I've been on a thriller/mystery kick recently, and when I saw the premise of this book I was intrigued and excited to read it. Tell Me What You Did is fast-paced, and I finished it quickly. I found it decently entertaining, but it was frustrating at times and ultimately pretty forgettable. Its greatest strength is its premise: Poe Webb hosts a podcast in which criminals confess their crimes, and one day a guest confesses that he killed her mother 17 years ago – but Poe knows that she already tracked down her mother's killer and killed him 7 years ago. So is this creep telling the truth – which means she killed the wrong person – or is something else going on?

At one point in the book, Poe mentions that members of her online book club will disparage book characters as "too stupid to live," and she thinks to herself that she's been acting too stupid to live. And yes, I agree, that's a major problem with this book! Poe and her father are obviously in danger, and they repeatedly risk their lives for no reason other than to move the plot along. The fact that Poe recognizes that she's being stupid doesn't make things better! Why doesn't she immediately get a lawyer and call the cops, especially if she's rich from her podcast? If the Burlington police don't have enough resources to help her, why doesn't she use her massive stash of podcast money to hire security or something?

Another problem I had with this book is that I saw the twist about the professed mother-killer's identity from miles away. It was hardly a twist. I also find it very hard to believe that he wouldn't immediately be identified by Poe's fans. There are facial recognition search engines out there!

Kind of a waste of a great premise. But hey, maybe worth adapting?

I don’t really know where to start except that I absolutely loved and devoured this novel. I have never read anything else by this author and kind of went in blindly, only knowing it was about a crime podcaster. So good. This book is going to be HUGE when it releases. I see this taking over BookTok, being major book club picks and topping the bestseller list. Thank you to the author and publisher for this galley.

I absolutely LOVED this book! As a true crime podcast junkie myself, this was the perfect thriller for me. Of all the mystery and thriller books I’ve read, this one checks all the boxes: original plot, full of suspense, revenge, and a protagonist that isn’t quite so innocent but you still root for the whole way through! I will definitely be recommending this to everyone I know!

Poe is the host of a popular true crime podcast that encourages guests to share their criminal confessions, but she hides a grisly secret of her own. This story was undoubtedly entertaining, but not without a couple of “eye-roll” moments. At times, Poe’s motives seem to contradict themselves and her decisions can be irritatingly bullheaded. Still, I found myself hooked with suspense and morbidly fascinated with our antagonist. This is a great beach reader.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I really liked this book although it got a bit long. The alternating between past and present made it interesting to read,. The reveal at the end and the fact it wasn’t a “happily ever after” ending made it more realistic. I will have to read Alice’s story as I was unaware she had a story as well.

Well done and a good read.

The book captivated me from the very start with its gripping premise and unique narrative structure. The introduction of Poe Webb's crime podcast immediately drew me in, offering a intriguing glimpse into the confessions of its guests. The partnership between Poe and Kip in deciphering the truth behind these confessions added a layer of intrigue and suspense, keeping me engaged as they unraveled each story.

The addition of Ian Hindley's involvement through the live stream transcripts injected a new level of complexity and mystery. Learning about Ian's connection to Poe's past, particularly her mother's death, was a masterstroke that kept me guessing about his true motives and how it all tied together.

Poe's character was a highlight for me, with her snarky attitude and deep-seated emotions that surfaced as she relived the trauma of her past. This emotional depth made her journey all the more compelling and relatable.

The interwoven past and present narratives heightened the suspense. Each revelation and twist contributed to the overall thrill of the story, making it a page-turner that I couldn't put down.

Overall, the book delivered on its promise to provide a thrilling experience in the genre. It kept me on my toes with its atmospheric tension, fast-paced narrative, and intriguing characters, making it a standout read for anyone seeking a captivating psychological thriller.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest review.

This thriller is one of my favorites that I have read in a long time. I loved the podcast aspect of it. True crime podcasts are so popular right now and this just took it to another level. It kept me on my toes. It kept me wanting to read even though I've been in a major reading slump. I loved the depth of the characters, even the murderers. Such a thorough book.

I'm a fan of books about podcasts but was starting the feel they were a little over done. However, the way it's done in this book is different. I couldn't stop reading.

I want to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I’m an active listener of True Crime Podcasts, so when I read the summary of this book, I knew I was going to love Poe’s story.

The short chapters ending in cliffhangers kept me engaged the whole time. I would have finished this book in a day if it weren’t for my 9-5 job. Though I did guess the twist early on, it’s still an amazing read. The book kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.

The author did an amazing job with the characters as well. You are rooting the good guys the entire time and find them very genuine and the bad guys were incredibly repulsive. Poe was an amazing character, absolutely loved her through the whole thing.

Overall, an amazing thriller. I will be remembering this story and recommending it to my followers, family and friends.

A solid character in Poe Webb, intriguing story & good pace.

It is a little difficult for this book to provide further details to what is already there in the blurb. Poe Webb is a radio show host who runs a crime podcast. Her speciality is that she gets callers to confess to what they have done. These are varied – spiting a girlfriend, stealing a dog etc. Poe’s mother was killed by a man many years back. Poe, a young girl, at that time saw it happen, but lived with the trauma, determined to pursue the culprit. And she did, after a few years. Now her podcast is popular and she is happy with the company of her dog Bailey and boyfriend Kip. One day she receives a call where a man says he killed her mother. Poe is stunned and disturbed, soon realizing that she, her boyfriend and dad may all be in danger.

The build-up of the story is very good. The story shuffles between the current time, a few weeks back and a few years back (her mother’s murder and since). One of the timelines is a distraction, and the story would have been better told in two clear time periods – the past (few years back) and present. The story holds the tension very well, though one timeline kills some surprises partly. I loved Poe’s character – spunky and vulnerable at the same time.

My rating: 4.5 / 5.

5⭐️

OH I LOVED THIS BOOK!! I’m being 100% honest when I say I could not put this book down. To me this is the definition of a page turning, eyes glued to the pages thriller. I read a lot of thrillers and the plot behind this one was so different than ones I’ve read before and I couldn’t get enough! Mixed media in a book is my FAVORITE and the incorporation of podcast episodes with the chapters adds such a fun and fresh element. I hate to admit this book kept me guessing and I didn’t figure out the twist in the end - but that also makes me love it even more. I loved the main character Poe, her sarcasm, and how her relationship with her Dad evolved over the book. Would I recommend this book? Yes yes yes! This one was SO fun!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This book blew my mind! I have read many psychological thrillers before, but not like this book. It felt like I was watching a movie, rather than reading a book. Deep, dark, got under my skin psychological thriller. I loved Poe, how authentic and resilient she is and Ian Hendley clearly underestimated her. I love how the author expresses Poe's emotions and insecurities and especially her over-thinking inner dialogue. Most of all I love how she's a survivor. The last chapters were so fast-paced, so good, I almost wanted the book to slow down and not come to an end. Loved the book!

I did enjoy Tell Me What You Did. For some reason lately, I’m really into books that involve podcasts at the plot. I thought that this was a very interesting premise for a book (and honestly, for a podcast as well. Maybe someone needs to do that.)

I’m not sure I would classify it as a thriller. The pacing isn’t really ’thriller-esque’ to me. There weren’t really any twists and I guessed the ending about halfway through.

I liked the way the podcast was woven through the flashbacks and present time.

I found it to be a bit slow in places. I was disappointed that I didn’t see any QR Codes throughout. At the very beginning of the book, the author said there were QR codes to scan to make it an immersive book and I was very excited about that. What a cool idea! However…there weren’t any…so I was kind of bummed.

It wasn’t a bad book at all. Just a little predictable and slow at times and the promise of an immersive experience with videos was a let down since there weren’t any.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read Tell Me What You Did in advance for my opinion!

Tell Me What You did - Carter Wilson
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

“She gets people to confess their crimes for a living. He knows she’s hiding a terrible secret. It’s time for the truth to come out.”

I was very excited to receive this as an #arc from #netgalley!
If you like plot driven narratives, short chapters, & a story line that will get your attention right away, then this is the story for you!

I wouldn’t really say this is a thriller, as there were no real plot twists. The reading was suspenseful at times, but not enough for me to love.

Still, it provoked the question of:
Is there a moral difference between the murder of a “bad” person & the murder of a “good” person? 🔪🩸🪞

Thank you @poisonpenpress @netgalley @carterwilson for sharing a digital copy of this book with me in exchange for my honest opinion. 🖤

Available January 2025

ARC Book Review: Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson

Rating: ★★★★½

Carter Wilson’s Tell Me What You Did is a masterclass in psychological suspense, delivering a gripping narrative that twists and turns in unexpected ways. The novel centers on Poe Webb, the enigmatic host of a true crime podcast that invites anonymous confessions from the criminal underbelly of society. Poe's life is upended when a mysterious caller claims to be her mother’s murderer—a claim that sends Poe into a whirlwind of doubt and fear. The plot thickens as Poe knows something that the caller—and the rest of the world—does not: she was the one who killed him.

Wilson’s storytelling prowess shines as he deftly weaves a tale of deception, secrecy, and moral ambiguity. The premise is original and tantalizing, capitalizing on the allure of true crime while infusing it with a deeply personal twist. Poe Webb is a compelling protagonist, driven by a mix of professional detachment and buried trauma. Her dual role as a facilitator of confessions and a keeper of dark secrets adds layers of complexity to her character, making her both relatable and enigmatic.

The novel’s pacing is relentless, with each chapter revealing new facets of the story and character motivations. Wilson excels in creating an atmosphere of suspense that keeps readers on edge, with each revelation heightening the stakes. The narrative's tension is palpable, fueled by Poe’s internal struggle and the external threat posed by the enigmatic caller.

One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of morality and the nature of guilt. It challenges readers to question whether justice can be served when the lines between perpetrator and victim blur. The psychological depth of the characters is well-developed, particularly Poe, whose conflicted emotions and actions drive the narrative forward.

However, some may find the resolution slightly predictable or feel that certain plot elements could have been further elaborated to enhance the overall impact. Despite this, the ending is satisfying, offering a resolution that is both surprising and thought-provoking.

Overall, Tell Me What You Did is a riveting thriller that will appeal to fans of the genre looking for something both original and deeply engaging. Carter Wilson’s ability to blend psychological intrigue with a high-stakes plot makes this a standout read in the world of contemporary thrillers.

I appreciated the intriguing premise of "Tell Me What You Did," which explores deep psychological themes through Poe’s podcast format. The author effectively creates a suspenseful atmosphere that kept me engaged, although I found the pacing a bit slow at times. The multiple timelines added complexity, but they also made it challenging to maintain my momentum with the story.

While I enjoyed the tension and high stakes, I needed to take breaks due to the heavy atmosphere and the weight of Poe’s struggles. I couldn't help but think this would make a fantastic screenplay. The visual medium of a movie could amplify the tension and quicken the pace in a way that's harder to achieve in written form.

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who are willing to dive into a darker narrative. I rated it 3 out of 5 stars because it was a thought-provoking read, but not a binge-worthy one for me.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC; this review reflects my honest opinion.

This is one of those books that starts almost at the conclusion then winds back the clock. This can work, but in Tell Me What You Did I just felt like I was treading water waiting to get back to where it started. There were good elements of family, mystery and suspense and the theme of podcasts would appeal to many readers.

Poe runs a very popular podcast. She took advantage of the 'true crime' craze and goes direct to the source, the criminals.

Everything is going smooth until a guest says something that knocks Poe off her seat. He shouldn't know these things, something is off and she must know more.

I do love a good podcast thriller, although nothing is beating "Listen For the Lie" that I reviewed earlier this year.

Although another reviewer really struck me, 'is this a thriller?' This has me thinking ... is it? The pacing is so off. The tension never actually builds. The flipping from past to present day/podcast doesn't work for me. The 'revenge' isn't revenge enough for me.

The twists (at least I hope they were meant to be twists) were not a surprising.

It was an overall very dull book, which is surprising.

The MC, Poe, was also a dud. Acts all edgy but draws the line at certain killers ... okay you aren't edgy then. The dialogue was so awkward. The cursing felt forced and fake in an effort to make Poe seem more 'hard'. She's carrying such a chip on her shoulder but I'm not quite sure why. (Yes, you see the beginning, but the loop was closed..)

Actually all the characters were let downs. Boring, one dimensional and I never really figured them out. I didn't like them or hate them .. I never felt like I knew the characters. So in the end, I didn't care what happened to them.

Am I the only one who was confused if we were in a rural house vs city?

My last annoyance - the police. Too small to offer help? This isn't serious enough? Someone's life is being threatened? Surprising with her very popular podcast no one has figured out where she lived yet, you would think the very small police force would be aware of one of their residents doing this popular, sketchy podcast. The 'request for state police' that was denied or the fact that the sheriff was sitting outside in his personal time, but just during dinner time (so not during the night when a criminal would cliche be attacking). It was weird. It didn't make sense. I get she didn't want her secret revealed, but that wouldn't be enough for me to report a threat and ask for safety. Who cares if your 'secret' is revealed if you are dead.

To me this reads as a debut novel, but it is not. It was not my favorite. Read fast though, so don't let the page count scare you.

Amazon Link - Tell Me What You Did By: Carter Wilson

Stats: 448 pages - First published January 14, 2025.

***Thank you to Poisoned Pen, NetGalley and of course, the author Carter Wilson, for a  copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Publishing January 14, 2025.

Tell Me What You Did embraces a common thriller theme of true crime/podcasts uncovering secrets. Callers join the podcast and share a secret, sometimes a crime, sometimes something that is just wrong or immoral. What is unusual about this book is that the host herself has something to confess, and there is a man out there who will go to any length to hear it.

I liked the time shift style, especially because the Halloween chapters were done interview style through the live podcast scene. There were a few pieces of the plot that were a bit predictable, and I really questioned some of the characters' naiveté, but it kept me entertained enough to read through to the end.

Oh I had fun reading this book! I really like the writing and flew through the first half. Although some chapters dragged a little, there was still so much going on that kept me engaged and guessing the entire time. The ending was satisfying, but I wished Hindley had suffered just a bit more.