If They Knew

by Arti Manani

Some secrets are better kept.

Ella-Rose is convinced she’s being watched when anonymous letters and gifts are delivered to her home.

With a secret past stopping her from seeking help from the authorities, Ella takes matters into her own hands.

As paranoia tightens its grip, Ella's desperate search for answers leads her down a twisted path of suspicion and deceit that forces her to accuse everyone she knows.

But as the web of deception unravels, she makes a shocking revelation that threatens to unearth a family secret she's guarded for over a decade.

Somebody knows.


In a world where trust is a luxury and deception is the norm, IF THEY KNEW explores the depths of betrayal and the question of how well we truly know those we hold dear.

Brace yourself for a journey that will leave you questioning the very foundations of trust and the sinister secrets that lie within the shadows.

They say it's always someone you know.
But how much do you ever really know anyone?

293 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2023

About the author

Arti is a thriller writer from West London, UK. Her novels include the domestic suspense thrillers, LIAR, LIAR, 'TIL DEATH DO US PART, and THE NEIGHBOUR.

In her novels, Arti delves deep into the minds of real people, placing psychological issues from anxiety and mental health to society and expectations at the forefront of her storylines.

Her stories tackle the inner demons we all face – anxiety, paranoia, and the crushing weight of societal expectations, through vivid, raw storytelling.

At the heart of her writing is the belief that the biggest battle we fight is often within our own minds. Arti uses this internal conflict as the driving force behind her work, creating narratives that not only engage but resonate deeply with readers who may be facing similar struggles.

Arti completed her BA Hons degree in English Language and Communication with Journalism at the University of Hertfordshire and went on to forge a career in copy-writing and marketing in the publishing and finance industries.

In 2019, Arti embarked on her journey to writing suspense novels.


Connect with Arti:
https://Instagram.com/Author_Arti_Manani
https://Facebook.com/Author-Arti-Manani
https://www.artimanani.com/#newsletter

Reviews

[J.A. Salas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great slow-burn read! I enjoyed how full of suspense it was. Also the twists and turns throughout were very unpredictable! Love when a book has me guessing the whole way through. Was a great book! Can’t wait to check out more from this author.

* I received an ARC from the author with a possibility for an honest review *

[Danielle Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author, but I can tell you it won't be my last! This book had me on the edge of my seat while wondering what was going on in Ella's life. I felt like I was being watched as I read it because the author did a wonderful job bringing that anxious, nervous, "you're being watched" feeling to life on, and off the page. Manani's descriptive writing painted a picture in my head throughout the entire story, and I love books that feel like a movie playing in my head as I read them.
And the twist!
That twist caught me totally off guard, leaving me with wide eyes and my jaw on the floor by the time the epilogue hit! IF THEY KNEW is truly a wonderfully thought-out thriller that will leave you wanting more!

[Chiara Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while to write my thoughts about this novel because I had to reflect on why by the time I reached the end, I felt deflated. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook as I think the narrator Laura Greaves impersonated the main character especially well, as well as the others, but I’m not convinced by the plot.

There was a lot of suspense and a lot of self loathe and self pity from the protagonist, and hints at major secrets and events. Throughout the book my senses were heightened and the tension was high, but by the end of it I didn’t feel that the high hopes I had were met.

I realised one of the twists easily which probably didn’t help, but even then, the anticlimactic ending, plus the fact I had to endure the main character whining for 90% of the book didn’t work for me. I really found Ella annoying, which probably didn’t help either.

This is of course my opinion, and it might not be the same for others, but I feel sorry this one didn’t work for me because I enjoyed the writing and the suspense up to a point. I will try reading another work by this author though.

Thanks to the author for the audiobook code and this is my honest opinion.

[WeronikaNatalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I unfortunately didn’t enjoy this one as much. It started well and had good potential but then it sort of went slowly downhill. I didn’t enjoy the plot and the ending much, which bumped the rating down. However, I like how easy of a read it was. Personally I can’t really recommend it, it just isn’t my vibe I guess.

[Norman Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

After loving her first two books, I was SO excited to have the opportunity to read Arti Manani's latest suspense thriller 'If They Knew' ahead of it's release on 17th August. In fact, I ended up reading the whole book in just over a day - I was so hooked!

With so much mystery to be unfolded, 'If They Knew' just keeps you guessing... Who keeps sending Ella anonymous parcels? Is someone spying on her in her own home? Why hasn't she gone to the police? And just what is the huge secret that she's been hiding all these years?

With lockdowns still a recent memory (where many of us were working from home with everything delivered to our front door), the claustrophic setting for Ella's twisted web of suspicion and paranoia paints a somewhat familar picture.

'If They Knew' is a stark reminder of how easily our everyday lives can be tracked and traced. Just how safe are our secrets? Is it inevitable that running away from the past will come back to haunt us eventually?

And if that's not enough to pique your interest, a key character in the story is called Norman! But is he good or bad? 😉

Review Disclaimer:
I received an ARC from the author with a possibility for an honest review.

[Dee (readaholic_dee) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well WOW! What a read! I love how it is written from an unusual perspective, it had me intrigued from the beginning and I wondered which way the story would unfold. For me, the mental health aspect of the book was handled with sensitivity and understanding, it really is a difficult view to write from and it blew me away.

Do you trust yourself? Ella’s life is in disorder, her mind is in turmoil, how can she trust herself? She has doubts about what is happening in her world. This book takes you on a rollercoaster journey with Ella and how your mind can make you doubt yourself. Suffering from severe anxiety the psyche of Ella is portrayed brilliantly, I could actually feel Ella’s anxiety building throughout the pages.

Friend or foe? Ella has no idea and as the story builds you are kept guessing, wrongly in my case! What is going to happen next. Arti weaves a wonderful story of suspense with lots of unexpected twists and turns.

If you love a book that keeps you guessing and sucks you in from the first pages, If They Knew is the book for you. Highly recommend.

Happy Reading.

[Alis Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

If They Knew by Arti Manini is a psychological thriller and my very first Audible book! I have to say, the story is packed with suspense and plenty of questions that kept me hooked and listening. However, I do feel that experiencing it as an audiobook rather than reading it on the page dampened the tension a bit for me. The narration didn’t quite live up to the intensity of the storyline, which was a bit disappointing.
I wasn’t a huge fan of the main protagonist, but surprisingly, that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of the plot. I found myself eager to know how it would all end, and the twists and turns along the way kept me intrigued.
Overall, If They Knew is a solid thriller with an engaging plot and plenty of surprises. While the audiobook didn’t quite do it justice for me, I think fans of the genre might enjoy it more in print. If you’re looking for a suspenseful story with unexpected twists, it’s worth giving it a try!

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“If They Knew” by Arti Manani had me hooked from the start, constantly keeping me on edge as I tried to figure out what was real and what wasn’t. The way the story blurs reality and illusion is masterful, and it really made me reflect on the isolation that comes with working from home—how that solitude can subtly chip away at a person’s mental state. What I found even more compelling was how the novel delves into the effects of past trauma, showing how those unresolved wounds can shape our perceptions and relationships in unexpected ways. The pacing kept me guessing, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, a twist would throw me off balance. This psychological thriller is both gripping and thought-provoking, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a story that challenges your mind while keeping you hooked.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

If They Knew by Arti Manani is an amalgam of paranoia and incredulity. The first quarter of the book was heavy on the descriptions and not much character building. Then suddenly, Ella and Norman are in some weird relationship of sorts that came out of nowhere. Eventually, they finally start getting answers, but then it gets more ridiculous as the story goes on, sadly not in a good way. The epilogue was completely unnecessary.

The story had so much potential, but it spent so much time on the Ella and Norman dynamic (and I still don't know what exactly that was) that everything else appeared to just be an afterthought.

[Natasha sebuwufu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very grateful to be gifted a copy of this book but unfortunately this one wasn’t for me. The writer used a lot of beautiful descriptions but sometimes I felt it ruined the flow of the story. The first half I was sort of waiting for something to happen, I didn’t feel a great connection with the characters which is probably why I struggled to get into the story. I also was abit confused about the relationship between the two main characters abit out of the blue with no explanation. The concept of the story was good but just didn’t click with me this time. 2.5 stars ⭐️⭐️✨

[Siobhan D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the narration of Laura Greaves


Ella finds her life and mind in turmoil. Believing she can not even trust herself? Ella can not understand or believes what is happening in her world. Suffering from severe anxiety.
Unable to know who is friend or foe. As Ella is convinced she’s being watched as anonymous letters and gifts are delivered to her home. Because of a secret, in her past , she can not ask for help for the authorities, so Ella takes matters into her own hands.
You are kept guessing, lots of suspense and unexpected twists and turns.

[C.A. Powers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this slow burn, full of suspense story. It was well written and with much detail that it was so intriguing to me that I couldn't put it down! I read it in less then a day. As paranoid as Ella was becoming, she was rubbing off on me. I suspected everyone but the actual person and the shocking twist at the end, perfection!! Arti is a new to me author and I can't wait to check out her other books!

I received an ARC from the author with a possibility for an honest review.

[Steve Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to begin?! This book was fantastic! Seriously, I was sucked into it right from the first page, it had me completely hooked!

The twists were so unpredictable, it was like a rollercoaster ride of emotions! Every time I thought I had it all figured out the plot took a wild turn! The author has a talent for storytelling that kept me guessing until the very end.

And that jaw-dropping twist and ending left me totally stunned! 5/5

[Leigh Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Great story! This kept me turning the pages. It really resonated with me being at home alone, working wondering if my boss could be watching me or listening to me. The author did a phenomenal job getting into the main characters head showing her fears and anxieties. I could completely understand how she felt that way. The ending really surprised me and I loved it. I would highly recommend this book.

[Melissa Blease · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! I was intrigued from page one and couldn't wait to find out what happened. The attention to detail in the book was wonderful and the characters kept me guessing throughout. As the story progressed I couldn't put the book down, I had to know how the story would end. Loved the level of suspense, I started second guessing all the characters motives the further into the book I got. Can't wait to read more from this author.

[J.R. Vieira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arti Manani captures the concept of an unreliable narrator, and the paranoia that comes with it, perfectly through her main character Ella. This story had me looking over my shoulder and not wanting to sit by a window. The ending was unexpected and very satisfying. It will keep you guessing throughout the whole story. I highly recommend this novel and I'm looking forward to reading more of Arti's books.

[Amy Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. I have never read such an accurate depiction of paranoia. IF THEY KNEW is a startling, compulsive read that had me glued to the page from beginning to end. I related so heavily to the main character that it almost felt like Manani cracked inside my skull, analyzed my thoughts and fears, and then planted them on the page. 🤯

Her writing was also beautiful. I loved the descriptive language that is often lacking in thrillers. I would highly recommend this one for your next suspense read!

[Marie Pitcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading one of Arti’s book and I was pleasantly surprised. I honestly don’t know how I haven’t heard of her before. A lot of the time it takes me a while to get into s book to where I don’t want to put it down but I was drawn in from the beginning! I definitely suggest everyone gives this a read

[Micki-D · Rating 3 out of 5]

If they knew is full of suspense rest and turns that aren’t as predictable as you might think. The book gives off an anxious nervous feeling & the tension was high.

Who keeps sending Ella anonymous parcels?
Why hasn't she gone to the police?
What is the huge secret that she's been hiding all these years?

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow burn + thriller + suspense = read in one sitting! Listen you feel like you are right there with Ella, thinking it could be anyone for so many reasons .. but the twists? WOW. I did not see it coming!

I received this ARC for an honest review, all thoughts/opinions above are completely my own.

[Courtney Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chaotic from start to finish, you literally feel the anxiety coming off the pages

I really did not like the main character or any of the characters actually I was more than willing to let any of them die

[Cheyenne Peel-kane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent

This was so good for a while but the ending was so abrupt. It was very unbelievable but i dont usually mind because thats the point of fiction but some parts were extremely unlikely. I am glad I read it.

[R.M · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry found it way too heavy of the descriptive references, which really impact the flow of the story, and light on character relationships and storyline. Overall concept was good but found myself skimming rather than being immersed.
Bought free on kindle with requests for review.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book and how the author wrote it. A little slow for me but my interest was intact. I also did not expect the twist at the end. There is a lot of metaphor in the story which I like because my imagination went wild. Good story plot too!

[Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs' · Rating 5 out of 5]

At the beginning I thought I knew what was going to happen, it was nothing like what I thought it was going to be. I got so addicted and it really was brilliant.
the author really captured the feelings of working from home.

[Alesha Dykema · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great read! I love the unreliable narrator trope and Arti delivered it masterfully. AND THAT ENDING! Very satisfying and very shocking. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

[Ana Velez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a little slow pace in the beginning. But after like the 5th chapter I couldn't put it down. It was amazing.

[Donna Rasberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah! I started and wanted to keep reading til the end. I never knew what was coming nor could I see the ending that happened. Quick read! Kept me turning pages til the end!

[Samantha Amber Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A true page turner

Not often am I left wondering how a book ends, but this one kept me on my toes. All the way to the end. It left me wanting more. 10/10

[Arti Manani · Rating 5 out of 5]

If They Knew is available to order on Amazon. Paperback, Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.