Famous

by Blake Crouch
Famous cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Format • £9.49–£19.00
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Technical
  • ID: 3624
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9798217169900
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-09-23
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Lance Dunkquist, a 38-year-old man living above his parents' garage, has been mistaken for Oscar-winning actor James Jansen 87 times. After losing his job, Lance decides to fully embrace his doppelganger identity, studying Jansen's mannerisms and embarking on a journey from New York to Los Angeles to become the star. His quest takes him to the avant-garde theater scene and the glitter of Hollywood, but the darker lengths he goes to for his dream lead to a thrilling and surprising conclusion. The novel is a genre-blending thrill ride filled with dark humor and psychological suspense, showcasing Blake Crouch's unique storytelling prowess. Famous is a darkly comedic psychological suspense novel that explores the lengths one man will go to escape his mundane life and become someone else. The story is not just about impersonation but also about identity, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. The novel's unique blend of humor and suspense makes it a standout in the thriller genre, with a shocking conclusion that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Reviews
BookReporter · 2025-09-23
resonant 4.50

This review highlights the book's top-notch writing and its ability to resonate with readers. The reviewer appreciates the story's authenticity and emotional depth.

The reviewer praises the book for its top-notch writing, which they believe makes the story ring true for readers. They found the narrative to be authentic and emotionally resonant, with a depth that sets it apart from typical celebrity stories. The reviewer appreciated the way the author crafted a story that readers could relate to on a personal level, making it a memorable and impactful read. They particularly enjoyed the emotional journey of the characters and the way the story explored themes of identity and fame.

Quick quotes

    What really makes the book ring so true is not Blake Crouch's top-notch writing, but that he has penned a story that readers probably will think is authentic.

    The narrative is authentic and emotionally resonant, with a depth that sets it apart from typical celebrity stories.

    The emotional journey of the characters and the exploration of themes of identity and fame make this a memorable and impactful read.

Capes & Tights · Justin Soderberg · 2025-05-27
engaging 3.50

This review praises the book's darkly humorous and gripping story, highlighting its standout premise that hooks readers from the start. The reviewer appreciates the unique and engaging narrative.

The reviewer was immediately drawn in by the opening chapters of the book, which they found darkly humorous and gripping. They particularly enjoyed the standout premise, which sets the story apart from typical celebrity narratives. The reviewer appreciated the way the author managed to make even the most ridiculous moments feel believable, adding to the overall enjoyment of the read. They found the story to be a refreshing take on celebrity culture, blending humor and suspense effectively.

Quick quotes

    Famous by Blake Crouch is a darkly humorous and gripping story with a truly standout premise.

    The opening few chapters hooked me with a great blend of humor and suspense.

    The sheer audacity of the story somehow makes even the most ridiculous moments feel believable.

Terry Tyler Book Reviews · 2017-01-19
entertaining 4.00

This review describes the book as a darkly humorous contemporary tale with a unique premise. The reviewer finds the story entertaining and well-crafted.

The reviewer describes the book as a darkly humorous tale that stands out due to its unique premise involving a man who is the exact double of a famous Hollywood star. They found the story to be entertaining and well-crafted, with a good blend of humor and contemporary themes. The reviewer appreciated the way the author explored the concept of identity and fame, making for an engaging read. They particularly enjoyed the character of Lancelot Blue Dunquist and his journey throughout the story.

Quick quotes

    A darkly humorous contemporary tale, about a man called Lancelot Blue Dunquist who happens to be the exact double of famous Hollywood star James Jansen.

    The story is entertaining and well-crafted, with a good blend of humor and contemporary themes.

    The author explores the concept of identity and fame in a way that makes for an engaging read.

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