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I Know You

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Sisters Bree and Alissa Walker share a special bond. Neglected by their parents, they have always looked out for one another. But one day, sixteen-year-old Alissa goes missing. When Bree discovers her green backpack with all her belongings, abandoned on the steps of their run-down trailer, she knows that something bad has happened …

Then she receives a chilling text message. Someone has Alissa. But Bree will have to give up something very precious in exchange.

Desperate to save Alissa, Bree looks at everyone close to their family. She’s sure that Alissa’s best friend is keeping something back about her little sister and a boy at school, and why has their estranged uncle, who they’ve not seen in years, been hanging around again?

It soon becomes clear that the person behind the message knows a lot about the dark truths within the Walker family and will go to any lengths to get revenge. And as the search for Alissa continues, Bree discovers something about her brother Tyler that she wishes she hadn’t, a dangerous secret, which is also the key to bringing her little sister back home …

217 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 9, 2019

71 people are currently reading
2863 people want to read

About the author

Erik Therme

11 books611 followers
Erik Therme has thrashed in garage bands, inadvertently harbored runaways, and met Darth Vader. He currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa—one of only twenty-eight places in the world that UNESCO has certified as a City of Literature.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
Profile Image for Linda Strong.
3,878 reviews1,711 followers
April 12, 2019

Bree and Alissa along with their brother, Tyler, did not have a terrific childhood. The dad is gone, the mother works all the time, leaving the kids alone a lot. As the oldest, Bree feels responsible for taking care of the family.

Then comes the day that 16-year-old Alissa goes missing. Her backpack is on the front porch. She's not answering her phone ...

Then she receives a text message. Someone has Alissa. And they want something from Bree. It becomes clear that whoever has Alissa knows their family ... and wants revenge.

As Bree discovers, there are lies and even darker secrets.

This is a psychological thriller about family secrets and relationships ... and what someone is willing to do to protect their family. Well written, the mystery and suspense is well paced and does not let up until the very end.

Many thanks to the author / Bookouture / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy of this Psychological Drama. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Profile Image for Amy.
2,651 reviews2,025 followers
April 11, 2019
This is the second book I’ve read by the author, I loved Keep Her Close, it was one of those perfect binge worthy thrillers that you read in one sitting because it’s just so damn intense and fast paced that you can’t put it down until you finish. This one had that same great sense of urgency that kept me flipping pages but also really explored familial bonds and how they can have such a great impact on our lives and I really enjoyed that aspect, it brought something new and thoughtful to a really exciting story.

Since this was such a snappy, quick read I really don’t want to discuss the plot details at all, but I will say that this went in quite a few unexpected directions and most definitely kept me on my toes. I don’t always connect (with any sort of depth) to characters in a thriller, but I did feel invested in Bree, she’s had a rough life and really hasn’t ever been able to count on anybody but herself and that’s just such a sad way to live that I couldn’t help but be drawn to her. In her race to find and save her sister you learn about her life and that’s where the emotional component came into play. I’m always pleasantly surprised when a thriller can make me feel something besides fear, etc and this one definitely tugged on my heartstrings. Recommended as the perfect read to devour over a weekend, it’s pretty addictive and has one hell of a shocking resolution.

I Know You in three words: Compulsive, Twisty and Absorbing
Profile Image for Mary.
2,252 reviews612 followers
August 9, 2021
I Know You is now my second time reading a book by Erik Therme and it did not disappoint!! I have already come to love how pacy and twisty his novels are, and this was no exception. The mystery of who has Alissa takes us on an interesting ride and I for one was not expecting where it would lead. This is a short book which means it is short on audio as well, and that is how I decided to read it. The audiobook is narrated by Patricia Rodriguez who I thought did a fantastic job. Her narration added to the story for me, and there wasn't a single thing that annoyed me. She also seemed like the perfect fit voice-wise for Bree which I really liked. I recommend the audio if you like them, but you can't really go wrong any way you choose to read it.

