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I Never Knew You at All
7 hours, 54 minutes
Bestselling authors Christine Pride and Jo Piazza return with a gripping new novel where a Black woman’s past collides with her present, unveiling a decades-old mystery that forces her to confront her beliefs about race, love, justice, and her interracial marriage.
Simone Hartwell has made trade-offs to build a life she loves, including giving up her once promising career as a journalist. But as her husband, Alex, stands to finally take the reins of the family business—a chain of high end grocery stores his grandfather started—Simone vows to settle contently into her role supporting him and raising their son Langston.
But when her college ex and first love, Kwame, resurfaces in her life, her carefully constructed domestic bliss threatens to crumble under the weight of old feelings and new dramas. Kwame, who built the journalism career Simone once dreamed of, is investigating a decade’s old mystery of a young Black man who disappeared from The Tate School—the same elite prep school that Alex’s family has attended for generations. When he discovers a startling connection to the Hartwells, it sets everyone on a collision course that will unearth long-held secrets, test loyalties, and force a major reckoning between the past and the future.
Thorny, urgent, and deeply nuanced, I Never Knew You at All is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption that asks provocative questions: Who deserves forgiveness? Can people really change? And ultimately—what does it take to hold a marriage together…or break it apart?
Bestselling authors Christine Pride and Jo Piazza return with a gripping new novel where a Black woman’s past collides with her present, unveiling a decades-old mystery that forces her to confront her beliefs about race, love, justice, and her interracial marriage.
Simone Hartwell has made trade-offs to build a life she loves, including giving up her once promising career as a journalist. But as her husband, Alex, stands to finally take the reins of the family business—a chain of high end grocery stores his grandfather started—Simone vows to settle contently into her role supporting him and raising their son Langston.
But when her college ex and first love, Kwame, resurfaces in her life, her carefully constructed domestic bliss threatens to crumble under the weight of old feelings and new dramas. Kwame, who built the journalism career Simone once dreamed of, is investigating a decade’s old mystery of a young Black man who disappeared from The Tate School—the same elite prep school that Alex’s family has attended for generations. When he discovers a startling connection to the Hartwells, it sets everyone on a collision course that will unearth long-held secrets, test loyalties, and force a major reckoning between the past and the future.
Thorny, urgent, and deeply nuanced, I Never Knew You at All is a story of love, forgiveness, and redemption that asks provocative questions: Who deserves forgiveness? Can people really change? And ultimately—what does it take to hold a marriage together…or break it apart?
Audiobook
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
Christine Pride
6 books696 followersChristine Pride is a writer, editor, and longtime publishing veteran. She’s held editorial posts at many different trade imprints, including Doubleday, Broadway, Crown, Hyperion, and Simon & Schuster. As an editor, Christine has published a range of books, with a special emphasis on inspirational stories and memoirs, including numerous New York Times bestsellers. As a freelance editorial consultant, she does select editing and proposal/content development, as well as teaching and coaching, and pens a regular column—“Race Matters”—for Cup of Jo. She lives in New York City.
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October 22, 2026
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⭐⭐⭐.5
I Never Knew You At All
Christine Pride; Jo Piazza
Publication Date: October 13th, 2026
Atria Books
272 Pages
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction | Multicultural Interest
This is a very character-driven mystery, but also very much a domestic drama. Like their other two titles, this one deals with race, class, and secrets—especially those in a marriage. The book is about Simone, who is Black, and her husband Alex, who is white. She is a stay-at-home mom and they are very rich. Their life looks perfect, and even Simone thinks so. Alex is given the job of CEO at his family's company, but all isn't as it seems. Secrets come to the surface when a journalist sticks his nose into an unsolved murder from many years ago that has links to Alex's family. This makes Simone rethink her marriage and her perfect life.
The authors write quiet, everyday life well, especially when it comes to interracial relationships and class. I enjoy reading about the different dynamics from different points of view. Mixing a domestic drama with a mystery kept the book engaging, and the question of how well we really know our spouse is always an interesting theme. I liked the generational trauma trope, and it is done well here. When family is involved, there are always issues of forgiveness and taking responsibility. There aren't simple answers to Simone's questions, which was very thought-provoking.
The pacing can lag in parts because of all the internal thoughts and dialogue, and there were also some extra plotlines with various other family members, so this isn't your typical fast-paced mystery or thriller. Still, I really felt the emotional sections of the book—they were portrayed realistically. However, the twists involving the family were easy to figure out and are a bit overdone in fiction (wealth equals secrets!).
Overall, this was a decent read that made me think about love, identity, and the truth. You know, money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure helps fill the fridge and pay the mortgage. I really enjoyed the dual-perspective way the authors told the story and tackled some uncomfortable situations.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
The Book Review Crew Blog
⭐⭐⭐.5
I Never Knew You At All
Christine Pride; Jo Piazza
Publication Date: October 13th, 2026
Atria Books
272 Pages
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.org
Genre: General Fiction | Women's Fiction | Multicultural Interest
This is a very character-driven mystery, but also very much a domestic drama. Like their other two titles, this one deals with race, class, and secrets—especially those in a marriage. The book is about Simone, who is Black, and her husband Alex, who is white. She is a stay-at-home mom and they are very rich. Their life looks perfect, and even Simone thinks so. Alex is given the job of CEO at his family's company, but all isn't as it seems. Secrets come to the surface when a journalist sticks his nose into an unsolved murder from many years ago that has links to Alex's family. This makes Simone rethink her marriage and her perfect life.
The authors write quiet, everyday life well, especially when it comes to interracial relationships and class. I enjoy reading about the different dynamics from different points of view. Mixing a domestic drama with a mystery kept the book engaging, and the question of how well we really know our spouse is always an interesting theme. I liked the generational trauma trope, and it is done well here. When family is involved, there are always issues of forgiveness and taking responsibility. There aren't simple answers to Simone's questions, which was very thought-provoking.
The pacing can lag in parts because of all the internal thoughts and dialogue, and there were also some extra plotlines with various other family members, so this isn't your typical fast-paced mystery or thriller. Still, I really felt the emotional sections of the book—they were portrayed realistically. However, the twists involving the family were easy to figure out and are a bit overdone in fiction (wealth equals secrets!).
Overall, this was a decent read that made me think about love, identity, and the truth. You know, money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure helps fill the fridge and pay the mortgage. I really enjoyed the dual-perspective way the authors told the story and tackled some uncomfortable situations.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Goodreads ratings reflect reader demographics and
popular enthusiasm rather than objective literary merit.
May 14, 2026
I went into the third book I Never Knew You at All by co-authors Christine Pride and Jo Piazza, expecting a mystery about a missing Black man from sixty years ago, but I walked away with a strong story about how racism affects generations decades later.
The authors use a cold case to anchor a much deeper exploration of systemic inequality and the persistent reach of white privilege. This is a narrative where a Black woman’s past and present collide, forcing her to question everything she knows about justice and her own privileged life.
The plot centers on Simone, who has traded her career ambitions for a comfortable life within her husband Alex’s wealthy white family. When her ex-boyfriend Kwame arrives to investigate a decades-old murder at an elite prep school that Alex's grandfather Poppy attended decades earlier, Simone's world begins to unfold as her marriage, Poppy's dementia, Alex's new role as CEO all collide in more ways than one.
Kwame’s search for the truth uncovers startling connections to the Hartwell family, leaving Simone caught between protecting her family’s legacy and honoring a quest for justice.
The book brilliantly examines the perception of affluent Black individuals. It shows that wealth cannot shield a person from the exhaustion of navigating white spaces or the complexities of identity. At its heart, the novel is also a story of how true love can be found in unexpected places and the messy work required to hold an interracial marriage together, when buried secrets threaten to pull it apart.
The story is nuanced, and prioritizes internal growth and social commentary over a traditional mystery structure. It asks difficult questions about who deserves forgiveness and whether people can truly change. This is a thoughtful read that highlights how the past is never truly gone, making it a perfect choice for those who love character driven stories with deep social relevance.
I Never Knew You at All is a quick story, and another well written one by the two co-authors.
Thank you Atria for the advanced copy!
The authors use a cold case to anchor a much deeper exploration of systemic inequality and the persistent reach of white privilege. This is a narrative where a Black woman’s past and present collide, forcing her to question everything she knows about justice and her own privileged life.
The plot centers on Simone, who has traded her career ambitions for a comfortable life within her husband Alex’s wealthy white family. When her ex-boyfriend Kwame arrives to investigate a decades-old murder at an elite prep school that Alex's grandfather Poppy attended decades earlier, Simone's world begins to unfold as her marriage, Poppy's dementia, Alex's new role as CEO all collide in more ways than one.
Kwame’s search for the truth uncovers startling connections to the Hartwell family, leaving Simone caught between protecting her family’s legacy and honoring a quest for justice.
The book brilliantly examines the perception of affluent Black individuals. It shows that wealth cannot shield a person from the exhaustion of navigating white spaces or the complexities of identity. At its heart, the novel is also a story of how true love can be found in unexpected places and the messy work required to hold an interracial marriage together, when buried secrets threaten to pull it apart.
The story is nuanced, and prioritizes internal growth and social commentary over a traditional mystery structure. It asks difficult questions about who deserves forgiveness and whether people can truly change. This is a thoughtful read that highlights how the past is never truly gone, making it a perfect choice for those who love character driven stories with deep social relevance.
I Never Knew You at All is a quick story, and another well written one by the two co-authors.
Thank you Atria for the advanced copy!
October 2, 2026
I Never Knew You at All spans the genres of both drama and mystery, ultimately pondering how we never truly know what people are capable of.
A heavy family drama with a deep buried mystery told in multiple POV. Past secrets come to light amongst a rocky marriage filled with a multitude of elements including financial irresponsibility, racial tensions and infidelity.
Perhaps most interesting to me was the questioning the ethics and true consciousness of a mystery involving a man now struggling with dementia.
The book also explores the poignant themes of forgiveness v justice and dealing with the reality of questions that can never be truly answered. I think this would be a phenomenal book for book clubs and enjoyed this read. A big thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC! This would be a 3.5 for me!
A heavy family drama with a deep buried mystery told in multiple POV. Past secrets come to light amongst a rocky marriage filled with a multitude of elements including financial irresponsibility, racial tensions and infidelity.
Perhaps most interesting to me was the questioning the ethics and true consciousness of a mystery involving a man now struggling with dementia.
The book also explores the poignant themes of forgiveness v justice and dealing with the reality of questions that can never be truly answered. I think this would be a phenomenal book for book clubs and enjoyed this read. A big thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ARC! This would be a 3.5 for me!
September 19, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
This was one of those books where I had some issues with the execution, but the mystery was compelling enough that I still wanted to know how it would all end.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters, mostly because of the multiple POVs and the amount of jumping around. I never really felt like I got deeply attached to any of them, and I also didn’t see much character development throughout the story. It sometimes felt like the plot was simply happening to the characters rather than them changing or growing as a result of it. There were also quite a few block explanations/exposition, especially toward the beginning, that slowed things down.
The story definitely gave me Succession vibes, which I enjoyed, particularly with the focus on wealth, privilege, family dynamics, but with the added complications surrounding interracial marriage and the different experiences that can come with it.
I did struggle with Simone and Kwame’s relationship, though. Their dynamic was constantly verging on infidelity, and I personally didn’t find that particularly entertaining to read. Their reasons for getting involved in the investigation also felt somewhat self-serving, which made it difficult to really root for either of them. In general, I found myself feeling pretty detached from the characters because I didn’t find many of them particularly likable.
That said, the mystery kept me interested, and I really liked the ending. I thought it was creative and provided a satisfying way to tie everything together. So while the characterization didn’t quite work for me, I still found the overall story compelling and enjoyed the ride.
This was one of those books where I had some issues with the execution, but the mystery was compelling enough that I still wanted to know how it would all end.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters, mostly because of the multiple POVs and the amount of jumping around. I never really felt like I got deeply attached to any of them, and I also didn’t see much character development throughout the story. It sometimes felt like the plot was simply happening to the characters rather than them changing or growing as a result of it. There were also quite a few block explanations/exposition, especially toward the beginning, that slowed things down.
The story definitely gave me Succession vibes, which I enjoyed, particularly with the focus on wealth, privilege, family dynamics, but with the added complications surrounding interracial marriage and the different experiences that can come with it.
I did struggle with Simone and Kwame’s relationship, though. Their dynamic was constantly verging on infidelity, and I personally didn’t find that particularly entertaining to read. Their reasons for getting involved in the investigation also felt somewhat self-serving, which made it difficult to really root for either of them. In general, I found myself feeling pretty detached from the characters because I didn’t find many of them particularly likable.
That said, the mystery kept me interested, and I really liked the ending. I thought it was creative and provided a satisfying way to tie everything together. So while the characterization didn’t quite work for me, I still found the overall story compelling and enjoyed the ride.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book tried to be a lot of things and felt perhaps like it was trying a bit too hard. Addiction, racial inequality, murder, love triangles, and more. None felt fully invested and left the plot a bit limp. And to set such a book in Milwaukee, you better do it well as that city has dealt with (and continues to deal with) segregation, redlining, racial health disparities, etc but unfortunately this all fell flat. Also the dialogue of this just felt simply fake and disingenuous.
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC ❤️
Thanks NetGalley for the ARC ❤️
October 13, 2026
Some books give you a mystery to solve and others leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about people, privilege and the meaning of doing the right thing.👀
Simone has built a comfortable life with her wealthy husband, Alex, and their son, but that life comes with sacrifices including stepping away from the journalism career she once dreamed of. When her first love, Kwame reenters the picture while investigating a decades old disappearance connected to Alex’s family. The carefully constructed world Simone has settled into starts cracking. And babes….once those family secrets start coming out there’s no pretending everything is fine.😬
Christine Pride and Jo Piazza explore race, privilege, identity, and the complicated dynamics of an interracial marriage. Simone’s position within a wealthy white family especially as she has to navigate the tension between protecting the life she’s built and pursuing the truth. The book doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable gray areas either. It asks whether people can truly change, who deserves forgiveness, and whether loyalty to family should ever come at the expense of justice.
Following the story through Simone, Alex, and Kwame’s perspectives made it so much better. Each brings something different to the table. There’s a deeper question here about what happens when the life you chose no longer feels quite like the life you want.
I Never Knew You at All explores what happens when the truth threatens everything you’ve built. It’s messy and full of questions that don’t necessarily have comfortable answers.
Sometimes the hardest question isn’t what happened? It’s what are you willing to do once you know the truth👏🏽
🕵🏽♀️ Decades old mystery
🤫 Buried family secrets
💍 Interracial marriage under pressure
📰 Journalism and the pursuit of truth
⚖️ Justice versus family loyalty
🖤 Race, identity, and privilege
🪞 Second chances, forgiveness, and personal growth
Simone has built a comfortable life with her wealthy husband, Alex, and their son, but that life comes with sacrifices including stepping away from the journalism career she once dreamed of. When her first love, Kwame reenters the picture while investigating a decades old disappearance connected to Alex’s family. The carefully constructed world Simone has settled into starts cracking. And babes….once those family secrets start coming out there’s no pretending everything is fine.😬
Christine Pride and Jo Piazza explore race, privilege, identity, and the complicated dynamics of an interracial marriage. Simone’s position within a wealthy white family especially as she has to navigate the tension between protecting the life she’s built and pursuing the truth. The book doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable gray areas either. It asks whether people can truly change, who deserves forgiveness, and whether loyalty to family should ever come at the expense of justice.
Following the story through Simone, Alex, and Kwame’s perspectives made it so much better. Each brings something different to the table. There’s a deeper question here about what happens when the life you chose no longer feels quite like the life you want.
I Never Knew You at All explores what happens when the truth threatens everything you’ve built. It’s messy and full of questions that don’t necessarily have comfortable answers.
Sometimes the hardest question isn’t what happened? It’s what are you willing to do once you know the truth👏🏽
🕵🏽♀️ Decades old mystery
🤫 Buried family secrets
💍 Interracial marriage under pressure
📰 Journalism and the pursuit of truth
⚖️ Justice versus family loyalty
🖤 Race, identity, and privilege
🪞 Second chances, forgiveness, and personal growth
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks for the ARC Atria Books! (Available everywhere October 13th.) This is my second book by this writing pair and gosh, I just love them so much. They write complicated racial issues and relationships so well, with nuance and depth. I’m also a fan of Pride and Piazza’s solo books, they are just such wonderful writers.
Simone is a married Black woman in an interracial marriage with Alex, a wealthy white son of the prominent Hartwell dynasty. She has given up her journalism career to raise their son, but when her ex Kwame comes back in her life asking questions about her husband’s father’s murky past that crossed paths with a missing Black boy from the Tate School for his true crime podcast, Simone can’t help but investigate. This drives a wedge in her family and marriage, as Alex can’t understand Simone’s need to pursue the truth.
This book alternated perspectives between Simone, Alex, and Kwame which really kept me enthralled. There’s the decades old mystery that I was interested in but I just really love the complex racial dynamics this writing pair created. It was thought provoking and I highly recommend this for fans of character driven pieces revolving around identity and race.
✨Content Warnings: Racism, Classism, Dementia, Murder, Death, Alcoholism
✨Themes: Race/Identity, Forgiveness, Classism
✨You May Like This If You Enjoyed:
-Such a Fun Age (Kiley Reid)
-Little Fires Everywhere (Celeste Ng)
Simone is a married Black woman in an interracial marriage with Alex, a wealthy white son of the prominent Hartwell dynasty. She has given up her journalism career to raise their son, but when her ex Kwame comes back in her life asking questions about her husband’s father’s murky past that crossed paths with a missing Black boy from the Tate School for his true crime podcast, Simone can’t help but investigate. This drives a wedge in her family and marriage, as Alex can’t understand Simone’s need to pursue the truth.
This book alternated perspectives between Simone, Alex, and Kwame which really kept me enthralled. There’s the decades old mystery that I was interested in but I just really love the complex racial dynamics this writing pair created. It was thought provoking and I highly recommend this for fans of character driven pieces revolving around identity and race.
✨Content Warnings: Racism, Classism, Dementia, Murder, Death, Alcoholism
✨Themes: Race/Identity, Forgiveness, Classism
✨You May Like This If You Enjoyed:
-Such a Fun Age (Kiley Reid)
-Little Fires Everywhere (Celeste Ng)
October 29, 2026
I was looking for an audiobook I could listen to throughout my day, and the synopsis of this one caught my attention. It ended up being a good choice!
The story follows Simone, whose comfortable life with her wealthy husband is shaken when her former love begins investigating a decades-old disappearance connected to her husband's family.
I found this one interesting and engaging throughout, and the full-cast narration was a definite highlight! I really enjoyed the distinct voices and how the narrators brought the characters to life.
Beyond the mystery, there's a lot to unpack here about race, privilege, marriage, loyalty, and forgiveness. It's the kind of book that could spark some really interesting book club conversations, especially since I think readers will have different opinions about the characters and their choices.
This was more of a like than a love for me, but an enjoyable listen that kept my attention and gave me plenty to think about.
Thank you Simon Audio for the audiobook!
The story follows Simone, whose comfortable life with her wealthy husband is shaken when her former love begins investigating a decades-old disappearance connected to her husband's family.
I found this one interesting and engaging throughout, and the full-cast narration was a definite highlight! I really enjoyed the distinct voices and how the narrators brought the characters to life.
Beyond the mystery, there's a lot to unpack here about race, privilege, marriage, loyalty, and forgiveness. It's the kind of book that could spark some really interesting book club conversations, especially since I think readers will have different opinions about the characters and their choices.
This was more of a like than a love for me, but an enjoyable listen that kept my attention and gave me plenty to think about.
Thank you Simon Audio for the audiobook!
Did Not Finish
October 31, 2026DNF 20% good writing and seems like it’s a good story but we are introduced to each character one by one with an info dump without getting to spend much time with them before moving onto the next and this structure kept me from being interested in anyone, I had to play it back and relisten then just gave up, I feel like if I were in another mood maybe I would’ve been more interested
Read
May 18, 2026Back in college, Simone was an ambitious, aspiring journalist eager to take on the world. She's the only child of a single mom without tons of resources. Kwame, also an ambitious, aspiring journalist, lost his best high school friend when he was falsely accused and imprisoned for a crime Kwame knows he did not commit. Simone, Kwame and Kwame's friend are black. Alex, who is white and technically an orphan, has been raised by his powerful, rich, white grandfather. The three lives intersect in dramatic ways after Kwame, who made a name for himself, and freed his friend from prison with his true crime podcast, is given a tip about a young black man who disappeared over 50 years ago. There's a bit of mystery, some complicated relationships, racial and socio-economic tension and good old-fashioned story telling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
What if doing the right thing means losing everything? This novel uses this question to explore underlying themes of racism, generational wealth, and privilege.
Although I loved how this book made you think, it was very mediocre at best. If it wasn’t an ARC, I likely wouldn’t have finished it. I thought the 3 POV’s were unnecessary and could have done without 1 of the male POVs. I never felt particularly connected to any of the characters and wasn’t super invested in finding out the answer to the murder mystery.
The ending felt predictable and I didn’t think there was much of a twist, as some other readers mentioned. It seemed like this story had been done before and nothing particularly stuck out to me. Not a bad book by any means, but not one I would fervently recommend
What if doing the right thing means losing everything? This novel uses this question to explore underlying themes of racism, generational wealth, and privilege.
Although I loved how this book made you think, it was very mediocre at best. If it wasn’t an ARC, I likely wouldn’t have finished it. I thought the 3 POV’s were unnecessary and could have done without 1 of the male POVs. I never felt particularly connected to any of the characters and wasn’t super invested in finding out the answer to the murder mystery.
The ending felt predictable and I didn’t think there was much of a twist, as some other readers mentioned. It seemed like this story had been done before and nothing particularly stuck out to me. Not a bad book by any means, but not one I would fervently recommend
Review of advance copy received from Goodreads Giveaways
A thought provoking story on family legacy, pride, an uncovered past, and roads not taken. Two characters struggle with facing the minutiae of their chosen path, while a third character raises the stakes by resurfacing personal regrets and a long forgotten tragedy.
This third person didn’t feel central to the plot in spite of his POV making up one third of the book. I found myself uninterested in his unresolved conclusion, seeing him more as an observer rather than a fleshed out character.
This third person didn’t feel central to the plot in spite of his POV making up one third of the book. I found myself uninterested in his unresolved conclusion, seeing him more as an observer rather than a fleshed out character.
July 11, 2026
LOOVVEEE. it takes a little patience but this was so hard to put down omg
thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC!
thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for the ARC!
October 16, 2026
Thank you Atria for the gifted e-arc.
I really enjoyed this book! I would say a must read. The books examines race, wealth, influence, power, privilege, and racism. So many great discussions can be had with this book, so i think it would be a perfect bookclub pick!
Simone, FMC, is a Black woman who married into a wealthy white family. Her husband is starting a new position as CEO of his families company. To the outside looking in, they appear to have a it all as a young, wealthy family, Simone sacrificed her career as a journalist to become a kept stay at home mom. Just as everything seemed to be going well, her husband inherits more than he bargained with the company and Simone’s past comes colliding with her present as her ex-boyfriend Kwame comes to town to investigate the death of a young black man from decades prior. This young Black man, attended the Tate Prep School, which is an elite prep school that her husband’s family has a long history with. He vanished without a trace, and is believed to have possibly drowned, but his roommate insists that wouldn’t be possible and that foul play was present. The more Kwame, investigates his death, the more connections he finds with Simone’s husband’s family. As Simone begins to do her own digging, she makes a startling discovery. She has to decide if she wants to do what’s right or protect the legacy of the family she married into.
This was such a timely read, and the death or disappearance of Wade was just off the hills of Emmitt Till. While reading this, I couldn’t help but think of the loose connections to Nolan Wells.
There is another health related angle at play which added yet another interesting layer to the feasibility of justice. It shows how wealth, influence and power can enable you to remove truths and bend the narratives to avoid negatively impacting ones image.
In the beginning, I liked Alex. He seemed humble, kind, valued his wife and her opinion, treated her well and was so far from the stereotypical “CEO mold”. But that quickly ended after new information caused him to make poor decision after poor decision. This is when the cracks in their marriage really came to the forefront. Upon light of new husband’s behavior and info learned from the case, Simone is really forced to take a deep look at her interracial marriage.
I really enjoyed this book! I would say a must read. The books examines race, wealth, influence, power, privilege, and racism. So many great discussions can be had with this book, so i think it would be a perfect bookclub pick!
Simone, FMC, is a Black woman who married into a wealthy white family. Her husband is starting a new position as CEO of his families company. To the outside looking in, they appear to have a it all as a young, wealthy family, Simone sacrificed her career as a journalist to become a kept stay at home mom. Just as everything seemed to be going well, her husband inherits more than he bargained with the company and Simone’s past comes colliding with her present as her ex-boyfriend Kwame comes to town to investigate the death of a young black man from decades prior. This young Black man, attended the Tate Prep School, which is an elite prep school that her husband’s family has a long history with. He vanished without a trace, and is believed to have possibly drowned, but his roommate insists that wouldn’t be possible and that foul play was present. The more Kwame, investigates his death, the more connections he finds with Simone’s husband’s family. As Simone begins to do her own digging, she makes a startling discovery. She has to decide if she wants to do what’s right or protect the legacy of the family she married into.
This was such a timely read, and the death or disappearance of Wade was just off the hills of Emmitt Till. While reading this, I couldn’t help but think of the loose connections to Nolan Wells.
There is another health related angle at play which added yet another interesting layer to the feasibility of justice. It shows how wealth, influence and power can enable you to remove truths and bend the narratives to avoid negatively impacting ones image.
In the beginning, I liked Alex. He seemed humble, kind, valued his wife and her opinion, treated her well and was so far from the stereotypical “CEO mold”. But that quickly ended after new information caused him to make poor decision after poor decision. This is when the cracks in their marriage really came to the forefront. Upon light of new husband’s behavior and info learned from the case, Simone is really forced to take a deep look at her interracial marriage.
October 16, 2026
Simone Hartwell once aspired to a career in journalism. After her breakup with Kwame Walker, her ex-boyfriend from journalism school, Simone, a Black woman, found herself in the arms of Alex Hartwell, a white man and heir to his family's grocery store chain, run by his grandfather Larry "Poppy" Hartwell, who raised Alex. The couple married, had a son, and Simone's career dreams were seemingly stalled forever as she began living a life of privilege. Meanwhile, Kwame, now thriving as a journalist and podcaster, contacts Simone about a lead on a story. In the 1960s, Wade Freeman, a Black student at the prestigious Tate School, disappeared and was never found. Although it was officially deemed a drowning, Kwame is pursuing the belief that foul play was involved. The Tate School was also the alma mater of Poppy, who was suffering from early stages of dementia. Despite knowing that spending time with Kwame is ill-advised, Simone is determined to learn more about the circumstances of Wade's disappearance and whether Poppy could have been involved.
I Never Knew You At All is the third book co-written by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza. Together, they have successfully explored complex themes involving relationships and race. In this seamless collaboration, the authors delve into family loyalty, the importance of truth, and the risks associated with secrets. This engaging character-driven story raises challenging questions and offers no easy answers. It's a worthwhile read and would make a strong addition to book club lists for stimulating discussions.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
I Never Knew You At All is the third book co-written by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza. Together, they have successfully explored complex themes involving relationships and race. In this seamless collaboration, the authors delve into family loyalty, the importance of truth, and the risks associated with secrets. This engaging character-driven story raises challenging questions and offers no easy answers. It's a worthwhile read and would make a strong addition to book club lists for stimulating discussions.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve finally had a moment to sit down and write out my thoughts on this. Thank you Atria Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a Black woman who’s past collides with her present, unveiling a decades-old mystery that forces her to confront her beliefs about race, love, justice, and her interracial marriage.
I appreciated that this was told from 3 different POV. Simone, her husband Alex and her ex boyfriend Kwame. Personally I did not like Kwame’s POV mostly just for his general way of talking but that’s just me. Alex consisted of one of my least favorite tropes (miscommunication) and had very little redeeming qualities. I liked the murder/investigative journalism aspect of this that pulls Simone back into her former career and passion. I also like how it examines racial inequalities not just during the 60’s/post Jim Crow but also in today’s current climate/culture. Having gone to college right down the road from an All male school I can easily see the type of atmosphere/environment the boys walked into in the 60’s and how it may have persisted even today due to generations attending the school.
Overall another good enjoyable read from Christine Pride.
Synopsis: This novel tells the story of a Black woman who’s past collides with her present, unveiling a decades-old mystery that forces her to confront her beliefs about race, love, justice, and her interracial marriage.
I appreciated that this was told from 3 different POV. Simone, her husband Alex and her ex boyfriend Kwame. Personally I did not like Kwame’s POV mostly just for his general way of talking but that’s just me. Alex consisted of one of my least favorite tropes (miscommunication) and had very little redeeming qualities. I liked the murder/investigative journalism aspect of this that pulls Simone back into her former career and passion. I also like how it examines racial inequalities not just during the 60’s/post Jim Crow but also in today’s current climate/culture. Having gone to college right down the road from an All male school I can easily see the type of atmosphere/environment the boys walked into in the 60’s and how it may have persisted even today due to generations attending the school.
Overall another good enjoyable read from Christine Pride.
August 29, 2026
This book could not be more timely given everything happening in the US right now.
The authors, Christine and Jo, do something this country really needs right now: they make you think about race in a way that feels relatable instead of preachy.
The book sits with a question I haven't been able to shake. People are multifaceted, nobody's perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. But when does a mistake become too big to come back from? And when is it okay to sweep something under the rug, especially when the optics are bad and race is part of the equation?
The timing is likely coincidental, since a book like this was almost certainly well into production before this year. But that's actually what makes it land so hard. The Nolan Wells case that dominated social media this summer is just one example in a long line of cases where a Black death at the hands of a white person gets swept under the rug. This book doesn't need a single headline to feel urgent. It's tapping into something ongoing.
It's going to stay with me for a while, and I'm already looking forward to talking about it with friends and other readers.
The authors, Christine and Jo, do something this country really needs right now: they make you think about race in a way that feels relatable instead of preachy.
The book sits with a question I haven't been able to shake. People are multifaceted, nobody's perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. But when does a mistake become too big to come back from? And when is it okay to sweep something under the rug, especially when the optics are bad and race is part of the equation?
The timing is likely coincidental, since a book like this was almost certainly well into production before this year. But that's actually what makes it land so hard. The Nolan Wells case that dominated social media this summer is just one example in a long line of cases where a Black death at the hands of a white person gets swept under the rug. This book doesn't need a single headline to feel urgent. It's tapping into something ongoing.
It's going to stay with me for a while, and I'm already looking forward to talking about it with friends and other readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Simone was on her way to being a journalist, but gave it all up to marry Alex, a trust fund kid. Now years later, Alex is about to take over the family business. While their interracial marriage has had some challenges, they had been mostly happy. But when her ex-boyfriend (the one who broke her heart) comes back into her life investigating a decades-old cold case, her world is turned upside down.
While this took me a bit to get into, I ended up really enjoying it. This book had a little bit of everything, an element of mystery, politics, family drama, historical fiction, and a dash of romance. While you would think that this would all be too much, I think the authors made it work quite well, it never felt like too much and it kept me fully invested in the story the whole time. While I enjoyed the audiobook (I love a multicast audiobook), I did prefer to sit down and read this one (may have just been my mood).
While this took me a bit to get into, I ended up really enjoying it. This book had a little bit of everything, an element of mystery, politics, family drama, historical fiction, and a dash of romance. While you would think that this would all be too much, I think the authors made it work quite well, it never felt like too much and it kept me fully invested in the story the whole time. While I enjoyed the audiobook (I love a multicast audiobook), I did prefer to sit down and read this one (may have just been my mood).
October 26, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! I love books that combine family drama, complicated relationships, and a good mystery, and this had all three!
There were so many layers to this story, from Simone questioning the life she's built to the resurfacing of her first love and a decades-old disappearance that threatens to uncover some major family secrets. I loved how everything was connected and how the story slowly revealed more about the characters and their pasts.
What I especially enjoyed was that none of the relationships were simple. There were plenty of secrets, difficult decisions, and morally gray situations that made me question how I felt about certain characters. I also liked how the book explored forgiveness, loyalty, and whether people can truly change.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital ARC.
There were so many layers to this story, from Simone questioning the life she's built to the resurfacing of her first love and a decades-old disappearance that threatens to uncover some major family secrets. I loved how everything was connected and how the story slowly revealed more about the characters and their pasts.
What I especially enjoyed was that none of the relationships were simple. There were plenty of secrets, difficult decisions, and morally gray situations that made me question how I felt about certain characters. I also liked how the book explored forgiveness, loyalty, and whether people can truly change.
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for a digital ARC.
October 29, 2026
Thank you, Atria Books, for providing the copy of I Never Knew You At All by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza. This is my first book by Pride and Piazza, but I will be checking out their back catalogue. On the surface, this is a story about Kwame, a podcaster trying to get justice for Wade, a Black high school kid who disappeared in the 50s, but there are so many other things going on; I was riveted to the pages. Simone and Alex are married, and Kwame is Simone’s ex-boyfriend and first love. Simone is a journalist who starts investigating the mystery of Wade's disappearance. Coincidentally, the high school is the one Alex’s family members have attended for years, and his grandfather was Wade’s classmate. The issues of race, privilege, and justice collide in a sad but timely story. 4 stars
June 22, 2026
4.5 Stars
Simone has built a comfortable life with her husband Alex and their young son, setting aside her dreams of becoming a journalist to support her family. But when her first love, Kwame, re-enters her life while investigating a decades-old disappearance connected to Alex's influential family, long-buried secrets begin to surface. As the truth unravels, the novel explores whether people can truly change, what forgiveness looks like, and how much a marriage can withstand before it breaks.
I really loved this one. The exploration of a biracial marriage, the family history, and the way long-hidden secrets slowly came to light made for a compelling and thought-provoking read. I also loved watching Simone wrestle with the life she'd built versus the career and identity she'd given up, while Alex's gradual unraveling revealed sides of his character that had been hidden all along. The multiple perspectives and time jumps occasionally made the story a little harder to follow than I would have liked, and at times, the jumps between timelines and filler explanations felt unnecessary. That said, it was only a minor inconvenience in an otherwise fantastic novel with rich, complex characters, timely themes, and a story that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher, @atriabooks, for giving me the chance to preview and read this excellent book! It's expected pub date is in October, so mark your calendars or preorder now so you don't miss it!
Simone has built a comfortable life with her husband Alex and their young son, setting aside her dreams of becoming a journalist to support her family. But when her first love, Kwame, re-enters her life while investigating a decades-old disappearance connected to Alex's influential family, long-buried secrets begin to surface. As the truth unravels, the novel explores whether people can truly change, what forgiveness looks like, and how much a marriage can withstand before it breaks.
I really loved this one. The exploration of a biracial marriage, the family history, and the way long-hidden secrets slowly came to light made for a compelling and thought-provoking read. I also loved watching Simone wrestle with the life she'd built versus the career and identity she'd given up, while Alex's gradual unraveling revealed sides of his character that had been hidden all along. The multiple perspectives and time jumps occasionally made the story a little harder to follow than I would have liked, and at times, the jumps between timelines and filler explanations felt unnecessary. That said, it was only a minor inconvenience in an otherwise fantastic novel with rich, complex characters, timely themes, and a story that kept me invested from beginning to end.
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher, @atriabooks, for giving me the chance to preview and read this excellent book! It's expected pub date is in October, so mark your calendars or preorder now so you don't miss it!
September 5, 2026
I was expecting more of a thriller, but this more low key like Where The Crawdads Sing of The God of the Woods. If you liked those books, you’ll love this one. It deals with race, murder, dementia, young love, and a complicated marriage.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Simon and Schuster, net galley, Christine Pride, and Jo Piazza for allowing me to read this latest book coming out soon. This dynamo due captures a book full of mystery and suspense written in POV format. While this book was ok the chapters could have been shorter.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2026
Having gotten a copy and read before pub day feels extra special. Quick read with a lot going on for about 250 pages!
October 19, 2026
I Never Knew You At All is a multi POV story based around 3 characters, Simone, her husband Alex, and her first love Kwame. Kwame is back in town investigating the 60 year cold-case disappearance of Wade, a Black student who we find out has ties to Simone's in-laws. This book covered topics of racism, generational trauma, family and privilege, as Simone is married to this rich white guy who, surprise surprise, has a habit of keeping secrets from her. She questions everything she thought she knew about her husband and his family while helping Kwame uncover the truth from 60 years ago.
I was so invested in the story, but it didn't feel as flushed out as it could've been. The resolution at the end was too easy and felt very rushed. I wanted more characterization and growth for each person and it almost would've been better if the entire story was told from Simone's perspective, with bits of Kwame's podcast interspersed. I was rooting for them to figure out the mystery and bring justice to Wade, and was less concerned about their personal dynamics (from a romance perspective).
I was so invested in the story, but it didn't feel as flushed out as it could've been. The resolution at the end was too easy and felt very rushed. I wanted more characterization and growth for each person and it almost would've been better if the entire story was told from Simone's perspective, with bits of Kwame's podcast interspersed. I was rooting for them to figure out the mystery and bring justice to Wade, and was less concerned about their personal dynamics (from a romance perspective).
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
3.5 stars
Want to Read
July 31, 2026I Never Knew You at All by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza is a sharp, timely novel that continues the authors’ track record of examining race, intimacy, and moral complexity through personal relationships.
Simone Hartwell has built a comfortable life after marrying into the wealthy white Hartwell family. She set aside her own journalism ambitions to become a stay-at-home mother, supporting her husband Alex as he prepares to take over the family business (a chain of high-end grocery stores) and raising their son. That carefully constructed contentment is disrupted when her college ex and first love, Kwame, reappears. Kwame has the journalism career Simone once envisioned. He is investigating a decades-old unsolved case involving a young Black man connected to The Tate School—the elite prep school attended for generations by Alex’s family. When the investigation uncovers a startling link to the Hartwells, Simone faces an impossible choice: protect the family legacy she married into or support the pursuit of justice.
Pride and Piazza (known for We Are Not Like Them and You Were Always Mine) again use dual perspectives and intimate relationships as the lens for larger questions about race, class, forgiveness, and whether people can truly change. The story mixes domestic drama, old feelings, family secrets, and a mystery, forcing characters to confront what they are willing to overlook for love, security, or belonging. The premise is urgent and thorny: it probes interracial marriage, career sacrifices (especially for women of color), institutional privilege, and the cost of silence versus the cost of truth.
Strengths: The setup feels emotionally charged and relevant. Simone’s internal conflict—between the life she chose and the principles and past that still pull at her—has real potential for depth. The authors have previously shown skill at making characters’ personal stakes feel high while keeping conversations about race nuanced rather than didactic. The mystery element and the collision of past and present should keep the pages turning.Caveats: As with their earlier books, some readers may find the themes heavy or the moral dilemmas somewhat schematic. Without the finished text (the book is scheduled for release on October 13, 2026, by Atria Books, ~288 pages), it’s impossible to judge execution—pacing, dialogue authenticity, or whether the resolution feels earned rather than convenient.
Fans of Pride and Piazza’s previous novels, or readers who like contemporary fiction that pairs relationship drama with social questions (think authors who handle race and family secrets with emotional intensity), should find this worth pre-ordering. It asks hard questions about loyalty, justice, and what it takes to hold a marriage—or a sense of self—together when the past refuses to stay buried. If their earlier collaborations are any guide, expect thoughtful, conversation-starting fiction rather than light escape.
Simone Hartwell has built a comfortable life after marrying into the wealthy white Hartwell family. She set aside her own journalism ambitions to become a stay-at-home mother, supporting her husband Alex as he prepares to take over the family business (a chain of high-end grocery stores) and raising their son. That carefully constructed contentment is disrupted when her college ex and first love, Kwame, reappears. Kwame has the journalism career Simone once envisioned. He is investigating a decades-old unsolved case involving a young Black man connected to The Tate School—the elite prep school attended for generations by Alex’s family. When the investigation uncovers a startling link to the Hartwells, Simone faces an impossible choice: protect the family legacy she married into or support the pursuit of justice.
Pride and Piazza (known for We Are Not Like Them and You Were Always Mine) again use dual perspectives and intimate relationships as the lens for larger questions about race, class, forgiveness, and whether people can truly change. The story mixes domestic drama, old feelings, family secrets, and a mystery, forcing characters to confront what they are willing to overlook for love, security, or belonging. The premise is urgent and thorny: it probes interracial marriage, career sacrifices (especially for women of color), institutional privilege, and the cost of silence versus the cost of truth.
Strengths: The setup feels emotionally charged and relevant. Simone’s internal conflict—between the life she chose and the principles and past that still pull at her—has real potential for depth. The authors have previously shown skill at making characters’ personal stakes feel high while keeping conversations about race nuanced rather than didactic. The mystery element and the collision of past and present should keep the pages turning.Caveats: As with their earlier books, some readers may find the themes heavy or the moral dilemmas somewhat schematic. Without the finished text (the book is scheduled for release on October 13, 2026, by Atria Books, ~288 pages), it’s impossible to judge execution—pacing, dialogue authenticity, or whether the resolution feels earned rather than convenient.
Fans of Pride and Piazza’s previous novels, or readers who like contemporary fiction that pairs relationship drama with social questions (think authors who handle race and family secrets with emotional intensity), should find this worth pre-ordering. It asks hard questions about loyalty, justice, and what it takes to hold a marriage—or a sense of self—together when the past refuses to stay buried. If their earlier collaborations are any guide, expect thoughtful, conversation-starting fiction rather than light escape.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
📖 Title: I Never Knew You At All
✍🏾 Author: Christine Pride and Jo Piazza-I read All the Men I've Loved Again gave 4⭐
📅 Publication date: 10-13-26 | Read:10-11-26
📃 Format: e-Book 288 pgs.
Genre:
*Multicultural Interests
*Mystery/Thriller
*Adult Fic
Tropes:
*family drama
*interracial marriage
*missing person investigation
*LGBTQIA+ rep
👆🏾POV: 3rd person-multiple
⚠️TW: racism, cheating, classism, dementia, alcoholism, death of parents, mysterious death, suicide
🌎 Setting: Sawville, Wisconsin
Summary: When Alex finally takes over his family business, Simone plays the dutiful wife, yet she can't get her first love Kwame out of her mind. Alex's grandfather Poppy raised him and is now sick w/ dementia. Alex learns the business has serious financial problems and must be sold. Simone and Kwame meet after a 7-year separation, and as journalists both become engulfed in the disappearance of a black boy in 1961 at Poppy's alma mater The Tate School.
👩🏾 Heroine: Simone Hartwell-a journalist w/ Sentinel turned stay-at-home mother
👨🏾Hero: Kwame Walker-a journalist and has a podcast "What's Done in the Dark," Simone's 1st love
*Logan Alexander "Alex" Hartwell-Simone's husband, new CEO of Hartwell Co.
🎭 Other Characters
*Langston-Simone and Alex's son, 7
*Poppy/ Lawrence "Larry" Hartwell -84, Alex's grandfather, Carole-Alex's grandmother
*Taylor-Simone's BFF, black/queer/unapologetic
*Leland Hartwell-Alex's father and mother died when he was 4 in car accident
*Sylvester-groundskeeper@ The Tate School, knew Larry
Jedidiah Jenkins-Wade's BFF, 1 of 5 blacks that got a scholarship to Tate
*Marjorie O'Neil-83, dated Larry and knew Wade
*Wade Freeman-a black 17 yr old went missing from The Tate School when Larry attended
*Devon Rhoades-Kwame's BFF wrongly incarcerated for 10 yrs.
*Connor-Alex's BFF, helps Alex sell the business
*Roger Macon-was friends w/ Larry @ Tate, knew Wade
*Donette-Simone's mother
🤔 My Thoughts/Likes:
*Lack of authenticity in Simone and Alex's marriage
*Kwame and Sylvester's talk about Sylvester's time @ Tate
*Donette's talk w/ Simone about marriage
*Alex and Poppy's talk, Alex's sense of morality
*Alex and Simone get "real" with each other
*No HEA!
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 0/5🌶️
🙏🏾 Thanks to Netgalley, Atria Books, Christine Pride, and Jo Piazza for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
✍🏾 Author: Christine Pride and Jo Piazza-I read All the Men I've Loved Again gave 4⭐
📅 Publication date: 10-13-26 | Read:10-11-26
📃 Format: e-Book 288 pgs.
Genre:
*Multicultural Interests
*Mystery/Thriller
*Adult Fic
Tropes:
*family drama
*interracial marriage
*missing person investigation
*LGBTQIA+ rep
👆🏾POV: 3rd person-multiple
⚠️TW: racism, cheating, classism, dementia, alcoholism, death of parents, mysterious death, suicide
🌎 Setting: Sawville, Wisconsin
Summary: When Alex finally takes over his family business, Simone plays the dutiful wife, yet she can't get her first love Kwame out of her mind. Alex's grandfather Poppy raised him and is now sick w/ dementia. Alex learns the business has serious financial problems and must be sold. Simone and Kwame meet after a 7-year separation, and as journalists both become engulfed in the disappearance of a black boy in 1961 at Poppy's alma mater The Tate School.
👩🏾 Heroine: Simone Hartwell-a journalist w/ Sentinel turned stay-at-home mother
👨🏾Hero: Kwame Walker-a journalist and has a podcast "What's Done in the Dark," Simone's 1st love
*Logan Alexander "Alex" Hartwell-Simone's husband, new CEO of Hartwell Co.
🎭 Other Characters
*Langston-Simone and Alex's son, 7
*Poppy/ Lawrence "Larry" Hartwell -84, Alex's grandfather, Carole-Alex's grandmother
*Taylor-Simone's BFF, black/queer/unapologetic
*Leland Hartwell-Alex's father and mother died when he was 4 in car accident
*Sylvester-groundskeeper@ The Tate School, knew Larry
Jedidiah Jenkins-Wade's BFF, 1 of 5 blacks that got a scholarship to Tate
*Marjorie O'Neil-83, dated Larry and knew Wade
*Wade Freeman-a black 17 yr old went missing from The Tate School when Larry attended
*Devon Rhoades-Kwame's BFF wrongly incarcerated for 10 yrs.
*Connor-Alex's BFF, helps Alex sell the business
*Roger Macon-was friends w/ Larry @ Tate, knew Wade
*Donette-Simone's mother
🤔 My Thoughts/Likes:
*Lack of authenticity in Simone and Alex's marriage
*Kwame and Sylvester's talk about Sylvester's time @ Tate
*Donette's talk w/ Simone about marriage
*Alex and Poppy's talk, Alex's sense of morality
*Alex and Simone get "real" with each other
*No HEA!
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level: 0/5🌶️
🙏🏾 Thanks to Netgalley, Atria Books, Christine Pride, and Jo Piazza for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
When Fiction Echoes a Fear Black Families Still Carry
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 143
Dates read: 07.11.2026 – 07.12.2026
Title: I Never Knew You at All
Authors: Christine Pride, Jo Piazza
Format: digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
I went into this book blind before reading it on July 11th and 12th. The timing couldn’t have been more jarring as Black moms across America grieve the loss of one of our sons after he was last seen surrounded by white bodies deemed “safe.” This ARC landed on my Kindle more than two months ago. It was likely written more than a year ago, yet it speaks to a story we continue to experience: the risk of being the only Black person in the room.
I feel like my thoughts could turn into a thesis that overshadows the review. But that’s one of the things I love most about fiction. It makes you think, ask hard questions, have tough conversations and sit with them. This feels like the kind of book that doesn’t end when you close it. It begins in the conversations you have afterward.
When a journalist investigates the decades-old disappearance of a Black high school student connected to his ex’s wealthy white in-laws, long-buried secrets force everyone to confront the past.
Christine Pride and Jo Piazza continue to do what they do best. Every book they co-author challenges how differently we experience the same situations because of race. As I read this one, I kept wondering about Piazza’s understanding and empathy as a white woman while praying for Pride’s emotional triggers and trauma as a Black woman writing stories that continue to mirror our reality.
Wade’s disappearance in 1957 feels expected during an era of overt racism. What broke me was realizing that nearly seventy years later, so does the fear. They say fiction creates empathy for experiences we haven’t lived. My hope is that this book does exactly that.
Wade Freeman is fictional.
James Byrd.
Kendrick Johnson.
Tamla Horsford.
Peter Spencer.
Elijah Dominic “Nicky” Weatherspoon.
Nolan Wells.
They are not.
This book is for them and so many more.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 143
Dates read: 07.11.2026 – 07.12.2026
Title: I Never Knew You at All
Authors: Christine Pride, Jo Piazza
Format: digital ARC
#caseysbookshelf
I went into this book blind before reading it on July 11th and 12th. The timing couldn’t have been more jarring as Black moms across America grieve the loss of one of our sons after he was last seen surrounded by white bodies deemed “safe.” This ARC landed on my Kindle more than two months ago. It was likely written more than a year ago, yet it speaks to a story we continue to experience: the risk of being the only Black person in the room.
I feel like my thoughts could turn into a thesis that overshadows the review. But that’s one of the things I love most about fiction. It makes you think, ask hard questions, have tough conversations and sit with them. This feels like the kind of book that doesn’t end when you close it. It begins in the conversations you have afterward.
When a journalist investigates the decades-old disappearance of a Black high school student connected to his ex’s wealthy white in-laws, long-buried secrets force everyone to confront the past.
Christine Pride and Jo Piazza continue to do what they do best. Every book they co-author challenges how differently we experience the same situations because of race. As I read this one, I kept wondering about Piazza’s understanding and empathy as a white woman while praying for Pride’s emotional triggers and trauma as a Black woman writing stories that continue to mirror our reality.
Wade’s disappearance in 1957 feels expected during an era of overt racism. What broke me was realizing that nearly seventy years later, so does the fear. They say fiction creates empathy for experiences we haven’t lived. My hope is that this book does exactly that.
Wade Freeman is fictional.
James Byrd.
Kendrick Johnson.
Tamla Horsford.
Peter Spencer.
Elijah Dominic “Nicky” Weatherspoon.
Nolan Wells.
They are not.
This book is for them and so many more.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews