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What She Knew
"This book was gripping, so many twists and turns, I could not put it down! Heart breaking at times, you really feel the characters. Just such a wonderfully terrifying book!" (Amazon Reviewer)
Lilly was a college graduate with a growing career, and an ex-boyfriend with a single-minded determination to reclaim her. Despite her efforts to hide her tracks, Carl stalks and terrorizes her, and she flees to the remote regions of northern Maine. The journey is perilous, but Lilly makes a life, marries and raises a family. The fear of being hunted recedes, but the past lurks, ever watching, and then slams into Lilly’s world, threatening all that she holds dear.
Lilly was a college graduate with a growing career, and an ex-boyfriend with a single-minded determination to reclaim her. Despite her efforts to hide her tracks, Carl stalks and terrorizes her, and she flees to the remote regions of northern Maine. The journey is perilous, but Lilly makes a life, marries and raises a family. The fear of being hunted recedes, but the past lurks, ever watching, and then slams into Lilly’s world, threatening all that she holds dear.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2019
657 people are currently reading
429 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 24, 2024
I had high hopes for this book, but it unfortunately fell short due to several grammatical and formatting errors. A good editor is crucial in ensuring the book's quality, and I feel that this particular edition could have significantly benefited from one.
Despite the issues, I must say that I did enjoy the plot. However, in good conscience, I can't give it a higher rating. This is wonderful as a draft, but two stars are generous as a published book. So many areas need improvement...
The author has a great concept, and with proper editing and revisions, this book has the potential to be fantastic. I hope the author takes the time to edit this one and publish a corrected edition. This story could have easily been a four-star book if the proper publishing steps had been taken. Disappointed!
Despite the issues, I must say that I did enjoy the plot. However, in good conscience, I can't give it a higher rating. This is wonderful as a draft, but two stars are generous as a published book. So many areas need improvement...
The author has a great concept, and with proper editing and revisions, this book has the potential to be fantastic. I hope the author takes the time to edit this one and publish a corrected edition. This story could have easily been a four-star book if the proper publishing steps had been taken. Disappointed!
January 20, 2025
This one hit a bit too close to home...
June 4, 2020
Good read
It was pretty good. Not my usual type of book but I enjoyed it! I definitely get annoyed at grammatical errors...there were many...but it was still a good read
It was pretty good. Not my usual type of book but I enjoyed it! I definitely get annoyed at grammatical errors...there were many...but it was still a good read
February 22, 2024
needs an editor!!!
The story itself was good! But there were several grammatical and spelling errors on EVERY PAGE. It was so distracting from the actual story. There were also discrepancies through out making the story harder to follow. I actually googled the author halfway to see if maybe English wasn’t her first language. Not sure how a book like this gets published. All the errors added to the chaos of the writing style, it felt like a rough draft of a highschool level writer.
The story itself was good! But there were several grammatical and spelling errors on EVERY PAGE. It was so distracting from the actual story. There were also discrepancies through out making the story harder to follow. I actually googled the author halfway to see if maybe English wasn’t her first language. Not sure how a book like this gets published. All the errors added to the chaos of the writing style, it felt like a rough draft of a highschool level writer.
February 25, 2024
The storyline was good, but the writing definitely needs some editing. There were a few times the author messed up names, which made things confusing. One time in particular, she was talking about going to see Emma and Sam but wrote Emma and Carl. Pretty confusing since Carl is her stalker! There were also so many characters and names that I often times had trouble keeping track of everyone. Considering I read this in 2 days, that's saying something. Not a bad reas though.
March 1, 2024
This book started well but became extremely far fetched and frustrating as events transpired over decades. She was manipulated and stalked for years and put so many people in danger because of her fear of retaliation or need to take control of the situation. I felt bad for her spouse and children who had to ensure the physical and mental stress over the years because she chose to hide crucial information by not communicating her past. I know it’s hard to place yourself in those situations when they haven’t actually happened in your life.
