Horror Book Preview: That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

 

It isn’t easy finding a book that can actually captivate your interest, much less one that will actually make you shiver. Or at least have you biting your nails in suspense?

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally may just be the nail-biting suspense you are looking for. Published in 2023, the novel is a bestseller as well as an award nominee. 

It has been generally well-liked by readers although there are some negative reviews regarding the twist and a few plot holes. 

Nevertheless, let’s dive right into the book and break down the excerpt that is available on Amazon. 

THAT’S NOT MY NAME Book Plot

A teen wakes up in the middle of road, bruised and bloody. She is found by a police officer who takes her back to the precinct where he tries to help her. The girl has lost her memory and cannot even remember her name much less how she got here.

A man arrives, claiming that the girl is his daughter Mary and is able to provide some ID proof. 

On the other side, Drew is desperately searching for his girlfriend Lola who stormed off after a fight. Now everyone suspects he has something to do with her disappearance. 

That's Not My Name Book Preview and My Take

The story begins immediately with the girl’s point of view and the visceral description immediately makes us sympathize with her. She is surprised to find herself in a ditch, and a swollen and bloody nose. 

She finds a police officer who introduces himself as Officer Bowman and takes her to the precinct after she has received medical aid. Now it may be considered a plot hole that our protagonist, who is seventeen, was allowed to make the decision to refuse medical aid even though she has suffered a concussion and has amnesia. 

Anyway, while she is being interviewed, a man appears who wants to file a missing report for his daughter. He gives a description which the officer connects to the girl sitting right in front of him. 

The officer interviews the man who introduces himself as Wayne Boone who claims the girl is his daughter Mary. Of course the girl doesn’t remember but when she sees the photos on his phone, she sees some semblance of herself in the girl pictured. 

Officer Bowman does insist that he would need more information before he leaves a minor in custody with Wayne, and so it is decided that they would drive to the cabin to see the birth certificate as well as other ID documents. 

On the other side, Drew is taking photocopies of his missing girlfriend Lola. The whole town suspects him of being responsible for her disappearance but that doesn’t stop him from persisting and is more than determined to find her. 

His friend Max offers him support and tries to keep him away from the ire of the townsfolk who dislike Drew. 

Based on Lola’s description, as a reader, we begin to suspect whether the unnamed girl from the first chapter may instead be Lola. What is Wayne is lying? But then…the photos?

If you’ve read a lot of suspense thrillers, clearly things are never what they seem from the beginning. It is a bit too convenient that Wayne happens to find his daughter so quickly and things are resolved for the unnamed girl. Something is definitely going on here. 

Megan Lally, the author, beautifully crafts a suspenseful story that keeps you turning pages, eager to find out how the story will unfold. Your gut may be telling you something is off but you may not quite guess immediately what it is that is giving off eerie vibes. 

Read or Skip?

Who is the girl? Is she Mary or Lola? Will I be able to achieve peaceful sleep without ever finding out her identity? Probably not. THAT’S NOT MY NAME is a compelling read for sure and it isn’t any wonder that it has been well-received by readers. 

I would definitely keep reading and find out why the book title suggests “That’s not my name.” So going by that major clue, she really isn’t Mary, is she?

Get the book here