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If You Ever Tell
It took everything in Teresa Farr’s power to return to her hometown of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Eight years earlier, she had walked in on the savage murders of her father and stepmother—both of whom she hated. She barely managed to save herself and her eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste. But even after notorious serial killer Roscoe Lee Byrnes confessed, people still wondered if Teri was the guilty one. And with Celeste unable to remember that night, or to speak at all, those suspicions never went away… Now Celeste is beginning to remember. Now Byrnes has recanted his confession. And someone is using a series of bizarre, taunting events to exact terrifying “justice.” As Teri desperately races to uncover the truth, she’s finding that everyone she loves has secrets they would kill to keep buried. And in the bright mountain sunlight, an evil concealed all too well is reaching out to silence her and Celeste forever…
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
19 people are currently reading
445 people want to read
About the author
Carlene Thompson
23 books256 followersCarlene Thompson is an author of suspense thriller novels.
Her first book, Black for Remembrance, was published in 1990 by Little, Brown and was well received. Her books are suspense novels, often with romantic elements and many take place in Thompson's home state of West Virginia. Her books often feature animals, which she bases on animals she knows in real life.
Her first book, Black for Remembrance, was published in 1990 by Little, Brown and was well received. Her books are suspense novels, often with romantic elements and many take place in Thompson's home state of West Virginia. Her books often feature animals, which she bases on animals she knows in real life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 25, 2021
Am început să citesc această carte la recomandarea unei prietene, care mi a spus că nu poate sa stea de vorbă cu mine, pt ca e prea prinsă de o poveste descoperită din greșeală, asa ca e de la sine înțeles de ce am devenit curioasă. Primele 40 de pagini eram oarecum în ceață pt ca ma ametisera multitudinea de nume si personaje, si nu mai stiam care e cu cine si care e fiica cui si cine a murit... etc., dar m am lămurit repede. Cartea este destul de alertă si bine structurată. E scrisa in asa fel incat sa te tina in suspans, dar sa nu ti dea o stare de agitație. Toată povestea începe de la o crimă... pe care un criminal in serie si o asuma in prima faza, (scăpand de suspiciune astfel pe fiica celui ucis si pe prietenul acesteia), dar înainte ca acesta să își încheie socotelile cu viața, declara ca de fapt nu el este ucigasul... asa ca... ochii se îndreaptă din nou spre fiica cea bănuită de la inceput.
Trebuie să spun ca am bănuit pe toata lumea, pt ca fiecare personaj avea motive întemeiate să ucidă... dar adevarul este dezvăluit abia în ultimul capitol. Nu m.a surprins, pt ca imi făcusem deja o idee de cine ar fi, numai ca nu i înțelegeam motivele. Părea cel mai putin probabil ca sa fie ucigașul.. si totusi.. uite ca, uneori aparențele insala. E o carte bunicică. I am dat 5 stele pt ca intr-adevar n am lăsat o din mana până n am dus o la final.
Trebuie să spun ca am bănuit pe toata lumea, pt ca fiecare personaj avea motive întemeiate să ucidă... dar adevarul este dezvăluit abia în ultimul capitol. Nu m.a surprins, pt ca imi făcusem deja o idee de cine ar fi, numai ca nu i înțelegeam motivele. Părea cel mai putin probabil ca sa fie ucigașul.. si totusi.. uite ca, uneori aparențele insala. E o carte bunicică. I am dat 5 stele pt ca intr-adevar n am lăsat o din mana până n am dus o la final.
January 25, 2021
After a long absence, Teresa Farr has returned to her hometown of Point Pleasant, WV, to open a riding academy. Eight years ago, Teresa woke in the middle of the night to discover her father and stepmother brutally murdered. Luckily, she discovered her injured eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste, in time to save her life. People in the small town thought it was suspicious that Teri wasn't killed, but a confession from a serial killer takes away the suspicion. Now the killer has recanted his confession and people are once again looking at Teri. On top of that, Celeste, who hasn't spoken in eight years, is suddenly remembering some things that happened on the night of the murder. When a new body turns up in Teri's barn, she once again finds herself a suspect in a murder.
This book is full of flashbacks and memories, some of which have nothing to do with the plot. I found that distracting, along with some inane conversations about popcorn, architecture, and favorite authors. I assume the author added these tidbits to make the conversations feel real, but they didn't work for me. Teri was another heroine who didn't use her brain. She had several TSTL moments, like when she forgot to call the police after seeing a prowler on her property. I liked the fact that there were several suspects in the murders. I kept jumping between two that I thought may be guilty, but I was wrong about both. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
This book is full of flashbacks and memories, some of which have nothing to do with the plot. I found that distracting, along with some inane conversations about popcorn, architecture, and favorite authors. I assume the author added these tidbits to make the conversations feel real, but they didn't work for me. Teri was another heroine who didn't use her brain. She had several TSTL moments, like when she forgot to call the police after seeing a prowler on her property. I liked the fact that there were several suspects in the murders. I kept jumping between two that I thought may be guilty, but I was wrong about both. My rating: 2.5 Stars.
March 24, 2023
Klassischer Krimi wie alle von Carlene thompson aber nicht ihr bester
February 9, 2017
Somewhat suspenseful story about a woman who, years after the murders of her father and stepmother, a crime for which she was suspected, is stalked by someone with apparent knowledge of the crime. Thompson tries a little too hard to channel her inner Agatha Christie and make everyone in the story a potential suspect; otherwise, it is a good mystery.
January 5, 2024
Très bon, impossible de deviner avant la toute fin ;)
March 7, 2010
What can I say?
I loved If You Ever Tell, I'm pretty sure it's the first book I've read by Thompson and to say the least, it will not be the last. I loved the plot of this novel, it was so well laid out and really well written. I loved the characters, they were all so realistic and likable. My favorite had to be Celeste, even though you didn't really get to know her until the end she was such a brave and strong girl. And of course, I loved the main character Teresa.
I was really surprised by who the murderer of Teresa's father and stepmother was. It completely took me off-guard. I stayed up until one in the morning to finish the book, just because it was getting to the end and it was really suspenseful. I couldn't wait until the morning to find out who the murderer was. The ending was incredible, I was really scared by it, haha. I had only a bedside lamp on and I had to turn the ceiling light on because I was too creeped out by what was happening. My heart was racing and I was so scared for the outcome. To me, that makes a really good book. I definitely recommend it. :)
I loved If You Ever Tell, I'm pretty sure it's the first book I've read by Thompson and to say the least, it will not be the last. I loved the plot of this novel, it was so well laid out and really well written. I loved the characters, they were all so realistic and likable. My favorite had to be Celeste, even though you didn't really get to know her until the end she was such a brave and strong girl. And of course, I loved the main character Teresa.
I was really surprised by who the murderer of Teresa's father and stepmother was. It completely took me off-guard. I stayed up until one in the morning to finish the book, just because it was getting to the end and it was really suspenseful. I couldn't wait until the morning to find out who the murderer was. The ending was incredible, I was really scared by it, haha. I had only a bedside lamp on and I had to turn the ceiling light on because I was too creeped out by what was happening. My heart was racing and I was so scared for the outcome. To me, that makes a really good book. I definitely recommend it. :)
April 10, 2008
Great mystery. If you like Karen Rose and Wendy Corsi Staub you will enjoy this book. If you read Mary Higgens Clark, you will love reading Carlene Thompson's books [also Rose and Staub]. The killer is always a challenge to figure out.
July 29, 2017
Even though this book was easy to put down it held my interest that I read a good chunk before picking up another book. Part of this the chapters weren't long but every chapter was marked into two or three sections with numbers
I also enjoyed this book since it was set in 2008. It was funny in a way to see them try to reach people when cell phones werent that common, gps didnt exist and people still used fax machines daily.
As for the ending it made the book a 4 star instead of a 3 star
I also enjoyed this book since it was set in 2008. It was funny in a way to see them try to reach people when cell phones werent that common, gps didnt exist and people still used fax machines daily.
As for the ending it made the book a 4 star instead of a 3 star
May 24, 2021
Wie immer schafft es die Autorin, den Leser auf falsche Fährten zu locken und am Schluss einen überraschenden Täter zu präsentieren. Die Geschichte ist spannend, es passiert immer wieder etwas und wird daher nicht langweilig, jedoch sind in diesem Buch teils die Personen charakterlich etwas anstrengend. Es gibt Spannungen untereinander, und einige Familienmitglieder sind ziemlich neurotisch. Für den Aufbau und die Auflösung 5 Sterne, wegen der teils nervigen Personen jedoch nur 3.
August 25, 2020
Shhhh... don't tell!!! Eight years have passed since the murders and the little girl still has not gotten her voice back . Now there's another murder. Many likely suspects, but who did it?
The book was a little "corny" in parts, but overall a good read.
The book was a little "corny" in parts, but overall a good read.
July 24, 2023
This small town murder mystery will keep you guessing from beginning to end. Lots of plot twists. A very good mystery read. This is my first from author Carlene Thompson. I will be reading more of her books.
September 12, 2025
Very enjoyable book. So excited that it wasn’t an obvious who done it but kept you guessing the whole time. Good thriller. My first by this author but I will definitely be looking for more from her.
November 7, 2018
Good story. A few misleading areas so it kept you guessing. The ending is sappy sweet but still it was a good story overall
January 28, 2019
Didn't see that twist coming!
November 21, 2019
I was pretty disappointed by who the killer turned out to be. But it was still a very good read!
March 30, 2020
Read this book!
January 6, 2024
Got pretty obvious about 1/2 way through.
July 14, 2008
If You Ever Tell
Carlene Thompson
Suspence
374 pages
copyright: 2008
isbn: 0-312-37285-x
It took everything in Teresa Farr's power to return to her hometown of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Eight years earlier, she had walked in on the savage murders of her father and stepmother—both of whom she hated. She barely managed to save herself and her eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste. But even after notorious serial killer Roscoe Lee Byrnes confessed, people still wondered if Teri was the guilty one. And with Celeste unable to remember that night, or to speak at all, those suspicions never went away…
Now Celeste is beginning to remember. Now Byrnes has recanted his confession. And someone is using a series of bizarre, taunting events to exact terrifying “justice.” As Teri desperately races to uncover the truth, she's finding that everyone she loves has secrets they would kill to keep buried. And in the bright mountain sunlight, an evil concealed all too well is reaching out to silence her and Celeste forever…
Carlene Thompson
Suspence
374 pages
copyright: 2008
isbn: 0-312-37285-x
It took everything in Teresa Farr's power to return to her hometown of Point Pleasant, West Virginia. Eight years earlier, she had walked in on the savage murders of her father and stepmother—both of whom she hated. She barely managed to save herself and her eight-year-old stepsister, Celeste. But even after notorious serial killer Roscoe Lee Byrnes confessed, people still wondered if Teri was the guilty one. And with Celeste unable to remember that night, or to speak at all, those suspicions never went away…
Now Celeste is beginning to remember. Now Byrnes has recanted his confession. And someone is using a series of bizarre, taunting events to exact terrifying “justice.” As Teri desperately races to uncover the truth, she's finding that everyone she loves has secrets they would kill to keep buried. And in the bright mountain sunlight, an evil concealed all too well is reaching out to silence her and Celeste forever…
October 10, 2011
surprise, the last person I expected and I consider myself a little jaded whenit comes to reading mysteries and guessing whodunit. My only complaint is that Teresa’s family and so-called friends are depicted as about the most unpleasant people I’ve ever come across in literature lately. My continuing thought as she put up with this complaining, in-fighting, accusing relatives and associates was that she tell them all to shove it and get out of her life or shut up. Anyone with people like that around doesn’t need an enemy sneaking up on her with a knife; they did enough back-stabbing as it was. Even Mac, who professes to love Teresa, doesn’t come off particularly great in some instances, though he does stick by her in the end, and Teresa herself has one or two moments when she is very nice, either.
Other than that, it’s a good read, suspenseful, with a suspect list that will keep you guessing. I changed my candidate for the killer several times before the end. So, if you can get past all the sniping and back-biting from the family and friends, you’ll enjoy this story.
Other than that, it’s a good read, suspenseful, with a suspect list that will keep you guessing. I changed my candidate for the killer several times before the end. So, if you can get past all the sniping and back-biting from the family and friends, you’ll enjoy this story.
December 14, 2008
4.5 Stars
Theresa "Teri" wakes up one night and discovers the bodies of her father and step-mother in their bed. She immediately runs out of the room to check on her step-sister, Celeste, and runs into the killer. The killer stabs her in the arm, sparing her life, and flees into the night. A short time later, a serial killer confesses to the murders, despite the town believing Teri killed her father and step-mother.
The story takes place eight years later around July 4th weekend. The week of his execution, Roscoe Lee Byrnes recants his confession. Once again, suspicion falls on Teri. Meanwhile, Celeste is left mute after the murders and finally starts talking again. Memories flood her and soon she starts to piece together that tragic night. While she desperately attempts to recall the killer's face, the killer is watching and plotting his/her next move.
Theresa "Teri" wakes up one night and discovers the bodies of her father and step-mother in their bed. She immediately runs out of the room to check on her step-sister, Celeste, and runs into the killer. The killer stabs her in the arm, sparing her life, and flees into the night. A short time later, a serial killer confesses to the murders, despite the town believing Teri killed her father and step-mother.
The story takes place eight years later around July 4th weekend. The week of his execution, Roscoe Lee Byrnes recants his confession. Once again, suspicion falls on Teri. Meanwhile, Celeste is left mute after the murders and finally starts talking again. Memories flood her and soon she starts to piece together that tragic night. While she desperately attempts to recall the killer's face, the killer is watching and plotting his/her next move.
April 2, 2009
Theresa Farr has a serious problem - someone is trying to kill her. Theresa survived an attack eight years ago that killer her father, step-mother and severely wounded her step-sister. Now someone is terrorizing her and dropping pieces of the past on her porch.
I thought I had this figured out early in the book but the author kept throwing out false clues to muddle the air. The ending was truly a surprise but it nicely cleared up the remaining mysteries.
A few times in the book I was frustrated by the unnecessary repetition of things. But overall a good read. I would definitely read Carlene Thompson again.
I thought I had this figured out early in the book but the author kept throwing out false clues to muddle the air. The ending was truly a surprise but it nicely cleared up the remaining mysteries.
A few times in the book I was frustrated by the unnecessary repetition of things. But overall a good read. I would definitely read Carlene Thompson again.
June 17, 2008
Good mystery that takes place in Point Pleasant WVk, my home state. Carlene Thompson is a good mystery writer along the lines of Mary HIggins Clark.
Teri Farr returns to her home town of Point Pleasant, WV, after the murder of her father and step-mother several years before, to open a riding stable. She had been suspected in these murders but a serial killer had confessed to them. Now, on the eve of his execution, he recants his confession of these two murders and sets off a series of mysterious events and more murders begin. Ms. Thompson keeps her readers on the edge of our seats to the end of the book.
Teri Farr returns to her home town of Point Pleasant, WV, after the murder of her father and step-mother several years before, to open a riding stable. She had been suspected in these murders but a serial killer had confessed to them. Now, on the eve of his execution, he recants his confession of these two murders and sets off a series of mysterious events and more murders begin. Ms. Thompson keeps her readers on the edge of our seats to the end of the book.
October 6, 2011
Crum Bum. Another romance-mystery. I like the mystery, but not fond of the childish pouting, arguing, and game-playing that comes with the romance. Teri Farr found her father and step-mother murdered in their beds when she was a teenager. She is now in her twenties and the serial killer, who originally confessed, now recants on his way to the death chamber for other murders. Nearly everyone in Teri's circle, including Teri, falls under suspicion for the murders. A man Teri once loved turns up and "the dance" begins. People start dying again. It all wrapped up a bit fast, but the mystery was pretty good. The romance dragged for me. I need to find a Harry Bosch novel. Now.
January 31, 2016
Although seventeen year old Teresa Farr did not like or get along with her dad and stepmother, she certainly didn't murder them, as some townspeople suspected. When a serial killer eventually confesses to the crime, Teresa begins to get her life back. However, eight years later, the "killer" recants his confession, and suspicion falls on Teresa again. Teresa begins receiving mysterious faxes, and objects from the past appear on her doorstep. Teresa doesn't know who she can trust anymore, as the threats and events continue to focus on her, and what really happened that night eight years ago.
April 15, 2021
Pretty good for a murder mystery/who done it crime drama. Teri returns to her hometown where years before, she witnessed her father and step mother’s murders. In an effort to uncover the truth, Teri experiences the usual lies, coverups, and pending danger of poking her nose into truths that should remain hidden. This has all the works of a small town mystery, I just felt the characters could have been more developed.
September 23, 2015
Ein spannender Krimi, mit einer raffinierten Story - wie immer bei Carlene Thompson geht es um ein Ereignis aus der Vergangenheit - in diesem Fall einen Doppelmord, der 8 Jahre zuvor verübt wurde.
Die Charaktere sind toll geschildert, die Geschichte bleibt das ganze Buch über spannend.
Beste Krimi-Unterhaltung !!!
Die Charaktere sind toll geschildert, die Geschichte bleibt das ganze Buch über spannend.
Beste Krimi-Unterhaltung !!!
November 21, 2008
It wasn't the story line that made this book just OK for me - it was writing style. Many times it felt forced and cumbersome. this is the first book I've read by this author so I don't know if this is her usual style or if it's just unique to this book.
May 18, 2008
A pretty good book...
June 16, 2008
Not good, but something to read until I get something better.
July 6, 2008
Good book, first of this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews