When I Was You by Minka Kent

Title: When I Was You by Minka Kent
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer
Release Date: February 1, 2020

Brienne Dougray has suffered through trauma in her life. She was raised by her grandparents after she was taken away from her neglectful mother. Six months ago she was brutally stabbed and beaten and left for dead in an alley. Her wallet, purse, and watch were stolen as well. She's left with OCD, nightmares, migraines, PTSD, and a traumatic brain injury. She's also left with fear.

Brienne's fear is strong enough that she rarely leaves the house and her friends encourage her to take on a tenant. She does, Niall Emberlin, and quickly becomes co-dependent on him. Her friends start disappearing from her life and all she is left with is Niall.

A mysterious key arrives at her house and when Brienne starts to investigate she discovers someone is living their lives as her. A whole other Brienne Dougray is living the life she used to live before the attack, down to their social media presence. She contacts a private investigator who treats her like she's crazy so she decides to investigate on her own. Niall eventually gets involved and Brienne starts to doubt her own sanity.

There are twists and turns aplenty in this book. Just when you think you have it all figured out you are thrown a curve ball that sends you in another direction. I finished this book in a couple hours because I just could not find a good place to stop. I wanted to know every detail and didn't put it down until I was finished!

I know some readers, like me, will wonder why Brienne didn't go to the police at several times during the course of the book. Please, keep in mind that she was a victim and felt that the police had failed her by not finding her attacker. This mentality, along with the gaslighting and other aspects in the plot, can lead people to irrational decisions. That being said, I'll ask again...Brienne, why the hell didn't you go to the police?!

This book is slow for the first little bit but I appreciate it because Ms. Kent really gets into the details of what happens when someone isolates themselves from the world. Once the action gets going, however, it just doesn't stop. Fast paced page turner for sure!

Pick up this book ASAP. You will not be disappointed. This is the first book I've read by Ms. Kent but I am a fan now and am looking forward to reading more by her.

A million thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read this book in exchange for a review. It was an absolute pleasure.