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All the Lies We Told
I haven’t seen my brother for twenty years. Not since he killed the man I loved. And now he’s back.
I have imagined this scene a million times. But nothing could prepare me for what he actually says:
“I didn’t do it.”
He must be lying. Because who pleads guilty to a murder they didn’t commit?
He insists that with my help he can prove his innocence. But no one else will ever believe it. Everyone in our small town wants him gone. They’re all scared of him. And up here, with nothing but the mountains and forests surrounding us, I’m scared of him too.
And then I see something in his blue eyes. As blue as the sky reflected in the lake on that last morning before my world fell apart: before the fire, the police and the red blood on the ferns. That look reminds me of everything we used to be and I realise I need to know the truth.
No matter what it costs me…
A dark, emotional story of a family shattered by a terrible crime that will make you wonder how well we truly know the ones you love. Fans of Claire McGowan and Teresa Driscoll will be totally gripped by this absolutely addictive read.
I have imagined this scene a million times. But nothing could prepare me for what he actually says:
“I didn’t do it.”
He must be lying. Because who pleads guilty to a murder they didn’t commit?
He insists that with my help he can prove his innocence. But no one else will ever believe it. Everyone in our small town wants him gone. They’re all scared of him. And up here, with nothing but the mountains and forests surrounding us, I’m scared of him too.
And then I see something in his blue eyes. As blue as the sky reflected in the lake on that last morning before my world fell apart: before the fire, the police and the red blood on the ferns. That look reminds me of everything we used to be and I realise I need to know the truth.
No matter what it costs me…
A dark, emotional story of a family shattered by a terrible crime that will make you wonder how well we truly know the ones you love. Fans of Claire McGowan and Teresa Driscoll will be totally gripped by this absolutely addictive read.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 21, 2020
85 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
September 16, 2020
This is an interesting story – well written & decently paced.
Evie’s dad Andrew has recently died. They are a separated family as a result of a tragedy & crime over 20 years back, with Evie’s mother Carole staying away. Evie’s brother Ethan was convicted of a murder and is now out of prison. Ethan and Carole come over for Andrew’s funeral. Ethan tells Evie that he also wants to clear a few things up with her and the rest of the small town. He hints that he is innocent of the crime. This confuses Evie as Ethan had confessed to the crime. Evie has had mental health issues since long, and only recalls fragments of what happened. Michael, who was killed was a boy she was growing to be fond of and this incident has deeply impacted her. Evie cannot even bring herself to listen to what Ethan has to say, and poor Ethan persists in trying over many many many many pages. While Carole & Ethan are keen that the truth must come out, they are also conscious of Evie’s fragile mental state.
The strength is the story and the writing, with the story inching forward slowly, drawing you to speculate possible scenarios. The book does tend to drag a bit in the middle though, and the ending could have been better. Nevertheless, a good suspense read.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
Thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley & the author for a free electronic review copy of the book
Evie’s dad Andrew has recently died. They are a separated family as a result of a tragedy & crime over 20 years back, with Evie’s mother Carole staying away. Evie’s brother Ethan was convicted of a murder and is now out of prison. Ethan and Carole come over for Andrew’s funeral. Ethan tells Evie that he also wants to clear a few things up with her and the rest of the small town. He hints that he is innocent of the crime. This confuses Evie as Ethan had confessed to the crime. Evie has had mental health issues since long, and only recalls fragments of what happened. Michael, who was killed was a boy she was growing to be fond of and this incident has deeply impacted her. Evie cannot even bring herself to listen to what Ethan has to say, and poor Ethan persists in trying over many many many many pages. While Carole & Ethan are keen that the truth must come out, they are also conscious of Evie’s fragile mental state.
The strength is the story and the writing, with the story inching forward slowly, drawing you to speculate possible scenarios. The book does tend to drag a bit in the middle though, and the ending could have been better. Nevertheless, a good suspense read.
My rating: 3.5 / 5.
Thanks to Bookouture, Netgalley & the author for a free electronic review copy of the book
October 15, 2020
Review coming soon.
October 21, 2020
Evie has no recollection of the events leading up to the murder of her first boyfriend. Her brother, Ethan has spent the last twenty years in jail after being found guilty of the murder. Ethan wants to tell Evie the truth about what had actually occurred that day. But will Evie like what she hears?
This story is told through the past and present format. The pace ia slow. This is quite a predictable read. The story is told from Evie's point of view. Evie has mental health issues and can't 4emembermuch about what happened that day. This is a well written book with well rounded and believable characters. I would have preferred a quicker pace but that didn't stop my enjoyment of this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #JenniferHarvey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This story is told through the past and present format. The pace ia slow. This is quite a predictable read. The story is told from Evie's point of view. Evie has mental health issues and can't 4emembermuch about what happened that day. This is a well written book with well rounded and believable characters. I would have preferred a quicker pace but that didn't stop my enjoyment of this book.
I would like to thank #NetGalley, #Bookouture and the author #JenniferHarvey for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 13, 2020
The story had pathos and feelings. A family broken over a tragedy. Now with the father dead, Evie was back home for the funeral. Ethan too was released from the prison. The family came together where Ethan protested his innocence. Evie was unsure. There was a bit of amnesia at play.
My second book by author Jennifer Harvey was engaging as it dealt with changing family dynamics where truth felt to be lie. The story was more emotionally charged as compared to other thrillers. The mystery of the past kept me moving forward. Guilt and grief both were woven well into the character of Evie.
Told in dual time lines, there were secrets buried awaiting their release. The writing meandered but soon came on track. With very few characters, the final reveal to which the story was building up to was easily surmised.
Overall, the book was an entertaining read that kept me going on a lazy afternoon.
My second book by author Jennifer Harvey was engaging as it dealt with changing family dynamics where truth felt to be lie. The story was more emotionally charged as compared to other thrillers. The mystery of the past kept me moving forward. Guilt and grief both were woven well into the character of Evie.
Told in dual time lines, there were secrets buried awaiting their release. The writing meandered but soon came on track. With very few characters, the final reveal to which the story was building up to was easily surmised.
Overall, the book was an entertaining read that kept me going on a lazy afternoon.
October 21, 2020
A captivating story and a marvellous psychological page-turner.
Jennifer Harvey has delighted me with this clever and gripping family drama, and I wasn't disappointed with this superb taut tale.
Evie's boyfriend, Michael was murdered twenty years ago and her brother, Ethan was charged and convicted of the killing. At the time, Evie was 16 and in love, and she is still struggling to come to terms with what happened. When her father dies, her mum, Carole and brother who has served time for the crime, return to their home town for the funeral. Ethan believes he is innocent and wants to explain to Evie the events of the fateful night her boyfriend was killed but is Evie strong enough to cope with the truth?
Narrated by Evie, this well written and suspenseful story progressed slowly and purposefully, as it rebounded between present and past in clearly defined chapters. It was a brilliantly involving and clever novel, and I was pulled in different directions as I tried to figure out exactly what had taken place. Extremely compulsive from the start, Jennifer Harvey writes with flair, keeping me engaged in the storyline.
I was never sure whether or not I liked Evie or any of the characters but guilt and grief were major attributes of Evie. The author’s talent made No More Secrets a wonderfully compulsive story that I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated for the entertainment it was. With themes of love, regret, mental health and forgiveness, this is a book that I'm pleased to have read!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
Jennifer Harvey has delighted me with this clever and gripping family drama, and I wasn't disappointed with this superb taut tale.
Evie's boyfriend, Michael was murdered twenty years ago and her brother, Ethan was charged and convicted of the killing. At the time, Evie was 16 and in love, and she is still struggling to come to terms with what happened. When her father dies, her mum, Carole and brother who has served time for the crime, return to their home town for the funeral. Ethan believes he is innocent and wants to explain to Evie the events of the fateful night her boyfriend was killed but is Evie strong enough to cope with the truth?
Narrated by Evie, this well written and suspenseful story progressed slowly and purposefully, as it rebounded between present and past in clearly defined chapters. It was a brilliantly involving and clever novel, and I was pulled in different directions as I tried to figure out exactly what had taken place. Extremely compulsive from the start, Jennifer Harvey writes with flair, keeping me engaged in the storyline.
I was never sure whether or not I liked Evie or any of the characters but guilt and grief were major attributes of Evie. The author’s talent made No More Secrets a wonderfully compulsive story that I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated for the entertainment it was. With themes of love, regret, mental health and forgiveness, this is a book that I'm pleased to have read!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bookouture via NetGalley at my request, and this review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 1, 2020
No More Secrets is well-written dramatic fiction by Jennifer Harvey.
