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What She Doesn't Know
How far can you push an obsession before paying the ultimate price?
Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you. In Riley Harper’s case, it’s what she says she can’t remember. Nearly a decade ago, Riley was the suspect in a murder investigation that destroyed her life and drove her into a psychiatric facility. Locked away for years, she was always guilty in the eyes of an unforgiving public.
Now, after being released, all she wants is a fresh start, but the effort stalls when she becomes fixated on her new neighbor’s extravagant life. She can’t stop watching Samantha Light. And it’s curiously satisfying. For now, at least.
Because there’s one more thing Riley doesn’t know. And this time it may not just hurt her—it could kill her.
In this intense psychological thriller from Andrew E. Kaufman, author of Twisted, a woman besieged by her past spins deeper into turmoil and down a slope that may lead her to madness.
Sometimes what you don’t know can hurt you. In Riley Harper’s case, it’s what she says she can’t remember. Nearly a decade ago, Riley was the suspect in a murder investigation that destroyed her life and drove her into a psychiatric facility. Locked away for years, she was always guilty in the eyes of an unforgiving public.
Now, after being released, all she wants is a fresh start, but the effort stalls when she becomes fixated on her new neighbor’s extravagant life. She can’t stop watching Samantha Light. And it’s curiously satisfying. For now, at least.
Because there’s one more thing Riley doesn’t know. And this time it may not just hurt her—it could kill her.
In this intense psychological thriller from Andrew E. Kaufman, author of Twisted, a woman besieged by her past spins deeper into turmoil and down a slope that may lead her to madness.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2018
2582 people are currently reading
3458 people want to read
About the author
Andrew E. Kaufman
13 books647 followersNew Release: Son of the Sea Available Now
Andrew E. Kaufman
Andrew E. Kaufman is a broadcast journalist-turned-bestselling author, living in Southern California along with his chocolate Labrador retriever who thinks he owns the place.
After receiving his journalism and political science degrees at San Diego State University, he began his writing career as an Emmy-nominated writer/producer, working at the CBS affiliate in San Diego, and then in Los Angeles. For more than ten years, he produced special series and covered many nationally known cases, including the O.J. Simpson Trial.
His psychological thriller, THE LION, THE LAMB, THE HUNTED (Thomas & Mercer, 2012) was on Amazon's Top 100 for more than one-hundred days and went on to become a number one international bestseller.
His novel, WHILE THE SAVAGE SLEEPS (47North, 2012) made the Top 100 as well and was number one in its genre, passing up two of Stephen King's current releases at the time.
His novel, TWISTED (Thomas & Mercer, 2015) became the number one psychological thriller and number two overall bestselling novel in the US. His other novels,
DARKNESS & SHADOWS (Thomas & Mercer 2018) and WHAT SHE DOESN’T KNOW (Thomas & Mercer 2013), also spent time in the first five spots of Amazon’s top 100.
His latest novel, SON OF THE SEA (Straightline Press 2023), is a departure from his past works, moving into the literary fiction genre, and debuted at number one for New Releases in Contemporary Literature and Fiction.
Andrew has also been a contributor to the CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL books, where he wrote about his two-time battle against cancer and his early struggle to become a bestselling author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 406 reviews
May 20, 2018
WHAT SHE DOESN’T KNOW is a twisted psychological thriller by author Andrew E. Kaufman. Having LOVED his last book, Twisted, I jumped at reading this one. This novel has something for everyone; short chapters, a fast- paced novel with an abundance of twists and turns to keep the reader occupied and a mystery /puzzle to keep the reader guessing until the end.
Before I give my review of the novel, I want to congratulate Andrew E. Kaufman on his determination and strength to finish this novel, after suffering a car accident to then find out you have cancer, and later a cerebral stroke. Many thanks to Mr. Kaufman for finishing the novel and providing the reader with many hours of enjoyment.
How far can you push an obsession before paying the ultimate price?
Riley Harper walks out of Glendale Psychiatric Hospital a free woman. Many years ago, she had been the suspect in a murder investigation that destroyed her life and sent her into a psychiatric facility, to avoid a retrial. Riley’s younger sister, Erin, a defence attorney is there to greet her when she is released from the facility. Riley claims she can’t remember what she was doing during murder.
Now, after being released, all she wants is a fresh start, but she immediately realises she will always be labelled guilty in the eyes of the public. And soon after being released Riley becomes obsessed on her new neighbour’s rich lifestyle. She can’t stop watching Samantha Light. But just who is stalking who?
Samantha is crazy and dangerous and trying to destroy Riley’s life…and she could kill her.
In this intense psychological thriller from Andrew E. Kaufman, author of Twisted, a woman besieged by her past spins deeper into turmoil and down a slope that may lead her to madness.
While reading this novel, the reader is not sure what is real and what is just in Riley’s head. It is only in the last quarter of the novel that the suspense and tension heightens and things come together to reach the final outcome. I found the middle of the book a little slow, and the ending was a little rushed, but the short chapters and engaging characters kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing the whole time. Did I enjoy it as much as “Twisted”? No, but I am waiting for this talented author’s next novel!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley for my copy.
