I Am Dust by Louise Beech

I Am Dust by Louise Beech is a masterclass in how to build suspense. It's a brilliant novel that flits back and forth between 2005 and 2019 and the protagonist Chloe's life in these time periods. Chloe is sixteen in 2005 and finds her life changed forever when along with two friends, Jess and Ryan, they meddle with things they're not supposed to and suffer terrible and tragic consequences as a result. It's a time of their lives that they, as Chester, Chloe's best friend, puts it: 'choose to forget' and it's heart rending witnessing Chloe slowly remembering some of the most painful moments of her life that have obviously scarred her without her consciously acknowledging that they have.

Chloe, at thirty years old has an indisputable, but hidden, talent for both acting and writing. This is where the real heart of the novel is as she's built her own glass prison which she is unable to shatter. Or is she? Beech expertly wrings out the pathos by teasing the reader that Chloe could be on the verge of a momentous change in her circumstances. My heart broke for Chloe and I defy yours not too. Beech exquisitely captures teenage angst with all its yearnings and insecurities. The depiction of unrequited love is particularly poignant and something we can all relate to. 

I Am Dust is a supernatural murder mystery crossed with a YA and I loved it.

Thanks to Karen Sullivan of Orenda Books and to Anne Cater for the gifted copy of this fantastic novel.