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I'll Never Tell
When I was young my friend Sarah and I did a terrible thing – but it was only me who paid the price. Now, just when I thought no one from my old life would ever find me, the note slides under my door: I haven’t forgotten. I haven’t forgiven. FOUND YOU.
When we were young, Sarah and I spent all our time in a place we called the Doll House. It was just an old, abandoned cottage in the woods behind our house but it was heaven to us. Until one of our games went wrong. And someone ended up dead.
It was an accident, or at least Sarah told me it was. But when I tried to tell the police that I wasn’t involved, they didn’t believe me. When the Doll House Girls were splashed across the newspapers, it was my face they showed under the headlines. I’m the one who stood trial.
Now, twenty years on, I’ve made a new life with a new identity. I have a wonderful husband, Carl, and Jacob, our adorable son. Despite everything in my past, I’m happy.
Then the first note arrives. FOUND YOU. Soon other threats start coming, and the person behind them is clear they’d be willing to hurt my family – to hurt Jacob – to get to me. I know who they are. And I know what they’re capable of. The other doll… The girl who got away with murder.
A totally addictive page-turner packed with heart-stopping twists, if you love Lisa Jewell, Rachel Abbott and The Silent Patient you’ll love I’ll Never Tell.
When we were young, Sarah and I spent all our time in a place we called the Doll House. It was just an old, abandoned cottage in the woods behind our house but it was heaven to us. Until one of our games went wrong. And someone ended up dead.
It was an accident, or at least Sarah told me it was. But when I tried to tell the police that I wasn’t involved, they didn’t believe me. When the Doll House Girls were splashed across the newspapers, it was my face they showed under the headlines. I’m the one who stood trial.
Now, twenty years on, I’ve made a new life with a new identity. I have a wonderful husband, Carl, and Jacob, our adorable son. Despite everything in my past, I’m happy.
Then the first note arrives. FOUND YOU. Soon other threats start coming, and the person behind them is clear they’d be willing to hurt my family – to hurt Jacob – to get to me. I know who they are. And I know what they’re capable of. The other doll… The girl who got away with murder.
A totally addictive page-turner packed with heart-stopping twists, if you love Lisa Jewell, Rachel Abbott and The Silent Patient you’ll love I’ll Never Tell.
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2021
820 people are currently reading
2476 people want to read
About the author
Casey Kelleher
33 books357 followersCasey Kelleher was born in Cuckfield, West Sussex. Growing up she became an avid reader, loving in particular gritty crime thrillers and gangland books.
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
The Books
Standalone Psych Thrillers
The Perfect Guest
The Missing Mother
The Babysitter's Secret
MINE
I'll Never Tell
Only Child
The Babysitter's Secret
Gangland/crime thrillers
standalones
Bad Blood
The Taken
The Promise
Rotten to the Core
Rise and Fall
Heartless
Griffin Estate Trilogy
No Escape (book 1)
No Fear (book 2)
No Going Back (book 3)
The Byrne Trilogy
The Betrayed (Book 1)
The Broken (Book)
The Forgotten (Book 3)
For all offers and news on Casey's new releases, click the FOLLOW button on Casey's Amazon page, here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Casey-Kelleh...
http://caseykelleher.co.uk
www.instagram.com/caseykelleher
http://facebook.com/officialcaseykell...
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
August 11, 2023
"I'll Never Tell" by Casey Kelleher is a Psychological Thriller with important topics!
Alessia is a 32 years-old wife and mother. Her husband Carl adores her and her young son Jacob is a blessing to their marriage. It's seems like such a perfect life!
Until -
A brick crashes through their window with a note attached reading, "FOUND YOU!" Is it a coincidence this is happening on the anniversary of that awful day twenty years ago?
Then -
Someone attempts to run Alessia's car off the road, a box with a dead rat inside is found at her front door and an old newspaper clipping is discovered hidden in her son's bedroom.
Alessia is convinced her childhood friend, Sarah, is back!
This story has two timelines, past and present and both are told in a third-person narrative. It begins as a multi-layered story that intrigues me. In the latter half, it dips, drags and feels predictable.
I did like the important topics within concerning abuse, personal harm and the impact trauma has on mental health. But be warned, these could be triggers for other readers!
The audiobook's narrator, Daphane Kouma's gender voicing was acceptable but her voice, as she read the third-person narrative, felt over-enthusiastic and distracting.
Be sure to check out other reviews as I have seen many high reviews for this one. Sadly, this book was not a good fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Casey Kelleher for a free ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Alessia is a 32 years-old wife and mother. Her husband Carl adores her and her young son Jacob is a blessing to their marriage. It's seems like such a perfect life!
Until -
A brick crashes through their window with a note attached reading, "FOUND YOU!" Is it a coincidence this is happening on the anniversary of that awful day twenty years ago?
Then -
Someone attempts to run Alessia's car off the road, a box with a dead rat inside is found at her front door and an old newspaper clipping is discovered hidden in her son's bedroom.
Alessia is convinced her childhood friend, Sarah, is back!
This story has two timelines, past and present and both are told in a third-person narrative. It begins as a multi-layered story that intrigues me. In the latter half, it dips, drags and feels predictable.
I did like the important topics within concerning abuse, personal harm and the impact trauma has on mental health. But be warned, these could be triggers for other readers!
The audiobook's narrator, Daphane Kouma's gender voicing was acceptable but her voice, as she read the third-person narrative, felt over-enthusiastic and distracting.
Be sure to check out other reviews as I have seen many high reviews for this one. Sadly, this book was not a good fit for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture Audio, and Casey Kelleher for a free ALC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
December 3, 2021
Happy Publication Day!!!
4.5* Caught completely off guard by this author..Casey Kelleher can write a heck of a psychological thriller! The suspense is unlimited with this shocking, gritty, edge-of-your-seat book. With an unreliable narrator wrapped into two different timelines "Now" & "Then" and a span of 20 years, centering around an abandoned cottage in the woods, you will want to read this.
With Alessia's life appearing put together, as a 32 year old mom of a toddler, Jacob, and married to a loving husband, Carl, she has left her past behind her. Until odd occurrences begin to take place, such as a brick is thrown through their window with a note attached to it "Found You". Then someone intentionally tries to run her off the road and a box with a dead rat in it shows up at her front door.
The past comes back like movie reels before her. Some are unpleasant leaving Aleesia off kilter from reality. In her past, she remembers her name as Emma-Jayne, and a playmate, Sarah, playing in an abandoned cottage, deemed as the "dollhouse". Visuals of a dead body lying on the floor and Sarah disappearing leaving Emma-Jayne to take the blame. After spending six years in a mental institute for the murder of her stepfather, she changes her name and moves away from her hometown.
There is so much more to be said for this dark, twisted story as well as the lies we live with and believe to save ourselves from psychological trauma. Well-written to keep the dark secrets hidden and not bearing them with written words, but allowing you to imagine what was taking place.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this title in exchange for my honest review.
4.5* Caught completely off guard by this author..Casey Kelleher can write a heck of a psychological thriller! The suspense is unlimited with this shocking, gritty, edge-of-your-seat book. With an unreliable narrator wrapped into two different timelines "Now" & "Then" and a span of 20 years, centering around an abandoned cottage in the woods, you will want to read this.
With Alessia's life appearing put together, as a 32 year old mom of a toddler, Jacob, and married to a loving husband, Carl, she has left her past behind her. Until odd occurrences begin to take place, such as a brick is thrown through their window with a note attached to it "Found You". Then someone intentionally tries to run her off the road and a box with a dead rat in it shows up at her front door.
The past comes back like movie reels before her. Some are unpleasant leaving Aleesia off kilter from reality. In her past, she remembers her name as Emma-Jayne, and a playmate, Sarah, playing in an abandoned cottage, deemed as the "dollhouse". Visuals of a dead body lying on the floor and Sarah disappearing leaving Emma-Jayne to take the blame. After spending six years in a mental institute for the murder of her stepfather, she changes her name and moves away from her hometown.
There is so much more to be said for this dark, twisted story as well as the lies we live with and believe to save ourselves from psychological trauma. Well-written to keep the dark secrets hidden and not bearing them with written words, but allowing you to imagine what was taking place.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this title in exchange for my honest review.
November 12, 2021
I earlier read Casey Kelleher’s “No Going Back” and loved it, prompting me to take this up. As with that book, this is a very well written & engrossing suspense novel.
Alessia, now 32, is happily married to Carl, and they have a young son - Jacob. Alessia has had a traumatic past, which she believes is finally behind her. Though it was many years back, fragments of the incidents continue to haunt her. When she was 12 years old, at the place she refers to as the doll-house where she played with her friend Sarah, a body was found. What follows leaves deep scars for years to come.
Now, someone is determined to make her remember the past and is harassing her, unclear to what purpose. There is a brick thrown at her house shattering the glass with a note reading “FOUND YOU”, and in another instance a car tries to run her off the road. While these could be disconnected incidents, Alessia knows they are not. But admitting that someone is after her will mean revealing a painful past to Carl. And more follows.
The story is told through two main timelines – the past and now. The writing is such that it raises the tension very quickly, which stays on every page. The first half had me completely hooked, till gradually the story starts falling into place, when the two timelines cover significant detail. The tension lets up just a little at about 3/4th of the book, after which the convergence comes. The last sections could have been a little better, but are very good nevertheless.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
Alessia, now 32, is happily married to Carl, and they have a young son - Jacob. Alessia has had a traumatic past, which she believes is finally behind her. Though it was many years back, fragments of the incidents continue to haunt her. When she was 12 years old, at the place she refers to as the doll-house where she played with her friend Sarah, a body was found. What follows leaves deep scars for years to come.
Now, someone is determined to make her remember the past and is harassing her, unclear to what purpose. There is a brick thrown at her house shattering the glass with a note reading “FOUND YOU”, and in another instance a car tries to run her off the road. While these could be disconnected incidents, Alessia knows they are not. But admitting that someone is after her will mean revealing a painful past to Carl. And more follows.
The story is told through two main timelines – the past and now. The writing is such that it raises the tension very quickly, which stays on every page. The first half had me completely hooked, till gradually the story starts falling into place, when the two timelines cover significant detail. The tension lets up just a little at about 3/4th of the book, after which the convergence comes. The last sections could have been a little better, but are very good nevertheless.
My rating: 4.5 / 5.
Thanks to Netgalley, Bookouture & the author for a free electronic review copy.
November 20, 2021
As young girls, Sarah and Emma-Jayne played in a dilapidated cottage they called the Doll House. Their games turned deadly, but only one girl had to pay the price. Now 20 years later, the other doll is back and more blood will be spilled.
I like the cover and creepy story concept. I’m reaching deep here because this book almost ties with my worst read of 2021.
Why, you ask? Because this book is an exemplary example of all TELL/NO SHOW! This book includes a NAUSEATING level of ADVERBS that tell you everything! Therefore, the author steals the chance of connecting emotionally and investing into the story from you. You cannot read one simple paragraph—or more importantly a speech tag—without face planting over multiple lazy adverb usage.
There’s also no nuance at all, which is a very telling clue about the unimpressive writing style. At one point, the author uses grey twice in the same paragraph to describe the sky. Umm, really, there’s no other word to use? The entire book was so cringe-worthy that I thought I was reading a first draft from an extremely novice author because the writing is so poorly executed. We readers know the difference and wish to invest in intriguing characters and interesting stories. If an author is so unwilling to invest in their own skill set, why should readers bother investing in their work?
So, I’ll save you the time here and TELL you exactly how I feel about this book. If lethargic writers with dismal skill sets is your thing, and you don’t care about nuance, or wish to connect with any character or the story at all, and you happen to have a 20-year prison sentence where you need to pass the time, then still pass on this book. A thesaurus will come in handy though.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I like the cover and creepy story concept. I’m reaching deep here because this book almost ties with my worst read of 2021.
Why, you ask? Because this book is an exemplary example of all TELL/NO SHOW! This book includes a NAUSEATING level of ADVERBS that tell you everything! Therefore, the author steals the chance of connecting emotionally and investing into the story from you. You cannot read one simple paragraph—or more importantly a speech tag—without face planting over multiple lazy adverb usage.
There’s also no nuance at all, which is a very telling clue about the unimpressive writing style. At one point, the author uses grey twice in the same paragraph to describe the sky. Umm, really, there’s no other word to use? The entire book was so cringe-worthy that I thought I was reading a first draft from an extremely novice author because the writing is so poorly executed. We readers know the difference and wish to invest in intriguing characters and interesting stories. If an author is so unwilling to invest in their own skill set, why should readers bother investing in their work?
So, I’ll save you the time here and TELL you exactly how I feel about this book. If lethargic writers with dismal skill sets is your thing, and you don’t care about nuance, or wish to connect with any character or the story at all, and you happen to have a 20-year prison sentence where you need to pass the time, then still pass on this book. A thesaurus will come in handy though.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2021
Whoa. This book was surprisingly good! Never heard about Casey Kelleher before but after reading this, I can say that I am now a fan! Wow.
The flow of the story was engaging. There was never a time that I got bored or disinterested because every page had my full attention. I was completely preoccupied and absorbed. I remember not getting out of bed, glued to my screen all day just so I could finish this.
The characters had an air of mystery to them--there was a point in the book where I started to doubt the credibility of the main character and it added more edge to the plot. Although I figured out one of the twists 30% into the book, (I'm sure a lot of you would be able to piece it together early on) it didn't take out the excitement for me. The surprise kept coming. Also, the author didn't have to describe the major plot point in graphic detail for me to be affected by it, that's how good the author executed the subject matter. I love it.
I did cry at the end. After all, this book is about starting a new life after a tragic past, but, we all know that the more we run from our demons, the more we become vulnerable to their clutches. Just like Alessia--who is living a normal life with her loving husband Carl and their son Jacob, but someone from her past is threatening to destroy the perfect life that she built, someone who knows about what she did twenty years ago, someone who won't stop at nothing to make her remember.
Please add this book to your list if you haven't yet. Totally worth it.
Cheers to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC! So glad I requested this book!
The flow of the story was engaging. There was never a time that I got bored or disinterested because every page had my full attention. I was completely preoccupied and absorbed. I remember not getting out of bed, glued to my screen all day just so I could finish this.
The characters had an air of mystery to them--there was a point in the book where I started to doubt the credibility of the main character and it added more edge to the plot. Although I figured out one of the twists 30% into the book, (I'm sure a lot of you would be able to piece it together early on) it didn't take out the excitement for me. The surprise kept coming. Also, the author didn't have to describe the major plot point in graphic detail for me to be affected by it, that's how good the author executed the subject matter. I love it.
I did cry at the end. After all, this book is about starting a new life after a tragic past, but, we all know that the more we run from our demons, the more we become vulnerable to their clutches. Just like Alessia--who is living a normal life with her loving husband Carl and their son Jacob, but someone from her past is threatening to destroy the perfect life that she built, someone who knows about what she did twenty years ago, someone who won't stop at nothing to make her remember.
Please add this book to your list if you haven't yet. Totally worth it.
Cheers to Netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC! So glad I requested this book!
December 4, 2021
I haven’t forgotten. I haven’t forgiven. FOUND YOU.
Emma-Jayne and Sarah did something bad in the "doll house" when they were young, and it was Emma-Jayne who paid the price. When Emma-Jayne tried to tell the police what happened, she was branded a liar and placed on trial. Alone, frightened, and scared, she was known as the girl who killed.
Now twenty years later she is living as Alessia, a happily married woman with a young son. But then she gets a note, letting her know that someone out there knows what she did, things get worse from there. Who will believe her? Will anyone? Did she make it all up or is she still being victimized?
As readers learn more about her past in the "Then" sections, things become to fall in to place in the "Now" sections. This book touches on some very difficult subjects and although nothing is told in a graphic fashion, things may be difficult for some readers.
I appreciated how the author dealt with difficult subjects and enjoyed how more things made sense in the end. The middle dragged a little for me, but otherwise this was an enjoyable book.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.25 stars
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
Emma-Jayne and Sarah did something bad in the "doll house" when they were young, and it was Emma-Jayne who paid the price. When Emma-Jayne tried to tell the police what happened, she was branded a liar and placed on trial. Alone, frightened, and scared, she was known as the girl who killed.
Now twenty years later she is living as Alessia, a happily married woman with a young son. But then she gets a note, letting her know that someone out there knows what she did, things get worse from there. Who will believe her? Will anyone? Did she make it all up or is she still being victimized?
As readers learn more about her past in the "Then" sections, things become to fall in to place in the "Now" sections. This book touches on some very difficult subjects and although nothing is told in a graphic fashion, things may be difficult for some readers.
I appreciated how the author dealt with difficult subjects and enjoyed how more things made sense in the end. The middle dragged a little for me, but otherwise this was an enjoyable book.
Thank you to Bookouture Audio and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
3.25 stars
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com
December 21, 2021
In a Nutshell: A mostly enjoyable psychological thriller. I enjoyed it as much as I had expected.
Story:
Where the book worked for me:
😍 The story and writing is such that I was gripped from the very start. The chapters are quite short and move quickly, at the right pace for a thriller.
😍 The content is almost to the point. There are hardly any red herrings and needless subplots.
😍 After a long time, I read a thriller that's entirely in 3rd person. The blurb was in 1st person, so this came as a surprise for me. But after reading the book, I know why the blurb and the book perspectives are different. I’m a bit fed up of first person narrations from confused drunks, so this book felt very refreshing.
😍 And this brings me to my next point. After a long time, here’s an enjoyable thriller where the female lead isn’t an alcoholic (active/recovering), the husband isn’t a shady/adulterous/abusive creep, and the secondary characters are trustworthy. Also, the police are competent at doing their work and aren’t outsmarted by some amateur. Kudos to the author for staying away from the usual Gone-Girl-style tropes.
😍 It is thrilling as well as disappointing when you figure out the big twist early. I guessed the first big twist within the first 20% itself and was sitting back confidently, awaiting the big reveal to confirm my prediction. But soon after the big reveal came another big reveal that caught me unawares. A twist within a twist,... Wow!
Where the book could have worked better for me:
☹ The end seemed a little farfetched and hasty, though it did complement and complete the story well. Compared to the rest of the book, it fell slightly flat.
☹ It drags a bit in between.
☹ As I said above, most characters other than Alessia are trustworthy and reliable, with not even a shade of doubt on their character. This makes guessing the person/reason behind the whole problem quite effortless. Then again, the journey is entertaining enough, so this won’t be a major problem.
All in all, this is a pretty good thriller with psychological aspects that will keep you hooked. The ending doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the rest of the book.
Trigger note: There are some really dark elements in the book. I am not providing a detailed list of triggers as most of them will be tantamount to spoilers. But if you feel queasy at the thought of bad things happening to children, just know that there’s a fair amount of such content HINTED at, nothing explicitly mentioned.
4 stars from me.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of “I'll Never Tell”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Story:
Alessia lives a happy life with her husband Carl and toddler Jacob. She has buried her past firmly behind, to the extent that no one in her current life knows anything about her background. However, one night, the past comes knocking at her door. (Or maybe I should say, comes flying in through her window.) Soon, the threats start increasing in frequency and Alessia finds herself in a troublesome dilemma: confront her dangerous past alone or risk her entire present with Carl by revealing the truth about her past.
The story is divided in two timelines, labelled “Now” and “Then”, the latter providing a glimpse of Alessia’s life from two decades ago.
Where the book worked for me:
😍 The story and writing is such that I was gripped from the very start. The chapters are quite short and move quickly, at the right pace for a thriller.
😍 The content is almost to the point. There are hardly any red herrings and needless subplots.
😍 After a long time, I read a thriller that's entirely in 3rd person. The blurb was in 1st person, so this came as a surprise for me. But after reading the book, I know why the blurb and the book perspectives are different. I’m a bit fed up of first person narrations from confused drunks, so this book felt very refreshing.
😍 And this brings me to my next point. After a long time, here’s an enjoyable thriller where the female lead isn’t an alcoholic (active/recovering), the husband isn’t a shady/adulterous/abusive creep, and the secondary characters are trustworthy. Also, the police are competent at doing their work and aren’t outsmarted by some amateur. Kudos to the author for staying away from the usual Gone-Girl-style tropes.
😍 It is thrilling as well as disappointing when you figure out the big twist early. I guessed the first big twist within the first 20% itself and was sitting back confidently, awaiting the big reveal to confirm my prediction. But soon after the big reveal came another big reveal that caught me unawares. A twist within a twist,... Wow!
Where the book could have worked better for me:
☹ The end seemed a little farfetched and hasty, though it did complement and complete the story well. Compared to the rest of the book, it fell slightly flat.
☹ It drags a bit in between.
☹ As I said above, most characters other than Alessia are trustworthy and reliable, with not even a shade of doubt on their character. This makes guessing the person/reason behind the whole problem quite effortless. Then again, the journey is entertaining enough, so this won’t be a major problem.
All in all, this is a pretty good thriller with psychological aspects that will keep you hooked. The ending doesn’t take away from the enjoyment of the rest of the book.
Trigger note: There are some really dark elements in the book. I am not providing a detailed list of triggers as most of them will be tantamount to spoilers. But if you feel queasy at the thought of bad things happening to children, just know that there’s a fair amount of such content HINTED at, nothing explicitly mentioned.
4 stars from me.
My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC of “I'll Never Tell”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
March 17, 2022
Sins of the past come back to haunt the present in this tale of abuse, secrets and revenge. Alessia is forced to relive a horrific event from her past that changed her life forever. Twenty years after the tragedy Alessia is tormented by someone she fears is out to get her because of her involvement in the horrible event. Is Alessia's assumption correct, or is something far more sinister at play? The narration added to this heartbreaking psychological thriller that dealt with many compelling issues. Each character was brought to life conveying the constant sense of foreboding and danger. I would recommend not reading the blurb before reading the book or listening to the audio version. There is a definite twigger warning of child abuse and negect. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my audiobook.
January 17, 2022
4.5 Stars rounded up !
Wow! This is my first Casey Kelleher novel and I was blown away !
The story revolves around 32 year old Alessia who, after a traumatic childhood that she has put behind her long ago, is leading a happily married life with husband Carl and yound son Jacob when her past comes back to haunt her. A brick is thrown through the window in her family home , a car runs her off the road and other strange incidents have her fearing for her safety and that of her family who are unaware of her troubled past. She believes these incidents could be linked to the disturbing events that occured when she was 12 years old , the memories of which are foggy at best. At the cost of her own sanity and riddled with self doubt she tries to tap into the memories that she has been repressing through the years to unravel the mystery behind what really happened to her and her friend Sarah all those years ago and figure out who could be responsible for the present day threats to her life.
Split between two timelines 20 years apart generically titled "Then"and "Now", the gripping narrative never loses its pace and and just when you think you have figured everything out the author surprises you with another twist and keeps you guessing till the very end.
The author weaves issues pertaining mental health , child abuse and long lasting effects of psychological trauma throughout the narrative with commendable restraint without making the reader feel uncomfortable. Taut , suspenseful and fast paced, this psychological thriller is hard to put down. I was hooked and just had to finish it in one sitting!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2021
**Happy Publication Day**
*****
4 Stars
One Liner: Quick, Focused, and Intriguing
Alessia has a loving husband, Carl, and a cute little son, Jacob. Her life appears wonderful, and it was until it isn’t anymore.
Alessia has a past. She and her friend Sarah have done something they shouldn’t have. The news became public, and somehow it was only Alessia who stood the trial.
Twenty years have gone by, and some of her fears have subsided. But then, there’s someone intent on digging up the past and ruining her life again.
People didn’t believe her when she said she didn’t commit the crime. Alessia knows they won’t believe her now either. Her family, her life, and her future are at stake. Can she face the past to save her family?
What will happen when the truth comes out? And… what is the actual truth?
The story goes back and forth (now and then, written under the chapter head for convenience). The narration is in the limited third person and gives us insights into the characters’ minds.
Plus Points
• Short chapters and lots of tell (works for the story)
• Good pace throughout
• Focus on what’s necessary for the plot
• No unnecessary twists or subplots (there were many instances to complicate the story and extend it by another 50-70 pages. Thank you for not doing that.)
• Clearly defined characters (not deep but easy to predict their actions)
• Harriet is a sensible cop. I wish she has a book of her own (or even a series)
• No rambling (most of the time. The rest was necessary to provide more information)
• Deals with topics like child abuse, trauma, and mental health without overemphasizing anything
• Sustains interest almost from first to last (I had to rearrange my ideas more than once)
• It's a small book (less than 300 pages) and a quick read
Things That Didn’t Work Me
• Some strange use of adverbs (ref: robotically. I'll never forget this word now. Ugh!). It seemed like an attempt to shorten sentences to increase the pace. Doesn’t always work.
• The first chapter! I can’t put my finger on it, but the first chapter just wasn’t right in there for me. It’s perfect bait (something I've done myself). Yet, something felt off. If the book didn’t come with recco, I’d have been wary of the rest.
• The scene in the climax felt a wee bit unrealistic. I see why it was done. Just wished it was a bit more ‘in there’ with the rest of it.
To sum up, I’ll Never Tell is a quick thriller dealing with important social issues. The overall result is more than satisfactory.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#IllNeverTell #NetGalley
*****
4 Stars
One Liner: Quick, Focused, and Intriguing
Alessia has a loving husband, Carl, and a cute little son, Jacob. Her life appears wonderful, and it was until it isn’t anymore.
Alessia has a past. She and her friend Sarah have done something they shouldn’t have. The news became public, and somehow it was only Alessia who stood the trial.
Twenty years have gone by, and some of her fears have subsided. But then, there’s someone intent on digging up the past and ruining her life again.
People didn’t believe her when she said she didn’t commit the crime. Alessia knows they won’t believe her now either. Her family, her life, and her future are at stake. Can she face the past to save her family?
What will happen when the truth comes out? And… what is the actual truth?
The story goes back and forth (now and then, written under the chapter head for convenience). The narration is in the limited third person and gives us insights into the characters’ minds.
Plus Points
• Short chapters and lots of tell (works for the story)
• Good pace throughout
• Focus on what’s necessary for the plot
• No unnecessary twists or subplots (there were many instances to complicate the story and extend it by another 50-70 pages. Thank you for not doing that.)
• Clearly defined characters (not deep but easy to predict their actions)
• Harriet is a sensible cop. I wish she has a book of her own (or even a series)
• No rambling (most of the time. The rest was necessary to provide more information)
• Deals with topics like child abuse, trauma, and mental health without overemphasizing anything
• Sustains interest almost from first to last (I had to rearrange my ideas more than once)
• It's a small book (less than 300 pages) and a quick read
Things That Didn’t Work Me
• Some strange use of adverbs (ref: robotically. I'll never forget this word now. Ugh!). It seemed like an attempt to shorten sentences to increase the pace. Doesn’t always work.
• The first chapter! I can’t put my finger on it, but the first chapter just wasn’t right in there for me. It’s perfect bait (something I've done myself). Yet, something felt off. If the book didn’t come with recco, I’d have been wary of the rest.
• The scene in the climax felt a wee bit unrealistic. I see why it was done. Just wished it was a bit more ‘in there’ with the rest of it.
To sum up, I’ll Never Tell is a quick thriller dealing with important social issues. The overall result is more than satisfactory.
Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
#IllNeverTell #NetGalley
November 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book- it’s a quick and fast-paced read with a couple good twists. The story centers on Alessia, who is happily married with a young child after getting past a childhood trauma. She avoids her childhood friend Sarah, because bad things happen when the 2 of them are together, but scary things start happening and she believes that Sarah has tracked her down and is focused on revenge.
There were a couple of great twists in this book that I didn’t see coming. I did have an inkling of one of them but wasn’t sure I was right until it actually happened. When it all came together, I thought that it was done well and seemed believable; the loose ends were also tied up nicely.
I was lukewarm on some of the characters in the book. Harriet was great and Carl seemed too good to be true, but Alessia herself frustrated me at times and I didn’t get Amanda’s character at all- I couldn’t figure out what she was really like based on what the author gave me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and finished it over a period of a few hours. If you are looking for a psychological thriller with surprises throughout, you’ll enjoy this book. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
There were a couple of great twists in this book that I didn’t see coming. I did have an inkling of one of them but wasn’t sure I was right until it actually happened. When it all came together, I thought that it was done well and seemed believable; the loose ends were also tied up nicely.
I was lukewarm on some of the characters in the book. Harriet was great and Carl seemed too good to be true, but Alessia herself frustrated me at times and I didn’t get Amanda’s character at all- I couldn’t figure out what she was really like based on what the author gave me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and finished it over a period of a few hours. If you are looking for a psychological thriller with surprises throughout, you’ll enjoy this book. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 19, 2021
This was a high 4 stars for me. This tragic story was about abuse and second chances that are all mixed up in lies and betrayal. My heart went out to the main character and I really wanted her to be able to save her family relationships. It got really crazy and I enjoyed the ending.
I chose to listen to this book on audio and highly recommend listening to this. Daphne Kouma narrated this and she was great.
Thanks Bookouture via Netgalley.
#IllNeverTell #NetGalley
I chose to listen to this book on audio and highly recommend listening to this. Daphne Kouma narrated this and she was great.
Thanks Bookouture via Netgalley.
#IllNeverTell #NetGalley
December 18, 2021
although this novel has got me
pretty bored along the way, due
to its overtelling dialogues and
expository repetitions, its dark
twists really made it all worth.
pretty bored along the way, due
to its overtelling dialogues and
expository repetitions, its dark
twists really made it all worth.
December 2, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Stars!
Story is told then and now.
Then ~When Alessa (Emma-Jayne) was twelve years old, she and her friend Sarah loved to play in an old cottage they call the ‘doll-house’. Their game turned into something deadly when Alessa’s step-father is found murdered and she is believed guilty. She claims she didn’t do it that Sarah did. However, no one believes her.
Now ~ Alessa at thirty-two years old is married; she and hubby Carl have a toddler, Jacob.
Strange things are happening to Alessa. She believes Sarah is doing hurtful things to her and that she is going to take her little son Jacob.
Alessa seems to be having a breakdown. She has been convinced that there is no Sarah and she was an imaginary friend.
This was a great psychological thriller. I am a big fan ~ I know what to expected and love when it keeps me guessing.
There were times that this was a slow burn as I totally had it figured out ~ wrong!
It turned out to be a WOW read for me!
My first Casey Kelleher anxious to read another!
Addition, Audio narrator, Daphne Kouma did a super job performing the characters.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio ~ for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 3, 2021
Story is told then and now.
Then ~When Alessa (Emma-Jayne) was twelve years old, she and her friend Sarah loved to play in an old cottage they call the ‘doll-house’. Their game turned into something deadly when Alessa’s step-father is found murdered and she is believed guilty. She claims she didn’t do it that Sarah did. However, no one believes her.
Now ~ Alessa at thirty-two years old is married; she and hubby Carl have a toddler, Jacob.
Strange things are happening to Alessa. She believes Sarah is doing hurtful things to her and that she is going to take her little son Jacob.
Alessa seems to be having a breakdown. She has been convinced that there is no Sarah and she was an imaginary friend.
This was a great psychological thriller. I am a big fan ~ I know what to expected and love when it keeps me guessing.
There were times that this was a slow burn as I totally had it figured out ~ wrong!
It turned out to be a WOW read for me!
My first Casey Kelleher anxious to read another!
Addition, Audio narrator, Daphne Kouma did a super job performing the characters.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio ~ for this audio eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 3, 2021
December 1, 2021
This starts out slow and I got kind of bored.
It does eventually pick up around 20% in and gets progressively more exciting till the end.
I had figured out a few of the bits well before the reveal, but Kelleher still managed to surprise me with lots of bits I had no idea I should have been looking for.
Well done Kelleher, well done indeed!
Much love to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my DRC.
It does eventually pick up around 20% in and gets progressively more exciting till the end.
I had figured out a few of the bits well before the reveal, but Kelleher still managed to surprise me with lots of bits I had no idea I should have been looking for.
Well done Kelleher, well done indeed!
Much love to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for my DRC.
October 26, 2021
OMG There’s nothing more satisfying than picking up a book that you know you are going to love from the opening chapter. That’s the way I felt about I’ll Never Tell. Casey Kelleher sure knows how to grab the reader’s attention with an opening chapter that piqued my interest. The second chapter drew me in and by the third chapter, I was well and truly hooked. It’s a dark tale that takes the reader down a twisted path, one that’s shrouded in menace, lies and intrigue. One thing I wasn’t expecting was this to be a read that was fraught with emotion and desperately sad.
Alexia’s past comes back to haunt her. She has made a new life with a new identity, convinced her past is well and truly buried. But now, twenty years later, someone knows her secret and wants to hurt her family. The story alternates between the ‘past’ and ‘now’, which ensure the tension never waivers. There are some themes running through this book that readers may find upsetting, but the author treats them with sensitivity at all times.
There’s two things that I love in a psychological thriller, an unreliable narrator, and an element of surprise that totally throws me, and I’m thrilled to report I’ll Never Tell had both. One of the strengths of this book is how Casey Kelleher misdirects the reader at every opportunity, so you’re never sure what lies ahead. Personally, I think this is the authors best book yet, with well-drawn characters, twists galore, and a plot that’s perfectly paced. Highly recommended.
Alexia’s past comes back to haunt her. She has made a new life with a new identity, convinced her past is well and truly buried. But now, twenty years later, someone knows her secret and wants to hurt her family. The story alternates between the ‘past’ and ‘now’, which ensure the tension never waivers. There are some themes running through this book that readers may find upsetting, but the author treats them with sensitivity at all times.
There’s two things that I love in a psychological thriller, an unreliable narrator, and an element of surprise that totally throws me, and I’m thrilled to report I’ll Never Tell had both. One of the strengths of this book is how Casey Kelleher misdirects the reader at every opportunity, so you’re never sure what lies ahead. Personally, I think this is the authors best book yet, with well-drawn characters, twists galore, and a plot that’s perfectly paced. Highly recommended.
January 3, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for this advance listener copy in exchange for my honest review.
I really liked this book. Granted, parts of it were slightly predictable, but I didn't expect the twist at the end. Warning, however, this book contains several triggers, including mental illness, physical and sexual abuse, neglect of a child, murder and self harm, to name a few. It's definitely not a book for everyone, but it was really well written. The characters were believable and relatable, and I felt a connection with Alicia.
This book introduces us to Alicia, otherwise known as Emma Jane. When Emma Jane was a young child, her and her best friend Sarah committed an unspeakable crime, but only Emma Jane is punished. Sarah got away with murder. Years later, Emma Jane is living happily under a new name with her husband and small son until one day when a note appears that says "I found you".
This was a really good thriller/mystery. It kept me guessing and although I guessed a few things, it was still unpredictable enough to make for a fun read. Highly recommended.
I really liked this book. Granted, parts of it were slightly predictable, but I didn't expect the twist at the end. Warning, however, this book contains several triggers, including mental illness, physical and sexual abuse, neglect of a child, murder and self harm, to name a few. It's definitely not a book for everyone, but it was really well written. The characters were believable and relatable, and I felt a connection with Alicia.
This book introduces us to Alicia, otherwise known as Emma Jane. When Emma Jane was a young child, her and her best friend Sarah committed an unspeakable crime, but only Emma Jane is punished. Sarah got away with murder. Years later, Emma Jane is living happily under a new name with her husband and small son until one day when a note appears that says "I found you".
This was a really good thriller/mystery. It kept me guessing and although I guessed a few things, it was still unpredictable enough to make for a fun read. Highly recommended.
January 13, 2022
extract: When we were young, Sarah and i spent all our time in a place called the dolls house. It was jus an old abandoned cottage in the woods behind our house but it was heaven for us. Until one of our games went wrong. And someone ended up dead.
If you are anything like me that extract will have you wanting to know more and believe me more comes and woo what an explosive and highly emotional book this is!!! Alessia has recently moved back to her childhood village. so when she gets a note through her door saying found you, she knows her past has come back to haunt her, but she thought everyone who knew was dead. so whose found her and what do they want?
. This book just woo I don't even think I can review it and give it the justice it deserves. I ;love Casey Kelleher is a literacy genius, her crime books are some of my favourite so I knew I was in for a treat when I picked up this book in Decembers. I must admit i have zero idea who was stalking Alessia and I didn't see twist after twist that were thrown our way, a few times my jaw literally hit the ground. This is one of those books you open it and don't want to put it down so that's exactly what I did. its been a while since I last picked up a book and read it cover to cover. the skill of the way Casey can transmit the written word is bar none. I found myself laughing then a sentence later in tears.
I must say along with all the praise of this book there are some very emotive4 topics one of which is the discussion of historical sexual abuse of a child, it gets a bit graphic if that is a trigger point for you i would advise against reading this one.
So we have two main characters Alessia she is our protagonist and the story is told through her point of view even that of her childhood friend Sarah. Alessia has an idealist life but she's full of grief for her childhood which, the ,more I read the more tragic it became. I found it interesting the way Sarah's story is told through Ale4ssia, it was a great way to tell both their stories but also not getting caught up with the toing and throwing of whose who. Both characters were very relatable and llikable.
Like I said at the start there is really nothing I can write in this review that will sell it without giving everything away. what I will say is READ IT1 The author has a great way of keeping the reader hooked and making you feel like a fly on the wall. I finished this book 3 weeks ago and I can still describe exactly what the doll house looked like and i can barely remember why I walk into rooms most days. so I would highly recommend I'll never tell and you haven't read her books previously I would also recommend her crime trilogy. there are few authors that complete have my not wanting to read a book straight after finishing one but ii was left digesting this one all night, one of my favourite reads of 2021, EASY 5stars.
thank you to netgalley, Casey Kelleher and the publishers for the free digital reviewers copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions, i cant wait to read more!!
If you are anything like me that extract will have you wanting to know more and believe me more comes and woo what an explosive and highly emotional book this is!!! Alessia has recently moved back to her childhood village. so when she gets a note through her door saying found you, she knows her past has come back to haunt her, but she thought everyone who knew was dead. so whose found her and what do they want?
. This book just woo I don't even think I can review it and give it the justice it deserves. I ;love Casey Kelleher is a literacy genius, her crime books are some of my favourite so I knew I was in for a treat when I picked up this book in Decembers. I must admit i have zero idea who was stalking Alessia and I didn't see twist after twist that were thrown our way, a few times my jaw literally hit the ground. This is one of those books you open it and don't want to put it down so that's exactly what I did. its been a while since I last picked up a book and read it cover to cover. the skill of the way Casey can transmit the written word is bar none. I found myself laughing then a sentence later in tears.
I must say along with all the praise of this book there are some very emotive4 topics one of which is the discussion of historical sexual abuse of a child, it gets a bit graphic if that is a trigger point for you i would advise against reading this one.
So we have two main characters Alessia she is our protagonist and the story is told through her point of view even that of her childhood friend Sarah. Alessia has an idealist life but she's full of grief for her childhood which, the ,more I read the more tragic it became. I found it interesting the way Sarah's story is told through Ale4ssia, it was a great way to tell both their stories but also not getting caught up with the toing and throwing of whose who. Both characters were very relatable and llikable.
Like I said at the start there is really nothing I can write in this review that will sell it without giving everything away. what I will say is READ IT1 The author has a great way of keeping the reader hooked and making you feel like a fly on the wall. I finished this book 3 weeks ago and I can still describe exactly what the doll house looked like and i can barely remember why I walk into rooms most days. so I would highly recommend I'll never tell and you haven't read her books previously I would also recommend her crime trilogy. there are few authors that complete have my not wanting to read a book straight after finishing one but ii was left digesting this one all night, one of my favourite reads of 2021, EASY 5stars.
thank you to netgalley, Casey Kelleher and the publishers for the free digital reviewers copy in exchange for my fair and honest opinions, i cant wait to read more!!
November 25, 2021
3/5 ⭐️
Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook arc
So this started out really strong and I liked how things unraveled, but around the middle I just got bored with it.
Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook arc
So this started out really strong and I liked how things unraveled, but around the middle I just got bored with it.
November 29, 2021
Another great read from Casey Kelleher.
Alessia is happily married to Carl but it seems someone knows about her secret past.
Alone while Jacob is working away, a brick is thrown through the living room window.
Alessia is terrified and is also relieved that her baby, Jacob was not downstairs at the time.
She is then intimidated whilst driving the car and gets pushed off the road.
Carl is worried about Alessia, but she won’t open up to him about what’s bothering her.
We then find out about her past, and all is not as it seems in Alessia’s past and present.
This is a fast paced thriller that will definitely have you hooked after the first few pages.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Alessia is happily married to Carl but it seems someone knows about her secret past.
Alone while Jacob is working away, a brick is thrown through the living room window.
Alessia is terrified and is also relieved that her baby, Jacob was not downstairs at the time.
She is then intimidated whilst driving the car and gets pushed off the road.
Carl is worried about Alessia, but she won’t open up to him about what’s bothering her.
We then find out about her past, and all is not as it seems in Alessia’s past and present.
This is a fast paced thriller that will definitely have you hooked after the first few pages.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 14, 2022
A gripping, dark , twisted psychological thriller , littered with twists and turns impossible to guess.
Alessia is at home with her young son Jacob when’s brick is thrown through the window, when other strange things start happening alessia starts to think the past is coming back to haunt her.
As the book flips between then (20 years ago) and now alessias past comes into play.
Literally one of my fave reads this year so far! Well deserved 5 ⭐️
Alessia is at home with her young son Jacob when’s brick is thrown through the window, when other strange things start happening alessia starts to think the past is coming back to haunt her.
As the book flips between then (20 years ago) and now alessias past comes into play.
Literally one of my fave reads this year so far! Well deserved 5 ⭐️
December 3, 2021
I'll Never Tell is without any semblance of doubt a great psychological thriller that had me gripped from the first chapter. Bone-chilling, with plenty of tension and suspense oozing from the pages I couldn’t read it quickly enough but I also didn’t want it to end. My first read by Casey Kelleher was a rewarding experience and I highly recommend this book and author. I aim to check out some of her other work going forward.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Bookouture via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 26, 2021
This was one of those great but rare books were you have to keep reading even though you are painfully tired because you NEED to know how it is going to end.
January 13, 2022
I loved this book, and the narrator, Daphne Kouma, did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. If you’ve never read a Casey Kelleher book before, I highly recommend you start reading this addictive author, and I’ll Never Tell is the perfect place to start. Casey has a way of drawing you in and making you care about the characters in her stories. Suspenseful, emotional and gripping. I raced through it..
Due to deadlines, I didn’t get to start this audiobook as soon as I would have liked, but I was hooked after the first chapter. I’ll Never Tell has bestseller written all over it.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of the audiobook. I loved it so much I bought a copy on Audible.
Due to deadlines, I didn’t get to start this audiobook as soon as I would have liked, but I was hooked after the first chapter. I’ll Never Tell has bestseller written all over it.
My thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for an advanced copy of the audiobook. I loved it so much I bought a copy on Audible.
November 27, 2021
I'll Never Tell
by Casey Kelleher
A dark look at child abuse and the misconceptions of the law. Young mother has changed her entire life because of the child abuse that she has experienced. After being abandoned by her mother, and given to foster care she changed her name to out live her past. The book also looks into misconceptions of mental health. The mystery of the story is drawn on this misconception, and misrepresentation of children and their treatment by the law.
The audible version draws out the reader into the story showing the nature of mental health problems and how they are misconceived.
by Casey Kelleher
A dark look at child abuse and the misconceptions of the law. Young mother has changed her entire life because of the child abuse that she has experienced. After being abandoned by her mother, and given to foster care she changed her name to out live her past. The book also looks into misconceptions of mental health. The mystery of the story is drawn on this misconception, and misrepresentation of children and their treatment by the law.
The audible version draws out the reader into the story showing the nature of mental health problems and how they are misconceived.
November 28, 2021
I'LL NEVER TELL is a quick read that tugs on almost every heartstring and keeps you guessing. Casey Kelleher has written a well-thought-out story that twists from a situation that you don't want to accept into something that rips out your heart.
Alessia is the happiest she has ever been in her life. She has a wonderful son, Jacob, and an extremely devoted husband, Carl. Her peaceful life is shattered one night when a brick breaks her living room window. Far from an isolated incident, terrible things start happening to Alessia. Her mind settles on a friend she had years ago, Sarah, and she wonders if her friend has found her. She had left the memories of their experiences together in her past, but Alessia is tormented by her hazy recollections of their time together. Alessia and Sarah shared a secret that is so horrible that it changed Alessia's life. When she finds a newspaper clipping in her son's bag, Alessia is convinced Sarah has gotten too close to her family. Can she confide in her friends, or her loving husband, or will she confront Sarah once and for all?
I enjoyed the story. It was fast-paced and easy to read. The mystery behind the incidents in the book was intriguing, and it tugged on my emotions. There were several twists in the pages, and they were well-timed.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
I would recommend this book to experienced readers, due to some mature content about the effects of abuse.
Alessia is the happiest she has ever been in her life. She has a wonderful son, Jacob, and an extremely devoted husband, Carl. Her peaceful life is shattered one night when a brick breaks her living room window. Far from an isolated incident, terrible things start happening to Alessia. Her mind settles on a friend she had years ago, Sarah, and she wonders if her friend has found her. She had left the memories of their experiences together in her past, but Alessia is tormented by her hazy recollections of their time together. Alessia and Sarah shared a secret that is so horrible that it changed Alessia's life. When she finds a newspaper clipping in her son's bag, Alessia is convinced Sarah has gotten too close to her family. Can she confide in her friends, or her loving husband, or will she confront Sarah once and for all?
I enjoyed the story. It was fast-paced and easy to read. The mystery behind the incidents in the book was intriguing, and it tugged on my emotions. There were several twists in the pages, and they were well-timed.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest review. My opinions are my own.
I would recommend this book to experienced readers, due to some mature content about the effects of abuse.
December 18, 2021
Thank you Netgalley for the audio copy in exchange for a honest review. Alessia has the perfect life with her husband a young son. She has a troubled past she has tried hard to forget. Then a brick comes through her window with a note 'found you' and someone starts stalking her. Alessia thinks it is her old friend Sarah. A brilliantly written tense and gripping psychological thriller.
December 2, 2021
As soon as I hear Casey Kelleher has a new book out I don’t even need to read the blurb I just need to read the book. I’ll never tell is an excellent psychological thriller that had me on the edge of my seat right from the very beginning. Once I started reading this book I had to keep going as I couldn’t wait to figure out what was going on. There are lots of twists and turns throughout the story . I did figure out the outcome about 3/4 way through but that certainly didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this impossible to put down book. I cannot wait to read more psychological thrillers from this author.
November 7, 2021
My first book by this author and I must say that I am pretty impressed with the twists peppered throughout the plot.
At the young age of twelve Emma-Jayne was implicated in the murder of her step-father. Despite her repeated pleas that her friend Sarah was the actual culprit, no-one believed her. Now twenty years later, she goes by the name of Alessia, and lives with her doting husband, Carl and adorable toddler, Jacob. But her past seems to have caught up with her, when she begins to receive threatening notes and parcels. Alessia realizes that Sarah is back and that she has to protect her family from her at any cost.
This was a quick read that managed to get me confused a few times. By about halfway through, I thought that I had the story all figured out, instead was pleasantly surprised when the plot twists proved me wrong. The book addresses child abuse, trauma and mental health issues, without going into much detail and yet keeping it as the core theme of7 the story.
The protagonist, Alessia/Emma-Jayne, initially comes across as an unreliable narrator, but as the story progresses, this trait is justified. Harriet turned out to be my favourite character in the book as she is shown to be a compassionate friend and an astute cop. The teeny bit of romance that was depicted at the beginning of was quite cheesy and almost movie-ish, easily becoming my least favourite part of the whole story.
Overall, a quick read with surprising twists. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
At the young age of twelve Emma-Jayne was implicated in the murder of her step-father. Despite her repeated pleas that her friend Sarah was the actual culprit, no-one believed her. Now twenty years later, she goes by the name of Alessia, and lives with her doting husband, Carl and adorable toddler, Jacob. But her past seems to have caught up with her, when she begins to receive threatening notes and parcels. Alessia realizes that Sarah is back and that she has to protect her family from her at any cost.
This was a quick read that managed to get me confused a few times. By about halfway through, I thought that I had the story all figured out, instead was pleasantly surprised when the plot twists proved me wrong. The book addresses child abuse, trauma and mental health issues, without going into much detail and yet keeping it as the core theme of7 the story.
The protagonist, Alessia/Emma-Jayne, initially comes across as an unreliable narrator, but as the story progresses, this trait is justified. Harriet turned out to be my favourite character in the book as she is shown to be a compassionate friend and an astute cop. The teeny bit of romance that was depicted at the beginning of was quite cheesy and almost movie-ish, easily becoming my least favourite part of the whole story.
Overall, a quick read with surprising twists. Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2021
Twenty years later. Alessia is living a happy life. Mother to her toddler son Jacob and happily married to Carl, things are going well. Life is spot on. Yes, Alessia had to take on a new identity two decades ago, but that is the past. However, one night after dozing off she hears broken glass. Worried about Jacob, she looks for the source. A broken window with a brick thrown inside with words that shake her to her very core: FOUND YOU!
What happened twenty years ago and why did she receive those very disturbing words on that brick? Well, that is how this thrilling story by Casey Kelleher started. It quickly moves to the past when Alessia (then, when she was Emma-Jayne), she is terrified, in a jail cell, and accused of murder.
What happened then, and why does she allude to someone named Sarah, both then and now? Why did Alessia change her name and why is she suddenly being terrified now?
Alessia had a childhood friend named Sarah and now she is scared beyond belief that Sarah is back. In fact, the note was only the beginning of a fear campaign being lobbed at her. The story is equally terrifying and sad. The terror comes in when Alessia's past and present collide. The sadness comes in when her story begins to unfold and her disturbing past and memories come speeding towards her. The level of sadness increases when Alessia is faced with a devastating sense of hopelessness, even though she had been living a content life with her little family.
I was so very drawn to this story. My heart broke for the 12-year-old Emma-Jayne and the 32-year-old Alessia. I did love her husband Carl as he saw his wife falling apart. As mentioned, the couple were happy for a while and it was interesting to see if their marriage would hold up.
I had I'll Never Tell as an audiobook ARC and I loved the narration. As this story was delivered in third person narrative I felt like the narrator was literally telling me the story, which allowed me to feel the emotions that Alessia had to cope with. Her guilt. Uncertainty. Pain. Fear. And so much more. Very well done. Excellently paced throughout with a wonderful conclusion.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
What happened twenty years ago and why did she receive those very disturbing words on that brick? Well, that is how this thrilling story by Casey Kelleher started. It quickly moves to the past when Alessia (then, when she was Emma-Jayne), she is terrified, in a jail cell, and accused of murder.
What happened then, and why does she allude to someone named Sarah, both then and now? Why did Alessia change her name and why is she suddenly being terrified now?
Alessia had a childhood friend named Sarah and now she is scared beyond belief that Sarah is back. In fact, the note was only the beginning of a fear campaign being lobbed at her. The story is equally terrifying and sad. The terror comes in when Alessia's past and present collide. The sadness comes in when her story begins to unfold and her disturbing past and memories come speeding towards her. The level of sadness increases when Alessia is faced with a devastating sense of hopelessness, even though she had been living a content life with her little family.
I was so very drawn to this story. My heart broke for the 12-year-old Emma-Jayne and the 32-year-old Alessia. I did love her husband Carl as he saw his wife falling apart. As mentioned, the couple were happy for a while and it was interesting to see if their marriage would hold up.
I had I'll Never Tell as an audiobook ARC and I loved the narration. As this story was delivered in third person narrative I felt like the narrator was literally telling me the story, which allowed me to feel the emotions that Alessia had to cope with. Her guilt. Uncertainty. Pain. Fear. And so much more. Very well done. Excellently paced throughout with a wonderful conclusion.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
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