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Noelle Marshall #2
No One Knew
Not yet published
Expected 6 Jan 26Win a free kindle copy of this book!
12 days and 00:28:46
100 copies available
U.S. only
8 hours, 48 minutes
For a detective and an FBI agent, two seemingly disparate murder investigations collide with a twist in an explosive novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
In the crisp mountain air of central Oregon, a teenage girl’s search for discarded cans leads to a horrifying a body, brutally murdered and abandoned in the woods. The case falls to Deschutes County Detective Noelle Marshall, who finds herself navigating a community steeped in secrets, suspicion, and distrust of outsiders—especially law enforcement.
Miles away, FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes investigates a different kind of darkness—chatter about a violent uprising from a shadowy militia group preparing for war. The two cases seem worlds apart. But as Noelle digs into the murdered man’s past and Max closes in on the source of the terror plot, their paths begin to converge in a terrifying way. This was no random killing. It was a message. A merciless killer and a hidden army are operating in the same shadows, and finding the link between them is the only thing standing between a single murder and a full-blown massacre.
For a detective and an FBI agent, two seemingly disparate murder investigations collide with a twist in an explosive novel of suspense by a Wall Street Journal bestselling author.
In the crisp mountain air of central Oregon, a teenage girl’s search for discarded cans leads to a horrifying a body, brutally murdered and abandoned in the woods. The case falls to Deschutes County Detective Noelle Marshall, who finds herself navigating a community steeped in secrets, suspicion, and distrust of outsiders—especially law enforcement.
Miles away, FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes investigates a different kind of darkness—chatter about a violent uprising from a shadowy militia group preparing for war. The two cases seem worlds apart. But as Noelle digs into the murdered man’s past and Max closes in on the source of the terror plot, their paths begin to converge in a terrifying way. This was no random killing. It was a message. A merciless killer and a hidden army are operating in the same shadows, and finding the link between them is the only thing standing between a single murder and a full-blown massacre.
Audible Audio
Expected publication January 6, 2026
4534 people want to read
About the author
Kendra Elliot
39 books6,349 followersAn Amazon #1 selling author, Kendra Elliot has sold over 14 Million books and been on the WSJ best seller more than a dozen times.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives, but spends most of the time in the high desert in flip flops.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 26, 2025
I started reading Kendra Elliot’s books starting with the Columbia River series where Noelle Marshall made her appearance. This is the 2nd book dedicated to Noelle and in it, we get to know her a little better.
This story starts out with a young girl out in the woods looking for cans when she happens to stumble upon a dead body. Within the next couple of days, 2 more dead bodies turn up. Local authorities, along with the FBI, are tasked with these investigations and to determine if these deaths are related. Kendra Elliot is a master of creating the perfect amount of tension & pacing. Her books bring me back to my days of watching “Criminal Minds.” I will read anything she puts out.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Montlake for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
This story starts out with a young girl out in the woods looking for cans when she happens to stumble upon a dead body. Within the next couple of days, 2 more dead bodies turn up. Local authorities, along with the FBI, are tasked with these investigations and to determine if these deaths are related. Kendra Elliot is a master of creating the perfect amount of tension & pacing. Her books bring me back to my days of watching “Criminal Minds.” I will read anything she puts out.
Many thanks to NetGalley & Montlake for the opportunity to read an advanced eARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
December 23, 2025
This was a suspenseful, emotional story that kept me invested from start to finish. The mystery unfolded gradually, with strong character development and tension that built as secrets from the past began to surface. Elliot did a great job exploring how long-buried truths could ripple through the present in unexpected ways.
The pacing was on the slower side, especially in the beginning, and the presence of multiple story lines meant it took some time for everything to fully connect. That said, once the pieces started falling into place, the story became increasingly compelling and rewarding.
The audiobook experience was enhanced by Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration. She delivered a clear, engaging performance that helped distinguish between characters and maintain emotional depth, even during the more deliberate sections of the story.
Overall, this was a solid, well-crafted suspense novel that fans of character-driven mysteries would appreciate.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
The pacing was on the slower side, especially in the beginning, and the presence of multiple story lines meant it took some time for everything to fully connect. That said, once the pieces started falling into place, the story became increasingly compelling and rewarding.
The audiobook experience was enhanced by Stephanie Németh-Parker’s narration. She delivered a clear, engaging performance that helped distinguish between characters and maintain emotional depth, even during the more deliberate sections of the story.
Overall, this was a solid, well-crafted suspense novel that fans of character-driven mysteries would appreciate.
Thank you to Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the ARC.
August 24, 2025
Another wonderful book by the great Kendra! This book has so many layers, as do all of her books, but this one in particular really kept me guessing at every chapter. The development of Noelle’s character has me anxiously awaiting (hoping!) that we get more of her and Max’s story in future books! Add it to your list! You won’t regret it!
Disclaimer: a NetGalley reviewer
Disclaimer: a NetGalley reviewer
October 23, 2025
Kendra Elliott made a main character out of Noelle Marshall in “Her First Mistake” and we have more Noelle (and her budding romance with FBI agent Max Rhodes in “No One Knew.” Elliott already has plans for #3 and #4 to be published in September 2026 and April 2027.
Central Oregon is still the star of Elliott’s thrillers and this police procedural also feels like an offshoot of the Mercy Kilpatrick/Bone Secrets/FBI agent series: Noelle, of the Deschutes County detective division, is assisting Mercy’s husband, the small town police chief, Truman Daly, of Eagle’s Nest; and Mercy’s co-FBI agent in the Bend office is Max Rhodes, Noelle’s love interest. Also, Detective Evan Bolton from the Columbia River series appears as well. Three jurisdictions: town, county, and federal all get involved in a series of murders, which keep on multiplying.
Central to the story is that there are rumors of possible domestic terrorism threats from “sovereign citizens” in central Oregon, but to what extent is unknown. Elliott slowly unveils the plot, also involving a teenage girl, Emma, who Noelle takes under her wing. It takes awhile to understand that Emma is closer to her investigation than Noelle knows.
In any case, there’s a believable murder investigation that branches out as more contacts are made, eventually building to an action-packed climax that Elliott superbly orchestrates. These books are like popcorn to me and I love the law enforcement characters even more each time as their backgrounds are revealed. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Emma has pale green eyes, and Eleanor has green eyes, too.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO I learned that a completely dead tree is called a snag.
Thank you to Montlake/Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
Central Oregon is still the star of Elliott’s thrillers and this police procedural also feels like an offshoot of the Mercy Kilpatrick/Bone Secrets/FBI agent series: Noelle, of the Deschutes County detective division, is assisting Mercy’s husband, the small town police chief, Truman Daly, of Eagle’s Nest; and Mercy’s co-FBI agent in the Bend office is Max Rhodes, Noelle’s love interest. Also, Detective Evan Bolton from the Columbia River series appears as well. Three jurisdictions: town, county, and federal all get involved in a series of murders, which keep on multiplying.
Central to the story is that there are rumors of possible domestic terrorism threats from “sovereign citizens” in central Oregon, but to what extent is unknown. Elliott slowly unveils the plot, also involving a teenage girl, Emma, who Noelle takes under her wing. It takes awhile to understand that Emma is closer to her investigation than Noelle knows.
In any case, there’s a believable murder investigation that branches out as more contacts are made, eventually building to an action-packed climax that Elliott superbly orchestrates. These books are like popcorn to me and I love the law enforcement characters even more each time as their backgrounds are revealed. 5 stars!
Literary Pet Peeve Checklist:
Green Eyes (only 2% of the real world, yet it seems like 90% of all fictional females): YES Emma has pale green eyes, and Eleanor has green eyes, too.
Horticultural Faux Pas (plants out of season or growing zones, like daffodils in autumn or bougainvillea in Alaska): NO I learned that a completely dead tree is called a snag.
Thank you to Montlake/Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy!
November 7, 2025
4.5/5 rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this one a lot more than the first book, which I also enjoyed! With a relationship and familiarity with the characters it was much easier to jump into this book and the storyline, which is centered around a group of men who are non-conformist terrorists looking to seek revenge on their local judicial system, leaving dead bodies and taking hostages in their wake. Noelle Marshall, a detective for her county, and the FBI are on a race to find the men responsible and put an end to their terroristic plans before they can act on them. A gripping thriller from beginning to end, No One Knew is an entertaining installment in Elliott’s new series and I can’t wait to read the next two she’s got planned!
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this one a lot more than the first book, which I also enjoyed! With a relationship and familiarity with the characters it was much easier to jump into this book and the storyline, which is centered around a group of men who are non-conformist terrorists looking to seek revenge on their local judicial system, leaving dead bodies and taking hostages in their wake. Noelle Marshall, a detective for her county, and the FBI are on a race to find the men responsible and put an end to their terroristic plans before they can act on them. A gripping thriller from beginning to end, No One Knew is an entertaining installment in Elliott’s new series and I can’t wait to read the next two she’s got planned!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgally and the publisher for an advanced copy of the audio book in exchange for an honest review!
This book was ok. I think maybe because I went into it thinking it was going to be a psychological thriller like the other books I've read by this author and it was definitely not. This book is more along the lines of a mystery with little clues popping up throughout the story. The narrator did a fine job, but when the characters have so much internal dialog it makes it kind of hard to follow the story and stay in the moment of what's going on. I liked the basic plot of the story and I enjoyed most of the characters (especially cornbread!) I think i was just hoping for more action. Overall a decent read, especially if you love a mystery.
This book was ok. I think maybe because I went into it thinking it was going to be a psychological thriller like the other books I've read by this author and it was definitely not. This book is more along the lines of a mystery with little clues popping up throughout the story. The narrator did a fine job, but when the characters have so much internal dialog it makes it kind of hard to follow the story and stay in the moment of what's going on. I liked the basic plot of the story and I enjoyed most of the characters (especially cornbread!) I think i was just hoping for more action. Overall a decent read, especially if you love a mystery.
September 24, 2025
Absolutely FANTASTIC!
This follow up did not disappoint. I’m loving this series so much. It fast paced…like whiplash fast. Noelle is such a great character…fierce, flawed and so smart. I am going to say that I did tear up at a part near the end.
Noelle has a big heart and this town does too. I’m looking forward to more on this series. If you love authors like Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Charly Cox…Kendra Elliot is a must read.
This follow up did not disappoint. I’m loving this series so much. It fast paced…like whiplash fast. Noelle is such a great character…fierce, flawed and so smart. I am going to say that I did tear up at a part near the end.
Noelle has a big heart and this town does too. I’m looking forward to more on this series. If you love authors like Lisa Regan, Melinda Leigh and Charly Cox…Kendra Elliot is a must read.
December 21, 2025
This is my first book by this author and I loved it! I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration. This was quick paced, I don’t want to stop listening and I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen on the end.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for letting me listen to this advanced copy!
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for letting me listen to this advanced copy!
Read
August 25, 2025⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kendra Elliot has done it again with No One Knew! This second installment in the Noelle Marshall series pulled me in from the very first page and kept me gripped until the final reveal.
What stood out most to me was Noelle’s growth as a protagonist. She’s no longer just a detective reacting to events around her—she’s finding her own strength and learning to trust both her instincts and the people around her. Watching her navigate a community steeped in secrets while also confronting her own vulnerabilities made her feel layered and authentic.
The relationship between Noelle and FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes was another highlight. Their connection deepens in this book, balancing tension with genuine tenderness. I loved how their professional respect evolves into a partnership built on trust, shared danger, and a slowly blossoming intimacy that never overshadows the central mystery.
And what a mystery it is! Two seemingly unrelated cases collide in a way that’s chilling, clever, and completely unpredictable. The pacing is flawless—every chapter delivers new twists, and the creeping sense of danger builds beautifully to an explosive climax. Elliot masterfully ties together the threads of small-town suspicion, militia violence, and a killer with a hidden agenda, leaving the reader breathless.
This is everything I want in a romantic suspense novel: compelling characters, a gripping and intelligent mystery, and a relationship that feels real and earned. I can’t wait to see where Noelle and Max go next!
Kendra Elliot has done it again with No One Knew! This second installment in the Noelle Marshall series pulled me in from the very first page and kept me gripped until the final reveal.
What stood out most to me was Noelle’s growth as a protagonist. She’s no longer just a detective reacting to events around her—she’s finding her own strength and learning to trust both her instincts and the people around her. Watching her navigate a community steeped in secrets while also confronting her own vulnerabilities made her feel layered and authentic.
The relationship between Noelle and FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes was another highlight. Their connection deepens in this book, balancing tension with genuine tenderness. I loved how their professional respect evolves into a partnership built on trust, shared danger, and a slowly blossoming intimacy that never overshadows the central mystery.
And what a mystery it is! Two seemingly unrelated cases collide in a way that’s chilling, clever, and completely unpredictable. The pacing is flawless—every chapter delivers new twists, and the creeping sense of danger builds beautifully to an explosive climax. Elliot masterfully ties together the threads of small-town suspicion, militia violence, and a killer with a hidden agenda, leaving the reader breathless.
This is everything I want in a romantic suspense novel: compelling characters, a gripping and intelligent mystery, and a relationship that feels real and earned. I can’t wait to see where Noelle and Max go next!
Want to read
August 25, 2025My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Audio for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I first came across Elliot’s work through another of her many books, and this one sounded really intriguing. The fact that it was an audiobook only made it more appealing, since I tend to do a lot more audiobook reading than any other kind. However, this is the second book in a series, which I didn’t realize until after I had already started. Luckily, I didn’t feel as though I started watching a movie in the middle of the action, and instead was able to follow along even without knowing anything about the series.
Stephanie Németh-Parker narrated this story, and I thought that she did a wonderful job with the story and the characters. She speaks in a range of tones, accents, and pitches believably, and at times it felt as if more than one person was narrating.
The story opens with a teenager named Emma scrounging for discarded cans and instead finding the victim of a murder. Quickly, Detective Noelle Marshall is dispatched to investigate and discovers an insulated and closed off community who is intensely distrustful of outsiders in general, especially law enforcement. She’s got her own issues, though, and knows when to push and when to back off and try another technique. She uses them to connect with the characters, and Noelle becomes concerned about Emma’s living situation when she sees the backwoods cabin without heat and bare shelves in the fridge and cupboard. Instead of drawing attention to it, she finds out how to take action and connect with some community members who can help without making it feel like a big deal or an insult to Emma or her father.
It’s hard not to love Emma. She’s got a wonderful mix of naïveté and practical knowledge that can often be found in rural communities who homeschool rather than sending their children to public school. Emma has been taking care of the home while her father doesn’t seem to do much more than provide her with the basic necessities, although he isn’t at the cabin and clearly hasn’t returned for some time, since she has nothing to eat or warm the cabin with.
It isn’t long before FBI agents are dispatched to investigate rumors of a plot involving a secretive militia group preparing for a war, and there is a link discovered between the corpse found in the woods and the far-right extremist group plotting acts of domestic terrorism. The FBI agents and county police officers work together to solve both crimes and hopefully prevent a tragedy.
Max Rhodes is one of the FBI agents and is dating Noelle. I liked Max as well as Noelle, and really enjoyed seeing their dynamic on the page as they got closer, but I would have liked to see more of these two together. Instead, they pass like ships in the night for so much of the story, aside from one really meaningful scene between these two. I had a hard time seeing what attracted them to each other as a partner. Since I didn’t read the first book, there must have been something that I missed, because I didn’t really have the context on the relationship: how they typically interact, what drew them together, what challenges they face as individuals in demanding and dangerous situations, and how the relationship impacts their ability to work together effectively since they are both in law enforcement. I personally would have liked to see the growing relationship between them on page a little more than I got.
The story starts out at a moderate pace, but picks up rapidly and slows down when building up to a twist or big reveal. I found the plot line to be exciting and there were some parts that had me on the edge of my seat. Any good mystery has to have some plot twists for me to really enjoy it, and Elliot peppered the story with twists and turns. Some were predictable, but others were real surprises, and the faster pace made it feel like the story was flying by even if there were some slower parts throughout the book.
Overall, this was a good read. Sure, I would have liked to see a bit more romance blooming between Noelle and Max, since their interactions are mainly work-oriented in the story. This book did have some pacing issues and made use of tropes similar to Criminal Minds, so at least the second part worked well for me. I happen to love Criminal Minds and have seen all of the episodes except for the most recent season and an episode featuring a clown but I’d rather not discuss how I feel about clowns. Back to the story at hand (pun intended), I don’t know if the first book also has the same issues that didn’t work so well for me in this book, namely the ebb and flow of the pace and the lack of romance and scenes between Noelle and Max, but I am going to give the first book in the series a read and find out for myself. Basically, this is right up your alley if you are a diehard fan of law enforcement procedurals in television or other books.
I first came across Elliot’s work through another of her many books, and this one sounded really intriguing. The fact that it was an audiobook only made it more appealing, since I tend to do a lot more audiobook reading than any other kind. However, this is the second book in a series, which I didn’t realize until after I had already started. Luckily, I didn’t feel as though I started watching a movie in the middle of the action, and instead was able to follow along even without knowing anything about the series.
Stephanie Németh-Parker narrated this story, and I thought that she did a wonderful job with the story and the characters. She speaks in a range of tones, accents, and pitches believably, and at times it felt as if more than one person was narrating.
The story opens with a teenager named Emma scrounging for discarded cans and instead finding the victim of a murder. Quickly, Detective Noelle Marshall is dispatched to investigate and discovers an insulated and closed off community who is intensely distrustful of outsiders in general, especially law enforcement. She’s got her own issues, though, and knows when to push and when to back off and try another technique. She uses them to connect with the characters, and Noelle becomes concerned about Emma’s living situation when she sees the backwoods cabin without heat and bare shelves in the fridge and cupboard. Instead of drawing attention to it, she finds out how to take action and connect with some community members who can help without making it feel like a big deal or an insult to Emma or her father.
It’s hard not to love Emma. She’s got a wonderful mix of naïveté and practical knowledge that can often be found in rural communities who homeschool rather than sending their children to public school. Emma has been taking care of the home while her father doesn’t seem to do much more than provide her with the basic necessities, although he isn’t at the cabin and clearly hasn’t returned for some time, since she has nothing to eat or warm the cabin with.
It isn’t long before FBI agents are dispatched to investigate rumors of a plot involving a secretive militia group preparing for a war, and there is a link discovered between the corpse found in the woods and the far-right extremist group plotting acts of domestic terrorism. The FBI agents and county police officers work together to solve both crimes and hopefully prevent a tragedy.
Max Rhodes is one of the FBI agents and is dating Noelle. I liked Max as well as Noelle, and really enjoyed seeing their dynamic on the page as they got closer, but I would have liked to see more of these two together. Instead, they pass like ships in the night for so much of the story, aside from one really meaningful scene between these two. I had a hard time seeing what attracted them to each other as a partner. Since I didn’t read the first book, there must have been something that I missed, because I didn’t really have the context on the relationship: how they typically interact, what drew them together, what challenges they face as individuals in demanding and dangerous situations, and how the relationship impacts their ability to work together effectively since they are both in law enforcement. I personally would have liked to see the growing relationship between them on page a little more than I got.
The story starts out at a moderate pace, but picks up rapidly and slows down when building up to a twist or big reveal. I found the plot line to be exciting and there were some parts that had me on the edge of my seat. Any good mystery has to have some plot twists for me to really enjoy it, and Elliot peppered the story with twists and turns. Some were predictable, but others were real surprises, and the faster pace made it feel like the story was flying by even if there were some slower parts throughout the book.
Overall, this was a good read. Sure, I would have liked to see a bit more romance blooming between Noelle and Max, since their interactions are mainly work-oriented in the story. This book did have some pacing issues and made use of tropes similar to Criminal Minds, so at least the second part worked well for me. I happen to love Criminal Minds and have seen all of the episodes except for the most recent season and an episode featuring a clown but I’d rather not discuss how I feel about clowns. Back to the story at hand (pun intended), I don’t know if the first book also has the same issues that didn’t work so well for me in this book, namely the ebb and flow of the pace and the lack of romance and scenes between Noelle and Max, but I am going to give the first book in the series a read and find out for myself. Basically, this is right up your alley if you are a diehard fan of law enforcement procedurals in television or other books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Kendra Elliot has once again delivered a suspenseful crime thriller with a bit of romance in
No One Knew,
the second book in the Noelle Marshall series. A girl, Emma Chambers, finds a body while searching for discarded cans at a secret teenage party site. Deschutes County Detective Noelle Marshall is called to the scene near the town of Eagle’s Nest. Miles away in Bend, Oregon, her boyfriend, FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes and his partner Mercy Kilpatrick are investigating another dark matter. There is chatter about a violent uprising from a militia group in Central Oregon. As the two investigations continue, their paths begin to intersect.
Noelle is confident, security conscious, loves her job, generous, observant, and caring. However, she struggles to connect with many women and she moves tentatively when it comes to relationships, except for her family. She’s also a bit of a perfectionist. Max is smart, funny, and transferred from Sacramento to be near Noelle and his family. However, he is estranged from two out of his three sisters, as well as his mother. There is cross-over with characters (such as Mercy) from other series by this author. It was great to catch up with them.
The story grabbed my attention with the first chapter and kept me engaged to the last page. While the story is told largely from Noelle’s point of view, there are chapters from Emma’s and Max’s points of view too. This story has great world-building; making it easy to visualize the people and the setting. The author knows how to tug on the reader’s emotions as the scenes unfold. The plot is multi-layered, with some twists and turns as the story builds momentum during the dual investigations and reaches an action-packed conclusion. Themes include family, secrets, murder, militias, domestic violence, trust, community, and a bit of romance.
Overall, this was a tense, clever, gripping, and suspenseful novel with well-developed characters. It’s a great addition to the series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. If you enjoy police procedurals, crime novels, and mysteries with a strong female protagonist, then I recommend that you check out this series. While this could work as a standalone novel, the first book in the series gives a lot of Noelle’s background so it sets the stage for the series featuring her.
Montlake and Kendra Elliot provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 06, 2026.
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My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Noelle is confident, security conscious, loves her job, generous, observant, and caring. However, she struggles to connect with many women and she moves tentatively when it comes to relationships, except for her family. She’s also a bit of a perfectionist. Max is smart, funny, and transferred from Sacramento to be near Noelle and his family. However, he is estranged from two out of his three sisters, as well as his mother. There is cross-over with characters (such as Mercy) from other series by this author. It was great to catch up with them.
The story grabbed my attention with the first chapter and kept me engaged to the last page. While the story is told largely from Noelle’s point of view, there are chapters from Emma’s and Max’s points of view too. This story has great world-building; making it easy to visualize the people and the setting. The author knows how to tug on the reader’s emotions as the scenes unfold. The plot is multi-layered, with some twists and turns as the story builds momentum during the dual investigations and reaches an action-packed conclusion. Themes include family, secrets, murder, militias, domestic violence, trust, community, and a bit of romance.
Overall, this was a tense, clever, gripping, and suspenseful novel with well-developed characters. It’s a great addition to the series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens in the next book. If you enjoy police procedurals, crime novels, and mysteries with a strong female protagonist, then I recommend that you check out this series. While this could work as a standalone novel, the first book in the series gives a lot of Noelle’s background so it sets the stage for the series featuring her.
Montlake and Kendra Elliot provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for January 06, 2026.
------------------------------------
My 4.48 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
November 19, 2025
Noelle and Max are working on separate cases that are more connected than they initially thought. It appears that a domestic terrorist group is responsible. It felt like I was reading about a Criminal Minds episode. It has the suspense and thrilling moments that I love about the show. It does a good job of tying past situations and people to the current case. I appreciate that it shows us the human side of law enforcement. It's a physically and mentally demanding job. It can be terrifying to be the final decision-maker over how a situation will end, as we see with Max. Putting myself in their shoes, I know I wouldn't be able to do it.
Their relationship has developed relatively quickly, but I don't mind because I actually believe in it. The personal and professional respect and admiration they have for each other are beautiful. I enjoy seeing the tender and sweet moments between them. I do wish there were longer moments together as a couple. I feel like we only get little crumbs, but man, do I eat them up.
I know this is technically Noelle's story, but I have to gush about Max for a second. He's the perfect partner for Noelle. He takes his job seriously but is a softie whenever he's with her. He sees her as his equal and respects her decisions in the field, even if he might not like them. The love he has for her is clear whenever we're in his POV.
The same can be said for Noelle. She found someone she can't imagine living without. She's also such an easy character to root for. She's a great detective who knows what she's doing, and I appreciate that she actually thinks things through. Sometimes I read stories where people in authority want to save someone or solve a case too quickly, ignoring protocol, which isn't realistic. She also has a big heart, always helping those in need and just being there for support.
We are introduced to a new character, Emma. I sympathized with her and her living situation. Considering all she's been through, it's understandable that she struggles to trust people, but Noelle is able to connect with her, and she's the first one Emma calls when she needs help. I hope we see more of her in future books.
I am super invested in this series and can't wait until the other books come out.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC.
Their relationship has developed relatively quickly, but I don't mind because I actually believe in it. The personal and professional respect and admiration they have for each other are beautiful. I enjoy seeing the tender and sweet moments between them. I do wish there were longer moments together as a couple. I feel like we only get little crumbs, but man, do I eat them up.
I know this is technically Noelle's story, but I have to gush about Max for a second. He's the perfect partner for Noelle. He takes his job seriously but is a softie whenever he's with her. He sees her as his equal and respects her decisions in the field, even if he might not like them. The love he has for her is clear whenever we're in his POV.
The same can be said for Noelle. She found someone she can't imagine living without. She's also such an easy character to root for. She's a great detective who knows what she's doing, and I appreciate that she actually thinks things through. Sometimes I read stories where people in authority want to save someone or solve a case too quickly, ignoring protocol, which isn't realistic. She also has a big heart, always helping those in need and just being there for support.
We are introduced to a new character, Emma. I sympathized with her and her living situation. Considering all she's been through, it's understandable that she struggles to trust people, but Noelle is able to connect with her, and she's the first one Emma calls when she needs help. I hope we see more of her in future books.
I am super invested in this series and can't wait until the other books come out.
Thank you Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
High Stakes and a Lot of Heart.
I was invested in Noelle Marshall’s story after book one—seeing her finally start to heal and build a new life after the tragedies she endured. I had high hopes for the sequel, and it absolutely delivered!
The story kicks off with a series of bodies turning up, and suddenly the separate cases being worked by the FBI and the local Deshutes County detectives start to overlap. This is where it gets really good. For anyone who loves the Mercy Kilpatrick, and Columbia River series, having all the characters back together in one investigation feels like coming home. We get to see FBI Agents Mercy Kilpatrick and Max Rhodes working alongside Detectives Noelle Marshall and Evan Bolten, with Police Chief Truman Daly (Mercy’s husband) supporting where he can.
It’s not just a straightforward murder investigation, either. The team finds themselves tangled in rumors of domestic terrorism, hunting for a dangerous new faction of sovereign citizens. The investigation also takes a personal turn, especially for Max. We learn more about his difficult past and a rift within his own family, with unexpected connections to the case that adds a whole new layer of depth to his character.
But for me, the real heart of the story is a teenage girl named Emma. She’s right in the middle of all this chaos, and you just can't help but grow attached to her and hope she finds her way to a safe place. Her journey is what really sticks with you.
Beyond the thrilling plot, the book highlights the strength of community and the importance of people stepping up to protect and help one another in times of need. It’s a story that’s not just exciting, but also incredibly hopeful.
I was invested in Noelle Marshall’s story after book one—seeing her finally start to heal and build a new life after the tragedies she endured. I had high hopes for the sequel, and it absolutely delivered!
The story kicks off with a series of bodies turning up, and suddenly the separate cases being worked by the FBI and the local Deshutes County detectives start to overlap. This is where it gets really good. For anyone who loves the Mercy Kilpatrick, and Columbia River series, having all the characters back together in one investigation feels like coming home. We get to see FBI Agents Mercy Kilpatrick and Max Rhodes working alongside Detectives Noelle Marshall and Evan Bolten, with Police Chief Truman Daly (Mercy’s husband) supporting where he can.
It’s not just a straightforward murder investigation, either. The team finds themselves tangled in rumors of domestic terrorism, hunting for a dangerous new faction of sovereign citizens. The investigation also takes a personal turn, especially for Max. We learn more about his difficult past and a rift within his own family, with unexpected connections to the case that adds a whole new layer of depth to his character.
But for me, the real heart of the story is a teenage girl named Emma. She’s right in the middle of all this chaos, and you just can't help but grow attached to her and hope she finds her way to a safe place. Her journey is what really sticks with you.
Beyond the thrilling plot, the book highlights the strength of community and the importance of people stepping up to protect and help one another in times of need. It’s a story that’s not just exciting, but also incredibly hopeful.
September 22, 2025
I very much enjoyed this second installment in the Noelle Marshall series. Having first met her in the Columbia River series by Ms. Elliot, I was intrigued with her character and wanted to know more about her. After finishing book 1, Her First Mistake, I knew Noelle was going to be a character I was really going to love and couldn't wait to see what was in store for her next, particularly a budding relationship between her and FBI Agent Max Rhodes.
As with all of Ms. Elliot's stories, she dives right in with a young girl finding a dead body while collecting cans. And from there, the story goes full steam ahead, with plenty of twists and turns, some potential red herrings to throw you off the track, and plenty of heart in the throat moments that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
I especially like how Ms. Elliot weaves the human element into the stories. Yes, we're following Noelle and gang on this crazy ride of trying to solve crime, but along the way we get small interludes of private time between her and Max, or scenes with the young girl Emma as she's trying to navigate life after her father disappears. We get to see an extended cast of characters, many we've known for a long time and love, along with new ones that all round out this little world that Noelle has built in Oregon with the Deschutes County sheriff’s office. There are even a few characters that are obviously on the wrong side of the law but live in a gray area because they do try to do good things along the way.
I ended this story with a big smile on my face and with excitement wondering what Noelle will get up to next as this series continues. Another winner!
As with all of Ms. Elliot's stories, she dives right in with a young girl finding a dead body while collecting cans. And from there, the story goes full steam ahead, with plenty of twists and turns, some potential red herrings to throw you off the track, and plenty of heart in the throat moments that kept me turning the pages until the very end.
I especially like how Ms. Elliot weaves the human element into the stories. Yes, we're following Noelle and gang on this crazy ride of trying to solve crime, but along the way we get small interludes of private time between her and Max, or scenes with the young girl Emma as she's trying to navigate life after her father disappears. We get to see an extended cast of characters, many we've known for a long time and love, along with new ones that all round out this little world that Noelle has built in Oregon with the Deschutes County sheriff’s office. There are even a few characters that are obviously on the wrong side of the law but live in a gray area because they do try to do good things along the way.
I ended this story with a big smile on my face and with excitement wondering what Noelle will get up to next as this series continues. Another winner!
October 1, 2025
Kendra Elliot has once again crafted a thrilling narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat with No One Knew. I really like the main characters, Detective Noelle Marshall and FBI Special Agent Max Rhodes.
From the outset, the setting of central Oregon's mountains adds an atmospheric layer to the suspense. The story begins with a teenage girl discovering a brutally murdered body, which sets the stage for a gripping investigation led by Noelle. The author does a great job at developing complex characters, and Noelle's journey is both engaging and poignant, portraying the struggles of not only solving a crime but also earning the trust of a wary community.
Meanwhile, Max Rhodes delves into the disturbing underbelly of militia activity, adding another layer of tension to the story. The parallel narratives gradually intertwine, revealing how the seemingly disparate cases are connected in shocking ways. The story had some very sad parts and some nice, tender moments.
The novel's pacing is expertly handled; the tension builds steadily, with twists that are both surprising and cleverly foreshadowed. I also loved Emma as a side character and hope that she will be featured in future books. I also liked the crossover with Mercy Kilpatrick, another main character from this author in other books.
Overall, No One Knew is a well-crafted thriller that combines mystery, suspense, and social commentary. It's a must-read for fans of the genre, and I would highly recommend this book and this series. I cannot wait for more.
#NoOneKnew #KendraElliot #Thriller
From the outset, the setting of central Oregon's mountains adds an atmospheric layer to the suspense. The story begins with a teenage girl discovering a brutally murdered body, which sets the stage for a gripping investigation led by Noelle. The author does a great job at developing complex characters, and Noelle's journey is both engaging and poignant, portraying the struggles of not only solving a crime but also earning the trust of a wary community.
Meanwhile, Max Rhodes delves into the disturbing underbelly of militia activity, adding another layer of tension to the story. The parallel narratives gradually intertwine, revealing how the seemingly disparate cases are connected in shocking ways. The story had some very sad parts and some nice, tender moments.
The novel's pacing is expertly handled; the tension builds steadily, with twists that are both surprising and cleverly foreshadowed. I also loved Emma as a side character and hope that she will be featured in future books. I also liked the crossover with Mercy Kilpatrick, another main character from this author in other books.
Overall, No One Knew is a well-crafted thriller that combines mystery, suspense, and social commentary. It's a must-read for fans of the genre, and I would highly recommend this book and this series. I cannot wait for more.
#NoOneKnew #KendraElliot #Thriller
August 25, 2025
4* Good storyline, but I'm not feeling/seeing/believing the Nicole-Max romance.
This author's books are a must-buy. Even without the romance that I like in my novels, this was a very readable, believable book in what's still effectively the Mercy Kilpatrick universe.
The tale starts off slow but accelerates quickly with the discovery of bodies, connection to militias and with various law enforcement agencies coming together. There's Max - Noelle's love interest - paired up with Mercy, then there's Truman's lot, plus Noelle and Evan. I don't profess to understand much about the US's law enforcement agencies' jurisdictions but it wasn't that clear that all were needed, although it's always nice getting a Mercy fix. Her prepper past brought insight to the bad guys, although it also brought back the trauma of her time undercover with preppers/militia.
Noelle didn't have an awful lot to do in the tale, although it's nice that she's coming back to life. There's an 'adopted' daughter/niece on the horizon, and there's progress with Max. For me, sadly that doesn't stand out like with Morgan Dane and her guy, or Mercy and Truman, and tbh, had she been resolutely single, that'd have worked more realistically than this passionless pairing.
It's a decent police procedural, but I'm not convinced on the romance front.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for my reading pleasure.
This author's books are a must-buy. Even without the romance that I like in my novels, this was a very readable, believable book in what's still effectively the Mercy Kilpatrick universe.
The tale starts off slow but accelerates quickly with the discovery of bodies, connection to militias and with various law enforcement agencies coming together. There's Max - Noelle's love interest - paired up with Mercy, then there's Truman's lot, plus Noelle and Evan. I don't profess to understand much about the US's law enforcement agencies' jurisdictions but it wasn't that clear that all were needed, although it's always nice getting a Mercy fix. Her prepper past brought insight to the bad guys, although it also brought back the trauma of her time undercover with preppers/militia.
Noelle didn't have an awful lot to do in the tale, although it's nice that she's coming back to life. There's an 'adopted' daughter/niece on the horizon, and there's progress with Max. For me, sadly that doesn't stand out like with Morgan Dane and her guy, or Mercy and Truman, and tbh, had she been resolutely single, that'd have worked more realistically than this passionless pairing.
It's a decent police procedural, but I'm not convinced on the romance front.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for my reading pleasure.
September 5, 2025
This is my second book by this author, and I'm on the fence about reading more. It's a decent read, but it felt a little slow to me, and then the reason for the suspense ended up being not all that interesting (in my opinion). Part of the problem could be that I missed book 1 in the series. While the suspense part of the story arc here is compete, it's part of a series with the same protagonist (detective Noelle Marshall). It's light in romance (which I don't mind at all, but some might not like). I feel like I missed some of the character development as a result.
There are a lot of characters and multiple POVs (third person), and I liked hearing from teenager Emma the most. Max, the hero, is rather adorable, and the connection between him and Noelle is solid; in fact, while there's an attempt at angst with each of them having a secret of sorts they are keeping, they resolved rather easily.
The book is well written, and the plot good enough to give at three-star rating. To bump it up, I'd need a little more suspense outside of the final conflict.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
There are a lot of characters and multiple POVs (third person), and I liked hearing from teenager Emma the most. Max, the hero, is rather adorable, and the connection between him and Noelle is solid; in fact, while there's an attempt at angst with each of them having a secret of sorts they are keeping, they resolved rather easily.
The book is well written, and the plot good enough to give at three-star rating. To bump it up, I'd need a little more suspense outside of the final conflict.
I received an ARC of this book for free from the publisher and Netgalley. I'm writing this review voluntarily, and it reflects my honest opinion. Thanks!
August 29, 2025
If you're looking for a fast-paced, suspenseful read that pulls you into a small town full of secrets, No One Knew by Kendra Elliot is a solid pick. This mystery-thriller dives straight into the tension, following multiple characters as they navigate a series of unsettling murders—and the messy emotions and histories that come with them.
What I really enjoyed about this book was how easy it was to get into. The writing flows well, and the chapters keep you turning pages without needing to overthink things. It’s one of those thrillers that you can knock out in a couple of sittings but still feel totally satisfied with by the end.
Emma, the teenage girl in the story, really stood out to me. She felt real and relatable, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time. Her storyline added some emotional depth to the mystery and helped ground the chaos happening around her.
Overall, No One Knew delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a small-town thriller—twists, secrets, and characters you want to follow to the end. It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys suspense that’s both gripping and easy to digest. Definitely worth checking out!
What I really enjoyed about this book was how easy it was to get into. The writing flows well, and the chapters keep you turning pages without needing to overthink things. It’s one of those thrillers that you can knock out in a couple of sittings but still feel totally satisfied with by the end.
Emma, the teenage girl in the story, really stood out to me. She felt real and relatable, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time. Her storyline added some emotional depth to the mystery and helped ground the chaos happening around her.
Overall, No One Knew delivers exactly what you’d hope for from a small-town thriller—twists, secrets, and characters you want to follow to the end. It’s a great pick for anyone who enjoys suspense that’s both gripping and easy to digest. Definitely worth checking out!
September 23, 2025
This is the second book in an interconnected standalone series featuring detective Noelle Marshall. We last saw Noelle solving a personal crime in her own past but now she is trying to move on. I really enjoy this author because these police procedurals are just the right amount of mystery, suspense, storytelling, crime solving and a touch of romance that keeps me turning pages.
This story follows Noelle and FBI agent Max as they both work to solve cases that appear connected. Characters from her other series are heavily present which makes it fun. I enjoy the budding relationship growing with Noelle and Max. The secondary characters are always well developed, such as in this case with a teenage girl who becomes entrenched in the middle of several murders in the community. I was rooting for her, worried for her and wanting our main characters to help her. This story also revolves around domestic terrorism and militia groups.
This book was well paced, keeping me invested in finding out what happens, solving the cases by the clues, and along for the suspenseful ride. I love crime and romantic suspense novels so I will continue to read anything this author writes!
This story follows Noelle and FBI agent Max as they both work to solve cases that appear connected. Characters from her other series are heavily present which makes it fun. I enjoy the budding relationship growing with Noelle and Max. The secondary characters are always well developed, such as in this case with a teenage girl who becomes entrenched in the middle of several murders in the community. I was rooting for her, worried for her and wanting our main characters to help her. This story also revolves around domestic terrorism and militia groups.
This book was well paced, keeping me invested in finding out what happens, solving the cases by the clues, and along for the suspenseful ride. I love crime and romantic suspense novels so I will continue to read anything this author writes!
August 28, 2025
I have loved every single book of Elliot's and I'm such a huge fan! This second book had the perfect blend of mystery and suspense with a touch of romance. It hooked me from the start with a gripping intensity that didn't let up until the very end. I enjoyed the engaging storyline and fell in love with some new characters... particularly Emma and Cornbread. And I can't wait to see what's in store for Noelle and Max! I grew fond of Noelle as a supporting character to Mercy in one of her previous works, and I'm so happy that she is now the main protagonist in this new series. I love that Mercy still plays a large role though. She's always been my favorite. I loved every minute of this masterpiece!
It's a fast, easy read that you won't want to put down! Can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting at book one. Better yet, start at the beginning and read all of the author's series in order of publication. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
It's a fast, easy read that you won't want to put down! Can be read as a stand-alone, but I would recommend starting at book one. Better yet, start at the beginning and read all of the author's series in order of publication. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
August 29, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake.
When a young woman finds a dead body in the woods, the case is assigned to Detective Noelle Marshall. Meanwhile, a militia appears to be preparing for something very important, and Special Agent Max Rhodes is in charge. Little by little, the two cases become connected as more bodies turn up.
In her personal life, Noelle has grown a lot alongside Max. She is a woman who knows what she wants and is willing to put aside her reservations and secrets. Max, for his part, also decides to opt for sincerity, which brings them even closer together.
As is customary with Kendra Elliot, the narrative pace increases as the tension and moments of danger build, keeping the reader completely attentive to the events, yet she also manages to introduce moments of romance with great success.
This is the second in the series, and although it is not necessary to read the previous one, I would recommend it.
If you are someone who enjoys a thriller with a touch of romance, this book is perfect for you.
When a young woman finds a dead body in the woods, the case is assigned to Detective Noelle Marshall. Meanwhile, a militia appears to be preparing for something very important, and Special Agent Max Rhodes is in charge. Little by little, the two cases become connected as more bodies turn up.
In her personal life, Noelle has grown a lot alongside Max. She is a woman who knows what she wants and is willing to put aside her reservations and secrets. Max, for his part, also decides to opt for sincerity, which brings them even closer together.
As is customary with Kendra Elliot, the narrative pace increases as the tension and moments of danger build, keeping the reader completely attentive to the events, yet she also manages to introduce moments of romance with great success.
This is the second in the series, and although it is not necessary to read the previous one, I would recommend it.
If you are someone who enjoys a thriller with a touch of romance, this book is perfect for you.
September 8, 2025
I requested this book because I absolutely loved the first book in the new Noelle Marshall series, and this is the second.
Unfortunately, I loved the first book more than this one. The plot in this book - a para militia killing members and planning to overthrow the government, was too real for me in this day and age of impending fascism.
The book is well written - as all Kendra Elliot books are! _ and the character of Detective Noelle Marshall in one I thoroughly enjoy reading about. But this plot was just too much for me.
It starts with a girl finding a dead body in the woods and the explodes into a story about parental abandonment, getting lost int he cracks of society, and disillusionment with the government. The growing love story between FBI agent Max Rhodes and Noelle is nicely done, and I am thrilled they are continuing their love story in future books - since I know this series will have long legs.
3.5 stars from me, simply because of the plot, nothing more. The characters and the writing are flawless.
Unfortunately, I loved the first book more than this one. The plot in this book - a para militia killing members and planning to overthrow the government, was too real for me in this day and age of impending fascism.
The book is well written - as all Kendra Elliot books are! _ and the character of Detective Noelle Marshall in one I thoroughly enjoy reading about. But this plot was just too much for me.
It starts with a girl finding a dead body in the woods and the explodes into a story about parental abandonment, getting lost int he cracks of society, and disillusionment with the government. The growing love story between FBI agent Max Rhodes and Noelle is nicely done, and I am thrilled they are continuing their love story in future books - since I know this series will have long legs.
3.5 stars from me, simply because of the plot, nothing more. The characters and the writing are flawless.
September 15, 2025
Thank you NetGalley & Montlake for the ARC!
This book has a lot of characters and multiple POVs (all in third person), but I especially enjoyed hearing from teenager Emma and her chapters especially with Cornbread were some of my favorites. Max, the hero, is downright adorable, and his connection with Noelle felt genuine and solid. While both characters have secrets, the angst was resolved fairly easily, which left me wishing for a bit more tension.
The writing is strong, but I would have liked a little more suspense outside of the final conflict. That said, I really appreciated the development of Noelle’s character and am anxiously hoping we’ll see more of her and Max in future installments.
It’s a fast, easy read that you can read in a day and while it works as a stand-alone, I’d recommend starting with book one Her First Mistake for the full experience.
This book has a lot of characters and multiple POVs (all in third person), but I especially enjoyed hearing from teenager Emma and her chapters especially with Cornbread were some of my favorites. Max, the hero, is downright adorable, and his connection with Noelle felt genuine and solid. While both characters have secrets, the angst was resolved fairly easily, which left me wishing for a bit more tension.
The writing is strong, but I would have liked a little more suspense outside of the final conflict. That said, I really appreciated the development of Noelle’s character and am anxiously hoping we’ll see more of her and Max in future installments.
It’s a fast, easy read that you can read in a day and while it works as a stand-alone, I’d recommend starting with book one Her First Mistake for the full experience.
September 21, 2025
Kendra Elliot’s books are a comfort read. They’re formulaic in the best way, where I know exactly what I’m getting, and that’s part of the appeal. That doesn’t make them boring or predictable because Elliot knows her strengths and delivers what her readers want every single time. Whenever I’m in a reading slump or just need something quick and engaging, she’s a go-to.
This is the second installment in the Noelle Marshall series. I love that Noelle has connections to Mercy Kilpatrick, which means fans of Elliot’s other series will catch familiar faces along the way. (And if you haven’t read the Mercy Kilpatrick books yet, I highly recommend them!)
The story kicks off when a young girl named Emma, out collecting cans, stumbles across a dead body. From there, the investigation takes off, leading the authorities through twists and surprises. The vibe is very much like settling in with a favorite episode of Law & Order or Criminal Minds. It is fast-paced, intriguing, and completely absorbing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is the second installment in the Noelle Marshall series. I love that Noelle has connections to Mercy Kilpatrick, which means fans of Elliot’s other series will catch familiar faces along the way. (And if you haven’t read the Mercy Kilpatrick books yet, I highly recommend them!)
The story kicks off when a young girl named Emma, out collecting cans, stumbles across a dead body. From there, the investigation takes off, leading the authorities through twists and surprises. The vibe is very much like settling in with a favorite episode of Law & Order or Criminal Minds. It is fast-paced, intriguing, and completely absorbing.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 22, 2025
When Detective Noelle Marshall gets called to the scene of a body found in the woods, she meets Emma, a young woman who appears to be in a rough situation. She was being bullied, then while collecting cans found the body. Noelle instantly feels responsible for Emma, and helps to get her food and supplies.
Noelle's boyfriend, FBI Agent Max Rhodes is investigating militia type activities in the area, and together they find similarities in their cases. They have to work together through life threatening situations to attempt to solve the murders and bring the killers to justice. I enjoyed this story, the writing is very fast-paced, multiple storylines kept me interested in how they were related (or if they were at all) and the way Noelle and Max were vested in Emma's well-being. This is the second book featuring Noelle, and it is nice to see characters like Mercy and Truman from other series by the author.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
Noelle's boyfriend, FBI Agent Max Rhodes is investigating militia type activities in the area, and together they find similarities in their cases. They have to work together through life threatening situations to attempt to solve the murders and bring the killers to justice. I enjoyed this story, the writing is very fast-paced, multiple storylines kept me interested in how they were related (or if they were at all) and the way Noelle and Max were vested in Emma's well-being. This is the second book featuring Noelle, and it is nice to see characters like Mercy and Truman from other series by the author.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.
November 30, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up. Kendra Elliot never disappoints for me. I’ve loved getting to know more of Noelle’s story and see the way her life is moving forward. I was thrilled to see in the acknowledgments of this book that there are more to come with her as the lead character.
This time around, a body found by a teenager brings Noelle a case that grows into something bigger than anticipated. Another body at the scene of a car explosion and another body in a motel room all eventually lead to the same answers that she and Max, along with Mercy and Truman, have to work together to find. The teen, Emma, whose discovery opens the book adds another layer of human connection to the story. I also love the growth of Noelle and Max’s relationship that happens throughout this one. They are an easy couple to root for.
‘No One Knew’ is fast paced and full of suspense that had me turning the pages as quick as possible to see how it would all play out. Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This time around, a body found by a teenager brings Noelle a case that grows into something bigger than anticipated. Another body at the scene of a car explosion and another body in a motel room all eventually lead to the same answers that she and Max, along with Mercy and Truman, have to work together to find. The teen, Emma, whose discovery opens the book adds another layer of human connection to the story. I also love the growth of Noelle and Max’s relationship that happens throughout this one. They are an easy couple to root for.
‘No One Knew’ is fast paced and full of suspense that had me turning the pages as quick as possible to see how it would all play out. Thank you to Montlake via NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This audiobook pulled me in right away and kept me hooked the whole time! It follows a detective and an FBI agent working on two different cases, and I loved watching how those cases slowly connected. It made the story feel intense and kind of scary in a good way.
I love Kendra Elliot as an author, and one of my favorite things about her books is how all her other series are interconnected. It feels like one big world with detectives and FBI agents that all fit together. Even though I’ve read all her other series and I’m almost done with the Columbia River series, it was still really fun meeting a new character. Noelle was strong and easy to like, and I enjoyed learning about her job and her town. The FBI parts with Max were also really interesting and made the story feel bigger and more serious.
The mystery was easy to follow, the twists were surprising, and the ending felt intense. Overall, this was a great suspense book and another win from an author I always enjoy reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for this audiobook ARC.
I love Kendra Elliot as an author, and one of my favorite things about her books is how all her other series are interconnected. It feels like one big world with detectives and FBI agents that all fit together. Even though I’ve read all her other series and I’m almost done with the Columbia River series, it was still really fun meeting a new character. Noelle was strong and easy to like, and I enjoyed learning about her job and her town. The FBI parts with Max were also really interesting and made the story feel bigger and more serious.
The mystery was easy to follow, the twists were surprising, and the ending felt intense. Overall, this was a great suspense book and another win from an author I always enjoy reading.
Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing | Brilliance Audio for this audiobook ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Another fast paced, action packed instalment in this series.
Detective Noelle Marshall is back, and is thrown straight in the deep end when a body is discovered by a teenage girl. As she begins investigating, she finds things are far worse than they initially seem and she must work together with her team to help save the young girl while also solving the many crimes being committed.
The action begins on page one and doesn’t give up until the last page. With lots of twists and turns you will never quite know who to trust.
As I’ve come to expect from this author, there will be lots of surprises and when you think you know where the story is headed, you might just find you are wrong! It’s well written and everything is well described, with very well developed characters.
You become very invested in Noelle and Max’s lives and I hope we get to hear more from them. I love how passionate they are for their work but also for people in their lives too, whether they are known to them or strangers.
Definitely worth a read, with great tension and suspense throughout.
Detective Noelle Marshall is back, and is thrown straight in the deep end when a body is discovered by a teenage girl. As she begins investigating, she finds things are far worse than they initially seem and she must work together with her team to help save the young girl while also solving the many crimes being committed.
The action begins on page one and doesn’t give up until the last page. With lots of twists and turns you will never quite know who to trust.
As I’ve come to expect from this author, there will be lots of surprises and when you think you know where the story is headed, you might just find you are wrong! It’s well written and everything is well described, with very well developed characters.
You become very invested in Noelle and Max’s lives and I hope we get to hear more from them. I love how passionate they are for their work but also for people in their lives too, whether they are known to them or strangers.
Definitely worth a read, with great tension and suspense throughout.
September 7, 2025
No One Knew
This second book in the Noelle Marshall series is as good if not better than the first. Now settled in Oregon as a detective and her relationship with FBI agent Max Rhodes deepening they are thrust into a case that is difficult to navigate as it leads to many unanswered questions.
A young girl stumbles upon a dead body of a man who has been shot in the head twice, once identified Max and Noelle find much information of horrific acts of violence and more that are planed by a dangerous militia group.
With twists and revelations this is a gripping crime thriller as the layers of this mystery are peeled back. We also have the added pleasure of Mercy and Truman being involved in the investigation.
A read that is entertaining, engrossing, thrilling and definitely page turning with a cast of characters good and bad that are well described.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
This second book in the Noelle Marshall series is as good if not better than the first. Now settled in Oregon as a detective and her relationship with FBI agent Max Rhodes deepening they are thrust into a case that is difficult to navigate as it leads to many unanswered questions.
A young girl stumbles upon a dead body of a man who has been shot in the head twice, once identified Max and Noelle find much information of horrific acts of violence and more that are planed by a dangerous militia group.
With twists and revelations this is a gripping crime thriller as the layers of this mystery are peeled back. We also have the added pleasure of Mercy and Truman being involved in the investigation.
A read that is entertaining, engrossing, thrilling and definitely page turning with a cast of characters good and bad that are well described.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.
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