I thought the premise of this book was original, and I haven’t read anything similar to it in terms of plot lines. There is a thriller writers convention called Murderpalooza, and bad things begin to happen that makes a group of authors question everything they know about each other. I enjoyed this book! 3/5 stars.

One-sentence summary:
An author is murdered at a thriller writers conference in NYC and four attendees who are connected to the victim start getting texts from a burner phone letting them know that they might be next, forcing them to find the killer before they are next.

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I absolutely loved the humor and over-the-topness of this one! It’s a must-read for anyone who loves mysteries and thrillers.

This is told in first-person from alternating POVs, and it’s a great send up and satire of the crazy politics and dynamics that happen within the writing, publishing and PR game. There’s some great humor in the book that anyone can appreciate, but especially those who write, read or work in the realm of mysteries and thrillers. It’s very meta in that it mentions all of the genre’s tropes around twists, who might be guilty and how mysteries are constructed by authors.

While the stakes are very high for the main characters, the humor and feeling of a close-knit writing community brings a lightness and tone that is almost a bit more cozy mystery rather than heavy thriller, yet many of the characters are deliciously terrible and the pacing is fast and furious.

This is fantastic and fun beach read for anyone and a must-read for anyone who writes, reads or loves mysteries and thrillers!

Thank you Penzler Publishers and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for the ARC!

A writer named Kristin Bailey has been murdered at Murderpalooza, a thriller writers conference. Four other rival authors are targeted by an anonymous social media account. At first they bond in order to find out who the killer is, but soon they all start accusing one another after secrets are revealed which give each one a motive for murder.
This book was both funny and thrilling, and I definitely enjoyed it. I've read other books by this author and this one is definitely a top favorite now. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.

3.5⭐

Murderpalooza- the annual conference for thriller writers, being held in New York, is about to become the scene of a real murder mystery. Attended by publishers, writers (established and aspiring), and editors and of course, it draws a large crowd for panel discussions, book purchases and of course the coveted M-TOTY (Murderpalooza Thriller of the Year) award. One of the nominees and a crowd favorite is famed author Kristin Bailey. However, when Kristin is discovered stabbed to death in her hotel room, all fingers point to the culprit being someone from inside the hotel – staff, guests, and attendees of the conference. Who killed Kristin and why?

Four of the attendees begin receiving cryptic text messages, indicating that each of them could be connected to what happened to Kristin and they might be the next victim. Soon after an anonymous Twitter account, begins to post tweets directing attention (and suspicion) toward each of these four individuals – the immensely successful Davis Walton who is minting money from his debut novel but who has a few disturbing secrets he is desperate to hide- secrets that Kristin might have been aware of and Vicky Overton a relatively new author whose first novel was moderately successful but is unable to find a publisher willing to take up her next novel, who represented by the same agent as Kristin. Nominated for the same reward, they were each other’s completion but her trouble with Kristin is more of a personal nature than professional; Mike Brooks, a once bestselling author whose recent books haven’t done so well but who is expecting to taste success once again with his new book written with a yet-to-be-revealed co-author; and Suzanne Shih, a yet-to-be-published author who was a fan (of stalker proportions) of Kristin against who Kristin had taken legal action.
Despite the efforts of the hotel staff and the organizers, news of the murder spreads fast and takes the Internet by storm. Social media is rife with speculation about who the murderer might be. As the narrative progresses, we follow these four attendees as they try to get to the bottom of what happened, each suspicious of the others and trying to establish their own innocence.

A thrilling premise, a unique setting, a cast of equally unlikable characters (though I could somewhat sympathize with one, maybe two of them) and an ending that I did not see coming - then why didn’t I enjoy this one more than I had hoped?

Multiple PoVs (read multiple unreliable narrators) and short chapters made for an interesting read. Besides being a suspenseful whodunit, I Didn't Do It by Jamie Lynn Hendricks gives us a glimpse into the cutthroat world of publishing – professional rivalry, success and failure, stellar debuts and fading stars – the politics and the dynamics behind it all. I don’t know whether the author was attempting a satirical take on the world of publishing in this genre but a few of the characters appeared like caricatures, with the self-published romance writers being ridiculed for the sake of fun. I will admit that overall it is a fun read but I did find it to be repetitive and a tad contrived toward the end. While I did enjoy the suspense and did not predict the ending (which is always a good thing), I’m not completely sold on the final reveal. Yes, it surprised me but it wasn’t satisfying. On-screen this would have been a shocking and satisfying ending but on the written page, the final reveal fell flat for me. (The ending after the final reveal was a shocker though!)

While I didn’t dislike this novel, I wasn’t quite as taken with it as other readers. But I am an outlier and I would request you to read other reviews before you decide on reading this book.
Many thanks to Penzler Publishers and NetGalley for the digital review copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Expected Date of Publication: May 23, 2023

This is a fast paced popcorn thriller for sure, almost had a ‘cozy mystery’ feel to it. Set at a thriller writer’s conference, the Murderpalooza is the perfect place for four writers to find themselves not only trying to solve a real and shocking murder but they also need to dodge the murderer who might be after one or all of them next! Thank you Netgalley, Penzler’s Publishers, and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book will be available for purchase on May 23, 2023

I was had at Murderpalooza but what kept me was the characters! A mystery/thriller writers convention that has a mysterious murder and the characters are sketch! Everyone has a secret but who has the real motive!

What a fun mystery this is and not going to lie, any book about books, especially my favorite genre, mystery/thrillers, has got my attention!

The fast pace along with the multiple POV keep this story hopping, and the twists are the chef’s kiss. I love Jaime’s writing and I Didn’t Do It just solidifies her ranking in my top favorites!

This was SOOOO twisty and suspenseful! I’ve not read a book quite like it. The entire time, you’re trying to figure out who is targeting the authors at the Murderpalooza conference. Along the way, you get to know authors of varying fame and morals. It was quite a ride! And then you get to the ending….. WOW!

This book is just so much fun! During a Murderpalozza one of the top authors is murder and then chaos ensues! I really enjoyed following the authors as they try to avoid the killer but also find out who it is. These authors are all so different and getting their inside thoughts, who they really under their public imagine was wild. Its so much fun to try to sift through the layers of mystery and who has the most motive. The twists were some of my favorite parts, they got me. I love when you don't guess it all!

Thank you to Thriller Book Promotions, Scarlet. and Netgalley for my copy review.

OMG!!!! This was the best thriller I have read in a long time!!! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!!! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!!! Clear your schedule you will not be able to put this one down!!! This book is scheduled for release on May 23, 2023 Thank you Netgalley and Penzler Publishers for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This thriller was a super fun story about writers and a thriller convention. While I did see the final reveal coming I still enjoyed the entire ride. The four main characters who come together to tell this story are all at the thriller convention for different reasons. Vicky is up for the grand award and is hoping to win and get her agent to spend more attention on her. Davis is already a hit after his first novel that isn’t even published yet is optioned for a movie. Mike is hoping to get some more buzz since his last few books haven’t been as big as first few. Susanne is hoping to make it big and be a famous author. But all of their goals get slightly forgotten when another author Kristin is found murdered in the hotel and one particular twitter account is focused on the other four pushing them to reveal and figure out what the other three are hiding.

From my blog: Always With a Book

Somehow this is my first time reading anything by Jaime Lynn Hendricks and I definitely need to fix that pronto! I’ve seen her other books and have been quite intrigued by them and now they are going on my must-read list. Her writing is just so deliciously clever and fun!

Having been to a few book conventions myself and been involved in the book world for a while now, I really had fun reading this one. I loved the premise of it and was immediately pulled in. I definitely got some Knives Out vibes, which I totally loved. The characters are so richly drawn and I could totally visualize them as I was reading. I had my theories as to where this one was headed, yet the twists and turns it took really kept me on edge the entire way through. While I did happen to predict one of the twists, on a wild guess, it in no way detracted from my enjoyment because I had no way of knowing how it was going to all play out and believe me when I say I did not see the rest of it all coming together. And I was totally shocked! It was so well played and I loved every minute of it.

This is such a fast-paced, witty story and so layered. I loved having the multiple points of view, giving us access to each character. This is one of those books that once you start reading it, you are not going to want to put it down! It’s that addicting and entertaining!

I’m so glad I finally read my first Jaime Lynn Hendricks book. Now the question is, which one do I read next?

Man! I flew through this one! We have authors at a writer’s conference, some up for an award. Then one of the nominees are murdered. Someone on twitter starts tweeting about the murder and possible suspects— other authors. This group bands together to try to stay safe and figure out what is going on, because one of them could be next.

I loved the tweets and texts at the end of many of the chapters. There were so many red herrings throughout. This is a top notch thriller! Although I did guess the main twist about 70% in, I still loved this book and was turning pages like crazy to see if I was right! I loved Jaime’s last book, and I loved this one, too! The short chapters….the multiple povs….this book is going to be a hit!

Murderpalooza is the premier annual event for authors of thrillers, and this year is no exception. Five illustrious authors are up for the M-TOTY, the event’s top prize for thriller author of the year, and there is much excitement in the air at the conference. One of the nominees, Kristen Bailey, is found deceased in her room after having been stabbed by an unknown assailant. Four of her fellow writers/rivals are also targeted by an anonymous person on social media, and each one wonders if he/she is next. At first, they try to cooperate with each other to find who is behind the account; but as the anonymous author taunts them with accusations, they discover that each of them has a secret that binds them to Kristin and would have a reason to want her out of the Murderpalooza picture. Davis Walton, ego-driven and conceited, is an author with many prospects, including a movie deal. Vicky Overton, who is considered to be a midlister, is an author whose writing is strong, but not a bestseller. Mike Brooks is the has-been, an author who had his days in the sun and is trying to make a big comeback. Suzanne Shih is the newbie author, a talented writer who has metal health issues, including stalking her favorite author to try to force her be “friends.” Soon, the four authors turn on each other, each accusing another of being the one who left Kristin dead in her hotel room. The anonymous social media account promises a “big reveal” at the awards ceremony, each author has the uneasy feeling they will be next. But then again, who better to solve a murder mystery than a room full of thriller writers?

“I Didn’t Do It” is a brilliant take behind the scenes of thriller writing. The plot and climax are completely absorbing, fast-paced, and exciting; the twists and reveal are stunning! The reader can’t help but consume the pages as quickly as possible to find the person behind the murder of Kristen Bailey, who by all accounts was beloved, and the identity of @MPaloozaNxt2Die, the anonymous author of the threatening social media posts. The scene behind the scenes of the convention is beautifully, skillfully set, and the characters are well-rounded and masterfully created, with their flaws and secrets revealed in time. It is a very telling statement on the misuse of social media, how perception and rumors instantly become facts to those who read them, and how those misconceptions color your future impressions of those falsely portrayed. It also proves how easily one can bully or threaten groups or individuals anonymously while cowardly hiding behind a made-up identity. There is a true mind-blowing climax, and the ending is a bonus to top it all off. I could not have loved this book more! This is my first book by Jaime Lynn Hendricks, and I’m pleased to say I noticed she has written many more into which I look forward to sinking my teeth, hopefully in the near future!

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Jaime Lynn Hendricks, and Scarlet, an imprint of Penzler Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

I do not give out 5 stars to books often, but this one deserves it! I have not read a thriller this good in a LONG time. I don’t even know where to begin with all the things that are fantastic about this book. Hendricks writes a brilliant, easy to read, and engrossing book. This is written from multiple points of view, so the reader really gets to know what is inside each of the characters’ heads. I really enjoyed the plot line. There are other books where writers die, but they are usually in a retreat out in the wood somewhere. This took place in a hotel where a conference was being held. I tried too hard to figure out who the murderer was. I took notes, made my predictions but Hendricks tricked me! My jaw dropped and hit the floor when I read the twist.

Oh. Em. Gee. @jaimelynnhendricksauthor is officially the Queen of Twists and Turns and will now be my go to.. what do those kids call it?.. oh yes “auto-buy author!!!” Her brand new thriller I Didn’t Do It is out May 23rd and it’s full of surprises you won’t see coming! It’s set at a Thriller Writer convention in NYC.. one of their peers in MURDERED and 4 of them receive and an anonymous text and are being targeted by an anonymous Twitter user who seems to know their every move and darkest secrets! This is my third novel by this author and I’ve loved Every. Single. One. Congrats this one is another hit! #IDidntDoIt #fivestarreads #bookrecommendations #bookrec #thrillerwriter #thrillerbooks #murderpalooza #bookstagram

This was such a cool book…especially if you are a die hard thriller reader! MurderPalooza is the event of the year for thriller authors all vying for the M-MOTY award. The first day of conference one of their own is murdered and the whodunnit begins.
The book is told from four authors perspectives, as they are notified they could be next on Twitter.

This book had so much humor in it, as it included a variety of puns and metaphors. The twist was expected but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the book.

Set at a Murderpalooza, the biggest thriller book conference where authors get nominated for book of the year. All the famous authors are their mingling and getting ready for the big event when it’s announced that an author, Kristen Bailey has been murdered at Murderpalooza.

Told from alternating perspectives from multiple main authors characters the race is on the get to the bottom of what’s going on. As Kristen’s body is being removed from the hotel the other authors, Davis, Mike, Vicky and Suzanne realize they are linked somehow to Kristen’s death. The killer has set up a Twitter account that is only following those 4 authors and is manipulating their actions via Twitter threats. At the end of the day Mike, Davis, Suzanne and Vicky aren’t sure who they can trust and how they are true tied to this ghastly deed.

I really enjoyed the quick short chapters told from the different authors perspectives. I always enjoy books like this as it keeps me wanting to read “just one more chapter” before I can put it down. This book definitely seemed more of a “fun” or “light” thriller for me which I think technically is more of a popcorn thriller. I wasn’t too invested in any of the characters because they were all pretty one dimensional and unlikeable which I think worked well for this book. I didn’t have the end worked out and thought the overall idea although was unrealistic was creative and unique. I can’t wait to see what Jaime comes up with next!

4.5/5
At a thriller writer’s convention, one author winds up murdered, and four others receive a mysterious text saying they could be next. I found this one so good! It was full of suspense and lots of good twists. Plus, it takes place over the course of one day, so it is pretty fast paced. I’d definitely recommend for those who love both mystery and thrillers. It combines both in a great way!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you Penzler Publishers, Scarlet Jamie Lynn Hendricks and Netgalley for the advance reading copy of I DIDN'T DO IT.
I loved the premise of this book. Muderpalooza thriller book authors conference. Famous author Kristen Bailey, one of 5 authors up for the coveted M-TOTY award, is murdered in her hotel room. Four authors attending the conference are all connected to Kristen in some way. As the day and the investigation unravels, they band together to solve the murder. Then, they turn on each other. Full of secrets, lies, and deception, this book takes so many twists and turns!
I saw one twist coming very early on, but was still surprised by the ending. I would highly recommend this book! 4 out of 5 ⭐️

At first, i worried this was too similar to It Could Be Anyone (also by Jaime Lynn Hendricks), with the murder and narrative perspectives from possible suspects… but JLH managed to make this completely different.

This fast-paced whodunit thriller kept me guessing (and turning pages!!)

We start with author friends gathering at a thriller convention called Murderpalooza, and author Kristen is up for the big award of the year… and is subsequently found stabbed in her room the next morning.

The story is told from the perspective of our other main characters (and our narrators): golden boy Davis, award nominee Vicky, has-been Mike, and newbie Suzanne (who earns herself the nickname of Stalkanne, which i loved 😂) Each of them has motive, and each of them receives a threatening text. I love the integration of Twitter in this - it made it fresh, and it’s absolutely believable that the twitter mob would point fingers without any proof.

I will say I did guess the first big twist, and had a feeling Davis had some secrets. The ending was delightfully done, and I’ll read anything JLH writes 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

Nothing is what it seems in this wild ride!! I highly, highly recommend.