⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
. A great page-turner that kept me guessing until the last page and beyond (even the epilogue!
The characters were well developed-I have clear pictures in my mind of what each one looks like-down to style and mannerisms!

I have some mixed feelings around this one.
I rotated this one between my physical and audiobook copies and I would suggest not doing the audio as I was left a bit confused several times with the multiple POVs, duel timelines and because it was generally pretty action packed with a lot going on!

I enjoyed the twists and the ending and was left curious and intrigued from start to finish, but this one requires a little too much suspended belief for me to love. Now don’t get me wrong, I think it was still entertaining and a solid character driven story that many will likely enjoy! The short chapters will certainly help you fly through it and it’s definitely a solidly fun popcorn thriller.

3.5 stars rounded to 4 for goodreads

What Have We Done

This was my first book by Alex Finlay and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Funny story. I wanted to read Night Shift last year and accidentally got one by another author, lol. HIs writing style gave me Harlan Coban vibes, which I enjoy immensely as well!

Synopsis:
In this thriller from Alex Finlay, What Have We Done is a tale about the lives we leave behind and the secrets we carry with us forever. Our main character are a step-mom with a past, a has been rockstar with an addiction and a reality tv producer with a gambling problem. What bonds them is the deadly secret they have from 25 years ago when they all lived in a group home.

They are reunited because someone is trying to kill them.

This is an edge of your seat thriller where time is of the essence!


My thoughts:
The pacing of this book was spot on! I really enjoyed the characters of Billy (rockstar) and the stepmom. I’m anxious to read more of Finlay’s work.

I did this as an audiobook and the narration was really good. There were a few different narrators that kept me engaged!

Read If you enjoy:
Fast paced thriller
Short chapters
Woman assassins
Edge of your seat plot

Great thriller with an interesting cast of flawed characters who are all just trying to make it as adults after suffering pretty traumatic childhoods. I liked how the story went back and forth between the present and their time growing up together. Donnie was my favorite, and he made me cry, but in a good way.

The narration was fantastic and had me finishing the book really quickly. I loved that the suspense is kept right up through to the end of the epilogue. I was just thinking, oh good, everything is--oh no, wait, is this-- :O ! Would definitely recommend!

I loved Alex Finlay's first 2 books, and I'm happy to report that his latest release lived up to my expectations! It's got his trademark short chapters, multiple POVs and dual timelines that help build up the suspense and keep you guessing until the very end ! The narrators did a wonderful job, great casting ! A must-read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

What Have We Done has me asking the exact same question because despite having just finished this book I cannot remember a single thing about these characters and what they’ve done. I had a lot of fun with Finlay’s last two thrillers. But the two greatest selling factors to those - excellent pacing and careful character mapping - completely went by the wayside in his latest release.

The underlying thread connecting the myriad of character POVs was a shared traumatic event that occurred at a orphanage - which is a genuinely interesting setup. But the characters themselves were just so interchangeable and little to no defining characteristics I could not differentiate them. It didn’t help that they all had the most generic names known to middle class America.

There were also just certain aspects of this book that really made me stop and remember “this is definitely a middle-aged man writing this” and that’s never a good indication of tone for a novel. As someone who actually enjoyed Finlay’s last releases, I’m not sure if this is me becoming more self-aware or this novel really was a deviation from his previous success but I can’t say I had a good time with this one.

Thank you to the publisher Macmillan Audio for providing an audiobook ARC via NetGalley for an honest review.

This book was a crazy ride! We have many POVs and there is a lot going on! This is definitely a book that I would read with a physical copy or ebook versus the audiobook especially to start - I listened to the audiobook for most of it and it was a bit confusing at first because of the multiple POVs and the different timelines, especially because I didn't find there was a ton to clue the reader into the fact something was a flashback. That being said, the book has short chapters, which just add to the already fast pace and there is plenty of action but not much character development. Having read Finlay's books before, this one does read a little different - I found there was less tension this time around- and I feel like you need to suspend disbelief to enjoy it. All in all, still a fun read, especially if you want something a little more wild and fast!

A huge thanks to NetGalley, MacMillan Audio and St Martin's Press for the ARC for review. All opinions are my own.

Content warnings: Gun Violence, Violence, Addiction, Bullying, Child Death, Murder, Rape, Trafficking, Child abuse.

Review: What Have We Done?

I think thrillers are my favourite genre to listen to on audio (besides memoirs), especially when there are multiple narrators helping to tell the story. This book read like an action movie, with a lot of mystery and a few fun twists. I haven’t read Alex Finlay before, and I wasn’t disappointed by this first read! I found myself trying to find time to pop my AirPods in to find out what happened next.

TYSM to @macmillan.audio,@netgalley and @alexfinlayauthor for the ALC!

Trigger warnings: abusive group home, violence, attempted sexual assault, murder, missing girls

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Format: Audio 🎧
Author: Alex Finlay
Publication date: March 7, 2023

A next-level thriller that brims with dark surprises and unforgettable characters inextricably connected by their pasts, loyalties, and an unspeakable secret. Inventive, immersive, and downright addictive, What Have We Done had me flying through the pages. Put this one on the top of your to-be-read list.

I found the story hard to follow, the dual plot line added an interesting perspective but was very confusing at times.

Special thanks to Netgalley and MacMillan Audio for the digital copy in exchange for my opinion.

I stopped listening to this book 2x before starting again but I'm glad I.did. I couldn't get a connection to the characters. Right from the beginning we know there is a murder.

I didn't like the book starting out and didn't love it by the end, although it did take me by surprise.

Not my favorite thriller for 2023. Not even close.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. If I read this book instead of listening my rating would probably be a 2.

✨ B O O K • R E V I E W ✨
•
Title: What Have We Done
Author: Alex Finlay
Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
•
I am OBSESSED when I read books that are set in areas that I know, of but this... this book right here had me rewinding and flipping back through pages to make sure I heard/read correctly when the characters were heading to Delaware County, PA. Okay what's up DELCOOOOOOO. In case you are unaware - Delaware County (AKA Delco) is where I grew up - so of course I was extra hype to see/hear that. It was such a nice little surprise. We are a little suburb right outside of Philly - with hands down the weirdest accent and weirdest personalities haha; its one unique ass place. HUGE plus for me.. Anyways, back to the book.
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Alex Finlay is easily becoming an auto buy author for me, after finishing this one. What Have We Done is set up where right from the beginning you are aware that the characters commit a murder and very early on you see that they are being hunted by who only knows. This one is told in multiple points of view and honestly, I loved each character(s); they each had their own issues and quirks and I always wanted to know what was going to happen next with them. The best part, as this story unravels, you begin to learn more about the characters and what they have been through. The end twist is chefs kiss , I didn't see that coming at all and I absolutely love where Finlay went with this. 
•
I listened and read this one and I am super happy to report that it is a full cast (Brittany Pressley; James Patrick Cronin; Jon Lindstrom; Maggie Thompson) , and it was executed perfectly! Each narrator brought their character to life and made this story that much more enjoyable! If you're looking for a new audiobook or a fast paced action paced thriller - go ahead and check this one out! I am definitely recommending everyone check this one out!
•
Huge thank you to @netgalley, @macmillinaudio, @stmartinspress @minataurbooks and @alexfinlay for the advanced eARC and ALC in exchange for my honest review. 
•
#earc #electronicadvancedreaderscopy #alc #advancedlistenerscopy #netgalley #delcorepresentin #delawarecounty #boardingschool #chestertown #jenna #nico #donnie #thehunterbecomesthehunted #pastmeetsthepresent #mysterythriller #actionpacked #fourstarreview #autobuyauthor #audiobooks #readingismyescape #fullcastnarration #pubdayreview #happypubday #pubday #autobuyauthor #whathavewedone #alexfinlay

What Have We Done
A Novel
by Alex Finlay
Narrated by Brittany Pressley; James Patrick Cronin; Jon Lindstrom; Maggie Thompson

Rating: 4/5 Stars

This is my first Alex Finlay novel, and I definitely wouldn't mind listening to or reading another one in the future. This story revolves around a small group of kids, I suppose you could call them friends, that grew up for a portion of their life at Savior House, a group home for orphans. Where each kid ended up when they got older (assassin, rock star, lawyer, etc.) comes into play as a long-lost incident that happened, and the secrets that this group of kids kept for years, all start to come back to haunt them.

What Have We Done is a fast-paced suspense/thriller that moves along at a steady pace and keeps you listening, waiting for the next shoe to drop. I loved the unique characters, and the descriptions were top-notch. The multiple storylines were busy, but I was able to keep them all in line. The only thing that I wish the author would have done a little differently was to allow the reader to know what was going on a little sooner than the very end. Not who the antagonist is, per see, but what had happened when the kids were younger than were leading them to where they were now. I wasn't sure about the "Why" for too long.

Overall though, this was an enjoyable book, and I'd like to listen to more from the author. The narrators all did a great job. Everything from Donnie's accent to the array of other characters they brought to life, each narrator's performance lent to bringing their characters to life.

Thanks so much to #NetGalley, #MacmillanAudio, and the author for the opportunity to listen to and review this ARC!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for my audio ARC of What Have We Done. This wasn’t my favorite thriller of the year. It took my until about 81% to feel connected to the main characters. Well, except for the character Donny, which took me by surprise. I found myself quite attached to him. The ending did take my by surprise and I did enjoy the frightful description of Savior House and all the backstory from when they were young. This is a good Thriller and I will recommend it to fans of the genre.

I don’t feel like what actually happens in this book matches up to the synopsis at all. Sometimes that’s okay because it adds a little mystery, but in this case we get a completely different book than what one might expect.

There were way too many characters and little side plots to keep straight to the point that some of the reveals didn’t even shock me cause I had no clue who the characters were talking about.

I do think the narrators did a good job and I appreciated that there were several different narrators. That helped keep some of the main characters straight.

For the longest time this book felt like it was everywhere all at once. It has many different storylines that intersect in the long run but for awhile they felt pretty random.

Once they intersect fully, it really starts to unfold and get good. It’s pretty intense and crazy. It’s intriguing to see how everything goes together and wraps up in the end.

The multiple narrators helped keep the different stories and POVs separate, which I definitely appreciate.

Thanks to NetGalley for the audiobook!

Yes! This book had me right away. I love multiple points of view, and how everyone came together at the end. Short chapters keep me interested and every individuals story was interesting as well as the way they weaved together.
The audio was perfect for this book with multiple readers, making it easy to remember who was talking. The readers voices were soothing and perfectly paced. I’m giving this story 4 stars with a highly recommend to all my friends! Thank you NetGalley for the audio arc!

I love this book. Alex Finlay keeps your entire attention throughout the novel. The twists and turns were incredible. This book is for the thriller lover who like friendship dynamics and messy characters! Highly recommend!

This is my first Alex Finlay book, and I had high expectations! I was impressed at the complexity of the plot, and loved the audio narrator! It was a lot to keep track of though, and I never felt fully connected to the characters. I wish there was a bit more backstory on the types of abuse the characters faced while growing up, and more about searching for all of the missing girls. I think I needed more of an emotional investment to really get into the mysteries happening in present day.

POTENTIAL SPOILER WARNING

Twenty-five years ago, Jenna, Nico, and Donnie, along with their friend Benny, did something unspeakable to end their torment and abuse at the group home Savior House. When the home was shut down, they each went separate ways. Today, Nico is the TV producer of mining reality TV show. Donnie is a washed-up alcoholic rock star. Jenna is a black ops operative turned housewife. And Benny, a well-known judge, is dead. Aside from Donnie and Benny, none of them have kept in touch, but that's about to change as whoever killed Benny seems to be targeting the others as well. As they fight to survive, they will have to confront their past lives at Savior House to understand who is trying to kill them--and why.

WHAT HAVE WE DONE starts out pretty strong; although the prologue is so intentionally ambiguous it's not entirely satisfying or intriguing, each of the next three chapters shows Donnie, Jenna, and Nico being attacked in dramatic ways, with Jenna's and Nico's attackers using a bizarre weapon. Questions immediately arise: who's trying to kill them? Why? How are they connected?

It becomes pretty muddled after that as the story continues in Jenna's, Nico's, and Donnie's POV's, but now they randomly jump back in time not only to Savior House, but to events that happened afterwards, in a non-linear fashion. At least in the audiobook, it became hard to tell when the flashback started and when it ended, and even more difficult to keep the timelines straight. And then before one can adjust to this, another POV is thrown in that, frankly, was more annoying than useful. With the exception of Jenna, who as a former operative immediately takes the offensive, the protagonists (Donnie and Nico) seem to stumble through the story, accidentally coming across things that direct them to the next plot point. Most of the reveals were not surprising, and the connection between what the four kids did 25 years ago and the reason for their being targeted now is rather disappointing. There's ANOTHER POV thrown in at the end that felt completely unnecessary and obvious, but the epilogue is a decent conclusion to the story.

Overall, the voice actors did a good job, especially Jenna's, but unless you're not at all thrown by multiple POV and time shifts (I'm usually a fan of both and it still got to me), I'd probably recommend reading the text instead. Thank you to the author, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair review.