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I Didn't Do It
Not yet published
Expected 21 Jul 26I Killed Zoe Spanos meets The Counselors in this YA thriller about the daughter of a killer who must prove her innocence after a night of fun turns deadly.
Dina Soto is used to laying low. Ever since her father confessed to murdering two of his students, Dina's mom has kept the family on a short leash to avoid drawing any more attention. But when cute, popular, and incredibly sweet Kai Thompson invites Dina to spend the weekend with him and his friends at his cabin, Dina thinks maybe being noticed wouldn't be so bad.
But once at the cabin, Dina realizes one night won't change her reputation as the daughter of a killer-especially not when people start turning up dead. Told in part through police evidence, the truth of what happened that night unravels alongside long-held secrets. But one thing remains true: Dina is adamant she didn't do it. Now, she just has to prove it.
Dina Soto is used to laying low. Ever since her father confessed to murdering two of his students, Dina's mom has kept the family on a short leash to avoid drawing any more attention. But when cute, popular, and incredibly sweet Kai Thompson invites Dina to spend the weekend with him and his friends at his cabin, Dina thinks maybe being noticed wouldn't be so bad.
But once at the cabin, Dina realizes one night won't change her reputation as the daughter of a killer-especially not when people start turning up dead. Told in part through police evidence, the truth of what happened that night unravels alongside long-held secrets. But one thing remains true: Dina is adamant she didn't do it. Now, she just has to prove it.
240 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication July 21, 2026
About the author
Elle Gonzalez Rose
5 books105 followersElle Gonzalez Rose is a producer and author from New York who’s better at writing love stories about short, queer Boricuas than she is at writing bios. Her dog thinks she’s okay. Caught in a Bad Fauxmance is her debut novel—Elle’s, not the dog’s.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 9, 2025
ARC for review. To be published July 21, 2026.
3 stars
Dina Soto is the daughter of a convicted murderer. Her father, the soccer coach at her high school, killed two boys who bullied Dina’s brother until he killed himself. Now Dina is a pariah at school, her mother is struggling to pay the bills and her dad is locked up for life.
But things are looking up. Kai Thompson, a new kid who is already popular acts interested in her. He invites her to his family’s cabin for the weekend and she so wants to have something normal so she sneaks out of her home to go. Kai’s sister, her friend and the friend’s boyfriend are there too. They are cold to Dina, but that’s OK. Til the murderin’ starts.
So, I didn’t know who the killer was in this YA book, and that was good. The book was fine (although there is the fact that the prosecutor doesn’t usually work hand in hand with the accused, but whatever.). I think YAs who like these murders books will like this one and there’s some good representation here.
3 stars
Dina Soto is the daughter of a convicted murderer. Her father, the soccer coach at her high school, killed two boys who bullied Dina’s brother until he killed himself. Now Dina is a pariah at school, her mother is struggling to pay the bills and her dad is locked up for life.
But things are looking up. Kai Thompson, a new kid who is already popular acts interested in her. He invites her to his family’s cabin for the weekend and she so wants to have something normal so she sneaks out of her home to go. Kai’s sister, her friend and the friend’s boyfriend are there too. They are cold to Dina, but that’s OK. Til the murderin’ starts.
So, I didn’t know who the killer was in this YA book, and that was good. The book was fine (although there is the fact that the prosecutor doesn’t usually work hand in hand with the accused, but whatever.). I think YAs who like these murders books will like this one and there’s some good representation here.
October 14, 2025
It's mostly about Ross Perot and the last two chapters are excerpts from the Oliver North trial.
*In all seriousness though, another banger from Elle, in a totally different genre — much closer to horror than thriller imo and the stronger for it!
*In all seriousness though, another banger from Elle, in a totally different genre — much closer to horror than thriller imo and the stronger for it!
February 12, 2026
I thought this was an interesting plot and I loved the mixed media. It was so wild to figure out what was actually going on at the end, and that twist was enough that I do recommend this book if you’re a fan of YA thrillers. I think it’s a good addition to the genre. This will be out in July of 2026.
November 22, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Elle Gonzalez Rose’s “I Didn’t Do It” is a sharp, fast-paced YA thriller that combines mystery and social commentary into a story about identity and the haunting weight of family secrets.
The story follows Dina Soto, a girl living under the shadow of her father’s horrifying past as it has been revealed recently that her father, a beloved figure in town, confessed to murdering two of his students. Since then, Dina’s life has been one long exercise in invisibility, carefully managed by her extremely controlling mother to avoid more scrutiny. But when Kai Thompson, a popular and kind classmate, invites her to spend a weekend at his cabin with a group of friends, Dina dares to hope that maybe she can have a normal teenage experience or at least one night when she isn’t “the murderer’s daughter.”
Of course, things go terribly wrong. When people start turning up dead, Dina finds herself trapped in a deadly situation that mirrors her father’s crimes far too closely. The story cleverly alternates between Dina’s perspective and snippets of police evidence, such as reports, text messages, and other documents, that slowly piece together the truth about what happened that night. This technique gives the story a gritty, investigative tone while keeping you guessing about who to trust.
At just over 300 pages, the book moves quickly and can easily be devoured in one sitting. The first half leans heavily on character development and the slow burn of Dina’s growing relationship with Kai who is trans, adding meaningful LGBTQ representation to the cast while the last quarter shifts gears into full-blown chaos. The tension spikes, the body count rises, and the emotional intensity hits its peak as long-buried secrets come to light. A major twist ties everything together, and while some may see it coming (I guessed the major twist pretty early on), it still lands with impact thanks to its emotional resonance and moral complexity.
Gonzalez Rose doesn’t just write a slasher; she writes about control with who has it, who’s denied it, and what happens when it’s taken away. Dina’s arc from guilt-ridden outcast to someone reclaiming her agency is at the core of the story. The ending, while somewhat open-ended, leaves Dina with a fragile but powerful sense of hope and self-determination.
I did want more of a focus on the horror elements rather than the romance, as much of the first half prioritizes Dina’s relationships and internal struggles over outright suspense. Still, when the violence erupts, it’s visceral, shocking, and well executed, which is true to the slasher genre while maintaining a strong emotional throughline.
Overall, “I Didn’t Do It” is a short but intense read; it’s a YA thriller that’s as much about trauma, identity, and reclaiming your story as it is about survival. With its mix of clean romance, mystery, and horror, it offers a satisfying blend of heart and chills, perfect for more experienced thriller readers as well as younger YA readers.
Elle Gonzalez Rose’s “I Didn’t Do It” is a sharp, fast-paced YA thriller that combines mystery and social commentary into a story about identity and the haunting weight of family secrets.
The story follows Dina Soto, a girl living under the shadow of her father’s horrifying past as it has been revealed recently that her father, a beloved figure in town, confessed to murdering two of his students. Since then, Dina’s life has been one long exercise in invisibility, carefully managed by her extremely controlling mother to avoid more scrutiny. But when Kai Thompson, a popular and kind classmate, invites her to spend a weekend at his cabin with a group of friends, Dina dares to hope that maybe she can have a normal teenage experience or at least one night when she isn’t “the murderer’s daughter.”
Of course, things go terribly wrong. When people start turning up dead, Dina finds herself trapped in a deadly situation that mirrors her father’s crimes far too closely. The story cleverly alternates between Dina’s perspective and snippets of police evidence, such as reports, text messages, and other documents, that slowly piece together the truth about what happened that night. This technique gives the story a gritty, investigative tone while keeping you guessing about who to trust.
At just over 300 pages, the book moves quickly and can easily be devoured in one sitting. The first half leans heavily on character development and the slow burn of Dina’s growing relationship with Kai who is trans, adding meaningful LGBTQ representation to the cast while the last quarter shifts gears into full-blown chaos. The tension spikes, the body count rises, and the emotional intensity hits its peak as long-buried secrets come to light. A major twist ties everything together, and while some may see it coming (I guessed the major twist pretty early on), it still lands with impact thanks to its emotional resonance and moral complexity.
Gonzalez Rose doesn’t just write a slasher; she writes about control with who has it, who’s denied it, and what happens when it’s taken away. Dina’s arc from guilt-ridden outcast to someone reclaiming her agency is at the core of the story. The ending, while somewhat open-ended, leaves Dina with a fragile but powerful sense of hope and self-determination.
I did want more of a focus on the horror elements rather than the romance, as much of the first half prioritizes Dina’s relationships and internal struggles over outright suspense. Still, when the violence erupts, it’s visceral, shocking, and well executed, which is true to the slasher genre while maintaining a strong emotional throughline.
Overall, “I Didn’t Do It” is a short but intense read; it’s a YA thriller that’s as much about trauma, identity, and reclaiming your story as it is about survival. With its mix of clean romance, mystery, and horror, it offers a satisfying blend of heart and chills, perfect for more experienced thriller readers as well as younger YA readers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Bloomsbury and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Another Elle Gonzalez Rose mystery that I consumed! Dina’s world is pretty small, that’s how her Mami wants it to stay. She says the only people they can trust is there family. A family that has been shortened since her brother Joel died and then later her father was found guilty of murdering two people. It’s probably for the best as the entire town hates them because of what her father did. They all just conveniently forget her brother’s death and the events that led to it. While it’s probably better Dina is tired of the strict rules her mother places on her and her younger brother. Not long ago Kai Thompson and his twin sister Kiki joined there school and Kai is the only person who doesn’t treat her like a monster, he seems to see her. She’s crushing hard but figures nothing will come of it that is until he invites her to a weekend getaway at his family’s cabin with a few of his friends. Dina’s desperate to have something good for herself even though her brother Mikey warns her it’s a bad idea. Because while Kia is kind to her, his sister and her best friend Carla are not. And Carla has more reason then most to dislike Dina’s family. What should be a fun weekend soon turns deadly. Can Dina survive the weekend? And even if she does, will anyone believe that she didn’t do it? A fast paced thrill ride that had a few mysteries that kept me reading! This is another one that looks at how people treat you if you’re related to a murderer and if you should be held responsible for the actions of loved ones. I didn’t see it coming and it’s definitely a heartbreaking look at the consequences of bullying and the negative fall out that can happen when schools and the police don’t take actions. I love a good queer mystery that keeps you guessing! Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4/5 stars
Very fast-paced, engaging short-read! This thriller definitely did a good job of not being predictable, and I loved the way the main character was written. Dina's father is a murderer, and that's all people know about her, which makes it hard to make friends. When she's invited to a group weekend trip to a cabin by Kai, the guy she really likes, she thinks everything might be fine until people start dying. I think Dina's character is very well-written in the way that she is scared and awkward when it comes to interacting with other people, since she kept her head down for so long.
The mixed in parts of the police evidence made the story more compelling, but I do wish there were more of it? Maybe that's just me, but I wish there was more evidence that could have been talked about, but since the story was so short, it made sense here anyway. I do feel like the book could have been longer; the plot definitely allowed for it, and I think that would have also helped make the ending make more sense. I feel like the way the ending went was nice since I haven't read many thrillers that took that direction, but also, if you're going to go that way, then there needs to be more information on what happens after. Maybe an epilogue of some sort? That being said, this book overall was really nice and had an unexpected twist than what I originally thought, but could have been developed in more depth. Thank you, Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, for sending me this ARC!
Very fast-paced, engaging short-read! This thriller definitely did a good job of not being predictable, and I loved the way the main character was written. Dina's father is a murderer, and that's all people know about her, which makes it hard to make friends. When she's invited to a group weekend trip to a cabin by Kai, the guy she really likes, she thinks everything might be fine until people start dying. I think Dina's character is very well-written in the way that she is scared and awkward when it comes to interacting with other people, since she kept her head down for so long.
The mixed in parts of the police evidence made the story more compelling, but I do wish there were more of it? Maybe that's just me, but I wish there was more evidence that could have been talked about, but since the story was so short, it made sense here anyway. I do feel like the book could have been longer; the plot definitely allowed for it, and I think that would have also helped make the ending make more sense. I feel like the way the ending went was nice since I haven't read many thrillers that took that direction, but also, if you're going to go that way, then there needs to be more information on what happens after. Maybe an epilogue of some sort? That being said, this book overall was really nice and had an unexpected twist than what I originally thought, but could have been developed in more depth. Thank you, Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, for sending me this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Full transparency, I "wished" for this title when I was still very new to NetGalley. and was VERY happy with the request button. Thinking it was just a mystery/thriller and not YA. Being in my 30s I very much find myself aging out of YA stories, but I do still enjoy them for the most part. That being said, this book did not disappoint. It was fast paced and absolutely thrilling, with a twist I was actually not expecting at the end! The writing was impeccable, really making you feel for our main character Dina. The tension, and yearning between the pages palpable. Really a great read for most ages!!
Dina is struggling to fit in, after the loss of her brother, and especially after her father is convicted of murder. Of a classmate. Dina has been the outcast ever since, like SHE is the one behind bars. And her mother isn't helping, always wanting to shelter her from the pain, and hate of others. But Dina knows, Kai, a newer student, isn't like that. He's kind, caring, and sweet. And he invited her to his family's "cabin" in the woods, it's just a small get together, no big party or anything. Just him, his twin sister, her best friend, and her best friend's boyfriend. See, lowkey, small. Dina decides she's going regardless of what her mother will say, so she doesn't ask her, she sneaks out to join the fun! But a night of laughter and drinks quickly comes to a screeching halt. Is someone else there with them? Or is it Dina messing with them? What started out as a hot tub of fun, is now becoming a blood bath. But who is behind it?
Dina is struggling to fit in, after the loss of her brother, and especially after her father is convicted of murder. Of a classmate. Dina has been the outcast ever since, like SHE is the one behind bars. And her mother isn't helping, always wanting to shelter her from the pain, and hate of others. But Dina knows, Kai, a newer student, isn't like that. He's kind, caring, and sweet. And he invited her to his family's "cabin" in the woods, it's just a small get together, no big party or anything. Just him, his twin sister, her best friend, and her best friend's boyfriend. See, lowkey, small. Dina decides she's going regardless of what her mother will say, so she doesn't ask her, she sneaks out to join the fun! But a night of laughter and drinks quickly comes to a screeching halt. Is someone else there with them? Or is it Dina messing with them? What started out as a hot tub of fun, is now becoming a blood bath. But who is behind it?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Dina is a pariah in every possible way, but what else can you expect when her father, the beloved high school soccer coach, is convicted of killing two of his former soccer players. Now Dina’s life is consumed by whispers behind her back and an overprotective mother, until Kai, new to the town and the high school, befriends her. It’s Kai’s friendship that propels Dina to begin to try to rebuild a “normal” life, starting with a weekend getaway with Kai, his twin sister Kiki, and two of Kiki’s friends, Carla and Timothy. Kai might be Dina’s only true ally on this weekend adventure, but at least things are going better than expected, that is, until people start showing their true colors and the bodies start piling up. Who better to blame than the daughter of a murderer. Will Dina ever be able to escape the cloud perpetually hanging over her head, or will she succumb to the narrative everyone around her sees?
The first half of the the novel is all about character development. It isn’t until the last third of the story that the “thriller” aspect of the plot begins to take shape. Once that happens, the story starts to pick up. Overall, even though it was a fast read, I just couldn’t get into this one. It was too slow to develop and even though the author spent a good portion of the novel focused on character development, several of the characters fell short. I appreciated the bits of evidence that were sprinkled throughout the story, and really wished Gonzalez Rose had included more. For me, it just felt a bit meh.
3 stars Ages 15 - 18 LBGTQ, underage drinking, bullying
The first half of the the novel is all about character development. It isn’t until the last third of the story that the “thriller” aspect of the plot begins to take shape. Once that happens, the story starts to pick up. Overall, even though it was a fast read, I just couldn’t get into this one. It was too slow to develop and even though the author spent a good portion of the novel focused on character development, several of the characters fell short. I appreciated the bits of evidence that were sprinkled throughout the story, and really wished Gonzalez Rose had included more. For me, it just felt a bit meh.
3 stars Ages 15 - 18 LBGTQ, underage drinking, bullying
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for the Arc in exhange for an honest review.
My rating: 3 stars.
Dina Soto lives in a small town where everyone knows her as the daughter of a murderer. Her father was convicted of killing two kids from her high school a year ago. Her younger brother, her mother, and her had been estranged with the community of Millcreek since then. It's a small town, so everyone knew her. Until two transfer students come to town. Enter Kai Thompson, a charismatic bright boy with his twin sister Kiki. Kai and Dina have a connection and he soon asks her to come to their weekend over Halloween night.
The five teens, Dina, Kai, Kiki and her two friends; Timothy and Carla all go to the cabin for a weekend. Soon though, Timothy disappears and the weekend goes from a supposed 'chill' weekend to one of terror.
My overall thoughts: It was alright. I like a mystery that I can't predict what could happen next, and unfortunately I had a lot of this book figured out pretty quickly. I was expecting more police reports as it was supposed to be told through that and through the POV of Dina. I'm not sure I really enjoyed the story, I expected it to be a little quicker in pacing and there were definite times I struggled to keep going. So, overall it had potential but fell a little flat for me.
Happy reading all!
My rating: 3 stars.
Dina Soto lives in a small town where everyone knows her as the daughter of a murderer. Her father was convicted of killing two kids from her high school a year ago. Her younger brother, her mother, and her had been estranged with the community of Millcreek since then. It's a small town, so everyone knew her. Until two transfer students come to town. Enter Kai Thompson, a charismatic bright boy with his twin sister Kiki. Kai and Dina have a connection and he soon asks her to come to their weekend over Halloween night.
The five teens, Dina, Kai, Kiki and her two friends; Timothy and Carla all go to the cabin for a weekend. Soon though, Timothy disappears and the weekend goes from a supposed 'chill' weekend to one of terror.
My overall thoughts: It was alright. I like a mystery that I can't predict what could happen next, and unfortunately I had a lot of this book figured out pretty quickly. I was expecting more police reports as it was supposed to be told through that and through the POV of Dina. I'm not sure I really enjoyed the story, I expected it to be a little quicker in pacing and there were definite times I struggled to keep going. So, overall it had potential but fell a little flat for me.
Happy reading all!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I Didn’t Do It follows Dina after her father was put in prison for murdering two of his students. She lives a very sheltered and controlled life. But when she befriends Kai and he invites her to spend the weekend at his family’s cabin with some friends, she sneaks out to meet them. Chaos and carnage ensue and Dina quickly realizes that her reputation as daughter of a killer will be used against her as people turn up dead.
This was a fun thriller that was super fast paced. I read it in one sitting. I really love the inclusion of police transcripts. It made the book that much more interesting and fast. I really loved the setting. It added a really great tension and scariness to the book. I honestly didn’t see the twist coming and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I liked Dina as a main character, although some of her choices were super questionable. I liked Kai as well and enjoyed their personal struggles and the romance with Dina. In terms of growth, it’s a really short novel so there’s not tons, but I did enjoy Dina’s story. It’s got really good representation though and I really appreciated that.
If you love YA thrillers with isolated settings, you’ll definitely want to pick this up!
Thank you to Bloomsbury YA and Netgalley for the arc!
This was a fun thriller that was super fast paced. I read it in one sitting. I really love the inclusion of police transcripts. It made the book that much more interesting and fast. I really loved the setting. It added a really great tension and scariness to the book. I honestly didn’t see the twist coming and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I liked Dina as a main character, although some of her choices were super questionable. I liked Kai as well and enjoyed their personal struggles and the romance with Dina. In terms of growth, it’s a really short novel so there’s not tons, but I did enjoy Dina’s story. It’s got really good representation though and I really appreciated that.
If you love YA thrillers with isolated settings, you’ll definitely want to pick this up!
Thank you to Bloomsbury YA and Netgalley for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars. I enjoyed this for the most part. The acknowledgements sections says this was inspired by games like Until Dawn and looking back I can definitely see where it was inspired by that (although spoilers for Until Dawn I guess, there’s nothing supernatural in this book).
It follows a mixed media style/format, which I always find fun. There are text messages, interviews, call transcriptions, etc. The characters were inclusive while still feeling familiar, if you take comfort in the sort cheesy teen slasher style book/movie/game, like I do. There’s the final girl, the mean girl, the popular girl, the jock, the shy guy. There are call backs to other popular horror movies/fandoms. All around I think it’s just a fun time.
If I had one critique I think maybe the pacing is a little off. There’s a part where the action starts ramp up, and things start to get creepy and weird, and then there’s kind of a strange break in the action where all the weird things that have happened are ignored before the climax.
Otherwise well done. I’d read another thriller from this author.
I Didn’t Do It hits shelves in July. Thank you to the publisher and the NetGalley for the egalley.
It follows a mixed media style/format, which I always find fun. There are text messages, interviews, call transcriptions, etc. The characters were inclusive while still feeling familiar, if you take comfort in the sort cheesy teen slasher style book/movie/game, like I do. There’s the final girl, the mean girl, the popular girl, the jock, the shy guy. There are call backs to other popular horror movies/fandoms. All around I think it’s just a fun time.
If I had one critique I think maybe the pacing is a little off. There’s a part where the action starts ramp up, and things start to get creepy and weird, and then there’s kind of a strange break in the action where all the weird things that have happened are ignored before the climax.
Otherwise well done. I’d read another thriller from this author.
I Didn’t Do It hits shelves in July. Thank you to the publisher and the NetGalley for the egalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I Didn't Do it is my first book to read by Elle Gonzalez Rose. This is a fast-paced YA thriller mystery that has a slow burn romance with LGBTQ representation.
The first half of the book is about the characters development, but I felt they needed to be just a little more of a backstory on some of the characters. The last of the book has some twists that you may not see coming and if you do it doesn't take away from the story. The ending is left open ended. Which was a little disappointing because I really wanted to know the outcome for sure. Without having to form my own opinion. Overall, it is an enjoyable read that shows how family secrets can haunt you and sometimes you need to reclaim your story to move forward.
Elle wrote a good LGBTQ character named Kai that you will love, and a strong FMC named Dina.
This book is perfect for fans of YA thrillers that wanted to see LGBTQ representation as well as a good plot.
I Didn't Do it is my first book to read by Elle Gonzalez Rose. This is a fast-paced YA thriller mystery that has a slow burn romance with LGBTQ representation.
The first half of the book is about the characters development, but I felt they needed to be just a little more of a backstory on some of the characters. The last of the book has some twists that you may not see coming and if you do it doesn't take away from the story. The ending is left open ended. Which was a little disappointing because I really wanted to know the outcome for sure. Without having to form my own opinion. Overall, it is an enjoyable read that shows how family secrets can haunt you and sometimes you need to reclaim your story to move forward.
Elle wrote a good LGBTQ character named Kai that you will love, and a strong FMC named Dina.
This book is perfect for fans of YA thrillers that wanted to see LGBTQ representation as well as a good plot.
December 26, 2025
Read a free ARC on NetGalley.
Dina’s dad admitted to murdering the two bullies who tormented her brother Joel into ending his life. She and her younger brother Mikey have had to deal with the cruelty of the people in town and their overbearing mother who claims that she only wants to keep them safe. Dina catches the attention of popular boy Kai and he invites her to spend the weekend with him, his twin sister Queen Bee Kiki, and her friends at their parents’ cabin. At the cabin, Kai and Dina get closer, while a storm has knocked out their power. Suddenly, mysterious things begin to happen and people start dying. Does Dina know more than she’s saying? Could she or her family be responsible for what’s happening?
I thought the premise was interesting but I felt that the characters could have been developed a bit more.
Dina’s dad admitted to murdering the two bullies who tormented her brother Joel into ending his life. She and her younger brother Mikey have had to deal with the cruelty of the people in town and their overbearing mother who claims that she only wants to keep them safe. Dina catches the attention of popular boy Kai and he invites her to spend the weekend with him, his twin sister Queen Bee Kiki, and her friends at their parents’ cabin. At the cabin, Kai and Dina get closer, while a storm has knocked out their power. Suddenly, mysterious things begin to happen and people start dying. Does Dina know more than she’s saying? Could she or her family be responsible for what’s happening?
I thought the premise was interesting but I felt that the characters could have been developed a bit more.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank You, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books | Bloomsbury YA, for providing the copy of I Didn’t Do It by Elle Gonzalez Rose. This was a fun, fast read. Anyone who has been on the outside of school cliques will relate to Dina’s excitement at finally getting invited to a party with some popular girls. Even better is being invited by a cute boy. I loved her efforts at fitting in, and her realization that it might not be all it’s cracked up to be. The big reveal was a shocker, but I wish there had been more clues or lead up to justify it. This book kept me engaged until the end because of the realistic, well-crafted characters and suspenseful story. 4 stars
November 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books and Elle Gonzalez Rose for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.
I Didn't Do it is my first book to read by Elle Gonzalez Rose, I must say I am now a fan. Ms. Elle's character development and world building is amazing. The flow is fast-paced but never felt rushed or confusing. The twists and turns had me shook. I was hooked from beginning to end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, then BAM, Ms. Elle would hit with a twist...I loved every second of it.
I truly recommend that y'all read this book.
I Didn't Do it is my first book to read by Elle Gonzalez Rose, I must say I am now a fan. Ms. Elle's character development and world building is amazing. The flow is fast-paced but never felt rushed or confusing. The twists and turns had me shook. I was hooked from beginning to end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, then BAM, Ms. Elle would hit with a twist...I loved every second of it.
I truly recommend that y'all read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed I Didn’t Do It by Elle Gonzalez Rose — solid 4 out of 5 stars from me! This was such a fun and engaging read that kept me turning the pages. The story pulled me in quickly, and I loved trying to piece together what was really going on.
The pacing worked well for me, and the mystery kept me interested the whole time. While a few parts didn’t completely blow me away (hence the 4 stars), overall it was a very entertaining and satisfying read.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy twisty YA mysteries!
The pacing worked well for me, and the mystery kept me interested the whole time. While a few parts didn’t completely blow me away (hence the 4 stars), overall it was a very entertaining and satisfying read.
Definitely recommend if you enjoy twisty YA mysteries!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I Didn’t Do It started out with a bang. No seriously, daughter of a convicted murderer found in a cabin with 2 people dead, 2 injured and covered in blood. However, there is way more to the story than it is that simple. The story itself was very fast paced which I really enjoyed to keep the pages turning. The final reveal however felt a little flat for me. I wish there was an epilogue to find out what exactly happened to the parents rather than leaving it where it left off. Nonetheless, still a quick thriller read to get the pages moving.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an ARC
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an ARC
January 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy! I finished this book in a day because the story was fast paced and completely gripping. However, it wasn’t my favorite story. The plot was almost too detailed and not detailed enough? I also found it to be slightly predictable. And the main character is genuinely stupid, like who just decides it’s a good idea to go to this cabin with people who don’t like you? Even if a single one does? Overall, it was a good story just not great.
January 30, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
Admittedly, this book is hard for me rate and review because it is your typical YA thriller. I think for those who are YA and read it, it’ll be a much higher rating for them. By no means was it a terrible book. The plot was interesting, there were some good twists (my prediction was wrong), and it was a fast-paced read but I wasn’t captivated by the storyline the entire book. Overall, it was a good read and I highly recommend for teens who enjoy thrillers.
Admittedly, this book is hard for me rate and review because it is your typical YA thriller. I think for those who are YA and read it, it’ll be a much higher rating for them. By no means was it a terrible book. The plot was interesting, there were some good twists (my prediction was wrong), and it was a fast-paced read but I wasn’t captivated by the storyline the entire book. Overall, it was a good read and I highly recommend for teens who enjoy thrillers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This absolutely delivers on tension and voice. The narration feels immediate and raw, and I was hooked from the first chapter. It plays really well with perception vs. truth, and I appreciated how messy and realistic the characters felt. Some twists are predictable if you read a lot of thrillers, but the emotional payoff still lands. It’s the kind of book that’s less about “who did it” and more about why—and that’s where it shines.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
A good solid thriller with a good twist to it.
Thank you to edelweiss for giving me the opportunity to read this early.
Thank you to edelweiss for giving me the opportunity to read this early.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
WOW! Not what I was expecting but it was so good! Lots of plots twists and very fast paced.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was fast paced and easy to read with a wide range of characters. I kept wishing for the more involved plot points and characters' backstory to be developed more. Overall, this is an easy read for thriller fans.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story had a lot of potential, but it fell flat in some areas.
Dina is an interesting character whose father is in prison for murder. Because of this, she's ostracized at school. When a popular boy invites her to a cabin for a weekend getaway with his friends, she thinks it's finally her chance to escape her bad reputation. When things take a bad turn, she's questioned by the cops and must prove her innocence.
The other characters in the story had their moments, but were mainly stereotypes: two mean girls and the classic player. The one character who had potential to be interesting (Kai) wasn't developed as well as he could have been. The surprise ending came out of nowhere and seemed odd for the main character to have kept hidden.
Overall, it was a quick-read YA thriller, but I wish it had a bit more depth and more explanation for the plot twist.
Dina is an interesting character whose father is in prison for murder. Because of this, she's ostracized at school. When a popular boy invites her to a cabin for a weekend getaway with his friends, she thinks it's finally her chance to escape her bad reputation. When things take a bad turn, she's questioned by the cops and must prove her innocence.
The other characters in the story had their moments, but were mainly stereotypes: two mean girls and the classic player. The one character who had potential to be interesting (Kai) wasn't developed as well as he could have been. The surprise ending came out of nowhere and seemed odd for the main character to have kept hidden.
Overall, it was a quick-read YA thriller, but I wish it had a bit more depth and more explanation for the plot twist.
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