That's Not My Name

by Megan Lally

She doesn’t know her name. But someone out there does — and he’s not letting go.

That's Not My Name

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That’s Not My Name

Megan Lally

Young Adult / Thriller

301

December 26, 2023

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The Quick Look

That’s Not My Name is a razor-sharp thriller full of tension, mind games, and the kind of charming villain that’ll make your skin crawl. With a mystery at its core and a heroine fighting to remember who she is, it’s a fast-paced ride that delivers twist after twist.

  • Themes: Identity, control, memory, trust, power dynamics, resilience
  • Read If You Like
    • A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
    • We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
    • Unreliable narrators and eerie suburban vibes
    • Thrillers that blend charm, dread, and suspense
  • Best For: Fans of fast-paced thrillers with emotional stakes and a punchy, satisfying payoff.
  • Skip If: You’re squeamish about gore, or looking for something light and fluffy.

The Full Review

PLOT & PACING
From the first chapter, this book moves. The premise—girl wakes up with no memory and a boyfriend who seems a little too perfect—sets the tension high and never lets it go. Every chapter peels back a layer you didn’t see coming.

CHARACTER & VOICE
You’ll root for Drew from the jump—he’s steady, loyal, and the voice of reason in a gaslit world. And our protagonist? She’s a blank slate with depth, curiosity, and more fire than she realizes. Watching her unravel the mystery of herself is half the thrill.


STYLE & ATMOSPHERE
Lally’s writing is clean, tight, and totally immersive. The tone balances teenage vulnerability with creeping dread, and the setting feels suburban—but with a sinister undercurrent, like something’s always just out of sight.

THEMES & DEPTH
This book tackles control and identity without dragging you into darkness too long. It explores how trauma distorts memory—and how dangerous it is when the people around you try to shape your reality for you.

PERSONAL TAKE
That’s Not My Name is a proper thriller, and I was fully here for every twist. Infuriating at all the right moments, it’s got mystery, heart, and a villain you’ll love to loathe. A cherry-on-top suspense sundae I devoured without regret.

 

The Final Verdict

Fast-paced, frightening, and fiercely satisfying, That’s Not My Name delivers a villain with a smile and a heroine who finds her voice—one terrifying memory at a time.

💀💀💀💀 out of 5 names she never chose.