I felt very invested in all of the characters and was a huge fan of Bree as a person who hasn't had an easy life. I really liked that the premise revolved around not only what happened to Alissa, but also a lot of family aspects as well. I loved the pacing and it just felt like such a quick read which can easily be read in 1 sitting if you are so inclined. Due to time, it took me 2, but I couldn't wait to find out what would happen and thought the pacing was absolutely perfect. I Know You was a nail-biter for me and had me very anxious as I was reading it. I didn't see any of the twists coming, and really enjoyed the way the book was plotted. I am definitely always going to turn to this author now when I need a shorter, fast-paced read!

Thank you to the publisher and Let’s Talk Books Promo for my free digital copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for The Book Review Café.
870 reviews238 followers
April 12, 2019
I Know You is a relatively short read at 221 pages, but what it lacks in pages it certainly doesn’t lack in action, it’s what I consider to be a fast paced, quick moving thriller. The Walkers can only be described as a “dysfunctional family”, with oldest daughter Bree being the main care provider by default for her younger brother and sister Alissa and Taylor.

When Bree receives a text stating, simply, “find your sister”, the race is on to find sixteen year old Alissa before it is too late. Bree’s family may not win a “family of the year” award but they are Bree’s family, and rather like a lioness protecting her young she will do anything to safeguard her siblings, this mindset drives her on in the quest to save Alissa. Bree’s a character I really liked, she’s determined, resourceful and ballsy, and despite her difficult childhood she doesn’t allow this to define her.

The challenges Bree faces to save Alissa, move from the down right scary to the almost impossible, but here’s a character whose going to save her sister come hell or high water. As the story unfolds numerous reasons come to light, each one could potentially be the reason Alissa has been taking, a clever ploy by the author because you find yourself constantly trying to work out why Alissa has been taken? and by whom? There is a long list of worthy suspects who come under the microscope, as each one is discounted another one takes their place.

The Walker family are central to the plot and although it’s not a book entirely character driven, they do play a big part in the plot. I know You explores what can happen to a family who haven’t had the luxury of growing up in a stable and loving environment and the impact this has on their life’s, the good, the bad, and the damn right ugly. I wouldn’t say this book had a “heart stopping twist” yes it had plenty of twists and turns, but it lacked that “OMFG” moment I was expecting from the tagline, but never the less this book made for a quick, enjoyable read. This is the perfect thriller for those who are looking for a quick read with well developed characters and a suspenseful plot.

All my reviews can be found at http://thebookreviewcafe.com
Profile Image for Kat (Katlovesbooks) Dietrich.
1,534 reviews203 followers
April 6, 2019

3.5 stars

I Know You by Erik is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Bookouture, and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


My Synopsis: (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions)
Bree Walker seems to be the head of her family. Her Mom is working constantly to try and make ends meet, but it’s not enough to pay for three children and the trailer they live in. So Bree, even though smart enough to go to college, stayed home, and went to work. Now 26, she’s still living at home and helping out with the finances, and laundry, and meals…. Her 23 year-old brother Tyler, usually unemployed, makes occasional appearances for meals, or a place to crash for a day or two. Her sister, 16-year old Alissa, is a typical needy teenager, angry with the world and how unfair it is. Their father, an abusive alcoholic, has left for the last time – hopefully.

When Bree gets a text from someone saying that they have kidnapped Alissa, Bree sets out on a wild journey to bring her sister home. Along the way she is dogged by Alissa’s best friend Liz, who insists on helping, and may know more than she is willing to admit. Tracking down her brother Tyler is almost as hard as finding her sister.

It quickly becomes apparent that the kidnapper is hell-bent on revenge. Bree is unsure how much she will sacrifice to get her sister back.



My Opinions:
This book is about families, and about how relationships within a family can differ, and change over time. How families will pull together in times of need. The author created realistic characters and the rapport and/or dysfunction between them rang true.

It’s a fast read, as the suspense keeps the reader interested in getting to the outcome. However, the ending seemed rushed, with a few characters outcomes left up in the air. I guess I’m one of those that need to know what happened to everyone. I hate guessing. As well, although not touted as YA, it could be.

There were a few unexpected twists to keep the intrigue working.

Overall, a good book.


For a more complete review of this book and others, please visit my blog: http://katlovesbooksblog.wordpress.com/


Profile Image for Sarah.
2,961 reviews227 followers
March 15, 2019
This story is very much about family bonds. More so the ones between siblings.

I had to feel sorry for Bree. She comes from a broken home where her dad is nowhere to be seen and her mother is working all hours just to put a roof over their head and food on the table. Even Bree has had to put a side any hopes and dreams while she works to help pay the bills and pretty much is bringing up her younger teenage sister. My heart really went out to her.

As soon as the story begins, trouble isn’t far behind. Not long after arriving home, Bree ends up on a mission to find her missing sister and we are taken on a thrilling and relentless journey into finding out the why and who. I have to mention Liz who is Alissa’s friend. I loved her character and her determination to help Bree regardless of Bree not wanting it. The thought of her on her little moped just made me smile.

I Know You is a suspenseful read that had me racing through the pages. The author had me feeling lots of emotions and I loved the journey I was taken on with revelations and twists and turns a plenty. A gripping and entertaining read.

My thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
Profile Image for 8stitches 9lives.
2,853 reviews1,724 followers
April 12, 2019
What an utter disappointment. I Know You is poorly written with what appears to be a cobbled together and ridiculously improbable plot. The characters also left a lot to be desired as they very much lacked development. It is a fast-paced, easy read but time should've been taken to give the cast some relatable features as I had a real problem connecting to them or feeling anything for them and their situations. It doesn't come together as a cohesive whole making it rather disjointed, and although there are some good twists I felt the execution of a decent premise failed spectacularly in attempting to catch my imagination.

It really irked me and felt almost patronising that Mr Therme decided to explain everything in long-winded fashion when he could've shown it - show is so much more immersive and engaging than merely telling. This started to grate on me as it was so unnecessary. Sadly, I can only recommend this to those new to domestic thrillers and those who enjoy women's fiction and family drama; anyone who reads this genre often will easily and quickly guess the direction the story is heading.

Many thanks to Bookouture for an ARC.
Profile Image for Casey.
20 reviews2 followers
November 9, 2020
This was the first book I’ve ever read from this author but it won’t be the last. I was very impressed after reading some books recently promising a thrilling experience and coming up very short of that. This was for the most part a mystery but the thrilling elements were there and it was really easy to get engrossed in the story. I usually write some notes to help me write my reviews, but I was so into this book I forgot to even jot any notes down. The pacing of the story was perfect. The storyline and characters had good depth to them. There was a twist in it I wasn’t so crazy about (you will know what it is when you read it) but it didn’t ruin the book for me.




***I received this book free from Voracious Readers Only, thank you to the author for giving me the opportunity***
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,706 reviews317 followers
March 24, 2019

Finished reading: March 23rd 2019


"Whatever happened next was out of Bree's hands... and that was the most terrifying thought of all."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***



P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
Profile Image for Caroline Bartlett.
774 reviews125 followers
March 5, 2022
Looking for spoilers? There's a quick summary on my blog: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/eri...

This book was a slow-burn mystery. Unlike some thrillers, a lot of depth was given to the characters. I really liked Bree as the main character: the way she took over the role of the responsible adult in her family, her dedication to her siblings, and her determination to save the day. I was really rooting for her to get out of the trailer park and make a life for herself beyond her parents' legacy.

I really enjoyed Bree as the main character. The first half of this book was great, but the second half got someone convoluted. The aftermath of Alissa’s kidnapping felt somewhat unresolved, and I wasn’t satisfied by the ending.

This is a relatively quick read, and if you’re a fan of Erik’s other novels you’ll probably enjoy it.
Profile Image for Els .
2,272 reviews52 followers
April 13, 2019
My second book by this author and once again he had me captivated from the start.

Once you open this book, it’s impossible to put it down, because you are so under its spell, you just have to keep on reading.

I loved the way the author build up the tension and had me totally flabbergasted by the way he pulled off a heartstopping twist at the drop of a hat.

Sometimes you do not realize that something rather innocent you have done, can have such huge consequences, not only for yourself but for those close to you. When you get the opportunity to right the wrong, you end up by making it worse, much worse …

In my opion this is a bum-glued-to-the-chair kind of story. 5 stars.

Thank you, Erik Therme, Bookouture and Netgalley.

https://bforbookreview.wordpress.com
Profile Image for Joseph Souza.
Author 16 books88 followers
March 13, 2019
Great psychological thriller. Exciting twists and turns. I loved the family in this story. Very real. And that shocking ending! Fantastic!
Profile Image for Jamie.
342 reviews38 followers
December 8, 2019
Thank You Netgalley for the digital galley.

Bree's sister Alissa goes missing and her brother seems to be the one to blame. This trailer park family is supposed to be about sticking together and being there for each other, but they show none of those values. The father is abusive, the mother is absent most of the time, the brother is selfish and only cares about himself, and the missing sister is just a lost soul in the mix. It felt like a lot of this book was tell and not show 😕.
The wording used in the text was basic. And phrases like "creepy meter" were cringy. Another issue is the over explaining of things like: ..."or burner phones, as they were often called in the moves..." to explain what a disposable cell phone is. There were several examples of a wordy, unnecessary explanation of something. Such as, "Splitting up would have allowed them to cover twice as much ground, but since the moped headlight was their main source of light, they had to work together." This is long and wordy and over explaining. And it happened often in the book. I was able to skim through whole pages and still get the gist of what was happening,
One particular description of a male was a bit strange. He is described as having "wrinkles around his eyes" that "suggested that he was at least in his mid-twenties." When I think of a guy in his mid-twenties, I do not think wrinkles around the eyes! Mid-twenties is way too young for that kind of description.
I didn't have any emotional connection to any of the characters. I can't really say if any of them were likable or not because I don't feel like I got to know any of them well enough.
The plot felt more lifetime movie, less thriller. The PG-13 way that the ending was handled left much to be desired. Honestly, I still don't know the reason that Alissa was taken. I mean, I know the reason, but was left to wonder to what end. I still don't understand what the end goal was for this abductor. It was all a bit abrupt and glazed over. It seemed that the abductor had no agenda but to play games with Bree and her family. Which is ironic, because his stepdaughter literally states the he "doesn't lie or play games". I actually rolled my eyes at that one.
There were a few decent action scenes. But that was about it.
Overall, this thriller was not well done.
Profile Image for Irene Well Worth A Read.
1,052 reviews114 followers
May 10, 2019
Bree Walker is a young woman who always had to be the adult in the family. Growing up in less than ideal circumstances, it always fell to Bree to look after her younger siblings while her mother worked long hours to make up for the money her father drank away, or otherwise wasted. Before their marriage crumbled Bree's father was already mostly absent, other than to dole out abuse. Now that he is gone you would think it would be more peaceful but frequent family squabbles have little sister Alissa constantly running away from home, and middle brother Tyler only making an appearance when he wants something. After this latest argument, Alissa doesn't return home but her back pack is left at the door. She doesn't answer her phone and she has not been staying at her friend's house. Bree doesn't want to panic her mother, but she is getting sinister and threatening texts from someone who may have taken Alissa for revenge against her family so Bree sets off alone to confront this threat and rescue her sister.
This was a fast paced suspenseful read.

I received a complimentary copy for review.
Profile Image for Nicki.
620 reviews2 followers
April 15, 2019
Siblings Bree,Alissa and Tyler Walker had a terrible upbringing. Life was tough,living in poverty on a run down trailer park with a mother who was always at work and a drunken,abusive father. Bree has always felt that it was her responsibility to take care of her siblings and keep them safe from harm.

Then one night after Bree and Alissa have a massive argument,Alissa runs away. Bree just assumes that Alissa has gone to her best friend Liz's house and she will return home once she has calmed down. But two days later,Bree returns home and discovers Alissa's backpack on the porch but there is no sign of Alissa and she is not answering her phone.

Then Bree receives a terrifying text message,someone has abducted Alissa and if Bree wants to see her beloved sister again,then she has until midnight to comply to the kidnappers demands.

As Bree begins a desperate search for her sister,she discovers that the person who has kidnapped Alisss knows a lot about the dark truths within this Walker family and is prepared to go to any lengths to get their revenge.

I Know You is a fast paced tale of revenge,forgiveness,strength of character,secrets and the bonds that hold families together. It had some wonderful,diverse,vivid characters,some likeable,some not so likeable. The characters who stood out for me were Bree and my absolute favourite character Liz. I loved Liz's guts and feisty determination to help Bree find Alissa and the way she stubbornly followed Bree wherever she went,despite being constantly told to go home. My favourite setting in the story was isolated,deserted Camp Menapace,what a wonderful setting to use in a thriller. I just wish the author had utilised the setting more and had the characters find themselves in more danger there than they did. But that's just my humble opinion being the adrenaline junkie that I am.

It's not a very long book but the author has certainly packed a lot into the 217 pages. There was a number of unexpected twists and turns,I suspected more than one person of being behind Alissa's disappearance and the identity of her abductor wasn't revealed until towards the end of the story. There was some threads that were left unresolved but as in real life,you can't always expect answers to every question to be delivered,packaged up in ribbons and bows. I really enjoyed this well written,enthralling thriller and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

Many thanks to Noelle Holten,Bookouture and Erik Therme for the opportunity to read and review this book and take part in the Blog tour
Profile Image for Lel Budge.
1,367 reviews31 followers
April 18, 2019
Bree is the strong one in the Walker family….

The Walker family live on a trailer park, Cassie, the mother works two jobs to keep them. Jack, the father is a violent, unpredictable drunk who can’t keep a job for long. Bree is the eldest daughter and she and her brother Tyler look out for younger sister Alissa.

As usual, Cassie has kicked out Jack, Bree works at a grocery store to help bring money home, Tyler has moved out and Alissa is a hormonal teenager…..but then Alissa doesn’t come home….and Bree receives anonymous text messages…If you tell anyone she dies!!!

Bree is frantic and the abductor says she must find Tyler to swap for Alissa….

What follows is a tense and frantic search for Tyler and Alissa…..why has Alissa been taken? What has Tyler done to cause this? Just who will come out of this alive?……

This is a relatively short novel, but it packs a punch…..it’s non stop panic and you can feel the tension seeping off the pages….

Ultimately, this is about family and the lengths we would go to protect that…..just how far would you go? …..if you like a fast, gripping thriller, this is for you. I really enjoyed it and read it in one sitting.

Thank you to Bookouture, NetGalley and the Author for the opportunity to read a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Profile Image for Sue .
2,045 reviews124 followers
November 15, 2019
Bree and Alissa and Tyler have a rough live. They live in a dilapidated trailer with their mom who works two jobs to keep food on the table. Their abusive father only shows up to cause trouble. Bree, as the oldest, has tried to take care of her sister and brother but hasn't been very successful. After a long day at work, 22 year old Bree goes home to find that her 16 year old sister Alissa has been kidnapped and she doesn't even know where to start looking. She asks for help from her father and her brother but she just finds more questions and more family secrets.

This book is a real page turner as Bree ties everything to find the sister she feels responsible for. She takes a lot of risks but is determined that she will find Alissa. I admired Bree for being a strong character and for her devotion to her family. I did have a problem because some of the risks she took to find her sister were pretty implausible and reckless.

If you are in the mood for a quick read that will keep you turning pages, this is the book for you.

Thanks to the publisher for a copy of this book to read and review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Toya (thereadingchemist).
1,390 reviews189 followers
April 14, 2019
At only 221 pages, I tore through I Know You in one sitting. This story was an absolute page turner filled with twists and turns along the way. I was hooked from the prologue (which takes place eight years prior to the story) where we are introduced to Jack Walker (a drunk and abusive father), an absent mother who works two jobs just so the family can survive (and also puts up with Jack’s incessant drinking and abuse), and three siblings: Bree (oldest), Tyler, and Alissa, who are essentially raising themselves. Bree will do anything for Alissa, who is ten years her junior, and to make matters worse, Alissa constantly reminds Bree that she wishes that Bree was her mom and not the one that she has.

Fast forward eight years...Bree is utterly exhausted from the physical demands of working 50+ hours per week on her feet just to ensure that her family survives. Rather than leaving to pursue her own interests, she sacrifices everything for the sake of Alissa’s well-being. Unfortunately, Bree and Alissa’s relationship has become a bit terse during Alissa’s teenage years, but this I wasn’t surprised by this since Alissa views Bree from a maternal standpoint (I rebelled like hell against my mother as a teenager, so I get it lol). However, teenager rebellion is the least of Bree’s problems when she gets anonymous texts that Alissa has been abducted. And the worst part? Bree has to enlist the help of her unreliable family members if she’s going to get Alissa back alive.

I loved Bree’s character because she’s been through some sh*t. She’s so stubborn and independent but no matter what, at the end of the day she will do ANYTHING for her loved ones. My heart definitely ripped for her because she had such a hard life due to circumstances that were always outside of her control. A lot of her situation reminded me of my own growing up.

The pace of this book was spot on. Bree has to interact with some pretty interesting people (at the expense of her own safety) in order to not only find Alissa but understand how Tyler fits into the equation as well. As Bree gets closer to learning the truth, the secrets and betrayal become even more sinister. From start to finish, the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat, and the author delivers a plot twist that left me speechless.

Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for an eARC of this book. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Clair.
340 reviews
April 14, 2019
I Know You is centred around the dysfunctional Walker family. In the short prologue, the reader learns what they need to know about the father and his terrifying rule over the family.

When the reader moves into the main story, Bree, the eldest sibling, has just got home from work and is absolutely exhausted as she is literally working all the hours possible to keep the family afloat. However, whatever rest Bree thought she might get after her shift was abruptly ruled out when she received a chilling text about her younger sister, Alissa.

I must say, Therme throws his reader straight into the action – after a brilliant prologue that sets the tone of the family – Bree is on a short timeframe to save her sister which involves needing to reconnect with certain members of her family.

I Know You is a fast read (and I’m not referring to the length of the book) because it pulls its reader in right from the start and the tension does not lift until the very last pages. With short, action filled chapters, is it very easily to lose yourself in the story and be half way through the book before you know it!

Bree is a strong character in this book…certainly not someone I would want to mess with!! She’s lived a life where she’s had to be strong and look after her younger siblings, particularly Alissa so when her safety is jeopardised, Bree is taking no prisoners and won’t leave any stone unturned in order to get her sister back.
I Know You isn’t just a thriller, it’s also a book about family – the bonds that are between siblings even if they don’t like each other too much because of history. I really enjoyed witnessing the dynamics between Bree and other members of the family.

I also really liked Liz’s character – Liz is Alissa’s best friend who is determined to help Bree in her search for Alissa, much to Bree’s annoyance! Liz really doesn’t take no for an answer and actually is of use to Bree – her determination for her best friend is commendable.

I Know You is an enjoyable, fast-paced gripping thriller!
Profile Image for Michelle.
566 reviews60 followers
April 28, 2019
Review can be found on my blog here:https://booksonthebookshelf.wordpress...

....

Thank you to the publisher for the eARC copy via NetGalley.

....

This was the first book I have read by this author and I quite enjoyed it. 3 children – Bree, Tyler and Alissa – are raised by their single mother who works two jobs to make ends meet. The eldest daughter, Bree, helps to look after her younger siblings especially her youngest sister Alissa. Their father is mean – he is neglectful, abusive and is an alcoholic who is kicked out of the home more often than he is in it. So it is up to Bree to care for her siblings.

8 years later, when Bree is a young adult she gets a text message on her phone. Her sister has been kidnapped and the person messaging her wants Bree to bring her brother to this person in exchange to get Alissa back. There is just one problem… Bree has no idea where her brother is. If she wants to get her sister back, she has to find her brother first. She is unsure what to do or where to look. Who took their sister and why? Will Bree be able to find her brother Tyler before it is too late?

A great read that will have you biting your nails wondering what will happen next. I really enjoyed Bree’s character in this book. She had done well for herself despite everything she was tasked with in her life. She got an education, worked a job and helped raise her younger siblings. She was kind hearted and cared for others.

I didn’t expect the ending at all which I loved. Keep me guessing the whole way through.
Profile Image for Susan Hampson.
1,521 reviews69 followers
November 23, 2019
This is a pretty short book but packs a hefty story in those pages. The story begins with a family in a trailer park, lack of money and frayed tempers that lead to violence time and time again. Bree Walker, the oldest of three children has always had to take the role of little mother for her younger sister Alissa, now 16 years old while her brother had to toughen up from regular beatings from their dad.
Now there is only the two girls and their mother at the trailer but their mother works long hours while Bree works and still cares for her sister. When Bree returns home one day she finds her sister’s rug sack on the steps to the trailer with a note in the bottom giving here very clear instructions if she wants to see her alive again.
Within the first chapters, I felt helpless for Bree with an impossible dilemma and the clock ticking away every second of Alissa’s chances. This kidnapper was after something much more precious than money. Oh wow, there wasn’t much to go on but Bree was much wiser than her years.
There are some real shady characters in the story so trying to follow clues and work out what the hell was going on wasn’t going to be easy. Whatever it was it would either destroy this already broken family or help mend them. Loved the persistence of Alissa’s friend who over time had become as good as a member of the family, her family was even worse than theirs. One of the saddest things was the only person Bree had any faith in was herself.
The story got to me way after finishing it and makes you count the blessings you have. There are some really crazy people in this world and definitely some in this book.
Profile Image for Ami-May.
114 reviews36 followers
December 12, 2019
Plot

Bree, Tyler and Alissa didn’t have a good childhood with an abusive alcoholic father with a mother who works long hours as a waitress. Bree is left to ‘parent’ her siblings.

This is a story about family, heartbreak, secrets with sprinkles of feeling sinister with tension.

It also makes an impact and gets you thinking about how one tiny thing can have such an impact on someone elses life.

Characters

We have multiple characters which are fantastic. Bree, Tyler, Alissa etc.

Bree is an excellent character, you connect with her straight away i.e feeling sorry for her. It really gets your emotions rattling.

Alissa seems like your typical teenager but she makes an interesting character.

What I love about both characters is their bond even if it is a little rocky.
But Erik has done a wonderful job of showing how and why their relationship is rocky but amazing.

Writing style

Again I love his writing style it was superb. It is a super easy flowing book and despite the plotline etc its a calm tension-filled book.

Pacing

This is a fast-paced and easy read. Erik has got the pacing bang on.
Profile Image for LJ (ljwritesandreviews).
880 reviews41 followers
August 23, 2019
Bree and her siblings, Tyler and Alissa have had a tough childhood living in a trailer park. Their mum worked two jobs, their dad often drank and took his temper out on those closest to him.

Bree has become hardened over the years but nothing is stronger than her love for her little sister. Then Alissa goes missing.

Someone wants revenge on her family but Bree has no idea who or why but it’s up to her to bring her sister home.

So this is the second book I’ve read by Erik Therme and I have to say his writing keeps getting better and better!

I Know you is a novel all about family and the fraught and difficult relationships that come along with it.

Bree felt so realistic, I just found myself rooting for her. As the oldest, she became the surrogate mum to her siblings which they didn’t always appreciate her for but she still did it anyway.

I can’t say too much more about the plot, like most psychological thrillers, I don’t want to give away any of the twists or turns, and believe me there are plenty in this book!

My only slight issue was the storyline felt a little similar to the other novel I read, Keep Her Close but of course that’s just my opinion.

I Know You is absorbing and emotional read that will have you hooked from that very first chapter.
Profile Image for Samantha.
421 reviews43 followers
March 15, 2019
Talk about dysfunctional families and the Walker's are right on top of that list. This story strikes a very good balance between family drama & suspense, without getting too touchy/Feely which is something I really liked. I love how all the characters in here have their shortcomings and flaws, yet such strong personas. The plot is very very good! It's fast-paced, twisty and a real page turner!
I like how despite her age, Bree Walker shows such maturity, and rationality even as time is running out for her sister Alissa. She's a personification of the saying "when the going gets tough, the tough get going". Going through the letter from Erik Therme at the end, made me appreciate this book better.
I did find the finale to end a bit abruptly as I was left with quite some questions about the fate of some characters. I really hoped for some closure. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend reading it.
Thank you Netgalley, Erik Therme & Bookouture for an arc!
Profile Image for Christine Marie.
398 reviews24 followers
May 8, 2019
I received an ARC via netgalley in return for my honest opinion and review.
Although this novel is short page wise, it pacts a punch in a short amount of time.
The story begins with three children Bree Tyler and Alissa Walker who are apart of a dysfunctional and abusive family. The eldest Bree felt the need to step up and help around the house. Now she is 26 still living at home caring for her 16 year old sister and helping pay the bills. Then the worst imaginable happens...
I was on the edge of my seat, the twists and turns or was difficult to see where the whole story lead. I was barely in a lull that I often find happens with thrillers novels when going from place to place trying to solve the problem.
This novel won’t disappoint.
Profile Image for Beth  March.
15 reviews1 follower
February 19, 2020
I enjoyed the fast-paced drama and excitement of the book. It was one I could get through in just a few hours because the story moves you along quickly and leaves you with the desire to know what will happen next. It’s a short book so I won’t leave any spoilers but the story follows a damaged family in which, although relationships are strained, their bond remains strong (in their own way) in times of need in order to keep the family together. The story contains mystery, suspense and drama which pulls you all the way through til the end. It also reflects the different levels of love and loneliness that can both strengthen and destroy relationships.

The reason I gave it 4 stars is because I think it could have read a bit smoother with more detail/information but for a short novel, it’s to be expected. I personally would have liked to have more content because I enjoyed the story.
Profile Image for Shonda.
162 reviews8 followers
May 24, 2019
Mystery + Family Drama = Good Read!

"They stick together because they know they can’t make it in this world without each other. That’s what it means to be a family.”

This book was a welcomed surprise. I thought it was going to be just another thriller but it was more about the relationship between family members. What stood out most for me was how Bree was the matriarch of the family but she was just the sister!?! She was the "glue" in the family. The Mom & Dad definitely had issues of their own and I don't doubt for one minute that they didn't love their kids, however, their own "baggage" prevented them from freely expressing their love. It was a well-written examination of family dynamics and I look forward to reading more books by this author!
Profile Image for Lori R..
1,411 reviews71 followers
April 16, 2019
I really enjoyed this suspenseful thriller!
It was a fast-paced, whodunnit story that kept me on my toes and kept me turning those pages.

When I wasn’t reading, I found myself thinking about the story, wanting to get back to it so I could find out WTH was going on.

This was my first read by this author and I look forward to reading more from him!
Profile Image for Toni.
1,571 reviews64 followers
April 12, 2019
It took me a minute to get into this book. I felt like it was more thriller than my usual cozy mystery. Now that I think about it, there was no dead body till the end and I won’t spoil who.

This was a story about an abduction of a 16 year old girl from a trailer park. I knew there had to be a personal reason why the victim was taken since their family was around the poverty level. And since most abductions were about money, I figured this was personal. The mother spent most her time at work and father had left the family years earlier. Bree was the only adult in the family, it seems and she was barely starting her adult life.

This book makes you care for Bree and how she goes about finding her sister and all the pitfalls she encounters. It was good. Very good. I liked it a lot. I totally recommend it. One of the better books I have read this year. Hope to read more from this author.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
Profile Image for Skyesmum .
507 reviews14 followers
April 15, 2019
I have seen lots of social media regarding this book and was fortunate enough to receive a copy from Netgalley. I haven't read any from Erik Therme before.
The issues raised of family abuse, lies, secrets and addiction were the base of the story.
The book was a quick read and kept me interested enough to continue until the end.
I would have preferred the settings to be more descriptive considering where some of the story was set. But, I appreciated the writing was concentrating on the personal storyline.
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