You Will Never Know

by S.A. Prentiss

After a lifetime of hardship, Jessica Thornton finally has the life she’s dreamed of: a new marriage to a realtor with burgeoning success; a daughter whose athleticism has won her a scholarship to college; and a freshly-secured grant from her bank to finally complete her own higher education.


Her life today is a complete reversal from the not-too-distant past, when the death of her first husband left her penniless and desperate to provide for her then-newborn child. But after the murder of her children’s high school classmate, a series of disturbances brings Jessica to question whether her dreams ever actually came true, or whether they’ve just been delusions all along . . .


In the days after the murder, suspicion creeps in at every corner, beginning with Jessica’s daughter and stepson, who won’t tell her where they were on that fateful night. Then she discovers that her husband’s business is failing, not growing, and that the stories he’s told of meetings with high-powered investors were nothing more than lies. And when a private investigator comes to look into the death of her first husband, her last foundation of truth slips suddenly away.

Genres: Audiobook, Fiction, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 13, 2020

Reviews

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some unexpected twists and turns - not a likable character in the bunch

[Morgen · Rating 1 out of 5]

So so bad

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a quick read fraught with suspense- I read it in just over a day. It centers on Jessica, who once longed for stability but is now married and raising her daughter along with her husband of 3 years and his son. Things were going well until a classmate of her daughter/stepson is murdered and questions start swirling around where the kids were when it happened and what exactly their relationships were with the victim. Told almost entirely from Jessica's POV, the reader is able to get into her head and learn how she thinks throughout the book.

The mystery is good, though there was a side story around an investigator looking into the death of Jessica's first husband that I felt distracted me from the main story instead of added to it. I thought I had it all figured it pretty early but ended up being surprised a couple different times and changing my prediction. There were definitely a few times where I had to suspend my disbelief, though- curious things happen that are not followed up on, which felt very unlikely in real life.

I didn't find any character in this book to be likeable, but I think that was intentional. Everyone was looking out for themselves in one way or another and it was difficult to empathize with any of them. That being said, the story that unfolds is interesting and unexpected and really allows you a glimpse into the mind of some not-so-nice people.

Overall, I thought this was a good read and I'd recommend it to those who like phycological thrillers , domestic suspense, and mysteries. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[the overstuffed bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank y0u to NetGalley and Penzler Publishers for this advance reader's copy of You Will Never Know by S.A. Prentiss.

I had high hopes for this book. I was mostly disappointed. There were some high points, including the plot, which was original enough that I hadn't figured out all of plot twists before they were revealed. Multiple narrators made for some interesting diversions from the main plot. What is the main plot? Essentially, a blended family where the members don't like or trust each other for the most part and a crime that could or could not have been committed by one of the members of said family.

Unfortunately, I couldn't connect with any of the characters they way they were written. The dialogue didn't sound natural or any way that actual people speak to each other in real life. Also, I deeply disliked all of the main characters from the start, meaning that I didn't empathize or care about any of them. This was a fast read, which is a plus, but I won't remember it in a month.

[Andee · Rating 1 out of 5]

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Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was not for me. The characters all spoke like caricatures of thriller characters- as if someone was just kidding the whole time. The story wasn't interesting, and, I felt like I had figure it out by 25% in. I went ahead and checked the ending and...I did. I was really hoping for a fun weekend read, and this just missed the mark.

[Nan Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly this book was just not for me. There were too many stereotypes and it was too predictable. There was a lot going on so I'm sure this will resonate with other readers. Best wishes to the author.

[D Bear · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this for free on Audible and do not recommend it even as a free read. There is nothing good about this plot or the characters. The story includes disturbing teenage actions that could be difficult for many. The plot is all over the place with several unnecessary subplots. I have nothing good to say about this book but everyone's preferences are different so others may feel differently.

[Francis M. Prensa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley, and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

This book HAD me, with the blended family, the mother Jessica coming from an abusive past, and then finally finding her a new man who will give her the life she always wanted for her and her daughter, Ted and his son Craig. The secrets between everyone in this book was so INTENSE, yeap I loved all of that, but then the book started to fall short after seeing how oblivious Jessica was to think that her daughter was an angel, and only caring for her well being and no one else’s, that got SOO annoying. There was so much going on, that I felt like the characters had to turn from being sweet people to sounding like creepy-thriller like characters, that was so damn spooky. I would say give this book a chance, a lot things did take me by surprise, but the ending could’ve been a little better.

[Wayward Readers Book Blog · Rating 2 out of 5]

A mediocre suspense novel that played into multiple stereotypes of the genre. Characterization was severely underdeveloped, the writing was cast, and the trope was familiar with a plot that played out as any avid reader of the genre would expect. Perhaps this narrative may be a better fit to those new to the genre. 2 stars.

Thank you to #NetGalley for #GrantingMyWish. This ARC was read and reviewed voluntarily by Wayward Readers Book Blog.

[Cassie’s Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say Jessica’s life has been difficult would be an understatement, finally happy she feels like she’s getting her happily ever after, with her new husband Ted and his teenage son Craig they are a blended family since Jessica also has a teenage daughter Emma. Jessica’s balancing working at the bank and being a mom. Until one night after falling asleep on the couch and Ted working late, they discover that Emma and Craig snuck out, the kids finally arrive back at home at 3am. The next morning it’s uncovered that the son from a well known family was found shot in the woods, when the police arrive at her door, Jessica is shocked when the police inform her that Craig has had some bullying issues with the murdered boy ,and ask where they were last night. Ted lies and says they were all home. Why would Ted lie? Soon her husband begins to act strange, the kids stories on where they were last night don’t add up and they are acting secretive. Was her family involved? Jessica soon discovers her husband wasn’t really working late so where was he?In the midst of the murder investigation a private investigator shows up and begins to ask Jessica about her past. Jessica soon finds the life she worked so hard to get crumbling around her. Wow so many secrets everyone in the story had something to hide and the ending shocked me. This was more of a domestic mystery not so much a thriller but I enjoyed it! Four stars!

[Jen (The Jenerator) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not what I expected at all! Crazy all the way through especially the ending! Definitely an edge of your seat read!

[Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

i honestly liked this book until the whole “make sure someone sucks my dick or i release the video of your daughter getting raped” part

[JANA HUNT · Rating 1 out of 5]

(AUDIOBOOK VERSION) Not for me. I was unable to engage with book/characters. Couldn’t make myself push through book.

[Alia Kottas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting plot twist at the very end leaves you guessing…

[David Dunlap · Rating 3 out of 5]

What is the cliche about train wrecks? They are horrible, but there is something in human nature that finds it difficult to look away from them. -- The blended Thornton/Donovan family is something of a human train wreck. This is Jessica's second marriage. Her first husband Bobby died in a one-car crash involving a deer; the postmortem revealed an elevated alcohol level. Jessica, who works at a local bank, lives for her daughter, Emma, a gifted track star at her school. She married her second husband Ted Donovan (a divorce with a son, Craig, who is a bit older than Emma and rather nerdy), a prosperous real estate agent (or at least Jessica thought so when she married him). But nothing about ANY of them is as it seems -- and the family secrets start popping out all over when the popular captain of the wrestling team (a scion of the family that centuries before had founded the town) is found shot to death. Was Bobby's death an accident? (His sister doesn't seem to think so and has hired a private detective to look into it.) Where was Ted on the night of Sam Warner's murder? (Not with his business partner, as he tells his wife, and certain not at home with Jessica, as he tells the police.) And where were Craig and Emma when their parents went looking for them that same night? More and more lies and cover-ups are revealed, to the point that the reader is not really sure who to believe. All comes out in the end, with something of a chilling twist. -- Frankly, while I kept turning the pages to see what would happen next (that train wreck!), I did not like the characters. They are vividly drawn and the situations are realistic-- they are simply unsympathetic. If it is important to you as a reader that the characters of your novel be likeable, you will probably want to give this a pass. As for the rest of us, keep your eyes on the train wreck -- it's a rather gruesome ride!

[blondethrillerbooklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

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Jessica’s life has been difficult. She finally feels like she has found her happily ever after with her new husband Ted. She is so thankful for her blended family- Ted has a son, Jessica has a daughter.
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The son of a prominent family in town is found murdered. When the police begin investigating, Jessica realizes that the whereabouts of her daughter and stepson at the time of the murder is suspicious. They are being secretive and Jessica is terrified that they were somehow involved.
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Her husband starts acting strange... The kids’ stories aren’t adding up....The police come to her house to question them...
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In the midst of all of this turmoil, a private investigator shows up, asking Jessica questions about her past.
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Jessica is panicked at the thought of losing her new life....
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This was a pretty good story, although it did drag a bit. It’s more of a domestic drama/ suburban

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Listened to audiobook.

The multiple facets leading up to the current mystery render the book far-fetched. The characters are unlikable, at best. My main problem with the book, however, is the thread related to homophobia. But that's so minor, you say? Teens do that, you say? It makes it realistic, you say? I say that no novel written in the 21st century - and especially not one published in 2020 when awareness opportunities are everywhere - containing hate speech and actions of any kind (without someone actively addressing the issue in the prose) is acceptable to me. Just no.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessica and Ted are married but each is more loyal to their child than to each other. When a popular high school wrestler is found dead the family is questioned about their whereabouts and lies are told in order to keep secrets. But is on of them keeping a deadly secret? What would a parent do to protect their child?

Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an arc for my honest review

[Colleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was truly awful. The twists could be seen coming a mile away and the characters felt like ridiculous caricatures. I couldn’t believe the amount of times the author described the mother’s obsession with the smell of her daughter’s sweat. So jarring and unnecessary.

Thanks to NetGalley and W. W. Norton & Company for the digital ARC.

[Tady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Loved the story, HATED the writing. It was so redundant. If the author didn’t constantly repeat themself the book would’ve been half the length and much more enjoyable. I know this author used a pen name but, guessing how bad the prose was, I’m betting the real author is Shari Lapena. I haven’t been this irritated with the storytelling of a mystery/thriller since The Couple Next Door.

[Shkolnikjx · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story of lies and murder in suburbia kept me absolutely enthralled. The depiction of the characters in this high-school driven world was so precise and believable that it kept me turning the pages. Highly recommended!

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

You Will Never Know (S. A. Prentiss) starts off as one mystery but quickly brings past events to the forefront. Lots of twists and surprises. Excellent read and difficult to put down. I want to thank NetGalley and Penzler for an early copy to review.

[Christine Seifert]

The story was compelling and the pacing was good, but the writing was not great. The female characters were very one-dimensional and not at all believable. The younger characters all read like a space alien imagined what human teens from planet earth must be like.

[Kristin Martine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh

Interesting story. But the conversations were not written believably at all. Nobody talks how the characters in this book speak! Too many unbelievable storylines and poorly written. I found the writing and the characters very juvenile.

[Kaley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good twist at the end, but the dialogue was stilted, the characters were unlikeable, and it was repetitive. the characters said things like “Stepdad Ted” instead of just Ted, so a lot of it felt very unnatural

[Barbara Meyers · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is there a trend to write books with unlikeable, unrelatable characters? I did not enjoy anything about this book. Not sure why I finished it. Research maybe. Or to see if the ending was as disappointing as the story. It was.

[Alli Anandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. This book had wildly unlikable characters. I was hate reading to get to the end. Also the ending ???? No. I’m not a prude but the amount of times the characters said “Jesus Christ” to express overwhelm was way too much. Skip this one 😬

[Carol Ann Tack · Rating 3 out of 5]

Until the very last page, I had no idea what was going to happen. It worked for me!

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

An amateurish attempt at a psychological thriller. Cardboard characters and stilted dialogue. The use of a slur to describe homosexuals makes this book as repugnant as it is poorly written.

[Amie Billington johnson · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. Gross, with unlikeable characters. Like "Gone Girl" but with worse writing. I am curious how the story ends, but as the title warned...