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I Did a Bad Thing
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26Oh, God. There’s so much blood.
Panic skitters around every cell in my body. I can’t breathe.
I need to hide the evidence. From everyone.
What have I done?
When Mia Finch begins documenting her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expected to become a popular social media influencer. And she never expected that fame to turn into a nightmare…
One year later, a true crime documentary airs looking into the case of the Finch family tragedy. As the documentary uncovers more about what really happened to the Finches, public interest in the case reaches fever pitch. In a world where everyone is watching, how can you keep your darkest secrets hidden?
I Did a Bad Thing is a one-more-chapter psychological thriller exploring how even the most well-intentioned lies can spiral into catastrophe – and murder…
Panic skitters around every cell in my body. I can’t breathe.
I need to hide the evidence. From everyone.
What have I done?
When Mia Finch begins documenting her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expected to become a popular social media influencer. And she never expected that fame to turn into a nightmare…
One year later, a true crime documentary airs looking into the case of the Finch family tragedy. As the documentary uncovers more about what really happened to the Finches, public interest in the case reaches fever pitch. In a world where everyone is watching, how can you keep your darkest secrets hidden?
I Did a Bad Thing is a one-more-chapter psychological thriller exploring how even the most well-intentioned lies can spiral into catastrophe – and murder…
432 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 4, 2026
➡️ Sooooo many bad things in this "Bad Thing" book.
➡️ COMPELLING PREMISE:
When a mother documents her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she becomes a popular social media influencer. This fame quickly spirals into a nightmare … with two dead bodies.
The biggest hurdle with this novel was its uneven pacing.
The first half of the book moved very, very slowly, establishing a foundation that was bogged down by repetitive internal monologues.
At the 50% mark, the pacing picked up.
Kudos to the author for doing a superb job of weaving the perils of social media into the storyline.
With so many different storylines running simultaneously, however, the impact of that message frequently felt muted.
Overall, this layered, twisty book tried to do too much, resulting in a fractured narrative that felt diluted rather than suspenseful.
I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by Polly Maberly, Imogen Front, and Tom Slatter.
I always enjoy full-cast audiobooks, and all narrators gave outstanding performances, significantly elevating the listening experience.
This said, given the repetitive nature of some of the text and the slow start, this 11-hour audiobook would have been much more enjoyable as an 8-hour listen.
February 28, 2026
Round up to 4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book, it’s exactly what I want in a thriller. It was a fast paced with short chapters which kept you intrigued & engaged. A unique storyline with many unexpected twists & turns. The ending was on point!
It really makes you think about social media and the effects you don’t even realise it can have on people & their lives. Very relatable & therefore quite eye opening & scary!
Fab read, can’t wait for more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s exactly what I want in a thriller. It was a fast paced with short chapters which kept you intrigued & engaged. A unique storyline with many unexpected twists & turns. The ending was on point!
It really makes you think about social media and the effects you don’t even realise it can have on people & their lives. Very relatable & therefore quite eye opening & scary!
Fab read, can’t wait for more from this author.
Thank you NetGalley for my ARC.
February 15, 2026
There probably isn't any parent who hasn't worried about their chidren's health at some stage or another. Wondered how you would cope should the worst happen and you, and they, are faced with a devastating and life changing illness. That is the very real prospect facing Mia and Sean Finch, whose daughter, Lottie, is faced with a most terrible diagnosis that could well end her life. An absolutely awful situation, and one that Mia tries to make the best of, as much as that is possible, by using her YouTube channel to highlight not only the very rare condition that Lottie is battling, but the course of her treatment and recovery. A noble intention you might think, and to a degree you would be right. But you know what they say about good intentions, and that is the real heart of this book and uncovering just what the real repercussions of life lived on line can be if the fraught, and suspense filled journey we are all set to embark upon.
A large part of this book is told from Mia's point of view. Now, as the mother to a very sick child, you can understand her anxiety and perhaps overly cautious approach to Lottie's healthcare. Louise Jensen has done a brilliant job of portraying someone who really is caught up in a crisis and managing it the only way she knows how. There are reasons for Mia's over protective nature that become clear in the book, and although she comes across as suffocating at times, it's impossible not to understand it. But the other thing we get to learn about Mia is that she has been nursing all manner of secrets, ones that look set to be revealed, not only to us readers, but to those who matter to her most. The suspense is really driven from this subterfuge if you like. The certainty that Mia is hiding things that ultimately lead us to a step change and a real sharp turn in our understanding of everything that is going on at about the halfway point of the book.
Now, I can't lie, there are times when I liked and empathised with Mia, others when I grew hugely frustrated. And that is part of Louise Jensen's skill here in that she has created a very authentic feeling character, even if she wasn't always the most sympathetic. Some of what happens escalates out of her control, as these things often do, but much of what happens could have been avoided. For me, she ultimately redeemed herself, but she wasn't someone I always liked. Yet I wanted to read on because, by the time I was utterly frustrated by Mia's actions, I was also completely invested in the story.
Some of what happens, I suppose I had already guessed, but I don't think that is entirely important. The way in which Lottie's diagnosis really acts as a catalyst for all the tension and upheaval in the Finch's life is really well executed, although it is really only the ignition. The fuel for the fire had been waiting a long time. We spend more time with Mia than perhaps any of the other characters, but getting to know more of Lottie in the latter stages of the book really worked for me as well. There are many forks in this particular road where different decisions may have led to better outcomes, and Louise Jensen does a brilliant job of highlighting how social media can be used as a force for good, or to drive judgment and ultimately drastic decisions that lead to ultimate tragedy.
I actually like the way in which the book was structured in that between Mia's, and latterly Lottie's, narrative, we are treated to small cutaway scenes in which a true crime broadcaster speaks to other various witnesses in this story, driving us towards conclusions that may not always be correct. It has all the sparks of a true to life situation, and the various comments from online voyeurs, both for and against Mia and the various happenings throughout the book read much like anyone stream of comments where people feel it necessary to add their ten-penneth to the mix. Depressingly realistic one could say.
Ultimately a story about a mother who would do absolutely anything to protect their child, and how online life, holding onto too many secrets, and decisions made in a brief moment of madness and emotion can have devastating consequences. Full sympathy for Lottie, even for Sean to a degree, but of all the people we meet, I think it is Lottie's older brother, Chris, who I liked and respected the most. Fans of the author will love it, even if it is hard to always love the characters involved. With ghosts of the past appearing to add more tension to an already fraught situation, the story kept me rapt to the very surprising, but well suited, ending.
