Sandie Jones, known for her psychological thrillers like the Reese’s Book Club pick “The Other Woman,” takes readers on a journey through the glittering yet treacherous world of 1980s pop fandom in her latest novel. With “I Would Die for You,” Jones crafts a dual-timeline narrative that explores the dangerous extremes of obsession against the backdrop of big hair, synthesizers, and the feverish devotion of teenage groupies. While the premise is captivating and the nostalgic elements shine, the execution sometimes struggles to maintain the tension needed to elevate this thriller to greatness.
The Melody of Two Intertwined Stories
Jones structures her narrative across two timelines that gradually converge in unexpected ways:
- California, 2011: Nicole Forbes seems to have it all—a loving husband, Brad, an eight-year-old daughter, Hannah, and a purposeful life advocating for seal conservation in their coastal community. When a British writer named Zoe appears at her door asking questions about Nicole’s connection to 1980s band Secret Oktober, Nicole’s carefully constructed life begins to unravel. The same day, Hannah disappears from school, supposedly picked up by an “aunt” Nicole doesn’t have. These seemingly unrelated events force Nicole to confront the past she’s spent decades running from.
- London, 1986: Sixteen-year-old Cassie Alderton is obsessed with Secret Oktober and its charismatic frontman, Ben Edwards. She’ll do anything to get his attention, even sneaking into hotels and fabricating stories about their supposed relationship. Meanwhile, her older sister Nicole is pursuing her own musical dreams, working at a diner by day and performing at night. When Ben discovers Nicole singing at a local bar, their unexpected connection sets in motion a devastating chain of events—one that leads to the death of the band’s drummer, Michael Delaney, and a web of lies that will haunt multiple lives for decades to come.
Striking Chords: The Novel’s Strengths
The most compelling aspect of “I Would Die for You” is its authenticity in depicting the frenzied world of 1980s fandom. Jones clearly draws from personal experience (as she acknowledges in her author’s note), capturing the obsessive devotion of teenage girls who would do absolutely anything to get close to their idols. The lengths to which Cassie and her friend Amelia go—trespassing, lying, manipulating—feel both disturbing and believable.
Jones also excels at creating atmosphere. The 1986 sections pulse with the energy of mid-80s London—all neon colors, lace gloves, and the claustrophobic intensity of packed concert venues. These scenes feel lived-in rather than researched, giving the narrative a vibrant authenticity that serves as a counterpoint to the darker themes of obsession and betrayal.
The novel’s exploration of sisterly rivalry is another highlight. The complex relationship between Nicole and Cassie—tainted by jealousy, betrayal, and misunderstanding—provides the emotional backbone for the thriller elements. Jones captures the particular pain of seeing someone you love spiral into delusion and the helplessness of being unable to break through.
Discordant Notes: Where the Novel Falters
Despite its strengths, “I Would Die for You” hits several false notes that prevent it from reaching its full potential:
- Predictable Twists: While Jones crafts several major revelations throughout the narrative, careful readers will likely anticipate most of them. The identity of Zoe, the truth about Michael’s death, and the nature of Cassie’s obsession all become apparent before they’re explicitly revealed.
- Character Development Imbalance: Nicole in both timelines is well-developed, but supporting characters sometimes lack dimension. Brad in particular feels underutilized as more than a plot device, and Ben’s character never fully transcends his role as the object of obsession.
- Pacing Issues: The novel takes time to build momentum, with the 2011 timeline feeling particularly stilted in its early chapters. Once the narratives begin to converge in the final third, the pace accelerates dramatically, but some readers may find themselves struggling to remain engaged until reaching that point.
- Convenient Plot Mechanics: Several critical developments rely heavily on coincidence or unlikely timing. The ease with which Cassie manipulates events sometimes stretches credibility, even accounting for her disturbed psychological state.
Harmonizing Themes: What the Novel Gets Right
Despite these flaws, I Would Die for You successfully explores several compelling themes:
- The Dark Side of Fame: Through Ben’s storyline, the novel examines how celebrities can become unwitting catalysts for others’ psychological unraveling. The parasocial relationships formed by fans—particularly impressionable teenagers—create a foundation for obsession that can lead to tragic consequences.
- The Weight of Guilt: Nicole’s decades-long belief that she bears responsibility for Michael’s death shapes her entire adult identity. Jones thoughtfully portrays how unresolved guilt can corrode a person from within, even when their perceived culpability is based on manipulation and lies.
- Family Loyalty vs. Truth: The Alderton family’s fracturing after Michael’s death poses difficult questions about when protecting family crosses the line into enabling destructive behavior. John Alderton’s choice to perjure himself to protect his daughter creates ripples that ultimately destroy multiple lives.
Performance Review: Writing Style and Structure
Jones employs a straightforward, accessible writing style that propels the narrative forward. The alternating timeline structure is effectively handled, with each section ending on a note of tension that keeps pages turning. Dialogue feels natural and period-appropriate in the 1986 sections, though occasionally characters speak in expository chunks that serve plot purposes rather than reflecting organic conversation.
The novel’s structure builds to an extended climax where all secrets are revealed, but this resolution feels somewhat rushed compared to the more measured pace of earlier chapters. The final confrontation between Nicole and Cassie delivers emotional payoff, but some readers may find that certain plot threads are resolved too neatly.
Opening Act to Finale: Overall Assessment
“I Would Die for You” occupies an interesting space between psychological thriller and family drama. Readers expecting the tightly plotted suspense of Jones’s previous works like “The Other Woman” or “The Guilt Trip” may find the pacing here more uneven, but those who appreciate character-driven narratives about the long shadow of past mistakes will find much to engage with.
Jones deserves credit for creating a story that feels both specific to its era and timeless in its exploration of obsession. The novel’s strongest moments occur when the 1980s setting feels like more than just window dressing—when it actively shapes the characters’ choices and limitations.
Strengths at a Glance:
- Authentic depiction of 1980s fan culture
- Vivid period atmosphere
- Complex portrayal of sisterly rivalry
- Engaging dual timeline structure
- Effective exploration of guilt and obsession
Weaknesses to Consider:
- Predictable major twists
- Uneven character development
- Pacing issues in early chapters
- Over-reliance on coincidence
- Rushed resolution of key plot threads
Final Track: Verdict and Recommendation
“I Would Die for You” is an entertaining thriller with compelling characters and themes, even if it doesn’t fully capitalize on its intriguing premise. Fans of Sandie Jones’s previous works will likely enjoy this outing, though it may not rank among her strongest. The novel will particularly appeal to readers who lived through the 1980s music scene or who enjoy stories about the darker side of celebrity culture.
For readers who enjoy this blend of psychological suspense and family drama, similar books include Taylor Jenkins Reid’s “Daisy Jones & The Six” (for its music industry setting), Megan Miranda’s “All the Missing Girls” (for its timeline manipulation), or Ruth Ware’s “The Turn of the Key” (for its themes of hidden identity).
Despite its flaws, “I Would Die for You” hits enough right notes to make it a worthwhile addition to your reading playlist—just like those mixed-quality 80s albums we still can’t help but love for their standout tracks amid the filler.
