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Detective D.D. Warren #11
Never Tell
A man is dead, shot three times in his home office. But his computer has been shot twelve times, and when the cops arrive, his pregnant wife is holding the gun.
D.D. Warren arrives on the scene and recognizes the woman--Evie Carter--from a case many years back. Evie's father was killed in a shooting that was ruled an accident. But for D.D., two coincidental murders is too many.
Flora Dane sees the murder of Conrad Carter on the TV news and immediately knows his face. She remembers a night when she was still a victim--a hostage--and her captor knew this man. Overcome with guilt that she never tracked him down, Flora is now determined to learn the truth of Conrad's murder.
But D.D. and Flora are about to discover that in this case the truth is a devilishly elusive thing. As layer by layer they peel away the half-truths and outright lies, they wonder: How many secrets can one family have?
D.D. Warren arrives on the scene and recognizes the woman--Evie Carter--from a case many years back. Evie's father was killed in a shooting that was ruled an accident. But for D.D., two coincidental murders is too many.
Flora Dane sees the murder of Conrad Carter on the TV news and immediately knows his face. She remembers a night when she was still a victim--a hostage--and her captor knew this man. Overcome with guilt that she never tracked him down, Flora is now determined to learn the truth of Conrad's murder.
But D.D. and Flora are about to discover that in this case the truth is a devilishly elusive thing. As layer by layer they peel away the half-truths and outright lies, they wonder: How many secrets can one family have?
414 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2019
7185 people are currently reading
28872 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Gardner
82 books20.5k followersLisa Gardner is the #1 New York Times bestselling thriller author of the Frankie Elkin series, as well as the Detective D.D. Warren, the FBI Profilers and the PI Tessa Leoni series.
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
Her current suspense novels feature Frankie Elkin, an everyday, average person who specializes in finding missing people. When the locals have given up, when the media has never bothered to care, Frankie takes on the challenge. From looking for a missing teen in inner city Boston to searching for a missing hiker in the wilds of Wyoming to rescuing a possibly kidnapped girl on a remote island in the Pacific, Frankie is on the case!
Lisa lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with two crazy pups. When not writing, Lisa loves to hike, play cribbage, and, of course, read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,103 reviews
February 7, 2019
**4.5** stars
Three protagonists - Sergeant DD Warren of the Boston Police Department, her Confidential Informant Flora Dane, and pregnant mum to be, Evie Carter. Evie is discovered by the cops holding a shotgun in her husband’s home office - her husband lies dead, his life ended by three shots - but what’s even more bizarre, his computer has been shot 12 times!
This isn’t the first time that Evie has been found in a very similar situation - 16 years earlier as a teenager, she was found holding a shotgun in front of her father, - he too was dead, however it was deemed to be accidental - but was it? Has history repeated itself, or is the truth of it even more puzzling?
Fast paced, and action packed, the characters are so fully fleshed that it’s impossible not to believe in them, and with numerous twists in the plot that are not only convincing, but in some cases well disguised and surprising too, ‘Never Tell’ is a dark and tangled tale of all consuming lies, and deeply hidden truths. Intense and complex, it will require your full attention, but boy is it worth the investment!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for my ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
Three protagonists - Sergeant DD Warren of the Boston Police Department, her Confidential Informant Flora Dane, and pregnant mum to be, Evie Carter. Evie is discovered by the cops holding a shotgun in her husband’s home office - her husband lies dead, his life ended by three shots - but what’s even more bizarre, his computer has been shot 12 times!
This isn’t the first time that Evie has been found in a very similar situation - 16 years earlier as a teenager, she was found holding a shotgun in front of her father, - he too was dead, however it was deemed to be accidental - but was it? Has history repeated itself, or is the truth of it even more puzzling?
Fast paced, and action packed, the characters are so fully fleshed that it’s impossible not to believe in them, and with numerous twists in the plot that are not only convincing, but in some cases well disguised and surprising too, ‘Never Tell’ is a dark and tangled tale of all consuming lies, and deeply hidden truths. Intense and complex, it will require your full attention, but boy is it worth the investment!
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Cornerstone for my ARC, for which I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *
April 10, 2020
Five cannot put it down, is glued to my hand and possessed my mind stars!!!
I’m embarrassed to admit that is my second book on these series and I didn’t enjoy much the previous book. But this one is absolutely fantastic, twisted, perfectly developed book about three amazon protagonists.
One of them is brilliant, smart, badass police officer, D.D. Warren who tries to lock the other one, Evie,modest, introverted, antisocial math teacher but secret genius, person of interest to kill her husband but she only tried to kill his computer.
And the last one who is my favorite, Flora, survivor, tormented but not broken, tough, vulnerable but fighter, informant of D.D.
I loved these characters and I think on the next books we’ll see more of them.
The story needs real focus and concentration because there are too many details that you should not miss it. It’s definitely worth it! You have an amazing, breathtaking ride!
And I also liked supporting characters , especially I’m curious about Keith ( he’s coming from wealthy family but what’s his motive to choose a career as true crime blog writer) !
As a summary: I’m not big fan of classic action/ crime books! But this is more more more than an ordinary crime book! You’re gonna love these three amazing women and I’m sure of that you’re gonna enjoy this book!
I’m embarrassed to admit that is my second book on these series and I didn’t enjoy much the previous book. But this one is absolutely fantastic, twisted, perfectly developed book about three amazon protagonists.
One of them is brilliant, smart, badass police officer, D.D. Warren who tries to lock the other one, Evie,modest, introverted, antisocial math teacher but secret genius, person of interest to kill her husband but she only tried to kill his computer.
And the last one who is my favorite, Flora, survivor, tormented but not broken, tough, vulnerable but fighter, informant of D.D.
I loved these characters and I think on the next books we’ll see more of them.
The story needs real focus and concentration because there are too many details that you should not miss it. It’s definitely worth it! You have an amazing, breathtaking ride!
And I also liked supporting characters , especially I’m curious about Keith ( he’s coming from wealthy family but what’s his motive to choose a career as true crime blog writer) !
As a summary: I’m not big fan of classic action/ crime books! But this is more more more than an ordinary crime book! You’re gonna love these three amazing women and I’m sure of that you’re gonna enjoy this book!
January 29, 2019
Lisa Gardner confirms her position as the Queen of Thrillers with this latest stellar addition to the Sergeant DD Warren of Boston PD series, featuring the return of Flora Dane. Flora is a survivor, a vigilante, but suffering from PTSD after her harrowing experiences with the evil Jacob Ness, and no matter how hard she tries, the head space he continues to occupy ensures she is trapped and imprisoned by the past, despite Ness's death. Conrad Carter, a travelling window salesman has been shot 3 times, his computer has been shot 12 times. His pregnant wife, Evie, a school teacher, is arrested for his murder at the scene by police, with gunshot residue on her hands. DD Warren is now supposed to supervise her team of investigators, but her heart is in actively working cases, and she is drawn to the case, because years ago she was part of a team that looked into the accidental shooting of Evie's father, a famous mathematical genius, by a shocked 16 year old Evie. Was she wrong about Evie, surely this latest killing merits a revisit of the past?
Flora is an unpaid confidential informer for DD, she is watching the TV news when she sees a picture of Conrad Carter, to her horror she recognises him as a man connected to Ness, who she met in a bar as part of her traumatic history. DD does not know what to make of this, and whether it has any impact on her present investigation. Flora has stubbornly refused to speak of the past but the once with FBI therapist Samuel, she is now forced to revisit and relive the past, overtaken by guilt as she is confronted with the possibility that she was not the only victim of Ness, it looks increasingly likely that other women were too. Flora goes rogue as she hooks up with true crime enthusiast, the computer analyst Keith Edgar, and contacts FBI SSA Kimberly Quincy, the female agent responsible for tracking down Ness and freeing Flora. Quincy and the FBI have never got far with unearthing information about Ness and his criminally deviant past, with Flora opening up and the additional thread of Conrad to folow, Quincy arrives in Boston to join DD's team, despite initial resistance from DD. DD is overjoyed at getting stuck in a case that proves to be a twisted tangle of a strange mess that tests her mettle, with firebugs, the dark web and more, and where nothing is as it seems, where she is surrounded by, in her own words, by nutjobs with no respect for law enforcement.
The narrative is delivered from the perspective of Evie, Flora and DD, all incredible women in their own right. What I particularly loved was the development of Flora in whom at long last chinks of light and hope begin to open up as she faces her past by once again immersing herself in it and starts to talk about it. Evie is a fascinating creation, a woman with a dysfunctional family hell bent on keeping dark secrets, as indeed did her husband. DD has a chaotic and loving family with Alex, her 5 year old hyperactive son, Jack, and his dog, Kiko, whilst she chases the bad guys with enthusiastic gusto, its what she lives for. This is a fantastic thriller, with all the exciting elements that guarantee that the reader will be enthralled, turning the pages as fast as possible to find out how it all ends. Gardner makes it clear that she is not finished with these characters which has me eagerly anticipating her next novel. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.
Flora is an unpaid confidential informer for DD, she is watching the TV news when she sees a picture of Conrad Carter, to her horror she recognises him as a man connected to Ness, who she met in a bar as part of her traumatic history. DD does not know what to make of this, and whether it has any impact on her present investigation. Flora has stubbornly refused to speak of the past but the once with FBI therapist Samuel, she is now forced to revisit and relive the past, overtaken by guilt as she is confronted with the possibility that she was not the only victim of Ness, it looks increasingly likely that other women were too. Flora goes rogue as she hooks up with true crime enthusiast, the computer analyst Keith Edgar, and contacts FBI SSA Kimberly Quincy, the female agent responsible for tracking down Ness and freeing Flora. Quincy and the FBI have never got far with unearthing information about Ness and his criminally deviant past, with Flora opening up and the additional thread of Conrad to folow, Quincy arrives in Boston to join DD's team, despite initial resistance from DD. DD is overjoyed at getting stuck in a case that proves to be a twisted tangle of a strange mess that tests her mettle, with firebugs, the dark web and more, and where nothing is as it seems, where she is surrounded by, in her own words, by nutjobs with no respect for law enforcement.
The narrative is delivered from the perspective of Evie, Flora and DD, all incredible women in their own right. What I particularly loved was the development of Flora in whom at long last chinks of light and hope begin to open up as she faces her past by once again immersing herself in it and starts to talk about it. Evie is a fascinating creation, a woman with a dysfunctional family hell bent on keeping dark secrets, as indeed did her husband. DD has a chaotic and loving family with Alex, her 5 year old hyperactive son, Jack, and his dog, Kiko, whilst she chases the bad guys with enthusiastic gusto, its what she lives for. This is a fantastic thriller, with all the exciting elements that guarantee that the reader will be enthralled, turning the pages as fast as possible to find out how it all ends. Gardner makes it clear that she is not finished with these characters which has me eagerly anticipating her next novel. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Random House Cornerstone for an ARC.
March 7, 2025
Captivating, edgy & wholly satisfying!
LISA GARDNER has done it again with her latest installment to the Detective D.D. Warren series with Book # 10. This is one author I can always count on that never disappoints and always delivers such fantastic thrillers that are gripping, action-packed and packed full of nail-biting suspense. I am a huge fan and have read all of her novels to date.
NEVER TELL by LISA GARDNER (Detective D.D. Warren #10) is a dark, suspenseful, emotional and intense thriller with absolutely wonderful and captivating characters. The story is told between the alternating perspectives from three fascinating and exceptionally well-developed characters. LISA GARDNER creates such compelling, fabulous and dynamic characters that you can’t help but love and be fully invested in. I absolutely love D.D. Warren and Flora Dane! There was another character that popped in to help D.D. with her investigation and I was pleasantly surprised and loved the appearance.
The storyline’s are always intense but I thought this one was a little more complex than her previous novels which slowed down the pacing a tiny bit for me. Even though I had to pay a little more attention to the details while I was reading it, all those carefully hidden clues still stumped me until closer to the end.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Hauntingly beautiful and fitting representation to storyline. (Paperback version which releases on August 6, 2019.)
Title: A fabulous representation that definitely depicts the storyline perfectly with all of its secrets and lies it withholds until that explosive and perfectly timed ending.
Writing/Prose: Compulsively readable, notable, strong, impressive, well-written, entertaining, engrossing, and prolific.
Plot: Suspenseful, raw, complex, riveting, fast-paced, dark, thrilling, captivating, taut, twisty, and entertaining.
Ending: An action-packed, surprising, thrilling, and explosive ending!
Overall: Another stellar read from the Queen of Thrillers that had me immediately hooked and completely riveted in this tangled crime thriller. Would highly recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dutton and Lisa Gardner for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy of this book.
LISA GARDNER has done it again with her latest installment to the Detective D.D. Warren series with Book # 10. This is one author I can always count on that never disappoints and always delivers such fantastic thrillers that are gripping, action-packed and packed full of nail-biting suspense. I am a huge fan and have read all of her novels to date.
NEVER TELL by LISA GARDNER (Detective D.D. Warren #10) is a dark, suspenseful, emotional and intense thriller with absolutely wonderful and captivating characters. The story is told between the alternating perspectives from three fascinating and exceptionally well-developed characters. LISA GARDNER creates such compelling, fabulous and dynamic characters that you can’t help but love and be fully invested in. I absolutely love D.D. Warren and Flora Dane! There was another character that popped in to help D.D. with her investigation and I was pleasantly surprised and loved the appearance.
The storyline’s are always intense but I thought this one was a little more complex than her previous novels which slowed down the pacing a tiny bit for me. Even though I had to pay a little more attention to the details while I was reading it, all those carefully hidden clues still stumped me until closer to the end.
Norma’s Stats:
Cover: Hauntingly beautiful and fitting representation to storyline. (Paperback version which releases on August 6, 2019.)
Title: A fabulous representation that definitely depicts the storyline perfectly with all of its secrets and lies it withholds until that explosive and perfectly timed ending.
Writing/Prose: Compulsively readable, notable, strong, impressive, well-written, entertaining, engrossing, and prolific.
Plot: Suspenseful, raw, complex, riveting, fast-paced, dark, thrilling, captivating, taut, twisty, and entertaining.
Ending: An action-packed, surprising, thrilling, and explosive ending!
Overall: Another stellar read from the Queen of Thrillers that had me immediately hooked and completely riveted in this tangled crime thriller. Would highly recommend!
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dutton and Lisa Gardner for the opportunity to read an advance digital copy of this book.
June 22, 2022
Book from my "shelf" (floor of my office – don't judge)
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 3.5/5
THE PLOT
D.D. Warren is back and this time she's familiar with the accused: Evie Carter. 16 years ago, Carter killed her father but it was ruled an accident. Now pregnitos, she's found by police holding a gun with her husband shot three times and his laptop shot 12. As they say, where there's smoke, there's fire... or is there!?
MY OPINION
This was exceptionally well-written, especially for a police procedural. The writing flowed beautifully and I loved the fragmented prose. I find it powerful because it puts more emphasis on the prose.
None of the characters bothered me, which is as good as saying I liked them haha. Gardner created a distinct voice and personality for Flora, D.D., Evie, and her mother. I loved Flora's backstory... need the entire story. The only thing I wasn't quite sold on was everyone losing their shit over Evie's father. So the guy was good at math and he got a free pass to double dip his dick around town? I think not!!!
In the "final act" of the book you had to suspend a lot of disbelief. Ya'll are in a burning house and have your Red Table Talk moment?? RUN LADIES!!! The Scooby Doo reveal was a big let down for me. I would've preferred if the baddie was someone closer to home (hint hint).
All in all, I solid read. I immediately ordered Find Her afterward because I want to read more about Flora's wild ass backstory.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, beautiful and unique prose, unique characters with solid development, Flora's backstory is sick af and I love it
Cons: a tad repetitive with the "my dad is einstein 2.0 and my mom is a batshit crazy trophy wife", the ending was... la poo
Writing: 5/5 | Plot: 4/5 | Ending: 3.5/5
THE PLOT
D.D. Warren is back and this time she's familiar with the accused: Evie Carter. 16 years ago, Carter killed her father but it was ruled an accident. Now pregnitos, she's found by police holding a gun with her husband shot three times and his laptop shot 12. As they say, where there's smoke, there's fire... or is there!?
MY OPINION
This was exceptionally well-written, especially for a police procedural. The writing flowed beautifully and I loved the fragmented prose. I find it powerful because it puts more emphasis on the prose.
None of the characters bothered me, which is as good as saying I liked them haha. Gardner created a distinct voice and personality for Flora, D.D., Evie, and her mother. I loved Flora's backstory... need the entire story. The only thing I wasn't quite sold on was everyone losing their shit over Evie's father. So the guy was good at math and he got a free pass to double dip his dick around town? I think not!!!
In the "final act" of the book you had to suspend a lot of disbelief. Ya'll are in a burning house and have your Red Table Talk moment?? RUN LADIES!!! The Scooby Doo reveal was a big let down for me. I would've preferred if the baddie was someone closer to home (hint hint).
All in all, I solid read. I immediately ordered Find Her afterward because I want to read more about Flora's wild ass backstory.
PROS AND CONS
Pros: well-written, beautiful and unique prose, unique characters with solid development, Flora's backstory is sick af and I love it
Cons: a tad repetitive with the "my dad is einstein 2.0 and my mom is a batshit crazy trophy wife", the ending was... la poo
August 6, 2019
D.D. Warren is back with Flora Dane in another nail-biting installment that had me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could. I love D.D. Warren and she has been a favorite character of mine right from the very first installment with Alone.
When D.D. Warren arrives at her new case she sees a woman from a case from the past and then soon realizes the victim has ties to Flora’s kidnapper. Secrets start to unravel and through the well written layers, we start to piece together the ties from the past to the new cases.
When I first met Flora Dane in Find Her, Book # 8, I loved her character and she is now becoming my favorite character. I love how kidnapped survivor Flora now turned vigilantly becomes DD’s unofficial informant and I love the dynamics between them. SSA Kimberly Quincy makes an appearance here as well and enjoyed the dynamics between the three of them and I was reminded just how much Lisa Gardner brings humor to the character’s dynamics allowing me to love them even more. There is also another character I hope to see back in future installments.
In this installment Flora allows herself to revisit her dark past and remember the monster who kidnapped her Jacob Ness. Her chapters became my favorite part of the story and enjoyed learning more about her and how her past is connected to DD’s new case.
Lisa Garner knows just when to reveal those well-layered twists, one right after another and wrapping up this story almost perfectly for me. She did push it a bit there in the end and I began to question some things but in the end, she is another author who can do no wrong by me and will always be a favorite of mine. We have history!!
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
When D.D. Warren arrives at her new case she sees a woman from a case from the past and then soon realizes the victim has ties to Flora’s kidnapper. Secrets start to unravel and through the well written layers, we start to piece together the ties from the past to the new cases.
When I first met Flora Dane in Find Her, Book # 8, I loved her character and she is now becoming my favorite character. I love how kidnapped survivor Flora now turned vigilantly becomes DD’s unofficial informant and I love the dynamics between them. SSA Kimberly Quincy makes an appearance here as well and enjoyed the dynamics between the three of them and I was reminded just how much Lisa Gardner brings humor to the character’s dynamics allowing me to love them even more. There is also another character I hope to see back in future installments.
In this installment Flora allows herself to revisit her dark past and remember the monster who kidnapped her Jacob Ness. Her chapters became my favorite part of the story and enjoyed learning more about her and how her past is connected to DD’s new case.
Lisa Garner knows just when to reveal those well-layered twists, one right after another and wrapping up this story almost perfectly for me. She did push it a bit there in the end and I began to question some things but in the end, she is another author who can do no wrong by me and will always be a favorite of mine. We have history!!
https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com/2...
February 12, 2019
Another incredible outing by Gardner, another interesting case for D. D. Warren. Plus, the very scarred Flora is back, now looking for answers from her time held captive. Two deaths, sixteen years apart, the common denominator a young pregnant woman. All three will connect in a very unusual way.
Such a good series, and some terrific characters added to keep the series fresh. This is a tangled weave of a case, one that proves dangerous for a few of the characters. Suspenseful, I couldn't figure out where it was going, but avidly followed along. I love the brief looks into D. D. Warren's personal life, her young son, and young puppy. Adds an element of humor.
ARC from Dutton.
Such a good series, and some terrific characters added to keep the series fresh. This is a tangled weave of a case, one that proves dangerous for a few of the characters. Suspenseful, I couldn't figure out where it was going, but avidly followed along. I love the brief looks into D. D. Warren's personal life, her young son, and young puppy. Adds an element of humor.
ARC from Dutton.
May 11, 2021
Fabulous! One of those great books which is unputdownable, and if you do have to put it down you cannot wait to pick it up again.
I must admit when Flora Dane was first introduced in this series I did not like her much but she has certainly grown on me. I really enjoyed the tough but damaged person she brought to the plot and I was pleased that she met someone who may be important to her in the future.
D.D.Warren is in a good place and I loved the scenes with her boy and his dog. She brought lots of strong police work to the story along with her team. The FBI was added to the plot in a convincing manner and Warren and Quincey sparked off each other in an entertaining way.
I thought this was a really excellent read and am very happy that the next book is already out!
I must admit when Flora Dane was first introduced in this series I did not like her much but she has certainly grown on me. I really enjoyed the tough but damaged person she brought to the plot and I was pleased that she met someone who may be important to her in the future.
D.D.Warren is in a good place and I loved the scenes with her boy and his dog. She brought lots of strong police work to the story along with her team. The FBI was added to the plot in a convincing manner and Warren and Quincey sparked off each other in an entertaining way.
I thought this was a really excellent read and am very happy that the next book is already out!
February 26, 2019
4.35 Stars* (rounded down)
An Emotional, Heart-Pounding Thriller!!
Three women who are tied together in ways they never imagined.
D.D. Warren and her current murder suspect, Evie Carter. They met once before - when Evie was accused of murdering her father sixteen years ago and whose his death was ruled an accident. Now she is accused of murdering her husband, Conrad. Coincidence?
D.D. Warren and Flora Dane, her confidential informant. D.D. calls Flora in, to help her investigate the murder of Conrad Carter.
Flora Dane and Evie Carter. Turns out, Flora met Conrad Carter, Evie’s husband, a few years ago when her captor, Jacob Ness took her to a bar the night he tried to “get rid of her.”
Now that she’s been arrested for murder again, D.D. can’t help but wonder if Evie actually got away with murder sixteen years ago. Evie sure appears to be keeping secrets.
As D.D. and Flora start investigating, they realize that this case goes beyond what happened to Evie and Conrad and reaches back to Flora’s past. She is the ultimate survivor - up until now Flora has been extremely tight lipped. This time however, she realizes that she needs to start talking if she wants to save others from the same fate.
“Never Tell” by Lisa Gardner is a taut, tension filled thriller. It was an emotional roller coaster ride that I wanted to stay on. Lisa Gardner knows how to keep readers invested!! To say that I love the character of Flora Dane doesn’t begin to describe my feelings. That girl is tough, yet she has a vulnerability that guts me. D.D. and Flora?: I’m in it for the long haul!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey which we were waiting anxiously to get our hands on. Kaceey, kindly gifted me a copy! Thank you so much Kaceey - I loved reading this one with you!
Published on Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram on 2.26.19.
An Emotional, Heart-Pounding Thriller!!
Three women who are tied together in ways they never imagined.
D.D. Warren and her current murder suspect, Evie Carter. They met once before - when Evie was accused of murdering her father sixteen years ago and whose his death was ruled an accident. Now she is accused of murdering her husband, Conrad. Coincidence?
D.D. Warren and Flora Dane, her confidential informant. D.D. calls Flora in, to help her investigate the murder of Conrad Carter.
Flora Dane and Evie Carter. Turns out, Flora met Conrad Carter, Evie’s husband, a few years ago when her captor, Jacob Ness took her to a bar the night he tried to “get rid of her.”
Now that she’s been arrested for murder again, D.D. can’t help but wonder if Evie actually got away with murder sixteen years ago. Evie sure appears to be keeping secrets.
As D.D. and Flora start investigating, they realize that this case goes beyond what happened to Evie and Conrad and reaches back to Flora’s past. She is the ultimate survivor - up until now Flora has been extremely tight lipped. This time however, she realizes that she needs to start talking if she wants to save others from the same fate.
“Never Tell” by Lisa Gardner is a taut, tension filled thriller. It was an emotional roller coaster ride that I wanted to stay on. Lisa Gardner knows how to keep readers invested!! To say that I love the character of Flora Dane doesn’t begin to describe my feelings. That girl is tough, yet she has a vulnerability that guts me. D.D. and Flora?: I’m in it for the long haul!
This was a buddy read with Kaceey which we were waiting anxiously to get our hands on. Kaceey, kindly gifted me a copy! Thank you so much Kaceey - I loved reading this one with you!
Published on Goodreads, Twitter and Instagram on 2.26.19.
February 20, 2019
I love D.D. Warren - she's such a good cop and it's great to see her happily married to Alex with a delightful little boy. DD is now the Supervisor of a team of detectives but old habits die hard and she still can't help getting out in the field to see things for herself. Especially in her latest case where the woman accused of murdering her husband was also accused of killing her father in one of DD's earliest cases as a detective. The woman, Evie Carter was found by police holding a gun next to her dead husband, shot three times and his computer riddled with bullets. As a teenager, Evie accidently shot her father, a famous mathematician and has carried that stigma and guilt all her life. Now married and expecting a child, it looks as if history might be repeating itself, except that Flora Dane, a woman who survived a horrendous kidnapping recognises Evie's husband, Conrad as someone she met while in the grips of the kidnapper. To dig deep into Conrad's background and find out what he was up to and if his wife had cause to kill him, DD calls her old FBI friend Kimberley Quincy onto the case.
It's great to see DD and Quincy back together again, working in tandem to solve this case. It's also great to see Flora step overcome her PTSD to confront her past experience, when she thinks it will help find other girls abused and killed by the monster who took her. Lisa Gardner always writes such well plotted thrillers and this on is no exception.
With thanks to Netgalley and Random House for a digital ARC to read.
It's great to see DD and Quincy back together again, working in tandem to solve this case. It's also great to see Flora step overcome her PTSD to confront her past experience, when she thinks it will help find other girls abused and killed by the monster who took her. Lisa Gardner always writes such well plotted thrillers and this on is no exception.
With thanks to Netgalley and Random House for a digital ARC to read.
September 20, 2020
All these badass women!! I love this series. And I'm so happy for Flora!
March 19, 2019
It's #10 in a series and definitely not a stand-alone. It was good, solid writing and some closure for a some characters, but it wasn't the usual quality that I expect from Gardner. There were places that it felt a little flat.
June 29, 2019
In this 10th book in the 'Detective D.D. Warren' series, the investigator looks into the death of a traveling salesman. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
In this mystery, Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren of the Boston Police Department has two deaths on her mind, both linked to the same woman. A 32-year-old pregnant high school teacher named Evie Carter has been arrested for killing her husband Conrad Carter, who was shot three times. Evie claims she came home and found Conrad dead, then picked up the pistol and shot up his computer.
D.D.'s suspicions of the woman are heightened by the fact that Evie was involved in another death at the age of 16, when her father, Professor Earl Hopkins, was killed with a shotgun. At the time Evie said she had discharged the weapon accidently, and since her mother concurred, Evie wasn't charged with a crime. Still, Evie being in the vicinity of two homicides gets D.D.'s antennae quivering.
Things get even more complicated when D.D.'s confidential informant, Flora Dane, recognizes Conrad Carter from his photo on television.
Flora says she'd seen Conrad in a Florida bar about seven years ago, when she was the prisoner of long-haul trucker Jacob Ness. Ness had kidnapped Flora when she was a college student on spring break, and held her for 472 days - until she was rescued by the FBI six years ago.
Ness occasionally took captive Flora out to a bar, and on one such occasion they met up with Conrad Carter. Flora - who's now an activist and victim's advocate - believes Carter was a predator like Ness, and she now makes it her mission to find the connection between the two men.
The story is told from the rotating perspectives of D.D., Evie, and Flora, so we get a 360° view of what's going on.
- D.D. is somewhat puzzled by the Carter homicide, because there was an eight-minute gap between the shots that killed the man and the shots that killed the computer. D.D. would love to know what was on that machine, but the information is unrecoverable.
- Evie clams up about her husband and hires high-powered defense attorney Mr. Delaney, who's an old friend of her family. Evie does, however, renege on the story about her father. She now says that her dad - a highly-regarded math genius - committed suicide, and her mother cooked up the 'accident' tale to protect his reputation.
- Flora tries to launch her own investigation into Carter and Ness, her aim being to find out whether they were part of the same predator network. She also hopes to identify Ness's (presumed) previous victims. To accomplish this, Flora partners up with a true crime aficionado/computer expert named Keith. She also hounds the FBI for their files on Jacob Ness, but the fibbies don't just pass out files willy nilly.
We learn that dead Conrad Carter, a window salesman, traveled frequently for work and had a lot of secrets. He also probably communicated with Jacob Ness.....perhaps on the dark web.
To investigate this, the authorities take another look at Ness's old computer, which had been wiped clean when they confiscated it six years ago. However, computer whizzes can sometimes work miracles....
As the story unfolds we find out a lot about Evie and Flora's past traumas: Flora because of the kidnapping and Evie because of her seriously neurotic mother, who'd do anything to present a picture of perfection to the world. Some of these scenes, especially those about Flora's captivity, are disturbing.
There's a lot of speculation among the authorities - and some additional felonies - before the truth about everything comes to light.
I like the book but some of the plot points strain credulity to the breaking point. I find it hard to believe that Evie who has above average smarts AND a tendency to snoop, knows so little about her husband of ten years. Moreover, Evie seems totally blasé about her husband's death, though she says she loved him. In fact, Evie doesn't spend one second mourning Conrad's loss. Is this realistic?
On the positive side, it's fun to get a peek at D.D.'s home life - with her husband, little boy, and adorable mischievous dog.
I'd recommend the novel to readers who enjoy mysteries, especially fans of D.D. Warren.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
August 7, 2019
Favorite Quotes:
D.D. gave the childless detective a look. “If pregnancy hormones led to homicide, there wouldn’t be a husband left alive.”
You know, anyone will hang with the lit department, but tell someone you teach math or science, and it’s like you’re personally reminding them of every test they ever failed.
In movies, everyone loves the kickass heroine. I’m less convinced the average man wants one in real life.
I do not shoot my exes. Frankly, I couldn’t afford that many bullets.
My father was brilliant, my mother was melodramatic, my husband was a hero and a liar, my family was complicated.
My Review:
Never Tell was a cleverly crafted, maddeningly paced, complicated, and slowly developing tale with multiple POVs and complex storylines full of secrets, lies, and manipulations. Other than the recurring police offices none of the other characters were as they were initially presented; I couldn’t decide where several fell on the spectrum of good vs. evil. I spun wild theories that spiraled, flamed, and flip-flopped every other chapter. Sigh, this deviously talented author bested me, I couldn’t get a firm handle on a number of her compelling and intricately fabricated characters; they were so annoyingly slippery.
The plot evolved at a fiendishly slow pace while each new hard-won yet oddly intriguing revelation just seemed to add several additional layers of complexity and confusion and led nowhere but a new itchy and brain-teasing rabbit hole. I was fully vexed and taut with tension yet deeply engrossed and totally invested. It was exceedingly cunning, and while I should be ashamed to admit that I was so very wrong, I’m actually not. Lisa Gardner has mad skills, although she must be a bit scary to know.
D.D. gave the childless detective a look. “If pregnancy hormones led to homicide, there wouldn’t be a husband left alive.”
You know, anyone will hang with the lit department, but tell someone you teach math or science, and it’s like you’re personally reminding them of every test they ever failed.
In movies, everyone loves the kickass heroine. I’m less convinced the average man wants one in real life.
I do not shoot my exes. Frankly, I couldn’t afford that many bullets.
My father was brilliant, my mother was melodramatic, my husband was a hero and a liar, my family was complicated.
My Review:
Never Tell was a cleverly crafted, maddeningly paced, complicated, and slowly developing tale with multiple POVs and complex storylines full of secrets, lies, and manipulations. Other than the recurring police offices none of the other characters were as they were initially presented; I couldn’t decide where several fell on the spectrum of good vs. evil. I spun wild theories that spiraled, flamed, and flip-flopped every other chapter. Sigh, this deviously talented author bested me, I couldn’t get a firm handle on a number of her compelling and intricately fabricated characters; they were so annoyingly slippery.
The plot evolved at a fiendishly slow pace while each new hard-won yet oddly intriguing revelation just seemed to add several additional layers of complexity and confusion and led nowhere but a new itchy and brain-teasing rabbit hole. I was fully vexed and taut with tension yet deeply engrossed and totally invested. It was exceedingly cunning, and while I should be ashamed to admit that I was so very wrong, I’m actually not. Lisa Gardner has mad skills, although she must be a bit scary to know.
April 8, 2019
A nail-biting phycological thriller full of staggering lies, secrets and deceptions.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
SUMMARY
Conrad Carter is dead, he was shot three times in his home office. His computer had been shot twelve times. When the cops arrive, his pregnant wife, Evie, is holding the gun. D.D. Warren arrives on the scene and recognizes Evie from a case sixteen years earlier. Evie’s father had been killed in a shooting that was ruled an accident. But for D.D., the coincidence of two murders in Evie’s family is too much.
Flora Dane sees the news of Conrad Carter’s murder on TV and she immediately recognizes his face. She remembers a night when she was held as a hostage and her captor knew this man. Flora is now helping D.D. find the truth about Conrad’s murder. But D.D. and Flora are about to discover that in this case the truth is elusive. As they peel away the half-truths and outright lies, they wonder: How many secrets can one family have?
“It’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But no one says that strength doesn’t come at a price.”
REVIEW
Three strong female characters in this fast-paced read, what could be better! You are definitely going to need a new manicure after you are done with this nail-biting phycological thriller. With two murders under investigation, the lies, secrets and deceptions, are staggering.
LISA GARDNER has created an exceptional cast of well-developed characters. Her robust story-telling is captivating and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Her writing captured my attention when the computer caught ten rounds, and then I couldn’t stop turning the pages. There was one character, Keith, a computer genius and true crime blogger that had me wondering if perhaps we are going to see him again in another book! Very intriguing. Gardner certainly got my attention with this story.
Gardner is a New York Times bestselling thriller novelist. A self-described research junkie, she has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends her time with an assortment of canine companions.
Thanks to Netgalley, Dutton and Lisa Gardner for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“And part of brilliance isn’t just solving a problem; it’s seeing a problem no one else realizes is a problem yet.”
Publisher Dutton / Penguin Random House
Published February 19, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
SUMMARY
Conrad Carter is dead, he was shot three times in his home office. His computer had been shot twelve times. When the cops arrive, his pregnant wife, Evie, is holding the gun. D.D. Warren arrives on the scene and recognizes Evie from a case sixteen years earlier. Evie’s father had been killed in a shooting that was ruled an accident. But for D.D., the coincidence of two murders in Evie’s family is too much.
Flora Dane sees the news of Conrad Carter’s murder on TV and she immediately recognizes his face. She remembers a night when she was held as a hostage and her captor knew this man. Flora is now helping D.D. find the truth about Conrad’s murder. But D.D. and Flora are about to discover that in this case the truth is elusive. As they peel away the half-truths and outright lies, they wonder: How many secrets can one family have?
“It’s true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But no one says that strength doesn’t come at a price.”
REVIEW
Three strong female characters in this fast-paced read, what could be better! You are definitely going to need a new manicure after you are done with this nail-biting phycological thriller. With two murders under investigation, the lies, secrets and deceptions, are staggering.
LISA GARDNER has created an exceptional cast of well-developed characters. Her robust story-telling is captivating and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Her writing captured my attention when the computer caught ten rounds, and then I couldn’t stop turning the pages. There was one character, Keith, a computer genius and true crime blogger that had me wondering if perhaps we are going to see him again in another book! Very intriguing. Gardner certainly got my attention with this story.
Gardner is a New York Times bestselling thriller novelist. A self-described research junkie, she has transformed her interest in police procedure and criminal minds into a streak of internationally acclaimed novels, published across 30 countries. She’s also had four books become TV movies. She lives in New Hampshire where she spends her time with an assortment of canine companions.
Thanks to Netgalley, Dutton and Lisa Gardner for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“And part of brilliance isn’t just solving a problem; it’s seeing a problem no one else realizes is a problem yet.”
Publisher Dutton / Penguin Random House
Published February 19, 2019
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com
March 5, 2019
As a fan who’s read all the prior books in the series, and because of the quality writing from Lisa Gardner, I feel I know D. D. Warren very well. There’s a lot of history between us.
Flora Dane was first introduced in Find Her (2017) and appeared again in Look For Me (2018). I know Flora’s history, and I feel I know her character. I acknowledge her toughness, her intelligence, and her desperation. I think I can understand her vigilantism. I also feel she is a great character, and this book brings her some healing.
From the very first pages, we know what Evie did and didn’t do, but she is an unknown character. She’s quiet, reserved, and broken. This book explains how she’s been used all her life.
I have to be honest that initially when I read “Quincy,” I thought of SSA Kimberly Quincy’s dad. I wonder how he and Rainie are.
I’m looking forward to more D. D., but also to more Flora. Her future interests me very much.
Flora Dane was first introduced in Find Her (2017) and appeared again in Look For Me (2018). I know Flora’s history, and I feel I know her character. I acknowledge her toughness, her intelligence, and her desperation. I think I can understand her vigilantism. I also feel she is a great character, and this book brings her some healing.
From the very first pages, we know what Evie did and didn’t do, but she is an unknown character. She’s quiet, reserved, and broken. This book explains how she’s been used all her life.
I have to be honest that initially when I read “Quincy,” I thought of SSA Kimberly Quincy’s dad. I wonder how he and Rainie are.
I’m looking forward to more D. D., but also to more Flora. Her future interests me very much.
February 24, 2022
Never Tell is the 10th book of the D.D. Warren series. I remember enjoying this series a lot, but I'm not as impressed as I used to be.
The plot of Never Tell drags too much and there are so many repetitions! At least 100 pages could've been cut.
Also, it lacked a lot of credibility...
If the ending had been satisfying, I would've given 3 stars, but I thought it was disappointing. Unfortunately, I ended up rolling my eyes and some elements just didn't make sense to me.
Despite all this, I'll consider reading the next book eventually. I would like to know the ending of the Jacob Ness case.
The plot of Never Tell drags too much and there are so many repetitions! At least 100 pages could've been cut.
Also, it lacked a lot of credibility...
If the ending had been satisfying, I would've given 3 stars, but I thought it was disappointing. Unfortunately, I ended up rolling my eyes and some elements just didn't make sense to me.
Despite all this, I'll consider reading the next book eventually. I would like to know the ending of the Jacob Ness case.
February 16, 2019
Never Tell is the tenth book in the Boston based Sergeant D.D. Warren series from the Queen of Thrillers, and what a cracking read it is. It's easy to pick up and oh so difficult to put down. It had me turning the pages feverishly in excitement, and there were all the elements necessary to keep you completely riveted. I've read every one of Gardner's books, and this is her most accomplished to date.
There are many aspects that set this book apart from the rest, but the one I loved the most was that it was told from the perspective of three incredibly strong women - Evie, Flora and D.D - and with each chapter labelled with the characters name there is no room for confusion about who is talking. We get the information and reveals that the investigation uncovers through D.D who is a rational, capable and dogged investigator, whilst Flora and Evie's chapters reveal pure emotion and tell of their suffering in a powerful and heartfelt manner.
I was also completely engrossed in the parts that discuss the mysterious entity known as the dark web. There has long been a fascination and mystique surrounding it, and I found that it worked really well by creating more tension and unpredictability. With fast pacing, plentiful twists, expert plotting, secrets and lies in abundance and an altogether suspenseful narrative, this is a five-star read all the way. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Century for an ARC.
There are many aspects that set this book apart from the rest, but the one I loved the most was that it was told from the perspective of three incredibly strong women - Evie, Flora and D.D - and with each chapter labelled with the characters name there is no room for confusion about who is talking. We get the information and reveals that the investigation uncovers through D.D who is a rational, capable and dogged investigator, whilst Flora and Evie's chapters reveal pure emotion and tell of their suffering in a powerful and heartfelt manner.
I was also completely engrossed in the parts that discuss the mysterious entity known as the dark web. There has long been a fascination and mystique surrounding it, and I found that it worked really well by creating more tension and unpredictability. With fast pacing, plentiful twists, expert plotting, secrets and lies in abundance and an altogether suspenseful narrative, this is a five-star read all the way. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Century for an ARC.
February 19, 2019
It starts with a man found shot to death in his home. When the cops arrive, they find his wife holding the gun that killed him. In a bizarre twist of fate, Warren knows the wife. She accidentally killed her father 16 years earlier ... shooting him with his rifle.
Flora Dane sees the murder reported on the news and immediately knows who he is ..or was. She remembers the night she met him ... she was still a hostage taken by a human monster and held for over a year. Her captor knew this man. And now Flora wants to learn more....
BOOK BLURB: But D.D. and Flora are about to discover that in this case the truth is a devilishly elusive thing. As layer by layer they peel away the half-truths and outright lies, they wonder: How many secrets can one family have?
For fans of this author, you are in for a treat with NEVER TELL. This brings together three of her best loved characters ... D. D. Warren, Flora Dane, and Kimberly Quincy.
As always expected from this author, this is a well-written complex crime thriller with twists and turns that keep the reader riveted to each and every page. It's action-packed with an explosive ending. Each of this author's books just gets better than the last. I always salivate when I see she has a new book out.
Many thanks to the author / PENGUIN GROUP Dutton / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Flora Dane sees the murder reported on the news and immediately knows who he is ..or was. She remembers the night she met him ... she was still a hostage taken by a human monster and held for over a year. Her captor knew this man. And now Flora wants to learn more....
BOOK BLURB: But D.D. and Flora are about to discover that in this case the truth is a devilishly elusive thing. As layer by layer they peel away the half-truths and outright lies, they wonder: How many secrets can one family have?
For fans of this author, you are in for a treat with NEVER TELL. This brings together three of her best loved characters ... D. D. Warren, Flora Dane, and Kimberly Quincy.
As always expected from this author, this is a well-written complex crime thriller with twists and turns that keep the reader riveted to each and every page. It's action-packed with an explosive ending. Each of this author's books just gets better than the last. I always salivate when I see she has a new book out.
Many thanks to the author / PENGUIN GROUP Dutton / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
December 7, 2018
Tl;dr: Never Tell is an outstanding suspense/thriller that starts off fast and then goes even faster all the way to the end *and* while featuring not one, not two, but three fascinating female leads.
I've been reading Lisa Gardner for ages, so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of Never Tell. Fans of D. D. Warren and Gardner's newest, and imo, fascinating share-the-lead character, Flora Dane, are in for a fast-paced, satisfying read.
One of the things I like best about Ms. Gardner's writing is that even if you are new to her books, they're still a good read. It's no small feat to hand out enough backstory to hook new readers while not boring longtime fans, but she always manages to do so, which is why I've been reading her books since The Perfect Husband (pre-D.D.!!)
Never Tell opens with an anxious, pregnant Evie Carter returning home to face her husband Conrad.
Minutes later, the police arrive. Conrad has been shot three times. His computer has been shot twelve times. And Evie is holding the gun.
Evie is arrested for Conrad's murder and D.D. is on the case--turns out, Evie shot her father about sixteen years ago, but claimed it was an accident. It was one of D. D.'s first cases and she's never been totally convinced that Evie's father died accidentally, making her very suspicious.
Then Flora appears near the crime scene. Turns out, she's pretty sure she's seen the dead husband, Connor, before--and under the worst possible circumstances. In Never Tell, Flora has to go back to memories of a time she doesn't want to revisit even as she can never forget. I won't say more because I think Flora is Ms. Gardner's best character yet, and her story is very much worth reading.
Of course, it's great to read about D.D. again--while motherhood has mellowed her out a little, she's still a no nonsense, incredibly perceptive cop who is willing to examine every angle she needs to-- even if she finds that each angle leads to another. Or three.
Rounding out the cast of main characters is Evie, who is actually--imo--almost as fascinating as Flora. She's so smart, but has spent her entire life living in the shadow of her genius father who died at her hands. (You can guess that twist, but it still works) And it turns out that marriage to Conrad was not easy--but exactly why...well, that's one of the reasons why Never Tell is one of those books you start, vowing to read only X number of chapters only to end up reading way, way more than that.
Longtime fans and new readers are in for a gripping and well done thriller with Never Tell. While it's not perfect--it is very, very obvious who drives the more muder-y (murdery??) aspects of the plot--it is very, very good. 4.25 rounded up to five because Flora! And also because I would have preordered this about three chapters in--except I've already done that because Ms. Gardner's books are just that good.
I've been reading Lisa Gardner for ages, so I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of Never Tell. Fans of D. D. Warren and Gardner's newest, and imo, fascinating share-the-lead character, Flora Dane, are in for a fast-paced, satisfying read.
One of the things I like best about Ms. Gardner's writing is that even if you are new to her books, they're still a good read. It's no small feat to hand out enough backstory to hook new readers while not boring longtime fans, but she always manages to do so, which is why I've been reading her books since The Perfect Husband (pre-D.D.!!)
Never Tell opens with an anxious, pregnant Evie Carter returning home to face her husband Conrad.
Minutes later, the police arrive. Conrad has been shot three times. His computer has been shot twelve times. And Evie is holding the gun.
Evie is arrested for Conrad's murder and D.D. is on the case--turns out, Evie shot her father about sixteen years ago, but claimed it was an accident. It was one of D. D.'s first cases and she's never been totally convinced that Evie's father died accidentally, making her very suspicious.
Then Flora appears near the crime scene. Turns out, she's pretty sure she's seen the dead husband, Connor, before--and under the worst possible circumstances. In Never Tell, Flora has to go back to memories of a time she doesn't want to revisit even as she can never forget. I won't say more because I think Flora is Ms. Gardner's best character yet, and her story is very much worth reading.
Of course, it's great to read about D.D. again--while motherhood has mellowed her out a little, she's still a no nonsense, incredibly perceptive cop who is willing to examine every angle she needs to-- even if she finds that each angle leads to another. Or three.
Rounding out the cast of main characters is Evie, who is actually--imo--almost as fascinating as Flora. She's so smart, but has spent her entire life living in the shadow of her genius father who died at her hands. (You can guess that twist, but it still works) And it turns out that marriage to Conrad was not easy--but exactly why...well, that's one of the reasons why Never Tell is one of those books you start, vowing to read only X number of chapters only to end up reading way, way more than that.
Longtime fans and new readers are in for a gripping and well done thriller with Never Tell. While it's not perfect--it is very, very obvious who drives the more muder-y (murdery??) aspects of the plot--it is very, very good. 4.25 rounded up to five because Flora! And also because I would have preordered this about three chapters in--except I've already done that because Ms. Gardner's books are just that good.
May 12, 2019
While my friend, Kathleen enjoyed this, I had a different take. Perhaps it helps to be a devoted follower of Ms. Gardner, but issues enjoyed by my friend tended to grind on me. 2 of 10 stars
March 13, 2019
## A new author to me but a quick look on Amazon showed a prolific writer and this is book 10 in the Detective D D Warren series, although book 9 and this book are not published as books 9 and 10, maybe the thinking is that having book 9/10 on a cover for some readers ( inc me has to be said ) would be maybe too much of a back story to get to grips with ( I may be totally on the wrong track there!! ) however it has to be said that this is a book in its own right and even though its Book 10 there is only the briefest mentions of any back story in it ##
13 years ago Evie is found with a gun, her Dad is dead, it was accidental
Now Evie is again found with a gun, this time her husband is dead....she claims she didn’t kill him, either!
And so starts a great adventure as told by Evie, Detective DD and Flora ( Flora is the 3rd main character in the story, she was held captive for 6 years by an evil predator and her experiences help in hard to ‘fathom out’ cases ) each of the 3 take turns to narrate and tell how the story is progressing from their angle....we are also introduced to a plethora of other cast including a functioning alcoholic Mum of Evie,and a dark web expert/true crime buff and investigator amongst others, all adding vital ingredients to make this a true meal of a book!
Its a busy book, lots happens, quickly and the ‘mood’ changes rapidly and it can appear slightly chaotic but once you embrace if and get involved the fast paced excitement is contagious and carries you through
Its has equal adventure and thriller and crime procedure but this is explained well and doesn’t drag on and the information given is relevant and helps you build your own picture as to what could have happened....I didn’t have a clue tbh until all was revealed and I liked the book even more for that!
A punchy book written with gusto and read with enjoyment
May 24, 2020
D.D. Warren is now a supervisory Sergeant. She is supposed to supervise the other detectives in the homicide squad but anyone who has met D.D. in earlier books knows that she is not satisfied with just supervising. She has no problem issuing orders but she is not going sit behind a desk and read reports. When she hears about the case where a wife is suspected of having shot her husband in their home she recognizes the wife. Sixteen years ago Evie Carter's father died in a shooting. It was ruled that Evie had accidentally shot him. Now Evie is found standing over her husband, Conrad, with a gun in her hand. Two shootings in sixteen years? No way that D.D. isn't going to take an active part in this case.
Flora Dane sees the report on the murder of Conrad Carter on the television. She recognizes him from her time when Jacob Ness had kidnapped her. Flora was introduced in Find Her. She may have been a victim once but now she is a survivor and a vigilante. She is also D.D.'s confidential informant. There is survivors guilt. There may have been other victims. Were Jacob and Conrad acquaintances? A pair of predators? Flora is determined to learn the truth even though it means revisiting a dark past when she was the victim.
The chapters alternate between D.D., Flora, and Evie. There is no great surprise with regards to whodunit but the ride to learning what happened to Conrad Carter as well as the truth about that day sixteen years ago when Evie's father was shot is a fast paced page turner story that kept me up some nights wanting to read one more chapter. I found it interesting to see the development of the characters. D.D. is now a mother of a five year old boy with a dog. There are few quiet moments in D.D's life. For years Flora led an isolated and secluded life. She could not let others get too close. No relationships. Could that be about to change? I am looking forward to the next installment in the series to find out what is next for both D.D. and Flora.
Flora Dane sees the report on the murder of Conrad Carter on the television. She recognizes him from her time when Jacob Ness had kidnapped her. Flora was introduced in Find Her. She may have been a victim once but now she is a survivor and a vigilante. She is also D.D.'s confidential informant. There is survivors guilt. There may have been other victims. Were Jacob and Conrad acquaintances? A pair of predators? Flora is determined to learn the truth even though it means revisiting a dark past when she was the victim.
The chapters alternate between D.D., Flora, and Evie. There is no great surprise with regards to whodunit but the ride to learning what happened to Conrad Carter as well as the truth about that day sixteen years ago when Evie's father was shot is a fast paced page turner story that kept me up some nights wanting to read one more chapter. I found it interesting to see the development of the characters. D.D. is now a mother of a five year old boy with a dog. There are few quiet moments in D.D's life. For years Flora led an isolated and secluded life. She could not let others get too close. No relationships. Could that be about to change? I am looking forward to the next installment in the series to find out what is next for both D.D. and Flora.
December 2, 2020
Evie Carter returns home to find her husband dead in his office chair, obviously shot and holding the weapon. When she sees what’s on his computer screen, Evie grabs the gun and shoots the computer...twelve times. And that’s what the police see moments later when they arrive and assume the obvious. Detective D. D. Warren joins the scene and recognizes Evie from a case many years ago when she was a teen. Meanwhile, Flora Dane sees the news report on television and recognizes Evie’s husband, Conrad Carter, from a time during her captivity with abductor Jacob Ness.
This all happens within the first chapter so my imagination immediately launched into several theories. It was all perplexing, trying to figure out what Evie saw on that computer, who really killed Conrad and what was he doing with Jacob Ness. The case went in a lot of directions, especially when Flora finally agrees to cooperate with law enforcement and explore her memories of her 472 days in captivity. Even the federal agent who rescued her, Kimberly Quincy, joins the investigative team.
As much as I’ve enjoyed the books in the series, this one is my favorite as it managed to so seamlessly bridge at least five separate cases and situations, have them make sense and have each be a compelling story on its own. The narrator was equally outstanding in skillfully telling all these stories in D. D.’s, Evie’s and Flora’s voices so distinctly and wonderfully. I loved everything about this and if all I’ve described wasn’t enough, the ending is just magnificent!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
This all happens within the first chapter so my imagination immediately launched into several theories. It was all perplexing, trying to figure out what Evie saw on that computer, who really killed Conrad and what was he doing with Jacob Ness. The case went in a lot of directions, especially when Flora finally agrees to cooperate with law enforcement and explore her memories of her 472 days in captivity. Even the federal agent who rescued her, Kimberly Quincy, joins the investigative team.
As much as I’ve enjoyed the books in the series, this one is my favorite as it managed to so seamlessly bridge at least five separate cases and situations, have them make sense and have each be a compelling story on its own. The narrator was equally outstanding in skillfully telling all these stories in D. D.’s, Evie’s and Flora’s voices so distinctly and wonderfully. I loved everything about this and if all I’ve described wasn’t enough, the ending is just magnificent!
Posted on Blue Mood Café
September 21, 2024
God! I’ve missed Lisa Gardner’s DD Warren Series. I know I jumped into the middle without starting from the first book, but I’ve already read about Flora Dane, so I’m familiar with her history. Also, I think each book can be considered a stand-alone, right? Correct me if I’m wrong.
I still remember reading about Flora Dane, Quincy, and DD in book 9 (Find Her), and I’m so excited to see them working together, trying to figure out the connection between Jacob and Conrad. I loved it. I loved every character in this book.
Lies, lies, and more lies. Everyone is lying; everyone has secrets. I felt so connected to the storyline, the mystery surrounding the deaths in Evie’s family, Flora’s trauma from her abduction, and DD Warren’s search for the truth.
I got a bit teary-eyed towards the end. Lisa Gardner is truly magnificent.
I still remember reading about Flora Dane, Quincy, and DD in book 9 (Find Her), and I’m so excited to see them working together, trying to figure out the connection between Jacob and Conrad. I loved it. I loved every character in this book.
Lies, lies, and more lies. Everyone is lying; everyone has secrets. I felt so connected to the storyline, the mystery surrounding the deaths in Evie’s family, Flora’s trauma from her abduction, and DD Warren’s search for the truth.
I got a bit teary-eyed towards the end. Lisa Gardner is truly magnificent.
April 15, 2019
Evie Carter was shocked to her core at what she encountered on her arrival home from work. But it was what she did immediately afterwards that had the police arresting her and putting her in jail. Even her pregnancy wasn’t enough to keep Evie out of a cell.
Detective D.D. Warren arrived at the scene, recognized Evie and knew this one would be a puzzle. She decided, as well as her murder squad, she needed the help of her CI – Flora Dane. Flora was still recovering from her own traumatic past, but she was a great CI. It was when she realized she knew the victim that DD was investigating, that her past came rushing back. Was there a connection to the past of six years ago – plus another past of sixteen years ago – to the current investigation? It seemed too bizarre for the murder team to contemplate. But DD loved crazy – this was right down her alley!
With a tech civilian, an FBI agent (nice to see you again Kimberly) a CI, and her team, DD knew she’d never had a squad quite so different. But would it work?
Never Tell by Lisa Gardner is another brilliant episode in the Detective DD Warren series (#10) and I loved it. Lisa Gardner knows how to tie the reader in knots; keep the heart pumping and the trickle of hints flowing nicely. It was great to have Flora front and centre again and catch up with SSA Kimberly Quincy. DD and Kimberly work together well. I’m really looking forward to the next installment in this series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Detective D.D. Warren arrived at the scene, recognized Evie and knew this one would be a puzzle. She decided, as well as her murder squad, she needed the help of her CI – Flora Dane. Flora was still recovering from her own traumatic past, but she was a great CI. It was when she realized she knew the victim that DD was investigating, that her past came rushing back. Was there a connection to the past of six years ago – plus another past of sixteen years ago – to the current investigation? It seemed too bizarre for the murder team to contemplate. But DD loved crazy – this was right down her alley!
With a tech civilian, an FBI agent (nice to see you again Kimberly) a CI, and her team, DD knew she’d never had a squad quite so different. But would it work?
Never Tell by Lisa Gardner is another brilliant episode in the Detective DD Warren series (#10) and I loved it. Lisa Gardner knows how to tie the reader in knots; keep the heart pumping and the trickle of hints flowing nicely. It was great to have Flora front and centre again and catch up with SSA Kimberly Quincy. DD and Kimberly work together well. I’m really looking forward to the next installment in this series. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
February 19, 2019
4.5 Stars
D.D. is called into a murder investigation, when they find out the suspect, Evie Carter was investigated sixteen years earlier for the shooting death of her father, ultimately ruled as accidental. D.D. was on the case back then, but now that Evie is suspected in the shooting death of her husband, Conrad Carter, D.D. wonders if they were wrong about the first case. Was the death of Evie’s father really an accident?
Flora Dane becomes a key figure in the investigation when she realizes she met the murder victim, Evie’s husband, years before when he met up with her kidnapper, Jacob Ness, the man who held her for 472 days. Flora is very much a survivor, six years after her release, and we’ve got to see her in action with the last couple of books, as sort of a vigilante and self-appointed victims advocate. Flora’s come a long way since her ordeal but seeing Conrad’s picture brings a lot back. Flora has kept some of those memories locked away tight, refusing to hash and rehash the details over with the FBI, but now she questions if that’s deprived other possible victims of their justice. Flora is ready to revisit the past, but the FBI isn’t as generous sharing what they know of Jacob with her, so she finds another source: Keith Edgar, a true-crime buff who’s been requesting to interview Flora since she got away from Jacob. He’s a wealth of information and an expert in searching for more. But Flora’s also a bit skeptical about Keith, because what sort of man would devote so much of his free time to this kind of hobby? A groupie, a wannabe serial killer? Flora’s prepared for any possibility!
Since Flora’s been introduced, I’ve felt for her! Yes, she’s taken her life back, somewhat, but the story after a victim is “saved” makes it very apparent that the nightmare isn’t over just because they survived and got away. With the introduction of Keith, I’m so excited for possibilities and the coming stories! In acknowledgments Ms. Gardner states “there’s more to come” with Flora and I couldn’t be happier at the prospect! Her journey has been equal parts disturbing, moving and captivating!
Evie, our current murder suspect, gets a first-person point of view in this story, a POV I was happy to have since it connected her past with the present in a way that couldn’t have been otherwise. Flora also gets a first-person POV. It was tough being in Flora’s head at first with all the past coming to the surface again, but there was a more hopeful Flora coming through and I loved it! D.D. gets her usual third person POV, which sounds a little odd, but it works.
I’ve been a long-time fan of Lisa Gardner’s stories! They’re a mixture of crime procedural, mystery, and thriller, heavy on character motivations and twists. Even when I’ve been torn up about the outcome (just a couple of her books) it’s always been a memorable experience, one that I think about long after I finish the last page.
I know when a reader sees that this is the 10th book in a series they automatically shy away, but you don’t have to read all nine books before Never Tell to enjoy this installment. This could be read as a standalone, but I’d recommend starting where Flora Dane is introduced in Find Her (book 8), to really enjoy Never Tell.
A copy was kindly provided by Dutton via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
D.D. is called into a murder investigation, when they find out the suspect, Evie Carter was investigated sixteen years earlier for the shooting death of her father, ultimately ruled as accidental. D.D. was on the case back then, but now that Evie is suspected in the shooting death of her husband, Conrad Carter, D.D. wonders if they were wrong about the first case. Was the death of Evie’s father really an accident?
Flora Dane becomes a key figure in the investigation when she realizes she met the murder victim, Evie’s husband, years before when he met up with her kidnapper, Jacob Ness, the man who held her for 472 days. Flora is very much a survivor, six years after her release, and we’ve got to see her in action with the last couple of books, as sort of a vigilante and self-appointed victims advocate. Flora’s come a long way since her ordeal but seeing Conrad’s picture brings a lot back. Flora has kept some of those memories locked away tight, refusing to hash and rehash the details over with the FBI, but now she questions if that’s deprived other possible victims of their justice. Flora is ready to revisit the past, but the FBI isn’t as generous sharing what they know of Jacob with her, so she finds another source: Keith Edgar, a true-crime buff who’s been requesting to interview Flora since she got away from Jacob. He’s a wealth of information and an expert in searching for more. But Flora’s also a bit skeptical about Keith, because what sort of man would devote so much of his free time to this kind of hobby? A groupie, a wannabe serial killer? Flora’s prepared for any possibility!
Since Flora’s been introduced, I’ve felt for her! Yes, she’s taken her life back, somewhat, but the story after a victim is “saved” makes it very apparent that the nightmare isn’t over just because they survived and got away. With the introduction of Keith, I’m so excited for possibilities and the coming stories! In acknowledgments Ms. Gardner states “there’s more to come” with Flora and I couldn’t be happier at the prospect! Her journey has been equal parts disturbing, moving and captivating!
Evie, our current murder suspect, gets a first-person point of view in this story, a POV I was happy to have since it connected her past with the present in a way that couldn’t have been otherwise. Flora also gets a first-person POV. It was tough being in Flora’s head at first with all the past coming to the surface again, but there was a more hopeful Flora coming through and I loved it! D.D. gets her usual third person POV, which sounds a little odd, but it works.
I’ve been a long-time fan of Lisa Gardner’s stories! They’re a mixture of crime procedural, mystery, and thriller, heavy on character motivations and twists. Even when I’ve been torn up about the outcome (just a couple of her books) it’s always been a memorable experience, one that I think about long after I finish the last page.
I know when a reader sees that this is the 10th book in a series they automatically shy away, but you don’t have to read all nine books before Never Tell to enjoy this installment. This could be read as a standalone, but I’d recommend starting where Flora Dane is introduced in Find Her (book 8), to really enjoy Never Tell.
A copy was kindly provided by Dutton via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 29, 2019
I'll be the first to admit that while it was Gardner, and her three cross-over series, that kicked off my renewed fascination with the thriller/mystery/detective genre back in 2016, the last few installments of this main series (correction, sorry, it's been one book and one novella) just haven't wowed me. For various reasons. But NEVER TELL? Hi hello, we're back again.
This story slots in under the main Detective D.D. Warren series but, like most of Gardner's books, there's crossover. Recently, since book eight, the survivor of that story has become a supporting character as she transitioned into a vigilante slash confidential informant, aka CI, for DD. And she's not the only familiar face.
I really couldn't recommend this book to people who hadn't read at least the last three, starting from FIND HER, but honestly this whole series is worth investing in. Are they all great? No. But there's been such an evolution, including the books in the companion/spin-offs, and those are even relevant for a certain guest-star in this book, both in character and how some of the stories weave together, that even the stories that don't rate as high still feel worth the effort (also, for some perspective, I've only rated one book below three stars and while that was the first book.. let's just say the opening books were a different vibe). Basically what I'm saying is block out some reading time over the holidays, put the whole backlist on hold at your local library, and get ready to rock and roll. And by rock and roll I mean experience some dark twisty additive af procedurals.
This review has become less about the book and more about the series as a whole but honestly there's not much you can put in a review for a thriller that the summary doesn't already.. summarize. There are twists, death, and surprises. Rinse and repeat. This mystery definitely had a tighter pacing than the last, unfurled in a great way, and also had me tearing up. So I guess we can throw 'emotions' into that list, too.
I can't wait for the next one.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
This story slots in under the main Detective D.D. Warren series but, like most of Gardner's books, there's crossover. Recently, since book eight, the survivor of that story has become a supporting character as she transitioned into a vigilante slash confidential informant, aka CI, for DD. And she's not the only familiar face.
I really couldn't recommend this book to people who hadn't read at least the last three, starting from FIND HER, but honestly this whole series is worth investing in. Are they all great? No. But there's been such an evolution, including the books in the companion/spin-offs, and those are even relevant for a certain guest-star in this book, both in character and how some of the stories weave together, that even the stories that don't rate as high still feel worth the effort (also, for some perspective, I've only rated one book below three stars and while that was the first book.. let's just say the opening books were a different vibe). Basically what I'm saying is block out some reading time over the holidays, put the whole backlist on hold at your local library, and get ready to rock and roll. And by rock and roll I mean experience some dark twisty additive af procedurals.
This review has become less about the book and more about the series as a whole but honestly there's not much you can put in a review for a thriller that the summary doesn't already.. summarize. There are twists, death, and surprises. Rinse and repeat. This mystery definitely had a tighter pacing than the last, unfurled in a great way, and also had me tearing up. So I guess we can throw 'emotions' into that list, too.
I can't wait for the next one.
---
This review can also be found at A Take From Two Cities.
February 5, 2019
Switching between D.D., Flora, and new character, Evie, this is a cracking thriller that had me up well past midnight. Even though the whodunnit is not that surprising, it's set up so well that you have a blast regardless. The team is becoming quite the effective dysfunctional family and I'm here for it.
ARC via Netgalley
ARC via Netgalley
August 28, 2019
Lisa Gardner writes an exciting, emotional mystery from the viewpoint of three female characters as they all investigate, and resolve, two killings and a kidnapping that involve two of them. I can't praise enough how engaging and thoughtfully non-traditional Gardner has made these characters. Of course, as the story unspools, it's clear no one is, or was, exactly as he or she seemed.
The only knock, and it is minor, is the stereotypical character of the Southern bad guy. When will we see a mystery set in the South with a sympathetic Mississippi police officer investigating a horrific Boston serial rapist/murderer?
I nonetheless want to compliment Gardner for the way she has drawn Flora, D.D., Evie, and Evie's parents and the way in which she makes us care about all of them throughout the book.
Jump in and enjoy the ride as ultra-pro Gardner takes readers on a stay-up-late, thrilling roller coaster.
Highly recommended!
The only knock, and it is minor, is the stereotypical character of the Southern bad guy. When will we see a mystery set in the South with a sympathetic Mississippi police officer investigating a horrific Boston serial rapist/murderer?
I nonetheless want to compliment Gardner for the way she has drawn Flora, D.D., Evie, and Evie's parents and the way in which she makes us care about all of them throughout the book.
Jump in and enjoy the ride as ultra-pro Gardner takes readers on a stay-up-late, thrilling roller coaster.
Highly recommended!
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