It Was You

by Jade Lee Wright

"I don't understand. Everything I did, I did for her..."When Regan Pen discovers that her long-term boyfriend has been cheating on her with over eight women, she packs her bags and leaves the sunny island in Spain that she had called home for a year. She returns to South Africa where she is given the chance to start over in life. Reassemble herself. Now is her time to be selfish. Find a new career, get a home of her own. Become whoever she wants to be... but when her best friend, Peyton, is brutally murdered, Regan is forced to put her life on hold to take responsibility for her friends thirteen year old daughter, Harley. As the police battle to solve the murder of Peyton and her unborn child, Regan becomes convinced that her Godchild is not the sweet, innocent little girl everyone seems to think she is. Could Harley have been so consumed by her jealousy and fear of not being the epicenter of her mothers universe that it lead to murder? If so, is Regan safe in her own home?

Genres: Thriller, Crime

232 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2018

About the author

I’m Jade Lee Wright, psychological thriller author.

Although I first dipped my toe into the world of publishing with two self-published novels, I’ve spent the past few years fully immersing myself in the craft. I study English Literature and Creative Writing through the Open University and have since gone on to sign multiple publishing deals—including a two-book deal (and a brand-new follow-up two-book contract!) with Joffe Books.

My debut psychological thriller with them, The Baby Group, was released in July 2025, and my second, The Family Secret, is due out in January 2026. Both have been snapped up by Audible and will be coming to audio soon.

I was longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize 2025 and shortlisted for the 2024 Marlowe & Christie Novel Prize.

When I’m not writing (or daydreaming about the next twist), you’ll usually find me with my nose in a book or looking after my two baby boys.

Reviews

[Adam Susteren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first few chapters pulled me into the story with an excellent balance of description and character interaction. Very well done. The middle part of the book seemed a bit repetitive, I think in part because I was so curious about the end that I wanted to know what happened and what was going to happen to Regan (my prediction was wrong). I'm normally a fast reader, I sat on the couch and read this in about four straight hours, waiting until the end to get up to go pee. If you like a psychological thriller, if you like a story with gritty, real, and somewhat dark relationships - you'll love this novel and can easily read it straight through in one sitting. I'd give this 4.5 stars because the pacing in the middle, but Amazon doesn't let us do half, so I rounded up to 5 and can recommend it in good faith for anyone else that enjoys a good suspenseful thriller.

[Brenda Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing first book by this author. Although the synopsis sets you up for particular ending I was still intrigued as to how this would come about. I could not put it down and read the majority of the book in one sitting. The author draws you in, not only to the main point of the story, but to the characters lives in general and so well that the point of the story is forgotten for a while whilst you feel the characters lives and personalities taking over only for the point to be brought back with a brilliant twist!

[Jade Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I'm biased... but ;)
Please be honest in your reviews! I appreciate it!

[Julie Hastings · Rating 4 out of 5]

All of my reviews can be found on novelthrillsandchillsreview.wordpress.com

I have been following my friend Jade and her bookstagram along with her and Chiara’s podcast for a few months now. I just have to say, if you’re into reading book blogs and love talking books then I suggest you go follow their podcast Books & Booze. Since I have been following Jade, she shared her story and process on writing her first book. Being a fan of their podcast and enjoying her posts so much I wanted to help her succeed in every way possible and besides who doesn’t love a good suspense novel!? I bought her book and it was nothing short of thrilling.

The first couple chapters for me started off a little rocky but I trusted my instinct and knew that this was going to be a good novel and that is exactly what it turned out to be. The writing style for this novel, to me, was perfect in every way. I enjoyed the roller coaster ride of not knowing who the person was that committed the murder. I had my suspicion from the start and I ended up being correct. Once I got through the first two to four chapters, I was hooked and could not put it down. I read this book in a day and half. I loved how fast paced the book was, there was never a part throughout the book where it was too boring or uneventful. You were always left saying “wtf is happening?”

I rated this novel a 4 star for only one reason and this will definitely not be the same for everyone. Everyone goes through different experiences and different traumas or relationships. I had a very hard time relating to the characters. The middle of the book was a little tough for me in this area because I became slightly annoyed for the way Regan treated people. Once again, everyone has their own experiences and I knew nothing about these.

I would and will always highly recommend this novel. What a fantastic first novel to be written and I cannot wait to read another from this beautiful author! Please, if you have not read this book go buy it now!

[Toni Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 1st couple of chapters were slow to start for me, but by chapter 3 I was hooked! I finished the book within a few hours because I couldn’t put it down!
This is the sort of book that excites you with each chapter!
Loved it!!!!

[Robyn-jean Hammett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting a long time to read this book. And I was not disappointed. I'm not usually one for stand alone books. I prefer reading series, like the Scarpetta series by Patricia Cornwell...but, I got home early from work and started reading this, 3 hours later I finished it and I was so shocked. I did not expect the ending, but I loved the whole story, the writing was amazing, and the fact that the story was set in the little town I live in was pretty amazing too! Cannot wait for her next book to come ❤️

[Dave Carmichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fuck! I literally said that to myself as I read the final pages of this book open mouthed. This book is fantastic. The story is great. The characters are brilliant, clearly some are quite personal to the author. I have give 4 stars rather than 5 as I feel this could do with some padding out, but the story and twist is first class. I read it in 2 days and was completely enthralled. I wanted to know more.

SPOILERS

I wanted to know what had happened to Harley in her childhood and what made her mother do what is revealed. I cannot praise this enough. An amazing novel from a debut author. I can't wait to read more from her.

[Kayleigh Mathews (abountyofbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In summary I don't know why it took me so long to read this book because even though it wasn't perfect I was really invested in the story and the characters.

I don't normally read thrillers of any description but it's something I enjoy to watch so why not enjoy another format. I don't think I've yet figured out what I love completely in a thriller but I am in the future excited for more thriller reads.

As a debut thriller I can see where Jade has so much potential to grow as a writer in future projects and I am super excited to sink my teeth in to each and every one of them.

Keep up all the good work Jade,
All the love from Ireland.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I recently found this author by reading one of her newer books which made me want to go read other books shes written.
So this time we get Regans story of when she comes home after a relationship breakdown, not only is she suffering from this but there is home life past experiences and new trauma all stopping her life from moving forward, throw in having her 13 year old god child who has some major issues and we get a very hectic life! Drama, twists and huge secrets then all come into play and really mess with Regans head!
As much as I enjoyed this story I will be giving a 3.5 stars, BUT I do think with some formatting, editing and a few story tweaks it has huge 5 star potential, but thats obviously just my opinion! Still managed to read it in one day.
*Read as part of KU*

[Cassie Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kept me Interested. Surprised me a lot. I loved the suspense!! The write kept me interested, I could almost picture myself as the characters and how they might feel!!! Looking forward to reading more!!!!
Definite must Read!!!

[Heather Mattern · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll start by saying I really enjoyed watching this book come to life on YouTube via the authors channel. I so wanted to give this book five stars but a few things kept me from doing so.

Although it is a domestic thriller, I often felt I was reading erotica which took me a bit by surprise.

This is a very sensual book.

The main character continues to torture herself with alcohol mixed with meds and this never really felt resolved to me. It was often painful to get to know the main character who was a tortured soul from page one throughout.

As a thriller, it definitely had me on the edge of my seat to find out “who done it,” and the epilogue brought it all together for me. A good read.

[Sara Genrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first ever thriller novel I have read. It was fantastic! I was so keen to support a local Brisbane author, and so happy that I did! Towards the end I couldn’t put it down. 100% worth the read. Xx.

[Suede Goldmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5 stars, rounded up)

I really enjoyed Jade Lee Wright's debut novel and ended up finishing it in almost one sitting—I was eager to see if my suspicions were correct! Wright’s writing style is engaging and easy to get into, which kept me turning the pages chapter after chapter.

The main reason I didn’t rate this book five stars is that the blurb gave away a bit too much, which made the general arc and ending feel somewhat predictable. That said, there’s a twist near the end that completely caught me off guard.

There were a few moments where I had to suspend disbelief a little more than I’d like, but it didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. That said, being an author myself, I understand how challenging it can be—especially in this genre and its subgenres—to balance compelling storytelling with complete realism. Sometimes, a bit of a creative license is necessary to keep the plot engaging. The characters held my interest, and I found myself genuinely invested in the story.

Overall, this is a strong debut, and I’m definitely looking forward to Jade’s next book coming out next month!

[Adell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Positive 3.5 stars!
I was sucked in from the start. The story was thrilling, character writing was fantastic, writing style was excellent but there were a few loose ends left that have left me feeling like the story was incomplete.

Questions I have left include:
The gun range with a drunk 13 year old.
The dead cat the policeman came over to point out.
The alive cat - How come it was safe?
Sean sleeping with a 13 year old.
Harley running away all the time & Regan ignoring it.

The twist was good though minor considering Harley’s character was continuously developed to be a sadistic manipulator. The ending just provided a little insight to motive.

[Courtney · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was interesting as it felt like you, as the reader, were spiraling into insanity. I could never quite put my finger on what was happening. You think you figure it out, then something changes. Then changes again. Then changes again.

Then you think the story is wrapped up.

Then it changes again. And a huge bomb is thrown at the reader in the final page to try to make it all make sense.

I didn’t really care about any of the characters. They all kinda sucked in their own ways, but they were supposed to.

It was a book that I just didn’t really connect with. It wasn’t bad, I just didn’t connect with it.

2/5 Stars

[Denaiir · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has a very pleasant writing style but it just didn’t hit the mark for me, however it could probably be appreciated by lovers of domestic thrillers. It reminded me a little of In a Cottage In a Wood, which I read earlier this year and had a similar atmosphere.

For me it was a 2-star read, but give it a go, I would love to hear what you think!

You can find a full review here:
https://denaiir.wordpress.com/2018/11...

[Jenna Gabiola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is simple & well crafted, spelling/word choice errors aside, as are the characters. I was engaged from beginning to end; a single sitting read.

While I wasn't surprised by the ending, the subtle foreshadowing another highlight, it was a refreshing change to other endings in this genre; at least of the few I've read.

A quick, easy read & a solid introduction to the psychological thriller genre.

I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!
Couldn’t put it down.
The writing was poetic and beautifully fluid.
The characters were well built. Harley is awful! (But in a great way!)
Reagan is flawed - you love her for what she has been through and dislike her for some of the decisions she makes.
I love characters like that as it’s a true representation of how people really are.
Great plot, succinct and just very well written.
Highly recommend this book to thriller lovers and to people just getting into the genre!

[Phil O'Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible book! Beautifully disorienting & hauntingly sad - Regan’s emerging alcoholism and depression are portrayed perfectly. It’s a difficult and sad read with lots of clever techniques from the author to help build tension, empathy and confusion. A truly brilliant book!

[John Saxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put it down absolutely loved it and the ending was amazing well done lovely lady you deserve 5!stars

[Natacha Lakoki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a ride! I'm in love with Regan. Broken, hurting, drinking Regan. A character so raw and true. And the story is just so well written. It builds up and then you believe you know. But you don't. You truly don't, until the very end.

[Hailey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the book at the start but as it continued I got more confused. I felt like random details were added as the book continued and could have been written elsewhere. I found a few spelling and grammar mistakes in the writing as well, not to be nitpicky. Not my favorite book.