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Not One of Us
From the bestselling author of Cold Waters comes a brooding thriller about a woman who must decide if safeguarding her family is worth burying a truth that will haunt her forever.
Thirteen years ago, Jori Trahan’s boyfriend vanished without a trace. Now, after moving back home to Alabama to care for her ailing grandmother and autistic brother, she comes face-to-face with the deadly mystery behind his disappearance.
Jori has a rare form of synesthesia, meaning she can “hear” colors; to her, tones of voice are as unique as fingerprints. With the help of this ability and a sympathetic cop, Jori comes dangerously close to uncovering the truth. But those responsible will go to any length—including murder—to keep their dark secrets buried.
Soon, it seems that no one in the sleepy bayou town is safe, and after Jori’s brother is kidnapped, she knows she must drop the investigation or risk losing her family. But when protecting them means letting an evil deed go unpunished, putting family first may be the last thing she’ll ever do.
Thirteen years ago, Jori Trahan’s boyfriend vanished without a trace. Now, after moving back home to Alabama to care for her ailing grandmother and autistic brother, she comes face-to-face with the deadly mystery behind his disappearance.
Jori has a rare form of synesthesia, meaning she can “hear” colors; to her, tones of voice are as unique as fingerprints. With the help of this ability and a sympathetic cop, Jori comes dangerously close to uncovering the truth. But those responsible will go to any length—including murder—to keep their dark secrets buried.
Soon, it seems that no one in the sleepy bayou town is safe, and after Jori’s brother is kidnapped, she knows she must drop the investigation or risk losing her family. But when protecting them means letting an evil deed go unpunished, putting family first may be the last thing she’ll ever do.
303 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2021
11422 people are currently reading
9005 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Herbert
76 books683 followersDebbie Herbert, a USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling writer, pens Psychological Suspense, romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She’s always been fascinated by magic, romance and Gothic stories.
Married and living in Alabama, she roots for the Crimson Tide football team. When not working on her upcoming books, Debbie enjoys recumbent bicycling and jet skiing with her husband.
2017 RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance in the national contest sponsored by the Romance Writers of America® Debbie has a degree in English (Berry College, GA) and a master’s in Library Studies (University of Alabama).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 800 reviews
February 26, 2021
2.5
The premise of this book is extremely promising. Thirteen years ago, Jori Trahan’s boyfriend vanished. Now she is back in her hometown to help care for her autistic brother and ailing grandmother. While home she comes close to finding out the truth of what happened, but someone wants her to let sleeping dogs lie, and will do what it takes to make sure their secrets remain secrets.
The book started off promising and but ultimately fell flat for me. I kept turning to other books as my attention kept wandering away from this book. I struggled to get into the story. Was it me or was it the book? Who knows? But I struggled at times with the writing and other times with the story itself. Although this one did not work well for me there are other reviews who are really enjoying this book, so I encourage you to read their reviews as well.
I received a copy of this book from goodreads in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
The premise of this book is extremely promising. Thirteen years ago, Jori Trahan’s boyfriend vanished. Now she is back in her hometown to help care for her autistic brother and ailing grandmother. While home she comes close to finding out the truth of what happened, but someone wants her to let sleeping dogs lie, and will do what it takes to make sure their secrets remain secrets.
The book started off promising and but ultimately fell flat for me. I kept turning to other books as my attention kept wandering away from this book. I struggled to get into the story. Was it me or was it the book? Who knows? But I struggled at times with the writing and other times with the story itself. Although this one did not work well for me there are other reviews who are really enjoying this book, so I encourage you to read their reviews as well.
I received a copy of this book from goodreads in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 3, 2021
This month (Jan 2021), Amazon are spoiling Prime members with TWO free newly published books. This was one of the two I chose.
This book contains some interesting ideas but delivers them rather poorly. Both the main protagonists are female and deliver their stories in the first person (not a style I appreciate) and with very little differentiation between their 'voices'. Both had difficult teen experiences with local boys - not a lot of differentiation. Honestly, for the first 30-40% of the book, I really couldn't follow what was supposed to be happening. Jori's boyfriend disappeared without trace on the night of the school prom and he and his family were never seen again. Her cousin was shot by a man who has just been released from prison. Tegan (sorry but seriously, is nobody called Jenny or Tina any more? Where do this crazy names come from) is a police officer with the local force. Between them, the two women suspect links between the family disappearance and the killing of the cousin and later of his killer.
This rambles about all over the place. Occasional hints of the sultry bayou south are soon washed away in the general 'blergh-ness' of the story. Family and friends can't be trusted. Drugs might be at the heart of the problem..... but then again they might not. Did I care? Not so much.
The ending is ludicrous and relies on special semi-magical powers that have barely been mentioned and never demonstrated until the moment they are needed. You also have to question whether even the dumbest of criminals in the 21st century doesn't know that mobile phones can be tracked.
Good effort but poorly delivered.
This book contains some interesting ideas but delivers them rather poorly. Both the main protagonists are female and deliver their stories in the first person (not a style I appreciate) and with very little differentiation between their 'voices'. Both had difficult teen experiences with local boys - not a lot of differentiation. Honestly, for the first 30-40% of the book, I really couldn't follow what was supposed to be happening. Jori's boyfriend disappeared without trace on the night of the school prom and he and his family were never seen again. Her cousin was shot by a man who has just been released from prison. Tegan (sorry but seriously, is nobody called Jenny or Tina any more? Where do this crazy names come from) is a police officer with the local force. Between them, the two women suspect links between the family disappearance and the killing of the cousin and later of his killer.
This rambles about all over the place. Occasional hints of the sultry bayou south are soon washed away in the general 'blergh-ness' of the story. Family and friends can't be trusted. Drugs might be at the heart of the problem..... but then again they might not. Did I care? Not so much.
The ending is ludicrous and relies on special semi-magical powers that have barely been mentioned and never demonstrated until the moment they are needed. You also have to question whether even the dumbest of criminals in the 21st century doesn't know that mobile phones can be tracked.
Good effort but poorly delivered.
January 1, 2021
Synesthesia is where one of your senses can trigger another of your senses at the same time. Or that's my understanding of it. I first learned of this through a Korean drama about a girl who can see smells. In Not One of Us, the protagonist has colored hearing - where she can see certain hues or color tones that are associated with what she is hearing. I was curious to see how the book would demonstrate this to us as readers. How does one capture into words what the main character is hearing/seeing? I thought it might bog down the descriptions within the story. But instead I found the opposite to be true. Although her ability was mentioned at the very beginning, it does not dominate the story or descriptions. Instead, I found myself even forgetting that the main character had this ability during portions of the book.
The story is told from two perspectives: Jori and Officer Tegan Blackwell and then every once in a while from an unidentified 3rd characte. Jori is a young woman whose high school boyfriend and his whole family went missing one day. It's this mystery that drew me in. When they go missing - it is as if time stood still. They were there and then they weren't. 13 years later the mystery still isn't solved when Jori comes back to her home town to look after her grandmother with dementia and autistic brother. Officer Tegan Blackwell grew up in the town, but has changed quite a bit from her younger self. I rather appreciated the author's ability to grow a character prior to us meeting her and helps the reader respect her and where she has come from. But while I appreciated Jori and Tegan's chapters, the unidentified 3rd individual felt out of place. Using this type of storytelling can really work well in some narratives, but in this one the switch to this new character messed with the flow a little. I also didn't find it helping the story progression or by creating urgency of character situations. I didn't hate it - not at all. But if I'm being honest then I would have been ok with leaving out the 3rd unidentified character chapters.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the actions and motivations of a couple of the other characters. Sometimes in book we almost expect there to be big evil deeds. But in real life, most of our antagonists are those that are just plain and simply not nice people. A narcissistic ex or someone who skirts the law ethically and morally. In Not One of Us, the author creates one of the characters with these flaws and honestly it was fun to read.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a quick read that is set in a small town in Alabama with a bayou backdrop. There are a few things I'd change, such as leaving out the unidentified 3rd party chapters. I also figured out the culprit and their motivation was about halway in. But in general, it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up
The story is told from two perspectives: Jori and Officer Tegan Blackwell and then every once in a while from an unidentified 3rd characte. Jori is a young woman whose high school boyfriend and his whole family went missing one day. It's this mystery that drew me in. When they go missing - it is as if time stood still. They were there and then they weren't. 13 years later the mystery still isn't solved when Jori comes back to her home town to look after her grandmother with dementia and autistic brother. Officer Tegan Blackwell grew up in the town, but has changed quite a bit from her younger self. I rather appreciated the author's ability to grow a character prior to us meeting her and helps the reader respect her and where she has come from. But while I appreciated Jori and Tegan's chapters, the unidentified 3rd individual felt out of place. Using this type of storytelling can really work well in some narratives, but in this one the switch to this new character messed with the flow a little. I also didn't find it helping the story progression or by creating urgency of character situations. I didn't hate it - not at all. But if I'm being honest then I would have been ok with leaving out the 3rd unidentified character chapters.
One of my favorite aspects of the book was the actions and motivations of a couple of the other characters. Sometimes in book we almost expect there to be big evil deeds. But in real life, most of our antagonists are those that are just plain and simply not nice people. A narcissistic ex or someone who skirts the law ethically and morally. In Not One of Us, the author creates one of the characters with these flaws and honestly it was fun to read.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a quick read that is set in a small town in Alabama with a bayou backdrop. There are a few things I'd change, such as leaving out the unidentified 3rd party chapters. I also figured out the culprit and their motivation was about halway in. But in general, it was a pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
Rating: 3.5 stars, rounded up
January 13, 2021
Good mystery, detective book
I received this book at no cost as a prerelease from Amazon Prime and thank you. Two different people return home to this small town, each for their own reasons. The past of each ends up intertwining due to a murder which resolves quite a few other murders. About halfway I couldn't read fast enough to discover the ending. The conclusion of the book reveals surprising events. I recommend this for all that like detective and mystery books.
I received this book at no cost as a prerelease from Amazon Prime and thank you. Two different people return home to this small town, each for their own reasons. The past of each ends up intertwining due to a murder which resolves quite a few other murders. About halfway I couldn't read fast enough to discover the ending. The conclusion of the book reveals surprising events. I recommend this for all that like detective and mystery books.
April 9, 2021
Interesting thriller! I enjoyed the Alabama culture that was included in this story and the main characters. Although both having their faults, I appreciated two female protagonists where neither is portrayed solely as a victim. There were a few twists thrown into the story - the last one completely out of left field. It didn't tie into the overall story at all and nothing was really gained by its inclusion.
Three stars!
Three stars!
January 25, 2021
within the first 20% of the book, one of the narrators compares autism to cancer, and everything just goes downhill from there.
messy writing with a confusing plot, unsympathetic narrators, instance after instance of ableism, fatshaming, slutshaming, mocking people with addictions - it's a mess. the main plot loses itself too many times, the ending coming abruptly yet somehow unsurprisingly, despite a lack of decent build-up to its arrival. the main appeal of the book, jori's synthesisa, rests on the sidelines until needed in the last 10%, acknowledged in a way that doesn't feel organic in the slightest. i'm not sure if this story was actually plotted, or if debbie herbert even knows anything about autism, because the way she characterizes zach feels incredibly disingenuous and disrespectful. everything from zach's portrayal to the way the criminals operate feels way too 80s/90s, despite the book being set in 2019. it's dated, it's tired, and i'm disappointed.
messy writing with a confusing plot, unsympathetic narrators, instance after instance of ableism, fatshaming, slutshaming, mocking people with addictions - it's a mess. the main plot loses itself too many times, the ending coming abruptly yet somehow unsurprisingly, despite a lack of decent build-up to its arrival. the main appeal of the book, jori's synthesisa, rests on the sidelines until needed in the last 10%, acknowledged in a way that doesn't feel organic in the slightest. i'm not sure if this story was actually plotted, or if debbie herbert even knows anything about autism, because the way she characterizes zach feels incredibly disingenuous and disrespectful. everything from zach's portrayal to the way the criminals operate feels way too 80s/90s, despite the book being set in 2019. it's dated, it's tired, and i'm disappointed.
June 28, 2021
Oh my God. So many unanswered questions. Why did Zach say “Mimi knows” constantly? Coincidence, or did he actually know what Mimi did? Why weren’t Buddy’s children or wife part of this story AT ALL? When Jori was shipping Mimi off to a nursing home (or whatever it was), why have Mimi make dinner first and have Rose pick her up before she even had a chance to eat a bite? Why did Dana randomly steal that photo? Why would Jori bury Deacon’s ring? Why was Deacon’s mom videotaping him in his tux the night BEFORE the prom? If Tressie was extorting money from her ex-husband, why would she choose to live in a freaking NURSING HOME? Why did they all keep talking about a “stolen baby”? Illegal adoption, yes, but the baby wasn’t “stolen”; the birth mother was 100% complicit. And an illegal adoption seems like a very weak catalyst for becoming a serial killer. The list goes on and on. On top of all the huge holes in this story, the writing itself was very weak. I previously read “Cold Waters” by this author and loved it. I gave it 5 stars. Now I feel like re-reading it to see if I was totally mistaken. This was by far the worst Prime First Reads book I have ever read.
Edit: Unfortunately, this is no longer the worst Prime First Reads book I have ever read. That honor now goes to “Her Last Breath” by Hilary Davidson. 😞
Edit: Unfortunately, this is no longer the worst Prime First Reads book I have ever read. That honor now goes to “Her Last Breath” by Hilary Davidson. 😞
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2021
Fast moving, entertaining read about murder and family secrets in a small Alabama bayou town. I enjoyed the refreshingly straightforward writing style, it reminded me a bit of vintage Mary Higgins Clark: suspense with no unnecessary sex scenes or graphic violence.
I subtracted one star because the identity of the villain was telegraphed way too early and obviously, which detracted from the big reveal and rendered the synthenesia aspect of the story kind of irrelevant.
I subtracted one star because the identity of the villain was telegraphed way too early and obviously, which detracted from the big reveal and rendered the synthenesia aspect of the story kind of irrelevant.
January 10, 2021
*DISCLAIMER* I try to review books on their own merit or against the author’s other works. I recognize that it is not equitable or useful to compare emerging authors against long-established authors.
This book was difficult to get through - poorly paced, disjointed, and about 5,437 layers of extraneous drama and characters that had no point and made me roll my eyes. Jori’s synesthesia is pretty much a non-existent plot point until 98% into the book and it’s diluted with random things like drug rings, illegal adoptions, dementia, autism, unplanned teen pregnancy, police corruption, a town festival - and yet none of it is the least bit interesting. And despite these clumsy attempts at misdirection and red herrings, I still figured out who did it by 60% into the book.
Oh and then to add insult to injury: the author used the tired trope of the killer explaining their entire motivation and history to their final victim just as police arrive. *eye roll*
This book was difficult to get through - poorly paced, disjointed, and about 5,437 layers of extraneous drama and characters that had no point and made me roll my eyes. Jori’s synesthesia is pretty much a non-existent plot point until 98% into the book and it’s diluted with random things like drug rings, illegal adoptions, dementia, autism, unplanned teen pregnancy, police corruption, a town festival - and yet none of it is the least bit interesting. And despite these clumsy attempts at misdirection and red herrings, I still figured out who did it by 60% into the book.
Oh and then to add insult to injury: the author used the tired trope of the killer explaining their entire motivation and history to their final victim just as police arrive. *eye roll*
March 28, 2022
Incredible mystery
Stayed up all night reading 📚. A page turner and full of surprises, right up to the very end. Loved it
Stayed up all night reading 📚. A page turner and full of surprises, right up to the very end. Loved it
July 11, 2021
I lived in the Southern US nearly my entire life and, honestly, didn't like it one bit. I did, however, love southern literature. When I moved north, however, I found I didn't enjoy reading southern lit nearly as much as I once did because it seemed less honest or real, more sappy and contrived as though the authors were attempting to create a genteel place that only existed in their minds or perhaps in Scarlett O'Hara's mind. I do love Southern Noir, though. Those writers who dig deep, find the darkness that lurks under the low hanging Spanish moss and the evil that hides behind those big tobacco laden grins. Debbie Herbert is one of those authors. While she has written some really interesting paranormal romances in the past, recently she has penned the Normal, Alabama series and now she gives us Not One of Us, set once again in the backwoods of Alabama.
When Jori Trahern was in high school her boyfriend and his entire family disappeared. Now you have to understand that while they lived just across the field from one another, Jori lived in a trailer and her boyfriend lived in a mansion. When he didn't show up for their prom date, she was convinced by her grandmother that he had a change of heart - but then the family was never seen again. Now, Jori has returned to this backwater town and she is determined to find answers, answers that may get her killed.
What appears to be a formulaic thriller plot line surpasses your expectations due to the vivid imagery of the southern bayou, Herbert's fabulous character building and the fact that Jori has Synesthesia, the ability to "see" sounds as colors. I swear, I learn something new in every book I read! These three thing elevate Not One of Us to a higher level than your normal southern ho-hum and Herbert's ability to keep things unusual and interesting are what keep me coming back to Alabama.
When Jori Trahern was in high school her boyfriend and his entire family disappeared. Now you have to understand that while they lived just across the field from one another, Jori lived in a trailer and her boyfriend lived in a mansion. When he didn't show up for their prom date, she was convinced by her grandmother that he had a change of heart - but then the family was never seen again. Now, Jori has returned to this backwater town and she is determined to find answers, answers that may get her killed.
What appears to be a formulaic thriller plot line surpasses your expectations due to the vivid imagery of the southern bayou, Herbert's fabulous character building and the fact that Jori has Synesthesia, the ability to "see" sounds as colors. I swear, I learn something new in every book I read! These three thing elevate Not One of Us to a higher level than your normal southern ho-hum and Herbert's ability to keep things unusual and interesting are what keep me coming back to Alabama.
January 24, 2021
A woman returns to her small hometown to care for family members. She is soon involved in past mysteries that involved her friends and family.
Atmospheric setting. Interesting story. Enjoyable thriller.
Atmospheric setting. Interesting story. Enjoyable thriller.
June 29, 2024
Good story and characters. I figured out a lot of it but enjoyed it anyway
March 13, 2021
"Not one of us, the folks in Bayou Enigma whispered through tight-pinched scowls".
This was a pretty good mystery because it had interesting and well done characters. I liked the added synesthesia and autistic characters. They added some interesting insight and information in the story. I also liked the the way the story was told from two different perspectives. It gave a backstory to what had previously happened in the town and also the view of the investigation as it was playing out. I liked it and was well entertained.
This was a pretty good mystery because it had interesting and well done characters. I liked the added synesthesia and autistic characters. They added some interesting insight and information in the story. I also liked the the way the story was told from two different perspectives. It gave a backstory to what had previously happened in the town and also the view of the investigation as it was playing out. I liked it and was well entertained.
January 5, 2021
Received this book as one of Amazon's free monthly titles. Figured it'd be a soft opening for 2021 reading. Was definitely right about that - it's a quick, easy read with an uncomplicated story.
The author's incorporation of the main character's synesthia - "a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway" - was at first interesting; however, it was applied unevenly and ratherly dully throughout.
The central mysteries of the book aren't difficult to unravel - you'll likely catch onto who done it before even the halfway point. The ending is rather unsatisfying and poorly executed, with a borderline ludicrous deus ex machina pulling you out of your suspension of disbelief.
I'm not terribly familiar with the Alabama bayou, but figure that the setting itself could and should have played either a more prominent or present role. A few throwaway mentions of gumbo and barbecue, as well as "stygian waters", hardly does justice to what is a more vibrant atmosphere.
This isn't a terrible book, just a bland one.
The author's incorporation of the main character's synesthia - "a perceptual phenomenon in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway" - was at first interesting; however, it was applied unevenly and ratherly dully throughout.
The central mysteries of the book aren't difficult to unravel - you'll likely catch onto who done it before even the halfway point. The ending is rather unsatisfying and poorly executed, with a borderline ludicrous deus ex machina pulling you out of your suspension of disbelief.
I'm not terribly familiar with the Alabama bayou, but figure that the setting itself could and should have played either a more prominent or present role. A few throwaway mentions of gumbo and barbecue, as well as "stygian waters", hardly does justice to what is a more vibrant atmosphere.
This isn't a terrible book, just a bland one.
January 27, 2021
I gave this two stars but probably should have been 1. The last few Amazon first reads that I've read have been sub-par. The writing was fairly shaky and ultimately the story/reveal underwhelming. Like . . .
January 2, 2021
Another fabulous, haunting thriller from Debbie Herbert. Southern Gothic, small town secrets, and language so atmospheric that I was carried away, could not put the book down. In NOT ONE OF US, Jori Trahern returns to her small Alabama town to visit her ailing grandmother and help care for her younger brother who has autism. Soon she learns alarming details about her boyfriend who disappeared thirteen years ago. The mystery is deadly; dangerous too as it connects to the long ago killing of one of her family members, and the subsequent kidnapping of Jori’s brother. With the help of a “newbie” cop, Jori struggles between finding out more and protecting her family.
I loved this story! Especially the wonderfully developed characters and the unique description of Jori’s rare form of synesthesia – she can “hear” colors and every nuance in people’s voices that tell If they are lying. There is real magic in the author’s writing, and I never guessed the ending. This is a terrific read, and so well done. Five stars!
I loved this story! Especially the wonderfully developed characters and the unique description of Jori’s rare form of synesthesia – she can “hear” colors and every nuance in people’s voices that tell If they are lying. There is real magic in the author’s writing, and I never guessed the ending. This is a terrific read, and so well done. Five stars!
February 11, 2021
Good mystery read.
Pace could've been a bit quicker, but overall a good book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Just a reminder I don't include descriptions that are easily available for books, and to me shouldn't be used in reviews as they're repetitious filler.*
Pace could've been a bit quicker, but overall a good book.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Just a reminder I don't include descriptions that are easily available for books, and to me shouldn't be used in reviews as they're repetitious filler.*
August 9, 2021
Although I'm not a fan of this genre, I must admit that it is a real refreshment to read something different from time to time, such as this atmospheric and swamp mystery, filled with suspense, murder, and family secrets.
The story of Jori Trahern, who returns home 13 years after her boyfriend and his family disappeared to take care of her aging grandmother and autistic brother. But her return evokes old memories, which hide many truths .... What secrets will be revealed? What danger is hidden in the required truths?
The story is told from 3 perspectives. Most of the chapters are by Jory or Tegan, but there are a few chapters by the anonymous villain. The writing style is quite simple and easy to read, but somehow it seems quite messy and confusing at times. Even after finishing the last page, I was not able to understand some of the actions, nor to get to know the characters in full. Also, I was missing a faster pace, I honestly had a desire to skip certain parts. What must be praised is the mystery element, as well as the way the author leads readers to reach the final conclusion from the actions of two different people trying to solve this case in two different ways.
If you’re looking for a book with good mystery/suspense elements, as well as the bayou setting, then read this one.
The story of Jori Trahern, who returns home 13 years after her boyfriend and his family disappeared to take care of her aging grandmother and autistic brother. But her return evokes old memories, which hide many truths .... What secrets will be revealed? What danger is hidden in the required truths?
The story is told from 3 perspectives. Most of the chapters are by Jory or Tegan, but there are a few chapters by the anonymous villain. The writing style is quite simple and easy to read, but somehow it seems quite messy and confusing at times. Even after finishing the last page, I was not able to understand some of the actions, nor to get to know the characters in full. Also, I was missing a faster pace, I honestly had a desire to skip certain parts. What must be praised is the mystery element, as well as the way the author leads readers to reach the final conclusion from the actions of two different people trying to solve this case in two different ways.
If you’re looking for a book with good mystery/suspense elements, as well as the bayou setting, then read this one.
February 12, 2021
This book is a psychological suspense novel and thriller. The book is narrated in the first person by three different people. Most of the chapters are by Jory or Tegan, but there are a few chapters by the anonymous villain. I did figure out early in the book who the killer was, but not the motive. The novel opens when Jory, a senior in high school, goes to her boyfriend's house to find out why he had stood her up for their regular date. They had been together for a while by then. She finds an eerie scene at his house. It appears the family has vanished into thin air. Thirteen years later she comes back to her hometown to take care of her ailing grandmother and brother with autism. Her boyfriend and his parents have never been found, dead or alive. She's out with a friend soon after she returns home and confronts a man, Ray, who had been convicted of killing one of her relatives and was recently released from prison. A few hours later, he's murdered. Tegan, a police officer, believes there's a connection between the family's disappearance and Ray's murder. Jory also starts snooping, and ends up getting warnings and threats to leave it alone. During her investigation she finds out some surprising things about her own family. Something unusual about this novel is that Jory has a neurological condition called synesthesia. I think there are different variations of it. The form Jory has causes her to "see sounds". Sounds take on colors and shapes. For instance, when one friend talks she sees green arrows. With her grandmother, she sees "tiger orange" cubes. Jory is unwrapping cellophane in one scene, and the sound of the cellophane causes her to see pink triangles. It's this trait that helps Jory finally identify the culprit behind her boyfriend Deacon's disappearance. This was a fast moving novel, with believable characters.
September 13, 2021
As a special needs mom, I was super excited to read this book containing an autistic character.
But I just couldn’t continue after the following quote.
“Just as there had been no cure for Zach’s autism or Mom’s brain cancer, it seemed the Traherns were a cursed lot. At least our branch was.”
To say that autism is a curse and that there should be a cure is just not okay. Cancer is one thing. But cancer and autism are not even in the same ballpark.
But I just couldn’t continue after the following quote.
“Just as there had been no cure for Zach’s autism or Mom’s brain cancer, it seemed the Traherns were a cursed lot. At least our branch was.”
To say that autism is a curse and that there should be a cure is just not okay. Cancer is one thing. But cancer and autism are not even in the same ballpark.
January 3, 2021
Atmospheric thriller
The sense of setting in the Alabama bayou was strong but I figured out the mastermind too earlier. There were some twists and surprises and I enjoyed the characters of the two protagonists.
The sense of setting in the Alabama bayou was strong but I figured out the mastermind too earlier. There were some twists and surprises and I enjoyed the characters of the two protagonists.
January 29, 2021
Mystery at it's best!
Debbie Herbert weaves a great read masterfully obtaining the story which will leave you unable to to do anything but turn the pages. Enjoyed reading!
Debbie Herbert weaves a great read masterfully obtaining the story which will leave you unable to to do anything but turn the pages. Enjoyed reading!
January 11, 2021
Ok
From the brief synopsis of the book I was expecting more on how Jori sees sound. It made it seem like it was a major part of the book. Well, it's not. At first it talks about it when it is her chapter and then you basically forget all about it and are like wait what about her "gift"? And then it kind of brings it back. And then oh yeah it solves it and then stuff happens and it's the end. And I have to say the ending tries to make it out like it's this big mystery but it was very obvious from early on.
Some of the charcter actions/conversations for Jori don't fit which annoys me when a character doesn't stay true to their personality. I guess I still feel like I don't know her even after reading the whole book.
I though Teagan's character was good and stayed true to her persona the whole time.
From the brief synopsis of the book I was expecting more on how Jori sees sound. It made it seem like it was a major part of the book. Well, it's not. At first it talks about it when it is her chapter and then you basically forget all about it and are like wait what about her "gift"? And then it kind of brings it back. And then oh yeah it solves it and then stuff happens and it's the end. And I have to say the ending tries to make it out like it's this big mystery but it was very obvious from early on.
Some of the charcter actions/conversations for Jori don't fit which annoys me when a character doesn't stay true to their personality. I guess I still feel like I don't know her even after reading the whole book.
I though Teagan's character was good and stayed true to her persona the whole time.
February 1, 2021
Not One of Us by Debbie Herbert is a very intriguing thriller set in the bayou areas of south Alabama. Jori Trahan moves back to Alabama to assist her grandmother as she cares for Jori's adult autistic brother. Once Jori has been there a few days she notices her grandmother is having memory issues. The doctor confirms her worst fears, her grandmother has dementia and will need care, also.
Jori settles in to get her business as an event planner on track for success but she is also beset with memories of a teenage love that ended in a huge mystery. On the night of Jori's senior prom, her boyfriend Deacon, and the whole Cormier family went missing. Rumors abounded in the community that the family was involved in drug trafficking or had been affiliated with the mafia. The Cormier family home was abandoned and left Jori's broken heart wondering what happened to Deacon. Now all these years later, Jori wants to find answers for the missing family. Soon Jori is immersed in more than one mystery and one of them includes her family.
I won't post spoilers, but this is another wonderful book by Debbie Herbert!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Jori settles in to get her business as an event planner on track for success but she is also beset with memories of a teenage love that ended in a huge mystery. On the night of Jori's senior prom, her boyfriend Deacon, and the whole Cormier family went missing. Rumors abounded in the community that the family was involved in drug trafficking or had been affiliated with the mafia. The Cormier family home was abandoned and left Jori's broken heart wondering what happened to Deacon. Now all these years later, Jori wants to find answers for the missing family. Soon Jori is immersed in more than one mystery and one of them includes her family.
I won't post spoilers, but this is another wonderful book by Debbie Herbert!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 15, 2021
This was a First Read from Amazon to start the new year. This was also a first read for me by Debbie Herbert, a new author to this reader. I typically try not to read books in the 1st person but this book was done in that format so I continued the read. I thought the book was an okay read and felt the author tried too hard to have the reader understand the ailment the heroine had in the story.
There were the occasion of overly using words to project an air of intellect that I thought was not needed. I finished but am modestly giving this story a 2.5 (rounded to 3 stars).
There were the occasion of overly using words to project an air of intellect that I thought was not needed. I finished but am modestly giving this story a 2.5 (rounded to 3 stars).
January 2, 2021
Debbie Herbert has a flair for creating southern towns that make people from other regions think skeptically if it’s possible. Southerners simply look askance at their neighbors questioning if this is written about them! Hebert‘s characters are multi dimensional, most having good as well as evil in their makeup. You love her good guys but you may also care about her villains. Nobody is only one thing. Read this story; I guarantee you’ll not be disappointed!
May 6, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
I am neutral about this book. I didn’t love it, I totally guessed the ending like a 3rd of the way through (minus a couple small things), and it generally just didn’t really enthrall me. I didn’t love the narration either. Eh. It just wasn’t very suspenseful. One of the main draws was Jori having synesthesia, which is barely mentioned and I kind of forgot she had it until like 90% in the book.
I am neutral about this book. I didn’t love it, I totally guessed the ending like a 3rd of the way through (minus a couple small things), and it generally just didn’t really enthrall me. I didn’t love the narration either. Eh. It just wasn’t very suspenseful. One of the main draws was Jori having synesthesia, which is barely mentioned and I kind of forgot she had it until like 90% in the book.
January 3, 2021
Family isn't best
Didn't see this coming. Really enjoyed the book and discovering a new author for me. The plot keeps twisting between the past and present.
Didn't see this coming. Really enjoyed the book and discovering a new author for me. The plot keeps twisting between the past and present.
January 23, 2021
Omg! Loved it.
If you like thrillers you need to read it! Great twists. Surprised more than once!
If you like thrillers you need to read it! Great twists. Surprised more than once!
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