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None Left To Tell
A riveting novel of historical suspense, from the bestselling author of Ask for Andrea, and based on the harrowing true story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Three women, connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history.
Lucy is sick of turning the other cheek. Ten years ago, an anti-Mormon mob drove her family and friends from their homes in Illinois. But now, the tables have turned. Rumor has it, some of those same men are traveling through Utah on their way to California. And this time, Lucy won’t run.
Katrina knew the trek west would be difficult. But she had no idea she’d be walking straight into hell. The young mother of four is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her family from the violence closing in, but the battle to survive will be more harrowing than anything she can imagine.
Sally has just been “gifted” to a man she barely knows—as his fourth wife. Trapped and lonely, she tries to make the best of her new life. But when her husband insists on joining a group of religious zealots’ plans for revenge, she’s forced to reconsider her loyalties. Even if it means putting her own life on the line.
Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Three women, connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history.
Lucy is sick of turning the other cheek. Ten years ago, an anti-Mormon mob drove her family and friends from their homes in Illinois. But now, the tables have turned. Rumor has it, some of those same men are traveling through Utah on their way to California. And this time, Lucy won’t run.
Katrina knew the trek west would be difficult. But she had no idea she’d be walking straight into hell. The young mother of four is prepared to do whatever it takes to protect her family from the violence closing in, but the battle to survive will be more harrowing than anything she can imagine.
Sally has just been “gifted” to a man she barely knows—as his fourth wife. Trapped and lonely, she tries to make the best of her new life. But when her husband insists on joining a group of religious zealots’ plans for revenge, she’s forced to reconsider her loyalties. Even if it means putting her own life on the line.
Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Audible Audio
First published October 11, 2024
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About the author
Noelle W. Ihli
11 books10.6k followersNoelle’s two great passions are murder and horses (separately, never together).
She lives in Idaho with her husband, two sons, and two cats. When she's not plotting her next thriller, she's scaring herself with true-crime documentaries or going for a trail ride in the foothills (with her trusty pepper spray).
She lives in Idaho with her husband, two sons, and two cats. When she's not plotting her next thriller, she's scaring herself with true-crime documentaries or going for a trail ride in the foothills (with her trusty pepper spray).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,204 reviews
November 30, 2024
There is nothing I love more than learning while I’m reading and this did just that. The Mountain Meadows Massacre was not something I’ve ever heard of before this book and as dark and hard this was to read at times, it was beyond educational. While yes it’s fiction, the author of this book is a great great great granddaughter of the actual people we’re reading about. The amount of detail and research that was put into this book combined with the writing style was just perfection, one of the best books I’ve EVER read
December 17, 2024
I was not prepared to learn as much as I did. This story - and true tragedy is heartbreaking. I had never heard of the mountain meadows massacre. The author did not disappoint in the amount of research she put into this work.
September 23, 2024
Noelle West Ihli has done it again! While this book feels more like historical fiction than a thriller, her writing pulls you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Trust me, your heart will race with some thrilling moments, and you might find yourself tearing up, too!
Set against the backdrop of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857, we meet three incredible women who endure unimaginable hardships. First up is Lucy, who’s fed up with running away. Ten years ago, an anti-Mormon mob drove her family from their homes in Illinois. Now, with those same men rumored to be heading through Utah, she’s ready to stand her ground.
Then there’s Katrina, a young mother of four. She knows the journey west will be tough, but she’s walking straight into chaos. Determined to protect her family, she faces challenges that will test her strength like never before.
Finally, we have Sally, who’s just been “gifted” as a fourth wife to a man she hardly knows. Feeling trapped and lonely, she tries to make the best of her situation. But when her husband gets involved with a group planning revenge, Sally is forced to rethink everything—loyalties and her own safety included.
Ihli clearly poured her heart into this story, and the attention to detail is impressive. It’s a beautiful yet heartbreaking tale that shines a light on a tragic part of American history that deserves more recognition. While the story starts a bit slow, the emotional depth and powerful themes make it a must-read.
Bravo to Noelle West Ihli for another captivating novel! This story is both special and touching, leaving you with a lot to think about. If you haven’t heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre before, this book will definitely change that!
Thank you Netgalley and Dynamite Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Set against the backdrop of the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857, we meet three incredible women who endure unimaginable hardships. First up is Lucy, who’s fed up with running away. Ten years ago, an anti-Mormon mob drove her family from their homes in Illinois. Now, with those same men rumored to be heading through Utah, she’s ready to stand her ground.
Then there’s Katrina, a young mother of four. She knows the journey west will be tough, but she’s walking straight into chaos. Determined to protect her family, she faces challenges that will test her strength like never before.
Finally, we have Sally, who’s just been “gifted” as a fourth wife to a man she hardly knows. Feeling trapped and lonely, she tries to make the best of her situation. But when her husband gets involved with a group planning revenge, Sally is forced to rethink everything—loyalties and her own safety included.
Ihli clearly poured her heart into this story, and the attention to detail is impressive. It’s a beautiful yet heartbreaking tale that shines a light on a tragic part of American history that deserves more recognition. While the story starts a bit slow, the emotional depth and powerful themes make it a must-read.
Bravo to Noelle West Ihli for another captivating novel! This story is both special and touching, leaving you with a lot to think about. If you haven’t heard of the Mountain Meadows Massacre before, this book will definitely change that!
Thank you Netgalley and Dynamite Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
October 10, 2024
This was quite different from Ihli’s other books, but I don’t think anyone could have depicted the mass murder of the ‘gentiles’ on mountain Meadow more respectfully and moving as her. It was a thoroughly researched book about an event I knew nothing about before reading it. I was immediately transported back in time, as if I was there. It brings home how much the world has changed and what our ancestors had to live through.
I also recommend the afterword, it just made me respect the story the author has crafted even more.
I also recommend the afterword, it just made me respect the story the author has crafted even more.
September 30, 2024
When I seen Noelle Ihli was coming out with another book I jumped at the possibility of getting the arc to read. I really enjoyed some of her other books including "Run on Red", "Gray after dark", and "Ask Andrea." She was becoming an auto-read author for me so I was beyond excited when I got approved. However, I was disappointed that when I requested it was being marketed or potrayed as a "thriller" and this is more a historical fiction. It has recently been changed to say a "historical thriller" but I do not understand the thriller aspect of this at all. This was unlike the author's usual writing and it might of very well been a me issue, since I was expecting the "put me on the edge of my seat" thrillers I have been used to with her writing.
None Left to Tell follows the perspectives of three women during the events leading up to, during, and after the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. This is a heartbreaking story based on true events. I appreciate all the research the author went through to give as much historical detail as she could during the story. As a child this was never something we learned about during school or an event I have ever heard of until reading this book, so I applaud the author for bringing insight to such a devastating and tragic event. At times it was very hard to continue reading because of the horrific events that occured. If you enjoy historical fiction and the times of the Western Expansion then this book will be for you.
However, this was not what I was expecting going in and the pacing was slow. I was expecting the fast-paced thrillers that I have grown accustomed to when reading her work. This was very imformative read and I enjoyed learning about an event in history I never knew about.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dynamite Books, and Noelle Ihli for access to an e-arc in exchange for an honest review
None Left to Tell follows the perspectives of three women during the events leading up to, during, and after the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. This is a heartbreaking story based on true events. I appreciate all the research the author went through to give as much historical detail as she could during the story. As a child this was never something we learned about during school or an event I have ever heard of until reading this book, so I applaud the author for bringing insight to such a devastating and tragic event. At times it was very hard to continue reading because of the horrific events that occured. If you enjoy historical fiction and the times of the Western Expansion then this book will be for you.
However, this was not what I was expecting going in and the pacing was slow. I was expecting the fast-paced thrillers that I have grown accustomed to when reading her work. This was very imformative read and I enjoyed learning about an event in history I never knew about.
Thank you to Netgalley, Dynamite Books, and Noelle Ihli for access to an e-arc in exchange for an honest review
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November 20, 2024I gotta think about this one
March 17, 2025
4.5 stars! A special shout out to Noelle Ihli for personally sending me a copy of those book. It’s absolutely incredible and recommend it to everyone
Top 24 of 2024: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2gBTSQh/
Should’ve Hyped Up More: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2g7Joms/
Top 24 of 2024: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2gBTSQh/
Should’ve Hyped Up More: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2g7Joms/
April 21, 2025
This is a work of fiction based on the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history that happened in 1857, in Utah.
I confess that this was the first time I’ve ever heard of it.
The author did a great job recreating the story and characters. I was quite impressed with the writing and the storytelling, which easily transported me to the era and made everything believable.
The development, although slow, was gut wrenching and upsetting. The violence or brutality was hard to handle. Some parts were heartbreaking.
As there was too much talking of religion and violence, this book is hard to recommend. And I wouldn’t label this book as a thriller.
I’m praising the author’s capabilities to research the facts and to reconstruct the story in such detail and fashion.
Her afterwords were quite informative and I do recommend reading it.
I confess that this was the first time I’ve ever heard of it.
The author did a great job recreating the story and characters. I was quite impressed with the writing and the storytelling, which easily transported me to the era and made everything believable.
The development, although slow, was gut wrenching and upsetting. The violence or brutality was hard to handle. Some parts were heartbreaking.
As there was too much talking of religion and violence, this book is hard to recommend. And I wouldn’t label this book as a thriller.
I’m praising the author’s capabilities to research the facts and to reconstruct the story in such detail and fashion.
Her afterwords were quite informative and I do recommend reading it.
September 30, 2025
Haunting and horrifying.
September 22, 2024
I didn't expect it but this book completely captivated me from the first page! The story follows three incredible women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—each facing unimaginable trials in a time of upheaval. I was immediately drawn into their worlds, and their struggles felt so real, so raw, that I could almost feel their pain and fear.
Lucy’s story, in particular, captivated me. Her refusal to be a victim any longer, her desire to stand up and fight after everything she and her family had been through, really struck a chord. Katrina’s journey as a mother willing to protect her family at all costs hit me deeply as well—it was so harrowing yet beautifully told. And Sally’s heartbreaking situation, trapped in a marriage she didn’t choose, forced to confront moral dilemmas, felt both tragic and empowering.
What I loved most is how the book weaves in real history with such grace. Knowing the author has a personal connection to these events made the story even more meaningful to me. Noelle Ihli really poured her heart into this, and you can feel that in every page. Her note at the end was a beautiful reminder of the real people behind the fictionalized accounts.
I won’t lie—this wasn’t an easy read. There are some heavy topics here—child death, racism, and more—but they are handled with such care. It’s emotional, sometimes gut-wrenching, but the strength of these women and the hope that shines through in the end left me feeling uplifted.
If you’re someone who loves historical fiction or enjoys a suspenseful, multi-layered story with deep, emotional stakes, I can’t recommend this enough. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Lucy’s story, in particular, captivated me. Her refusal to be a victim any longer, her desire to stand up and fight after everything she and her family had been through, really struck a chord. Katrina’s journey as a mother willing to protect her family at all costs hit me deeply as well—it was so harrowing yet beautifully told. And Sally’s heartbreaking situation, trapped in a marriage she didn’t choose, forced to confront moral dilemmas, felt both tragic and empowering.
What I loved most is how the book weaves in real history with such grace. Knowing the author has a personal connection to these events made the story even more meaningful to me. Noelle Ihli really poured her heart into this, and you can feel that in every page. Her note at the end was a beautiful reminder of the real people behind the fictionalized accounts.
I won’t lie—this wasn’t an easy read. There are some heavy topics here—child death, racism, and more—but they are handled with such care. It’s emotional, sometimes gut-wrenching, but the strength of these women and the hope that shines through in the end left me feeling uplifted.
If you’re someone who loves historical fiction or enjoys a suspenseful, multi-layered story with deep, emotional stakes, I can’t recommend this enough. This book will stay with me for a long time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 7, 2024
This book is more than a thriller: it's a fierce reckoning with history. Get ready to have your nerves shredded, your heart broken, and your mind blown. You're never going to forget this stunning tale of survival.
February 24, 2025
Three women, connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history. This is based on the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
If You ever had any doubts about the vicious, horrible nightmare producing, atrocities that your fellow human beings, (and I use that term loosely), are capable of, this story will leave you with no longer any doubts what-so-ever!
It's a "slightly" fictionalized account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The author has managed to capture and relay the horrors of this little-known event. I researched it after I read the book and found that unfortunately it's not the product of some writer's nightmare; it absolutely actually did happen. The story does contain some fictional parts, but the massacre was real. We learn the tale through the eyes of Lucy, a Mormon convert; Sally, a Native American girl who is the newest, fourth wife of a polygamist; Katrina, a pioneer traveling by wagon from Arkansas to California with her family and over 100 others; and later Nancy, Katrina’s daughter. All of these young women were real individuals in Utah Territory in 1857, and their lives will converge in the most heinous way you can imagine.
I have a great deal of admiration for the amount of research and heart this author has poured into this book. It's evident on every page, making it both an immersive historical fiction and a chilling true-crime tale. It takes the reader back to a time when survival was uncertain. To not give too much information away...The Mountain Meadows Massacre was a brutal attack by Mormon Militia on a wagon train going from Arkansas to California. These folks like many before them were just hoping to find a better life for themselves and their families. The attack took place in 1857 that left between 100 and 140 men, women, and children brutely slaughtered...just because they were deemed to be "different". Sound familiar? There were 17 youngsters spared, who were eventually returned to their extended families in Arkansas.
My 5-star rating was based on the amount of time and research that this author obviously put into it. If you have a strong stomach and love thrillers that hit hard and remain with you...this one will certainly "fit that bill". My neighbor gave me the book and warned that she didn't get past the half-way point in it and didn't want it in her house. That said: Please be sure to read the content warnings as there are lots of things that could be triggers.
If You ever had any doubts about the vicious, horrible nightmare producing, atrocities that your fellow human beings, (and I use that term loosely), are capable of, this story will leave you with no longer any doubts what-so-ever!
It's a "slightly" fictionalized account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The author has managed to capture and relay the horrors of this little-known event. I researched it after I read the book and found that unfortunately it's not the product of some writer's nightmare; it absolutely actually did happen. The story does contain some fictional parts, but the massacre was real. We learn the tale through the eyes of Lucy, a Mormon convert; Sally, a Native American girl who is the newest, fourth wife of a polygamist; Katrina, a pioneer traveling by wagon from Arkansas to California with her family and over 100 others; and later Nancy, Katrina’s daughter. All of these young women were real individuals in Utah Territory in 1857, and their lives will converge in the most heinous way you can imagine.
I have a great deal of admiration for the amount of research and heart this author has poured into this book. It's evident on every page, making it both an immersive historical fiction and a chilling true-crime tale. It takes the reader back to a time when survival was uncertain. To not give too much information away...The Mountain Meadows Massacre was a brutal attack by Mormon Militia on a wagon train going from Arkansas to California. These folks like many before them were just hoping to find a better life for themselves and their families. The attack took place in 1857 that left between 100 and 140 men, women, and children brutely slaughtered...just because they were deemed to be "different". Sound familiar? There were 17 youngsters spared, who were eventually returned to their extended families in Arkansas.
My 5-star rating was based on the amount of time and research that this author obviously put into it. If you have a strong stomach and love thrillers that hit hard and remain with you...this one will certainly "fit that bill". My neighbor gave me the book and warned that she didn't get past the half-way point in it and didn't want it in her house. That said: Please be sure to read the content warnings as there are lots of things that could be triggers.
December 20, 2025
Pre-Read Notes:
Noelle Ihli is my only auto-read author besides Stephen King. Lately she's been writing gritty historical novels that feel kissed by the thriller muse. This is one of those and it just grinds your brain right into the dirt on the floor of USian history.
"I felt like the wind knocked out of me so hard that maybe I’d never be able to breathe again. I waited until the choking feeling passed, everything moving in slow motion. The memories flooding my mind were so bad, so awful, I thought I was going to die while they washed over me. It was worse than the nightmares. This was real, and it stung like poison." p303
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I had trouble following this one not because of form or plot, both of which were excellent. But the female characters names don't distinguish the characters enough. Lucy, Nancy, Sally -- these sound too much alike and I wish they had been called Heather, Eunice, and Polly. Still a great read!
I thought the denouement went on a little long but the Afterword contains history not covered in the narrative and the author's relationship to the piece, which is all compelling. It's a great chapter, don't miss it!
This is a gory book, so consider this a trigger warning for that. (See my list below.) I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction *and* horror. This book reminds me so much of Los Lobos, which I also highly recommend.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ This book is relentless in its depictions of violence. Considering the author and the topic, this seems fitting. But the level of gore and body horror here is worth noting and being prepared for.
✔️ I don't know this history and I'm looking forward to finding and reading more about the case.
✔️ I feel like Ihli truly represented the children in this story. She describes their experiencing and processing unbelievable trauma in a believable way. While unsparing of the reader, these scenes are deeply empathetic of the children themselves.
✔️ "I’d always been cowlicked and wild, but I’d tried my best to be a good girl. Tried my best to be sweet and obedient. I didn’t want to try anymore. I wanted to bite and kick and scream and run." p334 Man I just really connect with these characters.
Content Notes: injury to children, violence against women and children, racism and racist language, white supremacy, the patriarchy, gore, blood, grievous injury, dismemberment, dissociation, torture, SA, death of a child, death of family, mass murder, grievous bodily and psychological trauma
I found an accessible digital copy of NONE LEFT TO TELL by Noelle W. Ihli in Libby.
Noelle Ihli is my only auto-read author besides Stephen King. Lately she's been writing gritty historical novels that feel kissed by the thriller muse. This is one of those and it just grinds your brain right into the dirt on the floor of USian history.
"I felt like the wind knocked out of me so hard that maybe I’d never be able to breathe again. I waited until the choking feeling passed, everything moving in slow motion. The memories flooding my mind were so bad, so awful, I thought I was going to die while they washed over me. It was worse than the nightmares. This was real, and it stung like poison." p303
Final Review
(thoughts & recs) I had trouble following this one not because of form or plot, both of which were excellent. But the female characters names don't distinguish the characters enough. Lucy, Nancy, Sally -- these sound too much alike and I wish they had been called Heather, Eunice, and Polly. Still a great read!
I thought the denouement went on a little long but the Afterword contains history not covered in the narrative and the author's relationship to the piece, which is all compelling. It's a great chapter, don't miss it!
This is a gory book, so consider this a trigger warning for that. (See my list below.) I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction *and* horror. This book reminds me so much of Los Lobos, which I also highly recommend.
My Favorite Things:
✔️ This book is relentless in its depictions of violence. Considering the author and the topic, this seems fitting. But the level of gore and body horror here is worth noting and being prepared for.
✔️ I don't know this history and I'm looking forward to finding and reading more about the case.
✔️ I feel like Ihli truly represented the children in this story. She describes their experiencing and processing unbelievable trauma in a believable way. While unsparing of the reader, these scenes are deeply empathetic of the children themselves.
✔️ "I’d always been cowlicked and wild, but I’d tried my best to be a good girl. Tried my best to be sweet and obedient. I didn’t want to try anymore. I wanted to bite and kick and scream and run." p334 Man I just really connect with these characters.
Content Notes: injury to children, violence against women and children, racism and racist language, white supremacy, the patriarchy, gore, blood, grievous injury, dismemberment, dissociation, torture, SA, death of a child, death of family, mass murder, grievous bodily and psychological trauma
I found an accessible digital copy of NONE LEFT TO TELL by Noelle W. Ihli in Libby.
September 21, 2024
“Based on True Events None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadow Massacre” This book was very well written, written from three women’s POV. I went in blind to this book, due to Noelle is an automatic read for me. It’s more of a historical fiction than the thriller. I had never heard of this tragedy and did read Wikipedia after reading the book. The author does a wonderful job of immersing the reader into this landscape. The song attached was one from a soundtrack that was provided, created an even more compelling read. If you love a historical fiction thriller, give it a try. It really gave me a range of emotions, yes I cried. It’s unimaginable to think the basis of this story actually happened. Pub Date October 10, 2024 Thank you to @netgalley Dynamite Books and Noelle W Ihli for the opportunity to read this arc for an honest review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 #netgalley #nonelefttotell #dynamitebooks #arcreader #historicalfiction #bookbooksbooks #goodreads #readingislife
September 19, 2024
Noelle Ihli is an auto-author for me and I’m quick to read any of her books. Because of that I didn’t think to question what this book was about and was surprised to find it is very distant from her usual thrillers and reads more as a historical fiction that covers dark and disturbing subject matter based on real events in the 1800s.
The plot follows the lives of three women who are doing their best to survive and protect their loved ones during a time of history that was harsh and brutal where the weak are prayed upon by unliveable conditions and beastly men. A storm is brewing and they are about to be entangled in a savage massacre that is one for the history books.
Be prepared going into this book that the topics are very dark and depict scenes that include children. This is a very heavy book to read if you go in blind like I did 😂
As always Noelle does a great job of breathing life into her characters, giving them personalities and histories full of depth and making you care about what happens to them.
I will say I do prefer her typical writing style that leans more into the thriller genre but it’s always nice to see authors expanding their writing palettes.
Thank you to the author and Dynamite publishers for the EARC!
Publish date: October 10th 2024
The plot follows the lives of three women who are doing their best to survive and protect their loved ones during a time of history that was harsh and brutal where the weak are prayed upon by unliveable conditions and beastly men. A storm is brewing and they are about to be entangled in a savage massacre that is one for the history books.
Be prepared going into this book that the topics are very dark and depict scenes that include children. This is a very heavy book to read if you go in blind like I did 😂
As always Noelle does a great job of breathing life into her characters, giving them personalities and histories full of depth and making you care about what happens to them.
I will say I do prefer her typical writing style that leans more into the thriller genre but it’s always nice to see authors expanding their writing palettes.
Thank you to the author and Dynamite publishers for the EARC!
Publish date: October 10th 2024
January 1, 2025
Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. It's told from the viewpoint and heartache of three different women who are connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history. Gentiles vs Mormons vs Native Americans.
When I requested the book from NetGalley I didn't realize how VERY gruesome None Left to Tell was. It was being billed as a thriller but that was an inaccurate description. I see it's been changed to "historical thriller" which I feel is still inaccurate. The triggers are laid out now on NetGalley, although not yet on Goodreads:
**This book contains some graphic descriptions of violence, including violence against children; the death of a child; and a non-graphic scene involving the death of an animal. It also includes outdated and racially insensitive phrases and words about Native people, endemic to the time period.**
If I had seen that sooner, I wouldn't have requested the book. I made it as far as the gruesome description of a child being killed. I then skimmed the rest of the book. I'm not trying to say that hideous things didn't happen during the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I'm just not someone who wants to know all of the gory details.
It's clear the author poured her heart and soul into this important, yet rarely mentioned, Mountain Meadows Massacre. All I can say is I'm grateful not to have witnessed the battle in real life.
My thanks to both #DynamiteBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of None Left to Tell.
When I requested the book from NetGalley I didn't realize how VERY gruesome None Left to Tell was. It was being billed as a thriller but that was an inaccurate description. I see it's been changed to "historical thriller" which I feel is still inaccurate. The triggers are laid out now on NetGalley, although not yet on Goodreads:
**This book contains some graphic descriptions of violence, including violence against children; the death of a child; and a non-graphic scene involving the death of an animal. It also includes outdated and racially insensitive phrases and words about Native people, endemic to the time period.**
If I had seen that sooner, I wouldn't have requested the book. I made it as far as the gruesome description of a child being killed. I then skimmed the rest of the book. I'm not trying to say that hideous things didn't happen during the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I'm just not someone who wants to know all of the gory details.
It's clear the author poured her heart and soul into this important, yet rarely mentioned, Mountain Meadows Massacre. All I can say is I'm grateful not to have witnessed the battle in real life.
My thanks to both #DynamiteBooks and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of None Left to Tell.
October 4, 2024
Not since I finished the "Red Wedding" scene from "A Storm of Swords" have I been speechless after a scene in a book.
And not once, but MANY times I needed to pause and mentally digest what I had read.
A new fan of Noelle W. Ihli, I finished her "Ask for Andrea" novel just days ago and saw an ARC available on NetGalley. So, thinking I was signing up for a typical thriller, I hit the request button and downloaded this for my trip.
For the next 30 hours I was so engrossed by this book, I barely slept.
This is NOT her typical thriller, but instead historical fiction based on a true nightmare in the Utah territory. Ms. Ihli's efforts in creating this book must be applauded. Her research and visceral writings are thorough and enough to leave you speechless several times. Her characters are so real so quickly and their pain becomes your pain.
I went into this blind, and recommend it. Read the blurb, and beware there is violence against women and children in this. But what I can say, it is an astonishing reflection on how cruel and callous human beings can be. It's a timely reminder of what people- WE- are capable of.
It is one of my FIVE star books of the year- and I am a typical fantasy, romantasy, thriller type of reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for the opportunity to read this prior to it's October 11th release.
And not once, but MANY times I needed to pause and mentally digest what I had read.
A new fan of Noelle W. Ihli, I finished her "Ask for Andrea" novel just days ago and saw an ARC available on NetGalley. So, thinking I was signing up for a typical thriller, I hit the request button and downloaded this for my trip.
For the next 30 hours I was so engrossed by this book, I barely slept.
This is NOT her typical thriller, but instead historical fiction based on a true nightmare in the Utah territory. Ms. Ihli's efforts in creating this book must be applauded. Her research and visceral writings are thorough and enough to leave you speechless several times. Her characters are so real so quickly and their pain becomes your pain.
I went into this blind, and recommend it. Read the blurb, and beware there is violence against women and children in this. But what I can say, it is an astonishing reflection on how cruel and callous human beings can be. It's a timely reminder of what people- WE- are capable of.
It is one of my FIVE star books of the year- and I am a typical fantasy, romantasy, thriller type of reader.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the author for the opportunity to read this prior to it's October 11th release.
October 11, 2024
5⭐️
This year Noelle W. Ihli has become one of my favorite authors. I just finished reading Gray After Dark when I found out her new novel, None Left to Tell, was available on NetGalley. I feel so honored to be selected to read this ARC. This is unlike any other of her books. It’s based on the real events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I personally wouldn’t place this in a thriller category, but it is extremely well written, emotional, and terrifying. There is a list of possible triggers at the beginning. I would highly recommend looking through those before starting, especially since these are based on real lives(and deaths).
Thank you to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
This year Noelle W. Ihli has become one of my favorite authors. I just finished reading Gray After Dark when I found out her new novel, None Left to Tell, was available on NetGalley. I feel so honored to be selected to read this ARC. This is unlike any other of her books. It’s based on the real events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre. I personally wouldn’t place this in a thriller category, but it is extremely well written, emotional, and terrifying. There is a list of possible triggers at the beginning. I would highly recommend looking through those before starting, especially since these are based on real lives(and deaths).
Thank you to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. This review will be shared on NetGalley, Goodreads, and Amazon.
September 25, 2024
You wanna know what? I get the power to this story but I was bored the entire time, I have liked some of the other books written but this one I couldn’t get behind it. I was expecting a full on thriller, it might just be on me because I don’t really enjoy historical events.
September 22, 2024
Noelle was pretty much an autobuy author for me. After this.....there's no question!
This beautiful and heartbreaking story was out of this authors normal genre of writing. Which means it was also outside ...way outside...of my normal genre of reading, but I was like ...what the heck ... it's noelle ihli so I'm going right in (thanks to being chosen by netgalley to read the arc)!
And wow.. noelle is just a beautiful writer. Her other books have always hooked me from the get go and kept me stressed and anxious. This book held on to my heart and head with beautiful descriptions of scenery and the people we were reading about.
3 storylines of 3 women who were so interwoven in each other's lives but such drastically different ways of life .
A book hasn't made me cry in a really long time. I also give out 5 stars very sparingly. I'm just not that easy to impress I guess lol. But as soon as I finished this book..it was a no brainer
Oh and one last thing ...noelle has mentioned how long she researched this topic in order to write her book and I don't doubt it for a minute!
Kudos Noelle W Ihli....another winner
This beautiful and heartbreaking story was out of this authors normal genre of writing. Which means it was also outside ...way outside...of my normal genre of reading, but I was like ...what the heck ... it's noelle ihli so I'm going right in (thanks to being chosen by netgalley to read the arc)!
And wow.. noelle is just a beautiful writer. Her other books have always hooked me from the get go and kept me stressed and anxious. This book held on to my heart and head with beautiful descriptions of scenery and the people we were reading about.
3 storylines of 3 women who were so interwoven in each other's lives but such drastically different ways of life .
A book hasn't made me cry in a really long time. I also give out 5 stars very sparingly. I'm just not that easy to impress I guess lol. But as soon as I finished this book..it was a no brainer
Oh and one last thing ...noelle has mentioned how long she researched this topic in order to write her book and I don't doubt it for a minute!
Kudos Noelle W Ihli....another winner
September 14, 2024
5⭐️ Noelle I am speechless! This wasn’t at all what I was expecting, but wow was this powerful! Just so you all know, this isn’t a thriller, this is a historical fiction. It definitely has some thrilling and gruesome moments, but this is a historical fiction about a deadly massacre and the history of mormans.
I knew nothing about this massacre and wow was this SAD. Going to go do a deep dive into the history now. But this book did a phenomenal job in teaching me. It took me a bit to figure out who’s who and the stories for everyone, but once I got the stories straight I was hooked
You can tell she put so much effort into this book! Her note at the end also is a great touch because she is related to this part in history, and the characters in the book are based on real people! Also the list of deaths at the end 😭
I knew nothing about this massacre and wow was this SAD. Going to go do a deep dive into the history now. But this book did a phenomenal job in teaching me. It took me a bit to figure out who’s who and the stories for everyone, but once I got the stories straight I was hooked
You can tell she put so much effort into this book! Her note at the end also is a great touch because she is related to this part in history, and the characters in the book are based on real people! Also the list of deaths at the end 😭
October 15, 2024
Based on true events, None Left to Tell follows 3 women during one of the deadliest massacres in American history. Lucy, a Mormon wife, was driven out of Illinois 10 years ago by an anti-Mormon mob. She is now living in Utah when the same people that drove her out of her home are traveling through on their way to California. Katrina is a mom of four and is one of the people making her way to California with her husband and children. Sally is a newly married women who is the now fourth wife of a prominent figure in her community. The marriage was not her choice and she is struggling to come to terms with her new life. How will their stories all interconnect? And will any of them survive the massacre that is upon them.
Review:
3.5 stars
I had read a couple of Noelle's books prior to reading None Left to Tell and have really enjoyed them. I know her writing to be thriller based, but this book is much more a historical fiction read based on true events than thriller. I think it is important to understand that before picking this one up. I am not a historical fiction reader, and found myself having a hard time getting into this book. This is not a bad book by any means, I am just not the targeted audience for this one. I did find myself getting more invested around the half way point. The writing is superb as always with Noelle's storytelling. The overall story is heartbreaking and devastating to say the least. I found myself getting attached to the characters and feeling their despair and heartbreak. It is extremely evident that this story means a lot to Noelle and she put a lot of time and effort into bringing awareness to a massacre that a lot of people have never heard of (myself included). I commend her for taking on that challenge and think she did an incredible job!
None Left to Tell publishes on 10/10 and I recommend picking this one up if you enjoy historical fiction based on real events.
Thank you to NetGalley, Noelle West Ihli, and Dynamite Books for this ARC of None Left to Tell in exchange for an honest review.
Review:
3.5 stars
I had read a couple of Noelle's books prior to reading None Left to Tell and have really enjoyed them. I know her writing to be thriller based, but this book is much more a historical fiction read based on true events than thriller. I think it is important to understand that before picking this one up. I am not a historical fiction reader, and found myself having a hard time getting into this book. This is not a bad book by any means, I am just not the targeted audience for this one. I did find myself getting more invested around the half way point. The writing is superb as always with Noelle's storytelling. The overall story is heartbreaking and devastating to say the least. I found myself getting attached to the characters and feeling their despair and heartbreak. It is extremely evident that this story means a lot to Noelle and she put a lot of time and effort into bringing awareness to a massacre that a lot of people have never heard of (myself included). I commend her for taking on that challenge and think she did an incredible job!
None Left to Tell publishes on 10/10 and I recommend picking this one up if you enjoy historical fiction based on real events.
Thank you to NetGalley, Noelle West Ihli, and Dynamite Books for this ARC of None Left to Tell in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2025
Based on true events, None Left to Tell is the story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the story of three women, connected by one of the most brutal mass slayings in US history.
This book is based on a historic event that I wasn't familiar with. The research must've been quite an undertaking and it's a heartbreaking story. There are many triggering events involving death and injury to persons and animals but there are also many characters to support. It took me a long time to read this for personal reasons but I'm glad I did and recommend it highly.
I borrowed this using my Kindle Unlimited membership.
This book is based on a historic event that I wasn't familiar with. The research must've been quite an undertaking and it's a heartbreaking story. There are many triggering events involving death and injury to persons and animals but there are also many characters to support. It took me a long time to read this for personal reasons but I'm glad I did and recommend it highly.
I borrowed this using my Kindle Unlimited membership.
October 3, 2024
Wow, I did not expect to be so emotional over a thriller book. I read that it's based on a true event in history, and that made it even more horrifying. After reading this, I had to look up more details about it, which truly showed how well the author researched it and surrounded the books around this event. I'm shocked this isnt a more well-known event in history. I was so emotional. I cried, and I was terrified. I felt so much for those having to experience these horrifying things. It was a lot, and I never expected to cry while reading a thriller novel. It does cover a lot of POVs from different characters, which could be confusing, but honestly, it helped me dive deeper into those characters and felt the pain even more due to that. This was remarkably written. 4 to 4.5 stars!!
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Dynamite Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and Dynamite Books to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book.
October 3, 2024
⚠️⚠️triggers / possible spoilers⚠️⚠️
Violence, murder, masaccre
"We're safe. We're together. We're almost there."
I forced all three phrases through my head again and again, willing them to be true.'
"Every so often, one of the children in the trench would start to cry, overwhelmed by the heat and the crush of bodies packed together, but by now I welcomed the sound. If they had the energy and tears to cry, it meant they were still alive. Still fighting."
"Any second, I just knew that one of the painted men was going to leap on top of us and bash our heads with a club like they did everyone else." 🤕
"Seventeen children, the oldest just six and the youngest infants, survived the massacre. They were chosen based on their age, being 'too young to tell tales.'"
-😔 ( I'm glad that cousins Nancy and Tri got reunited 3 years later )
This is my second book I've read by the author. I liked 'Ask for Andrea' so I did not hesitate to request this.
Gave this one a shot though I typically deviate from reading historical fiction most especially if the topic is about any sect or particular religion. A heavy read esp knowing it is inspired by true events (Mountain Meadows Massacre) and is personal to the author. Heart-wrenching, gripping, bleak, captivating and poignant. Beautifully-written and well-researched.
📘if you like:
✔️Strong female characters
✔️ Thriller / historical fiction /true events
✔️Political or conflicts between belief systems
✔️Multiple POVs / dual timelines
Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the arc 🖤
4.5✨
Violence, murder, masaccre
"We're safe. We're together. We're almost there."
I forced all three phrases through my head again and again, willing them to be true.'
"Every so often, one of the children in the trench would start to cry, overwhelmed by the heat and the crush of bodies packed together, but by now I welcomed the sound. If they had the energy and tears to cry, it meant they were still alive. Still fighting."
"Any second, I just knew that one of the painted men was going to leap on top of us and bash our heads with a club like they did everyone else." 🤕
"Seventeen children, the oldest just six and the youngest infants, survived the massacre. They were chosen based on their age, being 'too young to tell tales.'"
-😔 ( I'm glad that cousins Nancy and Tri got reunited 3 years later )
This is my second book I've read by the author. I liked 'Ask for Andrea' so I did not hesitate to request this.
Gave this one a shot though I typically deviate from reading historical fiction most especially if the topic is about any sect or particular religion. A heavy read esp knowing it is inspired by true events (Mountain Meadows Massacre) and is personal to the author. Heart-wrenching, gripping, bleak, captivating and poignant. Beautifully-written and well-researched.
📘if you like:
✔️Strong female characters
✔️ Thriller / historical fiction /true events
✔️Political or conflicts between belief systems
✔️Multiple POVs / dual timelines
Thanks to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the arc 🖤
4.5✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2024
My Rating: 4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ really well written and got me into a genre I don’t usually read!!
Three women, connected by on the most brutal mass murders in US history. This book is a harrowing tale that is based on the true events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which makes it that much more horrifying.
I really like Noelle Ihli’s novels especially the based on true events, this is the second like that and it didn’t disappoint. (I will caveat that one or two of her novels were a flop for me but thats pretty normal in the scheme of things).
This book took me a little bit to get into it, if you are anything like me and you aren’t normally into historical fiction/based on true events fiction then this might take a hot minute. Just as I was thinking perhaps this is not for me… boom… shit got real and I was hooked.
The book is based in 1860 (I think) and times really were different, the first half of the book we follow three women and their story and how it interconnects. Then it goes up to about halfway through the book when the violence really kicks off and you are left with your jaw hanging open… it then switches to part two when we hear from three women again but a couple of them are different. I am not going to go into their stories because I think it is worth reading it from start to end to really get a feel for it.
The story is heartbreaking and its made all the worse by the fact that you know this actually happened. While this is based on a true story Noelle has stayed very true to the story so in fact… its very very based on true events and when I did a google search I was horrified by how factual it was. If the synopsis on GoodReads is even remotely of interest to you then I do recommend you pick it up.
The author does a really good lead in about why shes writing this book and also a fade out with names of the real people kills in the massacre. I think this added a really good level of realism and emotion to the story.
I was really impressed with the research and effort that went into this and I am really glad I read it. Off the top of my head I think CarolG you might like this one as I know you like cross genre’s and often read historical fiction.
I want to thank Dynamite Books, NetGalley and the author for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
Three women, connected by on the most brutal mass murders in US history. This book is a harrowing tale that is based on the true events of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, which makes it that much more horrifying.
I really like Noelle Ihli’s novels especially the based on true events, this is the second like that and it didn’t disappoint. (I will caveat that one or two of her novels were a flop for me but thats pretty normal in the scheme of things).
This book took me a little bit to get into it, if you are anything like me and you aren’t normally into historical fiction/based on true events fiction then this might take a hot minute. Just as I was thinking perhaps this is not for me… boom… shit got real and I was hooked.
The book is based in 1860 (I think) and times really were different, the first half of the book we follow three women and their story and how it interconnects. Then it goes up to about halfway through the book when the violence really kicks off and you are left with your jaw hanging open… it then switches to part two when we hear from three women again but a couple of them are different. I am not going to go into their stories because I think it is worth reading it from start to end to really get a feel for it.
The story is heartbreaking and its made all the worse by the fact that you know this actually happened. While this is based on a true story Noelle has stayed very true to the story so in fact… its very very based on true events and when I did a google search I was horrified by how factual it was. If the synopsis on GoodReads is even remotely of interest to you then I do recommend you pick it up.
The author does a really good lead in about why shes writing this book and also a fade out with names of the real people kills in the massacre. I think this added a really good level of realism and emotion to the story.
I was really impressed with the research and effort that went into this and I am really glad I read it. Off the top of my head I think CarolG you might like this one as I know you like cross genre’s and often read historical fiction.
I want to thank Dynamite Books, NetGalley and the author for an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 27, 2024
I always cringe a bit when I see “based on a true story” type books- but I was pleasantly surprised by the amazing job this author did on None Left to Tell.
Absolutely worth the read & so well written I felt like it had all the things you look for in a story to be engaging, exciting, thrilling and keeping you guessing.
Definitely a top read of the year for me!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.
Absolutely worth the read & so well written I felt like it had all the things you look for in a story to be engaging, exciting, thrilling and keeping you guessing.
Definitely a top read of the year for me!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this amazing book in exchange for my honest review.
July 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Haunting, powerful, and beautifully written.
None Left to Tell by Noelle Ihli is a stunning work of historical fiction that left me both heartbroken and in awe. Noelle has once again proven her gift for crafting emotionally resonant stories, and this one might be her most impactful yet.
This book dives deep into one of the most brutal mass slayings in U.S. history—the Mountain Meadows Massacre—and it’s clear Noelle did extensive research to honor the real people behind the tragedy. Her attention to historical accuracy blends seamlessly with her gripping storytelling.
Through the eyes of three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—we experience the fear, grief, resilience, and heartbreak of those caught in the crossfire of religious extremism, vengeance, and survival. I found myself deeply attached to each of them, aching for their losses, rooting for their strength, and constantly thinking about them long after I finished the final page.
This book was beautiful and devastating, all at once. It made me want to learn more, and now I’m compelled to seek out the documentary on the true events.
Noelle Ihli has a rare ability to pull you into her worlds and make history come alive in the most human way possible. I can’t recommend this one enough.
Haunting, powerful, and beautifully written.
None Left to Tell by Noelle Ihli is a stunning work of historical fiction that left me both heartbroken and in awe. Noelle has once again proven her gift for crafting emotionally resonant stories, and this one might be her most impactful yet.
This book dives deep into one of the most brutal mass slayings in U.S. history—the Mountain Meadows Massacre—and it’s clear Noelle did extensive research to honor the real people behind the tragedy. Her attention to historical accuracy blends seamlessly with her gripping storytelling.
Through the eyes of three women—Lucy, Katrina, and Sally—we experience the fear, grief, resilience, and heartbreak of those caught in the crossfire of religious extremism, vengeance, and survival. I found myself deeply attached to each of them, aching for their losses, rooting for their strength, and constantly thinking about them long after I finished the final page.
This book was beautiful and devastating, all at once. It made me want to learn more, and now I’m compelled to seek out the documentary on the true events.
Noelle Ihli has a rare ability to pull you into her worlds and make history come alive in the most human way possible. I can’t recommend this one enough.
October 8, 2024
Rating: ★★★★☆
A thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
”In the end, that is what I will choose to remember most about what happened at Mountain Meadows. The ones who chose humanity. The ones who chose love. Even if it was the last choice they made.”
None Left to Tell follows the story of three different women who are connected to one of the most brutal mass slayings in the US history: Lucy, who is sick of turning the other cheek to the anti-Mormon mobs; Katrina, a young mother of four who is making her way through the trek west to survive and Sally, who was “gifted” to a man she barely knows as his fourth wife.
⟡•—— ・ ₊˚⛰️‧₊˚. ・ ——•⟡
Reading None Left To Tell did not feel like a Noelle W. Ihli book, which is not to say it was a bad experience, on the contrary. It was a breath of fresh air to read something of the genre by this specific author. The way the book was written transmits a lot of sensitivity and offers a powerful examination of hardship, sacriface and religious persecution.
The strenght of the book lies in its nuanced portrayal of these women’s journeys and I found each of their stories to be truly raw, painful and emotional. Their inner-dialogues were deeply human and each characters perspective brings a different shade to the story, making us, the reader, truly understand what happened during this unfortunate historical event.
A thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.
”In the end, that is what I will choose to remember most about what happened at Mountain Meadows. The ones who chose humanity. The ones who chose love. Even if it was the last choice they made.”
None Left to Tell follows the story of three different women who are connected to one of the most brutal mass slayings in the US history: Lucy, who is sick of turning the other cheek to the anti-Mormon mobs; Katrina, a young mother of four who is making her way through the trek west to survive and Sally, who was “gifted” to a man she barely knows as his fourth wife.
⟡•—— ・ ₊˚⛰️‧₊˚. ・ ——•⟡
Reading None Left To Tell did not feel like a Noelle W. Ihli book, which is not to say it was a bad experience, on the contrary. It was a breath of fresh air to read something of the genre by this specific author. The way the book was written transmits a lot of sensitivity and offers a powerful examination of hardship, sacriface and religious persecution.
The strenght of the book lies in its nuanced portrayal of these women’s journeys and I found each of their stories to be truly raw, painful and emotional. Their inner-dialogues were deeply human and each characters perspective brings a different shade to the story, making us, the reader, truly understand what happened during this unfortunate historical event.
September 29, 2024
Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for honest review!
When I saw a book by Noelle West Ihli on Netgally, I requested it immediately. I didn't even read what the book was about, because I loved Ask For Andrea so much I just knew I'd love anything she wrote. I went into this book thinking it would be a similar psychological thriller with murder and twists and what not. When I read the author's note at the beginning I realized I was in for a pleasant surprise. Although this book does have some suspense (and a lot of murder) it is based on the true story of a massacre committed by the Mormons! I have several family members that are members of the Mormon church and I love to listen to podcasts about all of the fundamentalist Mormon groups (aka cults) so I was extremely excited to dive into this book. It was such an incredible story. I cried for so many of the characters. I kept checking Google to see if what I was reading was true (it was!)
Why have we never heard of this massacre? I hope this book gets turned into a movie or documentary or something because I found this so interesting and heartbreaking and compelling and I think everyone should know of this mind boggling event in our nation's history.
I think everyone should read this book. It's an important story and the victims deserve to be remembered.
When I saw a book by Noelle West Ihli on Netgally, I requested it immediately. I didn't even read what the book was about, because I loved Ask For Andrea so much I just knew I'd love anything she wrote. I went into this book thinking it would be a similar psychological thriller with murder and twists and what not. When I read the author's note at the beginning I realized I was in for a pleasant surprise. Although this book does have some suspense (and a lot of murder) it is based on the true story of a massacre committed by the Mormons! I have several family members that are members of the Mormon church and I love to listen to podcasts about all of the fundamentalist Mormon groups (aka cults) so I was extremely excited to dive into this book. It was such an incredible story. I cried for so many of the characters. I kept checking Google to see if what I was reading was true (it was!)
Why have we never heard of this massacre? I hope this book gets turned into a movie or documentary or something because I found this so interesting and heartbreaking and compelling and I think everyone should know of this mind boggling event in our nation's history.
I think everyone should read this book. It's an important story and the victims deserve to be remembered.
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