How It Had To Be

by Marissa Vanskike

Megan stares, her eyes glassy. She wraps her arms around her knees as she waits for the city to speak to her. To whisper the truth of what happened that night. Now that she's here, she isn't sure she really wants it.
Based on a true story...
When Megan Palmer gets a call on the morning of her 27th birthday, the last thing she expected to hear was that her estranged father had committed suicide. The circumstances surrounding his death are strange, to say the least. But nothing is stranger than the text he sent to her while she was asleep. His cryptic message just may be the key that unlocks everything, if Megan can figure out what it means.
Megan's mom and brother think she's in denial, unable to process her father's sudden death. Megan's grandmother seems oddly unshaken by her son's departure. Megan's stepmom is hiding something from her.
With the help of her lifelong friends, Megan dives headfirst into an investigation of her father's death that proves darker and more dangerous than she ever imagined. Her reckless obsession with discovering the truth threatens to rip the trio apart as she pursues her father's secrets. In the end, Megan is alone, fighting to reconcile the father she once knew with the man everything else is telling her he'd become.
Everyone is a suspect. But Megan won't stop until she uncovers the truth. What happened to Mark Palmer?
HOW IT HAD TO BE is a domestic suspense thriller by debut author, Marissa Vanskike.

304 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2022

About the author

Marissa Vanskike is a mystery and thriller author. Her work has been praised for its twists, suspense, and binge-worthy plots. When she isn't busy shuttling her children to their various activities, you can find her outside with her family or caffeinating herself with a book in her hand. She resides in Northern California.

Enough with the formalities :) . Hi there! Thanks so much for stopping by this page. I love connecting with readers and can mostly be found on Instagram (kind of my jam).

Reviews

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel follows Megan as she is shocked by the suicide of her father. She hasn’t had much of a relationship with him over the last few years, but something about the situation feels off to her. She decides to start her own investigation into what happened.

This is a quick read with a new intriguing aspect on every page. I appreciated that the writing wasn’t overly wordy and I was able to get the full scope of the story without a lot of extra fluff.

The ending was a bit open ended for my taste and I was left with some questions. The romance aspect was a little underdeveloped so by the time we were getting to that point, I wasn’t sold on the relationship.

Overall I think this is a good debut from this author and I would recommend it to readers of lighter thrillers who don’t want to be spooked.

Thank you to the author for sending me a gifted copy!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

How It Had To Be is Marissa Vanskike’s striking debut novel, which follows Megan Palmer as she unravels the mystery behind her father’s unexpected suicide. Vanskike’s writing is raw and honest as she explores the emotional scars that drive us to seek answers and closure in an imperfect world. Readers will recognize their own character flaws in Megs' stubborn tenacity and her all-consuming desire to rekindle the connection to a man who failed her more often than not. Like any great thriller, How It Had To Be is chock full of charming suspects with not-quite-perfect alibis, and the story catapults the reader along a roller coaster of intrigue and danger until the final, inevitable plot twist. Vanskike’s debut How It Had To Be will yank you into Megs’ shoes and won’t let go until you’ve reached the last page.

[JW · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel creates an easily accessible and immersive world where you feel like you really know the characters. The plot is smart and unfolds in an engaging way throughout the process. There are so many little threads being woven throughout that when you stand back to take it all in, you can really see the care and craft that went into the story. It’s a great read that you will be eager to share with others.

[Kinsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so thoroughly impressed with this debut. Marissa’s writing is impeccable. It’s detailed, easy to follow and so well done. I was very taken by how much I related to our main character, Megan. Her relationship with her father was an incredibly difficult one to say the least, as is mine with my father, so this struck a lot of emotion in me in that aspect. I really enjoyed the mystery of the plot, there were so many ways it could have gone, just when I thought I had it all figured out, I’d be proved wrong again and again. It kept me intrigued until the very end. It wrapped up in a way I never expected. 

If you’re looking for a mystery to cozy up with this winter, at less than 300 pages this is a quick, fast paced and great one to go with! I look forward to future reads from Marissa!

[Rebecca Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great debut novel by Marissa. Loved the story from the first page. Love mystery books especially ones that I cannot solve right away and this one is just that. As soon as you think you know what is going on there is a plot twist that makes you change your mind. This was a book I couldn't wait to keep reading and see where the story went. The details are clear so there was never a question. I cannot wait to ready the next book that Marissa puts out. Highly recommend!!

[Shannon (The Book Club Mom) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every so often, I’ll take a chance and say yes when I receive a DM from an indie author asking me if I’d like to read their book. (I get multiple requests a week!) I always skim the synopsis to see if it’s something that I’d enjoy. If it doesn’t pique my interest, I’ll pass, and politely decline. When Marissa Vanskike slid into my DMs, and told me about her debut suspense novel, HOW IT HAD TO BE, I immediately said yes. Also, she’s quite possibly the sweetest human being to ever walk the earth, so it was an easy decision for me. I’m happy to report that this was a chance worth taking, and I was VERY impressed by the author’s debut novel. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. My gosh, I just could NOT figure this one out, you guys. I was stumped. I kept scratching my head, furrowing my eyebrows, twisting my mouth up into a confused snarl, and asking myself what the heck was going on!! Where was this story going? I had numerous predictions rolling, but could not commit to just one! Every single one of these characters seemed shady to me. I couldn’t trust any of them, and I was convinced that they were all hiding something. The best part? This novel is based on a true story! That truly blew my mind!

READ THIS IF YOU ENJOY:
- Family dysfunction
- Complicated father/daughter relationships
- Intense murder investigations
- Mystery and suspense galore
- Multiple twists, turns, and shocking moments

If you’re a thriller fan like myself, and looking to support an indie author, give Marisa’s debut a try. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

[Lauren Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This read is the perfect mystery/suspense novel! I really wanted to find out the ending, but also was bittersweet to have it be done! I could have kept reading more. Marissa really does an amazing job at keeping you waiting for the next move and guessing as to what could happen next. I think it’s a good and easy ready that isn’t overly confusing. It was such a nice pace to read and to really get to know the characters, while also not slowing down. Amazing debut novel from Marissa and I can’t wait to read more from her!

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It is definitely a must read. I think it was written with a great pace and keeps you interested throughout the entire book. I even continued to read it while at work when I got free moments because I didn’t want to stop reading. I needed to know what happened next! I highly recommend it!

[Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic debut for an exciting new author! Loved the story, it keeps you second guessing until the twists and turns start falling leading up to the last plot twist. There were many heart pounding, white knuckle moments experienced through Megan that will keep you coming back for more!! Can't wait to see what Mrs. Vanskike thinks up next!!

[Brittani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book - the details are on point, the storyline keeps you guessing, and the ending is something you most likely won't see coming! I loved reading this book from start to finish; hard to put down! Great work for a debut, Marissa!!

[Ashley Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart was racing multiple times when reading this story, as if I was Meg herself. Vanskike knit details together that lead to an unexpected conclusion of Meg's journey to find answers about her father's suicide. As someone who loves to read psych thrillers, this book did NOT disappoint!

[Read with Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m here to convince everyone to read this book! What an amazing debut novel. This book has mystery, family drama, and suspense. I found myself turning pages and unable to put this book down! The storyline keeps you engaged and hooked. The characters were raw and I could feel all the emotions. ANDDD the twist at the end blew my mind!

I will read anything this author writes from here on out!

If you enjoyed Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He told Me or any of Sally Hepworth’s novels this book is PERFECT for you!

ALSO look out for Marissa’s next book, BRONSWOOD! Coming this year 2023!

[Trudy Keffer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt it was a little slow at first, but living in Rocklin, it was fun since it was in Sacramento. I loved the characters and then the story line picked up and it was hard to put down, I needed to know who was responsible, Nice ending.

[Hannah Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, suspense, family drama. This book has it all.

Y’all, this girl rocked it on her DEBUT novel!!! This twisty suspense novel kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. I became extra attached to Megan the main character and wanted to see her investigation prove all her theories!
•
This novel released November 2022 and is available to preorder! Trust me you’ll want this one on your shelf!
•
A bit about it | With the help of her lifelong friends, Megan dives headfirst into an investigation of her father's death that proves darker and more dangerous than she ever imagined. Her reckless obsession with discovering the truth threatens to rip the trio apart as she pursues her father's secrets. In the end, Megan is alone, fighting to reconcile the father she once knew with the man everything else is telling her he'd become.

[S.J. Greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of being an early reader of How It Had To Be, and wow, was this book amazing! The eloquent writing and page-turning suspense both make it impossible to put the book down. I was hooked from the start and had to keep reading… I had to know had it had to be! The ending did not disappoint. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good mystery. Five stars!

[Cyndi Lemoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot believe this is Marissa’s first book! It definitely holds its own next to the other popular books on my shelf. She kept me guessing till the very end! It was easy not to put this book down because it had such a consistent and easy flow about it. The stories about the characters were my favorite. She really makes you connect with them. I seriously cannot wait to read her next book!

[Miranda Pinto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job Marissa! I love your coffee obsessed main character.

[Elizabeth McLain-Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story meant to be shared with friends and would be a great book club read. You’re going to want to talk about it!
“How It Had To Be” is clever and intelligent and true to the emotions. The characters are well defined, and the story keeps you in suspense until the very last page. It has all the twists and turns you want in a mystery.
Vanskike’s writing style is addictive, and I am excited to read her next book.

[Annie Dark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definite page turner! I got to read a preview of the book and immediately pre-ordered it. Once my copy arrived, I couldn't put it down, and sat there and read it until I finished the entire book. So excited to see what this author puts out in the future! I will be adding future novels by this author to my cart for sure!!

[China White · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great suspenseful book from a new Author!! If you love suspense and family drama, order this book now!!! I loved every minute of it!! Can't wait for more!!!

[I'manee · Rating 5 out of 5]

***the only reason I did not finish this in a day, was because of my hectic school and work schedule***
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED MARISSA'S DEBUT NOVEL! This is a fictional novel based in my hometown, and it kept my interest the whole way through. While Megan investigates the death of her father, I felt like I was investigating along with her. But trust me when I say when you think you know, you definitely do not know; and I loved that. Guys, this book made me feel all of the feelings. I felt sad, anxious, happy, angry, confused, giddy - you name it. But perhaps my favorite part about this book was how much of myself I saw in the main character, Megan. We are about the same age, from the same city, and have very very similar family dynamics. I felt her. I understood her. And it's why I could understand her every move, reaction, and thought process throughout the whole book.
I highly recommend you pick this up if you haven't already! Anxiously awaiting the next book from her!

"When Megan Palmer gets a call on the morning of her 27th birthday, the last thing she expected to hear was that her estranged father had committed suicide. But nothing is stranger than the text her sent to her while she was asleep. His cryptic message just may be the key that unlocks everything"

[Mellie Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once I saw this was based on a true story, I had to read it. It didn’t disappoint whatsoever! At first it’s slow, but intriguing. I felt myself wanting more and more, I needed to get to the bottom of the truth as much as Megan had too.

This book is not a memoir, but it’s based on a true story written very differently & engaging. Megan is shocked to wake up on her 27th birthday with not only a good bye text from her estranged father, but to the news he committed suicide. She immediately follows her intuition, she has a gut feeling her father didn’t commit suicide. She goes into a deep diving investigation to find out what really happened to her father. Her family isn’t fully supported, but she doesn’t care she needs answers, and trust me she finds them! I won’t say more to not spoil this book.

[Kathy Ballman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was not impressed with the story- I thought the beginning was rough and then it got better at about the one-third make ; I liked solving the puzzle with the dates written in the book fronts; but the ending was disappointing to me. I had hoped for a better read from seeing the rating (4.19?!) All the authors friends and relatives must have posted reviews. I’m baffled 😕

[Ruby 🐡 · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book took me forever to read! I just really don’t like books written in third person and the entire book was written that way. No hate to the author whatsoever, it just wasn’t my cup of tea!

The story was good, very emotional at times. But could’ve been better written and there were a few typos. Wouldn’t read again.

[thereshegoeswithanotherbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut was good but not my most favorite debut. It is decently paced unique and does have a few twists ( wished it had a few more ) I would definitely like to msee more from this author.



3.5 ☆ round up to 4 ☆

[Larisa Perryman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed reading this. Marissa is in my book club, so it was a fun added layer to the experience to think about her writing this novel. I was proud of myself for noting all the key plot points and felt contented with the ending. Excited to discuss it all in person next weekend!

[Jessica Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! I stayed up way too late finishing it and now I neeeeeed the next book. I thought I had it figured out a couple times, but then it twisted and turned on me and I had it all wrong, lol. I loved it.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me guessing from the beginning! I thought I might have figured it out and I was wrong. Then I thought oh ok maybe this is what’s going on…nope. Wrong again! Such a great book! I can’t wait until her 3rd book comes out!!!!!

[Karin C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story. The characters were well developed and the story kept you wanting to keep reading.

[Gina L · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lots of grammatical mistakes so it was hard to read.