Evie doesn’t remember, but her brother can’t be a killer, can he? But he confessed, so he must be guilty, right? To protect her sanity, Evie McCallister has suppressed her memories of the terrible events from that summer, twenty years ago. Now the return of her mother and brother may force her to remember things best left forgotten. No more secrets.
No More Secrets is told from the viewpoint of main character, Evie, via alternating timeframes, 1994/95 and 2014/15. The switching timeframe is handled efficiently through chapter headers. The characters are well-rounded and believable. The plot is engaging, but the pace is slow, and the tone is much the same throughout. The ending was good and not exactly to be expected. This is a solid 3 out of 5 star read, deducting points for the tone and pace. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the mystery genre.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Evie doesn’t remember, but her brother can’t be a killer, can he? But he confessed, so he must be guilty, right? To protect her sanity, Evie McCallister has suppressed her memories of the terrible events from that summer, twenty years ago. Now the return of her mother and brother may force her to remember things best left forgotten. No more secrets.
No More Secrets is told from the viewpoint of main character, Evie, via alternating timeframes, 1994/95 and 2014/15. The switching timeframe is handled efficiently through chapter headers. The characters are well-rounded and believable. The plot is engaging, but the pace is slow, and the tone is much the same throughout. The ending was good and not exactly to be expected. This is a solid 3 out of 5 star read, deducting points for the tone and pace. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys the mystery genre.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
September 23, 2020
Never heard of this Author before. A reason I love Netgalley it give you a chance to find new wonderful authors. Great book well written and easy to follow what is going on.
If you are looking for a new author pick this one up you wont be disappointed
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
If you are looking for a new author pick this one up you wont be disappointed
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
October 23, 2020
Misty's Corner Review
:
A small town with a long memory, unforgiving and unrelenting. Secrets and lies come crumbling down in the aftermath of a father's death and unearthed truths. What really happened in the forest that night twenty years ago?
The family dynamics in this book were raw and intense. The relationships were fraught with emotional turmoil. Jennifer Harvey did a fine job exploring and portraying the complexities of Evie and Ethan's fragmented sibling bond, which was once strong and impenetrable, put to the test resulting from split-second reactions. The alternating timelines between the past and present, surrounding the night Evie's boyfriend Michael was killed until now - twenty years after her brother Ethan was released from jail, after confessing to said murder.
While reading, I had various theories about who might've killed Michael if Ethan truly was innocent. My mind kept going back to the 'why'... the motive of a false confession. Although the ending wasn't all that surprising to me, it worked within the given narrative. I questioned a few of the character's judgments on more than one occasion; however, every action had me turning the pages faster and faster as it all unraveled.
Harvey has successfully crafted a moving tale of love and loss, mental health, teen angst, and the bonds that tie a family and town together. While this is my first read by this author, I can already tell that it won't be my last! No More Secrets is an intriguing book, perfect for those interested in emotional mysteries and family drama. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author Jennifer Harvey, and the publishers at Bookouture for my advanced copy of this ebook and my spot on this Books-On-Tour event! I have honestly and voluntarily reviewed this title.
Thanks for reading!
Misty M. @MistysCornerReviews
——————————————
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A small town with a long memory, unforgiving and unrelenting. Secrets and lies come crumbling down in the aftermath of a father's death and unearthed truths. What really happened in the forest that night twenty years ago?
The family dynamics in this book were raw and intense. The relationships were fraught with emotional turmoil. Jennifer Harvey did a fine job exploring and portraying the complexities of Evie and Ethan's fragmented sibling bond, which was once strong and impenetrable, put to the test resulting from split-second reactions. The alternating timelines between the past and present, surrounding the night Evie's boyfriend Michael was killed until now - twenty years after her brother Ethan was released from jail, after confessing to said murder.
While reading, I had various theories about who might've killed Michael if Ethan truly was innocent. My mind kept going back to the 'why'... the motive of a false confession. Although the ending wasn't all that surprising to me, it worked within the given narrative. I questioned a few of the character's judgments on more than one occasion; however, every action had me turning the pages faster and faster as it all unraveled.
Harvey has successfully crafted a moving tale of love and loss, mental health, teen angst, and the bonds that tie a family and town together. While this is my first read by this author, I can already tell that it won't be my last! No More Secrets is an intriguing book, perfect for those interested in emotional mysteries and family drama. Many thanks to NetGalley, the author Jennifer Harvey, and the publishers at Bookouture for my advanced copy of this ebook and my spot on this Books-On-Tour event! I have honestly and voluntarily reviewed this title.
Thanks for reading!
Misty M. @MistysCornerReviews
——————————————
Follow Me:
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Pinterest | GoodReads | BookBub
October 21, 2020
Something horrible happens and you are a witness. Or at least you think you are, because everything in your head is fuzzy and it’s seems that there is only black.
You try to remember, but at the same time that’s the least you want to do. Pushing it into the farthest corner of your brain is what you force yourself to do.
Will you ever remember or will the secret stay hidden forever?
A great story where the author shows us how things that happened in the past can have a strong impact on the present.
Devastating, horrible, cruel, guilt and life changing are words that flew through my mind throughout the whole book. Protection can be a good thing, but is it a good thing for everybody? 4 stars.
Thank you, Jennifer Harvey and Bookouture
You try to remember, but at the same time that’s the least you want to do. Pushing it into the farthest corner of your brain is what you force yourself to do.
Will you ever remember or will the secret stay hidden forever?
A great story where the author shows us how things that happened in the past can have a strong impact on the present.
Devastating, horrible, cruel, guilt and life changing are words that flew through my mind throughout the whole book. Protection can be a good thing, but is it a good thing for everybody? 4 stars.
Thank you, Jennifer Harvey and Bookouture
October 17, 2020
Thrilling. Suspenseful. Taut. Breathtakingly tense. Addictive. WOW, this was a book I couldn't put down. I didn't know if I was coming or going, whom to trust and whom to suspect. It had me looking over my shoulder even as I frantically turned the pages, the tension was that unbearable, building up to a nailbiting crescendo. Brilliant. An absolutely unputdownable pageturner.
October 31, 2020
Wow this book just tears at your heart and doesn’t let go. It tells the story of damaged family brought back together after the death of Evie’s father. As her mother and brother return dark secrets from the past start to spill out and Evie’s mental health is pushed right to the edge after her brother claims the murder he was spent twenty years in jail for he is not guilty of and Evie knows the truth about what happened all those years ago. This book will break your heart
February 1, 2021
This book took forever for me to finish and I’m not sure what extent was due to my personal factors and what extent to the book. Honestly, this is probably some kind of record for me, taking four months to read a book that isn’t long at all. Due to the long, drawn out process, my opinions of the book may be a little skewed because hey, it was the reading that was drawn out, not the plot right? Right?
No More Secrets by Jennifer Harvey details the events that follow when Evie’s brother, Ethan, a convicted murderer, returns home after serving twenty years, intending to set the record straight. Now, this had all the trappings of a good read, with the claustrophobia of a small town, the mystery of what really happened that fateful day, and a narrator who was so traumatized, she spent the last twenty years in a kind of limbo, with no memory of the day everything changed.
However, I’m sad to say that it didn’t really work for me? I couldn’t sympathize but with the characters, guessed the ending about two chapters in, and spent the rest of the book wondering how does a town not change at all in twenty years. Maybe small towns just work differently? Anyway, it is a pity that this book wasn’t for me.
Diversity meter:
-
No More Secrets by Jennifer Harvey details the events that follow when Evie’s brother, Ethan, a convicted murderer, returns home after serving twenty years, intending to set the record straight. Now, this had all the trappings of a good read, with the claustrophobia of a small town, the mystery of what really happened that fateful day, and a narrator who was so traumatized, she spent the last twenty years in a kind of limbo, with no memory of the day everything changed.
However, I’m sad to say that it didn’t really work for me? I couldn’t sympathize but with the characters, guessed the ending about two chapters in, and spent the rest of the book wondering how does a town not change at all in twenty years. Maybe small towns just work differently? Anyway, it is a pity that this book wasn’t for me.
Diversity meter:
-
December 23, 2020
Two buns, no burger
I kinda feel bad looking at all the positive reviews. I wasn't crazy about this one. I just felt like there was something missing. I really did not like the father and you'll see why if you read the book. This was a slow burn until the last 20 pages and then it was speed reading. I could have skipped half the book and just read the first few and last few chapters and would have known the story. I felt like there was no meaty middle. No closure for some. Unexpected ending but than again, not really. Just wasn't for me.
I kinda feel bad looking at all the positive reviews. I wasn't crazy about this one. I just felt like there was something missing. I really did not like the father and you'll see why if you read the book. This was a slow burn until the last 20 pages and then it was speed reading. I could have skipped half the book and just read the first few and last few chapters and would have known the story. I felt like there was no meaty middle. No closure for some. Unexpected ending but than again, not really. Just wasn't for me.
October 9, 2020
This is an emotional drama where Evie, after her father's death is trying to recollect what happened on the fateful day twenty years ago. Given the plot and the amnesia the conclusion becomes foregone. Due to the limited number of characters and no events in the present the story becomes tedious despite some good writing by the author. I don't know to which group of readers to recommend.
November 23, 2020
Terrible. I loved her last book so had high hopes for this. It was awful. Plot is so overdone. Predictable from page one. Didn’t finish it. Read two chapters and flipped to the back to see exactly what I expected to be the ending.
April 26, 2022
This book reeeeeallllyyyyy dragged on and on. Big twist at the end but not worth getting there.
October 24, 2020
My Review
This is the story of Evie and you are plunged right into her nightmare as she sets out looking for her missing father Andrew. Getting to meet the people where she lives and discovering the history of her family. Her father’s disappearance takes a shocking turn when his body is discovered and Evie has to contact her mother Carole. They had separated and the family was split down the middle with Evie’s brother Ethan going to stay with her on his release from prison while Evie stayed with her father.
Evie’s friend makes it clear her brother will not be welcome for the funeral and suggests he stay away. The town hasn’t forgotten his confession to the murder of Michael the first boy Evie had feelings for.
So when Ethan tries to proclaim his innocence it falls on deaf ears.
The strength of this book is the characters. Evie in particular has mental health issues and memory loss from the fateful day making her a great unreliable narrator. As I continued reading I was questioning a lot of people’s reactions trying to determine the truths and the lies. Told in past and present it drip feeds just enough information that I thought I knew what the ending would be. Well I got some of it right but I did not expect the shocker that came after it!
The intrigue of somebody confessing to a murder they may not have committed was a great hook and the dual timeline kept the pace fairly evenly throughout, although it did slow a little towards the middle. That may have been more my impatience at wanting to get the answers than the author though.
A great story of secrets, guilt and what binds a family. I would recommend this for people who loved the drama Broadchurch.
This is the story of Evie and you are plunged right into her nightmare as she sets out looking for her missing father Andrew. Getting to meet the people where she lives and discovering the history of her family. Her father’s disappearance takes a shocking turn when his body is discovered and Evie has to contact her mother Carole. They had separated and the family was split down the middle with Evie’s brother Ethan going to stay with her on his release from prison while Evie stayed with her father.
Evie’s friend makes it clear her brother will not be welcome for the funeral and suggests he stay away. The town hasn’t forgotten his confession to the murder of Michael the first boy Evie had feelings for.
So when Ethan tries to proclaim his innocence it falls on deaf ears.
The strength of this book is the characters. Evie in particular has mental health issues and memory loss from the fateful day making her a great unreliable narrator. As I continued reading I was questioning a lot of people’s reactions trying to determine the truths and the lies. Told in past and present it drip feeds just enough information that I thought I knew what the ending would be. Well I got some of it right but I did not expect the shocker that came after it!
The intrigue of somebody confessing to a murder they may not have committed was a great hook and the dual timeline kept the pace fairly evenly throughout, although it did slow a little towards the middle. That may have been more my impatience at wanting to get the answers than the author though.
A great story of secrets, guilt and what binds a family. I would recommend this for people who loved the drama Broadchurch.
November 14, 2020
Twenty years ago, Evie's older brother Ethan confessed to a murder and went to prison. Now he is out and returns home on the death of his father, claiming his innocence. Evie struggles with her own emotions as well as the resentment of the local community. Can Ethan reveal secrets that prove his innocence?
The plot of All The Lies We Told is delivered in a range of timelines but mainly 1994 in the lead up to the murder, 1995 in the trial and 2015 as the present. The flashback chapters do not appear in a linear way so darts back and forth with the present. This feels a little disjointed to read but I think it is effective for representing the mental breakdown Evie has experienced.
Evie's confusion and the way her brain has blanked out the day of the murder makes it clear that her own mind is keeping secrets. However despite a number of suspicions, the true events are not revealed until the very end.
My sympathy was much more directed at Ethan than Evie as it become clears that he has been the scapegoat and accepted the prison sentence and harsh opinion of his friends and family. I wanted him to prove his innocence but feared that he was also keeping secrets which would prevent his exoneration.
The events of the book are intense and the family links between the main characters is a dynamic that is easy to identify with. The impetuous nature of teenagers was also very authentic which gave the plot and characters an added realism.
Overall, All the Lies We Told was an enjoyable psychological and family drama.
The plot of All The Lies We Told is delivered in a range of timelines but mainly 1994 in the lead up to the murder, 1995 in the trial and 2015 as the present. The flashback chapters do not appear in a linear way so darts back and forth with the present. This feels a little disjointed to read but I think it is effective for representing the mental breakdown Evie has experienced.
Evie's confusion and the way her brain has blanked out the day of the murder makes it clear that her own mind is keeping secrets. However despite a number of suspicions, the true events are not revealed until the very end.
My sympathy was much more directed at Ethan than Evie as it become clears that he has been the scapegoat and accepted the prison sentence and harsh opinion of his friends and family. I wanted him to prove his innocence but feared that he was also keeping secrets which would prevent his exoneration.
The events of the book are intense and the family links between the main characters is a dynamic that is easy to identify with. The impetuous nature of teenagers was also very authentic which gave the plot and characters an added realism.
Overall, All the Lies We Told was an enjoyable psychological and family drama.
November 9, 2020
I enjoyed this author’s Someone Else’s Daughter, so I was looking forward to this one. It’s safe to say that this was a very different read from the previous book I read.
I will say that I feel the author improved her writing style. In the first book there were linguistic choices that were inaccurate. I didn’t find any of those here. I’ll also give the author credit for helping me realize something about my own reading preferences. I now know that unreliable narrators are not my favorite type (most of the time), mainly because I like to be off-balance on my own terms, not due to a character’s fallibility. That being said, it’s a very interesting premise. Evie’s dad goes missing and then is found dead (that’s not a spoiler). As a result, her brother, Ethan, returns to town. He’s been gone for 20 years…in prison for allegedly killing Evie’s boyfriend, Michael. Evie has amnesia centered around the events of that time. It soon becomes apparent that the people around her are contributing to her confusion. I liked that the author wrote it in such a way that it could reach different styles of reader (those who want to guess the twist and those who want just go along for the ride. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
I will say that I feel the author improved her writing style. In the first book there were linguistic choices that were inaccurate. I didn’t find any of those here. I’ll also give the author credit for helping me realize something about my own reading preferences. I now know that unreliable narrators are not my favorite type (most of the time), mainly because I like to be off-balance on my own terms, not due to a character’s fallibility. That being said, it’s a very interesting premise. Evie’s dad goes missing and then is found dead (that’s not a spoiler). As a result, her brother, Ethan, returns to town. He’s been gone for 20 years…in prison for allegedly killing Evie’s boyfriend, Michael. Evie has amnesia centered around the events of that time. It soon becomes apparent that the people around her are contributing to her confusion. I liked that the author wrote it in such a way that it could reach different styles of reader (those who want to guess the twist and those who want just go along for the ride. For a full review, please visit Fireflies and Free Kicks. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a digital ARC of the book.
September 29, 2020
What a line to hook a reader - ‘No-one confesses to a murder they didn’t commit.’ From the off, I knew this would be an emotional read and ‘No More Secrets’ didn’t disappoint.
The moment Ethan returned, the intensity picked up. He’d served his time for murder and coming back for his father’s funeral was bound to turn heads. The family drama element of this book was strong, as was the mystery. I felt the tension and the ever brewing conflict.
This book tackles the themes of grief and guilt brilliantly, and it also explores how deep, dark, secrets can ruin lives. It’s suspenseful and thought provoking. The story is told in past and present chapters, so I got a real sense of what went on when the characters were teenagers and how that related to Evie’s state of mind in the present.
All in all, this book is a real heart-wrenching read. It’s sad in more ways than one and Jennifer Harvey has worked the emotional aspect brilliantly. If you love an emotional mystery with family tensions, then ‘No More Secrets’ is not a book to miss!
The moment Ethan returned, the intensity picked up. He’d served his time for murder and coming back for his father’s funeral was bound to turn heads. The family drama element of this book was strong, as was the mystery. I felt the tension and the ever brewing conflict.
This book tackles the themes of grief and guilt brilliantly, and it also explores how deep, dark, secrets can ruin lives. It’s suspenseful and thought provoking. The story is told in past and present chapters, so I got a real sense of what went on when the characters were teenagers and how that related to Evie’s state of mind in the present.
All in all, this book is a real heart-wrenching read. It’s sad in more ways than one and Jennifer Harvey has worked the emotional aspect brilliantly. If you love an emotional mystery with family tensions, then ‘No More Secrets’ is not a book to miss!
September 25, 2020
Twenty years ago Evie's boyfriend Michael was murdered and her brother charged and convicted of the murder.
This should have been an ideal summer for Evie, in love, she was 16 .
Evie never totally remembers the murder , she has successfully to some point blocked it out .
Her brother comes home and everything gets stirred up again. Ethan wants to tell Evie his truth and what happened.
Evie , I get it , I really do but could you at least listen . Snippets of the event are just beyond Evie's range.
Secrets, lies, deceit and murder have an effect on everyone that will last a life time.
The pages turn fast, I wanted to know the truth too.
Can you figure it out?
I did not see that ending coming at all.
Don't miss this thriller/mystery.
Jennifer Harvey has a new fan that is for certain.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the pleasure of reading and reviewing No More Secrets
This should have been an ideal summer for Evie, in love, she was 16 .
Evie never totally remembers the murder , she has successfully to some point blocked it out .
Her brother comes home and everything gets stirred up again. Ethan wants to tell Evie his truth and what happened.
Evie , I get it , I really do but could you at least listen . Snippets of the event are just beyond Evie's range.
Secrets, lies, deceit and murder have an effect on everyone that will last a life time.
The pages turn fast, I wanted to know the truth too.
Can you figure it out?
I did not see that ending coming at all.
Don't miss this thriller/mystery.
Jennifer Harvey has a new fan that is for certain.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the pleasure of reading and reviewing No More Secrets
October 22, 2020
Twenty years ago Evie's beloved brother Ethan confessed to the murder of Evie's boyfriend Michael. At first, she couldn't believe it, and then she couldn't understand it. Now Ethan is out of prison and home for their father's funeral and the whole family must come to terms with the truth. Ethan is ready for people to find out what really happened.
This is an emotional and beautiful story of a family and their deep love for each other and for the secrets, the jealousy and tragedy that goes with it. It was captivating and a page turner. The reader has to get to the end to find out what really happened. Decisions made in one day can change everything.
This was a very good book and a great afternoon read. It left one thinking about love and fragility for sure. The ending was a shocker, and a heartbreaker, and at the same time, not a surprise. You will think about this one later though, and wonder what actually was the right thing to do.
This is an emotional and beautiful story of a family and their deep love for each other and for the secrets, the jealousy and tragedy that goes with it. It was captivating and a page turner. The reader has to get to the end to find out what really happened. Decisions made in one day can change everything.
This was a very good book and a great afternoon read. It left one thinking about love and fragility for sure. The ending was a shocker, and a heartbreaker, and at the same time, not a surprise. You will think about this one later though, and wonder what actually was the right thing to do.
December 26, 2020
The story involves you quickly and draws you in. There is an undercurrent from the start that things are not the way they seem, which keeps you guessing all the way through.
Evie's brother has been in prison for 20 years for commiting murder, Evie cannot remember the day and the event of the murder. Why has her brain blanked this out completely? Are things not really as they appear? The twist at the end may take you by surprise, or you may have already guessed by then. Nevertheless it is an entertaining read.
The book can be a bit disjointed at times, jumping about from the time of the murder to the court case and the present time. I would suggest it is best read in longer sessions.
Evie's brother has been in prison for 20 years for commiting murder, Evie cannot remember the day and the event of the murder. Why has her brain blanked this out completely? Are things not really as they appear? The twist at the end may take you by surprise, or you may have already guessed by then. Nevertheless it is an entertaining read.
The book can be a bit disjointed at times, jumping about from the time of the murder to the court case and the present time. I would suggest it is best read in longer sessions.
November 5, 2020
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. **
3-3.5 stars. Evie is tormented by her past. Or her lack of memories or blackouts as they are called. As a 16 year old girl, she was having a fabulous summer with her first love and her friends. But it all changed one day and her brother suddenly admits to murder and she can’t quite figure out why, thanks to her blackouts.
Jennifer Harvey weaves an emotional story of past, longing, and family healing that will pull you in. Much like Evie trying to figure out why she blacks out, the pages kept turning so I too could figure it out.
3-3.5 stars. Evie is tormented by her past. Or her lack of memories or blackouts as they are called. As a 16 year old girl, she was having a fabulous summer with her first love and her friends. But it all changed one day and her brother suddenly admits to murder and she can’t quite figure out why, thanks to her blackouts.
Jennifer Harvey weaves an emotional story of past, longing, and family healing that will pull you in. Much like Evie trying to figure out why she blacks out, the pages kept turning so I too could figure it out.
November 7, 2020
Gosh but Jennifer Harvey can write a story! This tense family drama introduces us to Evie and a secret that has haunted her family for decades. Evie doesn't remember, but her father knew, her mother knows, her brother Ethan has spent two decades in prison for that same secret. And now Evie has to face loss and grief all over again, the hidden facts about who took her teenage love and traumatised her into adulthood.
The truth about a young man's death will come out. Who will suffer for this truth?
A tense page-turner that had me up past my bedtime. This is Jennifer Harvey's second book (original title No More Secrets) and I know I'll be looking out for her third.
The truth about a young man's death will come out. Who will suffer for this truth?
A tense page-turner that had me up past my bedtime. This is Jennifer Harvey's second book (original title No More Secrets) and I know I'll be looking out for her third.
September 18, 2020
A normal fun day with friends for Evie, her brother Ethan, her best friend Ashley and Ashley’s brother Mason.. Micheal who is there just for the summer, that day everything changed for them all. Evie can’t remember what happened, Ethan ends up in prison for 20 years for murder, but things are not quite as they seem. As the story is unfolded, I found myself holding my breath, turning the pages eager to find out what happened that day. I found this book hard to put down and would highly recommend.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for the ARC of this book.
September 19, 2020
Evie has deeply buried the events of 20 years ago but snippets of memories rise to the surface when her brother returns after serving time for the murder of her first love. He wants to explain what happened that fateful night but can Evie's fragile psyche handle the truth?
A well written and suspenseful story that bounces between the past and present in clearly defined chapters. A slow burn that draws you in while you try to figure out what really happened.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
A well written and suspenseful story that bounces between the past and present in clearly defined chapters. A slow burn that draws you in while you try to figure out what really happened.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture for this ARC.
October 19, 2020
A father dies and brings home a mother and brother. The brother was just released from jail for killing a teenage boy that his sister was dating. As is normal in small towns, no one wants the brother back in town. The sister still struggles 20 years later to make sense of what happened that day. The day her boyfriend died.
I finished this book yesterday and still don’t know how I feel about it. That terrible day 20 years ago had a huge impact on this family and they are still dealing with it today.
The ending is unexpected and I’m still not sure how I feel about it.
I finished this book yesterday and still don’t know how I feel about it. That terrible day 20 years ago had a huge impact on this family and they are still dealing with it today.
The ending is unexpected and I’m still not sure how I feel about it.
October 4, 2020
I received this book for free from Netgalley.
If you loved the TV series "Rectify", you will love this book!
This book has a slow, but thrilling build to a climax you'll never see coming.
You often think you know where this story is going, but believe me when I say you'll never see the ending coming.
The writing is suburb and makes you feel like you're watching a movie.
This book really pulls you in.
This was my first Jennifer Harvey book, but it definitely won't be my last.
If you loved the TV series "Rectify", you will love this book!
This book has a slow, but thrilling build to a climax you'll never see coming.
You often think you know where this story is going, but believe me when I say you'll never see the ending coming.
The writing is suburb and makes you feel like you're watching a movie.
This book really pulls you in.
This was my first Jennifer Harvey book, but it definitely won't be my last.
December 6, 2023
Evie's dad, Andrew, recently passed away. Her family was torn apart by a tragedy 20 years ago, and her brother Ethan went to prison for a crime he confessed to. But now, Ethan claims he's innocent and wants to clear his name. Evie, struggling with mental health issues, finds it hard to believe him. As the story unfolds, the suspense keeps the reader guessing. Although the middle of the book feels slow, it's still a compelling read.
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