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Tell No One
Their desperate secret. Her desperate search. A shattering truth exposed.
Caroline Corbett wants nothing to do with her father, Hoff, a man who abandoned her as a young girl and then vanished from her life almost thirty years ago. But when her beloved aunt expresses a dying wish to see him once more, Caroline, despite her failing marriage and other personal troubles, drops everything to look for him.
Harris Fenton found the father figure he’d dreamed of when he turned eight and his mother married Hoff—but his disappearance four years later left Harris with scars he carries even now that he is a father himself. While he has a beautiful family and a great job, he’s hiding a shameful secret and a nightmare from his childhood.
Caroline’s search for Hoff soon uncovers a host of disturbing clues and draws a threat of violence. Her mind churns with memories of her troubled history, while Harris is losing the battle against his own demons. But for both of them, dredging up the past will be dangerous, and confronting the truth could prove life shattering.
Caroline Corbett wants nothing to do with her father, Hoff, a man who abandoned her as a young girl and then vanished from her life almost thirty years ago. But when her beloved aunt expresses a dying wish to see him once more, Caroline, despite her failing marriage and other personal troubles, drops everything to look for him.
Harris Fenton found the father figure he’d dreamed of when he turned eight and his mother married Hoff—but his disappearance four years later left Harris with scars he carries even now that he is a father himself. While he has a beautiful family and a great job, he’s hiding a shameful secret and a nightmare from his childhood.
Caroline’s search for Hoff soon uncovers a host of disturbing clues and draws a threat of violence. Her mind churns with memories of her troubled history, while Harris is losing the battle against his own demons. But for both of them, dredging up the past will be dangerous, and confronting the truth could prove life shattering.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2019
988 people are currently reading
10691 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Taylor Sissel
12 books712 followersBarbara Taylor Sissel writes issue oriented, upmarket women’s fiction that is threaded with elements of suspense and defined by its particular emphasis on how crime affects the family. Next to writing books she loves to edit them, and with more than fifteen years in the profession, both as a bestselling author and as a developmental editor, she's got experience. Contact her via her website if you're interested. Please include the details of your fiction project (a brief summary and total word count) for more information and her availability.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
February 27, 2019
I think I would have liked this one more if it just would have picked a lane and stayed in it. Some of the personal issues of the main characters bogged down the story. I basically didn't care for anything that wasn't directly related to the disappearance of Caroline's father.
Caroline Corbett hasn't seen her father since he vanished from her life and the town he lived in decades ago. After her dying aunt begs Caroline to go find him she attempts to search for him but it soon becomes apparent that some people aren't too happy she's around and asking questions. Digging up the truth might prove costly.
I'm pretty much always game for any mystery involving a missing person and that is the main reason I kept reading this one. The story alternates between two different characters. For much of the book I only really felt invested in Caroline's part and not Harris' storyline but that changed towards the end after I had had enough of Caroline and her marriage and love life woes. I wasn't all that impressed with Harris and his messy life either but at least it tied in better with the rest of the story.
The author scored some points with having a pretty decent ending. I'm not saying it was entirely satisfying but it wasn't one that I was expecting so that helped redeem the book a little bit in my eyes. Overall, this is an okay read, nothing more, nothing less.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
Caroline Corbett hasn't seen her father since he vanished from her life and the town he lived in decades ago. After her dying aunt begs Caroline to go find him she attempts to search for him but it soon becomes apparent that some people aren't too happy she's around and asking questions. Digging up the truth might prove costly.
I'm pretty much always game for any mystery involving a missing person and that is the main reason I kept reading this one. The story alternates between two different characters. For much of the book I only really felt invested in Caroline's part and not Harris' storyline but that changed towards the end after I had had enough of Caroline and her marriage and love life woes. I wasn't all that impressed with Harris and his messy life either but at least it tied in better with the rest of the story.
The author scored some points with having a pretty decent ending. I'm not saying it was entirely satisfying but it wasn't one that I was expecting so that helped redeem the book a little bit in my eyes. Overall, this is an okay read, nothing more, nothing less.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advance digital copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 16, 2019
Diving into the latest Barbaba Taylor Sissel is a bit like coming home; her books are comforting and you know precisely what you're going to get. While this wasn't my favorite of her novels, I still enjoyed it and think fans of her work should definitely pick this up. The gorgeous cover drew me in immediately, and I think my major hindrance in giving this a higher rating was that I simply felt a bit overwhelmed by the many diverging plots here. If I had been pulled in fewer directions, I may have been able to connect a little deeper with the characters, although the author still did a fantastic job of piquing my emotions, especially with the way all wrapped up. Looking forward to her next book! <3
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy via NetGalley.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy via NetGalley.
March 11, 2019
Caroline Corbett is determined to fulfill her dying aunt’s wish. She wants to be reunited with her brother who has not been seen by any family member in years. Caroline’s father, Hoff, left her family and remarried when she was young. He was never a part of their lives and she felt neglected by his actions.
The search for Hoff gives Caroline a break from her own difficulties. Her marriage is at a crossroads and the business she shares with her husband has been mismanaged. Because of this, Caroline finds herself absorbed in the task of locating her father. Her search leads into his mysterious past and pushes her to begin sorting out her future.
Barbara Sissel’s book is a compelling story. Tell No One is a story about family dynamics, secrets, and relationships. The author did a wonderful job of weaving different characters into the story as this mystery unfolds.
The search for Hoff gives Caroline a break from her own difficulties. Her marriage is at a crossroads and the business she shares with her husband has been mismanaged. Because of this, Caroline finds herself absorbed in the task of locating her father. Her search leads into his mysterious past and pushes her to begin sorting out her future.
Barbara Sissel’s book is a compelling story. Tell No One is a story about family dynamics, secrets, and relationships. The author did a wonderful job of weaving different characters into the story as this mystery unfolds.
July 31, 2022
This is a Mystery/Thriller. I have to say I loved this book, and the ending ... WOW ... I did not see that ending coming. This book is about a woman trying to find her dad that she has not seen since she was 12 years old. She is trying to find her dad because her Aunt that she is super close too is dying of cancer and only wants to see her brother one more time. Everyone should read this book. I won Kindle edition of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but this review is 100% my own opinion.
May 7, 2019
Caroline Corbett’s Aunt Lanie was dying and when she begged Caroline to find her brother, Caroline’s father Hoff, Caroline was determined to do it. It had been thirty years since she’d seen her father. He’d left her mother and her, married another woman who had a young son and Caroline’s bitterness and jealousy had kept her from trying to find him. As well as her heartache over her aunt, Caroline’s marriage was in tatters.
Harris Fenton was head coach of the baseball team as well as athletic director at Wyatt High School. He had a beautiful wife and two sons he adored. But he was a mess. His life was spiraling out of control and he wasn’t strong enough to do anything about it. He couldn’t let go of the past; couldn’t deal with his ongoing problems.
As Caroline searched, she uncovered events from the long ago past which horrified her. She couldn’t believe it had really happened – but she soon found there were people who didn’t want her to continue. Her life could well be in danger…
Tell No One by Barbara Taylor Sissel is a contemporary drama novel with emphasis on “drama”. The two key players, Caroline and Harris, both had messy lives, although I liked them both. There was a lot of American sport – football and baseball – and I ended up skimming over those sections. I’ve previously read two by this author – Faultlines and Evidence of Life – I gave both 5 stars but Tell No One had too much going on – but the ending was excellent and I can now happily recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Harris Fenton was head coach of the baseball team as well as athletic director at Wyatt High School. He had a beautiful wife and two sons he adored. But he was a mess. His life was spiraling out of control and he wasn’t strong enough to do anything about it. He couldn’t let go of the past; couldn’t deal with his ongoing problems.
As Caroline searched, she uncovered events from the long ago past which horrified her. She couldn’t believe it had really happened – but she soon found there were people who didn’t want her to continue. Her life could well be in danger…
Tell No One by Barbara Taylor Sissel is a contemporary drama novel with emphasis on “drama”. The two key players, Caroline and Harris, both had messy lives, although I liked them both. There was a lot of American sport – football and baseball – and I ended up skimming over those sections. I’ve previously read two by this author – Faultlines and Evidence of Life – I gave both 5 stars but Tell No One had too much going on – but the ending was excellent and I can now happily recommend it.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2019
I received a free e-copy of Tell No One by Barbara Taylor Sissel from NetGalley for my honest revew.
Caroline's dying Aunt last request for her was to find her (Caroline's) father. A father who abandoned her as a child, remarried another woman and had another child named Harris. Caroline loves her Aunt, who was like a mom to her and wants to do as her Aunt asked. Caroline decides to find her father but she uncovers things along the way that put her own life in danger.
I struggled getting into this book. The first half of the book was a bit slow and it did eventually pick up but then I even struggled with connecting with the characters.
Caroline's dying Aunt last request for her was to find her (Caroline's) father. A father who abandoned her as a child, remarried another woman and had another child named Harris. Caroline loves her Aunt, who was like a mom to her and wants to do as her Aunt asked. Caroline decides to find her father but she uncovers things along the way that put her own life in danger.
I struggled getting into this book. The first half of the book was a bit slow and it did eventually pick up but then I even struggled with connecting with the characters.
February 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this story!
Caroline has not seen nor heard from her father in thirty years. Her aunt is dying of cancer and wants to make amends with her brother (Caroline's father) before she passes. Caroline sets out to find her father and along the way learns many things about him. His life was complicated, but he really did love her.
This story deals with family issues, drug abuse and the mystery behind Caroline's missing father. This is the first book that I have read from this author and it won't be my last!
Caroline has not seen nor heard from her father in thirty years. Her aunt is dying of cancer and wants to make amends with her brother (Caroline's father) before she passes. Caroline sets out to find her father and along the way learns many things about him. His life was complicated, but he really did love her.
This story deals with family issues, drug abuse and the mystery behind Caroline's missing father. This is the first book that I have read from this author and it won't be my last!
May 21, 2019
In Tell No One, readers are drawn into an intricate web of family secrets, abandonment, and deception. The story is told from two points of view: Caroline, who is looking for her father who disappeared 30 years earlier; Harris, a trusted coach and mentor who is caught up in something that can destroy everything and everyone he loves. One thing that sets Barbara Sissel’s books apart from other suspense novels is the depth of emotion that I feel for the characters, their struggles and their demons. In this book, my feelings for Caroline and Harris and the supporting cast were as tangled as their own complex set of circumstances. This book left me pondering so many issues—the sacrifices parents and children will make to protect each other; the fact that right and wrong are not always clear cut; that the consequences of our actions, both big and small, can have far-reaching effects; is it sometimes better to not know the truth? Book clubs will have much to discuss after reading this novel! Thank you to the publisher and net galley for providing a copy of this book.
May 13, 2019
A lover of all things football, I was pumped to realize this novel had a secondary football theme.
Unfortunately, it focused not at all on the actual game, and entirely on the corruption many colleges still face today. But oddly, it doesn't even focus much on that.
Why?
Well, this book has a multitude of story-lines, which eventually come together as one...but the road getting to that intersection is long, slow, dreary, and a rather painful one. (That's my polite way of saying this book is boring.)
Many people have commented about the amazing ending, but I found it to be anti-climatic. I wasn't surprised, I wasn't intrigued...frankly, it was entirely expected. I was impressed by the author's ability to tie many, many threads together, leaving no loose ends, but other than that...meh.
2.5 stars
**Deep appreciation to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Barbara Taylor Sissel for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Reviewed on Goodreads: May 13, 2019
Unfortunately, it focused not at all on the actual game, and entirely on the corruption many colleges still face today. But oddly, it doesn't even focus much on that.
Why?
Well, this book has a multitude of story-lines, which eventually come together as one...but the road getting to that intersection is long, slow, dreary, and a rather painful one. (That's my polite way of saying this book is boring.)
Many people have commented about the amazing ending, but I found it to be anti-climatic. I wasn't surprised, I wasn't intrigued...frankly, it was entirely expected. I was impressed by the author's ability to tie many, many threads together, leaving no loose ends, but other than that...meh.
2.5 stars
**Deep appreciation to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Barbara Taylor Sissel for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Reviewed on Goodreads: May 13, 2019
May 12, 2019
From the absolutely beautiful cover to the very last word of this book you will be drawn into the story of Caroline Corbett’s and her hunt for her father. Caroline has not seen her dad for thirty years. Partly because she didn’t want to. She distanced herself when she was a teen and he had remarried. He had reached out to her several times but she would have nothing to do with him. Now she regrets not knowing where he is or what he is doing. Her aunt, his sister, is dying and wants nothing more than to see her brother before the end so Caroline starts her search for her missing father.
Caroline experiences many ups and downs on this journey. Some are life threatening and others are heartbreaking. But she won’t give up. She loves her Aunt like a mother and wishes to fulfill her dying wish.
This book has wonderful characters who you will either love or dislike greatly. It’s a family drama but also a family who love each other. This book has so many aspects to it. You’ll see attempted murder, drug addiction, PTSD, clinical depression, love(lots of love), abuse, brushes with the law. There are lots of emotions in this wonderful book. I loved that the ending was not rushed and all of my questions were answered. No strings were left dangling. It was just a perfectly told story. One that will certainly bring you to tears in parts and have you on the edge of your seat in others. There are so many ups and downs you will want to find out what happens next. I had a very hard time putting this book down once you start it. I spent my whole Saturday reading this book. It was truly so well done.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It’s so good. You will not regret it at all.
It’s a big 5 stars from me and more if I could.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my complete and honest review. I LOVED IT!!
Caroline experiences many ups and downs on this journey. Some are life threatening and others are heartbreaking. But she won’t give up. She loves her Aunt like a mother and wishes to fulfill her dying wish.
This book has wonderful characters who you will either love or dislike greatly. It’s a family drama but also a family who love each other. This book has so many aspects to it. You’ll see attempted murder, drug addiction, PTSD, clinical depression, love(lots of love), abuse, brushes with the law. There are lots of emotions in this wonderful book. I loved that the ending was not rushed and all of my questions were answered. No strings were left dangling. It was just a perfectly told story. One that will certainly bring you to tears in parts and have you on the edge of your seat in others. There are so many ups and downs you will want to find out what happens next. I had a very hard time putting this book down once you start it. I spent my whole Saturday reading this book. It was truly so well done.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. It’s so good. You will not regret it at all.
It’s a big 5 stars from me and more if I could.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my complete and honest review. I LOVED IT!!
May 14, 2019
A request from her dying Aunt, Caroline is tasked with finding her father. A father who abandoned her as a child and remarried another woman and became a father to her son Harris. Caroline doesn't want to let her aunt down. She has been more of a mother to her than her own mother. In her quest to find her father Caroline uncovers secrets that put her in danger. The last thing she needs. She has enough problems already in her marriage with her husbands shady deals that could land her in jail along with him. The plot weaves between Caroline and Harris. I loved all the twists and turns. I was on the edge of my seat reading this and the end did not disappoint. A twisted and suspenseful read. I loved it!.
May 23, 2019
I hope my review can do this book justice. This is a very emotional read. Filled with long buried secrets and lies. It is told in the alternating voices of Caroline, who is searching for a father she hasn't seen in almost thirty years, and Harris, whose stepfather was Caroline's father. This is a very intense story that brings forth such a wide range of emotions. I could feel the pain and sadness, the fear and the turmoil. I was brought to tears by the heart wrenching, explosive, didn't see coming, ending. This book keeps you turning the pages. The tension mounting with each turn of the page. It is incredibly well written, as only Barbara Taylor Sissel can do. The characters are relatable, flawed and true to life. This book is an amazing read and I could go on and on about it. Do yourself a favor and grab this book! Outstanding! Ten stars!
March 3, 2019
What a wonderful read!! Barbara Sissel does an excellent job of building tension, the story lets the reader roll a bunch of possibilities in their heads for the solve of the mystery. The characters were all shades of grey (in a good way), and Harris was a well structured, complex addition.
My only grouch is that the story could have used more diversity and action; it was missing a bit of that “ka boom” factor.
Nonetheless I would recommend this book; Sissel builds tension beautifully and constructs a thoroughly entertaining mystery.
My only grouch is that the story could have used more diversity and action; it was missing a bit of that “ka boom” factor.
Nonetheless I would recommend this book; Sissel builds tension beautifully and constructs a thoroughly entertaining mystery.
March 25, 2019
I love author’s that can describe a scene and you are immediately there, you close your eyes and you picture the scene. This author does that for me.
Family drama told in voices of two step siblings, who had never met. Both are faced with hard issues...do they do what’s right or do what’s easy? Caroline finds out her husband is doing something illegal and it could land her in prison. Harris has an addiction and has seen a robbery. Now, he’s being blackmailed. A lot going on in this book: addiction, marital issues, missing person, the dark side of college recruiting, and lots of secrets. It unfolds at a pace slow enough to suck you in and takes off from there. Characters are situations are raw, true, flawed.
I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is minealone.
Family drama told in voices of two step siblings, who had never met. Both are faced with hard issues...do they do what’s right or do what’s easy? Caroline finds out her husband is doing something illegal and it could land her in prison. Harris has an addiction and has seen a robbery. Now, he’s being blackmailed. A lot going on in this book: addiction, marital issues, missing person, the dark side of college recruiting, and lots of secrets. It unfolds at a pace slow enough to suck you in and takes off from there. Characters are situations are raw, true, flawed.
I received an ARC of this book. Opinion is minealone.
January 23, 2020
2 STARS? DNF at 46%
I tried. For the second time. But I just...don't care?
I skipped ahead and the ending was interesting tho. Thus, the second star.
FRTC 🤷🏻♀️
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, Lake Union Publishing.
I tried. For the second time. But I just...don't care?
I skipped ahead and the ending was interesting tho. Thus, the second star.
FRTC 🤷🏻♀️
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review. Many thanks to the publisher, Lake Union Publishing.
May 10, 2019
Barbara Taylor Sissel, Author of “Tell No One”, has written a captivating, intense, riveting, and unpredictable novel. The Genres for this Novel are Fiction, Mystery, and Suspense. The timeline for this novel in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the events or characters in the story. The Author describes her characters as complex and complicated.
Caroline Corbett has many problems with her husband and their business and also has a daughter. Much of Caroline’s bitterness at life stems from the abandonment issues of her father leaving when she was a young girl. Her father left to marry another woman and become a father figure to her son. Then Hoff, her father just disappeared. Caroline’s dying Aunt, who is like a second mother to her, requests that Caroline find her brother Hoff.
With a heavy heart and ambivalent and angry feelings, Caroline begins her search by questioning certain people. Caroline finds herself threatened and in danger. The more she searches for answers, the bigger the danger. There are twists and turns, and I really never expected the way the story ended. What a surprise!!!
I appreciate that the author discusses the problems of drugs in today’s world, and the effects on the person, and loved ones in their lives. The dark secrets in this story also when revealed changed many things. I would highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy a suspenseful mystery.
Caroline Corbett has many problems with her husband and their business and also has a daughter. Much of Caroline’s bitterness at life stems from the abandonment issues of her father leaving when she was a young girl. Her father left to marry another woman and become a father figure to her son. Then Hoff, her father just disappeared. Caroline’s dying Aunt, who is like a second mother to her, requests that Caroline find her brother Hoff.
With a heavy heart and ambivalent and angry feelings, Caroline begins her search by questioning certain people. Caroline finds herself threatened and in danger. The more she searches for answers, the bigger the danger. There are twists and turns, and I really never expected the way the story ended. What a surprise!!!
I appreciate that the author discusses the problems of drugs in today’s world, and the effects on the person, and loved ones in their lives. The dark secrets in this story also when revealed changed many things. I would highly recommend this novel for readers who enjoy a suspenseful mystery.
February 23, 2019
I enjoyed this book, the writing style and the incredibly detailed character development. I liked reading from two perspectives to build the story and unravel the mystery surrounding Hoff’s disappearance, however, I felt like Sissel tried to incorporate too many issues. From a missing father, abuse, infidelity, drug addiction, fraud, crumbling marriages, PTSD, long lost love, robberies, coverups (shall I go on?) it felt a little overwhelming. That being said, Sissel did tie everything together nicely and I wasn’t left feeling like I needed answers.
For anyone who enjoys a good family drama/mystery that isn’t overly predictable, I would highly recommend Tell No One.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
For anyone who enjoys a good family drama/mystery that isn’t overly predictable, I would highly recommend Tell No One.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 15, 2018
*** One tragic moment. A hasty cover up. But will the truth stay hidden? ***
I'm so looking forward to sharing TELL NO ONE with you! Coming out on May 14, 2019, I would love it if you would add it to your Goodreads shelf!
I'm so looking forward to sharing TELL NO ONE with you! Coming out on May 14, 2019, I would love it if you would add it to your Goodreads shelf!
August 20, 2025
I like the cover of this book. I don't know why but I do! The premise is pretty compelling, with the investigation beginning with a dying woman's last wish. A brother and father have been missing for years, so the search begins to find him. Almost as soon as I started listening to this book, I had it figured out. The story was still intriguing, though, as I wasn't 100% certain. The search that Caroline was on was crazy and sad. I admired her throughout the whole story becuz she gave her all to fulfill her aunt's wish. Things surface and truths are found out, which made for a good experience!
February 26, 2019
I am a HUGE fan of this author, having read the majority of her books so when she contacted me to see if I would like to read an eARC of her newest novel, the answer was an overwhelming YES!!!!!! And I will admit I also did a happy dance!!
As the synopsis states, Caroline Corbett sets out on a mission to find her father that she hasn't had a relationship with for close to 30 years. The reason being is because his sister, her aunt Lanie who helped raised her wants to see her brother one last time before she passes and time is running out.
However, during her search, Caroline doesn't realize that she has opened a Pandora's Box on many fronts and there are some people who want to stop her from pursuing her search (sorry for being vague but don't want to even let one smidgen of a spoiler to slip through).
Lies, betrayals, love, tenacity, fraud, bribery, murder, trust, bribery, inner demons, family, and a promise that spiraled out of control. And this reader felt each and every emotion that the characters felt.
Without giving anything else away, Ms. Sissel weaves and interweaves storylines that had me trying to guess how all the characters were connected. A writing style that is in all her books and I have yet to figure one out.
Her writing is fluid and descriptive, which allowed me to create such vivid imagery in my mind. Characters that are flawed but relatable. The story had me trying to read faster because I wanted to see how it all came together, but then, on the other hand, I didn't want the story to end because I was invested in all of the characters. The suspense was taut throughout.
If you haven't read one of her books, TRUST ME, you are missing out!
And like I say with every book that I read by this amazing author, I now have to try, to patiently wait for her next novel, which is always the negative after finishing one of her books. And in the meantime, I will ponder how this phenomenally talented author writes one book after another that is truly captivating.
Check out my reviews for her previous novels.
I received an eARC from the author, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.
As the synopsis states, Caroline Corbett sets out on a mission to find her father that she hasn't had a relationship with for close to 30 years. The reason being is because his sister, her aunt Lanie who helped raised her wants to see her brother one last time before she passes and time is running out.
However, during her search, Caroline doesn't realize that she has opened a Pandora's Box on many fronts and there are some people who want to stop her from pursuing her search (sorry for being vague but don't want to even let one smidgen of a spoiler to slip through).
Lies, betrayals, love, tenacity, fraud, bribery, murder, trust, bribery, inner demons, family, and a promise that spiraled out of control. And this reader felt each and every emotion that the characters felt.
Without giving anything else away, Ms. Sissel weaves and interweaves storylines that had me trying to guess how all the characters were connected. A writing style that is in all her books and I have yet to figure one out.
Her writing is fluid and descriptive, which allowed me to create such vivid imagery in my mind. Characters that are flawed but relatable. The story had me trying to read faster because I wanted to see how it all came together, but then, on the other hand, I didn't want the story to end because I was invested in all of the characters. The suspense was taut throughout.
If you haven't read one of her books, TRUST ME, you are missing out!
And like I say with every book that I read by this amazing author, I now have to try, to patiently wait for her next novel, which is always the negative after finishing one of her books. And in the meantime, I will ponder how this phenomenally talented author writes one book after another that is truly captivating.
Check out my reviews for her previous novels.
I received an eARC from the author, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review.
May 14, 2019
This book is more slow burn mystery than thriller. It’s told from the perspectives of the two main characters, each chapter bouncing back and forth between the two. Caroline has just found out her aunt Lanie (her father’s sister) is dying of cancer. Lanie’s dying wish is that Caroline finds the father (Hoff) that neither women have seen in 30 years so she can find closure with him before it’s too late. The last time Caroline talked to Hoff he was living with his second wife Julia and her son Harris. Caroline was so jealous of Harris, believing he had replaced her in her father’s eyes, that she cut Hoff off completely. Harris, now with a wife and two sons of his own is struggling with chronic pain that’s led to an addiction to narcotics. Both Harris and Caroline have been hugely effected by Hoff’s disappearance and are struggling with the consequences of it. Caroline begins a hunt for her father that leads her down a road of self discoveries and eventually to Harris who has some realizations and hard truths of his own to face. This novel is tragic with quite a realistic plot line. It delves deep into the difficult topics of addiction and lies. Not just the lies we tell others but more importantly, the lies we tell ourselves and how they tend to blind and hurt us and our loved ones. It’s only when the truth comes out that we can begin to heal. I’ve enjoyed reading Barbara Taylor Sissel’s novels, but this is definitely the most tragic one because of the difficult and all too common topics that are discussed. A great but sad read. I won this book in a goodreads giveaway.
April 27, 2019
"It's not the lies you tell everybody else that matter so much, but the lies you tell yourself can kill you."
This tale is told from two points of view. Caroline and Harris. Caroline is trying to find the father that left when she was young and she shut out for good. But now her father's sister is dying and she needs to tell him something. Caroline is determined to find him all the while her own life is in shambles.
Her story was rambling and all over the place and I had little patience for all of the jumping all over the place.
Harris was a little easier to feel for, but even then, it was just too all over the place I thought and the ending was okay.
I would have loved to have known more about the characters before we went on the rambling ride with Caroline.
NetGalley/ May 14th 2019 by Lake Union Publishing
This tale is told from two points of view. Caroline and Harris. Caroline is trying to find the father that left when she was young and she shut out for good. But now her father's sister is dying and she needs to tell him something. Caroline is determined to find him all the while her own life is in shambles.
Her story was rambling and all over the place and I had little patience for all of the jumping all over the place.
Harris was a little easier to feel for, but even then, it was just too all over the place I thought and the ending was okay.
I would have loved to have known more about the characters before we went on the rambling ride with Caroline.
NetGalley/ May 14th 2019 by Lake Union Publishing
October 24, 2019
This is such a hard review to write, but I just couldn't give this more stars. It was slow throughout, with too much of a focus on character development and not enough on plot. The ending alone made it lose a star or maybe even two for me. Not only had I already figured it out, but the thoughts of the main character Caroline were so frustrating when she figured out the truth. Maybe if I had connected to the characters more I might have liked this better. Looks like quite a few other readers enjoyed it, but it was not for me. Thank you to the publisher for an advance copy.
February 17, 2019
Barbara Taylor Sissel is my favorite literary suspense author and this book is one of her finest! She’s a master at layering in intrigue without it being heavy-handed. Right from the start I was pulled into the story wondering why Caroline had lost contact with her father, what secret was Jace keeping, why was she being followed? The novel brilliantly weaves in three separate storylines, all of them coming together at the end in a surprising twist.
May 19, 2019
This book has secrets. This book has more secrets! Secrets that are to Tell No One. But eventually secrets are hard to hide.
Caroline Corbett has been estranged from her father, Hoff, for over 30 years. She hasn't had any desire to be in contact or to have anything do to with him. But she has Aunt Lanie who has one last wish before she dies and that's to see her brother to make peace with him. Caroline wants to honor her aunt's last wishes so she starts out on a mission to find her father and bring him back to Aunt Lanie.
Along this journey, Caroline is struggling with personal and emotional issues with her marriage and business. What secrets does she discover? What is she going to do?
Then there's Harris. He's the step son of Hoff. Harris doted on his step father. He was his hero....until.....more secrets.
I was pulled into this trove of secrets from the beginning of the book. I felt for Caroline. She wanted to do something for her aunt but it opened up a whole desperate search that revealed shocking events. Ms. Sissel developed characters that were each unique and I could get a feeling of who they were....good and bad. The issues they were living with were heart wrenching and each one had different things they were trying to overcome or failing at. They seemed like hopeless situations.
I didn't get the connections to each other of the characters right away but that also contributed to the secrets in this book. I never expected where this book took me at the end. It was a shock to me!
I love the switch in chapters between the two POVs of the main characters, Caroline and Harris. The way Ms. Sissel works this in the book to tie them together was perfect.
This book is titled Tell No One...but I think it's a novel to TELL EVERYONE to open it up and read a very good book.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I also thank Ms. Sissel for writing it and that I could enjoy it. It's a five star read for me.
Caroline Corbett has been estranged from her father, Hoff, for over 30 years. She hasn't had any desire to be in contact or to have anything do to with him. But she has Aunt Lanie who has one last wish before she dies and that's to see her brother to make peace with him. Caroline wants to honor her aunt's last wishes so she starts out on a mission to find her father and bring him back to Aunt Lanie.
Along this journey, Caroline is struggling with personal and emotional issues with her marriage and business. What secrets does she discover? What is she going to do?
Then there's Harris. He's the step son of Hoff. Harris doted on his step father. He was his hero....until.....more secrets.
I was pulled into this trove of secrets from the beginning of the book. I felt for Caroline. She wanted to do something for her aunt but it opened up a whole desperate search that revealed shocking events. Ms. Sissel developed characters that were each unique and I could get a feeling of who they were....good and bad. The issues they were living with were heart wrenching and each one had different things they were trying to overcome or failing at. They seemed like hopeless situations.
I didn't get the connections to each other of the characters right away but that also contributed to the secrets in this book. I never expected where this book took me at the end. It was a shock to me!
I love the switch in chapters between the two POVs of the main characters, Caroline and Harris. The way Ms. Sissel works this in the book to tie them together was perfect.
This book is titled Tell No One...but I think it's a novel to TELL EVERYONE to open it up and read a very good book.
Thank you Netgalley for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I also thank Ms. Sissel for writing it and that I could enjoy it. It's a five star read for me.
March 26, 2019
via my blog: https://bookstalkerblog.wordpress.com/
'Come back, come back, come back, as if his return- her family’s restoration to their once-upon-a-time life- were a matter of asking, or begging, or any words at all.'
Caroline’s aunt Lanie is dying and desperate to see her brother, Garret “Hoff” Hoffman before she passes away. Caroline’s mother tells her ‘it’s a fool’s errand’ to even try, no one knows where he disappeared to, only that he left a trail of heartbreak behind. What caused her once loving dad to walk away? But Caroline’s beloved aunt is more like a mother to her, salvation during the years after her parents divorced. Caroline’s tender early memories seem to arise more lately and when she returns to the past and seeks out coach Kelly, she finds it troubling that his son Jace seems to be hiding something, protecting his now elderly father. Once a boy she spent happy days with, he seems to want to dodge ever question she puts to his father, even though the old coach wants to reminisce, adamantly telling her ‘dad needs to rest.’ A warning comes soon after in the form of an ‘accident’, someone really is trying to keep her from finding out what happened to her father.
Harris is the child who Hoff raised for a time when he abandoned his old life, and Caroline. Harris looked up to Hoff, with football in common as Hoff was a recruiter, he finally had a man to emulate and love, but those days are buried and he is haunted by his own terrible guilt now that he himself is a father. One thing Caroline and Harris have in common is their failing marriages. The cracks in Caroline’s life is all about her husband Rob’s lies and betrayals, his devious business dealings but for Harris it is his increasing nightmares, closing his wife Holly out. There are some shameful secrets that cannot be told, not even to his wife but there are other things to turn to when trying to tame one’s demons. His life appears perfect on paper with his career, his beautiful sons and loyal wife. But the past can’t be buried.
Truth will out, but it isn’t always what you imagine. Bad guys, good guys sometimes the distance is only a hair’s breadth between the two. If grave moments could only remain hidden and not rise up to torment us, then the past wouldn’t haunt. In seeking answers, Caroline must come to terms with what she built up as her father’s reasons in her mind with the truth. Harris was everything Caroline could never be, the perfect son! Right? Accidents and incidents have long reaching consequences. Many of Caroline’s choices of the heart stem from feeling discarded by her father, as far back as her high school years. We are shaped by other’s actions sometimes, even when we consciously attempt to remain unaffected. At times the hand of fate, chance turns us into someone we’re not, and there is no reasoning with it. This novel dips into several stories, Caroline and her daughter reeling after discovering Rob’s deceptive crimes, while she is trying to confront her past and find her father. Holly and Harris drifting apart because he cannot confide what disturbs him. Their sons Kyle and Connor his pride but there is a wild struggle within Harris to be a better father than his own influence and yet he is failing, railing against himself. Everything that has happened returns to the moment when Caroline was still the apple of her daddy’s eyes, until her father’s fall in the stands.
This is a solid story, engaging but sometimes I wanted to stay in Caroline’s world and felt pulled in many directions. Hoff’s tale is interesting, sometimes the biggest threat doesn’t come from outside of us, but within.
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Lake Union Publishing
'Come back, come back, come back, as if his return- her family’s restoration to their once-upon-a-time life- were a matter of asking, or begging, or any words at all.'
Caroline’s aunt Lanie is dying and desperate to see her brother, Garret “Hoff” Hoffman before she passes away. Caroline’s mother tells her ‘it’s a fool’s errand’ to even try, no one knows where he disappeared to, only that he left a trail of heartbreak behind. What caused her once loving dad to walk away? But Caroline’s beloved aunt is more like a mother to her, salvation during the years after her parents divorced. Caroline’s tender early memories seem to arise more lately and when she returns to the past and seeks out coach Kelly, she finds it troubling that his son Jace seems to be hiding something, protecting his now elderly father. Once a boy she spent happy days with, he seems to want to dodge ever question she puts to his father, even though the old coach wants to reminisce, adamantly telling her ‘dad needs to rest.’ A warning comes soon after in the form of an ‘accident’, someone really is trying to keep her from finding out what happened to her father.
Harris is the child who Hoff raised for a time when he abandoned his old life, and Caroline. Harris looked up to Hoff, with football in common as Hoff was a recruiter, he finally had a man to emulate and love, but those days are buried and he is haunted by his own terrible guilt now that he himself is a father. One thing Caroline and Harris have in common is their failing marriages. The cracks in Caroline’s life is all about her husband Rob’s lies and betrayals, his devious business dealings but for Harris it is his increasing nightmares, closing his wife Holly out. There are some shameful secrets that cannot be told, not even to his wife but there are other things to turn to when trying to tame one’s demons. His life appears perfect on paper with his career, his beautiful sons and loyal wife. But the past can’t be buried.
Truth will out, but it isn’t always what you imagine. Bad guys, good guys sometimes the distance is only a hair’s breadth between the two. If grave moments could only remain hidden and not rise up to torment us, then the past wouldn’t haunt. In seeking answers, Caroline must come to terms with what she built up as her father’s reasons in her mind with the truth. Harris was everything Caroline could never be, the perfect son! Right? Accidents and incidents have long reaching consequences. Many of Caroline’s choices of the heart stem from feeling discarded by her father, as far back as her high school years. We are shaped by other’s actions sometimes, even when we consciously attempt to remain unaffected. At times the hand of fate, chance turns us into someone we’re not, and there is no reasoning with it. This novel dips into several stories, Caroline and her daughter reeling after discovering Rob’s deceptive crimes, while she is trying to confront her past and find her father. Holly and Harris drifting apart because he cannot confide what disturbs him. Their sons Kyle and Connor his pride but there is a wild struggle within Harris to be a better father than his own influence and yet he is failing, railing against himself. Everything that has happened returns to the moment when Caroline was still the apple of her daddy’s eyes, until her father’s fall in the stands.
This is a solid story, engaging but sometimes I wanted to stay in Caroline’s world and felt pulled in many directions. Hoff’s tale is interesting, sometimes the biggest threat doesn’t come from outside of us, but within.
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Lake Union Publishing
February 28, 2020
Caroline sets out to find her estranged father Hoff at the behest of his dying sister, her beloved aunt Lanie. To Harris, his stepfather Hoff was the father he never had. The collision between present and past could be dangerous.
TELL NO ONE feels like a longer book than it is, bogged down too many characters and backstories that didn’t advance what felt like a slow moving plot. I wish Barbara Taylor Sissel had gone into more detail about the effects of traumatic brain injury in personality and functioning, which I know but think would have added some depth to the story.
I felt no tension reading TELL NO ONE and I wasn’t that curious about what happened to Hoff, perhaps because I never felt invested in the characters or story. Sissel’s writing style, though at times engaging, wasn’t for me, which isn’t criticism of quality but stylistic.
Readers who enjoy women’s fiction focusing on family with some mystery will probably enjoy TELL NO ONE.
TELL NO ONE feels like a longer book than it is, bogged down too many characters and backstories that didn’t advance what felt like a slow moving plot. I wish Barbara Taylor Sissel had gone into more detail about the effects of traumatic brain injury in personality and functioning, which I know but think would have added some depth to the story.
I felt no tension reading TELL NO ONE and I wasn’t that curious about what happened to Hoff, perhaps because I never felt invested in the characters or story. Sissel’s writing style, though at times engaging, wasn’t for me, which isn’t criticism of quality but stylistic.
Readers who enjoy women’s fiction focusing on family with some mystery will probably enjoy TELL NO ONE.
February 20, 2019
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Caroline is in search for her estranged father. He seemed to have fallen off the face of the earth years ago. She made a promise to her dying aunt she would find him. In her search, she uncovers some deep and heartbreaking secrets about her Dad and family. Beautifully written and powerfully told. I devoured this book. Unputdownable!
June 30, 2019
So much to love, beginning with the interwoven storylines and the way they both revealed and obscured the surprising and devastating truth. I love when I'm surprised by an ending, and I didn't see this one coming! In her usual way, Sissel does a brilliant job of compassionately portraying a basically decent human being torn between addiction and doing what is right, along with exploring the complexities of love, loss, betrayal & sacrifice that make up family dynamics.
June 5, 2019
"Tell No One" was an outstanding read in which I was drawn into an intricate web of family secrets, abandonment, and deception.
The story was told from two points of view - Caroline's and Harris'. Caroline was looking for her father who disappeared thirty years earlier. Harris was a trusted coach and mentor who was caught up in something that could destroy everything and everyone he loves. Barbara Taylor Sissel created some fabulous characters for this novel and I couldn't help but be emotionally involved in their struggles and their demons. With a superb plot and great pacing, I devoured this wonderful book.
I have another new author to add to my ever-growing list of favourites.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The story was told from two points of view - Caroline's and Harris'. Caroline was looking for her father who disappeared thirty years earlier. Harris was a trusted coach and mentor who was caught up in something that could destroy everything and everyone he loves. Barbara Taylor Sissel created some fabulous characters for this novel and I couldn't help but be emotionally involved in their struggles and their demons. With a superb plot and great pacing, I devoured this wonderful book.
I have another new author to add to my ever-growing list of favourites.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Lake Union Publishing via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
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