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A review by libraryforspooky
When She Was Me by Marlee Bush
3.0
This book fulfills Tennessee in a self reading challenge of a book taking place in every US State or territory (11/56).
"Ever since that night, twin sisters Cassie and Lenora have been inseparable. As the sole permanent residents of Cabin Two, their refuge on an isolated Tennessee campground, they manage to stay away from prying eyes, probing questions, and true crime junkies. Just the two of them, Cassie and Lenora against the world. The peace and quiet is almost enough to make them forget what happened all those years ago. Almost."
Marlee Bush’s "When She Was Me" is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, but falls short of being a standout in the genre. With an intriguing premise and a setting that enhances the story’s tension, this three-star read offers a mix of suspense, character study, and a somewhat contrived conclusion.
The novel follows twin sisters Cassie and Lenora, who live in seclusion at a Tennessee campground. The peace they’ve carved out for themselves is disrupted when a teenage girl goes missing from a neighboring cabin, dredging up memories and suspicions from their shared past. The narrative delves into the sisters' complex relationship and their attempts to piece together the truth before it’s too late.
Bush excels in creating an atmospheric and fast-paced story. The isolated, claustrophobic wilderness setting amplifies the sense of dread and unease that permeates the novel. The dual timelines and shifting points of view in each chapter keep the reader engaged, as the suspense builds and the secrets of the past slowly unravel.
However, the characterization leaves much to be desired. Lenora, with her trauma and obsessive tendencies, is difficult to sympathize with, while Cassie is only marginally more relatable. This lack of connection with the main characters can make it challenging for readers to fully invest in their story.
One of the novel’s strengths is the author’s ability to cast doubt and suspicion effectively. Bush keeps readers guessing about what really happened all those years ago and who might be responsible for the current crime. This element of uncertainty is well-maintained throughout the book, adding to its suspenseful nature.
Unfortunately, the ending feels somewhat disappointing. The resolution comes off as too "Scooby-Doo," with a neatly tied-up explanation that doesn’t quite match the organic buildup of suspense throughout the story. Instead of allowing the pieces to fall into place naturally, the conclusion is delivered in a way that feels overly orchestrated and less satisfying.
Despite its flaws, "When She Was Me" is still an entertaining read. It captures the reader’s attention with its eerie atmosphere and keeps them engaged with its twists and turns. While it may not be a standout in the psychological thriller genre, it offers enough intrigue and suspense to make it worth a read for fans of the genre.
"Ever since that night, twin sisters Cassie and Lenora have been inseparable. As the sole permanent residents of Cabin Two, their refuge on an isolated Tennessee campground, they manage to stay away from prying eyes, probing questions, and true crime junkies. Just the two of them, Cassie and Lenora against the world. The peace and quiet is almost enough to make them forget what happened all those years ago. Almost."
Marlee Bush’s "When She Was Me" is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, but falls short of being a standout in the genre. With an intriguing premise and a setting that enhances the story’s tension, this three-star read offers a mix of suspense, character study, and a somewhat contrived conclusion.
The novel follows twin sisters Cassie and Lenora, who live in seclusion at a Tennessee campground. The peace they’ve carved out for themselves is disrupted when a teenage girl goes missing from a neighboring cabin, dredging up memories and suspicions from their shared past. The narrative delves into the sisters' complex relationship and their attempts to piece together the truth before it’s too late.
Bush excels in creating an atmospheric and fast-paced story. The isolated, claustrophobic wilderness setting amplifies the sense of dread and unease that permeates the novel. The dual timelines and shifting points of view in each chapter keep the reader engaged, as the suspense builds and the secrets of the past slowly unravel.
However, the characterization leaves much to be desired. Lenora, with her trauma and obsessive tendencies, is difficult to sympathize with, while Cassie is only marginally more relatable. This lack of connection with the main characters can make it challenging for readers to fully invest in their story.
One of the novel’s strengths is the author’s ability to cast doubt and suspicion effectively. Bush keeps readers guessing about what really happened all those years ago and who might be responsible for the current crime. This element of uncertainty is well-maintained throughout the book, adding to its suspenseful nature.
Unfortunately, the ending feels somewhat disappointing. The resolution comes off as too "Scooby-Doo," with a neatly tied-up explanation that doesn’t quite match the organic buildup of suspense throughout the story. Instead of allowing the pieces to fall into place naturally, the conclusion is delivered in a way that feels overly orchestrated and less satisfying.
Despite its flaws, "When She Was Me" is still an entertaining read. It captures the reader’s attention with its eerie atmosphere and keeps them engaged with its twists and turns. While it may not be a standout in the psychological thriller genre, it offers enough intrigue and suspense to make it worth a read for fans of the genre.