Member Reviews

In the very beginning of this book it read kind of like The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. I thought I had the ending figured out but I was wrong. Once I got to chapter 27 I couldn't put the book down. The ending was completely unexpected and I really hope the author turns this into a series because I really want to hear what happens next with all of the characters. This was written brillantly.

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A bit of a slow burn, but I was interested in the different characters once the plot thickened. There was a steady build to the end with a surprising twist.

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What did I just read?!?!? This book is packed with a couple major twists that I did not see coming!

Sophie is seeing psychiatrist, Dr. Thacker, to help grieve the disappearance of her husband. She also feels like someone is always watching her.

The first 2/3rds of this book are somewhat slow and repetitive. But once a small reveal turns into a large plot twist everything picks up. This book left me reeling from all the information packed into the ending. It seemed like a little too much and slightly rushed, but it did not take away from the overall experience of the book.

I want to thank Netgalley, BooksGoSocial, and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

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Who's stalking whom? Remember when your parents said, "Don't believe everything you see and hear?" That wisdom is precisely what this story is all about! This was a quick and compelling read that had my head spinning! Chock full of drama and suspense, the story is told in alternating perspectives from the female protagonist (in the form of letters) and her therapist. I'm withholding any further details to ensure that those reading this review have the most enjoyable ride possible when they read the book. Remember, take the title seriously - "..listen carefully, watch closely, trust nobody." Thank you Netgalley and J.E. Rowney for the advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Calling this one full of twists and turns is simply not adequate. It's more like riding a rollercoaster that takes you in every direction, one after the other. And the final reveal literally left me with my mouth hanging open.

Sophie has lost her husband Jack, who disappeared on the way to his research station in Russia. He is assumed to have decided to simply disappear. Sophie begins seeing Dr. Thacker in order to work through her feelings about losing Jack, and some of the chapters are letters she has written to him. But someone is listening in on Sophie's therapy sessions, and she is being watched. By whom? and for what purpose? Well, therein the story lies.

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Over seven months had passed since Sophie's beloved husband Jack had gone to Arkhangelsk in Russia to take part in a important Geological mission and mysteriously disappeared. Before he left,Sophie had struggled to understand why he wanted to spend six weeks working in harsh conditions where she was certain he wouldn't be able to cope. She had done everything within her power to persuade Jack to change his mind but he had just reiterated the importance of the mission, ignored her pleas for him to stay and left to catch his flight. Sophie had been overwhelmed with a horrible feeling that this mission was going to be different to the ones that Jack had previously been on and his subsequent disappearance had proven her fears to be justified. Not having Jack in her life anymore had forced Sophie into deciding to see a psychiatrist and when Doctor Thacker is introduced into the story we learn that Sophie is due to arrive at his office for her third appointment. We also learnt that despite the police not being able to find any evidence to confirm her suspicions, Sophie kept insisting that she felt like she was being watched whilst she was out and about and even when she was within the safety of her own home. Was her mind playing tricks on her due to her understandable feelings of stress and anxiety? Was she actually being watched by her own missing husband? And what about Dr Thacker who we discover as the story unfolds was harbouring some rather unprofessional feelings towards his patient? Or was her possible antagonist another character who was hiding in plain sight within the pages of this cleverly written thriller?

The chapters of the story predominantly alternate between the perspectives of Sophie (written in the form of letters to Jack) and Dr Thacker (or so the reader is ingeniously manipulated into believing) I had conflicting feelings about Sophie, there was aspects of her character which reminded me of myself and I could fully empathise with, such as her feelings and reaction to Jack's determination to go on the mission to Russia. But, if there is one thing that causes me to dislike female characters it's the fact that every male character develops some type of attraction towards her, it's just one of my pet peeves in the world of fiction. As the story unfolded it became obvious that Sophie wasn't being entirely honest with her therapist and was harbouring secrets. Did she know more about Jack's disappearance than she was letting on? Was her insistence that she was being watched just a ploy to deflect attention away from her own guilt conscience?

Gripping and addictive with a conclusion that contains a satisfying dash of poetic justice, this is one of those books that really needs to be read more than once in order for the reader to fully appreciate the ingenuity and cleverness of the author's writing. Yes, you would already know the truth behind Jack's disappearance but, there are aspects of the story which could have been written from the perspective of a completely different character than the individual you thought you were reading about at the time. There was a point in the story where I had to go back and re-read some pages just to make sure that I hadn't inadvertently missed something. Some reviewers,like me, thought this plot twist was ingenious whilst others found it frustrating and confusing but that's what makes the reading community such a varied and interesting place,everyone has their own personal opinion on the books that they read. I thought this was a enthralling,page turner that is very highly recommended by little old me.

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Enjoyed this book. The writing was engaging and there were plenty of twists and turns. Good ending. Would recommend.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

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It’s not an obsession, merely an infatuation! Ummm…ok. 💁🏻‍♀️

Sophie has finally decided to seek out help from a psychiatrist. She has significant issues she needs professional help to deal with. First up, the disappearance of her husband seven months ago. And now she feels that someone is watching her.

This was a rapid, twisty thriller that had some twisty surprises along the way. The tension steadily building with each session with the good Dr. Thatcher.

I did feel the final reveal and ending wrapped up just a bit too quickly. It was an enjoyable read, but I would have liked it stretched out a bit more. (But, that’s just me).

Looking for a speedy, twisty read for this summer? This should fit the bill perfectly!

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial.

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This is one of those thrillers that you want to read a second time to see if you missed something and the clues were there. While this one was a little slow at the beginning, the pace picked up and I couldn’t put it down. I’d definitely say to go in without reading too much on this one as to not spoil it as the twists are the best part of the book.

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First of all thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review this book!

This was my first novel by J.E Rowney and it certainly won't be my last! Can I just start by saying that it was a brilliant read and one that kept me hooked right from the start!

The twist is one I did not see coming and one I didn't manage to guess until the first clue near the end!
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A twisty thriller that will keep you engrossed and wanting to read it all in one sitting!

Definitely a book I'm going to recommend, 5 stars for sure!

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Teacher Sophie Portman has lost her husband Jack, a prominent geologist, who'd been select for a project near the Arctic Circle and apparently disappeared on that mission.. Readers learn about their personal lives via Sophie's sessions with her psychiatrist, Dr. Thacker. Sophie isn't handling the loss well (understandably) and spends most of her time alone at home. Not only is she alone and lonely; she also feels that she is being watched, being followed everywhere she goes, even in her home.

We've also introduced to Dr. Thacker's office staff and another patient, and it appears that Dr. Thacker may have some issues...? As the story progresses we begin to wonder which of the characters are "unreliable narrators." Is Sophie being stalked or is she losing her mind? What really happened to Jack? Can Sophie really trust Dr. Thacker?

This book is well-written, the plot is complex and cleverly woven. It starts slowly, but be patient, you'll be rewarded. It's important for me when reading "brain candy" to be able to identify with the protagonist; if I don't or if I don't emphatize with them, at least, I put the book away. I didn't really "like" Sophie, but I decided to stick with the book. I'm glad I did, because while the first half of the book is drawn out a bit, this is all in all quite a suspenseful thriller. The final twists are very interesting with surprises thrown in for good measure.

Overall, a well-structured and entertaining read.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this book and so many other wonderful books in return for a n honest review. I truly wish I had more time to write for of them!

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Sophie Portman has lost her husband. After seeking out some help in therapy after feeling like she’s being watched, the truth becomes to unravel quickly.

I really really enjoyed this. It hooked me in from the beginning, kept my attention, and that ending made my jaw drop. This definitely gave me gone girl mixed with silent patient vibes and it provided the best of both worlds. I really enjoyed the chapters alternating between different POVs and letters. Highly recommend to anyone that likes psychological thrillers!

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Other People's Lives by JE Rowney

A missing husband. A shell of a wife left behind. No answers, just questions.

Jack was selected for a prestigious work trip that he had dreamt of getting. He never arrived.

Someone is watching Sophie. She feels eyes on her whenever she leaves the house. But is someone really watching her?

Sophie can't work, barely eats, and is struggling without Jack. She starts to see a psychologist. She always holds back, wondering how much she should share. But, everything she says in his office is confidential. Isn't it?

A great book Sophie about missing Jack and her sad longing for Jack. Toss in Dr. Thacker and his old girlfriend and another person or two, and it all leads to a great book with an unexpected ending!

Well done, JE Rowney!

"Curious minds will love this new release by JE Rowney. So many questions, so many hints, all coming together in one unexpected ending."-Books and Pens on Green Gables

I was given this book to read and review.

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Great book!!!! Just when you think you know someone... I highly recommend this book to any suspense readers. It was a quick read for me as I had trouble putting it down.

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Sophie lost her husband, and starts seeing a therapist. She starts to open up and things are not as they seem as they unravel. Was not expecting that ending. Good and short book. Finished it in less than an hour, it was gripping page book.
Thanks to BooksGoSocial, netgalley, and the author in exchange for a review.
Publishing Date: April, 22nd, 2022.

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This was a really good read, we think we know people but believe me we never know what’s going on in other peoples Lives at all…

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WOW ! This book here, I don't know about you, but I for one know I will be recommending this for a long long time.

Other People's Lives, is so well written you can not help but finish this book in one sitting. The pace is perfectly set, the storyline is intriguing and the characters are captivating. I absolutely loved this book !

The twists come out of left field and the ending? I am still sitting here with my jaw on the floor.

After reading so many thrillers, sometimes they all blend together or they are very similar that you feel as though you have read it before. Other People's Lives, is nothing like that. This story was unique and had me guessing the entire time. This book will sit with me for awhile, I already can not stop thinking about it!

If you are looking for a suspenseful thriller, this book is for you!

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Other People's Lives is a psychological thriller. It is also a quick read.

The story focuses on Sophie, whose husband Jack, is missing and she now feels like someone is watching her. She begins to see a psychiatrist since the police don't believe anyone is following or watching her. But, nothing is what it seems nor are the people in the story. Sophie writes to Jack about the things she is not ready or able to discuss with her doctor. There was a twist near the end, but for me, it wasn't much of a surprise. I could see there was more going on than what we were being told.

The story was good, but I made the mistake of reading the reviews ahead of time. I didn't find it as thrilling as others, so read and decide for yourself.

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Book review : Other People's Lives by J.E.Rowney is a commendable psychological thriller.

Other people's lives look intrigued to many of us. What if one is stalking you without letting you live at peace all the time?
In this book Sophie Portman suspects she is being stalked all the time after her husband is missing seven months ago. She is so distressed that she seeks help of police first and then of a psychologist Andrew Thacker.

Slowly the story takes lot of twists and turns making you intrigued all the time. When the truth starts to unravel nothing seems to be the same as it was assumed to be. Really pinching you with mouth wide open when secrets starts to unfold itself.

I liked reading this psyhcological suspense and kept me hooked all the time. I am thankful to netgalley and books go social to give me a chance to read this book.
Happy Reading !

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This one is a miss for me. I found it to be really slow. The twist was pretty good but when it hit I was already so uninterested in the story.

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