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Did He Do It
A brutal murder. A suspect with no memory of the event...
When Arielle awakes to find her husband brutally murdered, the police immediately suspect the killer is the eccentric artist Michael Lancaster who had recently befriended her and had been working in their home.
With his history of mental illness, fugue states, and strange behavior, he’s the obvious suspect and is committed to a mental institution while the investigation continues.
The graphic and dark nightmares that plague Michael upon his release only add to his belief that he must have committed the crime, but Arielle isn’t convinced.
Flashes of memories have returned, ones that remind her that her husband wasn’t a good man, and she can’t believe Michael could be a killer.
His mother, on the other hand, encourages the police to lock him away forever.
As they investigate the case the police seem to think is solved, Arielle and Michael, with the help of a few close, trusted friends, uncover a sinister truth no one expected, one that puts their very lives at risk.
When Arielle awakes to find her husband brutally murdered, the police immediately suspect the killer is the eccentric artist Michael Lancaster who had recently befriended her and had been working in their home.
With his history of mental illness, fugue states, and strange behavior, he’s the obvious suspect and is committed to a mental institution while the investigation continues.
The graphic and dark nightmares that plague Michael upon his release only add to his belief that he must have committed the crime, but Arielle isn’t convinced.
Flashes of memories have returned, ones that remind her that her husband wasn’t a good man, and she can’t believe Michael could be a killer.
His mother, on the other hand, encourages the police to lock him away forever.
As they investigate the case the police seem to think is solved, Arielle and Michael, with the help of a few close, trusted friends, uncover a sinister truth no one expected, one that puts their very lives at risk.
474 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2020
About the author
Cole Baxter
49 books375 followersCole Baxter loves writing psychological suspense thrillers. It's all about that last reveal that he loves shocking readers with.
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
He grew up in New York, where there crime was all around. He decided to turn that into something positive with his fiction.
His stories will have you reading through the night--they are very addictive!
Sign up for Cole's VIP Reader Club and find out about his latest releases, giveaways, and more. Copy and paste this link to sign up: http://eepurl.com/dqL8yT
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 16, 2024
This is a crazy story! A bad husband is murdered and a nice guy is accused of the crime! Is he guilty of helping the wife, his friend, get rid of an abusive man? The wife tried to do whatever she can to prove his innocence. I was a little disappointed in the ending, hence the 4 stars.
December 13, 2020
Not for me
Fir me, honestly this was a slog to get through. The reactions of the characters were off, as were their voices —it was like they couldn’t decide whether they were British or American—.
When Michael, Ariel and Natalie find the “rape porn” dealer he apologizes and says he didn’t know Ariel hadn’t consented, they softened toward him. Are you serious?
Fir me, honestly this was a slog to get through. The reactions of the characters were off, as were their voices —it was like they couldn’t decide whether they were British or American—.
When Michael, Ariel and Natalie find the “rape porn” dealer he apologizes and says he didn’t know Ariel hadn’t consented, they softened toward him. Are you serious?
September 20, 2020
Did he do it by Cole Baxter.
I really enjoyed this book. I did wonder who the killer was and I did have an idea of who it was. I liked Ariels character. I wasn't sure about Michael. I liked Detective Aylesbury and Detective ito.I didn't like David. I wasn't sure about Natalie. I likedDr. Niederman.This book has twists and surprises even i never expected. Wow.
Double twister. I will definitely highly recommend this book. 5*.
I really enjoyed this book. I did wonder who the killer was and I did have an idea of who it was. I liked Ariels character. I wasn't sure about Michael. I liked Detective Aylesbury and Detective ito.I didn't like David. I wasn't sure about Natalie. I likedDr. Niederman.This book has twists and surprises even i never expected. Wow.
Double twister. I will definitely highly recommend this book. 5*.
October 14, 2020
Ariel is married to a rich, but abusive man and has realised something is really wrong with her marriage, but feels she has to stick with the marriage and uphold her vows. She tries to convince herself that she still loves him, but finding out what he does to her, without her consent, is deeply disturbing. When she wakes up early one morning, she knows it has happened again, but her husband isn’t in the bed. She goes looking for him and finds him brutally murdered downstairs and calls the police in shock. Shortly after, the police arrest a man she and her husband know. A local artist who had done some work for her husband called Michael Lancaster. He was found nearby, in a fugue state, repeating the words ‘I killed him’!
Ariel refuses to belief that the gentle artist and friend, was even capable of killing her abusive husband, but the police are adamant he is guilty and even his own mother wants him locked up permanently! He is being held in a mental institution while in this fugue state, but gets released eventually, once the centres doctor says it is safe for him to go home, with the condition he attends the centre for therapy twice a week. It seems the police are set on the most obvious suspect and haven’t even bothered to look for anyone else. Michael has a long history of mental illness and fugue states, going back to when he was in a car accident age ten, in which his father was killed.
Michael is harassed by the detectives investigating the murder and they want him to confess his guilt and make the case go away as quickly as possible. He has only had a few odd glimpses of the period he was in a fugue state and none of it really helps to prove his innocence. The cops haven’t even got any evidence from the house, no DNA, no clues, to show he was even there. Even his own mother is trying to encourage the police to arrest him and get him locked up forever! That is one messed up family relationship! Since Ariel’s home is a crime scene, she goes to stay with her friend Natalie, who works as a P.I. and eventually ends up asking her to investigate parts of the case, which the police seem to be ignoring and to her are really disturbing and could lead to the real killer.
A gripping tale of murder with one obvious suspect and a wife who was being abused for years. With an ineffective police investigation and lots of mental health and abuse issues. Some of it may leave you thinking one thing, but then something will be uncovered, sending you off in another direction completely. A good few twists in this psychological thriller and I liked how the issues of PTSD and mental health therapy was dealt with and glad to see Michael got a good therapist in the end. The therapist had to lay down a hard truth to him at the end, but it was one readers will expect from much earlier in the book. Definitely an author to follow and read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Ariel refuses to belief that the gentle artist and friend, was even capable of killing her abusive husband, but the police are adamant he is guilty and even his own mother wants him locked up permanently! He is being held in a mental institution while in this fugue state, but gets released eventually, once the centres doctor says it is safe for him to go home, with the condition he attends the centre for therapy twice a week. It seems the police are set on the most obvious suspect and haven’t even bothered to look for anyone else. Michael has a long history of mental illness and fugue states, going back to when he was in a car accident age ten, in which his father was killed.
Michael is harassed by the detectives investigating the murder and they want him to confess his guilt and make the case go away as quickly as possible. He has only had a few odd glimpses of the period he was in a fugue state and none of it really helps to prove his innocence. The cops haven’t even got any evidence from the house, no DNA, no clues, to show he was even there. Even his own mother is trying to encourage the police to arrest him and get him locked up forever! That is one messed up family relationship! Since Ariel’s home is a crime scene, she goes to stay with her friend Natalie, who works as a P.I. and eventually ends up asking her to investigate parts of the case, which the police seem to be ignoring and to her are really disturbing and could lead to the real killer.
A gripping tale of murder with one obvious suspect and a wife who was being abused for years. With an ineffective police investigation and lots of mental health and abuse issues. Some of it may leave you thinking one thing, but then something will be uncovered, sending you off in another direction completely. A good few twists in this psychological thriller and I liked how the issues of PTSD and mental health therapy was dealt with and glad to see Michael got a good therapist in the end. The therapist had to lay down a hard truth to him at the end, but it was one readers will expect from much earlier in the book. Definitely an author to follow and read. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 20, 2020
I did enjoy this book although I found it a bit hard to get into to start with a lot of different threads to pull together. I also felt that the police procedural side of the book was a bit lacking, although having said that this aspect was key to whole storyline. The book tackles two very tough topics domestic/sexual abuse and mental health. Ariel finds her husband murdered, but who did it? She can't remember the events of that night, but she knows her Husband had given her a strong seditive - it's what she doesn't know that she finds out about thats not only scary but appalling. Micheal, is accused by the police of the murder, but he has no memory of that night either, he was in a "fugue state" his mental health severly affected by the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father who subsequently died in an accident.
Ariel believes Micheal didn't kill her husband, but Micheals mother persists in trying to force Micheal to confess even though he is convinced he didnt do it. Add Ariels friend Natalie, a private investigator who is a technologty wizz as well, and you have the trio investigating what the police seem unable to do. Going into the world of the dark web, is not where they want to go, its stomach churning stuff but does it hold the answers that Ariel and Micheal are looking for? The answer is not what you might expect, but then again ......................
Ariel believes Micheal didn't kill her husband, but Micheals mother persists in trying to force Micheal to confess even though he is convinced he didnt do it. Add Ariels friend Natalie, a private investigator who is a technologty wizz as well, and you have the trio investigating what the police seem unable to do. Going into the world of the dark web, is not where they want to go, its stomach churning stuff but does it hold the answers that Ariel and Micheal are looking for? The answer is not what you might expect, but then again ......................
September 23, 2020
Cole Baxter has done it again. Every book I've read by Cole has twisted, turned throughout the entire book and the last 3 or 4 chapters always, always add a final OMG twist! I love these two main characters, Michael and Ariel. They have depth, are compelling, and his background is heartbreaking. The book is well paced, grabs you from the first chapter and hangs on to the end. Cole Baxter never disappoints and this book is one of the reasons why.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
October 4, 2020
This book is proof once again that this author has an entertaining, twisted mind and as with all of his books I had a hard time putting this book down. Arielle's story is a twisted one and when Michael becomes the suspect in the death of Arielle's husband this book takes some unexpected twists and had me on the edge of my seat wondering who did it with every page I turned. Great writing, intense storyline and intriguing characters make this a must read. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
October 8, 2020
A fascinating murder mystery
How would you feel if your friend's abusive husband were murdered and you were accused, despite lack of any evidence. This is the case for Michael, a friend of an abused wife whose husband is drugging and raping her while she is unconscious and, even worse, selling the videos on a deep web porn website. Because of a childhood trauma, you are picked up near the murder site whispering, "I killed him." So goes the plot of this mystery, and there are plenty of doubts, but the real killer is finally found, albeit not exactly.
How would you feel if your friend's abusive husband were murdered and you were accused, despite lack of any evidence. This is the case for Michael, a friend of an abused wife whose husband is drugging and raping her while she is unconscious and, even worse, selling the videos on a deep web porn website. Because of a childhood trauma, you are picked up near the murder site whispering, "I killed him." So goes the plot of this mystery, and there are plenty of doubts, but the real killer is finally found, albeit not exactly.
September 22, 2020
A brutal murder. A suspect with no memory of the event...
You'll be hooked right away from the first page. Thrilling, intriguing, suspenseful, mystery and twists and turns are just some of the words you can use to describe this book. The characters are well developed and easy to get to know. This one will keep you on your toes until you reach the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
You'll be hooked right away from the first page. Thrilling, intriguing, suspenseful, mystery and twists and turns are just some of the words you can use to describe this book. The characters are well developed and easy to get to know. This one will keep you on your toes until you reach the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2020
Cole Baxter really knows how to write a great thriller. He always writes such gripping tales that really keep you on the edge of your seat. This one was no different. The twists and turns in the plot had me anxiously turning the pages to find out what happens next. So much suspense, this psychological thriller will definitely have you guessing till the very end. Excellent book - definitely recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2020
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2023
Mother Knows Best????
I knew all along that Michael could not have killed David. He is so sweet and damaged. Maybe his twin brother Abel killed him, to save Michael and hope to help repair some of the damage from his past.
A mother who knew that her damaged son was capable and tried her best to get him to confess to it. Knowing that he would be locked away forever and she would not have to care for her damaged son any longer.
Wow, was I wrong when I found out the truth!
I knew all along that Michael could not have killed David. He is so sweet and damaged. Maybe his twin brother Abel killed him, to save Michael and hope to help repair some of the damage from his past.
A mother who knew that her damaged son was capable and tried her best to get him to confess to it. Knowing that he would be locked away forever and she would not have to care for her damaged son any longer.
Wow, was I wrong when I found out the truth!
September 20, 2020
Wow! Another great read by this author.
I was definitely hooked right from the start, right to the end.
There was so many twists and turns and I could not put the book down and finished it in one sitting.
Well written plot that keeps you wanting more the books and keeps you on your toes right to the last page.
I was definitely hooked right from the start, right to the end.
There was so many twists and turns and I could not put the book down and finished it in one sitting.
Well written plot that keeps you wanting more the books and keeps you on your toes right to the last page.
September 23, 2020
Hats off to the author! Thanks for my sleepless nights and Nightmare dreams! That’s how good this book will leave you still after reading it but that is what I was looking for, a thriller! We have murder mystery and suspect that may or not be the right one. Good freaking read!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 29, 2020
Three stars
It was okay to a degree. The actual story line was good. Kept me guessing until the end. I was aware from beginning the the brother was not who he thought. Very sad really. A mother like he had, who was so destructive and vile is hard to imagine. I was happy with the ending. Not a bad read but not one of this author's best.
It was okay to a degree. The actual story line was good. Kept me guessing until the end. I was aware from beginning the the brother was not who he thought. Very sad really. A mother like he had, who was so destructive and vile is hard to imagine. I was happy with the ending. Not a bad read but not one of this author's best.
April 22, 2021
exciting and suspenseful!
Michael‘s best friend was being abused by her husband. The abuse was in a manner that is shocking! Michael has some issues of his own to deal with as well. Did Michael tell the husband to protect his friend? If so, why, and how? The answers will totally shock you!
Michael‘s best friend was being abused by her husband. The abuse was in a manner that is shocking! Michael has some issues of his own to deal with as well. Did Michael tell the husband to protect his friend? If so, why, and how? The answers will totally shock you!
September 17, 2020
Wow....what a thriller. I was thoroughly hooked from beginning to end. It’s unputdownable!! There is so much drama and suspense. I really enjoyed this book. The storyline is very intriguing and entertaining. This review is based on a complimentary pre-release copy from the author.
September 28, 2020
Tough Subject
Not exactly an easy read because of the subject matter. Murder, selling porn on the internet, rape, and psychological manipulation is difficult ro read about. Trying to figure out who the good guys are keeps you reading even with all the unpleasantness.
Not exactly an easy read because of the subject matter. Murder, selling porn on the internet, rape, and psychological manipulation is difficult ro read about. Trying to figure out who the good guys are keeps you reading even with all the unpleasantness.
October 8, 2020
Easy read
This was an easy read but I did guess all the twists so I didn't find it particularly gripping or thrilling. I would probably give this author another try as the writing wasn't terrible but the sloppy proof reading did lose it another star.
This was an easy read but I did guess all the twists so I didn't find it particularly gripping or thrilling. I would probably give this author another try as the writing wasn't terrible but the sloppy proof reading did lose it another star.
January 6, 2021
Right or wrong
Reading deeper than the words on the page I came to realize that sometimes, just sometimes doing the wrong thing but for a righteous reason can be a good decision. Listening to that small inner voice can be the way to fight the insecurities and baggage we carry.
Reading deeper than the words on the page I came to realize that sometimes, just sometimes doing the wrong thing but for a righteous reason can be a good decision. Listening to that small inner voice can be the way to fight the insecurities and baggage we carry.
July 10, 2021
Did He Do It
I wished that this would be a movie it seems to have all the qualities that you need to make one. I would love to see this on the big screen or even a lifetime movie it was that good.
I wished that this would be a movie it seems to have all the qualities that you need to make one. I would love to see this on the big screen or even a lifetime movie it was that good.
August 7, 2021
Great Thriller Book
This was truly a suspenseful book with great ending. This really did keep you guessing about who really did it until the end then surprise you you about the truth.
This was truly a suspenseful book with great ending. This really did keep you guessing about who really did it until the end then surprise you you about the truth.
September 19, 2020
Wow ... what a wild ride! Loved this book, with all its twists & turns. Good characters & a storyline that will keep you guessing until the end. Looking forward to reading more from Baxter.
October 6, 2020
Very good read that had me guessing all the way. Really enjoyed.
October 22, 2020
supercillious
Sorry. I found this story contrived and very silly in places. Not for avid mystery readers. I hope some of your others are better.
Sorry. I found this story contrived and very silly in places. Not for avid mystery readers. I hope some of your others are better.
October 24, 2020
Very good
Great reading with a good storyline and interesting characters. Pretty surprising at times and can make a person quite angry.
Great reading with a good storyline and interesting characters. Pretty surprising at times and can make a person quite angry.
October 28, 2020
Overall a good book, slow at times but likeable characters. A little predictable at the end but all in all a good read.
November 7, 2020
Pins and needles
Loved it, was shocked to see what it was at the end. I love books that keep me involved trying to figure them out. This certainly was one.
Loved it, was shocked to see what it was at the end. I love books that keep me involved trying to figure them out. This certainly was one.
November 30, 2020
Did not see that ending !
January 10, 2021
Characters were unsympathetic and plot twists were not believable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews