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I Did Not Kill My Husband
Not yet published
Expected 23 Feb 27The latest from sensational writing duo Linda Keir,
I Did Not Kill My Husband
is a riveting thriller perfect for fans of
None of This Is True
by Lisa Jewell and
Lucky
by Marissa Stapely.
LA lifestyle influencer Cara Campbell is living the rags-to-riches dream with her plastic surgeon husband, Karl, and posting all about it on social media. But her happily ever after evaporates when she’s given a life sentence for murdering Karl during a romantic getaway. All evidence points to her, and her platform—as an unabashed gold digger—makes her look guilty as hell. Karl’s struggling business and million-dollar life insurance policy add plenty of motive. But the one thing Cara knows for sure is she didn’t do it.
En route to the maximum-security prison where she’ll begin serving her sentence, the armored transport vehicle is torn apart in a horrific collision that sparks a wildfire at the scene. Desperately seizing this unexpected chance at freedom, Cara flees into the Sierra Nevada mountain range armed only with a cracked phone she found on the highway.
Local sheriff Jordan Burke is first to respond and follows in hot pursuit. His desire to apprehend Cara is He’s vulnerable in the next election, and a quick capture will help his chances. But as the sensational case explodes in the headlines, he finds himself second-guessed at every turn by a noisy chorus of murderinos, internet sleuths, and podcasters—as well as his blowhard political opponent, who trumpets every mistake.
In the woods, Cara’s flight for survival becomes a journey of discovery. Who killed Karl, and why? Was her marriage built on lies? And who is she, really, without her millions of followers?
As Jordan draws relentlessly closer, he, too, begins to question the truth. But to find the answers, he has to catch a fugitive …
LA lifestyle influencer Cara Campbell is living the rags-to-riches dream with her plastic surgeon husband, Karl, and posting all about it on social media. But her happily ever after evaporates when she’s given a life sentence for murdering Karl during a romantic getaway. All evidence points to her, and her platform—as an unabashed gold digger—makes her look guilty as hell. Karl’s struggling business and million-dollar life insurance policy add plenty of motive. But the one thing Cara knows for sure is she didn’t do it.
En route to the maximum-security prison where she’ll begin serving her sentence, the armored transport vehicle is torn apart in a horrific collision that sparks a wildfire at the scene. Desperately seizing this unexpected chance at freedom, Cara flees into the Sierra Nevada mountain range armed only with a cracked phone she found on the highway.
Local sheriff Jordan Burke is first to respond and follows in hot pursuit. His desire to apprehend Cara is He’s vulnerable in the next election, and a quick capture will help his chances. But as the sensational case explodes in the headlines, he finds himself second-guessed at every turn by a noisy chorus of murderinos, internet sleuths, and podcasters—as well as his blowhard political opponent, who trumpets every mistake.
In the woods, Cara’s flight for survival becomes a journey of discovery. Who killed Karl, and why? Was her marriage built on lies? And who is she, really, without her millions of followers?
As Jordan draws relentlessly closer, he, too, begins to question the truth. But to find the answers, he has to catch a fugitive …
350 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2026
79 people are currently reading
7156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
March 13, 2026
Cat and mouse story that dragged on longer than it needed to before finally getting to the point.
Influencer Cara has been convicted of murdering her plastic surgeon husband. On her way to prison, her transport van is involved in an accident and she goes on the run. County Sheriff Jordan Burke is in pursuit. Can Cara elude capture long enough to find evidence to prove that she did not kill her husband?
I was invested in this novel at first, but after the second, third, fourth, etc. time of Jordan finding Cara only to have her barely get away got super old. And when we get to the reason for the murder and the way it is discovered and revealed with a true Scooby Doo moment, I literally rolled my eyes it was so ridiculous. So much chasing for so little payoff.
That said, it's an entertaining popcorn thriller and if you can stick with it and not overthink it, it is fast paced. It isn't going to be particularly memorable for me though.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Influencer Cara has been convicted of murdering her plastic surgeon husband. On her way to prison, her transport van is involved in an accident and she goes on the run. County Sheriff Jordan Burke is in pursuit. Can Cara elude capture long enough to find evidence to prove that she did not kill her husband?
I was invested in this novel at first, but after the second, third, fourth, etc. time of Jordan finding Cara only to have her barely get away got super old. And when we get to the reason for the murder and the way it is discovered and revealed with a true Scooby Doo moment, I literally rolled my eyes it was so ridiculous. So much chasing for so little payoff.
That said, it's an entertaining popcorn thriller and if you can stick with it and not overthink it, it is fast paced. It isn't going to be particularly memorable for me though.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
March 8, 2026
A fun, wild ride of wilderness survival, police chases, and just-missed-her escape scenes, I Did Not Kill My Husband was a rollicking good time that I could not put down. From the two equally root-for-able narrators to the addictive fast-paced plotting, this book was an unlikely but brilliant combo of The Fugitive and None of This Is True. You see, not only was it an epic game of cat-and-mouse, but there was a dynamite podcaster angle that satisfied this thriller lover to no end. And despite the claim that our heroine was innocent, my side-eyeing of everyone I came across most definitely had my suspecting her as well. After all, “it’s always the spouse” is the claim for every true-to-life-ish thriller—and real deal murder. In addition to of my questions about who the killer really was, though, was a plot that twisted and turned in the best possible way.
What do I mean exactly, you might ask? Well, with sky-high tension and plenty of action, this book was the kind that I love. So despite the fact that it required me to suspend all disbelief and was a bit dramatic at times, I instantly became a fan of this talented writing duo. But, of course, that was also part of the fun and had me blowing through this 400+ page thrill ride in under twenty-four hours. The only other issue I had was with the conclusion. You see, it was somewhat abrupt and short on details in the end. Perhaps, though, I just wanted more time with these two compelling narrators and the other quirky characters. After all, with a messy, brave, determined convict on the run, I just knew that her chess-like battle with the smart, down-to-earth sheriff was going to be everything I love—and boy oh boy did I nail that in one. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
Please oh please go into this one at least mostly blind! All you need to know is that it’s about a LA lifestyle influencer on the run after being convicted of killing her older, wealthy plastic surgeon husband, Karl. You see, Cara Campbell was on her way to prison after being found guilty—despite the fact that she knows she didn’t do it. So it comes as quite a surprise to Cara when a last minute reversal to her sudden drop in good fortune sees her transport van ending up in a horrible accident, leaving her uninjured and free. Suddenly on the run from a sheriff hoping to catch her ASAP in order to help him win re-election, she races into the surrounding wilderness and is forced to fight for survival. At the same time, Cara’s just as determined to figure out who could’ve been the real killer of her darling Karl. After all, her trial had a big shock that she hadn’t see coming at all. The only problem is that the sheriff is hot on her heels. And then there are the murderinos, internet sleuths, and podcasters tracking her at every turn. Can she find out the truth before ending up behind bars? Or is she doomed to forever be the gold digger killer that everyone thinks she is?
Thank you Linda Keir and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 3, 2026
Content warning: car accident, death, gun violence, suicidal ideation, mention of: murder
What do I mean exactly, you might ask? Well, with sky-high tension and plenty of action, this book was the kind that I love. So despite the fact that it required me to suspend all disbelief and was a bit dramatic at times, I instantly became a fan of this talented writing duo. But, of course, that was also part of the fun and had me blowing through this 400+ page thrill ride in under twenty-four hours. The only other issue I had was with the conclusion. You see, it was somewhat abrupt and short on details in the end. Perhaps, though, I just wanted more time with these two compelling narrators and the other quirky characters. After all, with a messy, brave, determined convict on the run, I just knew that her chess-like battle with the smart, down-to-earth sheriff was going to be everything I love—and boy oh boy did I nail that in one. Rating of 4.75 stars (upgraded).
SYNOPSIS:
Please oh please go into this one at least mostly blind! All you need to know is that it’s about a LA lifestyle influencer on the run after being convicted of killing her older, wealthy plastic surgeon husband, Karl. You see, Cara Campbell was on her way to prison after being found guilty—despite the fact that she knows she didn’t do it. So it comes as quite a surprise to Cara when a last minute reversal to her sudden drop in good fortune sees her transport van ending up in a horrible accident, leaving her uninjured and free. Suddenly on the run from a sheriff hoping to catch her ASAP in order to help him win re-election, she races into the surrounding wilderness and is forced to fight for survival. At the same time, Cara’s just as determined to figure out who could’ve been the real killer of her darling Karl. After all, her trial had a big shock that she hadn’t see coming at all. The only problem is that the sheriff is hot on her heels. And then there are the murderinos, internet sleuths, and podcasters tracking her at every turn. Can she find out the truth before ending up behind bars? Or is she doomed to forever be the gold digger killer that everyone thinks she is?
Thank you Linda Keir and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 3, 2026
Content warning: car accident, death, gun violence, suicidal ideation, mention of: murder
September 4, 2025
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the download.
One of my favorite movies of all time is THE FUGITIVE, with Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford. This book is very much like that movie, but with a female escapee instead.
I devoured it.
The two mains--Jordan (the small-town sheriff) and Cara (the accused who escapes the van ferrying her to the penitentiary)--are both so consistently likable, multi-faceted, interesting. So well-drawn. The pacing is fast and furious. Always moving forward, like a shark. Even when Cara had some miraculous Houdini moments, I bought into the story. [There was one mistake re: something Jordan learns that didn't actually happen; and another where the author(s) repeated the same exact 3 sentences two paragraphs later, but I got over it.]
The ending was a little saggy in that the motives, etc. weren't quite as powerful as all that came before, but again, I really really enjoyed this read. Totally recommend.
One of my favorite movies of all time is THE FUGITIVE, with Tommy Lee Jones and Harrison Ford. This book is very much like that movie, but with a female escapee instead.
I devoured it.
The two mains--Jordan (the small-town sheriff) and Cara (the accused who escapes the van ferrying her to the penitentiary)--are both so consistently likable, multi-faceted, interesting. So well-drawn. The pacing is fast and furious. Always moving forward, like a shark. Even when Cara had some miraculous Houdini moments, I bought into the story. [There was one mistake re: something Jordan learns that didn't actually happen; and another where the author(s) repeated the same exact 3 sentences two paragraphs later, but I got over it.]
The ending was a little saggy in that the motives, etc. weren't quite as powerful as all that came before, but again, I really really enjoyed this read. Totally recommend.
March 1, 2026
I loved the sound of this book, right up my alley for sure. And that cover is amazing 😻
Whilst I did enjoy it for the. OST part I do feel that it dragged on just a bit too long, with the cat and mouse chase in the woods. I think this could have been cut back a bit, there is only so many times the sheriff can be so close to catching the fugitive after all. Other than that it was a fun and enjoyable read.
I did love the true crime and podcast side of things, with the prisoner being a famous and weathly influencer who claimed her innocence from the beginning. I wish that there had been more about her trying to prove this rather and trying to get away.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for my copy of this book to read. Out on March 3rd. 3.5 ⭐️
Whilst I did enjoy it for the. OST part I do feel that it dragged on just a bit too long, with the cat and mouse chase in the woods. I think this could have been cut back a bit, there is only so many times the sheriff can be so close to catching the fugitive after all. Other than that it was a fun and enjoyable read.
I did love the true crime and podcast side of things, with the prisoner being a famous and weathly influencer who claimed her innocence from the beginning. I wish that there had been more about her trying to prove this rather and trying to get away.
Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for my copy of this book to read. Out on March 3rd. 3.5 ⭐️
March 6, 2026
#ad much love for my advance copy @blackstonepublishing #blackstoneinsiders #partner
I Did Not Kill My Husband
< @
Thriller
No matter where she went, death was following…
There's danger any time you have a bunch of armed, excited people running around in the woods…
They convicted her to life without parole, but she swears she didn’t kill her husband. She says they were attacked and she barely survived. But none of that matters because a jury found her guilty.
Now on her way to the prison that will become her home, a massive accident happens and Cara finds herself free with no one stopping her from getting away. Life on the run will probably be better than life in prison.
But when you’re a well-known influencer running might not be as easy as you thought. One thing is sure: they’ll all underestimate her before it’s all over.
Then there’s Sheriff Jordan, who is determined to find Cara and bring her back to jail. Everything depends on him finding her - because it’s election time soon. The hunt is on.
And oh, there’s also a massive wild fire happening all around them.
I liked this one. Told over the corse of eight days, I Did Not Kill My Husband by Linda Keir is a fast-paced thrill of a read. But there’s also some light moments of humor too.
I walked in blind and was pleasantly surprised to get a survival thriller. I liked the influencer theme and all the quotes (posts on social media) before each chapter. You’ll be rooting for Cara but also on the edge-of-your seat, at times, as she tries to survive in the woods - survive being on the run.
Loved all the random people she came in contact with while fleeing in the woods. Such a fun book.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me was because I started losing interest after she made it out of the woods - but there’s still the mystery part of this story that really comes into play for the last section of the book. A good portion of the book does take place in the woods tho.
Podcast
Memorable:
Yeasty cheese odor 😭😭
Golden Goose shoes (?? wtf - who would pay that much for THOSE 😂 never heard of them til now)
Searchers and Marshals rivalry was spot on
The VA (Veterans Affairs) is exactly how the author said it is 😭
Sprained ovaries 😂😂
Final Thoughts:
“The spouse was always the primary suspect, but wasn't she always the last to know?” - that’s some deep shit.
Also - LOL at the sheriff saying that if she’s innocent the courts will straighten that out and release her .. YEAH WHEN?? 15-20 years later ….. idk what court system that is but it’s def not ours 🫠 we’ve killed men who we KNEW were innocent. Framed others. And don’t even get me started on how racist the system is (the whole reason it really started) 😭😭😭😭😭😭
I Did Not Kill My Husband
< @
Thriller
No matter where she went, death was following…
There's danger any time you have a bunch of armed, excited people running around in the woods…
They convicted her to life without parole, but she swears she didn’t kill her husband. She says they were attacked and she barely survived. But none of that matters because a jury found her guilty.
Now on her way to the prison that will become her home, a massive accident happens and Cara finds herself free with no one stopping her from getting away. Life on the run will probably be better than life in prison.
But when you’re a well-known influencer running might not be as easy as you thought. One thing is sure: they’ll all underestimate her before it’s all over.
Then there’s Sheriff Jordan, who is determined to find Cara and bring her back to jail. Everything depends on him finding her - because it’s election time soon. The hunt is on.
And oh, there’s also a massive wild fire happening all around them.
I liked this one. Told over the corse of eight days, I Did Not Kill My Husband by Linda Keir is a fast-paced thrill of a read. But there’s also some light moments of humor too.
I walked in blind and was pleasantly surprised to get a survival thriller. I liked the influencer theme and all the quotes (posts on social media) before each chapter. You’ll be rooting for Cara but also on the edge-of-your seat, at times, as she tries to survive in the woods - survive being on the run.
Loved all the random people she came in contact with while fleeing in the woods. Such a fun book.
The only reason this wasn’t a 5 star read for me was because I started losing interest after she made it out of the woods - but there’s still the mystery part of this story that really comes into play for the last section of the book. A good portion of the book does take place in the woods tho.
Podcast
Memorable:
Yeasty cheese odor 😭😭
Golden Goose shoes (?? wtf - who would pay that much for THOSE 😂 never heard of them til now)
Searchers and Marshals rivalry was spot on
The VA (Veterans Affairs) is exactly how the author said it is 😭
Sprained ovaries 😂😂
Final Thoughts:
“The spouse was always the primary suspect, but wasn't she always the last to know?” - that’s some deep shit.
Also - LOL at the sheriff saying that if she’s innocent the courts will straighten that out and release her .. YEAH WHEN?? 15-20 years later ….. idk what court system that is but it’s def not ours 🫠 we’ve killed men who we KNEW were innocent. Framed others. And don’t even get me started on how racist the system is (the whole reason it really started) 😭😭😭😭😭😭
October 12, 2025
This book was such a wild ride. I loved how it blended true crime vibes with survival thriller energy. Cara was an interesting mix of messy, determined, and surprisingly easy to root for once the truth started unfolding. The tension never really let up, and the setting in the mountains made it even more intense. Some parts felt a little dramatic, but that’s exactly what made it fun. Fast-paced, addictive, and full of twists that kept me turning the pages.
March 2, 2026
I DID NOT KILL MY HUSBAND by Linda Keir
📖 book review • out 03.03.26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)
thank you @blackstonepublishing for my #gifted ARC! #blackstoneinsiders
from the very first chapter I was hooked! it starts with a car crash and the tension never really lets up. For a 400+ page book, I flew through this and picked it up every chance I got. Major true crime vibes with a hint of a podcast, only knocked off a 1/2 point because the ~chase~ could have been a bit shorter, but it was still a great read!
🖤deets:
Cara has been convicted of the murder of her husband. When the prison transport van crashes leaving many people dead, Cara finds the opportunity to escape. She’s adamant she’s innocent, so while she’s on the run, she’s simultaneously trying to solve his murder. this is dual POV with Jordan, the local sheriff who does NOT want an escaped criminal on his watch.
insanely short chapters, loads of tension, and an absolute page turner.. add this one to your TBR immediately 💫
📖 book review • out 03.03.26
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5)
thank you @blackstonepublishing for my #gifted ARC! #blackstoneinsiders
from the very first chapter I was hooked! it starts with a car crash and the tension never really lets up. For a 400+ page book, I flew through this and picked it up every chance I got. Major true crime vibes with a hint of a podcast, only knocked off a 1/2 point because the ~chase~ could have been a bit shorter, but it was still a great read!
🖤deets:
Cara has been convicted of the murder of her husband. When the prison transport van crashes leaving many people dead, Cara finds the opportunity to escape. She’s adamant she’s innocent, so while she’s on the run, she’s simultaneously trying to solve his murder. this is dual POV with Jordan, the local sheriff who does NOT want an escaped criminal on his watch.
insanely short chapters, loads of tension, and an absolute page turner.. add this one to your TBR immediately 💫
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this book. I found myself cheering for Cara right from the start.
I had fun meeting all the zany characters that helped Cara along the way. I was glad that despite coming across some not so helpful people, Cara found others who were willing to help. I found the comments from some of the helpers who didn't know who she was, really funny after the fact of finding out who she was.
The posts that started each of the chapters were a fun addition to read.
I really liked Jordan too and admired his level head and thinking even when like dealing with like Agent Wen lol!
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I found the ending to be a bit fast and a little bit of a letdown from all the excitement of the book.
I definitely recommend this book to other readers.
Thank you to Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Linda Keir for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I had fun meeting all the zany characters that helped Cara along the way. I was glad that despite coming across some not so helpful people, Cara found others who were willing to help. I found the comments from some of the helpers who didn't know who she was, really funny after the fact of finding out who she was.
The posts that started each of the chapters were a fun addition to read.
I really liked Jordan too and admired his level head and thinking even when like dealing with like Agent Wen lol!
I'm giving this book 4 stars. I found the ending to be a bit fast and a little bit of a letdown from all the excitement of the book.
I definitely recommend this book to other readers.
Thank you to Netgalley, Blackstone Publishing, and Linda Keir for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 6, 2026
Simmering, sinister, and edgy!
𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 is an ominous, twisty tale that sweeps you away to California and into the turbulent life of Cara Campbell, an influencer who, after surviving a devastating multi-vehicle accident, suddenly finds herself on the run for her life and with a chance, once and for all, to clear her name and uncover the real person responsible for her husband’s murder.
The prose is crisp and tight. The characters are determined, resourceful, and vulnerable. And the plot is a dark, complex web of deception, lies, drama, manipulation, secrets, revelations, justice, suspicious personalities, survival, and murder.
Overall, 𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 is a suspenseful, compelling, intense novel by Keir that kept me guessing from the very first page and left me thoroughly entertained, satisfied, and surprised.
𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 is an ominous, twisty tale that sweeps you away to California and into the turbulent life of Cara Campbell, an influencer who, after surviving a devastating multi-vehicle accident, suddenly finds herself on the run for her life and with a chance, once and for all, to clear her name and uncover the real person responsible for her husband’s murder.
The prose is crisp and tight. The characters are determined, resourceful, and vulnerable. And the plot is a dark, complex web of deception, lies, drama, manipulation, secrets, revelations, justice, suspicious personalities, survival, and murder.
Overall, 𝐈 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐘 𝐇𝐔𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃 is a suspenseful, compelling, intense novel by Keir that kept me guessing from the very first page and left me thoroughly entertained, satisfied, and surprised.
February 3, 2026
Fast paced, multiple pov, many things to uncover here. I enjoyed the way the chapters were paced and thought the story was believable. The mystery combo of Cara being on the run actively pursued by police + trying to figure out who killed her husband and cast blame on her made for an interesting read!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted ARC
March 24, 2026
Influencer perfection meets true crime nightmare. Cara Campbell had it all. Money, followers, a picture perfect life... until she's convicted of murdering her husband. She swears she's innocent. No one believes her. When her prison transport bus crashes, Cara runs, straight Into the wilderness with nothing but a broken phone and a million questions. As a desperate Sheriff hunts her down and the internet turns her story into entertainment, Cara has to survive long enough to uncover the truth... because someone killed her husband, and they're still out there.
This one was part influencer culture part survival thriller. Cara is an interesting main character. The whole influencer turned fugitive angle adds this sharp and modern edge that keeps the story moving. The alternating tension between Cara surviving any way she can and the media circus closing in makes it pretty entertaining. I personally felt like it was an alright read, a popcorn thriller that you should just kinda go with it. I enjoyed it but it wasn't too remarkable imo. If you enjoy thrillers that mix survival and scandal together and are looking for something thriller lite, add this one to your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley, Linda Keir, and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC!
This one was part influencer culture part survival thriller. Cara is an interesting main character. The whole influencer turned fugitive angle adds this sharp and modern edge that keeps the story moving. The alternating tension between Cara surviving any way she can and the media circus closing in makes it pretty entertaining. I personally felt like it was an alright read, a popcorn thriller that you should just kinda go with it. I enjoyed it but it wasn't too remarkable imo. If you enjoy thrillers that mix survival and scandal together and are looking for something thriller lite, add this one to your TBR!
Thank you to NetGalley, Linda Keir, and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC!
March 5, 2026
Looking for a fast paced cat and mouse chase, grab this now. Cara is a popular influencer that was accused of killing her wealthy husband and was enroute to prison when her transport gets into an accident and she escapes.
The story is basically Cara running away from being recaptured while trying to figure out who killed her hsuband. The story is told in Cara and chief of police, Jordan's POV.
I will say that Cara is impressive with her on the run skills evade the police very well. I really like the addition of the social media and podcast added a different perspective and layer to the story.
The pacing is fast paced and enjoyed how the story unfolded.
Thank you @blackstonepublishing for a copy of the book.
The story is basically Cara running away from being recaptured while trying to figure out who killed her hsuband. The story is told in Cara and chief of police, Jordan's POV.
I will say that Cara is impressive with her on the run skills evade the police very well. I really like the addition of the social media and podcast added a different perspective and layer to the story.
The pacing is fast paced and enjoyed how the story unfolded.
Thank you @blackstonepublishing for a copy of the book.
March 17, 2026
Cara did not kill her husband. She was convicted of it anyway. Unforseen circumstances lead to her being on the lamb, running for her life to find out who did kill her husband so she can be free. It’s a fast moving, nonstop game of cat and mouse, waiting for her to get caught.
I couldn’t put this book down. The chapters are really only two pages each, with nonstop movement. If it’s not Cara running from the law, trying to survive in the wilderness, it’s Jordan the sheriff hunting her. So many narrow misses and a ton of heart stopping moments. Half the book is the hunt for Cara, and I was in for it. There last few chapters is her investigation into the murder to clear her name, which is no less hectic. It’s very pulse pounding.
September 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Holy shit! I wish I could read this for the 1st time again! I wasn’t a huge fan of Cara being a gold digger because let’s be for real, that’s what’s she is. Regardless of her wanting “emotional and financial security”, she married her husband due to his money while also teaching women how to marry rich men. Cara and Karl easily could’ve been an age gap couple without the gold digger aspect. I definitely found myself rooting for Sheriff Burke at times, but overall I really enjoyed this book! I’ll definitely be picking up a copy when it’s released. Received as an ARC through NetGalley
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2026
I Did Not Kill My Husband started off strong and immediately pulled me in. The premise had real momentum, especially following Cara’s dramatic escape. Unfortunately, as the story progressed, that momentum faded.
Much of the middle relied heavily on a repetitive “just missed each other” trope. Cara always a step ahead, the sheriff always close behind, which eventually became more frustrating than suspenseful.
The final reveal also fell flat for me. The motivation behind the murder felt underdeveloped and a bit forced, making the ending less satisfying than I’d hoped. Overall, this was a solid but uneven read with a great hook that didn’t fully pay off.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Much of the middle relied heavily on a repetitive “just missed each other” trope. Cara always a step ahead, the sheriff always close behind, which eventually became more frustrating than suspenseful.
The final reveal also fell flat for me. The motivation behind the murder felt underdeveloped and a bit forced, making the ending less satisfying than I’d hoped. Overall, this was a solid but uneven read with a great hook that didn’t fully pay off.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2026
3⭐️ Mixed Thoughts
🅃🄻🄳🅁 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 -
This is an easy-to-read popcorn thriller, but many elements of the plot don't add up and it has a Scooby doo reveal ending.
🄵🅄🄻🄻 🅃🄷🄾🅄🄶🄷🅃🅂 -
This started off strong with a dramatic escape and prisoner on the run story. Unfortunately it quickly goes into cliche troupes and a dull chase to catch the MC who improbably remains a step head of everyone no matter what. In fact over half of the book was simply the MC on the run having repetitive inner thoughts and similar actions. The social media aspect wasn’t very well incorporated. It was simply one user comment at the start of each chapter, and hashtags randomly (and annoyingly) thrown into the MC’s thoughts. The ending was a disappointment for me, both because it didn’t totally make sense and the Scooby Doo style villain reveals all details in a monologue approach. Overall it’s not a bad read if you don’t look super close to the plot details, but it wasn’t one I’d say you should rush to read.
🅃🄻🄳🅁 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 -
This is an easy-to-read popcorn thriller, but many elements of the plot don't add up and it has a Scooby doo reveal ending.
🄵🅄🄻🄻 🅃🄷🄾🅄🄶🄷🅃🅂 -
This started off strong with a dramatic escape and prisoner on the run story. Unfortunately it quickly goes into cliche troupes and a dull chase to catch the MC who improbably remains a step head of everyone no matter what. In fact over half of the book was simply the MC on the run having repetitive inner thoughts and similar actions. The social media aspect wasn’t very well incorporated. It was simply one user comment at the start of each chapter, and hashtags randomly (and annoyingly) thrown into the MC’s thoughts. The ending was a disappointment for me, both because it didn’t totally make sense and the Scooby Doo style villain reveals all details in a monologue approach. Overall it’s not a bad read if you don’t look super close to the plot details, but it wasn’t one I’d say you should rush to read.
November 7, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the Arc. At times I really felt like I was on the run with the main characters but at some point the chase felt like a slog. I think I wanted less “on the run” and more motives and backstory.
March 6, 2026
t’s been two-and-a-half weeks since Cara Campbell was led out of a packed courtroom in handcuffs and sent off to prison. But it feels like a lifetime. She’s in a prison van heading north on I-5 in California. She’s been found guilty of murder and it is day one of her sentence, which is life behind bars. No chance for parole.
Not too long ago, Cara was a top-tier influencer. And wife of a prominent plastic surgeon—Karl. And now Karl is dead. And the jury hung it all on her even though “every piece of so-called evidence” should have left plenty of room for reasonable doubt.
And suddenly the van is involved in a nasty crash that sparks a wildfire. Opportunity presents itself. Cara frees herself from the wreckage and sets off. Why not? Her plight can’t get any worse.
It’s page 15 of I Did Not Kill My Husband and we are off. This novel, the fifth by the writing duo of Linda Joffe Hull and Keir Graff, a.k.a. Linda Keir, rides a rocket of a question: can Cara Campbell figure out how she was wrongly convicted before she’s captured?
Right away, we’re introduced to her pursuer, Madera County Sheriff Jordan Burke, and fans of suspense will have no trouble recognizing the basic premise of “The Fugitive,” a 1960s television series and later a movie vehicle for Harrison Ford. In short, a wrongly convicted murderer who is on the run and also hell bent on proving he didn’t do it. (ABC-TV stretched this concept out over 120 award-winning episodes.) Like “The Fugitive” or Les Misérables, The Authority Figure gets as much attention as The Wanted, so Jordan gets equal screen time here. Jordan is a fully formed character with a host of personal and professional issues, including the fact that he’s the son of the former sheriff and about to stand for election against a “self-promoting slickster from SoCal.” Cara and Jordan are the urban/rural divide. Each in their own way, the shine has come off their individual brands as influencers. They play a snappy tag team of internal issues even as the chase keeps rolling.
Cara Campbell is alone, the way we like our anti-heroes. Except she’s got a cracked cell phone she found on the highway (note the cover). So we’ve got a woman in the woods coping with new and rugged surroundings who has gone from trying on $500 sneakers at Nordstrom and passing out how-to-be-a-gold-digger tips on Instagram to stealing clothes from a couple of skinny dippers. Smartly, early on, Jordan comes within speaking distance—and almost within arms’ reach—of Cara in a dramatic moment by a roiling river so we get a chance for mouse to meet cat and exchange a few words. And then Cara, who has a phobia about water, takes her chances with the torrent.
“After Cara Campbell had thrown herself into the water,” Jordan thinks the next morning, “he chased her for as long as he could, but the current carried her faster than he could follow. She disappeared almost immediately into the frothing white rapids, resurfacing for only a second before she was swept out of sight. The glimpse of her face in the cold, white light of his headlamp had been so brief he couldn’t be sure he hadn’t imagined it.”
I Did Not Kill My Husband puts Cara Campbell in a host of survival scenarios as she finds her inner Ninja Warrior. She eludes near captures with guile and savvy, figuring out ways to locate water, nourishment, and actual human assistance along the way, all while the media and podcast spotlight grows. Cara is nimble with social media and understands the importance of destroying key SIM cards, while Jordan is a lumbering, old-school luddite who doesn’t want to be embarrassed on TikTok. Again, great contrast.
Come for the action, stick around for the characters. I Did Not Kill My Husband would make a killer movie or knockout television series. One hundred and twenty episodes? I don’t know about that. How about a seven-episode run, one for each day in this swiftly-paced thriller? Suggested theme song: “Me and Bobby McGee.” Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.
Not too long ago, Cara was a top-tier influencer. And wife of a prominent plastic surgeon—Karl. And now Karl is dead. And the jury hung it all on her even though “every piece of so-called evidence” should have left plenty of room for reasonable doubt.
And suddenly the van is involved in a nasty crash that sparks a wildfire. Opportunity presents itself. Cara frees herself from the wreckage and sets off. Why not? Her plight can’t get any worse.
It’s page 15 of I Did Not Kill My Husband and we are off. This novel, the fifth by the writing duo of Linda Joffe Hull and Keir Graff, a.k.a. Linda Keir, rides a rocket of a question: can Cara Campbell figure out how she was wrongly convicted before she’s captured?
Right away, we’re introduced to her pursuer, Madera County Sheriff Jordan Burke, and fans of suspense will have no trouble recognizing the basic premise of “The Fugitive,” a 1960s television series and later a movie vehicle for Harrison Ford. In short, a wrongly convicted murderer who is on the run and also hell bent on proving he didn’t do it. (ABC-TV stretched this concept out over 120 award-winning episodes.) Like “The Fugitive” or Les Misérables, The Authority Figure gets as much attention as The Wanted, so Jordan gets equal screen time here. Jordan is a fully formed character with a host of personal and professional issues, including the fact that he’s the son of the former sheriff and about to stand for election against a “self-promoting slickster from SoCal.” Cara and Jordan are the urban/rural divide. Each in their own way, the shine has come off their individual brands as influencers. They play a snappy tag team of internal issues even as the chase keeps rolling.
Cara Campbell is alone, the way we like our anti-heroes. Except she’s got a cracked cell phone she found on the highway (note the cover). So we’ve got a woman in the woods coping with new and rugged surroundings who has gone from trying on $500 sneakers at Nordstrom and passing out how-to-be-a-gold-digger tips on Instagram to stealing clothes from a couple of skinny dippers. Smartly, early on, Jordan comes within speaking distance—and almost within arms’ reach—of Cara in a dramatic moment by a roiling river so we get a chance for mouse to meet cat and exchange a few words. And then Cara, who has a phobia about water, takes her chances with the torrent.
“After Cara Campbell had thrown herself into the water,” Jordan thinks the next morning, “he chased her for as long as he could, but the current carried her faster than he could follow. She disappeared almost immediately into the frothing white rapids, resurfacing for only a second before she was swept out of sight. The glimpse of her face in the cold, white light of his headlamp had been so brief he couldn’t be sure he hadn’t imagined it.”
I Did Not Kill My Husband puts Cara Campbell in a host of survival scenarios as she finds her inner Ninja Warrior. She eludes near captures with guile and savvy, figuring out ways to locate water, nourishment, and actual human assistance along the way, all while the media and podcast spotlight grows. Cara is nimble with social media and understands the importance of destroying key SIM cards, while Jordan is a lumbering, old-school luddite who doesn’t want to be embarrassed on TikTok. Again, great contrast.
Come for the action, stick around for the characters. I Did Not Kill My Husband would make a killer movie or knockout television series. One hundred and twenty episodes? I don’t know about that. How about a seven-episode run, one for each day in this swiftly-paced thriller? Suggested theme song: “Me and Bobby McGee.” Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.
November 28, 2025
Title: I Did Not Kill My Husband
Author: Linda Keir
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing-
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: March 3, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 350
A lifestyle influencer Cara Campbell is living the rags-to-riches dream with her plastic surgeon husband, Karl, and posting all about it on social media. However, on a romantic getaway her husband is murdered and evidence points to her. The theory being she is a gold digger—and the million-dollar life insurance policy adds motive. But the one thing Cara knows for sure is she didn’t do it.
Story starts when she and several others are on route to the maximum-security prison in Chowchilla where Cara as well as the others will begin serving their sentence. They are traveling in a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations van. There is a California wildfire in the area that has made the driver change route. When the armored transport vehicle has to travel through some back roads aa pickup truck is in the wrong lane heading at them and then a terrible collision happens-leaving the driver dead as well as several others. The survivors have some injuries but the women see this unexpected chance at freedom. Yes! One is Cara and she flees into the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Some of you might remember the 1963TV show ‘The Fugitive’ with David Jansen who player Dr. Richard Kimble who was found guilty of murdering his wife and sent to prison. On the way to prison via train there is an accident and Dr. Kimble escapes.
This book will loosely remind you of that show only our fugitive is a female found guild of killing her husband.
Story is told from the POV of Cara and Sheriff Jordan however there are podcast episodes by Dylan Danvers’whose podcast is entitled ‘California Death Trip.
I loved the TV show so had rather high expectation for this story.
This story did drag a bit however, the TV show took120 episodes before Dr. Kimble found the ‘one-armed man’ who he said was in his house that night. So thankfully this story didn’t take THAT long!
I was pulling for Cara to prove she was innocent and find whodunit ~ and she does!
I want to thank Blackstone Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Author: Linda Keir
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing-
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Pub Date: March 3, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 350
A lifestyle influencer Cara Campbell is living the rags-to-riches dream with her plastic surgeon husband, Karl, and posting all about it on social media. However, on a romantic getaway her husband is murdered and evidence points to her. The theory being she is a gold digger—and the million-dollar life insurance policy adds motive. But the one thing Cara knows for sure is she didn’t do it.
Story starts when she and several others are on route to the maximum-security prison in Chowchilla where Cara as well as the others will begin serving their sentence. They are traveling in a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations van. There is a California wildfire in the area that has made the driver change route. When the armored transport vehicle has to travel through some back roads aa pickup truck is in the wrong lane heading at them and then a terrible collision happens-leaving the driver dead as well as several others. The survivors have some injuries but the women see this unexpected chance at freedom. Yes! One is Cara and she flees into the Sierra Nevada Mountains
Some of you might remember the 1963TV show ‘The Fugitive’ with David Jansen who player Dr. Richard Kimble who was found guilty of murdering his wife and sent to prison. On the way to prison via train there is an accident and Dr. Kimble escapes.
This book will loosely remind you of that show only our fugitive is a female found guild of killing her husband.
Story is told from the POV of Cara and Sheriff Jordan however there are podcast episodes by Dylan Danvers’whose podcast is entitled ‘California Death Trip.
I loved the TV show so had rather high expectation for this story.
This story did drag a bit however, the TV show took120 episodes before Dr. Kimble found the ‘one-armed man’ who he said was in his house that night. So thankfully this story didn’t take THAT long!
I was pulling for Cara to prove she was innocent and find whodunit ~ and she does!
I want to thank Blackstone Publishing for this early eGalley.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 3, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you love thrillers that blend influencer culture, media frenzy, and a desperate fight for survival, I Did Not Kill My Husband is the kind of book you’ll devour in one breathless sitting.
Cara Campbell has built her life—and her brand—on luxury. Designer handbags, cosmetic procedures, curated “perfect” moments with her wealthy plastic surgeon husband, Karl. She’s fully aware that the internet sees her as a gold digger. But when Karl is found dead and Cara is convicted of his murder, the narrative flips from aspirational to incriminating overnight. Her carefully filtered life becomes Exhibit A.
The brilliance of this novel lies in its dual tension. On one side, we have the courtroom verdict and public condemnation—trial by jury and trial by TikTok. On the other, we have a literal survival story unfolding in the Sierra Nevada mountains after a catastrophic prison transport crash gives Cara a slim chance at freedom.
The wilderness arc is gripping and visceral. Stripped of glam squads, sponsorships, and Wi-Fi, Cara is forced to confront who she is without her followers. The cracked phone she finds becomes both lifeline and symbol—connection and exposure intertwined. The pacing is relentless, but what surprised me most was the emotional depth. Beneath the headline-ready scandal, this is a story about identity, reinvention, and the terrifying question: What if everyone believes the worst about you?
Sheriff Jordan Burke adds another compelling layer. His pursuit isn’t just about justice—it’s about politics, reputation, and reelection. The media circus, podcasters, armchair detectives, and online “murderinos” create a sharp commentary on our obsession with true crime and instant judgment.
The twists land with impact, but the real power of this story is how it dismantles perception. Cara may not be innocent of vanity, ambition, or carefully crafting her narrative—but murder? That’s another story entirely.
Fast-paced, timely, and razor-sharp, this thriller asks: when the whole world is watching, who gets to control the truth?
I received an advance copy and am sharing my honest thoughts.
Cara Campbell has built her life—and her brand—on luxury. Designer handbags, cosmetic procedures, curated “perfect” moments with her wealthy plastic surgeon husband, Karl. She’s fully aware that the internet sees her as a gold digger. But when Karl is found dead and Cara is convicted of his murder, the narrative flips from aspirational to incriminating overnight. Her carefully filtered life becomes Exhibit A.
The brilliance of this novel lies in its dual tension. On one side, we have the courtroom verdict and public condemnation—trial by jury and trial by TikTok. On the other, we have a literal survival story unfolding in the Sierra Nevada mountains after a catastrophic prison transport crash gives Cara a slim chance at freedom.
The wilderness arc is gripping and visceral. Stripped of glam squads, sponsorships, and Wi-Fi, Cara is forced to confront who she is without her followers. The cracked phone she finds becomes both lifeline and symbol—connection and exposure intertwined. The pacing is relentless, but what surprised me most was the emotional depth. Beneath the headline-ready scandal, this is a story about identity, reinvention, and the terrifying question: What if everyone believes the worst about you?
Sheriff Jordan Burke adds another compelling layer. His pursuit isn’t just about justice—it’s about politics, reputation, and reelection. The media circus, podcasters, armchair detectives, and online “murderinos” create a sharp commentary on our obsession with true crime and instant judgment.
The twists land with impact, but the real power of this story is how it dismantles perception. Cara may not be innocent of vanity, ambition, or carefully crafting her narrative—but murder? That’s another story entirely.
Fast-paced, timely, and razor-sharp, this thriller asks: when the whole world is watching, who gets to control the truth?
I received an advance copy and am sharing my honest thoughts.
March 4, 2026
Influencer Cara Campbell flew too close to the sun... now, if her followers want to see her, they'll have to visit her in Chowchilla. Found guilty of murdering her husband and facing a life sentence, Cara has nothing left to lose. When a horrific accident creates an opportunity for Cara to escape custody, she seizes it in a heartbeat. Local sheriff Jordan Burke needs to bring Cara in as soon as possible. With the election drawing near, all eyes are on him, waiting to watch him fumble the ball. Cara's only hope is to discover who really killed her husband. Jordan's only hope is to apprehend Cara. It seems only one of them can get what they're after.
With Cara and Jordan's stories unfolding bit by bit, chapter by chapter, the tension in this book was through the roof! The setup of this book shouldn't work. It's very hard when one protagonist is chasing the other. Usually the reader has to pick a side. In I Did Not Kill My Husband, both protagonists are equally likable. In Cara's chapters, you're rooting for her to escape. In Jordan's chapters, you're rooting for him to catch her... then help her prove her innocence. While this book required a huge suspension of disbelief, the ride was amazing and entertaining.
I love the movie The Fugitive. I also love the Lifetime Movies where a wife is accused of murdering her husband and has to find the true killer. This book was an epic mashup of my favorite Lifetime Movies and The Fugitive. Featuring a daring escape from custody, a chase through the wilderness, mysterious side characters, a few breathtakingly close calls, plot twists and red herrings, I Did Not Kill My Husband is a brilliant thriller that will captivate you from the first page! Read It... but clear your calendar first. Once you start reading, you won't want to stop.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
With Cara and Jordan's stories unfolding bit by bit, chapter by chapter, the tension in this book was through the roof! The setup of this book shouldn't work. It's very hard when one protagonist is chasing the other. Usually the reader has to pick a side. In I Did Not Kill My Husband, both protagonists are equally likable. In Cara's chapters, you're rooting for her to escape. In Jordan's chapters, you're rooting for him to catch her... then help her prove her innocence. While this book required a huge suspension of disbelief, the ride was amazing and entertaining.
I love the movie The Fugitive. I also love the Lifetime Movies where a wife is accused of murdering her husband and has to find the true killer. This book was an epic mashup of my favorite Lifetime Movies and The Fugitive. Featuring a daring escape from custody, a chase through the wilderness, mysterious side characters, a few breathtakingly close calls, plot twists and red herrings, I Did Not Kill My Husband is a brilliant thriller that will captivate you from the first page! Read It... but clear your calendar first. Once you start reading, you won't want to stop.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
March 9, 2026
I Did Not Kill My Husband is definitely one of my top reads so far this year. It's uniquely written by two authors but flawlessly intertwined. They had me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning.
The story is told from two opposite points of view, one being the MFC, Cara Campbell, who happens to be a prisoner on her way to a maximum security prison, until the van she's in is in a horrific traffic accident. She escapes the accident, and her journey begins. Is she guilty of killing her husband? Will she be able to survive the ongoing search for her without getting caught? Will she be able to find her husband's real killer before she's captured? How far will she go to prove her innocence? So many questions are posed to the reader throughout the book without the authors ever having to ask them. The other point of view is from the MMC, the local sheriff, Jordan Burke, who is playing cat-and-mouse with Cara, while fending off his opposing running mate and the other federal agencies that have joined the search.
There are so many moments where you find yourself rooting for Cara even though you're unsure if she really is a killer or not. You truly don't know if she is a smart, twisted killer who is barely able to stay one step ahead of law enforcement or an innocent victim that has been wrongly accused and found guilty by her peers. It's a nail-biter that will have you on the edge of your seat, reading late into the night to find out if she's innocent and, if so, whether she can prove it.
It's so well-written, with the authors tugging on heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It has a great balance. You truly don't know who Cara can trust and who will be her demise. It's so well-written; I can't say enough about the book as a whole. I look forward to reading many more books by the authors.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
The story is told from two opposite points of view, one being the MFC, Cara Campbell, who happens to be a prisoner on her way to a maximum security prison, until the van she's in is in a horrific traffic accident. She escapes the accident, and her journey begins. Is she guilty of killing her husband? Will she be able to survive the ongoing search for her without getting caught? Will she be able to find her husband's real killer before she's captured? How far will she go to prove her innocence? So many questions are posed to the reader throughout the book without the authors ever having to ask them. The other point of view is from the MMC, the local sheriff, Jordan Burke, who is playing cat-and-mouse with Cara, while fending off his opposing running mate and the other federal agencies that have joined the search.
There are so many moments where you find yourself rooting for Cara even though you're unsure if she really is a killer or not. You truly don't know if she is a smart, twisted killer who is barely able to stay one step ahead of law enforcement or an innocent victim that has been wrongly accused and found guilty by her peers. It's a nail-biter that will have you on the edge of your seat, reading late into the night to find out if she's innocent and, if so, whether she can prove it.
It's so well-written, with the authors tugging on heartstrings while keeping you on the edge of your seat. It has a great balance. You truly don't know who Cara can trust and who will be her demise. It's so well-written; I can't say enough about the book as a whole. I look forward to reading many more books by the authors.
Thank you to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for the ARC; all opinions are my own.
March 3, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publihsing for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cara Campbell is an LA lifestyle influencer living her rags-to-riches story with plastic surgeon husband, Karl. That is, until they are attacked on a romantic retreat and Karl is killed. With no other suspects, Cara is tried and found guilty for the murder. Fortunately for her, the transport bus she's on after the trial is in an accident that gives her the chance to run and try one last time to prove her innocence.
Local sheriff Jordan Burke is the first on scene at the accident. He hopes to make a quick capture of Cara to make him look good for the upcoming election, but as she keeps dodging him and getting away, he begins to second guess that she is the murderous gold-digger the media has made her out to be.
This novel was extremely fast paced. The chapters were 5-10 pages max which made it fly by. It was an incredibly easy read as well with likeable characters. I enjoyed the style and structure of the novel with the podcast inserts as well as tweets or excerpts that began each chapter. The novel was specifically dated to be taking place in 2024 and all of the pop culture references felt pretty on par with that timing. In the long run I feel like it will hurt the novel just due to all the references. I wouldn't say they felt out of place, considering the setting is LA and our main character is an influencer, but they were a little cringey already.
The novel is a weak 3 stars. I think the pace really saved the novel from a lower rating. I don't think I would've cared to finish if it was slower/longer.
Cara Campbell is an LA lifestyle influencer living her rags-to-riches story with plastic surgeon husband, Karl. That is, until they are attacked on a romantic retreat and Karl is killed. With no other suspects, Cara is tried and found guilty for the murder. Fortunately for her, the transport bus she's on after the trial is in an accident that gives her the chance to run and try one last time to prove her innocence.
Local sheriff Jordan Burke is the first on scene at the accident. He hopes to make a quick capture of Cara to make him look good for the upcoming election, but as she keeps dodging him and getting away, he begins to second guess that she is the murderous gold-digger the media has made her out to be.
This novel was extremely fast paced. The chapters were 5-10 pages max which made it fly by. It was an incredibly easy read as well with likeable characters. I enjoyed the style and structure of the novel with the podcast inserts as well as tweets or excerpts that began each chapter. The novel was specifically dated to be taking place in 2024 and all of the pop culture references felt pretty on par with that timing. In the long run I feel like it will hurt the novel just due to all the references. I wouldn't say they felt out of place, considering the setting is LA and our main character is an influencer, but they were a little cringey already.
The novel is a weak 3 stars. I think the pace really saved the novel from a lower rating. I don't think I would've cared to finish if it was slower/longer.
September 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.
I Did Not Kill My Husband has so many twists and turns it’s hard to put this book down to take them all in for fear of missing another compelling development. This is an excellent adventure, with high stakes as (ex) influencer Cara, whose claim to fame is giving tips to be a gold digger as she lives a perfect life with her much older husband Karl (who she truly loves), gets a small window of opportunity to catch his real killer when her transport bus to prison to serve time for the crime crashes, allowing her escape.
The story alternates between Cara on the run (meeting several new and old people to her) as she shares her background and current plight and Jordan, sheriff of the small town where Cara’s prison bus crashes as he tries to find her with some high stakes with an election for his position having some annoying competition, equally interested in catching Cara. Interspersed is a podcast narrating background of why Cara is still supported by a few fans, including the host, as innocent. Altogether this is extremely well done, ramping up the tension and sharing multiple angles to what had occurred and is occurring without overwhelming the reader.
The action and the mystery are hard to stop following and the writing makes what could be a lot happening at once for a reader easy to consume and stay connected with. Recommended for anyone who wants to escape for a high stakes adventure.
I Did Not Kill My Husband has so many twists and turns it’s hard to put this book down to take them all in for fear of missing another compelling development. This is an excellent adventure, with high stakes as (ex) influencer Cara, whose claim to fame is giving tips to be a gold digger as she lives a perfect life with her much older husband Karl (who she truly loves), gets a small window of opportunity to catch his real killer when her transport bus to prison to serve time for the crime crashes, allowing her escape.
The story alternates between Cara on the run (meeting several new and old people to her) as she shares her background and current plight and Jordan, sheriff of the small town where Cara’s prison bus crashes as he tries to find her with some high stakes with an election for his position having some annoying competition, equally interested in catching Cara. Interspersed is a podcast narrating background of why Cara is still supported by a few fans, including the host, as innocent. Altogether this is extremely well done, ramping up the tension and sharing multiple angles to what had occurred and is occurring without overwhelming the reader.
The action and the mystery are hard to stop following and the writing makes what could be a lot happening at once for a reader easy to consume and stay connected with. Recommended for anyone who wants to escape for a high stakes adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This book made me feel like I was on the run. My hair flying, my heartrate pounding, my legs trying to keep my feet from twisting on a root. If you want a fast paced, nerve-wracking, nail-biting read, this is the one for you. I was entertained throughout the entire book. There were a few things that had me saying, what now? I still devoured it, I was hooked. I had to figure out who actually killed Karl.
Cara Campbell is on the transit bus to prison. She has been convicted of the murder of her husband, Karl. Her lawyer, the coroner, the police, all failed to find who killed him. They thought they had the case closed with Gold Digger Cara as the wife. Cara loved Karl with all of her being and this is just a slap in the face of justice. When the transit bus is involved in a horrible accident. Cara decides to run and take her chances in the Sierra Navada Mountains. She feels like a giant neon sign running in her bright orange jumpsuit and questionable smelling crocs. She keeps eluding the local sheriff, Jordan Burke. The cops and Marshalls in this book are made to look like it was their first day on the job. Pulling their guns on anyone, shooting, following their tails in circles. No wonder Karl's murder scene was never gone through properly. As the days begin to add up, will her luck run out?
I loved the people Cara encountered while on the run. Fisk is my absolute favorite, with his animals trailing behind them. I cannot believe the amount of times Cara slipped around the law. I feel like I needed a nap after this book. I have to go to the gym to work on my stamina to keep up with the pace of this fun read. Thank you to Linda Keir and Black Stone Publishing for my gifted copy.
Cara Campbell is on the transit bus to prison. She has been convicted of the murder of her husband, Karl. Her lawyer, the coroner, the police, all failed to find who killed him. They thought they had the case closed with Gold Digger Cara as the wife. Cara loved Karl with all of her being and this is just a slap in the face of justice. When the transit bus is involved in a horrible accident. Cara decides to run and take her chances in the Sierra Navada Mountains. She feels like a giant neon sign running in her bright orange jumpsuit and questionable smelling crocs. She keeps eluding the local sheriff, Jordan Burke. The cops and Marshalls in this book are made to look like it was their first day on the job. Pulling their guns on anyone, shooting, following their tails in circles. No wonder Karl's murder scene was never gone through properly. As the days begin to add up, will her luck run out?
I loved the people Cara encountered while on the run. Fisk is my absolute favorite, with his animals trailing behind them. I cannot believe the amount of times Cara slipped around the law. I feel like I needed a nap after this book. I have to go to the gym to work on my stamina to keep up with the pace of this fun read. Thank you to Linda Keir and Black Stone Publishing for my gifted copy.
March 24, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up
I Did Not Kill My Husband is just the kind of thrillride I love, bingeable and propulsive. There is always something happening. With totally spot on tropes and characters: influencers galore, wilderness fires, car crashers, and sketchy mountain people to name a few. You'll never realize you're into this one for over 400 pages as the pacing is always on the move.
Cara, a lifestyle influencer, has been convicted of killing her older, wealthy husband. When being transported to her prison to commence serving out her sentence, a freak accident opens up the possibility of escape. Cue in local Sheriff Jordan Burke. Everyone has reasons to catch Cara beyond just being an escaped convict. Jobs are on the line. Internet trolls are out in full force and the quotes before each chapter are usually funny in their accuracy.
The doom prepper in the mountain is a favorite of mine. And the goats. The location set mostly in Madera County, Central California was perfect and I recognized so many towns and spots. It was easy to see the real life danger present for an escapee moving through that area of wilderness.
So much more to add but this one is truly best enjoyed going in blind.
I Did Not Kill My Husband is just the kind of thrillride I love, bingeable and propulsive. There is always something happening. With totally spot on tropes and characters: influencers galore, wilderness fires, car crashers, and sketchy mountain people to name a few. You'll never realize you're into this one for over 400 pages as the pacing is always on the move.
Cara, a lifestyle influencer, has been convicted of killing her older, wealthy husband. When being transported to her prison to commence serving out her sentence, a freak accident opens up the possibility of escape. Cue in local Sheriff Jordan Burke. Everyone has reasons to catch Cara beyond just being an escaped convict. Jobs are on the line. Internet trolls are out in full force and the quotes before each chapter are usually funny in their accuracy.
The doom prepper in the mountain is a favorite of mine. And the goats. The location set mostly in Madera County, Central California was perfect and I recognized so many towns and spots. It was easy to see the real life danger present for an escapee moving through that area of wilderness.
So much more to add but this one is truly best enjoyed going in blind.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I Did Not Kill My Husband is a fast-paced, modern thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. Linda Keir takes a familiar “wrongly accused” premise and refreshes it with influencer culture, public judgment, and the terrifying speed at which the internet decides guilt.
Cara Campbell is a compelling, imperfect protagonist. Her carefully curated online persona works against her, making it easy for everyone to believe she murdered her husband. Watching her lose her wealth, platform, and identity—and fight to survive in the wilderness—adds real tension and emotional depth to the story.
The dual POV between Cara and Sheriff Jordan Burke keeps the momentum strong, and the inclusion of podcast episodes was a great touch, highlighting the chaos of true-crime obsession and media pressure. While the pacing dips slightly in spots, the suspense never fully disappears, and the resolution is satisfying.
Overall, this was an engaging, timely thriller with solid twists and strong commentary on perception versus truth. A great pick for fans of high-stakes, media-driven mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC!
Cara Campbell is a compelling, imperfect protagonist. Her carefully curated online persona works against her, making it easy for everyone to believe she murdered her husband. Watching her lose her wealth, platform, and identity—and fight to survive in the wilderness—adds real tension and emotional depth to the story.
The dual POV between Cara and Sheriff Jordan Burke keeps the momentum strong, and the inclusion of podcast episodes was a great touch, highlighting the chaos of true-crime obsession and media pressure. While the pacing dips slightly in spots, the suspense never fully disappears, and the resolution is satisfying.
Overall, this was an engaging, timely thriller with solid twists and strong commentary on perception versus truth. A great pick for fans of high-stakes, media-driven mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wanted to like this story a bit more. You have a socialite wife, Cara Campbell, accused of murdering her husband. She knows she didn’t do it and a set of circumstances allow her to escape her transportation to jail. Setting her loose and allowing her to try and evade capture and search for clues about what really happened. I personally think the biggest thing this book suffered from was pacing. When I say pacing it was plot line pacing more than the book going slowly. The pace of what was happening was rapid and well set out. The book is told from two perspectives which play well against each other and keep the hunt for Cara very engaging. But as for her looking for clues and getting to a point where the reader really can join her I this idea that she didn’t kill her husband that type of plot didn’t happen until the last third of the book. It just didn’t make me feel like there was truly enough time to get into her investigation. That being said I did enjoy the book, and I feel that book club books would enjoy this book.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have not read any books by this author before now. I was pleasantly surprised about how much I loved the story. It was fast-paced, addictive, had me pulling for the main character, entertaining, suspenseful and I enjoyed the twists and turns and the chapters were just the right length to keep me engaged and wanting to know what was going to happen next. Cara, who was considered a gold digger, was convicted of murdering her husband and on the way to prison, the transport was in an accident that allowed her to escape. She's determined that this opportunity may be her only chance to prove her innocence and find the real killer of her husband. She proved herself resourceful to survive, dangerous things happens all along the way, and she's always slightly one step ahead of the cops on her travels to find the real killer. I couldn't help but pull for her to get answers before the cops and/or killer got to her. Thoroughly enjoyed reading the story and loved how it ended. Thank you Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for allowing me a complimentary copy of the story.
March 10, 2026
The eye-catching cover and intriguing synopsis immediately pulled me in, and the opening chapters were entertaining and fast-paced. The premise of an influencer convicted of murdering her wealthy plastic surgeon husband who suddenly gets a chance to escape felt like the setup for a suspenseful mystery with plenty of twists.
However, the story didn’t quite unfold the way the synopsis suggested. Instead of a journey of discovery where Cara investigates what really happened to her husband, much of the book becomes a prolonged cat-and-mouse chase. While the tension is there at first, the middle section began to feel repetitive and dragged longer than necessary. I found myself wishing the story had been tighter and included more actual investigation into the murder itself.
By the time the big reveal arrived, it unfortunately didn’t land as strongly as I had hoped. That said, the book was still an entertaining read overall. The premise is interesting and the beginning is strong, but the pacing in the middle and the payoff at the end didn’t quite live up to the promise of the opening.
However, the story didn’t quite unfold the way the synopsis suggested. Instead of a journey of discovery where Cara investigates what really happened to her husband, much of the book becomes a prolonged cat-and-mouse chase. While the tension is there at first, the middle section began to feel repetitive and dragged longer than necessary. I found myself wishing the story had been tighter and included more actual investigation into the murder itself.
By the time the big reveal arrived, it unfortunately didn’t land as strongly as I had hoped. That said, the book was still an entertaining read overall. The premise is interesting and the beginning is strong, but the pacing in the middle and the payoff at the end didn’t quite live up to the promise of the opening.
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