I Know You Did It

There are some authors whose books I will always buy because I just know they're going to be good. Sue Wallman writes Young Adult thrillers and is one of those rare writers who get better and better with each book. Her characters are complex and believable and her plots are immaculately constructed and as twisty and surprising as anything by James Patterson and his like. I Know You Did It is the latest and I have devoured it in two sittings. It is a fiendishly clever plot that builds to a very satisfying conclusion which managed to wrong-foot me several times. Sue's books are absolute proof that there are wonderful authors of young adult fiction whose work deserves to be read by everyone. Forget labels. These are cracking thrillers and this is the best yet.

Sue Wallman writes so skilfully, constructing convincing twisty plots with complex characters you want to root for, and this book is no exception. I found Ruby’s situation and emotional world believable and compelling, along with the school setting and the characters around her. I’m often impressed at how YA thriller authors tread that line between darkness and hope, between a page-turning plot and emotional truth, and the author does a brilliant job here with real depth alongside some expert misdirection. I highly recommend this read and look forward to more of these great YA thrillers.

I've read all Sue's books and this is the best yet. Brilliantly twisting plot, completely convincing characters and setting. I romped through this in two sittings. A great page turner, highly recommended. Can't wait for her next book.

I’m open minded when it comes to fiction so have no issue reading fiction based on teens. The description interested me enough to order it. I love crime fiction and a well written description will get me interested every time. I didn’t expect it to be so well written and impossible to put down though. Impressive writing, it’s rare to find a backstory and plot interwoven so concisely so it doesn’t need to be ultra long. There was no wasted character mentions, everyone had some relevance to the story playing out. What impressed me most is the author is brave enough to use honest thought processes rather than what people think they should feel or say. Ruby caused the death of another child when she was 4 by pushing her. She has dealt with the consequences of that throughout her young life but remembers the child as she saw her at the time - spoilt and mean and not sorry she pushed her for her behaviour. Obviously, she’s sorry the child fell down the slide and died as a result but she’s been treated badly by people since, including her own grandmother who thinks 4 is old enough to know what you’re doing. It means Ruby has more honest resentment attached to the tragedy and Sue Walkman did an excellent job writing honest thoughts.Ruby has moved to a new school in her last year of GCSE’s, she doesn’t like the move but she’d suffered for years at the old school after the tragedy. Unfortunately, it quickly becomes apparent someone knows what happened and it’s not long before the rumours are out of control and bullies have their sights set on her. She never lost her spirited nature so she stands her ground and fights back, which doesn’t help with the rumours. It gets more complicated when she’s approached by a girl in the year below who turns out to be the twin sister of the child that died. Then 2 of the bullies are murdered and she’s the prime suspect. There’s a sub plot to do with the school newspaper that’s raising money for a homeless man that was attacked whilst investigating the attack. It was all well plotted and it all has some relevance.Sue Wallman is a very clever writer, I’ve already purchased a Kindle edition of one of her other books- See How They Lie. She’s classed as a young adult writer but it’s irrelevant to me, her writing is page turning.

I received an advanced copy from the publishers in return for a honest review.*PLEASE NOTE - THIS REVIEW CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS*What a great read.Plot synopsis:Ruby who has just moved into a new home and is starting a new school (in the middle of her GCSE year). Everything seems to be going fine on her first day that is until a note is found stuck to her locker saying 'I know you did it'.We then discover that when Ruby was 4 is accidently killed other toddler at a playground (and she has lived with the guilt since) however it seems that someone at the school has learned about Ruby past.Like any school Ruby is the the centre of attention with rumours going around the school (through the school social media and the school newspaper who find it more interesting then an appeal for a homeless man who was attacked which they are covering).Ruby quickly becomes the victim of the school bullies. However Ruby is a strong character can defend herself well however inside everything is becoming too much.Ruby then retreats to the music room out lunch/break to get away from everything, there she meets flute playing Euan who supports her.However when when a girl from a younger year approaches Ruby as she has a connection with her past things take an unexpected turn.However things then go from bad to worse when the school bullies start to get murdered with Ruby being the prime subject as she is at the crime scenes just before the murders take place and has motive (to get back at them).It appears Ruby is being framed. But why and for what purpose?With her Euan support and help from the school newspaper who are reporting the crimes can Ruby find out who really did it before the real killer strikes again.Verdict:This is a real page turner which will keep you grip right to the very end when everything is relived. I was fully onboard with Ruby and you will rooting for her throughout.I will be looking into reading other books by the author (Sue Wallman).Suitable for 13yrs+ (Young Adult)Would recommend