MIXED BAG FOR ME

A NY Times bestseller has Petal Woznewski’s name all over it—literally. Appearing in both the dedication and the blurb, Petal wants to know why. But a sinking feeling tells her she already knows. For thirty years, a deep dark secret has remained buried in her psyche, and she’d like it to stay that way. But the book threatens to expose the ugly truth to the world unless SHE can find a way to stop it.

The solid plot of I KNOW WHAT YOU DID by Cayce Osborne had my hopes up, but, unfortunately, it didn’t deliver. The main problem was that the book seemed to be written by committee and that’s never a good thing. What happens is that when the author tweaks one thing, there’s a facet at the reciprocal end that remains as is causing discrepancies. And the book is rife with these continuity discrepancies. The other part of the problem is that the author chose to mix a moody psychological thriller with humor. It’s a fine line that one must tread, and means respecting the noir vibe running throughout the pages, but the humor used doesn’t. Instead it often dilutes the story into being cartoonish and silly. One example would be the peculiar choice of ending a segment where the protagonist is frantically trying to find a classmate she hopes will be able to shine light on the situation with the word “burp.” It’s totally inappropriate and pulled my head out of the story and wondering how that got by the editor … or the author. But there were other problems that also did the same thing … and I will try not to give spoilers.

1) In the very first chapter, after the protagonist learns about this mysterious book during a gynecological exam (hated that intro by the way), the very next of chapter 1 begins with the narrative explaining that the Pap was clear and that Petal got the results by email a couple of days later. So we rightly assume that the timeframe is … two days after the appointment as is stated. We especially think that because there are SIX paragraphs that confirm the assumption in not contradicting this statement. But, no, in the seventh paragraph, the author creates confusion by tossing in that it’s now ‘the Monday’ after her appointment … huh? Am I supposed to know how many days that makes it? This is a bad way to advance a book. It’s clumsy and sloppy but the hits keep on coming. 2) In the twelfth paragraph following the above (still in the first chapter), it states that the protagonist knows the book is about to expose her deepest darkest secret to the world. And in Chapter 2, she double downs on that statement in saying it’s life changing. But a couple of paragraphs later, she begins reading the actual book and is surprised that … the book is about her secret? Why? She said herself she intuitively knew what would be contained and that it would be life-changing. There’s no reason given for the explosive reaction … and that’s the point. We’re left to guess. I mean, who knows? Perhaps having the intuitive sense become a reality was the problem, but it’s up to the author to explain that to us. 3) Still in the first chapter, there’s the part where she visits Gus, the guy she’s been seeing. What happens in that scene is just ridiculous, impossible, and turns the psychological thriller into one involving paranormal because the series of events that he explains could never have happened. Never. Not unless someone deliberately left “the package” and were following Petal around NYC which they were not. But the thing is that there was no need to put this paranormal element where the book has magic powers and the universe is conspiring against her in the story. In fact, the entirely of chapter 1 should have been trashed and rewritten.

There are many so more instances I could give. Like not recognizing the identity of someone even though there are clues left like a phone number … and a city derived from the area code. Petal still calls it a hunch that this unnamed character ran her mouth when the character admitted she had. Therefore, it’s not a hunch. Then there’s the leaving out of why her parents died … and what happened to their money … and the author having Petal ending up blaming rich people? Let’s see, Petal used to be rich … her parents were rich and all of them never committed crimes. Her aunt was no pauper. And Petal’s friend who she’s still mourning was also rich … as was this friend’s parents … and they weren’t serial killing sociopaths so the stereotyping was unnecessary. Oh, and the climactic ending? Yeah, it continued in this haphazard way. That scene was so long and protracted and repetitive. I was begging for it to stop. Especially when Petal had the advantage in the position she took. It’s why castles were built on hills, but the author seemed to not acknowledge this. And after all the bloodshed and violence, it ended with Petal stopping someone from using a cliché, but then using one of her own and topping it with a … yes, a joke! Someone she loves is being put in an ambulance and there she is again … cracking inappropriate jokes. I’ll stop there.

I’m ending up giving I KNOW WHAT YOU DID three stars. Why? Because I would read other works by Cayce Osborne. The premise of this one is good … the character of Petal one that could have been really interesting … and the core of the storyline one that should have worked. More importantly, there is a section in this book … from around chapter five until maybe eight … where the author hunkers down and writes so I know Ms. Osborne can write. I just think she needs to be more authoritative and confident in what she’s doing. Then there’s her managing to stay in the lane of the story she’s writing. That includes cutting down repetitive thoughts. Yes, authors have the propensity to be creative. It means that they can come up with a lot of ways to explain the same thing, but not all the explanations should be included. So pick one and put that one down and the reader will get it. And that one that is included will trigger the reader to think up their own different perspectives. That’s what happens in a really great book. The reader is inspired to explore these other options. So I look forward to more of Ms. Osborne’s writing and look forward to seeing how she develops.

It all started with the gynaecologist. The one who told Petal about the book he was reading that has a character with Petal’s full name - Petal Woznewski. It’s not exactly a common name. The books dedication: “I know what you did, Petal Woznewski. And now everyone else will too.” She knows the past and the secrets she’s been running from for so long have finally caught up with her. Who is doing this? What do they want? Could she be in danger?

I really enjoyed this! It caught my attention from the beginning. There was a lot of subtle humour in this and I loved it. That was definitely a highlight for me. As for the storyline, I loved that too. Especially later on as the suspense and sense of danger increases but the entire plot is so clever and engaging. I also really liked the book within a book aspect. Overall, I enjoyed this a lot and finished reading it in less than a day because it was a real page turner!

(4.5 stars rounded up to 5)

This thriller was incredibly fun and was able to pull the wool over my eyes a few times.

I never thought I would like a book where the main character doesn't read and loves Michael Bay movies, but here we are.

I didn't feel too much for any of the characters but I stayed glued to the pages to find out the mystery at the end.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for the e-arc.

The premise of this book intrigued me from the start and I can honestly say that this book did not disappoint. The writing is fantastic, the plot is engaging, and there were enough red herrings that the twists were actually quite surprising— even for an experienced thriller reader! While the plot became a little repetitive at times, and the ending wrapped up a little too neatly (in my opinion), I would definitely recommend giving this book a read.

3.8 rounded down to four stars!

It's been a few months since I've picked up a book that compelled me to keep reading to the point of finishing it in a day. This was that book that broke the drought.

Petal (Petta) starts out in the first few pages as slightly over the top - one of those people who you grit your teeth dealing with. But as the story unfolds, all is forgiven since she's got a very good reason to keep people at arm's length and to be as, well, neurotic, as she is.

This was extremely well written, a great thriller, lacking a lot of eye rolling overly obvious clues that I have seen in the past with books of this genre. Highly recommended, even if thrillers aren't your normal genre preference.

And we know what happened after all! I was thinking about horror thriller while I was reading this short book.

The writing is medium paced. I mention this as it helps a lot when it comes to reading thrillers. So you can expect this and take your time.

The book talks about a new bestselling thriller book in which the story is about a death that happened years ago and it happens to target a particular woman whose real name is being mentioned in the story. Hell breaks lose for her and she has to find out about the mysterious author, get answers and do her best the darkest secret that was kept hidden all this time.
Things turn out not as expected and we have to know what really happened!

I would say the plot, the writing, the character development and the pace all match making it a fun thrilling read. The twist is maintained until it is most required to let known and I absolutely appreciate this.

The book is coming out on 18th July next year!
You will enjoy it.

Thank you, Crooked Lane Books, for the advance reading copy.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Intrigue and mystery…suspense…family and friends…love and romance…trying to discern the ending is difficult…too many red herrings…the characters come alive on the pages. Enjoy