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Where You End
From bestselling nonfiction author Abbott Kahler comes a spellbinding fiction debut inspired by true events: an unusual form of amnesia upends the lives of identical twins, forcing them to face the indelible, dangerous shadow of the past.
When 22-year-old Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to relearn her history and identity, she trusts Jude will provide all the answers. But as the months progress, Kat begins to fear that, maybe, Jude has been lying to her.
Recruit. Hunt. Perform or Perish.
Growing up in a sophisticated New Age cult, isolated from society, the girls studied poetry and literature—but also played dangerous games of cunning and savagery, games with dark lessons that followed them into adulthood. Now, with Kat’s mind as a blank slate, Jude invents an idyllic childhood in the hope of erasing this history, and all the threats it still holds.
As Kat pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, those threats draw closer. When the past and present finally converge, the twins must risk everything to save both their unique bond, and each other’s lives.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and moral ambiguities in the quest for redemption.
When 22-year-old Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to relearn her history and identity, she trusts Jude will provide all the answers. But as the months progress, Kat begins to fear that, maybe, Jude has been lying to her.
Recruit. Hunt. Perform or Perish.
Growing up in a sophisticated New Age cult, isolated from society, the girls studied poetry and literature—but also played dangerous games of cunning and savagery, games with dark lessons that followed them into adulthood. Now, with Kat’s mind as a blank slate, Jude invents an idyllic childhood in the hope of erasing this history, and all the threats it still holds.
As Kat pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, those threats draw closer. When the past and present finally converge, the twins must risk everything to save both their unique bond, and each other’s lives.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and moral ambiguities in the quest for redemption.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 16, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 428 reviews
January 24, 2024
For two weeks, Kat Bird hovered between life and death. Comatose following a horrendous car accident, her identical twin sister, Jude, just prayed she’d wake up. But when Kat finally opens her eyes, Jude is startled to learn that Kat’s only memories from before the accident are of her. Luckily for Kat, though, she’s got Jude by her side. After all, they’ve been closer than close since conception itself.
Once out of the hospital, Kat tries to start putting the puzzle pieces of her memory back together with Jude’s help. At the top of the list are who she is and how she landed in a hospital bed. Little does she know, however, that Jude has taken this opportunity to reinvent the past. Instead of their shared history, she packs her sister’s blank slate with a happy childhood full of bliss along with glistening hopes for a promising future.
While Jude is at work, however, Kat gets down to business rediscovering who she is on her own terms. Wandering the neighborhood by herself, she meets Sab, a man who she’s instantly drawn to. Before she knows it, she has fallen head over heels. But just as the new romance is hitting the perfect chord, Kat discovers she has a violent streak that she never before knew existed.
Asking for an explanation from Jude, it just doesn’t seem to add up. Even more unnerving is how Kat feels as though she’s being followed. If their life was so perfect, what exactly is going on? Has Jude been lying to Kat? And how can she uncover the truth for herself? What Kat doesn’t realize, however, is that her fact finding mission may have very real—and very dangerous—consequences that could reach far beyond the twins’ relationship.
What a twisted, twisted tale. From the beginning, Where You End felt decidedly more like a drama than psychological thriller. Complete with one dark and creepy underlying premise that gave me very real shivers, it took me on one heck of a ride. It did not, though, display ever ratcheting suspense or any truly epic twists and turns. Yet despite that fact, I still found myself being pulled into the story, eager to learn where the events would eventually lead.
Out of all of the winning attributes of this book, the brilliant characters took a starring role. Fully fleshed out and yet wholly unreliable, I didn’t know who to trust for much of the novel. But as the secrets were exposed and the truth was laid bare, their behaviors resonated with an odd sense of sincerity that I didn’t expect. Did they come across just a bit juvenile to this reader? Well, yes, but it fit into the premise just right. After all, their childhood was far from the idyllic fairytale that Jude wove for Kat and who knows how that would impact their mental age.
For a good two thirds of this book, the epic drama unfurled through a well-written plot that left me doubting nearly everything and everyone. But as I reached the last one hundred pages, the danger grew larger and the thriller finally took over. And while perhaps not filled with unease or any particularly shocking twists and turns, the cunning, smart prose hit just the right chord and kept me happily turning the pages.
There were, unfortunately, a few hitches along the way. Right off the bat, I was surprised by the slow pace and somewhat literary feel. After a bit, I did adapt to the style, but it took awhile to get past the departure from true blue thriller. The only other piece that irked me just a tad was how the climax and conclusion felt as if it was being chronicled and not brought to life. It’s hard to explain, but it felt somewhat detached from the action. But then, even that didn’t truly ruin this one for me.
All in all, I still found this book to be utterly unputdownable and addictive. Told in dual timelines and POVs, I was beyond curious about what Jude was hiding. Just the same, I wish I’d known ahead of time that this was anything but an action-packed thriller. It wouldn’t have stopped me from diving in, but perhaps it would’ve changed my expectations a bit (and thereby my rating). Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Abbott Kahler and Henry Holt for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: cult, blackmail, homelessness, suicide, child abuse
Once out of the hospital, Kat tries to start putting the puzzle pieces of her memory back together with Jude’s help. At the top of the list are who she is and how she landed in a hospital bed. Little does she know, however, that Jude has taken this opportunity to reinvent the past. Instead of their shared history, she packs her sister’s blank slate with a happy childhood full of bliss along with glistening hopes for a promising future.
While Jude is at work, however, Kat gets down to business rediscovering who she is on her own terms. Wandering the neighborhood by herself, she meets Sab, a man who she’s instantly drawn to. Before she knows it, she has fallen head over heels. But just as the new romance is hitting the perfect chord, Kat discovers she has a violent streak that she never before knew existed.
Asking for an explanation from Jude, it just doesn’t seem to add up. Even more unnerving is how Kat feels as though she’s being followed. If their life was so perfect, what exactly is going on? Has Jude been lying to Kat? And how can she uncover the truth for herself? What Kat doesn’t realize, however, is that her fact finding mission may have very real—and very dangerous—consequences that could reach far beyond the twins’ relationship.
What a twisted, twisted tale. From the beginning, Where You End felt decidedly more like a drama than psychological thriller. Complete with one dark and creepy underlying premise that gave me very real shivers, it took me on one heck of a ride. It did not, though, display ever ratcheting suspense or any truly epic twists and turns. Yet despite that fact, I still found myself being pulled into the story, eager to learn where the events would eventually lead.
Out of all of the winning attributes of this book, the brilliant characters took a starring role. Fully fleshed out and yet wholly unreliable, I didn’t know who to trust for much of the novel. But as the secrets were exposed and the truth was laid bare, their behaviors resonated with an odd sense of sincerity that I didn’t expect. Did they come across just a bit juvenile to this reader? Well, yes, but it fit into the premise just right. After all, their childhood was far from the idyllic fairytale that Jude wove for Kat and who knows how that would impact their mental age.
For a good two thirds of this book, the epic drama unfurled through a well-written plot that left me doubting nearly everything and everyone. But as I reached the last one hundred pages, the danger grew larger and the thriller finally took over. And while perhaps not filled with unease or any particularly shocking twists and turns, the cunning, smart prose hit just the right chord and kept me happily turning the pages.
There were, unfortunately, a few hitches along the way. Right off the bat, I was surprised by the slow pace and somewhat literary feel. After a bit, I did adapt to the style, but it took awhile to get past the departure from true blue thriller. The only other piece that irked me just a tad was how the climax and conclusion felt as if it was being chronicled and not brought to life. It’s hard to explain, but it felt somewhat detached from the action. But then, even that didn’t truly ruin this one for me.
All in all, I still found this book to be utterly unputdownable and addictive. Told in dual timelines and POVs, I was beyond curious about what Jude was hiding. Just the same, I wish I’d known ahead of time that this was anything but an action-packed thriller. It wouldn’t have stopped me from diving in, but perhaps it would’ve changed my expectations a bit (and thereby my rating). Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Abbott Kahler and Henry Holt for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 16, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: cult, blackmail, homelessness, suicide, child abuse
January 7, 2024
DNF @ 40%
Not for me. Found the story boring and couldn't establish any emotional connection with the characters.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Abbott Kahler, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
Not for me. Found the story boring and couldn't establish any emotional connection with the characters.
***Thank you to NetGalley, Abbott Kahler, and Macmillan Audio for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
January 9, 2024
First off, what drew me into this one was the stunningly creepy cover art. After reading the synopsis, I just knew this one would be a winner.
Where You End centers around 22-year-old twin sisters Kat and Jude Bird. After awakening from a coma from a car accident, all Kat can remember is her twin sister Jude. Jude then helps her sister try to remember her past. But as time passes, Kat begins to question what Jude is telling her and she begins her search for the truth.
Initially, it took me a bit to get invested in the story but once I did, I was hooked! I could not put this one down until I knew what had happened in the twin's past and why Jude was lying. But not only is Where You End a thrilling and suspenseful tale but it also highlights the deep bond of sisters. Overall I enjoyed Where You End and I look forward to reading what the author writes next.
Where You End by Abbott Kahler Will be available on January 16. A massive thanks to Henry Holt Books for the gifted copy!
Where You End centers around 22-year-old twin sisters Kat and Jude Bird. After awakening from a coma from a car accident, all Kat can remember is her twin sister Jude. Jude then helps her sister try to remember her past. But as time passes, Kat begins to question what Jude is telling her and she begins her search for the truth.
Initially, it took me a bit to get invested in the story but once I did, I was hooked! I could not put this one down until I knew what had happened in the twin's past and why Jude was lying. But not only is Where You End a thrilling and suspenseful tale but it also highlights the deep bond of sisters. Overall I enjoyed Where You End and I look forward to reading what the author writes next.
Where You End by Abbott Kahler Will be available on January 16. A massive thanks to Henry Holt Books for the gifted copy!
November 2, 2023
I was really excited about Abbott Kahler's 2024 psychological thriller, WHERE YOU END, and just had to read it early! The cover is actually incredible and the synopsis sounds so unique, so I knew I needed to prioritize this one.
The story is centered around two twin sisters, Kat and Jude. When 22 year old Kat wakes up from a coma, she sees her sister and has amnesia. She just recently gotten into a car accident and doesn't remember anything about her life prior to waking up. As Kat tries to relearn her history with the help of her sister, she begins to suspect that maybe she's been lied to, especially when she finds out that her sister kept a big part of their childhood out.
Part cult-drama, part psychological thriller, WHERE YOU END is definitely unique. The only reason why I didn't rate this book higher though is because I was genuinely confused for a third of the novel. The first third and last third of the book made total sense, but the second third was very confusing for me, and I had a lot of trouble understanding what was going on. This book is definitely creepy and intriguing, I highly recommend reading this one just for the unique experience alone. I will definitely look into what this author writes in the future.
The story is centered around two twin sisters, Kat and Jude. When 22 year old Kat wakes up from a coma, she sees her sister and has amnesia. She just recently gotten into a car accident and doesn't remember anything about her life prior to waking up. As Kat tries to relearn her history with the help of her sister, she begins to suspect that maybe she's been lied to, especially when she finds out that her sister kept a big part of their childhood out.
Part cult-drama, part psychological thriller, WHERE YOU END is definitely unique. The only reason why I didn't rate this book higher though is because I was genuinely confused for a third of the novel. The first third and last third of the book made total sense, but the second third was very confusing for me, and I had a lot of trouble understanding what was going on. This book is definitely creepy and intriguing, I highly recommend reading this one just for the unique experience alone. I will definitely look into what this author writes in the future.
January 15, 2024
Movements to expand human potential were a trend in the USA in the 1970s. Groups like EST (now rebranded as The Landmark Forum) and other new religious movements promoted self improvement via indoctrination into a group with strict rules and beliefs.
Where You End is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from these groups and describes a new religious movement called The Plan. The book’s protagonists create The Plan to improve their own lives, and they exploit their own children while convincing themselves that they are raising their kids to be better, stronger, and smarter adults.
Told in alternating timelines, the novel describes what the kids raised in this cult suffered through and what they turned out like as adults. I was fascinated by every chapter that was about the main theme of the inner workings of The Plan and what happened to it over the decades.
The book tries to do too much in my opinion, and throws in main characters who are not just twins but a rare type called mirror twins. Kat has a rare type of amnesia and relies on her mirror twin Jude to tell her what her life was like. The first 40 percent of the story moved slowly as Kat navigated daily life.
In the end, the story left a bunch of loose ends. The author went for shock value rather than a more thoughtful and nuanced conclusion. I have several unanswered questions and would have liked the author to have wrapped up all the various plot lines she started.
I’m rating Where You End 3.5 stars and I always round up. I listened to the audiobook and found the narration to be very good.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me a free digital audio arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Where You End is a work of fiction that draws inspiration from these groups and describes a new religious movement called The Plan. The book’s protagonists create The Plan to improve their own lives, and they exploit their own children while convincing themselves that they are raising their kids to be better, stronger, and smarter adults.
Told in alternating timelines, the novel describes what the kids raised in this cult suffered through and what they turned out like as adults. I was fascinated by every chapter that was about the main theme of the inner workings of The Plan and what happened to it over the decades.
The book tries to do too much in my opinion, and throws in main characters who are not just twins but a rare type called mirror twins. Kat has a rare type of amnesia and relies on her mirror twin Jude to tell her what her life was like. The first 40 percent of the story moved slowly as Kat navigated daily life.
In the end, the story left a bunch of loose ends. The author went for shock value rather than a more thoughtful and nuanced conclusion. I have several unanswered questions and would have liked the author to have wrapped up all the various plot lines she started.
I’m rating Where You End 3.5 stars and I always round up. I listened to the audiobook and found the narration to be very good.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me a free digital audio arc for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2024
Gifted copy from the publisher, thanks 😊!!
Read this later and longer than planned but my genetics decided to have a party 🥳 for multiple weeks (Yay body hmm?)
Really enjoyed this one. It was suspenseful, creepy and twisty:). I guessed a couple things but it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all.
It was so intense for me at times I had to put it aside to gather myself (a compliment don't worry). I couldn't rip my focus away from it when I had the book open, wondering what was coming around the corner next.
I wouldn't call this Horror myself, I would say suspenseful with some horrific circumstances.
I would want Kat and Jude on my team.
Also just wanted to give them and Violet some hugs.
Would recommend this one 👌 It definitely kept me guessing.
Would love to re-visit this via audiobook and definitely gonna check out her other books :).
Read this later and longer than planned but my genetics decided to have a party 🥳 for multiple weeks (Yay body hmm?)
Really enjoyed this one. It was suspenseful, creepy and twisty:). I guessed a couple things but it didn't lessen my enjoyment at all.
It was so intense for me at times I had to put it aside to gather myself (a compliment don't worry). I couldn't rip my focus away from it when I had the book open, wondering what was coming around the corner next.
I wouldn't call this Horror myself, I would say suspenseful with some horrific circumstances.
I would want Kat and Jude on my team.
Also just wanted to give them and Violet some hugs.
Would recommend this one 👌 It definitely kept me guessing.
Would love to re-visit this via audiobook and definitely gonna check out her other books :).
January 7, 2024
This book is beyond bizarre and not what I was expecting. I really loved the premise of the story - two mirror twins one who has lost all of her memories after an accident. I listened to the audiobook and I liked the narrator and I think she did her best to bring the characters to life. But the two main characters and narrators of this story both fell a bit flat for me. I felt like the story moved too slowly and this was book I had to remind myself to read instead of tear myself away for breaks. IT did have some good twists and really is a good debut. When Kat wakes up with Jude’s name and face the only things in her mind. But Jude is happy to fill in her twin’s memories. But when Kat realizes she is a person who will believe everything she starts to question what she thinks she knows about herself and her past. The story alternates between past and present and the past is a bit more twisted than I was expecting.
August 7, 2023
Kat awakes from a coma, and see her mirror twin Jude. Jude assures her she is safe and takes her home. As the month pass, Kat is unable to recall much of her former life. She questions what Jude is telling her, and she begins to explore outside their apartment.
The truth is worse than Kat could ever imagine and Jude is doing her best to shield her from it. She is mostly successful until one day everything explodes an the twins need to stand together to stay alive. Very creepy and dark and intriguing - this novel will make you question your initial decisions - what would you do?
#HenryHolt #Whereyouend #AbbottKahler #Netgalley
The truth is worse than Kat could ever imagine and Jude is doing her best to shield her from it. She is mostly successful until one day everything explodes an the twins need to stand together to stay alive. Very creepy and dark and intriguing - this novel will make you question your initial decisions - what would you do?
#HenryHolt #Whereyouend #AbbottKahler #Netgalley
December 20, 2023
I always find books like this one very hard to rate. Luckily, it looks like most people are having the same issue! How do you rate a book that is unique and interesting, but also confusing and campy?
Kat and Jude are set of strange identical twins; they are identical, but in mirror image (think dimples on different cheeks and hair parted differently). The book starts with Kat in a coma after a car accident. When she wakes up, she sees Jude and immediately recognizes her, but that’s about the only thing she remembers.
Now, it’s up to Jude to fill in the blanks for Kat. Who are their parents? What kind of childhoood did they have? Kat doesn’t even remember foods - what does she like to eat? To drink? Was she an athlete, a book nerd, a goth kid? She has nobody to tell her, except for Jude. Problem is, Jude is painting a rosy picture that has very little to do with the truth…
This bordered on having a YA feel, and I think that’s another reason why I think this one wasn’t for me. The plot was original, as were the characters, but overall there was just something missing. I know some twins have their own language, but theirs was annoying and childish. I do think this grew on me as it went along, but the beginning and end were the best parts - the middle was where it got a bit muddy. Still, this wasn’t a bad fiction debut. Three stars.
(Thank you to Henry Holt & Co., Abbott Kahler and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 16, 2024.)
Kat and Jude are set of strange identical twins; they are identical, but in mirror image (think dimples on different cheeks and hair parted differently). The book starts with Kat in a coma after a car accident. When she wakes up, she sees Jude and immediately recognizes her, but that’s about the only thing she remembers.
Now, it’s up to Jude to fill in the blanks for Kat. Who are their parents? What kind of childhoood did they have? Kat doesn’t even remember foods - what does she like to eat? To drink? Was she an athlete, a book nerd, a goth kid? She has nobody to tell her, except for Jude. Problem is, Jude is painting a rosy picture that has very little to do with the truth…
This bordered on having a YA feel, and I think that’s another reason why I think this one wasn’t for me. The plot was original, as were the characters, but overall there was just something missing. I know some twins have their own language, but theirs was annoying and childish. I do think this grew on me as it went along, but the beginning and end were the best parts - the middle was where it got a bit muddy. Still, this wasn’t a bad fiction debut. Three stars.
(Thank you to Henry Holt & Co., Abbott Kahler and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on January 16, 2024.)
July 1, 2023
I am such a sucker for any kind of story that involves cults. Maybe it was because of the time my parents made us go to a Mormon church? No idea. I loved this. It is eerie, creepy, and has you wondering who really is the reliable twin.
Read
June 29, 2023Review coming on PUB DAY 🥳 January 16 2024!
January 11, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
I received Where a you End as an ALC through NetGalley and I couldn’t wait to read/listen to it! The beginning had me captivated and I was invested in Kat’s story, so captivated in fact that I chose this book as my Aardvark book box… but then somewhere in the middle the pacing felt like it came to a halt and as I was trying to push through, I found myself zoning out from time to time. I thought the narrator was fine but something about it didn’t quite get me to the five stars I really wanted it to be. Maybe the story to narrating didn’t translate how it should have but unfortunately it ultimately fell a bit flat for me. Now, I still found this story to be enjoyable and definitely unique! The beginning and end were great, I just got lost somewhere in the middle. I will definitely be checking out any other books Abbott Kahler puts out, and I’m curious to see other people’s thoughts on this one. Where You End comes out 1/16/24!
Thank you so much NetGalley, & Macmillan Audio for my advanced copy and the chance to review it honestly.
Happy reading!
I received Where a you End as an ALC through NetGalley and I couldn’t wait to read/listen to it! The beginning had me captivated and I was invested in Kat’s story, so captivated in fact that I chose this book as my Aardvark book box… but then somewhere in the middle the pacing felt like it came to a halt and as I was trying to push through, I found myself zoning out from time to time. I thought the narrator was fine but something about it didn’t quite get me to the five stars I really wanted it to be. Maybe the story to narrating didn’t translate how it should have but unfortunately it ultimately fell a bit flat for me. Now, I still found this story to be enjoyable and definitely unique! The beginning and end were great, I just got lost somewhere in the middle. I will definitely be checking out any other books Abbott Kahler puts out, and I’m curious to see other people’s thoughts on this one. Where You End comes out 1/16/24!
Thank you so much NetGalley, & Macmillan Audio for my advanced copy and the chance to review it honestly.
Happy reading!
October 5, 2023
I was really excited when I began reading, but by the very end, I was bored. I can say sometimes that losing your memory isn't such a bad thing.
Thanks for the ARC goodreads.
Thanks for the ARC goodreads.
January 16, 2024
3.5 stars
Where you End has a lot of elements that appealed to me. It features twin sisters, with one of them suffering from amnesia. She starts to realize that her twin is keeping secrets from her and she is determined to figure out the truth. The sisters did not have an idyllic childhood and it seems the past is creeping on them. I don’t want to give too much away but this book strongly reminded me of the tv show The Clearing, which is based on a true story.
However, I found this book to be slow at times and it didn’t always hold my interest. I’m also not a huge fan of dual timelines which this story has. Overall, I liked the book but I didn’t love it, which is why I didn’t rate it higher.
Where you End has a lot of elements that appealed to me. It features twin sisters, with one of them suffering from amnesia. She starts to realize that her twin is keeping secrets from her and she is determined to figure out the truth. The sisters did not have an idyllic childhood and it seems the past is creeping on them. I don’t want to give too much away but this book strongly reminded me of the tv show The Clearing, which is based on a true story.
However, I found this book to be slow at times and it didn’t always hold my interest. I’m also not a huge fan of dual timelines which this story has. Overall, I liked the book but I didn’t love it, which is why I didn’t rate it higher.
February 4, 2024
I might be biased, but I love a good thriller featuring a cult!
October 17, 2023
Did you miss me?
I spent the weekend in Salem, MA to catch the whole “spooky season” vibe and man oh man 10 out 10, recommend you do the same.
My trip was almost as fab as this book right here, Where You End.
I mean hellloooo?!?! Did you see this cover! It’s absolutely stunning and super creepy.
With my book in tow, I found a nice tree to sit under to dig in!
Me oh My! Does this book deliver!!!
Over and Over and Over, again.
This book checks all my boxes and is sure to be a contender for book of the year.
Check out this teaser :
From bestselling nonfiction author Abbott Kahler comes a spellbinding fiction debut: an unusual form of amnesia upends the lives of identical twins, forcing them to face the indelible, dangerous shadow of the past.
When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions:
Who am I?
Where am I?
What actually happened?
Amid this tragedy, Jude sees an irresistible opportunity: she can give her sister a brand-new past, one worlds away from the lives they actually led. She spins tales of an idyllic childhood, exotic travels, and a bright future.
But if everything was so perfect, who are the mysterious people following Kat? And what explains her uncontrollable flashes of violent anger, which begin to jeopardize a sweet new romance?
Duped by the one person she trusted, Kat must try to untangle fact from fiction. Yet as she pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, she has no idea of the catastrophe she’s inviting. At stake is not just the twins’ relationship, but their very survival.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and the quest for redemption.
I spent the weekend in Salem, MA to catch the whole “spooky season” vibe and man oh man 10 out 10, recommend you do the same.
My trip was almost as fab as this book right here, Where You End.
I mean hellloooo?!?! Did you see this cover! It’s absolutely stunning and super creepy.
With my book in tow, I found a nice tree to sit under to dig in!
Me oh My! Does this book deliver!!!
Over and Over and Over, again.
This book checks all my boxes and is sure to be a contender for book of the year.
Check out this teaser :
From bestselling nonfiction author Abbott Kahler comes a spellbinding fiction debut: an unusual form of amnesia upends the lives of identical twins, forcing them to face the indelible, dangerous shadow of the past.
When Kat Bird wakes up from a coma, she sees her mirror image: Jude, her twin sister. Jude’s face and name are the only memories Kat has from before her accident. As Kat tries to make sense of things, she believes Jude will provide all the answers to her most pressing questions:
Who am I?
Where am I?
What actually happened?
Amid this tragedy, Jude sees an irresistible opportunity: she can give her sister a brand-new past, one worlds away from the lives they actually led. She spins tales of an idyllic childhood, exotic travels, and a bright future.
But if everything was so perfect, who are the mysterious people following Kat? And what explains her uncontrollable flashes of violent anger, which begin to jeopardize a sweet new romance?
Duped by the one person she trusted, Kat must try to untangle fact from fiction. Yet as she pulls at the threads of Jude’s elaborate tapestry, she has no idea of the catastrophe she’s inviting. At stake is not just the twins’ relationship, but their very survival.
Intensely creepy and beautifully written, Abbott Kahler’s Where You End is an unforgettable tale of intrigue, revenge, and the quest for redemption.
October 11, 2023
Oh. Y'all. This was very very gewwwd. I read this in 2 sittings and the only reason why I didn't finish it in 1 is because my eyes hurt from staring at the pages and it was 2:30 AM.
I loved the progression of this story; the author blended in bits of what's actually going on little by little, reaching a perfect conclusion. I found the pacing to be excellent and absolutely thrilling from start to finish. Not a single complaint to be had here 💁🏻♀️
I received the ARC at an event from the publisher's booth ❤️
I loved the progression of this story; the author blended in bits of what's actually going on little by little, reaching a perfect conclusion. I found the pacing to be excellent and absolutely thrilling from start to finish. Not a single complaint to be had here 💁🏻♀️
I received the ARC at an event from the publisher's booth ❤️
February 18, 2024
4 stars--I really liked it. Twins escape a cult--and one loses her memory along the way, leaving the other twin to create a new past for them both. Gothic and surreal, this book has the kind of over-the-top melodrama that I enjoy.
January 22, 2024
I was so excited to begin this audiobook, but by the end I was so bored. It started out with so much promise,but it was just too strange. I didn’t emotionally connect with the writing or the characters and even though it took me a while to get into I still found it very confusing.
This one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan for allowing me to honestly review this.
This one just wasn’t for me.
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan for allowing me to honestly review this.
October 31, 2023
this book started out really intriguing with an amnesia trope - a twin is trying to help her sister piece together her entire past after a coma, but is she telling the truth? i was hooked. but then i quickly realized that this was turning into a cult book, which is something i’ve been trying to steer away from as very few of them hit the mark for me.
January 24, 2024
What...did I...just read?
I should first note that I listened to this on audio. It was intriguing and odd from the beginning, which one would expect from this beautifully creepy cover, am I right?!
Jude or Kat - Kat or Jude? I was a bit baffled and confused from the start, which was most certainly Kahler's intent with this book. Summarizing this as "disturbing twin cult vibes" doesn't do this story justice, truly - but what more do you need to know?
As an audio read, I did actually lose some track here and there as to whose perspective I was reading. I think this would probably be a bit easier to avoid if reading this with your eyeballs, but I cannot be for certain. Regardless, I devoured this book and am so glad I grabbed it from my local library. I will definitely not forget this story anytime soon!
As a fair warning, the book does touch on some difficult topics; this did not bother me personally, but it could potentially bother some.
I should first note that I listened to this on audio. It was intriguing and odd from the beginning, which one would expect from this beautifully creepy cover, am I right?!
Jude or Kat - Kat or Jude? I was a bit baffled and confused from the start, which was most certainly Kahler's intent with this book. Summarizing this as "disturbing twin cult vibes" doesn't do this story justice, truly - but what more do you need to know?
As an audio read, I did actually lose some track here and there as to whose perspective I was reading. I think this would probably be a bit easier to avoid if reading this with your eyeballs, but I cannot be for certain. Regardless, I devoured this book and am so glad I grabbed it from my local library. I will definitely not forget this story anytime soon!
As a fair warning, the book does touch on some difficult topics; this did not bother me personally, but it could potentially bother some.
December 28, 2023
Cults, Sister bonds and creepy masks?! I’m in! This book is totally unique and written in a way that I have not read before. It is told from two POVs (Kat and Jude) and from past/present timelines surrounding an event.
This novel is very character driven. We really get a feel for Jude and Kat. They have lots of past trauma and their bond together as twins, sisters and shared PTSD really shows. The story unravels slowly and we are given bits of pieces at a time to finally come to a head at the end. You never truly know all of the details and it is much more inferred. I think that kept it much more ominous and let the reader’s imagination take over. I look forward to more of Kahler’s work as I think she gives the reader’s a unique experience.
This novel is very character driven. We really get a feel for Jude and Kat. They have lots of past trauma and their bond together as twins, sisters and shared PTSD really shows. The story unravels slowly and we are given bits of pieces at a time to finally come to a head at the end. You never truly know all of the details and it is much more inferred. I think that kept it much more ominous and let the reader’s imagination take over. I look forward to more of Kahler’s work as I think she gives the reader’s a unique experience.
January 2, 2024
This book isn’t getting enough hype. It’s dark and twisty, and written very well. Everyone who likes these types of books should jump on this one. It’s ok, I’ll create the hype for it. I got this..
Twin phenomena, amnesia, gaslighting, unreliable narratives, and cults. Enough said. This book is a trip. I was guessing from beginning to end. The story dives deep into trauma, and the bond between sisters. There are a few unsettling moments, buried in the chaos of the jumping timelines and narratives, that are the catalyst for the explosive ending. You won’t walk away from this book without wounds.
If you are a fan of Ashley Winstead’s books, you will love this one. Abbott Kahler is a writer to watch
Twin phenomena, amnesia, gaslighting, unreliable narratives, and cults. Enough said. This book is a trip. I was guessing from beginning to end. The story dives deep into trauma, and the bond between sisters. There are a few unsettling moments, buried in the chaos of the jumping timelines and narratives, that are the catalyst for the explosive ending. You won’t walk away from this book without wounds.
If you are a fan of Ashley Winstead’s books, you will love this one. Abbott Kahler is a writer to watch
August 15, 2023
Thank you for choosing me to read your ARC!! I was really pleased with this book! The character development was done well and I love the way "After Kat" handled things and didn't put up with any BS. The ending was also everything I could have hoped for. It wouldn't have hurt to add a little more detail about "The Plan" because I was a little confused at times but I put the pieces together eventually. I liked learning about the twins' pasts a little at a time so that it kept me wondering and anticipating the answers. Overall I would definitely recommend reading Where You End and cannot wait to see it officially published!
January 24, 2024
“Your mind might forget, but the body always remembers,” (47).
Well this book sure is a mystery right up until the last page. Kat and Jude are mirror twins but when Kat is in a near fatal car accident and loses her memory, she only has Jude to lean on. To teach her who she is, who she used to be, and all the things that make a person an individual. But things aren’t that simple. As Jude helps Kat remember her past - maybe the past is best left in the past.
This book reminded me of that Netflix documentary about siblings (I think twins?) who one lost his memory and his brother didn’t want to tell him about his true past so invented a better version of their childhood. Until the truth had to be brought out.
Great storyline that will keep you intrigued until the end. As Kat tries to figure out who she truly is, we are finding out at the same time. As the mystery deepens we are right there with Kat. Rooting for her. Brilliantly written this book won’t disappoint.
Well this book sure is a mystery right up until the last page. Kat and Jude are mirror twins but when Kat is in a near fatal car accident and loses her memory, she only has Jude to lean on. To teach her who she is, who she used to be, and all the things that make a person an individual. But things aren’t that simple. As Jude helps Kat remember her past - maybe the past is best left in the past.
This book reminded me of that Netflix documentary about siblings (I think twins?) who one lost his memory and his brother didn’t want to tell him about his true past so invented a better version of their childhood. Until the truth had to be brought out.
Great storyline that will keep you intrigued until the end. As Kat tries to figure out who she truly is, we are finding out at the same time. As the mystery deepens we are right there with Kat. Rooting for her. Brilliantly written this book won’t disappoint.
January 3, 2024
Mirror twins, an unusual form of amnesia, and a hidden past all lead to an atmospheric literary thriller from nonfiction writer Abbott Kohler.
Following an accident, Kat Bird awakens from a coma with only memories of her twin sister Jude. As Kat is forced to relearn her history with the help of Jude, she begins to suspect there is much more to the story than she is being told.
I wanted so much to love this one. The premise, atmosphere, and insanely fascinating characters should have made this a win. And while it did start off with a bang that kept my attention early on, I found myself utterly confused for most of the book.
First, I would classify this book as more literary mystery than true thriller due to the pacing and story development. It is verrrryyy slow burn. The writing is unique and clever, but simultaneously disjointed as we bounced between the current and past timelines.
This book is also insanely dark at times (you will discover the rationale for the intense eerie cover) which to be honest, I wanted a bit more focus on. Every time I started to grasp what was happening by following the various threads, I felt as though they unraveled in my hands. I am honestly not even sure I understand the entirety of what happened here once I finished.
I think there is something wholly unique about this book. I would suggest doing an immersive read with the audiobook and physical book. I think it may end up being a better and more organized experience.
Read if you like:
•twin drama
•psychological thrillers
•slow burn
•cult thrillers
•dual timelines
Thank you {partners} @henryholt and @macmillanaudio for my gifted copies.
Following an accident, Kat Bird awakens from a coma with only memories of her twin sister Jude. As Kat is forced to relearn her history with the help of Jude, she begins to suspect there is much more to the story than she is being told.
I wanted so much to love this one. The premise, atmosphere, and insanely fascinating characters should have made this a win. And while it did start off with a bang that kept my attention early on, I found myself utterly confused for most of the book.
First, I would classify this book as more literary mystery than true thriller due to the pacing and story development. It is verrrryyy slow burn. The writing is unique and clever, but simultaneously disjointed as we bounced between the current and past timelines.
This book is also insanely dark at times (you will discover the rationale for the intense eerie cover) which to be honest, I wanted a bit more focus on. Every time I started to grasp what was happening by following the various threads, I felt as though they unraveled in my hands. I am honestly not even sure I understand the entirety of what happened here once I finished.
I think there is something wholly unique about this book. I would suggest doing an immersive read with the audiobook and physical book. I think it may end up being a better and more organized experience.
Read if you like:
•twin drama
•psychological thrillers
•slow burn
•cult thrillers
•dual timelines
Thank you {partners} @henryholt and @macmillanaudio for my gifted copies.
December 16, 2023
You will doubt all existence when you pick up this psychological thriller. It reminds me of Black Swan. So cunning, beautiful, articulate and fast. I did not want this book to end and before you know it, after goosebumps and a few cold chills, it ended, leaving me wanting more. And that's where it ended.
February 9, 2024
As someone who had a disabled sister I completely felt responsible for, this book hit me right in the feels. The drama is the connection between the sisters, how the love and doubts compete with one another. I was riveted.
November 21, 2023
This book was interestingly descriptive in ways I didn’t need it to be. Since I read an arc, and it is subject to change, I will not quote it directly. However, I will say that the beginning was a turn off from me, and I did struggle with that. This did slightly change as the book went one, but almost to the point it felt like different writing.
I love a good thriller, and mainly stick to thrillers and the occasionally horror. Psychological thrillers are my favorite, so I thought that this would be a fantastic read. That wasn’t the case. I found the pacing to be incredibly slow. Nothing really happens, and nothing is really thrilling. I guess at this point I expect more from thrillers after having read so many. This read to me more like a literary fiction, and I think that had it been labeled as such I would have enjoyed it more.
I did enjoy the past and present chapters, yet Kat’s “now” chapters felt a little off, not sure if that was intentional, while Jude’s chapters were where the story happened. I never did connect with the characters in a meaningful way, so I really didn’t care what happened to them. As a reader I need to find something to connect with in order to enjoy the book, it doesn’t have to be big, but it needs to be there, and this book didn’t do it for me.
I think that this book would have been better as a shorter succinct novella with a lot of the middle left out. I also feel that this might have helped the pacing. While it wouldn’t have fixed all the issues I had with this book, it would have at least made it slightly more enjoyable.
I do love the cover and that is what drew me into this book.
While this one was a miss for me, I do appreciate the publisher for sharing an e-arc copy with me.
I love a good thriller, and mainly stick to thrillers and the occasionally horror. Psychological thrillers are my favorite, so I thought that this would be a fantastic read. That wasn’t the case. I found the pacing to be incredibly slow. Nothing really happens, and nothing is really thrilling. I guess at this point I expect more from thrillers after having read so many. This read to me more like a literary fiction, and I think that had it been labeled as such I would have enjoyed it more.
I did enjoy the past and present chapters, yet Kat’s “now” chapters felt a little off, not sure if that was intentional, while Jude’s chapters were where the story happened. I never did connect with the characters in a meaningful way, so I really didn’t care what happened to them. As a reader I need to find something to connect with in order to enjoy the book, it doesn’t have to be big, but it needs to be there, and this book didn’t do it for me.
I think that this book would have been better as a shorter succinct novella with a lot of the middle left out. I also feel that this might have helped the pacing. While it wouldn’t have fixed all the issues I had with this book, it would have at least made it slightly more enjoyable.
I do love the cover and that is what drew me into this book.
While this one was a miss for me, I do appreciate the publisher for sharing an e-arc copy with me.
February 2, 2024
A truly incredible debut novel. Everything I thought was totally wrong and multifaceted. Revenge and the bonds of sisterhood were constantly challenged. Most of it threw me a loop and It took me a while to put the pieces together. Wow.
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