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All of Us
All of Us is a riveting thriller with six compelling protagonists--who all share one body. Though legally she is Carolyn Grand, in practice she is Martha, a homemaker who cooks and cleans for her "family," Victoria, a put-together people person, Serena, a free spirit, Kirk, a heterosexual man, Eleni, a promiscuous risk-taker, and Tina, a manifestation of what is left of Carolyn after years of childhood sexual abuse. As they jockey for control of their body, all the personalities also work together to avoid being committed to a psychiatric facility. But Carolyn's tenuous normal is shattered when Hank Grand, the man who abused her and leased her out to pedophiles, is released from prison. Soon he begins stalking her, bringing back painful memories for all of the personalities.
When Hank is murdered in a seedy hotel room, Carolyn is immediately a prime suspect. But the man has other shady dealings, and the burden of proof weighs heavy on the police--especially when, propelled by demons of his own, one of the detectives assigned to the case finds his way into Carolyn's very solitary life.
The police and the reader are left wondering: are any of Carolyn's personalities capable of murder? A deeply suspenseful novel, with a truly unique cast of characters.
When Hank is murdered in a seedy hotel room, Carolyn is immediately a prime suspect. But the man has other shady dealings, and the burden of proof weighs heavy on the police--especially when, propelled by demons of his own, one of the detectives assigned to the case finds his way into Carolyn's very solitary life.
The police and the reader are left wondering: are any of Carolyn's personalities capable of murder? A deeply suspenseful novel, with a truly unique cast of characters.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published June 2, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
June 20, 2020
An intriguing thriller, it tells the story of Carolyn Grand, who, after years of childhood sexual abuse, ceased to exist. Now her psyche is made up of fragmented personalities, six of them sharing Carolyn's mind. While the personalities are all aware of each other, and sometimes are there at the same time, at other times only one of them is in control of the body, and the others "don't exist".
When Carolyn's father is finally let out of prison after serving a lengthy sentence for her abuse, he comes looking for her. When he is found murdered in a hotel room Carolyn is immediately the prime, but not only, suspect. Police soon have the hard task of figuring out whether one of Carolyn's personalities murdered her father, hampered by personalities that "did not exist" at the time of the murder. So, did one of the six murder their father? Or was it someone else on the periphery?
A quick and easy read, All Of Us is an interesting look into the mind of fragmented personalities. Each chapter is told by a different personality, but the reader is never confused as to which is which, and we come to know each personality well. An original take on the who dunnit, which I have no hesitation in recommending to all lovers of the genre.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When Carolyn's father is finally let out of prison after serving a lengthy sentence for her abuse, he comes looking for her. When he is found murdered in a hotel room Carolyn is immediately the prime, but not only, suspect. Police soon have the hard task of figuring out whether one of Carolyn's personalities murdered her father, hampered by personalities that "did not exist" at the time of the murder. So, did one of the six murder their father? Or was it someone else on the periphery?
A quick and easy read, All Of Us is an interesting look into the mind of fragmented personalities. Each chapter is told by a different personality, but the reader is never confused as to which is which, and we come to know each personality well. An original take on the who dunnit, which I have no hesitation in recommending to all lovers of the genre.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 10, 2020
This is the story of “siblings”:
1. Victoria - The responsible sister. She’s a leader, conservative, and the best one for face-to-face conversations.
2. Martha - Also responsible and a leader. She takes care of the cooking, laundry, paying bills, and making sure money gets to the bank. She doesn’t like outsiders.
3. Tina - Remembers everything. She carries a lot of pain and has suicidal tendencies.
4. Serena - The carefree sister. She loves fruit and flowers, and thinks of herself as a hip kind of artist.
5. Eleni- The promiscuous sister. She has very urgent needs.
6. Kirk - The brother. He’s heterosexual.
These are all of the personalities currently living in 37-year old Carolyn Grand’s body. Carolyn has DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) due to a traumatic childhood involving her father, who sexually abused her and filmed videos of her with other pedophiles. Now, when he gets released from prison and turns up murdered, Carolyn is the prime suspect. If she is, in fact, the murderer, which one of her identities committed the crime?
This premise is very intriguing and original, and only recently came to be on my radar (Thanks Christina!). The writing is smart, and the subject has clearly been researched. It’s easy to keep track of who’s who, and it’s engaging and suspenseful. It does lose some steam as it gets closer to the conclusion. The explanation of what happened is told in an odd fashion, and I didn’t really care for the last chapter. Overall, I would recommend this to mystery fans looking for something a bit different.
TW: Besides the obvious that’s mentioned above, there is yet again the death of an animal, which I’m getting really sick of. Fortunately, it’s very brief.
Thank you to author A.F. Carter, The Mysterious Press, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1. Victoria - The responsible sister. She’s a leader, conservative, and the best one for face-to-face conversations.
2. Martha - Also responsible and a leader. She takes care of the cooking, laundry, paying bills, and making sure money gets to the bank. She doesn’t like outsiders.
3. Tina - Remembers everything. She carries a lot of pain and has suicidal tendencies.
4. Serena - The carefree sister. She loves fruit and flowers, and thinks of herself as a hip kind of artist.
5. Eleni- The promiscuous sister. She has very urgent needs.
6. Kirk - The brother. He’s heterosexual.
These are all of the personalities currently living in 37-year old Carolyn Grand’s body. Carolyn has DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) due to a traumatic childhood involving her father, who sexually abused her and filmed videos of her with other pedophiles. Now, when he gets released from prison and turns up murdered, Carolyn is the prime suspect. If she is, in fact, the murderer, which one of her identities committed the crime?
This premise is very intriguing and original, and only recently came to be on my radar (Thanks Christina!). The writing is smart, and the subject has clearly been researched. It’s easy to keep track of who’s who, and it’s engaging and suspenseful. It does lose some steam as it gets closer to the conclusion. The explanation of what happened is told in an odd fashion, and I didn’t really care for the last chapter. Overall, I would recommend this to mystery fans looking for something a bit different.
TW: Besides the obvious that’s mentioned above, there is yet again the death of an animal, which I’m getting really sick of. Fortunately, it’s very brief.
Thank you to author A.F. Carter, The Mysterious Press, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 24, 2020
3 "disturbing, thought-provoking, intelligent" stars !!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Grove Atlantic for an ebook in exchange for my honest review. This book was released June 2020.
I found this book both fascinating and frustrating.
Carolyn Grand is a woman with a horrific trauma history. She has multiple instances of physical, emotional and sexual assaults throughout her childhood and adolescence. She psychologically defragments and is left with a host of personalities that have only have semi awareness of each other.
They consider each other siblings and have rivalries with different strengths and vulnerabilities. They are able to live day to day but not hold a job or a serious relationship.
Her prime abuser is released from prison and is shortly, thereafter, murdered. Is Carolyn or one of her alters responsible ?
The author appears to have some insider knowledge of this complex disorder (dissociative identity disorder formerly known as multiple personality disorder) and is able to impart to the reader what it would be like to live with this condition day to day by exploring each alter and how they interact with each other in the protagonist's head.
The writer also does an excellent job of letting the reader know how forensic psychiatry and the justice system works in New York City. I absolutely admire the writer's capacity to leave political correctness and pandering at the door and fully explore corruption and the malignancy of some psychotherapists and police personnel.
Carolyn Grand is the ultimate unreliable narrator and her struggles with poverty, desire and survival are what make this novel a potential winner.
The novel, however, does not fully do its job and there are loose threads and much more content and subplots are needed. The book's prose style is sometimes compelling but more often middling and clunky. Often the book feels rushed, unfinished.
The subjective experience of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder was excellent but the whole of the novel felt rather unfinished and undeveloped.
A worthwhile and interesting read that had the potential to be much better !!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Grove Atlantic for an ebook in exchange for my honest review. This book was released June 2020.
I found this book both fascinating and frustrating.
Carolyn Grand is a woman with a horrific trauma history. She has multiple instances of physical, emotional and sexual assaults throughout her childhood and adolescence. She psychologically defragments and is left with a host of personalities that have only have semi awareness of each other.
They consider each other siblings and have rivalries with different strengths and vulnerabilities. They are able to live day to day but not hold a job or a serious relationship.
Her prime abuser is released from prison and is shortly, thereafter, murdered. Is Carolyn or one of her alters responsible ?
The author appears to have some insider knowledge of this complex disorder (dissociative identity disorder formerly known as multiple personality disorder) and is able to impart to the reader what it would be like to live with this condition day to day by exploring each alter and how they interact with each other in the protagonist's head.
The writer also does an excellent job of letting the reader know how forensic psychiatry and the justice system works in New York City. I absolutely admire the writer's capacity to leave political correctness and pandering at the door and fully explore corruption and the malignancy of some psychotherapists and police personnel.
Carolyn Grand is the ultimate unreliable narrator and her struggles with poverty, desire and survival are what make this novel a potential winner.
The novel, however, does not fully do its job and there are loose threads and much more content and subplots are needed. The book's prose style is sometimes compelling but more often middling and clunky. Often the book feels rushed, unfinished.
The subjective experience of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder was excellent but the whole of the novel felt rather unfinished and undeveloped.
A worthwhile and interesting read that had the potential to be much better !!
February 19, 2020
I think this was an interesting premise, but ultimately the execution didn't 100% work for me. This could easily be turned into a an engrossing film, and I think fans of Split will really be intrigued by how the multiple personalities interact with each other. Full review to come.
June 16, 2020
Carolyn Grand is no longer. As a child, her father raped her repeatedly, selling her body to friends and other sick adults and videoing the horrors for profits. Finally arrested and sentenced to thirty years in prison, Carolyn was put into the foster system. Sent to live with the Acevedas and several other foster girls, the horrors for Carolyn continued.
To protect herself, Carolyn's psyche created a family. Countless Carolyns each for a different function. Now, 37 years old, the being that was Carolyn has diverged into six different beings - Kirk, the man; Martha, the homemaker; Victoria, the public face; Eleni, the sexual being; Serena, the artist; and Tina, the nine year-old child.
When Eleni solicits an undercover cop, Carolyn is put back on the radar of the psychiatric hospitals. Though she's been living independently for a decade, she's quickly put back in a hospital for evaluation and then temporarily released and put under the supervision of the state and a therapist.
Carolyn's new therapist, Dr. Halberstam, may not be the good doctor she needs. Well versed in therapy over the years, Carolyn's family instantly recognizes something sinister in Dr. Halberstam. When Carolyn's father, Hank Grand, is due to be released three years early for good behavior, Dr. Halberstam seems to take pleasure in the havoc this will cause on Carolyn's well being. And when Hank shows up dead shortly after being released, it's unclear whether Dr. Halberstam believes Carolyn's innocence, or wants to plant memories that she's guilty even if she's not.
It's difficult to make novels about dissociative identity disorder unique because the genre is so popular in modern fiction, however, this one did feel different. Part murder mystery and part psychological thriller, this was a story of a broken woman trying to get by. Told by each family member, it was easy to connect to the characters and recognize their unique personalities. However, the novel was incredibly short and the storylines wrapped up a little too quickly and cleanly. An epilogue, set a year or two in the future, would have made a really nice addition to the novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mysterious Press for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
To protect herself, Carolyn's psyche created a family. Countless Carolyns each for a different function. Now, 37 years old, the being that was Carolyn has diverged into six different beings - Kirk, the man; Martha, the homemaker; Victoria, the public face; Eleni, the sexual being; Serena, the artist; and Tina, the nine year-old child.
When Eleni solicits an undercover cop, Carolyn is put back on the radar of the psychiatric hospitals. Though she's been living independently for a decade, she's quickly put back in a hospital for evaluation and then temporarily released and put under the supervision of the state and a therapist.
Carolyn's new therapist, Dr. Halberstam, may not be the good doctor she needs. Well versed in therapy over the years, Carolyn's family instantly recognizes something sinister in Dr. Halberstam. When Carolyn's father, Hank Grand, is due to be released three years early for good behavior, Dr. Halberstam seems to take pleasure in the havoc this will cause on Carolyn's well being. And when Hank shows up dead shortly after being released, it's unclear whether Dr. Halberstam believes Carolyn's innocence, or wants to plant memories that she's guilty even if she's not.
It's difficult to make novels about dissociative identity disorder unique because the genre is so popular in modern fiction, however, this one did feel different. Part murder mystery and part psychological thriller, this was a story of a broken woman trying to get by. Told by each family member, it was easy to connect to the characters and recognize their unique personalities. However, the novel was incredibly short and the storylines wrapped up a little too quickly and cleanly. An epilogue, set a year or two in the future, would have made a really nice addition to the novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mysterious Press for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
April 12, 2020
As the result of severe childhood trauma, Carolyn Grand split herself into six different personalities. This well crafted pageturner shows each of them dealing with daily life and clearly explains their need to be.
Tough enough already, life gets even more complicated when Carolyn becomes a suspect in a murder case. Did she do it? And if so, which part of her did?
'All of Us' is an exceptional read covering the complexity of multiple personalities as well as giving the reader an action packed psychological thriller. The end is a bit of a let down, yet at the same time provides much food for thought.
This impressive story will definitely stay with me for a long time.
Thank you Netgalley and Grove Atlantic / Mysterious Press for the ARC.
Tough enough already, life gets even more complicated when Carolyn becomes a suspect in a murder case. Did she do it? And if so, which part of her did?
'All of Us' is an exceptional read covering the complexity of multiple personalities as well as giving the reader an action packed psychological thriller. The end is a bit of a let down, yet at the same time provides much food for thought.
This impressive story will definitely stay with me for a long time.
Thank you Netgalley and Grove Atlantic / Mysterious Press for the ARC.
September 5, 2020
One woman with six personalities (including a little girl and one male). One could be a murderer.
What a terrific debut!
I was engaged from the start.
Great combination of characters and excellent dialogues.
My only complaint is that I couldn’t get enough. This book is too short!
Seriously, I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing. I enjoyed it so much that I’m forgiving the abuse of the use of apostrophes.
I would like to see this book adapted for the screen.
What a terrific debut!
I was engaged from the start.
Great combination of characters and excellent dialogues.
My only complaint is that I couldn’t get enough. This book is too short!
Seriously, I really enjoyed the storyline and the writing. I enjoyed it so much that I’m forgiving the abuse of the use of apostrophes.
I would like to see this book adapted for the screen.
December 19, 2019
4 stars--I really liked it.
I don't believe in multiple personalities. But it makes for a great story! This is a psychological noir novel, featuring multiple characters that happen to inhabit the same body, that took some unexpected turns. If you like dark psychological suspense, give this a try.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
I don't believe in multiple personalities. But it makes for a great story! This is a psychological noir novel, featuring multiple characters that happen to inhabit the same body, that took some unexpected turns. If you like dark psychological suspense, give this a try.
I received this review copy from the publisher on NetGalley. Thanks for the opportunity to read and review; I appreciate it!
June 26, 2020
What a premise! A "locked room" whodunit with six suspects who are all locked in one person's head.
The first thing to know about this book is that it is about Dissociative Identity Disorder ("DID") or "multiple personality disorder" as it is more colloquially known. The basic premise of the book is that the protagonist, Caroline Grand, was sexually abused by her father, and developed six distinct personalities. When a murder occurs it seems likely that Caroline was the culprit, but was she? And if so, which personality did it?
If you don't like books on multiple personalities you might still like this book. I found it was done much better than some of the more cliched mysteries featuring this theme. I could tell that the author either did some serious research or had a very creative mind, because these personalities co-existed in a way I had never read before. Some of them can see and hear eachother and they know they are all living in the same body. They view eachother as brothers and sisters with birthdates. All this was new and fresh to me and made the premise extra interesting. The author does an incredibly good job distinguishing all the characters' voices from eachother - much better than most multiple narration books in this genre. There was never any doubt as to who was speaking and the personalities were distinct and interesting.
I really liked the first 3/4 of the book and was totally riveted by the personalities and their unique voices and coexistance. I liked the ending fine but had a few nitpicks with it that I won't go into from here due to spoilers. Despite some reservations about the ending, overall, this was a very interesting and original book that I would definitely recommend, especially to people who like psychological thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley, A.F. Carter and Mysterious Press/Grove Atlantic for this totally original ARC in exchange for my honest review!
