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You Did Nothing Wrong
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Expected 17 Mar 26A relentless, horror-inducing psychological suspense for fans of The Push and Baby Teeth by New York Times bestselling author CG Drews.
Single mother Elodie’s life has become a fairy tale. She’s met Bren, equal parts golden-retriever devoted and sinfully handsome. He’s whisked her and her autistic son, Jude, to the crumbling family house he’s renovating. She has a new husband, a new house, and a new baby on the way. Everything is perfect.
Then Jude claims he can hear voices in the walls. He says their renovations are “hurting” the house. Even Elodie can’t ignore it–something strange is going on. The question is, is it with the house, or with her son?
Then the one secret Elodie has been hiding is revealed, and no one is safe anymore.
A pulse-pounding, clever take on the haunted house novel, You Did Nothing Wrong examines the complexities of motherhood and the twisted bonds of family as it races to its shocking ending.
Single mother Elodie’s life has become a fairy tale. She’s met Bren, equal parts golden-retriever devoted and sinfully handsome. He’s whisked her and her autistic son, Jude, to the crumbling family house he’s renovating. She has a new husband, a new house, and a new baby on the way. Everything is perfect.
Then Jude claims he can hear voices in the walls. He says their renovations are “hurting” the house. Even Elodie can’t ignore it–something strange is going on. The question is, is it with the house, or with her son?
Then the one secret Elodie has been hiding is revealed, and no one is safe anymore.
A pulse-pounding, clever take on the haunted house novel, You Did Nothing Wrong examines the complexities of motherhood and the twisted bonds of family as it races to its shocking ending.
368 pages, ebook
Expected publication March 17, 2026
56 people are currently reading
26697 people want to read
About the author
C.G. Drews
10 books25.1k followersCG Drews is the award-winning NYT Bestselling author of Don’t Let The Forest In, Hazelthorn, and You Did Nothing Wrong. Their work has been translated into over 12 languages, was nominated for the 2020 CILIP Carnegie Medal, and won the B&N 2025 YA Book Awards, and are also Indie Next Picks and Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selections. CG lives in Australia under a pile of unread books. Find on Instagram as @paperfury and TikTok as @cgdrews or at cgdrews.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
August 4, 2025
Hello! I am the author of the book. If you'd like a list of content warnings please see my website here.
August 28, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2
If you’ve ever experienced the nerve obliterating tension of a toddler’s emotional and physical meltdown, or the mind warping impact of interdependence born out of a trauma bond, then you know real horror. And this book taps into those horrors with incredible effectiveness.
Elodie’s inner monologue shows a refreshingly honest mix of pure and vindictive thoughts. You know, the kind that all of us have but will never admit to. Her relationship with Bren is toxic, but interesting. It undoubtedly conveyed a sense of looming menace necessary to ratchet up tension. Their push and pull dance of who is rational and who is right feels chaotic, but also amplifies the building dread.
Her unhealthy, wholesale dependence on Jude to provide her with personal meaning is tragic but sympathetic given her backstory. I see myself in Elodie in how she seeks to repair old wounds through present wrongs. Through external forces because of her inability to surface her own self worth.
This book does an excellent job of walking a tightrope between the supernatural and the unreliable narrator, never quite revealing which is the culprit until the time is right.
I think this was one of the best books I’ve read this year. Period.
If you’ve ever experienced the nerve obliterating tension of a toddler’s emotional and physical meltdown, or the mind warping impact of interdependence born out of a trauma bond, then you know real horror. And this book taps into those horrors with incredible effectiveness.
Elodie’s inner monologue shows a refreshingly honest mix of pure and vindictive thoughts. You know, the kind that all of us have but will never admit to. Her relationship with Bren is toxic, but interesting. It undoubtedly conveyed a sense of looming menace necessary to ratchet up tension. Their push and pull dance of who is rational and who is right feels chaotic, but also amplifies the building dread.
Her unhealthy, wholesale dependence on Jude to provide her with personal meaning is tragic but sympathetic given her backstory. I see myself in Elodie in how she seeks to repair old wounds through present wrongs. Through external forces because of her inability to surface her own self worth.
This book does an excellent job of walking a tightrope between the supernatural and the unreliable narrator, never quite revealing which is the culprit until the time is right.
I think this was one of the best books I’ve read this year. Period.
December 4, 2025
He was her baby hurricane in a jar, and she had never been able to twist on the lid.
Oh Jude …
Even though this story is told through Elodie’s point of view, it isn’t really her story. At the center is her six-year-old autistic son, Jude.
Oh Jude …
By now, I believe C.G. Drews can only write masterpieces. Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazeltorn are among my favorite YA books ever, so of course I had to read C.G. Drews’ adult debut too. The first pages pulled me in—and stalked me even when I wasn’t reading. You Did Nothing Wrong is feverish, frantic, page after page after page, raw and furious.
Jude has begun to tire himself out, screams ebbing, his limbs no longer thrashing as he squeezes himself into a tight ball on his bed, his hands over his ears as tears streak down his cheeks in abject despair.
The undercurrent of this story is love—especially the hunger to love someone, to be loved, and not to be left on your own—until it turns so toxic it holds you in a chokehold.
”I’m the one who’s broken.” Her voice feels faraway and he is the only thing keeping her from breaking apart. “I’m unfixable.”
Elodie’s and Jude’s desperation is palpable in every word, every sentence. A shiver ran through me when Jude told Elodie the house didn’t want the renovation. My stomach churned every time Elodie didn’t know what to do with her son while Bren seemed so oblivious.
”My only crime is falling in love with you, and how could I not? You were everything to me from the first time we kissed.”
As I read, the radars in my head kept spinning. Nothing really happened on the surface, but that’s exactly why this is such a fantastic psychological thriller. So many layers. Was the house really haunted? Was Bren manipulative? Was Elodie an unreliable narrator? All of these? Or something else entirely? I sat on the edge of my seat just wanting to know if Jude would be alright. I had a few inklings beforehand, and then, around 70%, something clicked in my head. Oh my f… god. C.G. Drews scattered so many breadcrumbs, but I was so blind to them.
Until Bren, no one thought about her. Now she is thought of all the time.
That last part made me want to scream, cry, slam my fists into the wall. The feverishness dialed up to 100, and all I could think about was Jude.
Oh, Jude …
C.G. Drews, you really did nothing wrong with this gem. It’s pure perfection, and I’ll read anything you write.
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for this bone chilling, beautiful ARC! This book should be a bestseller, a movie, the thing everyone talks about.
