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You Made Me Do This
Not yet published
Expected 9 Feb 27A perfect marriage dies in paradise.
Sienna Langley was a workaday marriage therapist. Then her bestselling book made her a star. Now she and devoted hubby Colby are the internet’s favorite couple to love and relentlessly scrutinize.
Staying in a glamorous Bali villa for their anniversary should be a joyous time. But Sienna feels something bad coming on. There’s a new letter from her stalker, “Number One Fan.” There’s Cassidy, the young female butler assigned to them, whose attentions seem unnervingly personal. And Colby keeps planning romantic excursions that Sienna can't bring herself to attend.
When tragedy strikes in paradise, whispers ripple through the Was it an accident … or something far more sinister? As suspicion swirls and secrets surface, it becomes clear that nothing about this trip―or this marriage―is what it seems.
Sienna Langley was a workaday marriage therapist. Then her bestselling book made her a star. Now she and devoted hubby Colby are the internet’s favorite couple to love and relentlessly scrutinize.
Staying in a glamorous Bali villa for their anniversary should be a joyous time. But Sienna feels something bad coming on. There’s a new letter from her stalker, “Number One Fan.” There’s Cassidy, the young female butler assigned to them, whose attentions seem unnervingly personal. And Colby keeps planning romantic excursions that Sienna can't bring herself to attend.
When tragedy strikes in paradise, whispers ripple through the Was it an accident … or something far more sinister? As suspicion swirls and secrets surface, it becomes clear that nothing about this trip―or this marriage―is what it seems.
299 pages, Paperback
Expected publication February 9, 2027
About the author
Jesse Q. Sutanto
30 books10.5k followersJesse Q Sutanto grew up shuttling back and forth between Jakarta and Singapore and sees both cities as her homes. She has a Masters degree from Oxford University, though she has yet to figure out a way of saying that without sounding obnoxious. She is currently living back in Jakarta on the same street as her parents and about seven hundred meddlesome aunties. When she's not tearing out her hair over her latest WIP, she spends her time baking and playing FPS games. Oh, and also being a mom to her two kids.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
I think this would be a good book for someone who is new to the mystery/thriller genre! Personally, I found the twists to be predictable and this fell a little flat for me!
I think this would be a good book for someone who is new to the mystery/thriller genre! Personally, I found the twists to be predictable and this fell a little flat for me!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Sienna, an Author of 3 bestselling marriage books, and a therapist, heads to Bali with her husband Colby on a luxurious anniversary getaway. But her stalker, “Number One Fan,” knows her every move and the disturbing emails keep coming while there.
The Bali resort is absolutely gorgeous and luxurious, and the help from their personal butler, Cassidy, is top notch. The perfect vacation!
The best part of the book was when things took a dark turn. I was hooked watching everything unravel, and I REALLY enjoyed it! Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story threw another curveball. I didn't see that coming! Secrets, suspicion, and that constant feeling that something is seriously wrong made this such a fun psychological thriller to binge!
Read on release day 02 / 09 /2027.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the book.
The Bali resort is absolutely gorgeous and luxurious, and the help from their personal butler, Cassidy, is top notch. The perfect vacation!
The best part of the book was when things took a dark turn. I was hooked watching everything unravel, and I REALLY enjoyed it! Just when I thought I had things figured out, the story threw another curveball. I didn't see that coming! Secrets, suspicion, and that constant feeling that something is seriously wrong made this such a fun psychological thriller to binge!
Read on release day 02 / 09 /2027.
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Why bother being good when bad people get away with doing bad things all the time?"
This was one crazy story that melted the hours of the night away as I flew through it in one go. Seeing that this was a story that's centered around a supposedly perfect couple, the public eye candy and blissfully in love even after so many years of marriage - much like so many recently popular thrillers - its core twist felt rather predictable and even anticipated.
That being said, the location and secondary characters were absolutely superb. And the final reveal felt very satisfactory.
Overall, it's a fast-paced read that's filled with action and strong female characters, so prepare to get carried away in the familiar one-more-chapter way. If you loved Freida McFadden's The Housemaid and Liv Constantine's The Last Mrs. Parrish, you will devour this!
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this ARC.
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This was one crazy story that melted the hours of the night away as I flew through it in one go. Seeing that this was a story that's centered around a supposedly perfect couple, the public eye candy and blissfully in love even after so many years of marriage - much like so many recently popular thrillers - its core twist felt rather predictable and even anticipated.
That being said, the location and secondary characters were absolutely superb. And the final reveal felt very satisfactory.
Overall, it's a fast-paced read that's filled with action and strong female characters, so prepare to get carried away in the familiar one-more-chapter way. If you loved Freida McFadden's The Housemaid and Liv Constantine's The Last Mrs. Parrish, you will devour this!
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the opportunity to read this ARC.
----------
Follow for more of my reviews:
TikTok
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you for the publisher and NetGalley for an Advanced Reader Copy!
I hate to say it, but after giving myself a week to sit with this book and reflect on my thoughts, my feelings haven’t changed. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I found the entire situation unrealistic and incredibly predictable. I had a pretty good idea of how everything would unfold from the very beginning, and not a single twist managed to surprise me.
I felt like I had to suspend my disbelief way too much to buy into anything happening in this book. The way the characters behaved felt so immature, especially considering they were supposed to be 40 years old. I couldn’t wrap my head around how no one had stopped to ask questions or connect the dots at any point throughout their adult lives. So much of the plot relied on people simply not questioning things that clearly didn’t add up, and that made it difficult for me to fully invest in the story.
What makes this especially disappointing is that I genuinely love this author’s other books. I’ve always enjoyed their writing style because it pulls me in and makes it hard to put their books down. Unfortunately, that just wasn’t the case here. The writing itself felt noticeably different from what I’m used to from this author, and I struggled to get immersed in the story. I really wanted to love this one, but ultimately, it just didn’t work for me.
Will I continue reading from this author? Absolutely!
I hate to say it, but after giving myself a week to sit with this book and reflect on my thoughts, my feelings haven’t changed. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I found the entire situation unrealistic and incredibly predictable. I had a pretty good idea of how everything would unfold from the very beginning, and not a single twist managed to surprise me.
I felt like I had to suspend my disbelief way too much to buy into anything happening in this book. The way the characters behaved felt so immature, especially considering they were supposed to be 40 years old. I couldn’t wrap my head around how no one had stopped to ask questions or connect the dots at any point throughout their adult lives. So much of the plot relied on people simply not questioning things that clearly didn’t add up, and that made it difficult for me to fully invest in the story.
What makes this especially disappointing is that I genuinely love this author’s other books. I’ve always enjoyed their writing style because it pulls me in and makes it hard to put their books down. Unfortunately, that just wasn’t the case here. The writing itself felt noticeably different from what I’m used to from this author, and I struggled to get immersed in the story. I really wanted to love this one, but ultimately, it just didn’t work for me.
Will I continue reading from this author? Absolutely!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3/5
Probably my least favourite of Sutanto’s work so far. I’ve been a fan of her books, but sadly, this one just didn’t work for me. This is the first time I’ve genuinely struggled with one of her books.
The reason I’m still giving it 3 stars is that I love her writing. It’s very easy to read, and I wouldn’t say this is a bad book by any means. It’s just… I expected more from Sutanto because her previous works had set such a high standard.
The plot was very predictable. I’m no Sherlock Holmes, but I guessed almost immediately who the number one fan was. The book also made it very obvious that one particular character was “off,” which unfortunately took away from the jaw-dropping moments when the twists were finally revealed. Instead of being shocked, I mostly found myself thinking, “Yep, I knew it.”
The characters were surprisingly plain and forgettable. None of them particularly stood out to me, and I was genuinely disappointed by that because I usually love the characters Sutanto creates. In the end, the main thing that kept me reading was my love for Sutanto’s previous books and the hope that this would eventually become brilliant. Unfortunately, it never quite got there for me.
I did like the premise and what Sutanto was trying to explore. I thought the idea of creating a character who is manipulative, narcissistic, and cruel while remaining completely undetected by the people around them was interesting. I also appreciated how the book touches on forms of abusive behaviour that are often overlooked or dismissed by society. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t land for me.
As always, Sutanto’s writing is incredibly readable, and that remains one of my favourite things about her books. As a non-native English speaker, I find her writing effortless to read. I often recommend her books to friends who want to read more books in English but don’t want to start with young adult or children’s books. Her writing is accessible without feeling simplistic, which is something I really appreciate.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Probably my least favourite of Sutanto’s work so far. I’ve been a fan of her books, but sadly, this one just didn’t work for me. This is the first time I’ve genuinely struggled with one of her books.
The reason I’m still giving it 3 stars is that I love her writing. It’s very easy to read, and I wouldn’t say this is a bad book by any means. It’s just… I expected more from Sutanto because her previous works had set such a high standard.
The plot was very predictable. I’m no Sherlock Holmes, but I guessed almost immediately who the number one fan was. The book also made it very obvious that one particular character was “off,” which unfortunately took away from the jaw-dropping moments when the twists were finally revealed. Instead of being shocked, I mostly found myself thinking, “Yep, I knew it.”
The characters were surprisingly plain and forgettable. None of them particularly stood out to me, and I was genuinely disappointed by that because I usually love the characters Sutanto creates. In the end, the main thing that kept me reading was my love for Sutanto’s previous books and the hope that this would eventually become brilliant. Unfortunately, it never quite got there for me.
I did like the premise and what Sutanto was trying to explore. I thought the idea of creating a character who is manipulative, narcissistic, and cruel while remaining completely undetected by the people around them was interesting. I also appreciated how the book touches on forms of abusive behaviour that are often overlooked or dismissed by society. Unfortunately, the execution just didn’t land for me.
As always, Sutanto’s writing is incredibly readable, and that remains one of my favourite things about her books. As a non-native English speaker, I find her writing effortless to read. I often recommend her books to friends who want to read more books in English but don’t want to start with young adult or children’s books. Her writing is accessible without feeling simplistic, which is something I really appreciate.
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
September 20, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas &Mercer for the ARC of this title.
Colby and Sienna seem to be the perfect couple with the perfect marriage but while on a much needed trip to Bali everything changes.
I did find this book to be bingeable but it was just so far fetched. The twists and turns weren’t as shocking as I would have liked. None of the characters were likable, which is fine but by the end I wasn’t rooting for anyone. Overall a decent read 3.5 stars.
Colby and Sienna seem to be the perfect couple with the perfect marriage but while on a much needed trip to Bali everything changes.
I did find this book to be bingeable but it was just so far fetched. The twists and turns weren’t as shocking as I would have liked. None of the characters were likable, which is fine but by the end I wasn’t rooting for anyone. Overall a decent read 3.5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This one intrigued me right away as something was off with the characters and you weren’t sure who to trust. Someone is up to no good but you aren’t sure who until the end. Sienna is an author who has a book rocket to the top of best sellers list. This gave her money, influence, and prestige and her marriage scrutinized by the media. She had some who praised her and some haters. Someone called her number one fan seems to comment daily and follow her every move.
Colby plans a getaway to Bali to celebrate their anniversary in a luxury beach resort. Sienna is not embracing all the activities her husband has planned. The perfect couple might not be so cozy behind closed doors. The tensions build as each day brings more distance between the couple. You feel that something devastating is coming up but not sure who will be left standing.
The characters were all flawed but so well written with each one caring their own burdens from childhood shaping who they turned into.
Colby plans a getaway to Bali to celebrate their anniversary in a luxury beach resort. Sienna is not embracing all the activities her husband has planned. The perfect couple might not be so cozy behind closed doors. The tensions build as each day brings more distance between the couple. You feel that something devastating is coming up but not sure who will be left standing.
The characters were all flawed but so well written with each one caring their own burdens from childhood shaping who they turned into.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fast paced book that I devoured in a couple of sittings… easy to fall into and entertaining. I really loved Vera Wong and was expecting a mystery like that but this was darker and more serious. When a couple go to a gorgeous island paradise to reconnect for a second honeymoon after the wife’s novel becomes a runaway success, their relationship seems to fall apart. Everything Colby wants to do for Sienna to rekindle their flame is rejected by her. She doesn’t like the romantic treetop spa day he has planned. She refuses to go biking with him. She won’t try scuba diving… But she encourages their beautiful young butler to join her husband in all these activities. And what is sienna doing while Colby is experiencing the best Bali has to offer? No spoilers here, but the ending was totally unexpected! I really enjoy this authors writing and I’m hoping to read more by her soon! Thank you, NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sierra Langley is a best selling author and relationship therapist. She is across social media showing her loving husband, Colby and answering relationship questions.
Colby is taking her away on a two week trip to Bali. He wants Sierra to clear her mind, destress from work and focus on reconnecting with him.
This is an exclusive resort with a private butler. Cassidy, their butler seems excited to assist the author, that she follows online.
This trip is really about to show everyone's true colors. This is a quick, fun read. It is told in dual timelines and from multiple POVs. Makes you wonder about those couples who seem so happy and together on social media.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Colby is taking her away on a two week trip to Bali. He wants Sierra to clear her mind, destress from work and focus on reconnecting with him.
This is an exclusive resort with a private butler. Cassidy, their butler seems excited to assist the author, that she follows online.
This trip is really about to show everyone's true colors. This is a quick, fun read. It is told in dual timelines and from multiple POVs. Makes you wonder about those couples who seem so happy and together on social media.
Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“You Made Me Do This” by Jesse Q. Sutanto is another fast-paced domestic thriller, packed with unreliable characters and some great twists. It does take a little while to pick up speed, though.
The story alternates between three POVs: Sienna (a marriage therapist and bestselling author), Colby (her pushover husband), and their resort butler Cassidy. From the start, something feels off about all of them. Sienna comes across as a cold-hearted, spoiled, power-tripping woman who constantly trashes her loving husband’s plans. Colby seems completely obsessed with his wife and often goes overboard.
Then there’s Cassidy, who appears to be the innocent outsider just doing her job at a Bali resort paradise.
In the first half of the book, Sienna keeps disappearing while Colby works on elaborate anniversary plans, and Cassidy becomes more deeply entangled in their relationship. As the story progresses, you start to wonder whether it’s you or the characters who are losing their grip on reality. The book has plenty of twists and surprises to keep things interesting, though it’s not my favorite from this author. I did enjoy the Bali setting and the concept behind the story.
“You Made Me Do This” by Jesse Q. Sutanto is another fast-paced domestic thriller, packed with unreliable characters and some great twists. It does take a little while to pick up speed, though.
The story alternates between three POVs: Sienna (a marriage therapist and bestselling author), Colby (her pushover husband), and their resort butler Cassidy. From the start, something feels off about all of them. Sienna comes across as a cold-hearted, spoiled, power-tripping woman who constantly trashes her loving husband’s plans. Colby seems completely obsessed with his wife and often goes overboard.
Then there’s Cassidy, who appears to be the innocent outsider just doing her job at a Bali resort paradise.
In the first half of the book, Sienna keeps disappearing while Colby works on elaborate anniversary plans, and Cassidy becomes more deeply entangled in their relationship. As the story progresses, you start to wonder whether it’s you or the characters who are losing their grip on reality. The book has plenty of twists and surprises to keep things interesting, though it’s not my favorite from this author. I did enjoy the Bali setting and the concept behind the story.
October 2, 2026
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the free advance copy of this novel. Here are my honest thoughts…
This one was so fast paced, easy to read, and I really enjoyed the writing. It’s one of those books where you can just sit back, enjoy the ride, and you don’t have to think too much about it, which I personally love.
In the first half of the book, it really took time setting the scene and learning the backstory of the characters so there wasn’t anything wildly interesting happening at first. However, around the halfway mark things really started to take off and I could not put it down. There were a few twists that I thought were done very well, despite there being some slight predictability.
Overall this was such an entertaining, twisty read with a well played out ending.
I definitely recommend this one and I will be reading more from this author in the future.
This one was so fast paced, easy to read, and I really enjoyed the writing. It’s one of those books where you can just sit back, enjoy the ride, and you don’t have to think too much about it, which I personally love.
In the first half of the book, it really took time setting the scene and learning the backstory of the characters so there wasn’t anything wildly interesting happening at first. However, around the halfway mark things really started to take off and I could not put it down. There were a few twists that I thought were done very well, despite there being some slight predictability.
Overall this was such an entertaining, twisty read with a well played out ending.
I definitely recommend this one and I will be reading more from this author in the future.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Jesse Q. Sutanto is an autoread author for me, so I was thrilled when Netgalley granted my eARC wish! I love Sutanto's cozy mysteries and YA, but adult thrillers were just okay in my opinion. This is the first one that I flew through because it was so Easy to read. It also had some Twists I didn't see coming, so I liked watching those play out. The plot was overall steady except for a couple of twists, but it was the perfect length, even if the ending was just a little too perfect, ha.
September 30, 2026
Great beginning, great middle, satisfying ending! All with lies and deceit and some blow-your-mind reveals. Colby and Sienna seem like the perfect couple. We all know better than that. And enter Cassidy, who is about to throw a wrench into their vacation plans. Such a fun, fast read!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
Thank you to NetGalley for this arc!
September 12, 2026
This was such a fun binge worthy story!! When Sienna (a famous author) and her devoted husband go to stay at an exclusive resort in Bali things are not what they seem. I really did not know who to trust in this story and that just made it all the more fun.
This is definitely a book you will read quickly trying to find out the motivations for each character and what is exactly going on. I really enjoyed this one!
This is definitely a book you will read quickly trying to find out the motivations for each character and what is exactly going on. I really enjoyed this one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
While this was a quick and easy read, I found myself predicting the twists and turns. I do think this book will be enjoyed by people who don’t read mystery books as often but if you are an avid thriller reader you may not have that much fun with this one.
While this was a quick and easy read, I found myself predicting the twists and turns. I do think this book will be enjoyed by people who don’t read mystery books as often but if you are an avid thriller reader you may not have that much fun with this one.
August 7, 2026
I love this author so I did not want to miss this ARC. It was really interesting and it was hard to figure out what was going on. I thought the twists weren’t that strong but it was a wild ride. I always enjoy a thriller set in a resort and this one did not disappoint. This will be out in February of 2027.
September 16, 2026
*Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*
I requested based on the premise of this book - a happy couple travels to Bali for some rest and relaxation only to find that this vacation isn't what it seems. I loved the setting, particularly with the descriptions of food. And the plot? Compelling. The problem for me was that everything was so obvious and the story lacked tension. Compared to some of the author's other thrillers, this one fell short.
I requested based on the premise of this book - a happy couple travels to Bali for some rest and relaxation only to find that this vacation isn't what it seems. I loved the setting, particularly with the descriptions of food. And the plot? Compelling. The problem for me was that everything was so obvious and the story lacked tension. Compared to some of the author's other thrillers, this one fell short.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“You Made Me Do This” by Jesse Q. Sutanto is basically murder meets enough red flags to fill an entire airport runway. Like many of Sutanto’s books, this one involves unreliable characters, and I absolutely loved the twists depicted throughout.
Sienna, Colby, and their resort butler Cassidy are the three POVs, and right away something feels very off. From Colby and Cassidy’s perspectives, Sienna comes across as cold, rude, secretive, and completely uninterested in enjoying this supposedly romantic anniversary vacation. Meanwhile, Colby seems absolutely obsessed with her. Like, way too obsessed. He practically worships Sienna while also being incredibly controlling, and the more you learn about their marriage, the more those little red flags start turning into giant waving banners.
And then there’s Cassidy, who initially seems like the innocent outsider just doing her job at this ridiculously fancy Bali resort. Except she has secrets too.
The first half is definitely more of a slow burn, with Sienna constantly disappearing, Colby trying to force their perfect anniversary plans, and Cassidy getting increasingly tangled up in their relationship. But I actually liked watching all those little cracks appear because it all builds up to the major twist.
The genius move is that we don't get Sienna's perspective right away. You're forced to judge her based on what Colby and Cassidy tell you, which makes her seem like a pretty awful person. Then, when her POV finally arrives, suddenly you're looking back at everything differently.
And honestly, Colby is such a walking red flag that I wanted to yell at the other characters through the pages. The emotional manipulation, isolation, and need to make Sienna completely dependent on him become increasingly obvious, and it completely changes how you view their marriage. Sienna, meanwhile, turns out to be much smarter and more calculating than she initially appears.
The Bali setting is also perfect for this kind of thriller. Gorgeous beaches and luxury resorts on the outside, increasingly disturbing secrets underneath. Throw in a “Number One Fan” sending creepy messages, a dead body, and a group of people who are all hiding something, and you've got yourself one messy vacation.
I did figure out some of the twists, but there were still enough surprises to keep me entertained. The story definitely asks you to suspend your disbelief in a few places, especially toward the end, but honestly? I didn't care. I was having too much fun watching this absolute disaster of a situation unfold.
And the ending? Not what I expected. Everything comes together in a surprisingly satisfying way, and I definitely appreciated that the various plot threads actually got wrapped up.
Overall, “You Made Me Do This” was a twisty, fast-moving psychological thriller with a glamorous setting. It may not be the most realistic thriller ever written, but if you're willing to just buckle up and enjoy the ride, it's a ridiculously fun one.
“You Made Me Do This” by Jesse Q. Sutanto is basically murder meets enough red flags to fill an entire airport runway. Like many of Sutanto’s books, this one involves unreliable characters, and I absolutely loved the twists depicted throughout.
Sienna, Colby, and their resort butler Cassidy are the three POVs, and right away something feels very off. From Colby and Cassidy’s perspectives, Sienna comes across as cold, rude, secretive, and completely uninterested in enjoying this supposedly romantic anniversary vacation. Meanwhile, Colby seems absolutely obsessed with her. Like, way too obsessed. He practically worships Sienna while also being incredibly controlling, and the more you learn about their marriage, the more those little red flags start turning into giant waving banners.
And then there’s Cassidy, who initially seems like the innocent outsider just doing her job at this ridiculously fancy Bali resort. Except she has secrets too.
The first half is definitely more of a slow burn, with Sienna constantly disappearing, Colby trying to force their perfect anniversary plans, and Cassidy getting increasingly tangled up in their relationship. But I actually liked watching all those little cracks appear because it all builds up to the major twist.
The genius move is that we don't get Sienna's perspective right away. You're forced to judge her based on what Colby and Cassidy tell you, which makes her seem like a pretty awful person. Then, when her POV finally arrives, suddenly you're looking back at everything differently.
And honestly, Colby is such a walking red flag that I wanted to yell at the other characters through the pages. The emotional manipulation, isolation, and need to make Sienna completely dependent on him become increasingly obvious, and it completely changes how you view their marriage. Sienna, meanwhile, turns out to be much smarter and more calculating than she initially appears.
The Bali setting is also perfect for this kind of thriller. Gorgeous beaches and luxury resorts on the outside, increasingly disturbing secrets underneath. Throw in a “Number One Fan” sending creepy messages, a dead body, and a group of people who are all hiding something, and you've got yourself one messy vacation.
I did figure out some of the twists, but there were still enough surprises to keep me entertained. The story definitely asks you to suspend your disbelief in a few places, especially toward the end, but honestly? I didn't care. I was having too much fun watching this absolute disaster of a situation unfold.
And the ending? Not what I expected. Everything comes together in a surprisingly satisfying way, and I definitely appreciated that the various plot threads actually got wrapped up.
Overall, “You Made Me Do This” was a twisty, fast-moving psychological thriller with a glamorous setting. It may not be the most realistic thriller ever written, but if you're willing to just buckle up and enjoy the ride, it's a ridiculously fun one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5 stars
I really enjoyed this one! You Made Me Do This is definitely a slow-burn thriller, but for me, the payoff was absolutely worth the wait.
Before the story even begins, Jesse Q. Sutanto dedicates the book to women everywhere—and after finishing it, I think the book lives up to that dedication. This is a very female-focused thriller, and that was one of the things I appreciated most about it.
I’m already a huge fan of Sutanto’s writing. Her cozy mysteries are top-tier for me, and I’ve also really enjoyed several of her romances. I love that she can move between genres that are so wildly different and make each feel distinctly her own. Her thrillers have been a little more hit-or-miss for me, though, particularly when it comes to the way women are portrayed. You Made Me Do This is easily my favorite of her thrillers so far.
Sienna Langley is a marriage therapist whose self-help book, The Three Marriages, was originally only moderately successful. The book argues that our first marriage is to ourselves—the relationship we have with ourselves before we can have a successful relationship with someone else. Then an influencer discovers the book, declares that it changed her life, and suddenly Sienna is wildly successful. She and her husband, Colby, become a famous online couple with plenty of money, followers…and scrutiny.
When Sienna and Colby travel to Bali for a luxurious vacation, things begin to feel increasingly unsettling. Sienna has been receiving disturbing messages from a stalker, and somehow a letter from this person has followed her all the way to their resort. Add in their young butler, Cassidy, who seems unusually interested in the couple, and there’s a growing sense that something is very wrong in paradise.
This is a true slow burn. Most of the action happens toward the end, and I can absolutely see some readers feeling that the beginning is too slow and the ending too action-packed. Personally, the pacing worked really well for me. I enjoyed spending time with these characters and letting that sense of unease build before everything finally exploded.
And when it does? The ending is SO satisfying.
The surprises landed exactly when they needed to. There were moments when I started putting things together just before the reveal, which is actually my favorite kind of thriller experience—I want the author to give me enough clues that I could figure something out without making the answer obvious from the beginning.
This is less of a jump-scare thriller and more of a thoughtful, twisty popcorn thriller with a strong focus on women, marriage, identity, and the difference between the life we present to the world and what is actually happening behind closed doors.
Basically: give me a fireplace, a bowl of popcorn, and this book on a cold winter weekend.
One of my first favorite thrillers of 2027—and definitely my favorite Jesse Q. Sutanto thriller yet.
⭐️ 4.5/5 stars
You Made Me Do This publishes February 9, 2027 from Thomas & Mercer.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced listening copy!
I really enjoyed this one! You Made Me Do This is definitely a slow-burn thriller, but for me, the payoff was absolutely worth the wait.
Before the story even begins, Jesse Q. Sutanto dedicates the book to women everywhere—and after finishing it, I think the book lives up to that dedication. This is a very female-focused thriller, and that was one of the things I appreciated most about it.
I’m already a huge fan of Sutanto’s writing. Her cozy mysteries are top-tier for me, and I’ve also really enjoyed several of her romances. I love that she can move between genres that are so wildly different and make each feel distinctly her own. Her thrillers have been a little more hit-or-miss for me, though, particularly when it comes to the way women are portrayed. You Made Me Do This is easily my favorite of her thrillers so far.
Sienna Langley is a marriage therapist whose self-help book, The Three Marriages, was originally only moderately successful. The book argues that our first marriage is to ourselves—the relationship we have with ourselves before we can have a successful relationship with someone else. Then an influencer discovers the book, declares that it changed her life, and suddenly Sienna is wildly successful. She and her husband, Colby, become a famous online couple with plenty of money, followers…and scrutiny.
When Sienna and Colby travel to Bali for a luxurious vacation, things begin to feel increasingly unsettling. Sienna has been receiving disturbing messages from a stalker, and somehow a letter from this person has followed her all the way to their resort. Add in their young butler, Cassidy, who seems unusually interested in the couple, and there’s a growing sense that something is very wrong in paradise.
This is a true slow burn. Most of the action happens toward the end, and I can absolutely see some readers feeling that the beginning is too slow and the ending too action-packed. Personally, the pacing worked really well for me. I enjoyed spending time with these characters and letting that sense of unease build before everything finally exploded.
And when it does? The ending is SO satisfying.
The surprises landed exactly when they needed to. There were moments when I started putting things together just before the reveal, which is actually my favorite kind of thriller experience—I want the author to give me enough clues that I could figure something out without making the answer obvious from the beginning.
This is less of a jump-scare thriller and more of a thoughtful, twisty popcorn thriller with a strong focus on women, marriage, identity, and the difference between the life we present to the world and what is actually happening behind closed doors.
Basically: give me a fireplace, a bowl of popcorn, and this book on a cold winter weekend.
One of my first favorite thrillers of 2027—and definitely my favorite Jesse Q. Sutanto thriller yet.
⭐️ 4.5/5 stars
You Made Me Do This publishes February 9, 2027 from Thomas & Mercer.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced listening copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You Made Me Do This by Jesse Q. Sutanto (Feb. 2027) [reading in August 2026]
299-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Psychological Domestic Suspense
Movie Rating Equivalent: R
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇮🇩 🏨💒💌🌐
Featuring: Praise, Bibliography for Jesse Q. Sutanto, Parts, Multiple POVs, Kuta, Indonesia; Bali, Bestselling Author, Couple's Therapist, Marital Conflict, Vacation, Fanatic Stalker, Hotel Resort, Personal Butler, Social Media Influencer, High School, Flashbacks, Advice, Infidelity, Drugs, Family Dynamics, Toxic Relationships, Friendships
You Made Me Do This is my 10th book by Jesse Q. Sutanto (and the 8th I've completed). What I love about her stories is that I never know exactly what genre I'm going to get. Even if I know I'm reading a mystery thriller, I don't know if it will be psychological suspense or a cozy mystery—she even dabbles in romance! That unpredictability is part of the excitement when opening her books.
Based on the cover, I figured this one leaned more toward psychological suspense, along the lines of I'm Not Done With You Yet or You Will Never Be Me , and I was absolutely right. However, while the story had a very strong opening and tons of humor mixed in along the way, the last third felt very "popcorn thriller." It was like I was watching an HBO movie, and then someone suddenly switched the channel to Lifetime. It wasn't anticlimactic, but it was a bit of a downgrade in the writing style, which is why I had to give it four stars instead of five. It was well on its way until it wasn't.
Recommend to others: Yes. Although there was a decline in execution at the end, it’s still a solid story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Songs for the Soundtrack: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frédéric Chopin, Niccolò Paganini
Books and Authors Mentioned: Read Between the Lies by Jesse Q. Sutanto, "Bad Art Friend" by Robert Kolker, Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto, The Love Wager by Lynn Painter, Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho, Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic by Lauren Ho, Knives Out by Rian Johnson, The Maid by Nita Prose, My Summer Darlings by May Cobb, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray; The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman; Stephen King, Jean Sibelius
299-page Kindle Ebook
Genre: Mystery Thriller, Psychological Domestic Suspense
Movie Rating Equivalent: R
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🇮🇩 🏨💒💌🌐
Featuring: Praise, Bibliography for Jesse Q. Sutanto, Parts, Multiple POVs, Kuta, Indonesia; Bali, Bestselling Author, Couple's Therapist, Marital Conflict, Vacation, Fanatic Stalker, Hotel Resort, Personal Butler, Social Media Influencer, High School, Flashbacks, Advice, Infidelity, Drugs, Family Dynamics, Toxic Relationships, Friendships
You Made Me Do This is my 10th book by Jesse Q. Sutanto (and the 8th I've completed). What I love about her stories is that I never know exactly what genre I'm going to get. Even if I know I'm reading a mystery thriller, I don't know if it will be psychological suspense or a cozy mystery—she even dabbles in romance! That unpredictability is part of the excitement when opening her books.
Based on the cover, I figured this one leaned more toward psychological suspense, along the lines of I'm Not Done With You Yet or You Will Never Be Me , and I was absolutely right. However, while the story had a very strong opening and tons of humor mixed in along the way, the last third felt very "popcorn thriller." It was like I was watching an HBO movie, and then someone suddenly switched the channel to Lifetime. It wasn't anticlimactic, but it was a bit of a downgrade in the writing style, which is why I had to give it four stars instead of five. It was well on its way until it wasn't.
Recommend to others: Yes. Although there was a decline in execution at the end, it’s still a solid story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Songs for the Soundtrack: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frédéric Chopin, Niccolò Paganini
Books and Authors Mentioned: Read Between the Lies by Jesse Q. Sutanto, "Bad Art Friend" by Robert Kolker, Till Death Do Us Part by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto, The Love Wager by Lynn Painter, Last Tang Standing by Lauren Ho, Lucie Yi Is Not A Romantic by Lauren Ho, Knives Out by Rian Johnson, The Maid by Nita Prose, My Summer Darlings by May Cobb, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus by John Gray; The Five Love Languages: How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate by Gary Chapman; Stephen King, Jean Sibelius
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒑 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒃𝒔𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒏?
Marriage therapist and bestselling author Sienna Langley is supposed to be celebrating her anniversary with her husband Colby at a breathtaking villa in Bali. Instead, she's receiving disturbing letters from someone calling themselves "Number One Fan," their butler seems a little too invested in their lives, and the perfect getaway begins unraveling with alarming speed. Then tragedy strikes, secrets start surfacing, and from that moment on I strongly recommend knowing as little as possible. Trust me. This is one of those books where every page is another opportunity for the floor to disappear beneath your feet.
I finished this in less than twenty-four hours, which should tell you everything you need to know. You know that feeling when your entire body relaxes when you settle in with a book and you know within just a few pages that it's going to be amazing? I'm also not being hyperbolic when I say I audibly gasped more than once. There were multiple occasions where I caught myself having full conversations with absolutely no one because this book simply refused to behave. Every time I thought I'd finally figured out what was happening, another chapter would come along and casually dismantle my entire theory. The alternating points of view are fantastic, but the chapters from Number One Fan are on another level. They add this delicious layer of unease that keeps you questioning everything you thought you knew, and every time that voice appeared, I found myself even more invested.
This is one of those thrillers that rewards you for surrendering to the chaos instead of trying to outsmart it. Yes, you'll have to suspend your disbelief here and there, but once I stopped asking questions and just let the story drag me wherever it wanted to go, I had an absolute blast. This author keeps finding new ways to pull the rug out from under you without ever losing sight of the fun. I reached the final page, stared at the wall for a solid minute, and immediately wanted to find someone else who had already read it because there was absolutely no chance I was processing all of this on my own. Go in blind. Then come back so we can ask each other what the hell we just read. So many thanks to Thomas and Mercer for the early copy that will publish February 9, 2027.
Marriage therapist and bestselling author Sienna Langley is supposed to be celebrating her anniversary with her husband Colby at a breathtaking villa in Bali. Instead, she's receiving disturbing letters from someone calling themselves "Number One Fan," their butler seems a little too invested in their lives, and the perfect getaway begins unraveling with alarming speed. Then tragedy strikes, secrets start surfacing, and from that moment on I strongly recommend knowing as little as possible. Trust me. This is one of those books where every page is another opportunity for the floor to disappear beneath your feet.
I finished this in less than twenty-four hours, which should tell you everything you need to know. You know that feeling when your entire body relaxes when you settle in with a book and you know within just a few pages that it's going to be amazing? I'm also not being hyperbolic when I say I audibly gasped more than once. There were multiple occasions where I caught myself having full conversations with absolutely no one because this book simply refused to behave. Every time I thought I'd finally figured out what was happening, another chapter would come along and casually dismantle my entire theory. The alternating points of view are fantastic, but the chapters from Number One Fan are on another level. They add this delicious layer of unease that keeps you questioning everything you thought you knew, and every time that voice appeared, I found myself even more invested.
This is one of those thrillers that rewards you for surrendering to the chaos instead of trying to outsmart it. Yes, you'll have to suspend your disbelief here and there, but once I stopped asking questions and just let the story drag me wherever it wanted to go, I had an absolute blast. This author keeps finding new ways to pull the rug out from under you without ever losing sight of the fun. I reached the final page, stared at the wall for a solid minute, and immediately wanted to find someone else who had already read it because there was absolutely no chance I was processing all of this on my own. Go in blind. Then come back so we can ask each other what the hell we just read. So many thanks to Thomas and Mercer for the early copy that will publish February 9, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This was another that I saved for vacation, and it’s pure coincidence that it ended up initially feeling super similar to You Let Me In, which I read right before it. They drift apart eventually, but the similarities were striking enough at first that I almost put it aside in favor of something else. Author who has written one super successful book and is struggling to write a second? Check. Creepy stalker who seems to know too much? Check.
This definitely has White Lotus vibes, and in fact I think would make for a decent side plot in a future season (you wouldn’t be able to weave in all of the backstory, but maybe you wouldn’t necessarily need it? That’s Mike White’s problem). Anyway, Sienna and her husband Colby are basically the internet’s favorite couple. Sienna’s one successful book was called Your Three Marriages, and she now writes a newsletter and runs her own Instagram account where she gives marriage advice (I think she was actually a couples’ therapist before writing the book?). Colby is taking them on a fabulous vacation to Bali to relax and unwind and hopefully escape Sienna’s crazy stalker - Number One Fan. The chapters alternate between Colby and their “butler” at the resort, Cassidy. Colby is just a devoted husband trying to get his wife’s mind off her stalker and writer’s block, while Cassidy is just happy to have scored a plum job assignment and is hoping for a huge tip. Unfortunately, everything she books for the couple, Sienna bitchily refuses to do. But she keeps suggesting Cassidy join him instead, and while it’s super weird…she does (again, hoping for a big tip - you do what the crazy rich folks tell you to do!).
Obviously, Things Are Not What They Seem, and about 60% of the way through, tragedy strikes and the perspectives shift in a way that changes the story for the better (no spoilers, but this is the sort of thing I kept waiting for in Sutanto’s last thriller that just never came). My problem is that the event that precipitates the shift should have come way earlier in the story. It’s hard to say much more without spoilers, but for a good chunk of the first half of the book, I kept wondering where exactly we were going with all of this. Feels like maybe the first section could have been a LOT shorter.
This definitely has White Lotus vibes, and in fact I think would make for a decent side plot in a future season (you wouldn’t be able to weave in all of the backstory, but maybe you wouldn’t necessarily need it? That’s Mike White’s problem). Anyway, Sienna and her husband Colby are basically the internet’s favorite couple. Sienna’s one successful book was called Your Three Marriages, and she now writes a newsletter and runs her own Instagram account where she gives marriage advice (I think she was actually a couples’ therapist before writing the book?). Colby is taking them on a fabulous vacation to Bali to relax and unwind and hopefully escape Sienna’s crazy stalker - Number One Fan. The chapters alternate between Colby and their “butler” at the resort, Cassidy. Colby is just a devoted husband trying to get his wife’s mind off her stalker and writer’s block, while Cassidy is just happy to have scored a plum job assignment and is hoping for a huge tip. Unfortunately, everything she books for the couple, Sienna bitchily refuses to do. But she keeps suggesting Cassidy join him instead, and while it’s super weird…she does (again, hoping for a big tip - you do what the crazy rich folks tell you to do!).
Obviously, Things Are Not What They Seem, and about 60% of the way through, tragedy strikes and the perspectives shift in a way that changes the story for the better (no spoilers, but this is the sort of thing I kept waiting for in Sutanto’s last thriller that just never came). My problem is that the event that precipitates the shift should have come way earlier in the story. It’s hard to say much more without spoilers, but for a good chunk of the first half of the book, I kept wondering where exactly we were going with all of this. Feels like maybe the first section could have been a LOT shorter.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I don't know what was more insulting, the plot or the fact that the book actually exists.
This had an interesting premise, but it quickly devolved into one of the most absurd thrillers I've ever read. Every single twist relied on characters abandoning basic common sense, and the further I got, the more I felt like the book was gaslighting ME into believing any of this was remotely plausible.
Sienna is, quite literally, a marriage therapist. She built an entire career, and a bestselling book, around understanding relationships and human behaviour. Yet I'm supposed to believe this woman made it to nearly FORTY without questioning the reality she'd been living in? She never had one honest conversation with an old friend. Never questioned her family. Never thought, "Hmm... maybe I should verify literally ANYTHING?" It was impossible to take her seriously because her intelligence conveniently disappeared every time the plot needed her to be clueless.
Then there's Cassidy. I guessed who she was almost immediately, and I kept waiting for the inevitable twist on the twist. Instead... that was it. Her entire storyline felt like it existed solely to add pages to the book.
And the romance? Falling in love after a week? OH FUCK ME.
The unreliable narrator trope usually works on me every single time, but this was unreliable plot. By the final act, everyone was lying to everyone, conveniently deceiving each other with RIDICULOUS ease, and somehow nobody thought to have a normal conversation like functioning adults??? Make it make sense?! Every conflict could've been solved if these characters possessed even half a brain cell between them.
This book also did not need to be anywhere near 300 pages. You could cut two thirds of it, remove the repetitive circular thinking, and lose absolutely NOTHING.
The only reason this gets one star instead of none is because Jesse Q. Sutanto knows how to write a readable sentence. But unfortunately, being able to write a book also can't save it if the plot sucks ass.
By the end, I was just trying to comprehend how every single person in this book had survived into adulthood.
This had an interesting premise, but it quickly devolved into one of the most absurd thrillers I've ever read. Every single twist relied on characters abandoning basic common sense, and the further I got, the more I felt like the book was gaslighting ME into believing any of this was remotely plausible.
Sienna is, quite literally, a marriage therapist. She built an entire career, and a bestselling book, around understanding relationships and human behaviour. Yet I'm supposed to believe this woman made it to nearly FORTY without questioning the reality she'd been living in? She never had one honest conversation with an old friend. Never questioned her family. Never thought, "Hmm... maybe I should verify literally ANYTHING?" It was impossible to take her seriously because her intelligence conveniently disappeared every time the plot needed her to be clueless.
Then there's Cassidy. I guessed who she was almost immediately, and I kept waiting for the inevitable twist on the twist. Instead... that was it. Her entire storyline felt like it existed solely to add pages to the book.
And the romance? Falling in love after a week? OH FUCK ME.
The unreliable narrator trope usually works on me every single time, but this was unreliable plot. By the final act, everyone was lying to everyone, conveniently deceiving each other with RIDICULOUS ease, and somehow nobody thought to have a normal conversation like functioning adults??? Make it make sense?! Every conflict could've been solved if these characters possessed even half a brain cell between them.
This book also did not need to be anywhere near 300 pages. You could cut two thirds of it, remove the repetitive circular thinking, and lose absolutely NOTHING.
The only reason this gets one star instead of none is because Jesse Q. Sutanto knows how to write a readable sentence. But unfortunately, being able to write a book also can't save it if the plot sucks ass.
By the end, I was just trying to comprehend how every single person in this book had survived into adulthood.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Could I ask for a do-over and read this book again, with fresh eyes but somehow also knowing what I know now? It would seriously save me so many gasps and uneasy shifting! On the surface, the synopsis reads just like another average beachy thriller, with luxury vacation backdrops hiding the real darkness, seedy underbellies and festering secrets, but I promise you - this story of an ultra-successful marriage therapist and author, her devoted husband, and their dedicated vacation assistant/butler/helper/secretary/I’m out of appropriate nouns is quite unlike nearly anything you’ve ever read.
There’s something seriously wrong from the very beginning, something seriously eerie in the narration, like a sense of true foreboding: you’re reading an account of a story, of a life, of a series of events, and of course you are taking it at face value because why wouldn’t you, right, but at the same time, you’re acutely aware that every single instance could also be understood in a completely different way, and your head hurts with the implications of what this would mean for our main characters. In a lot of ways, it’s like looking through a slightly unhinged kaleidoscope that moves not only when you move it but also when you merely think about perhaps giving it a shake, and for the entire time, the tension is acutely palpable, you can actually feel it in the atmosphere, yet you can’t quite put your finger on it, which of course makes it so much worse.
After the final twist, my plea from the beginning of this review will make perfect sense: you’ll immediately want to go back and read the entire thing again, to see how you could have missed so much of it and if you should have somehow seen it coming, and if that isn’t a hallmark of a good book, I don’t know what is. Granted, the very ending is perhaps a bit too polished, and one of the major twists is pretty obvious, but by the time you figure it out, you’ll just be relieved that you finally understand something, so this might not be a bad thing, all things considered.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Jesse Q. Sutanto for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
There’s something seriously wrong from the very beginning, something seriously eerie in the narration, like a sense of true foreboding: you’re reading an account of a story, of a life, of a series of events, and of course you are taking it at face value because why wouldn’t you, right, but at the same time, you’re acutely aware that every single instance could also be understood in a completely different way, and your head hurts with the implications of what this would mean for our main characters. In a lot of ways, it’s like looking through a slightly unhinged kaleidoscope that moves not only when you move it but also when you merely think about perhaps giving it a shake, and for the entire time, the tension is acutely palpable, you can actually feel it in the atmosphere, yet you can’t quite put your finger on it, which of course makes it so much worse.
After the final twist, my plea from the beginning of this review will make perfect sense: you’ll immediately want to go back and read the entire thing again, to see how you could have missed so much of it and if you should have somehow seen it coming, and if that isn’t a hallmark of a good book, I don’t know what is. Granted, the very ending is perhaps a bit too polished, and one of the major twists is pretty obvious, but by the time you figure it out, you’ll just be relieved that you finally understand something, so this might not be a bad thing, all things considered.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer and Jesse Q. Sutanto for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I recently devoured both books in Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Vera Wong series, so I was very excited to pick up You Made Me Do This. This was a pretty big departure from the cozy mystery vibes of Vera Wong’s teahouse, but I enjoyed it. You Made Me Do This is a chaotic and twisty thriller, and it’s really fun as long as you don’t take it too seriously. I read the whole book in less than 24 hours, and probably would have finished it in just one sitting if I didn’t have to force myself to sleep at a reasonable hour.
Sienna Langley is a marriage therapist turned author turned social media star, and she is supposed to be on a luxurious vacation with her husband in Bali. The “romantic” getaway quickly takes a turn as secrets surface and relationships start to unravel. The first half dragged a little bit, but Part II was nonstop twists and grand reveals.
Somehow everyone is masterfully lying about everything to everyone, yet they’re still unable to tell when they are being deceived. It’s a little bit hard to believe that they could all be that clueless, but it makes for an interesting story. I thought I had it figured out early on, but I ended up being completely off. Alternating POVs between unreliable narrators kept me on my toes constantly.
There was so much build up, but the ending felt a little rushed. Suddenly everything wrapped up in a neat little bow, and then the book was over. I think more attention could have been given to the emotions of these characters at the end to better justify the drastic shift in their relationship in the final few pages. I appreciated the “happy” ending, I just wish it was expanded upon a little more.
Another great read by Jesse Q. Sutanto, who is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
Sienna Langley is a marriage therapist turned author turned social media star, and she is supposed to be on a luxurious vacation with her husband in Bali. The “romantic” getaway quickly takes a turn as secrets surface and relationships start to unravel. The first half dragged a little bit, but Part II was nonstop twists and grand reveals.
Somehow everyone is masterfully lying about everything to everyone, yet they’re still unable to tell when they are being deceived. It’s a little bit hard to believe that they could all be that clueless, but it makes for an interesting story. I thought I had it figured out early on, but I ended up being completely off. Alternating POVs between unreliable narrators kept me on my toes constantly.
There was so much build up, but the ending felt a little rushed. Suddenly everything wrapped up in a neat little bow, and then the book was over. I think more attention could have been given to the emotions of these characters at the end to better justify the drastic shift in their relationship in the final few pages. I appreciated the “happy” ending, I just wish it was expanded upon a little more.
Another great read by Jesse Q. Sutanto, who is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much Netgalley for an ARC of this book!!
Jesse’s at it again. I can’t decide what genre I get more excited for Jesse to write, but at this point, I’ll take any and everything. Her thrillers are particularly snappy though, and I’ve read quite a few of them this summer. This one might be her best yet!
First of all, I loved the setting. This is a perfect summer thriller, on the beautiful beaches of Bali, with the weird vibe of a relationship that isn’t what it seems. Without giving too much away, I really loved the way Jesse laid out these POVs - we start with Cassidy and Colby, then finally get introduced to Sienna’s side of things. Genius. It really had me doubting what direction she was going to take it, but finally the puzzle pieces started to come together in a really satisfying way.
I think there is something particularly devious and sinister about one of the characters, and Jesse illustrates this really well without having it be an obvious, over-the-top arc. I had a few guesses about what was happening and was mostly right, but it was a tribute to good writing that put me on that path. I like when characters sneak up on you and aren’t what they seem, but the writing makes you fall for their antics. I especially like when you get to read things from their POV, because even if you suspect that they’re an unreliable narrator, you HAVE to keep reading to satisfy your quest for the truth.
Overall, this is a fun rollercoaster ride with a satisfying conclusion. Did I have to suspend SOME disbelief in the end? Yeah, sure, a little, but nothing that took away from the reading experience. I enjoyed this thoroughly and can’t wait to grab a copy when it comes out.
PS - I’m obsessed with the dedication page. I knew I would come out of this satisfied with the conclusion and boyyyy was I ever.
Jesse’s at it again. I can’t decide what genre I get more excited for Jesse to write, but at this point, I’ll take any and everything. Her thrillers are particularly snappy though, and I’ve read quite a few of them this summer. This one might be her best yet!
First of all, I loved the setting. This is a perfect summer thriller, on the beautiful beaches of Bali, with the weird vibe of a relationship that isn’t what it seems. Without giving too much away, I really loved the way Jesse laid out these POVs - we start with Cassidy and Colby, then finally get introduced to Sienna’s side of things. Genius. It really had me doubting what direction she was going to take it, but finally the puzzle pieces started to come together in a really satisfying way.
I think there is something particularly devious and sinister about one of the characters, and Jesse illustrates this really well without having it be an obvious, over-the-top arc. I had a few guesses about what was happening and was mostly right, but it was a tribute to good writing that put me on that path. I like when characters sneak up on you and aren’t what they seem, but the writing makes you fall for their antics. I especially like when you get to read things from their POV, because even if you suspect that they’re an unreliable narrator, you HAVE to keep reading to satisfy your quest for the truth.
Overall, this is a fun rollercoaster ride with a satisfying conclusion. Did I have to suspend SOME disbelief in the end? Yeah, sure, a little, but nothing that took away from the reading experience. I enjoyed this thoroughly and can’t wait to grab a copy when it comes out.
PS - I’m obsessed with the dedication page. I knew I would come out of this satisfied with the conclusion and boyyyy was I ever.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
You Made Me Do This is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me turning pages late into the night.
Jesse Q. Sutanto masterfully builds an atmosphere of tension and unease, proving once again that she's an incredibly versatile storyteller. The novel follows Sienna and Colby, a perfect couple on an anniversary trip to Bali, but it quickly becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving.
What I loved most was the way the author slowly unraveled the layers of the characters and their relationships. No one felt 1-D, and I found myself constantly questioning my assumptions. The luxurious Bali setting added a vivid backdrop, creating a fascinating contrast between paradise like surroundings and the growing sense that something isn't quite right.
The pacing is steady and deliberate at first, allowing readers to settle into the story, before building into a tense and addictive read. Sutanto does an excellent job maintaining suspense without relying on cheap tricks, and the emotional dynamics between the characters felt just as compelling as the mystery itself.
This is a darker and more suspenseful novel than some of the author's previous works, but her talent for creating engaging characters and emotionally charged situations shines throughout. If you enjoy psychological thrillers filled with secrets, unreliable perceptions, and mounting tension, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Overall, it is an engrossing, well crafted thriller that delivers atmosphere, suspense, and memorable characters. I would happily recommend it to fans of domestic and psychological suspense.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy.
All opinions are my own.
Jesse Q. Sutanto masterfully builds an atmosphere of tension and unease, proving once again that she's an incredibly versatile storyteller. The novel follows Sienna and Colby, a perfect couple on an anniversary trip to Bali, but it quickly becomes clear that appearances can be deceiving.
What I loved most was the way the author slowly unraveled the layers of the characters and their relationships. No one felt 1-D, and I found myself constantly questioning my assumptions. The luxurious Bali setting added a vivid backdrop, creating a fascinating contrast between paradise like surroundings and the growing sense that something isn't quite right.
The pacing is steady and deliberate at first, allowing readers to settle into the story, before building into a tense and addictive read. Sutanto does an excellent job maintaining suspense without relying on cheap tricks, and the emotional dynamics between the characters felt just as compelling as the mystery itself.
This is a darker and more suspenseful novel than some of the author's previous works, but her talent for creating engaging characters and emotionally charged situations shines throughout. If you enjoy psychological thrillers filled with secrets, unreliable perceptions, and mounting tension, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Overall, it is an engrossing, well crafted thriller that delivers atmosphere, suspense, and memorable characters. I would happily recommend it to fans of domestic and psychological suspense.
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for providing an advance review copy.
All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 ⭐️ rounded down.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
I’ve been lucky enough to read several of Sutano’s books as ARCs but this thriller/suspense felt like a departure from her previous books.
I really liked the setup in part one. I think she did a great job setting the scene and helping us to understand the characters (from Colby & Cassidy’s perspectives.) It was quick the see the chemistry between them grow, though how much of it was authentic is up for debate. We see Sienna as cold, closed-off, and uninterested in her husband without a ton of insight into her character which makes sense given the later context in the book.
For me, Part Two fell flat. Though I did not guess Sienna’s motivation or the Cassidy plot twist, I didn’t feel like part 2 really had enough details to make it feel believe-able. It felt like Sutano was rushing to get to the end of the book which made it feel just that- rushed. I think the book would have been better served with a slightly more drawn-out ending. Things just wrapped up a little too quickly and perfectly for my liking!
I think splitting the book into two parts, where part one focused on Colby’s POV and part two focused on Sienna’s was a great idea. While I didn’t pick up on anything especially insidious in part one, looking back on it with the information we learned from Sienna left me contemplating it with fresh eyes.
Overall, I liked the concept for this book. I probably would have rounded up to 4 stars if part two had felt a little more robust. While it wasn’t as complex as some thriller books I’ve read, it was a fast paced and enjoyable read nonetheless!
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC!
I’ve been lucky enough to read several of Sutano’s books as ARCs but this thriller/suspense felt like a departure from her previous books.
I really liked the setup in part one. I think she did a great job setting the scene and helping us to understand the characters (from Colby & Cassidy’s perspectives.) It was quick the see the chemistry between them grow, though how much of it was authentic is up for debate. We see Sienna as cold, closed-off, and uninterested in her husband without a ton of insight into her character which makes sense given the later context in the book.
For me, Part Two fell flat. Though I did not guess Sienna’s motivation or the Cassidy plot twist, I didn’t feel like part 2 really had enough details to make it feel believe-able. It felt like Sutano was rushing to get to the end of the book which made it feel just that- rushed. I think the book would have been better served with a slightly more drawn-out ending. Things just wrapped up a little too quickly and perfectly for my liking!
I think splitting the book into two parts, where part one focused on Colby’s POV and part two focused on Sienna’s was a great idea. While I didn’t pick up on anything especially insidious in part one, looking back on it with the information we learned from Sienna left me contemplating it with fresh eyes.
Overall, I liked the concept for this book. I probably would have rounded up to 4 stars if part two had felt a little more robust. While it wasn’t as complex as some thriller books I’ve read, it was a fast paced and enjoyable read nonetheless!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I first came across Jesse Q. Sutanto through her Vera Wong series, which I really enjoyed, so I was curious to see what she would do with a darker, more thriller-oriented story in *You Made Me Do This*. The setup is beautiful and immediately intriguing. Sienna is the author of a bestselling nonfiction book about marriage and relationships, but she is struggling to write her second book. Her husband, Colby, takes her on a luxurious vacation to Bali, where everything has supposedly been tailored perfectly to their wishes. Their personal butler, Cassidy, is there to make sure they have everything they need. The resort is gorgeous, the surroundings sound idyllic, and very quickly it becomes clear that things are not quite as perfect as they appear.
This was a short and very fast read, but unfortunately it did not work for me. I really enjoyed Sutanto’s writing style in the Vera Wong books, but here I never fully connected with the story. The thriller element felt quite weak, and most of the developments were easy to guess. Some parts also became so exaggerated and clichéd that I found them almost funny instead of tense. The biggest issue for me was the use of unreliable narration. I usually do not mind an unreliable narrator, but here it was used so heavily that I eventually stopped trusting or connecting with any of the characters.
I wanted to like this, especially because I have enjoyed Sutanto’s other work so much, but this one simply was not for me. It felt more like a slightly absurd mystery than a convincing thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was a short and very fast read, but unfortunately it did not work for me. I really enjoyed Sutanto’s writing style in the Vera Wong books, but here I never fully connected with the story. The thriller element felt quite weak, and most of the developments were easy to guess. Some parts also became so exaggerated and clichéd that I found them almost funny instead of tense. The biggest issue for me was the use of unreliable narration. I usually do not mind an unreliable narrator, but here it was used so heavily that I eventually stopped trusting or connecting with any of the characters.
I wanted to like this, especially because I have enjoyed Sutanto’s other work so much, but this one simply was not for me. It felt more like a slightly absurd mystery than a convincing thriller.
Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGallery and the publisher for this eARC!
I really wanted to love this one because the premise is genuinely interesting, and the Bali setting had SO much potential. Unfortunately, I felt like the execution fell a bit short of what the story could have been.
A lot of things seemed to happen too easily in the main characters’ favor. Because of that, I rarely felt any real suspense or tension. I kept waiting for things to become more complicated, but conflicts often seemed to resolve before they had the chance to really build. I feel like the author also didn’t leave a lot to mystery, instead they precisely explained how the main character made everything happen.
I also struggled to connect with the characters because I felt they lacked some depth and personal motivation. That said, the premise was interesting enough to keep me reading—I could see the potential in the story and kept hoping it would eventually develop into something more layered.
The biggest disappointment for me, though, was the use of Bali as a setting. Going into a book set in Bali by an Indonesian author, I was expecting the spiritual and cultural history to play a much bigger role. Bali has such a rich history of local beliefs, spirituality, folklore, and mystical traditions that could have added such an interesting layer of mystery to the story.
This felt like a BIG missed opportunity for me. I kept thinking about how much more distinctive and immersive the story could have been if it had leaned more deeply into the cultural and spiritual elements unique to Bali. The premise was there, but I ultimately wanted more from the execution.
I really wanted to love this one because the premise is genuinely interesting, and the Bali setting had SO much potential. Unfortunately, I felt like the execution fell a bit short of what the story could have been.
A lot of things seemed to happen too easily in the main characters’ favor. Because of that, I rarely felt any real suspense or tension. I kept waiting for things to become more complicated, but conflicts often seemed to resolve before they had the chance to really build. I feel like the author also didn’t leave a lot to mystery, instead they precisely explained how the main character made everything happen.
I also struggled to connect with the characters because I felt they lacked some depth and personal motivation. That said, the premise was interesting enough to keep me reading—I could see the potential in the story and kept hoping it would eventually develop into something more layered.
The biggest disappointment for me, though, was the use of Bali as a setting. Going into a book set in Bali by an Indonesian author, I was expecting the spiritual and cultural history to play a much bigger role. Bali has such a rich history of local beliefs, spirituality, folklore, and mystical traditions that could have added such an interesting layer of mystery to the story.
This felt like a BIG missed opportunity for me. I kept thinking about how much more distinctive and immersive the story could have been if it had leaned more deeply into the cultural and spiritual elements unique to Bali. The premise was there, but I ultimately wanted more from the execution.
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