In his latest psychological thriller, USA Today bestselling author Carter Wilson delivers a gripping tale that expertly navigates the murky waters between justice and revenge. “Tell Me What You Did” introduces us to Poe Webb, a compelling protagonist whose popular true-crime podcast becomes the stage for a deadly game of cat and mouse. The novel masterfully explores themes of trauma, revenge, and the weight of secrets while keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Plot and Narrative Structure
Wilson structures the novel ingeniously, weaving together multiple timelines that gradually reveal the full scope of Poe’s story. The narrative alternates between present-day events, transcripts from Poe’s podcast episodes, and flashbacks to pivotal moments in her past. This intricate structure creates a mounting sense of tension while carefully dispensing revelations that keep readers guessing until the final pages.
The story opens with Poe conducting her usual podcast interviews, where anonymous guests confess their crimes. However, when a mysterious man calling himself Ian Hindley appears on her show claiming to be her mother’s murderer, Poe’s carefully constructed world begins to unravel. What makes this premise particularly intriguing is that Poe knows Hindley must be lying—because she killed her mother’s murderer years ago in New York.
Character Development
Poe Webb
As our protagonist, Poe is a masterclass in complex characterization. She’s sharp-tongued, damaged, and morally ambiguous, yet Wilson manages to make her deeply sympathetic. Her trauma from witnessing her mother’s murder at age thirteen has shaped her entire life, leading to her unusual career choice and her own acts of violence. The author skillfully portrays her struggles with alcohol, trust issues, and the weight of her secrets without falling into clichéd territory.
Supporting Cast
The supporting characters are equally well-drawn:
- Kip, Poe’s producer and boyfriend, brings warmth and stability to the story while harboring his own dark past
- Poe’s father represents both strength and vulnerability, showing how trauma can echo through generations
- Bailey, Poe’s black Lab, provides moments of levity and emotional anchor points
- Ian Hindley emerges as a chilling antagonist whose true nature keeps readers guessing until the end
Themes and Deeper Analysis
Justice vs. Revenge
One of the novel’s central themes is the blurry line between justice and revenge. Wilson challenges readers to question their own moral compass as they follow Poe’s journey. Is vigilante justice ever justified? Can murder ever be considered righteous? These questions linger long after the final page.
Trauma and Its Legacy
The book provides a nuanced exploration of how trauma shapes lives and relationships. Through Poe’s story and those of other characters like Alice Hill (a character from Wilson’s previous novel “Mister Tender’s Girl”), we see different ways people cope with and survive traumatic experiences.
Truth and Deception
The podcast format allows Wilson to explore fascinating questions about truth, lies, and the stories we tell ourselves. The novel suggests that sometimes the most dangerous deceptions are the ones we create to protect ourselves.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Wilson’s prose is sharp and efficient, with a dark wit that perfectly matches the story’s tone. His background in psychological thrillers shines through in the way he builds tension and creates atmosphere. The podcast transcripts and live stream segments are particularly well-executed, feeling authentic while advancing the plot.
The pacing is exceptional, with Wilson knowing exactly when to accelerate and when to let moments breathe. The winter setting in Vermont adds another layer of isolation and tension to the narrative.
Critical Assessment
Strengths
- Innovative plot structure that keeps readers engaged
- Complex, believable characters with clear motivations
- Expert handling of multiple timelines
- Strong sense of place and atmosphere
- Compelling exploration of moral ambiguity
Areas for Improvement
- Some readers might find Poe’s moral choices difficult to relate to
- The conclusion, while satisfying, might feel too neat for some
- A few plot points rely heavily on coincidence
- Some secondary characters could have been more fully developed
Comparisons and Context
Tell Me What You Did stands comfortably alongside other psychological thrillers like Gillian Flynn’s “Sharp Objects” and Caroline Kepnes’s “You.” Fans of Wilson’s previous works, particularly “The Dead Husband” and “Mister Tender’s Girl,” will recognize his talent for creating complex characters and atmospheric tension.
Target Audience
“Tell Me What You Did” will appeal to readers who:
- Enjoy morally complex psychological thrillers
- Are interested in true crime podcasts and media
- Appreciate strong female protagonists
- Don’t mind darker themes and some violence
- Like stories that challenge conventional morality
Final Verdict
Despite minor flaws, “Tell Me What You Did” is a compelling and thought-provoking thriller that succeeds on multiple levels. Wilson has crafted a story that works both as a page-turning suspense novel and as a deeper exploration of trauma, justice, and redemption.
Impact and Relevance
In an era where true crime podcasts and media consumption of real-world violence have become mainstream entertainment, Wilson’s novel feels particularly timely. It raises important questions about our society’s fascination with true crime while never losing sight of the human cost of violence and trauma.
Recommendation
Tell Me What You Did is highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers who don’t mind their fiction walking on the darker side. The book is best enjoyed over a long weekend when readers can fully immerse themselves in Wilson’s expertly crafted world of moral ambiguity and psychological suspense.