Every Smile You Fake

Every Smile You Fake by Dorothy Koomson is a gripping psychological thriller that immerses readers in a world of mystery and moral dilemmas. The story follows Kez Lanyon, a profiler and therapist, who encounters a life-altering situation when she discovers a baby left in her car, accompanied by a note pleading for her to care for him. The note reveals a connection to the missing mother, Brandee, a social media influencer with a tumultuous history.

The Plot

Kez's instincts kick in as she suspects that Brandee's disappearance is linked to a more sinister threat. The narrative unfolds as Kez grapples with her responsibilities: should she honour the mother's request to protect the infant or leverage her professional connections to uncover the truth behind Brandee's vanishing act? As Kez delves deeper into Brandee's past, she confronts the dark realities of fame, mental health, and the lengths one might go to for love and safety.

Themes

• The Complexity of Motherhood: The novel explores the often tumultuous relationship between mothers and their children.
• Social Media's Impact: Koomson examines how modern fame can complicate personal lives and relationships.
• Moral Ambiguity: Characters are faced with difficult choices, prompting readers to question their own values.

"A compelling tale that keeps you guessing until the very end."

With her signature style, Koomson crafts a narrative that is both engaging and thought-provoking, making Every Smile You Fake a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and character-driven stories. Readers who enjoyed Koomson's previous works, such as The Ice Cream Girls, will find familiar themes of suspense and emotional depth woven throughout this novel.