Reviews of Andrea Mara's It Should Have Been You highlight its gripping psychological suspense and well-crafted plot. Readers praise the unexpected twists and strong character development. Some find the pacing uneven, but many appreciate the emotional depth and tension throughout. Overall, it's a compelling read with engaging storytelling.

Readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with intricate plots, similar to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl or Paula Hawkins' The Girl on the Train, will be captivated by Andrea Mara's It Should Have Been You. The novel’s suspense and exploration of memory and truth appeal to fans of tense, character-driven mysteries.

It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara is a psychological thriller exploring themes of guilt, identity, and justice. A person attempts to uncover the truth behind their sibling's mysterious death, confronting buried secrets and personal struggles that cloud their investigation. The narrative delves into the emotional complexities faced by individuals coping with loss and suspicion.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Unnerving / Emotional

**Susan O'Donnell**  
The protagonist and primary narrator, Susan is an anxious new mother whose accidental WhatsApp message sets off the novel's central events. Overwhelmed with sleep deprivation and a loss of identity, she becomes entangled in escalating threats to her family.

**Greta O'Donnell**  
Susan's capable and dependable older sister, Greta serves as a protective mentor. Her past experiences and ruthless loyalty to her family drive her actions throughout the story.

**Jon Mullane**  
Susan’s husband, Jon, is introduced as an easygoing and charming partner. However, his secretive actions reveal a deceitful and selfish nature that contributes to the novel's tension.

**Venetia**  
The primary antagonist, Venetia is a grieving sister consumed by a quest for vengeance. Her actions are driven by a desire for justice after a personal tragedy.

**Celeste Geary**  
A secondary antagonist focused on maintaining her family's pristine public image, Celeste is forced to confront her own issues following Susan's viral message.

**Nika Geary**  
A popular teenager whose social standing is damaged by Susan’s message, Nika's actions illustrate the complex dynamics of teenage social hierarchies.

**Felipe**  
A gentle and tragic figure, Felipe is caught in the central conflicts of the novel. His actions are motivated by guilt and a desire for redemption.

**Maeve Khoury**  
A quiet and sensitive teenager, Maeve becomes a victim of cyberbullying and violence, highlighting the extreme consequences of digital transgressions.

**Savannah Holmes**  
A glamorous and wealthy woman whose life intersects with Susan's through a series of misunderstandings, Savannah becomes a pivotal figure in the unfolding drama.

Study Guide

Book Brief

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About It Should Have Been You

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Overview

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It Should Have Been You Overview

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Background

It Should Have Been You Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

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Prologue-Chapter 22

It Should Have Been You Prologue-Chapter 22

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, child abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, pregnancy loss, and mental illness.

Chapters 23-44

It Should Have Been You Chapters 23-44

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Chapters 45-66

It Should Have Been You Chapters 45-66

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Chapters 67-88

It Should Have Been You Chapters 67-88

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Chapters 89-111

It Should Have Been You Chapters 89-111

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Character Analysis

It Should Have Been You Character Analysis

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Themes

It Should Have Been You Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

It Should Have Been You Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

It Should Have Been You Important Quotes with Page Numbers

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It Should Have Been You: A Novel

It Should Have Been You: A Novel

Book Brief

It Should Have Been You

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

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