They Did Bad Things

They Did Bad Things by author Lauren A. Forry is a dark and twisty mystery with well developed characters and an amazing plot line! I would definitely recommend this book!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"When did my life turn into a game of Clue?"

A quote from a character that I sincerely hope makes it into the final cut of this book because Clue is exactly what sprang to mind when I started reading this book. Five friends are lured to a falling down wreck of a home under false pretenses. One is celebrating a promotion, one is there to meet an online lover. The real reason that they are called together? Who killed Callum?

Twenty years ago, while sharing a house together, the sixth member of their group was found dead after a party. The police ruled it accidental but the five friends know the truth. One of them is a murderer and the rest of them played their parts in the discovery and subsequent cover up. Now someone has brought them all together for the purpose of having the truth be brought to light.

The story is told through the alternating perspectives of the five friends and an unknown narrator. You flash back twenty years at times, to where you delve into their histories and discover clues. You learn that the friends were never quite as close as they may seem and that some of them were actually quite nasty. The question remains, which one of them was capable of murder?

The suspect pool dwindles down as the murders start. Secrets are revealed and some are kept almost all the way to the end. The reveal of the identity of the narrator comes as a complete surprise. The last chapter or two do as well.

The book was fast paced and a whodunit that keeps you guessing. The characters are well fleshed out and the plot doesn't get boring. The Clue vibe is present throughout but it just made it that much more enjoyable. The book also asks you to explore in your own mind as to whether you'd be capable to murder another. I'd definitely recommend this for an rainy day, or beach read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhouse Publishing for allowing me to read a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I'm always a sucker for a And Then There Were None-style mystery and this was no exception. As it was, I tore through this book, but I would have finished it a lot faster if I didn't have to do silly things like sleep. Although parts of the book may strain credulity, I can let them go in service of enjoying a twisty mystery.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing's imprint Arcade Crimewise for this review copy.

What a great book. Would definitely recommend to it others I no. Great work will look out for this author again

I enjoyed this story immensely. As the blurbs say, it's quite reminiscent of And Then There Were None and Clue which I love so I thought this would be a book for me. It definitely was! Five people who used to be roommates at University are all called to the foreboding Wolfheather House under false pretenses to come clean about the death of their sixth roommate in 1995. It was ruled an accident, but these men and women know that it was anything but. They soon find out that they are trapped in the dark and secluded mansion and cannot escape until the truth is revealed. But will they live long enough to tell it?

Once the story gets going, it flows quickly and you find yourself trying to guess who the killer was then and who has brought them all here now. I loved the way it played out and I found the whodunit ending to be realistic and not overly contrived. But the story felt a bit short, and like others have said, more character development would have fleshed it out some and helped forge connections with the characters. There's really not one main protagonist that anchors the story, it's actually diary passages that do that - written by the one responsible for bringing everyone together.

Overall, it was fun and easy read, especially on a dark night with the rain pouring down - perfect atmosphere. This author has found a new fan!

Lots of twists, turns and characters. I appreciated getting to know the characters as both college students and adults. I also liked the creepy, atmospheric setting.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advanced copy.

Very well written and a fantastic plot. There are many twists and turns that will keep you guessing. And just when you think you've figured it out you'll find out you were wrong!

Don’t have anywhere to be? Then read this. Here are a few words to gently describe it.. gothic,, creepy, dark.. need I say more?

Wow- what a roller coaster ride! This book was a page turner and kept me guessing until the very end. The story involves 6 college students/roommates in present day and 20 years ago, when one of them is murdered. They all end up back at the same house again and the game of “who dun it” begins. At first, the characters blended together a bit and there wasn’t really a protagonist, but the story itself was entertainment enough. I would definitely recommend this book if you are into thrillers and trying to figure out intricate mysteries. 4 stars!

As soon as I saw the description for They Did Bad Things by Lauren A. Forry I couldn’t wait to dive in. And yes they certainly did some bad things! I loved how the story unfolds between the past and present and told through all the main characters of the story. It keeps you guessing and thinking you are close to knowing the truth and then nope, not yet. At times, I found it creepy and thought maybe I shouldn’t be reading this so late at night. The atmosphere of the old hotel during a dark storm adds to the dark elements of the story. I really enjoyed it! Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing Arcade Crimewise for the ARC!

Bad people gleefully doing bad things to each other meet someone even worse in this tight and twisty thriller that propelled me along at breakneck speed.

Wow, this is definitely a book I am excited for others to read! It’s so well written, chilling, and shocking! I love the atmosphere, needed to get to the bottom because the characters were fleshed out excellently! Be prepared for chills, thrills, shocks, and much more when reading this book! I highly, highly recommend!
Will make sure to buzz it up on all the different platforms!

I really enjoyed this book! I was quite confused at times and had to turn back but all in all this was a really good book and would definitely recommend.

3.5 stars. Take one slightly seedy country manor on a remote Scottish island. Add five guests who are surprised to see each other, various acts of sabotage and no ferry over the weekend. Stir the mixture with a nasty storm and you have They Did Bad Things.

The five guests have been lured there under false pretences. 20 odd years ago things came to a nasty head in a house share for six university students when one of them, Callum, died after a wild party. The others all claimed ignorance of how the tragedy occurred to the police and swore to themselves to forget about it and move on. But someone didn’t forget. Someone knows what really happened and seems intent on payback.

This was a classic “locked room” mystery and if I hadn’t recently read a couple of these I could have rated it higher. The story was well written. The characters, even in their 40s seemed a bit childish however, and, while the pacing was proficient and the clues were doled out at the appropriate times, it was not quite as atmospheric as it could have been. Still and all - a very good story.

Now this one was crazy! I did not know what to expect at first and wasn’t sure if I would like it but am definitely glad I kept on reading! Such an awesome read. I highly recommend.

3.5 stars, rounded up!

This review is a little hard to write because:

1. Everyone in it was a jack wagon.

2. The introduction of the characters and the time hopping made it a little hard to get into, but...

3. Once I got into it, I was really invested!

4. It ended REALLY well, and that is always awesome.

Overall, if you are a fan of closed room mysteries, give it a try.

Thank you to Lauren A. Forry, Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss for giving me this DRC in exchange for an honest review.

They Did Bad Things by Lauren A. Forry is a riveting locked-room mystery about five people who unexpectedly reunite after twenty years under mysterious circumstances at a secluded mansion.
However, things turn ugly as they soon realize they have been bought together to confront the role they played in the death of their housemate that occurred in 1995 while they were university students living under one roof.
He was found on the sofa the morning after their end-of-year party. His death was ruled an accident by the police, however, the remaining five students knew it wasn't. But secrets don't remain buried forever and now someone wants them to pay for it.

Trapped inside with no connection to the outside world, they receive strange clues reminding them of their very own dead housemate and are given only one choice: confess to their crimes or die.
As the blame game starts and tensions arise, I found myself at the edge of my seat wanting to know what happens next. This book has been compared to 'And Then There Were None' and 'The Last Time I Lied'. I personally think fans of the latter might be disappointed if they go into this expecting to have a similar reading experience. However, it definitely has the Agatha Christie vibes, true to its marketing claim.

The author did a wonderful job in setting up a creepy environment, and though it has multiple narrators with dual timelines, I was able to keep up with the story with a bit of concentration. With not much likeable characters and a twist that I couldn't see coming, the book kept me engaged and entertained throughout though I also found it to be repetitive at times.
Overall 3 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I like this one. It was weird and creepy and atmospheric and I liked the back and forth as the secrets unraveled... I like the nod to Dame Agatha and the classic closed room mystery. I thought the revelations were managed well, delivered with an uneven and off-kilter pacing that kept things interesting and kept me guessing throughout. I've read a handful of these back and forth in time, *reunions after something terrible happened to that we've all kept secret for years" mysteries. This was one of my favorites. Despite the characters being fairly odious, I found them believable and their story credible, for the most part, and even when they weren't I found the story entertaining and engaging. It was an easy and quick read and I would definitely look for more from this author. It's not going to change your life, but it's definitely a great way to spend an afternoon...

In 1995, six college students come together in a ramshackle house. They share a tenuous bond, sometimes getting along, but more than often not. After a raucous party, one of them ends up dead, and though it’s ruled an accident, the living five know it’s absolutely the opposite.

And they go on with their lives. But the dead don’t stay forgotten, and 20 years after the murder, someone wants to take revenge on those who are responsible.

My first thought upon reading this was “what is wrong with these people?” Seriously, they’re all just awful. But I loved the story and I thought the author did a great job giving each character a clear voice. Though there are multiple points of view and the narrative switches from past to present, it wasn’t at all difficult to keep up with the story.

I was also invested to know just exactly “whodunit” and why (the original murder) and also who was behind the revenge plot. This was a fun read and didn’t devolve into too much gore, though it certainly could have.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for providing this review copy.

Five former college roommates directed to Wolfheather House somehow all on a definitely unplanned reunion.

A secret that they all hold.

Now together for a weekend at an eerie place that has reminders of where they lived on Caldwell Street. A place where roommate Camllum died.

Unhappy to be together and difficult to leave (Wolfheather Place) on the Isle of Skye, old memories (and grudges) abound.

A look at the past that none of the former roommates want to remember years later.

A well written story about five people who all have a skeleton in their past that was never buried. A fast read that continues to leave the reader in suspense!

Highly Recommend!

Many Thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for a wonderful read.

I just finished They Did Bad Things and loved it! I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to anyone who loves a good who-dun-it with twists and turns. The book kept things interesting with the changes from past to present, and always kept you feeling like you were in the Wolfheather house with the group. It was the perfect amount of creepy and suspenseful without being scary. The ending wasn’t what I was expecting!

*Thank you to the author and publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!*

When I first began this book, I was skeptical because of how ridiculously unlikeable the characters are - but soon realized that’s the whole point of the story.
After I got farther into it, I couldn’t put it down!!

The end left me hanging a little, wondering if there would be a sequel but overall, I really enjoyed it!!

In 1995, Hollis, Ellie, Oliver, Lorna, Maeve, and Callum are university students who meet when they move into the same house. Months later one of the six is dead. The police rule the death an accident, but the remaining roommates know it wasn't. Twenty years later the remaining roommates are lured to Wolfheather House, a secluded mansion on the Scottish Isle of Doon. They are trapped with no way out, forced to confront what each did related to their former roommates death - if they want to make it out alive.

Perfect title for this book, as the characters did indeed do some very, very bad things. The book carried the feel of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None with the isolated setting and characters set up to reap what they sowed, but with significant alterations, such as moving between timelines. I enjoyed the book and look forward to the authors next. Recommended for fans of psychological thrillers.

Content Warnings: SPOILERS homophobic and misogynistic comments; rape (not on page) END SPOILERS

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.

Lots of twists in this mystery. Didn’t see the ending coming. Realistic characters—none that I really liked as people, which was good!

This book is bananas. It kind of gives me an I know what you did last summer vibe. I really liked the way the story was told from several times as well as POV.
Uni friends are brought back to the house they shared 20 years later, each thinking they had gotten a feee weekend away. Little did they know, their other housemates were brought back there too, to remind them of what they had down while they were living there.
Plenty of twists and scary bits. Would recommend.

I give this book 4 stars because while it started slow; it did keep me wanting to know more & even scared me a couple of times. This story is well thought out, characters well developed, & written leaving you wanting more.

It was great read, I could only see some of the twists coming but not the main one, it keep me on the seat all the time!

At the start of Lauren A. Forry's twisty tale, They Did Bad Things, we know that something has happened at Wolfheather House on the Isle of Doon. Five former university students who shared a house at 215 Caldwell Street are brought together for the first time in years. Each lured to this remote house for different reasons. But the truth is far more sinister. Callum, their sixth housemate died accidentally, but someone knows what happened that night, and Hollis, Lorna, Ellie, Oliver, and Maeve will need to either tell the truth or die.
As shocked as they are to see each other, with no cell reception or easy way to leave, these frenemies must work together to discover who else is in the house. Told in the past and present by these characters and an unknown narrator, the question is which of them did it and why. Yes, everyone swears they are innocent and quite willing to accuse each other. Soon, the body count starts to rise and as the suspects diminish, more secrets are revealed. Out of all my many guesses, I didn't come close to figuring this one out!
The book description states, “And Then There Were None meets The Last Time I Lied”, and I would add there are references and an overall feeling of Clue as well. I read this on Sunday and did not put it down until I was done. The characters were well-written and though I can't say I liked any of them, nobody deserves to be murdered in an old, isolated house! I can't believe this is the first time I heard of this author, but I will be rectifying that soon.

Fun, fast mystery kind of like a big game of Clue for adults. I was kept guessing until the end.
You switch back and forth between the past and present as the author guides you along the journey of figuring out what is going on.

I recommend as a book to escape into if you enjoy mysteries that are not too psychological. This would make a great movie as it is big on action.

Some language and gore.

I received a free ARC as a reader for NetGalley.

If you like the game Clue, you will love this book. This story has you on the edge of your chair to find out who did it! There is only 5 of them and its been twenty years since their friend was killed. Who is going to be the one to finally give up the secret they have been avoiding. Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this digital ARC.

Trigger warning for violence, and gory scenes.

What a RIDE! This book had me guessing up until the last page.

They Did Bad Things by Lauren. A Forry, is about a group of people invited to a vacation bed and breakfast. What they’re unaware of is the sinister plans one of them has in store. “And Then There Were None meets The Last Time I Lied” is such a good description of what your going to get yourself into.

I really enjoyed how the book held my attention in its vice-like grip. While the story line jumped from past to present, I could follow along easily.

Although I enjoy suspense, I feel like the book could’ve got to the point a lot sooner. I kept waiting for the big reveal but that didn’t occur until the last couple of pages.

I really enjoy this genre of book where a group is stuck in a place together trying to solve a mystery. The characters were well developed and the twist at the end I did not see coming!

What a great book!! A true mystery with proper plot twists! I can't give the review that I would like to without writing plot spoilers.

The book moved at a good pace going from present to past and back again. Just when you think maybe you know who is responsible wham!!! another plot twist.

I'm really looking forward to Lauren Forry's next book. She is really an excellent writer. I'm so glad NetGalley let me read this advanced copy, thank you.

Thank you Net Galley & Skyhorse Publishing for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
**
This was a great easy thriller read for me. I wanted to know who killed Callum; and what their punishment would be. You see our author Lauren Forry did a great job at capturing her readers attention by pulling us in to the house where it all started 215 Caldwell Street.
**
It all started in 1995, when 6 university students moved out of their family homes and moved into 215 Caldwell street to start their freshman year. The 6 to move in were: Lorna, Hollis, Ellie, Maeve, Oliver, and of course Callum. Through reading you picked up on some tension in the house. Tension between Ellie and Oliver, Oliver and Callum, Callum and Maeve. Honestly there were points where I was amazed they didn't all just kill each other..
The end of term party ended with Callum dead, and the other 5 knowing it was one of them who must have killed him... I mean actions at the party alone speak volumes.. but they never spoke of it; and never saw each other again.
That was until they all ended up at Wolfheather house; unbeknownst to them. They all were there for personal reason. From winning a weekend away at work, to a rehab; each had their reasons to go to Wolfheather... little did they know this may be their last weekend getaway.
Someone knows it was one of them who killed Callum. This person also knows the others did nothing to prevent it; or at least turn them in to cops. I will say I never saw this ending coming... and there were a few good thrills peppered throughout this novel.

What an absolute ride!

As a massive Agatha Christie fan, I was itching to get to this book as the blurb compared it to "And Then There Were None", which is a favourite of mine. And boy, did this book deliver.

A group of people, who once shared a house which endured a tragedy, are brought together by a mysterious benefactor. Their secrets start getting out and when one of them gets murdered, the stakes are higher than ever.

A fun, twisty book, "They Did Bad Things" reads easily and grips you from the very beginning. A must-have for anyone who enjoys twisted endings with surprise appearances!

"You're not afraid of doing bad things. You're afraid of getting punished for them."
This book challenges your morality from the beginning. Is morality based solely on self preservation and, if you knew you'd never be caught, would your morality also dissipate?
Would you? Could you? What kind of person are you really?
These are the questions you'll be asking yourself throughout the book. And I love a book that challenges me and makes me think deeper.

The story is a classic whodunit reminiscent of Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None.'
Five friends reunite (or rather are lurked to) an old house. All of them share a dark secret from the past and all of them still harbor secrets worth killing to keep.

I loved this book! It had everything a good mystery is supposed to have:
1. An air of suspense throughout
2. A creepy and isolated setting (and a storm for good measure)
3. A cast of sinister characters, all of which are suspect
4. A narrative that blends past and present seamlessly
5. A few good and unexpected twists

And to top it off, the ending was so well done and satisfying!
If you're a fan of classic mysteries, give this one a try.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. Some former college roommates were gathered together by an unknown source, and each one was selected for a past mistake. Lots of twists and turns.

I thought this was a good book--I read it in one sitting, so that's saying something! I was eager to have the mystery solved but unhappy with some of the deaths that occurred. I also felt the ending was slightly unrealistic (I don't want to spoil it but I don't know how everything can be left behind without a zillion questions). Still, I enjoyed the book and I'm glad I read it. 3.5 stars rounded up.

Pretty good book. The twists and turns in this story kept me hooked. I enjoyed reading it but the ending was a little too far fetched IMO. It was still a good book with great characters and will keep you up reading.

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

215 Caldwell Street. 6 roommates, 1 dead. 20 years later, the other 5 are reunited by trickery and are there to face their sins of the past.

I was told They Did Bad Things is a psychological thriller that is a mix of And Then There Were None and He Last Time I Lied. Those are two of my favorite books of all time, so this peaked my interest and had some mighty big shoes to fill.

I liked how it gave each characters point of view inside the chapter. I’m a short chapter kind of person, so breaking them down between characters helped me act as though it was short chapters. However, sometimes the flashbacks and the current events kind of ran together and it would take me a minute or so to realize I was in a flashback.

It was a good book, a quick read. I thought the end was the best part. Everything came together nicely. There were a few twists I did guess, but one I didn’t, which makes it successful in my book. Overall, another 3.5 book.

Thank you NetGalley and SkyHorse publishing first the eARC in exchange for an honest review. They Did Bad Things is set to publish June 2nd!

I really enjoyed this book it was a quick easy read yet thrilling with a great twist at the end. One thing I really like in a book is when its told from multiple characters and this book had that. I believe it gives you a more in depth look into each character and are able to go into more detail. If your looking for a nice mystery read this is the book for you.

Five guests have been given the opportunity to stay for free at a remote getaway. This is how every horror movie starts off, but I'm intrigued.
Someone knows something....
There is denial, and everyone claims they are innocent . They are given the option to die or confess to a death that they all claim wasn't their fought. The death was ruled an accident, but was it really?

I thought the characters were likeable, and the story was great. My only complaint was that there was too many time jumps. It became difficult to follow, but if you stick with it you won't regret it.

I would recommend this book to any thriller lover.

This took me a little while to get into it but once I did, I was hooked! If you are a mystery/ thriller fan, check this one out! The reason for 3/5 stars is because it did take me reading almost half to officially be super invested. Thank you so much to Lauren A. Forry, Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for my honest review!

Six students moved into 215 Caldwell Street, but only 5 survived the semester. 20 years later, the remaining 5 are brought together again to finally face their roles in all of this. Guilt and suspicion overwhelm them as everything unravels.
The reader hears this story from multiple points of view, and flashbacks to life at 215 Caldwell are carefully woven in.

Review for 'They did bad things' by Lauren A. Forry

Read and reviewed via NetGalley for Skyhorse Publishing

This book is available to preorder for release on June 2nd

This is the first book that I have read by this author. I would be happy to read more of her work.

THE book is well written and flows quite smoothly for the majority. It is written from the perspectives of the 5 housemates in both past and present. It also has a narrator, as such, who describes what happened in the past. I found this worked well as it meant you got to see more of what is going on.

I was sucked straight into the book and found it easy to read until I hit about 70% which is when I thought it became a bit over complicated.

THE plot was fast paced and filled with murder, secrets, crime, mysteries, suspense, action, friendships and enemies. I did not expect the ending so a big well done as I hate it when I work out the plot at the beginning of a crime novel.

THE characters were quite realistic and strong but I didn't really 'click' with any apart from a bit with Callum and Hollis, not sure why really but these 2 seemed to be more interesting for me.

Until I hit about 70% I was going to rate the book 5/5 (I love it) but unfortunately due to the complications, which ended up losing the storyline for me, it lost a star.

I would recommend this book to fans of thrillers, suspense, action, fast paced and quick reads, crime, murder and mystery.

288 pages

£20.81 to purchase in hardcover on Amazon. I think this is an absurd price for any book regardless of how much I enjoyed it (sorry)

Rated 4/5 ( I enjoyed it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Co.uk and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

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I liked this! I found it to be a fast paced story with a few twists. The story came together nicely at the end. It reminded me a bit of Clue.

THEY DID BAD THINGS is truly an excellent suspense thriller. Comprised of flashbacks, multi-character POVs, and (select) journal pages, this novel will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Forry's eclectic mix of believable, uniquely-flawed characters--combined with a richly ominous setting--grabs hold from the beginning and doesn't let up. For fans of the thriller genre, this one isn't to be missed.

In 1995, six college roommates move into 215 Caldwell Street. They do not always get along but they do find time for holding parties and sometimes being there if life gets rough. After holding an end of term goodbye party, one of the roommates ends up dead and the secrets surrounding his death are locked tight in the minds of the other five roommates. And none of them are talking and move about their lives as nothing happened.

Now 20 years later, the five remaining roommates converge at a secluded mansion under pretenses that fit their current situations in life. Shocked that they are all at the same mansion, they become suspicious as to why they are all here as they have not spoken to each other since the death of the sixth roommate. Things take a dramatic turn when the roommates find the exact same furniture and the exact same room set up from the living room of the old university house. It is in the living room that they all realize someone else knows their secret from 20 years ago, someone wants to make the truth be told not matter the consequences.

Playing off Agatha Christie’s Then There Were None, each roommate is given the chance to tell the truth or face death. The only two questions remain- Who killed the sixth roommate and Who will survive their stay at Wolfheather House?

I enjoyed this book for the character building as the author did a fabulous job at describing each roommate and their inner demons. I thought the beginning was a little slow in laying down the plot, but it quickly became a faster pace as the story continues. Lauren Forry can throw in the plot twists right when you think the story is about to become a dead end. The only thing that makes this book hard to read is the different diary pages that are placed through out the story are not labeled or started on a different page making it feel as it is a page from a different book.

Thank you to Net Galley, Skyhorse Publishing and Arcade Crimewise for the chance to read this ARC

They Did Bad Things by Lauren Forry is a devilish take on a closed room mystery. 20 years ago 6 people shared a house during college. After an end of the year celebration, one of the housemates ends up dead. His death is ruled an accident by the police so the 5 remaining members of the house move on with their lives. Unfortunately, someone is watching and think this group of people are more involved in the death than they let on.

Now, 20 years later each member of the house is coaxed by various means to a secluded, decrepit mansion known as Wolfheather House. Each person arrives at the mansion to discover that they were led there under false pretenses. The housemates realize they are stuck in the house, with no means to get away and no cellphone or wi-fi signal. The group is forced to examine each others’ motives and role in their roommate’s death. The person orchestrating their gathering has offered them one way out of the house, confess or die. That’s it.

This novel was creepy, atmospheric, and surprising. Dark secrets are almost always a part of closed room mysteries, but this group…WHOA they ALL have lots secrets? I did not connect with the characters because they weren’t likable. That didn’t change my opinion of the book. I am always happy when I don’t quite figure out the twist! They Did Bad Things is fast paced, pretty dark, and filled with vengeance.
It is a fairly quick read and worth it! I rated this one ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars!

Thank you @Netgalley and Skyhorse Publishing for an advanced copy for my review.

This book goes on sale June 2, 2020!

Most psychological thrillers I read get under my skin, but they aren't truly scary. They Did Bad Things? It had me very, very creeped out.

The book opens on a rainy night in the middle of nowhere, and only goes downhill from there. (For the characters, at least. The reader fares considerably better.) Throw in a dilapidated mansion, a few buried secrets, and a hankering for vengeance, and you have one very gripping story.

Between the changing perspectives and the flashbacks, it took me a little bit to get into the story. Once it grabbed me, however, I couldn't put it down. Perhaps my favorite aspect (which, again, didn't bode well for the characters), was that Lauren A. Forry wasn't playing games. She threw in a lot of plot twists and the type of turns typically saved for the last few pages. The kinds of plot points that make you wonder how things could possibly get worse. And yet, they kept getting worse.

If you want to be sucked into an ominous story filled with WTF moments, pick up this book. You might get a serious case of the chills, but you won't regret it.

I really enjoy thrillers and mysteries. They Did Bad Things was like reading a modern-day Clue (in fact, Clue is even referenced in the book). The characters were quite loathsome and not very relatable, but this actually added depth to the plot. There was quite a twist in the story, but unfortunately, that's part of what I think also had a hand in undoing this story (for me). While the twist was interesting, it was pretty out there. I also kept questioning, why wait 20 years? For 20 years to go by, the characters were pretty much the same as they had always been. I would've loved to see more of a growth in them and not have them all unravel so quickly. There was a ton of detail to the characters and the plot itself, but there was always something lacking in the background.

They Did Bad Things switches between the past and present and also between the different narrators. The present is being narrated by someone unknown. I do wish there was more detail about what led to Callum's death (I wish there would've been narrations from Callum as well that also told his side and not just as the other's saw him). I sometimes felt as if Callum wasn't a super important character, even though he was the MOST important character. As detailed as the plot was, I was also left questioning other things. They Did Bad Things wasn't a bad book, just didn't feel as tidy at the end as it could've. As far as holding my interest, I did want to know more and it did keep me reading. They Did Bad Things is a decent thriller/mystery.

In 1995, there were 6 students that inhabited 215 Caldwell Street. They were all good friends on the outside, but just months later, one of them would be found dead and the other 5 would hide the horrible truth; one of them was a murderer. 20 years later, those five people are brought back together, under false pretenses, to confront the terrible secret they've all kept hidden. Confess your crime or be killed. Who brought them all back? With suspicions (and bodies) mounting, the tension reaches an all time high. They Did Bad Things uncovers the lengths of depravity that people will go through to keep their secrets buried, even if it leads to murder.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for this ARC.

I absolutely love good psychological thriller's and this novel was atmospheric, creepy with a lot of dark secrets. The characters was a mess, they weren't likable but that was also the good part of the book 😉
I'm always happy when I don't quite figure out the twist!
Quick read so i recommend it definitely.

Thank you NetGalley.

This was a fun, Agatha Christie-type mystery that kept me entertained and eager to find out who the culprit was.

In 1995, a group of 6 college students live together, and only 5 leave alive. Years later, the 5 are each separately invited to a getaway at a beautiful bed and breakfast, only to realize they’ve been invited together...and they might not leave alive.

3.5 stars rounded up. The characters are mostly unlikeable, but the mystery, deaths, and backstory create an interesting premise. I love when people find secret passageways and hidden rooms, and this book did not disappoint in those scenarios. All in all, a fun and intriguing book that kept me entertained...and sometimes that’s all I need.

Thank you to Lauren A. Forty, Arcade Crimewise, and NetGalley for an ARC.

They Did Bad Things by Lauren By Lauren A Forry is a contemporary mystery thriller about six college kids who all partake in activities that dramatically alter the course of their lives – one fatality!

In keeping with writers of this genre like Ruth Ware and Lisa Jewell, Forry crafts a plot where perception is everything, especially when paired with the context of time and the phase of one’s life. Readers will appreciate how the very things that were earth shattering in college may not be viewed as such as a more seasoned adult. Hindsight is 20:20 but that can’t change the past for the residents at 215 Caldwell. But, will it be enough to thwart what has already been set in motion for their reunion at Wolfheather House 20 years later?

The premise of the book is intriguing where 6 roomies with seemingly little in common harbour secrets, lies and half-truths leading to the mysterious death of one of their own, a cover-up and an ensuing game of cat and mouse to catch the killer at long last. They Did Bad Things makes for a thrilling adventure. With shifts in narration and perspective taking, readers will have to keep up or risk missing essential pieces to the plot and letting the killer slip away in plain sight! They Did Bad Things speeds to its end with twists, turns and realisations that bring the book together. Thrill seekers will enjoy this summer mystery in June 2020! 4 frat parties out of 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for the electronic ARC in trade for an honest review.

I honestly couldn't put down this this book about long-buried secrets and the sins of youth. I was hooked as soon as the five estranged college flatmates started to arrive at a remote mansion on a Scottish island, lured there by a mysterious benefactor intent on solving the mystery of and meting out punishments for the death of the sixth flatmate. Besides an especially propulsive plot, what distinguishes They Did Bad Things from other books with similar themes is Forry's commitment to diving into the worse angels of human nature. The cynical first chapter narrated by the benefactor tells the reader there will be no heroism or redemption here. As the plot unspools, the atmosphere of paranoia and recrimination grows more oppressive and the flatmates revert to their worst selves; the selves they were in the grimy university flat, which is itself a character in the book. They Did Bad Things is due to be published in June so if you're looking for a engrossing thriller that could chill you on even the hottest day of the summer, pick up this book.

Mysterious circumstances ✔️
Flashbacks to a crime ✔️
Creepy isolated location ✔️
Tons of tension ✔️

Anyone who knows me, knows that I am obsessed with Scotland. So when I was given this thriller to review and realized that it takes place there, I was so stoked.

This story is cleverly written, and hits hard for such a short amount of pages. The synopsis reports that it’s like “And Then There Were None meets The Last Time I Lied“ and I would have to agree on that statement. Except, more gruesome.

It is like a horror movie in book format and gave me some I Know What you did Last Summer vibes. I read this one in a day and immensely enjoyed it. It’s a great thriller quick read. Those of you who liked the book, The Guest List, by Lucy Foley should read this one! Everyone seemed guilty, and I couldn’t have ever guessed the ending. I enjoyed it!
I give it 3.5/5 stars rounded up to 4 for this review.

If Agatha Christie and Stephen King had a baby, They Did Bad Things would be it. Mysterious, creepy, and attention grabbing. Like the character in the book says, almost a real life Clue game with added goosebumps and the feeling of being watched. Definitely a book I'll be recommending!

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you are a fan of Agatha Christie, this one is a modern twist on the genre that you’ll enjoy!

PLOT SUMMARY:
Twenty years ago, six young adults met for the first time when they became housemates at Caldwell Place during their first year of university. Personality issues, family stresses, and many, many secrets prevent them from truly becoming friends. But which one became a murderer? When reunited under mysterious circumstances, will Hollis, Ellie, Oliver, Lorna and Maeve finally reveal the truth about what happened twenty years earlier? Well, one of them has to, or they will all die...how’s that for a fun weekend away?

PROS and CONS:
Wow! There is ALOT going on in this one...you will need to have a very good memory for names, and a very good mind for seeing house layouts in order to truly understand just what’s going on!

I enjoyed the challenge of keeping all the information straight, and I liked the two timelines - one from when the six characters were first in university, and later when they are reunited at Wolfheather House for their mysterious weekend away. They all had reasons to feel guilty, but one had more reasons than the rest... who was it? This one will certainly keep you guessing.

Although I was curious about the murderer, to me the real mystery was: Who is pulling the strings on this dreadful weekend, and who wants to see them all punished? There are many characters and scenarios that seem possible, but I must admit that although I liked some of the ending, I did think that part of it came completely out of left field. But that could just be me! There is definitely a lot of action and drama, and a locked room mystery is always fun to read.

YES or NO:
It’s a YES if you like complicated mysteries with lots of characters! I enjoyed it!

4 Stars

This is a twisty thriller that I enjoyed. The first chapter was a little slow, but then the book starts to pick up. I did not see the final few twists coming, which is always a sign of a greatly plotted mystery.

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion/review.

This mystery was not bad, but it seemed to drag out a little bit. What I really enjoyed was I was not able to figure out the plot twist so easily. Overall, it was an entertaining read.

This story took a bit to get going, but once it did - wow! I didn't see the ending coming, which I very much like.

This thriller checks off all the boxes I like in a novel: part school setting, secrets from the past, teen jealousies, mean girls, intrigue, dead bodies....Check, check, and check! Clearly Forry channeled Agatha Christie and Hitchcock when she wrote this and I was intrigued by the present/past storyline which has five students from college re-convened without each other's knowledge, only to be confronted by the death of a classmate they have all attempted to forget and erase. Creepy basements, candlesticks, ominous notes, a rainstorm, and a remote location that's hard to escape. Yep, it's an awesome storyline with many surprises!

Ok wow I was hooked from the start, it’s definitely a page turner and twisty! I enjoy plots that brings you back in time to an event usually a tragic one and find new discoveries. The characters were a bit much though and some aren’t likable per my rating. Thanks to Arcade Crimewise and NetGalley for an ebook ARC. This is my honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. What an insanely wild ride this one was, and I mean that in the best way possible!!
5 former college room mates find themselves at an old Scottish mansion, none of them knowing the others would be there. As it turns out, the 5 of them were responsible for the death of the 6th room mate, Callum, 20 years ago. Someone wants them to pay...possibly with their lives!
I could not put this book down, read it in one day! I was turning the pages as quickly as I could to try to figure out who the "bad guy' was, and as this book is told from the view of a few different characters, it kept me guessing right until the very end. Great writing, terrific characters, shocking twists and turns...everything I'm looking for in a thriller!

*** 3.75- 4 Stars ***
Expected Publication: June 2nd, 2020

In 1995, six university students move into a house but only 5 survive the year. What happened to the 6th and who caused it?? Twenty five years later the remaining 5 people are lured back to the house but what for?
This story started problematic for me, I must admit. I found the beginning extremely confusing and with the alternating time periods and so many characters being introduced, I almost gave up because I felt I couldn't get a grasp on what was happening. However, I am SO glad I stuck through this because by ~20% in, things started clicking and I became invested. I'd encourage others to power through the beginning because the story line is worth it. It felt like "Clue" or a modern Agatha Christie "whodunit" with so many twists and turns. It was extremely suspenseful and I felt myself racing through the pages at the end to figure everything out. One thing I found to be a negative but it did work for the story was that I couldn't stand a single character, they are just seemed like such horrible people. Typically I want to relate to a character to enjoy the story but with this mystery/thriller it works to have them all be jerks!


Special thanks to NetGalley and Arcade Crimwise for allowing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lauren A. Forry has written a solid and engrossing page turner of a read with They Did Bad Things! Well worth your time.

Six university students, back in the 1990s, lived together in 215 Caldwell Street. At the end of the year, one of them was found dead. The police dismissed the case as an accident, but the students knew that it wasn’t, they knew it was one of them who killed him.
The remaining five never saw each other again – at least until they were lured to a secluded hotel in the middle of a raging storm, cutting them from the outside world. They have no other choice than to confront the truth – or die.
I quite liked the story, I couldn’t put it down until I knew who did it. The parts where the characters are locked in the house and are trying not to get murdered are very well done and quite creepy too. I read half of the book at night in the dark and I could not sleep after because of all the noises my flat produced. :D
The end is satisfying in a way, but at the same time I felt the motivation a bit off. Even though the characters were not likeable, I found that some of them didn’t really do anything to deserve all this mess. Yes, they did bad things, as the title says, but nowhere near as bad as the story wants it to be.

In 1995, six college students lived together at 215 Caldwell Street. Only five made it out alive. Years later, the survivors have put the past behind them, never speaking of what happened the night their roommate died. When they are lured under false pretenses to Wolfheather House, a crumbling, secluded mansion on the Scottish isle of Doon, they realize they have been brought together for a reason, and this time, they might not make it out alive.

This is the first book by Lauren A. Forry that I have read, and while I enjoyed the premise, I despised the characters. I didn't like their personalities or the decisions they made, but I assume this was intentional. What kept me reading was the mystery surrounding that night and the intriguing setting. Overall, this was a quick, entertaining read, and I recommend it to those who enjoy Agatha Christie-type stories, where characters are "locked in" place.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing house and the author for the opportunity to read a complimentary advance reader copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

In 1995, six university students rent rooms in a seedy run down house, all of them expecting a different experience; some just wanted to study, some to party., some to make friends, but what they became at the end of that school year was accomplices as only five of the six walked away from the seedy house on Caldwell Street. Of these five, one of them is responsible for Callum's death, but are they all guilty?

Now twenty some odd years later, they have all ended up at the same out of the way inn on the Scottish Isle of Doon, all for different reasons and are surprised to see the others from that house on Caldwell Street when they arrive. The arguing starts right away and by the next morning and their host is missing they realize that they are there for a nefarious reason and that they may not make it out alive. Now they have to wonder which of them, if any, to trust.

A classic whodunnit, lots of twists and turns, and a great ending. I really enjoyed this book. As we uncover the mystery with the help of a diary left behind, I was surprised many times but the turn of events.

I could not put this book down. It’s hooks you from the beginning. I enjoyed the way the author wrote it. Keep in mind the story jumps between past and present but the author does it effortlessly!

I'll start by saying that the premise is good, it's been done before but that's ok because the author put their own spin on it. I thought the writing was also good because I freaking hated every one of these characters, which is what I assume the author was going for. I did find them a little hard to believe, like who acts that way?! At times their characterizations were OTT so I found myself rolling my eyes. But honestly, I was enthralled and wanted to see whodunit so when talking about a mystery, I'd say that's a home run!

"So that's what I know about people. People hide and people cheat and people lie and people only look out got themselves because people are shit and very few deserve better."

In 1995, six students moved into 215 Caldwell Street. But only 5 leave. They all know the death of their roommate wasn't accidental. But they don't know who killed him and no one wants to take any blame. They convince the police it was an accident and move on with their lives.
But somebody doesn't want them to move on. Twenty years on, somebody lures them to the secluded Wolfheather House. Someone who has given them a choice. Confess, or die...

This was without doubt my favourite read so far this year. I could NOT stop reading. This book had so many surprising twists and I loved every second of it.
The characters weren't very likeable, but they were never supposed to be liked. The jumping from past to present, and from person to person was a pain at times but it still made for a fantastic read. And that ending? Absolutely amazing.
I don't say this often, but I would LOVE to see this as a movie.

Thank you NetGalley for the chance to read this.

Closed room thrillers are the mystery du jour and I am really developing a taste for them. Housemates move in, one dies and someone wants to get to the bottom of the death years later. Some many time jumps, it’s a little dizzying until you get into the rhythm and then the twists and turns throw you as much as the other characters. This builds to a great satisfying ending and at the end, was a great read! And yes, they all did bad things.

This book had me hooked from the beginning to the end. All through the book I tried to figure out who wrote the diary and what actually happened. Some of my suspicions turned out to be right. The only thing I didn’t really enjoy was the ending. I thought that the person who ended up being the bad guy could have been introduced more in the book and it did feel a little cliché.

But this is definitely a book that I enjoyed and had a hard time to put down.

Someone killed Callum in 1995. Who did it? Well, his five other housemates all disavowed any knowledge at the time and moved on with their lives. Now, 25 years later, they've all been lured, with different offers to each, to Wolfheather, a creepy mansion on Doon, a Scottish island. You can guess what's going to happen in broad terms- the remaining five will find themselves at each others throats and at least a few of them will end up dead. If there's an issue with this novel that might remind you of others, it's that it shifts around in time- a lot. It's told from the POV of each of the characters and one unnamed person, which works well in this situation. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Don't get too fond of anyone one character!

*3 stars ⭐⭐⭐

It all starts in 1995. Six college students move into a house. By the end of term, one is dead. It was just an a accident..... right? *dundundun*

This book is being compared to Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None", which I love, so I was super excited to read it!

1) Murder house on a lonely island? Check
2) A group of people with a secret that could destroy them? Check
3) A killer among them? Check, check, and check!

I really enjoyed the journal entries from the killer at the beginning of the chapters. I love when books have those extra touches. I was glued to the pages for hours. I needed to know what happened next!

I like that it is split into multiple POV's. It was a little difficult for me to keep everyone straight as to who was who. For some reason, it was harder during the flashbacks. I really had to think of who that person was when they were brought up.

Obviously, this is murder island, so it was a little bloody. One scene in particular was more graphic than the others. I am somewhat sensitive to things like that, but it wasn't bad enough to where I felt sick and had to skip over it.

I had guesses to who I thought the killer was. Nope. Completely wrong. I even picked an outlandish character who was only mentioned in passing, thinking I was being clever! Towards the end you're saying "Oh! It's that person" "Oh! Cahoots!" "Oh! Completely wrong, never would have guessed!" I would have liked for the final reveal to have been more dramatic....but I'm not sure how it could have been more dramatic than it was? Maybe I just wanted more shock around the reveal?

Overall, I enjoyed this book. If you like twist, and whodunit stories, you will definitely like this one!


*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you NetGalley, Lauren A. Forty, and Arcade Crimewise for the ARC.

Thank you netgalley and Lauren forrey for the ability to read for review.
I was excited to read the title alone pulls you in.
It was slightly difficult as the beginning rotates between past and present and what really happened in the past which is somewhat of a struggle to grasp.
Roommates, whodunnit, and what really happened to Callum

This was an easy to read thriller that kept my attention all the way through! Lots of twists and surprises I didn't see coming. Very good, would recommend....definitely get this one guys!

This started very strong for me. The introduction narrative asking to think about which type of person you are really drew me in.

The book is a twisty back and forth game of who really set this all up. Who killed Callum all those years ago, and who is setting the, all up now to get the truth out. Lots of twists and turns, I had no idea who was going to ultimately be responsible, even though they all carried some responsibility with them.

The book was told in numerous perspectives of all 5 roommates, and a narrative with flash backs to their time together at university. There was also time line flash backs (12 hours ago, etc.) which sometimes was a lot to keep track of.

Overall 3.5 stars for a twisty ride with way more gore than I imagined it would be.

When you (or your publisher) compares your book to a masterpiece such as Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, you either a) have the guts to do so or b) really think your book is that mystery. I, myself, am a HUGE fan of ATTWN, and after I read it in the description that’s all that was in my mind as I was reading this novel.

They Did Bad Things is a creepy--if not outright scary at times--mystery that brings five adults to face the things they did twenty years prior. This big incident revolves around their university flat and one of their flatmates, Callum, whose death was ruled an accident.

But the characters know otherwise.

As we begin the story, we are introduced to the character’s we’ll see suffer for the next 288 pages. There’s the newly promoted detective Hollis, the ever “people-hating” Lorna, princess Ellie, absolute bastard Olliver, and little miss Maeve. We’re introduced to them through a series of montages of them arriving at the Wolfheather house, which was a really creative way to let us get to know all of them without being confusing.

The characters were all unique in their own ways but the dynamic between them all was subpar. When together, they all seemed to merge into this one swearing, panicking monster and all that fleshed out characterisation that we had just been introduced to disappeared. This made the characters not so enjoyable to read about, and I honestly felt nothing toward them. At least, nothing to make me root for them. In a way I suppose that was the point, considering the book’s name is They Did Bad Things. Either way, the quality of the characters dragged down the quality of the overall book for me, which is why I took away a star.

The plot, however...the plot was absolutely spectacular. Being a mystery, I don’t think I can say much without ruining the book for others, so I’ll try to keep it vague. This is where I saw the most parallels with And Then There Were None. And no, it’s not just because of the whole being-trapped-with-other-people-who-did-bad-things-in-a-house situation, but in the way Forry brings us through the story. In between all the exploration and death and red-herrings is a very well thought out scheme and motive that I hate to admit I didn’t see coming. Least to say I fell for quite a few of those red-herrings...

The writing drags back and forth between present day and twenty years prior with many shifts between POVs. While I didn’t mind the time shifting, I felt the POV changes to be unnecessary, and that the whole novel would’ve been better just written in third person (omniscient or limited, either works). It wasn’t annoying per se, more of a formatting issue that hindered the flow of the text.

Lorry’s conclusion to the novel surpassed most of my mystery expectations. She didn’t just start revealing random information at the very end in order to draw shock factor, but dropped hints throughout the whole novel and at the very end brought them together to make sense. Unlike many other far-fetched mystery endings I’ve read, the ending to They Did Bad Things felt wholly deserved and left me satisfied.

As a self-proclaimed And Then There Were None fan, I can safely say that They Did Bad Things rightly deserves that comparison. While I still find myself longing for the characterisation of characters such as Vera Claythorne and Justice Wargrave, the plot is just too good to pass out on.

If you’re a fan of mysteries, thrillers, and very cleverly thought out schemes, They Did Bad Things is worth a shot.

TW: Mentions of rape, lots of violence, somewhat vivid descriptions of blood.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is just a fun read which totally lives up to the title. It was exactly what I was hoping for. You don't have to feel bad for these people, they are just rotters. And they get what's coming to them. Hooray!

3 Stars

This is a fun, dark, and twisty adventure that hops perspectives and time lines between 1995 and the present. Six college roommates rented a house and one of them died. Fast forward twenty years and the remaining five are all called to a remote mansion for the weekend to determine who was at fault for their roommate's death.

I really enjoyed the time hopping and only getting nuggets of the story. There are lots of gory details and twists and turns to keep you on your toes! It was also entertaining to see that they're as messed up as adults as they were as teenagers. None of them were able to overcome Callum's death and become successful in their pursuits.

I look forward to checking out Lauren Forry's other book!

A special thank you to NetGalley, Skyhorse Publishing, and Lauren Forry for providing me with an ARC.

I 100% requested this because of the cover. The premise wasn’t entirely intriguing to me, and I definitely judged this book by it’s cover. I don’t know why, but I LOVE it! But I was pleasantly surprised and ended up really enjoying this one! It’s a clever and unique spin on the classic locked in murder mystery. I was entertained and engaged the entire time. I was so confident that I knew who the bad guy was really early on. And I don’t wanna give anything away, but I was both right AND wrong. None of the characters are likeable, but could you expect to like them based on the title of the book? I did feel like something was missing from this one though to push it to 5 stars, but overall this was a great murder mystery with plenty of murder.

Thank you to Netgalley, Skyhorse Publishing and the Author Lauren A Forry for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I found this book a little hard to get into, but once I got all the characters straight it was unputdownable!
A total Agatha Christie like "And then there were none" Whodunnit!
With an I didn't see that coming ending!
My first read from this Author and I will definitely be following her and reading more of her books.

A fast-paced read I found it hard to put down. This is similar to Christie’s And Then There Were None, with people forced together under false pretenses to pay for old sins. Reversals and misdirections come quickly and often, keeping the reader on edge. Good for anyone who likes their thrillers ultimately on the bloody side.

The title caught my attention and the story sucked me in and didn't let go. Twisty and taunt. It had me guessing from beginning to end because I just couldn't figure it out. My favorite kind of story. You will love it. Happy reading!

Five people lured to a weekend stay at a mansion. Sounds great right?

They're all happy to get away until upon arrival where they realize they all know one another. They use to live together while going to college on 215 Caldwell street. They have not kept in touch and immediately want to leave but suddenly realize they can't. Their vehicles have all been vandalized. They receive a note that states no one leaves until someone confesses to killing on of their roommates back in 1995.

Story starts out strong. I was ready to finish it in one sitting. However, with the constant changing back and forth it made it hard to focus. The chapters are really long as well. When I look and see 53 minutes left in this chapter I get discouraged.

The entire story is a blame game of course with bodies being found throughout the book. Nobody wants to confess what really happened to Callum that last night he was alive. He was completely drunk. The cops did not mention homicide. It was a done deal wasn't it? Then who has them here and who has been holding this grudge?

Thank you Netgalley and Skyhorse publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.

Whodunits in the vein of “And then there were none” are catnip to me, and this one did not disappoint. These characters are not strangers though, they knew each other in college and they all know why they’ve all been tricked into this unwanted reunion. One of their friends died. It was ruled an accident, but the friends know it wasn’t, so we get two mysteries: what happened in the past and who’s trapped them in a creepy bed and breakfast on an island in the middle of a storm. A few plot twists were a little too implausible, but the rest of the novel kept me turning the pages. The characters are complex. They were selfish and despicable in college. Some of them haven’t changed much, but others have matured. When things go sideways, we see who has truly evolved and who’s gotten even worse. I was surprised at how much I cared about the characters, like I say, they are not the nicest bunch. The plot offers some creepy details, including the house’s strange décor, a blackout and a disturbing picture. Original and suspenseful with a well-crafted plot, mystery lovers will enjoy this novel.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Skyhorse Publishing/Arcade Crimewise!

I could not put this down! I was completely pulled in by the characters and writing style from the very beginning. The characters were believable and relatable. I love that this kept me guessing until the very end! I absolutely would recommend this book to anyone who wants a good thriller/mystery!

4.5 Stars

I saw mixed reviews for this book but wanted to give the author a chance as I really liked the premise. I am really surprised with all the bad reviews as I enjoyed this book, a lot, and I read it in one sitting. I started last night thinking I'd get a chapter or two in (the chapters are quite long yet didn't feel like it!) but boy did I get sucked into this story!

This is a compelling story with a group of characters who are quite varied and give the reader a good look at their issues, secrets and pasts as well as a bird's eye view of the current disturbing situation. As readers progress through this character-driven read, they'll begin to doubt their initial ideas of the culprit's identity which heightens the tension and makes for a wonderfully twisted murder mystery.

Overall, this was a refreshing and clever whodunit that has a healthy dose of menace, an intriguing ensemble of characters and spattering of murder that puts the characters as well as the reader on the edge of their seats. While this book gives a hearty nod to Dame Christie (an author who knew a thing or two about how to craft a well-written mystery), Ms. Forry provides readers with a compelling, multi-layered old-school mystery with her own personal touches. I did take half a star off because it was a little over the top.

I usually don't read horror/thriller mystery books but this book was very good. The story unfolds in present day and back when the murder happened. The interesting thing about this plot is you don't exactly know why they were murdered and throughout the whole book the suspect is constantly changing. It is a slower read but it is still very good.
I think the author did a wonderful job of showing the monstrous sides of these characters. It was hard to really truly like any of them because of how dark their other side was. I would say this is not only. thriller mystery but also has a psychological aspect to it. I thought I had it figured out, but I was completely wrong. I like being surprised by the ending. Not only that but you can tell the author thought out the plot extensively.
In conclusion, I really think the author did a great job of exploring the darker parts of the human conscious and revealling that each of the characters could be just as guilty as the last.

The characters in this were well-developed, but not likable. The plot moved along at a great pace with lots of twists.

“You’re not afraid of doing bad things. You’re afraid of getting punished for them.”

That’s one powerful opening line, am I right? For most of us, it’s also right on the money.

The premise of this novel is totally my cup of tea. Twenty years before, six strangers move into a house, but only five of them come out. Okay, well, they all come out, but one makes his exit in a body bag. In the present, the survivors reunite, and boy, do things get intense!!

I’m a sucker for storylines like this. I love digging up things that were never quite buried, and I drool at the thought of our characters coming to blows (literally or figuratively) as they face the truth about the past. Also, I adore it when tensions rise to the surface and explode onto the page. Those things are exactly what the author promised, and it’s exactly what she delivered!

I had some minor gripes here and there, but they didn’t affect my enjoyment of the book. I was worried that it would go downhill toward the end, but it did not. The ending was well-done, and I left feeling satisfied. Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I will recommend it.

Good murder mystery but a large cast and at times a bit hard to keep everybody straight. Flowed well and I liked the story line and constant questioning it creates for me. Enjoyable and certain good for a take me away from reality read.

This book was full of characters I kind of loved to hate. A whodunit with big time Agatha Christie vibes, it takes place in Scotland which is definitely different for me! I struggled at times to stay engaged and found myself confused and re-reading certain parts, but overall I liked this book. I'd give it 3.5 out of 5 stars and I would definitely read more by this author!

Five friends from University arrive at Wolfheather House, a crumbling secluded mansion on the Scottish Isle of Doon, where they are taking a break. Pals, Hollis, Ellie, Oliver, Lorna, Maeve, and Callum shared the same house, 215 Caldwell Street, back in the day, but after their end-of-year party one of them was found dead on the sofa. The death was ruled an accident at the time, however, all of the remaining five roommates know that it wasn't. Now, they have been baited to turn up at the remote Scottish property that has no link with the outside world. Someone wants them to confess their roles in their roommate's death... or die.

They Did Bad Things is told in seamlessly transitioning chapters between past and present, narrated by the five roommates and one other person's diary entries. This style worked very well for me, making unfolding events easy to follow. The characterisation by Lauren A. Forry was very well done and each had plenty of essential unlikable personality. I was invested in all of them and needed to know how the story would pan out. Wolfheather House had its own identity, complete with the secret passages, and hidden rooms, creating a wonderful creepiness, sense of unease, and general ominous vibe. The atmosphere of the old hotel during a terrible storm added further darkness to the story.

They Did Bad Things is an enthralling locked-room thriller that included good dollops of harboured secrets, evil, jealousy, lies, and intrigue. A pretty good all-round, riveting read.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Skyhorse Publishing via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.