Somebody Knows: A Novel

by Pamela Ungashick, Nikki Zakocs (Narrator)

2025 PenCraft Book Suspense

Readers' Favorite International Gold Medal Winner

Audrey Mae Scott has felt the sting of her mother's whipping stick far too many times. Unlike her little brother, Harry, she must do whatever she's told without question . . . or else. Her only solace from her fear and loneliness comes from writing about her plight. Though outwardly obedient, Audrey refuses to give up on her dreams, and she is determined to never become like her mother, Edith.

Unhappily married to penniless Clarence Scott, Edith Scott blames everyone but herself for her lowly lot in life. Sick of being shunned and desperate to get revenge on the snobby "do-gooders," she devises a scheme to gain wealth and power. Sacrificing her daughter is a small price to pay.

When Edith discovers one of Audrey's diaries, her reaction is extreme. Audrey begins a dangerous game of cat and mouse, unaware of how her mother's grip on reality is slipping. As her mother slides into madness, the cost of Audrey's independence may prove to be too high.

Audible Audio

Published June 10, 2025

Reviews

[Taylor Hedgecock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing so vivid you can’t help but be transported directly into the scenery. Edith will be living rent free in my brain forever…..more books please Pamela!

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was engrossed in this story. It is a family drama fiction story with an unreliable narrator in the mother. You never knew where she was going to be. I felt for the children because of the environment they were forced to grow up in. They have very different reactions to their environment and the author does a wonderful job writing emotion and reality into the story. About halfway through the book the pace really picked up and I couldn’t put it down until I finished.

[Reader Views · Rating 5 out of 5]

Growing up in a poor, dysfunctional family in the 1940s, teenaged Audrey Scott is desperate to escape the shackles of her formidable mother and keep her little brother safe. The verbal and physical abuse borders on tortuous, and young Audrey’s only escape is through writing in her secret journal. She vows to work as a writer one day and leave her mother’s forsaken home. However, Audrey’s plans are foiled when her mother finds her journals, and the punishments become more severe.

Edith is trapped in a life she despises—two children, impoverished, unhappy, and married to a man she considers a fool. She was supposed to be wealthy, but that fantasy was ruthlessly snatched away. Her only hope is her daughter; Edith is grooming Audrey to marry rich, and Edith will do whatever it takes to secure a position rubbing elbows with the wealthy families of Willowdale. Audrey is ungrateful and stupid, but with enough discipline (nothing is off the table), she can mold Audrey into a respectful daughter and agreeable wife.

“Somebody Knows” by Pamela Ungashick is a haunting family saga that will send shivers down readers’ spines. While steadily building in pace, thriller enthusiasts can look forward to action, cheer-worthy redemption, and plenty of drama surrounding the Scott family. The author explores themes of family, coming of age, and revenge, proving that sharing blood doesn’t guarantee a loving bond. Sometimes, the ones closest to you can be your biggest adversaries. Ungashick also highlights the mental instability that prolonged neglect and trauma can cause. Teenaged Audrey is in for the fight of her life as her mother mercilessly steals everything from her—a loving childhood and hope for a brighter future.

Ungashick has created rich, complex characters that bring the story to life. Audrey’s transformation from a child to a young adult not only highlights the plight of living with an unhinged monster but also explores common coming-of-age challenges such as navigating friendships, romantic relationships, heartbreak, and grief. Moreover, we see her impressive, albeit heartbreaking, evolution as she deals with abandonment and poverty, forcing her to grow up quickly and be stealthily resourceful.

Edith is a sinister woman full of anger and resentment, which she unfurls onto her family. The author does an excellent job of illustrating the deplorable mother’s unraveling as the story progresses. Every page reveals another complex layer of her personality, making Edith a worthy antagonist readers will love to hate. The glowering stares, unwavering narcissistic behavior, and unrelenting punishment she doled out had me praying this woman would get her comeuppance. For readers drawn to psychological thrillers about familial dysfunction, you don’t want to miss out on Pamela Ungashick’s “Somebody Knows.” Chock full of rich character development and engaging suspense, the story of the Scott family will stay with you long after the last page.

[Fictionophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first thought is that this is one of those novels that deserves a whole lot more recognition than it has gotten so far...  I'm so sorry that I didn't get around to reading it sooner.

Mind you, it is not always an easy book to read. This is a dark tale of a dysfunctional family. Living just above the poverty line (and sometimes slipping beneath it), they are characters brought to life vividly via the author's writing.

The mother, Edith, was an abused child herself. The cycle of abuse must be noted here. At first I could tolerate her cruelty to her own children as it came from a place of understanding that that was all she knew. Then, when she spiralled into madness, all bets were off and I loathed her as much as her daughter did...

The daughter, Audrey, was a character that you cannot help but admire AND feel deeply sorry for. I won't delve too much into the plot so as not to ruin it for you.

Audrey and her younger brother, Harry, were such pitiable characters. I will remember them for quite some time.

This novel explores some deeply unhealthy mother-daughter relationships. It covers a wide range of human emotions. Jealousy, avarice, revenge, courage, fortitude, and resilience. An historical domestic thriller that displays both tragedy and hopefulness.

The setting, a poor midwestern town in the 1940s, made the narrative of the family all the more poignant. It was a time when the poor were not helped in any significant way as there were few social systems in place to combat the hardships that were faced.

I enjoyed the read tremendously, and can highly recommend it to those readers who can handle reading about some difficult subjects. I did shed a tear of two, but the overall story kept me rapidly turning the pages. A superb debut novel!

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Knows by Pamela Ungashick struck so many chords with me it was a symphony. Likewise, the writing was so lyrical and elegant, it added an extra poignancy to the narrative

Audrey Mae Scott s the oldest of two children, two children who were treated as differently as chalk and cheese by their mother. Their mother is Edith Scott, a widow who is a cruel and nefarious woman whose grip on sanity is tenuous at best. Audrey bears the brunt of her mother's daily ire and projection of resentment about her lot in life while giving Audrey's little brother Harry the best in life and love

Audrey has only one respite and that is to confide in her diary, until even this is compromised when her mother finds it. Her mothers anity is deteriorating and at the same time, her ire increases and behaviour against Audrey becomes more and more brutal.

However, Audrey's fortitude and tenacity will not allow her mother to dictate her life's path any more.

A brilliant book, written with great eloquence and a wry wit, a no holds barred journey with a very satisfactory ending


Thank you to Netgalley, Red Adept Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and the author Pamela Ungashick for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinins are my own

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Knows by Pamela Ungashick struck so many chords with me it was a symphony. Likewise, the writing was so lyrical and elegant, it added an extra poignancy to the narrative

Audrey Mae Scott s the oldest of two children, two children who were treated as differently as chalk and cheese by their mother. Their mother is Edith Scott, a widow who is a cruel and nefarious woman whose grip on sanity is tenuous at best. Audrey bears the brunt of her mother's daily ire and projection of resentment about her lot in life while giving Audrey's little brother Harry the best in life and love

Audrey has only one respite and that is to confide in her diary, until even this is compromised when her mother finds it. Her mothers sanity is deteriorating and at the same time, her ire increases and behaviour against Audrey becomes more and more brutal.

However, Audrey's fortitude and tenacity will not allow her mother to dictate her life's path any more.

A brilliant book, written with great eloquence and a wry wit, a no holds barred journey with a very satisfactory ending


Thank you to Netgalley, Red Adept Publishing, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles and the author Pamela Ungashick for this outstanding ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinins are my own

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story raises a lot of moral questions. Is someone's behavior, in fact their actual personality, dependent upon how they were raised and what has happened to them? How much of what they do can be forgiven for this reason? Is revenge ever justified? And to what extent?

One could go on. But it is the fact that these and other difficult questions are broached at all while in the context of a good story that makes the book so readable. I found it easy to be empathetic to Audrey and her brother, and even sympathetic to their mother, Edith. Strangely, the circumstances of Edith's upbringing made her sour, difficult and determined on her path were Audrey was to be the key to bringing her, Edith, to a richer and more prominent place in town life. And yet, the same beatings and denial that her mother suffered turned Audrey in a different direction. Nobody got a really good deal in this story of life in a small American town in the 1940s.

While it was a little slow in the beginning, the pace soon picked up to make it hard to put the book down for long. It is easy to imagine, perhaps because of the wealth of detail we are shown, that there really were people caught up in this grinding life.

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

[Ricky Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Knows is the kind of psychological suspense that grabs you early and then tightens its grip chapter by chapter. From the first pages, I was fully invested in Audrey Mae Scott - a girl trying to survive an abusive home while quietly protecting her dreams (and her little brother) the only way she can. The diary element adds an extra layer of tension because you feel how dangerous it is for Audrey to have a voice at all, and once her mother finds it, the story turns into a chilling, claustrophobic cat-and-mouse game that’s impossible to look away from.

What makes this book stand out isn’t just the plot - it’s the emotional weight and the character work. Edith is a frightening antagonist because she isn’t evil in a cartoon way; she’s bitter, volatile, and increasingly unhinged, and the slow unraveling of her grip on reality creates a constant sense of dread. The setting and family dynamics feel grounded and painfully believable, and the suspense keeps escalating without relying on cheap tricks. I flew through it, felt wrung out in the best way, and immediately wanted to talk about it when I finished - perfect for book club readers who like their thrillers dark, intense, and deeply human.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A woman is drawn into a deadly game of cat and mouse in Ungashick’s exhilarating novel. Audrey endures her mother Edith’s whippings and obediently follows orders, while her brother Harry is docile. But behind her facade, Audrey is determined not to become like the controlling mother. Despite her unhappy marriage, Edith schemes for power and wealth at any cost – even sacrificing her own daughter. When Edith discovers Audrey’s diary, Audrey must play a dangerous game while watching her mother’s sanity crumble.

Ungashick ably delves into the complexities of family dynamics, revealing the enduring scars of past traumas and the nuances of love and loyalty. She is skilled when it comes to portraying Audrey’s journey as the latter confronts her personal demons and looks into the circumstances behind Harry’s disappearance.

Foreshadowing and symbolism add layers to the story, while the deliberate pacing intensifies key plot developments. Rich with suspense and intricate character backgrounds, the fast-paced narrative keeps readers invested as they unravel the mystery alongside Audrey. Simply un-put-downable.

[Tina Lincoln · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Towns... everybody knows everything... or do they?
Teenagers are rebellious no matter where they live or what their social standing in the community are, correct? What if they have real reasons to be rebellious, and no one in town does anything??... Especially when people don't understand the whole picture!
Audrey is a young girl, a good girl, who works hard helping around the house, helping with her little brother Harry, and she has learned to see some of the signs, of when their mother Edith gets in certain rages or her face shows certain signs. Why does her mother get this way with her, and not her brother? Is there something that she does not know. And then there is how she treats Daddy... she is so mean, and did she do something to Daddy that he died right after he seamed to be getting better...
This was a very good book! It does have some triggers, and not suitable for very young, but I could not put it down!
Thank you, Pamela Ungashick for a very good book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest review.

[Charlie Helton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This debut book was shocking, raw, heart wrenching but so very real. It it set in the late 1940s, in a time when people didn’t interfere in other people’s “family business” but everyone knew when something wasn’t quite right in a family. The story peels back that awful truth that usually a parent’s behavior is mimicked by how they were treated by their own parent, perpetuating the abuse cycle. The story is sort of a harrowing coming of age story of Audrey who grows up dirt poor under the iron fist of a vengeful narcissistic mother who is only using her for her own means. This gritty, suspenseful and sad story will literally gut you and make you so mad, but also have your cheering on Audrey and her brother, bringing a warmth to your heart. I found the title quite fitting both in the literal sense, as Somebody did know in the story, but also in the figurative sense. In the real world somebody always knows. The question is, what does that somebody do with that knowledge; offer help or turn a blind eye. This story is emotional, powerful, and heavy but what a great debut read!

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Audrey Mae Scott and her struggles to survive a childhood blighted by the violence of her unstable mother. Audrey's mother Edith is disappointed over her misfortune at having married Audrey's father Clarence, who is hard up.

Edith feels that she deserves better. So, she devises a scheme to ensure that she gets it. And heaven help anyone who gets in the way of her plans!

Set in the 1940s, the story describes how Audrey is treated differently from her brother Harry. At the mercy of her mother, the girl's only solace is to pour out her soul into her journal.

Unfortunately for Audrey, her mother reads her diary, and all hell breaks loose...

This story should come with a trigger warning, but the writer has done a good job of describing Audrey's plight and making us feel for her. Offering Edith's POV is also clever. A suspenseful and evocative piece of storytelling, worth a read. It gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Book Addict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in a small Midwestern town in the post-war 1940s, Somebody Knows delves into how seemingly disparate lives can be drawn into the devastating cycle of generational trauma and deteriorating mental health. The character of Edith, the bitter, abusive mother of the protagonist, Audrey, is challenging to empathize with; yet author Pamela Ungashick skillfully crafts her as a multifaceted figure shaped by her own troubled past, compelling readers to understand, if not forgive. Ungashick further enriches the narrative through the warm bond between Audrey and her younger brother, Harry, offering a positive emotional contrast. Likewise, the steadfast Freddie exemplifies how resisting social norms can drive meaningful change, rather than feeling like a futile battle. Freddie’s mother, Mrs. Littleton, initially resembles the perfect wife and mother but, with nuanced restraint, Ungashick reveals layers that break this idealized image. With escalating tension, believable plot twists, natural dialogue, and deeply developed characters, Somebody Knows is a compelling must-read.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is at times disturbing and horrific in what goes on in the Scott family (TW: child abuse) but I could not put it down. Set in the late 1940’s in a small town and told from multiple points of view the reader is drawn into the Scott family drama. In this small town everyone knows about the Scott family, but no one will do anything about it until it is almost too late.Edith Scott feels like she deserves more out of life and she is going to use her daughter Audrey to get it. Audrey wants no part of her mother’s plan and works to find a way to escape. But will Audrey’s escape put the rest of her family in danger? Why does everyone in town pretend not to see the Scott family? Can Audrey escape and have the life she wants? A story of secrets, horrific behavior, and survival.

Thanks to the author and Kate Rock Book Tours for providing a copy for my honest review.

[Heidi · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this book was hard for me to read as it was so slow in the beginning and I couldn't really understand the depth or what direction this book was going and then I got to be about 60% of the way in and I couldn't put it down. I know, that is a long way to go but it made the rest of the book all come together and really wanted you to finish to find out what happens at the end. When you have a mom that is no mentally right and the problems that the poor children went through and the husband and neighbor it all ties together and sticks with you. I would recommend sticking with it and really reading the book. The book was written in a way that you see things and aren't just told it and I loved that about this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ryan Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ungashick does a masterful job in character development from the beginning - within the first few chapters you already are invested and have strong feelings about each character in the story. I am not a fast reader but could not put it down and found it to be an intense page turner. I loved the pacing of the book which flipped perfectly between different characters perspectives as needed. I am telling everyone I know to read this book because I enjoyed it so much - and because I deeply need to discuss Edith with as many people as I can! Excellent first novel, I can't WAIT to see what she writes next.

[Courtney Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Knows by Pamela Ungashick is an emotionally charged read. The characters and their situations are heartbreaking. Their despair and anguish are palpable. With the dual pov/timeline you develop a deeper understanding to the circumstances that have shaped the characters. There are many moments that left me in shock. There were moments that warmed my heart. There were moments that left me disgusted with the despicable nature of certain characters. I really enjoy when a book creates big emotions and Somebody Knows does just that. This is Pamela Ungashick’s debut novel and I’m very excited to read more!

[Martha Alami · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started to give this book 2 stars but settled on 3 because I did find the story fairly interesting. I just felt the book (not the subject matter) was written on a middle school level and the author’s choice of some words seemed strange to me. Not sure if she did that to try to show the lower class status of Edith or not, but it didn’t work for me. From the description I had expected more about a family struggling during the Great Depression but this was a story of family struggling with insanity. The situations in this book were totally dysfunctional on many levels. Not sure I would try this author again.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very suspenseful and full of surprises. It turned into something much more that it started out as, leaving me shocked and not wanting to put the book down! I am so so glad a certain thing happened at the end; it was satisfying after the mess of events. The cover is beautiful and for a debut novel, I was impressed by the writing and plot-line. I will definitely consider reading more of Pamela’s books in the future!!

Thank you Kate Rock Book Tours and Pamela Ungashick for having me as a part of this tour and sending me this beautiful book!! ✨

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, just wow. This book was amazingly written. In a small town where everybody knows what’s going on, but no one will do anything about it. The scenes in here were a bit hard to stomach, so would definitely be sure to check triggers. I’m usually okay, but this was a hard read for me. Overall I think author did an amazing job with the imagery of the story and I would definitely recommend this for anyone who enjoys complicated family dynamics and isn’t easily triggered by in depth depictions of abuse.

[Emmeline Everdeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intense book. Absolutely excellent thriller of sorts. The characters were incredibly well developed and you could feel the stress and tension leap off the page. This book kept me turning pages. And the twists! They are excellent and unexpected and perfect. The author also did amazing at creating the setting of the late 40s. The small nuisance of the time, including the beginnings of women finding their own voice, really helped bring the reader in.
I definitely enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of family drama thrillers. This one is good!

[Tari Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new fiction writer knocks it out of the park with her first at bat! Author Pamela Ungashick has written a story with tension, and fear, along with humanity, and redemption - quite a combination. Readers will relish her descriptive phrases, offering depth to well-drawn characters. I will remember each of the individuals Ungashick has brought to life in this book and cheer on the idea that a screenplay will result. A salient point for readers: if you see something, if you sense something, say something. Knowledge is power.

[Joshua Bish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somebody Knows is a powerful and unforgettable suspense novel that lives up to its award-winning praise. Pamela Ungashick delivers a deeply emotional story filled with tension, family trauma, and psychological intensity. Audrey is a compelling heroine, and the cat-and-mouse dynamic with her unstable mother keeps the stakes painfully high. The writing is vivid, the characters feel hauntingly real, and the suspense builds relentlessly. This is far more than a thriller, it’s a gripping exploration of control, resilience, and survival. Highly recommended.

[SAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pamela Ungashick is a consummate storyteller. Her characters exhibit human traits, good and bad, and situations, hopeful and tragic, that we see in ourselves and others we know, even if not quite on the extreme end of the evil spectrum exhibited by some of the people in her book. She keeps us guessing as to what will happen next, as well as forcing readers, while being judgmental from a safe distance, to ask themselves, "What would I do in that situation?" I eagerly await Pamela's next novel.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first impression was that something about the writing seemed nostalgic, and the characters were interesting. It was light and pleasant to read, but as I read on, I felt that I didn't really connect with the characters as much as I would have liked, and the story didn't really hold my attention.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry Corrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Run, don’t walk, to read this initial offering from Ms. Ungashick. The book is rich in real world character development that forces the reader to deeply invest in the complicated stories that entwine the book’s protagonists.

Not your typical noir whodunnit… it’s a hardscrabble world where the author resists easy plot twists, trusting in her characters’ abilities to act in very real world, if often flawed, decisions.

Loved this.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know how she managed to make such a tragic, horrific and yet hopeful story so engrossing and engaging, but it was all that and more. The writing was poignant, touching and I want to say light - but that is not the right word - I can imagine that this could have been heavy handed, but it was the exact opposite.
It was gripping. So very well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly you can’t put it down! Not only are you dying to see what Edith can come up with next, you’re routing for things to turn around for Audrey all the while your heart is breaking for Harry, the little brother! And you can’t forget about what Somebody Knows! And who is the somebody! And the twists to keep you wanting more! All set in the post war depression era. You’re transported back as the fly on the wall seeing things you shouldn’t have. I purchased this book from Amazon

[Dawn McGill Dalrymple · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a "heavy" story for sure! Poor Audrey Mae Scott, she always seems to be on the other end of her mother's wrath, and with being set in the early 1900s this wrath comes in physical punishment. Edith, the mother is married to Clarence and has a huge chip on her shoulder and likes to take this out on her poor daughter. Then to make matters worse Edith discovers Audrey's diary which opens a whole new level of craziness!

[Angela Warwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're somebody who's intrigued by hidden diaries, secret hideouts in the woods, intricate blackmail plots, ice picks and poison - you'll enjoy this high-suspense novel as much as I did! It's a thrilling page turner in a writing style that's quite unique and memorable. I will be carrying her cast of characters around in my head for a very long time. I would love to see Somebody Knows as a movie, and I cannot wait to read what Ungashick writes next.