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You Would Have Done It Too
You know things are bad when you wished your only concern was sleepwalking off a balcony straight into a killer’s knife.
Felix's college life is already a mess— failing classes, hiding his gay crush on his best friend, and keeping his bullies from discovering he dances with pizza boxes in his sleep. But now, those same bullies are dropping like flies, and contrary to campus opinion and the damning blood in his bathroom, Felix didn't do it.
As the body count rises, someone seems to be shadowing his every move. If he says the wrong thing, trusts the wrong person, he might not be the only one who won't make it to graduation.
Is someone framing him to make him their last victim, or are they trying to protect him from something even worse?
Discover the chilling twists in You Would Have Done It Too—where survival means questioning everyone, including yourself
Felix's college life is already a mess— failing classes, hiding his gay crush on his best friend, and keeping his bullies from discovering he dances with pizza boxes in his sleep. But now, those same bullies are dropping like flies, and contrary to campus opinion and the damning blood in his bathroom, Felix didn't do it.
As the body count rises, someone seems to be shadowing his every move. If he says the wrong thing, trusts the wrong person, he might not be the only one who won't make it to graduation.
Is someone framing him to make him their last victim, or are they trying to protect him from something even worse?
Discover the chilling twists in You Would Have Done It Too—where survival means questioning everyone, including yourself
- GenresContemporary
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2024
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Heather Chambers
4 books16 followersHeather Chambers is a martial artist, comic-con enthusiast, and slasher film lover. She writes dystopian survivals she wouldn’t dare live through, morally-grey romances that make you question your life choices, and thrillers, all run by LGBTQ2+ characters. Armed with search histories that’d catch the FBI’s attention (for writing purposes, she swears) Heather crafts stories for Gen Z readers and millennials whose voices are swept under the rug.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2025
{ You Would Have Done It Too }
by Heather Chambers
★ ★ ★ ★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🔪 queer ya thriller
🔪 serial killer on campus
🔪 bullies being targeted
🔪 sleepwalking/mental health rep
🔪 wrapped up nicely
Length:
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, NetGalley
Release Date: September 2024
•••••••
This was a fun, twisty, unique little queer ya thriller! Felix has a lot of—problems—including sleepwalking and self-esteem issues. Nikolai is the best friend he’s in love with and a dancer. I really liked the few chapters from his POV. Liana is the tough girl best friend with some awesome one-liners.
I felt like we could have used a bit more on page work with Felix’s mental health. It was a doozy. But I really REALLY loved Liana. I was unsure why there was a hold up between Felix and Nikolai, especially when his truth came out.
The plot was predictable but also engaging! Twists and turns abound and I really liked how realistic the bullying and blaming was portrayed. Made the whole vibe creepy!
Definitely a quick read if you’re in the mood for some light romance, lots of inner angst, and a thrilling story that will keep you on your toes! And the ending was actually perfect!
{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
by Heather Chambers
★ ★ ★ ★
𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩:
🔪 queer ya thriller
🔪 serial killer on campus
🔪 bullies being targeted
🔪 sleepwalking/mental health rep
🔪 wrapped up nicely
Length:
Source: ARC - TBR & Beyond, NetGalley
Release Date: September 2024
•••••••
This was a fun, twisty, unique little queer ya thriller! Felix has a lot of—problems—including sleepwalking and self-esteem issues. Nikolai is the best friend he’s in love with and a dancer. I really liked the few chapters from his POV. Liana is the tough girl best friend with some awesome one-liners.
I felt like we could have used a bit more on page work with Felix’s mental health. It was a doozy. But I really REALLY loved Liana. I was unsure why there was a hold up between Felix and Nikolai, especially when his truth came out.
The plot was predictable but also engaging! Twists and turns abound and I really liked how realistic the bullying and blaming was portrayed. Made the whole vibe creepy!
Definitely a quick read if you’re in the mood for some light romance, lots of inner angst, and a thrilling story that will keep you on your toes! And the ending was actually perfect!
{I received a complimentary copy of this book. All reviews are my own.}
Read
February 3, 2025I don't know if i can give a truly objective review of this novel as I am, literally, directly related to the author. That said, I'll give some thoughts and leave this unstarred with my written consensus at the end.
You Would Have Done It Too is a mystery novel set in a (presumably) Canadian art college. It follows three close friends who have grown to rely on each other across various emotional and familial strife and continue to do so through out the story. The novel begins shortly after the second murder has occurred on campus and we get a glimpse at the students and faculty's reactions to the slowly increasing danger around them. This comes to a head early on when our protagonist finds a large amount of evidence in his (luckily private) dorm room and needs to come to terms with whether he is being set up or if something more nefarious is at play. We also see an attempt at building a coming-of-age story here that displays Felix's slow self-realization of his own sexuality as he moves through the story beats.
I'll start with a few things that I enjoyed.
I was actually impressed with the subtle characterization of Liana. She is a character that could have very easily served as an overly-sexualized comic relief where we, the audience, are supposed to look down on her choices. However, Heather does a good job of posing her character in a neutral light, not showing it as any moral compass but as an aspect of her person that is beyond the judgement of others. This was a progressive feminist view and one I quite enjoyed.
I also liked the twist. Going into this knowing it was Heather's first focused attempt at a mystery/thriller and her first time branching out from the YA Sci-Fi genre I was worried (and quite confident) that I had solved the mystery in the first three chapters. This was absolutely not the case and on review Heather actually did a great job of sprinkling in small hints across the story to show what direction the novel was turning.
I enjoyed the idea that this novel concluded with therapy. It's something that really grounded Heather's vision of her story in some form of reality and provided me with a sense of respect she showed for the real-life trauma that people can experience after something like this. There is no "tough guys walking away from explosions unscathed" here and, although the actual delivery of this treatment was very different from my own experience with trauma-related psychotherapy, I thought this was a great touch to her narrative.
On the flip-side, there's a handful of things I didn't enjoy as much.
I had a hard time connecting with these characters. I don't believe it is a reflection on Heather's writing at all but I found them very immature for somewhat experienced college students and their dialogue, outside of that with each other, felt more high-school than adult. There was a moment in the story where the concept of a coach showing attraction towards Liana is categorized as "having a kink for jail time" which wouldn't make sense for adult college students. As stated, I chalk some of this up to my current age compared to the characters, but there is a way to write children and young adults that can separate them emotionally from their more developed counterparts and it may have missed the mark here.
Also, on this topic, the bullying was very "high-school" as well. The bullies felt almost like caricatures of themselves to serve a story purpose instead of actual people. In any college or university worth its weight, the moment physical assault occurs (whether or not actual murders are occurring at the time) a police report is made and assault charges are pressed. Because we are no longer dealing with children bullying, but adults performing criminal acts. Needless to say, most of the bullying here would have to have been on a more subtle level to truly slip under the radar of faculty.
I was disappointed that Felix leaned so heavily on his friends to solve his problems. Even as I watched his character arc unfold I was hoping to see him become more of an action-forward character instead of a passive one. Things just seemed to constantly happen TO him, and he was unable to solve these problems without the help of one or both of his friends. Even at the end, when he has to make a desperate attempt to make an opening to save himself and his friend, we see Liana as the one who makes the final blow with Felix succumbing to his injuries and passing out. The cops then question him and it appears that he still, after all this growth, feels resigned to fold over and accept that his piece of evidence will do nothing to prove his innocence; and who comes in to save the day again? Liana. It didn't make him a compelling protagonist and made me stop rooting for him at around the 50% mark on the assumption he would probably fold over to most of his problems like a paper towel.
Okay, I'll leave it at that.
If it seems I am being hard on this novel, I hope you understand I am just trying to be fair. Heather has succeeded in writing not one, but three complete novels at this point and that achievement alone should be applauded. I encourage YOU to make your own opinions on this book as, with most pieces of entertainment, there are different audiences for everything. Even if I held some strong opinions on this book, it could very well be your favorite read of the year.
Despite my own hesitations I do truly think you should give this a read.
Much love Heather and here's looking forward to your next one.
You Would Have Done It Too is a mystery novel set in a (presumably) Canadian art college. It follows three close friends who have grown to rely on each other across various emotional and familial strife and continue to do so through out the story. The novel begins shortly after the second murder has occurred on campus and we get a glimpse at the students and faculty's reactions to the slowly increasing danger around them. This comes to a head early on when our protagonist finds a large amount of evidence in his (luckily private) dorm room and needs to come to terms with whether he is being set up or if something more nefarious is at play. We also see an attempt at building a coming-of-age story here that displays Felix's slow self-realization of his own sexuality as he moves through the story beats.
I'll start with a few things that I enjoyed.
I was actually impressed with the subtle characterization of Liana. She is a character that could have very easily served as an overly-sexualized comic relief where we, the audience, are supposed to look down on her choices. However, Heather does a good job of posing her character in a neutral light, not showing it as any moral compass but as an aspect of her person that is beyond the judgement of others. This was a progressive feminist view and one I quite enjoyed.
I also liked the twist. Going into this knowing it was Heather's first focused attempt at a mystery/thriller and her first time branching out from the YA Sci-Fi genre I was worried (and quite confident) that I had solved the mystery in the first three chapters. This was absolutely not the case and on review Heather actually did a great job of sprinkling in small hints across the story to show what direction the novel was turning.
I enjoyed the idea that this novel concluded with therapy. It's something that really grounded Heather's vision of her story in some form of reality and provided me with a sense of respect she showed for the real-life trauma that people can experience after something like this. There is no "tough guys walking away from explosions unscathed" here and, although the actual delivery of this treatment was very different from my own experience with trauma-related psychotherapy, I thought this was a great touch to her narrative.
On the flip-side, there's a handful of things I didn't enjoy as much.
I had a hard time connecting with these characters. I don't believe it is a reflection on Heather's writing at all but I found them very immature for somewhat experienced college students and their dialogue, outside of that with each other, felt more high-school than adult. There was a moment in the story where the concept of a coach showing attraction towards Liana is categorized as "having a kink for jail time" which wouldn't make sense for adult college students. As stated, I chalk some of this up to my current age compared to the characters, but there is a way to write children and young adults that can separate them emotionally from their more developed counterparts and it may have missed the mark here.
Also, on this topic, the bullying was very "high-school" as well. The bullies felt almost like caricatures of themselves to serve a story purpose instead of actual people. In any college or university worth its weight, the moment physical assault occurs (whether or not actual murders are occurring at the time) a police report is made and assault charges are pressed. Because we are no longer dealing with children bullying, but adults performing criminal acts. Needless to say, most of the bullying here would have to have been on a more subtle level to truly slip under the radar of faculty.
I was disappointed that Felix leaned so heavily on his friends to solve his problems. Even as I watched his character arc unfold I was hoping to see him become more of an action-forward character instead of a passive one. Things just seemed to constantly happen TO him, and he was unable to solve these problems without the help of one or both of his friends. Even at the end, when he has to make a desperate attempt to make an opening to save himself and his friend, we see Liana as the one who makes the final blow with Felix succumbing to his injuries and passing out. The cops then question him and it appears that he still, after all this growth, feels resigned to fold over and accept that his piece of evidence will do nothing to prove his innocence; and who comes in to save the day again? Liana. It didn't make him a compelling protagonist and made me stop rooting for him at around the 50% mark on the assumption he would probably fold over to most of his problems like a paper towel.
Okay, I'll leave it at that.
If it seems I am being hard on this novel, I hope you understand I am just trying to be fair. Heather has succeeded in writing not one, but three complete novels at this point and that achievement alone should be applauded. I encourage YOU to make your own opinions on this book as, with most pieces of entertainment, there are different audiences for everything. Even if I held some strong opinions on this book, it could very well be your favorite read of the year.
Despite my own hesitations I do truly think you should give this a read.
Much love Heather and here's looking forward to your next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2025
Felix’s college experience is anything but ordinary. Struggling to keep his grades afloat, grappling with an unspoken crush on his best friend, and dodging relentless bullies are enough to keep his hands full. But when those same bullies start turning up dead, and incriminating evidence points straight to Felix, his life takes a sinister turn.
Worse, someone is shadowing him—an unseen presence that might be trying to protect him or make him their final victim. As tensions rise and the body count climbs, Felix is forced to navigate a deadly web of secrets, lies, and danger. To survive, he must unravel the mystery before graduation becomes a deadline he can’t meet.
Topes
- Amateur sleuth
- Psychological thriller
- Wrongly accused
- Unreliable narrator
- LGBTQ+ themes
- College drama
YWHDIT is a riveting thriller that balances dark suspense with moments of vulnerability and wit. Felix’s journey from an overwhelmed college student to an unwitting player in a deadly game is both heart-pounding and deeply relatable. The book crafts a compelling protagonist in Felix, whose struggles with identity, unrequited love, and self-doubt make him an anchor in the story's chaos. The supporting cast, from Felix’s mysterious shadow to his best friend and potential crush, adds layers of complexity, leaving readers questioning everyone’s motives.
The pacing is sharp, with each chapter revealing new clues or unsettling twists that challenge Felix’s perception of the truth—and the reader’s. The tension builds masterfully, culminating in a finale that’s as shocking as it is satisfying. While the thriller elements shine, the story also delves into themes of belonging, resilience, and self-acceptance, giving it emotional depth. Some readers may find the ending a touch ambiguous, but it fits perfectly with the story's tone and Felix’s unreliable perspective.
With its sharp twists, compelling protagonist, and atmospheric tension, YWHDIT is a standout thriller perfect for fans of dark academia, psychological suspense, and LGBTQ+ narratives. Heather delivers a chilling tale that will keep readers questioning reality—and everyone in it—until the final page.
If you have loved any of these, then You Would Have Done It Too is your next thriller!!!
✨One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
✨The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
✨A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
✨They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (for emotional stakes)
✨Sadie by Courtney Summers
Worse, someone is shadowing him—an unseen presence that might be trying to protect him or make him their final victim. As tensions rise and the body count climbs, Felix is forced to navigate a deadly web of secrets, lies, and danger. To survive, he must unravel the mystery before graduation becomes a deadline he can’t meet.
Topes
- Amateur sleuth
- Psychological thriller
- Wrongly accused
- Unreliable narrator
- LGBTQ+ themes
- College drama
YWHDIT is a riveting thriller that balances dark suspense with moments of vulnerability and wit. Felix’s journey from an overwhelmed college student to an unwitting player in a deadly game is both heart-pounding and deeply relatable. The book crafts a compelling protagonist in Felix, whose struggles with identity, unrequited love, and self-doubt make him an anchor in the story's chaos. The supporting cast, from Felix’s mysterious shadow to his best friend and potential crush, adds layers of complexity, leaving readers questioning everyone’s motives.
The pacing is sharp, with each chapter revealing new clues or unsettling twists that challenge Felix’s perception of the truth—and the reader’s. The tension builds masterfully, culminating in a finale that’s as shocking as it is satisfying. While the thriller elements shine, the story also delves into themes of belonging, resilience, and self-acceptance, giving it emotional depth. Some readers may find the ending a touch ambiguous, but it fits perfectly with the story's tone and Felix’s unreliable perspective.
With its sharp twists, compelling protagonist, and atmospheric tension, YWHDIT is a standout thriller perfect for fans of dark academia, psychological suspense, and LGBTQ+ narratives. Heather delivers a chilling tale that will keep readers questioning reality—and everyone in it—until the final page.
If you have loved any of these, then You Would Have Done It Too is your next thriller!!!
✨One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
✨The Taking of Jake Livingston by Ryan Douglass
✨A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
✨They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera (for emotional stakes)
✨Sadie by Courtney Summers
January 8, 2025
5 Reasons to Read You Would Have Done It Too by Heather Chambers
🩸 A Killer Mystery with Unpredictable Twists
This isn't your typical whodunit—You Would Have Done It Too keeps you guessing at every turn. With Felix's life spiraling out of control and a campus full of secrets, you'll never know who to trust until the very end.
🌈 A Queer Protagonist You’ll Root For
Felix isn’t just surviving college; he’s navigating his identity, crushes, and a literal murder mystery. His raw vulnerability and resilience make him a character you’ll connect with deeply.
🎭 Dark Humor Meets Chilling Suspense
Sleepwalking with pizza boxes? Bullies mysteriously dropping dead? The perfect blend of wit and tension keeps this story gripping and refreshingly unique.
🔪 Themes of Trust and Survival
With danger lurking in every shadow, the book challenges you to consider: How far would you go to protect yourself—or someone you care about? It’s a thrilling moral exploration wrapped in a suspenseful plot.
📚 Perfect for Fans of Dark Academia and Thrillers
If you love atmospheric campus settings, flawed yet compelling characters, and fast-paced, nail-biting plots, this book is your next obsession.
🩸 A Killer Mystery with Unpredictable Twists
This isn't your typical whodunit—You Would Have Done It Too keeps you guessing at every turn. With Felix's life spiraling out of control and a campus full of secrets, you'll never know who to trust until the very end.
🌈 A Queer Protagonist You’ll Root For
Felix isn’t just surviving college; he’s navigating his identity, crushes, and a literal murder mystery. His raw vulnerability and resilience make him a character you’ll connect with deeply.
🎭 Dark Humor Meets Chilling Suspense
Sleepwalking with pizza boxes? Bullies mysteriously dropping dead? The perfect blend of wit and tension keeps this story gripping and refreshingly unique.
🔪 Themes of Trust and Survival
With danger lurking in every shadow, the book challenges you to consider: How far would you go to protect yourself—or someone you care about? It’s a thrilling moral exploration wrapped in a suspenseful plot.
📚 Perfect for Fans of Dark Academia and Thrillers
If you love atmospheric campus settings, flawed yet compelling characters, and fast-paced, nail-biting plots, this book is your next obsession.
January 17, 2025
4.5 This was super fun to read. I wish there was an anime series of these characters. It would be so cool. I kept seeing them react, showing Kawaii's emotions and blush and roll on the ground laughing. The three make a great team. It is also a murder mystery, thriller, gory, and violent. Short read, easy, and flows well. Made me curious to read the author's dystopian project. Love the writing style and the balance of violence and cute humor.
The main character not only deals with severe bullying, but he also has a somnambulism condition that makes him believe he is not that innocent. College setting, other issues: falling in love, coming out.
"Sic Liana on him." 😆 immediately see Liana KO, a dude with her volleyball attack and a vein popping on her forehead, with white eyes of fury.
The main character not only deals with severe bullying, but he also has a somnambulism condition that makes him believe he is not that innocent. College setting, other issues: falling in love, coming out.
"Sic Liana on him." 😆 immediately see Liana KO, a dude with her volleyball attack and a vein popping on her forehead, with white eyes of fury.
November 6, 2024
3.5 rounded up.
Thanks to the author and publisher for the digital copy for review!
The premise of this book was really intriguing - a serial killer has set their sights on a college campus and we're thrown right into the action - and the characters were diverse and easy to root for.
Some of the writing did come across as a bit naive and more telling vs showing, and the big reveal didn't really do much for me, but I think a lot of readers new to the thriller genre will enjoy this YA murder mystery for its twists and turns and emotional punches!
Thanks to the author and publisher for the digital copy for review!
The premise of this book was really intriguing - a serial killer has set their sights on a college campus and we're thrown right into the action - and the characters were diverse and easy to root for.
Some of the writing did come across as a bit naive and more telling vs showing, and the big reveal didn't really do much for me, but I think a lot of readers new to the thriller genre will enjoy this YA murder mystery for its twists and turns and emotional punches!
January 27, 2025
3.5⭐️ rounded to 4⭐️
This book starts out with quite a bang! Two murdered college students, a MC who has to tie himself to his bed so he won't sleepwalk at night and do who knows what, then the bloody clothes of one of the murder victims turning up in MCs bathroom. All in the first 30 pages!!! When three of Felix's bully's end up murdered, he becomes the prime suspect. Even wondering if he did it himself while sleepwalking. I must admit I did not have this one figured out. This is a fast, YA murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
This book starts out with quite a bang! Two murdered college students, a MC who has to tie himself to his bed so he won't sleepwalk at night and do who knows what, then the bloody clothes of one of the murder victims turning up in MCs bathroom. All in the first 30 pages!!! When three of Felix's bully's end up murdered, he becomes the prime suspect. Even wondering if he did it himself while sleepwalking. I must admit I did not have this one figured out. This is a fast, YA murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
October 24, 2024
Perfect for teenagers or college students just figuring out their identity and sexual orientation, and who enjoy a good ol' slasher! It's filled with sass and true crime knowledge for any horror aficionado. Plus a gay couple who will have you kicking your feet! What's not to love?
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews