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Don't Tell
I don’t trust anyone. Not after my dad’s abandonment.
Not after the toxic affair with my high school teacher. Not after the attack that nearly killed me.
And definitely not after the lies I’ve told—to myself and others.
For twelve years, I’ve buried my secrets, trying to live the perfect suburban life. I’m married to a wonderful man, and I have a rewarding career at Camp Wildfire—a sanctuary for troubled teens nestled on the edge of a sprawling forest. Life looks good on the surface, but one crack and it could all fall apart.
Turns out, that crack has a name. Amanda.
Her arrival rips open old wounds, forcing me to confront the past I’ve kept hidden from everyone, including my husband. The secrets I’ve buried are threatening to destroy me—and I’ve recently learned that I’m not the only one hiding something big.
A camper has gone missing, echoing a tragic disappearance from years ago. As I learn more about the girl, I’m forced to question everything. My marriage. My memories. And my own sanity.
Because some monsters are real. Especially the ones inside us.
From bestselling author Mary Stone and Matt Giegerich, Don't Tell is a pulse-pounding psychological thriller that will captivate fans of The Perfect Marriage, Behind Closed Doors, and The Wife Between Us. Get ready for a twisty, unputdownable journey into the darkness that lurks behind the perfect facade.
Not after the toxic affair with my high school teacher. Not after the attack that nearly killed me.
And definitely not after the lies I’ve told—to myself and others.
For twelve years, I’ve buried my secrets, trying to live the perfect suburban life. I’m married to a wonderful man, and I have a rewarding career at Camp Wildfire—a sanctuary for troubled teens nestled on the edge of a sprawling forest. Life looks good on the surface, but one crack and it could all fall apart.
Turns out, that crack has a name. Amanda.
Her arrival rips open old wounds, forcing me to confront the past I’ve kept hidden from everyone, including my husband. The secrets I’ve buried are threatening to destroy me—and I’ve recently learned that I’m not the only one hiding something big.
A camper has gone missing, echoing a tragic disappearance from years ago. As I learn more about the girl, I’m forced to question everything. My marriage. My memories. And my own sanity.
Because some monsters are real. Especially the ones inside us.
From bestselling author Mary Stone and Matt Giegerich, Don't Tell is a pulse-pounding psychological thriller that will captivate fans of The Perfect Marriage, Behind Closed Doors, and The Wife Between Us. Get ready for a twisty, unputdownable journey into the darkness that lurks behind the perfect facade.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 28, 2024
1940 people are currently reading
1527 people want to read
About the author
Mary Stone
224 books2,143 followersTo download my FREE BOOK, click here: https://authormarystone.com/free-book...
Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.
Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.
Nestled in the tranquil Blue Ridge Mountains of East Tennessee, Mary Stone has transformed her peaceful home, once bustling with her sons, into a creative haven. As her family grew, so did her writing career, evolving from childhood fears to a deep understanding of real-life villains. Her stories, centered around strong, unconventional heroines, weave themes of courage and intrigue.
Mary's journey from a solitary writer to establishing her own publishing house marks a significant evolution, showcasing her commitment to the literary world. Through her writing and publishing endeavors, she continues to captivate and inspire, honoring her lifelong fascination with the mysterious and the courageous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
December 21, 2024
Geeesh,what a book!
Sadly, a great book with a horrible story. So much pain and deception. A walk through tragedy after tragedy. Not for the weak of heart
Sadly, a great book with a horrible story. So much pain and deception. A walk through tragedy after tragedy. Not for the weak of heart
June 24, 2025
Awesome psychological thriller about a woman who works as a counselor for troubled girls. One of the admitted teen girls is pregnant and the counselor thinks that the baby’s father might be an adult male.
That’s all I’m going to give you about this one, but definitely check it out.
That’s all I’m going to give you about this one, but definitely check it out.
August 23, 2025
A fast paced thriller you don’t want to put down!
This was a good book. It got me out of a reading slump of a month. It was fast paced. Kept me entertained from the beginning. I did catch on to the plot twists along the way but I blame how many thrillers I’ve read in the past that I trust no one! It was such a wild story from start to finish I’m glad I picked this up!
This was a good book. It got me out of a reading slump of a month. It was fast paced. Kept me entertained from the beginning. I did catch on to the plot twists along the way but I blame how many thrillers I’ve read in the past that I trust no one! It was such a wild story from start to finish I’m glad I picked this up!
November 15, 2024
A plot that has trauma and crime stemming back for years. Psychology is key throughout the story, as are themes of trust, abandonment, and criminal activity. The dedication to the truth and strength to find it is noteworthy and the twists kept twisting. Some of it was not too surprising as the story focused on high school friend groups and random red flags. The strength of will and character shown fiercely, especially as own self doubts and traumas were forced open. I flew through the book and enjoyed all the details. Another great MS read!
January 8, 2026
Predicted a bit of it but for the most part a decent thriller
March 8, 2025
A brilliant thriller which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. A few twists I saw coming but some I didn't.
December 29, 2024
Quick read. Kept me engaged but a predictable ending. Not. Bad book but not great either. Good for a rainy day with nothing else to do
June 2, 2025
what a waste of time
This has to be one of the worst books I have ever read. The plot was stupid. The writing was elementary at best and I can’t believe I’ve wasted time reading it. Do not make the same mistake I did and read this book. It’s horrible.
This has to be one of the worst books I have ever read. The plot was stupid. The writing was elementary at best and I can’t believe I’ve wasted time reading it. Do not make the same mistake I did and read this book. It’s horrible.
November 2, 2024
Overwritten and Too Obvious
The premise is intriguing enough that you want to know what happened in the past and what will happen next in the future. Unfortunately, the inner dialogue of the MC endlessly drags, and after a certain point, the solution is so obvious there’s no mistaking what’s going on. The final fight scenes are unbelievable, and they’re no recommendation for Muay Thai; quite the opposite. I finished the book hoping I was wrong about the ending. I wasn’t. Not a thriller, not even a mystery, in fact.
The premise is intriguing enough that you want to know what happened in the past and what will happen next in the future. Unfortunately, the inner dialogue of the MC endlessly drags, and after a certain point, the solution is so obvious there’s no mistaking what’s going on. The final fight scenes are unbelievable, and they’re no recommendation for Muay Thai; quite the opposite. I finished the book hoping I was wrong about the ending. I wasn’t. Not a thriller, not even a mystery, in fact.
February 11, 2025
One of the best psychological thrillers I’ve read in a very long time!!! Kept my heart racing constantly and couldn’t put it down!
May 6, 2025
I loved the psychology piece in this book it made it more interesting
July 14, 2025
4-4.25 stars. A solid thriller that is a combination domestic/marital suspense with a crime (or crimes) thrown into the mix. I did guess most of the ending, but still enjoyed it.
October 10, 2025
Absolutely ludicrous. Don't waste your time on this one.
January 4, 2025
A real whoduner
June 12, 2025
Nope. Sorry, what the hell was that. Predictable, ridiculous and cringey. Poorly written. Couldn’t stand the main character and the way she spoke out loud to herself.
November 2, 2024
Can Secrets kill?
I cannot believe how fast I read this book, I couldn't put it down. Mary Stone and Matt Giegerich wrote a book that wraps you up, involving you in a story, that can be hard to tell. I absolutely loved this book and hope I see more from the both of them.
Lizette and her husband Arthur were trying to have a baby, but it's been a year and still nothing. Lizette has a secret she is keeping and little does she know, lots of people around her have their secrets too.. sad to say, some of them are dirty secrets.
If you love Psychological Thriller's you are going to love this book, and hold on to your seat, it will blow you away.
I cannot believe how fast I read this book, I couldn't put it down. Mary Stone and Matt Giegerich wrote a book that wraps you up, involving you in a story, that can be hard to tell. I absolutely loved this book and hope I see more from the both of them.
Lizette and her husband Arthur were trying to have a baby, but it's been a year and still nothing. Lizette has a secret she is keeping and little does she know, lots of people around her have their secrets too.. sad to say, some of them are dirty secrets.
If you love Psychological Thriller's you are going to love this book, and hold on to your seat, it will blow you away.
February 10, 2025
Really not good
That felt like a first book. Really not creative at all. Just felt like it was all over the place.
That felt like a first book. Really not creative at all. Just felt like it was all over the place.
January 9, 2025
📚 Book Review 📚
Don’t Tell by Mary Stone & Mark Giegerich 🤫
Lizette, counsellor of troubled teens at Camp Wildfire hides her own dark secrets – secrets she has kept from her husband for years, and one she hopes he never finds out. When Amanda, a pregnant rich kid with a bad attitude, joins Camp Wildfire, it seems that Lizette’s dark past resurfaces as Amanda’s revelations are causing her to rethink the trust she has in her husband. But her husband is just a boring, nerdy land surveyor, right?
Mary and Matt have created a twisted and gruesome plot that has trauma and lies embedded from the get-go. As we progress, we come to understand that mental health issues, in particular PTSD, are at the forefront of this story and are tackled so well. Character development is key and has been perfectly executed, although I would have liked to have found out a bit more about the other girls in camp, but this wasn’t a huge issue.
I found myself mesmerisingly flying through this book and those last chapters were so climactic I couldn’t put it down! This book had me reading late into the night and racing to finish it to read those last few jaw dropping twists, and I wasn’t disappointed! Everything was wrapped up as well as can be – this is one of the things I enjoy most about a book – a satisfying ending.
A huge thank you to Eunika and Mary Stone for the gifted copy of this book, this is definitely one I’ll be recommending.
Don’t Tell by Mary Stone & Mark Giegerich 🤫
Lizette, counsellor of troubled teens at Camp Wildfire hides her own dark secrets – secrets she has kept from her husband for years, and one she hopes he never finds out. When Amanda, a pregnant rich kid with a bad attitude, joins Camp Wildfire, it seems that Lizette’s dark past resurfaces as Amanda’s revelations are causing her to rethink the trust she has in her husband. But her husband is just a boring, nerdy land surveyor, right?
Mary and Matt have created a twisted and gruesome plot that has trauma and lies embedded from the get-go. As we progress, we come to understand that mental health issues, in particular PTSD, are at the forefront of this story and are tackled so well. Character development is key and has been perfectly executed, although I would have liked to have found out a bit more about the other girls in camp, but this wasn’t a huge issue.
I found myself mesmerisingly flying through this book and those last chapters were so climactic I couldn’t put it down! This book had me reading late into the night and racing to finish it to read those last few jaw dropping twists, and I wasn’t disappointed! Everything was wrapped up as well as can be – this is one of the things I enjoy most about a book – a satisfying ending.
A huge thank you to Eunika and Mary Stone for the gifted copy of this book, this is definitely one I’ll be recommending.
October 26, 2024
DON’T TELL is a new Psychological Thriller from Mary Stone and her new co-author Matt Giegerich. They have not dissapointed their readers. This is another murder mystery with a twisted and gruesome plot. A page turner that's sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lizette Silva hides her own deep and dark secrets as she counsels troubled teens at a camp sanctuary. As she counsels Amanda, a troubled and pregnant teen, her own dark past resurfaces. Stories of another teen that vanished from this camp fifteen yeas ago is circulating.
As Liz counsels Amanda and researches the cold case, the more she believes that her past, the missing camper and Amanda's problems are somehow connected. This is when Liz starts to question her life, career, even her marriage. Could she be losing her mind?
Thought out this story you will be bouncing from victim to perpetrator then to another victim and perp. Maybe, YOU are losing your mind.
I did receive an advance copy from the authors and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Lizette Silva hides her own deep and dark secrets as she counsels troubled teens at a camp sanctuary. As she counsels Amanda, a troubled and pregnant teen, her own dark past resurfaces. Stories of another teen that vanished from this camp fifteen yeas ago is circulating.
As Liz counsels Amanda and researches the cold case, the more she believes that her past, the missing camper and Amanda's problems are somehow connected. This is when Liz starts to question her life, career, even her marriage. Could she be losing her mind?
Thought out this story you will be bouncing from victim to perpetrator then to another victim and perp. Maybe, YOU are losing your mind.
I did receive an advance copy from the authors and this is my honest and voluntary review.
November 8, 2024
4 stars. A new psychological thriller by Mary Stone and Matt Giegrich. This is a deep plot. Lizette has her secrets from her past. She is also a counselor at a camp for troubled teens. When camper Amanda arrives, Lizette is thrown into the past. Amanda is both troubled and pregnant. Lizette's husband desperately wants a baby. Lizette has her reasons for not having one. Years ago a camper at the camp Lizette works for disappeared. Lizette is sure her past, Amanda, and the missing camper are somehow connected. While all this is going on, does Lizette's husband have his own secrets? Who can Lizette trust?
This is a trip into PTSD and the devastation it can leave behind. I found it compelling and am so glad to see an author tackle mental health issues. And tackle them correctly. As a nurse, I am a huge proponent for mental health. This book was on point and very well written. I highly recommend this book.
This is a trip into PTSD and the devastation it can leave behind. I found it compelling and am so glad to see an author tackle mental health issues. And tackle them correctly. As a nurse, I am a huge proponent for mental health. This book was on point and very well written. I highly recommend this book.
November 14, 2024
Keeps you guessing
Lizette is a counselor at Wildfire Camp for troubled teens. She is married to Arthur and he has a twin brother Will. Lizette has a pregnant teen Amanda who has a lover who is older than her. She is only14 but her lover can't wait for her to have the baby and they will live happily ever after. Lizette needs to find out who the older man is. She to was taken aback by an older man and she knows how they manipulate young teens. Another problem at the camp is another teen brings up the disappearance of a camper who went missing, Regina. When Lizette mentions her lover makes her call him Mr. Yuen she thinks her husband is the father of her baby. She has him arrested. Meanwhile, Melanie goes missing after all the talk about Regina. It turns out Melanie is Region's cousin and she went to look for Regina's body. Then there is Lizette who thinks all these happenings are somehow related. I told you it keeps you guessing. Great twists and turns.
Lizette is a counselor at Wildfire Camp for troubled teens. She is married to Arthur and he has a twin brother Will. Lizette has a pregnant teen Amanda who has a lover who is older than her. She is only14 but her lover can't wait for her to have the baby and they will live happily ever after. Lizette needs to find out who the older man is. She to was taken aback by an older man and she knows how they manipulate young teens. Another problem at the camp is another teen brings up the disappearance of a camper who went missing, Regina. When Lizette mentions her lover makes her call him Mr. Yuen she thinks her husband is the father of her baby. She has him arrested. Meanwhile, Melanie goes missing after all the talk about Regina. It turns out Melanie is Region's cousin and she went to look for Regina's body. Then there is Lizette who thinks all these happenings are somehow related. I told you it keeps you guessing. Great twists and turns.
February 9, 2025
Good story, poor writing
I initially wanted to give this book 2 stars, but I opted for 3 as I really did enjoy this story. Psychological Thriller is a spot on description. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was very wrong, and I like that in a book. My biggest negative remark for this book is the poor editing/writing. There were quite a few typos and even more poorly executed descriptions. For example, a photo was described as a boy having his arms folded, but then a few sentences later stated he had his hand gripped tightly on another boys shoulder. While this is minor, it does make it difficult to appreciate the imagery. I don't fault the writers for this, but rather the editors/publishers. Overall, this really was a fantastic read that kept me wanting more. I found it hard to stop reading.
I initially wanted to give this book 2 stars, but I opted for 3 as I really did enjoy this story. Psychological Thriller is a spot on description. I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns. Every time I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was very wrong, and I like that in a book. My biggest negative remark for this book is the poor editing/writing. There were quite a few typos and even more poorly executed descriptions. For example, a photo was described as a boy having his arms folded, but then a few sentences later stated he had his hand gripped tightly on another boys shoulder. While this is minor, it does make it difficult to appreciate the imagery. I don't fault the writers for this, but rather the editors/publishers. Overall, this really was a fantastic read that kept me wanting more. I found it hard to stop reading.
October 26, 2024
What a complex plot! Lizette has a secret that she has kept from her husband for several years. Now, she is going to face the music and either tell the truth and risk possibly losing her husband; or lose him anyway as the secret may be too devastating for him to handle. But now she also has a new problem. Her newest client is telling some secrets that are causing Lizette to rethink the trust she has placed in her husband. And she is sure her husband is keeping something from her. Then she finds a mysterious phone taped to the inside of the engine compartment of her husband's truck. This story gets more and more strange with every page. You will keep turning those pages trying to figure out who you can trust and who is in danger. This is a twisted tale, and it keeps you guessing. The ending is quite scary! I enjoyed reading this book.
September 12, 2025
This was a personal read, since I haven't won a Goodreads Giveaway since July....
This psychological thriller keeps you on your toes, twists and turns all over. leading you this way and that way. Very entertaining. The subject matter is very sad however. The manipulation of more than one narcissistic psychopath hit a little close to home with my PTSD but I pushed through it and was glad I did. The storyline centralizes around a Camp for troubled teenagers. Most of which have been manipulated and used for their Naive nature. The camp counselor Lizette tries hard to help the girls as best she can, but ends up being pulled in by a dark and twisted past, present, and future. Betrayl, life threatening encounters, and finding the truth to close to home and work sends her mind reeling. Lots of action and never a dull moment. Very well written. I recommend this book. You should give it a try.
This psychological thriller keeps you on your toes, twists and turns all over. leading you this way and that way. Very entertaining. The subject matter is very sad however. The manipulation of more than one narcissistic psychopath hit a little close to home with my PTSD but I pushed through it and was glad I did. The storyline centralizes around a Camp for troubled teenagers. Most of which have been manipulated and used for their Naive nature. The camp counselor Lizette tries hard to help the girls as best she can, but ends up being pulled in by a dark and twisted past, present, and future. Betrayl, life threatening encounters, and finding the truth to close to home and work sends her mind reeling. Lots of action and never a dull moment. Very well written. I recommend this book. You should give it a try.
June 28, 2025
As a therapist at a camp for troubled girls, Liz knows first hand how hard it is to forget the past….and the things that brought these girls here. But she wants to help these girls. She has a shaky marriage (keeping her secrets) and she pours her heart into the camp and the girls under her care….except this year there are two girls that are disturbing her. One is bringing up things that happened in ‘Liz’s’ past…when girls have gone missing from this camp before….for numerous reasons! And the other girl is too close to her own secrets. This girl is pregnant and her mother wants the father found. With the camp’s reputation on the line, Liz is fighting to find out what happened to the missing girls….and can her marriage survive when she’s so tied up with her job? A gripping thriller where past and present collide….where Liz is forced to face her own troubled past! Such a good story!
July 20, 2025
3.75 ⭐️
I’m a bit in the middle with this one. The story itself was engaging enough to keep me reading—I wanted to know what happened and found the plot twists interesting. There were definitely moments of suspense that pulled me in.
I didn’t fully connect with the characters the way I hoped to. Some of the emotional depth felt a little surface-level, and there were times the pacing dragged, especially in the middle sections. I also found certain plot elements a bit predictable, which took away some of the tension for me.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read—I didn’t hate it—but it didn’t fully grip me either. If you enjoy straightforward thrillers with a solid mystery, you might enjoy this more than I did. For me, it lands somewhere in the “it was okay” category.
I’m a bit in the middle with this one. The story itself was engaging enough to keep me reading—I wanted to know what happened and found the plot twists interesting. There were definitely moments of suspense that pulled me in.
I didn’t fully connect with the characters the way I hoped to. Some of the emotional depth felt a little surface-level, and there were times the pacing dragged, especially in the middle sections. I also found certain plot elements a bit predictable, which took away some of the tension for me.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad read—I didn’t hate it—but it didn’t fully grip me either. If you enjoy straightforward thrillers with a solid mystery, you might enjoy this more than I did. For me, it lands somewhere in the “it was okay” category.
October 12, 2025
BOOK CLUB READ.
Rating: 4 ☆
Lizette is a counselor for troubled teen girls, but when one of them turns up pregnant—with rumors that the father might be an adult—everything starts to spiral.
At the same time, Lizette and her husband Arthur have been trying (and failing) to conceive for a year… and Lizette’s hiding a secret of her own. The deeper the story goes, the more you realize everyone around her is keeping secrets. 🤫
This psychological thriller had the perfect mix of mystery, tension, and emotional chaos. Just when I thought I knew what was happening—NOPE. Another twist 😵💫
If you love domestic thrillers where no one can be trusted and the truth slowly unravels piece by piece, Don’t Tell needs to be on your TBR 🖤
Rating: 4 ☆
Lizette is a counselor for troubled teen girls, but when one of them turns up pregnant—with rumors that the father might be an adult—everything starts to spiral.
At the same time, Lizette and her husband Arthur have been trying (and failing) to conceive for a year… and Lizette’s hiding a secret of her own. The deeper the story goes, the more you realize everyone around her is keeping secrets. 🤫
This psychological thriller had the perfect mix of mystery, tension, and emotional chaos. Just when I thought I knew what was happening—NOPE. Another twist 😵💫
If you love domestic thrillers where no one can be trusted and the truth slowly unravels piece by piece, Don’t Tell needs to be on your TBR 🖤
October 30, 2024
Can Secrets Kill? I cannot believe how fast I read this book, I couldn't put it down. Mary Stone and Matt Giegerich wrote a book that wraps you up, involving you in a story, that can be hard to tell. I absolutely loved this book and hope I see more from the both of them.
Lizette and her husband Arthur were trying to have a baby, but it's been a year and still nothing. Lizette has a secret she is keeping and little does she know, lots of people around her have their secrets too.. sad to say, some of them are dirty secrets.
If you love Psychological Thriller's you are going to love this book, and hold on to your seat, it will blow you away.
Lizette and her husband Arthur were trying to have a baby, but it's been a year and still nothing. Lizette has a secret she is keeping and little does she know, lots of people around her have their secrets too.. sad to say, some of them are dirty secrets.
If you love Psychological Thriller's you are going to love this book, and hold on to your seat, it will blow you away.
November 12, 2024
Mary and Matt have written her first stand-alone book, and it was not a disappointment. The main character, Lizette, is a counselor at a camp for troubled teen girls. She has a happy marriage, though she is keeping a big secret from her husband. Lizette also has experienced a traumatic event in her teens, and this helps her in her job until she meets newcomer Amanda. From then on, her life begins to unravel, and it seems everyone has a secret. The ending was so raw, scary, and thrilling that I had to read it again twice after I finished the story. It just grabs you. Well done for your first stand alone Mary and Matt!!
October 26, 2024
Unpredictable page turner. How many of us and how many times were we told: Do Not Tell! Ouch , we did not listen and swill never forget. This psych thriller really got to me and fast. It’s scary, tense and skillfully written. Oh the trust! That elusive thing, that we need and loose so many times. I was scared for Lizz and sweating. So much hurt! The shock of betrayal, crime and total wickedness, that happened, will stay with me for a long time. Ouch, it really hurt, lol. Still, I’m so excited , that Mary decided to enter this genre. It’s difficult, but rewarding. Bravo.
Next please!
Next please!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews