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I Did It For You
THEN: The year is 1963. In an unsuspecting farmhouse in rural Ontario, a teenage Sylvia St. James has been abducted. Locked in the basement, Sylvia gets to know her kidnapper. They are kind, bringing her food and conversation; but they also have a temper. They are naïve, yet somehow knowledgeable, and Sylvia can’t help but think that she is not the first girl to wear these chains. Who is this captor, and what do they want?
NOW: Seven years after the farmhouse, a now 23 year-old Sylvia has been fired from her job at the newspaper. With the help of her coworker, Sylvia sets out to write her own book about the humanity and psychology of convicted criminals - a topic particularly close to her heart.
But traveling across the country to interview murderers opens old wounds that never quite healed. Sylvia must come to terms with her past, but the truth is not pretty. What really happened in that basement, all those years ago? And why is there no public record of Sylvia St. James ever escaping?
Believe nothing and question everything in this fast-paced, page-turning thriller by debut novelist, Jordan Murray.
NOW: Seven years after the farmhouse, a now 23 year-old Sylvia has been fired from her job at the newspaper. With the help of her coworker, Sylvia sets out to write her own book about the humanity and psychology of convicted criminals - a topic particularly close to her heart.
But traveling across the country to interview murderers opens old wounds that never quite healed. Sylvia must come to terms with her past, but the truth is not pretty. What really happened in that basement, all those years ago? And why is there no public record of Sylvia St. James ever escaping?
Believe nothing and question everything in this fast-paced, page-turning thriller by debut novelist, Jordan Murray.
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2022
About the author
Jordan Murray
5 books136 followersJordan Murray is the Amazon bestselling author of suspense novels Visions Unveiled, I Did It For You, The Clearing, and the short story collection Bird Boy and Other Short Stories. She holds a BA in English Literature & a Bachelor of Education (BEd), and is a primary school teacher. Originally from Toronto, Jordan now resides in suburban Ontario with her pet cat, Josie Macaroni, and an ever-growing collection of books.
When she's not writing or teaching, Jordan can be found reading or collecting more books—an obsession she fully embraces, even if it stretches her wallet.
When she's not writing or teaching, Jordan can be found reading or collecting more books—an obsession she fully embraces, even if it stretches her wallet.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 14, 2022
A must read for thriller fans!
Murray crafts a dark, twisted story revolving around one overarching question: What makes a person turn into a killer? I Did It For You is told in jarring, switching perspectives in scattered chronology, making the reader always question what they think they know and masterfully creating the feeling of walking on uneven ground, only giving small snippets of the whole story at a time. I personally am a huge fan of stories being told out of order and in shifting perspectives. I think it’s a great way to set a feeling of unease, which is very successfully done in this book with its many twists and turns. The newspaper clippings are also a great touch to add to the mystery and the feeling of a gritty true crime case.
Another thing to note here is Murray’s ability to end her chapters with a punch. Those one liners got me every time. Definitely a lot of quotes I highlighted.
You don’t wanna miss this one!
Murray crafts a dark, twisted story revolving around one overarching question: What makes a person turn into a killer? I Did It For You is told in jarring, switching perspectives in scattered chronology, making the reader always question what they think they know and masterfully creating the feeling of walking on uneven ground, only giving small snippets of the whole story at a time. I personally am a huge fan of stories being told out of order and in shifting perspectives. I think it’s a great way to set a feeling of unease, which is very successfully done in this book with its many twists and turns. The newspaper clippings are also a great touch to add to the mystery and the feeling of a gritty true crime case.
Another thing to note here is Murray’s ability to end her chapters with a punch. Those one liners got me every time. Definitely a lot of quotes I highlighted.
You don’t wanna miss this one!
June 4, 2022
First off, I want to thank the author Jordan Murray for sending me an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVED the way Jordan Murray created the flow of the timelines. Usually mixed timelines end up confusing me, but I was completely aware of every moment. The story was highly planned and you could see the love and care put into the entire backstory.
I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time reading, sometimes yelling at the characters for what I just had read!
Overall the story was engaging, the characters were entertaining, the descriptions drew photos in your mind and the mystery...well that is something I'll leave you to uncover. 😉
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I can't wait to see what Jordan Murray comes out with next.
I LOVED the way Jordan Murray created the flow of the timelines. Usually mixed timelines end up confusing me, but I was completely aware of every moment. The story was highly planned and you could see the love and care put into the entire backstory.
I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time reading, sometimes yelling at the characters for what I just had read!
Overall the story was engaging, the characters were entertaining, the descriptions drew photos in your mind and the mystery...well that is something I'll leave you to uncover. 😉
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I can't wait to see what Jordan Murray comes out with next.
December 16, 2022
Diabolically twisted, yet keeps you encaptured the entire time
July 22, 2022
This book ruined one of my favourite names in the best way possible
December 2, 2022
About 3.5 stars!
This read was dark and tangled and I really enjoyed the unique premise. Fans of murder mysteries or true crime would love this read! I felt like the main character was a bit flat, and after finding out everything, she was incredibly difficult to like and root for. I also felt like an additional 100 pages of padding would’ve strengthened this book. Overall, a very shocking read with an ending I definitely wasn’t expecting!
This read was dark and tangled and I really enjoyed the unique premise. Fans of murder mysteries or true crime would love this read! I felt like the main character was a bit flat, and after finding out everything, she was incredibly difficult to like and root for. I also felt like an additional 100 pages of padding would’ve strengthened this book. Overall, a very shocking read with an ending I definitely wasn’t expecting!
December 26, 2023
I loved the news article graphics included in the book, it really made it seem like a true crime book. And it has an awesome twist that I didn't see coming which is really refreshing for someone who reads a lot of thrillers. One of my favorites this year for sure.
February 5, 2023
What the f**k. Really, what the f**k.
I don’t know how to start this review. I guess I should give a little blurb on what the books about but I don’t think I can. Not for this book. It’s probably best if you read the original blurb as I don’t think I could explain it better.
This book was not what I had expected, it was better. The whole concept of it is so interesting and creepy. I love it.
I Did It For You is told is three different perspectives, Now, Then and The Man’s. Usually when a book is told in different perspectives I find myself getting bored while reading one of them but that was not the case for this book. The whole book was interesting and it kept me guessing.
I can’t stop thinking about the plot twist. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a better twist than this one as I didn’t see it coming at all.
The illustrations of the newspaper articles in this book were really awesome to see as well.
I read this book in a few hours it was so addicting. It is a short, face paced and mysterious book to keep you guessing. If you enjoy thrillers and mysteries you need to read this book asap. It was phenomenal and it even reminded me a little bit of Verity by Colleen Hoover.
I don’t know how to start this review. I guess I should give a little blurb on what the books about but I don’t think I can. Not for this book. It’s probably best if you read the original blurb as I don’t think I could explain it better.
This book was not what I had expected, it was better. The whole concept of it is so interesting and creepy. I love it.
I Did It For You is told is three different perspectives, Now, Then and The Man’s. Usually when a book is told in different perspectives I find myself getting bored while reading one of them but that was not the case for this book. The whole book was interesting and it kept me guessing.
I can’t stop thinking about the plot twist. I don’t think I’ve read a book with a better twist than this one as I didn’t see it coming at all.
The illustrations of the newspaper articles in this book were really awesome to see as well.
I read this book in a few hours it was so addicting. It is a short, face paced and mysterious book to keep you guessing. If you enjoy thrillers and mysteries you need to read this book asap. It was phenomenal and it even reminded me a little bit of Verity by Colleen Hoover.
January 29, 2023
I’m happy to say I enjoyed this read! I really appreciated Jordan’s weaving of the perspectives of the present and the past all coming together in the end. Fun and thrilling ride through a debut novel with a shocking twist of an ending.
September 28, 2022
I literally couldn’t put this down, you need to read this!
October 17, 2022
I can’t even put into words how amazing this book was! Usually it takes me forever to finish a book but with this one it only took me a day and half.
I just couldn’t put it down, the plot and storyline were so well done and well put together!
I’m can’t wait to read more of what Jordan Murray has coming!!
She may just have turned into one of my favourite authors!!!
I 100% recommend this book to everyone!!
I just couldn’t put it down, the plot and storyline were so well done and well put together!
I’m can’t wait to read more of what Jordan Murray has coming!!
She may just have turned into one of my favourite authors!!!
I 100% recommend this book to everyone!!
August 14, 2023
A twisty thriller that I thought was well done.
Told in past and present, we get to know Sylvia when she was held captive as a teenager and later when she works for a newspaper but is fired and starts writing her own book while interviewing convicted criminals. It's interesting to find out why she has focused on these criminals.
I found out about this author on a facebook group for my community and I'm happy I did. I look forward to reading her next book.
Told in past and present, we get to know Sylvia when she was held captive as a teenager and later when she works for a newspaper but is fired and starts writing her own book while interviewing convicted criminals. It's interesting to find out why she has focused on these criminals.
I found out about this author on a facebook group for my community and I'm happy I did. I look forward to reading her next book.
February 9, 2023
I devoured this book! A firecracker of a plot, starts off strong and continues with that same energy all throughout the book, a few plot twists that caught me off guard. Enjoyed the multi character point of view format. My only critique would be that it easily could’ve been a bit longer, this was just like a suspense filled thriller snack. Enjoyed!
February 17, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and wish it was longer. Although I started to figure out what was going on, I still couldn't put it down. I hope to read more books by this author.
Would definitely recommend!
Would definitely recommend!
February 6, 2023
I love the writing style of this book. Easy to read short chapters from multiple perspectives kept me hooked. The ending 🤯. Twisty and creative story line.
February 8, 2023
I just finished this book and loved it. I also like how the author changed font when telling about someone else. And it was an easy read which is always a plus for me.
July 30, 2023
This book was amazing from start to finish with delicious twists. A must have for anyone who loves psychological thrillers! Time for me to buy more books by Jordan Murray.
May 16, 2023
Full disclosure: I know the author. That being said, I'm still gonna tell you how much I dug this novel.
Murray sets up an interesting premise by detailing abductions and murders in the early 1960s, then jumping forward to 1970 and introducing us to Sylvia, who wants to interview the monsters who murder, to see if she can uncover their humanity.
That second part really grabbed me, because virtually everything I've read, fiction or non-fiction, wants to dig into the monsters just to see what makes them monsters. For someone to scratch at the surface to find the humanity within? Cool.
We're treated to multiple points of view, multiple timelines, and very few answers through the bulk of the story, which is exactly how it should be. I will confess to having figured out how all the parts fit together about halfway through, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the novel whatsoever. In fact, at that point, it was more a case of wanting to see how it all came together.
If I have any complaint about the novel at all, it's that I would have liked to have seen some of the main characters fleshed out a bit more. Sylvia. Damien. Sylvia's mom and her relationship with Sylvia. The victims. The men Sylvia interviewed.
Honestly, I think Murray could have added another 100 pages, if she wanted to.
Still, it's a taut, ferocious, well-constructed, and well-written thriller, and it's absolutely one that you should read.
Murray sets up an interesting premise by detailing abductions and murders in the early 1960s, then jumping forward to 1970 and introducing us to Sylvia, who wants to interview the monsters who murder, to see if she can uncover their humanity.
That second part really grabbed me, because virtually everything I've read, fiction or non-fiction, wants to dig into the monsters just to see what makes them monsters. For someone to scratch at the surface to find the humanity within? Cool.
We're treated to multiple points of view, multiple timelines, and very few answers through the bulk of the story, which is exactly how it should be. I will confess to having figured out how all the parts fit together about halfway through, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment of the novel whatsoever. In fact, at that point, it was more a case of wanting to see how it all came together.
If I have any complaint about the novel at all, it's that I would have liked to have seen some of the main characters fleshed out a bit more. Sylvia. Damien. Sylvia's mom and her relationship with Sylvia. The victims. The men Sylvia interviewed.
Honestly, I think Murray could have added another 100 pages, if she wanted to.
Still, it's a taut, ferocious, well-constructed, and well-written thriller, and it's absolutely one that you should read.
January 10, 2024
my best friend wrote this book and i loved it!!
jordan has an uncanny ability to always end her chapters with the punchiest sentences that made me want to keep reading every time i finished a chapter. the way the timeline is split is super interesting and really adds to the mystery without being confusing. i was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
jordan has an uncanny ability to always end her chapters with the punchiest sentences that made me want to keep reading every time i finished a chapter. the way the timeline is split is super interesting and really adds to the mystery without being confusing. i was on the edge of my seat the whole time!
September 2, 2023
3.5 stars. Writing style is very basic, lacking, predictable plot twist. Felt very rushed
September 8, 2023
Loved this book.
February 27, 2024
𝑵𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒚” 🍭🐈⬛
📚 I did it for you - Jordan Murray
Murray sets up an interesting premise by detailing abductions and murders in the early 1960s, then jumping forward to 1970 and introducing us to Sylvia, who wants to interview the “monsters”, to see if she can uncover their humanity…
Throughout the book, we're treated to various perspectives, timelines, and short chapters that keep us engaged. While the story keeps us guessing with limited answers, I can't help but feel that the author could have gone deeper into the characters and their relationships with an extra 100 pages.
Nonetheless, I’m happy to say I enjoyed this thrilling debut novel with a twist of an ending!
𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑷𝑶𝑽
𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍
𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌
𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅
📚 I did it for you - Jordan Murray
Murray sets up an interesting premise by detailing abductions and murders in the early 1960s, then jumping forward to 1970 and introducing us to Sylvia, who wants to interview the “monsters”, to see if she can uncover their humanity…
Throughout the book, we're treated to various perspectives, timelines, and short chapters that keep us engaged. While the story keeps us guessing with limited answers, I can't help but feel that the author could have gone deeper into the characters and their relationships with an extra 100 pages.
Nonetheless, I’m happy to say I enjoyed this thrilling debut novel with a twist of an ending!
𝑴𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝑷𝑶𝑽
𝑺𝒖𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍
𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌
𝑻𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒅
July 3, 2022
I'm biased because this is my book. But it's good, I promise.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews