delusions - or is someone watching her? Other People’s Lives are just so interesting is someone watching everyone somewhere?
As Sophie begins to open up the truth is coming out thread by thread and nothing is as it seems - are you watching carefully????
Wowser, this is a quick read I was 80% done in a couple of hours, the sentences and chapters are refreshingly short and the story is interesting. The story is told via letters from Sophie to her lost husband and through the POV of Sophie’s visits to the therapist and her life. I do not want to give anything away because if the twist is spoilt the book is spoilt…
You will go HUH hang on… What did I just read? Around the 80% mark… you might track back and try to figure out… my suggestion read on… roll into the story… read to the end then stop….. process and go back and read bits and pieces where you think but wasn’t that… or didn’t so and so say…. AND THEREIN LIES THE GENIUS OF THIS BOOK.
You think you have it all figured out… I know I did. What amazing writing and I was suckered in from the get go… I had to know what was going on… Sophie’s crazy right… sure…. OR is someone watching her…. Read the book it wont take long… Once you have read it you could go back and read it again and feel the WTF feeling I felt when I re-read some parts.
I do think the ending was a little sharp and neat but I didn’t mind - it was worth it, a definite recommended read - do it!!!
Thank you to BooksGoSocial, NetGalley and the author for this advanced copy for my honest review. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Big thank you to my speed reading friend @GirlWithThePinkSkiMask for recommending this one to me 🫶
May 3, 2022
Other People's lives pulled me into the story from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. I kept trying to guess what was happening, but was wrong every time! A very entertaining book.
April 21, 2022
Wow! Other People's Lives by J.E. Rowney is a jaw-dropping psychological thriller that will blow you away! It will keep you in suspense till the very last page! 😲
Synopsis:
It's been over six months since Sophie Portman lost her husband. Suddenly, Sophie feels like someone is watching her. Who could it be? Is her mind playing tricks on her? Sophie becomes so frightened that she turns to Andrew Thacker, a well-known psychiatrist, for help. As she and Dr. Thacker examine Sophie's life, shocking revelations emerge. Is anything really as it seems?
Well done, J.E. Rowney! The plot twists are over the top! Other People's Lives is available for purchase on April 22nd.
Thank you, #VoraciousReadersOnly, @VoraciousReaders, and #JERowney, for giving me the honor of reviewing this outstanding e-book. I truly appreciate your generosity!💘
Synopsis:
It's been over six months since Sophie Portman lost her husband. Suddenly, Sophie feels like someone is watching her. Who could it be? Is her mind playing tricks on her? Sophie becomes so frightened that she turns to Andrew Thacker, a well-known psychiatrist, for help. As she and Dr. Thacker examine Sophie's life, shocking revelations emerge. Is anything really as it seems?
Well done, J.E. Rowney! The plot twists are over the top! Other People's Lives is available for purchase on April 22nd.
Thank you, #VoraciousReadersOnly, @VoraciousReaders, and #JERowney, for giving me the honor of reviewing this outstanding e-book. I truly appreciate your generosity!💘
July 3, 2022
4.5 stars. This book is a short, twisty thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. Unreliable narrators, subtle twists and turns that had me going back to reread certain passages to be sure I was getting what was really happening. (Thanks to my Goodreads friend Pink for corroborating my suspicions!). A very clever, fast-paced story with an ending that surprised me.
June 7, 2022
I think I'm an outlier here, but I did not love this book. In fact, I didn't like it at all. Of course when I read the blurb, "Silent Patient meets Gone Girl" I should have figured it would not be a hit with me. 🙄
In a nutshell, Sophie has lost her husband, and she thinks she may also be losing her mind. She begins seeing psychiatrist Andrew Thacker, but as she starts to open up to him, the truth starts to unravel and nothing is as it appears.
There you have it. I don't know why but the plot moved as slow as molasses in January - there was definitely something off with the pacing. I also did not like any of the characters - they were forgettable and unexciting. My biggest beef though was that there was a two-part twist, but one part was pretty easy to figure out from the beginning, and the other part just didn't wow me. Honestly, by the last page, I was bored with the whole thing.
Like I said, many other of my fabulous GR friends loved this, so perhaps it is just me, but this was barely a 2-star read for me.
