That's Not My Name by Megan Lally

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⭐ 2.5/5 Book Review: That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

👉 Grab That’s Not My Name on Amazon here

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🚨 Trigger Warnings

• Kidnapping / Abduction

• Amnesia

• Murder & Violence

• Religious Control / Manipulation

• Teen pregnancy mentioned

• Death of side characters

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First Impressions 🧐

This book started out so strong. The opening had me glued to the pages — creepy cabin, mysterious “dad,” small-town vibes. But unfortunately, the second half of the book… let’s just say the wheels came off the bus. 🚍💨

Plot holes galore, an ending that wasn’t really a twist, and a villain who made choices so dumb that I was laughing instead of biting my nails. (Like — would a seasoned abductor/serial killer just casually walk into a police station?? Really??)

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Spoiler-Filled Plot Summary 📖⚠️

We meet a young woman (later revealed to be Madison Perkins) who wakes up on the side of the road in Oregon with amnesia. Officer Bowman finds her and takes her to the station. Enter Wayne Boone — a panicky “dad” claiming his daughter Mary is missing. He shows up with photos, IDs, and a whole backstory. Madison (believing she’s Mary) goes home with him to an isolated cabin in the woods.

At first, Wayne plays the role of “strict but loving father” — no low-cut tops, no fun books, only religious material… but oddly enough, he’s fine with her watching Schitt’s Creek. (🤔 consistency is not his strong suit).

Meanwhile, we follow Drew Carter-Diaz, who is searching for his missing girlfriend, Lola. Everyone suspects him, but he’s determined to prove otherwise. Along with his cousin Max and friend Autumn, Drew hunts for clues and learns Lola was spotted in a nearby town.

Back at the cabin, Madison starts noticing red flags: Wayne doesn’t know her allergies, his rules don’t match her memories, and she finds herself drawn to things “Mary” supposedly doesn’t like. Then their kindly neighbor Ben Hooper goes missing — and guess what? Madison finds his body buried in the woods. Wayne is officially exposed as a killer.

She tries to run, hits Wayne with a rock, but he captures her. Just as things look bleak, Drew tracks her down. He sees Wayne carrying her into the basement, and despite realizing Madison is not Lola, he decides to help. In a final showdown, Madison and Drew team up to kill Wayne.

The epilogue jumps forward: Lola is confirmed dead (she was one of Wayne’s earlier victims). Madison and Drew mourn her together with a symbolic cupcake-and-candle scene. Madison tries to help Drew heal, and life (sort of) moves on.

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My Thoughts 💭

Here’s the thing:

• The setup = excellent. Creepy cabin, amnesia, “is he really her father?” tension.

• The execution = 🤦‍♀️. Wayne’s choices don’t make sense. The cop subplot feels flimsy. And the final “twist” (Madison isn’t Lola) wasn’t much of a twist at all — the timeline already gave that away.

By the time the book wrapped, I felt more annoyed than satisfied. It’s a quick read, sure, but thrillers need to feel smart to work — and this one just didn’t.

⭐ Final Rating: 2.5/5

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Similar Books You Might Like 📚✨

If you’re into thrillers with tighter twists and fewer plot holes, check these out instead:

• Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris

• The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine

• The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen