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I Didn't Do It
Bloomsbury presents
I Didn't Do It
by Elle Gonzalez Rose, read by Stacy Gonzalez
I 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 Dina is adamant she didn’t do it. Now, she just has to prove it.
I 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 Dina is adamant she didn’t do it. Now, she just has to prove it.
Audible Audio
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Elle Gonzalez Rose
6 books106 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 - 30 of 63 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.
July 22, 2026
I had an itch, and this scratched it oh so perfectly. It had me hooked right from the start, and it was such a fun ride, I had the best time with this one all the way to the end, and not for one second did I know where it was going.
From the very beginning, it took me by surprise; and maybe it was on me, for blindly believing it would be that easy and taking everything at face value— it definitely is my fault. The pacing is a bit slower than what I would usually enjoy, but I think the payoff is so worth it, and it actually builds up so much of what will then unravel, so I can get behind that.
The characters are great, and oh so interesting, which is a shame, because they also are a little underdeveloped. I understand that Dina is the main focus here, and she is developed quite well, but I just wish we got to see a little more of the others, too, no matter how insufferable they were.
It made for such a great listening experience; the narrator was incredible, and brought this story to life in such an engaging way. Obviously aided by the incredibly captivating writing, which reeled me in so quickly, and made me want to check out more by this author— which I will definitely do soon.
Biggest thanks to Libro.fm & Bloomsbury for the ALC; all opinions are my own.
From the very beginning, it took me by surprise; and maybe it was on me, for blindly believing it would be that easy and taking everything at face value— it definitely is my fault. The pacing is a bit slower than what I would usually enjoy, but I think the payoff is so worth it, and it actually builds up so much of what will then unravel, so I can get behind that.
The characters are great, and oh so interesting, which is a shame, because they also are a little underdeveloped. I understand that Dina is the main focus here, and she is developed quite well, but I just wish we got to see a little more of the others, too, no matter how insufferable they were.
It made for such a great listening experience; the narrator was incredible, and brought this story to life in such an engaging way. Obviously aided by the incredibly captivating writing, which reeled me in so quickly, and made me want to check out more by this author— which I will definitely do soon.
Biggest thanks to Libro.fm & Bloomsbury for the ALC; all opinions are my own.
July 23, 2026
I had a few moments where I genuinely enjoyed parts of the story, and the premise initially drew me in, but overall this book didn’t work for me. Unfortunately, I found the plot weakly constructed and fairly predictable.
One aspect I did enjoy was the way the author incorporated transcripts and documents from the investigation throughout the novel. Those sections added interest and helped break up the narrative. However, it took a very long time for anything significant to happen, making the pacing feel extremely slow.
I also found myself puzzled by the cultural representation. While I have no issue with the FMC referring to her parents as “Mami” and “Papi,” those references seemed to be the only visible markers of Hispanic/Latinx culture in the story. As someone who is not Hispanic/Latinx, I recognize that this may not be my place to judge, and the author’s own experiences and background may differ from my expectations. Still, I had hoped to see more cultural representation woven into the narrative. Because those terms appeared largely in isolation, they felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the story.
I am grateful to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ultimately, I think this will be a hit-or-miss read for younger audiences. Some readers may connect with the FMC and enjoy the thriller elements and light gore, while others may struggle with the slow pacing and predictable plot.
One aspect I did enjoy was the way the author incorporated transcripts and documents from the investigation throughout the novel. Those sections added interest and helped break up the narrative. However, it took a very long time for anything significant to happen, making the pacing feel extremely slow.
I also found myself puzzled by the cultural representation. While I have no issue with the FMC referring to her parents as “Mami” and “Papi,” those references seemed to be the only visible markers of Hispanic/Latinx culture in the story. As someone who is not Hispanic/Latinx, I recognize that this may not be my place to judge, and the author’s own experiences and background may differ from my expectations. Still, I had hoped to see more cultural representation woven into the narrative. Because those terms appeared largely in isolation, they felt somewhat disconnected from the rest of the story.
I am grateful to Bloomsbury and NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Ultimately, I think this will be a hit-or-miss read for younger audiences. Some readers may connect with the FMC and enjoy the thriller elements and light gore, while others may struggle with the slow pacing and predictable plot.
August 2, 2026
This was a quick and easy read that I flew through. I thought the first half was just a little slow, but the pacing definitely picked up by the second half. I was shocked by the twist at the at end and I liked that the ending wasn’t wrapped up as neatly and left you wondering what would happen next. I also thought this worked well as an audiobook. I liked the mixed media elements including articles, police interrogation transcripts, text messages and more. It made the listening experience more enjoyable.
July 21, 2026
Thank you Libro.fm and Bloomsbury YA for this ALC.
First and foremost this is a YA thriller so it needs to be read as such. It was super faced paced. And I enjoyed the plot, although at some parts it was a little slow. This has slasher vibes and I did not predict the twist and who dun it, which always makes me enjoy a book more. If you love a good YA thriller then give this book a chance. The narrator was only one person for all the characters which isn’t my favorite but she did a good job!
First and foremost this is a YA thriller so it needs to be read as such. It was super faced paced. And I enjoyed the plot, although at some parts it was a little slow. This has slasher vibes and I did not predict the twist and who dun it, which always makes me enjoy a book more. If you love a good YA thriller then give this book a chance. The narrator was only one person for all the characters which isn’t my favorite but she did a good job!
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!
July 26, 2026
I hate books where you figure out halfway through that the main character (whose head you have been in the whole time) was keeping a secret from you. Inside her own head. Like, that doesn’t happen.
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
The premise of this book was so intriguing. A mystery/thriller with a slasher cabin-in-the-woods setting where the main character has every odds stacked against her in trying to prove her innocence? Sold! Unfortunately though, the story just doesn't deliver on this promise as well as I had hoped. The novel unfolds incredibly slowly with the buildup to the evening of the murder around which the mystery premise revolves. About 50% in, we finally arrive at the cabin in the woods, and the creepy thriller vibes begin around 75%. Then we suddenly hit a pause on the buildup, where all the characters act like nothing wrong is happening, only to have a runaway freight train of events barreling us through the climax, with a rather abrupt, slightly-unresolved ending. The reveal of who the killer was made my jaw drop. It felt very satisfying to then think back to what clues were sprinkled in at the beginning that made the shocking twist actually make sense. But then we don't get to see much of the aftermath. Sure, her future is uncertain and it's implied that things may work in her favor, but it was unsatisfactory to not have more resolution.
The characters were interesting albeit a bit underdeveloped. Dina was well fleshed out, but the focus on her backstory - although obviously important for the story - detracted from the character development of the other characters. I unfortunately just didn't really care about them.
Overall, the pacing was slow and clunky, but the last 25% of this book was intriguing, suspenseful, and definitely made the journey feel more worth it. Gonzalez Rose's writing is also strong and her skill at weaving in foreshadowing details helped make that climax so effective.
I had gone into this book with the expectation of a full-on whodunnit thriller but was instead met with an exploration of how trauma and societal perceptions impact one's sense of self and the way one interacts with the world. If I had gone in with different expectations, I may have enjoyed this book more. So I recommend it if youre interested in a slasher-type thriller that's more character focused than straight mystery/suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
The characters were interesting albeit a bit underdeveloped. Dina was well fleshed out, but the focus on her backstory - although obviously important for the story - detracted from the character development of the other characters. I unfortunately just didn't really care about them.
Overall, the pacing was slow and clunky, but the last 25% of this book was intriguing, suspenseful, and definitely made the journey feel more worth it. Gonzalez Rose's writing is also strong and her skill at weaving in foreshadowing details helped make that climax so effective.
I had gone into this book with the expectation of a full-on whodunnit thriller but was instead met with an exploration of how trauma and societal perceptions impact one's sense of self and the way one interacts with the world. If I had gone in with different expectations, I may have enjoyed this book more. So I recommend it if youre interested in a slasher-type thriller that's more character focused than straight mystery/suspense.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for providing this eARC in exchange for my honest review.
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
July 27, 2026
I Didn't Do It is a fast, twisty read about a girl whose father is in prison for murdering two boys he coached on a high school soccer team. She's not only a social outcast but her mother is very strict so even if she had opportunities for friendships, she isn't able to go out and hang out with anyone or buy anything. Feeling trapped and heartbroken with the imprisonment of her father, the death of her older brother, and her mother forgetting her birthday, Dina decides to risk it all and accept her crush's invitation to his family's cabin for the weekend. Her younger brother calls her in a panic saying her crush, his twin sister, and their friends have some trap planned for Dina but when she realizes things are starting to go wrong, it's too late for her to escape.
The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing, even though I did figure parts of it out. My favorite character was Dina's crush, Kai, because of how dynamic he ends up being; he is nuanced and kind and is very dimensional. I do wish there had been a content warning for sexual assault at the beginning; while it is a relatively short scene and aspect of the book overall, I could see it being triggering for some readers. Likewise, I'd include content warnings for bullying, homophobia, suicide, and graphic violence. Readers who enjoy mystery or horror will love this one, and, especially with it being under 300 pages, I can see many high school students grabbing this one. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job. Thank you to NetGalley and Libro.fm for the ARC/ALC!
The twists and turns in this book kept me guessing, even though I did figure parts of it out. My favorite character was Dina's crush, Kai, because of how dynamic he ends up being; he is nuanced and kind and is very dimensional. I do wish there had been a content warning for sexual assault at the beginning; while it is a relatively short scene and aspect of the book overall, I could see it being triggering for some readers. Likewise, I'd include content warnings for bullying, homophobia, suicide, and graphic violence. Readers who enjoy mystery or horror will love this one, and, especially with it being under 300 pages, I can see many high school students grabbing this one. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator did a great job. Thank you to NetGalley and Libro.fm for the ARC/ALC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a YA thriller with a slight horror/slasher edge to it. It’s not a full-on horror novel by any means, but the cabin-in-the-woods setting and the fact that people start turning up dead definitely gave it some of those classic slasher vibes.
The story follows Dina, whose father is a convicted killer, as she accepts an invitation to spend the weekend at a cabin with a group of popular teens. What starts as a chance to escape her reputation quickly turns into a nightmare when people begin dying and suspicion falls on her.
I will say that I didn’t guess the twist at the end, which was probably my favorite part of the book. It was also a very quick and easy read that kept me turning the pages. There is a small bit of LGBTQ+ representation as well, though it’s only mentioned briefly and isn’t a major focus of the story.
Unfortunately, I never felt particularly connected to the characters. Most of them felt pretty surface-level, and I had a hard time getting invested in their friendships, relationships, or what happened to them. While the mystery itself was entertaining enough, I wanted a little more depth from both the characters and the overall story.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read, and I can see it working well for younger YA thriller fans. The twist surprised me and the pacing kept things moving, but the characters and slight slasher-style elements just weren’t really for me.
Thank you to netgalley and bloomsbury YA for this ARC!
The story follows Dina, whose father is a convicted killer, as she accepts an invitation to spend the weekend at a cabin with a group of popular teens. What starts as a chance to escape her reputation quickly turns into a nightmare when people begin dying and suspicion falls on her.
I will say that I didn’t guess the twist at the end, which was probably my favorite part of the book. It was also a very quick and easy read that kept me turning the pages. There is a small bit of LGBTQ+ representation as well, though it’s only mentioned briefly and isn’t a major focus of the story.
Unfortunately, I never felt particularly connected to the characters. Most of them felt pretty surface-level, and I had a hard time getting invested in their friendships, relationships, or what happened to them. While the mystery itself was entertaining enough, I wanted a little more depth from both the characters and the overall story.
Overall, this wasn’t a bad read, and I can see it working well for younger YA thriller fans. The twist surprised me and the pacing kept things moving, but the characters and slight slasher-style elements just weren’t really for me.
Thank you to netgalley and bloomsbury YA for this ARC!
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 Publisher
Didn't Do It is a super fast paced and easy reading YA thriller that you will read in one sitting. The beginning is a little slower as the author needs to set the scene and the characters, but stick with it because as soon as it picks up it's a whirlwind until the end. The plot was really interesting, the chapters were short and the added mixed media made the story even more engaging. I thought the author did a good job of portraying how much the weight of family secrets can impact loved ones' lives. It was well written, addictive, kept me hooked and intrigued until the end.
I loved how the author made the story unravel, how every little hint and clue was revealed and kept me guessing on who to trust. There is some good character development even if the book is on the shorter side. The major twist at the end really took me by surprise and it truly shocked me. It did make sense and tied everything together.
Overall, this is a great YA thriller that is easily bingeable in one sitting, it will keep you hooked, keep you guessing and it will satisfy YA thriller readers and adult thriller readers.
