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Do You Follow?
Alexa lives a sheltered life with her widowed father, feeling stifled by his helicopter parenting. When she secures a marketing job and apartment in New York City—much to her father’s and therapist’s concern—Alexa has high hopes of finally sneaking her way into adulthood. But her newfound freedom is cut short when her estranged twin sister Beth, after a long stint in a psychiatric setting, unexpectedly shows up at the doorstep of her tiny apartment.
Alexa too has spent time at the Weinstein Center. But she's determined to lead a normal life now and soon begins to date a YouTuber client. According to Beth, something isn’t quite right with Curt, but Alexa shrugs her clingy sister’s warnings off. It’s Beth who’s crazy, after all . . . As the sister bond grows strained over Alexa’s relationship and career success, questions mount, and secrets unfold, revealing the wickedly dark shared history of the twin siblings. What exactly happened when the twins were only nine that set this vile trajectory in motion?
Things get more complicated, and one treacherous act threatens everything Alexa has been working toward. It will be on her—and Beth—to claw the way out of this situation.
Alexa too has spent time at the Weinstein Center. But she's determined to lead a normal life now and soon begins to date a YouTuber client. According to Beth, something isn’t quite right with Curt, but Alexa shrugs her clingy sister’s warnings off. It’s Beth who’s crazy, after all . . . As the sister bond grows strained over Alexa’s relationship and career success, questions mount, and secrets unfold, revealing the wickedly dark shared history of the twin siblings. What exactly happened when the twins were only nine that set this vile trajectory in motion?
Things get more complicated, and one treacherous act threatens everything Alexa has been working toward. It will be on her—and Beth—to claw the way out of this situation.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2022
32 people are currently reading
14935 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Bidonde
1 book129 followersJ. C. Bidonde earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Colorado and an MBA in Marketing from San Diego State University. She is a former blogger and used to work in television at ESPN and MTV. A longtime reader and first-time author, Bidonde dreams of writing her next novel from an Italian villa in Tuscany with her husband, two dogs, and cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
February 3, 2022
Do You Follow? by J.C. Bidonde is a psychological thriller with a lot of major reveals throughout. It captures mental illness and the consequences of social media.
Alexa has moved out on her own into NYC with a new marketing position. She has spent time in a psychiatric ward, as well as her twin Beth, which has been there for years. Upon Beth's release, things get complicated and shocking. She moves in with Alexa bringing back childhood nightmares. The story builds on the scene of Alexa's boyfriend, Curt. Curt is found murdered and Alexa goes on trial for it, but she claims her sister is to blame angry over Curt finding her journal that reveals their past.
So many reveals of Alexa's childhood trauma. After a lot of probing and psychological revelations, comes a darker story. This is a quick read and keeps you invested. With mental illness and social media on the forefront of the news, this gives you the darker side of how the mind can create what isn't there and displayed for the hype. I love the courtroom scenes and the epilogue detailing how it was achieved.
Thanks Bookishfirst and Greenleaf Book Group for my physical ARC in exchange for my review.
February 12, 2022
Outlier alert!
I know that many of my fellow trusted reviewers loved this one, but for me, it was been there, done that, saw where this was going from literally the first page.
It is one of my most detested plot tropes and although there was one twist I didn't see coming. The ending was a little bit surprising but kind of a head scratcher.
As I said with one of my updates, there is no way this would have gone to trial, and if it did, the DA does not call the defendant to the stand. That was a totally laughable plot hole and I thought that the author could have done a bit more research to make it at least somewhat plausible.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narrator Marnye Young did a great job at distinguishing the various voices of the characters. Overall this was a very fast-paced listen, I was able to get through it while doing things around the house in one afternoon.
Too bad that this didn't work for me, but I know others have loved it so if it interests you give it a chance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I know that many of my fellow trusted reviewers loved this one, but for me, it was been there, done that, saw where this was going from literally the first page.
It is one of my most detested plot tropes and although there was one twist I didn't see coming. The ending was a little bit surprising but kind of a head scratcher.
As I said with one of my updates, there is no way this would have gone to trial, and if it did, the DA does not call the defendant to the stand. That was a totally laughable plot hole and I thought that the author could have done a bit more research to make it at least somewhat plausible.
I listened to the audiobook of this one and the narrator Marnye Young did a great job at distinguishing the various voices of the characters. Overall this was a very fast-paced listen, I was able to get through it while doing things around the house in one afternoon.
Too bad that this didn't work for me, but I know others have loved it so if it interests you give it a chance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
June 27, 2022
EXCERPT: I've always liked true crime television, but my experience today may change that. I understand they need to corral the alleged criminals, but what about those of us who are innocent? Shouldn't we get a fabric chair or something? Instead, I've been sitting in this cold, dingy interrogation room for hours. The office with the ratty blinds is starting to seem downright appealing. Hindsight and all that, I suppose.
One thing though: this room doesn't have a two-way mirror - the kind that the lead detective always stands hidden behind, with a look equal parts frustration and determination as he studies the tight-lipped criminal.
It's probably for the best that there is no mirror. I'm afraid who I'd see in one.
I pass the time by fumbling with the now empty Dixie cup, water being the only creature comfort they've given me since my arrival. Despite the mirror's absence, I know they're watching me - the cops are always watching these rooms. I don't know how I'm supposed to act. I'm not telling them I had nothing to do with what happened, because that's not true. But I didn't kill him.
She did.
ABOUT 'DO YOU FOLLOW?': Alexa lives a sheltered life with her widowed father, feeling stifled by his helicopter parenting. When she secures a marketing job and apartment in New York City—much to her father’s and therapist’s concern—Alexa has high hopes of finally sneaking her way into adulthood. But her newfound freedom is cut short when her estranged twin sister Beth, after a long stint in a psychiatric setting, unexpectedly shows up at the doorstep of her tiny apartment.
Alexa too has spent time at the Weinstein Center. But she's determined to lead a normal life now and soon begins to date a YouTuber client. According to Beth, something isn’t quite right with Curt, but Alexa shrugs her clingy sister’s warnings off. It’s Beth who’s crazy, after all . . . As the sister bond grows strained over Alexa’s relationship and career success, questions mount, and secrets unfold, revealing the wickedly dark shared history of the twin siblings. What exactly happened when the twins were only nine that set this vile trajectory in motion?
Things get more complicated, and one treacherous act threatens everything Alexa has been working toward. It will be on her—and Beth—to claw the way out of this situation.
MY THOUGHTS: I usually avoid books about social media and influencers but something made me pick up this audiobook and I'm glad I did. Do You Follow? is a well constructed psychological thriller that made me sit up and take notice.
Now, I have to admit that the first 15-20% didn't do much for me. Young woman, dead mother, over-protective father, estranged sister and some 'incident' in the background that has her in therapy. Yeah, yeah, seen it all before, right?
Wrong! Cue the 1974 song 'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet' by Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Because once Alexa moves to New York City and starts her new job, things start to get interesting.
Why does her Dad call Alexa constantly to make sure she hasn't been talking to her estranged sister Beth? And why won't Alexa tell him that not only is she talking to Beth, but Beth has moved in with her? And just what does Beth have against Curt, the You-Tuber Alexa has fallen in love with?
I really thought that I had this all figured out, but I was nowhere near right. In fact, I was so far from being right that I may as well have been on a different planet. I had no idea . . .
Do You Follow? is a cleverly written debut psychological drama that definitely packs a few punches. I definitely did not see those twists coming! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
One thing I did wonder about though, (and this is the business administrator coming out in me) was how Curt could possibly afford to pay a New York marketing company to promote his You Tube videos?🤷♀️ It just kinda kept niggling at me.
Narrator Marnye Young has a good reading pace, range of voices, emotion and tone which made this an enjoyable listening experience
⭐⭐⭐.7
#DoYouFollow #NetGalley
I: @jcbidonde @greenleafbookgr
T:@GreenleafBookGr
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #mentalhealth #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: J.C. Bidonde earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Colorado and an MBA in Marketing from San Diego State University. She is a former blogger and used to work in television at ESPN and MTV. A longtime reader and first-time author, Bidonde dreams of writing her next novel from an Italian villa in Tuscany with her husband, two dogs, and cat.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Do You Follow? by J.C. Bidonde for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
One thing though: this room doesn't have a two-way mirror - the kind that the lead detective always stands hidden behind, with a look equal parts frustration and determination as he studies the tight-lipped criminal.
It's probably for the best that there is no mirror. I'm afraid who I'd see in one.
I pass the time by fumbling with the now empty Dixie cup, water being the only creature comfort they've given me since my arrival. Despite the mirror's absence, I know they're watching me - the cops are always watching these rooms. I don't know how I'm supposed to act. I'm not telling them I had nothing to do with what happened, because that's not true. But I didn't kill him.
She did.
ABOUT 'DO YOU FOLLOW?': Alexa lives a sheltered life with her widowed father, feeling stifled by his helicopter parenting. When she secures a marketing job and apartment in New York City—much to her father’s and therapist’s concern—Alexa has high hopes of finally sneaking her way into adulthood. But her newfound freedom is cut short when her estranged twin sister Beth, after a long stint in a psychiatric setting, unexpectedly shows up at the doorstep of her tiny apartment.
Alexa too has spent time at the Weinstein Center. But she's determined to lead a normal life now and soon begins to date a YouTuber client. According to Beth, something isn’t quite right with Curt, but Alexa shrugs her clingy sister’s warnings off. It’s Beth who’s crazy, after all . . . As the sister bond grows strained over Alexa’s relationship and career success, questions mount, and secrets unfold, revealing the wickedly dark shared history of the twin siblings. What exactly happened when the twins were only nine that set this vile trajectory in motion?
Things get more complicated, and one treacherous act threatens everything Alexa has been working toward. It will be on her—and Beth—to claw the way out of this situation.
MY THOUGHTS: I usually avoid books about social media and influencers but something made me pick up this audiobook and I'm glad I did. Do You Follow? is a well constructed psychological thriller that made me sit up and take notice.
Now, I have to admit that the first 15-20% didn't do much for me. Young woman, dead mother, over-protective father, estranged sister and some 'incident' in the background that has her in therapy. Yeah, yeah, seen it all before, right?
Wrong! Cue the 1974 song 'You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet' by Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Because once Alexa moves to New York City and starts her new job, things start to get interesting.
Why does her Dad call Alexa constantly to make sure she hasn't been talking to her estranged sister Beth? And why won't Alexa tell him that not only is she talking to Beth, but Beth has moved in with her? And just what does Beth have against Curt, the You-Tuber Alexa has fallen in love with?
I really thought that I had this all figured out, but I was nowhere near right. In fact, I was so far from being right that I may as well have been on a different planet. I had no idea . . .
Do You Follow? is a cleverly written debut psychological drama that definitely packs a few punches. I definitely did not see those twists coming! I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
One thing I did wonder about though, (and this is the business administrator coming out in me) was how Curt could possibly afford to pay a New York marketing company to promote his You Tube videos?🤷♀️ It just kinda kept niggling at me.
Narrator Marnye Young has a good reading pace, range of voices, emotion and tone which made this an enjoyable listening experience
⭐⭐⭐.7
#DoYouFollow #NetGalley
I: @jcbidonde @greenleafbookgr
T:@GreenleafBookGr
#contemporaryfiction #crime #familydrama #mentalhealth #psychologicaldrama
THE AUTHOR: J.C. Bidonde earned a BA in Journalism from the University of Colorado and an MBA in Marketing from San Diego State University. She is a former blogger and used to work in television at ESPN and MTV. A longtime reader and first-time author, Bidonde dreams of writing her next novel from an Italian villa in Tuscany with her husband, two dogs, and cat.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group via Netgalley for providing an audio ARC of Do You Follow? by J.C. Bidonde for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
February 8, 2022
Ever read a book where you think you have it all figured out? You pat yourself on the back thinking how clever you are - It was so obvious what was going on to only get to the end and realized you got 99% of it wrong? Yep, that was me while listening to this book!
Put this down in the clever, clever, clever camp!
Alexa has secured a marketing job and an apartment in NYC. Her therapist is concerned but Alexa is an adult, Sure she was sheltered growing up, but she is ready to make her way! Then her sister Beth shows up after a stay in a psychiatric hospital. Alexa knows what it is like to have mental health issues and she happily takes her sister in, while dating a Curt, a YouTube cooking influencer. Beth doesn't care for him, but Alexa has a right to be happy. Tensions begin to rise and.......
I thought I had this figured out and I did have one minor detail figured out, but I missed all the big twists and reveals. I initially gave this a 3.5 but I have been thinking about how clever it was especially the ending and moved it to a solid 4 stars.
I enjoyed the audio just as much as I enjoyed trying to figure this book out. This was such a captivating psychological thriller. It made my drives much more enjoyable.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Put this down in the clever, clever, clever camp!
Alexa has secured a marketing job and an apartment in NYC. Her therapist is concerned but Alexa is an adult, Sure she was sheltered growing up, but she is ready to make her way! Then her sister Beth shows up after a stay in a psychiatric hospital. Alexa knows what it is like to have mental health issues and she happily takes her sister in, while dating a Curt, a YouTube cooking influencer. Beth doesn't care for him, but Alexa has a right to be happy. Tensions begin to rise and.......
I thought I had this figured out and I did have one minor detail figured out, but I missed all the big twists and reveals. I initially gave this a 3.5 but I have been thinking about how clever it was especially the ending and moved it to a solid 4 stars.
I enjoyed the audio just as much as I enjoyed trying to figure this book out. This was such a captivating psychological thriller. It made my drives much more enjoyable.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
January 3, 2022
I'm starting this review off with thanks for being gifted this ARC from Greenleaf Book Group. Estimated publishing date is January 4th, 2022.
Into the actual review: ★★★.5 stars
I was very intrigued from the start with this thriller. The twins, Alexa Martin and Beth Martin were such polar opposite characters that I loved reading both of their POV's.
Alexa Martin is a sheltered girl struggling with the trauma of her secretive past which leads to her needing medical/psychiatric help with Dr. Greer at the Weinstein Center. Beth Martin was also a patient of Dr. Greer's for the same specifics. The two sisters were separated because of their shared past for safety reasons. However... it's not what it seems and nothing is as clear set as deemed prior. Alexa moves to NYC for a job she got with the marketing company FLLW (pronounced follow) when Beth ultimately shows up and is back in her life after 13 years. On Alexa’s first day at FLLW she conveniently re-meets Curt, a cooking youtuber looking for growth with the company who also just so happens to be a chef at the Weinstein Center (where they have flirted previously). This leads to the start of their romance, the complicated relationship between the three, and the start of the wreckage.
I found this novel lagging at points. I would be super engaged, not wanting to put it down, and then almost feel as though I was forcing myself to read. I think that it also had to do with the pop culture references and speaks of the Covid pandemic. Every few pages had something that took me out of the read and back to real life when all I wanted was to be transported into the story. For me, this story would have hit better without all of those references. I think if this novel was remade the way it is now but a few years down the line, then it wouldn't have bothered me as much as it did currently. As far as the pandemic references go... it just feels too fresh for me to enjoy that. The pop culture just became annoying.
Back to the overall story—Oh my! This story was good, (getting past the parts I didn't ultimately enjoy), I did find myself eating up this book. The two fmc's really were something, and their personalities just latched onto me. I became soo curious to find out more—get to know their minds and their secrets. I was shocked and ultimately had a WHAT THE FUCK moment. Things really are not what it seems. Everything came together in the end and soo much was revealed but truly... is it the end?
J.C. Bidonde, this was a great debut!
Into the actual review: ★★★.5 stars
I was very intrigued from the start with this thriller. The twins, Alexa Martin and Beth Martin were such polar opposite characters that I loved reading both of their POV's.
Alexa Martin is a sheltered girl struggling with the trauma of her secretive past which leads to her needing medical/psychiatric help with Dr. Greer at the Weinstein Center. Beth Martin was also a patient of Dr. Greer's for the same specifics. The two sisters were separated because of their shared past for safety reasons. However... it's not what it seems and nothing is as clear set as deemed prior. Alexa moves to NYC for a job she got with the marketing company FLLW (pronounced follow) when Beth ultimately shows up and is back in her life after 13 years. On Alexa’s first day at FLLW she conveniently re-meets Curt, a cooking youtuber looking for growth with the company who also just so happens to be a chef at the Weinstein Center (where they have flirted previously). This leads to the start of their romance, the complicated relationship between the three, and the start of the wreckage.
I found this novel lagging at points. I would be super engaged, not wanting to put it down, and then almost feel as though I was forcing myself to read. I think that it also had to do with the pop culture references and speaks of the Covid pandemic. Every few pages had something that took me out of the read and back to real life when all I wanted was to be transported into the story. For me, this story would have hit better without all of those references. I think if this novel was remade the way it is now but a few years down the line, then it wouldn't have bothered me as much as it did currently. As far as the pandemic references go... it just feels too fresh for me to enjoy that. The pop culture just became annoying.
Back to the overall story—Oh my! This story was good, (
J.C. Bidonde, this was a great debut!
January 30, 2022
'Do You Follow?' by J.C. Bidonde is a suspenseful mystery filled with plot twists and one which I easily fell into.
Alexa and her sister Beth both have histories of mental health dilemmas and each has been institutionalized at various points in their lives. Alexa is at a point in her life when she feels well enough to move out from under her father's hawk-eyed visage. She goes to N.Y.C. and moves in with her sister Beth who has an apartment in the city. She does not move until she secures a good job working for a marketing firm. It is worth pointing out Alexa has made all these huge life changes despite her therapist's and father's valid concerns for her fragile mental-health.
If only Alexa would have known the horrific revelations she would have to confront once she arrived. All is going well at her job, she has a new boyfriend with whom she has formed a deep love, and then, after one fateful decision, her life turns on its axis and secrets darker than she could fathom are brought to light.
The storyline kept me on pins and needles until the shocking very end of the epilogue.
Narrator Marnye Young shines as the solo narrative voice and provided a most enjoyable listening experience.
Alexa and her sister Beth both have histories of mental health dilemmas and each has been institutionalized at various points in their lives. Alexa is at a point in her life when she feels well enough to move out from under her father's hawk-eyed visage. She goes to N.Y.C. and moves in with her sister Beth who has an apartment in the city. She does not move until she secures a good job working for a marketing firm. It is worth pointing out Alexa has made all these huge life changes despite her therapist's and father's valid concerns for her fragile mental-health.
If only Alexa would have known the horrific revelations she would have to confront once she arrived. All is going well at her job, she has a new boyfriend with whom she has formed a deep love, and then, after one fateful decision, her life turns on its axis and secrets darker than she could fathom are brought to light.
The storyline kept me on pins and needles until the shocking very end of the epilogue.
Narrator Marnye Young shines as the solo narrative voice and provided a most enjoyable listening experience.
February 10, 2022
Do You Follow by J.C. Bidonde was a a very compelling psychological thriller. It was read by Marne Young who expertly transitioned and distinguished from one character to the next. Do You Follow was a bit slow in the beginning but soon captured my attention as twist after surprising twist was introduced. It was hard to turn this audiobook off. I soon became so immersed in the plot and the development of each introduced character. A rather dark side of mental illness and social media were brought to the forefront in this debut novel. The dialogue was believable as was the character development and situations that were presented. Do You Follow included lots of surprises, twists, turns and unexpected reveals.
Alexa and Beth were twins. They lost their mother when they were quite young. Alexa had been living with her overprotective widowed father since her mother’s death. Her father had kicked Beth out of the house and Alexa had not been in contact with her twin sister for some time. Alexa had taken on the role of caring for her father but she was ready to start her life as an adult. She felt she was ready to live on her own and hold down a job. Against her father’s wishes, Alexa placed an application for a job at a marketing company. To her surprise, she was chosen for the position and was offered the job. They wanted her to start right away. Against the advise of her father and therapist, Alexa accepted the position and found a tiny apartment just for herself. She felt so good about the way her life was turning out. Her new job was exciting, challenging and better than she had expected it to be. That was partly because a particular client of her marketing agency took a strong liking to Alexa. Her life up until this point had been sheltered and uneventful. Curt liked her, though. Their attraction toward each other was mutual and instant. Alexa really liked Curt and it seemed like Curt really liked Alexa. There was just one problem. Beth, Alexa’s twin sister showed up at the door of her apartment and needed a place to stay. Beth had just been released from completing a stay at a psychiatric facility. Alexa was nervous and reluctant to introduce Curt to Beth. Beth always seemed to ruin everything good in Alexa’s life. Could Alexa trust Beth with Curt? Could the three of them get along? Would Alexa’s fears come to fruition?
Do You Follow by J.C. Bidonde was a pleasant surprise. It was suspenseful, compelling and believable. The unique qualities of being a twin were explored as well as the complications of mental illness. It was full of unexpected twists and turns. I thought the ending was clever and really tied up all the loose ends. The audiobook was well done and made this book really come to life. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group for allowing me to listen to this audiobook of Do You Follow through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Alexa and Beth were twins. They lost their mother when they were quite young. Alexa had been living with her overprotective widowed father since her mother’s death. Her father had kicked Beth out of the house and Alexa had not been in contact with her twin sister for some time. Alexa had taken on the role of caring for her father but she was ready to start her life as an adult. She felt she was ready to live on her own and hold down a job. Against her father’s wishes, Alexa placed an application for a job at a marketing company. To her surprise, she was chosen for the position and was offered the job. They wanted her to start right away. Against the advise of her father and therapist, Alexa accepted the position and found a tiny apartment just for herself. She felt so good about the way her life was turning out. Her new job was exciting, challenging and better than she had expected it to be. That was partly because a particular client of her marketing agency took a strong liking to Alexa. Her life up until this point had been sheltered and uneventful. Curt liked her, though. Their attraction toward each other was mutual and instant. Alexa really liked Curt and it seemed like Curt really liked Alexa. There was just one problem. Beth, Alexa’s twin sister showed up at the door of her apartment and needed a place to stay. Beth had just been released from completing a stay at a psychiatric facility. Alexa was nervous and reluctant to introduce Curt to Beth. Beth always seemed to ruin everything good in Alexa’s life. Could Alexa trust Beth with Curt? Could the three of them get along? Would Alexa’s fears come to fruition?
Do You Follow by J.C. Bidonde was a pleasant surprise. It was suspenseful, compelling and believable. The unique qualities of being a twin were explored as well as the complications of mental illness. It was full of unexpected twists and turns. I thought the ending was clever and really tied up all the loose ends. The audiobook was well done and made this book really come to life. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group for allowing me to listen to this audiobook of Do You Follow through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
January 19, 2022
I am not going to lie to anyone and say the major twist of Do You Follow? by J.C. Bidonde really shocked me, but it was sure entertaining!! Alexa and Beth are the two viewpoints in the book, and I really enjoyed the way it alternates between the two of them. This is an incredibly quick read and I somehow managed to finish the audiobook in just a couple of hours. The pacing is quite fast, and I was immediately pulled in by Bidonde's writing and the story. I was told not to reread the synopsis before starting, and I am rather glad I didn't. It doesn't give anything away per se, but I didn't need all of the detail either. If you enjoy fast-paced thrillers and books about twins then you should pick it up, and that is basically all you need to know about the story.
I had the audiobook on NetGalley but to be honest I completely skipped it because of the quality of their app and went straight to Libro.fm for a copy. I am really glad I did this as it is the perfect book to listen to at a faster speed which is probably part of the reason I finished it so quickly. The narrator is Marnye Young who I haven't listened to before, but I loved her for Do You Follow?. Even though this has a trope I have read before, I really enjoyed the execution and the very end actually did leave me pretty surprised while also making me think there is a small plot hole. Either that or I missed something, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment and this was a very solid debut! I will definitely be reading whatever Bidonde writes next.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and digital copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I had the audiobook on NetGalley but to be honest I completely skipped it because of the quality of their app and went straight to Libro.fm for a copy. I am really glad I did this as it is the perfect book to listen to at a faster speed which is probably part of the reason I finished it so quickly. The narrator is Marnye Young who I haven't listened to before, but I loved her for Do You Follow?. Even though this has a trope I have read before, I really enjoyed the execution and the very end actually did leave me pretty surprised while also making me think there is a small plot hole. Either that or I missed something, but it didn't take away from my enjoyment and this was a very solid debut! I will definitely be reading whatever Bidonde writes next.
Thank you to the publishers for my advanced listening and digital copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
January 29, 2022
Alexa is ready for a fresh start in New York City with a new job and a new, if tiny, apartment of her own. She's finding it hard, however, to outrun the tragedies of her past when her twin shows up, fresh from a mental hospital, and moves in.
Can Alexa find her own way and a new love in the big city with her psycho sister in the picture? Or is there more to their shared history that Alexa can't outrun?
I found the story compelling and it kept me off balance the whole way through. Alexa proved to be a wonderfully unreliable narrator. The author really nailed that trope. I could not have asked for more there.
Potentially offensive content includes sex, violence, and some bad language.
Even though Alexa was an unreliable narrator and there was meant to be a lot of mystery in her past that would not resolve until the end, I would have really liked to get to know her as a character better. I felt like her sister, Beth, was more fleshed out and I really didn't know much about Alexa's likes, dislikes, or wants. I could have got behind her more if I knew her a little better.
What appealed to me most about the story was the constant, building tension between Alexa and Beth. It kept me wanting to know more about their history and what the mysterious tragedy was. It wasn't until probably the last 20% of the book that I started to guess part of what was going on, but I could have never come up with the whole story. The build-up was great and all the clues were there, but WOW did it throw me for a loop at the end.
I highly recommend this debut novel and hope to read more by this author.
Thank you, Bookish First, for this advance reader copy. This is my unbiased, honest review.
Can Alexa find her own way and a new love in the big city with her psycho sister in the picture? Or is there more to their shared history that Alexa can't outrun?
I found the story compelling and it kept me off balance the whole way through. Alexa proved to be a wonderfully unreliable narrator. The author really nailed that trope. I could not have asked for more there.
Potentially offensive content includes sex, violence, and some bad language.
Even though Alexa was an unreliable narrator and there was meant to be a lot of mystery in her past that would not resolve until the end, I would have really liked to get to know her as a character better. I felt like her sister, Beth, was more fleshed out and I really didn't know much about Alexa's likes, dislikes, or wants. I could have got behind her more if I knew her a little better.
What appealed to me most about the story was the constant, building tension between Alexa and Beth. It kept me wanting to know more about their history and what the mysterious tragedy was. It wasn't until probably the last 20% of the book that I started to guess part of what was going on, but I could have never come up with the whole story. The build-up was great and all the clues were there, but WOW did it throw me for a loop at the end.
I highly recommend this debut novel and hope to read more by this author.
Thank you, Bookish First, for this advance reader copy. This is my unbiased, honest review.
January 2, 2022
Wow this was quite a thriller! At first I was a little bored but as I kept going the plot twists shocked me! I really enjoyed the ride!
Alexa’s life is coming together. Relocating to New York City, she lands a great apartment as well as a job in marketing. Everything is perfect until her twin sister Beth shows up on her doorstep.
Alexa and Beth have been estranged for years. Beth is freshly out of a psychiatric hospital when she decides to look up her twin sister.
Alexa starts to date one of her clients named Curt. Beth doesn’t like him. She thinks there is something majorly off about him and she will do whatever it takes to protect her sister.
These sisters have a complicated history full of dark, dangerous secrets that they will go to great lengths to keep hidden.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
Alexa’s life is coming together. Relocating to New York City, she lands a great apartment as well as a job in marketing. Everything is perfect until her twin sister Beth shows up on her doorstep.
Alexa and Beth have been estranged for years. Beth is freshly out of a psychiatric hospital when she decides to look up her twin sister.
Alexa starts to date one of her clients named Curt. Beth doesn’t like him. She thinks there is something majorly off about him and she will do whatever it takes to protect her sister.
These sisters have a complicated history full of dark, dangerous secrets that they will go to great lengths to keep hidden.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc.
November 8, 2021
This was an interesting psychological thriller, centered on Alexa, who has had issues in the past with mental illness and is now taking a stab at independence, getting an apartment, job, and boyfriend in New York City. Her estranged twin sister, Beth, shows up almost as soon as she arrives, and threatens to shatter the safe world she has built around her by bringing up unresolved issues from their entwined pasts.
I am also enthralled by tales of twins, and this one gives you an interesting dynamic. There is a big twist in this book, but I figured it out almost immediately- not sure if everyone would, but I read so many books in this genre that I look for twists. I didn't fully connect with either Beth or Alexa- Alexa was a bit of wet blanket and Beth was bit of a bitch, but I was able to understand where both were coming from.
You get a few paragraphs thrown in from the psychiatrist who has been treating Alexa, which I found very interesting- very rarely do you read a book from that particular POV. The ending wrapped things up very nicely, and while may cause you to suspend your disbelief a bit, was satisfying to me.
Overall, unique read that moved at a fast clip. Would recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I am also enthralled by tales of twins, and this one gives you an interesting dynamic. There is a big twist in this book, but I figured it out almost immediately- not sure if everyone would, but I read so many books in this genre that I look for twists. I didn't fully connect with either Beth or Alexa- Alexa was a bit of wet blanket and Beth was bit of a bitch, but I was able to understand where both were coming from.
You get a few paragraphs thrown in from the psychiatrist who has been treating Alexa, which I found very interesting- very rarely do you read a book from that particular POV. The ending wrapped things up very nicely, and while may cause you to suspend your disbelief a bit, was satisfying to me.
Overall, unique read that moved at a fast clip. Would recommend to those who enjoy psychological thrillers. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 6, 2022
I avoided the spoiler that was on the back of the book, but I have to say I figured out the main “twist” in the first few chapters. The book was a fairly quick read, but the characters all felt a little superficial. I also didn’t love the way the book twisted a real mental health diagnosis quite so much. Overall it was an ok read but not great. Alexa has experienced a lot of trauma and something bad happened with her twin sister Beth which has led to Beth being out of the family. Alexa hasn’t heard from Beth in a year when she finally realizes her dream of getting a job and moving into her own apartment in New York City. Before Alexa can even finish unpacking her sister is knocking on her door and asking if she can stay for a while. Things are ok until Alexa also meets a client at work and they start to date. Beth has always been protective and she does not like Curt and worries for Alexa. Alexa is still seeing her psychiatrist regularly and is starting to have a few bumps and times she doesn’t remember. Life on her own isn’t what she expected.
December 26, 2021
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Jan. 4, 2022
After suffering the tragic loss of her mother, Alexa finally decides to leave the home of her overprotective father and make her own start. With a new apartment and a job she loves, Alexa finally feels like she is moving on with her life. When she starts dating a new client, Curt, Alexa slowly starts to find her own footing, until her estranged twin sister, Beth, shows up on Alexa’s doorstep. Alexa has promised her father, and her therapist, that she would keep Beth out of her life, but soon Beth is living with Alexa and Alexa is keeping her sister’s presence secret from everyone. True to form, Beth starts interfering in Alexa’s life in every way, and the twins’ relationship takes a dark turn when Curt ends up dead and Alexa is charged for his murder. Soon, the dark past of both Alexa and Beth start to surface, and Alexa realizes she must separate herself from Beth permanently, once and for all.
“Do You Follow?” is the debut novel of author J.C Bidonde. The epic, identical twin saga with a modern-day millennial, social media twist kept me engaged from the first page.
The novel is narrated by both Alexa and Beth, and the twisted sibling relationship is highlighted from both sides. There is never a dull moment, with constant drama and action, and I loved how Bidonde added the twists and turns in just the right places.
I was able to predict the first plot twist (and it will be familiar to a lot of readers who have read psychological novels with twins as the main characters), but Bidonde adds a few more, smaller ones that hit me unexpectedly. I was invested with both Alexa and Beth as characters, and the whole “good twin/evil twin” had me rooting for one over the other, which speaks to Bidonde’s ability to form believable, relatable characters.
As a debut novel, I was impressed! Bidonde is able to write a creative, well-developed novel with good flow and although I predicted the ending, I wanted to read to the very end! Bidonde is definitely one to watch in the future, and I eagerly anticipate her next book.
Expected publication date: Jan. 4, 2022
After suffering the tragic loss of her mother, Alexa finally decides to leave the home of her overprotective father and make her own start. With a new apartment and a job she loves, Alexa finally feels like she is moving on with her life. When she starts dating a new client, Curt, Alexa slowly starts to find her own footing, until her estranged twin sister, Beth, shows up on Alexa’s doorstep. Alexa has promised her father, and her therapist, that she would keep Beth out of her life, but soon Beth is living with Alexa and Alexa is keeping her sister’s presence secret from everyone. True to form, Beth starts interfering in Alexa’s life in every way, and the twins’ relationship takes a dark turn when Curt ends up dead and Alexa is charged for his murder. Soon, the dark past of both Alexa and Beth start to surface, and Alexa realizes she must separate herself from Beth permanently, once and for all.
“Do You Follow?” is the debut novel of author J.C Bidonde. The epic, identical twin saga with a modern-day millennial, social media twist kept me engaged from the first page.
The novel is narrated by both Alexa and Beth, and the twisted sibling relationship is highlighted from both sides. There is never a dull moment, with constant drama and action, and I loved how Bidonde added the twists and turns in just the right places.
I was able to predict the first plot twist (and it will be familiar to a lot of readers who have read psychological novels with twins as the main characters), but Bidonde adds a few more, smaller ones that hit me unexpectedly. I was invested with both Alexa and Beth as characters, and the whole “good twin/evil twin” had me rooting for one over the other, which speaks to Bidonde’s ability to form believable, relatable characters.
As a debut novel, I was impressed! Bidonde is able to write a creative, well-developed novel with good flow and although I predicted the ending, I wanted to read to the very end! Bidonde is definitely one to watch in the future, and I eagerly anticipate her next book.
January 27, 2022
I love twin stories, and of course I love psychological thrillers, but I was disappointed by this book in a few ways. It was a decent story, but I’ll explain my problems with it towards the end…
Alexa and Beth are identical twins who lost their mother, so they are doted on by their overprotective father. Losing their mom caused some emotional problems, so they were both committed to the Weinstein Center (one voluntarily, one not so much). When Alexa is released, she decides to move to NYC and make a new life for herself without her dramatic and troubled twin around.
It doesn’t take long before Beth is released as well, and finds her sister. Alexa has just started a new job, she has a new love interest, and she isn’t pleased about Beth showing up to live on her couch. It’s her sister though - she’s not going to throw her out. She’s going to continue this life she has started, even with Beth around. She just has to keep the crazy at bay.
Next comes the part I didn’t like: about halfway through, it turns into a book I just read a few weeks ago. I won’t mention the title of the other book in case you’ve read it, because it would spoil the twist in this one, but I was left totally bummed that it was so similar to a book I’d already read (and liked more, to be honest).
To be fair, these are both 2022 books, and the first one I read doesn’t come out until April, so it’s not a copycat book … it’s just coincidence that these books have the same twin twist. Unfortunately though, it left me wishing for something different. It’s a short book, but the beginning definitely dragged. Then once I started to get into it, I got to the similar twist, so from then out I was pretty uninvested.
Even if you haven’t read a similar book, this wasn’t a mind-blower. I will say, the last chapter was a fun ending that I didn’t see coming at all but, this book just wasn’t it for me. 2.5 stars, rounded up for being a debut novel with good writing. It was decent but underwhelming.
(Thank you to the Greenleaf Book Group, J.C. Bidonde, and NetGalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for my review.)
Alexa and Beth are identical twins who lost their mother, so they are doted on by their overprotective father. Losing their mom caused some emotional problems, so they were both committed to the Weinstein Center (one voluntarily, one not so much). When Alexa is released, she decides to move to NYC and make a new life for herself without her dramatic and troubled twin around.
It doesn’t take long before Beth is released as well, and finds her sister. Alexa has just started a new job, she has a new love interest, and she isn’t pleased about Beth showing up to live on her couch. It’s her sister though - she’s not going to throw her out. She’s going to continue this life she has started, even with Beth around. She just has to keep the crazy at bay.
Next comes the part I didn’t like: about halfway through, it turns into a book I just read a few weeks ago. I won’t mention the title of the other book in case you’ve read it, because it would spoil the twist in this one, but I was left totally bummed that it was so similar to a book I’d already read (and liked more, to be honest).
To be fair, these are both 2022 books, and the first one I read doesn’t come out until April, so it’s not a copycat book … it’s just coincidence that these books have the same twin twist. Unfortunately though, it left me wishing for something different. It’s a short book, but the beginning definitely dragged. Then once I started to get into it, I got to the similar twist, so from then out I was pretty uninvested.
Even if you haven’t read a similar book, this wasn’t a mind-blower. I will say, the last chapter was a fun ending that I didn’t see coming at all but, this book just wasn’t it for me. 2.5 stars, rounded up for being a debut novel with good writing. It was decent but underwhelming.
(Thank you to the Greenleaf Book Group, J.C. Bidonde, and NetGalley for the complimentary copy in exchange for my review.)
January 16, 2022
Two sisters must come to terms with secrets from the their past when one moves to NYC to start a new job in this psychological thriller. I liked the frenetic pace of this and the plot enveloped me immediately. Unfortunately, I figured out what was going on pretty much right away so there were few surprises. That in combination with this being a plot that’s been done many times before in this genre made this just mediocre for me. With that said, fans of psychological thrillers should definitely give this a shot.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Greenleaf Book Group Press and J. C. Bidonde for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Greenleaf Book Group Press and J. C. Bidonde for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 12, 2021
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of DO YOU FOLLOW by JC Bidonde in exchange for my honest review.***
MAJOR SPOILERS
Don’t read further unless you want to know.
Stories about twins intrigue me, so the blurb for DO YOU FOLLOW seemed like it might possibly be a good fit. Instead I read the type of book that angers me, because it fictionalizes real psychiatric diagnosis to the point of misleading readers about the nature of the conditions.
Alexa killed Beth when they were nine, so the Beth chapters are actually Alexa’s DID (once called multiple personality disorder) alter which isn’t how the condition Dissociative Identity Disorder works, though JC Bidonde claims there have been three cases where a patient developed an alter to replace a dead person.
Even if I could get past the DID distortion, the characters felt more like characters than people. None was particularly compelling or made me care much about the characters. The only reason I kept reading was to see if my theory was correct (it was).
I can’t recommend this book. I wanted to give two stars, but couldn’t find a reason.
MAJOR SPOILERS
Don’t read further unless you want to know.
Stories about twins intrigue me, so the blurb for DO YOU FOLLOW seemed like it might possibly be a good fit. Instead I read the type of book that angers me, because it fictionalizes real psychiatric diagnosis to the point of misleading readers about the nature of the conditions.
Alexa killed Beth when they were nine, so the Beth chapters are actually Alexa’s DID (once called multiple personality disorder) alter which isn’t how the condition Dissociative Identity Disorder works, though JC Bidonde claims there have been three cases where a patient developed an alter to replace a dead person.
Even if I could get past the DID distortion, the characters felt more like characters than people. None was particularly compelling or made me care much about the characters. The only reason I kept reading was to see if my theory was correct (it was).
I can’t recommend this book. I wanted to give two stars, but couldn’t find a reason.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
Do You Follow is a slow build mystery and not anything that I expected. For her first novel, Bidonde did a superb job in crafting a story rich with mystique.
The characters are well developed and feel so real. I liked the primary character of Alexa due to her soft and thoughtful nature. Beth on the other hand came across as the diametric opposite of Alexa — harsh and self-centered. There are several other characters and they just added a lot more depth to the storyline.
The plot isn’t straightforward and it does take a while for the story to unfold. I must say that most of the novel focuses on the relationship of Alexa and her twin sister, Beth in the beginning. It is not until approximately the 50% point that the real story begins. But it is certainly worth the wait. And the plot thickens thereafter. Do You Follow is one of those novels that takes a while to get your attention, but once it does, it becomes a page turner of a mystery. Five excellent stars.
The characters are well developed and feel so real. I liked the primary character of Alexa due to her soft and thoughtful nature. Beth on the other hand came across as the diametric opposite of Alexa — harsh and self-centered. There are several other characters and they just added a lot more depth to the storyline.
The plot isn’t straightforward and it does take a while for the story to unfold. I must say that most of the novel focuses on the relationship of Alexa and her twin sister, Beth in the beginning. It is not until approximately the 50% point that the real story begins. But it is certainly worth the wait. And the plot thickens thereafter. Do You Follow is one of those novels that takes a while to get your attention, but once it does, it becomes a page turner of a mystery. Five excellent stars.
February 11, 2022
A story of twin sisters with serious problems including spending time in a mental health facility. Nothing is what you think even what happens with Curt the boyfriend. I was blown away by everything at the end.
February 4, 2022
Psychological Thriller? Check
Twins? Check
Mental Illness? Check
Great story? .. Miss
This book has a good concept. A sheltered girl finally moves out to live on her own. Her mentally ill twin shows up at the door and wants to stay with her. The sheltered good girl has a great new job, a boyfriend that is too good to be true. The mentally ill twin is suspicious and tries to warn her.
Sounds good, right? sigh.
The problems were many. I didn't like any of the characters. At all. I didn't connect with anyone in the book. The foreshadowing was so obvious that I thought maybe the author didn't WANT you to be surprised.
I know how much effort an author puts into a book and I feel terrible giving this such a poor review, but I skimmed the last half of the book just to get through it. I did finish it - I was curious enough for that..
Twins? Check
Mental Illness? Check
Great story? .. Miss
This book has a good concept. A sheltered girl finally moves out to live on her own. Her mentally ill twin shows up at the door and wants to stay with her. The sheltered good girl has a great new job, a boyfriend that is too good to be true. The mentally ill twin is suspicious and tries to warn her.
Sounds good, right? sigh.
The problems were many. I didn't like any of the characters. At all. I didn't connect with anyone in the book. The foreshadowing was so obvious that I thought maybe the author didn't WANT you to be surprised.
I know how much effort an author puts into a book and I feel terrible giving this such a poor review, but I skimmed the last half of the book just to get through it. I did finish it - I was curious enough for that..
January 3, 2022
Do You Follow? Is a timely take on social media, mental health and the world we live in since Covid. Alexa and Beth are twin sisters who are very close, maybe too close. When Alexa moves to New York City and gets a job and a boyfriend Beth has a hard time adjusting to the way things have changed. This is a very entertaining book with some unique twists and turns. Totally recommend to anyone looking for an enjoyable, thrilling read.
January 6, 2022
A very stupid book that distorts a mental illness so badly, it made me want to slap the author
Plus Curt “secret” was ludicrous
Plus Curt “secret” was ludicrous
February 6, 2022
DO YOU FOLLOW is a psychological thriller debut that follows twin sisters who share a secret past, after one of those sisters starts her life over in NYC.
Damn. This book fell off. You hate to see it.*
The bulk of my review does contain spoilers.
I was with this book from the beginning. The plot is intriguing, the pacing is done very well, and it started off on a promising foot.
However, I had major issues with the "twist" in this novel. I'm more than okay with "~she's been dead the whole time~" twists in books when they feel earned or executed well. This book does neither of those things.
Furthermore, this book makes an egregious attempt at turning a real mental health diagnosis into a dramatic plot twist and I'm not about that. It's absolutely irresponsible.
There are also certain things that don't go anywhere (a whole storyline with the mom? the diary?) and I'm not sure why they're even there.
A more surface level complaint: I'm fine with pop culture references in books, and I'm fine with current events being included, but allll of the COVID-19 pandemic references were just too much for me.
That said, the positives... The book is engaging, and did keep me reading until the end (bc I did have to know what tf was going on, just not for the Right Reasons).
Bidonde has an enjoyable writing style, and I do look forward to their future work... I just hope to see less of this "mental illness for shock value" then.
On another note, I also listened to the book on audio and absolutely loved the narrator. 5 stars to the narrator.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this book!
*Thank you to Val.
Damn. This book fell off. You hate to see it.*
The bulk of my review does contain spoilers.
I was with this book from the beginning. The plot is intriguing, the pacing is done very well, and it started off on a promising foot.
However, I had major issues with the "twist" in this novel. I'm more than okay with "~she's been dead the whole time~" twists in books when they feel earned or executed well. This book does neither of those things.
Furthermore, this book makes an egregious attempt at turning a real mental health diagnosis into a dramatic plot twist and I'm not about that. It's absolutely irresponsible.
There are also certain things that don't go anywhere (a whole storyline with the mom? the diary?) and I'm not sure why they're even there.
A more surface level complaint: I'm fine with pop culture references in books, and I'm fine with current events being included, but allll of the COVID-19 pandemic references were just too much for me.
That said, the positives... The book is engaging, and did keep me reading until the end (bc I did have to know what tf was going on, just not for the Right Reasons).
Bidonde has an enjoyable writing style, and I do look forward to their future work... I just hope to see less of this "mental illness for shock value" then.
On another note, I also listened to the book on audio and absolutely loved the narrator. 5 stars to the narrator.
Thank you to Greenleaf Book Group and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read this book!
*Thank you to Val.
January 11, 2022
Review of Do You Follow? By: J.C. Bidonde
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Whew. This was a fast paced, exciting thriller. I listened to it in one day with time to spare. I was very engrossed in the story. I definitely will read more from this author in the future.
Quick synopsis: Alexa has struggled with mental health concerns after a childhood accident and subsequently her mother’s death. She is doing better, though, and gets her dream job in New York City and leaves her dad to move there. Upon arrival her twin sister, Beth, appears in her doorstep needing a place to stay and she reluctantly agrees. Her job starts off well when she sees a familiar face who is her new client. His name is Curt and they met previously when he was employed by her psychiatric hospital. Now he has hired her company to help him get his YouTube persona up and running. They fall quickly into a real relationship but Beth disapproves. I won’t say more for spoiler sake!
Big thank you to @netgalley for the audio copy of this one.
October 3, 2022
Do you follow?
Um.. well, to be honest, yes and no… I did not.
To be completely fair, I was sick during the time I read this book and I am concerned and almost certain that I missed key moments in the thriller / audiobook.
Yet, I could not stop listening. Perhaps, curiosity got the best of me? I had to know exactly how it ended. I felt there would twist and there was a twist.
Overall, I very much enjoyed Do You Follow by J.C. Bidonde! However, I'm not so keen on the narration, yet the premise of the book was fantastic!
I certainly did not expect the ending! I had to listen to the last chapter more than once. I was incredibly caught off guard!
I am decidedly rating this book three stars due to a begrudgingly slow start. I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book/ALC! I thoroughly appreciate the opportunity.
Um.. well, to be honest, yes and no… I did not.
To be completely fair, I was sick during the time I read this book and I am concerned and almost certain that I missed key moments in the thriller / audiobook.
Yet, I could not stop listening. Perhaps, curiosity got the best of me? I had to know exactly how it ended. I felt there would twist and there was a twist.
Overall, I very much enjoyed Do You Follow by J.C. Bidonde! However, I'm not so keen on the narration, yet the premise of the book was fantastic!
I certainly did not expect the ending! I had to listen to the last chapter more than once. I was incredibly caught off guard!
I am decidedly rating this book three stars due to a begrudgingly slow start. I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book/ALC! I thoroughly appreciate the opportunity.
December 13, 2021
Review to be posted 1/4/22
March 12, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and J.C Bidonde for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.
I'm finding it difficult to assess how I feel about this book. There were elements that I liked and elements that I disliked. I liked that it was a fast paced thriller and I liked most of the story. I really liked the ending. I just didn't like the twist. I feel like that twist has been overused in both film and books. I literally finished a book right before this one that had essentially the same twist in it. I enjoyed it, I just wish it would have gone in a different direction. I'm not giving away anything else.
All in all, the audio was great and the story enjoyable. Three stars.
I'm finding it difficult to assess how I feel about this book. There were elements that I liked and elements that I disliked. I liked that it was a fast paced thriller and I liked most of the story. I really liked the ending. I just didn't like the twist. I feel like that twist has been overused in both film and books. I literally finished a book right before this one that had essentially the same twist in it. I enjoyed it, I just wish it would have gone in a different direction. I'm not giving away anything else.
All in all, the audio was great and the story enjoyable. Three stars.
January 23, 2022
Just say no to Do You Follow?
This book frustrated me all the way through.
The story is predictable, yet implausible.
Mental illness is portrayed with extreme creative license. All I can say without spoilers is that lots of what goes on does not fit the big reveal.
The final twist is one of those “seriously?” moments.
Total disappointment for me.
*I received an ARC from Greenleaf Books, via a BookishFirst giveaway.*
This book frustrated me all the way through.
The story is predictable, yet implausible.
Mental illness is portrayed with extreme creative license. All I can say without spoilers is that lots of what goes on does not fit the big reveal.
The final twist is one of those “seriously?” moments.
Total disappointment for me.
*I received an ARC from Greenleaf Books, via a BookishFirst giveaway.*
January 2, 2022
I do love a good suspense/thriller novel and this one definitely kept me interested wondering what twist might surprise us at the end. And that twist? OMG, while I kind of guessed it I didn't have anything to back it up, just a feeling. Let's just say it is one crazy ending and I the epilogue even left me wondering what else might come out regarding the characters.
This book alternates POV between Alexa and Beth, sisters that have had tragic events in their past. There are some chapters from Dr. Greer's POV as Alexa's psychiatrist. You can see the difference between Alexa and Beth's personalities. Alexa seems to be "weak" and wanting to please everyone, while Beth has a harder personality and really isn't very nice especially when Alexa is trying to take charge of her life and move past the tragedies of the past.
The book does highlight mental illness and how it affects everyone differently. I don't want to spoil some of the plot twists, but Alexa's mental illness treatment plays heavily into the whole story. It was interesting to see her interactions with Dr. Greer and what he knew (that we don't find out until later) and how he treated Alexa and her thoughts.
I always wonder how authors can come up with these sorts of plot lines and appreciate that they do so that I can enjoy the suspense of what might happen next.
This is a debut novel and I think the author does a wonderful job and we give it 4 paws up.
This book alternates POV between Alexa and Beth, sisters that have had tragic events in their past. There are some chapters from Dr. Greer's POV as Alexa's psychiatrist. You can see the difference between Alexa and Beth's personalities. Alexa seems to be "weak" and wanting to please everyone, while Beth has a harder personality and really isn't very nice especially when Alexa is trying to take charge of her life and move past the tragedies of the past.
The book does highlight mental illness and how it affects everyone differently. I don't want to spoil some of the plot twists, but Alexa's mental illness treatment plays heavily into the whole story. It was interesting to see her interactions with Dr. Greer and what he knew (that we don't find out until later) and how he treated Alexa and her thoughts.
I always wonder how authors can come up with these sorts of plot lines and appreciate that they do so that I can enjoy the suspense of what might happen next.
This is a debut novel and I think the author does a wonderful job and we give it 4 paws up.
February 12, 2022
I did not read anything about this book, or even have any knowledge of what it was about until I picked it up to read. I felt that the writing was solid and had a good flow to it and I immediately became immersed in this book. I liked that the book alternated voices as it progressed and the second sister enters the story. This is where my problems really begin with this book. At work, the first sister finds common ground with and begins to see a guy that was in the same mental hospital that she was in. She has her other sister at home that was in the same mental hospital, however of course there is no chance she would already know this guy maybe because she was supposed to be the crazier of the two. I, also, find it odd that the parent that is supposed to be all up in the girl's business just disappears and is not in the plot. I am not going to go on ad nauseum about the issues that I have with the overall story, however the key here is that research needs to happen when books are written about things that people actually deal with. Mental health should never be viewed in this framework. If you are going to write a book dealing with the courts, you need to know how the courts work. Thanks for the ARC, NetGalley.
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