Q: Your latest novel, What Have You Done, Zoe Bloom?, has captivated readers as a gripping psychological thriller. What inspired this story?
A: Thank you! The inspiration came from a deep fascination with identity and the choices we make when given the chance to redefine ourselves. The idea emerged from imagining an ordinary person suddenly stepping into a life they’ve only dreamed of. Fiona, my protagonist, is a struggling voiceover artist who seizes the opportunity to assume the identity of Zoe Bloom, a glamorous stranger. But, of course, such a transformation is fraught with unforeseen consequences. I wanted to explore the allure, risks, and cost of attempting to escape one’s reality. It’s both a thrilling and emotional journey.
Q: Your novel has drawn comparisons to bestsellers like Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train. How do you feel it stands apart in the psychological thriller genre?
A: While it shares some elements with those books, What Have You Done, Zoe Bloom? delves into themes that make it distinct. It combines a high-stakes mystery with emotional depth, focusing on Fiona’s personal evolution as much as the plot’s twists. Set against the competitive London arts and media world, the novel paints a vivid, relatable backdrop. Fiona’s struggles, insecurities, and the ethical dilemmas she faces bring a unique human dimension to the story. And, of course, the twists—there are plenty of them! One reader remarked it left them with “too many questions,” which I take as a compliment.
Q: Deception plays a significant role in the novel. How does the theme unfold within the story?
A: Deception is at the heart of the narrative. Fiona’s decision to impersonate Zoe triggers a cascade of lies, forcing her to manipulate her way into a new reality. As she delves deeper into Zoe’s world, Fiona discovers she’s not the only one hiding secrets. Every character wears a metaphorical mask, leading to questions about whether we ever truly know others—or even ourselves. This layered exploration of deceit, both intentional and unconscious, adds complexity and suspense.
Q: Fiona’s transformation from a struggling artist to a woman living a double life is intriguing. How did you approach crafting her character?
A: Fiona was a joy and a challenge to write. At her core, she is deeply relatable—a woman yearning for more, grappling with self-doubt, and striving to find her place in the world. Her transformation is both thrilling and unsettling as she navigates a life built on lies. I wanted her to feel real, flawed, and complex so readers could empathize with her choices even when they’re morally ambiguous.
Q: The novel has been praised for its unexpected twists. Can you share insights into your process for creating suspense?
A: Building suspense is like conducting an orchestra—every element must work in harmony. For this book, I leaned on Fiona’s unreliable narration, the blurred lines between reality and deception, and the high stakes of her new identity. I also wanted each twist to feel organic yet surprising, leaving readers on edge and questioning everything they thought they knew. It’s about sustaining tension while keeping the emotional journey intact.
Q: Readers are excited about your future work. What can you tell us about your next project?
A: I’m thrilled about what’s coming next! While I can’t reveal too much, it will stay within the psychological thriller genre, with fresh characters and a new premise. I’m exploring the darker corners of human relationships and the choices that bind us. It’s still in development, but I promise my readers another rollercoaster of emotions and suspense.
Q: As a bestselling author beloved by thriller fans, what do you think resonates most with your audience?
A: I believe it’s the mix of relatable characters, engaging plots, and thought-provoking themes. My readers tell me they connect with the emotional depth and moral dilemmas in my stories. They enjoy the thrill of the twists but also the underlying humanity in the narrative. Writing for such passionate readers is an absolute privilege.
Aga Lesiewicz’s What Have You Done, Zoe Bloom? is not just a story of suspense—it’s a deeply emotional exploration of identity, ambition, and the masks we wear. For readers seeking a thought-provoking, edge-of-your-seat thriller, it’s an absolute must-read.
AGA Lesiewicz - WRITER 