In a nutshell, Sophie has lost her husband, and she thinks she may also be losing her mind. She begins seeing psychiatrist Andrew Thacker, but as she starts to open up to him, the truth starts to unravel and nothing is as it appears.
There you have it. I don't know why but the plot moved as slow as molasses in January - there was definitely something off with the pacing. I also did not like any of the characters - they were forgettable and unexciting. My biggest beef though was that there was a two-part twist, but one part was pretty easy to figure out from the beginning, and the other part just didn't wow me. Honestly, by the last page, I was bored with the whole thing.
Like I said, many other of my fabulous GR friends loved this, so perhaps it is just me, but this was barely a 2-star read for me.
June 14, 2022
It was smart. It made me re-read the whole thing again. This book can sometimes seem tedious (even if it's on the short side), but in the end it is worth it. The resolution is a bit rushed for my taste but overall I was pleasantly surprised as I thought I had considered ALL the possibilities, and I didn't. I finished it in one sitting !
It would be a big mistake to read more reviews, as any spoiler will effectively ruin this book for you, so go for it if you're in the mood for a psychological/domestic thriller genre with a twist I've never encountered before.
It would be a big mistake to read more reviews, as any spoiler will effectively ruin this book for you, so go for it if you're in the mood for a psychological/domestic thriller genre with a twist I've never encountered before.
April 8, 2022
This one was an absolute blast!
The story of Sophie whos husband has recently left her, she thinks someone is watching her and decides to visit psychiatrist Andrew Thacker as she feels she is losing her mind.
Told from both points of view this is and absolute blast of a read as you try to figure out what is the truth and what is lies. Just as you think you are getting a handle on things - BANG! the author pulls the rug from under your feet yet again. I have a sore butt from the amount of times I landed on it reading this book.
Unreliable narrators x 2 makes this a real page turner as it slowly gets darker and darker.
At his heart its a book about rejection and loss but it is wrapped up in the most deliciously twisted and fascinating story. I would imagine the author had great fun writing this book.
An easy 5 stars for me. The best fun Ive had reading aa book in a long while.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
The story of Sophie whos husband has recently left her, she thinks someone is watching her and decides to visit psychiatrist Andrew Thacker as she feels she is losing her mind.
Told from both points of view this is and absolute blast of a read as you try to figure out what is the truth and what is lies. Just as you think you are getting a handle on things - BANG! the author pulls the rug from under your feet yet again. I have a sore butt from the amount of times I landed on it reading this book.
Unreliable narrators x 2 makes this a real page turner as it slowly gets darker and darker.
At his heart its a book about rejection and loss but it is wrapped up in the most deliciously twisted and fascinating story. I would imagine the author had great fun writing this book.
An easy 5 stars for me. The best fun Ive had reading aa book in a long while.
Thanks to the publisher for the ARC through Netgalley.
May 5, 2022
Wow! Other People's Lives by J.E. Rowney is a jaw-dropping psychological thriller that will blow you away! It will keep you in suspense till the very last page! 😲
Synopsis:
It's been over six months since Sophie Portman lost her husband. Suddenly, Sophie feels like someone is watching her. Who could it be? Is her mind playing tricks on her? Sophie becomes so frightened that she turns to Andrew Thacker, a well-known psychiatrist, for help. As she and Dr. Thacker examine Sophie's life, shocking revelations emerge. Is anything really as it seems?
Well done, J.E. Rowney! The plot twists are over the top! Other People's Lives is available for purchase on April 22nd.
Thank you, #VoraciousReadersOnly, @VoraciousReaders, and #JERowney, for giving me the honor of reviewing this outstanding e-book. I truly appreciate your generosity!
This review was shared on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.💘
Synopsis:
It's been over six months since Sophie Portman lost her husband. Suddenly, Sophie feels like someone is watching her. Who could it be? Is her mind playing tricks on her? Sophie becomes so frightened that she turns to Andrew Thacker, a well-known psychiatrist, for help. As she and Dr. Thacker examine Sophie's life, shocking revelations emerge. Is anything really as it seems?
Well done, J.E. Rowney! The plot twists are over the top! Other People's Lives is available for purchase on April 22nd.
Thank you, #VoraciousReadersOnly, @VoraciousReaders, and #JERowney, for giving me the honor of reviewing this outstanding e-book. I truly appreciate your generosity!
This review was shared on Goodreads, Storygraph, Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.💘
April 3, 2022
It’s difficult to review this book without giving too much away, save for the facts: Sophie is seeking psychiatric help because she believes she’s being followed. Recently having lost her husband (Jack was meant to be on a geological expedition to the Arctic, but never arrived), she’s struggling to cope. As this relatively short book goes on, we discover more about Sophie, Jack, and Dr Thacker, the psychiatrist. Who can we believe? Who is not as they seem? It leaves you thinking about it long after you close the book for the final time (or: mark as read in the e-book file).
April 8, 2022
Review of Advance Review Copy eBook
Sophie Portman, alone since her husband disappeared some seven months ago, is certain someone is following her. She goes to the police, but with no evidence, there’s not much the police can do. So she seeks help from Doctor Andrew Thacker. But, as she continues to struggle with losing her husband, Jack, she’s still unable to shake the belief that someone is watching her.
As Doctor Thacker works with her, Sophie tries to come to terms with being alone, without Jack. A research geologist, Jack has traveled throughout much of their marriage; Sophie has come to resent the time he spends away from her. His last trip, to Arkhangelsk, is the final straw for Sophie. She wants Jack to stay home, to stay with her instead of traipsing around the world.
But now Jack is gone, Sophie is alone, and it seems as if someone is watching her every move.
Is Sophie really losing her mind? And why is nothing quite the way it seems?
============
Told alternately in narrated chapters and in letters Sophie writes to Jack, the unfolding narrative keeps readers guessing. The story slowly reveals the backstory through Sophie’s letters to her husband, but, at the same time, her heartbreak is evident. The compelling plot plays out as she visits Doctor Thacker and, ultimately, returns to her teaching job.
Interesting characters and a compelling plot keep the pages turning; late in the telling of the tale, an intriguing mystery arises to build the tension. The pace is quick, the suspense unrelenting.
The revelation of the unreliable narrator and the simply stunning denouement are sure to leave the reader astonished. It’s a twist readers simply will not see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
Sophie Portman, alone since her husband disappeared some seven months ago, is certain someone is following her. She goes to the police, but with no evidence, there’s not much the police can do. So she seeks help from Doctor Andrew Thacker. But, as she continues to struggle with losing her husband, Jack, she’s still unable to shake the belief that someone is watching her.
As Doctor Thacker works with her, Sophie tries to come to terms with being alone, without Jack. A research geologist, Jack has traveled throughout much of their marriage; Sophie has come to resent the time he spends away from her. His last trip, to Arkhangelsk, is the final straw for Sophie. She wants Jack to stay home, to stay with her instead of traipsing around the world.
But now Jack is gone, Sophie is alone, and it seems as if someone is watching her every move.
Is Sophie really losing her mind? And why is nothing quite the way it seems?
============
Told alternately in narrated chapters and in letters Sophie writes to Jack, the unfolding narrative keeps readers guessing. The story slowly reveals the backstory through Sophie’s letters to her husband, but, at the same time, her heartbreak is evident. The compelling plot plays out as she visits Doctor Thacker and, ultimately, returns to her teaching job.
Interesting characters and a compelling plot keep the pages turning; late in the telling of the tale, an intriguing mystery arises to build the tension. The pace is quick, the suspense unrelenting.
The revelation of the unreliable narrator and the simply stunning denouement are sure to leave the reader astonished. It’s a twist readers simply will not see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book from the author.
March 31, 2022
Scramble My Peeps & Bop The Bunnies! 😯😳😯🤯😳
What. The. Fluffin'. Fluff! 😳 Unholy moly cannoli! Geez almighty I was totally thrown for a massive loop! This is one thriller that absolutely reels you in from the first page! Just over half way through and you'll hit your first jaw-drop mind shocker! & the rest are continuous crazy beyond words moments!
Sophie feels as though she's loosing her mind as she thinks & feels someone is constantly watching and following her. So she finally agrees to be referred to a psychiatrist. Cue in Dr. Thacker. Dr. Thacker is determined to help her get better after the disappearance of her husband Jack. But as their sessions go and Sophie starts to open up more the truth may not be so clear cut.
The ending will have you asking, "wait. What?!" Although I wish the ending hadn't been quite as rushed as I felt it was, I still adored this book! A real psychological thriller with amazing suspense to keep you guessing & unsure. The dark twisted reveals, craziness & absolutely WTF is generous in this novel. Trust no one. 😳
Thank you to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial for this DARC.
Release Date: April 22, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
What. The. Fluffin'. Fluff! 😳 Unholy moly cannoli! Geez almighty I was totally thrown for a massive loop! This is one thriller that absolutely reels you in from the first page! Just over half way through and you'll hit your first jaw-drop mind shocker! & the rest are continuous crazy beyond words moments!
Sophie feels as though she's loosing her mind as she thinks & feels someone is constantly watching and following her. So she finally agrees to be referred to a psychiatrist. Cue in Dr. Thacker. Dr. Thacker is determined to help her get better after the disappearance of her husband Jack. But as their sessions go and Sophie starts to open up more the truth may not be so clear cut.
The ending will have you asking, "wait. What?!" Although I wish the ending hadn't been quite as rushed as I felt it was, I still adored this book! A real psychological thriller with amazing suspense to keep you guessing & unsure. The dark twisted reveals, craziness & absolutely WTF is generous in this novel. Trust no one. 😳
Thank you to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial for this DARC.
Release Date: April 22, 2022
I give this 4 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
April 6, 2022
'𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆'𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒆. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒘𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒔.'
Nearly seven months after her husband has been missing, Sophie Portman believes she is losing her mind. She senses somebody watching her, just that she doesn't have any proof of it. When the cops too dismiss her concerns, she approaches Dr. Thacker, a psychiatrist, to get help for her paranoia. And yet that niggling feeling persists. Is she being delusional or is someone really stalking Sophie Portman?
For the most part, this is a slow-paced novel and it is only after 65% that the plot twists set in; they just catch you off-guard. Though much of the plot consists of Sophie's ramblings to Jack via her letters and to her psychiatrist during her therapy sessions, the writing has an arresting quality to it that makes you want to unravel all the secrets that the characters seem to be hiding. Add to this the short length of the story, and you are guaranteed to finish it in a few hours time.
Overall, a compelling read with an unexpected ending. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Nearly seven months after her husband has been missing, Sophie Portman believes she is losing her mind. She senses somebody watching her, just that she doesn't have any proof of it. When the cops too dismiss her concerns, she approaches Dr. Thacker, a psychiatrist, to get help for her paranoia. And yet that niggling feeling persists. Is she being delusional or is someone really stalking Sophie Portman?
For the most part, this is a slow-paced novel and it is only after 65% that the plot twists set in; they just catch you off-guard. Though much of the plot consists of Sophie's ramblings to Jack via her letters and to her psychiatrist during her therapy sessions, the writing has an arresting quality to it that makes you want to unravel all the secrets that the characters seem to be hiding. Add to this the short length of the story, and you are guaranteed to finish it in a few hours time.
Overall, a compelling read with an unexpected ending. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2023
An Alias Too Far?
Review of the Little Fox Publishing Kindle eBook edition, released simultaneously with the paperback (April 22, 2022)
I became curious about Other People's Lives when I saw very polarized views about it in my Friends and Follows ratings and reviews. I probably read too many reviews actually, as a bizarre twist ending was promised which many people found either hard to accept or to understand. That sounded like the makings of an Unsatisfactory Ending Alert™. It was short and reasonably priced on Kindle, so I couldn't resist. Starting the book I already guessed the ending at pg. 2, although I went a bit too far and was proved incorrect (although not about the culprit).
The setup is that patient Sophie Portman is seeing psychiatrist Andrew Thacker and the early chapters toggle between their POVs. Sophie is depressed about losing her husband due to an apparent exploration accident, is on leave of absence from work and believes she is being followed. Andrew is obsessively attracted to Sophie, but does not appear to be the stalker. We also observe some sessions with one other patient. By Ebert's Law of the Economy of Characters*, it is likely that at least one twist is being signaled ahead of time.
When that first twist comes it is therefore not that surprising, even when one alias is unveiled. But then a second alias is also revealed, and that just seems a stretch too far. An unfair trick to hide information from the reader. So the Unsatisfactory vibe sets in. Then the final twist comes along which is reliant on complete incompetence by the authorities. Now we are entering into 1 star angry 😡 territory. Meanwhile the psychiatrist and their subplots (which were probably only red herrings) are completely dropped by the end.
I'll compromise with a 2-star rating but the Unsatisfactory Ending Alert™ holds.
Footnote, Trivia and Links
* Although 'Ebert's Law' was designed for film, I find it quite adaptable to mystery & suspense novels when trying to identify the culprit. The original is: "In film criticism, Roger Ebert's Law of Economy of Characters says that a character who is introduced with no clear role will turn out to be important to the plot. The rationale for the law is that shooting budgets for film and television do not allow for "unnecessary characters"." Sourced from EverybodyWiki.com. Original source Ebert's Bigger Little Movie Glossary: A Greatly Expanded and Much Improved Compendium of Movie Clichés, Stereotypes, Obligatory Scenes, Hackneyed ... Shopworn Conventions, and Outdated Archetypes (1999).
Review of the Little Fox Publishing Kindle eBook edition, released simultaneously with the paperback (April 22, 2022)
I became curious about Other People's Lives when I saw very polarized views about it in my Friends and Follows ratings and reviews. I probably read too many reviews actually, as a bizarre twist ending was promised which many people found either hard to accept or to understand. That sounded like the makings of an Unsatisfactory Ending Alert™. It was short and reasonably priced on Kindle, so I couldn't resist. Starting the book I already guessed the ending at pg. 2, although I went a bit too far and was proved incorrect (although not about the culprit).
The setup is that patient Sophie Portman is seeing psychiatrist Andrew Thacker and the early chapters toggle between their POVs. Sophie is depressed about losing her husband due to an apparent exploration accident, is on leave of absence from work and believes she is being followed. Andrew is obsessively attracted to Sophie, but does not appear to be the stalker. We also observe some sessions with one other patient. By Ebert's Law of the Economy of Characters*, it is likely that at least one twist is being signaled ahead of time.
When that first twist comes it is therefore not that surprising, even when one alias is unveiled. But then a second alias is also revealed, and that just seems a stretch too far. An unfair trick to hide information from the reader. So the Unsatisfactory vibe sets in. Then the final twist comes along which is reliant on complete incompetence by the authorities. Now we are entering into 1 star angry 😡 territory. Meanwhile the psychiatrist and their subplots (which were probably only red herrings) are completely dropped by the end.
I'll compromise with a 2-star rating but the Unsatisfactory Ending Alert™ holds.
Footnote, Trivia and Links
* Although 'Ebert's Law' was designed for film, I find it quite adaptable to mystery & suspense novels when trying to identify the culprit. The original is: "In film criticism, Roger Ebert's Law of Economy of Characters says that a character who is introduced with no clear role will turn out to be important to the plot. The rationale for the law is that shooting budgets for film and television do not allow for "unnecessary characters"." Sourced from EverybodyWiki.com. Original source Ebert's Bigger Little Movie Glossary: A Greatly Expanded and Much Improved Compendium of Movie Clichés, Stereotypes, Obligatory Scenes, Hackneyed ... Shopworn Conventions, and Outdated Archetypes (1999).
April 19, 2022
Holy mother-forking shirt balls. Wow, this book was exactly what it said it would be- Gone Girl meets The Silent Patient.
I don't really want to say much because I don't want to give anything away but I was thrown for a LOOP. It actually took me a minute and I had to go back to reread a few pages but after I figured it out, WHOA. The way the author wrote this is truly incredible. After reading a friend's review, I was reallllly trying to figure it out the twist on my own but I did NOT see it coming. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that is well thought out, fast paced, and twisty as hell, then this is the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Little Fox Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date (April 22, 2022!) This in no way affected my review and the opinions are my own. #NetGalley #OtherPeoplesLives
I don't really want to say much because I don't want to give anything away but I was thrown for a LOOP. It actually took me a minute and I had to go back to reread a few pages but after I figured it out, WHOA. The way the author wrote this is truly incredible. After reading a friend's review, I was reallllly trying to figure it out the twist on my own but I did NOT see it coming. If you're looking for a psychological thriller that is well thought out, fast paced, and twisty as hell, then this is the book for you!
Thank you to NetGalley, Little Fox Publishing, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book before it's publication date (April 22, 2022!) This in no way affected my review and the opinions are my own. #NetGalley #OtherPeoplesLives
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