Before I give my review of the novel, I want to congratulate Andrew E. Kaufman on his determination and strength to finish this novel, after suffering a car accident to then find out you have cancer, and later a cerebral stroke. Many thanks to Mr. Kaufman for finishing the novel and providing the reader with many hours of enjoyment.
How far can you push an obsession before paying the ultimate price?
Riley Harper walks out of Glendale Psychiatric Hospital a free woman. Many years ago, she had been the suspect in a murder investigation that destroyed her life and sent her into a psychiatric facility, to avoid a retrial. Riley’s younger sister, Erin, a defence attorney is there to greet her when she is released from the facility. Riley claims she can’t remember what she was doing during murder.
Now, after being released, all she wants is a fresh start, but she immediately realises she will always be labelled guilty in the eyes of the public. And soon after being released Riley becomes obsessed on her new neighbour’s rich lifestyle. She can’t stop watching Samantha Light. But just who is stalking who?
Samantha is crazy and dangerous and trying to destroy Riley’s life…and she could kill her.
In this intense psychological thriller from Andrew E. Kaufman, author of Twisted, a woman besieged by her past spins deeper into turmoil and down a slope that may lead her to madness.
While reading this novel, the reader is not sure what is real and what is just in Riley’s head. It is only in the last quarter of the novel that the suspense and tension heightens and things come together to reach the final outcome. I found the middle of the book a little slow, and the ending was a little rushed, but the short chapters and engaging characters kept me on the edge of my seat and kept me guessing the whole time. Did I enjoy it as much as “Twisted”? No, but I am waiting for this talented author’s next novel!
Many thanks to Thomas & Mercer via NetGalley for my copy.
April 1, 2018
The book drew me in right away and I could feel the uneasiness and confusion of a mother whose daughter was murdered. This is a mother who was accused of murdering her daughter, who doesn't remember the details of what happened to her daughter but who knows she isn't the murderer. After being released from a mental hospital, Riley, the mother, must attempt to begin a new life, knowing that she is a hated person to the public, while she experiences strange happenings in and around her apartment.
The book has so many twists and turns and surprises. All the while we are seeing things from the perspective of Riley, knowing that her version of any event could be skewed by mental illness and paranoia. It's a fast read, with each chapter making me want to move on to the next.
My only wish is that, at the end, there was more of an explanation of what happened throughout the story. Did certain things really happened and who actually caused those things to happen. The end came so fast, that I was left with questions that my mind can't answer.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for this advanced review copy in return for an honest review.
The book has so many twists and turns and surprises. All the while we are seeing things from the perspective of Riley, knowing that her version of any event could be skewed by mental illness and paranoia. It's a fast read, with each chapter making me want to move on to the next.
My only wish is that, at the end, there was more of an explanation of what happened throughout the story. Did certain things really happened and who actually caused those things to happen. The end came so fast, that I was left with questions that my mind can't answer.
Thank you to Thomas and Mercer and NetGalley for this advanced review copy in return for an honest review.
April 18, 2018
First off, I would like to take a moment and acknowledge what an accomplishment this must have been for Andrew E. Kaufman after suffering a near fatal accident and then finding out you have cancer, and only later to suffer from a cerebral stroke. This would have taken the wind out of many of peoples sails, but for Mr. Kaufman, his devotion to writing and to his fans helped him through the storm. So, a big thank you is owed to Mr. Kaufman for continuing to provide us with his creative, captivating, pieces of work.
With What She Doesn't Know you will get the usual twisted, bewildering, fragmented storyline you've come to expect from Mr. Kaufman. Only, in this case, fragmented isn't a good thing, because it doesn't quite come together as well in the end as it has in his past novels. One could speculate that it's the plot itself that doesn't quite pull it together, while others may say it's the overall character development that doesn't quite sell it. I myself, probably fall within the latter. I could get behind the plot, there was concerted effort in my eyes to bring the story to life, the concept was there. I feel however that it didn't work because we just didn't get enough backstory. We didn't get enough information on how Clarissa died. We didn't get the opportunity to connect to Riley through her relationship with Clarissa because we didn't get to see into their past. We didn't get to feel the empathy needed for Riley. There was more focus given to Riley and Rose's past relationship. This allowed us to understand more about Rose as a character, but it didn't create much in the way of empathy for Riley. I also think it would have been more beneficial to have understood the relationship between Clarissa and Rose. We know that they were friends, but if Rose was so obsessed with Riley, and her becoming her new mommy, then you would think at some point feelings of animosity and resentment would turn towards Clarissa, and it would have been beneficial to see this leading up to Clarissa's death. A mother will stop at nothing to protect her child, and losing a child, knowing that you didn't protect her, would drive any sane mother crazy, so this was completely credible to me within the story, however... the past events were not evident enough to support this in the plot. The focus was too much on what Rose did to Riley, rather than what Rose did to Clarissa.
Was this my favorite Andrew E. Kaufman read? No, it wasn't, but, it certainly wasn't one I was going to put down and walk away from. It was entertaining, and I had to know how it was going to end. There were some missed opportunities for sure, but the potential was there. I definitely enjoy Kaufman's ability to keep you guessing.
I want to thank NetGallley, Thomas & Mercer, and Andrew E. Kaufman, for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
With What She Doesn't Know you will get the usual twisted, bewildering, fragmented storyline you've come to expect from Mr. Kaufman. Only, in this case, fragmented isn't a good thing, because it doesn't quite come together as well in the end as it has in his past novels. One could speculate that it's the plot itself that doesn't quite pull it together, while others may say it's the overall character development that doesn't quite sell it. I myself, probably fall within the latter. I could get behind the plot, there was concerted effort in my eyes to bring the story to life, the concept was there. I feel however that it didn't work because we just didn't get enough backstory. We didn't get enough information on how Clarissa died. We didn't get the opportunity to connect to Riley through her relationship with Clarissa because we didn't get to see into their past. We didn't get to feel the empathy needed for Riley. There was more focus given to Riley and Rose's past relationship. This allowed us to understand more about Rose as a character, but it didn't create much in the way of empathy for Riley. I also think it would have been more beneficial to have understood the relationship between Clarissa and Rose. We know that they were friends, but if Rose was so obsessed with Riley, and her becoming her new mommy, then you would think at some point feelings of animosity and resentment would turn towards Clarissa, and it would have been beneficial to see this leading up to Clarissa's death. A mother will stop at nothing to protect her child, and losing a child, knowing that you didn't protect her, would drive any sane mother crazy, so this was completely credible to me within the story, however... the past events were not evident enough to support this in the plot. The focus was too much on what Rose did to Riley, rather than what Rose did to Clarissa.
Was this my favorite Andrew E. Kaufman read? No, it wasn't, but, it certainly wasn't one I was going to put down and walk away from. It was entertaining, and I had to know how it was going to end. There were some missed opportunities for sure, but the potential was there. I definitely enjoy Kaufman's ability to keep you guessing.
I want to thank NetGallley, Thomas & Mercer, and Andrew E. Kaufman, for allowing me the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for my review.
March 14, 2018
If you want a psychological thriller, THIS IS THE BOOK!!!! This book had me from page 1 until the end. I could not put this thriller down. I love that the chapters are short, it is a fast paced novel. Lots of twists and turns throughout. Kept me guessing till the end. Whoa! What an ending!!!! This is my first book by Andrew Kaufman but won’t be my last!
Thank you for this complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thank you for this complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 13, 2018
This is my 3rd book read from Andrew E. Kaufman. I really enjoyed The Lion, the Lamb, the Hunted and While the Savage Sleeps. So I was excited to have the opportunity to read What She Doesn't Know. Unfortunately, I was really disappointed with this book.
Nearly a decade ago, Riley Harper was the suspect in her daughter's murder and it drove her into a psychiatric facility. Now released, she wants a fresh start. But it's not so easy to start anew when the public still views you as a child killer. And then Riley becomes obsessed with her neighbor, beautiful, extravagant Samantha Light.
The story was suspenseful. It kept me guessing throughout. But I really hated all the characters in it, especially Erin and Sloane. I originally was going to give it 3 stars but as I kept reading, it became more outlandish and unbelievable. The ending twist just didn't work for me either. You pretty much scratch your head and ask yourself, what???
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of Andrew E. Kaufman "What She Doesn't Know" in exchange of an honest review.
Nearly a decade ago, Riley Harper was the suspect in her daughter's murder and it drove her into a psychiatric facility. Now released, she wants a fresh start. But it's not so easy to start anew when the public still views you as a child killer. And then Riley becomes obsessed with her neighbor, beautiful, extravagant Samantha Light.
The story was suspenseful. It kept me guessing throughout. But I really hated all the characters in it, especially Erin and Sloane. I originally was going to give it 3 stars but as I kept reading, it became more outlandish and unbelievable. The ending twist just didn't work for me either. You pretty much scratch your head and ask yourself, what???
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for a copy of Andrew E. Kaufman "What She Doesn't Know" in exchange of an honest review.
December 10, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
WOW, that one word is the best thing I can use to describe What She Doesn't Know by Andrew E. Kaufman. This book was action-packed, emotional, and so much more than anything I could have expected.
I have to say, I thought I had this book figured out but man oh man I certainly did not. I thought it had a steady pacing throughout, but once I hit about the 60% mark, things started getting reaaaal crazy. The end has a couple of different scenes that literally felt like they were straight out of an action movie. They were a little convoluted and hard to follow for me, but they certainly made things both exciting and incredibly disturbing.
I also couldn't believe how fast I sped through What She Doesn't Know. There was so much going on and I was so interested in what was happening that I managed to read it in just over 3.5 hours. This would easily be a book most people can read in one sitting.
Final Thought: This was my first time reading a book by Kaufman, but it made me excited to read more from him. I loved his acknowledgements section of this book and learning that he battled cancer while writing this book completely blew me away. There is a part in the book that made me tear up and reading that did as well. I am a huge fan of his writing style and this will make a great read for thriller fans that love twisty mysteries.
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced review copy via NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
WOW, that one word is the best thing I can use to describe What She Doesn't Know by Andrew E. Kaufman. This book was action-packed, emotional, and so much more than anything I could have expected.
I have to say, I thought I had this book figured out but man oh man I certainly did not. I thought it had a steady pacing throughout, but once I hit about the 60% mark, things started getting reaaaal crazy. The end has a couple of different scenes that literally felt like they were straight out of an action movie. They were a little convoluted and hard to follow for me, but they certainly made things both exciting and incredibly disturbing.
I also couldn't believe how fast I sped through What She Doesn't Know. There was so much going on and I was so interested in what was happening that I managed to read it in just over 3.5 hours. This would easily be a book most people can read in one sitting.
Final Thought: This was my first time reading a book by Kaufman, but it made me excited to read more from him. I loved his acknowledgements section of this book and learning that he battled cancer while writing this book completely blew me away. There is a part in the book that made me tear up and reading that did as well. I am a huge fan of his writing style and this will make a great read for thriller fans that love twisty mysteries.
Thank you to the publisher for my advanced review copy via NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
April 12, 2018
I’ve read Kaufman's previous books and really loved his last book, Twisted. This one is okay, but not great. I found myself skimming in the middle because I wasn’t deeply invested in the story. My attention was really caught during the last 25%, hence the 3 stars.
February 28, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for the opportunity to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I discovered Kaufman's books in 2013 and I have been a die hard fan ever since. He truly is a master of mind-fuckery. His ability to craft a story which slowly morphs into a thrilling roller coaster ride of "what the hell is happening" never ceases to blow my mind. This book is no exception and I gobbled it up in just two days.
Riley Harper is released from a psychiatric hospital into a society who hates her. As she struggles to start life over, she befriends a woman who slowly sends Riley into a new hell which leaves her grappling for her sanity...and her life.
I discovered Kaufman's books in 2013 and I have been a die hard fan ever since. He truly is a master of mind-fuckery. His ability to craft a story which slowly morphs into a thrilling roller coaster ride of "what the hell is happening" never ceases to blow my mind. This book is no exception and I gobbled it up in just two days.
Riley Harper is released from a psychiatric hospital into a society who hates her. As she struggles to start life over, she befriends a woman who slowly sends Riley into a new hell which leaves her grappling for her sanity...and her life.
May 15, 2021
That was a crazy ride. That ending though!! My head is spinning. I’m still not sure I completely understand exactly what happened. I’m going to go ruminate on this for the evening. I’m kind of speechless at the moment.I’m even more speechless after reading the author’s acknowledgment at the end of the book and what happened to him. Damn!
March 17, 2018
While reading this, I was hovering around three stars. I didn't love it, but it certainly kept me reading. However, the more I read, the more frustrated I got.
I had issues with the writing style. I actually love present tense, which not many people do, so that wasn't what tripped me up. It just didn't feel as polished as it should have been. There's a lot of info-dumping. The dialogue is unrealistic at times. Every time Riley yells, it's in all-caps. There's no real setting of scenes, just sentences like: "It's been a few days since Riley left her sister that apology message and still no response." But every chapter (and each scene is a new chapter) opens similarly. A lot of the moments that should be emotional don't land, such as: "She applies the makeup, but even that can't fix the damage caused by a life wasted, a life destroyed. Then a tear--the kind that expresses what words never could--rolls down her cheek."
Overall, the story felt very surface-level. Kaufman told me what was happening, but I never felt the characters like I should have. Because of this, everyone comes off very one-note. I should be sympathizing with Riley, but I'm not because I know she's holding back info. I'm interested in mystery/thriller stories, but I'm reaching the saturation point for unreliable narrators. That, or Gillian Flynn did it so well that she spoiled me.
As the story goes on, I mentally downgraded this from three to two stars because it was getting outlandish. All I wanted was to figure out what was actually going on. I would've stopped taking away stars there if not for the ending. I think Kaufman tried so hard to make the story surprising that he instead falls back on the cheapest ending.
I don't enjoy giving books low ratings, and I don't mean anything by it beyond this book wasn't for me. Although I can't recommend this personally, I see a lot of people have enjoyed it. If mysteries are your thing, you might want to check it out.
Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Andrew E. Kaufman for the e-arc.
I had issues with the writing style. I actually love present tense, which not many people do, so that wasn't what tripped me up. It just didn't feel as polished as it should have been. There's a lot of info-dumping. The dialogue is unrealistic at times. Every time Riley yells, it's in all-caps. There's no real setting of scenes, just sentences like: "It's been a few days since Riley left her sister that apology message and still no response." But every chapter (and each scene is a new chapter) opens similarly. A lot of the moments that should be emotional don't land, such as: "She applies the makeup, but even that can't fix the damage caused by a life wasted, a life destroyed. Then a tear--the kind that expresses what words never could--rolls down her cheek."
Overall, the story felt very surface-level. Kaufman told me what was happening, but I never felt the characters like I should have. Because of this, everyone comes off very one-note. I should be sympathizing with Riley, but I'm not because I know she's holding back info. I'm interested in mystery/thriller stories, but I'm reaching the saturation point for unreliable narrators. That, or Gillian Flynn did it so well that she spoiled me.
As the story goes on, I mentally downgraded this from three to two stars because it was getting outlandish. All I wanted was to figure out what was actually going on. I would've stopped taking away stars there if not for the ending. I think Kaufman tried so hard to make the story surprising that he instead falls back on the cheapest ending.
I don't enjoy giving books low ratings, and I don't mean anything by it beyond this book wasn't for me. Although I can't recommend this personally, I see a lot of people have enjoyed it. If mysteries are your thing, you might want to check it out.
Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas & Mercer, and Andrew E. Kaufman for the e-arc.
March 9, 2018
What She Doesn’t Know by Andrew E. Kaufman is a psychological thriller that begins with Riley Harper’s release from a long-term psychiatric hospitalization. Riley has lost the two people closest two her, and is alleged to have perpetrated a horrific crime. Following her release, Riley is dogged by accusers but her sister Erin, a defense attorney, helps her begin anew. Riley, a loner who makes poor decisions, allows Samantha, a neighbor and wealthy twenty-something into her life. Riley’s life becomes even more complicated and the story, more compelling.
Kaufman writes this thriller using short chapters , making for a fast read, perfect for a rainy afternoon on the couch.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Kaufman writes this thriller using short chapters , making for a fast read, perfect for a rainy afternoon on the couch.
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for allowing me to read the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2018
I loved "Twisted" by this author, he knows how to actually twist a plot so almost every turn is unexpected - in this, "What She Doesn't Know" he's written another gorgeously twisted psychological thriller with a classic unreliable narrator.
A story of obsession, we follow Riley, after a stint in psychiatric care, who starts avidly watching a girl from across the street - she insinuates herself into Samantha's life, but just who is stalking who?
The tension ramps up in beautifully considered steps as both women act irrationally, Riley finds things moving around her home, her daughter's death still haunts her, but is she in danger or has her paranoia caught up with her once more?
This is the question as increasingly bizarre events occur you are not sure what is truth and what is in Riley's head. It is cleverly done and you honestly won't know for sure until you read that final resolution. The characters are engaging and layered and the pacing is fast and immersive - all in all exactly what a psychological thriller should be.
Recommended.
A story of obsession, we follow Riley, after a stint in psychiatric care, who starts avidly watching a girl from across the street - she insinuates herself into Samantha's life, but just who is stalking who?
The tension ramps up in beautifully considered steps as both women act irrationally, Riley finds things moving around her home, her daughter's death still haunts her, but is she in danger or has her paranoia caught up with her once more?
This is the question as increasingly bizarre events occur you are not sure what is truth and what is in Riley's head. It is cleverly done and you honestly won't know for sure until you read that final resolution. The characters are engaging and layered and the pacing is fast and immersive - all in all exactly what a psychological thriller should be.
Recommended.
February 25, 2018
Get out. Stay strong. Trust your truth.
A solid 4 star read for me. The book started off really compelling and felt impossible to put down. It thrusts you right into the story with Riley coming from a mental institution and moving out, ready to start her new life and put her past behind her. But it seems like that’s the last thing she can do – the past keeps coming back to haunt her.
I didn’t like the info dumping somewhere around 35% into the story, and I was worried the book would head in that direction. Thankfully it veered off but I felt like the new direction it took wasn’t done perfectly – it felt a little rushed and like an afterthought. I thought it could have been done better if the author paid more attention to all the details. I thought this book would have benefitted from another read-through or edit, just adding things here and there to make things more believable.
Nevertheless What She Doesn’t Know was a fast-paced, thrilling read that kept me on the edge of my seat as well as kept me guessing the whole time! I would definitely read more from this author – his acknowledgements were great and very emotional. As always, I’m a fan of books by this publisher – I always seem to enjoy them a lot.
Would recommend for: fans of psychological thrillers with an unexpected twist (if you like easy, fast reads you might enjoy this one, but if you prefer more well-thought out mysteries it might not be for you).
August 18, 2018
This one by Mr Kaufman wasn't for me, I'm afraid. I wasn't as much of a fan of Twisted as I was his earlier books but this one I just can't get on with. I DID get as far as 63% into it but it seemed the further I got, the more baffling and fanciful it seemed to be getting, till I just gave up as I wasn't "feeling it". I need to believe in something at least a bit to enjoy it but this just came across as pretty daft in places and too unbelievable for me.
Both Rose and Riley seemed as bonkers as each other and pretty much deserved each other, I thought. Both were getting on my nerves.
Try was written and not trying at one point but that was the only mistake I spotted throughout. Sterling presentation as usual. I'll look out for the next book by this author as his earlier books were very, very good. I read he'd been very ill and everyone's allowed one dud so I'm banking on him getting back to peak production very soon.
Both Rose and Riley seemed as bonkers as each other and pretty much deserved each other, I thought. Both were getting on my nerves.
Try was written and not trying at one point but that was the only mistake I spotted throughout. Sterling presentation as usual. I'll look out for the next book by this author as his earlier books were very, very good. I read he'd been very ill and everyone's allowed one dud so I'm banking on him getting back to peak production very soon.
Want to read
February 21, 2018Oops...that moment when you request (and got a copy) from netgalley and then realize the book was all along would be available in KU!
On brighter side, I'd be reading it before it releases on Kindle.
On brighter side, I'd be reading it before it releases on Kindle.
March 12, 2018
I've read a lot of thrillers before. but this one frustrated me to no end. There's no doubt that Kaufman is a talented writer, but the novel feels like a bunch of ideas thrown together without any real thought to how it's going to turn out. The plot seems pretty straight forward, but the thing is by the middle of the book you begin to wonder why this is all happening. Sure, we all like plot twists, but this just left me scratching my head wondering how no one saw any of this coming. Let's be honest here and admit that it's kind of clever, but it couldn't really happen. How in the hell didn't anyone see any of this happening? Riley's sister is pretty much useless here, and Riley is pretty sketchy as a lead character which shouldn't really surprise us. It's not the story that frustrated me. it's the ending that left me practically throwing my Kindle across the room.
The truth is, I really liked this book, I did, but Kaufman's story slowly begins to unravel with the addition of Samantha. A lot of these books do have a few twists and turns which is why we keep reading them, but none of these characters seemed to have anything likable about them. You should at least have a lead character you like, and root for, but Riley is just boring, and not enough is told about her daughter's death to make us feel anything remotely like sympathy. Of course Samantha is a main part of the second half and she's an interesting character, but I would have liked to see more of her. When it's all explained it doesn't seem to have any weight. There is so much potential here, but I just couldn't get into this at all. I'm sure there are readers who will call me insane because I felt that the book was lacking something. There are pieces of other stories here in better books that have had a way bigger impact than this one did.
After reading it there was a bit of shock as it all began to settle in. The ending is built to surprise you, but to me it didn't make a whole lot of sense because you kind of expected it to end the way it did. Given what Riley has gone through and the subtle clues throughout the novel, it's not much of a surprise ending. As I guessed in the first few pages what would happen, and I was sort of right. In terms of pacing, Kaufman does a pretty good job of moving the story along even when the novel slowly goes off the rails. There's a lot of potential here for a great novel, yet to me it just felt okay. If anything, it's a pretty decent B, or C level thriller. You read it. and promptly forget about it.
The truth is, I really liked this book, I did, but Kaufman's story slowly begins to unravel with the addition of Samantha. A lot of these books do have a few twists and turns which is why we keep reading them, but none of these characters seemed to have anything likable about them. You should at least have a lead character you like, and root for, but Riley is just boring, and not enough is told about her daughter's death to make us feel anything remotely like sympathy. Of course Samantha is a main part of the second half and she's an interesting character, but I would have liked to see more of her. When it's all explained it doesn't seem to have any weight. There is so much potential here, but I just couldn't get into this at all. I'm sure there are readers who will call me insane because I felt that the book was lacking something. There are pieces of other stories here in better books that have had a way bigger impact than this one did.
After reading it there was a bit of shock as it all began to settle in. The ending is built to surprise you, but to me it didn't make a whole lot of sense because you kind of expected it to end the way it did. Given what Riley has gone through and the subtle clues throughout the novel, it's not much of a surprise ending. As I guessed in the first few pages what would happen, and I was sort of right. In terms of pacing, Kaufman does a pretty good job of moving the story along even when the novel slowly goes off the rails. There's a lot of potential here for a great novel, yet to me it just felt okay. If anything, it's a pretty decent B, or C level thriller. You read it. and promptly forget about it.
March 26, 2018
Rating: 2.5/5.0
This was a disappointing reading. I expected a lot after reading the synopsis. The story was very very slow. Sometimes I love slow thrillers provided there is some sort of event carrying the story forward is happening. up to 60 - 70% of the book the same slow rhythm was still going on and after that whatever twists or thrills happened I did not care for them because I was already bored and found my time got wasted reading into this.
The story is basically about Riley who is now out of a psychiatric facility where she was put in after being a suspect in a murder case. After being out she wants to have a new start but her new neighbor gets her interest.
This sounded interesting to me, but it did not translate to a fun thrilling book. I would say skip it.
I have chosen this book when it was available in the read now section of NetGalley.
This was a disappointing reading. I expected a lot after reading the synopsis. The story was very very slow. Sometimes I love slow thrillers provided there is some sort of event carrying the story forward is happening. up to 60 - 70% of the book the same slow rhythm was still going on and after that whatever twists or thrills happened I did not care for them because I was already bored and found my time got wasted reading into this.
The story is basically about Riley who is now out of a psychiatric facility where she was put in after being a suspect in a murder case. After being out she wants to have a new start but her new neighbor gets her interest.
This sounded interesting to me, but it did not translate to a fun thrilling book. I would say skip it.
I have chosen this book when it was available in the read now section of NetGalley.
June 8, 2018
3.5 rounded up. I did really enjoy this book! I was able to figure out a few things fairly early on but not enough to take away from the mystery. It was a bit of a slow burn but picked up rather quickly! I listened to the audio version as well and while the narrator did a great job with emotions I found it a bit overwhelming and too intense for my liking.
April 11, 2018
From the beginning I was totally engrossed in this story line.
July 12, 2018
I went into this book with high hopes and initially it did suck me in. It started to lose steam at the halfway point though and the ending...there are so many directions this could have gone in that would've been better than the actual ending. For one thing, I did not think Samantha was real. I thought she was either 1) An imaginary person Riley conjured up to replace her daughter. 2) She was Riley and this was a split/multi personality type scenario. Or 3) Samantha was a real person that she met but after spending time with her, she started becoming delusional/paranoid and all the outlandish behavior that Samantha was displaying was really all in Riley's mind. Never would I have guessed that Samantha was a real person who became obsessed with Riley. The fact that she was real confused me and made some parts of the book ridiculous. The car chase scene, for one. It made more sense to me if Riley was imagining being chased down by Samantha. Or maybe she was imagining it? She did fake her own wound. It's not out of the realm of believable that she also bashed up her car to make it look like it was hit. The book doesn't say for sure what happened. And the scene where they're in a coffee shop fighting each other. Did this happen too or was this all in Riley's head?
Which leads me to my other beef. There are so many unanswered questions. What ended up happening to her therapist? Who attacked Erin and put her in the hospital? I'm assuming it was Riley who slit her sister's throat but it would've been nice to know for sure what happened. And who killed Wendy? Did Samantha do it or did Riley? Why did we focus so much on Samantha's burned fingers? Was Samantha's apartment real or not?
I thought this was going to be a split personality type story. And it would've made more sense, IMO. I thought Samantha, the therapist, Wendy, even Erin were all her different personas. Think about it - the similarities in the things Samantha and her Therapist were saying, the thing with pushing their shoes off their heels and the way this made Riley pause and seem confused. Maybe Erin was her rational persona trying to make sense of things, forcing her to realize she's being delusional. I thought Wendy was some part of her that she had repressed and she was trying to coax it out. And Samantha was a manifestation of her daughter and Rose. I thought maybe Riley snapped the day she lost her daughter and she was reliving parts of that day constantly (the way she was fighting with Samantha like she fought with her daughter before she died, etc). I dunno. I had this going in a completely different direction in my head and the ending was a huge let down.
Which leads me to my other beef. There are so many unanswered questions. What ended up happening to her therapist? Who attacked Erin and put her in the hospital? I'm assuming it was Riley who slit her sister's throat but it would've been nice to know for sure what happened. And who killed Wendy? Did Samantha do it or did Riley? Why did we focus so much on Samantha's burned fingers? Was Samantha's apartment real or not?
I thought this was going to be a split personality type story. And it would've made more sense, IMO. I thought Samantha, the therapist, Wendy, even Erin were all her different personas. Think about it - the similarities in the things Samantha and her Therapist were saying, the thing with pushing their shoes off their heels and the way this made Riley pause and seem confused. Maybe Erin was her rational persona trying to make sense of things, forcing her to realize she's being delusional. I thought Wendy was some part of her that she had repressed and she was trying to coax it out. And Samantha was a manifestation of her daughter and Rose. I thought maybe Riley snapped the day she lost her daughter and she was reliving parts of that day constantly (the way she was fighting with Samantha like she fought with her daughter before she died, etc). I dunno. I had this going in a completely different direction in my head and the ending was a huge let down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2018
An interesting and dark psychological thriller about Riley, a woman accused of murdering her daughter and sentenced to a psychiatric hospital has been released and is trying to start over on the outside. This is not easy as the press will not leave her alone and people do not react well when they see her in public. Riley begins to watch a neighbor who seems to have the perfect life and she reminds her of her daughter. What Riley doesn't know is that this neighbor has her own issues and things just may turn deadly. A good read with a number of twists that kept things interesting. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 26, 2018
I struggled with this one. I found it stupid and monotonous. Once I found out what was going on it was too late, I had already struggled through 95% of the book.
June 9, 2018
2.5 stars
Guessed the plot twist halfway through the book. Meh.
Guessed the plot twist halfway through the book. Meh.
March 13, 2018
Thank you to Netgalley and Thomas Mercer for an advanced copy of What She Doesn’t Know in exchange for an honest review.
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Riley has recently been released from a institution after she was not found guilty of her daughter’s murder. Only having her sister Erin, Riley moves into an apartment. Slowly she becomes obsessed with the neighbor across the parking lot, while receiving threats and dealing with apartment break-ins.
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Kaufman keeps the pace fast and the chapters short. With numerous twists and plot points that make you reread to make sure you have straight or read right, this book kept me wanting to get to the end. I wanted to know the final twist because you knew there would be one.
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Riley has recently been released from a institution after she was not found guilty of her daughter’s murder. Only having her sister Erin, Riley moves into an apartment. Slowly she becomes obsessed with the neighbor across the parking lot, while receiving threats and dealing with apartment break-ins.
•
Kaufman keeps the pace fast and the chapters short. With numerous twists and plot points that make you reread to make sure you have straight or read right, this book kept me wanting to get to the end. I wanted to know the final twist because you knew there would be one.
June 24, 2018
This is a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. You will never be able to see the ending coming. Riley is released from the mental health hospital after treatments. She was a prime suspect in her daughters murder over ten years prior. The case was dropped as their was no solid evidence that she did or did not murder her daughter.
Upon her release she begins slightly stalking her beautiful neighbor. In a twist her neighbor is actually the one stalking her and has incredibly violent tendencies.
Make sure you read this you won’t want to miss out!
Upon her release she begins slightly stalking her beautiful neighbor. In a twist her neighbor is actually the one stalking her and has incredibly violent tendencies.
Make sure you read this you won’t want to miss out!
March 10, 2018
Riley Harper is not living a life that anyone would envy. She lost her husband, her daughter, and her mind. Though not convicted, public opinion is against her and many believe her guilty of a horrific crime. When she is released from a mental institution, the press hound her, her apartment is compromised, getting a job may not be possible and her sister, Erin, the only person she has left in her life questions her innocence. If Riley knows what happened to her daughter, she isn't saying and she swears she has no recollection regarding how her daughter died. If that isn't enough to make your head spin(mine certainly did), she also becomes obsessed with her neighbor. Samantha Light is young, beautiful and seems to have a perfect life, in short, she has everything while Riley has nothing. There were so many twists and turns and every time I thought I had a handle on what was really going on with Riley, the author veered off in another direction.
The chapters just flew and this fast-paced thriller kept me guessing until the very end. Riley was an unforgettable character and all I can say is wow, what an ending. This is the first book I read by Andrew E. Kaufman and I imagine it will not be my last. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with an unreliable narrator, I recommend What She Doesn't Know.
Thank you, Andrew E. Kaufman, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the complimentary digital edition to read and review.
The chapters just flew and this fast-paced thriller kept me guessing until the very end. Riley was an unforgettable character and all I can say is wow, what an ending. This is the first book I read by Andrew E. Kaufman and I imagine it will not be my last. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with an unreliable narrator, I recommend What She Doesn't Know.
Thank you, Andrew E. Kaufman, Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley for the complimentary digital edition to read and review.
May 20, 2022
The title played on the details she can’t remember regarding her daughters murder. Details she needed to defend herself from being charged with killing her baby girl. Except she doesn’t. Know. What. Happened. 10 years later, after being released from a psych ward she tries to claim her life back. However the public hasn’t forgotten the about the child killer and won’t let her forget it either.
This was a psychological read for sure, however, not so much a thriller in my book. Granted, this was an audio read that took me a while to actually finish; being that I only listen to books on long road trips. Any who, it was still good. Good enough to get my attention, keep it, and have me wanting more. On the other hand, the pace was too slow, the character development of Erin and Riley were mediocre, (Erin couldn’t have been a vulture of a lawyer they claimed she was *huge eye roll*) and their relationship was confusing to completely grasp. And why such an infatuation with Samantha?!
A decent audio listen and worth it on a road trip or just doing things around the house
This was a psychological read for sure, however, not so much a thriller in my book. Granted, this was an audio read that took me a while to actually finish; being that I only listen to books on long road trips. Any who, it was still good. Good enough to get my attention, keep it, and have me wanting more. On the other hand, the pace was too slow, the character development of Erin and Riley were mediocre, (Erin couldn’t have been a vulture of a lawyer they claimed she was *huge eye roll*) and their relationship was confusing to completely grasp. And why such an infatuation with Samantha?!
A decent audio listen and worth it on a road trip or just doing things around the house
May 26, 2021
Hmmmm….. This one was just… kinda mediocre. I didn’t care about any of the characters and the story was rather played out and predictable. There was a bit of a twist at the end that redeemed the story somewhat, but I really didn’t like the narrator, which I think greatly affected my overall experience of the novel as a whole. Especially when the characters were yelling or crying…. It was physically painful. I actually couldn’t wait for it to end!!
October 15, 2018
Wow...does Andrew Kaufman know how to write a book or what? This book definitely kept you on your toes clear down to the very last word! I've actually only read two of his books, but both I thoroughly enjoyed!
I love how this book kept your interest from the first word to the last word and it was a story that you really wanted to read about and find out what happens!
Overall, bang up job!
I love how this book kept your interest from the first word to the last word and it was a story that you really wanted to read about and find out what happens!
Overall, bang up job!
March 11, 2018
Round up to 4.5 stars. Wild and twisty. Review to come at AAR.
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