That's Not My Name: A Pulse-Pounding YA Thriller of Secrets, Lies, and Betrayal

I normally don't care for YA books, but Megan Lally has changed my mind with this book. I was gripped the entire time. I even teared up at the end. I only wish it was a tad longer, to give more explanation about the chain of events. Otherwise, I was thoroughly impressed with this one and can't wait to read more by Megan Lally.

This is up there for one of my favorite thrillers. There was a ton of mystery and suspense but it also was fairly fast paced so although I was anticipating what was going to happen, I wasn’t sitting on information too long before it became clear. As a true crime fanatic, I took interest in the plot and loved the amateur sleuthing that Drew, Autumn and Max get into. The dual POVs provide interesting insights into the timeline that really get the head spinning by the second half of the book. I’ve added more Megan Lally to my TBR because I thought this story was told wonderfully so I’m very intrigued to read more of her work soon.

Good book to ease into thriller genre

All I’ll say about That’s Not My Name is that I didn’t realize it was a young adult novel when I picked it up. I went in expecting darker or more graphic elements, but instead got a quick, easy, and lighthearted read than the usual. While it’s not exactly my style, I can’t complain—it does what it’s supposed to as a YA book. If you’re into not so disturbing plot lines, this one will probably hit the mark for you. For me, it was just a little detour from my usual reads.

Alright, folks, get ready for a rollercoaster of amnesia, mistaken identity, and small-town drama. This book is a wild ride from start to finish, and if you’re into thrillers that keep you guessing (and occasionally yelling at the pages), then buckle up. Here’s why this twisty tale of forgotten identity and a missing girlfriend earns a solid four stars.

First off, meet our Jane Doe, who wakes up shivering and bruised on the side of a dirt road with zero memory of how she got there or who she is. Cue the entrance of the frantic man who claims to be her father, complete with all the proper paperwork and family photos. Her name is Mary. Or is it? Because nothing says “trust me” like showing up with a bunch of conveniently produced documents.

Then we have Drew, whose girlfriend Lola decided to make a dramatic exit from their argument by slamming the car door and disappearing into the night. Drew’s problem? The whole town, including the sheriff and his so-called friends, are convinced he killed her. Now, instead of just proving his innocence, Drew has to play detective to find Lola before things get even more out of hand.

The alternating perspectives between our amnesiac heroine (Mary? Lola? Who even knows at this point?) and Drew add a layer of tension that’s like watching a horror movie where you want to scream, “Don’t go in there!” But it’s not just about the thrill; it’s about the psychological depth and the slowly unraveling mystery of who this girl really is and what happened to Lola.

However, the real MVP here is the suspense. The author does a fantastic job of keeping you on edge, never quite sure who to trust or what’s coming next. The plot twists are doled out like breadcrumbs, leading you through a dark forest of deception and half-truths. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out—bam! Another twist that makes you question everything.

This is a gripping thriller that plays on themes of identity, trust, and the lengths we’ll go to uncover the truth. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to be completely absorbed in a story, shouting at the characters and turning pages late into the night. I read it in just a few hours - could not put it down! I was holding back tears the last two chapters, but the epilogue really got me. I wasn’t expecting to be so emotionally wrecked by the ending.