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Oh Jude …
Even though this story is told through Elodie’s point of view, it isn’t really her story. At the center is her six-year-old autistic son, Jude.
Oh Jude …
By now, I believe C.G. Drews can only write masterpieces. Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazeltorn are among my favorite YA books ever, so of course I had to read C.G. Drews’ adult debut too. The first pages pulled me in—and stalked me even when I wasn’t reading. You Did Nothing Wrong is feverish, frantic, page after page after page, raw and furious.
Jude has begun to tire himself out, screams ebbing, his limbs no longer thrashing as he squeezes himself into a tight ball on his bed, his hands over his ears as tears streak down his cheeks in abject despair.
The undercurrent of this story is love—especially the hunger to love someone, to be loved, and not to be left on your own—until it turns so toxic it holds you in a chokehold.
”I’m the one who’s broken.” Her voice feels faraway and he is the only thing keeping her from breaking apart. “I’m unfixable.”
Elodie’s and Jude’s desperation is palpable in every word, every sentence. A shiver ran through me when Jude told Elodie the house didn’t want the renovation. My stomach churned every time Elodie didn’t know what to do with her son while Bren seemed so oblivious.
”My only crime is falling in love with you, and how could I not? You were everything to me from the first time we kissed.”
As I read, the radars in my head kept spinning. Nothing really happened on the surface, but that’s exactly why this is such a fantastic psychological thriller. So many layers. Was the house really haunted? Was Bren manipulative? Was Elodie an unreliable narrator? All of these? Or something else entirely? I sat on the edge of my seat just wanting to know if Jude would be alright. I had a few inklings beforehand, and then, around 70%, something clicked in my head. Oh my f… god. C.G. Drews scattered so many breadcrumbs, but I was so blind to them.
Until Bren, no one thought about her. Now she is thought of all the time.
That last part made me want to scream, cry, slam my fists into the wall. The feverishness dialed up to 100, and all I could think about was Jude.
Oh, Jude …
C.G. Drews, you really did nothing wrong with this gem. It’s pure perfection, and I’ll read anything you write.
Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for this bone chilling, beautiful ARC! This book should be a bestseller, a movie, the thing everyone talks about.
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September 25, 2025
I’ll need somewhere between five and a hundred business days to recover from this...
I never know how to review CG Drews’ books properly, they always leave me overwhelmed, staring at the wall and shaking from the adrenaline crash, while I’m trying to process. You Did Nothing Wrong is no different.
This title, I swear to god. I have a hard time thinking of one truly right thing anyone (when it comes to adult characters) did right in here. Jude...Oh god, Jude...
Drews takes their time with the pace at first, carefully establishing the connection between the characters, filling me with sympathy for both Jude and his young mother Elodie, showing us the dangerously hungry sort of love between Elodie and Bren, the toxicity this new small family is steeped in. Two monstrous people chock-full of secrets, taking care of a six-year-old autistic child, moving into a decrepit Victorian house Bren insists on renovating by himself? Whatever could go wrong 😬
The insidious atmosphere is built up in a way that feels like having a hand around your neck slowly squeezing, putting more and more pressure, until it gets genuinely hard to breathe. This book is a brilliant psychological horror (and family drama - I absolutely agree with the comparison to The Push, which I also loved and hated in equal measure) that utilizes an unreliable narrator very efficiently (read - I’m fucking traumatized). Is it also paranormal? I’ll let you be the judge of that after you read the book. Misery loves company, sharing is caring, all that shtick, trust me! 😏🖤
It’s not exactly a perfect read for me, the beautiful macabre prose Drews is now irreversibly linked with, loses some of its spark when overused, making the imagery less impactful because it feels way too familiar by now. My rating is probably closer to 4,5 ⭐ but I would round up anyway for the amount of tears this little monster squeezed out of me.
I do admit to being a bit smug about figuring most of the revelations out, though as You Did Nothing Wrong isn’t a mystery, the crumbs were quite obvious, and I definitely won’t be the only one seeing them. It didn’t make the story predictable, it was more like watching an incoming collision your gut tells you is about to come, and you’re terrified of what comes after.
And what came after was such a stressful time; I had to take so many breaks. It’s been a damn while since I’ve been this distraught over a horror - it doesn’t tend to be a genre that leaves me in exhausted, tearful hysterics by the end of it, but here we are. CG Drews... I’ll definitely pick up your next adult story, but I’ll be WARY 👀
Many MANY thanks to Sara Eslami from St. Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for kindly allowing me access to this e-ARC!
I never know how to review CG Drews’ books properly, they always leave me overwhelmed, staring at the wall and shaking from the adrenaline crash, while I’m trying to process. You Did Nothing Wrong is no different.
This title, I swear to god. I have a hard time thinking of one truly right thing anyone (when it comes to adult characters) did right in here. Jude...Oh god, Jude...
Drews takes their time with the pace at first, carefully establishing the connection between the characters, filling me with sympathy for both Jude and his young mother Elodie, showing us the dangerously hungry sort of love between Elodie and Bren, the toxicity this new small family is steeped in. Two monstrous people chock-full of secrets, taking care of a six-year-old autistic child, moving into a decrepit Victorian house Bren insists on renovating by himself? Whatever could go wrong 😬
The insidious atmosphere is built up in a way that feels like having a hand around your neck slowly squeezing, putting more and more pressure, until it gets genuinely hard to breathe. This book is a brilliant psychological horror (and family drama - I absolutely agree with the comparison to The Push, which I also loved and hated in equal measure) that utilizes an unreliable narrator very efficiently (read - I’m fucking traumatized). Is it also paranormal? I’ll let you be the judge of that after you read the book. Misery loves company, sharing is caring, all that shtick, trust me! 😏🖤
It’s not exactly a perfect read for me, the beautiful macabre prose Drews is now irreversibly linked with, loses some of its spark when overused, making the imagery less impactful because it feels way too familiar by now. My rating is probably closer to 4,5 ⭐ but I would round up anyway for the amount of tears this little monster squeezed out of me.
I do admit to being a bit smug about figuring most of the revelations out, though as You Did Nothing Wrong isn’t a mystery, the crumbs were quite obvious, and I definitely won’t be the only one seeing them. It didn’t make the story predictable, it was more like watching an incoming collision your gut tells you is about to come, and you’re terrified of what comes after.
And what came after was such a stressful time; I had to take so many breaks. It’s been a damn while since I’ve been this distraught over a horror - it doesn’t tend to be a genre that leaves me in exhausted, tearful hysterics by the end of it, but here we are. CG Drews... I’ll definitely pick up your next adult story, but I’ll be WARY 👀
Many MANY thanks to Sara Eslami from St. Martin’s Publishing Group and NetGalley for kindly allowing me access to this e-ARC!
November 14, 2025
Let me start off by saying that I don’t think I was in the right “mood” when I read this. I should have been, because this book is dark, and quite disturbing- which is just perfect for the fall season. However, I was repulsed by our main character of Elodie, and I think that ruined the book for me unfortunately.
This story starts off with Elodie being newly married to Bren (Brendan), and they have a baby of their own on the way. Elodie is already a mother to a six year old son, Jude. Jude has always been hard to manage for Elodie. Jude does not listen, he’s extremely small for his age, and he hates the new house that they’ve just moved in to. Jude claims that the walls are speaking to him at night. Is Jude right? And can Elodie hear and see the voices and shadows in the walls too?
Bren is so happy to finally have a family, it’s all he’s ever wanted- especially since his parents died when he was a young boy. Bren is working all day to fully provide for Elodie, Jude, and their new baby on the way. He then comes home at night and begins to remodel the house that was left to him by his deceased parents. Jude is growing more and more attached to Bren, but Elodie is growing more miserable by the day. Why can’t Bren seem to make Elodie happy?
As I mentioned above, this book was very dark and disturbing, and I did not like Elodie at all. I think I was supposed to feel sorry for her at one point (and I did to an extent), but for the most part- no. It also states in the synopsis that Jude is supposed to be autistic. However, I think Elodie just made him out to be a child who is afraid to eat, sleep, be around certain people, etc… That is just my take/opinion from reading this story, as I am not a doctor or any type of professional-so please don’t come at me!
After reading this, I definitely need a book break or something much lighter to read. I think I may have just read this book at the “wrong” time.
Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, NetGalley, and the author for an ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest opinion.
Publication date: March 17, 2026
Genre~ Mystery & Thrillers, Horror, General Fiction (adult)
October 28, 2025
Do you know when you’re reading a novel and you absolutely just can’t put it down? This is one of those!!
Elodie believes she has just won the jackpot with her new husband, Bren. He has swept her off her feet and has welcomed her and her young son, Jude, with open arms. They move into his childhood home that Bren inherited from his parents. The house is in need of a lot of TLC and Bren begins remodeling each room. Things are going absolutely splendidly. Nothing could go wrong, right?! Ha! Not too long after moving in, Jude begins to act out and swears the house is going to hurt him. Elodie begins to have similar suspicions.
This was not your traditional haunted house spooky read. There was much more focus on the characters themselves who I found to be really well developed, specifically Elodie and Jude. I think psychological suspense mixed with a bit of horror is definitely my favorite genre. This book definitely ticked both of those boxes and I absolutely could not figure out where this one was going. You can just feel the tension building the further along you get. My only quibble is the ending went a little bit over the top for my liking, but how it finally concluded was satisfying.
I most certainly can recommend giving this one a try and look forward to seeing what else this author will come up with in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
Elodie believes she has just won the jackpot with her new husband, Bren. He has swept her off her feet and has welcomed her and her young son, Jude, with open arms. They move into his childhood home that Bren inherited from his parents. The house is in need of a lot of TLC and Bren begins remodeling each room. Things are going absolutely splendidly. Nothing could go wrong, right?! Ha! Not too long after moving in, Jude begins to act out and swears the house is going to hurt him. Elodie begins to have similar suspicions.
This was not your traditional haunted house spooky read. There was much more focus on the characters themselves who I found to be really well developed, specifically Elodie and Jude. I think psychological suspense mixed with a bit of horror is definitely my favorite genre. This book definitely ticked both of those boxes and I absolutely could not figure out where this one was going. You can just feel the tension building the further along you get. My only quibble is the ending went a little bit over the top for my liking, but how it finally concluded was satisfying.
I most certainly can recommend giving this one a try and look forward to seeing what else this author will come up with in the future.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
August 19, 2025
This is in no way something I would pick up on my own, but I like the author and was really curious to see what they would do with an adult novel. I personally don't like books about motherhood, or kids in general if I'm being honest, it's just not something I would reach for, ever, so I can't say it was a perfect read. But that's just my personal opinion, so I'll talk from a technical standpoint.
This was a creepy read, it was disconcerting in a good way. I was tense throughout the entire book. It's very different from don't let the forest in and Hazelthorn(my favorite), those ones I thoroughly enjoyed, the botanical horror is something that just does it for me I guess, while weird houses and mother and son relationships truly don't.
The writing is less flowery and atmospheric and more thriller-esque, it goes by really quickly because you can't stop reading. When I saw where the title of the book came from I gasped out loud, so that was a surprise.
You Did Nothing Wrong is creepy, weird and uncomfortable to read, but that's what people look for in horror so I would say it is perfect if you love the genre.
Thank you St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC!
This was a creepy read, it was disconcerting in a good way. I was tense throughout the entire book. It's very different from don't let the forest in and Hazelthorn(my favorite), those ones I thoroughly enjoyed, the botanical horror is something that just does it for me I guess, while weird houses and mother and son relationships truly don't.
The writing is less flowery and atmospheric and more thriller-esque, it goes by really quickly because you can't stop reading. When I saw where the title of the book came from I gasped out loud, so that was a surprise.
You Did Nothing Wrong is creepy, weird and uncomfortable to read, but that's what people look for in horror so I would say it is perfect if you love the genre.
Thank you St. Martins Press and Netgalley for the ARC!
August 31, 2025
4 ⭐️ Review to come. 🫶
October 28, 2025
Elodie became a mom at just 16 years old to a baby boy named Jude. Jude's father is nowhere to be seen leaving her on her own. She lives in the garage of her parents house. Parents that want nothing to do with her ever since her little brother drowned in the tub at 2 years old. She thought a baby might thaw their chill but she couldn't have been more wrong. They seem to despise her even more. She'd do anything to escape from them.
In walks handsome Bren who she meets at a ballet soiree. He's handsome and kind and everything Elodie has ever dreamed of. After just a few short months he whisks her away from Australia to the United States where Bren was left the family home after the death of his parents. It's a fixer upper to be sure but Bren has a vision and in that vision is his family with Elodie and Jude and another little one on the way. Everything is perfect!
Until Jude claims that the walls whisper to him leaving him terrified and inconsolable. He's sensitive on the best of days but the house is making matters so much worse.
Elodie assumes it's just her sons wild imagination until she begins to notice strange happenings. Is it possible the house is indeed haunted? You'll have to read this to find out.
My first C.G. Drews novel but definitely not my last. The menacing atmosphere was palpable. I loved that I truly had no idea what was happening. There are some jaw dropping revelations and an explosive ending that left me satisfied. My only let down was a bit of editing. From 60-80% it got a little monotonous being in Elodie's head. The lovely turns of phrase that I had been enjoying so much started to become tiresome leaving me to skim here and there until the action picked back up. And boy did it pick back up. I promise sticking with this one is worth it. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
In walks handsome Bren who she meets at a ballet soiree. He's handsome and kind and everything Elodie has ever dreamed of. After just a few short months he whisks her away from Australia to the United States where Bren was left the family home after the death of his parents. It's a fixer upper to be sure but Bren has a vision and in that vision is his family with Elodie and Jude and another little one on the way. Everything is perfect!
Until Jude claims that the walls whisper to him leaving him terrified and inconsolable. He's sensitive on the best of days but the house is making matters so much worse.
Elodie assumes it's just her sons wild imagination until she begins to notice strange happenings. Is it possible the house is indeed haunted? You'll have to read this to find out.
My first C.G. Drews novel but definitely not my last. The menacing atmosphere was palpable. I loved that I truly had no idea what was happening. There are some jaw dropping revelations and an explosive ending that left me satisfied. My only let down was a bit of editing. From 60-80% it got a little monotonous being in Elodie's head. The lovely turns of phrase that I had been enjoying so much started to become tiresome leaving me to skim here and there until the action picked back up. And boy did it pick back up. I promise sticking with this one is worth it. 4 stars!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for my complimentary copy.
November 7, 2025
oh...i'm as unwell as Elodie right now.
contains spoilers⭑.ᐟ
CG Drews is 3/3 for me & is 100% going on my list of auto buy authors. Don't Let the Forest In? So good. Hazelthorn? Ripped my heart out. You Did Nothing Wrong? Left me speechless. This was so hard to put down. The last 100 pgs had me in a choke hold... I was sweating, I was anxious, I was uncomfortable, but I just HAD to see how everything ended.
I hope I wasn't supposed to feel bad for Elodie because let's get one thing clear...I hated her. She's so desperate to be loved & have attention it was exhausting. Elodie was despicable & also...had about twenty screws loose in her head, the girl is really not ok. The way she neglects the fact that Jude is autistic & refuses to accept any sort of help with him, completely ignoring his needs and the way she had him malnourished had me fuming. Girl...disrespectfully, if you were my mother I would have hated you too. Not even getting a glance at her childhood made me feel sympathy for her nor is her childhood an excuse for her to be an unhinged bat shit crazy person & I said what I said. Instead of running off with a man she recently met & getting married to escape her past she should of taken her ass to therapy because she clearly needs to heal.
The writing as always was amazing. If there's one thing I've come to realize about CG Drews, it's that they definitely know how to create eerie, creepy atmosphere. This was simply just haunting & disturbing in so many ways. My little baby Jude deserved so much better. By the end of this I was ready to yeet my kindle across the room. I did guess like two twists but even then the twists just kept twisting. This was a perfect psychological horror/thriller in my opinion. I can't wait to get my fat grubby hands on a physical copy so I can read it again & be in my feelings all over again.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
contains spoilers⭑.ᐟ
CG Drews is 3/3 for me & is 100% going on my list of auto buy authors. Don't Let the Forest In? So good. Hazelthorn? Ripped my heart out. You Did Nothing Wrong? Left me speechless. This was so hard to put down. The last 100 pgs had me in a choke hold... I was sweating, I was anxious, I was uncomfortable, but I just HAD to see how everything ended.
I hope I wasn't supposed to feel bad for Elodie because let's get one thing clear...I hated her. She's so desperate to be loved & have attention it was exhausting. Elodie was despicable & also...had about twenty screws loose in her head, the girl is really not ok. The way she neglects the fact that Jude is autistic & refuses to accept any sort of help with him, completely ignoring his needs and the way she had him malnourished had me fuming. Girl...disrespectfully, if you were my mother I would have hated you too. Not even getting a glance at her childhood made me feel sympathy for her nor is her childhood an excuse for her to be an unhinged bat shit crazy person & I said what I said. Instead of running off with a man she recently met & getting married to escape her past she should of taken her ass to therapy because she clearly needs to heal.
The writing as always was amazing. If there's one thing I've come to realize about CG Drews, it's that they definitely know how to create eerie, creepy atmosphere. This was simply just haunting & disturbing in so many ways. My little baby Jude deserved so much better. By the end of this I was ready to yeet my kindle across the room. I did guess like two twists but even then the twists just kept twisting. This was a perfect psychological horror/thriller in my opinion. I can't wait to get my fat grubby hands on a physical copy so I can read it again & be in my feelings all over again.
Thank you to NetGalley & the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review
August 6, 2025
Haunted house, yes yes yes!!!!
Im obsessed with all the haunted house style books we’ve been getting lately, there’s something in the air and it’s giving October and Halloween and spooky vibes.. keep it coming baby!
If you want to be nervous and creeped out then please read.
Elodie and her family move into a new home which requires a lot of work, especially with a baby on the way. Whilst renovations are underway, Elodies autistic son Jude begins to freak out claiming that they are hurting the house. A claim that is initially overlooked, until bad things start happening and the couple begin to question what’s really going on.
This book is super disturbing, it will get its claws under your skin and take you from an absolute emotional rollercoaster of pure horror, sweat, tears, and screams.
Absolutely well done to the author for such a phenomenal story! I will definitely be reading whatever they release next!
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and CG Drew’s for the netgalley gifted copy!
Publish date: March 17th 2026
Im obsessed with all the haunted house style books we’ve been getting lately, there’s something in the air and it’s giving October and Halloween and spooky vibes.. keep it coming baby!
If you want to be nervous and creeped out then please read.
Elodie and her family move into a new home which requires a lot of work, especially with a baby on the way. Whilst renovations are underway, Elodies autistic son Jude begins to freak out claiming that they are hurting the house. A claim that is initially overlooked, until bad things start happening and the couple begin to question what’s really going on.
This book is super disturbing, it will get its claws under your skin and take you from an absolute emotional rollercoaster of pure horror, sweat, tears, and screams.
Absolutely well done to the author for such a phenomenal story! I will definitely be reading whatever they release next!
Thank you to St Martin’s Press and CG Drew’s for the netgalley gifted copy!
Publish date: March 17th 2026
August 19, 2025
“You Did Nothing Wrong” is CG Drews third horror novel and first adult novel. I am a beloved fan of CG Drews and have, for the most part, enjoyed each and every book. This book, however, was pretty grueling to get through. Not because I found it horrific or scary, but because I found myself cringing at almost every page. It didn’t live up to my expectations, unfortunately. I think for a first attempt at an adult novel it doesn’t particularly read as one. I found Bren and Elodie to be insufferable and I have no real opinions on Jude. The writing is very good, I felt what the characters felt at all times, but the story felt rushed and sloppy to me. It’s a real shame because I was looking forward to reading this since it’s announcement. CG Drew’s has been on a roll lately with many book announcements. Sadly, this was just not the book for me.
Thank you Netgally and the publisher for letting me read this story in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you Netgally and the publisher for letting me read this story in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2025
4.5⭐️🤩
This is my third read from CG Drews, and once again, they do not disappoint. Hauntingly suspenseful, filled with twists and turns that lead to places you’d never expect.
Elodie had her son Jude at 16, fueling family drama and leaving her dreaming of escape. Then she meets Bren, and their whirlwind romance brings her an incredible husband, a loving father for Jude, a cozy home to call their own, and a new baby on the way. It all seems perfect until Jude starts hearing the house talk to him. When strange events escalate, Elodie can’t ignore them anymore—could it be Jude, Bren, or the house itself? As her secrets unravel, no one is safe.
This book was such a thrilling ride! I adored the eerie house atmosphere and the gripping psychological twists. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story spirals into an ending you’ll never see coming.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is my third read from CG Drews, and once again, they do not disappoint. Hauntingly suspenseful, filled with twists and turns that lead to places you’d never expect.
Elodie had her son Jude at 16, fueling family drama and leaving her dreaming of escape. Then she meets Bren, and their whirlwind romance brings her an incredible husband, a loving father for Jude, a cozy home to call their own, and a new baby on the way. It all seems perfect until Jude starts hearing the house talk to him. When strange events escalate, Elodie can’t ignore them anymore—could it be Jude, Bren, or the house itself? As her secrets unravel, no one is safe.
This book was such a thrilling ride! I adored the eerie house atmosphere and the gripping psychological twists. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story spirals into an ending you’ll never see coming.
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 20, 2025
**4,5/5**
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press | MTMC Tours for the arc!
„But perhaps that is why they fit so well.
When a monster sees something else monstrous, he only thinks it pretty.“
- Intergenerational child abuse
- Haunted house
- Unreliable characters
- Unreliable reality
- Motherhood
- Autistic child
What I liked:
C.G . Drews just knows how to create an atmosphere! Everything in this book is so brilliantly unreliable. Is the house really haunted or is it just in the characters‘ minds? Are the characters telling the truth? Are they telling lies? Do they know they’re telling lies or do they believe in them? Throughout the whole book, you are sucked into this space of constant doubt and suspicion.
The characters are unlikable but pitiable. They suffer a lot, but at the same time, they are the reason the others do too.
Be prepared for a lot of feelings!
What I didn’t like:
For me, the ending felt a bit rushed. The main character underwent a significant change of mind, which came across as surprisingly sudden. A bit more depiction of her inner struggle would have matched her behavior throughout the book better.
Writing style: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Story & Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
Thank you so much St. Martin's Press | MTMC Tours for the arc!
„But perhaps that is why they fit so well.
When a monster sees something else monstrous, he only thinks it pretty.“
- Intergenerational child abuse
- Haunted house
- Unreliable characters
- Unreliable reality
- Motherhood
- Autistic child
What I liked:
C.G . Drews just knows how to create an atmosphere! Everything in this book is so brilliantly unreliable. Is the house really haunted or is it just in the characters‘ minds? Are the characters telling the truth? Are they telling lies? Do they know they’re telling lies or do they believe in them? Throughout the whole book, you are sucked into this space of constant doubt and suspicion.
The characters are unlikable but pitiable. They suffer a lot, but at the same time, they are the reason the others do too.
Be prepared for a lot of feelings!
What I didn’t like:
For me, the ending felt a bit rushed. The main character underwent a significant change of mind, which came across as surprisingly sudden. A bit more depiction of her inner struggle would have matched her behavior throughout the book better.
Writing style: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Story & Plot: 4/5
Vibes: 5/5
November 4, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and St. Martin’s Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
So what’s it about? 🍼🏡
Single mother Elodie finally feels like her life is falling into place. She’s met Bren — equal parts golden retriever energy and sinfully handsome dreamboat. He’s swept her and her autistic son, Jude, away to a crumbling old home he’s determined to restore. A new husband, a new house, a new baby on the way... everything seems perfect.
Until Jude starts hearing voices in the walls. 😳
He says the renovations are “hurting” the house — and Elodie can’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, something isn’t right.
But is the problem the house… or her son?
And what, exactly, is Elodie hiding? 👀
Let’s talk about the writing… ✍️✨
C.G. Drews’ prose? Absolutely stunning. I highlighted so many passages that left me speechless. The imagery, the atmosphere, the creeping sense of dread — it all felt cinematic. This isn’t just a haunted house story; it’s an emotional unraveling of motherhood, guilt, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Final Thoughts 💭
This book kept me guessing until the very end. I can’t say much more without spoiling the twists (and trust me, you want to go in blind), but the psychological layers and that ending… chef’s kiss. A haunting, beautifully written, unforgettable ride.
📚 Mark your calendars for March 17, 2026!
So what’s it about? 🍼🏡
Single mother Elodie finally feels like her life is falling into place. She’s met Bren — equal parts golden retriever energy and sinfully handsome dreamboat. He’s swept her and her autistic son, Jude, away to a crumbling old home he’s determined to restore. A new husband, a new house, a new baby on the way... everything seems perfect.
Until Jude starts hearing voices in the walls. 😳
He says the renovations are “hurting” the house — and Elodie can’t shake the feeling that maybe, just maybe, something isn’t right.
But is the problem the house… or her son?
And what, exactly, is Elodie hiding? 👀
Let’s talk about the writing… ✍️✨
C.G. Drews’ prose? Absolutely stunning. I highlighted so many passages that left me speechless. The imagery, the atmosphere, the creeping sense of dread — it all felt cinematic. This isn’t just a haunted house story; it’s an emotional unraveling of motherhood, guilt, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.
Final Thoughts 💭
This book kept me guessing until the very end. I can’t say much more without spoiling the twists (and trust me, you want to go in blind), but the psychological layers and that ending… chef’s kiss. A haunting, beautifully written, unforgettable ride.
📚 Mark your calendars for March 17, 2026!
August 26, 2025
I don't even know where to begin with this book. So much is happening, so much is wrong, and yet, so much is right. This kept me turning the pages frustrated, worried, a little scared, and a whole lot curious about where this story was going. Most of all, I loved the crazy, super messed-up ending that couldn't have been more perfect or more terrifying.
Such a great read that I am so glad I took a chance on!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Such a great read that I am so glad I took a chance on!
*ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
August 10, 2025
This is an engaging psychological thriller that verges into the horror genre. It centers on Elodie, who (along with her young son) is whisked away from Australia to America by her new husband after a whirlwind romance. Her husband, Bren, is renovating his parents’ old house which has been sitting abandoned for years. Elodie immediately feels like there is something wrong with the house but it’s unclear if she is a reliable narrator.
The book was very creepy and the house was almost like its own character. My one small nit with the house is that I couldn’t figure out what it really looked like- beyond the descriptions of the work that was actively being done, I couldn’t tell how big the house was, what its setup was, or how many rooms had been finished. I thought being inside Elodie’s head was interesting (though almost painful at times). Sometimes her inner thoughts—that were often gory and metaphoric— were a little much for me, but the inner monologue didn’t slow down the story. I thought the ending worked exactly right for the story and I walked away ruminating about nature vs nurture and what the fate of these characters would ultimately be.
Overall, this was a unique story that balances between the horror and psychological thriller genres. I’d recommend to those who like both. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book was very creepy and the house was almost like its own character. My one small nit with the house is that I couldn’t figure out what it really looked like- beyond the descriptions of the work that was actively being done, I couldn’t tell how big the house was, what its setup was, or how many rooms had been finished. I thought being inside Elodie’s head was interesting (though almost painful at times). Sometimes her inner thoughts—that were often gory and metaphoric— were a little much for me, but the inner monologue didn’t slow down the story. I thought the ending worked exactly right for the story and I walked away ruminating about nature vs nurture and what the fate of these characters would ultimately be.
Overall, this was a unique story that balances between the horror and psychological thriller genres. I’d recommend to those who like both. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 12, 2025
Oh my ghost, y’all.
Single mom Elodie is kill living the Pinterest dream: new husband Bren (seriously, the golden retriever energy is off the leash), an autistic son Jude, and a baby on the way. The only thing more creaky than the old house Bren is renovating are my knees after a spin class. You know the vibes: high-key cozy but suddenly Jude hears voices in the walls. The house is hurting? Delete my address, thanks.
The heart of this book beats with mother-love. Elodie’s fierce bond with Jude is so achingly real, I wanted to wrap her in a hug… and maybe slide her a bottle of tequila. Drews captures it all: the exhaustion, the hope, the aching vulnerability. Also, bonus points for family secrets crispier than pie crust. Elodie’s love for Jude is so fierce it’s practically a character itself, but it’s messy and complicated, like when you adore your bestie but also want to strangle her sometimes (lovingly).
It’s visceral, it’s raw, and it’s got this undercurrent of “something’s not right” that makes you question everyone, including Elodie. Is it the house? Is it Jude? Bren?
Not everything is perfect. There’s a bit of mid-book slog, like waiting for your Uber while it circles the neighborhood three times. A few twists feel a tad try-hard, but if you love jaw-droppers, you’ll be fed.
You Did Nothing Wrong is perfect for fans of potentially haunted houses, messy family drama, and anyone who’s ever considered the resale value of a home potentially possessed by sadness itself. Weirdly tender, fabulously unnerving.
Single mom Elodie is kill living the Pinterest dream: new husband Bren (seriously, the golden retriever energy is off the leash), an autistic son Jude, and a baby on the way. The only thing more creaky than the old house Bren is renovating are my knees after a spin class. You know the vibes: high-key cozy but suddenly Jude hears voices in the walls. The house is hurting? Delete my address, thanks.
The heart of this book beats with mother-love. Elodie’s fierce bond with Jude is so achingly real, I wanted to wrap her in a hug… and maybe slide her a bottle of tequila. Drews captures it all: the exhaustion, the hope, the aching vulnerability. Also, bonus points for family secrets crispier than pie crust. Elodie’s love for Jude is so fierce it’s practically a character itself, but it’s messy and complicated, like when you adore your bestie but also want to strangle her sometimes (lovingly).
It’s visceral, it’s raw, and it’s got this undercurrent of “something’s not right” that makes you question everyone, including Elodie. Is it the house? Is it Jude? Bren?
Not everything is perfect. There’s a bit of mid-book slog, like waiting for your Uber while it circles the neighborhood three times. A few twists feel a tad try-hard, but if you love jaw-droppers, you’ll be fed.
You Did Nothing Wrong is perfect for fans of potentially haunted houses, messy family drama, and anyone who’s ever considered the resale value of a home potentially possessed by sadness itself. Weirdly tender, fabulously unnerving.
August 27, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Gripping my soul from the very first pages, dark, creepy, anxiety ridden, and haunting. You Did Nothing Wrong is a psychological thriller that delivers an intense, emotional experience unlike anything I’ve read before.
The synopsis had me instantly hooked, but the story itself? It without doubt messed with my brain. The atmosphere oozes dread, the symbolism left me speechless, and the layers of meaning will stay with me for a long time. In the acknowledgments, the author made a statement that completely broke me and I know I’ll be thinking about it forever.
This book is an absolute discussion starter. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a touch of gore, a whole lot of anxiety, and an ending that lingers in your mind, this one is for you.
Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Huge thanks to @stmartinpress for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#SMPEarlyReaders #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerBooks #Bookstagram #BookTok #ReadersOfInstagram #BookRecommendation #MustReadThriller #ARCReview #Bookish
Gripping my soul from the very first pages, dark, creepy, anxiety ridden, and haunting. You Did Nothing Wrong is a psychological thriller that delivers an intense, emotional experience unlike anything I’ve read before.
The synopsis had me instantly hooked, but the story itself? It without doubt messed with my brain. The atmosphere oozes dread, the symbolism left me speechless, and the layers of meaning will stay with me for a long time. In the acknowledgments, the author made a statement that completely broke me and I know I’ll be thinking about it forever.
This book is an absolute discussion starter. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with a touch of gore, a whole lot of anxiety, and an ending that lingers in your mind, this one is for you.
Pub Date: March 17, 2026
Huge thanks to @stmartinpress for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#SMPEarlyReaders #BookReview #PsychologicalThriller #ThrillerBooks #Bookstagram #BookTok #ReadersOfInstagram #BookRecommendation #MustReadThriller #ARCReview #Bookish
September 5, 2025
Elodie and her six year old son Jude move into her new husband’s creepy dilapidated house. Jude starts hearing things and Elodie sees strange things.
This was a great horror story with some surprising twists and turns. The story is past and present tense with some really screwed up characters.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released
March 17, 2027!
This was a great horror story with some surprising twists and turns. The story is past and present tense with some really screwed up characters.
I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martins Press for the opportunity to read this eARC that will be released
March 17, 2027!
December 7, 2025
ARC REVIEW: This was a rollercoaster of emotions, this began very bleak, as in, depressing and like everything the main character did was pointless. However, the love between her and Bren was at least somewhat beautiful. And then, everything began to go downhill, and that ending! Absolutely terrifying, and Elodie is one of the craziest characters I’ve read about, CG Drews is a genius!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
This book is SO good. It is utterly twisted but in the best possible way! Definitely a must-read for all adult horror fans or anyone wanting to get into the genre.
February 4, 2025
This book has my full attention, and I loved every second.
October 5, 2025
I am speechless. Actually speechless. My jaw is on the floor. The last 25% of this book had me stress chewing the blankets I am not even kidding. STRESS CHEWING. I’m just sitting here staring at the wall cuz what the hell did I just read?
Was this pretty predictable after a certain point, which direction it was gonna go? Yup. Even the whole is this paranormal or not thing, becomes super clear by the time you’re 60% in. It’s not hard to guess. Was the concept anything groundbreaking or original? Not really. BUT this was so visceral, so well written, so well executed, so impactful, it felt like reading something unlike anything I’ve read before.
It all comes down to good characterization and writing. The way these characters are written makes you feel connected with them in a way that the ending feels even more visceral and shocking. The build up takes a long time, but that build up is what makes the ending punch you in the gut even harder. It all comes down to REALLY good writing because if any average author with average writing skills tried to pull this off, it would feel unoriginal and underwhelming. With CG Drews? It feels groundbreaking.
Most of this book was me feeling bad for Elodie because she’s had a rough life but it doesn’t take long to figure out she is insanely unhinged lmao and that this is going to be one of those unreliable narrator deals. She has this feral obsession with being wanted and needed (even going so far to use a stranger to get pregnant so that she could have a baby who would need her) which leads to questionable choices in her parenting. She’s horribly unlikeable, she is not trustworthy, she pisses you off, but you still pity her in a way. Raising a child who screams and throws tantrums frequently is hard. Speaking of, as someone who has zero interest in having kids ever and personally has no maternal instinct towards children, this book was like a giant dose of birth control for me lmao.
Biggest drawback is that this book takes way too long to get going. This doesn’t even start to feel like a horror novel until you’re over 60% in. Before that, it’s mainly Elodie’s difficulties of raising a child and hints of her mental deterioration. But, despite the long set up, it makes the payoff feel even more satisfying. Because you’ve had the time to really get to know the characters, making the ending just hit even harder. And even though not much happens until you’re about 70% in, there is never an issue with readability factor. I never didn’t want to pick it back up or felt bored. This book is very readable, an issue I had with the last horror novel I tried.
Another thing is, while this is advertised as horror, most of this doesn’t feel like a “horror” novel. There is a feeling of unease for most of it, but I overall wouldn’t really categorize this as a horror novel. Is the ending shocking and completely INSANE? Yes. But I don’t know if I’d call this horror. More like horror adjacent? Don’t get me wrong, you sure will feel horrified though lol.
The reason why this works is mainly because the writing is fantastic. This is my first CG Drews book and her writing style is insanely skilled. Whereas most authors might get their point across by saying something basic like “she had brown hair and pale skin” CG Drews conveys the same info by saying “Her curls are thick and unkempt, spilling about her shoulders dark as bitter chocolate, and her pale skin is almost translucent” which arguably, is more visual writing. I clocked immediately that this author is very gifted. Another example: “She rests her head on the window and thinks, for a minute, of peeling out of her skin and leaving the rotted, tainted flesh behind, becoming something new in a vicious rebirth of sinew and viscid organ juices.” How do you even come up with dialogue like that!
All I can say is, books like these make me scared of human beings and makes me wanna trust no bitch. Geez. Now that I’ve experienced this, I’m dying to read Hazelthorn (boo Fewiel for declining my arc) because if THIS is how CG Drews writes? Where have her books been my whole life.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
Was this pretty predictable after a certain point, which direction it was gonna go? Yup. Even the whole is this paranormal or not thing, becomes super clear by the time you’re 60% in. It’s not hard to guess. Was the concept anything groundbreaking or original? Not really. BUT this was so visceral, so well written, so well executed, so impactful, it felt like reading something unlike anything I’ve read before.
It all comes down to good characterization and writing. The way these characters are written makes you feel connected with them in a way that the ending feels even more visceral and shocking. The build up takes a long time, but that build up is what makes the ending punch you in the gut even harder. It all comes down to REALLY good writing because if any average author with average writing skills tried to pull this off, it would feel unoriginal and underwhelming. With CG Drews? It feels groundbreaking.
Most of this book was me feeling bad for Elodie because she’s had a rough life but it doesn’t take long to figure out she is insanely unhinged lmao and that this is going to be one of those unreliable narrator deals. She has this feral obsession with being wanted and needed (even going so far to use a stranger to get pregnant so that she could have a baby who would need her) which leads to questionable choices in her parenting. She’s horribly unlikeable, she is not trustworthy, she pisses you off, but you still pity her in a way. Raising a child who screams and throws tantrums frequently is hard. Speaking of, as someone who has zero interest in having kids ever and personally has no maternal instinct towards children, this book was like a giant dose of birth control for me lmao.
Biggest drawback is that this book takes way too long to get going. This doesn’t even start to feel like a horror novel until you’re over 60% in. Before that, it’s mainly Elodie’s difficulties of raising a child and hints of her mental deterioration. But, despite the long set up, it makes the payoff feel even more satisfying. Because you’ve had the time to really get to know the characters, making the ending just hit even harder. And even though not much happens until you’re about 70% in, there is never an issue with readability factor. I never didn’t want to pick it back up or felt bored. This book is very readable, an issue I had with the last horror novel I tried.
Another thing is, while this is advertised as horror, most of this doesn’t feel like a “horror” novel. There is a feeling of unease for most of it, but I overall wouldn’t really categorize this as a horror novel. Is the ending shocking and completely INSANE? Yes. But I don’t know if I’d call this horror. More like horror adjacent? Don’t get me wrong, you sure will feel horrified though lol.
The reason why this works is mainly because the writing is fantastic. This is my first CG Drews book and her writing style is insanely skilled. Whereas most authors might get their point across by saying something basic like “she had brown hair and pale skin” CG Drews conveys the same info by saying “Her curls are thick and unkempt, spilling about her shoulders dark as bitter chocolate, and her pale skin is almost translucent” which arguably, is more visual writing. I clocked immediately that this author is very gifted. Another example: “She rests her head on the window and thinks, for a minute, of peeling out of her skin and leaving the rotted, tainted flesh behind, becoming something new in a vicious rebirth of sinew and viscid organ juices.” How do you even come up with dialogue like that!
All I can say is, books like these make me scared of human beings and makes me wanna trust no bitch. Geez. Now that I’ve experienced this, I’m dying to read Hazelthorn (boo Fewiel for declining my arc) because if THIS is how CG Drews writes? Where have her books been my whole life.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s for sending me an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
December 4, 2025
Thank you Macmillan for the early copy! Loved how the complexity of raising a neurodivergent child while managing a new country, husband, haunted home, and pregnancy was explored and how each person was affected by everything. Unsettling, intriguing, drama filled, emotional, and surprising
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTr5hE85N/
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTr5hE85N/
November 4, 2025
C.G. Drews, my office, NOW.
I don't- I don't even know where to begin really? There's women's wrongs and then there's Elodie who needs her own separate category, YEESH. I'm struggling to write this review because truly I believe it best to go into this book knowing only what you read from the synopsis.
At this point, having now read Don't Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn I have certain standards and expectations for C.G. Drews and their writing style, this book exceeded all expectations beyond my wildest hopes. I was curious to know how the writing would differ from their YA stuff and all I can say is just- WOW. The writing was as visceral as it was in Hazelthorn, but turned all the way up to 11. I'm not someone who cares that much for surrealism and ambiguity, I am nosy and I need to know what's going on constantly: what's real, what isn't, what's going on, who's that, what are the motives at play here? But what I like about C.G. Drews' style of surrealism is it's still rooted in reality. Was the last 25% of the book an absolute fever dream? Yes. Was I ever frustrated and totally lost about what was even happening? Thankfully, blessedly, no.
I'm fighting myself not to reveal anything but I'll leave you with this: nothing and I do mean NOTHING is what it seems and that twist you thought you predicted? Guess again, you get about, idk, six plot twists in the last part of the book? You might wanna tape your jaw shut once you get about 80% in because it's just going to be hanging open the rest of the time.
And finally, I need a sequel all about my sweet, sweet boy Jude. On my desk by let's say, tomorrow morning? Ok good, dismissed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I don't- I don't even know where to begin really? There's women's wrongs and then there's Elodie who needs her own separate category, YEESH. I'm struggling to write this review because truly I believe it best to go into this book knowing only what you read from the synopsis.
At this point, having now read Don't Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn I have certain standards and expectations for C.G. Drews and their writing style, this book exceeded all expectations beyond my wildest hopes. I was curious to know how the writing would differ from their YA stuff and all I can say is just- WOW. The writing was as visceral as it was in Hazelthorn, but turned all the way up to 11. I'm not someone who cares that much for surrealism and ambiguity, I am nosy and I need to know what's going on constantly: what's real, what isn't, what's going on, who's that, what are the motives at play here? But what I like about C.G. Drews' style of surrealism is it's still rooted in reality. Was the last 25% of the book an absolute fever dream? Yes. Was I ever frustrated and totally lost about what was even happening? Thankfully, blessedly, no.
I'm fighting myself not to reveal anything but I'll leave you with this: nothing and I do mean NOTHING is what it seems and that twist you thought you predicted? Guess again, you get about, idk, six plot twists in the last part of the book? You might wanna tape your jaw shut once you get about 80% in because it's just going to be hanging open the rest of the time.
And finally, I need a sequel all about my sweet, sweet boy Jude. On my desk by let's say, tomorrow morning? Ok good, dismissed.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for an honest review.
tbr-2
November 6, 2025
October 14, 2025
C.G. Drews definitely knows how to write horror, wow
July 30, 2025
This is a true horror novel in the sense that it will leave you an uncomfortable, heart-pounding, anxious, mess.
There were a few times I wondered what made me think I could do this. Which is exactly the point.
I love books that make me feel things. Anything. And this book definitely did that.
I saw not a single part of this book coming. I’m still reeling.
This was a ride. A “who-done-it” / who can I trust / is this paranormal?? is it not?? / why am I crying??? /who is the villain??? RIDE.
I cried, I cheered for these people, I hated these people, I was scared, I heard noises in my own house!!!!
C G Drew’s is an auto-buy author for me now. This was phenomenal.
There were a few times I wondered what made me think I could do this. Which is exactly the point.
I love books that make me feel things. Anything. And this book definitely did that.
I saw not a single part of this book coming. I’m still reeling.
This was a ride. A “who-done-it” / who can I trust / is this paranormal?? is it not?? / why am I crying??? /who is the villain??? RIDE.
I cried, I cheered for these people, I hated these people, I was scared, I heard noises in my own house!!!!
C G Drew’s is an auto-buy author for me now. This was phenomenal.
October 10, 2025
Recently married, expecting a new baby, and moved from Australia to America, Elodie and her son Jude’s lives have changed a lot. Elodie’s new husband Bren has moved them into the family home he is renovating. Elodie is sure there is something wrong but is it the house or the people in it?
You Did Nothing Wrong was the most anxiety inducing book I have read this year…maybe ever. It was so uncomfortable, twisted, and creepy. I’m not really a fan of an unreliable narrator but it was done perfectly in this. I felt so uneasy from the start and did see a lot of the “reveals” coming but it didn’t detract from the story because of the absolute train wreck that was unfolding.
Safe to say I will be picking up anything CG Drews writes!
4.5/5 rounded up to 5
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
You Did Nothing Wrong was the most anxiety inducing book I have read this year…maybe ever. It was so uncomfortable, twisted, and creepy. I’m not really a fan of an unreliable narrator but it was done perfectly in this. I felt so uneasy from the start and did see a lot of the “reveals” coming but it didn’t detract from the story because of the absolute train wreck that was unfolding.
Safe to say I will be picking up anything CG Drews writes!
4.5/5 rounded up to 5
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC!
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