Kiss Me First-Lottie Moggach

Lottie Moggach, daughter of author Deborah Moggach of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel fame, really is an exciting prospect.  Her debut novel Kiss Me First is original and fresh, with an unsettling and thought provoking plot.

Leila lives in a poky London flat where she is detached from society.  She spends most of her time on a philosophy debating website called 'Red Pill', the one place where she feels she is respected and valued.  Through the website Leila is put in touch with Tess.  Tess wants to commit suicide, but doesn't want her family and friends to be hurt by her actions.  Leila learns all she can about Tess, the important and the seemingly insignificant details, before Tess disappears and Leila assumes her identity.  Kiss Me First is a disturbing yet compelling read that is beautifully written- a fantastic debut novel.

The characters are built up in a way that means you are never entirely sure of either their motives or sanity. I felt uneasy throughout yet it was such a gripping novel that I couldn't stop reading!  The only downfall for me was that the ending seemed just a bit too abrupt.  Overall I would definitely recommend you try Kiss Me First- psychological suspense in a style similar to the bestselling Into the Darkest Corner by Elizabeth Haynes.

Kiss Me First is out now, published by Picador. 

9/10

With thanks to Picador for providing me with a review copy of Kiss Me First.

You can find out more about Lottie Moggach on her facebook page which can be found here.