ARC Review: “Behind Her Lives” by Briana Cole

“Behind Her Lives” by Briana Cole

Publication Date: October 25, 2022

Genre: Thriller, Fiction

Page Length: 320 pages (electronic edition)

Synopsis:

Secrets, suspense, and a missing sister—who may not want to be found—are at the center of Brianna Cole’s latest enthralling multicultural drama. Will appeal to fans of psychological suspense, gritty drama, and readers of De’Nesha Diamond, Kiki Swinson, Saundra, Wahida Clark, Ashley & JaQuavis, Victoria Christopher Murray, and Shelly Ellis.

“That’s not my sister.” Overwhelmed by shock and relief, those are the only words Deven can muster when she is called to identify the body of a suicide victim. A body she was informed was her sister, Kennedy. But as she stares at the lifeless stranger, she’s filled with questions: Who is this woman? Why was Deven listed as family? And most important, where is Kennedy? Her intuition tells her just one thing: this can’t be a total coincidence.

Desperate to put the pieces together, Deven launches her own investigation. Soon, she finds herself tangled in a web of secrets and lies so twisted that it blurs the lines between fact and fiction. And between the sister she thought she knew and the one who seems to have many hidden, dangerous lives. But only Kennedy would have the answers to increasingly urgent questions. Just one possibility is clear: Kennedy isn’t missing. Maybe she just doesn’t want to be found. And maybe you can never truly know another person. Even your own sister.

Review:

Behind Her Lives is a mind-bending thriller that has so many twists and turns that reading it felt like being on a speeding train non-stop. The story follows Deven, who finds out her sister Kennedy has died under mysterious circumstances. Unsatisfied with the answers she’s been given she decides to go on an investigation on her own and starts to unravel the lies that surround her sister’s life.

I love a good mystery that feels like a puzzle and Behind really delivers on that aspect. Reading through this book had me struggle to put the puzzle pieces together as I worked along with Deven to solve the mystery. This thriller delivers on the suspense and at times is incredibly bone-chilling. Everything has the illusion of being “matter of fact” or perfect, but the facade quickly crumbles as the plot develops.

While the novel is fast-paced the plot keeps a solid momentum throughout the course of the story. This novel was so engrossing it was hard to put down. Devon becomes an amateur sleuth while also grappling with feelings of grief and betrayal (as her world comes crashing down). While the story is action-packed there is an aura of uncertainty because the reader isn’t sure if they can trust the narrator or not. I enjoyed the shift between past/present and the inclusion of diary entries within the narrative that gave the readers further insight into the characters. It added another layer of suspense to the plot.

A recommended read for readers looking for a good thriller to dive into this Autumn season.

TW: Death, Miscarriage, Drugs

Final Verdict: