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What We Did
Blood is thicker than water. It's also harder to wash away.
After years of struggle, Raven Kendrick is giving up on her dream of a theater career in New York. Returning to her home town, she moves back in with her parents and resigns herself to a quiet life.
But that humble dream is shattered when her tyrannical father is murdered. Even worse, Raven is convinced her beloved mother killed him while sleepwalking. So instead of calling the police, she decides to cover up the crime.
But as detectives close in, Raven's carefully constructed lies begin to crumble. Her alibi isn’t holding up and her father's business partner is asking way too many questions. And she’s pretty sure her mother knows more than she’s saying.
With the police circling, Raven is shocked to find that she herself has become suspect number one. She needs to get to the truth of what happened that night—and fast.
But as she digs, Raven uncovers a tangled web of buried resentments and festering revenge. And behind that web, a horrifying secret that will change her life forever.
What We Did - a gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Freida McFadden.
After years of struggle, Raven Kendrick is giving up on her dream of a theater career in New York. Returning to her home town, she moves back in with her parents and resigns herself to a quiet life.
But that humble dream is shattered when her tyrannical father is murdered. Even worse, Raven is convinced her beloved mother killed him while sleepwalking. So instead of calling the police, she decides to cover up the crime.
But as detectives close in, Raven's carefully constructed lies begin to crumble. Her alibi isn’t holding up and her father's business partner is asking way too many questions. And she’s pretty sure her mother knows more than she’s saying.
With the police circling, Raven is shocked to find that she herself has become suspect number one. She needs to get to the truth of what happened that night—and fast.
But as she digs, Raven uncovers a tangled web of buried resentments and festering revenge. And behind that web, a horrifying secret that will change her life forever.
What We Did - a gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, and Freida McFadden.
338 pages, ebook
Published January 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
January 27, 2026
I would like to thank Inkubator books and Brian R. O'Rourke for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
3 ⭐ - Years after struggling to make it in theater in the big apple, Raven returns back home and hopes to have a normal, quiet life with her parents.
Until her dad turns up dead, but who did it? Is it her sleepwalking mom, Robyn or someone else?
The story had loads of twists, the plot was easy to follow but felt very predictable and the main characters were a bit unlikeable.
3 ⭐ - Years after struggling to make it in theater in the big apple, Raven returns back home and hopes to have a normal, quiet life with her parents.
Until her dad turns up dead, but who did it? Is it her sleepwalking mom, Robyn or someone else?
The story had loads of twists, the plot was easy to follow but felt very predictable and the main characters were a bit unlikeable.
January 25, 2026
This is the first book I’ve read by Brian O’Rourke, and it certainly won’t be the last. The teaser — “Blood is thicker than water. It’s also harder to wash away.” — immediately caught my attention, and the story more than lived up to it.
Raven believes she is covering up the murder of her cruel father to protect her mother, but as the story unfolds, the question remains: is that really what happened? This psychological thriller gripped me from start to finish, constantly keeping me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist pulled me back in.
A tense, compelling read that kept me wondering right up until the very end.
Raven believes she is covering up the murder of her cruel father to protect her mother, but as the story unfolds, the question remains: is that really what happened? This psychological thriller gripped me from start to finish, constantly keeping me guessing. Just when I thought I had it figured out, another twist pulled me back in.
A tense, compelling read that kept me wondering right up until the very end.
January 27, 2026
When Raven’s tyrannic father gets killed, she’s afraid that her mother did it. To protect her mother she lies to the police and covers everything up with a lie.
But the business partner of her father keeps digging and her lie is crumbling… that hard that she becomes suspect number 1! 😱
The story is easy to follow and the tension gradually increases.
Thrilling suspense from beginning to the end!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
But the business partner of her father keeps digging and her lie is crumbling… that hard that she becomes suspect number 1! 😱
The story is easy to follow and the tension gradually increases.
Thrilling suspense from beginning to the end!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 8, 2026
A wild, slippery-slope kind of thriller, and I flew through it.
Raven Kendrick comes home after giving up on her Broadway dreams, already bruised and disappointed, only to find her tyrannical father dead. Convinced her mother killed him while sleepwalking, Raven makes a split-second decision that changes everything: she covers it up instead of calling the police. From there, the story spirals fast.
What really worked for me was how quickly Raven’s lies start to stack — and crack. Detectives circle closer, her alibi starts falling apart, and her father’s business partner seems to know far more than he should. Add in the creeping feeling that her mother may not be as in the dark as Raven thinks, and the tension keeps tightening.
I thought I had this figured out more than once… and every time I pulled on a thread, the whole theory unraveled. The twists genuinely surprised me and sent the story in directions I didn’t expect, which made the ride even more fun.
Fast-paced, messy, and full of secrets, this is a thriller that shows how one lie can snowball into complete chaos. If you like morally gray decisions, family secrets, and twisty plots that keep you guessing, this one delivers.
Raven Kendrick comes home after giving up on her Broadway dreams, already bruised and disappointed, only to find her tyrannical father dead. Convinced her mother killed him while sleepwalking, Raven makes a split-second decision that changes everything: she covers it up instead of calling the police. From there, the story spirals fast.
What really worked for me was how quickly Raven’s lies start to stack — and crack. Detectives circle closer, her alibi starts falling apart, and her father’s business partner seems to know far more than he should. Add in the creeping feeling that her mother may not be as in the dark as Raven thinks, and the tension keeps tightening.
I thought I had this figured out more than once… and every time I pulled on a thread, the whole theory unraveled. The twists genuinely surprised me and sent the story in directions I didn’t expect, which made the ride even more fun.
Fast-paced, messy, and full of secrets, this is a thriller that shows how one lie can snowball into complete chaos. If you like morally gray decisions, family secrets, and twisty plots that keep you guessing, this one delivers.
January 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
What We Did opens with a gripping, suspense-filled prologue that immediately pulls you in and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. From the very beginning, O’Rourke keeps you guessing, slowly unraveling the truth while never quite letting you feel certain about what really happened to Raven’s abusive father. The tension builds steadily, and the author does an excellent job of planting doubt and misdirection right up until the final pages.
O’Rourke handles the emotional weight of domestic abuse thoughtfully, showing how deeply it impacts the characters and shapes their choices. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and the mystery element makes it hard to put down.
While some moments felt a bit understated compared to the strong opening, the overall execution was compelling and emotionally charged. The ending delivers answers without losing the moral complexity that makes the story resonate.
Trigger Warning: This book deals with domestic abuse.
What We Did opens with a gripping, suspense-filled prologue that immediately pulls you in and sets the tone for the rest of the novel. From the very beginning, O’Rourke keeps you guessing, slowly unraveling the truth while never quite letting you feel certain about what really happened to Raven’s abusive father. The tension builds steadily, and the author does an excellent job of planting doubt and misdirection right up until the final pages.
O’Rourke handles the emotional weight of domestic abuse thoughtfully, showing how deeply it impacts the characters and shapes their choices. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and the mystery element makes it hard to put down.
While some moments felt a bit understated compared to the strong opening, the overall execution was compelling and emotionally charged. The ending delivers answers without losing the moral complexity that makes the story resonate.
Trigger Warning: This book deals with domestic abuse.
February 16, 2026
This book didn’t really do it for me- it was rather predictable and the main characters got on my nerves. The story centers on mother and daughter Robyn and Raven, who try to cover up the murder of their respective husband/father, whom neither is sad to see gone.
Both characters in this book made dumb decisions, and I was actually ok with that because it felt more like what real people might actually do. I’m this case though, the police also made dumb decisions and I felt like that was less forgivable. I wasn’t really into the subjects of domestic abuse or rekindling of old romances in the story, though these subjects helped me to better understand the characters. I thought it was weird that Raven and her high school boyfriend Cooper had been pining for each other for a decade and neither one did anything about it. I was pretty sure I knew what really happened early in the book and was proven right, though there was a character that made decisions that still didn’t make sense to me when all was revealed. The way the book ended tied up loose ends but again was rather predictable.
Overall, I didn’t think this book really stood out in the genre but it was a quick read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Both characters in this book made dumb decisions, and I was actually ok with that because it felt more like what real people might actually do. I’m this case though, the police also made dumb decisions and I felt like that was less forgivable. I wasn’t really into the subjects of domestic abuse or rekindling of old romances in the story, though these subjects helped me to better understand the characters. I thought it was weird that Raven and her high school boyfriend Cooper had been pining for each other for a decade and neither one did anything about it. I was pretty sure I knew what really happened early in the book and was proven right, though there was a character that made decisions that still didn’t make sense to me when all was revealed. The way the book ended tied up loose ends but again was rather predictable.
Overall, I didn’t think this book really stood out in the genre but it was a quick read. Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2026
“What We Did” by Brian R. O’Rourke is one of the more enjoyable thrillers I’ve read recently. The novel’s core is recovery from domestic violence (DV), centring on a mother-daughter relationship in a time when the father is murdered.
Raven, daughter, and Robyn, mother, try to cover up the crime. However, they struggle in a small town, where everyone knows everyone, townsfolk spread rumours, and the detectives are sharper than expected. The narrative, written in close third person, eventually splits into the present, predominately Raven’s POV, and the past, which is primarily Robyn’s POV, so the reader receives a rich story.
I don’t often judge a book by its first chapter, but Chapter 1 of this novel warrants an acknowledgement. It’s fantastic. Between it and the prologue, the hook is alluring. The long sentences in the beginning steep us in Raven’s anxiety, and it’s easy to get impatient to understand what’s happening in the household.
Raven is a compelling protagonist because she’s not particularly likeable, but she is vulnerable. Opening the story to her cleaning up a crime is atypical and great thriller material. She has a great depth of anxiety trying to protect a mother with battered woman syndrome. Her flaws are in the forefront. Between her and Robyn, though, I felt more sympathetic to Robyn. Not just due to her circumstance, but as her story unfolds, I became to invested. Her introduction had been uncomfortable, Raven’s POV is specific, so I found myself interested in reading more about the past.
Although I liked Robyn’s part, I had been concerned about how DV would be handled, especially if a character is left one-dimension in a horrible, yet nuanced situation. Thankfully, O’Rourke portrays a realistic depiction of victims, law enforcement, and the people surrounding a victim. It was so well done that it frustrated me, having known many people who would react like those in the novel.
Albeit various tragedies, the romance was just enough. I like the romantic leads and their respective dedication. It was a nice reprieve. Alongside them, the other characters felt distinct, many with motives to harm Zane (Raven’s murdered father). Zane’s flavour of villainy is common, and he made it too easy to dislike him.
The most unfortunate part had been pacing due to extra exposition. The excellent prologue and first few chapters pulled me in, but the snag in the former half undermined the atmosphere. I had to push myself at times. Once I hit chapter seventeen though, it had become harder to put the book down. However, since it’s a thriller, tight pacing is necessary.
Overall, despite the pacing, I’d recommend this thriller to fans of the genre. Solid characters, great protagonists, wonderful plot, and intricate worldbuilding are the best aspects of the story.
I thankful to receive a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Raven, daughter, and Robyn, mother, try to cover up the crime. However, they struggle in a small town, where everyone knows everyone, townsfolk spread rumours, and the detectives are sharper than expected. The narrative, written in close third person, eventually splits into the present, predominately Raven’s POV, and the past, which is primarily Robyn’s POV, so the reader receives a rich story.
I don’t often judge a book by its first chapter, but Chapter 1 of this novel warrants an acknowledgement. It’s fantastic. Between it and the prologue, the hook is alluring. The long sentences in the beginning steep us in Raven’s anxiety, and it’s easy to get impatient to understand what’s happening in the household.
Raven is a compelling protagonist because she’s not particularly likeable, but she is vulnerable. Opening the story to her cleaning up a crime is atypical and great thriller material. She has a great depth of anxiety trying to protect a mother with battered woman syndrome. Her flaws are in the forefront. Between her and Robyn, though, I felt more sympathetic to Robyn. Not just due to her circumstance, but as her story unfolds, I became to invested. Her introduction had been uncomfortable, Raven’s POV is specific, so I found myself interested in reading more about the past.
Although I liked Robyn’s part, I had been concerned about how DV would be handled, especially if a character is left one-dimension in a horrible, yet nuanced situation. Thankfully, O’Rourke portrays a realistic depiction of victims, law enforcement, and the people surrounding a victim. It was so well done that it frustrated me, having known many people who would react like those in the novel.
Albeit various tragedies, the romance was just enough. I like the romantic leads and their respective dedication. It was a nice reprieve. Alongside them, the other characters felt distinct, many with motives to harm Zane (Raven’s murdered father). Zane’s flavour of villainy is common, and he made it too easy to dislike him.
The most unfortunate part had been pacing due to extra exposition. The excellent prologue and first few chapters pulled me in, but the snag in the former half undermined the atmosphere. I had to push myself at times. Once I hit chapter seventeen though, it had become harder to put the book down. However, since it’s a thriller, tight pacing is necessary.
Overall, despite the pacing, I’d recommend this thriller to fans of the genre. Solid characters, great protagonists, wonderful plot, and intricate worldbuilding are the best aspects of the story.
I thankful to receive a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Being from New Jersey, where this story takes place, I’ll admit it was fun recognizing real locations sprinkled throughout. I used to pass Lenape High School every single day years ago, so seeing it pop up here definitely gave me a little “hey, I know that place” moment.
Unfortunately, local familiarity was about the only thing this book had going for it. There was nothing here that made it stand out from the dozens of mystery/thrillers I’ve read recently. In fact, parts of it dragged on painfully, while other parts tipped so far into the unbelievable that it was laughable. The twists were interesting at first, but even those became repetitive until we finally got the truth about that night spelled out between mother and daughter. And the so-called big reveal? Well, I saw that one coming from miles away.
What was also painfully obvious was why Raven wasn’t making it as an actress in New York. That girl could not act or deflect to save her life. Every time she spoke to the police, she may as well have had a neon sign above her head flashing GUILTY. And the one time when it mattered the most, when her survival instincts should have been screaming at her that something wasn’t right? She couldn’t even bluff her way to safety.
The incompetence didn’t stop there however. Both police departments investigating her father’s disappearance felt laughably ineffective. A man vanishes, there are clear red flags (no sheets on the bed in the house he was supposedly staying in for starters), and yet no forensics are ever sent in? Later, the officer's visit Raven’s home, openly suspicious that the family is lying, and still they just… look around. No evidence collection. No deeper investigation. It didn’t feel realistic in the slightest and made it hard to take the mystery seriously.
All things considered, while this one just didn’t work for me, I can see it appealing to readers who are new to the genre and haven’t yet been burned by predictable reveals and procedural shortcuts. I do still like this author enough that I’d be willing to give another book a shot down the line, just hopefully one that feels a bit tighter and more believable.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Unfortunately, local familiarity was about the only thing this book had going for it. There was nothing here that made it stand out from the dozens of mystery/thrillers I’ve read recently. In fact, parts of it dragged on painfully, while other parts tipped so far into the unbelievable that it was laughable. The twists were interesting at first, but even those became repetitive until we finally got the truth about that night spelled out between mother and daughter. And the so-called big reveal? Well, I saw that one coming from miles away.
What was also painfully obvious was why Raven wasn’t making it as an actress in New York. That girl could not act or deflect to save her life. Every time she spoke to the police, she may as well have had a neon sign above her head flashing GUILTY. And the one time when it mattered the most, when her survival instincts should have been screaming at her that something wasn’t right? She couldn’t even bluff her way to safety.
The incompetence didn’t stop there however. Both police departments investigating her father’s disappearance felt laughably ineffective. A man vanishes, there are clear red flags (no sheets on the bed in the house he was supposedly staying in for starters), and yet no forensics are ever sent in? Later, the officer's visit Raven’s home, openly suspicious that the family is lying, and still they just… look around. No evidence collection. No deeper investigation. It didn’t feel realistic in the slightest and made it hard to take the mystery seriously.
All things considered, while this one just didn’t work for me, I can see it appealing to readers who are new to the genre and haven’t yet been burned by predictable reveals and procedural shortcuts. I do still like this author enough that I’d be willing to give another book a shot down the line, just hopefully one that feels a bit tighter and more believable.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
January 25, 2026
My Review: What We Did by Brian O'Rourke
Rating: ★★★★☆
I went into this one expecting a standard "whodunnit," but what I got was a claustrophobic, high-stakes family drama that kept me guessing until the very last page.
The story follows Raven Kendrick, who returns home after a failed stint in New York, only to find herself scrubbing her father's blood out of the carpet. The premise—a daughter covering up a murder to protect her sleepwalking mother—is such a stressful hook. O'Rourke does a fantastic job of making you feel Raven’s mounting panic as her "perfect" cover-up starts to fray at the edges.
What I Loved:
* The Tension: The "ticking clock" element worked perfectly. Between the detectives sniffing around and the suspicious business partner, I felt Raven’s walls closing in.
* The Family Dynamics: The relationship between Raven and her mother is complex and eerie. I constantly found myself questioning if the mother was actually as innocent as Raven believed.
* The Twist: Without giving anything away, the "horrifying secret" mentioned in the blurb actually delivered. It shifted the context of the whole book in a way I didn't see coming.
Why it wasn't a 5-star:
There were a few moments in the middle where the pacing slowed down slightly, and I found myself wanting Raven to be just a little more competent at the cover-up. Some of the decisions made felt a bit "standard thriller protagonist," but the ending more than made up for it.
Final Verdict: If you love psychological thrillers that focus on family secrets and the lengths people go to for "blood," this is a must-read. It's dark, gritty, and makes you wonder how well you actually know the people you live with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rating: ★★★★☆
I went into this one expecting a standard "whodunnit," but what I got was a claustrophobic, high-stakes family drama that kept me guessing until the very last page.
The story follows Raven Kendrick, who returns home after a failed stint in New York, only to find herself scrubbing her father's blood out of the carpet. The premise—a daughter covering up a murder to protect her sleepwalking mother—is such a stressful hook. O'Rourke does a fantastic job of making you feel Raven’s mounting panic as her "perfect" cover-up starts to fray at the edges.
What I Loved:
* The Tension: The "ticking clock" element worked perfectly. Between the detectives sniffing around and the suspicious business partner, I felt Raven’s walls closing in.
* The Family Dynamics: The relationship between Raven and her mother is complex and eerie. I constantly found myself questioning if the mother was actually as innocent as Raven believed.
* The Twist: Without giving anything away, the "horrifying secret" mentioned in the blurb actually delivered. It shifted the context of the whole book in a way I didn't see coming.
Why it wasn't a 5-star:
There were a few moments in the middle where the pacing slowed down slightly, and I found myself wanting Raven to be just a little more competent at the cover-up. Some of the decisions made felt a bit "standard thriller protagonist," but the ending more than made up for it.
Final Verdict: If you love psychological thrillers that focus on family secrets and the lengths people go to for "blood," this is a must-read. It's dark, gritty, and makes you wonder how well you actually know the people you live with.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What We Did is one of those thrillers that grabs you from the opening chapter and keeps tightening its grip as the truth slowly unravels. Raven Kendrick is a wonderfully layered protagonist — bruised by disappointment, exhausted by years of chasing a dream that never quite materialized, and suddenly thrust into a nightmare she never saw coming.
The setup is instantly gripping: Raven returns home, only to find her tyrannical father dead and her mother standing over him in a sleepwalking haze. Her decision to cover up the crime is messy, emotional, and completely believable, and it sets off a chain reaction of tension that never lets up. Watching her lies pile up — and then start to crack — is both stressful and addictive in the best way.
The small‑town atmosphere adds a great sense of claustrophobia, especially as detectives close in and her father’s business partner starts sniffing around. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and the book does a fantastic job of peeling back those layers of resentment, betrayal, and long‑buried grudges.
As Raven digs deeper, the story shifts from a simple whodunit to a much darker exploration of family loyalty and the damage people carry for years without ever naming it. The final reveal is genuinely chilling and ties the emotional threads together in a satisfying, unsettling way.
Perfect for readers who love psychological thrillers with morally complicated characters, simmering tension, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. A gripping, fast‑paced read that lingers long after the last page.
My thanks to Brian O'Rourke, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
The setup is instantly gripping: Raven returns home, only to find her tyrannical father dead and her mother standing over him in a sleepwalking haze. Her decision to cover up the crime is messy, emotional, and completely believable, and it sets off a chain reaction of tension that never lets up. Watching her lies pile up — and then start to crack — is both stressful and addictive in the best way.
The small‑town atmosphere adds a great sense of claustrophobia, especially as detectives close in and her father’s business partner starts sniffing around. Everyone seems to have something to hide, and the book does a fantastic job of peeling back those layers of resentment, betrayal, and long‑buried grudges.
As Raven digs deeper, the story shifts from a simple whodunit to a much darker exploration of family loyalty and the damage people carry for years without ever naming it. The final reveal is genuinely chilling and ties the emotional threads together in a satisfying, unsettling way.
Perfect for readers who love psychological thrillers with morally complicated characters, simmering tension, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. A gripping, fast‑paced read that lingers long after the last page.
My thanks to Brian O'Rourke, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
January 31, 2026
What were did by Brian R. O'Rourke
She can't remember what happened that night. But someone else does.
After years of struggle, Raven Kendrick is giving up on her dream of a theater career in New York. Returning to her hometown, she moves back in with her parents and resigns herself to a quiet life.
But that humble dream is shattered when her tyrannical father is murdered. Even worse, Raven is convinced her beloved mother killed him while sleepwalking. So instead of calling the police, she decides to cover up the crime.
But as detectives close in, Raven's carefully constructed lies begin to crumble. Her alibi isn’t holding up, and her father's business partner is asking way too many questions. And she’s pretty sure her mother knows more than she’s saying.
With the police circling, Raven is shocked to find that she herself has become suspect number one. She needs to get to the truth of what happened that night—and fast.
But as she digs, Raven uncovers a tangled web of buried resentments and festering revenge. And behind that web, a horrifying secret that will change her life forever.
Well, what can I say, another unputdownable atmospheric thriller by one of my favourite authors whose novels include The New Husband, The Good Teacher and Her Mother's Daughter, to name a few.
O'Rouke's writing is powerful and compelling; his characters are well-developed and relatable.
The plot is fast-paced and keeps you gripped with its many twists and turns.
I want to thank publishers Inkubator Books and Zooloos Book Tours, and author Brian R. O'Rourke, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
A recommended read.
*
She can't remember what happened that night. But someone else does.
After years of struggle, Raven Kendrick is giving up on her dream of a theater career in New York. Returning to her hometown, she moves back in with her parents and resigns herself to a quiet life.
But that humble dream is shattered when her tyrannical father is murdered. Even worse, Raven is convinced her beloved mother killed him while sleepwalking. So instead of calling the police, she decides to cover up the crime.
But as detectives close in, Raven's carefully constructed lies begin to crumble. Her alibi isn’t holding up, and her father's business partner is asking way too many questions. And she’s pretty sure her mother knows more than she’s saying.
With the police circling, Raven is shocked to find that she herself has become suspect number one. She needs to get to the truth of what happened that night—and fast.
But as she digs, Raven uncovers a tangled web of buried resentments and festering revenge. And behind that web, a horrifying secret that will change her life forever.
Well, what can I say, another unputdownable atmospheric thriller by one of my favourite authors whose novels include The New Husband, The Good Teacher and Her Mother's Daughter, to name a few.
O'Rouke's writing is powerful and compelling; his characters are well-developed and relatable.
The plot is fast-paced and keeps you gripped with its many twists and turns.
I want to thank publishers Inkubator Books and Zooloos Book Tours, and author Brian R. O'Rourke, for providing me with a copy to read and review.
A recommended read.
*
January 27, 2026
I think I may have just found an author to add to my auto-buy list, and that isn’t something I say lightly. But wow, my head is still spinning from all the twists in What We Did.
You know those rollercoasters that don’t have the clunking slow ascent before you see where you’re about to go, but instead launch you, with no warning, into the adrenaline fuelled ride? That is this book and I’m still trying to catch my breath.
From the first chapter, we’re involved in a plot to conceal a crime as we follow Raven as she calls her mum, Robyn, from her car to tell her the police want to search the house. Robyn, fearful and beaten down, is reliant on Raven’s support after her violent husband is killed during a sleepwalking incident. The supportive relationship seemed a little warped, but I found myself making excuses for how the pair were dealing with the aftermath.
But as more characters enter stage left, and a dual timeline starts to show more details that have shaped the family dynamic, I began to realise that I had innocently trusted the initial story - honestly, with a rookie mistake like that you would have thought this was my first psychological thriller rodeo!
I lost count of how many times I uttered, “what???” or “nooo!!!” in a shocked tone. And yes, I really did need all that punctuation, I promise I’m normal. Ish.
I refuse to give any spoilers except to say that I can’t hold on this rating any longer: It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ psychological thriller, and I can’t wait to read more of Brian R O’Rourke’s books!
You know those rollercoasters that don’t have the clunking slow ascent before you see where you’re about to go, but instead launch you, with no warning, into the adrenaline fuelled ride? That is this book and I’m still trying to catch my breath.
From the first chapter, we’re involved in a plot to conceal a crime as we follow Raven as she calls her mum, Robyn, from her car to tell her the police want to search the house. Robyn, fearful and beaten down, is reliant on Raven’s support after her violent husband is killed during a sleepwalking incident. The supportive relationship seemed a little warped, but I found myself making excuses for how the pair were dealing with the aftermath.
But as more characters enter stage left, and a dual timeline starts to show more details that have shaped the family dynamic, I began to realise that I had innocently trusted the initial story - honestly, with a rookie mistake like that you would have thought this was my first psychological thriller rodeo!
I lost count of how many times I uttered, “what???” or “nooo!!!” in a shocked tone. And yes, I really did need all that punctuation, I promise I’m normal. Ish.
I refuse to give any spoilers except to say that I can’t hold on this rating any longer: It’s a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ psychological thriller, and I can’t wait to read more of Brian R O’Rourke’s books!
January 29, 2026
What We Did is a twisty psychological thriller with a whodunnit style murder case.
Raven has just returned home from New York after her dream of theater acting didn't really take off like she'd hoped. One night, Raven is awakened by the sound of running water. She finds her mother sleep walking, sitting in a tub of cold water. After helping her get out and resettle for bed, they enter the bedroom, only to find that Raven's father has been murdered. Raven believes that her mother killed her father in her sleep. Knowing that her father was an abusive man towards her mother, she doesn't feel it fair to her mother to have to go down for this. So she helps her mother cover the crime. But while trying to lay down their cover stories to the town, they start putting things together that isn't making sense, planting seeds of doubt about whether her mother actually committed the crime in her sleep.
Then the twists start coming and they don't stop, right up until the end.
Raven's character is well done. She has that history of theater acting and uses it well to play the cops and the towns people, anyone who is questioning her father's whereabouts. I love the seeds of doubt the author plants about each character along the way. It made the story thrilling and enjoyable right up until the end. Though, I do have to say, I did guess who the murderer was. It was just so clear to me. But that aside, the story was a thrilling, enjoyable, fun read.
Raven has just returned home from New York after her dream of theater acting didn't really take off like she'd hoped. One night, Raven is awakened by the sound of running water. She finds her mother sleep walking, sitting in a tub of cold water. After helping her get out and resettle for bed, they enter the bedroom, only to find that Raven's father has been murdered. Raven believes that her mother killed her father in her sleep. Knowing that her father was an abusive man towards her mother, she doesn't feel it fair to her mother to have to go down for this. So she helps her mother cover the crime. But while trying to lay down their cover stories to the town, they start putting things together that isn't making sense, planting seeds of doubt about whether her mother actually committed the crime in her sleep.
Then the twists start coming and they don't stop, right up until the end.
Raven's character is well done. She has that history of theater acting and uses it well to play the cops and the towns people, anyone who is questioning her father's whereabouts. I love the seeds of doubt the author plants about each character along the way. It made the story thrilling and enjoyable right up until the end. Though, I do have to say, I did guess who the murderer was. It was just so clear to me. But that aside, the story was a thrilling, enjoyable, fun read.
January 25, 2026
My Thoughts: yet another thriller that had me in a chokehold the whole way through.. I don’t know what’s happened in 2026, but it feels like everything has been stepped up a notch!
In this one we’re following Raven and her mum Robyn, they’re hiding a secret, Ravens dad is dead but the who, the why and the how is a mystery to them both, they choose to hide it because they both sleepwalk, they both have a reason to have killed Zane and they want to protect each other.
As the story goes on we learn that there is more to all of this that what we originally thought, told in 2 timelines from the perspective of both our main female characters which gives us a well rounded look at the story as a whole & a better insight into Zane’s character and the real reason why neither of them were happy to call the police to report his death.
As the book goes on we’re introduced to other characters, who all would have a reason to be involved.
The tension in this story never let it up, I was so tense that even my dog brushing against my leg made me jump at one point!
Didn’t work out who the culprit was, yes but literally seconds before it was revealed, I thoroughly enjoyed this I’m still thinking about it days after finishing it!
In this one we’re following Raven and her mum Robyn, they’re hiding a secret, Ravens dad is dead but the who, the why and the how is a mystery to them both, they choose to hide it because they both sleepwalk, they both have a reason to have killed Zane and they want to protect each other.
As the story goes on we learn that there is more to all of this that what we originally thought, told in 2 timelines from the perspective of both our main female characters which gives us a well rounded look at the story as a whole & a better insight into Zane’s character and the real reason why neither of them were happy to call the police to report his death.
As the book goes on we’re introduced to other characters, who all would have a reason to be involved.
The tension in this story never let it up, I was so tense that even my dog brushing against my leg made me jump at one point!
Didn’t work out who the culprit was, yes but literally seconds before it was revealed, I thoroughly enjoyed this I’m still thinking about it days after finishing it!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brian O'Rourke's "What We Did" is a gripping tale that explores the complexities of family dynamics under extreme pressure. The story follows Raven Kendrick, who is thrust into a harrowing situation after her father's death, leading her to navigate a web of lies and emotional turmoil alongside her mother.
O'Rourke crafts deeply flawed, relatable characters, particularly Raven, whose internal struggles resonate throughout the narrative. The pacing is expertly handled, keeping readers on edge as secrets unravel and the stakes rise. The exploration of trauma and familial relationships adds a layer of depth, making the story not just a thriller, but a poignant commentary on resilience. Some readers may find the pacing uneven in parts, particularly during the buildup to the climax. The heavy themes might not be suitable for all audiences, as they delve into sensitive topics. "What We Did" is a compelling read that combines suspense with emotional complexity, making it a worthwhile addition to contemporary fiction. If you're drawn to stories that challenge moral boundaries and explore the darker sides of human relationships, this book is definitely for you!
O'Rourke crafts deeply flawed, relatable characters, particularly Raven, whose internal struggles resonate throughout the narrative. The pacing is expertly handled, keeping readers on edge as secrets unravel and the stakes rise. The exploration of trauma and familial relationships adds a layer of depth, making the story not just a thriller, but a poignant commentary on resilience. Some readers may find the pacing uneven in parts, particularly during the buildup to the climax. The heavy themes might not be suitable for all audiences, as they delve into sensitive topics. "What We Did" is a compelling read that combines suspense with emotional complexity, making it a worthwhile addition to contemporary fiction. If you're drawn to stories that challenge moral boundaries and explore the darker sides of human relationships, this book is definitely for you!
January 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
What We Did by Brian R. O’Rourke completely hooked me. I sat down planning to read a few chapters and ended up finishing the entire book in one sitting because I genuinely could not put it down.
This thriller is packed with twists and surprises that constantly shift what you think you know. Just when I felt like I had a handle on the direction of the story, something new would be revealed that pulled the rug out from under me. The pacing is tight and relentless; every chapter ends in a way that practically forces you to keep reading because you need to know what happened next.
O’Rourke does an excellent job building tension and suspense, layering secrets and consequences until everything feels like it’s on the verge of unraveling. The plot twists felt earned rather than gimmicky, and the story kept me guessing right up until the end.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, binge-worthy thriller that keeps your heart racing and your mind spinning, this one absolutely delivers. Highly recommended for thriller fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What We Did by Brian R. O’Rourke completely hooked me. I sat down planning to read a few chapters and ended up finishing the entire book in one sitting because I genuinely could not put it down.
This thriller is packed with twists and surprises that constantly shift what you think you know. Just when I felt like I had a handle on the direction of the story, something new would be revealed that pulled the rug out from under me. The pacing is tight and relentless; every chapter ends in a way that practically forces you to keep reading because you need to know what happened next.
O’Rourke does an excellent job building tension and suspense, layering secrets and consequences until everything feels like it’s on the verge of unraveling. The plot twists felt earned rather than gimmicky, and the story kept me guessing right up until the end.
If you’re looking for a fast-paced, binge-worthy thriller that keeps your heart racing and your mind spinning, this one absolutely delivers. Highly recommended for thriller fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received this book as an ARC from NET galley in exchange for an honest review
We follow a story of Raven returning home after a few years of being away chasing her dreams of becoming an actress. Upon her return things turn sour as we explore how her father was murdered. We soon find out that things at home were not always great, and there are a lot of secrets that are uncovered.
*Trigger warning: this book does discuss elements of physical and emotional abuse**
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I felt that it was well paced and had a good plot. This book didn't have a "wow" element, but the realness of it still hit deep. Personally, as someone who had gone through a similar situation, I appreciated the emotional journey while reading this book and I really connected with Robyn. During the first 50% we were able to grasp the weight of how abuse not only affects the victim, but all the people around them. This story shared the lengths people will go to, in order to help the ones they love...or destroy them.
We follow a story of Raven returning home after a few years of being away chasing her dreams of becoming an actress. Upon her return things turn sour as we explore how her father was murdered. We soon find out that things at home were not always great, and there are a lot of secrets that are uncovered.
*Trigger warning: this book does discuss elements of physical and emotional abuse**
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I felt that it was well paced and had a good plot. This book didn't have a "wow" element, but the realness of it still hit deep. Personally, as someone who had gone through a similar situation, I appreciated the emotional journey while reading this book and I really connected with Robyn. During the first 50% we were able to grasp the weight of how abuse not only affects the victim, but all the people around them. This story shared the lengths people will go to, in order to help the ones they love...or destroy them.
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March 1, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and author for the advanced review copy.
I wanted to like this book, but I struggled a lot. It seemed like the characters were constantly making bad choices. It just seemed outlandish with what was occurring and what kept getting revealed. I felt like I was reading a poorly done episode of Columbo or some other nonsense. Raven was like constantly acting guilty - she was probably actually the worst actress and that’s why she didn’t get any roles. Her mom was all over the place - like it was terrible she was abused and she never deserved it, but she seemed so flaky and unsure of everything. It was just a predictable book with the plot pretty much laid out, and it was way to figure out what was going on with the story.
This might work for someone new to mystery books who isn’t aware of the tropes, but it fell flat for me. I don’t believe I would read this author again
I wanted to like this book, but I struggled a lot. It seemed like the characters were constantly making bad choices. It just seemed outlandish with what was occurring and what kept getting revealed. I felt like I was reading a poorly done episode of Columbo or some other nonsense. Raven was like constantly acting guilty - she was probably actually the worst actress and that’s why she didn’t get any roles. Her mom was all over the place - like it was terrible she was abused and she never deserved it, but she seemed so flaky and unsure of everything. It was just a predictable book with the plot pretty much laid out, and it was way to figure out what was going on with the story.
This might work for someone new to mystery books who isn’t aware of the tropes, but it fell flat for me. I don’t believe I would read this author again
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Description-After years of struggle, Raven Kendrick is giving up on her dream of a theater career in New York. Returning to her home town, she moves back in with her parents and resigns herself to a quiet life.
But that humble dream is shattered when her tyrannical father is murdered. Even worse, Raven is convinced her beloved mother killed him while sleepwalking. So instead of calling the police, she decides to cover up the crime.
What We Did is a multiple leveled psychological thriller. Very well written peeling each layer of the story and drawing the reader in page by page. The story is captivating with morally questionable characters. The tension is real and the secrets are many.
Mark your calendar for the expected release date of Jan 25 2026
Description-After years of struggle, Raven Kendrick is giving up on her dream of a theater career in New York. Returning to her home town, she moves back in with her parents and resigns herself to a quiet life.
But that humble dream is shattered when her tyrannical father is murdered. Even worse, Raven is convinced her beloved mother killed him while sleepwalking. So instead of calling the police, she decides to cover up the crime.
What We Did is a multiple leveled psychological thriller. Very well written peeling each layer of the story and drawing the reader in page by page. The story is captivating with morally questionable characters. The tension is real and the secrets are many.
Mark your calendar for the expected release date of Jan 25 2026
Review of advance copy
Y’ALL! What We Did is a wild ride 🤯. Raven Kendrick comes home, mourning her failed Broadway dreams, only to find her tyrant dad dead—and she’s convinced her mom did it. Cue panic, cover-ups, and a very slippery slope into chaos.
O’Rourke’s writing is sharp and immersive—tense enough to make your stomach twist and textured enough that you feel Raven’s fear, frustration, and messy humanity. Raven herself is messy, smart-ish, and painfully relatable, which makes her choices both maddening and impossible to look away from.
The plot zips along with twists that keep you guessing, all wrapped in a small-town setting that’s equal parts suffocating and magnetic. A thrilling, darkly funny page-turner that makes you cheer and cringe in the same breath.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
O’Rourke’s writing is sharp and immersive—tense enough to make your stomach twist and textured enough that you feel Raven’s fear, frustration, and messy humanity. Raven herself is messy, smart-ish, and painfully relatable, which makes her choices both maddening and impossible to look away from.
The plot zips along with twists that keep you guessing, all wrapped in a small-town setting that’s equal parts suffocating and magnetic. A thrilling, darkly funny page-turner that makes you cheer and cringe in the same breath.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 31, 2026
As soon as I saw the author was Brian R O’Rourke I knew I was in for an exciting read and I wasn’t disappointed.
The plot is so original and it is such a tense read watching Robyn and Raven digging themselves into a deeper and deeper hole as they try to cover up what they have done while all the while the police are circling for the kill. I really wanted them to succeed as they both deserved a fresh start, especially Robyn, who had suffered so cruelly at the hands of her tyrant of a husband. Brian O’Rourke shows understanding and depth when he writes about an abusive relationship, gas lighting and coercive control. It affected me so maybe this book should come with a disturbing content warning.
I was recommending this book to friends and families before I was even half way through and the end did not let me down. It was a thrilling and real nail biter right to the end.
The plot is so original and it is such a tense read watching Robyn and Raven digging themselves into a deeper and deeper hole as they try to cover up what they have done while all the while the police are circling for the kill. I really wanted them to succeed as they both deserved a fresh start, especially Robyn, who had suffered so cruelly at the hands of her tyrant of a husband. Brian O’Rourke shows understanding and depth when he writes about an abusive relationship, gas lighting and coercive control. It affected me so maybe this book should come with a disturbing content warning.
I was recommending this book to friends and families before I was even half way through and the end did not let me down. It was a thrilling and real nail biter right to the end.
January 25, 2026
Thoroughly enjoyed this story. 4 1/2 stars in my opinion. The story opens and immediately hooked me. At first, you think you know where this is going, just a mother and daughter trying to cover up a crime and trying not to get caught by the police, but there are twists and turns that were unexpected. I also felt for the mother and daughter because the victim isn't really a victim but a manipulative abuser. I was totally caught off guard at the ending. There are at least a couple of great twists in the plot. I couldn't put this one down and read it pretty much straight through. Thank you Netgalley and Inkubator Books for giving me a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
January 29, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
When Raven finds her father dead, she’s convinced her mother killed him whilst sleepwalking, and covers up the crime. What comes next is a tangled web of lies, betrayal and revenge.
This was a fast paced read that felt very different (in a good way!) to many of the thrillers I usually read. The prologue to this was INSANE. I was immediately hooked.
I felt that the DV within the plot was handled very well, although uncomfortable at times, it felt realistic and genuine.
I did struggle a bit to connect with the characters which was a shame, and although I enjoyed it, parts did feel a bit predictable.
The atmosphere throughout this was brilliant, with the ending being brilliantly tense until the last moment. And the ending was perfect imo!
When Raven finds her father dead, she’s convinced her mother killed him whilst sleepwalking, and covers up the crime. What comes next is a tangled web of lies, betrayal and revenge.
This was a fast paced read that felt very different (in a good way!) to many of the thrillers I usually read. The prologue to this was INSANE. I was immediately hooked.
I felt that the DV within the plot was handled very well, although uncomfortable at times, it felt realistic and genuine.
I did struggle a bit to connect with the characters which was a shame, and although I enjoyed it, parts did feel a bit predictable.
The atmosphere throughout this was brilliant, with the ending being brilliantly tense until the last moment. And the ending was perfect imo!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Brian O’Rourke, Inkubator Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with mysteries that can be considered police procedural or feature police investigations in the storyline. As someone who has been in law enforcement for the last 13 years, one that is done really well and is done correctly is very impressive and really holds my attention. In contrast, one that is missing a lot of important and realistic steps kind of loses me. Knowing intimate details of how things are supposed to work might be more of a “me” issue, but it does make or break a mystery book for me. For example, the police investigation in this book really missed the mark. For a while, I thought maybe that was the intention, to make the police look incompetent on purpose as a part of the plot… but it wasn’t. That’s just how they were. I think the overall premise of this book was good; it just fell flat for me in how the characters went about everything. That being said, I would still pick up another book by this author and give it a chance.
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with mysteries that can be considered police procedural or feature police investigations in the storyline. As someone who has been in law enforcement for the last 13 years, one that is done really well and is done correctly is very impressive and really holds my attention. In contrast, one that is missing a lot of important and realistic steps kind of loses me. Knowing intimate details of how things are supposed to work might be more of a “me” issue, but it does make or break a mystery book for me. For example, the police investigation in this book really missed the mark. For a while, I thought maybe that was the intention, to make the police look incompetent on purpose as a part of the plot… but it wasn’t. That’s just how they were. I think the overall premise of this book was good; it just fell flat for me in how the characters went about everything. That being said, I would still pick up another book by this author and give it a chance.
January 27, 2026
After years of struggle, Raven Kendrick is giving up on her dream of a theater career in New York. Returning to her hometown, she moves back in with her parents and resigns herself to a quiet life. But when her father is murdered, everyone is a suspect – Raven, her mother (both sleepwalkers), her uncle, Jonah, and her ex-boyfriend Cooper. Who killed her father? They all had a good reason!
I loved this book - I read it in one day! I couldn’t wait to see who had killed Raven’s no-good father – everyone had a great motive! I couldn’t read it fast enough- I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes a page-turning thriller!
I loved this book - I read it in one day! I couldn’t wait to see who had killed Raven’s no-good father – everyone had a great motive! I couldn’t read it fast enough- I highly recommend this one to anyone who likes a page-turning thriller!
January 29, 2026
This is indeed a very addictive thrilling book, the things that family would do to protect another family member. The husband/father is a complete asshole, I will admit it he had what was coming. The dad had obviously upset a lot of people, as we read on you get to meet other characters who have had a ding dong with him, there are plenty to get revenge on him.
I honestly felt so sorry for Raven, how was she supposed to live her life with bat shit crazy parents like hers. But unfortunately once you start discovering secrets, few come out that you wish you had never known.
I absolutely loved this book, I love reading this author’s work, fantastic.
I honestly felt so sorry for Raven, how was she supposed to live her life with bat shit crazy parents like hers. But unfortunately once you start discovering secrets, few come out that you wish you had never known.
I absolutely loved this book, I love reading this author’s work, fantastic.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book has a good plot, but I found it a little slow.
It is amazing what we will do to protect family, and what family will do to protect us.
I would have liked a trigger warning of GBV, perhaps it could be included in the final printing.
I certainly was not impressed by the police work - no forensics - just a check over the residences!
I did enjoy the book, and I was intrigued about the culprit. There were a few suspects.
It is amazing what we will do to protect family, and what family will do to protect us.
I would have liked a trigger warning of GBV, perhaps it could be included in the final printing.
I certainly was not impressed by the police work - no forensics - just a check over the residences!
I did enjoy the book, and I was intrigued about the culprit. There were a few suspects.
Review of advance copy
Raven’s dad is an abusive jerk. When her mom finds him dead in his bed she doesn’t know what to think, just that they must get rid of the body. As time goes on and the police start looking for him as a missing person Raven & her mom realize that what they think happened isn’t in fact what really went on. But the police keep questioning them over and over.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This one lost points for me on account of both Raven and Robyn being so unbelievably STUPID. Raven, who has been in New York trying to break into acting is a TERRIBLE actress, clearly, because she is a hot mess in this. Really the only redeeming character is Coop, Raven's high school boyfriend.
Overall it was fine, but predictable, and it made me mad that the main characters did not figure out who it was WAY sooner.
Overall it was fine, but predictable, and it made me mad that the main characters did not figure out who it was WAY sooner.
January 26, 2026
A great read, I love a good psychological thriller and this ticked ✅ all the boxes, full of suspense, a twisty tale with secrets and lies galore. The dynamic between Raven and her mum was quite strange almost creepy and couldn’t wait to find out what was going to happen.
A read that kept me guessing and it was so full of tension throughout, I had not idea how things were going to end but I had to find out.
An author to look out for if this binge worthy read is anything to go by.
A read that kept me guessing and it was so full of tension throughout, I had not idea how things were going to end but I had to find out.
An author to look out for if this binge worthy read is anything to go by.
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