None of This is True written by Lisa Jewell

Alix, a podcaster and celebrating her 45^th birthday in a pub, meets Josie who is at the same pub also celebrating her 45^Th birthday.  In the bathroom on a chance meeting they discover that both women were born on the same day in the same year and at the same hospital. A few days later, at another chance meeting, Josie convinces Alix to create a podcast about the two of them and call it Hi! I’m Your Birthday Twin. Alix is intrigued and looking for a new podcast topic- she agrees to interview Josie as her birthday twin.

Episode One begins with Josie telling her life story.  She begins the podcast with details about her youth and about her relationship with her single mother, she also discusses her relationship with her husband-how they met and how she feels he “groomed” her as he was 40 years old and she a mere 13-year-old.  He bought her expensive gifts, treated her as an adult- he even took her to a bar.  He made her feel special. She figures in today’s world it would be classified as child abuse- he took advantage of her and her youth. 

Episodes later, Josie reveals she wants to take her life back.  She begins to disclose secrets she has kept about her husband and his treatment to their daughters. She downright calls her husband a pedophile.   Alix is both interested and repulsed by the stories Josie is weaving.  She continues the podcast even though she knows she getting in too deep.

Karen’s thoughts: Amazing book! As a phycological thriller this book does not disappoint!  It’s fast pace and twisted plot will make you want to continue reading. Book clubs will devour this one.  

NOTE! The podcast featured in this novel was turned into a real podcast which you can listen to. Here is the link: https://www.penguin.co.uk/lisa-jewell-birthday-twin-podcast