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I Did It For You

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A twisty thriller from the beloved author of The Familiar Dark, in which a woman returns to the town where her sister was murdered and finds a presumed copycat on the loose

It’s been fourteen years since Greer Dunning’s older sister, Eliza, was murdered, and Greer’s family has never been the same. And now there's been a similar killing in Greer’s small Kansas hometown, Ludlow, after the execution of the convicted killer. A copycat, according to the authorities, but Greer is convinced there is more to the story. That Eliza’s murderer had help all those years ago.

So Greer returns to Ludlow after more than a decade away, desperate to find answers to the questions that have haunted her for years. And her drive to uncover the truth pushes her to form a bond with the unlikeliest of allies.

At once a riveting mystery and a deep exploration of guilt, loss, and the ways in which a violent murder transforms both the family of the victim and the family of the killer, I Did It For You will keep readers captivated through the very last page.

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2023

70 people are currently reading
10629 people want to read

About the author

Amy Engel

9 books2,182 followers
Amy Engel is the author of THE FAMILIAR DARK, THE ROANOKE GIRLS and THE BOOK OF IVY series. A former criminal defense attorney, she lives in Missouri with her family. Her next literary thriller, I DID IT FOR YOU, will be published by Dutton in Summer 2023.

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5 stars
266 (12%)
4 stars
786 (36%)
3 stars
858 (40%)
2 stars
185 (8%)
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38 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 412 reviews
Profile Image for Meredith (Trying to catch up!).
878 reviews14.2k followers
January 18, 2023
“That’s the thing about murder. It’s all fun and games until it happens to you.”

3.75 stars

I Did It For You is a psychological thriller about murder in a small town.

Eliza Dunning and her boyfriend were shot and killed while making out in a car in a small town in Kansas. 14 years pass without a crime until another couple meets the same fate, bringing Eliza’s sister, Greer, back to Ludlow to look into why her sister was killed.

Greer is the sole narrator; her voice is engaging but also distant. She has walls up and is keeping secrets. This novel is as much a character study as a thriller. In addition to Greer, several side characters are integral to the plot, but readers only understand the dynamics of the town and the murders through Greer’s eyes. She is a reliable narrator, but she is holding back and keeping some secrets.

The pacing is slow but builds with the progression of Greer’s discoveries. As the pace picks up, so does the tension.

The tone is dark, but having read The Familiar Dark, I was expecting something darker and more sinister.

The setting of Ludlow was my favorite part of the novel. Engel captures the small-town feel while adding a dynamic layer to the town’s inhabitants. What’s most significant is Engel’s exploration into characters who embody both the good and the bad, even those who commit heinous crimes.

There are two big twists: one caught me off guard, the other I guessed early, and I found it disappointing. The reveal also felt rushed and not as developed as the rest of the book.

I love Engel's writing style. Her characters are dynamic, and the mystery is gripping. I expected more with some of the plotlines, but overall, this was a solid thriller.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays).
5,156 reviews3,136 followers
July 24, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded down

Overall, this is a solid mystery, but it takes a bit too long to get going. There are a few intriguing surprises and once a big reveal happens, the pace gets quicker and the narrative more intriguing.

Fourteen years ago, Greer's older sister Eliza and her boyfriend Travis were shot and killed. The murderer was caught fairly quickly and has recently been executed for his crime. Greer moved away from her small Kansas hometown but hasn't been able to put the murders behind her because she feels somehow like it was her fault. When another young couple is murdered in the same way in the town and deemed a copycat killing, Greer returns home because she has some suspicions that her sister's killer didn't work alone.

This book is more than a mystery, it's about confronting the past and the effects grief and loss has on everyone it touches. When all is said and done, this book is stronger as a character study of Greer and how Eliza's death and the unresolved nature of it impact her life. I didn't find the resolution to the mystery very surprising and it's honestly the weakest part of the book when taken as a whole. That's what made me round the rating down rather than up.

Overall this is a strong book and is well written and intriguing. Definitely worth reading.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kaceey.
1,521 reviews4,559 followers
June 8, 2023
3.5🌟
Grieving the murder of her sister and her sister’s boyfriend, Greer chooses to move away. Justice was sufficiently served. The killer caught and his death sentence completed.

That should be the end of it right!? New beginnings? Starting afresh?

But when two teens are killed in her hometown with similarities to her sisters’ murder Greer is now questioning everything. It’s time to go home and get some answers!

I loved the previous book by this author, The Familiar Dark. And like the title suggests…it was dark and edgy! Unfortunately this book just fell a bit short. It did include some clever twists, but the overall trope of a girl returning home years later to uncover answers to an old murder is just a bit tiresome.

A fast, entertaining read I’m sure you’ll be drawn into, but just lacked the hard edge suspense I was hoping to experience again from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and a Penguin Group Dutton.
Profile Image for Ceecee .
2,751 reviews2,322 followers
June 22, 2023
3.5 rounded down

Greer Dunning is back in Ludlow, Kansas after a gap of 12 years and the news spreads like wildfire through this small town, but it’s as if they have all been waiting for her all this time. It’s 14 years since the murders of her sister Eliza and her boyfriend Travis. Now it seems there is a copycat killer years after the execution of Eliza’s killer, Roy Matthews. Greer is convinced there is more to the story than a copycat. She’s never been satisfied with the original investigation. Equally, she recognises returning to Ludlow is a potentially incendiary situation and to her surprise she has an unexpected partner to help her to get to the truth. Greer narrates the story, somewhat unemotionally, maybe detached but with good reason. You do bear witness to her determination to not let the questions and reservations she has about Eliza’s murder go, this time for the latest victims, Addy and Dylan.

I enjoy much of this character driven psychological thriller which is extremely good on the impact of murder on family members and on an area. The characterisation is very good and there’s a good range of those to like and to dislike. The setting is excellent too, the small town located on the Kansas Prairie is very well described and has quite a history too, as it’s located near the site of the murders of the Bloody Benders. This adds an extra dimension to the storytelling. There are some good reveals, there is tension and suspense, but because its character driven the pace does drop off from time to time.

This book has me firmly placing it in the four star category until the ending. The perpetrator does not come as a huge surprise as there are clues to pick up along the way. However, it’s the motivation I question as to describe it as thin is an understatement especially with the second and most recent murders – they make no sense at all to me. What a pity.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Debra .
3,275 reviews36.5k followers
July 13, 2023
Greer Dunning has returned to her hometown of Ludlow, Kansas after the execution of the man who murdered her sister, Eliza, fourteen years ago. Two teens have been murdered and their murders appear to be like her sister's murder. These murders bring back the past and leave Greer with more questions than answers. She is determined to learn the truth.

This was a slow build for me and yet I didn't mind it as I normally would. I especially enjoyed how Engel showed the effects death/murder has on a family. Greer's parents were devastated and drowning in their grief after their daughter Eliza was murdered. So devastated that they could not be present for Greer who was also mourning the loss of her sister. Engel also showed how the murder also affected the family of the killer.

How murder affects families was the strongest part of the book for me. The mystery of the new murders was good but was lacking a little for me. I just wanted a little more. More what? More danger, more tension, and more suspense. When the book ended, I thought "seriously?" and "why?”. Like other reviewers, I wanted clarity on the motive.

This book does a great job touching on loss, guilt, grief, and secrets. Big props for that.


I was so excited when I saw that Amy Engel had a new book coming out. I have enjoyed her other books and had high hopes for this one. Although enjoyable, this was not my favorite of hers. We can't love every book an author writes, and I do look forward to reading more books by her in the future.

Well written, character driven mystery.


Thank you to PENGUIN GROUP Dutton, Dutton and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Profile Image for Lindsay L.
875 reviews1,671 followers
March 9, 2024
3 stars.

A young woman returns to her hometown where her sister was murdered a decade before.

This novel started off strong and had me curious and invested. The characters are complicated, unique and interesting. I was curious about them. The storyline is thought-provoking, well layered and intriguing. The atmosphere was set to make for an engrossing plot. However, the strength of the start began to fade by the halfway point.

My biggest issue with this novel was the pacing. The storyline dragged and seemed to have extra detail included that wasn’t necessary. It lacked the enveloping suspense that this author usually uses to pull her plots forward. I found myself wanting to skim read the last half as I had lost my initial connection and investment. I remained curious to see how things would end, but I wasn’t as engrossed as I should have been. I also guessed the culprit early on and was disappointed to find out I was correct (I’m generally not a good book detective).

I had really high hopes for this book as this authors previous two books were fantastic 5 star reads that are on my Favourites shelf. Unfortunately this one didn’t live up to her usual dark, suspenseful, engrossing stories. I remain a fan and look forward to what she comes out with next!

Thank you to my lovely local library for the loan of this book!
Profile Image for Brenda ~The Sisters~Book Witch.
1,011 reviews1,044 followers
December 11, 2023
Amy Engel's The Roanoke Girls whisked me away from the comfort of the familiar, venturing into uncharted territory. The Familiar Dark, however, thrilled my dark side, which held no familiarity. Now, while something a little different felt familiar, I Did It For You failed to spark the fire that crackled within the other two.

Engel navigates uncommonly explored tropes, offering a unique perspective from the eyes of the families surrounding the murders rather than the conventional perpetrators. We know little about the killer. It's this distinct choice that propels I Did It For You beyond the realm of typical hometown mysteries. The narrative unfolds as a tense and swift-paced story that immerses me in a small, close-knit town where the light and darkness of life coexist. Engel peels back the layers, revealing how unresolved anger, shame and secrets can destroy the truth.

But

The conclusion felt somewhat familiar, leaving me with a sense of dissatisfaction regarding the payoff. I had hoped for a more thrilling and satisfying ending.

But

It's still a great read, just not as sharp and hard-hitting as Amy Engel's other books.

I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Profile Image for Frank Phillips.
667 reviews327 followers
November 27, 2023
I seem to be attracted to novels of people who grew up in small towns, escaping to the city as soon as they were old enough to do so, only to come back home when a shocking development occurs relating to another event from that character’s past. It’s a trope that’s been done to death, but I continuously read these stories, probably because I grew up in a small town myself. This novel was a great example of this overdone trope that I just felt compelled to read, and I’m glad I did! I’ve really enjoyed all three of Amy Engel’s novels to date, and I Did it For You might just be my favorite!

When Greer Dunning was just a teenager her older sister, Eliza, was murdered by a boy in her own hometown. As soon as she was able to, she moved to Chicago, leaving her past behind her, and now that her sister’s murderer has been executed, she can finally look to the future, right? When she finds out there has been similar killings, after the execution of the convicted killer, she decides to return to Ludlow, Kansas, hungry for answers. You see, when her sister died Greer felt there was more to the case and those unanswered questions have haunted her for years. Will a second look at everything over a decade later finally unearth answers Greer’s been so desperate to find?

When Greer arrives in Ludlow, she picks up where she left off years earlier reconnecting with her two besties, listening to the rumor mill, and even making a friend with the most unlikely character, her sister’s murderer’s brother, Dean. But the closer the two get, the closer they get to the truth. A truth someone wants to keep hidden, at all costs.

While this was a slow-burn, and it might not be for everyone, I really enjoyed it! Overall, it was a solid, well-written mystery, and I honestly didn’t see the reveal coming, although I wasn’t that blown away by it. The antagonist was the least likely of the suspects, and I was shocked by why they did what they did, thinking it was an incredibly ridiculous reason! I LOVED the accurate portrayal of small-town America that it seems Engel is masterful at illustrating, from the town drunk, to the party girl that never grew up after high school, and even the testosterone-fueled deputy with a chip on his shoulder, which it seems every small town has. I was intrigued throughout and wanted even more of the characters after turning that last page! Throughout the pages there was an omnipresent, atmospheric sense of foreboding that a lot of small town cold case mysteries contain, and this one was no exception - I was thoroughly creeped out throughout, sensing someone lurking in the shadows, just like Greer did! If I had to compare this novel to another story, or film, it would be The Town that Dreaded Sundown....which was very creepy!

I definitely recommend Engel to those who haven’t come across her work, and will continue reading anything she writes!
Profile Image for Mary.
2,252 reviews612 followers
August 29, 2023
4.25/5

I Did It for You by Amy Engel took a minute to get going, but when it did, I was here for it! I blew through this in one day because I couldn't wait to find out what Greer would discover. It managed to be very atmospheric, and it is definitely character-driven, so it is a bit on the slower side, but I thought the pacing was just right and I was fully invested in Greer and the story. I had no idea how this was going to play out, and while I can't say I was SUPER surprised when the climax hit, I wasn't disappointed by it either.

This is my first time reading Engel, but it has me itching to go back to The Roanoke Girls and The Familiar Dark which I will no longer be putting off! I Did It for You was perfect for audio as well, and I adored having 3 different narrators. Sean Patrick Hopkins, Amanda Stribling & Jennifer Pickens all did a fantastic job with their parts, and I would highly recommend the audiobook for maximum enjoyment. This made me feel very unsettled while I was listening to it, and you will want to make sure to stick it out for the twists and turns.

Thank you to the publishers for my complimentary listening and reader copies of this book. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Chelsea | thrillerbookbabe.
670 reviews1,008 followers
June 5, 2023
Thank you so much to Amy Engel and Dutton Books for my copy of I Did It For You. This book was about Greer, a girl whose sister was murdered 14 years ago. Now there has been a similar killing in Greer’s hometown, but the convicted killer has already been executed. This starts the police down the path that there is a copycat, but Greer thinks there may have been two killers, and one has gotten away.

She decides to return to her hometown in Ludlow Kansas, and tries to find the answer to the questions that have haunted her. She meets an unlikely ally and starts to dig into what really happened. The story is about murder, guilt, loss, and our trauma.

Thoughts: I think Amy Engel is an amazing writer and this book was no exception. I liked that even though Greer was the narrator, she still kept secrets from the reader. There were lots of interesting characters in this story, and I especially liked Cassie! Engel does an amazing job of capturing the feeling of a small town and including so many details that made me think of the small towns I’ve lived in.

I wasn’t really surprised by the twist, but I didn’t like the characters' motives. I did like the way the story explored grief and loss and trauma. There were so many great themes that were explored in this book, and I think the author did a good job of bringing everything together. 4-stars for this one!
Profile Image for Dona's Books.
1,328 reviews288 followers
December 4, 2023
HAPPY PUB DAY 🥳 July 25 2023

Thank you to the author Amy Engle, publishers Dutton and Penguin Group, and as always NetGalley, for an advance audio copy of I DID IT FOR YOU.

I think this book officially made me love the crime genre!

Rating: 🗣🗣🗣🗣.5 / 5 dark secrets
Recommend? Absolutely!
Finished: June 23 2023
Format: Advance Digital, NetGalley
Read this if you like:
🩸 Crime thrillers:
🩸 Stories about violence
🩸 Small town murder myths
🩸 Main characters with traumatic pasts
🩸 Suspense and mystery

Full review on my blog!
Profile Image for Mandy White (mandylovestoread).
2,795 reviews862 followers
July 24, 2023
A dark and emotional story, a family broken after their daughter has been murdered. 14 years later, and they are all still trying to understand what happened and why. When another murder is committed in town, that is exactly the same as Eliza’s murder, Greer knows that her feelings all those years ago were right. She returns to the same town of Ludlow in Kansas to find out once and for all what happened to her sister.

This is a story of family and friendship. Of grief and moving on with life. The ending wasn’t completely unexpected and I did feel that the motivation was a bit strange, weak compared to the rest of the story. The narrators did a great job and kept me wanting to listen.

Thanks to Harper Collins UK Audio for my advanced listening copy. A great read for the most part no one that will stay with me.
Profile Image for Michelle .
1,076 reviews1,881 followers
Want to read
December 12, 2022
Amy Engel has a new book out?!?! Hell to the YESSSSSS!!!!!
Profile Image for Karly.
477 reviews169 followers
May 24, 2023
My Rating: 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (rounded up from 4.5) COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN!!!

Greer Dunning’s older sister Eliza was murdered 14 years ago and the Dunning family have never recovered. Greer took off for college and never looked back and has been living in the big city, until now… when she finds out there has been another murder that is extremely similar to her sisters.

Greer returns to the small town of Ludlow, Kansas where all the memories, secrets and lies have been waiting for her.

Greer is determined to get answers but will those answers be what she is really looking for and can she handle what is waiting on the other side?


Ok first I need to say a MASSIVE thank you to Tabitha and GirlWithThePinkSkiMask you guys are the best and you know why!!! 🩷🩷

So I just want to start this off with a couple of things… I LOVE the small town, gritty, grimy depression story. If the town is seedy and the people are depressed and the secrets are big then your girl Karly is going to read it… like you can’t even pay me to stop I am reading the absolute shit out of that book… Amy Engel writes these books in spades and that is why I have been anticipating this one all year!!!

Next, I am not even going to sell this to you as the best book you will ever read… its probably not but for me it just ticked so many boxes that I gave it 5 its not Amy’s best book (that is Roanoke Girls IMO) but it’s a damn winner for me.

I loved the vibe… like I said above this book has all that seedy creepy, gossip, secrets and lies vibes and the depression it is high as a kite in this book…you read that right… I am in for all the sadness …. Why Karly… BECAUSE THATS WHY… that is my only reason and I am sticking to it 🤣

I love Amy’s books they just flow so easily, they are written in a way that is so easy to read even though the chapters are quite long… there are chapter breaks though so you can pop that down ( I dare you to try though) and pick it right back up easily. This book is told from the POV of Greer and her experiences there are no multi-pov or multi-timelines but it works. The writing style is simple and there is some sarcastic humour going on in here that I appreciated.

“Cut her some slack,” Cassie said, taking her own puff off the join. “ You know how hard it is to keep track of my relationships.” She rolled her eyes. “What with all the eligible lesbians here in Verdigris Country.”
“True,” Ryan said. “I think at this point you’ve dated all three of them. Twice.”
Cassie laughed. “I would punch you. But, unfortunately, you speak the truth.”

Growing up Cassie’s sexuality had never really been a secret between the three of us, and by our sophomore year of high school every one knew, although many a boy had tried to talk her out of it. Took one look at her curves and waves of auburn hair and felt sure his magical dick would be the one to change her tune.


Hahahaha magical dick!!! 🍆🤣

ALSO…. All the feelings I think I might have mentioned the depression… well I don’t turn on the waterworks very often but I found myself choked up over this one and little tears were flowing freely down my face (no one saw so did it really happen) and I was feeling the feelings. It was sad AF just how I like my small town depression stories and I am never gonna stop loving that…. I know I have issues…lets move on.

Dean cocked his head at me. “Are you seriously asking me to feel sorry for you right now.” Throwing my words from the first night at the Do back in my face. They were more painful than I’d thought they would be, made me sorry I’d ever aimed them at him. But isn’t that always the way? We ever fully understand the pain of something until we are on the receiving end; before that, it’s all a game of pretend.

Ooomph right in the feelings 😭

Was this perfect… pffft no… but it doesn’t matter it entertained me, it engaged me, I read it so quickly it was out of control, these books are always under 300 pages and I always want more. I was done in 24 hours and I haven’t had a book like that in my life for a hot minute and I felt alive… ok I know I am gushing but guys its a 5 star review.

The story was really well thought out… I loved the character development of Greer and you could really feel her pain over her sisters death but also the part she thought she played…and the events that led right up to the ending. It was edge of my seat there for a bit.

Overall: would I recommend this… damn right I would. Go out and read it and then read her other books (mind your trigger warnings though). The Roanoke Girlswill continue to be my favourite from this author but I do recommend this, I loved it and I wish I could read it again for the first time already!!!
Profile Image for ❋ Booked Out Today ❋.
275 reviews55 followers
August 1, 2023
I Did it For You by Amy Engel

Thriller | Mystery | Small Town

•Greer Dunnings older sister Eliza is murdered along side her boyfriend, Travis. The convicted killer is executed.14 years later a so-called “copycat” murder happens again, Greer returns home to Ludlow and makes an unlikely ally to search for the truth about her sister’s murder.
•Amy Engel writing style is captivating. I felt as though I was with Greer the whole time as she was investigating her sister’s murder. The plot had me wondering and questioning everything. The reveal of the murderer was unexpected but their motive lacked sustains. It was still an enjoyable short read. I would read another novel from Amy Engel anyday!

Feels: captivating, suspenseful and emotional

★★★★ 4/5
Profile Image for Ingerlisa.
600 reviews105 followers
July 14, 2024
Yes so I did not see that ending coming...
Profile Image for Cyndi.
1,351 reviews41 followers
May 10, 2023
Amy Engel is a master of psychological suspense and reading this was pure pleasure. The characters are well-drawn and authentic and the mystery will keep readers guessing right up until the end. The author throws in several red herrings and the action and intrigue make this a total page-turner.

Many thanks to Netgalley, Edelweiss, Dutton and Amy Engel for my complimentary e-copy ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
2,652 reviews2,024 followers
July 16, 2023
3.5/5

I always love a mystery where the character heads back to their hometown after they fled due to a tragedy but this had a slight twist. Greer’s sister was murdered and her killer was caught and even executed but something about the whole case is off for her and when two more teens are murdered in a similar fashion she knows it’s time for her to return home. So a solid setup for me and I was into it at the beginning. As the plot progressed in a slow manner what kept my attention was how the author showed the effects of these murders on Greer’s family and the entire small town. It’s character driven and heartbreaking but along with that strong aspect I wanted some more suspense and tension. Things do ramp up in the end but the motivation behind the murders was really weak and didn’t make much sense to me. Overall great themes and writing I just wanted more suspense and reasoning in the end.
Profile Image for Tabitha -.
527 reviews97 followers
May 27, 2023
Thank you to Negalley for an advance copy in exchange for my review!

First, can I get a round of applause for this COVER??? Obsessed.

Second, this kept me hooked the whole time. I love a book full of uncovering family secrets. This one also tugged at my heart in so many ways. Going back and forth between how to feel about the killer and others. A dilemma, truly.

I'm ultimately satisfied with the way it ended. It's an easy, quick, weekend read!
Profile Image for daniela weber.
463 reviews105 followers
July 24, 2025
a touching back to
hometown story with
relatable characters and
some plot surprises: deep
enough to draw tears. ♡
Profile Image for Carole (Carole's Random Life).
1,942 reviews609 followers
July 27, 2023
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/

This was really good! I have enjoyed this author’s books in the past so I was excited to get the chance to read her newest novel. Once I started reading, I did not want to stop reading because I just had to know what would happen next. There were plenty of twists and turns worked into the story that kept me guessing until the very end. I found this to be an entertaining story that was full of surprises.

Greer’s sister was murdered alongside her boyfriend years ago. She left town as an adult but has come back after another double murder is committed. The man who murdered Greer’s sister, Eliza, has been put to death but Greer feels like there is something more going on with the new murders and starts looking into things. I liked Greer but I wasn’t completely sure that I trusted her. I really liked that I never knew exactly which direction the story was going at any given time.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Sean Patrick Hopkins, Amanda Stribling, and Jennifer Pickens did a wonderful job with this story. I thought that the narrators’ voices all worked really well together and I loved the way that each of them helped to bring the story to life. I thought that each of the narrators had very pleasant voices and I believe that their narration added to my overall enjoyment of the story.

I would recommend this book to others. I love that this story was rather unpredictable and kept me guessing until the very end. I cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.

I received a review copy of this book from Dutton and Penguin Random House Audio.
Profile Image for Julie (JuJu).
1,176 reviews221 followers
August 21, 2023
❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥
After reading one of her previous books, I eagerly waited for another Amy Engel’s book. The beautiful cover of “I Did It For You” caught my eye the minute I saw it. This tense and melancholy story is emotional and pulled at my heartstrings.

Roy Matthews was executed for the murder of two teenagers. No motive was ever established, but the evidence was unmistakable. The victims were Greer’s sister and her boyfriend—Eliza and Travis. Greer is still haunted by the murders. She doesn’t doubt Roy’s guilt but she’s always felt there was more to the story or someone else involved.

Fourteen years later, another teenage couple is murdered in the same way. Greer returns to her hometown in Kansas for the first time since her sister’s murder. She was forced to give up her search for answers years ago, but she’s determined this time.

An atmospheric mystery that explores the depths people will go to find the truth. It examines guilt and grief, along with the damage and effects on both families. Ludlow is described so extensively, I feel like I’ve wandered every inch of its depressing streets.

Multiple narrators, including Eliza, provide an all-around glimpse into all of the highly-developed and flawed characters. Even the bad guys have redeemable qualities.

Sincere thanks to Penguin Group Dutton for providing this complimentary ARC through NetGalley. As always, all opinions are my own and are left voluntarily.

#PRHInfluencer #PenguinRandomHouse #Dutton #BooksOnTape #IDidItForYou #AmyEngel #SmallTownMystery #justfinished #newrelease #giftedARC #igbookreels #thriller #NetGalley
Profile Image for Shannon (The Book Club Mom).
1,329 reviews
July 31, 2023
I Did It for You by Amy Engel was my last read of July—just finished it last night. I loved the author’s last novel, The Familiar Dark, so this was a highly anticipated read for me. I grew up in a very small town, and even though I absolutely hated it, I still gravitate towards books set in one. Perhaps it’s because I get the overall vibe, and can understand the mindset of the characters a little better. Who knows? Either way, small town stories are definitely my thing. Throw in a murder mystery, and it’s like extra thick buttercream icing on a cake. The best!
I was 100% invested in I Did It for You by the time I finished the very first chapter. Engel’s writing style drew me in immediately, and I was intrigued by Greer, the female protagonist. I loved the Kansas setting, the laidback slower pace, and the exciting plot. It was feeling like a solid 4 or 5 star read for me until things started to wrap up. Oh man, the conclusion of this novel was really disappointing. It was very weak, and honestly, a little confusing. The reasoning behind the crime just didn’t make any sense, and didn’t feel believable at all. It truly pains me to do this, but I had to knock some points off of my rating for that reason alone. Crossing my fingers that the author’s next novel will be a major winner for me. I give I Did It for You 3.5/5 stars. It’s available now!
Profile Image for Sharon.
1,465 reviews268 followers
December 27, 2023
I Did It For You by Amy Engel is an intriguing and gripping thriller that I enjoyed. If you enjoy books with plot twists that you don’t see coming then this book is for you. Recommended.
Profile Image for Jo_Scho_Reads.
1,077 reviews80 followers
September 4, 2023
Ludlow, Kansas. In this sleepy small town, it doesn’t take long for word to get out that Greer Dunning is home. It’s been fourteen years since her older sister Eliza was murdered but this town never forgets its own.

Greer’s back for a reason though. Her sister’s killer was charged and executed for the crime. But now there’s been another similar killing. Is it a copy cat crime, or an actual connection to her sister’s death? Greer needs to find out, even if that means raking up a past which most would prefer to stay dead and buried..

Disclaimer: Amy Engel is fast becoming one of my favourite authors. I absolutely loved The Roanoke Girls and The Familiar Dark. She paints a portrayal of small town America like no other and her wonderfully immersive style of writing always have me transported in time. This book is no different. By the first few pages I was hypnotised by this town; compelled to learn more about the many different characters who live there, the way their lives are shaped by Ludlow, the way their destinies have kept them there or brought them back. And behind this captivating character development lies a crime which none of the residents can ever forget about. It’s hung over this town like a black cloud, hoping to be washed away, but now with the horrifying fact that two more kids are dead, the storm is brewing once more.

This is a slow burner of a tale, you need to be patient and absorb the detail. Walk around in this small town and see it for yourself. Take in the sights, meet the residents. I did just that and got to know and empathise with so many of these people. Greer is a tortured soul, tormented by the death of her sister, guilty about so many things. I was swept along by her story and absolutely transfixed by her.

I really did not want this book to end. Evocative, atmospheric, heartbreaking and chilling, it’s an all round winner for me.
Profile Image for Heather ~*dread mushrooms*~.
Author 20 books566 followers
August 17, 2023
I had really high expectations after The Roanoke Girls, and I think that didn't work in my favor. I DID IT FOR YOU didn't have the same darkness and danger as Engel's previous books. It wasn't bad, and she did another great portrait of a small, dying town populated with distinct characters, but something was missing for me. Still, I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Note:
Profile Image for Linda (Lily)  Raiti.
479 reviews93 followers
August 15, 2023
* 3.5 rounded up *

This was my first by this author and it won’t be my last. I Did It For You was a slow burn (more suspense than thriller) read with a great cast of characters.

Expect an emotional pull and lots of twists. I listened to audio and the narration was wonderful. The author cleverly and sensitively explored the impact of death to family left behind.

The ending, while a little meh, was still satisfactory and I look forward to what Engel brings out next.

Many thanks to @harpercollinsUK audio for an ALC 🎧❤️
Profile Image for scar.
186 reviews514 followers
May 25, 2023
it was totally readable and had some solid moments, but also grew into something frustrating and often dull (especially the middle parts) as i kept reading. a few things here surprised me, others not so much. the main character was insufferable at times. still, it was okay, just a little rough in some places.
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