After taking a break from reading, I wanted to get back into it with easy-to-read thrillers that grab my attention from page one and keep me entertained with a satisfyingly quick pace. When I Was You by Minka Kent checked all those boxes, which is why I read it beginning to end on a three-hour flight.
Synopsis: When I Was You by Minka Kent
“A stolen identity leads a woman down a dark and desperate path in a gripping novel of psychological suspense by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Minka Kent.
After barely surviving a brutal attack, Brienne Dougray rarely leaves her house. Suffering from debilitating headaches and memory loss, she can rely only on her compassionate new tenant, Dr. Niall Emberlin, a welcome distraction from the discomfiting bubble that has become her existence.
But Brienne’s growing confidence in her new routine is shaken when she stumbles across unsettling evidence that someone else is living as… her. Same name. Same car. Same hair. Same clothes. She’s even friended her family on social media. To find out why, Brienne must leave the safety of her home to hunt a familiar stranger.
What she discovers is more disturbing than she could have ever imagined. With her fragile mind close to shattering, Brienne is prepared to do anything to reclaim her life. If it’s even hers to reclaim.”
Goodreads
What I Loved
I thoroughly enjoyed When I Was You by Minka Kent, and I’m a little confused by the 3.91-star ratings on Goodreads. My favorite thing about the book is that it had me guessing from the start, and I was certain I knew exactly what was going on. Then, when I least expected it, the tables were turned. Personally, I’m a huge fan of twists and believe that the more there are, the better.
I also felt like the book was written at the perfect pace. I enjoy books that dive right in and keep me on my toes, and Minka Kent does this really well. Plus, I admired the protagonist and her strength. I often find thrillers have protagonists that go too far down the damsel in a destress route that is no longer acceptable for 2021.
What I Didn’t Love
Part of me wants to say that the book was predictable. But that only applies to the first part of the story. Another thing I didn’t love was the ending, which wasn’t too memorable. There was also one character that I found a little unrealistic, although I can’t get into details without spoiling the entire book.
Summary
I really enjoyed When I Was You by Minka Kent, and I immediately downloaded (thank you Kindle Unlimited) to more of her books. I’ve already read those too and will be reviewing them in the upcoming weeks. Although it clearly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea based on the negative reviews on Goodreads, it was exactly what I was looking for, and I can’t stop singing its praises.
