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Imposter
Two sisters, a lifetime of secrets Lilian and Rosie were once the closest of sisters, but the untimely death of their parents pulled them apart. Now, three years on, Rosie has reached out to her big sister, asking to meet. Driving on an icy road in the middle of a snowstorm, Rosie admits that she has something important to tell Lilian—a secret she describes as a matter of life and death. But before she has a chance to tell Lilian, a car careens into theirs, with devastating consequences. Lilian survives unscathed, but Rosie is left with a traumatic brain injury, unable to communicate. Lilian is convinced that someone deliberately rammed Rosie’s car. But why? As Lilian begins to explore her sister’s past, she uncovers disturbing secrets that make her question if she ever really knew Rosie. The closer Lilian comes to the truth, the more danger she and Rosie find themselves in. But Lilian is certain of one she abandoned her little sister once before and will never do so again. Even if it means sacrificing everything.
301 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2022
192 people are currently reading
7669 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 487 reviews
March 30, 2022
Obsession, betrayal, sacred bond of sisterhood, delusions, mental illness, gaslighting subjects blended in a gripping, riveting, mystery you get drawn into easily!
Smart twists, slow building of high tension keep your attention intact!
You what to know how the entire mystery will unfold!
Especially finally revelations were surprising! I quickly guessed the big one but it was still well played!
Let’s meet with two narrators of the story but let’s not forget both of our narrators are not reliable ones. Lillian suffers from panic attacks and anxiety issues as Rosie: well Rosie has a distorted way to see the incidents, is she delusional? Or does she have extra vivid imagination? I’m zipping my mouth. You gotta read to learn more about her!
We read Rosie’s narration throughout her diaries she writes for her psychiatrist. All of her entries are truly subjective!
Lillian; sued for malpractice, suffering from grief, spending last days of maternity leave with taking care of her baby girl. After misdiagnosis of her patient, she becomes more obsessed not to make a deathly mistake, extra worrying about her own daughter’s medical condition, slowly estranging from her husband who is a successful doctor, taking his responsibilities seriously as only breadwinner of the house!
And after two years long dead silence, Lillian’s little sister Rosie wants to reunite with her at a dinner appointment.
Rosie was raised by Lillian because their parents married young, working lowest paying jobs, barely making ends meet even though they worked for long hours. Their father drank too much as their mother suffered from depression.
So Lillian is forced to become the parent of the family, taking care of her sister. But when she left for college, Rosie became more problematic, blaming on her sister for abandoning her. She chose abusers, cheaters, married men to date, using drugs, calling her sister repeatedly to save her from the troubles she’s involved. As soon as Lillian helps her she disappears again. After a breakdown they’re reuniting for the first time, burying their hatchets.
They drive to the restaurant together in Rosie’s car. After Rosie mentions her sister a life -death situation, becoming more agitated, somebody bumps into their car!
When Lillian wakes up at the hospital, she finds out her sister’s condition is critic. She’s gonna have a surgery. Her boyfriend is worried sick, sitting at the waiting room.
But thankfully the surgery is quick success and healing process is miraculous! But unfortunately when Lillian wants to communicate with her sister, she realizes her sister doesn’t know her! Her sister thinks she’s an IMPOSTER! She’s diagnosed Capgras syndrome is a rare condition in which someone believes that their loved ones or others they know have been replaced with doubles or imposters. The belief is so real that nothing can correct this illusion.
Lillian finds out somebody was following her sister for weeks and she’s sure a car was chasing them, crashing into their car intentionally. She has to find out the truth but her sister doesn’t remember her and her husband thinks she’s overreacting even though she insists somebody watches their house!
She has to protect her sister in expanse of putting her own life in danger!
It was fast, engaging, unputdownable read! I love how the loose ends tied up!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
Smart twists, slow building of high tension keep your attention intact!
You what to know how the entire mystery will unfold!
Especially finally revelations were surprising! I quickly guessed the big one but it was still well played!
Let’s meet with two narrators of the story but let’s not forget both of our narrators are not reliable ones. Lillian suffers from panic attacks and anxiety issues as Rosie: well Rosie has a distorted way to see the incidents, is she delusional? Or does she have extra vivid imagination? I’m zipping my mouth. You gotta read to learn more about her!
We read Rosie’s narration throughout her diaries she writes for her psychiatrist. All of her entries are truly subjective!
Lillian; sued for malpractice, suffering from grief, spending last days of maternity leave with taking care of her baby girl. After misdiagnosis of her patient, she becomes more obsessed not to make a deathly mistake, extra worrying about her own daughter’s medical condition, slowly estranging from her husband who is a successful doctor, taking his responsibilities seriously as only breadwinner of the house!
And after two years long dead silence, Lillian’s little sister Rosie wants to reunite with her at a dinner appointment.
Rosie was raised by Lillian because their parents married young, working lowest paying jobs, barely making ends meet even though they worked for long hours. Their father drank too much as their mother suffered from depression.
So Lillian is forced to become the parent of the family, taking care of her sister. But when she left for college, Rosie became more problematic, blaming on her sister for abandoning her. She chose abusers, cheaters, married men to date, using drugs, calling her sister repeatedly to save her from the troubles she’s involved. As soon as Lillian helps her she disappears again. After a breakdown they’re reuniting for the first time, burying their hatchets.
They drive to the restaurant together in Rosie’s car. After Rosie mentions her sister a life -death situation, becoming more agitated, somebody bumps into their car!
When Lillian wakes up at the hospital, she finds out her sister’s condition is critic. She’s gonna have a surgery. Her boyfriend is worried sick, sitting at the waiting room.
But thankfully the surgery is quick success and healing process is miraculous! But unfortunately when Lillian wants to communicate with her sister, she realizes her sister doesn’t know her! Her sister thinks she’s an IMPOSTER! She’s diagnosed Capgras syndrome is a rare condition in which someone believes that their loved ones or others they know have been replaced with doubles or imposters. The belief is so real that nothing can correct this illusion.
Lillian finds out somebody was following her sister for weeks and she’s sure a car was chasing them, crashing into their car intentionally. She has to find out the truth but her sister doesn’t remember her and her husband thinks she’s overreacting even though she insists somebody watches their house!
She has to protect her sister in expanse of putting her own life in danger!
It was fast, engaging, unputdownable read! I love how the loose ends tied up!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest thoughts.
April 12, 2024
Kudos to the author for writing a plot where capgras syndrome was a theme, but it was too drawn-out in my opinion.
November 4, 2022
3.75*
Rosie and Lillian were inseparable as sisters growing up. Until Lillian left for college, leaving Rosie carrying a sense of abandonment into her adulthood.
But hopefully, it’s time for the sisters to reconcile after a few years of estrangement following a terrible argument.
On the way to dinner Rosie tells Lillian that she needs to share something very important. Literally a matter of life or death. But she never gets the opportunity. From out of nowhere, another car slams into them as they careen off the road. The mysterious accident has left Lillian with a severe concussion and Rosie with a traumatic brain injury.
Now Rosie can no longer recognize those closest to her. Not even her sister or fiancé. Rosie desperately tries to communicate but her frustrations grow. Now Lillian is determined to find out what the critical piece of news was that her sister was trying to share just before the accident.
This was a clever thriller that held my attention throughout. Though I did guess the twist fairly early on. Oh well! Still an intriguing thriller!
I listened to the audio and both narrators did a great job with the characters.
Thank you to my local library 🎧
Rosie and Lillian were inseparable as sisters growing up. Until Lillian left for college, leaving Rosie carrying a sense of abandonment into her adulthood.
But hopefully, it’s time for the sisters to reconcile after a few years of estrangement following a terrible argument.
On the way to dinner Rosie tells Lillian that she needs to share something very important. Literally a matter of life or death. But she never gets the opportunity. From out of nowhere, another car slams into them as they careen off the road. The mysterious accident has left Lillian with a severe concussion and Rosie with a traumatic brain injury.
Now Rosie can no longer recognize those closest to her. Not even her sister or fiancé. Rosie desperately tries to communicate but her frustrations grow. Now Lillian is determined to find out what the critical piece of news was that her sister was trying to share just before the accident.
This was a clever thriller that held my attention throughout. Though I did guess the twist fairly early on. Oh well! Still an intriguing thriller!
I listened to the audio and both narrators did a great job with the characters.
Thank you to my local library 🎧
April 27, 2022
Suspense readers will swoon over Bradeigh Godfrey's IMPOSTER, which is everything a psychological thriller should be: unsettling, totally immersive and completely unpredictable, with flawless writing and characters that readers will identify and empathize with. Spine-chillingly, jaw-droppingly good!
January 26, 2023
Summary: When Rosie reaches out to her estranged sister Lilian with a request to discuss something urgent over dinner, the two set out in a snowstorm. Soon, another car is careening with theirs and what’s left in the aftermath is devastating to the lives of the sisters and their relationships.
Thoughts: It took approximately two pages for me to be completely intrigued with this debut thriller from Bradleigh Godfrey. Part domestic suspense and part psychological thriller, I was fully enthralled in both the relationship between the sisters and their history and also the multiple whodunnits at the heart of the story.
I am often left wanting when it comes to character development in thrillers. Usually the plot takes center stage and as a result I never really feel that I have a true sense of these characters, their thought processes, and their history. Godfrey does a phenomenal job giving us vital background information in both timelines and from both perspectives.
Like I said above, I blew through this one in just two sittings. I literally suspected every single character of wrong doing and needed so badly to know what had happened, I even contemplated skipping to the end (which if you know me, is unheard of). If you are looking for a fun, twisty and engaging thriller, definitely give this one a go.
Read if you like:
•domestic suspense
•psychological thrillers
•bingeable books
•twisty plot lines
•dual pov/dual timeline
Thank you to partner {Blackstone Publishing} for my gorgeous gifted hardcover copy.
Thoughts: It took approximately two pages for me to be completely intrigued with this debut thriller from Bradleigh Godfrey. Part domestic suspense and part psychological thriller, I was fully enthralled in both the relationship between the sisters and their history and also the multiple whodunnits at the heart of the story.
I am often left wanting when it comes to character development in thrillers. Usually the plot takes center stage and as a result I never really feel that I have a true sense of these characters, their thought processes, and their history. Godfrey does a phenomenal job giving us vital background information in both timelines and from both perspectives.
Like I said above, I blew through this one in just two sittings. I literally suspected every single character of wrong doing and needed so badly to know what had happened, I even contemplated skipping to the end (which if you know me, is unheard of). If you are looking for a fun, twisty and engaging thriller, definitely give this one a go.
Read if you like:
•domestic suspense
•psychological thrillers
•bingeable books
•twisty plot lines
•dual pov/dual timeline
Thank you to partner {Blackstone Publishing} for my gorgeous gifted hardcover copy.
October 1, 2022
Out comes my "I am an Outlier" shirt.
"Imposter" is a book about sisters, secrets, abandonment, loyalty, trust, and self-discovery.
Although I was intrigued by the book's compelling premise, the book lacked the sizzle, pacing, intrigue, and depth of characterizations that I was seeking.
The book also suffered from too much repetitive text.
Since I am not highly skilled in math, I lost track of the number of times the protagonist informed readers that she was estranged from her sister.
(20, 25, or 30 times? Not quite sure!)
The author is a physician by training and her knowledge of traumatic brain injuries was very impressive.
Before listening to this book, I was unfamiliar with Capgras Syndrome and, again, the author's medical expertise was highly valued.
I listened to the audiobook, read by Eileen Stevens and Brittany Pressley. Both narrators did an outstanding job.
2 stars rounded up.
"Imposter" is a book about sisters, secrets, abandonment, loyalty, trust, and self-discovery.
Although I was intrigued by the book's compelling premise, the book lacked the sizzle, pacing, intrigue, and depth of characterizations that I was seeking.
The book also suffered from too much repetitive text.
Since I am not highly skilled in math, I lost track of the number of times the protagonist informed readers that she was estranged from her sister.
(20, 25, or 30 times? Not quite sure!)
The author is a physician by training and her knowledge of traumatic brain injuries was very impressive.
Before listening to this book, I was unfamiliar with Capgras Syndrome and, again, the author's medical expertise was highly valued.
I listened to the audiobook, read by Eileen Stevens and Brittany Pressley. Both narrators did an outstanding job.
2 stars rounded up.
November 16, 2022
If you’re looking for a family suspense with a great new twist here it is.
Lilian is a new mom, a pediatrician that had a bad outcome resulting in undiagnosed cancer of a patient, and has lost both of her parents recently. Needless to say she is a bit anxious and has developed some OCD tendencies to cope. Her husband is a supportive, albeit very busy orthopedic surgeon.
Rosie is Lilian’s younger sister. They haven’t talked to each other in a couple years but Lilian’s husband bumps into her and encourages Lilian to go out to dinner with her sister and reconnect.
In a car accident on the way to dinner, Lilian suffers a nasty concussion but Rosie’s injuries are much worse. Throughout the rest of the book Rosie’s points of view will be told through some of her past journal entries.
I don’t want to tell you more because I don’t want to ruin the tension and excitement of the book but it is a good one!
Lilian is a new mom, a pediatrician that had a bad outcome resulting in undiagnosed cancer of a patient, and has lost both of her parents recently. Needless to say she is a bit anxious and has developed some OCD tendencies to cope. Her husband is a supportive, albeit very busy orthopedic surgeon.
Rosie is Lilian’s younger sister. They haven’t talked to each other in a couple years but Lilian’s husband bumps into her and encourages Lilian to go out to dinner with her sister and reconnect.
In a car accident on the way to dinner, Lilian suffers a nasty concussion but Rosie’s injuries are much worse. Throughout the rest of the book Rosie’s points of view will be told through some of her past journal entries.
I don’t want to tell you more because I don’t want to ruin the tension and excitement of the book but it is a good one!
September 12, 2022
Popcorn thriller burnout is a real thing but I never tire of a thriller with head and heart. IMPOSTER by #debutauthor Bradeigh Godfrey will have you flying through the pages, but there is so much more to the book than the standard thrills and chills.
The story centers around estranged sisters Lillian and Rosie who are involved in a car accident which leaves Rosie with a severe traumatic brain injury and memory loss. Prior to the accident Rosie confides that she has a secret to share with Lillian and it is a matter of life or death. In the aftermath of the crash and her sister’s injuries Lillian is determined to find answers.
I love the way Bradeigh Godfrey drew on her personal knowledge as a physician who works with people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries to construct the story. It stayed true to medical facts without bogging the reader down.
Throughout my career as a speech pathologist I have worked with children and adults who have sustained severe brain injuries. I thought Bradeigh did a fantastic job portraying the ways a head injury can impact the patient and the entire family.
This was a departure from Godfrey’s previous novel, THE BEACH TRAP, co-written under the pen name Ali Brady. Godfrey’s foray into the mystery/thriller genre truly showcases her versatility as a writer.
Readers who enjoy a clever mystery with themes of sisterhood and loyalty won’t want to miss IMPOSTER.
RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 for debut author bonus!)
PUB DATE: September 13, 2022
Many thanks to Blackstone publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story centers around estranged sisters Lillian and Rosie who are involved in a car accident which leaves Rosie with a severe traumatic brain injury and memory loss. Prior to the accident Rosie confides that she has a secret to share with Lillian and it is a matter of life or death. In the aftermath of the crash and her sister’s injuries Lillian is determined to find answers.
I love the way Bradeigh Godfrey drew on her personal knowledge as a physician who works with people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries to construct the story. It stayed true to medical facts without bogging the reader down.
Throughout my career as a speech pathologist I have worked with children and adults who have sustained severe brain injuries. I thought Bradeigh did a fantastic job portraying the ways a head injury can impact the patient and the entire family.
This was a departure from Godfrey’s previous novel, THE BEACH TRAP, co-written under the pen name Ali Brady. Godfrey’s foray into the mystery/thriller genre truly showcases her versatility as a writer.
Readers who enjoy a clever mystery with themes of sisterhood and loyalty won’t want to miss IMPOSTER.
RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 for debut author bonus!)
PUB DATE: September 13, 2022
Many thanks to Blackstone publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2022
A fantastic debut thriller from Bradleigh Godfrey. I was so excited to be approved for an advanced copy of Imposter, so a big thanks to Blackstone Publishing. It did not disappoint, and had me turning pages well into the night to see how it would finish.
Sisters, Lillian’s and Rosie have not spoken in 2 years. They have finally agreed to get together and go out for dinner. On the drive there, Rosie is acting strange and tells her sister that she has something to talk about that is of life or death importance. It is a snowy night and there is an accident, which leaves Rosie in hospital with a traumatic brain injury. Lillian is scared for her sister and is determined to find out what it was that she wanted to tell her before the crash.
We put all the pieces together through Rosie’s journal entries and Lillian in the present day. It is full of suspense and tension and ai didn’t know what or who to believe. It came to a really clever conclusion that I didn’t see coming. Highly recommend.
Sisters, Lillian’s and Rosie have not spoken in 2 years. They have finally agreed to get together and go out for dinner. On the drive there, Rosie is acting strange and tells her sister that she has something to talk about that is of life or death importance. It is a snowy night and there is an accident, which leaves Rosie in hospital with a traumatic brain injury. Lillian is scared for her sister and is determined to find out what it was that she wanted to tell her before the crash.
We put all the pieces together through Rosie’s journal entries and Lillian in the present day. It is full of suspense and tension and ai didn’t know what or who to believe. It came to a really clever conclusion that I didn’t see coming. Highly recommend.
August 28, 2023
Spine-Chilling. Gripping. Twisty.
IMPOSTER is a psychological thriller exploring sisterhood, secrets, and the neuroscience of memory and trauma.
Bradeigh Godfrey's intriguing debut is a mix of psychological suspense and medical thriller for fans of author, D. J. Palmer.
You will be rapidly turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning to discover how this web of lies and deceit will turn out.
Meet our unreliable narrators: Two sisters. Lillian and Rosie
Lillian and Rosie's parents died in a freak accident. Lillian, the older sister, practically raised her younger sister. When she went off to college, her younger sister started acting out and continued to make poor choices.
Dr. Lilian Donaldson is struggling with being a new mom and the stress related to her job as a pediatrician. She recently was sued in a malpractice suit when a patient died.
Due to this, she is overprotective and second-guesses everything. With high anxiety, Lillian suffers from panic attacks and worries about her daughter's well-being to the point of being paranoid.
Her husband, Caleb, is a successful surgeon, and their marriage is strained due to Lillian's anxiety, taking leave, and staying home. He is the solo breadwinner.
Upon his encouragement, Lillian decides to meet with her younger sister, Rosie. She has something urgent to discuss with her sister. Rosie had reached out after years of silence, and hopefully, they could repair their relationship. On their way to dinner, a terrible accident occurs.
Driving on an icy road in the middle of a snowstorm, Rosie admits that she has something important to tell Lilian―a secret she describes as a matter of life and death. But before she can tell Lilian, a car careens into theirs, with devastating consequences.
With traumatic brain injury, Rosie is confused. She has Capgas syndrome (meaning the person may have an irrational belief that an imposter has replaced someone they know or recognize).
Lillian is anxious to discover the urgency of Rosie's need to speak with her, but she does not recognize her as her sister. In addition, a guy shows up at the hospital saying he is Daniel and they are engaged, and he is ready to take care of her.
However, she also thinks he is an imposter and not the real Daniel. Something about the accident is not right.
From POV, Lillian and Rosie's diary entries she writes for her psychiatrist. The puzzle pieces are slowly unraveled as both sisters are in danger. Someone is gaslighting and manipulating in a game of obsession and control.
Gaslighting. Obsession. Manipulation. Mystery. Dark Secrets.
In an intense cat and mouse game, the lines between reality and illusion are blurred, while the tension remains high in this fast-paced nail-biting immersive suspense thriller!
The author has spent more than a decade working as a physician specializing in rehabilitation after severe neurologic and musculoskeletal injuries. She also is the co-writer of The Beach Trapunder the pen name of Ali Brady with BFF Alison Hammer.
I enjoyed learning more about brain trauma, anxiety disorders, and CS (Capgas syndrome), which can be caused by brain or neurological damage. It may also occur due to another condition affecting the brain, particularly those that affect how the brain perceives or processes information or stores and retrieves memories.
After reading went diving for more research into this disorder and found it fascinating. I enjoyed how the author infused medical into the storyline, making this a must-read!
I purchased the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley (a favorite narrator) and Eileen Stevens for an engaging performance! Highly recommend the audiobook.
Blog review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustRead Books
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Sep 13, 2022
Sept 2022 Must-Read Books
IMPOSTER is a psychological thriller exploring sisterhood, secrets, and the neuroscience of memory and trauma.
Bradeigh Godfrey's intriguing debut is a mix of psychological suspense and medical thriller for fans of author, D. J. Palmer.
You will be rapidly turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning to discover how this web of lies and deceit will turn out.
Meet our unreliable narrators: Two sisters. Lillian and Rosie
Lillian and Rosie's parents died in a freak accident. Lillian, the older sister, practically raised her younger sister. When she went off to college, her younger sister started acting out and continued to make poor choices.
Dr. Lilian Donaldson is struggling with being a new mom and the stress related to her job as a pediatrician. She recently was sued in a malpractice suit when a patient died.
Due to this, she is overprotective and second-guesses everything. With high anxiety, Lillian suffers from panic attacks and worries about her daughter's well-being to the point of being paranoid.
Her husband, Caleb, is a successful surgeon, and their marriage is strained due to Lillian's anxiety, taking leave, and staying home. He is the solo breadwinner.
Upon his encouragement, Lillian decides to meet with her younger sister, Rosie. She has something urgent to discuss with her sister. Rosie had reached out after years of silence, and hopefully, they could repair their relationship. On their way to dinner, a terrible accident occurs.
Driving on an icy road in the middle of a snowstorm, Rosie admits that she has something important to tell Lilian―a secret she describes as a matter of life and death. But before she can tell Lilian, a car careens into theirs, with devastating consequences.
With traumatic brain injury, Rosie is confused. She has Capgas syndrome (meaning the person may have an irrational belief that an imposter has replaced someone they know or recognize).
Lillian is anxious to discover the urgency of Rosie's need to speak with her, but she does not recognize her as her sister. In addition, a guy shows up at the hospital saying he is Daniel and they are engaged, and he is ready to take care of her.
However, she also thinks he is an imposter and not the real Daniel. Something about the accident is not right.
From POV, Lillian and Rosie's diary entries she writes for her psychiatrist. The puzzle pieces are slowly unraveled as both sisters are in danger. Someone is gaslighting and manipulating in a game of obsession and control.
Gaslighting. Obsession. Manipulation. Mystery. Dark Secrets.
In an intense cat and mouse game, the lines between reality and illusion are blurred, while the tension remains high in this fast-paced nail-biting immersive suspense thriller!
The author has spent more than a decade working as a physician specializing in rehabilitation after severe neurologic and musculoskeletal injuries. She also is the co-writer of The Beach Trapunder the pen name of Ali Brady with BFF Alison Hammer.
I enjoyed learning more about brain trauma, anxiety disorders, and CS (Capgas syndrome), which can be caused by brain or neurological damage. It may also occur due to another condition affecting the brain, particularly those that affect how the brain perceives or processes information or stores and retrieves memories.
After reading went diving for more research into this disorder and found it fascinating. I enjoyed how the author infused medical into the storyline, making this a must-read!
I purchased the audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley (a favorite narrator) and Eileen Stevens for an engaging performance! Highly recommend the audiobook.
Blog review posted @
www.JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustRead Books
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Pub Date: Sep 13, 2022
Sept 2022 Must-Read Books
August 21, 2022
If there’s one type of book I’ll always read, no matter the genre it’s a story about sisters. Bonus points for a dark thriller about sisters so I knew this was a must for me the minute I read the synopsis. This is is told from both sisters viewpoints, Lilian in the present day and Rosie through journal entries from the past so you’re slowly fed the details on their relationship and everything that led up to their falling out and beyond. While the secrets are slowly revealed I still found the pacing to be pretty fast and I was definitely never bored. Not knowing if either sister was even reliable kept things exciting and a couple of twists in the end surprised me. Overall a solid debut and I look forward to reading more from the author.
February 21, 2023
Wow - amazing story told between Lilian in the present and the online journal written by her younger sister Rosie. I loves how their stories were completely different based on their perspectives.
So many twists and surprises - I couldn’t stop reading! 5⭐️
So many twists and surprises - I couldn’t stop reading! 5⭐️
November 4, 2022
I picked this up at @chapteronemn while visiting my sister last month. I’ve had my eyes on it since I read and enjoyed The Beach Trap this summer, which the author co-wrote with a good friend. I knew she could deliver a solid rom-com but what about a thriller?
I’m happy to report that she CAN indeed!
This debut psychological thriller not only kept my attention throughout but I found it incredibly SMART. They say to write what you know and Godfrey does just that, using her expertise in rehabilitation after severe neurological and musculoskeletal injuries.
“Two sisters, a lifetime of secrets.” I found that the dual POV from the sisters really helped to provide character depth, slowly unravel secrets, and propel the story.
I’m really excited to see what Godfrey has up her sleeves next. I hope she’s on your new author radar!
I’m happy to report that she CAN indeed!
This debut psychological thriller not only kept my attention throughout but I found it incredibly SMART. They say to write what you know and Godfrey does just that, using her expertise in rehabilitation after severe neurological and musculoskeletal injuries.
“Two sisters, a lifetime of secrets.” I found that the dual POV from the sisters really helped to provide character depth, slowly unravel secrets, and propel the story.
I’m really excited to see what Godfrey has up her sleeves next. I hope she’s on your new author radar!
October 7, 2022
3.5 stars...
This started off so strong, but I was left wanting so much more from it. I thought the story could have went in more of a twisty direction with the way it started, but it never did. I was waiting for some huge twist with the sisters - but that wasn't the case at all. Even until the very last page, I was like okay, here it comes.....and nope!
This started off so strong, but I was left wanting so much more from it. I thought the story could have went in more of a twisty direction with the way it started, but it never did. I was waiting for some huge twist with the sisters - but that wasn't the case at all. Even until the very last page, I was like okay, here it comes.....and nope!
January 11, 2023
IMPOSTER landed on my Top 5 for September, a twisty story of two sisters, one of them with a head injury that leaves her unable to speak. Hold your breath suspense at its best - I can't wait to see what Bradeigh does next!
April 11, 2022
Honky Chonky Hibernating Bears! 😳😯😳🤯🤯
This fast paced, crazy psychological thriller novel grips you from the beginning and refuses to let you go! It's heart-stopping, gasp-invoking & jaw dropping through and through! Godfrey knows how to start this off with a tantalizing event and keeps the punches rolling all along the plot. I found it delish, yummy & scrumptious like the juiciest fruit. Expect your mind to be blown apart, shaken around & dropped out of no where during this journey! Sisterhood at its absolute darkest!
Lilian is a paediatrician & is married to Caleb; just having their first baby. Her younger sister, Rosie, who she hasn't seen in almost three years after their parents death, agrees to go out for dinner with her. But on their way to the restaurant, during a snowy & icy evening in Chicago, Rosie admits to Lilian she has something to tell her that could be life or death. Moments after that they end up in a car accident where Lilian has minimal injuries but Rosie is in a coma vegetative state. As Lilian remembers & pieces things together, she believes her and her sister were in no accident and it was deliberate. The further Lilian investigates into what happened and her sister's past, the closer she comes to danger. But Lily will not abandon her again. No matter the cost.
The ending was insane! Absolutely mind cluster-fluff at its most crazy! I'm still processing just what the heck I read! Crazy! Loved the premise, loved the dialogue & the characters. For a debut novel, this is excellent & I can't wait to see more from Godfrey!
Thank you to Edelweiss & Blackstone Publishing for this DARC.
Release Date: September 13, 2022
I give this 4.5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
This fast paced, crazy psychological thriller novel grips you from the beginning and refuses to let you go! It's heart-stopping, gasp-invoking & jaw dropping through and through! Godfrey knows how to start this off with a tantalizing event and keeps the punches rolling all along the plot. I found it delish, yummy & scrumptious like the juiciest fruit. Expect your mind to be blown apart, shaken around & dropped out of no where during this journey! Sisterhood at its absolute darkest!
Lilian is a paediatrician & is married to Caleb; just having their first baby. Her younger sister, Rosie, who she hasn't seen in almost three years after their parents death, agrees to go out for dinner with her. But on their way to the restaurant, during a snowy & icy evening in Chicago, Rosie admits to Lilian she has something to tell her that could be life or death. Moments after that they end up in a car accident where Lilian has minimal injuries but Rosie is in a coma vegetative state. As Lilian remembers & pieces things together, she believes her and her sister were in no accident and it was deliberate. The further Lilian investigates into what happened and her sister's past, the closer she comes to danger. But Lily will not abandon her again. No matter the cost.
The ending was insane! Absolutely mind cluster-fluff at its most crazy! I'm still processing just what the heck I read! Crazy! Loved the premise, loved the dialogue & the characters. For a debut novel, this is excellent & I can't wait to see more from Godfrey!
Thank you to Edelweiss & Blackstone Publishing for this DARC.
Release Date: September 13, 2022
I give this 4.5 / 5 Bouquets! 💐
September 8, 2022
I went into this book blind like I do for most of the thrillers I read. The prologue is dark and creepy and led me to believe something throughout the majority of the book. (which was totally wrong.) LOL
Two sisters: Lillian and Rosie who haven't spoken to each other in two years. Now, with the urging from Lillian's husband, the two sisters are going to dinner together. On the drive, Rosie is acting strangely and says she has something life or death to speak to her about, but before they can do that they are in an accident. This leaves Rosie with a traumatic brain injury and not recognizing Lillian.
Through Lillian's current detective work and Rosie's past journals, we are taken on a wild ride to find out what Rosie wanted to talk to her about and if the car accident was intentional or not. Lillian suffered a concussion in the accident, so she is not 100% reliable.
This is a pretty fast paced story and I was never bored. I thought I had it all figured out at one point, but I was so, so, so wrong. (which made me happy and enjoy it so much more.) I will say that I will never look at baby monitors the same way. Creeped me out.
This is a wonderful debut thriller. Highly recommend it.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, NetGalley and the author for my advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Two sisters: Lillian and Rosie who haven't spoken to each other in two years. Now, with the urging from Lillian's husband, the two sisters are going to dinner together. On the drive, Rosie is acting strangely and says she has something life or death to speak to her about, but before they can do that they are in an accident. This leaves Rosie with a traumatic brain injury and not recognizing Lillian.
Through Lillian's current detective work and Rosie's past journals, we are taken on a wild ride to find out what Rosie wanted to talk to her about and if the car accident was intentional or not. Lillian suffered a concussion in the accident, so she is not 100% reliable.
This is a pretty fast paced story and I was never bored. I thought I had it all figured out at one point, but I was so, so, so wrong. (which made me happy and enjoy it so much more.) I will say that I will never look at baby monitors the same way. Creeped me out.
This is a wonderful debut thriller. Highly recommend it.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing, NetGalley and the author for my advanced reader copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 25, 2022
#BookReview IMPOSTER by Bradeigh Godfrey (Thank you @blackstonepublishing for the gifted copy) Out now. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
At the beginning, this book pulls you right in. The story about two sisters who have become estranged after the untimely death of their parents. But when Rosie reaches out to her older sister Lillian and says there is something important she needs to tell her, Lillian knows she must get together with her. But while they are in the car, they get in a terrible accident, before Rosie can tell Lillian what she wanted to. Lillian is ok, but Rosie is left with a brain injury. Now Rosie is unable to communicate. The more Lillian starts looking into Rosie's past, she realizes that there are things she had no idea about. Did she really even know Rosie at all? As the story progresss, Lillian begins to think that they could be in danger!
I thought this was pretty suspenseful, but was expecting more twists. It still was an enjoyable read and I did read it fairly quick. Interested to read more from this author in the future.
At the beginning, this book pulls you right in. The story about two sisters who have become estranged after the untimely death of their parents. But when Rosie reaches out to her older sister Lillian and says there is something important she needs to tell her, Lillian knows she must get together with her. But while they are in the car, they get in a terrible accident, before Rosie can tell Lillian what she wanted to. Lillian is ok, but Rosie is left with a brain injury. Now Rosie is unable to communicate. The more Lillian starts looking into Rosie's past, she realizes that there are things she had no idea about. Did she really even know Rosie at all? As the story progresss, Lillian begins to think that they could be in danger!
I thought this was pretty suspenseful, but was expecting more twists. It still was an enjoyable read and I did read it fairly quick. Interested to read more from this author in the future.
September 4, 2022
Such a solid debut thriller from Bradeigh Godfrey and a huge departure from The Beach Trap (which wasn't my favorite).
Synopsis: After going two years without speaking, sisters Rosie and Lillian decide to get together for dinner. On their drive, Rosie alludes to some important news that she wants to discuss at dinner, stating that it is "a matter of life and death." Suddenly they are in a car accident that results in Rosie experiencing a profound traumatic brain injury. Lillian tries to figure out what Roise wanted to tell her, and Rosie begins experiencing weird memory-related symptoms as she is healing. Quickly, Lillian begins to suspect that what happened was far from an accident. Someone is after Rosie.
Thoughts: This was a totally bingeable thriller-- I really couldn't put it down. Interestingly, Bradeigh Godfrey worked as a physician and clearly brought her knowledge to this story. Her portrayal of recovery post-TBI was thoughtful and accurate. I also liked how she incorporated little glimmers of Rosie's perspective along the way and that no one could be trusted. Fans of domestic thrillers and suspenseful reads should absolutely pick this one up-- it will give you chills just in time for fall.
Synopsis: After going two years without speaking, sisters Rosie and Lillian decide to get together for dinner. On their drive, Rosie alludes to some important news that she wants to discuss at dinner, stating that it is "a matter of life and death." Suddenly they are in a car accident that results in Rosie experiencing a profound traumatic brain injury. Lillian tries to figure out what Roise wanted to tell her, and Rosie begins experiencing weird memory-related symptoms as she is healing. Quickly, Lillian begins to suspect that what happened was far from an accident. Someone is after Rosie.
Thoughts: This was a totally bingeable thriller-- I really couldn't put it down. Interestingly, Bradeigh Godfrey worked as a physician and clearly brought her knowledge to this story. Her portrayal of recovery post-TBI was thoughtful and accurate. I also liked how she incorporated little glimmers of Rosie's perspective along the way and that no one could be trusted. Fans of domestic thrillers and suspenseful reads should absolutely pick this one up-- it will give you chills just in time for fall.
September 14, 2022
Two sisters, Lilian and Rosie, have a complicated history and as a result haven’t spoken in two years. Now, after a chance meeting between Lillian’s husband and Rosie at a coffee shop, he encourages Lilian to meet up with her again and see if things have changed. On the drive to their fated dinner, Rosie is acting strangely and says she has life and death things to talk about, but before they arrive at the restaurant they are in an accident leaving Lilian mildly injured and Rosie with a traumatic brain injury that causes her to not recognize Lilian.
While Rosie struggles to recover, Lilian works to figure out what it could possibly be that Rosie was trying to tell her before the accident. When she meets Rosie’s boyfriend, she thinks she has found someone who will help her with her digging, but since the accident left her with a concussion, she’s not completely reliable and the best judgment of character.
This was fast paced and will keep you guessing all the way til the last chapter and make you rethink video baby monitors.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
While Rosie struggles to recover, Lilian works to figure out what it could possibly be that Rosie was trying to tell her before the accident. When she meets Rosie’s boyfriend, she thinks she has found someone who will help her with her digging, but since the accident left her with a concussion, she’s not completely reliable and the best judgment of character.
This was fast paced and will keep you guessing all the way til the last chapter and make you rethink video baby monitors.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review
October 4, 2022
Thank you, Blackstone Publishing, for the gifted e-copy of Imposter. {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 9.13.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
"A memory is a story we tell ourselves; it's not what happened, it's how we feel about what happened."
Let me begin by saying that I am certainly in the minority with my review of Imposter. That seems to be the trend for me and thrillers this year — I expect it to be one thing and get something completely different. Maybe I have too high of an expectation?
Unfortunately, Imposter was not for me. I found the story to be predictable from start to finish. I even predicted the big reveal towards the end of the book. I didn't love any of the characters and found them one-dimensional and a tiny bit boring. The chapters lacked the magnetism I am constantly searching for in this genre. Several repetitive pieces throughout the book weren't essential and truthfully irritated me by the time I got to the end.
The scene involving Lillian and the baby monitor was the only part of this book that made me nervous. But everything else just felt moderately bland.
The main character is supposed to be this well-educated and remarkable woman, but I wasn't left with any feelings of awe. She seemed to me to be a bit naive and unlikeable. Creating a weaker-willed woman is the constant go-to for many authors in this genre, and I desperately need something different.
🙄 Predictable ending
🐌 Slow pace
👩🏽⚕️ Author's medical expertise added exciting elements to the book
🔁 Repetitive
Again, I know I am an outlier regarding my feelings on this book. So, please take my review with a grain of salt and read one of the many 4-5 star reviews of Imposter. I may not have enjoyed reading this one, but it won't stop me from picking up Godfrey's next book!
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 9.13.2022
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
"A memory is a story we tell ourselves; it's not what happened, it's how we feel about what happened."
Let me begin by saying that I am certainly in the minority with my review of Imposter. That seems to be the trend for me and thrillers this year — I expect it to be one thing and get something completely different. Maybe I have too high of an expectation?
Unfortunately, Imposter was not for me. I found the story to be predictable from start to finish. I even predicted the big reveal towards the end of the book. I didn't love any of the characters and found them one-dimensional and a tiny bit boring. The chapters lacked the magnetism I am constantly searching for in this genre. Several repetitive pieces throughout the book weren't essential and truthfully irritated me by the time I got to the end.
The scene involving Lillian and the baby monitor was the only part of this book that made me nervous. But everything else just felt moderately bland.
The main character is supposed to be this well-educated and remarkable woman, but I wasn't left with any feelings of awe. She seemed to me to be a bit naive and unlikeable. Creating a weaker-willed woman is the constant go-to for many authors in this genre, and I desperately need something different.
🙄 Predictable ending
🐌 Slow pace
👩🏽⚕️ Author's medical expertise added exciting elements to the book
🔁 Repetitive
Again, I know I am an outlier regarding my feelings on this book. So, please take my review with a grain of salt and read one of the many 4-5 star reviews of Imposter. I may not have enjoyed reading this one, but it won't stop me from picking up Godfrey's next book!
August 30, 2022
4.5 ⭐️Wow!!! This was a fantastic debut thriller from Bradleigh Godfrey.
Synopsis: After two years of not speaking, estranged sisters Lillian and Rosie agree to get together. On their drive to dinner Rosie shares that she has something important to tell Lillian and it's a matter of life or death. Moments later, they are in a car accident and Rossie ends up in the hospital with a severe TBI. As Lillian tries to figure out what Rosie wanted to tell her before the crash, she starts to think the accident was in fact deliberate and her sister is in danger.
Thoughts: It is always hard to find a great thriller and trust me, you will not be able to put this one down!! It's fast-paced and relatively short, making it easy to binge in just one sitting! Part of what makes it so powerful is how Bradleigh integrates the knowledge from her day job as a physician into the story. Being an SLP, it is clear that she accurately portrays the recovery process post TBI, and I loved how Lillian and her husband were both doctors balancing personal struggles of their own. I also love how while this story was primarily told through Lillian's POV, we got to hear Rosie's perspective through her older diary entries. The end was just WOW!!!
Read if you like:
-Suspense thrillers
-Medical setting
-Stories that emphasize the recovery process
-Sisterhood
Thank you Blackstone for the ARC. Pub date: 9/13
Synopsis: After two years of not speaking, estranged sisters Lillian and Rosie agree to get together. On their drive to dinner Rosie shares that she has something important to tell Lillian and it's a matter of life or death. Moments later, they are in a car accident and Rossie ends up in the hospital with a severe TBI. As Lillian tries to figure out what Rosie wanted to tell her before the crash, she starts to think the accident was in fact deliberate and her sister is in danger.
Thoughts: It is always hard to find a great thriller and trust me, you will not be able to put this one down!! It's fast-paced and relatively short, making it easy to binge in just one sitting! Part of what makes it so powerful is how Bradleigh integrates the knowledge from her day job as a physician into the story. Being an SLP, it is clear that she accurately portrays the recovery process post TBI, and I loved how Lillian and her husband were both doctors balancing personal struggles of their own. I also love how while this story was primarily told through Lillian's POV, we got to hear Rosie's perspective through her older diary entries. The end was just WOW!!!
Read if you like:
-Suspense thrillers
-Medical setting
-Stories that emphasize the recovery process
-Sisterhood
Thank you Blackstone for the ARC. Pub date: 9/13
December 13, 2024
Kept me reading and kept me guessing
September 10, 2022
A fantastic debut.
Rosie and Lilian, once very close are now estranged sisters following their parents' accidental death two years ago.
One day Rosie pops back into Lilian's life desperate to share a secret. Before she can share this secret, she is an accident that leaves her with a traumatic brain injury.
As Lilian desperately tries to reconnect with her sister, she also starts to dig into the past to uncover the secrets.
Full of some great twists I didn't see coming. I especially loved the Chicago setting. Although I'm a suburban girl, I do love that city, and loved the familiarity reading about it in the book.
Rosie and Lilian, once very close are now estranged sisters following their parents' accidental death two years ago.
One day Rosie pops back into Lilian's life desperate to share a secret. Before she can share this secret, she is an accident that leaves her with a traumatic brain injury.
As Lilian desperately tries to reconnect with her sister, she also starts to dig into the past to uncover the secrets.
Full of some great twists I didn't see coming. I especially loved the Chicago setting. Although I'm a suburban girl, I do love that city, and loved the familiarity reading about it in the book.
November 4, 2022
Imposter was masquerading as a real thriller.
This was not thrilling or suspenseful at all.
The narrative was nothing more than a re-tread of similar premises all rolled together into a hairball of silliness and trite cliches.
Lilian was an annoying and frustrating character; sometimes I had to remind myself she's a doctor!
A pediatrician, of all things, but her whininess and innate naivete made it hard for me to believe she was a competent medical professional, much less an older sister.
Besides jugging her responsibilities as a new mother and dealing with the backlash from a medal errors that has shattered her confidence, Lilian's cycle of repetitive thoughts is stuck on the fact that she and her younger sister, Rosie are estranged. In case you didn't get it the first 10 times it was mentioned.
After a car accident that impairs Rosie's memories, Lilian begins the onerous task of following in her sister's footsteps to figure out why Rosie was desperate to speak to her on that fateful day.
I figured out the bad guy the second he showed up on the page.
The narrative dragged, full of repetition, and the only interesting part of the story was the information on brain injuries, but it wasn't worth reading the entire story for those sections.
This was not thrilling or suspenseful at all.
The narrative was nothing more than a re-tread of similar premises all rolled together into a hairball of silliness and trite cliches.
Lilian was an annoying and frustrating character; sometimes I had to remind myself she's a doctor!
A pediatrician, of all things, but her whininess and innate naivete made it hard for me to believe she was a competent medical professional, much less an older sister.
Besides jugging her responsibilities as a new mother and dealing with the backlash from a medal errors that has shattered her confidence, Lilian's cycle of repetitive thoughts is stuck on the fact that she and her younger sister, Rosie are estranged. In case you didn't get it the first 10 times it was mentioned.
After a car accident that impairs Rosie's memories, Lilian begins the onerous task of following in her sister's footsteps to figure out why Rosie was desperate to speak to her on that fateful day.
I figured out the bad guy the second he showed up on the page.
The narrative dragged, full of repetition, and the only interesting part of the story was the information on brain injuries, but it wasn't worth reading the entire story for those sections.
November 7, 2022
Looking for spoilers? There's a summary on my blog: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/bra...
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've followed @bradeighgodfrey on Instagram for a long and feel like I've watched her whole author journey! I was so excited for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of her solo debut.
I was thoroughly impressed by this story. The tense atmosphere of the prologue was unmatched, and this unease carried throughout the entire book. The plot was very fast-paced, engaging, and well-planned, and I sped through this book in just over a day.
Although I was right about one aspect of this thriller, the end was still satisfying. There were multiple elements to the twist that I was unable to predict.
I enjoyed the medical scenes, and I feel like I learned something new about traumatic brain injuries. I also really enjoyed the strained relationship between these two sisters. It was interesting to see both sides of their falling out.
This thriller would be a great book to add to your TBR for spooky season! I'll certainly be looking out for more books by this author in the future.
Thank you to @letstalkbookspromo for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I've followed @bradeighgodfrey on Instagram for a long and feel like I've watched her whole author journey! I was so excited for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of her solo debut.
I was thoroughly impressed by this story. The tense atmosphere of the prologue was unmatched, and this unease carried throughout the entire book. The plot was very fast-paced, engaging, and well-planned, and I sped through this book in just over a day.
Although I was right about one aspect of this thriller, the end was still satisfying. There were multiple elements to the twist that I was unable to predict.
I enjoyed the medical scenes, and I feel like I learned something new about traumatic brain injuries. I also really enjoyed the strained relationship between these two sisters. It was interesting to see both sides of their falling out.
This thriller would be a great book to add to your TBR for spooky season! I'll certainly be looking out for more books by this author in the future.
July 30, 2022
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC.
What a gripping read with twists I did not see coming! A few were guessable but there was enough mystery to keep you on your toes and though at times the main character was a little frustrating and weak, she made up for it in her strength towards the end. If you're a thriller fan, this should be a good pick for you!
What a gripping read with twists I did not see coming! A few were guessable but there was enough mystery to keep you on your toes and though at times the main character was a little frustrating and weak, she made up for it in her strength towards the end. If you're a thriller fan, this should be a good pick for you!
September 11, 2022
This fast-paced thriller is a gripping portrayal about two sisters living different worlds until they "crash" into each other. One sister is then left to piece together the others life to unearth the secret that was about to be exposed.
This novel is full of suspense and tension. I did not see the ending coming in the fashion it was presented. Wonderful debut by Godfrey! Thank you Blackstone Publishing for the ARC.
This novel is full of suspense and tension. I did not see the ending coming in the fashion it was presented. Wonderful debut by Godfrey! Thank you Blackstone Publishing for the ARC.
October 19, 2022
Although this was a little predictable, a little unbelievable, it was so unique and the format imo was perfect. A solid debut.
October 5, 2022
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley!
WOW. I’m a sucker for psychological thrillers, and this one was SO GOOD!
After years of a rocky relationship, sisters Lilian and Rosie are reunited and determined to make things work. On the night of their reunion dinner, Rosie is driving recklessly through the icy streets of Chicago, causing a crash that will change both sisters’ lives forever. Rosie is left with a traumatic brain injury and Lilian is left with a concussion and an entanglement of secrets….
I promise you will NEVER guess what’s to come during the last 20% of this book. I’m excited to see Bradeigh Godfrey’s future work!
WOW. I’m a sucker for psychological thrillers, and this one was SO GOOD!
After years of a rocky relationship, sisters Lilian and Rosie are reunited and determined to make things work. On the night of their reunion dinner, Rosie is driving recklessly through the icy streets of Chicago, causing a crash that will change both sisters’ lives forever. Rosie is left with a traumatic brain injury and Lilian is left with a concussion and an entanglement of secrets….
I promise you will NEVER guess what’s to come during the last 20% of this book. I’m excited to see Bradeigh Godfrey’s future work!
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