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He Started It
This is a story about three siblings. Like any family, sometimes they don't get along.
It's a story about a secret that they've all kept since they were children.
It's a story about lying. A story about murder.
It's a story where only one can win.
It's a story about a secret that they've all kept since they were children.
It's a story about lying. A story about murder.
It's a story where only one can win.
400 pages, Paperback
First published July 21, 2020
1101 people are currently reading
40586 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Downing
6 books6,712 followersSamantha Downing is an internationally bestselling thriller author. Her novels include My Lovely Wife, He Started It, For Your Own Good, and A Twisted Love Story. Her debut novel, My Lovely Wife, was nominated for Edgar, ITW, and Macavity awards in the US, the CWA award in the UK, and was the winner of the Prix des Lectrices award in France.
Her latest thriller, Too Old For This, was released in August 2025 and became an instant national bestseller.
Her latest thriller, Too Old For This, was released in August 2025 and became an instant national bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,175 reviews
September 12, 2025
NUMB. SPEECHLESS. STUPID. TRAINWRECK. That’s exactly how I felt after reading this brain-cell stealer, head spinner, face puncher, mind-numbing, body-hair-removing story.
Now let me tell you what I think about those DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS kind of NAAASSSTYYY siblings. I hated them. I detested them. They’re human garbage disposal—okay, fine, I’ll take that back—they lost their humanity a loooong time ago. I kept waiting for the reveal that they were adopted and their real parents were Lucifer (not Tom Ellis, the real one) and Lilith. But nope, no such revelation came.
The setup? Three siblings:
• Eddie — the asshole brother (seriously, Google the word a-hole and his face might pop up).
• Beth — our wild narrator, a talented pathological liar.
• Portia — a kleptomaniac.
Add to that one passive, peace-loving husband and one small-town-girl wife, and you’ve got the makings of one of the weirdest road trips ever. Same route the siblings took when they were young (and still evil). Back then, their missing older sister was part of the crew too.
This isn’t some nostalgic road trip to see where Bonnie and Clyde died, check out monuments to forgotten ballplayers, scarf down greasy diner food, or crash at serial-killer-special motels. Nope! They only agreed to this madness because their grandfather wrote it into his will: complete the trip, follow the rules, act like law-abiding citizens, and then claim their inheritance. (Yes—meaning no jailbreaks, no murders, no “oops” felonies. Big disappointment for them.)
The book is a darkly entertaining comedy, equal parts thrilling and deranged, powered by the razor-sharp narration of Beth, the middle child. She’s no heroine—she’s a liar, a cheater, a schemer—but her inner thoughts are raw, sarcastic, and wildly entertaining. I loved living inside her crazy brain. Honestly, she might be one of my favorite anti-heroines. (Casting choice for her: Amy Adams. Anyone but Reese Witherspoon—do we all realize she’s in every book adaptation lately?)
Want my other casting picks?
• Eddie: Chris Evans. He nailed the asshole role in Knives Out—plus, let’s face it, he’s America’s ass. Bless Captain America.
• Portia: Florence Pugh. Not because of Little Women. Watch her in Midsommar and you’ll instantly get why.
• Grandpa: Bruce Dern. You’ll agree with me once you read it.
OVERALL: THIS BOOK IS SOOOO CRAZY! SOOOO SURPRISING! SOOOO TWISTY! And the ending? Like a bomb exploding right in your face. BOOM.
Samantha Downing proves again she’s one of the smartest thriller writers out there. She never lets you get bored, she toys with your mind, and she keeps you guessing until the last second. You’ll never see what’s coming—she’s at least fifteen steps ahead of you. And that ending? Pure knockout.
I adored her debut My Lovely Wife, but honestly? This one exceeded my expectations. I loved it even more.
I’m doing happy cartwheels and sending a huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC—the best Christmas present I could’ve asked for—in exchange for my honest review
Now let me tell you what I think about those DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS kind of NAAASSSTYYY siblings. I hated them. I detested them. They’re human garbage disposal—okay, fine, I’ll take that back—they lost their humanity a loooong time ago. I kept waiting for the reveal that they were adopted and their real parents were Lucifer (not Tom Ellis, the real one) and Lilith. But nope, no such revelation came.
The setup? Three siblings:
• Eddie — the asshole brother (seriously, Google the word a-hole and his face might pop up).
• Beth — our wild narrator, a talented pathological liar.
• Portia — a kleptomaniac.
Add to that one passive, peace-loving husband and one small-town-girl wife, and you’ve got the makings of one of the weirdest road trips ever. Same route the siblings took when they were young (and still evil). Back then, their missing older sister was part of the crew too.
This isn’t some nostalgic road trip to see where Bonnie and Clyde died, check out monuments to forgotten ballplayers, scarf down greasy diner food, or crash at serial-killer-special motels. Nope! They only agreed to this madness because their grandfather wrote it into his will: complete the trip, follow the rules, act like law-abiding citizens, and then claim their inheritance. (Yes—meaning no jailbreaks, no murders, no “oops” felonies. Big disappointment for them.)
The book is a darkly entertaining comedy, equal parts thrilling and deranged, powered by the razor-sharp narration of Beth, the middle child. She’s no heroine—she’s a liar, a cheater, a schemer—but her inner thoughts are raw, sarcastic, and wildly entertaining. I loved living inside her crazy brain. Honestly, she might be one of my favorite anti-heroines. (Casting choice for her: Amy Adams. Anyone but Reese Witherspoon—do we all realize she’s in every book adaptation lately?)
Want my other casting picks?
• Eddie: Chris Evans. He nailed the asshole role in Knives Out—plus, let’s face it, he’s America’s ass. Bless Captain America.
• Portia: Florence Pugh. Not because of Little Women. Watch her in Midsommar and you’ll instantly get why.
• Grandpa: Bruce Dern. You’ll agree with me once you read it.
OVERALL: THIS BOOK IS SOOOO CRAZY! SOOOO SURPRISING! SOOOO TWISTY! And the ending? Like a bomb exploding right in your face. BOOM.
Samantha Downing proves again she’s one of the smartest thriller writers out there. She never lets you get bored, she toys with your mind, and she keeps you guessing until the last second. You’ll never see what’s coming—she’s at least fifteen steps ahead of you. And that ending? Pure knockout.
I adored her debut My Lovely Wife, but honestly? This one exceeded my expectations. I loved it even more.
I’m doing happy cartwheels and sending a huge thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this ARC—the best Christmas present I could’ve asked for—in exchange for my honest review
March 15, 2020
I couldn't wait for this road trip to end!
3 siblings are forced to reenact a childhood road trip in order to claim their inheritance. The drive to their final destination leads them into danger, as all are plotting behind one another’s back. Secrets are unearthed, betrayals revealed, and relationships implode.
I don’t have much to say: The plot is convoluted and the narrative drags and drags and drags. Beth the narrator is a toneless bore who keeps telling and telling and telling FOR THE ENTIRE BOOK. I would have enjoyed this more had I been able to see what was going on vs. being constantly told by boring Beth what was happening. I loved My Lovely Wife, and it pains me to write this review, but, wow, what a disappointment!
I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
3 siblings are forced to reenact a childhood road trip in order to claim their inheritance. The drive to their final destination leads them into danger, as all are plotting behind one another’s back. Secrets are unearthed, betrayals revealed, and relationships implode.
I don’t have much to say: The plot is convoluted and the narrative drags and drags and drags. Beth the narrator is a toneless bore who keeps telling and telling and telling FOR THE ENTIRE BOOK. I would have enjoyed this more had I been able to see what was going on vs. being constantly told by boring Beth what was happening. I loved My Lovely Wife, and it pains me to write this review, but, wow, what a disappointment!
I received an ARC of this book from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
August 8, 2020
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
4.5 Stars!!
He started it, but someone else is going to finish it.
A unique and gripping story!
I REALLY enjoyed Samantha Downing’s previous novel, “My Lovely Wife” so I was thrilled to get my hands on this novel.
Twenty years ago Beth, Portia, and Eddie’s grandfather took them on a road trip. He said it was going to be a great adventure. It had been a boring hot summer so far so the kids were excited.
Their grandfather had always been easy going with a good sense of humor, but soon the children started to see a very different side of him. It was a long trip through many states. Some of the places their grandfather took them were “normal” touristy places while others were definitely NOT.
It supposed to be a wonderful adventure. It turned into something that they would never forget.
The Morgan siblings haven’t seen each other very much over the years. Now their Grandfather is dead. He didn’t want a funeral or memorial service. He just wanted a brief obituary (which he wrote) and he wanted to be cremated. His will indicated that he also wanted his grandchildren to go on the SAME road trip they took all those years ago. They were to scatter his ashes at the end of the trip. After that his estate would be equally divided between them. But he stipulated that if anyone ends up in jail, doesn’t complete the trip, or deviates from the original trip, they will get nothing.
If they want the money, they must take the road trip.
The second road trip has two new passengers. Eddie’s wife, Krista and Beth’s husband, Felix. Beth and Eddie’s spouses don’t know what happened during that first road trip, and there’s a lot they don’t know about their spouses.
They set off and all goes well enough at first. However, it isn't long before everything changes.
The story is told from Beth's point of view. Interspersed between chapters are journal entries from the first road trip written by an unknown character. We learn more about the circumstances around the first road trip, the sibling's relationships with each other, and their spouses.
There's a fine line between love and hate.
This story snuck up on me, and before I knew it, I was hooked! The foreshadowing had me saying “just one more chapter”, again and again.
I usually have a hard time with unlikable characters and this story has more than a few. However, it didn’t bother me this time. The flawed characters were perfect for this story. I had mixed feelings about the ending, but I honestly never saw it coming!
A thrilling read about dark family secrets and a crazy road trip...*ahem* TWO crazy road trips.
Entertaining with no shortage of drama!!
I'd like to thank Berkley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars!!
He started it, but someone else is going to finish it.
A unique and gripping story!
I REALLY enjoyed Samantha Downing’s previous novel, “My Lovely Wife” so I was thrilled to get my hands on this novel.
Twenty years ago Beth, Portia, and Eddie’s grandfather took them on a road trip. He said it was going to be a great adventure. It had been a boring hot summer so far so the kids were excited.
Their grandfather had always been easy going with a good sense of humor, but soon the children started to see a very different side of him. It was a long trip through many states. Some of the places their grandfather took them were “normal” touristy places while others were definitely NOT.
It supposed to be a wonderful adventure. It turned into something that they would never forget.
The Morgan siblings haven’t seen each other very much over the years. Now their Grandfather is dead. He didn’t want a funeral or memorial service. He just wanted a brief obituary (which he wrote) and he wanted to be cremated. His will indicated that he also wanted his grandchildren to go on the SAME road trip they took all those years ago. They were to scatter his ashes at the end of the trip. After that his estate would be equally divided between them. But he stipulated that if anyone ends up in jail, doesn’t complete the trip, or deviates from the original trip, they will get nothing.
If they want the money, they must take the road trip.
The second road trip has two new passengers. Eddie’s wife, Krista and Beth’s husband, Felix. Beth and Eddie’s spouses don’t know what happened during that first road trip, and there’s a lot they don’t know about their spouses.
They set off and all goes well enough at first. However, it isn't long before everything changes.
The story is told from Beth's point of view. Interspersed between chapters are journal entries from the first road trip written by an unknown character. We learn more about the circumstances around the first road trip, the sibling's relationships with each other, and their spouses.
There's a fine line between love and hate.
This story snuck up on me, and before I knew it, I was hooked! The foreshadowing had me saying “just one more chapter”, again and again.
I usually have a hard time with unlikable characters and this story has more than a few. However, it didn’t bother me this time. The flawed characters were perfect for this story. I had mixed feelings about the ending, but I honestly never saw it coming!
A thrilling read about dark family secrets and a crazy road trip...*ahem* TWO crazy road trips.
Entertaining with no shortage of drama!!
I'd like to thank Berkley for providing me with a copy of this novel. All opinions are my own.
September 11, 2023
From the outside, looking in, the Morgan family looks so normal. The 1999 version of the family has a mom, dad, kids, and a grieving grandfather, who has just lost his wife. But the mom and dad fight often, so Granddad decides to take the kids on a road trip. It's a bit confusing for the kids when their nightly calls to mom and dad indicate that they don't seem to be onboard with this road trip and granddad closely censors each child's conversation with their parents.
Not only that, Granddad is taking the kids to some very questionable tourist spots such as a museum flaunting the murders and deaths of Bonnie and Clyde and their victims. Granddad seems to have the trip all planned out, and when they all stay in a seedy motel each night, he plants his cot in front of the door, giving the impression that the kids are prisoners on his demented road trip.
Twenty years later, the siblings are recreating the road trip due to the demands of Granddad's will. They must hit each tourist spot and reach the final destination to scatter Granddad's ashes. There are some extra stipulations that should be easy to follow but prove hard for one of the siblings. It doesn't help that the adult siblings can't stand each other, maybe hate each other, and would be willing to stab any of the others in the back, given the chance.
In the early days, Dad made the kids play a family game of Risk each night, honing their skills of strategy and alliance, but in the end, putting oneself before all others. The kids learned the lessons of Risk very well and live their lives based on what they learned. Things didn't go well on the first road trip and they aren't going to go well on the adult road trip.
Beth, the narrator of this story is sarcastic, self demeaning, funny, and admits she is a cheater, liar, and more. I loved seeing this story through her eyes, through her deceptions, through her manipulations. At first, I was unsettled that the ending of the story is so ambiguous, but once I gave it more thought, I realized I just needed to see the entire adventure in the way that Beth teaches us to see it...all the clues are there and then I knew what happened next, right after the final words of the story.
This very clever story, requires some thinking and paying attention to what is presented to us. Trust nobody, nothing is as it seems, this family is dysfunction personified. And if possible, read this book with buddies, it makes for a fabulous buddy read. I had so much fun reading this book with my friends Jayme and Kim.
Pub July 28, 2020
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for this ARC.
Not only that, Granddad is taking the kids to some very questionable tourist spots such as a museum flaunting the murders and deaths of Bonnie and Clyde and their victims. Granddad seems to have the trip all planned out, and when they all stay in a seedy motel each night, he plants his cot in front of the door, giving the impression that the kids are prisoners on his demented road trip.
Twenty years later, the siblings are recreating the road trip due to the demands of Granddad's will. They must hit each tourist spot and reach the final destination to scatter Granddad's ashes. There are some extra stipulations that should be easy to follow but prove hard for one of the siblings. It doesn't help that the adult siblings can't stand each other, maybe hate each other, and would be willing to stab any of the others in the back, given the chance.
In the early days, Dad made the kids play a family game of Risk each night, honing their skills of strategy and alliance, but in the end, putting oneself before all others. The kids learned the lessons of Risk very well and live their lives based on what they learned. Things didn't go well on the first road trip and they aren't going to go well on the adult road trip.
Beth, the narrator of this story is sarcastic, self demeaning, funny, and admits she is a cheater, liar, and more. I loved seeing this story through her eyes, through her deceptions, through her manipulations. At first, I was unsettled that the ending of the story is so ambiguous, but once I gave it more thought, I realized I just needed to see the entire adventure in the way that Beth teaches us to see it...all the clues are there and then I knew what happened next, right after the final words of the story.
This very clever story, requires some thinking and paying attention to what is presented to us. Trust nobody, nothing is as it seems, this family is dysfunction personified. And if possible, read this book with buddies, it makes for a fabulous buddy read. I had so much fun reading this book with my friends Jayme and Kim.
Pub July 28, 2020
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for this ARC.
March 21, 2021
Beth, Portia and Eddie were the best of friends...okay...scratch that...they were as friendly as any trio of siblings (who don't actually like each other) can be.
Their very, very wealthy grandfather just died and left behind a collective fortune that was ripe for the taking...but with one very, very large caveat hanging over their head - they have to go on a road trip together.
And not just any road trip...THE road trip. The one that the siblings went on years ago with their grandfather - the one where the...event...happened that very nearly ruined their lives forever.
Each sibling needs the money desperately and has agreed to go on the trip.
But soon they realized that this trip wouldn't be as bad as it was the first round...oh no. It's going to be so much worse.
Whew. Well. First of all, kudos to the author for making all of the characters so unlikeable that I literally didn't know who to root for.
Cause gosh-dang...each of them was completely and utterly awful in their own way.
As far as the plot - I would say it started really good but then stagnated.
The concept was great in the beginning. I LOVED the slow-and-petty reveals from the book but then as the book kept going...I felt like the story was stalling.
It felt like I was trapped on the never-ending road trip with them and given they were all kinda awful, it didn't buoy the mood at all.
The ending was a shocker to me but also not entirely in a good way. I was hoping for more from the characters but ended up getting less.
Ah well.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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March 3, 2021
Be sure to visit Bantering Books to read all my latest reviews.
“Sometimes we are a family of [@]ssholes. You can blame that on Grandpa, he started it.”
Yep, folks. That’s the Morgan siblings. A more apt description than the above, I could not write.
But oh, what fun it is to follow this family of @ssholes on their road trip from hell in Samantha Downing’s latest novel, He Started It.
(Cue the beginning notes of Holiday Road by Lindsey Buckingham. Let’s add some catchy background music.)
Beth, Eddie, and Portia Morgan have been estranged for years. That is, until their extremely wealthy grandfather passes away and leaves instructions outlining the specific conditions that need to be met to receive their individual inheritances.
What must they do? Go on a road trip. The exact same road trip they took with their grandfather 20 years ago. (Which did not include a stop at Walley World, by the way. Grandpa is no Clark Griswold.)
Unfortunately, not much has changed in the twenty years that have passed since the initial excursion – secrets still abound, hurtful betrayals reoccur, and trust cannot be given. Little do the Morgan siblings know what all this trip has in store for them, as they once again travel cross country on a journey that is even more wild than the first.
Honestly, I’m not even certain where to begin. Because He Started It is seriously one of the craziest thrillers I have ever read. And the Morgan family is seriously one of the most disturbingly dysfunctional families I have ever encountered in a novel. I am literally sitting here, shaking my head in dismay as I reflect on the story and write this review. Truly, I am struggling to find words.
Middle child, Beth, is our narrator. Through her voice and memories, we are privy to an insider’s view of both the past and present road trips. She is smart, snarky, and entertaining. But also, a little bit “off.” It is clear from the get-go that something is not quite right with Beth, and it is difficult to ever fully like her.
And the same holds true for Eddie and Portia. All three Morgans have committed despicable acts and do not have many, if any, redeeming qualities. As a reader, it is difficult to have empathy for the siblings and be tolerant of their behavior.
But for a novel centered around such wholly unlikable characters, He Started It sure makes for a crazy, entertaining read. The story is compelling and addictive. It’s compulsively readable. The pace is brisk, and the pages turn quickly as the chapters are short. There are surprising twists aplenty – and the final scene is so horrifically shocking that it will render most readers dumbstruck. It’s one that could’ve come straight out of a Quentin Tarantino film. (Yes. It’s that good.)
Downing’s writing style, however, is not that good. It’s simple and plain; it’s a bit too lean and sparse. She neglects to dig deeply into any of her characters, and most everything is told rather than shown. It’s efficient enough, I suppose, but I do wish she would’ve fleshed the story out further, put a bit of meat on its bones.
More importantly, though, Downing knows how to tell a story. And He Started It is one hella good, train wreck of a story that is almost impossible to stop reading, once you start.
So, sit back. Relax. And enjoy the wild ride.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Edelweiss and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions included herein are my own. Quotes are subject to change.
Bantering Books
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“Sometimes we are a family of [@]ssholes. You can blame that on Grandpa, he started it.”
Yep, folks. That’s the Morgan siblings. A more apt description than the above, I could not write.
But oh, what fun it is to follow this family of @ssholes on their road trip from hell in Samantha Downing’s latest novel, He Started It.
(Cue the beginning notes of Holiday Road by Lindsey Buckingham. Let’s add some catchy background music.)
Beth, Eddie, and Portia Morgan have been estranged for years. That is, until their extremely wealthy grandfather passes away and leaves instructions outlining the specific conditions that need to be met to receive their individual inheritances.
What must they do? Go on a road trip. The exact same road trip they took with their grandfather 20 years ago. (Which did not include a stop at Walley World, by the way. Grandpa is no Clark Griswold.)
Unfortunately, not much has changed in the twenty years that have passed since the initial excursion – secrets still abound, hurtful betrayals reoccur, and trust cannot be given. Little do the Morgan siblings know what all this trip has in store for them, as they once again travel cross country on a journey that is even more wild than the first.
Honestly, I’m not even certain where to begin. Because He Started It is seriously one of the craziest thrillers I have ever read. And the Morgan family is seriously one of the most disturbingly dysfunctional families I have ever encountered in a novel. I am literally sitting here, shaking my head in dismay as I reflect on the story and write this review. Truly, I am struggling to find words.
Middle child, Beth, is our narrator. Through her voice and memories, we are privy to an insider’s view of both the past and present road trips. She is smart, snarky, and entertaining. But also, a little bit “off.” It is clear from the get-go that something is not quite right with Beth, and it is difficult to ever fully like her.
And the same holds true for Eddie and Portia. All three Morgans have committed despicable acts and do not have many, if any, redeeming qualities. As a reader, it is difficult to have empathy for the siblings and be tolerant of their behavior.
But for a novel centered around such wholly unlikable characters, He Started It sure makes for a crazy, entertaining read. The story is compelling and addictive. It’s compulsively readable. The pace is brisk, and the pages turn quickly as the chapters are short. There are surprising twists aplenty – and the final scene is so horrifically shocking that it will render most readers dumbstruck. It’s one that could’ve come straight out of a Quentin Tarantino film. (Yes. It’s that good.)
Downing’s writing style, however, is not that good. It’s simple and plain; it’s a bit too lean and sparse. She neglects to dig deeply into any of her characters, and most everything is told rather than shown. It’s efficient enough, I suppose, but I do wish she would’ve fleshed the story out further, put a bit of meat on its bones.
More importantly, though, Downing knows how to tell a story. And He Started It is one hella good, train wreck of a story that is almost impossible to stop reading, once you start.
So, sit back. Relax. And enjoy the wild ride.
I received an Advanced Readers Copy from Edelweiss and Berkley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions included herein are my own. Quotes are subject to change.
Bantering Books
October 4, 2020
well that was 3 hours of my life i'm never getting back
not going to type a long drawn out review for this but wow that was lackluster. i must be missing something because it seems like most people loved this.
what's wildest to me about this story is how it could simultaneously be boring as fuck and also have some unbelievable as fuck plot "twists." twists in quote cause i'm not sure anything that happened in this book was truly surprising. i also think this book might win the award for being a thriller that i hate that also didn't really have any tropes that i particularly loathe. it was able to make me hate it all on its own. which i guess is a feat in and of itself.
anyway, ignore me because seriously... all of my friends loved this. just needed to vent.
not going to type a long drawn out review for this but wow that was lackluster. i must be missing something because it seems like most people loved this.
what's wildest to me about this story is how it could simultaneously be boring as fuck and also have some unbelievable as fuck plot "twists." twists in quote cause i'm not sure anything that happened in this book was truly surprising. i also think this book might win the award for being a thriller that i hate that also didn't really have any tropes that i particularly loathe. it was able to make me hate it all on its own. which i guess is a feat in and of itself.
anyway, ignore me because seriously... all of my friends loved this. just needed to vent.
February 11, 2021
4 Stars
Family: You can’t Pick ‘em, but Sometimes, you sure which you could!
Ah, the nostalgia of family road trips!
Unfortunately for Eddie, Beth and Portia, they don’t exactly have fond memories of the road trip they took with their dear old Grandpa when they were young. Nightmares are more like it! So why, pray tell would they be willing to relive the experience all over again? An inheritance of course! Dear sweet Grandpa bequeathed them each with lots of dough on one condition, they must take that exact road trip one more time. Sounds easy enough right?
Eddie, Beth and Portia, should have figured that it would be dangerous, treacherous even. After all, each prides themselves on keeping secrets. Whoppers, if you will.. and let’s face it, if you aren’t going to keep secrets from your family, who are you to keep secrets from?
“He Started It” by Samantha Downing has an oddly addictive quality to it! I kept turning page after page even when I knew I needed to put the book down! It’s compelling and engrossing and all of those dastardly little secrets got me and got me good! After having read Ms. Downing’s debut novel, “My Lovely Wife” (which was one of my favorite reads of 2018) and now this, I can say that Samantha Downing is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I will read anything and everything she writes. For those of you who haven’t haven’t read anything by her, it’s about time you changed that!
As far as family road trips go, thanks for the lesson, I plan on steering clear!
This was another fabulous buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you so much to Elisha at Penguin Publishing Group for the arc and to Samantha Downing as well.
Published on Goodreads on 12.8.19
Review also published on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
Family: You can’t Pick ‘em, but Sometimes, you sure which you could!
Ah, the nostalgia of family road trips!
Unfortunately for Eddie, Beth and Portia, they don’t exactly have fond memories of the road trip they took with their dear old Grandpa when they were young. Nightmares are more like it! So why, pray tell would they be willing to relive the experience all over again? An inheritance of course! Dear sweet Grandpa bequeathed them each with lots of dough on one condition, they must take that exact road trip one more time. Sounds easy enough right?
Eddie, Beth and Portia, should have figured that it would be dangerous, treacherous even. After all, each prides themselves on keeping secrets. Whoppers, if you will.. and let’s face it, if you aren’t going to keep secrets from your family, who are you to keep secrets from?
“He Started It” by Samantha Downing has an oddly addictive quality to it! I kept turning page after page even when I knew I needed to put the book down! It’s compelling and engrossing and all of those dastardly little secrets got me and got me good! After having read Ms. Downing’s debut novel, “My Lovely Wife” (which was one of my favorite reads of 2018) and now this, I can say that Samantha Downing is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors and I will read anything and everything she writes. For those of you who haven’t haven’t read anything by her, it’s about time you changed that!
As far as family road trips go, thanks for the lesson, I plan on steering clear!
This was another fabulous buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you so much to Elisha at Penguin Publishing Group for the arc and to Samantha Downing as well.
Published on Goodreads on 12.8.19
Review also published on blog: https://books-are-a-girls-best-friend...
August 6, 2020
I love a good thriller and this one is so clever! I think it's phe-nom-in-al!
The plot twists that are so shocking are all hinted at throughout the book but are hidden soooo well. It wasn't until I finished and could inspect it in hindsight that I saw the excellent job the author did of tying everything together.
I liked Beth's dry, sarcastic narrative and how she interacted with her siblings that she despised, yet is so similar to. And her relationship with her husband was just pure entertainment!
The ending? Wow. I found it to be smart, maddening, unsatisfying and satisfying all at the same time. Loved it!
This author is two for two with me and I am very curious to what she'll come up with next.
The plot twists that are so shocking are all hinted at throughout the book but are hidden soooo well. It wasn't until I finished and could inspect it in hindsight that I saw the excellent job the author did of tying everything together.
I liked Beth's dry, sarcastic narrative and how she interacted with her siblings that she despised, yet is so similar to. And her relationship with her husband was just pure entertainment!
The ending? Wow. I found it to be smart, maddening, unsatisfying and satisfying all at the same time. Loved it!
This author is two for two with me and I am very curious to what she'll come up with next.
February 17, 2020
Road trip!! WHEEEEEEE!
Remember those unbearable road trips you took when you were a kid? Stuffed into the backseat with your annoying siblings! So busy fighting you missed all the bizarre roadside attractions?
Well, what if many years later you had to retrace those steps? That’s right boys and girls! It’s another road trip! Only now you’re all grown up! And guess what…if you make it to the end?
There just might be a surprise waiting for you! Bonus!
Buckle up!
When grandpa died, the instructions in his will requested his grandchildren to retrace the trip he took them on as children. If they can pull it off while adhering to a few specific rules along the way, they will all inherit from his estate. Good luck kids! ‘Cause you’re all going to need it!
Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines!
Samantha Downing writes a clever thriller that will keep you flipping the pages as the sibling rivalries are re-ignited, ramping up to full throttle! Secrets! Lies! Maybe even murder? How terribly juicy! Quick question: How is your relationship with your family members? Think you could all survive the Highway to Hell road trip?
Happy trails!
I'm glad I read this one alongside Susanne as it created quite a conversation at the end! I think it will for you too! I'll be curious to see what you all think!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing and Samantha Downing for an ARC to read and review.
Remember those unbearable road trips you took when you were a kid? Stuffed into the backseat with your annoying siblings! So busy fighting you missed all the bizarre roadside attractions?
Well, what if many years later you had to retrace those steps? That’s right boys and girls! It’s another road trip! Only now you’re all grown up! And guess what…if you make it to the end?
There just might be a surprise waiting for you! Bonus!
Buckle up!
When grandpa died, the instructions in his will requested his grandchildren to retrace the trip he took them on as children. If they can pull it off while adhering to a few specific rules along the way, they will all inherit from his estate. Good luck kids! ‘Cause you’re all going to need it!
Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines!
Samantha Downing writes a clever thriller that will keep you flipping the pages as the sibling rivalries are re-ignited, ramping up to full throttle! Secrets! Lies! Maybe even murder? How terribly juicy! Quick question: How is your relationship with your family members? Think you could all survive the Highway to Hell road trip?
Happy trails!
I'm glad I read this one alongside Susanne as it created quite a conversation at the end! I think it will for you too! I'll be curious to see what you all think!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing and Samantha Downing for an ARC to read and review.
February 23, 2020
There is a quote in the book about families being the least forgiving of them all. Would you agree? I bet Eddie, Beth, and Portia would! The siblings are on a road trip where they are recreating a road trip they previously took with their grandfather when they were children. Their grandfather has died and has left instructions in his will that they must finish this road trip in order to collect their inheritance. Sounds easy, right?
Except for this time, Eddie and Beth have their spouses with them and the three siblings are hiding a secret (s). The one secret is a BIG one. Something that neither Eddie nor Beth have shared with their spouses - there is a member of their family who has been missing for years. Plus, a black truck is following them...
All the siblings have their quirks, none are entirely who they initially present themselves to be. As the book progresses, we learn more about them, their secrets, their rivalries, their personalities and just how dysfunctional they all are. Beth is our narrator and she is quite the character. She admits in the beginning that she is a cheater and one might wonder, is she a reliable narrator? She gives us family history, insight (well, coming from her POV), and adds to the drama.
I'll admit, the beginning was a little slow for me but soon picked up and I did feel as if I was on this road trip right along with them. They made me appreciate my normal, easy-going sister a lot more! This book had some twists, turns and reveals. Samantha Downing did surprise me on several occasions while reading this book. Will she surprise you?
This book went from slow to interesting. Put me in the camp that enjoyed the ending. I found it to be clever. Just what will Downing come up with next? I look forward to reading more books from her in the future!
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Except for this time, Eddie and Beth have their spouses with them and the three siblings are hiding a secret (s). The one secret is a BIG one. Something that neither Eddie nor Beth have shared with their spouses - there is a member of their family who has been missing for years. Plus, a black truck is following them...
All the siblings have their quirks, none are entirely who they initially present themselves to be. As the book progresses, we learn more about them, their secrets, their rivalries, their personalities and just how dysfunctional they all are. Beth is our narrator and she is quite the character. She admits in the beginning that she is a cheater and one might wonder, is she a reliable narrator? She gives us family history, insight (well, coming from her POV), and adds to the drama.
I'll admit, the beginning was a little slow for me but soon picked up and I did feel as if I was on this road trip right along with them. They made me appreciate my normal, easy-going sister a lot more! This book had some twists, turns and reveals. Samantha Downing did surprise me on several occasions while reading this book. Will she surprise you?
This book went from slow to interesting. Put me in the camp that enjoyed the ending. I found it to be clever. Just what will Downing come up with next? I look forward to reading more books from her in the future!
Thank you to Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss who provided me with a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 6, 2020
Samantha Downing has joined us for Spoiler Free Q & A and gave us some great insight to He Started It
You can find the thread here
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
It's here!!! Get it today!!! I think this is one not to missed and I hope it's one you will join me in my saying "Hot Diggity Dang that was good!"
Giddy up my friends, fasten your seat belts and join this delicious wacky and entertaining road trip from hell with this family!! If a family road doesn't already sound like fun or maybe a nightmare, involve money and a bunch of twisted, unlikable, greedy and unreliable characters with secrets, and it takes it to a whole new level of madness.
When Beth, Porta & Eddie's wealthy grandfather dies, he sends them on a cross country road trip to their inheritance with a few conditions for them to fulfill. Samantha Downing adds some high tension by creating a setting that added dynamics to the characters and story. She cleverly adds some fun and entertainment to the story that we all can relate to by adding one of the conditions the sibling must stop at every tourist trap. I cringed with every stop but couldn't help but chuckle to myself with every scene. Perfectly paced throughout the story, Beth reveals secrets from a past road trip, adding more depth to the present road trip.
I loved Beth and her snarky voice, and I wanted to high five her with that snarkiness and Samantha. Even though the family drama is high here, it's kept fresh and exciting and creates some great suspense throughout the story. The characters are interesting unlikable, and I found myself rooting for different characters at different times and going back and forth with my thoughts on them.
The title is clever, interesting and I was intrigued by it right from the start and had to think about it and then realized just how cleverly fitting it is to the story. And of course, that cover, how great is that cover. I love it!!
While I found this one to be a slow build-up to that exciting showdown between these siblings, it was a thrilling and entertaining page-turner for me. The short chapters keep the pace fast and engaging to keep me reading just one more chapter.
I enjoyed the twists and turns along this road trip right up to the final ones that left me saying "Hot Diggity Dang" I highly recommend!!
I received a copy from the publisher!
You can find the thread here
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
It's here!!! Get it today!!! I think this is one not to missed and I hope it's one you will join me in my saying "Hot Diggity Dang that was good!"
Giddy up my friends, fasten your seat belts and join this delicious wacky and entertaining road trip from hell with this family!! If a family road doesn't already sound like fun or maybe a nightmare, involve money and a bunch of twisted, unlikable, greedy and unreliable characters with secrets, and it takes it to a whole new level of madness.
When Beth, Porta & Eddie's wealthy grandfather dies, he sends them on a cross country road trip to their inheritance with a few conditions for them to fulfill. Samantha Downing adds some high tension by creating a setting that added dynamics to the characters and story. She cleverly adds some fun and entertainment to the story that we all can relate to by adding one of the conditions the sibling must stop at every tourist trap. I cringed with every stop but couldn't help but chuckle to myself with every scene. Perfectly paced throughout the story, Beth reveals secrets from a past road trip, adding more depth to the present road trip.
I loved Beth and her snarky voice, and I wanted to high five her with that snarkiness and Samantha. Even though the family drama is high here, it's kept fresh and exciting and creates some great suspense throughout the story. The characters are interesting unlikable, and I found myself rooting for different characters at different times and going back and forth with my thoughts on them.
The title is clever, interesting and I was intrigued by it right from the start and had to think about it and then realized just how cleverly fitting it is to the story. And of course, that cover, how great is that cover. I love it!!
While I found this one to be a slow build-up to that exciting showdown between these siblings, it was a thrilling and entertaining page-turner for me. The short chapters keep the pace fast and engaging to keep me reading just one more chapter.
I enjoyed the twists and turns along this road trip right up to the final ones that left me saying "Hot Diggity Dang" I highly recommend!!
I received a copy from the publisher!
July 28, 2020
NOW AVAILABLE!!!
like many books in this 'rona-riddled world of ours, this one's birthday got pushed back from april to july, which is an even better time of year* for escaping into a page-turning thriller about a backstabby family and their ill-fated road trip**.
but don't take my word for it—trust in the HOT sticker!!!
this is the dysfunction-laced tale of three estranged siblings who are about to inherit a lot of money. and all they have to do is fulfill the terms of their wealthy grandfather’s will—to reenact the cross-country road trip he took them on when they were kids and scatter his ashes at the end. which would be a simple enough request, and even a sweetly nostalgic one, if what went down on that trip was something any of them wanted to revisit or even remember.
AND if the will didn't have additional, somewhat ominous fineprint stipulations disinheriting anyone who fails to complete or otherwise deviates from the original route or anyone winding up in jail before the final destination.
AND if they weren't being followed the whole way by a menacing black truck whose occupants seem hell-bent on sabotage.
it's a perfect tinderbox of a situation—all the expected discomfort and grumpiness of a family road trip (also i need to say here how much i LOVE this title) with layer upon layer of additional tension: three siblings who haven’t been around each other for quite a while, quickly remembering why they haven’t been around each other for quite a while, packed into a rental car with two spouses, their grandfather's ashes, and all of their literal and psychological baggage, riddled with secrets and suspicions, reckoning with past grievances and buried resentments and that brand of emotional backsliding and regressive behavior that rears up in the presence of family members who knew you when, hypnotized by the monotony of the road, bloated with greasy fried food and alcohol and murrrrrrder
it's funny and dark with very sharp edges, as the tales of two road trips unfold through calculating middle-child beth's POV, who knows what she knows and suspects what she suspects and shares what she feels like sharing with the reader, who is taken on a very twisty journey—i suspected a thing, and then, as though sensing i suspected a thing (or more likely having deliberately led me to this suspicion), downing confirmed and then undermined the thing, reversed it and then reversed it again, leaving me too dizzy to focus on some of the other things going on in the periphery, catching me off-guard to my great delight.
i am being vague because i must.
if you enjoyed Knives Out, there's a good chance you will also enjoy this toxic family reunion where seeeecrets and inheritance rekindle sibling rivalry, bring out those competitive streaks and deceit and greed and murrrrrderrrrrrrrrr and it's all deliciously vicious and popcorny.
so, as far as that ending goes. i read this book in the Before. in the Now, the ending bothers me less. it's an ending that matches my outlook and my expectations for what happens now: for myself and my enemies, for anyone who was spoonfed a fantasy of bonnie and clyde as a tragic love story before being thrust into a museum full of bodies and bullets and blood. none of us expected this.
* inasmuch as time has meaning anymore
** imagine being confined with your family for a long time??? hahaha no but imagine if road trips could exist?
***************************************
this was one of those books where i didn't even want to stop reading long enough to take a pee break. i was completely consumed, engrossed, hearts in my eyes, neglecting all the other things i was supposed to be doing and then that ending??? I AM UNDECIDED NOW!
four stars for now, lemme think on it and figure it out while i'm writing the review. if i ever get caught up on reviews.
come to my blog!
like many books in this 'rona-riddled world of ours, this one's birthday got pushed back from april to july, which is an even better time of year* for escaping into a page-turning thriller about a backstabby family and their ill-fated road trip**.
but don't take my word for it—trust in the HOT sticker!!!
this is the dysfunction-laced tale of three estranged siblings who are about to inherit a lot of money. and all they have to do is fulfill the terms of their wealthy grandfather’s will—to reenact the cross-country road trip he took them on when they were kids and scatter his ashes at the end. which would be a simple enough request, and even a sweetly nostalgic one, if what went down on that trip was something any of them wanted to revisit or even remember.
AND if the will didn't have additional, somewhat ominous fineprint stipulations disinheriting anyone who fails to complete or otherwise deviates from the original route or anyone winding up in jail before the final destination.
AND if they weren't being followed the whole way by a menacing black truck whose occupants seem hell-bent on sabotage.
it's a perfect tinderbox of a situation—all the expected discomfort and grumpiness of a family road trip (also i need to say here how much i LOVE this title) with layer upon layer of additional tension: three siblings who haven’t been around each other for quite a while, quickly remembering why they haven’t been around each other for quite a while, packed into a rental car with two spouses, their grandfather's ashes, and all of their literal and psychological baggage, riddled with secrets and suspicions, reckoning with past grievances and buried resentments and that brand of emotional backsliding and regressive behavior that rears up in the presence of family members who knew you when, hypnotized by the monotony of the road, bloated with greasy fried food and alcohol and murrrrrrder
it's funny and dark with very sharp edges, as the tales of two road trips unfold through calculating middle-child beth's POV, who knows what she knows and suspects what she suspects and shares what she feels like sharing with the reader, who is taken on a very twisty journey—i suspected a thing, and then, as though sensing i suspected a thing (or more likely having deliberately led me to this suspicion), downing confirmed and then undermined the thing, reversed it and then reversed it again, leaving me too dizzy to focus on some of the other things going on in the periphery, catching me off-guard to my great delight.
i am being vague because i must.
if you enjoyed Knives Out, there's a good chance you will also enjoy this toxic family reunion where seeeecrets and inheritance rekindle sibling rivalry, bring out those competitive streaks and deceit and greed and murrrrrderrrrrrrrrr and it's all deliciously vicious and popcorny.
so, as far as that ending goes. i read this book in the Before. in the Now, the ending bothers me less. it's an ending that matches my outlook and my expectations for what happens now: for myself and my enemies, for anyone who was spoonfed a fantasy of bonnie and clyde as a tragic love story before being thrust into a museum full of bodies and bullets and blood. none of us expected this.
* inasmuch as time has meaning anymore
** imagine being confined with your family for a long time??? hahaha no but imagine if road trips could exist?
***************************************
this was one of those books where i didn't even want to stop reading long enough to take a pee break. i was completely consumed, engrossed, hearts in my eyes, neglecting all the other things i was supposed to be doing and then that ending??? I AM UNDECIDED NOW!
four stars for now, lemme think on it and figure it out while i'm writing the review. if i ever get caught up on reviews.
come to my blog!
February 17, 2022
If I went to Denny's or some such diner and found myself in a booth near any of the characters from this popular sophomore thriller by Samantha Downing, I would promptly find the hostess and ask to be re-seated. I wouldn't be able to enjoy my Grand Slam breakfast within earshot of these horrendous people, so I'm a bit miffed I spent several hours of my reading life in their company.
Honestly, I don't care who started it. I'm just happy to be finished.
Honestly, I don't care who started it. I'm just happy to be finished.
July 22, 2020
Grandfather's Will has been read, and the instructions are clear:
Eddie, Beth and Portia must go on THE road trip, that he had taken them on when they were just kids, and scatter his ashes at the end.
Once he is in his final resting place, his assets would be divided equally between the three. His liquid assets alone come in at $3,453,000 with a house, car and furnishings yet to be sold.
Of course, there are a few final conditions: Anyone who ends up in jail, who does not complete the trip, or who deviates from the original trip in ANY way, will get NOTHING.
Is this their Grandfather's way of reuniting the siblings who have not spent time together in years?
This is Samantha Downing!
So, you KNOW it Isn't!!
With their "eyes on the prize" the 14 day road trip begins...
To survive
Each will need a Strategy.
Each will need an Alliance.
Each will need a little Luck.
Good thing they learned about all three while growing up and playing the board and dice game RISK, as a LOVING family...
Oh Samantha Downing, you are SO VERY CLEVER...
I THINK I know the answer to your question..
But, MAYBE I don't.
A terrific buddy read with Marilyn and Kim..LOTS to discuss!!
TRUST ME..you will want to read it with a friend so you can talk about the ending!!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Berkeley and the author for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review.
I am already looking forward to seeing what Samantha Downing has in store for us next!!
Eddie, Beth and Portia must go on THE road trip, that he had taken them on when they were just kids, and scatter his ashes at the end.
Once he is in his final resting place, his assets would be divided equally between the three. His liquid assets alone come in at $3,453,000 with a house, car and furnishings yet to be sold.
Of course, there are a few final conditions: Anyone who ends up in jail, who does not complete the trip, or who deviates from the original trip in ANY way, will get NOTHING.
Is this their Grandfather's way of reuniting the siblings who have not spent time together in years?
This is Samantha Downing!
So, you KNOW it Isn't!!
With their "eyes on the prize" the 14 day road trip begins...
To survive
Each will need a Strategy.
Each will need an Alliance.
Each will need a little Luck.
Good thing they learned about all three while growing up and playing the board and dice game RISK, as a LOVING family...
Oh Samantha Downing, you are SO VERY CLEVER...
I THINK I know the answer to your question..
But, MAYBE I don't.
A terrific buddy read with Marilyn and Kim..LOTS to discuss!!
TRUST ME..you will want to read it with a friend so you can talk about the ending!!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Berkeley and the author for the digital ARC I received in exchange for a candid review.
I am already looking forward to seeing what Samantha Downing has in store for us next!!
October 4, 2021
2*boring*stars ✨
why I decided to read this book?
⭐ Road trip
⭐ Sibling rivalry
⭐ Dysfunctional family
I am a sucker for dysfunctional family mystery thriller and with the added idea of road trip and sibling rivalry this book lured me and I fell into this vicious trap!
( PS for a long time this book keeps popping up in my update feed and I used to thought it's an romance rivalry book sort of thing coz of title and cover!)
I liked the entire idea of re creating the journey undertaken 20 years back but this time everyone have their own secrets but what took me off the book was that boringggggggg narrative , by the end of the book i was like my mind is damaged either you shoot her or shoot me ! I would have liked to know what's happening rather than what the narrator is thinking !
Apart from boring narrative this book also have one of the most selfish and obnoxious characters , at times I wanna slap some sense in them! They were highly unlikeable and untreatable characters and I am character driven person, so this one was a minus point for me!
Over dramatic and repetitive plot points :- even the simplest events were represented dramatically so that the readers mind gets diverted from original truth ! And you can't expect your readers to believe that suddenly the most suspicious character just went away ?
in short it was not redeeming, far fetched and tad unbelievable read for me.
But there are people who loved it i advice you to read their reviews.
I would love to read lovely wife by same author coz of all those stars and wonderful reviews!
why I decided to read this book?
⭐ Road trip
⭐ Sibling rivalry
⭐ Dysfunctional family
I am a sucker for dysfunctional family mystery thriller and with the added idea of road trip and sibling rivalry this book lured me and I fell into this vicious trap!
( PS for a long time this book keeps popping up in my update feed and I used to thought it's an romance rivalry book sort of thing coz of title and cover!)
I liked the entire idea of re creating the journey undertaken 20 years back but this time everyone have their own secrets but what took me off the book was that boringggggggg narrative , by the end of the book i was like my mind is damaged either you shoot her or shoot me ! I would have liked to know what's happening rather than what the narrator is thinking !
Apart from boring narrative this book also have one of the most selfish and obnoxious characters , at times I wanna slap some sense in them! They were highly unlikeable and untreatable characters and I am character driven person, so this one was a minus point for me!
Over dramatic and repetitive plot points :- even the simplest events were represented dramatically so that the readers mind gets diverted from original truth ! And you can't expect your readers to believe that suddenly the most suspicious character just went away ?
in short it was not redeeming, far fetched and tad unbelievable read for me.
But there are people who loved it i advice you to read their reviews.
I would love to read lovely wife by same author coz of all those stars and wonderful reviews!
April 12, 2020
From the blurb for this book you all know the basics; estranged siblings have to reunite for a road trip in order to gain their inheritance. They have to exactly duplicate the road trip none of them will ever forget, with their Grandpa, decades before. They all found out about the road trip the same way, a conference call with his lawyer when he died. He read Grandpa’s words exactly as stated “Go on the road trip. Scatter my ashes at the end. Once I’m in my final resting place, my estate will be equally divided between you.” THE ROAD TRIP, not A ROAD TRIP. There had only been one. “Your grandfather stipulated that anyone who ends up in jail, who does ot complete the trip, or deviates from the original trip in any way, will get nothing.” The inheritance was a lot of money that they all needed, of course they would do it!
To say that this family is dysfunctional is a gross understatement. The original road trip with Grandpa wasn’t something that was planned, he gathered them together one summer and off they went in his grayish green minivan. Their parents weren’t consulted or even advised of the plans but you’ll get to that in the story. Grandpa had some pretty crazy ideas of what were the sites to see on the trip, no fun amusement parks for this group. There was a cadillac graveyard where everyone got to paint the rusting cars; the Bonnie and Clyde museum complete with replicated bloodied dummies and the car with hundreds of bullet holes; just what every child wants to see.
I know that this is a thriller but I still require some amount of believability in any book and this one had none. The characters were all unlikable and unreliable narrators. The book plodded along at the same pace as the road trip, I grew tired of the wait. Many find this book very entertaining but I felt bored during at least three quarters of the book, it’s a long time to wait for a POW ending.
It’s a great book to read along with a friend, which I did, which made it more interesting. The ending was so far fetched it was as though the author could have just thrown anything at us!
I’m giving it 3 stars for originality and craziness but I can’t say that I would recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
The book publishes April 28, 2020.
To say that this family is dysfunctional is a gross understatement. The original road trip with Grandpa wasn’t something that was planned, he gathered them together one summer and off they went in his grayish green minivan. Their parents weren’t consulted or even advised of the plans but you’ll get to that in the story. Grandpa had some pretty crazy ideas of what were the sites to see on the trip, no fun amusement parks for this group. There was a cadillac graveyard where everyone got to paint the rusting cars; the Bonnie and Clyde museum complete with replicated bloodied dummies and the car with hundreds of bullet holes; just what every child wants to see.
I know that this is a thriller but I still require some amount of believability in any book and this one had none. The characters were all unlikable and unreliable narrators. The book plodded along at the same pace as the road trip, I grew tired of the wait. Many find this book very entertaining but I felt bored during at least three quarters of the book, it’s a long time to wait for a POW ending.
It’s a great book to read along with a friend, which I did, which made it more interesting. The ending was so far fetched it was as though the author could have just thrown anything at us!
I’m giving it 3 stars for originality and craziness but I can’t say that I would recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
The book publishes April 28, 2020.
October 13, 2025
This is a thriller. I have to start off by saying I love that book cover so much. It is about three siblings, Beth, Portia, and Eddie Morgan, being make to go on a road trip in order to get their inheritance. This story is told by one of the siblings, Beth. During the story so many secrets comes out and the ending I did not see coming at all. I cannot say I loved the ending because I do not like it leaving you hanging (that is all I can say). I did love the rest of the story, and it had me wanting to keep reading. If you love thrillers you should give this one a try. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2020
Closer to a 4.5, idk I need to think about it more
Ahhh, this book was a wild ride. After reading My Lovely Wife last year and loving it so much I knew I would want to read anything Samantha Downing writes in the future, and after this book she has made her way into my auto-buy authors list, this book was incredible!!
This is a road trip story that follows three siblings: Beth, Eddie and Portia. They have to go on the same road trip they went on when there were kids with their Grandpa in order to secure their inheritance, because their Grandpa recently died and left behind millions. They are not very excited about this road trip though because of all the shit that happened on the road trip when they were kids (which we read about throughout this book in flashbacks).
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book because I usually don’t like books revolving around road trips, and for that reason I’m hesitating to give it 5 stars, I found some parts of this book to drag just a little because of the road trip aspect, and it’s definitely a slow burn mystery thriller. But, I did finish this book within 24 hours because I’m currently sick with the stomach flu and this book kept me wildly entertained the whole time so I appreciate it for that!
I love following from Beth’s POV, she’s this untrustworthy narrator and you don’t always understand her intentions. In fact, nobody in this book is trustworthy and I think that makes for the best kind of thrillers. I love that Beth is constantly saying she doesn’t make a good heroine and she’s actually the perfect anti-heroine and I love to read from the mind of characters like her, it’s just so entertaining.
And that ENDING!!! 🤯🤯🤯 What the heck, I literally reread those last few pages three times after I finished it just in case I missed something! Like how could it end like that akshdjdjajwz. I am simultaneously frustrated but also I have so much respect for this author, like damn that was one hell of an ending.
Huge thanks to Berkley for sending me an ARC, make sure to check this one out when it publishes in April!
Ahhh, this book was a wild ride. After reading My Lovely Wife last year and loving it so much I knew I would want to read anything Samantha Downing writes in the future, and after this book she has made her way into my auto-buy authors list, this book was incredible!!
This is a road trip story that follows three siblings: Beth, Eddie and Portia. They have to go on the same road trip they went on when there were kids with their Grandpa in order to secure their inheritance, because their Grandpa recently died and left behind millions. They are not very excited about this road trip though because of all the shit that happened on the road trip when they were kids (which we read about throughout this book in flashbacks).
I wasn’t sure if I would like this book because I usually don’t like books revolving around road trips, and for that reason I’m hesitating to give it 5 stars, I found some parts of this book to drag just a little because of the road trip aspect, and it’s definitely a slow burn mystery thriller. But, I did finish this book within 24 hours because I’m currently sick with the stomach flu and this book kept me wildly entertained the whole time so I appreciate it for that!
I love following from Beth’s POV, she’s this untrustworthy narrator and you don’t always understand her intentions. In fact, nobody in this book is trustworthy and I think that makes for the best kind of thrillers. I love that Beth is constantly saying she doesn’t make a good heroine and she’s actually the perfect anti-heroine and I love to read from the mind of characters like her, it’s just so entertaining.
And that ENDING!!! 🤯🤯🤯 What the heck, I literally reread those last few pages three times after I finished it just in case I missed something! Like how could it end like that akshdjdjajwz. I am simultaneously frustrated but also I have so much respect for this author, like damn that was one hell of an ending.
Huge thanks to Berkley for sending me an ARC, make sure to check this one out when it publishes in April!
July 25, 2020
Available now!
A dark, tense psychological thriller that was shocking, sad and riveting!
"You can choose your friends, but sho' can't choose your family" (Harper Lee).
3 estranged siblings,
2 spouses,
An uncomfortable road trip to claim their grandfather's inheritance...
What could possibly go wrong?!
If you think your family road trips were awkward, they were nothing compared to the Morgan family, who took sibling rivalry to another level! Betrayal, greed, secrets, lies, this over the top, dysfunctional family were wholly unlikeable! And yet they were all such compelling characters! Samantha Downing is so great at that in my opinion, I didn't like or trust any of these characters, but still wanted to read about them! Beth the narrator, fully admitted that she was no heroine of the story, she was deeply flawed, and kind of detached, but I just had to keep reading this story from her POV!
He Started It was paced very differently compared to My Lovely Wife. That was a fast paced thriller, whereas this one had a very slow and tense build up in the first half, followed by a crazy, non stop second half, which I read compulsively last night in three hours! During the first part, I felt like I was in that car with them, and actually experienced the long, boring journey! I could feel the unease and animosity between the siblings, could sense the mistrust, and possible ulterior motives.
The writing was fabulous! I did not have a clue what was going on, or where this book was headed! I just couldn't piece together the little snippets of clues that we were given, or odd happenings, and all of the shocking twists and turns at the end left my brain hurting! I was definitely surprised! In fact, I was still thinking about this book, these awful characters, and that ending for about an hour after I had finished the book, as I lay feeling uneasy in my bed.
Some will love the ending, many will not, I still don't know how I feel about it!!! Please message me if you have read this, and tell me what you think!! I neeed to talk about it!
I think the same applies to the whole of He Started It actually, it definitely wont be for everyone, but if you like dysfunctional families, a slow build up, followed by an explosive ending, then give this a go!
I have no idea what Samantha Downing will come up with next, but whatever it is, I'm definitely reading it!
Many thanks to Berkley, Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for making this available for download, in exchange for an honest review.
A dark, tense psychological thriller that was shocking, sad and riveting!
"You can choose your friends, but sho' can't choose your family" (Harper Lee).
3 estranged siblings,
2 spouses,
An uncomfortable road trip to claim their grandfather's inheritance...
What could possibly go wrong?!
If you think your family road trips were awkward, they were nothing compared to the Morgan family, who took sibling rivalry to another level! Betrayal, greed, secrets, lies, this over the top, dysfunctional family were wholly unlikeable! And yet they were all such compelling characters! Samantha Downing is so great at that in my opinion, I didn't like or trust any of these characters, but still wanted to read about them! Beth the narrator, fully admitted that she was no heroine of the story, she was deeply flawed, and kind of detached, but I just had to keep reading this story from her POV!
He Started It was paced very differently compared to My Lovely Wife. That was a fast paced thriller, whereas this one had a very slow and tense build up in the first half, followed by a crazy, non stop second half, which I read compulsively last night in three hours! During the first part, I felt like I was in that car with them, and actually experienced the long, boring journey! I could feel the unease and animosity between the siblings, could sense the mistrust, and possible ulterior motives.
The writing was fabulous! I did not have a clue what was going on, or where this book was headed! I just couldn't piece together the little snippets of clues that we were given, or odd happenings, and all of the shocking twists and turns at the end left my brain hurting! I was definitely surprised! In fact, I was still thinking about this book, these awful characters, and that ending for about an hour after I had finished the book, as I lay feeling uneasy in my bed.
Some will love the ending, many will not, I still don't know how I feel about it!!! Please message me if you have read this, and tell me what you think!! I neeed to talk about it!
I think the same applies to the whole of He Started It actually, it definitely wont be for everyone, but if you like dysfunctional families, a slow build up, followed by an explosive ending, then give this a go!
I have no idea what Samantha Downing will come up with next, but whatever it is, I'm definitely reading it!
Many thanks to Berkley, Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for making this available for download, in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2020
**** Happy pub day!!!**** Much love for this book!!!!!!!!!
So you say there is a new Samantha Downing book? I say...give it to me now! I couldn't wait for her latest book. My Lovely Wife was one of the best books I have read in 2019! If you have not read it yet, GO NOW...do it, just read it!
Ready for the road trip from hell? You think your family is dysfunctional and the road trips leave a bit to be desired? HAHAHA you haven't seen anything yet. This is no Chevy Chase Family Vacation...this is the grandpa road show. Grandpa made them do it for the millions. Yes, millions of dollars that he left them in the will. Only stipulation? The 3 siblings must recreate the road trip they did as children with good old gramps. Sounds easy right? Just don't break the rules...if you break the rules you are out...which means more for the others?! Hmmm... this could get really interesting.
This was a thrill ride right from the start for me. I loved the road trip with all the tension and the creep factor. Staying in seedy little motels on the side of the road. Dealing with less than desirable folks along the way. Reliving the "good old days" of the past road trip.......not!! Who would you kill and how was one of gramps favorite road trip games....Just saying...
This was a thrill ride right from the start for me. I loved the road trip with all the tension and the creep factor. Staying in seedy little motels on the side of the road. Dealing with less than desirable folks along the way. Reliving the "good old days" of the past road trip.......not!! Who would you kill and how was one of gramps favorite road trip games....Just saying...
This ending was spectacular! Let's just say I never saw it coming in a million years. I am going to bet you won't either. I absolutely loved My Lovely Wife and this one is just as good. Samantha Downing is defiantly on my must read list and has quickly become one of my very favorite authors.
Thank you so much to Berkley for this ARC and having me along on this blog tour!
So you say there is a new Samantha Downing book? I say...give it to me now! I couldn't wait for her latest book. My Lovely Wife was one of the best books I have read in 2019! If you have not read it yet, GO NOW...do it, just read it!
Ready for the road trip from hell? You think your family is dysfunctional and the road trips leave a bit to be desired? HAHAHA you haven't seen anything yet. This is no Chevy Chase Family Vacation...this is the grandpa road show. Grandpa made them do it for the millions. Yes, millions of dollars that he left them in the will. Only stipulation? The 3 siblings must recreate the road trip they did as children with good old gramps. Sounds easy right? Just don't break the rules...if you break the rules you are out...which means more for the others?! Hmmm... this could get really interesting.
This was a thrill ride right from the start for me. I loved the road trip with all the tension and the creep factor. Staying in seedy little motels on the side of the road. Dealing with less than desirable folks along the way. Reliving the "good old days" of the past road trip.......not!! Who would you kill and how was one of gramps favorite road trip games....Just saying...
This was a thrill ride right from the start for me. I loved the road trip with all the tension and the creep factor. Staying in seedy little motels on the side of the road. Dealing with less than desirable folks along the way. Reliving the "good old days" of the past road trip.......not!! Who would you kill and how was one of gramps favorite road trip games....Just saying...
This ending was spectacular! Let's just say I never saw it coming in a million years. I am going to bet you won't either. I absolutely loved My Lovely Wife and this one is just as good. Samantha Downing is defiantly on my must read list and has quickly become one of my very favorite authors.
Thank you so much to Berkley for this ARC and having me along on this blog tour!
April 26, 2020
4 Siblings: Can't Live With Them So Why Not Kill Them Stars!
I kid, I kid but really if you have siblings you know that no matter how much you love them, you've fantasized about hurting them at some point or other. Let's be honest, we're all friends here. 😉
Samantha Downing is my new Queen of Dysfunction! First, we saw just how dysfunctional and crazy marriage can get in My Lovely Wife which I LOVED. Now, we have the ultimate sibling road trip from hell in He Started It and I was 100% buckled in and along for the ride! I binged this page-turner in one day people! Yup, told ya I was all in. Needless to say Ms. Downing has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. I can't wait to see what that mind of hers comes up with next!
I loved being in Beth's head during this road trip from hell. She is witty, snarky and jaded with a pinch of crazy sprinkled on top. In other words - she's my kind of girl! 🤪
So what brings 3 siblings and 2 spouses together to re-enact a crazy road trip from their childhood? Money of course. You know that saying - money is the root of all evil. Well, it sure is true here! Eddie, Beth and Portia have to re-do the one and only road trip they took with their Grandpa in their youth in order to claim their inheritance. Things start out well enough but as the trip goes on we see that everything isn't exactly what it seems.
We find ourselves uncovering dark secrets from the past while on a treacherous, possibly life threatening journey in the present. Sibling rivalry, betrayal, lies and shake your head, did I just read that juicy family drama run rampant. And that ending! Let's just say if I ever take a road trip with my siblings, I'll be sleeping with one eye open - just in case.
A huge thank you to the amazing Samantha Downing, Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to review an advance copy of this amazing read due out on April 28th. Mark your calendars friends - this is one family road trip you won't want to miss!
I kid, I kid but really if you have siblings you know that no matter how much you love them, you've fantasized about hurting them at some point or other. Let's be honest, we're all friends here. 😉
Samantha Downing is my new Queen of Dysfunction! First, we saw just how dysfunctional and crazy marriage can get in My Lovely Wife which I LOVED. Now, we have the ultimate sibling road trip from hell in He Started It and I was 100% buckled in and along for the ride! I binged this page-turner in one day people! Yup, told ya I was all in. Needless to say Ms. Downing has quickly become an auto-buy author for me. I can't wait to see what that mind of hers comes up with next!
I loved being in Beth's head during this road trip from hell. She is witty, snarky and jaded with a pinch of crazy sprinkled on top. In other words - she's my kind of girl! 🤪
So what brings 3 siblings and 2 spouses together to re-enact a crazy road trip from their childhood? Money of course. You know that saying - money is the root of all evil. Well, it sure is true here! Eddie, Beth and Portia have to re-do the one and only road trip they took with their Grandpa in their youth in order to claim their inheritance. Things start out well enough but as the trip goes on we see that everything isn't exactly what it seems.
We find ourselves uncovering dark secrets from the past while on a treacherous, possibly life threatening journey in the present. Sibling rivalry, betrayal, lies and shake your head, did I just read that juicy family drama run rampant. And that ending! Let's just say if I ever take a road trip with my siblings, I'll be sleeping with one eye open - just in case.
A huge thank you to the amazing Samantha Downing, Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to review an advance copy of this amazing read due out on April 28th. Mark your calendars friends - this is one family road trip you won't want to miss!
March 10, 2020
2.5 stars. A long family road trip filled with memories and surprises.
The three Morgan siblings are headed on a road trip. In fact, it’s the same road trip they took with their grandfather twenty years prior. This road trip reunion is their deceased grandfathers request in his Will. In order for the grandchildren to receive their inheritance, they must follow the exact same route.
After loving this authors debut, My Lovely Wife, I was very excited to get my hands on a copy of this latest novel. Unfortunately, this didn’t live up to my hopes and expectations. The writing was great, however, I simply didn’t connect with the storyline.
I enjoyed the snark and humour of the Beth, the middle sibling who narrates the novel. Her inner thoughts were wild, edgy and entertaining. Her character is what kept me intrigued and curious to see how the plot would come together in the end.
My main issue with this book was the storyline itself. It felt very long and drawn out and couldn’t hold my full attention. A lot felt repetitive and mundane and as the book progressed, I completely lost interest. Several plot points were overly dramatic and unrealistic and while I can see how some would find it entertaining, I didn’t connect or feel invested.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read with lots of drama and family rivalry. Please read the many favourable reviews of this novel as I am clearly the outlier.
Thank you to Edelweiss for my review copy!
The three Morgan siblings are headed on a road trip. In fact, it’s the same road trip they took with their grandfather twenty years prior. This road trip reunion is their deceased grandfathers request in his Will. In order for the grandchildren to receive their inheritance, they must follow the exact same route.
After loving this authors debut, My Lovely Wife, I was very excited to get my hands on a copy of this latest novel. Unfortunately, this didn’t live up to my hopes and expectations. The writing was great, however, I simply didn’t connect with the storyline.
I enjoyed the snark and humour of the Beth, the middle sibling who narrates the novel. Her inner thoughts were wild, edgy and entertaining. Her character is what kept me intrigued and curious to see how the plot would come together in the end.
My main issue with this book was the storyline itself. It felt very long and drawn out and couldn’t hold my full attention. A lot felt repetitive and mundane and as the book progressed, I completely lost interest. Several plot points were overly dramatic and unrealistic and while I can see how some would find it entertaining, I didn’t connect or feel invested.
Overall, it was a quick and easy read with lots of drama and family rivalry. Please read the many favourable reviews of this novel as I am clearly the outlier.
Thank you to Edelweiss for my review copy!
July 9, 2024
Road trip with a twist. Who is the biggest liar?? Pretty addictive once the story gets going.
March 12, 2020
I’ll begin by saying I was - still am - a big fan of “My Lovely Wife”.
Samantha Downing raised the bar with psychological thrillers with her outstanding debut.
I’m still enthralled with Samantha’s talents, in “He Started It”.... and plan to keep reading her books as long as she keeps writing them.
However....where “My Lovely Wife” rocked my page-turning world ....from its fabulous beginning and fabulous ending....
“He Started It”....( started out exciting), eventually wore me down. I felt the book lost its edge for the entire last thirty percent, becoming first tedious, then boring, then finally ridiculously silly.
I felt much like one of the characters in the book when Eddie said....
“Nothing is here—no marching band, no welcome banner, nothing to mark our arrival”.
You’ll meet the Morgan Siblings > Beth, Eddie, and Portia. While on a car trip together. Beth brings her husband, Felix. Eddie brings his wife, Krista. Portia is not married.
These adult siblings ( and the two spouses), don’t want to be together.
They have no interest in spending hours upon hours together for fourteen days sleeping in crappy motels and eating crappy foods in diners or from gas station food stores...visiting museums and attractions they don’t want to visit (again), but in order to collect a beefy inheritance from their deceased Grandpa.....that’s the deal.
Grandpa took the siblings on this same car trip when they were kids.
The premises had great potential- but it couldn’t sustain the magic. There was too much dangly pendulous suspicion—vacillating a little too much between visiting museums & attractions in different states, the mystery of Grandpa’s conditions to receive their money bundle, the cars that followed, ( both trips), the mystery of a forth sibling, ‘Nikki’, and a travelogue journey.
Character development, ( rather the lack of mature adult development), and interactive-dialogue between the characters was fun, fresh, and sassy. It was always easy to dislike at least one of the characters at any given moment.
There were enough lies, secrets, jealousy, selfishness, manipulation, patronizing, opposition, abuse, sick games, betrayals, and violence, to create a bomb explosion.
Beth... middle sibling, was a great narrator telling this story. Her devious inner thoughts and scheme plotting was a kick.
Her voice and inner voice was one of the books strength.
I enjoyed visiting some of the tour-attractions—but not all. That part was just personal taste - I had no interest in the UFO’s....but I did have interest in The Helen Keller House, The Bonnie and Clyde Ambush, The Henry Humphrey memorial, and The Codger Pole ( cedar logs with the head of the Golden players carved into them)....
But the plot and subplots - storytelling itself - began to have a monotone feeling ( around 70%), rather than an elevated momentum of excitement.
Lots of sibling bickering, between the strategizing-RISK- ( yep, board game), playing family.....antibacterial wipes for those motel room, unreliable memories, a night of camping in the woods, Fried bologna sandwiches, booze, cigarettes, candy stealing and other thievery, (yep, it’s great to have a kleptomaniac for one of the characters), even an Etch-a-Sketch made its way into this story.
So....yes..this book was mostly fun...glad I read it ....enjoyed more than 50% very much....
I would have loved to have been able to view other ending possibilities....
However... I still like Samantha Downing’s creative thought process.....and spunky writing.....
I admit being glad when that last section of this book was over - more than ending with a ‘wow’ feeling....
I still believe Samantha raises the bar on the psychological thriller genres.
3.7ish ....rating up to 4 stars.
Samantha Downing raised the bar with psychological thrillers with her outstanding debut.
I’m still enthralled with Samantha’s talents, in “He Started It”.... and plan to keep reading her books as long as she keeps writing them.
However....where “My Lovely Wife” rocked my page-turning world ....from its fabulous beginning and fabulous ending....
“He Started It”....( started out exciting), eventually wore me down. I felt the book lost its edge for the entire last thirty percent, becoming first tedious, then boring, then finally ridiculously silly.
I felt much like one of the characters in the book when Eddie said....
“Nothing is here—no marching band, no welcome banner, nothing to mark our arrival”.
You’ll meet the Morgan Siblings > Beth, Eddie, and Portia. While on a car trip together. Beth brings her husband, Felix. Eddie brings his wife, Krista. Portia is not married.
These adult siblings ( and the two spouses), don’t want to be together.
They have no interest in spending hours upon hours together for fourteen days sleeping in crappy motels and eating crappy foods in diners or from gas station food stores...visiting museums and attractions they don’t want to visit (again), but in order to collect a beefy inheritance from their deceased Grandpa.....that’s the deal.
Grandpa took the siblings on this same car trip when they were kids.
The premises had great potential- but it couldn’t sustain the magic. There was too much dangly pendulous suspicion—vacillating a little too much between visiting museums & attractions in different states, the mystery of Grandpa’s conditions to receive their money bundle, the cars that followed, ( both trips), the mystery of a forth sibling, ‘Nikki’, and a travelogue journey.
Character development, ( rather the lack of mature adult development), and interactive-dialogue between the characters was fun, fresh, and sassy. It was always easy to dislike at least one of the characters at any given moment.
There were enough lies, secrets, jealousy, selfishness, manipulation, patronizing, opposition, abuse, sick games, betrayals, and violence, to create a bomb explosion.
Beth... middle sibling, was a great narrator telling this story. Her devious inner thoughts and scheme plotting was a kick.
Her voice and inner voice was one of the books strength.
I enjoyed visiting some of the tour-attractions—but not all. That part was just personal taste - I had no interest in the UFO’s....but I did have interest in The Helen Keller House, The Bonnie and Clyde Ambush, The Henry Humphrey memorial, and The Codger Pole ( cedar logs with the head of the Golden players carved into them)....
But the plot and subplots - storytelling itself - began to have a monotone feeling ( around 70%), rather than an elevated momentum of excitement.
Lots of sibling bickering, between the strategizing-RISK- ( yep, board game), playing family.....antibacterial wipes for those motel room, unreliable memories, a night of camping in the woods, Fried bologna sandwiches, booze, cigarettes, candy stealing and other thievery, (yep, it’s great to have a kleptomaniac for one of the characters), even an Etch-a-Sketch made its way into this story.
So....yes..this book was mostly fun...glad I read it ....enjoyed more than 50% very much....
I would have loved to have been able to view other ending possibilities....
However... I still like Samantha Downing’s creative thought process.....and spunky writing.....
I admit being glad when that last section of this book was over - more than ending with a ‘wow’ feeling....
I still believe Samantha raises the bar on the psychological thriller genres.
3.7ish ....rating up to 4 stars.
June 3, 2023
If a long road trip with your family is not your idea of fun, wait till get on this trip. Taking a family road trip that no one wants to be on, three siblings set out to recreate a trip they took with their grandfather when they were children.
Beth, Portia, and Eddie Morgan haven't all been together in years. But when their wealthy grandfather dies and leaves a cryptic final message in his wake, the siblings and their respective partners must come together for a cross-country road trip to fulfill his final wish and—more importantly—secure their inheritance.
As they travel through Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other states heading to the west coast, they stop at the various local and roadside attractions they had visited the first time they made this trip. Revisiting each attraction makes them question events from the past and revisit their own relations. As more and more Secrets are unearthed, betrayals are revealed and relationships stretched to a breaking point, the twists and turns, revelations, and backstories just never stop.
Imagine being on a long road trip stuck with really unlikable fellow passengers and visiting boring landmarks. That’s what the plot of the book is all about. The family is dysfunctional and all the characters were all unlikable. The sole narrator of the book is unreliable and not likable either. The plot feels long-winded and drags often. Many parts feel repetitive and don’t really go anywhere.
But what I really liked and made the book immensely readable for me was the writing style and unique premise. The first half of this book was engaging. The plot slowed down in the second half but it still manages to keep you hooked. The ending really leaves you hanging and it could have ended better, especially after investing so much time. The story slowly reveals the fascinating hidden secrets about the family’s past throughout the length of the story. Most of the book centers on a road trip, narrated by a single narrator, in which nothing exciting happens. So maybe multiple narrators would have added another dimension to the story. But the plot twists throughout the story do enough to keep you engaged.
Overall, this is a wild ride. The characters are unlikeable but still fascinating to know. The writing style and storytelling really lifts the story. If you like thrillers, you will enjoy this ride full of twists and turns. Three and a Half Stars.
Many thanks to the Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC.
Beth, Portia, and Eddie Morgan haven't all been together in years. But when their wealthy grandfather dies and leaves a cryptic final message in his wake, the siblings and their respective partners must come together for a cross-country road trip to fulfill his final wish and—more importantly—secure their inheritance.
As they travel through Florida, Louisiana, Texas, and other states heading to the west coast, they stop at the various local and roadside attractions they had visited the first time they made this trip. Revisiting each attraction makes them question events from the past and revisit their own relations. As more and more Secrets are unearthed, betrayals are revealed and relationships stretched to a breaking point, the twists and turns, revelations, and backstories just never stop.
Imagine being on a long road trip stuck with really unlikable fellow passengers and visiting boring landmarks. That’s what the plot of the book is all about. The family is dysfunctional and all the characters were all unlikable. The sole narrator of the book is unreliable and not likable either. The plot feels long-winded and drags often. Many parts feel repetitive and don’t really go anywhere.
But what I really liked and made the book immensely readable for me was the writing style and unique premise. The first half of this book was engaging. The plot slowed down in the second half but it still manages to keep you hooked. The ending really leaves you hanging and it could have ended better, especially after investing so much time. The story slowly reveals the fascinating hidden secrets about the family’s past throughout the length of the story. Most of the book centers on a road trip, narrated by a single narrator, in which nothing exciting happens. So maybe multiple narrators would have added another dimension to the story. But the plot twists throughout the story do enough to keep you engaged.
Overall, this is a wild ride. The characters are unlikeable but still fascinating to know. The writing style and storytelling really lifts the story. If you like thrillers, you will enjoy this ride full of twists and turns. Three and a Half Stars.
Many thanks to the Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC.
August 9, 2020
What The ?! In He Started It the Morgan siblings Beth, Eddie and Portia embark on a cross-country road trip in order to secure their inheritance from their grandfather, as instructed in his will. It’s a trip they made several years ago with him and wasn’t a pleasant one. Tensions are high and secrets abound as they make the trip again now as adults.
I was very curious to find out what would happen as the suspense continued throughout the story, told from Beth’s POV. This is a slow burn thriller though the trip likely could have been a day or two shorter.
I had no idea how this journey would end — I will say the outcome was nothing I would have ever predicted! He Started It definitely kept me engaged and guessing, which to me, is a sign of a successful story.
I was very curious to find out what would happen as the suspense continued throughout the story, told from Beth’s POV. This is a slow burn thriller though the trip likely could have been a day or two shorter.
I had no idea how this journey would end — I will say the outcome was nothing I would have ever predicted! He Started It definitely kept me engaged and guessing, which to me, is a sign of a successful story.
July 19, 2020
I recommend My Lovely Wife to everyone, and I could not wait for Downing’s newest book!
Beth, Portia, and Eddie are siblings who are a bit estranged. When their grandfather dies, they have to make a cross-country road trip together to be eligible for their inheritance. One of them (or respective significant others) is a killer with a dead body along for the ride (!!). Can you imagine what secrets these siblings are carrying?
If you are looking for a fresh new thriller, read this one. Be ready for a slow, clever build-up. It’s a page-turner full of secrets and lies and tons of surprises along the way. I LOVED it. A highlight of my summer reading!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Beth, Portia, and Eddie are siblings who are a bit estranged. When their grandfather dies, they have to make a cross-country road trip together to be eligible for their inheritance. One of them (or respective significant others) is a killer with a dead body along for the ride (!!). Can you imagine what secrets these siblings are carrying?
If you are looking for a fresh new thriller, read this one. Be ready for a slow, clever build-up. It’s a page-turner full of secrets and lies and tons of surprises along the way. I LOVED it. A highlight of my summer reading!
I received a gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
April 12, 2022
Beth, Eddie, and Portia all go on a road trip together with their families to fulfill their grandfather’s wish before they can have access to their inheritance. This trip is similar to the one they had many years ago with their grandfather. Not only similar in the places they visit, but also similar in that a lot of crazy messed up shit goes on during these two road trips. Will they be able to get through this a second time to secure the inheritance?
I liked the pace of this, but I thought this was okay. I did find the characters very intriguing, especially Beth. The whole thing is told from her point of view, and she is very interested in the way she thinks. She is married to Felix, and wow, this marriage revealed a lot about who she was. She has this mentality that she’s the only one allowed to be a bad person. She’s actually pretty scary now that I think about it. The old road trip really affected all of them, and as Beth recounts the incidents that occurred throughout the old road trip, we keep discovering how far it psychologically affected all the siblings along with other chilling things that happened in their childhood.
There were so many secrets and lies, and the twists were good but didn’t blow me away. I’m surprised the ending didn’t evoke the reaction it was probably intended to evoke. I was actually laughing because, well, I kinda did see something like that happening. I don’t know guys, but I have not been blown away by mysteries for a while. I haven’t read like a 1,000 mysteries or something but I somehow have this “I’ve seen it all vibe,” and it’s really annoying because sometimes I can tell a twist was really good, but I’m still for some reason not completely blown away. I'm still not going to stop reading mysteries because I'm always hoping to read the one that is going to fuck my mind up.
Overall, I still enjoyed this! Beth’s character deserved a better book though.
I liked the pace of this, but I thought this was okay. I did find the characters very intriguing, especially Beth. The whole thing is told from her point of view, and she is very interested in the way she thinks. She is married to Felix, and wow, this marriage revealed a lot about who she was. She has this mentality that she’s the only one allowed to be a bad person. She’s actually pretty scary now that I think about it. The old road trip really affected all of them, and as Beth recounts the incidents that occurred throughout the old road trip, we keep discovering how far it psychologically affected all the siblings along with other chilling things that happened in their childhood.
There were so many secrets and lies, and the twists were good but didn’t blow me away. I’m surprised the ending didn’t evoke the reaction it was probably intended to evoke. I was actually laughing because, well, I kinda did see something like that happening. I don’t know guys, but I have not been blown away by mysteries for a while. I haven’t read like a 1,000 mysteries or something but I somehow have this “I’ve seen it all vibe,” and it’s really annoying because sometimes I can tell a twist was really good, but I’m still for some reason not completely blown away. I'm still not going to stop reading mysteries because I'm always hoping to read the one that is going to fuck my mind up.
Overall, I still enjoyed this! Beth’s character deserved a better book though.
August 2, 2020
4.5 whopping Stars!
Wow, that was one of the best endings in a thriller that I have ever read! I'm super frustrated and pleased at the same time... What a way to wrap up a book that I felt was a bit long in the middle, and most likely going to give a 4 star rating, at best. Overall, the book did read a little bit long in the middle portion as the group of sociopathic siblings traveled across the country. The book alternates from present to past tense when the siblings made the exact same trip as adolescents with their grandfather, slowly leading up to an event that changed their lives and brought them to who they are today. I felt like this was almost a slow burn mystery into revealing what happened at the end of the initial cross country trip years earlier. I wished there had been a few more creepy scenes, messages, or red herrings to keep us on the edge of our seats and was starting to grow a bit frustrated at the point when everything changed in the last few pages and all hell broke loose, accumulating into a fantastic ending! The last few pages will change your life!!
Wow, that was one of the best endings in a thriller that I have ever read! I'm super frustrated and pleased at the same time... What a way to wrap up a book that I felt was a bit long in the middle, and most likely going to give a 4 star rating, at best. Overall, the book did read a little bit long in the middle portion as the group of sociopathic siblings traveled across the country. The book alternates from present to past tense when the siblings made the exact same trip as adolescents with their grandfather, slowly leading up to an event that changed their lives and brought them to who they are today. I felt like this was almost a slow burn mystery into revealing what happened at the end of the initial cross country trip years earlier. I wished there had been a few more creepy scenes, messages, or red herrings to keep us on the edge of our seats and was starting to grow a bit frustrated at the point when everything changed in the last few pages and all hell broke loose, accumulating into a fantastic ending! The last few pages will change your life!!
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