This is a book with a lot of plot that throws plenty of curveballs, but I didn't find any of the characters particularly compelling, which always tends to distract from my enjoyment of a book.

I enjoyed a lot about this book! The premise was fun, and Amy Engel knows how to keep readers hooked. Unfortunately, I didn't love the ending--it didn't feel 100% earned, and it was a bit rushed.

Greer is back home, fourteen years after her sister’s murder. A similar murder just occurred and must be a copycat case since her sister’s murderer was executed. Greer is sure there’s more to the story.

Usually when I read a murder mystery, I’m more into the excitement and twists than I am genuinely finding out who did it. Not with this one. I was dying to know who did it! The characters were all so well developed and in a small town setting, you know it’s someone you know. This was a dark and sad tale, but there’s also some humor and romance to it, which makes it a great read!

“That’s the thing about murder. It’s all fun and games until it happens to you.”

I Did It For You comes out 7/25.

okay okay this is such a solid thriller! twisty and turning just like I like them! I mean what else can we ask for. loved!

Okay! I really enjoyed this! It was a pretty basic mystery in terms of plot and storyline, like I figured out the killer and twist way ahead of time. But the writing! I really vibes with the writing style and language. I will definitely pick up more by this author.

I'm not gonna say too much about the plot as to keep the mystery part intact but if you are a fan of small town and cold case type murder mysteries you'll probably like this one.

Thank you for the advanced copy!

This is a high-octane thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat! Greer has returned to her hometown from Chicago after the killer who confessed to killing her sister and the boyfriend is executed. She is somewhat glad to be back but her mother seems a shell of herself and her dad's become a heavy drinker. Fortunately her two best friends, Cassie and Ryan are there to comfort her as she is still seeking answers to questions about the murder that have been bothering her for years. Does she really want the answers or is there something buried in the recesses of her mind that needs uncovering for her to truly heal? I raced through this as it's an edge-of-your seat novel!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

A great read by Amy Engel. She is such a wonderful author, and I am always impressed. I especially love the twists and turns throughout the book.

Quick paced and twisty, the main character draws you in with her flaws and honesty. I couldn't put this one down!

A solid thriller. Amy Engel knows how to throw you a curveball in her stories and always keep you guessing.

I DID IT FOR YOU is one of those books that has you questioning every character, and still, there were some twists I truly did not see coming (which is always fun!). I didn't love the writing style of this book, but I was interested in the premise enough to finish it in a couple of days.

Good read! Thank you Net Galley and publisher for advance copy of this book.

My honest opinion of this book is that is are a great thriller. It brings fourteen years since Eliza and her boyfriend were shot and killed while making out in the back a car. The killer has been convicted and executed, so how is it possible for a new couple to meet the same fate. Greer (the main character / narrator of the story) feels there is more to this new case. And feels that the two are connected and sets out to prove it. Greer is a good story teller and does keep the reader engaged. The story starts out a little slow but then starts moving at a good pace. There are few twist that you may be able to figure out, but still worth the read.

i was really into this book. i consumed it in one sitting, which is what i love about a good thriller- it just makes you want to keep on reading. the protagonist was a fascinating character to follow, a lot to unpack with her. i also thought the characterisation of the town of ludlow was brilliant, made it shine like a star of its own. the ending however feels kinda rushed, the mystery being solved a little too quickly, and i dunno how i feel about the bad guy like their motive just felt a little too wild for what they did, a little too unbelievable.

many thanks to netgalley and the publishers for supplying me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

“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.

Amy Engel is a talented author who has a way with writing that you want more of. Though she only publishes books once every few years, I'm always checking regularly for a new book because she has become an author I want to read. If you've read her previous books, Amy Engel has a way of writing about taboo topics that one wouldn't normally want to read about, but once you've officially started the book and are drawn in, you come to find it's a book you never knew you needed. Amy Engel is truly a diamond in the rough. I Did It For You is truly a masterpiece that any reader that loves a good thriller, must read.

Greer Dunning is back home in her small hometown in Ludlow, Kansas, after having been gone for over a decade. Before leaving, Greer's sister was murdered and after a new murder, Greer is back to find the real murderer. The only problem, her sister's murderer was executed months prior. Greer is on a mission to find the truth and who the murder could have been and faces the reality she left behind. Can Greer face her past while finding out who and why the new murders happened?

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy of I Did It For You by Amy Engel in exchange for my honest opinion.

Great read, phenomenal writing. This author has some fantastic ideas and they are executed very well here. This book has a dark heart and it was a pleasure to get to know it.

I absolutely love Amy Engel's books and I quickly devoured her latest, "I Did it for You". LOVED IT!!!!! Great read for sure.

A solid thriller. Amy Engel knows how to throw you a curveball in her stories and always keep you guessing. I enjoyed the main character Greer and how she explored her grief.

Heart pounding thriller that left me on the edge of my seat. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Definitely one of the best books this year.