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Hosting Andrew
When kindly provincial solicitor, Andrew Soulsby, fails to listen to his instincts he is condemned to live an evil man’s life in a tailspin to destruction. Plagued by dark memories that do not belong to him and arrested for crimes of which he has no knowledge, he faces professional ruin, bankruptcy and a prison cell.
Can Andrew discover what has happened to him, and will he find a way to survive if he regains the love of his wife and children, or is the truth altogether more terrifying?
Fantasy meets grim reality in this gripping medico-legal mystery thriller with an original twist, making you question what it means to have a soul, a sense of self.
Can Andrew discover what has happened to him, and will he find a way to survive if he regains the love of his wife and children, or is the truth altogether more terrifying?
Fantasy meets grim reality in this gripping medico-legal mystery thriller with an original twist, making you question what it means to have a soul, a sense of self.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 24, 2022
5 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 26, 2023
What would happen if very, very rich people could have 'themselves', their character, behaviour and memories switch to a better body? Younger, even richer, with more money and power, with a better marriage and so on?
Well, the world would be completely ignorant, I think. Of course such people, as Matthew in this story, don't want anybody to know. And who would believe the other person when they said they were in the wrong body?
Anyway, Matthew found a way to switch to Andrews' body without poor Andrew knowing what was going to happen with him. Let alone his family.
And then it goes wrong, all wrong.
We read the story seen from both POV's, Matthews' and Andrews' and it is very cleverly done. Matthew is obscenely rich, or so he thinks, whereas Andrew is just moderately well off. On the other hand, Matthew has no loving wife and everybody secretly hates him, whereas Andrew is very happy with his wife and children.
Slowly it becomes clear what happened and what went wrong, and then the story gets more and more intense as both Matthew and Andrew have to come to terms with their new bodies and life. I just loved the way you can see the characters change, and there are a couple of real surprises before the biggest one at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley and Book Guild Publishing for this review copy.
Well, the world would be completely ignorant, I think. Of course such people, as Matthew in this story, don't want anybody to know. And who would believe the other person when they said they were in the wrong body?
Anyway, Matthew found a way to switch to Andrews' body without poor Andrew knowing what was going to happen with him. Let alone his family.
And then it goes wrong, all wrong.
We read the story seen from both POV's, Matthews' and Andrews' and it is very cleverly done. Matthew is obscenely rich, or so he thinks, whereas Andrew is just moderately well off. On the other hand, Matthew has no loving wife and everybody secretly hates him, whereas Andrew is very happy with his wife and children.
Slowly it becomes clear what happened and what went wrong, and then the story gets more and more intense as both Matthew and Andrew have to come to terms with their new bodies and life. I just loved the way you can see the characters change, and there are a couple of real surprises before the biggest one at the end.
Thanks to Netgalley and Book Guild Publishing for this review copy.
September 19, 2022
A promising debut from a new writer that explores the possibility of ‘soul swapping’. After undergoing what was meant to be routine surgery, Andrew wakes up to find himself in the body of another man - one whose immoral and illegal background is diametrically opposed to Andrew’s own respectable life. The author handles the first person narrative well and investigates whether it’s possible to retain your identity and values when you’re no longer living in your own body. My only complaint is with the ending and the disposability of the main female characters. Still I would be keen to read more by this author and thank Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for this review.
October 8, 2022
Thank you for the opportunity to preview Hosting Andrew. I am always looking for something different and unexpected in a novel. Well I got it with this one. This is a very interesting and suspense filled book.
Two men go in for surgery and these two men are very different. One rich and one modestly middle class. One obnoxious and one caring. Both men are scheduled for surgery and one man will survive.
But that is just the beginning of a roller coaster ride for the reader. Written in first person takes you to the mind of the Man. And you will not put this book down till the last page. very good!
Two men go in for surgery and these two men are very different. One rich and one modestly middle class. One obnoxious and one caring. Both men are scheduled for surgery and one man will survive.
But that is just the beginning of a roller coaster ride for the reader. Written in first person takes you to the mind of the Man. And you will not put this book down till the last page. very good!
October 17, 2022
This book was an incredible read! It had everything in it that a mystery thriller should have with the bonus of a unique twist that even after reading many thriller books I didn't see coming!
From the amazing , engaging , storyline that has you totally hooked on it to the wonderful characters that really give the book depth and give you something to really sink your teeth into ! Absolutely brilliantly written , the other thing is.... a would have loved to read so much more with the characters , this is a standalone but a great debut novel for a clearly talented author!
From the amazing , engaging , storyline that has you totally hooked on it to the wonderful characters that really give the book depth and give you something to really sink your teeth into ! Absolutely brilliantly written , the other thing is.... a would have loved to read so much more with the characters , this is a standalone but a great debut novel for a clearly talented author!
October 24, 2022
My Thoughts:
This story starts out when two men go in for surgery and one wakes up in the others body. He realizes that they switch bodies. The author does describe things so if your a little queasy you may want to skim pass that. If you like medical mystery thrillers with a big twist read this book for you
This story starts out when two men go in for surgery and one wakes up in the others body. He realizes that they switch bodies. The author does describe things so if your a little queasy you may want to skim pass that. If you like medical mystery thrillers with a big twist read this book for you
October 7, 2022
Amazing! The author takes a fascinating premise and makes it incredibly believable. I loved this clever blend of mystery and sci fi. I could imagine the fear and terror the character must have felt - that desperation was palpable.
October 17, 2022
This has a very creative - spooky and sci fi could be realistic plot!
Great suspense and writing! Very creative plot - b/c surgery can be terrifying. Your body is so vulnerable - as well as your soul.
A wealthy colleague recommends a surgeon to Andrew Soulsby - he has been tired, headaches and just not well. After discovering tumors pressing on his brain, surgery is scheduled and done.
But Andrew wakes up to a different life. He is in Matthew's body - the wealthy colleague who recommended the surgeon. And Andrew's body is dead.
Andrew must figure out bodies/souls were switched - a very deep, far reaching mystery. As well as manage his future life - will he live as Matthew? Or return to Andrew's family?
Great suspense and writing! Very creative plot - b/c surgery can be terrifying. Your body is so vulnerable - as well as your soul.
A wealthy colleague recommends a surgeon to Andrew Soulsby - he has been tired, headaches and just not well. After discovering tumors pressing on his brain, surgery is scheduled and done.
But Andrew wakes up to a different life. He is in Matthew's body - the wealthy colleague who recommended the surgeon. And Andrew's body is dead.
Andrew must figure out bodies/souls were switched - a very deep, far reaching mystery. As well as manage his future life - will he live as Matthew? Or return to Andrew's family?
November 9, 2022
This story takes its plot from two Hollywood films, Face/Off and The Fugitive. If you have seen both of these, you will resonate well with the idea of a man waking up inside the wrong body and being chased down for things the original host did.
Despite it not being a unique plot, there were some intriguing moments; however, at times, I wanted the chapter sooner than it did, to end and the book to finish.
The ending wasn’t bad, but it was a tad flat.
Would certainly give it a go tho!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher The Book Guild for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Despite it not being a unique plot, there were some intriguing moments; however, at times, I wanted the chapter sooner than it did, to end and the book to finish.
The ending wasn’t bad, but it was a tad flat.
Would certainly give it a go tho!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher The Book Guild for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2022
I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy this book as it sounded like it had a slight sci-fi feel to it but I was pleasantly surprised. Two men go down for an op, only 1 survives but he wakes up in the other man's body.
I loved the beginning and felt so much empathy towards Andrew however a couple of things felt truly unbelievable. I do not believe that even after convincing his wife that he was Andrew inside Matthews body, she would be able to do what she did the same day, I know I certainly couldn't. I was also waiting for some kind of twist relating to the 2 wives at the end as felt it was great opportunity to add some more depth to the ending.
The ending is where I really felt disappointed, it felt rushed and just didn't seem right somehow. Which was a real shame as the majority of the story was really good, it was just so odd how such a major plot change was rushed into such a short ending
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for a great idea and first 3/4.
#NetGalley #HostingAndrew
I loved the beginning and felt so much empathy towards Andrew however a couple of things felt truly unbelievable. I do not believe that even after convincing his wife that he was Andrew inside Matthews body, she would be able to do what she did the same day, I know I certainly couldn't. I was also waiting for some kind of twist relating to the 2 wives at the end as felt it was great opportunity to add some more depth to the ending.
The ending is where I really felt disappointed, it felt rushed and just didn't seem right somehow. Which was a real shame as the majority of the story was really good, it was just so odd how such a major plot change was rushed into such a short ending
3.5 stars rounded to 4 for a great idea and first 3/4.
#NetGalley #HostingAndrew
September 24, 2022
“This afternoon I shall go to my own funeral service before I watch them bury me under six feet of London clay.”
When kindly provincial solicitor, Andrew Soulsby, fails to listen to his instincts he is condemned to live an evil man’s life in a tailspin to destruction. Plagued by dark memories that do not belong to him and arrested for crimes of which he has no knowledge, he faces professional ruin, bankruptcy and a prison cell.
Can Andrew discover what has happened to him, and will he find a way to survive if he regains the love of his wife and children, or is the truth altogether more terrifying?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
When kindly provincial solicitor, Andrew Soulsby, fails to listen to his instincts he is condemned to live an evil man’s life in a tailspin to destruction. Plagued by dark memories that do not belong to him and arrested for crimes of which he has no knowledge, he faces professional ruin, bankruptcy and a prison cell.
Can Andrew discover what has happened to him, and will he find a way to survive if he regains the love of his wife and children, or is the truth altogether more terrifying?
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I was provided an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. This is my own honest voluntary review.
September 19, 2022
I don’t read many books from indie publishers, no particular reason, but I am glad I got this one from @troubador_publishing via an e-ARC on @netgalley. I love a good medical thriller and the description of this one promised just that.
Andrew and Matthew go into surgery at the same time, but only ones wakes up…and its Andrew – in Matthew’s body. Andrew, or Matthew, struggles to figure out what is going on. Andrew seeks desperately to figure out what he has gone through, but every person he confides his secret in ends up dead. Just when he thinks he’s getting a handle on things, he discovered Matthew as money laundering and he lands in jail. Confused, and frustrated his lawyer shows up. Thankfully his lawyer holds the answers, though they are not what Andrew hopes for.
Just when you think you have this one figured out the ending comes and you’re thrown for a loop. I particularly enjoy when this happens. Unfortunately, I did not love this book as much as I would have liked too. Something about the writing style did not jive with my reading desires. At times there were too many details that I found mundane, at others the writing felt unnecessarily stiff and too professional. The story was a good one and I gave it a strong 3 out of 5. Thank you so much for my copy in exchange for an honest review. Check this one – out now!
Andrew and Matthew go into surgery at the same time, but only ones wakes up…and its Andrew – in Matthew’s body. Andrew, or Matthew, struggles to figure out what is going on. Andrew seeks desperately to figure out what he has gone through, but every person he confides his secret in ends up dead. Just when he thinks he’s getting a handle on things, he discovered Matthew as money laundering and he lands in jail. Confused, and frustrated his lawyer shows up. Thankfully his lawyer holds the answers, though they are not what Andrew hopes for.
Just when you think you have this one figured out the ending comes and you’re thrown for a loop. I particularly enjoy when this happens. Unfortunately, I did not love this book as much as I would have liked too. Something about the writing style did not jive with my reading desires. At times there were too many details that I found mundane, at others the writing felt unnecessarily stiff and too professional. The story was a good one and I gave it a strong 3 out of 5. Thank you so much for my copy in exchange for an honest review. Check this one – out now!
September 25, 2022
The story centres around Andrew and Matthew who have different operations. One dies and the other survivor has the dead man’s memory. A little blurred at times and a little sci-fi but a gripping story as I wanted to get to the end to see what finally happened.
September 15, 2022
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Andrew and Matthew met when they were discussing the purchase of a property (acting for their clients). Andrew tells Matthew he’s having some medical problems, and Matthew refers him to a doctor who will do the surgery for free as a “special favour” to Andrew. When they wake up from surgery, “Andrew” is trapped in Matthew’s body, and “Matthew” in Andrews body dies in sugery.
This book gave me “Freaky Friday” vibes with just a little more mystery sprinkled in .. and I loved it. It then became quite a thriller in the end, it was very different than I was expecting!
This was a very quick, easy read that I read right through in one sitting.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and The Book Guild for my ARC in advance for an honest review.
Andrew and Matthew met when they were discussing the purchase of a property (acting for their clients). Andrew tells Matthew he’s having some medical problems, and Matthew refers him to a doctor who will do the surgery for free as a “special favour” to Andrew. When they wake up from surgery, “Andrew” is trapped in Matthew’s body, and “Matthew” in Andrews body dies in sugery.
This book gave me “Freaky Friday” vibes with just a little more mystery sprinkled in .. and I loved it. It then became quite a thriller in the end, it was very different than I was expecting!
This was a very quick, easy read that I read right through in one sitting.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and The Book Guild for my ARC in advance for an honest review.
September 18, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. It was a new author for me and I was apprehensive about whether I would enjoy it. I was pleasantly surprised and I would recommend others to read it.
September 17, 2022
This is kind of a Sci fi medical crime book.
It kept me interested and engaged throughout the story
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.
It kept me interested and engaged throughout the story
Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.
October 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book, its definitely put me off having an anesthetic mind!
This isn't my usual type of read but it suprised me and I really enjoyed it. I was gripped from the get go as i just wanted to know what was going to happen Its cleverly written and I absolutely didn't see the twist at the end coming.... 😱
This book is written in the first person, which I really liked, it added to the story, being in the mind of the person who this was all happening to. I felt the fear and terror and could totally relate as you just can't help but think, what if this happened to me!
My only negative would be that the book is extremely descriptive in parts and I felt at times I did slightly skim some parts but overall its a really good read!
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy a medical thriller or enjoyed the film freaky friday!! 🤣
This isn't my usual type of read but it suprised me and I really enjoyed it. I was gripped from the get go as i just wanted to know what was going to happen Its cleverly written and I absolutely didn't see the twist at the end coming.... 😱
This book is written in the first person, which I really liked, it added to the story, being in the mind of the person who this was all happening to. I felt the fear and terror and could totally relate as you just can't help but think, what if this happened to me!
My only negative would be that the book is extremely descriptive in parts and I felt at times I did slightly skim some parts but overall its a really good read!
I definitely recommend this if you enjoy a medical thriller or enjoyed the film freaky friday!! 🤣
June 17, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC.
This is my first title by this author and will read more in the future.
Will recommend this to anyone looking for a new title.
I love medical stories and this one had a very interesting story line.
This book had a very interesting plot that i really enjoyed and haven't read before.
Thanks again for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars
This is my first title by this author and will read more in the future.
Will recommend this to anyone looking for a new title.
I love medical stories and this one had a very interesting story line.
This book had a very interesting plot that i really enjoyed and haven't read before.
Thanks again for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars
February 2, 2023
GREAT!
This book definitely had me on my toes with wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next! It had mystery & a lot of suspense. An ending which I truly didn’t expect & left me thing “omg”
This book definitely had me on my toes with wanting to keep reading to find out what happens next! It had mystery & a lot of suspense. An ending which I truly didn’t expect & left me thing “omg”
April 25, 2023
This is John Lawrence's first published book. It's a combination of mystery and sci-fi. It ended up being based upon government conspiracy and human testing a little far-fetched, but I went along with it for the theme of the read.
It had a great start with an interesting plot. Two men go for two different operations. However, only one wakes up. When one wakes up, he begins to realise he's in the wrong body.
You follow the narrator of Andrew, and in his mind, he truly believes he has been switched into the body of Matthew. Andrew hasn't awoken from his operation. He died on the table, and the mind of Andrew goes to his own funeral in the body of Matthew. Matthew was a bad man, and now Andrew is being hunted for his poor choices.
This book did lose my interest at times.
It could be really snappy and had me hooked; then by the time the next mystery came along it was over written, over complex and I found myself skim reading to try and find out what was coming next.
Characters that I felt had a very strong build-up, just ended up randomly dying through accidents? I understand the concept of why, but it just didn't fit with the style of the book. It's too quick and not enough explanation.
It was really strong in some parts, twisty, intriguing, and mysterious. However, when it came to tying things together towards the end, it appeared rushed, as if things were just thrown in there for added effect.
My honest review is that this book didn't really work for me. This doesn't mean to say it wasn't enjoyable, but the ending was disappointing. I'm sure this will be enjoyable to others.
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC.
It had a great start with an interesting plot. Two men go for two different operations. However, only one wakes up. When one wakes up, he begins to realise he's in the wrong body.
You follow the narrator of Andrew, and in his mind, he truly believes he has been switched into the body of Matthew. Andrew hasn't awoken from his operation. He died on the table, and the mind of Andrew goes to his own funeral in the body of Matthew. Matthew was a bad man, and now Andrew is being hunted for his poor choices.
This book did lose my interest at times.
It could be really snappy and had me hooked; then by the time the next mystery came along it was over written, over complex and I found myself skim reading to try and find out what was coming next.
Characters that I felt had a very strong build-up, just ended up randomly dying through accidents? I understand the concept of why, but it just didn't fit with the style of the book. It's too quick and not enough explanation.
It was really strong in some parts, twisty, intriguing, and mysterious. However, when it came to tying things together towards the end, it appeared rushed, as if things were just thrown in there for added effect.
My honest review is that this book didn't really work for me. This doesn't mean to say it wasn't enjoyable, but the ending was disappointing. I'm sure this will be enjoyable to others.
Thank you @netgalley for this ARC.
October 27, 2022
Hosting Andrew is a crime thriller/medical sci-fi, an interesting combination I've not come across a lot before!
The beginning of this book was quite gripping and mysterious. I was very curious to see what was to follow! The middle, however, felt like it lost its momentum a bit which was unfortunate but it did pick up again approaching the end! Although it felt it wrapped evething up a little quick, almost rushed, the novels conclusion wasn't what I was expecting and it was great to find out what had actually transpired. It was a very enjoyable finale! This is all a bit vague but I don't want to give anything away!
I loved the premise of this book and while it wasn't a instant favourite for me personally, it still had a very intriguing plot cloaked in mystery where you can, and should, trust no one!
Thank you so much to kaleidoscopic tours and troubador for this gifted copy and a spot on this campaign!
* Please research any trigger warnings before reading *
The beginning of this book was quite gripping and mysterious. I was very curious to see what was to follow! The middle, however, felt like it lost its momentum a bit which was unfortunate but it did pick up again approaching the end! Although it felt it wrapped evething up a little quick, almost rushed, the novels conclusion wasn't what I was expecting and it was great to find out what had actually transpired. It was a very enjoyable finale! This is all a bit vague but I don't want to give anything away!
I loved the premise of this book and while it wasn't a instant favourite for me personally, it still had a very intriguing plot cloaked in mystery where you can, and should, trust no one!
Thank you so much to kaleidoscopic tours and troubador for this gifted copy and a spot on this campaign!
* Please research any trigger warnings before reading *
March 24, 2023
Sadly this book was not my cup of tea and I DNF’d it 20% through. I am honestly sad about this just because the first sentence had me HOOKED! As I got deeper in the book I realized things moved a lot slower and I got bored. I definitely liked the idea of this book, however the story line was too slow for my liking. It honestly left me confused. I can understand why others do like this book though, however it isn’t my cup of tea. From what I actually read I would have to give it a 2/5!
Thank you Netgalley, John Lawrance, and the Book Guild for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own!
This title is available and out now if you want to check it out, which I encourage you to, just because it wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it’s not yours!
Thank you Netgalley, John Lawrance, and the Book Guild for giving me an opportunity to read this ARC! All opinions are my own!
This title is available and out now if you want to check it out, which I encourage you to, just because it wasn’t my cup of tea doesn’t mean it’s not yours!
August 27, 2025
It would make a good film
Really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the fact that I couldn’t predict the ending. Can’t say too much about it without any spoilers except I couldn’t put it down. While reading this book I could see it being made into a great film.
Really enjoyed reading this book and I loved the fact that I couldn’t predict the ending. Can’t say too much about it without any spoilers except I couldn’t put it down. While reading this book I could see it being made into a great film.
November 20, 2022
An interesting concept
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, definitely different and well thought out and must have been rather challenging to write. I loved the idea of swapping the contents of one persons brain to another. Not a challenging read as I found the book very hard to put down. The storyline derailed me on many occasions. I find it rather easy to forecast the ending of books, but not this one. it caught me out right up till the last paragraph.
Thoroughly enjoyed this story, definitely different and well thought out and must have been rather challenging to write. I loved the idea of swapping the contents of one persons brain to another. Not a challenging read as I found the book very hard to put down. The storyline derailed me on many occasions. I find it rather easy to forecast the ending of books, but not this one. it caught me out right up till the last paragraph.
July 17, 2023
Couldn’t Put it Down
Quickest book I’ve read in a long time, just couldn’t put it down.
It has a unique storyline which keeps you guessing to the very end. You think you know where the plots going but it’s never where you think.
Fast paced, well written, very descriptive, (love his use of similes and metaphors).
Great first novel, can’t wait for the next one.
Quickest book I’ve read in a long time, just couldn’t put it down.
It has a unique storyline which keeps you guessing to the very end. You think you know where the plots going but it’s never where you think.
Fast paced, well written, very descriptive, (love his use of similes and metaphors).
Great first novel, can’t wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews