Minnie's Fiction Addiction

👀 First impressions:
You Will Never Be Me dives headfirst into the glossy, performative world of influencer culture, where curated perfection masks rivalry, insecurity and obsession. Jesse Sutanto introduces us to two women bound together by motherhood, social media and simmering resentment. From the opening chapters, the novel establishes an atmosphere of comparison and quiet hostility that steadily escalates into something far more sinister. This is a psychological thriller that thrives on tension rather than mystery, making it immediately compelling.

✅ What I Liked:
Sutanto excels at capturing the voice and mindset of her characters, particularly the corrosive effects of envy and validation seeking. The inner monologues are sharp, funny and often painfully recognisable, skewering the pressures of online perfection with precision. The pacing is tight, with short chapters that keep the story moving and the unease building. There is also a strong satirical edge, using humour to underline just how warped competition and self worth can become in digital spaces.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
Some plot developments lean into exaggeration, and the characters are intentionally unlikeable, which may be off putting for readers who need someone to root for. A few twists are more predictable than shocking, especially if you are familiar with the genre. However, the enjoyment lies more in the psychological sparring than in surprise alone.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you enjoy dark thrillers with a sharp sense of humour and social commentary, You Will Never Be Me is a great choice. It is ideal for readers who like morally messy characters and stories that explore modern anxieties around identity, motherhood and comparison culture. This is a fast, addictive read that sparks plenty of uncomfortable reflection.

💭 Final Thoughts:
You Will Never Be Me is a slick and entertaining psychological thriller that turns the spotlight on insecurity and obsession in the age of social media. Jesse Sutanto blends tension and satire with confidence, creating a story that is unsettling precisely because it feels so plausible. It may not reinvent the genre, but it delivers a sharp and thoroughly enjoyable reading experience.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE and HERE

Final Rating ★★★★ – A smart, savage thriller with a wickedly modern edge