The first thing to know about this book is that it is about Dissociative Identity Disorder ("DID") or "multiple personality disorder" as it is more colloquially known. The basic premise of the book is that the protagonist, Caroline Grand, was sexually abused by her father, and developed six distinct personalities. When a murder occurs it seems likely that Caroline was the culprit, but was she? And if so, which personality did it?
If you don't like books on multiple personalities you might still like this book. I found it was done much better than some of the more cliched mysteries featuring this theme. I could tell that the author either did some serious research or had a very creative mind, because these personalities co-existed in a way I had never read before. Some of them can see and hear eachother and they know they are all living in the same body. They view eachother as brothers and sisters with birthdates. All this was new and fresh to me and made the premise extra interesting. The author does an incredibly good job distinguishing all the characters' voices from eachother - much better than most multiple narration books in this genre. There was never any doubt as to who was speaking and the personalities were distinct and interesting.
I really liked the first 3/4 of the book and was totally riveted by the personalities and their unique voices and coexistance. I liked the ending fine but had a few nitpicks with it that I won't go into from here due to spoilers. Despite some reservations about the ending, overall, this was a very interesting and original book that I would definitely recommend, especially to people who like psychological thrillers.
Thanks to NetGalley, A.F. Carter and Mysterious Press/Grove Atlantic for this totally original ARC in exchange for my honest review!
November 14, 2019
Appropriately enough, there are multiple names for the multiple personality disorder. Doesn’t make it any easier to live with. But Carolyn Grand manages. Which is to say the collective of personalities under the umbrella of Carolyn Grand manages. Following a nightmarish severely traumatizing childhood of horrid abuse, Carolyn has developed other personalities to help her cope with various aspects of what might have otherwise been an unbearable existence. There’s Victoria, who handles public appearances, Martha, who takes care of all practical matters, Serena, the dreamer, who, as she states, provides colors, Eleni who manages the carnal affairs, Kirk the tough guy and Tina, the child, tragically tasked with remembering the years of abuse, so that the others don’t have to be crippled by it. Six in all, different enough to have a somewhat contemptuous relationship, they must come together and cooperate like never before, when first their autonomy and then their freedom comes under a threat. It is Eleni’s sexual adventures that originally get the multis under the power of a possessive bastard of a therapist, but the real danger comes when the perpetrator of all the abuse, their father, gets an early release from prison where he’s been for the last 27 years. Redeemed on paper and far from it in real life, he reappears in their lives, causing a great disruption. But before too much damage can be done, he winds up dead, murdered. With no one (in theory) more motivated to do the killing than his longtime victim, his accuser, his mentally unstable daughter. But is she guilty? And how can guilt even be attributed to a person whom six comprise? So that’s the meat of the novel, but there’s so much more to it. No gristle, no fat, at 201 pages it is much too lean for that, but the author does manage to deliver a powerhouse of a character driven story in such a relatively slim package. Split personalities have been used in books, tv shows and movies and always provide a lot to play with, most notably recently in a movie titled Split. In fact, this book would make a great movie, I’d love to check it out in a cinematic form, I’ve been trying to mentally cast Carolyn, it would require a considerable acting skill. But anyway, as a character driven story, this novel lives and dies with its characters and the author did such a terrific job of creating memorable, compelling and (notably so) distinct personalities for Carolyn Grand’s composite. Each chapter is narrated by a different person with a completely authentic perspective and voice and it makes the entire thing come together really well. The sort of book that goes by so quickly (and it really did, 215 minutes, one sitting) and you kind of don’t want it to end just yet. Maybe because I didn’t all the way love the ending. But then again I didn’t all the way love the inclusion of the lovelorn cop either and still it worked. It was just a really great read. A story about a definitionally dysfunctional and yet a striking functional family. I read entirely too many thrillers and to find something so different and fresh and exciting and to find all of that in a debut is just…awesome. It was an awesome read. I really enjoyed it. Immensely entertaining psychological thriller. Recommended. Thanks Netgalley.
May 25, 2020
Well well. This was a blast. Strangely addictive in its short enough life. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
It’s the story of Carolyn Grand who suffered some severe trauma in her childhood and has split her personality into multiple personalities, diagnosed as suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Carolyn isn’t really there anymore, only the numerous iterations of her with their separate names and one even being a man.
The story is told from their perspective as they find themselves having to attend a psychologist for assessment after being stopped by police for a minor misdemeanour.
Things escalate as “Carolyn” becomes a suspect in a recent murder. Did one of her personas commit it without the others being aware?
I really enjoyed this one. It’s told from the multiple viewpoints of the characters that occupy the one body. We don’t get different perspectives per say of the same situation, rather we jump from character to character as time moves along and a character finds them self in control of the body.
The format worked great and is handled with a mixture of dark humour and some truly unsettling subject matter.
The characters all clearly defined. All facets of her own personality to an extent, they all have their own distinctive trait.
The story does feel like it might trip over itself at any stage or tie itself into knots but it somehow manages to manoeuvre these obstacles and tell a coherent and easy to follow story with what I found a very satisfying ending.
You will need to suspend disbelief on occasion and go along with some of the over the top, nearly cartoon type characters that are scattered through the book but it makes it all the more enjoyable for me. A mixture of quite graphic and nasty subject matter splattered with dark humour and out and out humour with some larger the life characters. A bit like if Tarantino decided to write a novel in a way.
Just over 200 pages. Doesn’t outstay it’s welcome. Packs everything the story needs into those 200 pages, I love to see books like this that don’t try and fluff their feathers out to make the book longer for the sake of it. Great job by the editor and whoever else was involved in deciding the final draft.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Grove Atlantic Mysterious Press and A.F. Carter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s the story of Carolyn Grand who suffered some severe trauma in her childhood and has split her personality into multiple personalities, diagnosed as suffering from Dissociative Identity Disorder.
Carolyn isn’t really there anymore, only the numerous iterations of her with their separate names and one even being a man.
The story is told from their perspective as they find themselves having to attend a psychologist for assessment after being stopped by police for a minor misdemeanour.
Things escalate as “Carolyn” becomes a suspect in a recent murder. Did one of her personas commit it without the others being aware?
I really enjoyed this one. It’s told from the multiple viewpoints of the characters that occupy the one body. We don’t get different perspectives per say of the same situation, rather we jump from character to character as time moves along and a character finds them self in control of the body.
The format worked great and is handled with a mixture of dark humour and some truly unsettling subject matter.
The characters all clearly defined. All facets of her own personality to an extent, they all have their own distinctive trait.
The story does feel like it might trip over itself at any stage or tie itself into knots but it somehow manages to manoeuvre these obstacles and tell a coherent and easy to follow story with what I found a very satisfying ending.
You will need to suspend disbelief on occasion and go along with some of the over the top, nearly cartoon type characters that are scattered through the book but it makes it all the more enjoyable for me. A mixture of quite graphic and nasty subject matter splattered with dark humour and out and out humour with some larger the life characters. A bit like if Tarantino decided to write a novel in a way.
Just over 200 pages. Doesn’t outstay it’s welcome. Packs everything the story needs into those 200 pages, I love to see books like this that don’t try and fluff their feathers out to make the book longer for the sake of it. Great job by the editor and whoever else was involved in deciding the final draft.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Grove Atlantic Mysterious Press and A.F. Carter for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 24, 2020
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content Rating: 18+
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Published: June 2, 2020, by Mysterious Press
All of Us is a noir thriller with an unnerving psychological twist. A.F. Carter takes the reader deep into the fractured mind of Carolyn Grand. Since early childhood, Carolyn has endured horrendous abuse at the hand of her sick, twisted father, Hank, and then she suffered at the hands of her foster family. As if that is not enough, Hank also exposes Carolyn to his pedophile friends and films them.
“I have no memory of my father, now in prison, or of his sadistic friends. Nor do I remember Benny Aceveda and his wife, the foster parents who rented us by the hour.”
Martha
Carolyn’s mind copes with this trauma by splintering into six distinctly different individuals, each with their own unique personalities. Carolyn Grand suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), sometimes called Multiple Personality Disorder or Split Personality. I loved that the author took a murder mystery and added this unique twist.
All of Us is told to us by each of Carolyn’s personalities. These six different personalities work together and have enabled Carolyn to have a reasonable life. She still struggles and needs help from the state, but she can live on her own. Carolyn Grand’s people are the makeup of Martha, Victoria, Serena, Kirk, Elina, and Tina, who have their particular purpose in protecting Carolyn both physically and psychologically.
“Our past is imprinted somewhere inside the brain we share, but Tina alone has access. If that saves the rest of us a lot of pain…”
Martha
I won’t explain what each person does for Carolyn, as that would take away the fun of reading the book but know that A.F. Carter does an excellent job in the development of each character and perfectly showcases the internal struggle between each of the personalities.
“Victoria and Martha want to eat me, me and Eleni, to swallow us down, to digest us, to empty us from their bowels, to flush us away.”
Serena
Everything is going along “normally” until Carolyn hears that her father will be released from prison. Upon release, he starts stalking Carolyn, she reports this to the police, but they are unable to do anything. And then Hank is murdered.
A.F. Carter leads us down a well written suspenseful path that leaves us wondering and yes, hoping if any of Carolyn’s personalities were capable of murdering Hank. These six characters/personalities were all so well developed, and I became attached to all of them. The pacing of this book was well executed and kept me on edge throughout the whole book. If you like the thriller genres, All of Us delivers that edge of your seat reading with a unique twist.
* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. *
** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **
Content Rating: 18+
Genre: Fiction, Thriller
Published: June 2, 2020, by Mysterious Press
All of Us is a noir thriller with an unnerving psychological twist. A.F. Carter takes the reader deep into the fractured mind of Carolyn Grand. Since early childhood, Carolyn has endured horrendous abuse at the hand of her sick, twisted father, Hank, and then she suffered at the hands of her foster family. As if that is not enough, Hank also exposes Carolyn to his pedophile friends and films them.
“I have no memory of my father, now in prison, or of his sadistic friends. Nor do I remember Benny Aceveda and his wife, the foster parents who rented us by the hour.”
Martha
Carolyn’s mind copes with this trauma by splintering into six distinctly different individuals, each with their own unique personalities. Carolyn Grand suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), sometimes called Multiple Personality Disorder or Split Personality. I loved that the author took a murder mystery and added this unique twist.
All of Us is told to us by each of Carolyn’s personalities. These six different personalities work together and have enabled Carolyn to have a reasonable life. She still struggles and needs help from the state, but she can live on her own. Carolyn Grand’s people are the makeup of Martha, Victoria, Serena, Kirk, Elina, and Tina, who have their particular purpose in protecting Carolyn both physically and psychologically.
“Our past is imprinted somewhere inside the brain we share, but Tina alone has access. If that saves the rest of us a lot of pain…”
Martha
I won’t explain what each person does for Carolyn, as that would take away the fun of reading the book but know that A.F. Carter does an excellent job in the development of each character and perfectly showcases the internal struggle between each of the personalities.
“Victoria and Martha want to eat me, me and Eleni, to swallow us down, to digest us, to empty us from their bowels, to flush us away.”
Serena
Everything is going along “normally” until Carolyn hears that her father will be released from prison. Upon release, he starts stalking Carolyn, she reports this to the police, but they are unable to do anything. And then Hank is murdered.
A.F. Carter leads us down a well written suspenseful path that leaves us wondering and yes, hoping if any of Carolyn’s personalities were capable of murdering Hank. These six characters/personalities were all so well developed, and I became attached to all of them. The pacing of this book was well executed and kept me on edge throughout the whole book. If you like the thriller genres, All of Us delivers that edge of your seat reading with a unique twist.
* Please note the quotes in my review are subject to change once the book is published. *
** I kindly received this galley by way of NetGalley, publisher, and author. I was not contacted, asked, or required to leave a review. I received no compensation, financial or otherwise. I have voluntarily read this book, and this review is my honest opinion. **
September 5, 2020
This book is fantastic.
The main character, Carolyn Grand, was horrifically abused by her father. In order to survive and persevere, Carolyn has created alternate personalities: Martha, Victoria, Kirk, Serena, Eleni, and Tina. When she is caught attempting to solicit an undercover cop as Elani, her world goes into a tailspin.
She is sent to a psychiatric facility evaluation and observation. When she is ready to be released, she placed under the supervision of a psychiatrist that has been appointed by the court., as well as, a caseworker from adult protective services. Both the psychiatrist and caseworker were appointed by the court to make sure Carolyn is still able to live on her own.
The caseworker does a wonderful job assisting Carolyn. Her next door neighbor becomes an amazing ally. The personalities begin working together to maneuver through the mess that her life has become. A police office assigned to her case begins to be a bit more than a police officer, to her benefit personally. And the psychiatrist. Well, let's see. The psychiatrist is very easily found out. The alters are not stupid. He has a motive, an agenda. What does Carolyn have that he wants? Then, her father is released from jail. He is a threat. An even bigger threat than he ever was. Hank always comes back for his little girl.
The writing moves flawlessly. A. F. Carter presents the alters nicely. Each personality has their own mannerisms. Their own eccentricities. Their own ways to manipulate. So who murdered Hank Grand? That answer is so much more complicated than you think. And that handsome police officer. You will have to read the book to find out!!!
Thanks to NetGalley, Mysterious Press, and A. F. Carter for an ARC in return for an honest review.
The main character, Carolyn Grand, was horrifically abused by her father. In order to survive and persevere, Carolyn has created alternate personalities: Martha, Victoria, Kirk, Serena, Eleni, and Tina. When she is caught attempting to solicit an undercover cop as Elani, her world goes into a tailspin.
She is sent to a psychiatric facility evaluation and observation. When she is ready to be released, she placed under the supervision of a psychiatrist that has been appointed by the court., as well as, a caseworker from adult protective services. Both the psychiatrist and caseworker were appointed by the court to make sure Carolyn is still able to live on her own.
The caseworker does a wonderful job assisting Carolyn. Her next door neighbor becomes an amazing ally. The personalities begin working together to maneuver through the mess that her life has become. A police office assigned to her case begins to be a bit more than a police officer, to her benefit personally. And the psychiatrist. Well, let's see. The psychiatrist is very easily found out. The alters are not stupid. He has a motive, an agenda. What does Carolyn have that he wants? Then, her father is released from jail. He is a threat. An even bigger threat than he ever was. Hank always comes back for his little girl.
The writing moves flawlessly. A. F. Carter presents the alters nicely. Each personality has their own mannerisms. Their own eccentricities. Their own ways to manipulate. So who murdered Hank Grand? That answer is so much more complicated than you think. And that handsome police officer. You will have to read the book to find out!!!
Thanks to NetGalley, Mysterious Press, and A. F. Carter for an ARC in return for an honest review.
April 15, 2020
***Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a complimentary copy of ALL OF US by A F Carter in exchange for my honest review.***
A woman with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder once called Multiple Personality Disorder) is embroiled in a murder case involving her recently paroled abusive father.
I loved the premise for ALL OF US but wasn’t a fan of the execution. Though A F Carter is a pseudonym, I felt like I was reading a man ideas of how he thinks abuse survivors behave. I’m a psychologist and while I haven’t had any DID patients, I have known of some. Carter seems to have watched the movie Sybil, a fictionalized account of a true story, as research for creating Carolyn and her alters (personalities). His writing of abuse and DID lacked authenticity.
Carolyn is somebody with a history of multiple childhood abuses. A police officer violated his code of ethics by having a relationship with her. Because of his position of power and her history, she wasn’t in an emotional place to consent. I wish Carter didn’t go there because it made me have a stronger negative reaction to ALL OF US. I didn’t connect to the story, possibly because the story was more told than shown.
Regretfully, I can’t recommend all of us.
A woman with DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder once called Multiple Personality Disorder) is embroiled in a murder case involving her recently paroled abusive father.
I loved the premise for ALL OF US but wasn’t a fan of the execution. Though A F Carter is a pseudonym, I felt like I was reading a man ideas of how he thinks abuse survivors behave. I’m a psychologist and while I haven’t had any DID patients, I have known of some. Carter seems to have watched the movie Sybil, a fictionalized account of a true story, as research for creating Carolyn and her alters (personalities). His writing of abuse and DID lacked authenticity.
Carolyn is somebody with a history of multiple childhood abuses. A police officer violated his code of ethics by having a relationship with her. Because of his position of power and her history, she wasn’t in an emotional place to consent. I wish Carter didn’t go there because it made me have a stronger negative reaction to ALL OF US. I didn’t connect to the story, possibly because the story was more told than shown.
Regretfully, I can’t recommend all of us.
December 18, 2019
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.
This book contains trigger warnings: paedophilia, sexual and physological abuse, paedopornographia, attempted suicide, murder, prostitution.
Carolyn Grand suffers from dissociative identity disorder, from multiple personalities. She's Martha, the housewife, who takes care of bills and food, Victoria, the public face, put-together, Serena, the artist resident, Kirk, the only "brother", heterosexual, Eleni, the promiscous one and Tina, the nine years old, the only one of them that remember her, their, gruesome past.
Carolyn suffered from childhood abuse. Molested and lease out to peadophile by her own father and then, in her foster family, pimped by her foster parents, Carolyn created multiple personalities, to protect herself, to hide, to function, to endure.
The story, told by the six personalities, starts when Eleni propositions herself to a cop and, when he discovered she was committed, it's decided she should be go to the Kings County Hospital and to talk with the psychiatrist Halberstam. As each one of them wants to live his/her own life, taking control of the body, the six personalities cooperate to not being commited into a psychiatric hospital, but Carolyn's life is again turn upside down when her father is released on parole and contact her. When he's discovered dead, she becomes a suspect. When detective Ortega (who starts to feel something for Eleni), decided to being part of her life, helping her, getting to know the other personalities, Carolyn finds herself overwhelmed and confused, while the reader, while the investigation goes on, asks him/herself, who could have committed the murder? One of her personalities? Or other people in Hank Grand's life, since he was involved in suspicious business and so on?
This book is incredible. The reader swings past from voice to voice, personality from personality, getting to know more about Carolyn's awful life, her past, her trying to endure what she's been through and move on, while fighting against the police's questions and investigation, Dr Halberstam and his games, getting support and help by her neighbour Marshal and then by Bobby Ortega. The plot is a beautiful rendering of Carolyn's life, with her problems, her doubts, her personalities trying to overwhelm one other, hjacking the body to live the moment and so on. It was hard reading about her abuse and her so unfortunate life, since childhood and how, as a grown woman, she managed, more or less, well enough, to function, to live.
It was captivating, thrilling and hopeful at the same time. I really like Carolyn's personalities and each one of them was fierce, brilliant, especially when they cooperate against Halberstam or her father.
This book is written beautifully and the reader finds him/herself involved in the story and in the investigation, wondering who did that? Until the very end.
This book contains trigger warnings: paedophilia, sexual and physological abuse, paedopornographia, attempted suicide, murder, prostitution.
Carolyn Grand suffers from dissociative identity disorder, from multiple personalities. She's Martha, the housewife, who takes care of bills and food, Victoria, the public face, put-together, Serena, the artist resident, Kirk, the only "brother", heterosexual, Eleni, the promiscous one and Tina, the nine years old, the only one of them that remember her, their, gruesome past.
Carolyn suffered from childhood abuse. Molested and lease out to peadophile by her own father and then, in her foster family, pimped by her foster parents, Carolyn created multiple personalities, to protect herself, to hide, to function, to endure.
The story, told by the six personalities, starts when Eleni propositions herself to a cop and, when he discovered she was committed, it's decided she should be go to the Kings County Hospital and to talk with the psychiatrist Halberstam. As each one of them wants to live his/her own life, taking control of the body, the six personalities cooperate to not being commited into a psychiatric hospital, but Carolyn's life is again turn upside down when her father is released on parole and contact her. When he's discovered dead, she becomes a suspect. When detective Ortega (who starts to feel something for Eleni), decided to being part of her life, helping her, getting to know the other personalities, Carolyn finds herself overwhelmed and confused, while the reader, while the investigation goes on, asks him/herself, who could have committed the murder? One of her personalities? Or other people in Hank Grand's life, since he was involved in suspicious business and so on?
This book is incredible. The reader swings past from voice to voice, personality from personality, getting to know more about Carolyn's awful life, her past, her trying to endure what she's been through and move on, while fighting against the police's questions and investigation, Dr Halberstam and his games, getting support and help by her neighbour Marshal and then by Bobby Ortega. The plot is a beautiful rendering of Carolyn's life, with her problems, her doubts, her personalities trying to overwhelm one other, hjacking the body to live the moment and so on. It was hard reading about her abuse and her so unfortunate life, since childhood and how, as a grown woman, she managed, more or less, well enough, to function, to live.
It was captivating, thrilling and hopeful at the same time. I really like Carolyn's personalities and each one of them was fierce, brilliant, especially when they cooperate against Halberstam or her father.
This book is written beautifully and the reader finds him/herself involved in the story and in the investigation, wondering who did that? Until the very end.
June 15, 2020
I'm fascinated by dissociative identity disorder, so this book's premise immediately caught my attention. I was looking forward to an intense psychological thriller, but the story didn't quite come together for me.
Each of Carolyn Grand's six identities has narrating parts. While this can feel like a lot, the author does an excellent job of making them each unique and immediately identifiable. My problem was that all the identities are bland, as if their personalities have been stripped down to one or two characteristics. The complexities lie in the person as a whole, but not within the individual narrating identities. Consequently, it winds up feeling like specific traits were plucked from Carolyn and given lives of their own, which is not how DID works.
The plot is engaging, and I was rooting for Carolyn as she fought to keep her independence. The content raises thought-provoking questions about what defines sanity, who gets to decide, and how we treat people whose brains work differently than the norm.
I did feel aspects were overblown, with too many of the people in Carolyn's life being twisted and abusive in some way. I also thought the ending fizzled, where I was expecting a bang.
*I received a review copy via NetGalley.*
Each of Carolyn Grand's six identities has narrating parts. While this can feel like a lot, the author does an excellent job of making them each unique and immediately identifiable. My problem was that all the identities are bland, as if their personalities have been stripped down to one or two characteristics. The complexities lie in the person as a whole, but not within the individual narrating identities. Consequently, it winds up feeling like specific traits were plucked from Carolyn and given lives of their own, which is not how DID works.
The plot is engaging, and I was rooting for Carolyn as she fought to keep her independence. The content raises thought-provoking questions about what defines sanity, who gets to decide, and how we treat people whose brains work differently than the norm.
I did feel aspects were overblown, with too many of the people in Carolyn's life being twisted and abusive in some way. I also thought the ending fizzled, where I was expecting a bang.
*I received a review copy via NetGalley.*
June 7, 2020
I recieved an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
First of all, I searched in every platform I could think of and I couldn't find if the author has DID themselves or not. My opinion of this book would vary very slightly whether they have it or not, but I would like to know nevertheless.
I'm a psychology student and I've invested my fair share of time researching on DID, so in that front I can say the rep was impeccable. There's really not much to say about it because it was just that flawless (which is the thing that made me think that maybe the author has DID). The therapist was meh, as always I have to endure fiction hating us lol
As for the story, the ending didn't sit quite right with me. Too ambigous, too close to falling on the "mentally ill people are scary and they could murder you and get away with it" trope that crime/thriller fiction loves. I loved the rest of the book though! It had the perfect balance between character(s) study and mystery. I haven't read much adult fiction that was able to pull that off.
First of all, I searched in every platform I could think of and I couldn't find if the author has DID themselves or not. My opinion of this book would vary very slightly whether they have it or not, but I would like to know nevertheless.
I'm a psychology student and I've invested my fair share of time researching on DID, so in that front I can say the rep was impeccable. There's really not much to say about it because it was just that flawless (which is the thing that made me think that maybe the author has DID). The therapist was meh, as always I have to endure fiction hating us lol
As for the story, the ending didn't sit quite right with me. Too ambigous, too close to falling on the "mentally ill people are scary and they could murder you and get away with it" trope that crime/thriller fiction loves. I loved the rest of the book though! It had the perfect balance between character(s) study and mystery. I haven't read much adult fiction that was able to pull that off.
May 9, 2020
I’m a little conflicted about the rating for this book - two stars seems pretty harsh but three feels too generous, which is why half stars are needed!
The premise involves Carolyn Grand, a woman so horribly abused as a child that she has developed several personalities to cope. When her father, and main abuser, is released from prison and then promptly murdered, one, or maybe all, of her personalities come under suspicion.
Upon starting the book. I found the first-person “different personalities” writing device kinda gimmicky and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to continue; I got used to it pretty quickly, though, and was able to deal.
That said, I found the personalities pretty one-dimensional and cliched - the slut, the dreamer, the homemaker, etc. I mean, can’t we expect even invented people to be a little more fleshed out?
Same with Carolyn’s psychiatrist - he was like a cardboard cutout “bad guy” out to ruin her life, with nefarious motives that weren’t very clear, at least not to me. I almost expected him to twist his mustache and twirl his cape as he sat in session with all of the Carolyns.
One of the personalities - the slut - begins an affair with a police detective investigating the murder of her father, for which, keep in mind, she/they are people of interest. At one point, she asks him “Why would a normal guy involve himself with a psycho named Carolyn Grand?” Good question. A better one would be “Why would a police detective who cares about his job start sleeping with a psycho murder suspect for a case he is working?”
My biggest issue with the story, however, was that I just didn’t feel invested in the characters or what happened to them. Did one of Carolyn’s personalities kill her dad? Will she be institutionalized? Arrested? Live happily ever after with her cop? Eh, maybe, but I don’t really care.
I would like to give two and a half stars, because it was a quick read, which I appreciate; but since that’s not possible, I’m rounding down on this one.
Thanks to #netgalley and #mysteriouspress for this ARC of #allofus.
The premise involves Carolyn Grand, a woman so horribly abused as a child that she has developed several personalities to cope. When her father, and main abuser, is released from prison and then promptly murdered, one, or maybe all, of her personalities come under suspicion.
Upon starting the book. I found the first-person “different personalities” writing device kinda gimmicky and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to continue; I got used to it pretty quickly, though, and was able to deal.
That said, I found the personalities pretty one-dimensional and cliched - the slut, the dreamer, the homemaker, etc. I mean, can’t we expect even invented people to be a little more fleshed out?
Same with Carolyn’s psychiatrist - he was like a cardboard cutout “bad guy” out to ruin her life, with nefarious motives that weren’t very clear, at least not to me. I almost expected him to twist his mustache and twirl his cape as he sat in session with all of the Carolyns.
One of the personalities - the slut - begins an affair with a police detective investigating the murder of her father, for which, keep in mind, she/they are people of interest. At one point, she asks him “Why would a normal guy involve himself with a psycho named Carolyn Grand?” Good question. A better one would be “Why would a police detective who cares about his job start sleeping with a psycho murder suspect for a case he is working?”
My biggest issue with the story, however, was that I just didn’t feel invested in the characters or what happened to them. Did one of Carolyn’s personalities kill her dad? Will she be institutionalized? Arrested? Live happily ever after with her cop? Eh, maybe, but I don’t really care.
I would like to give two and a half stars, because it was a quick read, which I appreciate; but since that’s not possible, I’m rounding down on this one.
Thanks to #netgalley and #mysteriouspress for this ARC of #allofus.
February 13, 2020
When we first meet Carolyn Grand, she has drawn the attention of the police. It becomes apparent that the woman has mental health issues, and the decision to send her to Kings County Hospital will have ramifications throughout the story. It isn't enough that Carolyn was sexually and physically abused as a child by someone she should have been able to trust. She kept her father's secrets out of fear for her life until the pain and suffering became too much, and she shared the truth. Her father is sent to prison and Carolyn develops many different personalities. Eleni, Victoria, Martha, Kirk, Tina, and Serena each possess a skill set that surfaces as needed to get Carolyn through today, and the next day, and the day after that. All she wants is to be left alone to live her life the only way she knows how, but that might be asking for too much.
As the story unfolds, Carolyn is released from Kings County Hospital on the condition that she sees a therapist. Dr. Hallberstam may have a professional obligation to Carolyn, but he is anything but helpful. Her father's release from jail and his subsequent murder and the fact that the police suspect that she is responsible weigh heavily on Carolyn and the others. I never guessed where this was heading and it was such a heartbreaking, but fascinating look into multiple personalities.
Each personality is well described and I never felt confused about who was in control of the narrative. Ultimately, it is a question of whether Carolyn should be committed and an attempt made to integrate the personalities. That is, is she isn't arrested for the murder of her father.
This is a short, fast-paced read of 208 pages and I finished All of Us in one sitting. The book description highlights potential triggers, but for anyone who doesn't have an issue with them, this is a unique and compelling read. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.
As the story unfolds, Carolyn is released from Kings County Hospital on the condition that she sees a therapist. Dr. Hallberstam may have a professional obligation to Carolyn, but he is anything but helpful. Her father's release from jail and his subsequent murder and the fact that the police suspect that she is responsible weigh heavily on Carolyn and the others. I never guessed where this was heading and it was such a heartbreaking, but fascinating look into multiple personalities.
Each personality is well described and I never felt confused about who was in control of the narrative. Ultimately, it is a question of whether Carolyn should be committed and an attempt made to integrate the personalities. That is, is she isn't arrested for the murder of her father.
This is a short, fast-paced read of 208 pages and I finished All of Us in one sitting. The book description highlights potential triggers, but for anyone who doesn't have an issue with them, this is a unique and compelling read. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.
June 2, 2020
4.5 stars.
All of Us by A. F. Carter is a riveting mystery with a delightfully unique premise.
Carolyn Grand's horrific child abuse at the hands of her father, Hank, and her first foster parents was too much for her shattered mind to endure. Her body is now host to six distinctive people with very different personalities. Martha and Victoria take care of the day to day tasks of living. Kirk is the family muscle who loves to play video games and watch ballgames. Eleni basks in her sexuality and much to the others' dismay, she indulges in indiscriminate one night stands. Serena is a bit of a hippy who enjoys art. Tina is the keeper of the memories of their abuse and she mainly resides in the background. Their once stable home-life is threatened after Eleni propositions the wrong man. "Carolyn" must now attend counseling sessions with a psychologist who is pursuing his own agenda. And after Hank's early release from prison, it quickly becomes clear he won't leave his daughter alone. After he is murdered, the police zero in on Carolyn but did one of her personalities kill her father?
With each of the chapters altering between the six personalities, All of Us is fast-paced and gripping. The personalities are well-developed with interesting quirks, strengths and weaknesses. The storyline is well-developed and quite intriguing. The psychologist is odious but the personalities aptly turn the tables on him. The investigation into Hank's murder is fascinating but the unexpected relationship between one of the detectives and Carolyn crosses an ethical boundary. With an unanticipated plot twist, A. F. Carter brings this clever mystery to a bit of an abrupt and ambiguous conclusion that is satisfyingly true to the uncertainty surrounding the personalities' future(s). An outstanding debut that I found impossible to put down and highly recommend to fans of the genre.
All of Us by A. F. Carter is a riveting mystery with a delightfully unique premise.
Carolyn Grand's horrific child abuse at the hands of her father, Hank, and her first foster parents was too much for her shattered mind to endure. Her body is now host to six distinctive people with very different personalities. Martha and Victoria take care of the day to day tasks of living. Kirk is the family muscle who loves to play video games and watch ballgames. Eleni basks in her sexuality and much to the others' dismay, she indulges in indiscriminate one night stands. Serena is a bit of a hippy who enjoys art. Tina is the keeper of the memories of their abuse and she mainly resides in the background. Their once stable home-life is threatened after Eleni propositions the wrong man. "Carolyn" must now attend counseling sessions with a psychologist who is pursuing his own agenda. And after Hank's early release from prison, it quickly becomes clear he won't leave his daughter alone. After he is murdered, the police zero in on Carolyn but did one of her personalities kill her father?
With each of the chapters altering between the six personalities, All of Us is fast-paced and gripping. The personalities are well-developed with interesting quirks, strengths and weaknesses. The storyline is well-developed and quite intriguing. The psychologist is odious but the personalities aptly turn the tables on him. The investigation into Hank's murder is fascinating but the unexpected relationship between one of the detectives and Carolyn crosses an ethical boundary. With an unanticipated plot twist, A. F. Carter brings this clever mystery to a bit of an abrupt and ambiguous conclusion that is satisfyingly true to the uncertainty surrounding the personalities' future(s). An outstanding debut that I found impossible to put down and highly recommend to fans of the genre.
May 29, 2020
I was really looking forward to this book. Multiple personalities? Yes please! It started off pretty strong and had my interest but the more I got into the book the more eye rolling it became. Sorry but this book just did not execute very well.
Thank you netgalley for providing me with All of Us by A.F. Carter for my honest review
Thank you netgalley for providing me with All of Us by A.F. Carter for my honest review
June 21, 2020
I have always had an interest in stories about multiple personalities --- whether it be classic literary horror like THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE or more contemporary works like SYBIL, PRIMAL FEAR and THE EIGHTH GIRL, the latter of which I reviewed just a few months ago. Now, debut author A. F. Carter enters the fray with the release of ALL OF US.
The book’s prologue introduces us to Carolyn Grand as she hikes up her short skirt and approaches a gathering of police cars at an intersection in Brooklyn. Her target is Sergeant Louis Brady, who is thrown for a loop when the young woman seems to completely change personalities while speaking to him. The name “Carolyn Grand” appears on her identification card, but Carolyn does not normally make an “appearance.” Brady has been talking mostly to the promiscuous Eleni, just one of a handful of personalities that occupy Carolyn’s body.
The need for additional personalities to protect Carolyn has come about due to the many years of mental and physical abuse that she suffered as a child at the hands of her father, Hank. Ever since he was imprisoned, Carolyn has lived in the New York State foster system and, now as an adult, in a minimally supervised apartment in Brooklyn that includes regular psychiatric visits. As she is sitting in the office of her new psychiatrist, Dr. Laurence Halberstam, the current occupying personality is Victoria, who is described as a put-together people person. Still, Carolyn needs to make a good impression during these sessions to avoid being sent back to the violent psych ward at nearby Kings County Hospital.
Her other personalities are Martha, a homemaker; Serena, a free spirit; Kirk, a heterosexual man; and Tina, a manifestation of what is left of a much younger Carolyn after years of sexual abuse. Although she doesn't trust this new guy, Carolyn and company are willing to make a go of it in order to continue living life with little to no daily supervision. All of this comes to a grinding halt when the good doctor shares with Carolyn news that her father is about to be released from prison after serving the majority of his 30-year term.
Hank wants to make amends, and Dr. Halberstam reads Carolyn a letter in which he professes how sorry he is and hopes that his little girl has been able to escape his evil. Carolyn swears that he has been following her as she takes her daily walk around Brooklyn, but cannot prove anything when she calls for help. Eventually, Hank does approach her and sticks a small piece of paper in her purse requesting that she meet with him the next evening at a specific location. She has no desire to do so and chooses to stay home.
Carolyn is surprised when two NYPD detectives show up at her door wanting to know her whereabouts on that very night, as it seems that someone brutally murdered Hank at a nearby hotel. Even though there was no love lost between them, he was a career criminal who certainly made a lot of enemies while in prison and could have been a target for any of these nameless characters. But could one of Carolyn's protective personalities have taken out retribution on daddy dearest while she was allegedly spending a quiet evening at home watching TV?
ALL OF US is not SYBIL or the other books I referenced about dissociative personality disorder, but it is an interesting exploration into this condition and the difficulties that arise when dealing with a myriad of personalities in the midst of a murder investigation. Readers will feel for Carolyn and find themselves rooting for her and the majority of her very likable personalities, which she has created as a defense mechanism for dealing with the world around her. That said, we have read and seen enough about this disorder to know that it also could be used as a convenient crutch when getting away with various misdeeds. Including murder!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
The book’s prologue introduces us to Carolyn Grand as she hikes up her short skirt and approaches a gathering of police cars at an intersection in Brooklyn. Her target is Sergeant Louis Brady, who is thrown for a loop when the young woman seems to completely change personalities while speaking to him. The name “Carolyn Grand” appears on her identification card, but Carolyn does not normally make an “appearance.” Brady has been talking mostly to the promiscuous Eleni, just one of a handful of personalities that occupy Carolyn’s body.
The need for additional personalities to protect Carolyn has come about due to the many years of mental and physical abuse that she suffered as a child at the hands of her father, Hank. Ever since he was imprisoned, Carolyn has lived in the New York State foster system and, now as an adult, in a minimally supervised apartment in Brooklyn that includes regular psychiatric visits. As she is sitting in the office of her new psychiatrist, Dr. Laurence Halberstam, the current occupying personality is Victoria, who is described as a put-together people person. Still, Carolyn needs to make a good impression during these sessions to avoid being sent back to the violent psych ward at nearby Kings County Hospital.
Her other personalities are Martha, a homemaker; Serena, a free spirit; Kirk, a heterosexual man; and Tina, a manifestation of what is left of a much younger Carolyn after years of sexual abuse. Although she doesn't trust this new guy, Carolyn and company are willing to make a go of it in order to continue living life with little to no daily supervision. All of this comes to a grinding halt when the good doctor shares with Carolyn news that her father is about to be released from prison after serving the majority of his 30-year term.
Hank wants to make amends, and Dr. Halberstam reads Carolyn a letter in which he professes how sorry he is and hopes that his little girl has been able to escape his evil. Carolyn swears that he has been following her as she takes her daily walk around Brooklyn, but cannot prove anything when she calls for help. Eventually, Hank does approach her and sticks a small piece of paper in her purse requesting that she meet with him the next evening at a specific location. She has no desire to do so and chooses to stay home.
Carolyn is surprised when two NYPD detectives show up at her door wanting to know her whereabouts on that very night, as it seems that someone brutally murdered Hank at a nearby hotel. Even though there was no love lost between them, he was a career criminal who certainly made a lot of enemies while in prison and could have been a target for any of these nameless characters. But could one of Carolyn's protective personalities have taken out retribution on daddy dearest while she was allegedly spending a quiet evening at home watching TV?
ALL OF US is not SYBIL or the other books I referenced about dissociative personality disorder, but it is an interesting exploration into this condition and the difficulties that arise when dealing with a myriad of personalities in the midst of a murder investigation. Readers will feel for Carolyn and find themselves rooting for her and the majority of her very likable personalities, which she has created as a defense mechanism for dealing with the world around her. That said, we have read and seen enough about this disorder to know that it also could be used as a convenient crutch when getting away with various misdeeds. Including murder!
Reviewed by Ray Palen
February 15, 2023
My Review ✨
➡️ SWIPE 4 SYNOPSIS ➡️
All of Us by AF Carter
•••
This book was such a interesting novel full of suspense. I learned a lot reading this book about disassociative identity disorder, and I felt like the other did really good job of explaining that.
Plot: Carolyn Grand was abused by her father, sexually and physically, and was tortured by him for years. She finally tells at school and gets sent to a foster home where the same thing happens. Because of this tragedy, she grows up and develops disassociative identity disorder. Then her father gets released from prison and immediately start stalking Caroline. But then- he ends up dead. And Caroline is the main suspect.
Most of the book is Caroline trying to get past her past, and I really loved the eccentric cast of characters (all her alters) it was fun to read about all of them, and how they all viewed the world differently. I definitely understand how some people that deal with and same trauma now develop this as a protector and or barrier.
Writing: AF, Carter did a fantastic job of weaving together a story that was both plot centered and character driven. They were very short chapters, but they all packed a punch and had a lot to say. I loved how the author world together that along with a beautiful police procedural that was done well.
Ending: the ending was rather good, and I felt like it wrapped up the story very well. I loved meeting and learning about all of Caroline’s alters, and this book really made you want the best for her
Genre: Suspense
•••
My Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Yearly Read: 30/200
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➡️ SWIPE 4 SYNOPSIS ➡️
All of Us by AF Carter
•••
This book was such a interesting novel full of suspense. I learned a lot reading this book about disassociative identity disorder, and I felt like the other did really good job of explaining that.
Plot: Carolyn Grand was abused by her father, sexually and physically, and was tortured by him for years. She finally tells at school and gets sent to a foster home where the same thing happens. Because of this tragedy, she grows up and develops disassociative identity disorder. Then her father gets released from prison and immediately start stalking Caroline. But then- he ends up dead. And Caroline is the main suspect.
Most of the book is Caroline trying to get past her past, and I really loved the eccentric cast of characters (all her alters) it was fun to read about all of them, and how they all viewed the world differently. I definitely understand how some people that deal with and same trauma now develop this as a protector and or barrier.
Writing: AF, Carter did a fantastic job of weaving together a story that was both plot centered and character driven. They were very short chapters, but they all packed a punch and had a lot to say. I loved how the author world together that along with a beautiful police procedural that was done well.
Ending: the ending was rather good, and I felt like it wrapped up the story very well. I loved meeting and learning about all of Caroline’s alters, and this book really made you want the best for her
Genre: Suspense
•••
My Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫
Yearly Read: 30/200
#bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookreviews #reading #books #thrillers #romance
June 10, 2020
All of Us by AF Carter reminded me why I studied psychology as an undergraduate. It reminded me of my fascination with the human mind, with sanity and insanity (as opposed to mental illness!). Not to mention my early interest in multiple personality disorder (ie. dissociative identity disorder). I blame reading / watching Sybil (the book by Flora Rheta Schreiber; film featuring Sally Field) in my teens.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
March 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, although the subject matter certainly wasn’t in places. I usually do a bit of research on the science of some plot lines, particularly if they appear scarily accurate, but I didn’t feel the need with this, as although the main character was schizophrenic, it was so well written I didn’t want it ‘spoiled’. A good plot, good characters and a good ending.
June 23, 2021
Compelling novel about an abused child that created multiple personalities in order to cope through her trauma. As an adult, Carolyn slips through these identities easily - and remembers only what they share with each other. In therapy for a minor offense, things come to head when their abuser is released from prison early.
Would definitely recommend!
Would definitely recommend!
January 21, 2020
Loved it!!! I found it very interesting how all the the personalities interacted. Story itself was very good aswell. The trauma the poor women went through was awful. Highly recommend was a refreshing change.
August 11, 2022
Wonderful
January 12, 2020
The moment I came across this book on NetGalley, it instantly became one of my anticipated reads of 2020!
Trigger Warning: Pedophilia, Sexual Abuse, Psychological and Physiological Abuse, Murder, Pedopornography
Carolyn Grand suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). She has 6 personalities and each serving a purpose: Martha, the homemakers who clean and cook for the 'family', Victoria, a put-together people person, Serena, a free spirit, Kirk, a heterosexual man, Eleni, a promiscuous risk-taker, and Tina, a manifestation of what is left of Carolyn after years of childhood sexual abuse. Even though she is legally Carolyn Grand, she hosts 6 personalities jockeying around for the control of the body. But when the question of Carolyn getting admitted into a psychiatric ward comes, they all cooperate and work together to avoid the lock-up.
They survive even though there are hardships thrown at them at every turn in life until one day their father, Hank Grand, who sexually abused her and made pornography until she was in 3rd grade, comes out of the prison on parole. He begins stalking her, steering up the painful memories of each of her personalities that brings all of the personalities together like never before.
When Hank gets murdered in a motel, Carolyn becomes the primary suspect. But the man has other shady dealings, and the burden of proof weighs heavy on the police—especially when, propelled by demons of his own, one of the detectives assigned to the case finds his way into Carolyn’s very solitary life.
The police are left wondering: are any of Carolyn’s personalities capable of murder?
The plot is so fascinating and this is a very riveting psychological thriller; it engrosses you on the very first page and once you are in, you cannot stop reading. The book can be finished in one sitting but I couldn't and maybe, that made me love this book more when I completed this. How I wish I had time to finish this in one sitting! Nevertheless, this book is absolutely addictive, dark, deceptive, poignant and a work of art! The book takes the readers on a realistic journey of exploring DID in a way one has never explored. Some chapters are tear-jerking and I didn't expect the story to end the way it did but I LOVED the way it did! This is a story of a woman, who has endured, survived and finally, accepts and embraces each of her personalities. Also, Bobby Ortega must be protected at all costs for everything he is!
The story is narrated through 6 POV's and each of them is narrated with perfection. Each personality has been developed deftly. Each character apart from the personalities are portrayed comprehensively. The writing tone changes for each personality and this particular aspect is pulled off excellently by Carter. Something about Carter's writing is alluring.
I love this book! Carter is a gifted storyteller who demands the reader's full attention and I will read any future works by this author! I hope it is not too soon to have a 'Top Book of 2020', that is just how good this book is!
Recommended: Absolutely!
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing me with an e-arc.
Trigger Warning: Pedophilia, Sexual Abuse, Psychological and Physiological Abuse, Murder, Pedopornography
Carolyn Grand suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). She has 6 personalities and each serving a purpose: Martha, the homemakers who clean and cook for the 'family', Victoria, a put-together people person, Serena, a free spirit, Kirk, a heterosexual man, Eleni, a promiscuous risk-taker, and Tina, a manifestation of what is left of Carolyn after years of childhood sexual abuse. Even though she is legally Carolyn Grand, she hosts 6 personalities jockeying around for the control of the body. But when the question of Carolyn getting admitted into a psychiatric ward comes, they all cooperate and work together to avoid the lock-up.
They survive even though there are hardships thrown at them at every turn in life until one day their father, Hank Grand, who sexually abused her and made pornography until she was in 3rd grade, comes out of the prison on parole. He begins stalking her, steering up the painful memories of each of her personalities that brings all of the personalities together like never before.
When Hank gets murdered in a motel, Carolyn becomes the primary suspect. But the man has other shady dealings, and the burden of proof weighs heavy on the police—especially when, propelled by demons of his own, one of the detectives assigned to the case finds his way into Carolyn’s very solitary life.
The police are left wondering: are any of Carolyn’s personalities capable of murder?
The plot is so fascinating and this is a very riveting psychological thriller; it engrosses you on the very first page and once you are in, you cannot stop reading. The book can be finished in one sitting but I couldn't and maybe, that made me love this book more when I completed this. How I wish I had time to finish this in one sitting! Nevertheless, this book is absolutely addictive, dark, deceptive, poignant and a work of art! The book takes the readers on a realistic journey of exploring DID in a way one has never explored. Some chapters are tear-jerking and I didn't expect the story to end the way it did but I LOVED the way it did! This is a story of a woman, who has endured, survived and finally, accepts and embraces each of her personalities. Also, Bobby Ortega must be protected at all costs for everything he is!
The story is narrated through 6 POV's and each of them is narrated with perfection. Each personality has been developed deftly. Each character apart from the personalities are portrayed comprehensively. The writing tone changes for each personality and this particular aspect is pulled off excellently by Carter. Something about Carter's writing is alluring.
I love this book! Carter is a gifted storyteller who demands the reader's full attention and I will read any future works by this author! I hope it is not too soon to have a 'Top Book of 2020', that is just how good this book is!
Recommended: Absolutely!
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for providing me with an e-arc.
January 18, 2020
Man I liked this book. It is so well written and you don't get mixed up as to who is whom. It is an easy fast read. It's about one woman Carolyn Grand who has multiple personalities. A woman abused so badly by her father as a child she now has several personalities. Each one wants to be "out" as much as possible. They all have a purpose in the life of this one woman. They call each other brother and sisters. They are not aware of what is happening in real time with the others, But sometimes can whisper to each other. They cannot call one or the other "out" it doesn't work that way. One is good at paying bills and cooking, the others can't cook at all. One is a boy who has to change out of the girly underwear and woman clothes as soon as he is active. Theres the face of the group who handles day to day. One who is a child who rarely comes out. One is very promiscuous. She made a big mistake and propositioned an undercover detective for sex. After running her name and seeing she had been in a mental hospital in the past she is put into a 72 hour mental hold. Carolyn is forced to see a psychiatrist to evaluate if she can live on her own or needs being committed. Carolyn and her "sisters and brother" feel this new psychiatrist isn't out for their best interests and they have to prove to him she can live on her own and not be institutionalized. He insists on meeting each personality and can tell one from another just by looking at who walks through the door as treatment progresses. The one who got them into trouble hasn't shown up and neither has the child,. They are in a fight for their lives he wants to rid Carolyn of these other personalities and make her one whole person. None want to go. They kind of work together with one common goal, stay free on their own. The courts are going to take what he says into consideration in the decision. Then Carolyn finds out her father is being freed from prison early for good behavior.. She is shocked. He wants to see her and she wants him back in prison. This book is really entertaining and so interesting. I am confident if this is your genre you will like this book. Thank you NetGalley, A.F. Carter and Mysterious Press for allowing me to read this ARC. My honest opinion of this book is five stars.
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