Everyone Knows But You

Ryan Tapia #1

by Thomas E. Ricks

An FBI agent finds himself in the insular world of a fishing village on the Maine coast where the rules are different—sometimes lethally so.After his wife and two children are killed in a car crash, Ryan Tapia starts a new life in Maine. But his first case there is a puzzling oddball—the corpse of a fisherman washes up on federal land, while the man’s boat drifts into waters that are part of an Indian reservation. Ryan quickly learns the nuances of Maine life as he delves into two illicit coastal hard drugs and rare fish. Many of the locals are happy to see that particular fisherman dead. What’s more, they are not shy about noting that Ryan must have screwed up pretty badly to be posted to such a remote location as Bangor, Maine. Undaunted, Ryan works to understand the unforgiving way of life on Liberty Island, where people live by an older, harsher code. Adrift on a sailboat one day, he encounters a man from the Malpense tribe, living as a hermit on a remote island, who witnessed something that fateful day. In his riveting crime debut, New York Times bestselling author Thomas E. Ricks turns his literary talents to land he knows deeply, from working in the Maine woods and trapping lobsters year-round. Everyone Knows But You is a rich and dynamic crime novel that brings a unique part of America to vivid, thrilling life.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Crime, Thriller, Mystery Thriller, Book Club

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 4, 2024

About the author

Thomas Edwin "Tom" Ricks (born September 25, 1955) is an American journalist who writes on defense topics. He is a Pulitzer Prize-winning former reporter for the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post. He writes a blog at ForeignPolicy.com and is a member of the Center for a New American Security, a defense policy think tank.

He lectures widely to the military and is a member of Harvard University's Senior Advisory Council on the Project on U.S. Civil-Military Relations. He has reported on military activities in Somalia, Haiti, Korea, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Kuwait, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Ricks is author of five books: the bestselling Fiasco: The American Military Adventure In Iraq (2006), its follow-up The Gamble: General David Petraeus and the American Military Adventure in Iraq, 2006-2008 (2009), The Generals: American Military Command from World War II to Today (2012), the novel A Soldier's Duty (2001), and Making the Corps (1997) (from wikipedia)

Reviews

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone Knows But You is the first mystery novel by non-fiction writer Thomas E. Ricks and it is a slow burn of a tale - perhaps, at times, too slow. However, the pacing is made up for by the complexity of the characters, and the beautifully descriptive prose of the Maine coastal area and the people who make it their home. The story is more nuanced than most mysteries and hard to categorize whether procedural, noir, or even literary fiction. Overall, a well- written and interesting mystery and one I enjoyed once I accepted that this was not the simple FBI procedural I had expected. I will definitely look out for more fiction by this author in the future. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Graham Rowat who does a fine job.

I received an audiobook of this novel from Netgalley and Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seeing that a book is set in Maine will always stir my curiosity. I always want to see if a book is able to capture the vibe of my state. I never thought I'd encounter the situation where a strong sense of place would be the problem for a book. There are things that this book does very well. I just don't believe any of them service the narrative in the way the author intended.

Let me start with the positive. It is clear that Rick has a passion and love for the area. He delves deeply into the industry details, local and indigenous history, as well as geography. There are many great details about the ecology and even things like yes, basketball is that big of a thing here. I had also never considered the local view of ranking people to a caste system, but that's not far off. I will forgive the creative liberties when it comes to liberal drug and alcohol use as I can't claim that people in rural areas aren't a little lax about certain types of things, but I'd rather say not to the extent implied by a character or two. It was a pleasant surprise. It tries very hard to flush out the environment so that this isn't just a 'small town rejecting foreigners' story line.

The details in which he poured so much care into kept leading me to believe he would have written a very successful historical fiction if he so desired. It also makes this a great book for anyone you know who loves, has an interest, or is bound to visit Maine.

Unfortunately, there is so much energy put into showing people about the state that it feels like the actual mystery and character development are only secondary to this passion. There are also small details that may be obvious tip offs to a resident but be lost on someone not familiar for the history.
That, or it's just an oversight. (Please see end of review if interested in a slight divergence concerning two elements that are rather state-resident specific 'wait...hold on' notes)

To be frank, while there is great attention of detail in the area, and it is a serviceable local crime story, it lacks the finesse and charisma of those with a strong background in the genre. It spends so much time paying homage to the state that it fails to put the same energy into building the layers of the crime and backstory. They felt more thrown in there. I kept getting the impression that this was more a story about someone finding solace and trying to heal, to get to know the area, than someone caught up in a murder case. There were so many informational detours and sections that even if they weren't felt like abrupt POV changes that it was hard to keep focused on the crux of the matter. By the time the reveals started to fall into place it was more an 'oh. okay, I guess' reaction rather than an 'Oooh how did I miss that'.

I wish I could say that was the only weak point. Creative license is important. Sometimes you need a plot device. But as a resident of a town smaller than even the one in this book but with strong ocean and community ties, I can assure you that no one who is one of the 'real' residents is ever goin to open up so much so quickly to an outsider. They might if it meant bringing someone to justice for 'hurting one of their own'. You are not going to have someone who's dealing squeal on their entire operation. This is equally true if you are even mostly clear of personal implication. Any local dealers who ever did tell were as part of a bargaining chip, usually targeting competitors, and they instantly ruin their reputation at home which essentially destroys many of their venues.

the absolute tipping point for me, however, was the epilogue. i am normally cautious of mysteries written by men as more often than not there is a very specific type of use of certain categories of characters that I'm not fond of. I appreciated the author's lead having respect and depicting a strong and hard working woman. The conversation they have about relationship structures was incredibly appreciated. But holy hannah, out of the blue thrown in your face at the last minute...quite frankly if felt rushed and just thrown in to have it be there. Honestly? I found myself a little disappointed by the conclusion and angry at this type of scene just being duct taped on.

I don't want to discourage people from picking this up. Despite all these issues I would still consider another book by this author. If I understand correctly he is highly acclaimed in non-fiction and I can see those footprints here. I think a lot of these flaws come from it being a debut in such a different genre. There is a lot of potential here, and room to grow. This particular story just wasn't very successful for me.

I will give this three stars due to appreciation for trying to bring the vibe of Maine to readers, but for a mystery/crime/thriller reader, I'm sorry to say the experience was lower.

local nitpicks:
I am not a tribal member, but I try to educate myself on indigenous histories. So I do appreciate the care Rick took to provide some history of the area where they were concerned. Unless it is a great gap in my knowledge or I am mishearing the narrator, he even goes so far to build an original tribe as to not inadvertently infringe or project traits upon an existing people. But for all his research there were two things of a superficial nature that were used as plot devices that really through me off. Superficial for most readers, but I can't help but note them in an attempt to clarify this.

There's one section where a representative of the Passamaquoddy people are asking why the FBI are harassing his people. This is a tribe primarily in the east of the state. The lead is working out of Bangor and going between there and the Bar Harbor region and notes that he's taken off from Bass Harbor. This is in Penobscot and Hancock counties in the center of the state. So there is little reason that a representative of a tribe not in the region would be on more alert than one closer by. But the part that anyone from anywhere in part of the state would be thrown off by.

There is no way anyone, particularly someone so concerned with tribal affairs and local lingo and geography, wouldn't know what "Orono" is given that it is a neighbor to one of the most predominant indigenous communities in the state. It is also home to the largest state university (So yes, Go Blackbears ;) )

[Lindsay Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 46%

Nothing has happened in this book. I’ve been given a lot of descriptions about Maine, lobstering, ripping off tourists, some side stories about this person or that, but zero has happened with the actual case 👎

Thanks netgalley

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short high quality audio mystery. The narrator was too happy throughtout which I found very strange. Although this was a mystery a lot of the time was spent describing the people,places and fishing techniques etc. The mystery itself seemed to suddenly be solved at 90% . It felt very matter of fact and like a lot of the story was padding.i was disappointed. Perhaps this is the start of a series and might improve . This would suit someone who wants a shirt no thrills mystery where you don't have to think.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator

[Jazzy Lemon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crime/noir mystery set in Maine well worth a read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook, although the narrator sounded a bit too chipper!

[Mandy K · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone Knows But You (audio)
2⭐️

Setting-driven in a small fishing community in Maine. Even though the plot revolves around a murder, I wouldn’t consider this a thriller. More general fiction/mystery.

FBI agent Ryan Tapia has been assigned to a murder case after a man is found washed ashore. This was the first time I’ve literally not cared how/why/who killed the victim. The victim was unliked by all and besides MC’s professional responsibility, literally no one else was interested/fazed by the crime.

I liked that the chapters had titles. It’s not something I see often, but I enjoy the little glimpse into the chapter right at the beginning.

I struggled with the lack of emotion and pace of the book as a whole. It felt monotone-the actual writing, not the narrator voice, if that makes sense.
MC had zero relationships and connections (until a rushed ending, seemingly out of nowhere). I would understand if it was a character choice, but it was just how the whole book was written. More factual than deep.

Some parts felt like slow motion, taking in every minute detail, and other parts (the reveal at the end and introduction of a relationship in the epilogue) felt like they were in fast forward speed. Just quickly laying out major information to check it off a list and moving on. The “FBI Agent” title meant absolutely nothing to everyone. Ex: casually telling an agent about all the hard drugs you sell…Characters easily admitted to crimes. Again, all the characters were one-dimensional and all followed the same patterns.

Specific to the audiobook: the character voices were not differentiated from each other, or the regular narration. Sometimes I didn’t know if someone was talking or simply just being described.

Trigger: sexual assault of a child

Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this audio ARC.

Pub Date Jun 25 2024

[beth mclaren · Rating 1 out of 5]

Everyone Knows But You

A very disappointing book. An FBI agent, having suffered a great personal tragedy, is reassigned to wilds of Maine. Shortly after his arrival, the murder of an extremely unpleasant, troublesome character is discovered, and the FBI agent is assigned to the case.
At this point, the story goes completely off the boards. Barely in town long enough to find his way to his apartment, and a stranger to everyone he meets, the agent finds himself the recipient of long held secrets and current gossip. It seems as though every person introduced in the story has an unshakable desire to unload themselves to this complete stranger. Pages are spent in far ranging dialogue with little or no attention paid to the actual murder, and certainly few if any steps are made in any type of investigation.
The characters are stereotypes making it hard for reader to feel any sense of identification or interest in their actions or constant words.
The author has written a couple of outstanding non-fiction accounts of Iraq war. Fiction, however, is definitely not his strong point. He needs to find a more competent editor or stick to non-fiction.

[Elizebeth Elmore · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved the setting and I feel like the author did fantastic with giving the reader a very clear picture of this part of Maine. I could really feel myself there and the setting felt real.

What didn’t feel so real was the characters. All one dimensional, all bland, and all giving SO MUCH information unprompted whenever Ryan would ask them the simplest of questions. This in no way felt like a murder mystery, there was no suspense, and I forgot what it was supposed to be about at times. The main character FBI agent makes weird decisions, and I feel like he just walks around Maine and Liberty island pretty aimlessly and the reveal at the end felt pretty unearned. The pacing was so strange, going at a snails pace for 90% of the book and then in fast forward the last 10%. The whole prologue was completely jarring and came out of nowhere.

I really love the premise the author was going for with the culture of this Island and how everyone looks out for each other… I just feel like execution wasn’t the best.

[Cassandra Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good storyline, but the narrator sounded stilted and that made it hard to listen to.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Maine connection attracted me to this book, and it was fun picturing familiar places that comprise the setting. As an alleged mystery, though, this is pretty thin gruel. The corpse of a murdered fisherman washes ashore in the middle of Maine lobstering country, and a San Diego FBI agent who has relocated to Bangor, Maine while he tries to recover from the shock of losing his family in a car accident, is assigned to the case. The whole story plays out languidly and lazily...so much so that the two strong sex scenes towards the end of the book are shocking and feel out of place. Overall kind of a lame effort.

[Andrea · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF got lost and couldn’t remember what I was listening to. Bored out of my mind!

[Robyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sad FBI agent transfers to Maine, the quite state where everyone knows things but the new guy.

I liked it.

3.5 stars

Happy Reading!

[Susan Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rated this book a 4 because it was well-written and the descriptions of Maine culture were so interesting and insightful. I do recommend it, and hope the author makes a series from it. (Because of the ending. I kind of want to know how everything folds down the line for all the other characters.)

The main character’s arc was a bit odd at times, though, where I wasn’t sure why he was an agent assigned to a case when he was in a depressed state of deep grief that was obviously affecting his work. Because the story held little in the way of describing his deceased family, I struggled to connect to the idea of them, and his physical symptoms of grief felt more like the plot line rather than his case.

The book did feel more descriptive rather than like a mystery novel but it kept me moving forward, so I stayed till the end.

Ironically, because the story seemed to focus on the authenticity of the culture, I expected the ending to mirror that authenticity and give the main character a chance to make a life change that was similar (kind of) to another side character in the book. That would have been super interesting to read. But when the ending came, I felt like I was rushed through the ‘expected’ door, and the reason behind everything seemed to be tucked in and not as explored as it could have been (like, help me know how their story unfolded also).

Then the relationship component after the story concluded seemed slightly out of touch with the original isolated grief that had been leading the way. I was confused by the very ‘descriptive’ scene here, mainly because the rest of the book had a gentle quality to it. This felt a bit gratuitous and I remember thinking, “Mmkay.”

Overall, I thought the book was good and, as I mentioned earlier, hope it becomes a series. Then maybe the characters will get more time to grow authentically. Reading about Maine’s culture, including the Native American piece, was really interesting.

[Marne - Reader By the Water · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks, Tantor Audio, for the audiobook review copy via NetGalley.

“A crackling procedural about a grieving FBI agent who sets out to solve a murder in Maine. The sturdy whodunit plot is enriched by the author’s firm grasp of his setting and a colorful cast of New England’s who never veer into caricature.” —Publishers Weekly (@pwpics)

While I wasn’t a fan of the audiobook narrator, I still enjoyed this unique spin on a police procedural. For expectations management, this was less about FBI agent Ryan Tapia’s investigative skills and more a character study of the small Maine coastal town’s residents and culture. The author’s non-fiction and journalism background play strongly here, and I loved his perspective as someone who is “from away” learning about lifelong Mainers. Having grown up in northern Maine (known as “The County” or “Potato Country,” as the author quips), I found it fascinating. However, if readers expect a classic murder mystery, they might be confused. It’s not about the mystery. There is no mystery. After all, as one character tells Tapia, “Everyone knows but you.” Tapia’s job is to pay attention to the people and wait for the picture to resolve itself.

There was more “tell than show” than I typically enjoy, especially in the form of dialog. Having a local belly up to the breakfast bar with a new–in-town FBI man and give him the entire history of the area, the state, and the residents is unrealistic. Also, the epilogue felt slapped on like Bondo. But I was so smitten with love for my home state (and the author’s evident appreciation for it) that I allowed all of it.

TW: a sexual assault is described

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new resident and FBI agent moves to rural Maine to solve a murder.

The mystery was easy to follow along thanks to the trauma of our main character, Ryan, who is trying to move past the accident that destroyed his life and refocus on his career.  On top of Ryan's investigating by the book, he is a brand new member of the small town he is working in.  We get a lot of information about the people and way of life of the small fishing town from the townies/suspects, which really sets up Ryan with unique challenges.

I really liked the thought provoking ending as well as the epilogue up to the point where Ryan's love life is wrapped up.  It screams male fantasy and the specific kinks and details of the hook up gave me a visual I wish I could erase.

[Destiny Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

! Received an Arc Read from NetGalley in exchange for a review !!

3.5

I feel like any story set in Maine is always good, maybe it's because of how normal of a place it is, that it feels like anything can happen, that causes so much appeal but it's one of my favorite places to read about (and not just because I'm a stephen king fan).

the way this book was written was actually a little reminiscent of Stephen king in the sense that the whole town knows what's going on but nobody is doing anything to put a stop to it. I had a great time getting to know the characters but I didn't really follow along with everything that was going on and that's the only reason i didn't give it a 4.

[Maura Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pensive procedural. Rural coastal plus island Maine. So clearly written by an author who’s a historian first and novelist second. Feels like a good cultural history threaded through with the investigation of a bad man by a grief-stricken FBI man new to Maine. Not riveting but compelling.

Edited to add: Ricks is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who specializes in military and national security issues.

[Charlotte Rauscher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect little book for my trip to Maine. Picked up at a bookstore in Belfast on my way in. Only read the first couple sentences of the inside cover and bought it because I was in a rush, but ended up loving it. Literally took place in the exact part of Maine I was staying. Love a mystery with an interesting setting. Learned about lobstering and the native Americans in the area

[Mike Steinharter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder mystery set on a fictional island that I happen to know well, written by a local.

[Chrissann Nickel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a slow burn mystery. The mystery component was actually much less interesting compared to the cultural exploration of this part of Maine. Were it not for that peek into an area that I’m not familiar with, I’m not sure I would have found this book very engaging.

[Brandi Tainter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed it. Definitely portrayed a fishing community accurately.

[Tricia Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good murder mystery taking place in rustic Maine.

[Karen ReadsALot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maine island murder where people take care of their own.

[Ashley · Rating 1 out of 5]

The only reason I finished this book was because it's based in Maine and only like 200 pages.

The fbi agent was an idiot. I know he's grieving, but come on.🤦🏼‍♀️

The story was so slow, and I guessed who the killer was at like the beginning of the book. 😂

There are so many random side characters that were not necessary to the story at all. And there's a super weird sex scene at the end that's completely out of left field.

I don't usually leave negative reviews but could just not with this one.

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only bothered to finish because it was a short audiobook. Narrator's voice does not match the genre. FBI agent is portrayed as incredibly dense...obvious that the killing had to do with child abuse early on but he didn't recognize any of it...random sex at the end was a bit graphic and unnecessary. Do not recommend.

[Ashley Hite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for an audio copy in exchange for an honest review.

FBI agent Ryan Tapia is running away. He asked for the farthest most remote assignment he could get. Welcome to Liberty Island, Maine. The small fishing community is tight nit and does not take well to outsiders but when one of their own is found murdered it is up to Ryan to find the killer without stepping on the locals toes. They have their own way of doing things and protect their community at all costs. The island politics may only be trumped by the local indigenous people who also have their own standards and rules and land where Ryan has no jurisdiction.

This is a very detailed murder mystery with extremely comprehensive descriptions, some graphic some fascinating, on many topics from boats to ecology and indigenous relationships. I really enjoyed delving into the world of this small town and how the community operates amongst themselves. I do feel like the murder mystery itself got bogged down or lost in all of the details. This was more an example of coping with grief than a suspenseful hunt for a murderer. Ryan was so stricken by grief that he is failing to do his job correctly, being forgetful, not sleeping not eating etc so I do not understand why the FBI would have left him on a case, I'm a little fuzzy on why it was an FBI case anyway. There is not a lot of action as most events are recounted and do not actually happen. The ending is very rushed and a little out of the blue. The epilogue was very left field. This novel is a great peak into the amazing landscape and world of remote Maine and less murder mystery.

I had the audio version read by Graham Rowat who was easy to listen to. His tone was a little off for the character since the reader was more upbeat and Ryan is in the grips of deep debilitating depression. I would listen to more of his narrations.

[Michelle Beckwith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio release 6/25

“Consider the ground on which you stand. There’s a vast difference between the F.B.I.’s view of the world and the islander’s view. That tension made manifest by your presence on the island already is disturbing its ecology.”

F.B.I. agent Ryan Tapia has requested a transfer to a place as geographically far from a personal tragedy as he can get. He winds up in Bangor, Maine and leads a quiet existence until the body of a fisherman washes up on the coastal shore near Acadia National Park. The suspects are endless, as there are more than a few people who might want this fisherman dead, but they seem to create a cone of silence, stifling progress in the investigation. Native Americans who have their own tribal laws are tight-lipped as well, leaving Ryan the sole party to not have some knowledge of what actually happened and why.

This slim crime debut from this NYT bestselling author has a richness one can only write from experience. I know he’s on target with the characters and the setting itself because I live in it. While listening, my husband and I called out the re-named islands along with names of folks we know who would be cast in a screen adaptation. The beauty of the prose in this case is the avoidance of tempting stereotyping, leaving the reader to come to their own conclusions without interference or prejudice.

For those looking for a unvarnished version of the northern Maine coastline and a compelling crime mystery woven through, I highly recommended this! I’ll now be on the lookout for Mr. Ricks himself on my daily trip to the post office! Trigger warning for a single paragraph detailing an abusive situation.

The narration by Graham Rowat was well done, and I truly appreciate the care with the Maine accent - not an easy feat!
Thank you Tantor Audio and NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

[Liv B · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re tired of poorly researched novels, you will LOVE this book. As a “Mainah” who grew up in the area where the book is set, I found myself flabbergasted by the accuracy of the depictions of locals and local traditions. The characters and story arc also made me reflect about my own moral compass and the unwritten rules I follow daily. The old ways of Maine are alive and well in the novel… and on Deer Isle where the author lives. This is a love story to the old ways and the island life.

For those who felt the novel was too drawn out and not enough action for a mystery novel, I disagree. Being from Maine, I figured it all out within the first hour of the audiobook and I believe that is intentional given the name of the book. The point of the novel isn’t “who dunnit.” The point of the book is humanity. It’s the story of Ryan learning to love the island and its inhabitants/way of life, despite how different they are from him.

My largest critique is that it is too goodygoody… too neat. Real shit on the islands is a lot messier. No way the incident would have occurred in a random field on an island. That happens in homes behind closed doors. That was the only part I found unbelievable and way too tidy. I also found the departure from the island to be strangely clean. The end of the book felt different from the rest, in a rushed kind of way.

I also found the epilogue unnecessary. It felt like something the editor insisted on rather than the author authentically building into the story. I don’t want to have any spoilers, so I’ll just say the romance wasn’t core to the plot and I would have been happy with the hint of potential that was given in the meat of the novel.

Only one thing the author got wrong! You have to not only be born in Maine, but have three generations of family here before you’re a considered a local ;)

[J Kromrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format.

“Everyone Knows But You: A Tale of Murder on the Maine Coast” by Thomas E. Ricks is a riveting crime novel that immerses readers in the insular world of a fishing village on the rugged Maine coast. Narrated by Graham Rowat, this audiobook brings the atmospheric setting and intriguing characters to life.

After losing his wife and children in a tragic car crash, FBI agent Ryan Tapia seeks solace in the remote coastal town of Bangor, Maine. His first case there—a puzzling one—leads him to the corpse of a fisherman on federal land and a drifting boat within Indian reservation waters. The locals are quick to judge, convinced that Ryan’s posting to such an isolated location reflects a significant screw-up on his part.

As Ryan delves into the illicit trades of hard drugs and rare fish, he uncovers layers of deception and hidden motives. The dead fisherman was no favorite among the locals, and their whispers hint at a darker truth. But Ryan persists, determined to understand the unforgiving way of life on Liberty Island, where an older, harsher code governs.

Amidst the crashing waves and salty air, Ryan encounters a hermit from the Malpense tribe—an island dweller who witnessed something pivotal. As the investigation unfolds, secrets emerge, and the tension escalates. Ricks, drawing from his deep knowledge of Maine’s woods and lobster industry, weaves a tale that grips the listener.

Graham Rowat’s narration enhances the experience, capturing the nuances of Maine life—the rugged landscapes, the tight-knit communities, and the simmering resentments. His voice guides us through the twists and turns, making “Everyone Knows But You” an audiobook worth savoring.

[Linsey Doise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Release date is June 25, 2024.

If you're a fan of mystery novels with a touch of the macabre and a strong sense of place, "Everyone Knows But You" is a good listen. The narrator of this audiobook immerses you in the rugged coast of Maine, where the body of a fisherman is discovered washed up on federal land.

Our protagonist, Detective Ryan Tapia, is newly relocated to this small, tight-knit community. Tapia's arrival in Maine isn't just a career move; it's a fresh start after leaving his life and the accident that changed it behind. The narration captures Tapia's blend of determination and vulnerability perfectly, drawing listeners into his internal and external struggles.

The plot thickens as Detective Tapia discovers that the fisherman's boat has mysteriously ended up on a nearby Indian Reserve. This twist not only adds layers to the investigation but also introduces a rich cultural backdrop. The interactions with the reserve's residents are portrayed with respect and depth.

As Detective Tapia delves deeper into the case, he uncovers secrets that the town would rather keep buried. The suspense builds steadily, with enough red herrings and twists to keep even seasoned mystery fans guessing. Tapia's journey is as much about solving the crime as it is about understanding the community he's become a part of and, ultimately, himself.

"Everyone Knows But You" is a good listen, combining a gripping mystery with rich character development and an interesting location. Whether you're a fan of detective stories or just looking for an audiobook to get lost in, this one could be for you.

Many thanks to NetGally for this ALC 🎧. All opinions are my own.