The story starts with a young woman found injured but unable to remember how she was injured, how she got to the road where she was found and oh yes, who she is. In a storyline that has two distinct characters with two distinct mysteries, this young woman, Mary.....maybe.....is the center of the first piece of the mystery and one half of the chapter povs. Then there's Drew. a young man who's worried about his girlfriend. They had a fight, she stormed out of the house, and now law enforcement suspects she is dead and he's the number one suspect. As he looks for his girlfriend, Lola, he tells his side of the story in alternating chapters. How Mary and Drew struggle to connect their stories, readers must watch for clues to tell us what is going on......
While the storyline is a twist on a few oldie but goodies, Megan Lally builds her characters to react strongly to the circumstances. Their stories will combine at some point but you'll still have some missing pieces. A great mystery/ thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the end.

This book includes the following: a missing young girl, the police who are convinced that her boyfriend killed her, and the boyfriend and his loyal friends, who go all vigilante and take actions that the police refuse to take to try to find and save the girl and prove the boy's innocence in the process. These are all pretty standard elements in YA thrillers of this type. As far as that goes this book is a rather standard representative of its category. It is well written with a plot that holds your attention and interesting characters that you care about. However, what sets this book apart from the rest and takes it from a decent read to an extremely enjoyable one is the amazing twist at the end that you will never see coming. It is a twist so shocking that you will not be able to get it out of your head long after you have finished reading. It takes this book from just a decent book typical of its genre to a must-read.

What a way to start the new year! That's Not My Name by Megan Lally is an excellent YA thriller that will keep you enthralled. This novel follows Mary who wakes up on a deserted road in the middle of the night with no memory of who she is or how she got there. She is soon reunited with her father Wayne but something feels off. Drew is a teenage boy and prime suspect in the disappearance of his girlfriend. Lally does an fantastic job of telling 2 different stories and weaving them together at the very last moment. I did not see the twist coming and I loved it!. This is an excellent debut novel and I'm excited to see what Lally puts out next. Thank you to Sourcebooks and Megan Lally for this advanced copy.

Would recommend for fans of…
🪪 The Quiet Tenant
🪪 A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
🪪 Criminal Minds

Based on the summary, I fully expected That’s Not My Name to be your run-of-the-mill YA thriller. An interesting, if not very memorable, read. I was completely wrong.

I’ll be purposely vague to avoid any spoilers, but this is a dual POV story: one POV is from a girl who wakes up with no idea of who she is, and the other is from a high school senior looking for his girlfriend. I read a lot of crime thrillers, which means I’m pretty good at picking up on the “twist” early in the book (or at least I think I am). I thought I had this book figured out three chapters in only to be blown away by some later chapter reveals. It was was truly shocking!

And while I love action and intrigue and plot twists (three things this book delivers on), I found the emotional throughline to be the best part of the story. The last 10% of the book gets very emotional, touching on themes of guilt and loss in an incredibly moving way that I wasn’t expecting to find in a YA novel. If you’re looking for a book that explores the aftermath of a crime and the human impact, this is the book for you.

That’s Not My Name is out now and will undoubtedly be one of my go-to recommendations this year. Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A Teenage girl wakes up bloodied and bruised in a ditch with no memory of who she is or what happened. When Wayne Boone frantically rushes into the station in search of his missing daughter, he has a convincing story and all the evidence to support that the girl is his daughter, incl birth & school records & dozens of photos spanning her childhood. Satisfied the girl has been identified, she is released into Wayne's custody. He looks at her with genuine love and concern & takes care of her the way a father should, but when she starts to have flashes of what feel like memories, they don't match up to the story Wayne has told her. 

In nearby Washington City, seventeen year old Lola has been missing for 5 weeks & the Sheriff is convinced her boyfriend is the only suspect worth investigating. Drew might be public enemy number one, but he will never give up on searching for Lola. Fed up with the Sheriff's inaction, Drew, his cousin Max and Lola's best friend (and Sheriff's daughter) Autumn decide it's time to start digging for the evidence needed to force the case along and bring Lola home, but will they be too late...

💭 Thoughts:
The setup of this book was so clever and dark that it could almost pass as adult fiction. Dual POV and packed with pulse-racing moments that will keep you flipping the pages, I honestly felt so many emotions reading this. Anger towards the Sheriff for being a lazy SOB, heartbreak for Drew as he navigated the weight of displaced guilt & that eerie overwhelming sensation that something wasn't quite right.

As everything comes together in what seems like an obvious conclusion, the tables turn and you're delivered a massive gut punch instead. I had literal tears rolling down my cheeks by the end. I've not experienced that kind of rollercoaster in a book for a while and to have it while reading a debut YA thriller makes my dark little heart gleeful in how far this genre has come.

This one will live rent-free in my head for a while yet.

Rating: 4.5 ★



*ARC gifted by @netgalley & @sourcebooksfire

The title of this intrigued me so much that I actually read some of the synopsis. And y’all know that’s not normal for me lol But the title and the way the synopsis doesn’t give you any info, I went into this knowing it was going to be amazing. And I was correct.

Ok so boom, a girl wakes up from with no memory of anything. She is found by a police officer and she is taken to get help right away. While there a guy sees her and says he is her dad. In a nearby town there’s a guy who is being accused of his girlfriend’s disappearance although he said he had nothing to do with it… He thinks its her too. But who is she?

Normally in a teen thriller/mystery I get annoyed because they find some dumb easy ass way to get the clues they need about the case. Don’t get me wrong, it happened in this one too, but there are things that happen so I wasn’t too mad. The people I was actually mad at this whole book was the grown ass adults that didn’t know what was going on. They let all of this happen in the first place. I’m not gon lie, this made me want to fight every adult in this book. Stop acting like they don’t know anything when they were smart enough to trick you. That’s how people get hurt. *steps off soapbox* Jerks.

The writing style in this sucked me in immediately. I loved that it was told in dual POV because we were able to see the entire story as it unfolded. And it was pretty cool that it was told in a weird chronological order as well. It was so good! I will say that because of that tho the book did stall a bit tho. And I also want to point out that I knew all the twists and turns this book took, but I was still in shock for all of them. I think I was mostly hoping that it wasn’t going to happen. That there was going to be a different outcome.

The ending of this book is what did it for me. I loved the way the two stories came together. I DO wish we had more of the fight scene. Because the mo fo who caused all this needed some more to happen to them. I was annoyed that they let it end like that because after all that, what that person went through was too easy.

I just gotta say, Sourcebooks Fire has been eating lately! I have read several books from them that I LOVED, and this one was no different. They have definitely had some bangers come out lately. If you haven’t read any, pick one up. I promise you’ll get lost in them just like I did.

HOLY WOW. This was one of the most engaging reading experiences I’ve ever had! I blasted through this book in two days, which is about as fast as I can possibly consume a novel. Please believe me when I tell you that I had PHYSICAL reactions to this book. I was kicking, screaming, and throwing my hands up in astonishment. I dunno how many times I said “THIS BOOK IS CRAZY” to everyone and no one as I read, but the translation of all that is “I loved it!”

The experience reminded me of reading the adult thriller The Quiet Tenant recently, but this one was such a better experience! The tension and pacing are perfect, and it pays off. The ending had me literally gasping.

This story is told in two teenage perspectives: Mary’s and Drew’s. The characters are raw and imperfect and almost entirely believable. There are a handful of things that were a little too over-the-top to be believed, particularly in Drew’s storyline, but damn it if I didn’t eat it up. In the end, there are few questions I had that are left unanswered, but I see what the author was doing and why she made the choices she did. Lally’s storycrafting is smart, and you’ll think you’re smart, too. YOU’LL THINK.

I can’t wait to read whatever Megan Lally writes next.

Full review posted on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5844230702

I've now got my sights set on the next book Megan Lally pens after becoming completely transfixed by her debut: That's Not My Name!

This fast-paced dark thriller starts out when a teen wakes up on the side of a dirt road with no previous memory of how she arrived there, or who she is. This creepy plot is constantly in motion, unfolding as it leads the reader up a winding road. I honestly thought I had this one figured out and was shocked to discover I really didn't!

However, it will be the themes that stand out the most to me, as odd as that sounds when describing a thriller. These themes are bigger than the pages they are written on, while simultaneously not being overbearing. Reading this book as an adult helped my heart, so I know someone reading it in their teens would garner even more than I did. I am so happy there are YA books like this one out in the world! Lally's heart truly comes across within these themes; her past experiences clearly enrich her work.

Audiobook notes: Sophie Amoss is one of my favourite narrators! She adds such depth and drama to the stories she tells; her voice is breathy and really portrays the fear and anguish felt by the character. This is the first book I've read that Robb Moreira narrated, and he really brought Drew's character to life; there was a level of loss and regret to his voice that made his roll believable. While both narrators are adults, not once did I feel that their voices didn't belong to these YA characters! This thriller is an awesome choice to read via audio!

Killer title, dual points of view, remote setting, clever unraveling, with protagonists to root for - this is an amazing debut YA thriller!

Thank you NetGalley, Sourcebooks Fire, RB Media and Recorded Books for the complimentary copies to read and review.

Really solid story with an excellent ending. A missing girl and her boyfriend-turned-prime-suspect pull the mystery along with enough gripping suspense to keep you up at night. Lola just disappeared from her home town, and because of the ways small towns work, no one is really looking for her in the right places. But, Drew refuses to give up, and he will stop at nothing to find her. His story is told side-by-side with the story of Mary Boone, a girl who lost her memory, but is found by her father at the police station. It all checks out, but something feels off. The way these two stories come together is masterful, and I really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommend for mystery and thriller fans. Mild horror elements, and minor romance.

Let me start by saying I've never read anything by this author, but I am looking forward to her next book. It can't come soon enough!

This story grabs you right from the beginning. A 17-year-old girl wakes up in a ditch covered in blood. She can't remember how she got there and soon finds out she can't even remember her own name. A police officer finds her and takes her to the police station. Her father shows up at the police station to report his daughter is missing and finds her there and says her name is Mary Boone. Is this really her father and is her name Mary? However, over the next couple of days, Mary's memory starts to return.

The story is told from two viewpoints, Mary and Drew. Drew is trying to find his girlfriend, Lola, who disappeared five weeks earlier. He and his friends, Max and Autumn, follow leads and search for Lola, because the sheriff of their town only wants to concentrate on one suspect, Drew.

I don't want to go into too much detail and give away the ending. Let me tell you, it wasn't what I expected. I thought I had it all figured out! The ending was surprising and actually made me cry. The conversations between the three friends were funny and honest, just like friends should be with each other.

If you like thrillers/mysteries, you will definitely like this book. It's a very quick read because you can't wait to find out what happens next. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Megan Lally.

That’s not my name by Megan Lally was published on January 2, 2024 by Sourcebooks fire.

I was instantly hooked from the very first page all the way until the very last page, I did not see that ending coming at all. This is my very first book written By Megan Lally and it definitely will not be my last.
Lola and Drew are two peas in a pod. One night Drew and Lola were driving around when Lola brought up the thought of spending the rest of her life with Drew. Lola wants to marry Drew, she wants to have kids with Drew, but when Lola brought this up,
Drew freaked out, keep in mind these two are just seniors in high school. When Drew freaked out, Lola got out of the car, slammed the door and walked away. Drew thought she just needed some time to cool off, but when Lola doesn't return home the next day or doesn't answer her phone, Drew knew he made a big mistake and now the whole town and the sheriff think Drew murdered his girlfriend. Drew wants to prove his innocence, but no one will believe him, so he sets out and looks for Lola himself. Lola's best friend, Autumn also thinks Drew is hiding something about the night Lola disappeared, Drew never told anyone nor he never called the police. When Drew spills the secret of what happened to Lola, Max, Drew's cousin and Autumn all set out to look for Lola themselves since the sheriff who is also Autumn's dad is beyond sketchy won't get off his butt and look into the disappearance of Lola Scott.

What happened to Lola Scott? Did the sheriff hurt her? Or drew the guy she wanted to marry and have kids with? Why are there so many secrets?

Then there is a teen that wakes up on the side of a dirt road with no memory of how she got there, who she is, shivering and bruised, a passing police officer finds her and takes her to the police station for questioning. After the teen girl and police officer arrive at the police station, a frantic man arrives. This man says he has been searching for this teen for hours, he has her school ID, her birth certificate, and even family photos. This man is her father and this girl's name is Mary, or so the man says. The girl in the pictures looks exactly like the girl standing in the police station, so the officer has no other reason not to release this teenager to her so called father.
Is this man really who he says he is?
Will she be able to find out who she really is and remember what happened?

I high recommend this book!!
Definitely a five star for me

Thank you Netgalley, Megan Lally, and Sourcebooks for allowing me the chance to leave a free review for this free ARC.

Who is the girl found on the side of the road? In That’s Not My Name, she is taken in to the police station with no memory of who she is or where she’s been. She’s relieved when someone comes in with information as to who she is, he’s her dad and she’s Mary. Elsewhere, Drew is searching for his missing girlfriend, Lola, and everyone thinks he killed her. Switching point of views, we see how the aftermath of being missing can impact different people, whether you’re a missing girl or someone who loves a missing girl.
I loved Mary’s voice and how effortlessly her story unfolded. The fact that only people related to Drew believed him is ridiculous and frustrating. I really enjoyed the scene at the clothing store.
The plot was a little predictable to me but that’s not necessarily the worst thing. This felt like a familiar book that doesn’t take a lot to get into. It was a solid 3 ⭐️ read for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Told in dual narratives, this fast-paced thriller is sure to be super popular with teens - perfect fit for April Henry readers who are ready for something slightly more mature.

I loved this book! From the very first chapter I was hooked.
That’s Not My Name takes place in Oregon. Drew is a high student blamed with the disappearance of his girlfriend Lola. Drew will stop at nothing to find Lola and prove his innocence. Great twists and turns I never saw coming.

So with the love of this book comes 1 ick.
I don’t understand why authors over use the word fuck. Using that word does not make the book any better. In certain situations in a story it may be an appropriate term to fit the circumstances. I don’t know. Is it just such a part of everyday vocabulary now?

This was a quick, fun, twisty read. What Lally has done here is nothing overly unique in terms of story, but I think she executed it well; she managed to ramp up the tension nicely and the dual POV was an interesting touch. Having read a great many thrillers I'm not sure that I was overly shocked at any of the reveals, but seeing as this book is intended for a younger audience (and by younger I just mean a teen audience, so younger than me) it's very possible that a reader like that would find such reveals more shocking. I have to admit that it hasn't been that long since I finished this book and it's already starting to fade specific-wise, but I raced through it quickly and remember enjoying it as I was reading it, so that's nothing to be mad about at all. I'll certainly be curious to see what Lally comes up with for her next book, and I would definitely not hesitate to recommend this to a reader looking for a quick thriller for a teen, or even an adult.

Books like this one are the reason I get excited to see new releases from Sourcebooks Fire. They never let me down. If you like April Henry or Karen McManus, you'll love this one.

What an amazing creepy kidnapping mystery told from dual perspectives! "That's Not My Name" starts out very strong with an eerie vibe that I expected to go away but only increased. I love that I thought I had it all figured out and had to keep adjusting my theories based on new details. Megan Lally treats the reader like they are smart, which a lot of YA fails to do. It's something that will make her work stand out. The last half of the book has you turning pages so quickly that you are at the edge of your seat. I may have yelled a few times as I finished reading.

This was the first book I read in 2024, and I'm so glad. Phenomenal debut from an author who will quickly dominate YA shelves.

I read this pretty quickly, and was pretty entertained by the story but I did have a few issues. I feel like we didn't get anything out of the characters. I know Mary was supposed to be a bit of a blank slate given the noggin bonk, but Drew was pretty flat until that last scene with Madison, and Max and Autumn just felt like they were in the story to be side characters and nothing else. The sheriff was just a villain, Drew's dads are hardly characters. Even Wayne wasn't as fleshed out as he could have been. Autumn's switch up from "Drew did a whole murder of her BEST friend" to "omg mystery friends" was...too fast. OH, also, the Lizzo thing was weird and drew me out of the story every time it was said. "Lizzo heartbeat" is the worst way to describe something, but the description was also made redundant because it was followed by fluttered, or spasmed. Like, just describe her heart as fluttering, don't make it a Lizzo heart or a Lizzo heartbeat. I also think that having her notably remember only Lizzo, randomly, was weird as heck, lol. I think it was supposed to be a light/comedic moment, but it just sort of made me go "...okay".
Overall, a fast and entertaining story that does accomplish what it sets out to do, but without the level of depth that I was hoping for.

Holy crap, what did I just read? My heart was in my throat for 90% of this book.
Another fear unlocked! You wake up in a ditch with no memory of how you got there, and no idea who you are.
POV 1 - Picked up by a sheriff and taken to the station, “Mary” is met by a man claiming to be her father. He provides proof of identity and the sheriff lets her go with this man (although he does make sure it seems safe). She has a feeling something isn’t right, but has no proof that she isn’t who he says she is.
POV 2 - When Lola slammed the car door and stormed off into the night, Drew thought they just needed some time to cool off. Except Lola disappeared, and the sheriff, his friends, and the whole town are convinced Drew murdered his girlfriend. Forget proving his innocence, he needs to find her before it's too late.
Did Drew hurt Lola and he’s lying? Could Mary be Lola? Are these 2 incidents related or are they 2 separate stories?

This book was a great way to start off my 2024 reading! I was on the edge of my seat, trying to figure out what was going to happen. I haven't read a book that fast in a while. This is one of the best YA thrillers I've ever read. I loved the dual POV. I thought I knew what was going to happen in the end, but the twist got me! Highly recommend to any YA fans and/or thriller fans.

My favorite book of 2024 by far! Do I have your attention now? I was a bit worried I had missed the Megan Lally train and have been missing out on amazing books, but it appears this is her first and I am here for it. Consider me a founding member of the Megan Lally fan club!

That’s Not My Name follows two stories flowing simultaneously as we are looking for a missing girl, and reading the story of a girl who seems to have forgotten who she is. Queue your guess as to how it ends, right? No. I promise you, this is not what you expect. I absolutely loved the characters. I really enjoyed the viewpoint from Drew and how everyone was against him and thought he was guilty, but he and his misfit group of friends were the ones still looking for his missing girlfriend. His best friend Max had the best one-liners and if I could be friends with him I would.

Jump to Mary, who I found to be more aware of her gut feelings and red flags she felt. It was interesting to watch her growth and her mind work through what she was experiencing and trying to differentiate real from fake. Lally wrote this character extremely well and the scenario she was in. I was on pins and needles the entire time wondering what was going to happen or just what was happening in general.

It’s been a while since a book hooked me as quickly as Lally’s That’s Not My Name. I was invested in chapter one and had to know what was happening. I finished the book in less than 24 hours and stayed up entirely too late reading. Megan Lally should be on your radar if you love really well-written, intricate, mystery/thrillers that leave you guessing the entire time. If she had more books I would be reading nothing but those. Cannot wait for more. Run, don’t walk, to the bookstore and get a copy!