Tell Me What You Did is a thriller in which a true crime podcaster, Poe Webb, has her own podcast used against her when a mysterious guest appears to make her confess to her own long hidden secrets live on air. This guest looks oddly familiar to Poe, and he claims to be her mother’s killer, but that can’t possibly be true - because Poe killed that man years ago. Now Poe must find a way to uncover her guest’s identity and motives before he can get to her, and before it’s too late.

The premise for this story is definitely an interesting one. I enjoyed the general suspenseful tone and how quickly the story reads despite being a longer book. Overall, it’s certainly entertaining and you can probably finish it in a couple of sittings. In terms of narrative structure, some chapters are told in standard format, while others use a podcast transcript format. I tended to prefer the standard format, just because, at times, the dialogue in the transcript chapters could veer into cheesy territory. It wasn’t anything too egregious, but it’s just my opinion. I also guessed the approximate overall solution very early on. It didn’t ruin the experience for me by any means - the story was still told well - but I think this story might not be for readers who prefer super twisty thrillers.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!*

Tell Me What You Did | Carter Wilson | Pub Date 1/28/25 | ARC-Kindle | 435 pages | Modern Thriller | Rating 4/5 | Recommend — Yes | Pairs well with wine 🍷

From Amazon’s Description:

“Poe Webb, host of a popular true crime podcast, invites people to anonymously confess crimes they've committed to her audience. She can't guarantee the police won't come after her "guests," but her show grants simultaneous anonymity and instant fame—a potent combination that's proven difficult to resist. After an episode recording, Poe usually erases both criminal and crime from her mind.

But when a strange and oddly familiar man appears on her show, Poe is forced to take a second look. Not only because he claims to be her mother's murderer from years ago, but because Poe knows something no one else does. Her mother's murderer is dead.

Poe killed him.”

***
This is a fast paced modern day thriller that gives off true crime vibes. The podcast, the online community and all, good stuff! 🎧📖🍷

If you have read Mister Tender’s Girl by Carter Wilson, you may appreciate that Alice Hill shows up in this book. I haven’t read any of his stuff so I did not know anything about her and couldn’t appreciate it.

Concise, relatable and what I call butter soft sentences. You can just glide through them without too much work. Short chapters and does not feel like 400+ pages, at all. Having had a hard time focusing on reading lately, I really appreciated that.

Interesting characters, but to be honest, they all drove me crazy. Poe often rubbed me the wrong way and I couldn’t really tell you why. I really liked her dad but he was overly relaxed while so much was unfolding. His daughter is in serious danger but he’s just able to watch Sports Center and sip on wine…

The story is good but not mind blowing. It did keep me at the edge of my seat though and delivered the experience I seek in thrillers. 👏🏻

The ending was satisfying BUT a little too neat for my taste. I prefer endings that leave some things open to interpretation. I don’t need every little detail spelled out to me, and wrapped into a gift. To each their own.

And my god, so MANY bottles of wine consumed in this book. Poe’s dad knows Poe has a bit of a habit but keeps pouring the stuff 🤯. I had a headache reading about Poe drinking herself to sleep. This is why I said it pairs well with wine but please stay hydrated 😂🍷💦

Triggers: murder, infidelity, child abuse (brief), stalking, trauma.

Carter Wilson's "Tell Me What You Did" is a high-octane psychological thriller that masterfully blends suspense, moral dilemmas, and dark secrets into a story that is nearly impossible to put down.

At the center of this gripping tale is Poe Webb, a true-crime podcaster whose life takes a chilling turn when Ian Hindley, a man claiming to be her mother’s killer, draws her into a terrifying game of confession and survival. Wilson’s intricate plotting and shocking twists keep the intrigue at an all-time high, making every chapter a race to uncover the truth.

The characterization is a standout feature, with Poe emerging as a deeply complex and compelling heroine. Her sharp intellect and unyielding determination are tempered by the weight of her traumatic past and morally ambiguous choices. Ian Hindley, as the manipulative antagonist, is equally mesmerizing—a character whose sinister motives and calculated moves evoke both fear and fascination. The supporting cast, including Poe’s loyal partner Kip Nguyen and her beloved black Lab, Bailey, adds emotional depth to the narrative, amplifying the stakes as Poe’s loved ones become pawns in Hindley’s twisted game.

Wilson’s prose crackles with tension, and his ability to delve into the psychological ramifications of Poe’s choices elevates "Tell Me What You Did" beyond a standard thriller. The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Poe and Hindley, paired with the moral complexities surrounding justice and revenge, creates a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is exhilarating. This is a book that will grip readers from the first page to the last, delivering a deeply satisfying and edge-of-your-seat experience. This is a must-read for fans of thrillers that combine pulse-pounding action with layers of psychological depth.

Such a great psychological thriller to start the year off! The author has woven a masterful tale of suspense, mystery, and horror that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

The story centers around Poe, a true crime podcast host who takes anonymous confessions from callers. But when one caller makes a shocking claim about her past, the tables are turned, and Poe finds herself as the accused. As she tries to uncover the truth behind this new twist, you'll be questioning everything right alongside her.

What I loved most about this book is its expertly crafted structure. The author seamlessly blends the narrative leading up to the podcast with the actual transcript of Poe's confession, keeping you guessing and eager for more. Trust me when I say that it's best to go in blind - some surprises are truly unforgettable!

I'm already looking forward to exploring more works from this author after learning about a character connection to previous stories. I highly recommend it to fans of psychological thrillers. Don't miss out on this gripping page-turner - get ready for a wild ride!

This was an anticipated read of mine after joining an online bookclub discussion on it. I originally dnf’d it on kindle version but I found it on audio and decided to give it a try. 3.75 ⭐️. Wasn’t my favorite thriller but it was good. It kept my interest enough to finish.

Poe Webb has a true crime podcast where she invites people anonymously to confess their crimes. Someone comes on Poe’s show and confesses to killing Poe’s mother but that can’t the true because Poe killed him. She confesses this on her true crime podcast( this isn’t a spoiler).

Honestly, I didn’t love Poe’s character at all but I loved the true crime podcast aspect of it, so I gave it a chance.

I received this book for free from netgalley and publisher in return for my honest opinion.

Wow, I really loved this book! The podcast elements were such a great addition. It was the perfect mix of thrilling and creepy, and it kept me hooked the whole time. Definitely a 5-star read for me!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher!

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for early access to this nail biting book. The cover alone drew me in and the story line was great! I enjoyed it and definitely recommend to other thriller lovers.

The podcast concept was wildly interesting and I really liked Poe as a narrator. The one thing I struggled with is how some of it felt repetitive like the confession to her father, Ian and her partner. Overall enjoyed it though!

This book was so full of twists and shocking reveals.

Poe Webb hosts a podcast that invites people to come on and share things they've done. Often criminal. While the confessor knows that this might lead to their arrest, so many are eager to share, to unburden themselves or brag.

When a man known as Ian Hindley wants to be on the show, both her tech manager Kip, and Poe know something's off. Kip, who Poe has been dating for 2 years, urges Poe to forget this guy, to not let him on the show. His initial impression for Poe is "creepy". But Poe is curious and invites Ian Hindley to confess.

Hindley's confession that he killed Poe's mother sends her into a tailspin. Especially when he won't go away, insisting on more screen time, inserting himself into Poe's life as a dark, haunting presence. The past comes back to hover over Poe, making her tell secrets she's kept for over 17 years.

Who's truth is more compelling?

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pin Press for the ARC of this one. It's delightfully different from things I've read before, so I'm glad it was brought to my attention because this was one I could have easily missed.

I devoured this one—it was CREEPY. I literally had to check my closet and shower for murderers after reading!

Poe runs a podcast where people confess their crimes, but when someone from her past calls in, she’s pulled into a terrifying game of cat and mouse. And he starts stalking her.

This book kept me on edge. Poe has secrets of her own, and the way the story jumps between timelines builds so much tension. I won’t spoil anything, but trust me—just read it.

Big thanks to NetGalley

A podcast that allows people to call in and confess their crimes.. count me in. This book was so freaking fun and I loved the premise of it. I will admit this book is better to go in blind so you can get the full effect. It was creepy, engaging, and dark. I was fully invested in this book and could not wait to figure out where this was going. I 1000% recommend this book, especially if you are someone that loves podcasts, creepy feelings, and of course twisty murder plots. Don't hesitate on this one!

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an early copy of this book. Book was fine, really good if you like the genre! I would read more from this author.

This book is a dark, pulse-pounding thriller that had me checking my locks and sleeping with the lights on! Poe Webb, a true crime podcaster, is used to hearing confessions—until a caller claims to have murdered her mother. But Poe knows he’s lying, because she already killed the man responsible… or did she?

With short, addictive chapters, an eerie villain, dual timelines, and jaw-dropping twists, this book gripped me from page one and never let go. The suspense is relentless, the tension suffocating, and the writing razor-sharp. If you love cat-and-mouse thrillers with a morally grey protagonist, it is a must-read.

Tell Me What You Did takes the passion and fascination with true crime podcasts and combines it with "I Know What You Did Last Summer."

Poe is a podcast host. She gives people time to confess their crimes to her every week. But does she have something to confess?

It's when a surprise guest claims to be part of her past and also know some of her secrets that a serious game of cat and mouse begins.

I read this book on an afternoon when I needed a distraction and this fit the bill.

Wilson's main character is flawed and dark, but the reader can still connect and urge her to overcome the situation. The villain is a little too evil-- but that plays perfectly into the book's story and the fallibility of memories and people and urges.

In Poe and her adversary and the people in her corner we meet people forced to face the truth and their truths in order to find a way out of the other side.

It's a dark and twisty ride.

This was a heart-pounding page turner for sure. Told partially in a podcast interview format, it was riveting! I was able to guess a few of the mysteries, but still loved how they were revealed. Definitely will be recommending as a must-read thriller.

I blew through Tell Me What You Did in two sittings. What a genuinely scary book! The tension buildup was fantastic and I love that Poe was a very complex character that you still root for. And I loved her dog. I have a hard time listening to podcasts (especially about true crime/murder) but for some reason I enjoy reading about them! I’m really glad that the synopsis didn’t give away much because you should go in blind with this book. I’ve never read anything by Carter Wilson but I will definitely check out more of his work now.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Well, hello creepy, perfectly unhinged Poe Webb!

I am that suburban woman who listens to true crime podcasts--maybe not as frequently as some of my friends, but I was intrigued by the premise of this story based on my personal listening habits. My brain sucked it in in part current-timeline of podcasts and part remember-the-days of "secrets" phone lines where people could call in and leave their darkest secrets to be aired by a radio dj somewhere out there. Creepy, yeah? Yeah.

I burned through it and it left me unsettled at the end in the best-worst ways possible that I wish all psych-suspense thrillers could. I a world of "AITA?", this is a storyline of "ESH" but you can't look away from the train wreck. Solid pacing, writing, and storyline threads being tied up.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to preview this title in exchange for my honest review.

Stepping into the world of Carter Wilson's "Tell Me What You Did," I was immediately intrigued by the premise: a true crime podcaster, Poe Webb, navigating a landscape of anonymous confessions and hidden truths. The concept of a show where individuals confess their darkest deeds, coupled with Poe's own buried secret, promised a thrilling ride. However, my experience was somewhat mixed.

Poe Webb is a compelling, albeit flawed, protagonist. Her profession, built on extracting confessions, creates a fascinating paradox when she's forced to confront her own past. The twist—a caller claiming to be the man she believes she killed—sets the stage for a psychological cat-and-mouse game. As noted by some early reviewers, the podcast element is a strong point. It adds a layer of modern, digital-age suspense, echoing the real-world fascination with true crime podcasts. I found the incorporation of this medium to be effective in creating a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing me into the callers' narratives and Poe's internal struggles.

However, as I progressed through the book, I found myself grappling with the pacing., The tension didn't consistently maintain the level of suspense I anticipated. While the psychological elements were present, the overall impact felt somewhat diluted. I really felt that the "thriller" aspect was not as strong as I had hoped.

The exploration of moral ambiguity—are murderers always the bad guys?—is a recurring theme in Wilson's work. This question, central to "Tell Me What You Did," certainly provoked thought. Poe's actions, driven by trauma and a desire for self-preservation, challenge conventional notions of justice. However, I felt the execution of this theme could have been more impactful.

While I appreciated the intricate plot and the psychological depth of the characters, the pacing and overall tension didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I gave the book 2.5 but rounded actually rounded down for Goodreads purposes (which is something I do NOT do). The podcast effect was a unique and engaging element, but the overall narrative fell slightly short of delivering the intense thriller experience I was hoping for.

In summary, "Tell Me What You Did" presents a compelling premise and a complex protagonist. While the podcast element and exploration of moral ambiguity are strong points, the pacing and overall tension may leave some readers wanting more. While I appreciate the opportunity to read the book, provided by Carter Wilson, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, I felt I was just left wanting more from the book.

Poe’s mother was brutally murdered when she was young. One night on her podcast a man is claiming to be the murderer! Poe is shocked and angry. Who is this man? What does he want? Could it be the man who murdered her mother? And who was the man she killed in his place?

I loved the back and forth between the characters. Poe’s character was very relatable in her situation. Well written and thought out! I was honestly a little shocked at the ending.

Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this ARC!

I loved the storyline and thoughtful dialogue within the characters as far as development of their personas. Poe Webb, is a relatable character who hosts a popular true crime podcast, and invites people to anonymously confess crimes they've committed to her audience. She can't guarantee the police won't come after her "guests," but her show grants simultaneous anonymity and instant fame—a rare combination that's proven difficult to resist. This instantly makes you wonder and hooked. After an episode recording, Poe usually erases both criminal and crime from her mind. However, a familiar man appears on the show and all that she has tried to hide maybe slowly coming to light. Is there a deeper reason Poe loves true crime?

Definitely a must read!