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The Killer You Know
One morning ten years ago, the town of Twin Rivers changed forever when the body of Tyler Washington was found in the woods. Son of the mayor, star of the high school basketball team – his death struck right at the heart of this tight-knit community. For Olivia Hall, Tyler's death heralded the start of her own personal nightmare – her twin brother, Ethan, was arrested for Tyler's murder. Ten years later, Ethan is still in jail. Olivia is convinced he is innocent, and now, a true crime podcast has taken up his case. As the podcast digs deeper, secrets, lies and shocking revelations are all uncovered. For the first time, Olivia dares to hope that Ethan may be set free. But if he didn't kill Tyler, who did? And how far will they go to keep their secrets safe?
432 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 12, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 105 reviews
March 30, 2021
3.5 stars—- After reading several favorable reviews on Goodreads, I decided to try my first book by A.M. Taylor, “Innocent or Guilty”. This novel is told from the perspective of Olivia, the twin sister of convicted murderer, Ethan, who was convicted of killing a friend of Olivia’s, Tyler, who was the local mayor’s son. Ten years after the conviction, a national Podcast decides to profile the case and Olivia agrees to cooperate with their re-investigation of the case. The majority of the novel follows the re-investigation as Olivia is allowed to tag along with the podcasters for most of it and also conduct her own separate investigation. The plausibility of Olivia’s actions as she investigates Tyler’s murder and her brother’s conviction are questionable at best but allow the truth to finally be revealed in the end. But what the investigation uncovers is not very believable including the information that Olivia herself somehow did not disclose to her brother’s defense attorney that would have greatly helped his case, and the actions of others after the death of Tyler make no sense at all. Although somewhat enjoyable while reading, the facts surrounding the death and Olivia’s ridiculous actions both at the time of Tyler’s death as well as during the re-investigation are bad enough to make me give this otherwise well written and face paced novel a 3.5.
September 28, 2019
Innocent or Guilty? aka The Killer You Know is a book in which the genres of mystery-thriller combine to tell a compelling flashback tale of shocking secrets, divided loyalties, small-town gossipmongers and political manoeuvring. Olivia Hall is adamant her twin brother, Ethan, did not brutally murder the mayor of Twin Rivers' son, Tyler Washington, a decade ago despite him having been convicted and imprisoned for the crime. When a true-crime podcast takes an interest in the case having been approached by Olivia she can't believe her luck but it soon becomes clear quite how deep the conspiratorial cover-up goes. This is a well written and cleverly plotted novel with plenty of twists to keep most readers guessing. However, it could do with tighter editing as there is a little too much "filler" for my liking and it sometimes impacted the narrative.
I feel with a few sections or chapters cut out this would be a much snappier thriller. I also feel those who read crime fiction often will guess the outcome and culprit very early on just as I did, although it didn't mean I lost interest and continued in order to read about the surrounding circumstances. It's immersive and engaging and you feel as though you are living this right alongside the people of Twin Rivers. With a dark, tense atmosphere, characters that are both believable and relatable and plenty of emotion infused throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this elaborate, addictive thriller. The ending will likely polarise readers - with some liking the way it is concluded and others being left with the feeling of incompleteness and apathy. Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC.
I feel with a few sections or chapters cut out this would be a much snappier thriller. I also feel those who read crime fiction often will guess the outcome and culprit very early on just as I did, although it didn't mean I lost interest and continued in order to read about the surrounding circumstances. It's immersive and engaging and you feel as though you are living this right alongside the people of Twin Rivers. With a dark, tense atmosphere, characters that are both believable and relatable and plenty of emotion infused throughout, I thoroughly enjoyed my time reading this elaborate, addictive thriller. The ending will likely polarise readers - with some liking the way it is concluded and others being left with the feeling of incompleteness and apathy. Many thanks to One More Chapter for an ARC.
September 30, 2019
Ten years ago, Olivia's twin brother, Ethan went to prison for the murder of Tyler Washington. Olivia thinks he is innocent. Olivia trains as a lawyer so that she can help her brother overturn his conviction. Olivia appeals to the producers of a true crime podcast to investigate the crime. Inconsistencies are soon revealed. What actually happened that night ten years ago? Was it a cover up? Will Eathan be released?
There is a lot of twists in this story that's told between the past and present day. Trying to prove Ethan's innocence was not going to be an easy task. I like the drama and the build up to this story. The characters are well developed. I have never read a book with a podcast in it, so this made the book more interesting for me. You will need to read the book to find out the verdict.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and the author A. M. Taylor for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There is a lot of twists in this story that's told between the past and present day. Trying to prove Ethan's innocence was not going to be an easy task. I like the drama and the build up to this story. The characters are well developed. I have never read a book with a podcast in it, so this made the book more interesting for me. You will need to read the book to find out the verdict.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Harper Impulse and Killer Reads and the author A. M. Taylor for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
There have been a fair few books lately that have a podcast as the central premise, I tend to very much enjoy these if they are done well, as this one is,especially as I’ve recently developed an obsession with listening to them myself.
The Killer You Know focuses on Olivia, whose twin brother is in jail for murder. Years later she manages to persuade a popular and successful podcast to take a look at the case – through both past and present we explore events leading up to and after the murder.
This is a cleverly woven and immersive mystery with some intriguingly built and believable characters. A small town, hidden secrets, divisive friendships and politically motivated cover ups are all in the mix and the group dynamic of a group of friends who have lost one of their own as teenagers is really addictive. Seeing them then and now, the author manages to instill a lot of emotional layers into the tale and it is a great page turner with one of THOSE endings…
It didn’t matter to me at all that I pegged the true guilty party very early, if anything it made it a far more interesting read, I was reading to find out if they’d get away with it which I found far more intriguing- however this is quality plotting so one way or another, whether you read to find out whodunnit or you read to see where it ends up you are going to be up all night…
Excellent. Recommended.
The Killer You Know focuses on Olivia, whose twin brother is in jail for murder. Years later she manages to persuade a popular and successful podcast to take a look at the case – through both past and present we explore events leading up to and after the murder.
This is a cleverly woven and immersive mystery with some intriguingly built and believable characters. A small town, hidden secrets, divisive friendships and politically motivated cover ups are all in the mix and the group dynamic of a group of friends who have lost one of their own as teenagers is really addictive. Seeing them then and now, the author manages to instill a lot of emotional layers into the tale and it is a great page turner with one of THOSE endings…
It didn’t matter to me at all that I pegged the true guilty party very early, if anything it made it a far more interesting read, I was reading to find out if they’d get away with it which I found far more intriguing- however this is quality plotting so one way or another, whether you read to find out whodunnit or you read to see where it ends up you are going to be up all night…
Excellent. Recommended.
June 28, 2019
Wow, wow, WOW. I read The Killer You Know quickly, devouring every single word with enthusiasm that's rarely brought out of me. The podcast idea was wonderfully done, and the last twist made me literally jump up in my seat.
Ten years ago, the remains of Tyler Washington- son of Mayor Maria Washington- was discovered in the woods. The violent murder of Twin River's golden boy shocked the small community and a week after Tyler's death, easy-target Ethan Hall got arrested and eventually convicted of murder.
Olivia Hall, Ethan's twin sister, is haunted by the whole thing. She knows her brother is innocent, but he's still in jail ten years later, for a crime he didn't commit. A true crime podcast takes his case up, and the three of them- Olivia, Kat, and Ray- are dedicated to making the truth come out.
Written in a then vs now way with Olivia's POV jumping from 10 years ago to present day, I found my favourite bits were actually snippets of the podcast. The dialogue was so good and natural-sounding that it felt like reading a transcript of a real-life podcast.
Overall, the story is well-plotted and the pace is perfect. If you like mystery or true crime podcasts, don't skip out on the page-turning thriller The Killer You Know! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Ten years ago, the remains of Tyler Washington- son of Mayor Maria Washington- was discovered in the woods. The violent murder of Twin River's golden boy shocked the small community and a week after Tyler's death, easy-target Ethan Hall got arrested and eventually convicted of murder.
Olivia Hall, Ethan's twin sister, is haunted by the whole thing. She knows her brother is innocent, but he's still in jail ten years later, for a crime he didn't commit. A true crime podcast takes his case up, and the three of them- Olivia, Kat, and Ray- are dedicated to making the truth come out.
Written in a then vs now way with Olivia's POV jumping from 10 years ago to present day, I found my favourite bits were actually snippets of the podcast. The dialogue was so good and natural-sounding that it felt like reading a transcript of a real-life podcast.
Overall, the story is well-plotted and the pace is perfect. If you like mystery or true crime podcasts, don't skip out on the page-turning thriller The Killer You Know! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
September 14, 2021
I loved this book! And will definitely look for more by this author. 😊
Great book, great premise, just great everything!!
Liv's brother Ethan is in jail for a crime he didn't commit.
But no one knows who did.
Or do they?
Tyler Washington, popular boy in school, on a partial basketball scholarship is found dead and no one knows who killed him or why.
They believe he's been killed through a drug debt owed to people who aren't to be messed with.
He owes money to his friend, drug dealer Nick Green although this is never mentioned in the trial that sends Ethan away for ten years.
Until cone Kat and Ray, who run a true crime podcast and want to find out if there has been an injustice in people's cases, their third season focuses on Ethan's case.
Just what will they find out?
Guys go read this book already!! I loved it 😍😍😍😍😍
Great book, great premise, just great everything!!
Liv's brother Ethan is in jail for a crime he didn't commit.
But no one knows who did.
Or do they?
Tyler Washington, popular boy in school, on a partial basketball scholarship is found dead and no one knows who killed him or why.
They believe he's been killed through a drug debt owed to people who aren't to be messed with.
He owes money to his friend, drug dealer Nick Green although this is never mentioned in the trial that sends Ethan away for ten years.
Until cone Kat and Ray, who run a true crime podcast and want to find out if there has been an injustice in people's cases, their third season focuses on Ethan's case.
Just what will they find out?
Guys go read this book already!! I loved it 😍😍😍😍😍
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2020
This was superbly written. At first i thought that this was going to be a youth ficition by the synopsis but I was pleasantly surprised when I started reading it. Not a big fan when the chapters go back and forth in timelines BUT in this book I loved it. I loved how it ended and I loved the characters. I am very impressed and cant wait to read another one of your books. I couldnt put it down , couldnt wait to read it to see what was happening. Thankyou for writing such a great book, I am also a true crime fan so that the fact you combined the two just made one awesome book to read.
June 25, 2019
Rating:
2.5 stars
Trigger:
Attempted rape
Physical assult
Short review:
Trying to prove innocence after 10 years, the plot seems far fetched but not completely implausible.
I have never read anything with podcast so that was new concept to me.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes (maybe)
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Writing needs some tightening. The book is 10 chapters too long, could have been shorter, smarter...
2.5 stars
Trigger:
Attempted rape
Physical assult
Short review:
Trying to prove innocence after 10 years, the plot seems far fetched but not completely implausible.
I have never read anything with podcast so that was new concept to me.
Review in image/gif:
Recommended:
Yes (maybe)
Aftermath: (possible spoilers)
Writing needs some tightening. The book is 10 chapters too long, could have been shorter, smarter...
May 4, 2021
This was an enjoyable and highly suspenseful novel.
I was definitely invested in the story!
I'll admit that I did figure out pretty early the *who* of things - just not the why. And I was pleased with how the reveal was handled.
Definitely a satisfying read!
I was definitely invested in the story!
I'll admit that I did figure out pretty early the *who* of things - just not the why. And I was pleased with how the reveal was handled.
Definitely a satisfying read!
August 20, 2019
Innocent or Guilty has been renamed to - "The Killer you Know" which in all honesty both titles are fitting for this book; but The Killer you Know draws readers in a bit more in my opinion.
**
Thank you @NetGalley for this book in an exchange for an honest review
**
This is a gripping tale of a sister wanting to do everything in her power to prove her twin brother innocent of murder. Because how can one now know who their twin really is? They shared a womb, they know each other inside and out.
Ethan and Olivia Hall are twins; and according to their friends, family, and neighbors couldn't have been more different. Olivia was the "IT" girl in high school; where Ethan was a loner with basically only one friend. It was mentioned even Olivia and him weren't close in high school. That is until Ethan is accused of murdering Tyler Washington, the Mayor's son. Olivia believed in her heart of hearts that Ethan wasn't the killer; and she went to law school to be able to prove it. Because the only evidence that put Ethan away, was Olivia's then boyfriend saying he saw Ethan enter the woods where Tyler was murdered about 30 minutes after Tyler himself when in.
As a decade passes and Ethan is still in prison Olivia enlists Kat & Ray who are hosts of a true crime podcast. They all hope will podcast will shed light on the injustice Ethan faced.
As you can imagine there are more than just one skeleton in this closet; and some people will do anything in their power to keep them hidden.
By the end will we really know who killed Tyler, or will turn out it was Ethan all along?.
ws readers in a bit more in my opinion.
**
Thank you @NetGalley for this book in an exchange for an honest review
**
This is a gripping tale of a sister wanting to do everything in her power to prove her twin brother innocent of murder. Because how can one now know who their twin really is? They shared a womb, they know each other inside and out.
Ethan and Olivia Hall are twins; and according to their friends, family, and neighbors couldn't have been more different. Olivia was the "IT" girl in high school; where Ethan was a loner with basically only one friend. It was mentioned even Olivia and him weren't close in high school. That is until Ethan is accused of murdering Tyler Washington, the Mayor's son. Olivia believed in her heart of hearts that Ethan wasn't the killer; and she went to law school to be able to prove it. Because the only evidence that put Ethan away, was Olivia's then boyfriend saying he saw Ethan enter the woods where Tyler was murdered about 30 minutes after Tyler himself when in.
As a decade passes and Ethan is still in prison Olivia enlists Kat & Ray who are hosts of a true crime podcast. They all hope will podcast will shed light on the injustice Ethan faced.
As you can imagine there are more than just one skeleton in this closet; and some people will do anything in their power to keep them hidden.
By the end will we really know who killed Tyler, or will turn out it was Ethan all along?.
ws readers in a bit more in my opinion.
June 24, 2019
The Killer You Know was a really good read by A.M. Taylor. I loved the twists and turns in this mystery. The characters were realistic, and the pacing of the story ramped up the suspense. I read this in one day, didn't want to put it down.
Olivia's twin brother, Ethan, is serving a sentence for a murder she is certain he didn't commit. Olivia has based her whole life on trying to clear her brother's name, going so far as to become a lawyer to help him. It is slow going and when a popular podcast wants to highlight his story she is intrigued. The show makes her nervous as it brings back old memories that maybe best forgotten. But she convinces her brother to move forward.
The podcast is taking off, people are listening, who really murdered Tyler Washington? The small town and its residents are hesitant to talk. Tyler was the current mayor's son. Maybe Tyler wasn't the perfect young man portrayed in court, but did that get him killed?
Don't want to give anything away. No spoilers her. I wasn't sure who was guilting and who was innocent. Maybe the small town can't handle the truth. Who will the truth destroy? Find out in this thriller.
Olivia's twin brother, Ethan, is serving a sentence for a murder she is certain he didn't commit. Olivia has based her whole life on trying to clear her brother's name, going so far as to become a lawyer to help him. It is slow going and when a popular podcast wants to highlight his story she is intrigued. The show makes her nervous as it brings back old memories that maybe best forgotten. But she convinces her brother to move forward.
The podcast is taking off, people are listening, who really murdered Tyler Washington? The small town and its residents are hesitant to talk. Tyler was the current mayor's son. Maybe Tyler wasn't the perfect young man portrayed in court, but did that get him killed?
Don't want to give anything away. No spoilers her. I wasn't sure who was guilting and who was innocent. Maybe the small town can't handle the truth. Who will the truth destroy? Find out in this thriller.
July 8, 2019
I read The Killer You Know based on the description of the book, thinking what the hell, I'll give it a shot, and truthfully I can honestly say I am not disappointed in the story. There were three things that really stuck out with me, but over all A. M. Taylor did a pretty decent job with this book. The first thing in my opinion, is the author uses the wrong tense of the verb sitting throughout the entire book which really irritated me for some reason. A few times the wrong tense of the verb standing was used, but not as much as sitting. The second thing that got me was, I managed to figure out who the killer is somewhere between chapters 20 and 24. Not that that put me off the story, I was actually looking forward to seeing if I was correct! The last issue I had, and this is just a personal hang up, the story tempo was a bit slow for my taste in some parts, but other parts it went quite fast. I would have liked for it too be a consistent fast pace, but as I said, that is just a personal issue. Over all, the story is pretty great. I would give it a 4.5 stars if I could.
January 13, 2020
Had it not been for the last chapter I would have given this book a solid 5 stars. There was plenty of intrigue and tension and I loved the way the chapters alternated between then and now. As Olivia began to realise that maybe not everyone at high school saw her the way she saw herself I even found myself thinking about my own high school days and wondering if my memories were accurate. Then came the ending and I have to say I was so disappointed, I actually felt cheated. Sorry.
July 25, 2019
The Killer You Know by A.M. Taylor, now called Innocent or Guilty, did not dissappoint. The writing style was fluid in a now and then plot. The storyline sucked me right in and I demolished this thriller in no time. The characters were very realistic and well thought our. With a bomb shell ending that had my mouth gaping open, I really didn't see that coming. This is one you should add to your list if you are looking for a fast paced thriller.
Olivia Hall, Ethans twin sister has always believed Ethan was innocent for the murder of friend Tyler. Tyler was found dead in the woods after a final summer party that would be the last before everyone went off to college. Now nearly 10 years later Olivia brings a teue crime podcast to town to cover the murder of Tyler. Olivia wants to try and bring the truth to light and get to the bottom of what really happened to Tyler. New information keeps coming to light, deceit and lies from the police department, hidden key evidence. Will Olivia regret putting the v town bank through all the turmoil and memories of the murder? Will they find the killer? Will Ethan finally be exonerated? Remember things aren't always as they seem.
I would like to thank Harper Impulse and Killer reads, One more Chapter and netgally for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Olivia Hall, Ethans twin sister has always believed Ethan was innocent for the murder of friend Tyler. Tyler was found dead in the woods after a final summer party that would be the last before everyone went off to college. Now nearly 10 years later Olivia brings a teue crime podcast to town to cover the murder of Tyler. Olivia wants to try and bring the truth to light and get to the bottom of what really happened to Tyler. New information keeps coming to light, deceit and lies from the police department, hidden key evidence. Will Olivia regret putting the v town bank through all the turmoil and memories of the murder? Will they find the killer? Will Ethan finally be exonerated? Remember things aren't always as they seem.
I would like to thank Harper Impulse and Killer reads, One more Chapter and netgally for a copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2019
As a fan of thrillers, this one fit right into the mold for me. I thought the story was fast-paced and never seemed to drag on. Once I started this book, I read it pretty quickly, caught in the grip of a well-written “whodunit” story. What sets this thriller apart from others, and what I particularly enjoyed, was the use of a podcast. It really became a modern world thriller and, as a fan of true crime podcasts, I just ate it up. The podcast became a unique element that sets this story apart from all the others. I also love the back and forth that A.M. Taylor uses to jump between the current time and that night, ten years ago, when Tyler was murdered. It always makes me keep reading so I can get to the next part!
If you like thrillers and you love true crime podcasts, then you might just like this thriller with a true crime podcast thrown in! Check it out!
*Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
If you like thrillers and you love true crime podcasts, then you might just like this thriller with a true crime podcast thrown in! Check it out!
*Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for my honest review*
February 11, 2021
Innocent or Guilty?
by A. M. Taylor
350 pages
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description :
A gripping psychological thriller full of twists and turns! The murderer might be closer than you think…
One morning ten years ago, the town of Twin Rivers changed forever when the body of Tyler Washington was found in the woods. Son of the mayor, star of the high school basketball team – his death struck right at the heart of this tight-knit community. For Olivia Hall, Tyler’s death heralded the start of her own personal nightmare – her twin brother, Ethan, was arrested for Tyler’s murder. Ten years later, Ethan is still in jail. Olivia is convinced he is innocent, and now, a true crime podcast has taken up his case. As the podcast digs deeper, secrets, lies and shocking revelations are all uncovered. For the first time, Olivia dares to hope that Ethan may be set free. But if he didn’t kill Tyler, who did? And how far will they go to keep their secrets safe?
⚡My Review⚡
The story starts out with a bang then gets a little slow and boring, but soon moves to a fast paced, nail biting, very intense thrill ride with lots of twist and turns.Each character is really well developed however not all are likeable.Told through alternating chapters of then and now along with a podcast we follow the story of Olivia Hunt and her twin brother Ethan who has spent the past 10 years in prison
where he is serving a sentence for the murder of Tyler Washington the son of the town's Mayor. What really happened that night ? So many had a reason to kill Tyler but who went as far as to actually do it. You will jump from character to character until the very end that will leave you shocked to the core.
Thank you to NetGalley ,the publisher and the author for the chance to read and review a ARC copy of this interesting book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
by A. M. Taylor
350 pages
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Description :
A gripping psychological thriller full of twists and turns! The murderer might be closer than you think…
One morning ten years ago, the town of Twin Rivers changed forever when the body of Tyler Washington was found in the woods. Son of the mayor, star of the high school basketball team – his death struck right at the heart of this tight-knit community. For Olivia Hall, Tyler’s death heralded the start of her own personal nightmare – her twin brother, Ethan, was arrested for Tyler’s murder. Ten years later, Ethan is still in jail. Olivia is convinced he is innocent, and now, a true crime podcast has taken up his case. As the podcast digs deeper, secrets, lies and shocking revelations are all uncovered. For the first time, Olivia dares to hope that Ethan may be set free. But if he didn’t kill Tyler, who did? And how far will they go to keep their secrets safe?
⚡My Review⚡
The story starts out with a bang then gets a little slow and boring, but soon moves to a fast paced, nail biting, very intense thrill ride with lots of twist and turns.Each character is really well developed however not all are likeable.Told through alternating chapters of then and now along with a podcast we follow the story of Olivia Hunt and her twin brother Ethan who has spent the past 10 years in prison
where he is serving a sentence for the murder of Tyler Washington the son of the town's Mayor. What really happened that night ? So many had a reason to kill Tyler but who went as far as to actually do it. You will jump from character to character until the very end that will leave you shocked to the core.
Thank you to NetGalley ,the publisher and the author for the chance to read and review a ARC copy of this interesting book in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. As always if you like the book you read please take the time to leave a review for the author in places like goodreads & Amazon. It does not have to be long. Just a few sentences saying you liked the book will do. Authors really appreciate every review they get !
June 21, 2019
An interesting idea,of which there seems to be a lot of at the moment,investigating past crimes for a show or podcast.
It seemed quite simple the way everything fell into place,key witnesses,the ease of some details being revealed,and the predictability of who did it.
Despite all those negative sounding comments,it was entertaining enough,and one I'd pass on to friends.
It seemed quite simple the way everything fell into place,key witnesses,the ease of some details being revealed,and the predictability of who did it.
Despite all those negative sounding comments,it was entertaining enough,and one I'd pass on to friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2019
This book was predictable and slow to me . I hated the characters and could not really connect with them or get into the story. I didn’t quite care for the podcast thing. While there were some parts that did hold my attention most of the story didn’t, Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest opinion. #netgalley
June 13, 2019
Very simply written style. Didn't like the plot. I felt it was way too predictable and I didn't care for the characters at all.
Read
June 13, 2022Wow, wow, wow!!! I am speechless. A.M. Taylor is my new favorite author. This is the first book I read by this author and it was fantastic. I haven’t read a book this good in a long time.
This book was about a brother and sister bond that could never be broken in the end. Olivia now a lawyer is desperate to get her brother out of jail for a murder he did not commit ten years earlier. She uses a famous podcast team to search for the truth on who killed Tyler Washington. In the end she does finally find some justice for herself and her brother.
I want to start off by saying that I love the way the author uses the past and present to tell the story. It really helps the reader to truly understand what happened in the past and to connect it to the present. I absolutely loved this book. I thought all of it worked so well together. The characters and the plot flowed so well. I couldn’t believe all the twists and turns in this book. It was like a roller coaster ride that I never wanted to get off from. As each chapter went on I couldn’t take it, I needed more and more. I devoured each page like it was the last. Oh boy the ending was a shock as well. I couldn’t believe who really did it and why. There were some clues throughout but I still couldn’t believe it. What a great ending to a great book.
Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This book was about a brother and sister bond that could never be broken in the end. Olivia now a lawyer is desperate to get her brother out of jail for a murder he did not commit ten years earlier. She uses a famous podcast team to search for the truth on who killed Tyler Washington. In the end she does finally find some justice for herself and her brother.
I want to start off by saying that I love the way the author uses the past and present to tell the story. It really helps the reader to truly understand what happened in the past and to connect it to the present. I absolutely loved this book. I thought all of it worked so well together. The characters and the plot flowed so well. I couldn’t believe all the twists and turns in this book. It was like a roller coaster ride that I never wanted to get off from. As each chapter went on I couldn’t take it, I needed more and more. I devoured each page like it was the last. Oh boy the ending was a shock as well. I couldn’t believe who really did it and why. There were some clues throughout but I still couldn’t believe it. What a great ending to a great book.
Between the plot, characters and all the twists in this book it made it an easy and fast read. I would definitely recommend it and happily give it 5 Hearts❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
October 1, 2019
Ten years ago Tyler Washington was found murdered. He was the "golden boy" of the small town of Twin Falls, so of course they wanted justice for his death. They made a quick arrest, tried and convicted Ethan Hall and the town moved on. Olivia Hall however, just knew her brother was innocent and with the help of Kat and Ray who have a popular crime podcast, she just might have the help she needs to prove her brothers innocence.
The story is told in the "then and now" format along with the podcast. It worked really well for this type of of story, it gave the events that happened all those years ago and what the Hall family went through and how the town handled the murder and trial. The podcast parts, were definitely my favorite, the lies and secrets that this little town held were certainly questionable.
I enjoyed the characters, not all were likable but were realistic feeling. Now, I did have a hunch who really did kill Tyler early on, but it was a still great ride to get to the truth of that fateful night that changed so many peoples lives. From the lies to the cover ups, to even the politics that came into play, this turned out to be a really good murder mystery.
The story is told in the "then and now" format along with the podcast. It worked really well for this type of of story, it gave the events that happened all those years ago and what the Hall family went through and how the town handled the murder and trial. The podcast parts, were definitely my favorite, the lies and secrets that this little town held were certainly questionable.
I enjoyed the characters, not all were likable but were realistic feeling. Now, I did have a hunch who really did kill Tyler early on, but it was a still great ride to get to the truth of that fateful night that changed so many peoples lives. From the lies to the cover ups, to even the politics that came into play, this turned out to be a really good murder mystery.
August 11, 2019
Felicity Carrol, a wealthy British heiress, finds herself entangled in the case of Jack the Ripper’s vicious killings in United States after her close friend Scotland Yard Inspector Jackson Davis falls gravely ill and urges her to bring the killer to justice. Despite meeting resistance from the local authorities and constant rejection of her theories, Felicity continues to pursue the case and is determined to find the killer. Felicity’s character is too good to be true, but her independent streak will please readers looking for strong female leads determined to make their ways in a traditional Victorian society. The narrative is smooth and the pace fast. The plot has some inconsistencies, but overall, Marcantonio’s clever twist on Jack the Ripper case is a delight to read. The fans of Victorian mysteries will devour this book in no time.
July 29, 2019
If one is going to write a "whodunit," it seems to me the final resolution should make sense. Not so, for this author. Why in the world would a twin sister let her brother rot in jail for ten years, knowing that she was the killer? It's not as though she was guilty of murder. Her only crime was hitting her rapist with a rock as he was raping her. I get the fact that victim's mom was a powerful person, who would do anything to save her and her son's reputation, but how difficult would it have been for Olivia to tell the truth at the time? She would have had no motive for the crime and one would think there'd be DNA evidence of the attempted rape. Too much of a stretch for me.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2019
I loved this book! It was so addictive and so easy to read that I raced through it! I loved the idea of the storyline and the characters, especially Ethan and Kat were brilliant. I loved the drama....the build up....the twists....and the end! I had been wondering all the way through whether I would be right at the end, and I was but the book leads you everywhere but there! It took no enjoyment out of the book for me, it was still brilliant and I would recommend to all crime and thriller fans. Will be reading more by this author :)
June 16, 2021
(Also released with the title = Innocent or Guilty?)
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I also need a sequel.
Thank you to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley. The galley was called "Innocent or Guilty?"
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I also need a sequel.
Thank you to Harper Impulse and Killer Reads for a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley. The galley was called "Innocent or Guilty?"
August 30, 2019
Good book. It will keep you guessing until the very end. It reminded me of a movie. A man charged and convicted of murder, persistently claiming his innocence while his twin tries to prove same.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2024
See my full review of this title on my blog: Books Under the Blanket (with a flashlight): https://booksundertheblanket.com/clif...
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September 8, 2021
Read Full & Detailed review: https://cynthology.blogspot.com/2021/...
This book was one enjoyable and interesting read. The author turned the trope of the reliable/unreliable narrator on its head.
Olivia’s twin brother, Ethan, was arrested ten years ago for the murder of 18-year-old Tyler Washington, high school star and the son of the town mayor. Ten years ago, all the hip kids, including Olivia, were at a party at the home of Jessica Heng. From there, Tyler walked into the woods surrounding their town, and was never seen again. His body was found the next morning.
Ethan, who was never part of the hip set, is arrested for the murder. Since then he has been serving time, while his parents, elder sister Georgia and twin Olivia believe that he was wrongly convicted and struggle to get him a re-trial.
Ten years later, Olivia, now a lawyer, is contacted by Kat Thomas and Ray McKenzie of true crime podcast, Shadow of a Doubt, who are keen on featuring his case. She is not sure if it is a good idea, even though the cases featured in the last two seasons led to an acquittal and a re-trial. For one, Tyler’s mother is still the town mayor, and Olivia knows the going won’t be easy.
Even as the podcast arouses tumult in her life, forcing Olivia to confront her own secrets and lies, she faces another challenge at work in the shape of the defence of 22-year-old Reid Murphy who has been accused of beating the bigger James Asher into a coma.
Will the firm succeed in defending Reid? And will Olivia be able to prove Ethan’s innocence?
The book is written in the first person PoV of Olivia Hall, and is presented in two alternate timelines, the Then and Now. The Then narrative is written in the present tense while the Now is in past tense. In the present tense, the narrative is interspersed with the transcript of the podcast. The present tense makes us pay more attention to the events of the past.
There is more than a bit of swearing, which always seems unrequired to me. Even if the justification is that it’s how teenagers talk these days.
The book calls out the problems inherent in the legal system. It also reminds us to think of the kids who don’t fit into cliques and the loneliness they face, and about very real problems like bullying and drug use afflicting young people. Olivia also calls out the undue importance that appearances and the right image assume over reality. Power corrupts, as they say, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but in some cases, even the sensation of power can corrupt a person. As readers, we are left to wonder whether Tyler was really as wonderful a person as the town believes.
I liked the style of the writing. There was quite a lot of telling, but the language was so intense, I didn’t mind it. The tension is high as we wait for Ethan to finally be declared an innocent man.
Olivia is impatient, impulsive, acting before thinking but there were many points at which the writing seemed lazy. Surely the story would have been more credible if she had said more than, “It’s not what you think.”
On the other hand, I was impressed with Ethan, the strength of character he needed to possess, given how badly the cards were stacked against him, and the insularity of Twin Rivers. I mourned the loss of ten years of Ethan’s life.
The trope of the podcasts, which inspired the author, have been used remarkably well here. The style of Kat’s narration are rendered different from Olivia’s style.
The phrasing, “was/were sat/stood,” was awkward. In a story otherwise free of the smallest typos, this odd phrasing stood out.
At first it seemed that Reid’s case and Ethan’s might parallel each other ten years apart, and I was bracing myself for that. But in the end, Reid’s case took a backseat to Ethan’s.
But, in the end, there was another parallel that was very fitting to Ethan’s case.
The Killer You Know forces us to confront our lies and betrayals and how they affect lives. The ending was something I’d suspected for nearly two-thirds of the book, but the impact was no less because it was expected.
This book was one enjoyable and interesting read. The author turned the trope of the reliable/unreliable narrator on its head.
Olivia’s twin brother, Ethan, was arrested ten years ago for the murder of 18-year-old Tyler Washington, high school star and the son of the town mayor. Ten years ago, all the hip kids, including Olivia, were at a party at the home of Jessica Heng. From there, Tyler walked into the woods surrounding their town, and was never seen again. His body was found the next morning.
Ethan, who was never part of the hip set, is arrested for the murder. Since then he has been serving time, while his parents, elder sister Georgia and twin Olivia believe that he was wrongly convicted and struggle to get him a re-trial.
Ten years later, Olivia, now a lawyer, is contacted by Kat Thomas and Ray McKenzie of true crime podcast, Shadow of a Doubt, who are keen on featuring his case. She is not sure if it is a good idea, even though the cases featured in the last two seasons led to an acquittal and a re-trial. For one, Tyler’s mother is still the town mayor, and Olivia knows the going won’t be easy.
Even as the podcast arouses tumult in her life, forcing Olivia to confront her own secrets and lies, she faces another challenge at work in the shape of the defence of 22-year-old Reid Murphy who has been accused of beating the bigger James Asher into a coma.
Will the firm succeed in defending Reid? And will Olivia be able to prove Ethan’s innocence?
The book is written in the first person PoV of Olivia Hall, and is presented in two alternate timelines, the Then and Now. The Then narrative is written in the present tense while the Now is in past tense. In the present tense, the narrative is interspersed with the transcript of the podcast. The present tense makes us pay more attention to the events of the past.
There is more than a bit of swearing, which always seems unrequired to me. Even if the justification is that it’s how teenagers talk these days.
The book calls out the problems inherent in the legal system. It also reminds us to think of the kids who don’t fit into cliques and the loneliness they face, and about very real problems like bullying and drug use afflicting young people. Olivia also calls out the undue importance that appearances and the right image assume over reality. Power corrupts, as they say, and absolute power corrupts absolutely, but in some cases, even the sensation of power can corrupt a person. As readers, we are left to wonder whether Tyler was really as wonderful a person as the town believes.
I liked the style of the writing. There was quite a lot of telling, but the language was so intense, I didn’t mind it. The tension is high as we wait for Ethan to finally be declared an innocent man.
Olivia is impatient, impulsive, acting before thinking but there were many points at which the writing seemed lazy. Surely the story would have been more credible if she had said more than, “It’s not what you think.”
On the other hand, I was impressed with Ethan, the strength of character he needed to possess, given how badly the cards were stacked against him, and the insularity of Twin Rivers. I mourned the loss of ten years of Ethan’s life.
The trope of the podcasts, which inspired the author, have been used remarkably well here. The style of Kat’s narration are rendered different from Olivia’s style.
The phrasing, “was/were sat/stood,” was awkward. In a story otherwise free of the smallest typos, this odd phrasing stood out.
At first it seemed that Reid’s case and Ethan’s might parallel each other ten years apart, and I was bracing myself for that. But in the end, Reid’s case took a backseat to Ethan’s.
But, in the end, there was another parallel that was very fitting to Ethan’s case.
The Killer You Know forces us to confront our lies and betrayals and how they affect lives. The ending was something I’d suspected for nearly two-thirds of the book, but the impact was no less because it was expected.
June 23, 2019
Review: The Killer You Know by A.M. Taylor
The Killer You Know centres on Olivia Hall's attempts to exonerate her brother Ethan. He's spent the last ten years in jail for the murder of their classmate Tyler Washington. Tyler was the mayor's son, about to go to college on a sport's scholarship and naturally one of the most popular kids in their school. Olivia's friend Daniel suggests that Olivia have Ethan's story investigated by one of the hottest crime podcasts. If anyone can find out the truth, they can.
The story progresses through two narratives. In the present day we move forward towards the conclusion of the podcast season, while in the past we hurtle backwards from Ethan's trial to the night of the murder. Olivia's experiences are brought to life, especially as the 'past' is in present tense. We're there with her as she watches her brother go to jail for something he didn't do. Her pain feels very real.
As well as the interesting narrative structure, Taylor has created a sense of duality through the three pairs of siblings caught up in the case. There's Ethan and Olivia, Morgan and Tyler and orbiting further away are sisters Reid and Spencer. The contrast between the experiences of siblings is a key theme in the novel. Morgan is pregnant with her first child, Tyler died in the woods as little more than a child.
Most importantly though, Olivia and Ethan are both likeable protagonists. Olivia's attempts to save her brother are admirable and watching her interact with podcasters Kat and Ray her care for Ethan is evident. Seeing the inner workings of how a true crime podcast might come together was fascinating for me, as someone who has yet to watch podcasts at all. After this novel I might have to give one a go!
The story itself is also very topical, reflecting on issues that are at the forefront of public consciousness in 2019. This did, however, make the ending very predictable from the opening chapters. I would have liked the novel to continue for a few more pages to give a slightly more satisfying conclusion though.
The Killer You Know is not so much a who-dunnit but a refreshing twist on the usual story progression of crime novels. Innocence and guilt aren't the key themes here.
What matters to Olivia and the reader is freeing Ethan and discovering the truth behind that night - what kind of person was Tyler Washington? How about his friends?
I'd recommend this novel to anyone looking for something a little different from your usual crime novel. The Killer You Know's youthful protagonists and podcast creation focus made it a novel I loved.
Coming 12th July from Harper Impulse and Killer Reads!
I was provided with a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, thank you to them and the publishers for the opportunity to read this thrilling tale.
The Killer You Know centres on Olivia Hall's attempts to exonerate her brother Ethan. He's spent the last ten years in jail for the murder of their classmate Tyler Washington. Tyler was the mayor's son, about to go to college on a sport's scholarship and naturally one of the most popular kids in their school. Olivia's friend Daniel suggests that Olivia have Ethan's story investigated by one of the hottest crime podcasts. If anyone can find out the truth, they can.
The story progresses through two narratives. In the present day we move forward towards the conclusion of the podcast season, while in the past we hurtle backwards from Ethan's trial to the night of the murder. Olivia's experiences are brought to life, especially as the 'past' is in present tense. We're there with her as she watches her brother go to jail for something he didn't do. Her pain feels very real.
As well as the interesting narrative structure, Taylor has created a sense of duality through the three pairs of siblings caught up in the case. There's Ethan and Olivia, Morgan and Tyler and orbiting further away are sisters Reid and Spencer. The contrast between the experiences of siblings is a key theme in the novel. Morgan is pregnant with her first child, Tyler died in the woods as little more than a child.
Most importantly though, Olivia and Ethan are both likeable protagonists. Olivia's attempts to save her brother are admirable and watching her interact with podcasters Kat and Ray her care for Ethan is evident. Seeing the inner workings of how a true crime podcast might come together was fascinating for me, as someone who has yet to watch podcasts at all. After this novel I might have to give one a go!
The story itself is also very topical, reflecting on issues that are at the forefront of public consciousness in 2019. This did, however, make the ending very predictable from the opening chapters. I would have liked the novel to continue for a few more pages to give a slightly more satisfying conclusion though.
The Killer You Know is not so much a who-dunnit but a refreshing twist on the usual story progression of crime novels. Innocence and guilt aren't the key themes here.
What matters to Olivia and the reader is freeing Ethan and discovering the truth behind that night - what kind of person was Tyler Washington? How about his friends?
I'd recommend this novel to anyone looking for something a little different from your usual crime novel. The Killer You Know's youthful protagonists and podcast creation focus made it a novel I loved.
Coming 12th July from Harper Impulse and Killer Reads!
I was provided with a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, thank you to them and the publishers for the opportunity to read this thrilling tale.
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