If you are a horror reader, you might already know that C. G. Drews has their adult horror debut recently with You Did Nothing Wrong and if you know me at all, you already knew to anticipate this post. Unfortunately, it took me about 4 days too long to finish reading this book because it was too creepy (in a good way) and that’s why the review is a little late. Bear with me as I attempt to explain the whole emotional spectrum of the experience of reading this book.
Drews has been getting flack online for writing about a straight couple for their adult debut. I had not really considered that before I came across the author’s post addressing it. They said there must be a reason why they did that after Don’t Let the Forest In and Hazelthorn — both queer botanical YA horrors. This single post skyrocketed my expectations for the book and I had faith in the author. They did not disappoint.
As with all C. G. Drews book, telling you the little bit to get you interested in the book always seems like giving away too much and this feeling is intensified for You Did Nothing Wrong book review. I pride myself in seeing the twists coming from miles away and I was super off when it came to this book. Without taking away the shock of surprise, I will give you the basic premise of the novel to try and get you to pick up this book. If you’re wondering why I am so invested, it is because Drews got me into reading horror and opened up this whole new (to me) genre and then they kept delivering with each new book. If you haven’t read their books yet or this book yet, you’re missing out and I need you to gush about the book with me (lol).
Elodie is running from her past with her six-year-old son, Jude, in tow. She moved from Australia to the US but she might have just walked into a trap laid six years ago. Brendan, Elodie’s new husband, is perfect in every way. Elodie doesn’t want for anything now, quite an upgrade from her life at her parents’. But if he is so perfect, why did he entangle himself with a mess like Elodie? Elodie questions this throughout the book and when she finds the answer, her world comes crashing down.
The complex relationship Elodie has with Jude was suffocating for me to read. Jude has developmental issues owing to a troubled childhood, Elodie refuses to get him the help he needs and starves him to the point that his ribs can be counted. But she loves him to the point of obsession. She is forever concerned that Jude would choose Brendan over her, that he would not need his mother. She goes to such lengths to ensure that Jude is always reaching for her, is dependent on her, that she abuses her child (read all trigger warnings before going into this).
The first couple of chapters had me confused about what I was reading, how is this a Drews book. But it is paramount to remember that representation is not endorsement. Jude’s abuse is the central plot point. Jude’s existence is the axis this plot is based upon.
Brendan’s sister Ava’s family plays a counterpoint to Elodie’s messed up family. Living in Elodie’s head for the duration of the plot is basically all about comparing yourself to everyone you see around you. The anxiety, the paranoia, is so aptly written that the readers are in for a treat, or it might hit too close to home. The representation of mental health is, as usual, impeccably done by Drews while condemning the wrongs done in the name of mental health issues.
Then there’s the house. The whole setting of a new couple settling into an old generational home kept reminding me of Manderley. But this house has more than just a disgruntled housekeeper protecting the memory of a previous mistress. This house has secrets Brendan wants to protect. This house is a shrine to his obsession and the need to fix broken things. This house has something breathing in the walls and hungry for blood — at least that’s what Elodie and Jude think. Brendan is adamant about all of these being in her head and Elodie keeping Jude scared with these stories.
Elodie is isolated in that house. Secluded sometimes with Jude and sometimes alone, she has only time to go over every interaction and every plan she has to not lose Brendan. Afterall, Brendan is her knight in shinning armour and Brendan is her ticket out of the mess she has left back at home. The why of it and what the mess actually was is only revealed towards the end of the book and it is worth every page of the novel.
As a scary book where the ghosts were never scarier than the people in the plot, I really liked it. It is one of my five-star reads of March and this story will stay with me for a long time. I can go so far as to even say that the next horror books I read will have this standard to meet. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with a spooky vibe set in a gothic house, you will definitely like C. G. Drews’ new adult horror debut with lyrical language and a whirlwind plot.
You can grab your copy of You Did Nothing Wrong by C. G. Drews here.
(I earn a small commission from every qualified purchase from the link to continue reading and reviewing)
Have you read You Did Nothing Wrong yet? Or any other works by C. G. Drews? What are your thoughts on them?
Feel free to drop a comment or reach out to me across social media at @thecalcuttanbibliophile. I would love to hear from you.
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