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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Grief, Car accident, Murder, Pandemic/Epidemic
tense
medium-paced
too jumpy with 111 sections all over the place
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A new author to me and what a cracking domestic thriller to get me started! The story initially centres around teacher and new mum Susan who sends a WhatsApp to the neighbourhood group chat when it was meant for her sisters. Unfortunately the message was less than complimentary towards a well known family on the chat and although Susan quickly deletes it, the damage is done and the Butterfly Effect begins, especially when someone is murdered in what appears to be a case of mistaken identity! That's the first couple of chapters covered and thereafter we are treated to multiple characters, multi-layered and multiple storylines and lots of secrets, lies and revenge, all linked to that unfortunate WhatsApp! No character really comes out of the story unscathed and there are plenty of them to dislike on various levels as the twists and turns come along at the relentless pace and with the reader often as much in the dark as the characters but on occasions, also slightly ahead! Lots to take in, lots going on and lots to reflect on but all told, a great read about ordinary people and ordinary lives being turned upside down.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
rating: 3.75 stars
setting: Ireland, summer☀️
genre: thriller, literary suspense
pacing: fast-paced w/short chapters
writing: easy to read
It Should Have Been You was a very highly anticipated read for me. I knew as soon as I got to London I'd be buying and reading it immediately. It'll be released in the U.S. in January 2026. I really liked this book, but I don't think it lived up to the massive hype.
This book follows Susan, a new mom, who accidentally sends a scathing, vicious message in her neighborhoods group chat. Before she knows it, the message spreads like wild fire. When three people end up murdered, and they're all linked to Susan and quite possibly her message, Susan begins to spiral. Susan also receives threats on her life, and she panics about protecting herself and mostly her newborn.
This neighborhood has some juicy, scandalous, and dark secrets, and they're all about to be revealed prompted by Susan's message.
I had fun reading this and hearing multiple characters' points of view. The revelations were, in fact, juicy and jaw-dropping. Most of the chapters are super short, and it's very easy to read. A few things that happened were entirely ridiculous, but it was still a good read. I just wish I loved it more than I did. I still do recommend, though!
setting: Ireland, summer☀️
genre: thriller, literary suspense
pacing: fast-paced w/short chapters
writing: easy to read
It Should Have Been You was a very highly anticipated read for me. I knew as soon as I got to London I'd be buying and reading it immediately. It'll be released in the U.S. in January 2026. I really liked this book, but I don't think it lived up to the massive hype.
This book follows Susan, a new mom, who accidentally sends a scathing, vicious message in her neighborhoods group chat. Before she knows it, the message spreads like wild fire. When three people end up murdered, and they're all linked to Susan and quite possibly her message, Susan begins to spiral. Susan also receives threats on her life, and she panics about protecting herself and mostly her newborn.
This neighborhood has some juicy, scandalous, and dark secrets, and they're all about to be revealed prompted by Susan's message.
I had fun reading this and hearing multiple characters' points of view. The revelations were, in fact, juicy and jaw-dropping. Most of the chapters are super short, and it's very easy to read. A few things that happened were entirely ridiculous, but it was still a good read. I just wish I loved it more than I did. I still do recommend, though!
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a domestic thriller through and through.
Although it kept me entertained and I loved the opening to this, I found the main character irritable at times and there were a few *ehem* plot holes.
Additionally, some of the decisions these characters make are questionable and you do begin to wonder "This.... all over a WhatsApp message to a neighbourhood group chat....".
However, if you want an easy, twisty read and your able to suspends disbelief this is your read :D
Andrea Mara never misses—and It Should Have Been You proves just how versatile her thrillers can be. This one opens with a scenario that feels almost comical, then immediately slams you with an all-too-relatable sense of dread. It’s lighter in tone than her usual parenting-centered nightmares, but no less addictive.
The narrative shifts felt slightly fragmented in the middle, but it pulled itself together beautifully in the final third. I flew through the last chapters like I was binge-watching a favourite TV series. The twists are clever, the tension well-paced, and while some moments felt heightened or even far-fetched, they always landed thanks to the emotional undertow.
If you like your thrillers fast, smart, and full of tangled secrets—this one's a must.
The narrative shifts felt slightly fragmented in the middle, but it pulled itself together beautifully in the final third. I flew through the last chapters like I was binge-watching a favourite TV series. The twists are clever, the tension well-paced, and while some moments felt heightened or even far-fetched, they always landed thanks to the emotional undertow.
If you like your thrillers fast, smart, and full of tangled secrets—this one's a must.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No