E.D. Rich earned a BA in English and French from DePauw University, followed by an MHA (Master’s in Health Administration) from Indiana University. An Indiana native, E.D. Rich is married, has one son and two dogs. Her first book, “It Could Have Been Murder,” published in November 2024, will be followed in the late Spring by “Such a Fantastic Girl,” and a third book is in progress. Ms. Rich is an avid knitter, and if you meet her in person, she will probably offer to knit you a hat.
The inspiration for “It Could Have Been Murder” came from a TED Talk, a conversation with my son and one of his friends, and a lovely afternoon walk with my sister. How does one pull off the perfect crime, and what trips up even the most careful criminals?
As far as my writing process goes, I think it starts with diving in. Just start. Write for a while (I try to shoot for 1,000 words when I get into writing mode), and if nothing happens, walk away for a bit, talk to friends and family, have some cocktails, ask yourself ‘what if,’ peel the onion. If your idea doesn’t sprout legs, go in a completely opposite direction. Take your characters on an entirely different journey and see what happens because there are no wrong answers. See what works and what doesn’t work, and sometimes by turning on its head this thing that doesn’t work—you might find something amazing buried there.
The first draft of my book took four and a half months to complete, and, for me, it was fun ride. My goals for the book are that you’ll enjoy the characters, content, and adventure.
Weeks before college graduation, Kate hatches a brilliant idea for her future career: selling murder adventures, where every detail—apart from actually committing the crime—is carefully organized and carried out. “Planning a murder could be a work of art,” she muses. Fast forward several years, and Kate’s boutique consulting firm, Diamond Teams, has cornered the market, steering their “clients through every step leading to committing the murder, ending just shy of actually doing the deed.” Their product is pricey, exclusive, and incredibly profitable—until they meet Guy Brown, a client with a dark personality who puts everything Kate loves at risk.
Rich delivers an exhilarating blend of mystery and thriller, probing the gray areas of revenge and justice while sketching a powerful portrait of just how far people will go to settle the score. Despite the immense safeguards Kate’s company employs—psychological interviews, extensive testing, non-disclosure agreements—Guy somehow slips through the cracks. When Kate and her team stop him from following through on his planned murder, his rage turns toward her—and her children. That sets up a delicious cat-and-mouse that pits Kate against Guy as well as her own conscience: what lengths will she go to protect her business, her employees, and her family?
This debut skillfully blurs right and wrong, upping the stakes with an emotional intensity that drives Rich’s characters to shocking behaviors. Guy is a chilling depiction of brilliant madness, desperate to win at any game, no matter the cost, from a young age—a man who, when faced with the potential to take someone else’s life into his hands, queries “How much closer to God could I be?” The flashbacks Rich utilizes to build tension slow narrative momentum at times, but the relentless plot twists and revelations will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the explosive cliffhanger ending.
Takeaway: Dark thriller probing the edges of revenge and justice.
Comparable Titles: Leslie Wolfe’s A Beautiful Couple, Lisa Jewell’s None of This Is True.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A-
5.0 out of 5 stars
Page Turner
Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2024
Verified Purchase
Really enjoyed reading this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing book! Great character development!
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2024
It is always hard reading/reviewing a book written by a friend or family member. I want to be honest but not hurt any feelings. Reviewing this book is an easy one thankfully as it is that good. I finished it Christmas Eve. There is great character building development without too much detail/history. There are also a few surprises to look forward to as you read it. I love the set up of the book as it tells the story by different characters even the “bad” Guy. It really is a page turner as others mentioned. Thanks for sharing it with the world Beth!
5.0 out of 5 stars
Page turner, indeed!
Reviewed in the United States on December 18, 2024
A great read – great storyline. I’m buying it to give to friends. Good for all adults (young and old!).
5.0 out of 5 stars
So very clever!
Reviewed in the United States on January 13, 2025
This was such an enjoyable read! The whole premise is so very clever, I could hardly wait to turn the page to find out what would happen next.
Edge of my seat read!!!
I bought this book a week ago and I’m so glad I did!! A total twist and shocking end!!! Would definitely recommend for any and all mystery lovers.
I loved this book. It was such an enjoyable read, and the cleverness of the details was thrilling. A good page Turner!