A large part of this book is told from Mia's point of view. Now, as the mother to a very sick child, you can understand her anxiety and perhaps overly cautious approach to Lottie's healthcare. Louise Jensen has done a brilliant job of portraying someone who really is caught up in a crisis and managing it the only way she knows how. There are reasons for Mia's over protective nature that become clear in the book, and although she comes across as suffocating at times, it's impossible not to understand it. But the other thing we get to learn about Mia is that she has been nursing all manner of secrets, ones that look set to be revealed, not only to us readers, but to those who matter to her most. The suspense is really driven from this subterfuge if you like. The certainty that Mia is hiding things that ultimately lead us to a step change and a real sharp turn in our understanding of everything that is going on at about the halfway point of the book.
Now, I can't lie, there are times when I liked and empathised with Mia, others when I grew hugely frustrated. And that is part of Louise Jensen's skill here in that she has created a very authentic feeling character, even if she wasn't always the most sympathetic. Some of what happens escalates out of her control, as these things often do, but much of what happens could have been avoided. For me, she ultimately redeemed herself, but she wasn't someone I always liked. Yet I wanted to read on because, by the time I was utterly frustrated by Mia's actions, I was also completely invested in the story.
Some of what happens, I suppose I had already guessed, but I don't think that is entirely important. The way in which Lottie's diagnosis really acts as a catalyst for all the tension and upheaval in the Finch's life is really well executed, although it is really only the ignition. The fuel for the fire had been waiting a long time. We spend more time with Mia than perhaps any of the other characters, but getting to know more of Lottie in the latter stages of the book really worked for me as well. There are many forks in this particular road where different decisions may have led to better outcomes, and Louise Jensen does a brilliant job of highlighting how social media can be used as a force for good, or to drive judgment and ultimately drastic decisions that lead to ultimate tragedy.
I actually like the way in which the book was structured in that between Mia's, and latterly Lottie's, narrative, we are treated to small cutaway scenes in which a true crime broadcaster speaks to other various witnesses in this story, driving us towards conclusions that may not always be correct. It has all the sparks of a true to life situation, and the various comments from online voyeurs, both for and against Mia and the various happenings throughout the book read much like anyone stream of comments where people feel it necessary to add their ten-penneth to the mix. Depressingly realistic one could say.
Ultimately a story about a mother who would do absolutely anything to protect their child, and how online life, holding onto too many secrets, and decisions made in a brief moment of madness and emotion can have devastating consequences. Full sympathy for Lottie, even for Sean to a degree, but of all the people we meet, I think it is Lottie's older brother, Chris, who I liked and respected the most. Fans of the author will love it, even if it is hard to always love the characters involved. With ghosts of the past appearing to add more tension to an already fraught situation, the story kept me rapt to the very surprising, but well suited, ending.
May 1, 2026
This one leans hard into every parent’s fear — your child facing a life-threatening illness —and the fallout that comes with it. Mia turns to social media to document her daughter Lottie’s condition, which, on the surface, feels well-intentioned but quickly opens the door to something much more complicated. It’s less about the illness itself and more about what happens when private lives become public and the consequences that follow.
Mia is a difficult character at times understandably driven by fear, but also frustrating in the choices she makes. There’s a constant sense that she’s holding things back, and when those secrets start to surface, the story shifts in a way that really ramps up the tension. I liked the mix of perspectives and the added commentary from outsiders, which made it all feel uncomfortably real — like watching a situation spiral online in real time.
Not every twist caught me off guard, but that didn’t take away from how gripping it was. It’s messy, emotional, and at times unsettling, with a strong focus on family, control, and the darker side of life lived online. I didn’t always like the characters, but I was completely invested—and that ending definitely delivers.
Mia is a difficult character at times understandably driven by fear, but also frustrating in the choices she makes. There’s a constant sense that she’s holding things back, and when those secrets start to surface, the story shifts in a way that really ramps up the tension. I liked the mix of perspectives and the added commentary from outsiders, which made it all feel uncomfortably real — like watching a situation spiral online in real time.
Not every twist caught me off guard, but that didn’t take away from how gripping it was. It’s messy, emotional, and at times unsettling, with a strong focus on family, control, and the darker side of life lived online. I didn’t always like the characters, but I was completely invested—and that ending definitely delivers.
April 23, 2026
On the whole I did enjoy this read, it got off to a strong start and I enjoyed meeting the characters. I did then think it lost its way a bit, the characters behaved in odd ways, we find out why later on but I did find this a bit annoying and the pace started to slow down. It does then pick up again but I just thought there was something odd about the plot.
There is a strong social media element to this book and I liked reading about this and seeing the impacts it has on the characters lives. In a way, I thought Jensen tried to make too many points on the impact and the power was lost, maybe if a few had been highlighted and explored deeper it would have been better, but it is certainly an interesting and topical point of view.
There are chapters in this that are excerpts from a documentary about the Finch family and I just do not think this was needed. We do not really learn anything from them, the host is annoying and it slowed down the pace of the book.
Overall I did enjoy this book and I would recommend it. The characters are nice but some of the events are unbelievable.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy.
There is a strong social media element to this book and I liked reading about this and seeing the impacts it has on the characters lives. In a way, I thought Jensen tried to make too many points on the impact and the power was lost, maybe if a few had been highlighted and explored deeper it would have been better, but it is certainly an interesting and topical point of view.
There are chapters in this that are excerpts from a documentary about the Finch family and I just do not think this was needed. We do not really learn anything from them, the host is annoying and it slowed down the pace of the book.
Overall I did enjoy this book and I would recommend it. The characters are nice but some of the events are unbelievable.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for an advance copy.
April 23, 2026
I Did A Bad Thing was a fantastic thriller that I read in a day.
The Finch family are a normal family, not much money but lots of love until Lottie, Mia and Sean’s daughter falls ill. Lottie has to find a suitable bone marrow donor and be hospitalised for quite some time and also experience isolation. Mia decides to start a YouTube channel to help other parents in their awful situation. Mia’s ratings start to soar and not all for the right reasons and soon Mia realises that fame can turn into a nightmare very quickly. A true crime documentary covers the story on tv and fame for the family soars but there are so many secrets how are they going to stay secret?
This was a great book, it did loose itself temporarily in the middle as it went a little unrealistic but it soon came back to what I hoped it would be. The characters were well developed and the sporadic chapters of the documentary helped to get other characters thoughts and knowledge to enable you to get a greater depth into the Finch’s lives. A well written twisty thriller that I enjoyed and couldn’t put down.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HQ for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
The Finch family are a normal family, not much money but lots of love until Lottie, Mia and Sean’s daughter falls ill. Lottie has to find a suitable bone marrow donor and be hospitalised for quite some time and also experience isolation. Mia decides to start a YouTube channel to help other parents in their awful situation. Mia’s ratings start to soar and not all for the right reasons and soon Mia realises that fame can turn into a nightmare very quickly. A true crime documentary covers the story on tv and fame for the family soars but there are so many secrets how are they going to stay secret?
This was a great book, it did loose itself temporarily in the middle as it went a little unrealistic but it soon came back to what I hoped it would be. The characters were well developed and the sporadic chapters of the documentary helped to get other characters thoughts and knowledge to enable you to get a greater depth into the Finch’s lives. A well written twisty thriller that I enjoyed and couldn’t put down.
I would like to thank NetGalley and HQ for this ARC I received in exchange for an honest review.
April 26, 2026
Mia Finch’s daughter has a rare blood condition that needs hospitalisation and treatment. To combat loneliness she starts documenting their journey on her YouTube channel.
This story goes back and forth in time with different POV’s as well as interspersed with true crime tv show scenes that discussed the case afterwards.
The themes of sharing on social media are really interesting and definitely thought-provoking. How much do we share, who can see it, who has consent or should give consent (I.e. children). It’s definitely something that’s a very contemporary issue and would be quite interesting to discuss in a book group. I really liked the authors letter at the end and her inspiration for the book.
It was a little slow to start with but definitely increased in pace around the half-way mark and it was very compelling and kept me reading. A few good twists too. I did have to suspend belief a few times tho, it felt a bit dramatised at times.
Overall a great, enjoyable read with plenty going for it! I’d recommend
This story goes back and forth in time with different POV’s as well as interspersed with true crime tv show scenes that discussed the case afterwards.
The themes of sharing on social media are really interesting and definitely thought-provoking. How much do we share, who can see it, who has consent or should give consent (I.e. children). It’s definitely something that’s a very contemporary issue and would be quite interesting to discuss in a book group. I really liked the authors letter at the end and her inspiration for the book.
It was a little slow to start with but definitely increased in pace around the half-way mark and it was very compelling and kept me reading. A few good twists too. I did have to suspend belief a few times tho, it felt a bit dramatised at times.
Overall a great, enjoyable read with plenty going for it! I’d recommend
May 2, 2026
There was a lot going on in this book! Serious illness, social media influencing, dysfunctional families & hidden secrets. Oh and murder!
Its told from 3 different perspectives. Mum Mia, unwell daughter Lottie, & a true crime presenter.
Essentially, its about a mother who would do anything for her children, but most people are keeping secrets and its all a bit messed up! Mia starts a you tube channel & we get to see her ups & downs as an influencer too.
I felt for Mia at the end.
I enjoyed the book & it was full of twists and turns. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Its told from 3 different perspectives. Mum Mia, unwell daughter Lottie, & a true crime presenter.
Essentially, its about a mother who would do anything for her children, but most people are keeping secrets and its all a bit messed up! Mia starts a you tube channel & we get to see her ups & downs as an influencer too.
I felt for Mia at the end.
I enjoyed the book & it was full of twists and turns. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 7, 2026REVIEW TO COME. Louise Jensen doesn't disappoint!!!!
May 12, 2026
Louise Jenson has pulled out all shots with this book. One of my favourite books this year. Twists i never saw coming absoutely brilliant
April 17, 2026
Book review…..
Publisher - @hqstories
Author - @fabricating_fiction
Release date - 23rd April 2026
Rating - 5⭐️ ( a stand out not just a 5⭐️ - a stand out of 2026!)
Official blurb - Oh, God. There’s so much blood.
Panic skitters around every cell in my body. I can’t breathe.
I need to hide the evidence. From everyone.
What have I done?
When Mia Finch begins documenting her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expected to become a popular social media influencer. And she never expected that fame to turn into a nightmare …
One year later, a true crime documentary airs looking into the case of the Finch family tragedy. As the documentary uncovers more about what really happened to the Finches, public interest in the case reaches fever pitch. In a world where everyone is watching, how can you keep your darkest secrets hidden?
My thoughts - When HQ kindly reached out and offered me a copy of this I knew I had to jump at it! This is my first by the author and now I know why so many readers love her!
When I first started reading i thought oh; it’s just going to keep mentioning ‘the thing’ throughout and that’s your only hook. How wrong was I! This book had me glued! I was up until 3am finishing it! It had THE most questions throughout ANY thriller I have ever read! There were more as it went on! I could not read fast enough to find out what had happened?! I was audibly gasping at some of the twits, this book felt like I was watching a gripping movie!! I didn’t guess any twists, I cannot get over the sheer level of talent it must take to make something with this many twists work on paper! This was exceptional writing! The scenes were described in a way that made them feel real!
I loved how it was told from mothers POV then part way through some of the other characters pov were weaved in! Normally I am not a fan of novels where they have podcasts etc, however I enjoyed the true crime documentary narrative, it worked well! PRE ORDER IT - you won’t be disappointed I promise you that!
Publisher - @hqstories
Author - @fabricating_fiction
Release date - 23rd April 2026
Rating - 5⭐️ ( a stand out not just a 5⭐️ - a stand out of 2026!)
Official blurb - Oh, God. There’s so much blood.
Panic skitters around every cell in my body. I can’t breathe.
I need to hide the evidence. From everyone.
What have I done?
When Mia Finch begins documenting her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expected to become a popular social media influencer. And she never expected that fame to turn into a nightmare …
One year later, a true crime documentary airs looking into the case of the Finch family tragedy. As the documentary uncovers more about what really happened to the Finches, public interest in the case reaches fever pitch. In a world where everyone is watching, how can you keep your darkest secrets hidden?
My thoughts - When HQ kindly reached out and offered me a copy of this I knew I had to jump at it! This is my first by the author and now I know why so many readers love her!
When I first started reading i thought oh; it’s just going to keep mentioning ‘the thing’ throughout and that’s your only hook. How wrong was I! This book had me glued! I was up until 3am finishing it! It had THE most questions throughout ANY thriller I have ever read! There were more as it went on! I could not read fast enough to find out what had happened?! I was audibly gasping at some of the twits, this book felt like I was watching a gripping movie!! I didn’t guess any twists, I cannot get over the sheer level of talent it must take to make something with this many twists work on paper! This was exceptional writing! The scenes were described in a way that made them feel real!
I loved how it was told from mothers POV then part way through some of the other characters pov were weaved in! Normally I am not a fan of novels where they have podcasts etc, however I enjoyed the true crime documentary narrative, it worked well! PRE ORDER IT - you won’t be disappointed I promise you that!
April 4, 2026
I Did a Bad Thing is a compelling, character-driven psychological thriller that explores the complexities of motherhood, morality, and the consequences of the choices we make when pushed to our limits.
At the heart of the story is Mia, a mother navigating the devastating reality of her daughter Lottie’s diagnosis with aplastic anaemia. In her desperation to raise awareness and support, she turns to social media, sharing their journey through a YouTube channel. What begins as an act of love and hope is gradually overshadowed by a growing sense of unease because Mia is hiding a secret.
Louise Jensen crafts Mia as a deeply human and emotionally layered character. Her actions are not always easy to agree with, but they are understandable, and that tension is what makes the novel so engaging. The narrative invites you to sit with uncomfortable questions around ethics, intention, and how far someone might go to protect the people they love.
The pacing is steady and deliberate, allowing the psychological tension to build gradually. Rather than relying on constant twists, the story leans into atmosphere and character, creating a quiet but persistent sense that something isn’t quite right. This subtle unease carries through to the later stages of the book, where the stakes feel increasingly personal and emotionally charged.
What stood out most to me was the moral complexity at the core of the story. It’s not simply about what Mia has done, but why and whether the line between right and wrong is ever as clear as we would like it to be.
Overall, this is a gripping and thought-provoking read that balances emotional depth with psychological tension. While it may not be the most fast-paced thriller, it is one that lingers, leaving you reflecting on its themes long after the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At the heart of the story is Mia, a mother navigating the devastating reality of her daughter Lottie’s diagnosis with aplastic anaemia. In her desperation to raise awareness and support, she turns to social media, sharing their journey through a YouTube channel. What begins as an act of love and hope is gradually overshadowed by a growing sense of unease because Mia is hiding a secret.
Louise Jensen crafts Mia as a deeply human and emotionally layered character. Her actions are not always easy to agree with, but they are understandable, and that tension is what makes the novel so engaging. The narrative invites you to sit with uncomfortable questions around ethics, intention, and how far someone might go to protect the people they love.
The pacing is steady and deliberate, allowing the psychological tension to build gradually. Rather than relying on constant twists, the story leans into atmosphere and character, creating a quiet but persistent sense that something isn’t quite right. This subtle unease carries through to the later stages of the book, where the stakes feel increasingly personal and emotionally charged.
What stood out most to me was the moral complexity at the core of the story. It’s not simply about what Mia has done, but why and whether the line between right and wrong is ever as clear as we would like it to be.
Overall, this is a gripping and thought-provoking read that balances emotional depth with psychological tension. While it may not be the most fast-paced thriller, it is one that lingers, leaving you reflecting on its themes long after the final page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 26, 2026
The Finches are your typical, run of the mill family; Mia, husband Sean and their two teenage children Chris and Lottie but, when Lottie falls ill with a rare blood disorder, Aplastic Anaemia everything changes. Mia follows a few popular Youtube channels and also has her own channel where she's posted videos of the family in the past and she comes up with the idea of using the channel to follow the journey of her daughter's illness, turning her into a popular social media influencer overnight, this has its' benefits but she never expected it to blow their world apart and, when a true crime documentary picks up their story, buried secrets are exposed and now everyone is watching the Finches.
I Did A Bad Thing is the latest domestic thriller by Jensen following the lives of the Finch family. Told mainly from Mia's perspective, with occasional offerings from other members of the family, this highlights how a mother reacts when one of her loved ones life is at risk and Mia turns to the world of social media, not only to raise awareness of a rare disorder, but it's also her way of coping with her world falling apart. Social media is a very powerful tool when used correctly but it can also have it's downside too, which Mia discovers, to her detriment. This is another gripping read from Jensen and I found myself sympathising with Mia one minute and despairing of her the next with all the oversharing of her family life, a life that had become so delicate in such a short time. This is another highly charged read from an author who knows how to reel in her audience, dangling the carrot throughout as to what 'the bad thing' is and shows how far a mother will go to protect her child.
I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
I Did A Bad Thing is the latest domestic thriller by Jensen following the lives of the Finch family. Told mainly from Mia's perspective, with occasional offerings from other members of the family, this highlights how a mother reacts when one of her loved ones life is at risk and Mia turns to the world of social media, not only to raise awareness of a rare disorder, but it's also her way of coping with her world falling apart. Social media is a very powerful tool when used correctly but it can also have it's downside too, which Mia discovers, to her detriment. This is another gripping read from Jensen and I found myself sympathising with Mia one minute and despairing of her the next with all the oversharing of her family life, a life that had become so delicate in such a short time. This is another highly charged read from an author who knows how to reel in her audience, dangling the carrot throughout as to what 'the bad thing' is and shows how far a mother will go to protect her child.
I'd like to thank HQ and Netgalley for the auto approval, I will post my review on Amazon and Goodreads.
May 2, 2026
The start of this book was really difficult to read for me - but that's what I get for not reading the synopsis!!
Having recently been through a diagnosis process with my son, this story felt very close to home and was quite heartwrenching at times.
But I also completely understand why this type of situation is a great set-up for a thriller, as I felt like I was living in one at times.
The conversations around genetics, especially, are quite tense. I was warned on multiple occasions that if I had lied about anything, it would all be revealed in the DNA!
So yes, quite an emotional read for me, especially as the book goes on to explore how this kind of stress can affect the family dynamic. Again, completely understandable why this tension works so well for a thriller, though.
But the way I related to this book also meant that it was very easy for me to question Mia's actions. I have also set up a social media account for my son as his muscle disease is very rare (although this book has definitely made me question how much I will share!), but I could also tell that Mia's priorities felt completely off.
Going through a situation like this completely shifts your perspective on things, and Mia came across as far too selfish and petty at times, that I quickly had to question her motives.
I definitely couldn't relate to the second half of the book, fortunately, but I think I wasn't completely in the right mindset to love this more - as I usually would for a Louise Jensen book - as the initial subject matter was too close to home for me.
But it's well written, very engaging, and full of great twists, so thriller fans won't be disappointed! Definitely worth picking up, and I'm always excited for a new book by this brilliant author!
Having recently been through a diagnosis process with my son, this story felt very close to home and was quite heartwrenching at times.
But I also completely understand why this type of situation is a great set-up for a thriller, as I felt like I was living in one at times.
The conversations around genetics, especially, are quite tense. I was warned on multiple occasions that if I had lied about anything, it would all be revealed in the DNA!
So yes, quite an emotional read for me, especially as the book goes on to explore how this kind of stress can affect the family dynamic. Again, completely understandable why this tension works so well for a thriller, though.
But the way I related to this book also meant that it was very easy for me to question Mia's actions. I have also set up a social media account for my son as his muscle disease is very rare (although this book has definitely made me question how much I will share!), but I could also tell that Mia's priorities felt completely off.
Going through a situation like this completely shifts your perspective on things, and Mia came across as far too selfish and petty at times, that I quickly had to question her motives.
I definitely couldn't relate to the second half of the book, fortunately, but I think I wasn't completely in the right mindset to love this more - as I usually would for a Louise Jensen book - as the initial subject matter was too close to home for me.
But it's well written, very engaging, and full of great twists, so thriller fans won't be disappointed! Definitely worth picking up, and I'm always excited for a new book by this brilliant author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In this book we meet Mia and Sean Finch who are living every parent's nightmare. Their daughter Lottie has just been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. Mia uses her YouTube channel to highlight both the disorder itself, to educate people, and also her daughter's treatment journey. This evokes mixed feelings within her family and, with the prologue, you just know that something bad will happen, especially when Mia needs a bone marrow transplant and the family are all asked to test for compatibility...
Then, we also have interspersed transcripts from a TV program, Who's Watching You, which add a bit more intrigue to an already claustrophobic atmosphere. And it becomes evident that Mia is hiding something... big...
I guess my main issue with this book was that I completely failed to connect in any worthy way with Mia. I just couldn't get on with her, not even negatively. I did feel for her character as she was really going through it, and then some. But, at the same time, I thought she was selfish and, and I hate to say it, not really deserving of any of my time and energy... I know that sounds horrible but...
That said, the narrative was fully of twists and turns, some of which really impressed me as I didn't see them coming. And the whole sharing on social media message was quite poignant and topical.
And the ending, when it came, did wholly satisfy.
All in all, not her strongest book, but a worthy addition to what is an impressive back catalogue. Most of which are five star books. Roll on next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Then, we also have interspersed transcripts from a TV program, Who's Watching You, which add a bit more intrigue to an already claustrophobic atmosphere. And it becomes evident that Mia is hiding something... big...
I guess my main issue with this book was that I completely failed to connect in any worthy way with Mia. I just couldn't get on with her, not even negatively. I did feel for her character as she was really going through it, and then some. But, at the same time, I thought she was selfish and, and I hate to say it, not really deserving of any of my time and energy... I know that sounds horrible but...
That said, the narrative was fully of twists and turns, some of which really impressed me as I didn't see them coming. And the whole sharing on social media message was quite poignant and topical.
And the ending, when it came, did wholly satisfy.
All in all, not her strongest book, but a worthy addition to what is an impressive back catalogue. Most of which are five star books. Roll on next time.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Louise and NetGalley for allowing me to read I Did a Bad Thing before the publication date.
It is a complicated tale involving many people and timeframes which makes it an ideal candidate for a book club discussion.
Fortunately the author has been considerate and provided a list of questions for that exact purpose.
The prologue describes a physical, nauseating blood bath.
Whose blood is it? Who died? Who survived?
There are hints about secrets from the start of the book, giving the story an edginess. Who can be trusted?
The story is mainly narrated by Mia, interwoven with transcripts of a TV program Who’s Watching You, which claims to be a factual true crime series hosted by Jake Lawler.
The characters are well developed and initially are people with everyday relatable issues.
That will change when Mia’s daughter, Lottie, is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder for which the preferred treatment is a bone marrow transplant. With the exception of Mia’s brother-in-law, Lewis, the family rally around to be tested as potential donors.
As the preparation for the surgery gets underway, Mia is driven to reach out to an influencer on social media.
A decision which back fires.
She soon gets sucked in to the online world, posting regular updates on Lottie’s progress.
In the court of public opinion, everyone thinks that they have a say, the keyboard warriors piling on.
This is a twisty tale which stretches back years as the reader is gradually given insight into Mia’s past life.
It is a complicated tale involving many people and timeframes which makes it an ideal candidate for a book club discussion.
Fortunately the author has been considerate and provided a list of questions for that exact purpose.
The prologue describes a physical, nauseating blood bath.
Whose blood is it? Who died? Who survived?
There are hints about secrets from the start of the book, giving the story an edginess. Who can be trusted?
The story is mainly narrated by Mia, interwoven with transcripts of a TV program Who’s Watching You, which claims to be a factual true crime series hosted by Jake Lawler.
The characters are well developed and initially are people with everyday relatable issues.
That will change when Mia’s daughter, Lottie, is diagnosed with a rare blood disorder for which the preferred treatment is a bone marrow transplant. With the exception of Mia’s brother-in-law, Lewis, the family rally around to be tested as potential donors.
As the preparation for the surgery gets underway, Mia is driven to reach out to an influencer on social media.
A decision which back fires.
She soon gets sucked in to the online world, posting regular updates on Lottie’s progress.
In the court of public opinion, everyone thinks that they have a say, the keyboard warriors piling on.
This is a twisty tale which stretches back years as the reader is gradually given insight into Mia’s past life.
May 3, 2026
Who did the bad thing?
What was the bad thing??
Meet the Finch family, drawn into the addictive world of social media by mum Mia, who started by wanting to document her daughter's diagnosis of a rare health condition, to help other families in similar situations. As comments on her posts start increasing, along with the numbers of subscribers, the intensity of their experiences skyrockets to levels they never expected! Threats, revelations and family secrets come to light and their world is nolonger what they once knew. Is being an influencer worth it? And at what price? And how far does a mother's love go to protect her family?
Weaved between the narrative is the script of a True Crime documentary, hosted by Jake Lawler (don't get me started on him!) who tries to unpick the story behind the Finch family, inviting guests onto his show who he hopes will dish the dirt! The comments after each interview make for very clever additions to the story and are very representative of the world of social media.
To say this was an addictive read is an understatement! I couldn't put it down, it seemed liked there were cliff hangers throughout and 'just one more chapter' became 'I have to finish this'!!
I wasn't prepared for what was to unfold and it was one shock after another. I really enjoyed the way this was written, which keeps you reading and makes it impossible to put down! Part Two also has chapters in daughter Lottie's voice, drawing you into the Finch family even more.
Definitely a 5 star read for me and highly recommended!
What was the bad thing??
Meet the Finch family, drawn into the addictive world of social media by mum Mia, who started by wanting to document her daughter's diagnosis of a rare health condition, to help other families in similar situations. As comments on her posts start increasing, along with the numbers of subscribers, the intensity of their experiences skyrockets to levels they never expected! Threats, revelations and family secrets come to light and their world is nolonger what they once knew. Is being an influencer worth it? And at what price? And how far does a mother's love go to protect her family?
Weaved between the narrative is the script of a True Crime documentary, hosted by Jake Lawler (don't get me started on him!) who tries to unpick the story behind the Finch family, inviting guests onto his show who he hopes will dish the dirt! The comments after each interview make for very clever additions to the story and are very representative of the world of social media.
To say this was an addictive read is an understatement! I couldn't put it down, it seemed liked there were cliff hangers throughout and 'just one more chapter' became 'I have to finish this'!!
I wasn't prepared for what was to unfold and it was one shock after another. I really enjoyed the way this was written, which keeps you reading and makes it impossible to put down! Part Two also has chapters in daughter Lottie's voice, drawing you into the Finch family even more.
Definitely a 5 star read for me and highly recommended!
February 17, 2026
Review of ‘I Did a Bad Thing’ by Louise Jensen, due to be published on 23 April 2026 by HQ.
When Mia Finch’s daughter Lottie is diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia, the whole family comes together to get tested to see if they can be a donor to help save Lottie’s life. When Mia decides to document the journey on a You Tube channel, her husband Sean is not happy and cracks begin to form in the once rock steady couple.
Lottie’s diagnosis sets off a series of events that have serious repercussions for the entire family, more than one character is hiding secrets, leaving them fearing for their life and that of those closest to them.
The story is told from Mia’s point of view, interspersed with the narrative of a true crime show focussing on the Finch family and latterly from Lottie’s perspective.
This is a story of how far someone is prepared to go to keep their family safe and in doing so, making the ultimate sacrifice.
Characters are complex and well developed, the storyline raising an important narrative around a little known illness. Supporting characters are strong and many have a significant impact on the direction the story takes. Tension is built around a myriad of emotions which pull you in numerous directions as the tale unfolds. You make your peace with the decisions taken by the characters, feeling that there are redemption arcs and then just as you think it’s all sewn up, the final big twist comes along and hits hard.
When Mia Finch’s daughter Lottie is diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia, the whole family comes together to get tested to see if they can be a donor to help save Lottie’s life. When Mia decides to document the journey on a You Tube channel, her husband Sean is not happy and cracks begin to form in the once rock steady couple.
Lottie’s diagnosis sets off a series of events that have serious repercussions for the entire family, more than one character is hiding secrets, leaving them fearing for their life and that of those closest to them.
The story is told from Mia’s point of view, interspersed with the narrative of a true crime show focussing on the Finch family and latterly from Lottie’s perspective.
This is a story of how far someone is prepared to go to keep their family safe and in doing so, making the ultimate sacrifice.
Characters are complex and well developed, the storyline raising an important narrative around a little known illness. Supporting characters are strong and many have a significant impact on the direction the story takes. Tension is built around a myriad of emotions which pull you in numerous directions as the tale unfolds. You make your peace with the decisions taken by the characters, feeling that there are redemption arcs and then just as you think it’s all sewn up, the final big twist comes along and hits hard.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I Did a Bad Thing is the latest psychological thriller by Louise Jensen.
Mia Finch life was upended when her daughter, Lottie, is diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia. Seeking support and perhaps a sense of control, Mia begins documenting Lottie’s journey on YouTube. What starts as a quest for a bone marrow donor quickly snowballs into social media stardom.
However, fame is a double-edged sword. While Mia embraces the platform, her husband Sean is visibly uncomfortable and the cracks were starting to form in their marriage as the camera became a permanent fixture in their home.
As the documentary airs, the public interest reaches a “fever pitch,” and you realise that every character, not just Mia, is hiding something. The tension isn’t just about the medical mystery; it’s about the “serious repercussions” of the secrets the family kept while the whole world was watching.
At its heart, this is a story about how far a parent will go to protect their child.
“In the quest to save her daughter, Mia Finch invited the world into her home, but she didn’t realise the world wouldn’t leave until it found the truth.”
I would like to thank both Netgalley and HQ for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Mia Finch life was upended when her daughter, Lottie, is diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia. Seeking support and perhaps a sense of control, Mia begins documenting Lottie’s journey on YouTube. What starts as a quest for a bone marrow donor quickly snowballs into social media stardom.
However, fame is a double-edged sword. While Mia embraces the platform, her husband Sean is visibly uncomfortable and the cracks were starting to form in their marriage as the camera became a permanent fixture in their home.
As the documentary airs, the public interest reaches a “fever pitch,” and you realise that every character, not just Mia, is hiding something. The tension isn’t just about the medical mystery; it’s about the “serious repercussions” of the secrets the family kept while the whole world was watching.
At its heart, this is a story about how far a parent will go to protect their child.
“In the quest to save her daughter, Mia Finch invited the world into her home, but she didn’t realise the world wouldn’t leave until it found the truth.”
I would like to thank both Netgalley and HQ for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 17, 2026
When Mia begins to filming her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expects to become a famous influencer. And never expected a nightmare to come from it. A year later a documentary is covering the tragedy surrounding her family. But with the whole world is watching, how can she keep her darkest secrets hidden.
I was looking forward to reading this story having enjoyed the majority of this author’s previous books and was also drawn to the cover, as well as the synopsis. The concept sounded like it would be a really strong one, feeling original and current. The story started well and I liked the documentary element within, which added extra interest. I did find though, that the pacing slowed down a lot and it ended up feeling quite long. Mia was also not that likeable and I found it difficult to connect with her.
I enjoyed discovering the secrets and although parts were repetitive and predictable, there were some twists and turns. Although I had a few issues overall, it was a well written story, which I can see a lot of people enjoying, especially those looking for a multilayered psychological thriller. I will continue to look out for more books by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
I was looking forward to reading this story having enjoyed the majority of this author’s previous books and was also drawn to the cover, as well as the synopsis. The concept sounded like it would be a really strong one, feeling original and current. The story started well and I liked the documentary element within, which added extra interest. I did find though, that the pacing slowed down a lot and it ended up feeling quite long. Mia was also not that likeable and I found it difficult to connect with her.
I enjoyed discovering the secrets and although parts were repetitive and predictable, there were some twists and turns. Although I had a few issues overall, it was a well written story, which I can see a lot of people enjoying, especially those looking for a multilayered psychological thriller. I will continue to look out for more books by this author. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this copy in return for an honest review.
April 25, 2026
What a fantastic read!
Mia's daughter is desperately ill with a rare blood disorder and when, purely out of desperation, Mia flags it with a popular influencer, she goes viral. As her following builds and her personal life falls apart, social media becomes Mia's way of coping.
The story is told mostly by Mia with her daughter, Lottie joining the narration towards the latter end of the book. Interspersed are episodes from a podcast, reflecting back on the family's journey. As a character, Mia felt very authentic and I swayed between sympathising with her, to wanting to shake her, when some of her choices were clearly made in favour of her following as opposed to her family, but I also understood her reasonings, even if I didn't always agree with them.
You could be forgiven for thinking this is an emotional story of a family in turmoil, but oh no, there is so much more! Because Mia has a secret and it's going to be revealed with far reaching consequences. The twists turned everything on its head and they just kept coming! I couldn't stop turning the pages, racing to the ending, which was absolutely "chef's kiss".
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Louise Jensen and HQ for an ARC of this book.
Mia's daughter is desperately ill with a rare blood disorder and when, purely out of desperation, Mia flags it with a popular influencer, she goes viral. As her following builds and her personal life falls apart, social media becomes Mia's way of coping.
The story is told mostly by Mia with her daughter, Lottie joining the narration towards the latter end of the book. Interspersed are episodes from a podcast, reflecting back on the family's journey. As a character, Mia felt very authentic and I swayed between sympathising with her, to wanting to shake her, when some of her choices were clearly made in favour of her following as opposed to her family, but I also understood her reasonings, even if I didn't always agree with them.
You could be forgiven for thinking this is an emotional story of a family in turmoil, but oh no, there is so much more! Because Mia has a secret and it's going to be revealed with far reaching consequences. The twists turned everything on its head and they just kept coming! I couldn't stop turning the pages, racing to the ending, which was absolutely "chef's kiss".
5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Louise Jensen and HQ for an ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I Did A Bad Thing by Louise Jensen is a totally gripping contemporary psychological thriller that I just could not put down.
This is a book about a mother’s love. It motivates her to do what she does. Some of her choices are questionable. As a mother puts lives on social media, we see that the world is your judge. Lives thrown open to the world, are criticised by the world.
We see the importance of a mother’s instinct. “He might know medicine, but I know my child.” This maternal instinct will save a life, as it is fought for by the mother. “I’m scared she’ll die.”
Our choices are important. Choices bring consequences and we must live with them. We see a life facing the ‘what-if’ questions. Will a conscience choose to do the right thing?
The tale is told from alternating points of view. We know from the start that something serious has happened – but what? And by whom? I could not guess the outcome as I read with baited breath.
I Did A Bad Thing is a powerful, gripping story that I read in just one sitting.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
This is a book about a mother’s love. It motivates her to do what she does. Some of her choices are questionable. As a mother puts lives on social media, we see that the world is your judge. Lives thrown open to the world, are criticised by the world.
We see the importance of a mother’s instinct. “He might know medicine, but I know my child.” This maternal instinct will save a life, as it is fought for by the mother. “I’m scared she’ll die.”
Our choices are important. Choices bring consequences and we must live with them. We see a life facing the ‘what-if’ questions. Will a conscience choose to do the right thing?
The tale is told from alternating points of view. We know from the start that something serious has happened – but what? And by whom? I could not guess the outcome as I read with baited breath.
I Did A Bad Thing is a powerful, gripping story that I read in just one sitting.
I received a free copy via Net Galley. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every parent’s nightmare when your child gets sick.
Mia Finch’s world turned upside down when her daughter Lottie gets diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia. The whole family gets tested for bone marrow but only Mia is tested positive. She decides to film her journey on You tube not only to help others out there but, to see if anyone else out there has similar experience. She starts getting a large audience, but her husband Sean is not too happy, and cracks start to show in her marriage.
Then Mia starts getting threatening messages saying that they know about her past. Will her past now suddenly catch up with her. Only time will tell.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. I found the first half of this book too be rather slow and a felt that there was a lot going on in this story line, which different threads of the storyline that I just felt a bit overwhelmed with it all. I didn’t like the character of Mia either. I found her to be quite selfish and because of that is struggled with the latter half of this book. The basis of the storyline was good I was expecting more. 3 stars from me.
Mia Finch’s world turned upside down when her daughter Lottie gets diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia. The whole family gets tested for bone marrow but only Mia is tested positive. She decides to film her journey on You tube not only to help others out there but, to see if anyone else out there has similar experience. She starts getting a large audience, but her husband Sean is not too happy, and cracks start to show in her marriage.
Then Mia starts getting threatening messages saying that they know about her past. Will her past now suddenly catch up with her. Only time will tell.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. I found the first half of this book too be rather slow and a felt that there was a lot going on in this story line, which different threads of the storyline that I just felt a bit overwhelmed with it all. I didn’t like the character of Mia either. I found her to be quite selfish and because of that is struggled with the latter half of this book. The basis of the storyline was good I was expecting more. 3 stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I Did A Bad Thing Louise Jensen
4 stars
What would we do for our ill child?
When Mia and Sean's daughter is diagnosed with apiastic anaemia a donor is needed and Mia is the perfect match. She decides to highlight the journey of her family and Charlotte's treatment to raise awareness of this disease and also as a way to get through the journey. However not everyone is in agreement of her decision and soon threats are written on-line and also notes delivered to her house..
It soon becomes apparent that Mia is hiding secrets that, if revealed, could tear her family apart. I really enjoyed this book until about three quarters of the way through when I thought it became a bit too convoluted and in some places not very believable.. I did not really sympathise with Mia's actions and the way she had behaved in the past. I also did not find the ending very satisfactory.
However I do like the writing style of this author and it really made me think yet again at how social media is just affecting everyone's life nowadays usually in a bad way.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net Galley
4 stars
What would we do for our ill child?
When Mia and Sean's daughter is diagnosed with apiastic anaemia a donor is needed and Mia is the perfect match. She decides to highlight the journey of her family and Charlotte's treatment to raise awareness of this disease and also as a way to get through the journey. However not everyone is in agreement of her decision and soon threats are written on-line and also notes delivered to her house..
It soon becomes apparent that Mia is hiding secrets that, if revealed, could tear her family apart. I really enjoyed this book until about three quarters of the way through when I thought it became a bit too convoluted and in some places not very believable.. I did not really sympathise with Mia's actions and the way she had behaved in the past. I also did not find the ending very satisfactory.
However I do like the writing style of this author and it really made me think yet again at how social media is just affecting everyone's life nowadays usually in a bad way.
Karen Deborah
Reviewer for Net Galley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
🩵 Blurb-
When Mia Finch begins documenting her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expected to become a popular social media influencer. And she never expected that fame to turn into a nightmare …
One year later, a true crime documentary airs looking into the case of the Finch family tragedy. As the documentary uncovers more about what really happened to the Finches, public interest in the case reaches fever pitch. In a world where everyone is watching, how can you keep your darkest secrets hidden?
I Did a Bad Thing is a one-more-chapter psychological thriller exploring how even the most well-intentioned lies can spiral into catastrophe – and murder …
💛 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and I did a bad Thing certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and with so many twists and turns it had me guessing until the end. The author's writing style is brilliant and the pacing was just right. Plus there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Blogger HQ/ HQ Stories for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When Mia Finch begins documenting her daughter’s battle with a rare blood disorder, she never expected to become a popular social media influencer. And she never expected that fame to turn into a nightmare …
One year later, a true crime documentary airs looking into the case of the Finch family tragedy. As the documentary uncovers more about what really happened to the Finches, public interest in the case reaches fever pitch. In a world where everyone is watching, how can you keep your darkest secrets hidden?
I Did a Bad Thing is a one-more-chapter psychological thriller exploring how even the most well-intentioned lies can spiral into catastrophe – and murder …
💛 Review -
I have enjoyed other books by the author and I did a bad Thing certainly didn't disappoint. From the very first page the author's writing had me hooked and with so many twists and turns it had me guessing until the end. The author's writing style is brilliant and the pacing was just right. Plus there was a great cast of characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Blogger HQ/ HQ Stories for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2026
Louise is one of my top 3 thriller authors. Everything she writes is gripping, dark and full of surprises. This book is no exception though it did fall lower than her previous books for me.
The story got off to a really strong start with introductions to meeting the characters. There is a strong social media element which was really interesting the way it was enveloped into the plot. It just shows how once things are out there, no one has any control over it and this story shows how it can impact on lives.
I saw on one review where someone thought that the bits about the documentary show were not needed. However, I think this is relevant as much as the social media aspect as it’s a form of reality tv, which also sucks in publics opinions. In view of the story this would have ramped up Mia and made her want to do things more. It was a craving for her!
I loved Lotties character and it would have been good for Chris to perhaps been a bit more involved than he was, but overall I felt everything worked
Overall I enjoyed the story, plot, twists and continue to support the author
Thanks to Netgalley and Louise for the early read opportunity
The story got off to a really strong start with introductions to meeting the characters. There is a strong social media element which was really interesting the way it was enveloped into the plot. It just shows how once things are out there, no one has any control over it and this story shows how it can impact on lives.
I saw on one review where someone thought that the bits about the documentary show were not needed. However, I think this is relevant as much as the social media aspect as it’s a form of reality tv, which also sucks in publics opinions. In view of the story this would have ramped up Mia and made her want to do things more. It was a craving for her!
I loved Lotties character and it would have been good for Chris to perhaps been a bit more involved than he was, but overall I felt everything worked
Overall I enjoyed the story, plot, twists and continue to support the author
Thanks to Netgalley and Louise for the early read opportunity
March 25, 2026
This book has such a fresh, modern feel—it feels incredibly current and really made me stop and think about social media and the subtle ways it can shape and impact people’s lives without them even realising.
Told mostly from Mia’s POV, the story is cleverly layered with documentary-style chapters woven throughout, which not only build tension but also introduce (and tie together) some brilliant twists and turns.
It delivers everything you want from a thriller—lies, deception, heartbreak, and moments that genuinely make you question everything.
I found myself completely torn over Mia. You can feel her pain so deeply as a mother, and it’s clear she’d do anything for her daughter… but at the same time, her almost instinctive urge to document things on social media had me thinking: what are you doing?!
We were lucky enough to win a copy in a giveaway and even more grateful that Louise Jensen signed it before its release on 23rd April.
This was my first book by Louise Jensen—and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ll be adding more of her books to my TBR ASAP.
Told mostly from Mia’s POV, the story is cleverly layered with documentary-style chapters woven throughout, which not only build tension but also introduce (and tie together) some brilliant twists and turns.
It delivers everything you want from a thriller—lies, deception, heartbreak, and moments that genuinely make you question everything.
I found myself completely torn over Mia. You can feel her pain so deeply as a mother, and it’s clear she’d do anything for her daughter… but at the same time, her almost instinctive urge to document things on social media had me thinking: what are you doing?!
We were lucky enough to win a copy in a giveaway and even more grateful that Louise Jensen signed it before its release on 23rd April.
This was my first book by Louise Jensen—and it definitely won’t be my last. I’ll be adding more of her books to my TBR ASAP.
May 1, 2026
A thriller that questions how far a mother will go to protect her children and shines a light on the dark side of social media.
This thriller follows Mia Finch as her daughter develops a life threatening condition and she starts a YouTube channel to document her treatment.
Mia quickly gets caught up in the world of social media and fame however there is always a dark side to sharing so much of yourself online which Mia and her family are about to find out.
This book had an interesting storyline and was compulsive reading. There were chapters from a documentary series looking at “The Finch Case” so we are constantly being teased about what's coming next.
There are quite a lot of threads to this story. Some of the reveals I felt were built up too much so they were slightly underwhelming however others were good and caught me by surprise. I will say I thought this one was a little too long and drawn out to hold my interest and I did find myself rushing through the end just to finish it!
Not my favourite by this author but still an enjoyable read!
This thriller follows Mia Finch as her daughter develops a life threatening condition and she starts a YouTube channel to document her treatment.
Mia quickly gets caught up in the world of social media and fame however there is always a dark side to sharing so much of yourself online which Mia and her family are about to find out.
This book had an interesting storyline and was compulsive reading. There were chapters from a documentary series looking at “The Finch Case” so we are constantly being teased about what's coming next.
There are quite a lot of threads to this story. Some of the reveals I felt were built up too much so they were slightly underwhelming however others were good and caught me by surprise. I will say I thought this one was a little too long and drawn out to hold my interest and I did find myself rushing through the end just to finish it!
Not my favourite by this author but still an enjoyable read!
April 28, 2026
As soon as I read the plot for this book, I knew it would be good. It is all about Mia and her family, Mia’s daughter is very unwell with a rare blood disorder so when Mia feels as though she should record everything her daughter is going through hopefully to help others, she does not realise the implications she will have. Everything seems to be going well for a while until it doesn’t. You would never comprehend what this family will go through. Then the story goes to a year later and a documentary comes on about the family, but what really happened on that fateful day, the world is about to find out. It was a great story and really consumed me, a lot different to anything I have read and I like the way Louise writes as it held my attention the whole way through. The twists keep you guessing and I feel as though when the timeline flits back and forth it really gave the story more depth. Fantastic read..
April 15, 2026
“𝙄 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚. 𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙚?”
Where do I START!? To put it simply, this was a 6* read!
Following character POV, it was so well written, with multi media chapters (documentary style interviews) dispersed throughout, enhancing the narrative. The preemptive nature of these chapters makes you feel a step ahead as a reader, compelling you to keep turning the page.
Plot wise, it’s a real house of cards - there’s so many layers to unwrap, which is what made it so clever to me. The themes of social media in the current day and age, not knowing who’s watching and not knowing their intent
If you think you have it figured out? You probably don’t! If it’s not already, this needs to be added to your TBR list.
Thank you so much to HQ Stories for my proof copy in exchange for an honest review!
Where do I START!? To put it simply, this was a 6* read!
Following character POV, it was so well written, with multi media chapters (documentary style interviews) dispersed throughout, enhancing the narrative. The preemptive nature of these chapters makes you feel a step ahead as a reader, compelling you to keep turning the page.
Plot wise, it’s a real house of cards - there’s so many layers to unwrap, which is what made it so clever to me. The themes of social media in the current day and age, not knowing who’s watching and not knowing their intent
If you think you have it figured out? You probably don’t! If it’s not already, this needs to be added to your TBR list.
Thank you so much to HQ Stories for my proof copy in exchange for an honest review!
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