April 8, 2024
Terrible for many reasons: Grammar, editing, organization, inability to write above a grammar school level...with so much poor construction and lack of fluid movement from chapter to chapter that it was often confusing and difficult to follow. Misnamed characters, faulty timelines, confusion in transitions between present and and past...just a very poorly written book. Subject matter could have been interesting. Also, for me, read much like a "documentary rather than a novel, with the end result being it felt like the author's goal was to report information, with no in-depth character or serious plot development. Zero emotional connection with characters for me and a book I skimmed through to avoid all of the aforementioned just to get to the end.
February 23, 2024
This book desperately needed editing and proofreading
There were so many errors in this book that it made reading it a real chore. The characters’ names were mixed up frequently, words were left out repeatedly or misspelled, and the constant back and forth between the past and the present was extremely disjointed. The writer has some talent, but she really failed when it comes to editing and proofing. An otherwise interesting read became tedious, and much of the ending didn’t make much sense.
There were so many errors in this book that it made reading it a real chore. The characters’ names were mixed up frequently, words were left out repeatedly or misspelled, and the constant back and forth between the past and the present was extremely disjointed. The writer has some talent, but she really failed when it comes to editing and proofing. An otherwise interesting read became tedious, and much of the ending didn’t make much sense.
August 29, 2020
So this book.... The story itself is FABULOUS. I loved the storyline, plot, characters, and everything about the actual story. It's a great book to read if you can get past the super choppy writing. The writing style reminds me of how we wrote in highschool. With the right editing it could be perfect. But the story gets you excited and on the edge of your seat in all the right places.
August 10, 2025
terrible
This was just awful writing. And for a short book it took FOREVER! The storyline had promise, but this was just painful to read
This was just awful writing. And for a short book it took FOREVER! The storyline had promise, but this was just painful to read
April 18, 2021
What She Knew is one of those books that stick with you to your dying day.
I really enjoyed reading this book by Kate Abbott. I, personally, have never been stalked I have a few people that I know that have been stalked. It is a frightening experience. And even when the stalker is locked up the experience is rarely ever done. It is usually only resolved by years of therapy.
I really enjoyed reading this book by Kate Abbott. I, personally, have never been stalked I have a few people that I know that have been stalked. It is a frightening experience. And even when the stalker is locked up the experience is rarely ever done. It is usually only resolved by years of therapy.
June 8, 2024
As others have noted, and as I have done in my notes, this editor needs to attend some courses on the correct use of the English language - or find a good proof-reader! as a published author myself, (non-fiction), I would not dream of submitting a MS that had not been proof-read by at least two others as well as myself. Even then, I may find a minor error that we all missed!
I did not like the constant moving between past and present. Some authors can hack it - this one failed utterly to do so. We even had the main character, in a chapter in the present, reminiscing about the past - most confusing. The constant referenced[s to "my two girls" was also, sometimes, confusing as one had to work out if she was referring to her twin daughters (and where did she get those names?!) or her two female canines!
I gave this book one star simply because "no stars" aren't always counted. I only finished it because I'm stubborn (and because I could do some "skimming and scanning"!!!!).
I did not like the constant moving between past and present. Some authors can hack it - this one failed utterly to do so. We even had the main character, in a chapter in the present, reminiscing about the past - most confusing. The constant referenced[s to "my two girls" was also, sometimes, confusing as one had to work out if she was referring to her twin daughters (and where did she get those names?!) or her two female canines!
I gave this book one star simply because "no stars" aren't always counted. I only finished it because I'm stubborn (and because I could do some "skimming and scanning"!!!!).
March 3, 2024
Meh
I personally loved the storyline. All in all it was a great story to read which is why I rated it three instead of two or two and a half. Honestly, had it not been for the fact that I had promised my friend I would read it, I probably would have quit a quarter of the way through- especially because I am not a fan of third person point of view. But, the biggest hang up that I had was the amount of mistakes I found while reading. I understand a few here and there, and can look past that, but I found multiple almost every single chapter. I also found a lot of redundant sentences. I am big on having the correct spelling of things, correct grammar, and the correct punctuation. If you are also like me, just be prepared to be really irritated/irate while reading this book.
But, like I said, all in all, it was a good read!
I personally loved the storyline. All in all it was a great story to read which is why I rated it three instead of two or two and a half. Honestly, had it not been for the fact that I had promised my friend I would read it, I probably would have quit a quarter of the way through- especially because I am not a fan of third person point of view. But, the biggest hang up that I had was the amount of mistakes I found while reading. I understand a few here and there, and can look past that, but I found multiple almost every single chapter. I also found a lot of redundant sentences. I am big on having the correct spelling of things, correct grammar, and the correct punctuation. If you are also like me, just be prepared to be really irritated/irate while reading this book.
But, like I said, all in all, it was a good read!
March 4, 2025
Great story about domestic abuse; a subject
that many do not want to talk about. Victims themselves many times don't tell there own family; they are ashamed or they really love me or they are very sorry it won't happen again! Violence is not limited to any certain socio-economic level or level of education. Very young, elderly, women and men-all may become victims. One state- when there's a call to police over domestic abuse; will arrest both the victim and the abuser. ( I don't know if it's still in effect) Police know it's one of the most dangerous types of calls to respond to. Most killings are by people known to them. Police used to not interfere with 'discipline' of wives or children; because a man was head of the family!
that many do not want to talk about. Victims themselves many times don't tell there own family; they are ashamed or they really love me or they are very sorry it won't happen again! Violence is not limited to any certain socio-economic level or level of education. Very young, elderly, women and men-all may become victims. One state- when there's a call to police over domestic abuse; will arrest both the victim and the abuser. ( I don't know if it's still in effect) Police know it's one of the most dangerous types of calls to respond to. Most killings are by people known to them. Police used to not interfere with 'discipline' of wives or children; because a man was head of the family!
April 9, 2024
I actually really liked the story. It kept me invested and interested. However, there were countless typos, the story jumped back and forth and it was hard to keep up with where I was in the timeline. Even when you were set in the present, suddenly you would be back in the past. I had to reread sections multiple times to make sure I knew where I was. And then end seemed very rushed to me. Not to mention that it was just too easy. ***Spoiler Alert*** Nothing ever works out THAT easily to defeat the “very bad guy”. 🙄
December 30, 2024
This was a page-turner and I really enjoyed it.
Spoiler alerts ahead. It was all moving along pretty quickly, and then there was some weird things. When Lilly interviewed a sister about her brother it sounded like they were both named Frances. There were a couple of typos-gage, should have been guage. The twins talking to each other in their brains was kind of weird, and beyond what I understand twins do. I also felt his death was too quick for what he deserved. But other parts of the ending were really good.
Spoiler alerts ahead. It was all moving along pretty quickly, and then there was some weird things. When Lilly interviewed a sister about her brother it sounded like they were both named Frances. There were a couple of typos-gage, should have been guage. The twins talking to each other in their brains was kind of weird, and beyond what I understand twins do. I also felt his death was too quick for what he deserved. But other parts of the ending were really good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
Couldn’t finish the book. I felt the timelines were hard to follow and put the book down at 63%. Not much was happening to progress the story. I would like to know the ending if anyone wants to share in the comments but I don’t want to take the time to read the ending.
I did like the first half of the book. The story was moving along well and I was creeped out and worried for her at moments. The authors writing has potential. Just need some adjustments with timelines and flow.
I did like the first half of the book. The story was moving along well and I was creeped out and worried for her at moments. The authors writing has potential. Just need some adjustments with timelines and flow.
March 6, 2024
Could have been so much better
So many typos, grammar errors, and confusion. Extremely hard to figure out where we were in the timeline. The worst part? Calling characters by the wrong name. Once is understandable, but multiple times is unacceptable. I won’t be reading anything else by this author.
So many typos, grammar errors, and confusion. Extremely hard to figure out where we were in the timeline. The worst part? Calling characters by the wrong name. Once is understandable, but multiple times is unacceptable. I won’t be reading anything else by this author.
May 6, 2024
Good Story.
It was a good story and read, quite a few grammatical mistakes, and names spelt differently!. For me all the female names got confusing, think the dogs could have had more doggy names !! And the mind reading was weird but I found the book enjoyable . I Would read more Kate Abbott .
It was a good story and read, quite a few grammatical mistakes, and names spelt differently!. For me all the female names got confusing, think the dogs could have had more doggy names !! And the mind reading was weird but I found the book enjoyable . I Would read more Kate Abbott .
December 10, 2024
I loved the story BUT, a new editor should be in your near future.
I don't mind misspelled words but when the names change in 1 sentence (from woman to man????),
I get a little irate.
You have great ideas and the book was good, but, get an editor who will "catch" things like Francis and Harold? who suddenly became Francis?
PLEASE!
I don't mind misspelled words but when the names change in 1 sentence (from woman to man????),
I get a little irate.
You have great ideas and the book was good, but, get an editor who will "catch" things like Francis and Harold? who suddenly became Francis?
PLEASE!
July 26, 2025
Scary stalker
Lily’s story was scary, hopeful, loving, with some happy times but also with a great deal of pain. How wonderful she was loved by Tomas and her daughters. Stalkers are very sick and frightening people. Even reading about them is uncomfortable. This book was sad. Lily made some wonderful friendships which helped while reading to make this book palatable.
Lily’s story was scary, hopeful, loving, with some happy times but also with a great deal of pain. How wonderful she was loved by Tomas and her daughters. Stalkers are very sick and frightening people. Even reading about them is uncomfortable. This book was sad. Lily made some wonderful friendships which helped while reading to make this book palatable.
August 29, 2020
This was a very good book. I loved the storyline, plot, characters, and everything about the story however the publisher needs to fire their editor as the writing was horrible. A lot of grammatical errors which detracted from this book
September 7, 2020
Time For A Change
A chilling look at stalkers--the lengths they will go to and what people will do to escape them. Very well-written and thought provoking. Maybe it's time we changed the law.
A chilling look at stalkers--the lengths they will go to and what people will do to escape them. Very well-written and thought provoking. Maybe it's time we changed the law.
June 21, 2022
Good thriller
This story gave you good insight into what it would be like to have a crazy stalker. I didn't care for the way the author went back and forth from past to present. It was a distraction . Didn't find this a particularly good read.
This story gave you good insight into what it would be like to have a crazy stalker. I didn't care for the way the author went back and forth from past to present. It was a distraction . Didn't find this a particularly good read.
February 23, 2024
Awful grammar and name mix-ups
Wow this book moves fast and I enjoyed the pull but I barely made it through due to the terrible grammar/typos and wrong names used multiple times. Was this translated? Dictated? Either way it clearly wasn’t edited.
Wow this book moves fast and I enjoyed the pull but I barely made it through due to the terrible grammar/typos and wrong names used multiple times. Was this translated? Dictated? Either way it clearly wasn’t edited.
February 23, 2024
Promising and then Confusing
The story and plot started out some promising and then when things were starting to wrap up it seemed like random things and side plots and POVs were added to keep the story going.
The story and plot started out some promising and then when things were starting to wrap up it seemed like random things and side plots and POVs were added to keep the story going.
February 25, 2024
Put on your do not read list.
This book was extremely hard to finish. It was horrible. The story did not flow and was very hard to comprehend at some points because it really just did not make sense. There were also soooo many errors.
This book was extremely hard to finish. It was horrible. The story did not flow and was very hard to comprehend at some points because it really just did not make sense. There were also soooo many errors.
March 30, 2024
Editor needed
I really enjoyed the storyline at first. When the twins started mind reading it got a bit farfetched.
There were many typos and mistakes in the book. I thought some of the dialogue seemed a bit stilted.
I really enjoyed the storyline at first. When the twins started mind reading it got a bit farfetched.
There were many typos and mistakes in the book. I thought some of the dialogue seemed a bit stilted.
April 22, 2024
I really liked the story a great deal but I did find the edit issues to be very annoying. There were several times that the character names were swapped!
The character added late in the story is a bit far fetched
The character added late in the story is a bit far fetched
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
This was just a wacky book both in the editing and the writing. It read like a story written for a grade. I finished it but it wasn’t a book I particularly looked forward to reading. Lucky it got 3 stars out of me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews