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You Know Why
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Expected 25 Aug 26From New York Times bestselling author J.T. Ellison comes a suspenseful domestic thriller about identity, revenge, and the dangerous secrets kept hidden from the ones we love most.
It’s the holidays, and photographer Brooklyn Locke is bound for Italy with her husband, Trey, and their two children. But when Trey vanishes from the airport, missing their connecting flight, their impromptu vacation—and life as she knows it—begins to unravel.
Desperate to find her husband, Brooklyn accepts help from a stranger on the same flight, Eden Barrow. But Eden soon makes a shocking claim. She is the sister of Trey’s first wife, and ten years ago he was the main suspect in her murder.
Struggling to comprehend these accusations, fate delivers one more a violent accident that leaves Brooklyn fighting for her life. With nowhere else to turn, Brooklyn leans on Eden for support. But each kindness feels too rehearsed, feeding her doubts about Eden’s motives and Trey’s true past.
Brooklyn has her own dark history she’d rather forget and confronts an unsettling possibility. Her life is not what it seems, and the truth is a trap—laid by someone waiting for the perfect time to strike.
It’s the holidays, and photographer Brooklyn Locke is bound for Italy with her husband, Trey, and their two children. But when Trey vanishes from the airport, missing their connecting flight, their impromptu vacation—and life as she knows it—begins to unravel.
Desperate to find her husband, Brooklyn accepts help from a stranger on the same flight, Eden Barrow. But Eden soon makes a shocking claim. She is the sister of Trey’s first wife, and ten years ago he was the main suspect in her murder.
Struggling to comprehend these accusations, fate delivers one more a violent accident that leaves Brooklyn fighting for her life. With nowhere else to turn, Brooklyn leans on Eden for support. But each kindness feels too rehearsed, feeding her doubts about Eden’s motives and Trey’s true past.
Brooklyn has her own dark history she’d rather forget and confronts an unsettling possibility. Her life is not what it seems, and the truth is a trap—laid by someone waiting for the perfect time to strike.
491 pages, Paperback
Expected publication August 25, 2026
9 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Ellison
78 books7,092 followersJ.T. Ellison is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than 30 novels, and the EMMY® award winning co-host of the literary TV show A WORD ON WORDS. She also writes fantasy under the pen name Joss Walker.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
With millions of books in print, her work has won critical acclaim and prestigious awards They have also been optioned for television, and published in 28 countries.
J.T. lives in Nashville with her husband and twin kittens, one of whom is a ghost, where she is hard at work on her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows Brooklyn, a retired traveler turned photographer and mother, whose husband Trey surprises the family with a last-minute trip to Italy. However, things quickly take a strange turn when Trey is recognized by a random woman while getting off their first flight. Shaken by the encounter, he excuses himself to the restroom and then disappears completely. Suddenly, Brooklyn is left stranded in the Atlanta airport with her two children, trying to figure out why her husband vanished without a trace. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Brooklyn, Trey, Eden, and Detective Lee, which added depth and kept the mystery moving.
This book is packed with action right from the start and rarely slows down. The pacing kept me engaged, and there was always something happening to keep the suspense building. While some plot developments became a bit far-fetched for my personal taste as the story progressed, I still felt that everything came together nicely in the end. Overall, this was a solid thriller with plenty of twists, fast pacing, and an intriguing mystery at its core.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows Brooklyn, a retired traveler turned photographer and mother, whose husband Trey surprises the family with a last-minute trip to Italy. However, things quickly take a strange turn when Trey is recognized by a random woman while getting off their first flight. Shaken by the encounter, he excuses himself to the restroom and then disappears completely. Suddenly, Brooklyn is left stranded in the Atlanta airport with her two children, trying to figure out why her husband vanished without a trace. The story is told through multiple perspectives, including Brooklyn, Trey, Eden, and Detective Lee, which added depth and kept the mystery moving.
This book is packed with action right from the start and rarely slows down. The pacing kept me engaged, and there was always something happening to keep the suspense building. While some plot developments became a bit far-fetched for my personal taste as the story progressed, I still felt that everything came together nicely in the end. Overall, this was a solid thriller with plenty of twists, fast pacing, and an intriguing mystery at its core.
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April 12, 2026NetGalley Review
4/5 ⭐️
Picture this, it’s the holiday season and your husband comes home one day to tell you that he has to be at a conference in Italy in 24 hours and the whole family is coming with. Fast forward it’s the day of and what’s a travel day without a few bumps in the road. Trey our MMC is really uptight which Brooklyn FMC doesn’t find weird at first because he doesn’t enjoy flying so his grumpiness is to be expected. That is until things take a turn. On their first flight a woman recognizes Trey but calls him Andrew and says that they went to high school together. Trey pretends he doesn’t know this woman but starts acting very weird after this encounter. Fast forward it’s time to board their connecting flight and Trey is nowhere to be found. Brooklyn is worried some thing has happened to him, that is until she sees video footage of Trey getting into a rideshare leaving her and the kids behind.
Within the first 5-6 chapters my jaw was on the FLOOR! So much happens which is my kind of book, something that grabs my attention right away and is fast paced.
I loved the multiple POVs and constantly guessing what was going to happen! Defintiely kept me on my toes with each page.
4/5 ⭐️
Picture this, it’s the holiday season and your husband comes home one day to tell you that he has to be at a conference in Italy in 24 hours and the whole family is coming with. Fast forward it’s the day of and what’s a travel day without a few bumps in the road. Trey our MMC is really uptight which Brooklyn FMC doesn’t find weird at first because he doesn’t enjoy flying so his grumpiness is to be expected. That is until things take a turn. On their first flight a woman recognizes Trey but calls him Andrew and says that they went to high school together. Trey pretends he doesn’t know this woman but starts acting very weird after this encounter. Fast forward it’s time to board their connecting flight and Trey is nowhere to be found. Brooklyn is worried some thing has happened to him, that is until she sees video footage of Trey getting into a rideshare leaving her and the kids behind.
Within the first 5-6 chapters my jaw was on the FLOOR! So much happens which is my kind of book, something that grabs my attention right away and is fast paced.
I loved the multiple POVs and constantly guessing what was going to happen! Defintiely kept me on my toes with each page.
April 27, 2026
In what should be a surprise to no one JT Ellison wrote another incredible thriller! This book gripped me from the first page and had me questioning everything. Short chapters, an alternating timeline and POV makes this move quickly. This is the type of book that you become obsessed with trying to figure out what is going on.
Brooklyn’s husband (who hates to fly) booked a surprise trip to Italy. On the plane a woman recognizes Trey but calls him a different name. While waiting for their connection he goes to the restroom and never comes back. Stranded with 2 kids Brook has no choice but to accept help from the woman on the plane.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This was a fun ride!
Brooklyn’s husband (who hates to fly) booked a surprise trip to Italy. On the plane a woman recognizes Trey but calls him a different name. While waiting for their connection he goes to the restroom and never comes back. Stranded with 2 kids Brook has no choice but to accept help from the woman on the plane.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. This was a fun ride!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I enjoy JT Ellison’s thrillers, so I was excited to find this one. There is a LOT going on here, to the point that I’m not quite sure how to write a coherent review! The basic premise is that Brooklyn and Trey have a picture perfect life, although they’re both hiding dark pasts they haven’t been totally up front about. But they’ve been together for 10 years, and it’s sort of understood that this marriage represented a reset for both of them. Brook is a food photographer and Trey works for a venture capitalist firm run by Brook’s aunt and uncle. So lucky, so money, so happy, etc. Then one day he tells Brook that he has to go to Italy for some conference, so he’s taking the whole family on a monthlong vacation. Brook is first shocked because it’s such short notice (they literally leave the next day), but also because Trey HATES to fly. Like, pathologically afraid to get on a plane. This is the first thing that sets off alarm bells. When they get to the airport, they’re rerouted at the last second - instead of flying from Nashville to London to Milan, they’re flying from Nashville to Atlanta, and then direct to Milan from there. But they’ve been upgraded to first class yay!
First of all, it seems wild to me that it’s even an option to fly from Nashville to Atlanta, since it’s like a 30 minute flight (I was putting it down to a regional airport thing, but they were originally supposed to fly to London from Nashville, so shrug).
Anyway, Trey freaks out about the rerouting, to a degree that shocks Brooklyn, even taking his fear of flying into account. And as they’re getting off the plane, a woman comes up to Trey, claiming to know him, calling him Andrew (his real name - he’s Andrew Locke III). It shakes him to the point that he’s even MORE freaked out. He insists Brook and the kids get on the flight to Milan, goes to the bathroom and just…doesn’t come back. Brook freaks out and basically grounds the flight (it’s like a less funny version of “This plane doesn’t even have a phalange!”). As she’s talking to TSA and the airline, who should helpfully appear out of nowhere but Eden? The woman from the flight who claimed to know Trey. She sets off all of Brook’s internal alarm bells, but she’s in dire straits - all of her accounts have been overdrawn or locked, she’s four hours from home, and even though her sister booked them a hotel, the hotel needs a card on file and can’t use Mallory’s over the phone. So against her better judgement, Brook and the kids end up staying with Eden. And when Eden shares her connection with Brook - Trey was married to Eden’s sister, and was also the sole suspect in her murder ten years earlier, Brook tries to run and is immediately hit by a car. It’s clear this whole thing goes deeper than just a guy wanting to bail on his family, but it’s impossible to know who to trust or who is telling the truth - including Brooklyn herself.
I can’t say much more without risk of spoilers, but again - a LOT going on here. We have perspectives from a whole host of characters - Brooklyn, Eden, Theresa the detective, Trey himself, even his first wife Chloe in flashback. It manages to give the full perspective of what’s going on, but ultimately I think there may have been one too many balls to juggle. No spoilers, but there’s a whole thing with Brooklyn’s own tragic past that I don’t think was strictly necessary? It was just one more contortion and it felt rushed - there’s probably a novel’s worth of plot in that particular development, and it’s given short shrift here. But it’s a fun, wild ride that I had a hard time putting down.
First of all, it seems wild to me that it’s even an option to fly from Nashville to Atlanta, since it’s like a 30 minute flight (I was putting it down to a regional airport thing, but they were originally supposed to fly to London from Nashville, so shrug).
Anyway, Trey freaks out about the rerouting, to a degree that shocks Brooklyn, even taking his fear of flying into account. And as they’re getting off the plane, a woman comes up to Trey, claiming to know him, calling him Andrew (his real name - he’s Andrew Locke III). It shakes him to the point that he’s even MORE freaked out. He insists Brook and the kids get on the flight to Milan, goes to the bathroom and just…doesn’t come back. Brook freaks out and basically grounds the flight (it’s like a less funny version of “This plane doesn’t even have a phalange!”). As she’s talking to TSA and the airline, who should helpfully appear out of nowhere but Eden? The woman from the flight who claimed to know Trey. She sets off all of Brook’s internal alarm bells, but she’s in dire straits - all of her accounts have been overdrawn or locked, she’s four hours from home, and even though her sister booked them a hotel, the hotel needs a card on file and can’t use Mallory’s over the phone. So against her better judgement, Brook and the kids end up staying with Eden. And when Eden shares her connection with Brook - Trey was married to Eden’s sister, and was also the sole suspect in her murder ten years earlier, Brook tries to run and is immediately hit by a car. It’s clear this whole thing goes deeper than just a guy wanting to bail on his family, but it’s impossible to know who to trust or who is telling the truth - including Brooklyn herself.
I can’t say much more without risk of spoilers, but again - a LOT going on here. We have perspectives from a whole host of characters - Brooklyn, Eden, Theresa the detective, Trey himself, even his first wife Chloe in flashback. It manages to give the full perspective of what’s going on, but ultimately I think there may have been one too many balls to juggle. No spoilers, but there’s a whole thing with Brooklyn’s own tragic past that I don’t think was strictly necessary? It was just one more contortion and it felt rushed - there’s probably a novel’s worth of plot in that particular development, and it’s given short shrift here. But it’s a fun, wild ride that I had a hard time putting down.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a masterclass in the "unraveling life" trope. It took me a few chapters to really find my footing with the setup, but once the momentum kicked in, I was absolutely hooked. I’m landing on a full 5 stars because of how relentlessly the tension builds.
Why It Works
• The Multi-POV Mastery: I love a story told from different character perspectives, and Ellison uses them perfectly here. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a way to drip-feed you information while making you doubt every single narrator. Just when you think you’ve pinned down who is lying, the perspective shifts and throws the whole board over.
• The "Stranger Danger" Hook: The dynamic between Brooklyn and Eden is incredibly uncomfortable. Leaning on a stranger who just dropped a bombshell about your husband’s past is a recipe for anxiety, and the writing makes you feel that suffocating uncertainty. Every "kindness" from Eden feels like a hidden blade.
• Identity and Baggage: I really liked that Brooklyn wasn't just a passive victim. She has her own dark history, which adds a layer of "game recognize game" to the suspense. It’s a domestic thriller where nobody is truly innocent.
My Only Gripe
• The Slow Burn Start: If you’re looking for a breakneck opening page, this isn't quite it. It takes a minute to establish the family dynamics and the airport chaos before the real teeth of the story come out. But stick with it—once the flight lands and the accident happens, the pacing becomes a total sprint.
Final Verdict
If you enjoy stories about the "perfect" marriage being a complete facade, You Know Why is a must-read. It’s twisty, atmospheric, and does a great job of making you second-guess your own theories right up until the end. Clear your schedule before you start the second half.
Why It Works
• The Multi-POV Mastery: I love a story told from different character perspectives, and Ellison uses them perfectly here. It’s not just a gimmick; it’s a way to drip-feed you information while making you doubt every single narrator. Just when you think you’ve pinned down who is lying, the perspective shifts and throws the whole board over.
• The "Stranger Danger" Hook: The dynamic between Brooklyn and Eden is incredibly uncomfortable. Leaning on a stranger who just dropped a bombshell about your husband’s past is a recipe for anxiety, and the writing makes you feel that suffocating uncertainty. Every "kindness" from Eden feels like a hidden blade.
• Identity and Baggage: I really liked that Brooklyn wasn't just a passive victim. She has her own dark history, which adds a layer of "game recognize game" to the suspense. It’s a domestic thriller where nobody is truly innocent.
My Only Gripe
• The Slow Burn Start: If you’re looking for a breakneck opening page, this isn't quite it. It takes a minute to establish the family dynamics and the airport chaos before the real teeth of the story come out. But stick with it—once the flight lands and the accident happens, the pacing becomes a total sprint.
Final Verdict
If you enjoy stories about the "perfect" marriage being a complete facade, You Know Why is a must-read. It’s twisty, atmospheric, and does a great job of making you second-guess your own theories right up until the end. Clear your schedule before you start the second half.
April 29, 2026
You Know Why is one of those thrillers that begins with a single wrong turn—a missed flight, a moment of confusion—and then quietly, relentlessly unravels everything a character thought she knew. J.T. Ellison leans into that creeping sense of disorientation beautifully, crafting a story that feels both intimate and razor‑sharp, the kind of domestic suspense that tightens its grip page by page.
Brooklyn Locke is a compelling centre to the chaos: a woman who should be on the cusp of a dream holiday with her family, only to watch her life tilt sideways when her husband vanishes without explanation. From there, the novel becomes a tangle of shifting loyalties and half‑truths, with Eden Barrow stepping into the narrative like a shadow—helpful, sympathetic, and just a little too polished to trust. Ellison plays with that uncertainty so well, letting Brooklyn’s doubts seep into the reader until every kindness feels like a warning.
The tension builds with a steady, unsettling rhythm. A shocking accusation, a violent accident, a past that refuses to stay buried—each layer adds to the sense that Brooklyn is walking through a life built on sand. What I loved is how the story balances its twists with a deeper exploration of identity and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. Nothing is simple here, and Ellison never lets the truth arrive without emotional weight.
Atmospheric, twisty, and quietly unnerving, You Know Why is a domestic thriller that keeps its secrets close until the very last moment. It’s the kind of book that leaves you second‑guessing everyone, including the narrator herself, and turning pages long after you meant to stop.
with thanks to JT Ellison, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Brooklyn Locke is a compelling centre to the chaos: a woman who should be on the cusp of a dream holiday with her family, only to watch her life tilt sideways when her husband vanishes without explanation. From there, the novel becomes a tangle of shifting loyalties and half‑truths, with Eden Barrow stepping into the narrative like a shadow—helpful, sympathetic, and just a little too polished to trust. Ellison plays with that uncertainty so well, letting Brooklyn’s doubts seep into the reader until every kindness feels like a warning.
The tension builds with a steady, unsettling rhythm. A shocking accusation, a violent accident, a past that refuses to stay buried—each layer adds to the sense that Brooklyn is walking through a life built on sand. What I loved is how the story balances its twists with a deeper exploration of identity and the stories we tell ourselves to survive. Nothing is simple here, and Ellison never lets the truth arrive without emotional weight.
Atmospheric, twisty, and quietly unnerving, You Know Why is a domestic thriller that keeps its secrets close until the very last moment. It’s the kind of book that leaves you second‑guessing everyone, including the narrator herself, and turning pages long after you meant to stop.
with thanks to JT Ellison, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
April 15, 2026
read if you like:
📚 lots of subplots
🤷♀️ missing people
🙄 messy backstories
summary:
I love a good thriller set in an airport, and this one is no exception! It follows Brooklyn Locke, whose husband, Trey, plans a spontaneous and last minute trip for them to Italy for the holidays. When their travel plans change and they end up on a layover in Atlanta, Trey disappears, leaving Brooklyn and their two kids stranded and confused. A stranger offers to help, and it quickly becomes clear that she knows Trey from a past life. When an accident leaves Brooklyn fighting for her life, suddenly it turns into a tense unraveling of marriage, relationships and the secrets people keep buried.
This book is tense from the first chapter and keeps going until the very end. There are a lot of characters, but most of them are unreliable, so it forces you to question everyone. With every reveal, the story changes, and you ask yourself again — what are people hiding? The book itself hits on some of my favorite thriller elements — a missing husband, a messy past, an unreliable stranger with her own secrets, and a main character who has her whole life in question. It’s unsettling, wild and builds up the emotional tension on every page.
It’s a perfect blend of a marriage thriller, a missing person mystery and a story where a dark past comes haunting to change the future. If you like a dark mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a perfect book. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and check this out when it releases on August 25!
📚 lots of subplots
🤷♀️ missing people
🙄 messy backstories
summary:
I love a good thriller set in an airport, and this one is no exception! It follows Brooklyn Locke, whose husband, Trey, plans a spontaneous and last minute trip for them to Italy for the holidays. When their travel plans change and they end up on a layover in Atlanta, Trey disappears, leaving Brooklyn and their two kids stranded and confused. A stranger offers to help, and it quickly becomes clear that she knows Trey from a past life. When an accident leaves Brooklyn fighting for her life, suddenly it turns into a tense unraveling of marriage, relationships and the secrets people keep buried.
This book is tense from the first chapter and keeps going until the very end. There are a lot of characters, but most of them are unreliable, so it forces you to question everyone. With every reveal, the story changes, and you ask yourself again — what are people hiding? The book itself hits on some of my favorite thriller elements — a missing husband, a messy past, an unreliable stranger with her own secrets, and a main character who has her whole life in question. It’s unsettling, wild and builds up the emotional tension on every page.
It’s a perfect blend of a marriage thriller, a missing person mystery and a story where a dark past comes haunting to change the future. If you like a dark mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this is a perfect book. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced copy, and check this out when it releases on August 25!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Where do I even start in Ellison's latest stand-alone book that is absolutely brilliant?
Brooklyn is happily married to Trey, living a quiet, domestic life with their two kids and their dog. A few weeks before Christmas, Trey comes to her with a surprise- they are going to Italy to celebrate the holidays TOMORROW. Excited, Brooklyn gets everything ready and they head off the next day.
But once on the plane, Trey disappears. Brooklyn and the kids get off the flight to find that not only is he gone, he deserted them at the airport. To save the day is someone from Trey's past- Eden. Trey's first wife's sister. He had been accused of his wife's death ten years ago, which Brooklyn never knew.
She's finding out a lot of things she never knew about her husband's past. Which had been fine, as she didn't want him finding out about her past.
Suddenly, her family is in trouble and she doesn't know why. Trey has apparently been up to several things right under her nose. How could she have missed this? Is he really capable of all this?
This grips you from the get-go and is told through multiple POVs and the timeline shifts every so often. Utterly fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Brooklyn is happily married to Trey, living a quiet, domestic life with their two kids and their dog. A few weeks before Christmas, Trey comes to her with a surprise- they are going to Italy to celebrate the holidays TOMORROW. Excited, Brooklyn gets everything ready and they head off the next day.
But once on the plane, Trey disappears. Brooklyn and the kids get off the flight to find that not only is he gone, he deserted them at the airport. To save the day is someone from Trey's past- Eden. Trey's first wife's sister. He had been accused of his wife's death ten years ago, which Brooklyn never knew.
She's finding out a lot of things she never knew about her husband's past. Which had been fine, as she didn't want him finding out about her past.
Suddenly, her family is in trouble and she doesn't know why. Trey has apparently been up to several things right under her nose. How could she have missed this? Is he really capable of all this?
This grips you from the get-go and is told through multiple POVs and the timeline shifts every so often. Utterly fantastic!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was one wild story. Kuddos to J.T. Ellison for coming up with something so tangled and engaging. It grips right from the start and doesn't let go until the very end. The plot was so multilayered and twisty that at the end you realize there's actually more than one story going on.
I loved the character development and writing style. Multiple POVs and timelines meant multiple writing styles to emphasize the mood of each different character. It's a rare trait for thrillers that adds such amazing eeriness.
This is perfect for those mystery lovers who like the ongoing guessing game. Just when you think you've figured it out - you realize there's something else happening altogether. And the guessing game continues...
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the amazing ARC that entertained me throughout one sleepless night.
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I loved the character development and writing style. Multiple POVs and timelines meant multiple writing styles to emphasize the mood of each different character. It's a rare trait for thrillers that adds such amazing eeriness.
This is perfect for those mystery lovers who like the ongoing guessing game. Just when you think you've figured it out - you realize there's something else happening altogether. And the guessing game continues...
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the amazing ARC that entertained me throughout one sleepless night.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thoroughly enjoyed this Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) that I received courtesy of #NetGalley. It was a truly captivating read, and I feel like I've discovered a fantastic new author whose back catalogue I am now eager to explore.
This particular novel marks my first experience with J.T. Ellison's work, and I can confidently say it absolutely did not disappoint. From the moment I started the first chapter, I was immediately drawn into the intricate storyline. Ellison masterfully crafts a compelling narrative that had me completely hooked and invested in the characters and their fates.
The plotting was exceptional. The various twists and turns woven throughout the narrative were genuinely surprising and well-executed, avoiding predictability. Moreover, the story maintained a consistently high level of suspense, creating a palpable tension that made it utterly impossible to put down. This was a true page-turner that kept me guessing until the very end.
This book earns a strong 4 out of 5 stars from me! I highly recommend it to fans of suspense and thrillers.
This particular novel marks my first experience with J.T. Ellison's work, and I can confidently say it absolutely did not disappoint. From the moment I started the first chapter, I was immediately drawn into the intricate storyline. Ellison masterfully crafts a compelling narrative that had me completely hooked and invested in the characters and their fates.
The plotting was exceptional. The various twists and turns woven throughout the narrative were genuinely surprising and well-executed, avoiding predictability. Moreover, the story maintained a consistently high level of suspense, creating a palpable tension that made it utterly impossible to put down. This was a true page-turner that kept me guessing until the very end.
This book earns a strong 4 out of 5 stars from me! I highly recommend it to fans of suspense and thrillers.
April 17, 2026
Take every cliche of a trashy thriller, and this book has it: twins, amnesia, mental illness, and a woman who sticks by her husband when common sense says she shouldn’t. Perhaps these tropes work if used in clever or unexpected ways. For me, though, this book fell completely flat.
The plot was convoluted, with improbable choices made by characters at almost every turn. Some revelations come out of the blue while others aren’t even fully explained. In the last few chapters, one character asks another about getting a weapon through a checkpoint, and he responds only by asking her why she cares so much about that. We never even get an answer.
It didn’t help that the book jumped between characters and that each character’s voice was indistinguishable from each other. The only feature that set apart the main character was that she called everyone in her family “baby” every time she spoke. The writing felt amateurish and cliched.
If I didn’t know better, I’d suspect that the publisher fed a library of thrillers to AI, and this is the result.
ARC from Net Galley
The plot was convoluted, with improbable choices made by characters at almost every turn. Some revelations come out of the blue while others aren’t even fully explained. In the last few chapters, one character asks another about getting a weapon through a checkpoint, and he responds only by asking her why she cares so much about that. We never even get an answer.
It didn’t help that the book jumped between characters and that each character’s voice was indistinguishable from each other. The only feature that set apart the main character was that she called everyone in her family “baby” every time she spoke. The writing felt amateurish and cliched.
If I didn’t know better, I’d suspect that the publisher fed a library of thrillers to AI, and this is the result.
ARC from Net Galley
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Strap yourselves in and hold tightly for this mind blowing read. You Know Why by J.T. Ellison is an addictive and twisty drama packed with tension and action. This is a book you aren't sure if you want to binge read all in one sitting or read it slowly and savor each chapter. (Hint: you can't go wrong either way!)
Brooklyn and Trey, along with their children are readying to take a spur of the moment trip to Italy. From the start, nothing goes as planned. They're bumped from their first flight to London, but get rebooked as an upgrade, but have to fly to Atlanta. Upon hearing this news, Trey begins to act out of character. When he disappears from the Atlanta airport, their life unravels at a mind numbing pace.
This book was so dark and twisty. The pace was fast and the writing razor sharp. It was hard to know which characters were trustworthy, adding to the tension. The climax was a jaw dropper that I didn't see coming but left me satisfied.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced copy
Brooklyn and Trey, along with their children are readying to take a spur of the moment trip to Italy. From the start, nothing goes as planned. They're bumped from their first flight to London, but get rebooked as an upgrade, but have to fly to Atlanta. Upon hearing this news, Trey begins to act out of character. When he disappears from the Atlanta airport, their life unravels at a mind numbing pace.
This book was so dark and twisty. The pace was fast and the writing razor sharp. It was hard to know which characters were trustworthy, adding to the tension. The climax was a jaw dropper that I didn't see coming but left me satisfied.
Thanks to Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for the advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
First and foremost, I would like to extend a sincere thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing me with this advanced digital copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Title: You Know Why
Author: J.T. Ellison
Genre: Thriller / Psychological Suspense
Release Date: 8/25/26
I truly enjoyed this book. From the first page, it caught my attention and kept it. I found myself pausing other books to come back to this one to find out what's going to happen next. Very fast paced book.
I enjoyed the book being multi-POV. I was intrigued more and more each time the POV switched, and I saw a different perspective.I love feeling like I am inside the character's head. Im realizing I love thrillers where we can see, feel, taste their nterworkings. Most of the time, I was unsure of who to trust.
This book was definitely twisty. Some twists I could guess, others I didn't see coming at all. Overall, I would recommend this book to friends.
Title: You Know Why
Author: J.T. Ellison
Genre: Thriller / Psychological Suspense
Release Date: 8/25/26
I truly enjoyed this book. From the first page, it caught my attention and kept it. I found myself pausing other books to come back to this one to find out what's going to happen next. Very fast paced book.
I enjoyed the book being multi-POV. I was intrigued more and more each time the POV switched, and I saw a different perspective.I love feeling like I am inside the character's head. Im realizing I love thrillers where we can see, feel, taste their nterworkings. Most of the time, I was unsure of who to trust.
This book was definitely twisty. Some twists I could guess, others I didn't see coming at all. Overall, I would recommend this book to friends.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a terrific surprise and I’m so glad I got it for review via NetGalley. There were layers upon layers and twist after twist. The story grabbed me from the first page, and I couldn’t figure out where it was going. What a wild ride!
Brooklyn’s husband proposes a Christmas trip to Italy (along with their two young children, and they’re way braver than I am) and they begin with a hiccup of being bumped to another flight and that starts all the commotion. The big theme overall is wondering who is telling the truth and who is lying through their teeth!
I highly recommend this one! I haven’t read a lot of standouts lately, but this one achieved that! Thank you, JT Ellison!
I received a copy of the digital ARC via the publisher, the author, and NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Brooklyn’s husband proposes a Christmas trip to Italy (along with their two young children, and they’re way braver than I am) and they begin with a hiccup of being bumped to another flight and that starts all the commotion. The big theme overall is wondering who is telling the truth and who is lying through their teeth!
I highly recommend this one! I haven’t read a lot of standouts lately, but this one achieved that! Thank you, JT Ellison!
I received a copy of the digital ARC via the publisher, the author, and NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book said “just one more twist” about 47 times 😅
The premise immediately pulled me in – a wealthy husband disappears at the airport just before a family vacation to Italy a couple of weeks before Christmas. While his wife tries to piece everything together, a stranger shows up with some very unsettling information about his past. From there, it just keeps getting worse for everyone involved.
What didn't work for me was the length of the story. At nearly 500 pages, it definitely started to feel a bit drawn out at times, even with the multiple POVs and timeline shifts. Financial crime isn’t really my favorite thriller element, so some parts didn’t fully hold my attention.
Overall though, it’s a twisty, entertaining read that keeps you guessing and second-guessing the whole way through.
4.25 ⭐
The premise immediately pulled me in – a wealthy husband disappears at the airport just before a family vacation to Italy a couple of weeks before Christmas. While his wife tries to piece everything together, a stranger shows up with some very unsettling information about his past. From there, it just keeps getting worse for everyone involved.
What didn't work for me was the length of the story. At nearly 500 pages, it definitely started to feel a bit drawn out at times, even with the multiple POVs and timeline shifts. Financial crime isn’t really my favorite thriller element, so some parts didn’t fully hold my attention.
Overall though, it’s a twisty, entertaining read that keeps you guessing and second-guessing the whole way through.
4.25 ⭐
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Buckle up for a wild ride and suspend disbelief because right when you think you know what's going on, it gets even less plausible. Holy cow. This was a journey from start to finish — it doesn't feel like ANYONE is a reliable narrator and the red herrings are in shades from pink to ruby. As I always say, I'm here reading with the lights off and very often miss the hints towards any reveals, and I prefer it that way! I want to be surprised and confused (lol) and there was not a moment throughout this story — even at the alleged ending where we "know" the truth — that I wasn't on the edge of my seat.
Easy 4.5 star read, and a great recommendation for someone just coming back to reading or in a slump.
*Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC!*
Easy 4.5 star read, and a great recommendation for someone just coming back to reading or in a slump.
*Thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the ARC!*
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
J.T. Ellison is simply too good at what she does. This book had my stomach in knots the entire time 😅 The way she captures a mother’s instinct to protect her children felt so raw and authentic—it’s exactly how I imagine I would feel in that situation.
I loved how engaging and fast-paced the story was. I sometimes struggle to keep track of characters in standalone novels, especially when multiple perspectives are involved, but that wasn’t an issue here. The narrative quickly finds its rhythm and never lets up.
This was a brilliant read from start to finish. And for longtime fans, there’s even a small Easter egg tucked in—a fun little cameo that I won’t spoil 😉
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this fantastic novel.
I loved how engaging and fast-paced the story was. I sometimes struggle to keep track of characters in standalone novels, especially when multiple perspectives are involved, but that wasn’t an issue here. The narrative quickly finds its rhythm and never lets up.
This was a brilliant read from start to finish. And for longtime fans, there’s even a small Easter egg tucked in—a fun little cameo that I won’t spoil 😉
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this fantastic novel.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
READ MY FULL REVIEW AT Best Thriller Books
Dramatic, anxiety-inducing and with Single White Female vibes, You Know Why will hold you in suspense as you scream out loud at the characters and hang your head in despair as they ignore the warnings they cannot hear. J.T. Ellison has crafted a brilliant psychological domestic thriller that you feel with your whole being, giving you heart palpitations and a pounding pulse.
I cannot stress enough how brilliantly stressful You Know Why is for the reader. An exceptional stories that invades your bones and sets up shop for the duration. Leaving a lasting and powerful impression that you’re unable to shake for weeks afterward.
Dramatic, anxiety-inducing and with Single White Female vibes, You Know Why will hold you in suspense as you scream out loud at the characters and hang your head in despair as they ignore the warnings they cannot hear. J.T. Ellison has crafted a brilliant psychological domestic thriller that you feel with your whole being, giving you heart palpitations and a pounding pulse.
I cannot stress enough how brilliantly stressful You Know Why is for the reader. An exceptional stories that invades your bones and sets up shop for the duration. Leaving a lasting and powerful impression that you’re unable to shake for weeks afterward.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WOW, readers—y’all are in for a ride with this one!! A MUST-READ for fans of thrillers, suspense, layered plots, and gripping mystery!
I was on edge the entire time—nervous, questioning everything, and completely hooked. The tension builds fast and never lets up. Truly mysterious and addictive!
A last-minute overseas trip for a married couple with two small children quickly spirals into something far more sinister…
Step 1 – Get the children to safety
Step 2 – Call the police
Step 3 – Establish their whereabouts
Step 4 – Get the phone
Step 5 – Remember what I told you
YUP… just go read it!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced ARC!
WOW, readers—y’all are in for a ride with this one!! A MUST-READ for fans of thrillers, suspense, layered plots, and gripping mystery!
I was on edge the entire time—nervous, questioning everything, and completely hooked. The tension builds fast and never lets up. Truly mysterious and addictive!
A last-minute overseas trip for a married couple with two small children quickly spirals into something far more sinister…
Step 1 – Get the children to safety
Step 2 – Call the police
Step 3 – Establish their whereabouts
Step 4 – Get the phone
Step 5 – Remember what I told you
YUP… just go read it!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advanced ARC!
April 13, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book.
Brooklyn’s husband, Trey, plans a surprise trip to Italy. However, at the airport he disappears without a trace. When someone attempts to kill Brooklyn it’s clear that something or someone connected to one of their pasts is out for revenge!
Oh my! This book was exciting. There was no time to form theories as the direction the plot was going in was constantly changing. I had no idea who to trust, so I just kept reading! Really enjoyed this one and just couldn’t put it down. Even after finishing, in still thinking about it and the way it got my heart racing. Highly recommend.
Brooklyn’s husband, Trey, plans a surprise trip to Italy. However, at the airport he disappears without a trace. When someone attempts to kill Brooklyn it’s clear that something or someone connected to one of their pasts is out for revenge!
Oh my! This book was exciting. There was no time to form theories as the direction the plot was going in was constantly changing. I had no idea who to trust, so I just kept reading! Really enjoyed this one and just couldn’t put it down. Even after finishing, in still thinking about it and the way it got my heart racing. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
You Know Why is a smart, addictive read that delivers everything you want in a thriller: intrigue, twists, and a lingering sense of unease that stays with you long after you finish. It is cleverly constructed, full of unexpected turns that kept me guessing. Never a dull moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed You Know Why and recommend getting your copy on August 25 2026. Until then check out other books by JT Ellison..
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I thoroughly enjoyed You Know Why and recommend getting your copy on August 25 2026. Until then check out other books by JT Ellison..
Thank you Netgalley and Thomas and Mercer for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Read
April 11, 20265 Stars for You Know Why by outstanding wordsmith J.T. Ellison. The book is published by Thomas & Mercer and is a full length stand alone.
A twisty read full of unexpected turns. Yea twists and turns I never saw coming and had me guessing til the very end.
I started reading and soon I thought I had it all figured out. But nope, I didn't.
Brooklyn, Trey and their kids. Eden and her past. And a real boon for me meeting John Baldwin again - yes, sign me up.
The Queen of mystery did it again. She wrote a literally unputdownble gem of a story.
I highly recommend the book, 5 stars.
A twisty read full of unexpected turns. Yea twists and turns I never saw coming and had me guessing til the very end.
I started reading and soon I thought I had it all figured out. But nope, I didn't.
Brooklyn, Trey and their kids. Eden and her past. And a real boon for me meeting John Baldwin again - yes, sign me up.
The Queen of mystery did it again. She wrote a literally unputdownble gem of a story.
I highly recommend the book, 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This certainly is one convoluted story. It grabbed my attention right away and didn’t let go til the last page! So many twists that I did not see coming. The alternating timelines and POVs really add intrigue and some confusion, really making my brain hurt. Trying to puzzle it out the whole time, I thought I had it all figured out but I wasn’t even close. Ellison has written an involved, well thought-out thriller that is sure to be a best seller!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.
April 23, 2026
ARC from Netgalley
I want to start off by saying I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive this ARC. I do also want to say I feel like that gives me a responsibility to be honest. I can’t say this was my favorite book ever. There were so many twists and turns that it felt like a forced ploy twist that actually felt somewhat predictable by the end of not by the middle. With that being said, there are so many characters and details in this book that created almost a movie like action packed drama/mystery/thriller.
I want to start off by saying I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive this ARC. I do also want to say I feel like that gives me a responsibility to be honest. I can’t say this was my favorite book ever. There were so many twists and turns that it felt like a forced ploy twist that actually felt somewhat predictable by the end of not by the middle. With that being said, there are so many characters and details in this book that created almost a movie like action packed drama/mystery/thriller.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of this book is What if your husband left you and your kids in the airport? What would you do? Who would you believe? The characters are likable. The story twists and turns making for a good read. I completely enjoyed the experience and would recommend the book and the author. My rating of 4.5 stars is for this. Only deducting half a star because it's not a book that I will think about years from now.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.
This book has a lot going on. If you like a lot of POV-switching (like, a LOT), action, and people making bad decisions, this is the book for you!
Brooklyn's husband announces a family trip but then disappears from the airport. Chaos and drama ensue. An airport stranger offers to help out and Brooklyn and her ragtag group of acquaintances work in multi POVs to figure out where Trey has gone and why. There's drama in the marriage, in the airport, and in the past, and everyone has a POV waiting to be told.
This book has a lot going on. If you like a lot of POV-switching (like, a LOT), action, and people making bad decisions, this is the book for you!
Brooklyn's husband announces a family trip but then disappears from the airport. Chaos and drama ensue. An airport stranger offers to help out and Brooklyn and her ragtag group of acquaintances work in multi POVs to figure out where Trey has gone and why. There's drama in the marriage, in the airport, and in the past, and everyone has a POV waiting to be told.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a digital ARC of this novel from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The pacing of this novel was perfect. I had to keep reading to figure out what was happening. Everyone had secrets and I had no idea who to trust at every turn. I do think this story would make a great movie. Many of the scenes were easy to visualize, and they would be amazing on screen.
The pacing of this novel was perfect. I had to keep reading to figure out what was happening. Everyone had secrets and I had no idea who to trust at every turn. I do think this story would make a great movie. Many of the scenes were easy to visualize, and they would be amazing on screen.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This had me hooked from the very beginning. A seemingly perfect family is on their way to an Italian vacation when something happens in the airport and the husband disappears. No one is as they seem in this book and they all have secrets to hide. This was a perfect thriller. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the eARC.
What an incredible read, it blew me away. So well written, such tensions and very surprising twists.
The happy family, two parents and two young children, are on their way to a sudden trip to Italy. But the trip was suddenly aborted, the father walked away and left the family on the plane. Why?
Read this book, you'll love it!
What an incredible read, it blew me away. So well written, such tensions and very surprising twists.
The happy family, two parents and two young children, are on their way to a sudden trip to Italy. But the trip was suddenly aborted, the father walked away and left the family on the plane. Why?
Read this book, you'll love it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Thomas &:Mercer and Netgalley for this eARC. You Know Why by JT Ellison catches your attention immediately as a devoted husband deserts his family and the layers of this mystery are revealed. I can guarantee you won't see these twists coming!
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