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If You Didn’t Kill Her
The breathtakingly tense emotional thriller.
She was wrongfully convicted. Now she’s free – to clear her name and catch a killer. But will the murderer find her first?
Perfect for fans of Heidi Perks and Andrea Mara
Fifteen years ago, Chelsea was convicted of the murder of her university roommate, Isabella.
Now, she’s being released early, and she just has one thing on her mind – clearing her name.
Chelsea has always maintained that she was wrongfully accused. Now’s her chance to prove her innocence, once and for all.
But as Chelsea starts digging into the past, new details – and suspects – start coming to light. And the closer Chelsea gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become.
She’s waited years to uncover the truth. But will the real murderer find her first – and silence her forever?
She was wrongfully convicted. Now she’s free – to clear her name and catch a killer. But will the murderer find her first?
Perfect for fans of Heidi Perks and Andrea Mara
Fifteen years ago, Chelsea was convicted of the murder of her university roommate, Isabella.
Now, she’s being released early, and she just has one thing on her mind – clearing her name.
Chelsea has always maintained that she was wrongfully accused. Now’s her chance to prove her innocence, once and for all.
But as Chelsea starts digging into the past, new details – and suspects – start coming to light. And the closer Chelsea gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become.
She’s waited years to uncover the truth. But will the real murderer find her first – and silence her forever?
448 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2025
About the author
Annie Taylor
2 books30 followersAnnie Taylor is a freelance copywriter and writer. She has a BA in American Studies from the University of Birmingham and a Masters in English and American studies from Oxford. Her previous published works include Forget Me Not and Innocent or Guilty, under the name A.M. Taylor. She currently lives in south London, where she divides her time between studying for her PhD in Creative Writing, and making stuff up in her head for books.
(Source: Amazon)
(Source: Amazon)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
March 23, 2026
A fast-paced twisty thriller, told through dual timeline, and from multiple perspectives.
Fifteen years ago, Chelsea was convicted for the murder of Isabella, her university roommate. Chelsea has always maintained she was wrongfully accused. Now she is being released early and her only priority is to prove her innocence.
Once Chelsea starts digging into the past, new details and suspects come to light. The closer Chelsea gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become…
This was a thrilling tale of redemption, justice, and the uncovering of secrets from the past. I enjoyed the tense atmosphere, and Chelsea’s journey of self-discovery.
The audiobook was narrated by Rebecca Lee who represented the story and characters well.
3.5 stars
Fifteen years ago, Chelsea was convicted for the murder of Isabella, her university roommate. Chelsea has always maintained she was wrongfully accused. Now she is being released early and her only priority is to prove her innocence.
Once Chelsea starts digging into the past, new details and suspects come to light. The closer Chelsea gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become…
This was a thrilling tale of redemption, justice, and the uncovering of secrets from the past. I enjoyed the tense atmosphere, and Chelsea’s journey of self-discovery.
The audiobook was narrated by Rebecca Lee who represented the story and characters well.
3.5 stars
December 3, 2024
Chelsea killed her close friend Isabella 16 years ago and has just been released on licence….and is on a mission….because she didn’t kill her ( not a spoiler as we know this immediately ) it’s just most people believe she did
What follows is a pleasantly paced for the type of book whodidit and whocovereditup story that really describes Chelsea’s frustration and anguish at her wasted 16 years but also her dogged determination to get to the truth
There are many possibilities and we are led down many garden paths but Chelsea ( and the reader ) get there and I was thrilled for her, it is written really well and I 100% believed I was in this story and was willing her to get to the truth
Set in Brum it was a nice surprise to read about ‘Snobs’ nightclub a real blast from the past
An excellent powerful read that cant say a bad word about
What follows is a pleasantly paced for the type of book whodidit and whocovereditup story that really describes Chelsea’s frustration and anguish at her wasted 16 years but also her dogged determination to get to the truth
There are many possibilities and we are led down many garden paths but Chelsea ( and the reader ) get there and I was thrilled for her, it is written really well and I 100% believed I was in this story and was willing her to get to the truth
Set in Brum it was a nice surprise to read about ‘Snobs’ nightclub a real blast from the past
An excellent powerful read that cant say a bad word about
October 20, 2024
Chelsea has just been released from prison. Incarcerated for 16 long years, for murdering her best friend. Refusing to put the past behind her, she embarks on a mission to find the real killer.
This thriller dives in to the dysfunctional family of the Dunwoodys. Rich, opulent and tainted by greed and jealousy.
The characters are well developed and I really felt like I understood them.
The suspense was good, but there wasn’t really any “jaw dropping” moments and I felt it was maybe a little bit longer than it needed to be.
I enjoyed it though. Easy to pick up and put down, not one you need to binge read to stay tuned in to the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for my advanced copy.
This thriller dives in to the dysfunctional family of the Dunwoodys. Rich, opulent and tainted by greed and jealousy.
The characters are well developed and I really felt like I understood them.
The suspense was good, but there wasn’t really any “jaw dropping” moments and I felt it was maybe a little bit longer than it needed to be.
I enjoyed it though. Easy to pick up and put down, not one you need to binge read to stay tuned in to the story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for my advanced copy.
March 1, 2025
Present day, past timelines... give you an idea and build up of what happened. It's just an overdone trope, you've read 8 out of 10 times.
April 27, 2026
4.5 stars
A wild ride for any thriller reader! I don't know why more people aren't talking about this book, and it should definitely be made into a movie.
I was caught up in the story from the first few pages. Drawn in and at the edge of my seat the entire time. My list of suspects kept growing and kept changing the more I read. It is definitely a one more chapter kind of book.
Dual timelines as we jump back and forth between the present and what happened that led up to Chelsea going to prison. It is mostly from Chelsea's POV with a few alternate POV's sprinkled into the mix at certain times.
The only thing I wish was different is that the ending was a bit more fleshed out. There was definitely room for more detail when things started getting to the peak point before closing up the story.
A wild ride for any thriller reader! I don't know why more people aren't talking about this book, and it should definitely be made into a movie.
I was caught up in the story from the first few pages. Drawn in and at the edge of my seat the entire time. My list of suspects kept growing and kept changing the more I read. It is definitely a one more chapter kind of book.
Dual timelines as we jump back and forth between the present and what happened that led up to Chelsea going to prison. It is mostly from Chelsea's POV with a few alternate POV's sprinkled into the mix at certain times.
The only thing I wish was different is that the ending was a bit more fleshed out. There was definitely room for more detail when things started getting to the peak point before closing up the story.
June 10, 2025
*Justice*
**3.5 Stars**
This book was full of tension, but some of it was frustrating.
We meet Chelsea, who was sentenced to 15 years for the murder of her university roommate, Isabella, aka Izzy.
Chelsea kept her head down in prison and was released early due to good behaviour. Now out and missing her mother, who she was very close to, and remembering how her mother strongly believed in her innocence, they continued to appeal until sadly, while in prison, her mother passed away.
Chelsea has to stay with her aunt in Scotland and comply with the terms of her early release. This is where the problem lies for me. I understand that Chelsea wants to clear her name, but she was convicted on what seems like the flimsiest evidence. Later in the book, we find out why. Chelsea gets permission to go to London, but she virtually becomes a liability as she misses the train back home to Scotland and has to stay another night. This could easily have meant a black mark against her and a stint back inside.
The story flips backwards and forwards leading up to the night of the murder. As clues are revealed, Chelsea chooses to confront those people. We also see a strange setup with Chelsea, Izzy’s mother, and the DC that was part of the interviewing team that led to her conviction. She is no longer in the police and now does investigations for true crime podcasts and hosts some of them.
A vital piece of evidence resurfaces, and I found myself shouting as Chelsea and Izzy’s mother kept handling it with no regard for their fingerprints.
There is a final, almost dangerous confrontation, and then an arrest is made. We get bits of information about the suspects, but I would have loved to have seen some real remorse and others dragged in for their part in the whole sorry debacle. Chelsea lost nearly 15 years of her life that she cannot get back, and I felt we should have had more from the ending.
**3.5 Stars**
This book was full of tension, but some of it was frustrating.
We meet Chelsea, who was sentenced to 15 years for the murder of her university roommate, Isabella, aka Izzy.
Chelsea kept her head down in prison and was released early due to good behaviour. Now out and missing her mother, who she was very close to, and remembering how her mother strongly believed in her innocence, they continued to appeal until sadly, while in prison, her mother passed away.
Chelsea has to stay with her aunt in Scotland and comply with the terms of her early release. This is where the problem lies for me. I understand that Chelsea wants to clear her name, but she was convicted on what seems like the flimsiest evidence. Later in the book, we find out why. Chelsea gets permission to go to London, but she virtually becomes a liability as she misses the train back home to Scotland and has to stay another night. This could easily have meant a black mark against her and a stint back inside.
The story flips backwards and forwards leading up to the night of the murder. As clues are revealed, Chelsea chooses to confront those people. We also see a strange setup with Chelsea, Izzy’s mother, and the DC that was part of the interviewing team that led to her conviction. She is no longer in the police and now does investigations for true crime podcasts and hosts some of them.
A vital piece of evidence resurfaces, and I found myself shouting as Chelsea and Izzy’s mother kept handling it with no regard for their fingerprints.
There is a final, almost dangerous confrontation, and then an arrest is made. We get bits of information about the suspects, but I would have loved to have seen some real remorse and others dragged in for their part in the whole sorry debacle. Chelsea lost nearly 15 years of her life that she cannot get back, and I felt we should have had more from the ending.
December 17, 2024
2.5
As a fan of crime novels I was excited when my book club chose this. Sadly I just found it all a bit basic.
It felt like a really overused plot, which is odd because I've not read a book to this plot before.
I couldn't relate to the characters (maybe due to not being university educated or a millionaire myself) so just found it all a bit far fetched.
A shame as I had high hopes
As a fan of crime novels I was excited when my book club chose this. Sadly I just found it all a bit basic.
It felt like a really overused plot, which is odd because I've not read a book to this plot before.
I couldn't relate to the characters (maybe due to not being university educated or a millionaire myself) so just found it all a bit far fetched.
A shame as I had high hopes
October 9, 2024
This books begins with a transcript of a police interview into an investigation flashing back to 2007. This instantly gripped me and I thought it was an excellent way to start the book as it jumped straight into the story rather than taking a while to pull the reader in. The book then jumps forward to 2022 where Chelsea is released early from serving a long prison sentence and the start of her new life on the outside begins.
The way the book alternated between past and present time as each chapter went on added a lot of depth to the book. I felt this provided a perfect amount of background into the character’s and really built a picture of how their lives had intertwined as certain events had happened. The amount of main characters within the book contributed towards adding suspense and mystery to the “who done it”edge of the plot whilst also being easy to follow who was who.
This was a fast paced book that kept me thoroughly invested throughout. The story progressed at a good pace, never leaving me feeling bored whilst reading it. I constantly questioned throughout what involvement each character could have had in the events that were unfolding, and the ending did not feel predictable in my opinion. Overall I think this was a great read and I would definitely recommend. Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
The way the book alternated between past and present time as each chapter went on added a lot of depth to the book. I felt this provided a perfect amount of background into the character’s and really built a picture of how their lives had intertwined as certain events had happened. The amount of main characters within the book contributed towards adding suspense and mystery to the “who done it”edge of the plot whilst also being easy to follow who was who.
This was a fast paced book that kept me thoroughly invested throughout. The story progressed at a good pace, never leaving me feeling bored whilst reading it. I constantly questioned throughout what involvement each character could have had in the events that were unfolding, and the ending did not feel predictable in my opinion. Overall I think this was a great read and I would definitely recommend. Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
November 26, 2024
3.0 / 5.0
The premise of this book has potential, how the blurb is structured to make this so enticing- yet ultimately too predictable. I had an inkling on who I thought was responsible for the wrongful crimes committed of which Chelsea was wrong convicted. The reason for the low rating is how predictable I found this book to be, maybe it’s the way it’s written or how ‘university centric written’ this book is. I can’t fault the book on the writing, two storylines one in the past and one present of Chelsea - but I found the book to be incredibly slow in build up. It’s a slow burn which you have to invest your time into.
Overall, this book is definitely one that I will forget. I tend to give lower ratings to book that are too predictable.
The premise of this book has potential, how the blurb is structured to make this so enticing- yet ultimately too predictable. I had an inkling on who I thought was responsible for the wrongful crimes committed of which Chelsea was wrong convicted. The reason for the low rating is how predictable I found this book to be, maybe it’s the way it’s written or how ‘university centric written’ this book is. I can’t fault the book on the writing, two storylines one in the past and one present of Chelsea - but I found the book to be incredibly slow in build up. It’s a slow burn which you have to invest your time into.
Overall, this book is definitely one that I will forget. I tend to give lower ratings to book that are too predictable.
March 13, 2025
How are the reviews so bad?! I love Annie’s books. I always think they’re super unique and not the everyday norm of plot. This one was more of the one that could be considered a “don’t before” but I still really liked it. The ending was predictable but again still really liked.
March 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ i thought this was very good! a slow burn whodunnit and a journey towards justice. the past/present time jumping was done well.
December 31, 2025
Listened to this on our Canada road trip.
slow burn with a rushed ending.
slow burn with a rushed ending.
November 6, 2024
If you didn't kill her, then who did?
Chelsea has just been paroled, having been in prison for 16 years, convicted of killing her best friend, Izzy, at university 17 years earlier. Chelsea knows she's innocent, but nobody else believes her, until a chance meeting with Izzy's mother reveals that somebody does believe her.
I really felt for Chelsea. Imagine how your life, at 19 years old feels; your whole future ahead of you, good friends and loving life. 16 years later, you're 35 years old, fresh out of jail, controlled by your probation officer, shunned by everyone who recognises you and you've missed out on so much. So many opportunities that have passed you by - your career, maybe marriage and children. Your mum died while you were behind bars. Heartbreaking. So I completely understood why Chelsea was absolutely not willing to leave it alone - neither would I!
There were so many possibilities as the story unfolded, I really was kept guessing until the very end and I had many inklings along the way!
A really great read, well written and captivating.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Annie Taylor and Michael Joseph, Penguin for an ARC in return for an honest review.
Chelsea has just been paroled, having been in prison for 16 years, convicted of killing her best friend, Izzy, at university 17 years earlier. Chelsea knows she's innocent, but nobody else believes her, until a chance meeting with Izzy's mother reveals that somebody does believe her.
I really felt for Chelsea. Imagine how your life, at 19 years old feels; your whole future ahead of you, good friends and loving life. 16 years later, you're 35 years old, fresh out of jail, controlled by your probation officer, shunned by everyone who recognises you and you've missed out on so much. So many opportunities that have passed you by - your career, maybe marriage and children. Your mum died while you were behind bars. Heartbreaking. So I completely understood why Chelsea was absolutely not willing to leave it alone - neither would I!
There were so many possibilities as the story unfolded, I really was kept guessing until the very end and I had many inklings along the way!
A really great read, well written and captivating.
4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Annie Taylor and Michael Joseph, Penguin for an ARC in return for an honest review.
October 25, 2024
Gosh. I felt like I was holding my breath throughout the entirety of this book. I am 𝘦𝘹𝘩𝘢𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘥! What a stunningly written thriller to really get your teeth into! It completely absorbed me and had me questioning everything. I can’t wait for more people to read this. As well as a complex emotional thriller, it's also balanced with the fun, chaotic side of university life. It's quite the contrast!
𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫 combines gripping dual timelines, a brilliant cast of characters and plot that is instantly intriguing to create an intense, memorable thriller. After Chelsea is released from prison for the murder of her friend and roommate Izzy, a crime she did not commit, we explore the lengths people will go to hide their secret, and also to clear their name. It’s such an all-consuming read, the timelines so beautifully organised and the ending as satisfying as they come. A must read and an author to watch out for!
𝐈𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧'𝐭 𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐫 combines gripping dual timelines, a brilliant cast of characters and plot that is instantly intriguing to create an intense, memorable thriller. After Chelsea is released from prison for the murder of her friend and roommate Izzy, a crime she did not commit, we explore the lengths people will go to hide their secret, and also to clear their name. It’s such an all-consuming read, the timelines so beautifully organised and the ending as satisfying as they come. A must read and an author to watch out for!
January 24, 2025
More 3.5
Told over two periods of time with Chelsea being accused of the murder of her friend Izzy in 2007. 15 years later when she is released from prison she attempts to clear her name
Enjoyable audio. I guessed the real killer but a couple of little twists at the end made for a good read
Told over two periods of time with Chelsea being accused of the murder of her friend Izzy in 2007. 15 years later when she is released from prison she attempts to clear her name
Enjoyable audio. I guessed the real killer but a couple of little twists at the end made for a good read
December 8, 2024
Difficulty finishing due to slow progression of the story
November 8, 2025
I usually like books that have different timeliness but this just seemed like ones I have read before.
October 16, 2024
Chelsea Keogh has just been released from prison, on license, for a crime that she is adamant she did not commit and she's determined to clear her name and find out who really did murder her best friend, Isabella Dunwoody fifteen years ago, back in 2007. She's struggling to adapt to life on the outside again, living with her auntie in Scotland and knowing that some people still believe she did it, but as she starts to uncover new evidence it's clear someone doesn't want the truth to come out and will try anything to stop her digging deeper.
If You Didn't Kill Her is a dual timeline story, alternating between 2006/2007 leading up to, and following Izzy's murder and then 2022 after Chelsea is released from prison. The story begins in 2007 with a transcript of an interview between the police and Chelsea Keogh following Izzy's death and these transcripts appear regularly throughout the book. The story is well crafted, with short chapters and I really liked the depth in which the author delivered her characters to the readers, starting with their university days and then to their lives in the present day and how the death of Izzy had affected each of them. The alternating between chapters keeps up the momentum and the suspense of who was responsible and I was second guessing throughout, although I did eventually figure out who was involved before the big reveal. This is the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.
I'd like to thank Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
If You Didn't Kill Her is a dual timeline story, alternating between 2006/2007 leading up to, and following Izzy's murder and then 2022 after Chelsea is released from prison. The story begins in 2007 with a transcript of an interview between the police and Chelsea Keogh following Izzy's death and these transcripts appear regularly throughout the book. The story is well crafted, with short chapters and I really liked the depth in which the author delivered her characters to the readers, starting with their university days and then to their lives in the present day and how the death of Izzy had affected each of them. The alternating between chapters keeps up the momentum and the suspense of who was responsible and I was second guessing throughout, although I did eventually figure out who was involved before the big reveal. This is the first book I've read by this author but it certainly won't be the last.
I'd like to thank Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and Netgalley for the approval, I will post my review on Goodreads now and Amazon on publication day.
October 21, 2024
Chelsea is released from prison after spending years locked up for the murder of her best friend. She has always maintained that she is innocent and once released she starts digging into the past to try and uncover the truth.
This was a well written thriller which draws you into the past and has creates a nostalgic atmosphere at times. The past timeline works well with the present and helps the reader understand the backstory. The characters are well developed and I kept changing my mind on who to trust, although when it came down to it, I didn’t get any major surprises. Even though the story flowed well, I found it not to be the fastest paced book. Overall though, this is a good read and I would certainly read more by this author. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
This was a well written thriller which draws you into the past and has creates a nostalgic atmosphere at times. The past timeline works well with the present and helps the reader understand the backstory. The characters are well developed and I kept changing my mind on who to trust, although when it came down to it, I didn’t get any major surprises. Even though the story flowed well, I found it not to be the fastest paced book. Overall though, this is a good read and I would certainly read more by this author. 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
October 17, 2024
This is a classic whodunit, and I love the title.
Chelsea has just spent 15 years inside for a murder she didn't commit. Now she's out she needs to know who killed her best friend Izzy!
Chelsea, who starts university, quickly becomes best friends with Izzy along with Hannah and Ayesha. Their all close, but friends do keep things from each other.
Izzy is a shareholder is her Dad's Empire, and she's close to her parents . She was devasted when her dad died. Her stepbrother comes across as quite vulgar and a desirous person. Joe is who Chelseas boyfriend breaks up with her via email and says his inlove with Izzy! However, we're not sure, but their could be something going on with Izzy and her tutor! Izzys life is messy, and one late night, she is murdered, and sadly, Chelsea was the fall-out girl, but who did this and why?
The chapters are quick and short. There are different POVS and timelines. The characters were all suspects, which made this dramatic and thrilling to read. I really enjoyed this book and the way it escalated to clear Chelseas' name !
Chelsea has just spent 15 years inside for a murder she didn't commit. Now she's out she needs to know who killed her best friend Izzy!
Chelsea, who starts university, quickly becomes best friends with Izzy along with Hannah and Ayesha. Their all close, but friends do keep things from each other.
Izzy is a shareholder is her Dad's Empire, and she's close to her parents . She was devasted when her dad died. Her stepbrother comes across as quite vulgar and a desirous person. Joe is who Chelseas boyfriend breaks up with her via email and says his inlove with Izzy! However, we're not sure, but their could be something going on with Izzy and her tutor! Izzys life is messy, and one late night, she is murdered, and sadly, Chelsea was the fall-out girl, but who did this and why?
The chapters are quick and short. There are different POVS and timelines. The characters were all suspects, which made this dramatic and thrilling to read. I really enjoyed this book and the way it escalated to clear Chelseas' name !
October 11, 2024
If You Didn’t Kill Her by Annie Taylor is a gripping read that jumps between 2006/2007 and 2022, slowly unravelling a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. The story focuses on Chelsea, who’s just been released from prison after serving 14 years for a murder she says she didn’t commit. You can really feel her anxiety and unease as she tries to adjust to life outside, but all she wants is to find proof of who really killed her best friend Izzy.
I liked how the book was structured with short, snappy chapters that kept the pace up. The interviews woven in between added a nice touch, giving the book a real sense of suspense, almost like you’re trying to solve the case alongside the characters.
As the story goes on, we get snippets of Izzy's last night and learn more about the other characters and how the events of that night unfolded.
This is the first book I’ve read by Annie Taylor, and I really enjoyed it. The mix of timelines, perspectives, and the suspenseful build-up worked well, and I’d definitely pick up another book by her in the future.
I liked how the book was structured with short, snappy chapters that kept the pace up. The interviews woven in between added a nice touch, giving the book a real sense of suspense, almost like you’re trying to solve the case alongside the characters.
As the story goes on, we get snippets of Izzy's last night and learn more about the other characters and how the events of that night unfolded.
This is the first book I’ve read by Annie Taylor, and I really enjoyed it. The mix of timelines, perspectives, and the suspenseful build-up worked well, and I’d definitely pick up another book by her in the future.
November 9, 2024
A slow burn to start with that I expected to move through the gears, but sadly for me it seemed to get stuck in second. It’s well written and descriptive with some good characters that are portrayed really well, with a nice flow to the story. However it lacked pace and seemed to take an age to get to the conclusion. No great surprises in this and although I didn’t enjoy it as much as The Truth about Her, Annie Taylor will be an author I will continue to read.
December 25, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
August 12, 2024
when chelsea is arrested for her friends murder … did she really do it
as a reader i really enjoyed how each chapter was set in the past then future, it added an air of mystery to the plot.
the police interviews are also super interesting as an element to the story.
overall, this was a really well written murder mystery and i’d definitely pick up another book by this author in the future.
thankyou to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House + net galley for the arc. all opinions are my own <3
as a reader i really enjoyed how each chapter was set in the past then future, it added an air of mystery to the plot.
the police interviews are also super interesting as an element to the story.
overall, this was a really well written murder mystery and i’d definitely pick up another book by this author in the future.
thankyou to Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House + net galley for the arc. all opinions are my own <3
December 1, 2024
Wasn't sure whether to give 3 or 4 stars, as I did really enjoy this. However some parts do get very repetitive, the author really likes to drum a point into you by saying the same thing over and over in various ways. Almost comes across as condescending to the reader. Certain points made are written very directly, rather than being subtle and letting the reader infer into it themselves. Things that didn't need to be directly said, as they are quite obvious to the reader already. Some of it at the end seemed a bit unrealistic and far fetched. I did however really enjoyed this.
April 17, 2025
This was soooooooooooooooooooo long and I had on 1.5 speed which I normally hate doing but god did it drag. The ending was good but I don’t think it was worth 11 hours of my time to make it to the end. There wasn’t really a crazy twist it’s basically what you figure out as you go. Not awful but not one I’d recommend
February 18, 2025
This book was too wordy! At 1/2 way i started skipping the flash back chapters because who cared? It took the story too long to progress and was too slow! Could have easily been 100 pages shorter.
May 31, 2026
3 stars. I listened to the audiobook on Libby from my library.
I find Chelsea's aunt's attitude to be a bit "just lie down and take it." It doesn't really come off like she actually believes that Chelsea didn't kill Izzy. At the very least, she doesn't seem to want to really help Chelsea clear her name.
The dynamics of their friendship in college were interesting. Izzy and Chelsea had gone to the same school before, but only really talked in university. Some mentions of Izzy having a falling out with her group of friends from before, and Aisha (not sure how to spell her name from only the audiobook) saying that Izzy wasn't being nice to Chelsea. Izzy seemed like a mean girl who always said she "didn't mean to" make people feel left out.
Not going to go into more spoilers, but some of the emotions from the people outside of jail feel glossed over emotionally. It's like a wall was between me and some of the characters. It felt like Chelsea had processed her sadness and anger in the years in jail, and I think it would have been good if we had seen some of her back in jail for a chapter to two, or her when she got convicted. There's just such a blank about what she got up to in jail and how her original arrest and trial were processed.
All in all, I liked it, but it fell emotionally flat sometimes and big emotions and events were glossed over in a way that kept me at a distance as a reader.
I find Chelsea's aunt's attitude to be a bit "just lie down and take it." It doesn't really come off like she actually believes that Chelsea didn't kill Izzy. At the very least, she doesn't seem to want to really help Chelsea clear her name.
The dynamics of their friendship in college were interesting. Izzy and Chelsea had gone to the same school before, but only really talked in university. Some mentions of Izzy having a falling out with her group of friends from before, and Aisha (not sure how to spell her name from only the audiobook) saying that Izzy wasn't being nice to Chelsea. Izzy seemed like a mean girl who always said she "didn't mean to" make people feel left out.
Not going to go into more spoilers, but some of the emotions from the people outside of jail feel glossed over emotionally. It's like a wall was between me and some of the characters. It felt like Chelsea had processed her sadness and anger in the years in jail, and I think it would have been good if we had seen some of her back in jail for a chapter to two, or her when she got convicted. There's just such a blank about what she got up to in jail and how her original arrest and trial were processed.
All in all, I liked it, but it fell emotionally flat sometimes and big emotions and events were glossed over in a way that kept me at a distance as a reader.
December 9, 2024
This is a cleverly plotted mystery thriller which succeeded in holding my attention from the very first page.
When Chelsea is released from prison after 17 years, having been convicted of a murder she didn’t commit, she is determined to prove her innocence and find the real culprit who has gone free whilst she has been languishing in gaol. She cannot believe her best friend, Izzy, is dead and she certainly knows she did not murder her-however very few people believe Chelsea.
There are a number of suspects and old friends who Chelsea believes , know more than they are letting on. Of her closest friends only one has stood by her and trusted in her innocence.
As she gradually adapts to life on the outside , staying with her aunt in Scotland, Chelsea begins her investigations. It soon becomes apparent that she is getting too close when she receives threatening messages and as she looks into the case, it seems several people have a reason to have wanted Izzy dead.
Written in two time frames covering the present investigation and the time leading up to the murder,, the tension builds gradually which makes for a compelling read.
The characters are well rounded, particularly Chelsea, who has retained a belief in the truth despite being wrongfully convicted and losing a large part of her life.
It certainly made me think about the possibility of a wrongful conviction and how it could affect the person falsely accused. Even after release the thought that everyone considers you guilty of a horrific act, would be very hard to live with.
I was really hoping Chelsea would be able to clear her name and was keen to finish the book to discover how her life would pan out and whether she’d ever be able to move on from her past.
I definitely recommend this as an interesting and compelling read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy,
When Chelsea is released from prison after 17 years, having been convicted of a murder she didn’t commit, she is determined to prove her innocence and find the real culprit who has gone free whilst she has been languishing in gaol. She cannot believe her best friend, Izzy, is dead and she certainly knows she did not murder her-however very few people believe Chelsea.
There are a number of suspects and old friends who Chelsea believes , know more than they are letting on. Of her closest friends only one has stood by her and trusted in her innocence.
As she gradually adapts to life on the outside , staying with her aunt in Scotland, Chelsea begins her investigations. It soon becomes apparent that she is getting too close when she receives threatening messages and as she looks into the case, it seems several people have a reason to have wanted Izzy dead.
Written in two time frames covering the present investigation and the time leading up to the murder,, the tension builds gradually which makes for a compelling read.
The characters are well rounded, particularly Chelsea, who has retained a belief in the truth despite being wrongfully convicted and losing a large part of her life.
It certainly made me think about the possibility of a wrongful conviction and how it could affect the person falsely accused. Even after release the thought that everyone considers you guilty of a horrific act, would be very hard to live with.
I was really hoping Chelsea would be able to clear her name and was keen to finish the book to discover how her life would pan out and whether she’d ever be able to move on from her past.
I definitely recommend this as an interesting and compelling read!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy,
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