✨ Thank you to @bloomsburypublishing & @ellegonzalezrose for my gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own. #bloomsburycreatorcircle
I loved how the author made the story unravel, how every little hint and clue was revealed and kept me guessing on who to trust. There is some good character development even if the book is on the shorter side. The major twist at the end really took me by surprise and it truly shocked me. It did make sense and tied everything together.
Overall, this is a great YA thriller that is easily bingeable in one sitting, it will keep you hooked, keep you guessing and it will satisfy YA thriller readers and adult thriller readers.
✨ Thank you to @bloomsburypublishing & @ellegonzalezrose for my gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own. #bloomsburycreatorcircle
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.
August 4, 2026
Rating: 3.5/5
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, and Bloomsbury YA for allowing me read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a fun, fast-paced thriller! Once it picked up, I flew through it and finished it in a day. I really enjoyed the police transcripts! They added a nice "break" while still being important to the plot, but I was hoping for there to be more of them since the book was marketed as being told through both Dina's POV and police reports.
The twist at the end genuinely caught me off guard, which almost never happens, so extra half-star for that! My only complaints are that I wish we had delved more into her father's murders since that telling felt a little rushed, and I also would've loved a more conclusive ending with a final verdict.
Overall, this was a super entertaining thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a quick, suspenseful read with a twist you probably won't see coming, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!
Thank you to NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA Children's Books, and Bloomsbury YA for allowing me read an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This was such a fun, fast-paced thriller! Once it picked up, I flew through it and finished it in a day. I really enjoyed the police transcripts! They added a nice "break" while still being important to the plot, but I was hoping for there to be more of them since the book was marketed as being told through both Dina's POV and police reports.
The twist at the end genuinely caught me off guard, which almost never happens, so extra half-star for that! My only complaints are that I wish we had delved more into her father's murders since that telling felt a little rushed, and I also would've loved a more conclusive ending with a final verdict.
Overall, this was a super entertaining thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. If you're looking for a quick, suspenseful read with a twist you probably won't see coming, I'd definitely recommend picking this one up!
Review of advance copy
I truly enjoy this book. Told through police reports, and the insight from our main character Dina, we discovered why she didn’t do it and what it was she allegedly didn’t do.
This had everything a teen mystery could want; turmoil with the popular crowd, love interest, back family story (a couple of these), absent parent. That alone is enough to drive a good plot.
The only reason this book doesn’t get 5 stars is because when the power goes out at this remote cabin, they somehow still have running water. Sound the siren-when you live in the country/remotely and there’s no power, there’s definitely no water because the well would need power in order to operate. I mentioned this to my 12 year old who said, well maybe they have a generator. But a generator would have at least some power to the house.
By the way, I could guess something was off with Dina’s mom, but in no way did I think she would be so pivotal.
Thanks to Libro and the publishers for the advance copy.
This had everything a teen mystery could want; turmoil with the popular crowd, love interest, back family story (a couple of these), absent parent. That alone is enough to drive a good plot.
The only reason this book doesn’t get 5 stars is because when the power goes out at this remote cabin, they somehow still have running water. Sound the siren-when you live in the country/remotely and there’s no power, there’s definitely no water because the well would need power in order to operate. I mentioned this to my 12 year old who said, well maybe they have a generator. But a generator would have at least some power to the house.
By the way, I could guess something was off with Dina’s mom, but in no way did I think she would be so pivotal.
Thanks to Libro and the publishers for the advance copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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 Publisher
Thank you to Bloomsbury US for the physical ARC of this book through their Creator Circle Program!
GUYS. This was really good! I am confused by the wildly average rating because I liked this one a lot. The beginning was a little slow but once they got to the cabin, I was all in. The writing was spot on for a YA thriller and I really enjoyed being inside Dina's head. She was just so quintessential teen. The whole idea of this one is very intense and interesting. I won't spoil anything! I liked that the book was so fast-paced once things popped off that I didn't really need to suspect anyone. I just vibed with the story and let it take me where it needed to.
I would definitely recommend this to readers of YA thrillers. It's one that won't let you down!
GUYS. This was really good! I am confused by the wildly average rating because I liked this one a lot. The beginning was a little slow but once they got to the cabin, I was all in. The writing was spot on for a YA thriller and I really enjoyed being inside Dina's head. She was just so quintessential teen. The whole idea of this one is very intense and interesting. I won't spoil anything! I liked that the book was so fast-paced once things popped off that I didn't really need to suspect anyone. I just vibed with the story and let it take me where it needed to.
I would definitely recommend this to readers of YA thrillers. It's one that won't let you down!
June 30, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I DIDN'T DO IT by Elle Gonzalez Rose (July 21, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for the eArc
After her father was convicted of k*lling two of his students, Dina Soto is offset from everyone. When popular Kai Thompson invites her to his family's cabin---along with some friends---Dina goes. At the cabin, things start going wrong, b*dies start piling up, but...Dina didn't do it.
I DIDN'T DO IT is a YA thriller. This was a fast-paced book, and it was super easy to fly through. I actually really liked this one. The police procedurals scattered throughout offered a reprieve from the chaos that was unfolding at the Thompson cabin.
I DIDN'T DO IT is a short book. I didn't mind that, but I would have liked more of the past (what happened with Dina's brother, her father, the two d*ad boys). Nonetheless, this was quite shocking. The reveal felt like the most obvious thing in the world...after it happened---in a "I should have figured" type of way.
I DIDN'T DO IT by Elle Gonzalez Rose (July 21, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA Children's Books for the eArc
After her father was convicted of k*lling two of his students, Dina Soto is offset from everyone. When popular Kai Thompson invites her to his family's cabin---along with some friends---Dina goes. At the cabin, things start going wrong, b*dies start piling up, but...Dina didn't do it.
I DIDN'T DO IT is a YA thriller. This was a fast-paced book, and it was super easy to fly through. I actually really liked this one. The police procedurals scattered throughout offered a reprieve from the chaos that was unfolding at the Thompson cabin.
I DIDN'T DO IT is a short book. I didn't mind that, but I would have liked more of the past (what happened with Dina's brother, her father, the two d*ad boys). Nonetheless, this was quite shocking. The reveal felt like the most obvious thing in the world...after it happened---in a "I should have figured" type of way.
June 30, 2026
A big thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. I had really high hopes for this YA thriller. It takes place in a remote cabin with a main character who is spending time with a group of peers she doesn’t really know. Oh, and her dad is a convicted killer. It sounds like the perfect storm for a locked door thriller.
However, I feel like it didn’t get to the thriller part of the story until about 75% in. It was mostly about the main character dealing with her peers and coming out of her shell. I will say the twist was good, but somewhat expected based on one of the hints in the beginning of the story. I would have liked more suspense, but the overall premise and ending was good.
However, I feel like it didn’t get to the thriller part of the story until about 75% in. It was mostly about the main character dealing with her peers and coming out of her shell. I will say the twist was good, but somewhat expected based on one of the hints in the beginning of the story. I would have liked more suspense, but the overall premise and ending was good.
July 27, 2026
Rounded up from a 3.5.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc. While the story was interesting, I found the main character, Dina, to be incredibly annoying. At first, for being so terrified of her mother and the idiots in her school, to the second half, getting a touch of freedom and forgot everything she was cautious about. The story felt stilted as there was no real growth for her. The mystery was decent, the horror was adequate, and I loved the queer representation.
The Pacing at the beginning was a bit slow and, funnily enough, the last 30% of the novel I felt almost moved too fast. I kept checking my progress bar to see how much time was left to wrap up all the loose ends that was left.
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc. While the story was interesting, I found the main character, Dina, to be incredibly annoying. At first, for being so terrified of her mother and the idiots in her school, to the second half, getting a touch of freedom and forgot everything she was cautious about. The story felt stilted as there was no real growth for her. The mystery was decent, the horror was adequate, and I loved the queer representation.
The Pacing at the beginning was a bit slow and, funnily enough, the last 30% of the novel I felt almost moved too fast. I kept checking my progress bar to see how much time was left to wrap up all the loose ends that was left.
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
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was a really fun, quick YA thriller. The daughter (Dina) of a confessed murderer is trying to keep low and out of the limelight. Her family has been targeted by locals since the father confessed to killing two of his students. Her mother is very over protective of her two children. Dina is invited to a after dance party by a handsome and seemingly kind hearted student (Kai). Dina sneaks out to join the weekend long party. What could possibly go wrong with teens and alcohol? This was a very enjoyable and engaging thriller, the reveals and twists will shock you. This was a very fun, fast paced read. Highly recommended.
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