By: Liz Alterman
ISBN: 9781837565320
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Publication Date: 03/23/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC)
Best friends make the deadliest enemies.
Jane Whitaker and Ivy Chapman have been best friends for twenty years - ever since their sons Cal and Brad attended the same preschool.
But their close bond is severely tested when their now adult sons go skiing together in Wyoming and only one returns.
Where is Cal Whitaker and why didn’t Brad Chapman report him missing? With growing fears for Cal's safety, his family begins to suspect Brad knows a lot more than he's saying.
Friendship turns to suspicion and then to open hostility when Cal's sister Emerson posts an online appeal that ignites a vicious crusade against Brad.
As decades-old loyalties crumble, Jane and Ivy find themselves on opposite sides of a deadly divide. How far will each mother go to protect her family? And what happens when saving one son means destroying the other?
You Shouldn’t Have Done That – the gripping psychological thriller perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Liane Moriarty, and Sally Hepworth.
My Review
Liz Alterman, a favorite author among domestic thriller fans, returns following The House on Cold Creek Lane (top audiobooks of 2024) with her latest spine-chilling psychological suspense—YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT.
This pulse-pounding, riveting tale explores a lifelong friendship that turns toxic after a joint family ski trip turns sinister, leading to a web of secrets and lies.
Prepare for a gripping, addictive novel that navigates the intricate dynamics of family, betrayal, friendship, revenge, and the enigmatic secrets that push us to our limits. The plot, filled with unexpected turns, is a rollercoaster of suspense and unpredictability, ensuring you're always on the edge of your seat, craving more.
Keep your friends close. Your enemies closer.
About...
Jane Whitaker, mother of Cal, and Ivy Chapman, mother of Brad, have been best friends for twenty years. Their friendship began when their sons, Cal and Brad, attended the same preschool.
Cal Whitaker and Brad Chapman, now roommates, join their families for a ski trip to Wyoming. This seemingly innocent trip to an Airbnb in December becomes the setting for a series of events that will change their lives forever.
However, their friendship is tested when only ONE of the boys returns from skiing. Where is Cal, and why didn't Brad report him missing?
Things heat up with suspicions, and tensions are high when Cal's sister, Emerson, posts online, igniting a battle against Brad.
The two mothers find themselves on opposite sides. How far will each mother go to protect her family? And what happens when saving one son means destroying the other?
The deepest and darkest secrets begin to UNRAVEL....
My thoughts...
Welcome to the DARK side of domesticity where no one is as they appear. Trust NO one. The title 'You Shouldn't Have Done That' is a fitting reflection of the characters' actions and the consequences they face. You must read and discover the who, why, and how!
A sizzler of a thriller! Unpredictable. Wicked. Super-twisty. The month of December has never been so chilling.
YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE DONE THAT takes a disturbing look at friendship, trust, addictions, dangers of social media and obsession in the modern world, and how far we will go to protect our secrets and those we love. How well do you know those closest to you?
The mystery of the missing son leads to a sinister past of dark, twisted, shocking secrets and MURDER, with a cast of vile characters out for revenge. The chilling nature of the story will keep you thrilled and excited throughout.
The author cleverly builds suspense and tension, leading to one twist and surprise after another. Multi-layered, complex, and twisty —told from alternating POVs (Brad, Cal, Ivy, Jane, Emerson, Lincoln), keeping you on the edge of your seat to try and uncover this mystery.
Mind-bending and terrifying. Lives are IMPLODING. A shared history and DNA hold families together, but nothing can restore their bond or keep them close moving forward.
Blame, escape, survive, or die? Choices and consequences. Do not expect to like any of the characters, as they are highly dysfunctional and deliciously wicked, but you cannot turn away. Dark and unsettling, you are not quite sure where the author is leading you, but the element of surprise keeps you engaged and excited throughout the book.
From a ski slope in Wyoming to a pond and finally to a cabin fire in Georgia, the story unfolds from multiple characters' perspectives. We delve into their minds and witness their transformation from seemingly normal to unhinged and murderous as their past demons and present circumstances collide, driving them to extreme actions.
The book is full of family drama and psychological suspense, with a twisty ending that will leave fans of domestic thrillers satisfied.
Alterman deftly uses alternating perspectives, allowing readers to get inside the minds of these mad characters. Her style is engaging and surprising. I also recommend her previous book, The House On Cold Creek Lane, for a taste of her compelling storytelling.
Recs...
This one is for fans of the author and those who enjoy twisty family dramas, suburban scandals, and domestic suspense. Fans of Sally Hepworth, Mary Kubica, Samantha M. Bailey, Jenova Rose, Aggie Blum Thompson, Lisa Jewell, KL Slater, Emily Shiner, Robin Mahle, and Miranda Rijks will find much to like here.
Upcoming...
Be sure to get Liz's upcoming Claire Casey's Had Enough (so funny), a heartwarming and witty rom-com (June 3, 2025), on your summer TBR list. The author could be a stand-up comedian! Stay tuned for a fun #AuthorElevatorSeries QA ride with Liz (behind the book & this talented author) on pub day. It is going to be epic, so do not miss it.
Thanks to Inkubator Books and NetGalley for a gifted, advanced reading copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: March 23, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
March Newsletter
About the Author
Liz Alterman lives in New Jersey with her husband, three sons, and two cats. She spends most days repeatedly microwaving the same cup of coffee and looking up synonyms. WEBSITE
Photo credit: Gracemarie Photography
