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It Could Have Been Murder
"E.D. Rich’s book offers a unique twist on the typical murder mystery. I was immediately hooked by the concept and the ethical questions it raised. The writing is sharp and keeps you on the edge of your seat. It's a highly recommended read for those who think they’ve seen everything in the thriller genre." Dave Roberts, Retired Police Officer
In It Could Have Been Murder, a thrilling blend of mystery and psychological intrigue, E.D. Rich delivers a complex tale of ambition, deception, and the darker side of human nature.
IMAGINE..
Playing The Assassin Game as a corporate teambuilding event, planning every detail, every contingency, selecting a target, and relying on the people who work beside you every day. Imagine your target doesn’t know they’re in the game.
Your objectives:
Do no harm AND remain undetected.
Now, imagine you own the company that arranges the murder adventures, and after 20 years in business, someone slips through your careful vetting process, and he’s bent on killing his target.
Set against a backdrop of corporate warfare and personal vendettas, this novel challenges the concept of justice and explores how thin the line can be between right and wrong. Rich's narrative is gripping from the first sentence, setting the stage for a book that promises to captivate fans of psychological thrillers and mystery genres alike.
In It Could Have Been Murder, a thrilling blend of mystery and psychological intrigue, E.D. Rich delivers a complex tale of ambition, deception, and the darker side of human nature.
IMAGINE..
Playing The Assassin Game as a corporate teambuilding event, planning every detail, every contingency, selecting a target, and relying on the people who work beside you every day. Imagine your target doesn’t know they’re in the game.
Your objectives:
Do no harm AND remain undetected.
Now, imagine you own the company that arranges the murder adventures, and after 20 years in business, someone slips through your careful vetting process, and he’s bent on killing his target.
Set against a backdrop of corporate warfare and personal vendettas, this novel challenges the concept of justice and explores how thin the line can be between right and wrong. Rich's narrative is gripping from the first sentence, setting the stage for a book that promises to captivate fans of psychological thrillers and mystery genres alike.
260 pages, ebook
Published November 25, 2024
17 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
E.D. Rich
2 books13 followersE.D. Rich earned a BA in English and French from DePauw University, followed by an MHA (Master's in Health Administration) from Indiana University. An Indiana native, E.D. Rich is married, has one son and two dogs. "Such a Fantastic Girl," was released in September 2025. Her debut novel, "It Could Have Been Murder," published in November 2024. Ms. Rich is an avid knitter, and if you meet her in person, she will probably offer to knit you a hat.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
April 8, 2025
A secret business is in jeopardy after a client's breach of agreement in E. D. Rich's psychological thriller, "It Could Have Been Murder."
After college, Kate brainstormed a business idea to venture into, and murder adventures came to mind. This rare idea leads to the birth of Diamond Teams, a business with no web presence. For twenty years, the company never faces threats, but after a young, intelligent client, Guy Brown, danger creeps in. Members of Diamond Teams received gift threats, and the children of the company's three principals are in high stakes. They must plan, or else they will lose their hard-earned business.
Written in multiple points of view, readers will immerse themselves in the different mindsets and inner dialogues of Rich's smart characters, who play scenes of intrigue and mystery. Guy, who grew up intellectually advanced, stands out from his peers, making him proceed to accelerated learning. However, an incident at sixteen set a leap of change in him that developed some bitterness and behavior change. Later in life, it affects his relationships and decision-making.
The plot starts somewhat methodically with its business description and client screenings until Rich introduces Kate, her team, and her family, down to "Profile Man." In a well-paced manner, the characters identities become clearer as the book progresses, especially Guy and the intriguing members of the Diamond Teams who secretly work for years to make the business thrive.
Though Diamond Teams formed groups to resolve the case, still they discovered more potential members to pull in, including Dean, Michelle, and Alexis. The trio's plan, with the guidance of the leaders, eliminates Guy Brown with "its finesse and a lack of outright brutality, as they take advantage of his disability by using their nanotechnologies. The result was so profound and devastating that it looks more like a normal accident than a murder; thus, it's for readers to decide where it belongs.
Inviting and suspenseful, "It Could Have Been Murder" brims with psychological intrigue and conspiracy where life and death are at play. The prose is enigmatic, and indeed, this readable book secures attention throughout.
Lovers of psychological thrillers and family sagas will find this book enthralling. Delighted by Rich's storytelling skills, intertwining the past and the present, I'm excited to explore more of her works.
After college, Kate brainstormed a business idea to venture into, and murder adventures came to mind. This rare idea leads to the birth of Diamond Teams, a business with no web presence. For twenty years, the company never faces threats, but after a young, intelligent client, Guy Brown, danger creeps in. Members of Diamond Teams received gift threats, and the children of the company's three principals are in high stakes. They must plan, or else they will lose their hard-earned business.
Written in multiple points of view, readers will immerse themselves in the different mindsets and inner dialogues of Rich's smart characters, who play scenes of intrigue and mystery. Guy, who grew up intellectually advanced, stands out from his peers, making him proceed to accelerated learning. However, an incident at sixteen set a leap of change in him that developed some bitterness and behavior change. Later in life, it affects his relationships and decision-making.
The plot starts somewhat methodically with its business description and client screenings until Rich introduces Kate, her team, and her family, down to "Profile Man." In a well-paced manner, the characters identities become clearer as the book progresses, especially Guy and the intriguing members of the Diamond Teams who secretly work for years to make the business thrive.
Though Diamond Teams formed groups to resolve the case, still they discovered more potential members to pull in, including Dean, Michelle, and Alexis. The trio's plan, with the guidance of the leaders, eliminates Guy Brown with "its finesse and a lack of outright brutality, as they take advantage of his disability by using their nanotechnologies. The result was so profound and devastating that it looks more like a normal accident than a murder; thus, it's for readers to decide where it belongs.
Inviting and suspenseful, "It Could Have Been Murder" brims with psychological intrigue and conspiracy where life and death are at play. The prose is enigmatic, and indeed, this readable book secures attention throughout.
Lovers of psychological thrillers and family sagas will find this book enthralling. Delighted by Rich's storytelling skills, intertwining the past and the present, I'm excited to explore more of her works.
January 18, 2025
Great read! An intriguing story that will keep you read to the very last page
February 6, 2025
It took me 40 pages to get into this book much like The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and definitely worth the read. If you like mysteries where there are a pile of things happening and you need to sift through the noise, this book is for you! Rich carefully lays the groundwork and as much as you want the action to move, you have to pay attention. Love that! The book is a quick read and if you have ever played Senior Assassin in high school, you start giggling right away,
April 5, 2025
Overall I would say I enjoyed reading this book! It was a quick read where I kept turning page after page in anticipation with what would happen next. The entire concept of the book is very complex and I could tell how thoroughly planned out this book was- I cannot imagine the planning process of "Diamond Teams", it was so detailed and so methodically planned out. I could really tell how much thought Rich put into writing this book and ensuring no loopholes in the process. If you are interested in a complex, fast-paced thriller, this book is for you!
My one note I'll put on here is I felt like the book's target audience was for people who are older than I am. There is nothing wrong with that, however, I think I would enjoy this book more in 10-20 years than I do now. I think I would be able to relate to the concepts and overall ideas of the book more then. :)
My one note I'll put on here is I felt like the book's target audience was for people who are older than I am. There is nothing wrong with that, however, I think I would enjoy this book more in 10-20 years than I do now. I think I would be able to relate to the concepts and overall ideas of the book more then. :)
July 6, 2025
What a perfect beach read! Even better, it was written by a college friend. I was surprised to discover this side of her and devoured her suspenseful book.
December 17, 2024
I was honored to be a Beta reader for my friend, Elizabeth, who wrote this. Very clever premise and intricately detailed situation. :)
January 13, 2025
I loved this book. It was such an enjoyable read, and the cleverness of the details was thrilling. A good page Turner!
September 29, 2025
Book Review: It Could Have Been Murder by E.D. Rich
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉E.D. Rich’s It Could Have Been Murder is a strikingly original thriller that dares to take readers into the unsettling space where games, corporate ambition, and human nature collide. The novel begins with the concept of “The Assassin Game,” a team-building exercise designed to test strategy and cunning. The rules are simple: remain undetected and cause no harm. The twist lies in the fact that the chosen targets have no idea they are part of the game. What starts as a controlled and carefully managed exercise soon spirals into something far more dangerous when a player enters the game with a deadly purpose.
👉The story masterfully blends psychological intrigue with corporate drama. Beneath the surface of the game lies a backdrop of ambition, deception, and personal vendettas. Rich captures the tensions of the workplace environment and magnifies them within the framework of a game that blurs the boundaries between safety and threat. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world where every action carries weight, and the trust between colleagues becomes increasingly fragile.
👉What sets this book apart is the way it challenges perceptions of justice and morality. The characters find themselves caught between doing what is right and protecting their own interests, and in this space, Rich exposes the darker sides of human behavior. Each chapter builds suspense, not only through the possibility of violence but also through the psychological pressure that grows as motives are questioned and alliances unravel.
👉The writing is sharp, fast-paced, and layered with tension. Rich never relies on clichés but instead delivers a fresh take on the thriller genre. The result is a novel that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking. It raises uncomfortable truths about how thin the line is between harmless play and genuine danger, and how quickly order can collapse when the rules no longer hold.
👉It Could Have Been Murder is more than a mystery; it is a vivid exploration of control, trust, and the consequences of ambition unchecked.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉E.D. Rich’s It Could Have Been Murder is a strikingly original thriller that dares to take readers into the unsettling space where games, corporate ambition, and human nature collide. The novel begins with the concept of “The Assassin Game,” a team-building exercise designed to test strategy and cunning. The rules are simple: remain undetected and cause no harm. The twist lies in the fact that the chosen targets have no idea they are part of the game. What starts as a controlled and carefully managed exercise soon spirals into something far more dangerous when a player enters the game with a deadly purpose.
👉The story masterfully blends psychological intrigue with corporate drama. Beneath the surface of the game lies a backdrop of ambition, deception, and personal vendettas. Rich captures the tensions of the workplace environment and magnifies them within the framework of a game that blurs the boundaries between safety and threat. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is drawn into a world where every action carries weight, and the trust between colleagues becomes increasingly fragile.
👉What sets this book apart is the way it challenges perceptions of justice and morality. The characters find themselves caught between doing what is right and protecting their own interests, and in this space, Rich exposes the darker sides of human behavior. Each chapter builds suspense, not only through the possibility of violence but also through the psychological pressure that grows as motives are questioned and alliances unravel.
👉The writing is sharp, fast-paced, and layered with tension. Rich never relies on clichés but instead delivers a fresh take on the thriller genre. The result is a novel that is both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking. It raises uncomfortable truths about how thin the line is between harmless play and genuine danger, and how quickly order can collapse when the rules no longer hold.
👉It Could Have Been Murder is more than a mystery; it is a vivid exploration of control, trust, and the consequences of ambition unchecked.
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
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November 29, 2024I'm making a shameless plug with this post. 'It Could Have Been Murder' is my debut novel, and I loved the process of developing the idea and writing this book. I'm hoping that friends and family and friends I haven't met yet will enjoy the book and recommend it.
Any time you create something and put it out there in the world, there's so much trepidation, and it reminds me of choosing teams in gym class. At the end of the day, even if you get picked last, you still get picked. But, in the most wishful way possible, my fingers are crossed that my book isn't the last kid picked to join the team on your bookshelf.
Any time you create something and put it out there in the world, there's so much trepidation, and it reminds me of choosing teams in gym class. At the end of the day, even if you get picked last, you still get picked. But, in the most wishful way possible, my fingers are crossed that my book isn't the last kid picked to join the team on your bookshelf.
February 5, 2026
The first book by Elizabeth Rich is the gem of dark humor! The fact that Kate, previously a pointless grad, now runs Diamond Teams, a company that organizes fake murders is completely wildly imaginative. The conflict between morality and the spirit of ambition keeps the viewers glued, and the colorful characters particularly Alexis bring in the soul. When there are no digressions, it is paced rather closely, but there are some digressions that slow the pacing. Psychological thrillers and lovers of witty stories will gulp this smart suspenseful tale which challenges us on how far we are going to adventure.
October 2, 2025
It Could Have Been Murder is a crazy adventure! The fact that Kate came up with a murder-planning consultancy is absurd and fascinating that it makes one wonder what ethics and ambition are. The characters (particularly Sam and Chris) are lifelike especially their relationships anchor the audacity of the story. There is a slight stutter in the middle, the climax is spellbinding. It is a daring combination of humor and tension, and one that will appeal to the lovers of dark and quirky thrillers with the psychological twist.
October 2, 2025
Elizabeth Rich It Could Have Been Murder is an exciting exploration of the mind of adventure and morality. The dark humorous and thought-provoking nature of the story of how Kate, a classy college graduate, transforms into the mastermind behind Diamond Teams, a company that plots faux murders, is intriguing. The prose is awash with wit and encompasses the nostalgia as well as suspense. The fact that the Assassin game is turned into a business is genius. I could not leave it without recommending to the readers who enjoy clever and unconventional narratives!
November 26, 2025
Elizabeth Rich It Could Have Been Murder is an exciting exploration of the mind of adventure and morality. The dark humorous and thought-provoking nature of the story of how Kate, a classy college graduate, transforms into the mastermind behind Diamond Teams, a company that plots faux murders, is intriguing. The prose is awash with wit and encompasses the nostalgia as well as suspense. The fact that the Assassin game is turned into a business is genius. I could not leave it without recommending to the readers who enjoy clever and unconventional narratives!
November 26, 2025
It Could Have Been Murder is a crazy adventure! The fact that Kate came up with a murder-planning consultancy is absurd and fascinating that it makes one wonder what ethics and ambition are. The characters (particularly Sam and Chris) are lifelike especially their relationships anchor the audacity of the story. There is a slight stutter in the middle, the climax is spellbinding. It is a daring combination of humor and tension, and one that will appeal to the lovers of dark and quirky thrillers with the psychological twist.
February 5, 2026
Wow, It Could Have Been Murder is a roller-coaster! Elizabeth Rich is a story of ambition, morality, and black humor that is interwoven by a weird business of organizing fake killings by Kate. The background behind the Assassin game with its high school antics is nostalgic and intelligent, transforming into a chilling corporate plot. The characters are lively and the prose is full of wit. It is a rare and captivating read that combines suspense and satire that thriller lovers would love to read something daring.
May 8, 2025
E.D. Rich explores a complex game of professional murder—one that's not intended to occur. The characters are complex, as is the team's network, which depends on each other. The vetting process of new clients was well beyond anything I could have imagined. The ending was most unexpected, and I was still waiting for another shoe to drop. Let's call it over the cliff.
December 3, 2025
“A sharp, clever thriller with a premise that hits harder than a typical whodunit. E.D. Rich turns a corporate teambuilding ‘game’ into a tense, morally tangled mystery that keeps you guessing. Fast-paced, unsettling, and thought-provoking, perfect for readers who enjoy psychological intrigue with real stakes.”
January 20, 2026
This was a really interesting take on the murder mystery genre, especially with the idea of an “assassin game” gone wrong. The concept kept me engaged, and the ethical tension added an extra layer that made the story feel different from typical thrillers.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews