Publication Date August 26, 2025
In 2021 and 2022 I read two books by Joe Hart that were solid four star reads: Or Else and Where They Lie. Then, in 2023, Never Come Back was a solid five stars, and I was eagerly awaiting more from Hart. Not sure if I missed something, but thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley, I recently received a copy of I Become Her in exchange for this honest review.
Admittedly I am a crime junkie, both fictional and true, and in a flash of synchronicity, in the past week I watch a Netflix documentary and listened to multiple podcasts about the disappearance of Amy Bradley, so the whole idea of a horrific event happening on a cruise ship was front and center for me. Also I am personally not fond of cruises, either real or fictional, and I admit the idea of even boarding a ship is repugnant to me. BUT! the advance information about Joe Hart’s new book I Become Her, which starts with an incident on a cruise ship, had me hooked from the jump…
It’s in one of my favorite genres (when done well): psychological thriller. And it’’s a simple premise: a couple is on their honeymoon cruise and all is not going smoothly. She suspects he is unfaithful. They fight. He falls overboard. A fishing boat rescues him. He loses his memory. After they return home, she is afraid he will remember. Then she finds information about a woman from his past who disappeared. Does he remember more than he is letting on? Is he lying? If so, why? Is she in danger? You get the idea.
Good writing, well developed characters, some nice twists in the plot. Very fun read. Well Done! Recommended. Five stars. Keep writing, Mr. Hart!!