I’ll Be You

As child stars, identical twins Sam and Elli learned that they could seamlessly assume each other’s identity to circumvent strenuous filming schedules and daunting social situations. As adults, however, their respective modes of self-destruction could not be more different; Sam succumbs repeatedly to addiction, while Elli cannot overcome her desperate need to please others. Their conflicting desires—fame versus family—create a rift between the once-inseparable pair, but their paths are thrust back together when Sam learns that Elli has disappeared into the folds of what may be a dangerous cult. Narrators Julia Whelan and Kate Rudd both have steady, silvery voices, which are similar enough to suggest the sororal connection, yet different enough to distinguish Sam’s edgy, outgoing nature from Elli’s quiet compassion. By splitting the narrative between both sisters, author Brown (Pretty Things) creates cliffhangers that will leave listeners breathless, compelled forward to reach the next thrilling twist.