Other People's Clothes

A Novel

By: Calla Henkel

Narrated by: Lauryn Allman

Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

Two American ex-pats obsessed with the Amanda Knox trial find themselves at the nexus of murder and celebrity in glittering late-aughts Berlin in this “hugely entertaining” (The New York Times) debut with a wicked sense of humor.

“Darkly funny, psychologically rich and utterly addictive... [a] harrowing tale of twisty female friendships, slippery identity and furtive secrets.” —Megan Abbott, best-selling author of The Turnout

Hoping to escape the pain of the recent murder of her best friend, art student Zoe Beech finds herself studying abroad in the bohemian capital of Europe—Berlin. Rudderless, Zoe relies on the arrangements of fellow exchange student Hailey Mader, who idolizes Warhol and Britney Spears and wants nothing more than to be an art star.

When Hailey stumbles on a posting for a high-ceilinged, prewar sublet by well-known thriller writer Beatrice Becks, the girls snap it up. They soon spend their nights twisting through Berlin’s club scene and their days hungover. But are they being watched? Convinced that Beatrice intends to use their lives as inspiration for her next novel, Hailey vows to craft main-character-worthy personas. They begin hosting a decadent weekly nightclub in the apartment, finally gaining the notoriety they’ve been craving. Everyone wants an invitation to “Beatrice’s.” As the year unravels and events spiral out of control, they begin to wonder whose story they are living—and how it will end.

Other People’s Clothes brilliantly illuminates the sometimes dangerous intensity of female friendships, as well as offering an unforgettable window into millennial life and the lengths people will go to in order to eradicate emotional pain.

©2022 Calla Henkel (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"ONE OF THE MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Washington Post, Time, Entertainment Weekly, Bustle, The Millions, Literary Hub, NY Post, PopSugar, Apartment Therapy, Book Riot, E! News

One of Glamour's Best Books of the Year • A GOOP Book Club Pick

"Hugely entertaining." —New York Times

“Gleefully raunchy.” —Washington Post

No, thanks.

It’s definitely different. That’s the only good thing I have to say. Story itself was written well and the narrator did a good job, but the story… blah.
Weird. Slow. Not for me.
Wish I hadn’t finished it. Or purchased it to begin with. I had hoped to be riveted.

Engrossing comedic mystery

I loved this novel. it was suspenseful in a 'Gone Girls' type mystery. The characters are well fleshed in. At the final climax, there is such urgency when I was rooting for the heroine.

Every night you miss in Berlin

Hard to put down, a lil psychological thriller, a lil murder mystery, a lot of drugs and parties, all mixed in with Berlin in 2008. It also deals with mental health and eating disorders.

None of the characters are very likable, lots of paranoia, toxic friendships, elitists art schools, and bright and centre, there is flashy bold Berlin. I also thought it has very long chapters.

A rec nonetheless

Deserves more listens

Chose this book blindly. Hidden gem.
Listened in one day while cleaning my office. Enjoyed.

Awesome!!!

10/10!! Awesome book. Beautifully written, so compelling, and the narrator did an amazing job on this production.

Wack

Tbh I thought it was going to be more of a thrill. This book was so so so slow. Like I got bored with in the first chapter but I hate to not finish a book so I kept going. To me I feel it just relates how girls are lowkey jealous of one another on a way. But over all the story was just lame and it was a waste like nothing really happens…

Very much Amanda Knox with a twist

Great story the ending did not wrap up the way I thought it would but worth a listen. I recommend putting the speed at 1.2. Her voice is great but the dragging made me lose interest here and there. Plus for Hailey’s part it really gives it a nice touch

Fantastic

Great story. Great writing. I devoured it. Can’t wait for her next book (and the movie!).

Wow!

Wow perfect mash up of plot , character development, and superb narration !! Delicious snarkiness wrapped in a original mystery .

Excellent writing

I have listened to many audio books and never left a review, although I’ve been dazzled by many novels. This one is so interesting. The story is a pop culture psych thriller which sounds cheap and cheesy. But the writing is anything but. The author is so imaginative with the narrative that it’s a story that tickles all your senses. Will be looking for more from this author.