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The Elle Series #1
I Am Elle
An abused girl's desperate fight for survival and the silent killer determined to destroy her.
Born on a small farm in Alabama, Elenore Griffin spends her days in a Hell of her father’s making.
The system has failed her, leaving her trapped in a world of unimaginable torture and pain.
Sold to the highest bidder, Elenore finds her nightmares have only just begun. And those responsible for her abuse begin disappearing around her without a trace, while the local authorities seem to be at the center of it all.
Step inside the world of a young girl who suffered the most heinous acts imaginable. And survived.
This is her life. This is her story…
*****WARNING***** This book contains triggers that some might find offensive. If you have abuse triggers, please purchase with caution.
****Note from the author**** If you are gracious enough to leave a review, I ask that you please not leave spoilers that will ruin it for others.
Born on a small farm in Alabama, Elenore Griffin spends her days in a Hell of her father’s making.
The system has failed her, leaving her trapped in a world of unimaginable torture and pain.
Sold to the highest bidder, Elenore finds her nightmares have only just begun. And those responsible for her abuse begin disappearing around her without a trace, while the local authorities seem to be at the center of it all.
Step inside the world of a young girl who suffered the most heinous acts imaginable. And survived.
This is her life. This is her story…
*****WARNING***** This book contains triggers that some might find offensive. If you have abuse triggers, please purchase with caution.
****Note from the author**** If you are gracious enough to leave a review, I ask that you please not leave spoilers that will ruin it for others.
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 3, 2019
1619 people are currently reading
2963 people want to read
About the author
Ditter Kellen
78 books909 followersDitter Kellen is the USA Today Bestselling Author of Mystery-Thriller-Suspense-Christian Thriller Novels. She loves spinning edgy, heart-pounding stories that will leave you guessing until the very end.
When she's not writing, Ditter spends her days creating hair and skincare products, using organic ingredients. Her products have been proven to work and are used by Ditter on a daily basis.
A devoted wife, mother and Christian, Ditter resides in Florida with her husband, son, and many unique farm animals. She adores French fries and her phone is permanently attached to her ear.
You can find Ditter's books and skincare products at Ditterkellen.com/shop. Or on her app, where shopping is made easier! https://rb.gy/v2786
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
February 26, 2020
This review is for the entire trilogy.
If you liked ST Abby's Mindf*ck series, you'll probably love this series as well.
Elle is a twenty year old girl who has been abused in every way imaginable since she was eight years old. It's graphic enough to get the point across without being gratuitous. I appreciated that. The story opens with her at twenty years old and several men are missing from around their small rural town. The police suspect her father and a new detective to the town, Evan, comes to their farm to ask questions. His protective tendencies come out in full force when he sees a girl in a rag of a dress and shoes that are so worn her feet are coming out of the sides.
If I told you more, it would ruin the experience of the story. I recommend anyone who likes a survivor to triumph to read this series. And let me say that the ending had me smiling with satisfaction. I truly didn't see it coming.
If you liked ST Abby's Mindf*ck series, you'll probably love this series as well.
Elle is a twenty year old girl who has been abused in every way imaginable since she was eight years old. It's graphic enough to get the point across without being gratuitous. I appreciated that. The story opens with her at twenty years old and several men are missing from around their small rural town. The police suspect her father and a new detective to the town, Evan, comes to their farm to ask questions. His protective tendencies come out in full force when he sees a girl in a rag of a dress and shoes that are so worn her feet are coming out of the sides.
If I told you more, it would ruin the experience of the story. I recommend anyone who likes a survivor to triumph to read this series. And let me say that the ending had me smiling with satisfaction. I truly didn't see it coming.
October 16, 2021
OH
MY
........GOD !!!!
A few pages into this book , I was like , " WHAT have I gotten Urself into ?? !! "
And then , I kept reading ......
And it was almost like watching a bus or train wreck - I Know it's gonna be HORRIBLE, but I can't stop watching !! So I kept reading .
This book is about a small town girl named Elenore. She has no one except her Father . No family , no friends. Her Father is not what you would call nice . He is Very far from " nice " . Everyone in town even knows, about the physical abuse . They can guess at what else. But any attempt to help the poor girl was thwarted by the courts, and that was that .
For them. But poor Elenore still stayed.
Evan Ramirez is an investigator who has just been hired from out of town. One of his 1st cases is three missing persons . All men . During his investigation , one name kept coming up......Elijah Griffin. All roads lead to him.
As investigator Ramirez keeps digging , he finds way more then he bargains for .
I found this book totally captivating, and once started , I could hardly put it down !!!
Once again Ditter Kellen has touched my soul..........
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
MY
........GOD !!!!
A few pages into this book , I was like , " WHAT have I gotten Urself into ?? !! "
And then , I kept reading ......
And it was almost like watching a bus or train wreck - I Know it's gonna be HORRIBLE, but I can't stop watching !! So I kept reading .
This book is about a small town girl named Elenore. She has no one except her Father . No family , no friends. Her Father is not what you would call nice . He is Very far from " nice " . Everyone in town even knows, about the physical abuse . They can guess at what else. But any attempt to help the poor girl was thwarted by the courts, and that was that .
For them. But poor Elenore still stayed.
Evan Ramirez is an investigator who has just been hired from out of town. One of his 1st cases is three missing persons . All men . During his investigation , one name kept coming up......Elijah Griffin. All roads lead to him.
As investigator Ramirez keeps digging , he finds way more then he bargains for .
I found this book totally captivating, and once started , I could hardly put it down !!!
Once again Ditter Kellen has touched my soul..........
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2020
I’m not a fan of third person narrative or thrillers (Romance is a must for me) but I tried and I never skipped anything and made it thru the whole book and moved on to the second and that’s where you loose me.
It wasn’t enough all that happened to her to then loose her uterus too. So I was like well there goes any chance of a happy ending for this poor girl. And Evan with a kid with his ex.
Oh can we come with something else now. The double personality thing is tiring now.
3 stars for the first book cause I was intrigued but loss me with the others.
It wasn’t enough all that happened to her to then loose her uterus too. So I was like well there goes any chance of a happy ending for this poor girl. And Evan with a kid with his ex.
Oh can we come with something else now. The double personality thing is tiring now.
3 stars for the first book cause I was intrigued but loss me with the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2019
Underwhelming.
The premise of.the book was interesting, if horrific, however the book does not do it justice. It was very clear very quickly what was happening and then the story moves slowly toward that end. The protagonist is kind of gross although I think he is intended to be charming. The portion of psychological background read as they had been lifted from an academic paper and take the reader out of the moment.
The only reason I rated it as highly as I did is because I was certain the ending couldn't be so obvious that I read it in one sitting. I do not recommend wasting your time with this book.
The premise of.the book was interesting, if horrific, however the book does not do it justice. It was very clear very quickly what was happening and then the story moves slowly toward that end. The protagonist is kind of gross although I think he is intended to be charming. The portion of psychological background read as they had been lifted from an academic paper and take the reader out of the moment.
The only reason I rated it as highly as I did is because I was certain the ending couldn't be so obvious that I read it in one sitting. I do not recommend wasting your time with this book.
April 19, 2025
This book deserves way more recognition! I honestly don’t get why it isn’t talked about more, it’s a must-read. I finished it in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. Even though it was tough to read, especially because of everything that poor girl went through, I Am Elle was hands down my best read of the year.
Didier Kellen tells Elle’s story in such a gripping way. It’s heartbreaking to see how a parent, someone who’s supposed to love and protect you, can be the very person who destroys you. Elijah Griffin wasn’t just abusive; he was the worst kind of monster. The things he did to Elle were beyond horrifying, and knowing that this kind of cruelty exists in real life made it even more disturbing.
I went through every emotion possible while reading, anger, sadness, frustration, and even moments of hope. Elle never asked for the life she got, but she was forced to endure unthinkable suffering, leaving her completely broken. The book perfectly shows what PTSD really looks like, the lasting scars, the nightmares, the fear that never truly goes away.
Didier Kellen’s writing is powerful, raw, and so real. I Am Elle isn’t just a book, it’s an experience. It’s painful, intense, and it sticks with you long after you turn the last page. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to understand trauma and resilience on a deeper level. Just be warned, this book will shake you to your core.
Didier Kellen tells Elle’s story in such a gripping way. It’s heartbreaking to see how a parent, someone who’s supposed to love and protect you, can be the very person who destroys you. Elijah Griffin wasn’t just abusive; he was the worst kind of monster. The things he did to Elle were beyond horrifying, and knowing that this kind of cruelty exists in real life made it even more disturbing.
I went through every emotion possible while reading, anger, sadness, frustration, and even moments of hope. Elle never asked for the life she got, but she was forced to endure unthinkable suffering, leaving her completely broken. The book perfectly shows what PTSD really looks like, the lasting scars, the nightmares, the fear that never truly goes away.
Didier Kellen’s writing is powerful, raw, and so real. I Am Elle isn’t just a book, it’s an experience. It’s painful, intense, and it sticks with you long after you turn the last page. I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to understand trauma and resilience on a deeper level. Just be warned, this book will shake you to your core.
December 29, 2024
This one was a tough one to get through, but I couldn’t stop and read it in about 2 days… 💔
“I Am Elle” by Ditter Kellen - Author is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing experiences of Elenore Griffin, a young girl subjected to unimaginable abuse.
The story is intense and dark, capturing the essence of Elenore's desperate fight for survival against a backdrop of systemic failure and sinister forces.
Kellen's writing is both evocative and unflinching, pulling readers into a world filled with tension, emotion, and unexpected twists.
*When you get to the end, don’t give harsh review! Just pick up and get started on Elle Returns-part 2! You won’t be disappointed!
While the subject matter is challenging, the strong character development and fast-paced plot make it a compelling read that's hard to put down.
This book is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate a well-crafted thriller, it's a must-read.
“I Am Elle” by Ditter Kellen - Author is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the harrowing experiences of Elenore Griffin, a young girl subjected to unimaginable abuse.
The story is intense and dark, capturing the essence of Elenore's desperate fight for survival against a backdrop of systemic failure and sinister forces.
Kellen's writing is both evocative and unflinching, pulling readers into a world filled with tension, emotion, and unexpected twists.
*When you get to the end, don’t give harsh review! Just pick up and get started on Elle Returns-part 2! You won’t be disappointed!
While the subject matter is challenging, the strong character development and fast-paced plot make it a compelling read that's hard to put down.
This book is not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate a well-crafted thriller, it's a must-read.
September 17, 2019
I am Elle is a dark, disturbing novel about a girl who suffers from horrific abuse at the hands of her father. It is available through kindle unlimited. According to the author’s website, it appears that this is the 1st of a 3 book series – there is i am elle book 2 coming and elle resurrected coming as well although she does not mention any dates for the second two books. This is just one of those books that you don’t want to read but you just can’t seem to put down. It also has an ending I didn’t see coming and I love that. I’m ready for the 2nd book to come out – I hope its soon. It does have trigger warnings for abuse and is not for the faint of heart as the subject matter is quite difficult. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be checking out more of her books.
July 25, 2019
Good book
I'm giving it 5 I want to say 4 but the writing is solid and the end blindsided me. I cannot take a star for it being gritty and dark. This is a serious horror read a very well written one . Now I need to go read the romance line to clean my brain at bedtime. And I'm really looking at people now.
I'm giving it 5 I want to say 4 but the writing is solid and the end blindsided me. I cannot take a star for it being gritty and dark. This is a serious horror read a very well written one . Now I need to go read the romance line to clean my brain at bedtime. And I'm really looking at people now.
July 12, 2019
Holy c****! Ditter Kellen has created one of the most complex characters you'll find in a book. Elenore is beyond damaged. It's hard to read how awful her life has been and continues to be. Elijah Griffin is the evilest man. I don't think one could be more evil and loathsome.
Evan Ramirez is a good cop and is finally making progress in solving the case of several missing men. All of whom had been in contact with Elijah recently. It becomes clear way too quickly that there's more going on and it's all despicable and horrendous. In addition to wanting to find justice for Elenore, Evan finds himself skirting the edge of the proper protocol because he's attracted to her and feels the need to take care of her.
As Evan continues to investigate and more and more awful details of Elenore's past come out the story continues to leave the reader guessing. Guessing right up until the very last pages!
Kellen has created a thriller with plenty of twists and intrigue to ensure the reader is engrossed and flipping the pages.
Evan Ramirez is a good cop and is finally making progress in solving the case of several missing men. All of whom had been in contact with Elijah recently. It becomes clear way too quickly that there's more going on and it's all despicable and horrendous. In addition to wanting to find justice for Elenore, Evan finds himself skirting the edge of the proper protocol because he's attracted to her and feels the need to take care of her.
As Evan continues to investigate and more and more awful details of Elenore's past come out the story continues to leave the reader guessing. Guessing right up until the very last pages!
Kellen has created a thriller with plenty of twists and intrigue to ensure the reader is engrossed and flipping the pages.
January 3, 2025
Ditter Kellen’s I Am Elle is a raw, haunting, and deeply emotional journey that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. This is not an easy story to read, but it’s an important one—a heart-wrenching tale of unimaginable suffering and the need for justice.
Elenore Griffin is a protagonist you will never forget. Her life is one of pain, betrayal and secrets.
Kellen’s ability to give a voice to such a broken yet powerful character is a testament to her storytelling skill. The writing is vivid and unflinching, immersing you in the horrors Elenore endures without shying away from the brutal reality of her situation. Kellen tackles sensitive and triggering topics with care and authenticity, creating a narrative that is as impactful as it is harrowing and will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
For those who can handle its intensity, I Am Elle is a must-read. Ditter Kellen has delivered a powerful and unforgettable start to this series, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
Elenore Griffin is a protagonist you will never forget. Her life is one of pain, betrayal and secrets.
Kellen’s ability to give a voice to such a broken yet powerful character is a testament to her storytelling skill. The writing is vivid and unflinching, immersing you in the horrors Elenore endures without shying away from the brutal reality of her situation. Kellen tackles sensitive and triggering topics with care and authenticity, creating a narrative that is as impactful as it is harrowing and will keep you turning the pages late into the night.
For those who can handle its intensity, I Am Elle is a must-read. Ditter Kellen has delivered a powerful and unforgettable start to this series, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.
January 13, 2020
A disturbing story of a girl living the most horrific life of abuse, sold to the highest bidder by her own father and believing its her fault. There are some dark moments and even things that have been blocked out, which start to be uncovered as the investigations into missing men from the area develop. I found this really gripping with an unexpected end.
4.5 Stars
4.5 Stars
December 5, 2019
Strange
Really sad start . This really keeps you reading and holds your attention . So sad and the stuff poor Ellie goes through. Then they slap you at end and force you to read next book.
Really sad start . This really keeps you reading and holds your attention . So sad and the stuff poor Ellie goes through. Then they slap you at end and force you to read next book.
January 10, 2025
Ugh. This was a great story I enjoyed it. Dark. Disturbing. Satisfying. But it feels like it was written for a 7th grader even thought it’s an adult book.
I would still recommend this book. It just wasn’t for me at this time.
I would still recommend this book. It just wasn’t for me at this time.
October 16, 2020
Not for the triggering kind...
July 23, 2022
It was just ok. Nothing too graphic, written competently enough and with tact, but there is no real depth to the characters. I’ve read worse, but I’ve also read much better.
October 6, 2022
Must read, so good! Probably my favorite book read this year. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Excited to see what book two and three are like.
July 13, 2019
An abused girl's desperate fight for survival and a silent killer determined to destroy her.
Born on a small farm in Alabama, Elenore Griffin spends her days in a Hell of her father’s making.
The system has failed her, leaving her trapped in a world of unimaginable torture and pain.
Sold to the highest bidder, Elenore finds her nightmares have only just begun. And those responsible for her abuse begin disappearing around her without a trace, while the local authorities seem to be at the center of it all.
Step inside the world of a young girl who suffered the most heinous acts imaginable. And survived.
This is her life. This is her story…
*****WARNING***** This book contains major triggers that some might find offensive. If you have abuse triggers, please do not purchase this book. It is not for the faint of heart.
This is a very sad haunting thriller.
Ditter Kellen is a master story teller.
The book just grabs you and you can't put it down; you have to see what is in the next page.
The characters are so amazingly written.
The plot and story line dark and thrilling but written so well with unbelievable twist.
Highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Born on a small farm in Alabama, Elenore Griffin spends her days in a Hell of her father’s making.
The system has failed her, leaving her trapped in a world of unimaginable torture and pain.
Sold to the highest bidder, Elenore finds her nightmares have only just begun. And those responsible for her abuse begin disappearing around her without a trace, while the local authorities seem to be at the center of it all.
Step inside the world of a young girl who suffered the most heinous acts imaginable. And survived.
This is her life. This is her story…
*****WARNING***** This book contains major triggers that some might find offensive. If you have abuse triggers, please do not purchase this book. It is not for the faint of heart.
This is a very sad haunting thriller.
Ditter Kellen is a master story teller.
The book just grabs you and you can't put it down; you have to see what is in the next page.
The characters are so amazingly written.
The plot and story line dark and thrilling but written so well with unbelievable twist.
Highly recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2025
I am Elle by Ditter Kellen
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please check your trigger warnings before starting this book. Elenore Griffin, born on a small Alabama farm, is trapped in a living nightmare orchestrated by her own father. The system, meant to protect her, fails, leaving her vulnerable to unimaginable horrors. Sold into a brutal world, her suffering only intensifies. As her tormentors vanish without a trace, suspicion falls on the local authorities, complicit in her abuse. The novel explores themes of resilience, the fight for survival, and the quest for justice, offering readers a gripping and intense narrative.
This is a 4 part series. Part 4 has not been released yet. You might as well get all 3 available. I devoured them all in two days. I could not put this book down. By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to gather a posse to go save her. The author's writing is so compelling that I felt like I knew Elenore and was protective over her. I wanted to see her survive. I wanted to see her thrive. The cliffhanger at the end of book one left me speechless. I started the second in the series immediately!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Please check your trigger warnings before starting this book. Elenore Griffin, born on a small Alabama farm, is trapped in a living nightmare orchestrated by her own father. The system, meant to protect her, fails, leaving her vulnerable to unimaginable horrors. Sold into a brutal world, her suffering only intensifies. As her tormentors vanish without a trace, suspicion falls on the local authorities, complicit in her abuse. The novel explores themes of resilience, the fight for survival, and the quest for justice, offering readers a gripping and intense narrative.
This is a 4 part series. Part 4 has not been released yet. You might as well get all 3 available. I devoured them all in two days. I could not put this book down. By the end of the first chapter, I was ready to gather a posse to go save her. The author's writing is so compelling that I felt like I knew Elenore and was protective over her. I wanted to see her survive. I wanted to see her thrive. The cliffhanger at the end of book one left me speechless. I started the second in the series immediately!
February 23, 2024
A little too descriptive. Very disturbing to me. Had to DNF.
January 27, 2020
Oh my goodness you get to the end and go 'what the hell' yeah I didn't see that coming at all. This girl has had a life of twisted horror in this small town. Her story was a train wreck that I couldn't stop watching. In fact I just curled up on the coach and kept reading until I was done, and I sure was emotional done. I think my heart is still pounding as I type this review.
I don't want to give away the story, you just have to read it.
I don't want to give away the story, you just have to read it.
July 8, 2019
One of the best books I have read. This book took a grip on me from the beginning. The authors descriptions were on point, making the reader feel as if they were there, in that scenario, which in some cases was extremely emotional. Fantastic read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2024
A small town crime, no one sees or wants to see. Ellie goes through so much, no young girl should have to.
Ellie has no one to back her up.
This book is intriguing.
But that ending. Well that was wild.
This book totally ended different from what I thought was coming.
This book leaves you wanting more. So im glad there's more books 📚 in the series.
Ellie has no one to back her up.
This book is intriguing.
But that ending. Well that was wild.
This book totally ended different from what I thought was coming.
This book leaves you wanting more. So im glad there's more books 📚 in the series.
August 11, 2019
It was a fast read and kept me wanting to know more and what would happen next. But that ending... WTF?! Just left me hanging. No explanation. No follow up. No nothing. This book obviously cries out for a sequel to answer a lot of important questions
September 11, 2019
Sad story with a twist
Great story with strong characters that make you feel so much reading about them. Ellenore goes through so much as a child, it is truly sad and heart breaking.
Great story with strong characters that make you feel so much reading about them. Ellenore goes through so much as a child, it is truly sad and heart breaking.
September 17, 2019
O....M....G
Ditter Kellen has created an amazing book with amazing characters. 5 chapters into the book, I wanted to stop reading. I couldn't read another word. My heart hurt to badly from reading. Yet, I actually ended up staying up all night to read and now I cannot wait for the sequel.
Ditter Kellen has created an amazing book with amazing characters. 5 chapters into the book, I wanted to stop reading. I couldn't read another word. My heart hurt to badly from reading. Yet, I actually ended up staying up all night to read and now I cannot wait for the sequel.
May 30, 2023
Great read !!
this book has a wow factor and it surely is a good read. really good twist and nicely built up characters. Reading it felt like i was watching a movie and screaming “omg don’t do that! there is a killer there!”
this book has a wow factor and it surely is a good read. really good twist and nicely built up characters. Reading it felt like i was watching a movie and screaming “omg don’t do that! there is a killer there!”
August 5, 2019
Holy crap
Now that wasn’t the ending i was expecting wow absolutely amazing read highly recommend now im left wondering what happened next
Now that wasn’t the ending i was expecting wow absolutely amazing read highly recommend now im left wondering what happened next
October 14, 2019
Wow
Wow..that ending. I thought about split personalities and all kinds of things but yeah I still did NOT see that ending coming. I could barely put this book down.
Wow..that ending. I thought about split personalities and all kinds of things but yeah I still did NOT see that ending coming. I could barely put this book down.
December 12, 2019
*****
Fantastic read! The ending was unbelievable!!! Don’t want to spoil it for anyone so all I can say it is a story that will tug your heartstrings and horrify at the same time.
Fantastic read! The ending was unbelievable!!! Don’t want to spoil it for anyone so all I can say it is a story that will tug your heartstrings and horrify at the same time.
April 7, 2020
Holy crap!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews