Twenty-five years ago, a handful of abandoned, neglected, and abused kids are forced to do the unthinkable to protect themselves and each other. Since that time, they have drifted apart, and become quite illustrious in their own ways. When it is discovered that one of them--Ben, a high-ranking judge--has been murdered, those who remain migrate back toward the town where they suffered through the care of an evil man and his cohorts. Now, Jenna, Donnie, and Nico are also being threatened and attacked. It soon becomes clear that someone is targeting the people who were children in that home, but why now?

I loved the rotating point of view in this novel; each character was so well-developed. Since each one is struggling with their own secrets and self-recriminations, that comes through loud and clear, giving real depth to each individual. Unfortunately, I am not good at suspending my disbelief, and the fact that all of these children from foster care grew into massively successful adults who still managed to know next to nothing about one another really tested my limits. While each person's voice was poignant and real, their relationships to one another are totally wooden; you wouldn't believe that they had ever met, let alone been confidantes and friends, if the book didn't tell you so.

Over all, this was a quick, twisty read, that left you feeling strongly about every character in one way or another. Put your disbelief on the backburner and enjoy the ride.

Unique, fast paced plot that kept me reading! I enjoyed the multiple POV, and the alternating timeline. Enjoyable thriller that hit the spot!

Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books for the ARC!

I love Alex Finlay books but unfortunately this one didn't quite hit for me. It's pretty fast paced and I did read it pretty quickly, but I found it a little predictable and a touch unrealistic. Won't keep me from trying the next book from Finlay though.

𝙒𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙃𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙒𝙚 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙚 by Alex Finlay
Published: March 7, 2023 by @minotaur_books
Reviewed by: Mel
Format: eBook ARC + Audiobook [thank you @netgalley]

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀
Standard thriller formula, would probably give it a 3.5 but rounded up. I didn't completely predict what would happen, but I did find myself rolling my eyes a few times with the predictability of certain stereotypical things.

I did enjoy the very diverse cast of characters, and found myself really liking Donnie for some reason. I could leave the rest as they didn't do much for me and just fit into the story to round it out. For some reason, I just felt bad for Donnie the whole time - and while he made his own bed with the life choices he made, I did feel that he was mistreated by his bandmates, especially with how long they had been together.

I started out reading the ARC on my kindle, and just past 50%, I started listening to the audio since it came in from the Library. There were a few points in the plot about 3/4 of the way through that my eyes glazed over while listening and I wasn't really following along, but ultimately, it was entertaining and worth the read/listen.

What Have We Done by Alex Finlay was my first book of his and I found it to be quite palatable. The plot was unique and the pages kept turning for me. This read more as thriller and fast-paced and I could picture it on the big screen. I would definitely read more by this author.


Thank you to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, and the author for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Finlay wrote another twisty, dark thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. I really enjoyed both reading about the tragic pasts of the main characters and the race against the person trying to harm them in the present. Who from their past has come back to bring them back together and kill them?

2.5 stars

Despite how popular Alex Finlay’s thrillers are, I think I’m coming to the conclusion that his books just aren’t for me 🥲 I read The Night Shift a while back and didn’t love it, but wanted to give his work another try in What Have We Done. It started off strong, but ultimately fell flat for me again.

I enjoyed meeting and learning about our different MCs: Jenna, Donnie, and Nico. It was intriguing to learn about their pasts and where they ended up in present day, and how their lives ended up twisted together.

However, the storyline was too unrealistic for me and I had a hard time believing any of it. I also felt like we could have learned a bit more about the characters’ backstories not as individuals, but what they experienced together.

What Have We Done is definitely a plot-driven story with lotssss of action, so if you prefer that over a character-driven thriller, I’d say you should give this one a try!

Fast paced thriller told from multiple viewpoints. The book jumps back and forth between past and present as the group of characters tell the story from different vantage points, having grown up together in a pseudo group home. They are drawn back together as adults after becoming targets due to an event in their pasts. The twists and turns in this story pick up more towards the end of the book. Overall easy to read due to short chapters which was nice. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy!

Moved quickly but I was a little confused towards the end. I liked most of the characters. Not my favorite book lately but will give another Alex Finlay book a read when it comes out.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the DRC

If you’re a thriller fan then you have got to give this book a read. It hooked me from the very beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. Fast paced, short chapters, multiple points of view, and twists I didn’t see coming. It’s one of those books that gives movies vibes!

This was okay, I listened to the audio and it was a little hard to follow. I don't think this will be a memorable thriller for me, but I did enjoy the ending.

What a fantastic thriller. I loved the alternating timeline from past to present, and any book that slowly uncovers secrets is one I'm all in with.

The residents of Savior House, a foster group home for children, find they are all targets when threats and danger enter their lives. As each person tells their story in the present, we get a glimpse into the past and into how all of their lives intertwine.

This is my first Alex Finlay book, but it won't be my last. I need to go back and read some of his backlist.

Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of the e-book in exchange for my honest review. What Have We Done was a middle of the road read for me. The novel structure featured alternating chapters for the various perspectives and that made it really fun. At first, the storylines were disconnected and as the reader, you weren't sure how they would intersect, but at a certain point, they collided, and the characters all came together in the same scene; I really enjoyed that moment. Finlay wrote interesting and whacky characters, and even though they were written as hyperbolic caricatures, I really enjoyed them, especially Donnie. The twins were so annoying and meant to come off that way, so kudos! Overall, the writing was just a little blasé. I predicted some of the twists, but that isn't what brought this down for me. In general, I felt like the writing was kind of dry. The end really picks up with twist after twist, delivering quite a dose of redemption.

This one was a miss for me!

I like my stories to be character-driven, or at least to feel some connection with the characters. I've read a lot of romance this year, but even in thrillers, I want a chance to buy into the character so I'm rooting for them. I didn't get that from this story. Instead, the POV hopped between several main characters as if in an action movie montage. However, you might really enjoy this book if you like the Bourne, James Bond, or Taken franchises.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's press for the opportunity to review this book.

This is my third Alex Finaly book. I'm becoming a fan. This wasn't as good as the last two, but it was still an interesting read. There were multiple layers which I've noticed is typical for his books. It kept me guessing.

This was my second Finlay book. Unfortunately it fell short for me. The story and the writing lacked intrigue, especially in comparison to Finlay's previous novel.

I liked this book but also didnt find it as memorable as I thought i would. Honestly that is me with thrillers though. After i read it and it ends, I basically forget what the story was. Anyway, I raced through this book but finished it a little while ago. Sorry for the late review!

I have enjoyed every book I have read from this author and this was no exception, I enjoyed this one too. I think it might be because his thrillers have a faster pace and bit more action than some I have read lately.

This one is told in the POV of three friends and the killers and I feel like it will be hard to explain without spoiling so this might not be a very long review.

The three friends (or sort of friends) all lived in a home for orphaned teens, it wasn't a great place and something they did long ago is now coming back to haunt them.

They each lead very different lives but when someone starts targeting them it leads them all back to the Savior House and to that one night.

You get a glimpse into the past from each point of view of the friends and then you get to figure out how a bad person could be in two places at once by learning from the killers point of view.

I listened to this one and I didn't figure out the twist, but upon a lot of thought I should have and might have if I paid a bit closer attention because it really seemed very easy once I really thought about it so I think it could be easy for some to figure out.

I still thought it was an interesting thriller, but Every Last Fear is still my favorite. I do know that I will probably try anything this author writes after reading three of his books and enjoying them all.

I know that this is listed as a thriller on here, but it read more like an action movie. I love action movies! I thought it was fast paced and an easy read, like candy for my brain.

I always enjoy this author's writing. The story and writing hook you in, and there's always twists and turns to enjoy. Highly recommend
5/5 stars