What a dysfunctional family with so many lies. This story was told through multiple POV's and timelines - it was so interesting to go on this journey from all perspectives. At times slightly confusing with the number of characters, but once you had the storyline down - it worked out fine. Plenty of twisty, plenty of shock and drama. This one is a solid book - of domestic suspense. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Barbara Gayle Austin and NetGalley for the earc in exchange for my honest opinion.

The story follows a protagonist who grapples with the fallout from a traumatic event, leading to a series of unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Austin’s writing is sharp and evocative, drawing readers into the character's emotional turmoil while exploring the darker sides of human nature. The pacing is brisk, and the plot is expertly woven with suspense, making it difficult to put down. This novel serves as a compelling reminder of how our choices shape our lives and the lengths to which one might go to reclaim control. A must-read for fans of psychological dramas and thrillers.

Unfortunately, I DNF'd this book. The beginning was incredibly boring to me and I just did not care enough to continue on. Early reviews of the subject matter were also triggering to me.

“What you made me do” follows Anneliese our FMC who is on the search for her birth mother. Her childhood was traumatic and she is looking for the warm embrace of family.

She seizes opportunity and traps Willem into a marriage by purposefully getting pregnant. He is seemingly her “safe space” and at first appears to offer everything she has been looking for, including an in with his family. However she soon learns his family isn’t as ideal as it may appear from the outside, there are a lot of dark secrets shared in their pasts and her own secret can’t stay secret forever!

Tense, twisty, isolated and shocking! The plot has two different timelines which was a bit confusing at first but once I realized what was going on and who was who it made it easier to keep up. There is a lot of drama at all points throughout the book.

Give it a try if you’re a fan of A. J. Finn and B. A. Paris.

Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, Barbara Gayle Austin and NetGalley for the earc!

Publish date: August 20th 2024
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I was going to rate this 4 stars, but I cannot support the outcome of the relationship at the end. It just leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

Overall, the author did a wonderful job keeping the mysterious suspenseful. I really couldn't figure out the truths. And right when you think you are being told the whole truth...just wait!

There were a lot of characters to remember, but I liked that the author included the months and the character pov for each chapter. It made it easier to follow the story and keep track of the lies or truths throughout the story.

Please be mindful that there is triggering subject matter that can be uncomfortable to read.

WHAT YOU MADE ME DO by Barbara Gayle Austin made me wonder in that way that you’re just left speechless.

Anneliese Bakker has had a tough life. Adopted into an abusive situation she always dreamt of finding her biological mother. But her life took a turn when she met.Willem Veldkamp, a successful therapist, whose mother just happened to be Louisa Veldkamp, the famous Dutch pianist. Willem pops the question and Anneliese learns she is pregnant and moves in to the Veldkamp mansion while awaiting the wedding and the baby’s birth. Things don’t go so well at the mansion and Annalise begins researching the skeletons in the Veldkamp family’s closets. She is drawn to a room in the basement that is a shrine to Louisa and all her accomplishments as a celebrated artist. As secrets are uncovered and real relationships unveiled, Annaliese has to begin to wonder if she should save her dream or if she needs to run from a nightmare.

This book had me from start to finish. The ability of the author to interweave all the characters and storylines had me shaking my head at some points. I loved Willem’s relationship with his twin brother and loved to hate the relationship between Willem and his stepmother. As this was a debut.(hard to imagine at points) I will be very interested in seeing where the author takes me next. Barbara Gayle Austin will certainly be a writer. I have on my list of authors to follow.

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC opportunity. All opinions are my own and given voluntarily.

What You Made Me Do by Barbara Gayle Austin is an interesting debut title.
This book is a propulsive thriller and an addictive mystery.
I enjoyed the edge of your seat plot.

Thank You NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for the book #WhatYouMadeMeDo by #BarbaraGayleAustin. Anneliesse has always wondered who her birth mother is and has set out to find her. During her search she falls for a man named Willem and ends up pregnant. When she moves into his family home she doesn’t feel welcome or happy. What secrets are buried here? Did she make a mistake?

I have no idea what to make of that ending. This book was incredibly tough for me to get into at first. I felt like it was jumping too much in the timeline but then after the first quarter, I felt much more comfortable with the characters and really focused in on the years in the chapter titles. It was certainly a whirlwind. I liked the characters and felt like the story was complex enough with a lot of good plot twists but something just fell flat for me. Maybe it was the detectives, maybe it was Annaleise. I’m not sure. I felt like the ending was too open and confusing. Some of the characters actions felt forced and unnatural. I do think it’s worth the read though. Rounding up from 3.5 stars.

"What You Made Me Do" by Barbara Gayle Austin is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of family secrets and personal trauma. The story follows Anneliese Bakker, who is recovering from a traumatic childhood and searching for her birth mother. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she meets and falls in love with Willem, finding what she believes to be a safe haven. However, as she digs into her new family's past, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten her and her unborn child's safety.

The book explores several profound themes, including the impact of familial secrets, the struggle between past traumas and present realities, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. These themes are woven into the fabric of the story, providing a rich backdrop against which the character's actions and decisions play out.

Barbara Gayle Austin's "What You Made Me Do" is a must-read for thriller enthusiasts. Its masterful blend of suspense, character development, and thematic depth makes it a memorable and impactful novel. Whether you're drawn to tales of family secrets or psychological intrigue, this book offers a gripping and satisfying experience.

From the book description:
<i>After surviving a nightmarish childhood, Anneliese Bakker is on the mend and searching for her birth mother. But when she meets Willem, she falls madly in love and finally finds a safe place to land. Engaged and expecting her first child, she moves into the Veldkamp mansion on a stately, tree-lined avenue in Amsterdam. And yet, nothing about Willem’s family is as it seems. Instead of the loving home she has longed for her entire life, she’s confronted with a cold and hostile household.Increasingly isolated, Anneliese is drawn to a creepy basement shrine to Louisa, Willem’s mother. Louisa Veldkamp was a legendary Dutch pianist who presumably drowned–but whose body has never been found. Though still revered by her fans, Louisa is a taboo subject in the family home. Haunted by her own demons, Anneliese must dig into the family’s past to untangle a dark web of secrets, inadvertently putting herself and her unborn child in grave danger.Not knowing who to trust, Anneliese has to decide just how far she is willing to go to safeguard the family life she so desperately seeks.</i>

The book is told along two timelines: in 2004, leading up to Louisa Veldkamp’s disappearance; and in the present day. It’s also told from multiple points-of-view. I think every character pretty much gets a chance to be the narrator at some point.

I used the book description because there’s a lot going on in this book, and I didn’t want to spoil anything in trying to describe it myself. The first half, really, sets up the picture of this whole world of dysfunction and misery that then gets flung into overdrive in the second half, when things heat up. And once the main action starts, it does not slow down one bit. The twists and turns just keep happening and you can’t look away.

There was at least one thing that I did guess, and I’m pretty sure that most people will be able to as well. But the other surprises and twists really were worth keeping with the story and I didn’t feel disappointed at all. In fact, I still couldn’t keep reading even with figuring out one piece of the puzzle. Because this family is so screwed up and it’s so intriguing and creepy. It makes for a great mystery/thriller.

And don’t sleep on Anneliese. That’s all I’ll say.

This is a great domestic thriller that is well worth the read. Highly recommend.

Family secrets and lies surrounding the mysterious disappearance of her mother in law Louise imperil Annalise in this twisty novel that moves around in time, Willem and his home in Amsterdam were meant to be a haven for Annalise but things don't go quite as she expected-or as the reader expects. This has multiple characters (perhaps one or two too many) but plot that sneaks up on you. Loved the Netherlands setting. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. No spoilers from me.

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I just realized I never finished my thought.

I enjoyed the premise of the book, but the large cast of characters did not work well with my cognitive issues. I found myself going back and forth a lot. I am going to try reading it again to see if I can appreciate the book when my thinking is clearer.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!
This book was a twisty turny delight! You know from the outset of the book that someone was murdered, and I do believe at one time or another as this story ran its course, I suspected every single character! Great read that kept me guessing until the very end, and with an unsettled feeling I have yet to shake for these characters!

This was interesting and amazing for a debut, I think maybe I am not in the best head space for complicated family stuff that is also creepy. I lovethe twists though.

The tension in this book was unbelievable. It is actually what kept me turning those pages. I love a story that involves the searching for your family plot, this one had it. You will have to be on the ball to keep an eye on all the characters as there is a lot of them.

Enter the gripping tale of “What You Made Me Do” by Barbara Gayle Austin, where Anneliese Bakker’s quest for family takes a chilling turn. Amidst the tranquility of Amsterdam’s stately Veldkamp mansion, Anneliese finds herself ensnared in a web of secrets and lies. As she unravels the mysteries surrounding Willem’s family, she unwittingly places herself and her unborn child in peril. With darkness lurking in every corner, Anneliese must confront her demons and decide the lengths she’ll go to safeguard her newfound family.

This compelling thriller takes readers on a journey of suspense, treachery, and the unwavering search for truth. This book was enjoyable to me! I decided to give this book a try since it seemed like it might be enjoyable, and I really enjoyed reading it. As I read, the tension and suspense were intense! I was about to give up until I saw a fresh danger and an exciting conclusion! Excellent!

Because of how well-developed the narrative was, I enjoyed this book overall. I think this author does a good job portraying ethically ambiguous female characters, thus I’d read more of her work. It’s twisted and unsettling, with times of intense tension and clenching. The action in this novel never stops, drawing the reader in and keeping them interested.

Creepy, chilling thriller. Throughout you, keeps guessing and second-guessing. Twists and secrets with unreliable and unpredictable characters. Anneliese is a strong character and shows strength despite her struggles. Revelations at the end are shocking. Recommended. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.

Barbara Gayle Austin's debut novel, "Look at What You Made Me Do," is a gripping and suspenseful tale that delves into the complexities of family, secrets, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. Anneliese Bakker's journey from a nightmarish past to a seemingly perfect present is a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations.

As Anneliese navigates the treacherous waters of her new family, the Veldkamps, she is faced with a facade of perfection that hides a dark and sinister reality. The mysterious disappearance of Louisa Veldkamp, Willem's mother, looms over the household, casting a shadow of suspicion and unease.

Austin masterfully weaves a narrative filled with tension, intrigue, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The exploration of family dynamics, betrayal, and the quest for belonging adds layers of depth to the storyline, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

"Look at What You Made Me Do" is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers like A. J. Finn and B. A. Paris. Austin's skillful storytelling and intricate character development make this novel a captivating and suspenseful journey into the dark corners of family secrets and the sacrifices made in the name of love.

A wickedly twisted thriller that kept me interested from start to fun sh. I absolutely loved the eerie vibe and dark atmosphere.