In Sandie Jones’s latest thriller, “I Would Die for You,” the author transports readers to the neon-bright, hairspray-heavy world of 1980s pop music, creating a story that alternates between past and present to unravel a decades-old mystery. As a fan of Jones’s previous works, including her breakout hit “The Other Woman,” I approached this novel with high expectations. While her signature tension-building and twisty plotting are present, this offering struggles to hit all the right notes.
The novel weaves together two timelines: contemporary California, where Nicole Forbes has built a quiet life with her husband Brad and daughter Hannah, and 1986 London, where teenage Cassie’s obsession with fictional boy band Secret Oktober sets in motion a chain of events that will destroy lives and reverberate for decades. When a mysterious writer appears at Nicole’s door asking about her connection to the band, followed by her daughter’s disappearance by someone claiming to be her aunt, Nicole’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel.
Strengths: Atmosphere and Nostalgic Detail
Jones excels at recreating the feverish atmosphere of ’80s fandom. Her descriptions of screaming teenagers desperately trying to get close to their idols ring with authenticity:
“The crowd goes wild as Michael lifts his six-foot frame out of the car, and he milks it for all it’s worth. Despite the long line of limos queuing up behind his, he keeps them waiting as he ducks in and out of the blacked-out back seat, as if playing a game of cat and mouse.”
The author’s personal experience as a devoted Duran Duran fan (which she acknowledges in her endnotes) brings credibility to these scenes. The desperate measures taken by young fans—waiting outside hotels, chasing limousines, and creating elaborate schemes to meet their idols—are depicted with knowing detail. This immersion in ’80s pop culture gives the novel its most distinctive and enjoyable element.
Plot: Compelling but Overcomplicated
The central mystery—what happened the night a band member died and how it connects to Nicole’s present-day troubles—initially hooks the reader. Jones creates genuine suspense as she gradually reveals the connections between past and present. The device of alternating timelines works effectively to build tension and withhold crucial information.
However, as the story progresses, the plot becomes increasingly convoluted. By the final third, the narrative relies on a series of twists that stretch credulity:
The reveal of Zoe’s true identity
The letter from Nicole’s father with its bombshell revelations
Cassie’s elaborate scheme for revenge
The nature of Brad’s involvement
While thriller fans expect unexpected turns, these pile up in a way that feels more manufactured than organic to the story. The final confrontation in the attic, with its breathless revelations and physical violence, ventures into melodrama rather than delivering the emotional punch it aims for.
Character Development: Strong Leads, Weak Supporting Cast
Nicole emerges as the novel’s strongest character. Her guilt, fear, and determination to protect her family make her sympathetic even as we learn about her questionable decisions. Her journey from confident young singer to terrified mother is convincingly portrayed.
Cassie, too, is effectively drawn—her teenage obsession feels believable, and her descent into darker behavior is chillingly rendered. The dynamic between the sisters forms the emotional core of the novel.
However, other characters remain underdeveloped. Brad, despite being central to the present-day plot, lacks dimension beyond his role as Nicole’s worried husband. Ben Edwards, the band’s frontman, never quite comes to life despite his importance to the story. Michael Delaney, whose death drives the mystery, is presented as little more than a stereotypical bad-boy rocker.
Writing Style: Uneven but Engaging
Jones has a knack for creating page-turning scenes and cliffhanger chapter endings that keep readers invested. Her prose is accessible and flows well, particularly in the contemporary sections. The 1986 sections capture the breathless excitement of teenage obsession effectively.
However, the dialogue occasionally feels stilted, with characters making lengthy explanatory speeches that serve the plot rather than sounding natural. Some readers may also find the frequent profanity jarring, though it does reflect the intensity of the situations.
Themes: Obsession, Secrets, and Family Bonds
Where “I Would Die for You” shows depth is in its exploration of:
Fan culture and obsession – Jones perceptively examines how celebrity worship can distort reality and lead to dangerous behavior
The weight of secrets – Both Nicole and Cassie are crushed by what they’ve hidden
Family loyalty versus personal desires – The sisters’ rivalry and their father’s protective instincts drive much of the action
These themes give the thriller emotional resonance beyond its twists and turns. The exploration of how one rash decision can alter the trajectory of multiple lives is particularly effective.
Pacing Issues and Structural Weaknesses
The novel’s main weakness lies in its uneven pacing. The middle section drags somewhat as characters circle around revelations without moving forward. Then the final chapters rush through multiple major twists, leaving insufficient time for their emotional impact to register.
Some plot threads also feel underdeveloped or abandoned. Nicole’s work with seals, which initially seems important, becomes merely background. Brad’s potential affair is raised as a possibility then quickly dismissed. These narrative detours distract from the central story rather than enriching it.
Verdict: An Uneven but Entertaining Read
“I Would Die for You” delivers an entertaining if flawed thriller that will appeal particularly to readers with fond memories of ’80s pop culture. While it doesn’t reach the heights of Jones’s best work, it offers enough suspense and nostalgia to keep fans engaged.
Comparisons and Context
Readers who enjoyed “I Would Die for You” might also appreciate:
Jones’s breakthrough novel “The Other Woman,” which features tighter plotting and more consistent suspense
“Daisy Jones & the Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid for its immersive portrayal of musical celebrity, albeit in a different era
“Then She Was Gone” by Lisa Jewell, which similarly blends family drama with thriller elements
Sandie Jones has established herself in the domestic thriller genre with previous titles including “The Guilt Trip,” “The Half Sister,” and “The First Mistake.” While this latest offering doesn’t quite match her strongest work, it shows her willingness to experiment with setting and theme.
Who Should Read This Book?
“I Would Die for You” will most appeal to:
Fans of twisty psychological thrillers with family secrets at their core
’80s music enthusiasts who will appreciate the authentic portrayal of the era’s fan culture
Readers who enjoy dual-timeline narratives
Those who don’t mind suspending disbelief for the sake of dramatic plot twists
Final Thoughts: Mixed Success with Moments of Brilliance
Sandie Jones attempts something ambitious with “I Would Die for You,” blending nostalgic pop culture with a complex thriller about family bonds and long-buried secrets. While the execution doesn’t always succeed, the novel offers enough memorable moments and genuine suspense to make it worth reading.
The recreated world of ’80s fandom provides a unique backdrop that distinguishes this thriller from others in the crowded genre. When Jones focuses on the emotional consequences of her characters’ actions rather than piling on twists, the novel achieves moments of genuine insight about obsession and its aftermath.
Despite its flaws, “I Would Die for You” demonstrates Jones’s storytelling skills and her ability to create compelling female protagonists caught in extraordinary circumstances. Readers willing to overlook some credibility stretches will find an entertaining thriller that hits enough right notes to be worth the journey, even if it occasionally strikes a false chord.