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What You Never Knew
Idyllic Avril lsland, owned by the Bennett family, where their hundred-year-old cottage sat nestled in acres of forest. Forty-year-old June Bennett believed that the island had been sold after the summer of her father's disappearance when she was only twelve years old. It's months after the shocking death of her older sister May in a fatal car accident, that June finds out that the cottage was never sold. Avril Island is still owned by the Bennett family and now it's hers.
Still reeling from the grief of losing her sister, June travels back to Avril lsland in search of answers. As she digs, she learns that the townspeople believe her father may have, in fact, been murdered rather than abandoning his family in the dead of night, as she was led to believe by her mother. And that's when she begins to notice strange things happening on the island--missing family possessions showing up on her bed, doors open when she had locked them closed. It takes June no time at all to realize that her childhood summers at Avril Island were not at all what they had seemed to be.
Still reeling from the grief of losing her sister, June travels back to Avril lsland in search of answers. As she digs, she learns that the townspeople believe her father may have, in fact, been murdered rather than abandoning his family in the dead of night, as she was led to believe by her mother. And that's when she begins to notice strange things happening on the island--missing family possessions showing up on her bed, doors open when she had locked them closed. It takes June no time at all to realize that her childhood summers at Avril Island were not at all what they had seemed to be.
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First published April 13, 2021
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About the author
Jessica Hamilton
2 books189 followersJessica Hamilton was born in Australia but grew up in Canada. She has lived and worked in the Czech Republic, Taiwan, India and Japan. She studied writing at the Humber School for Writers as well as George Brown College. She lives in Ontario, Canada with her husband, son, and daughter. Her debut novel is titled What You Never Knew, her second novel titled, Don’t You Dare, are both thrillers and published by Crooked Lane Books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
December 8, 2021
A haunted story narrated by two devoted sisters: one of them is dead, the other one barely faces shocking realities of her distorted past!
A big family secret, tormented lives, lies, suppressed memories and unsolved murder!
After losing her sister May, June realizes the summer cottage located at Avril Island she’d spent her childhood hasn’t been sold as their mother told her after their father’s sudden disappearance. June was only 12 when they left the place. She didn’t question anything about the past, deciding to move on her life with her children, adjusting the ending of her dysfunctional marriage.
But now she’s all alone! Her partner in crime, her best friend sister is dead at a tragic car accident. And she just inherited the nearly 100 years old cottage / their summer house she’d thought it’s already gone decades ago. Entire island was the gift to her mother from French grandparents. And now she is the owner of island but the locals may not welcome her with opened arms as you may imagine. And the reason is not the nearly 3 decades of time lapse. She finds out the islanders think her father might have been involved into murder and he just escaped before getting convicted!
She starts digging around and this investigation also bringing out more childhood memories! She starts to see things from different angle and she has hard time to digest the things she finds out!
I think I loved both sisters’ emotional and meaningful bounding more than the mystery part of the book. June is the last one left behind of the family as May already left the earth but via her narration we learn more about their family dynamics and we get more reliable look at their lives.
It was one of my quickest reads! It’s hooking you up and you breathlessly keep on turning ( or sliding) the pages!
I am giving my four islander, riveting, exciting, family drama stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for sharing this reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
A big family secret, tormented lives, lies, suppressed memories and unsolved murder!
After losing her sister May, June realizes the summer cottage located at Avril Island she’d spent her childhood hasn’t been sold as their mother told her after their father’s sudden disappearance. June was only 12 when they left the place. She didn’t question anything about the past, deciding to move on her life with her children, adjusting the ending of her dysfunctional marriage.
But now she’s all alone! Her partner in crime, her best friend sister is dead at a tragic car accident. And she just inherited the nearly 100 years old cottage / their summer house she’d thought it’s already gone decades ago. Entire island was the gift to her mother from French grandparents. And now she is the owner of island but the locals may not welcome her with opened arms as you may imagine. And the reason is not the nearly 3 decades of time lapse. She finds out the islanders think her father might have been involved into murder and he just escaped before getting convicted!
She starts digging around and this investigation also bringing out more childhood memories! She starts to see things from different angle and she has hard time to digest the things she finds out!
I think I loved both sisters’ emotional and meaningful bounding more than the mystery part of the book. June is the last one left behind of the family as May already left the earth but via her narration we learn more about their family dynamics and we get more reliable look at their lives.
It was one of my quickest reads! It’s hooking you up and you breathlessly keep on turning ( or sliding) the pages!
I am giving my four islander, riveting, exciting, family drama stars!
Special thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for sharing this reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.
July 9, 2022
WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW by Jessica Hamilton is a plot-driven mystery that makes an excellent beach read.
MY TEASE…
June Bennett may have had the best sister in the world and her parents may have owned Lake Champlain’s Avril Island, complete with a waterfront cottage, but June would never have described her childhood as idyllic. How could she? When June was 12, her father abandoned them while they vacationed—left the island, never to be heard from.
Months ago, another family member tragically "abandoned" the now forty-year-old June. Her sister May was killed in a car accident. June is beyond devastated.
Turns out, death isn’t always an ending. Sometimes it’s a beginning. A beginning of dark secrets being unearthed. Secrets like Avril Island. June’s mother (deceased) had always claimed she had sold the place after their father had left them. An unsettling lie because June has just inherited the island from her sister.
That’s not the only secret which will haunt June when she returns to Avril Island after 30 years. Will the secrets that await be June’s ending or beginning?
THOUGHTS…
The plot of WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW kept me glued to the pages. Who doesn’t like a mystery set on a forested island owned by one family who has secrets hidden in the cottage and on the property? I was all in! And the atmosphere and pacing were engaging.
June’s sister May pops in and out of the story as a ghost. I enjoyed May’s added perspective, but I wish she had taken more of an active role throughout the story, versus mostly observing her sister and telling us about it, as well as delivering backstory.
In my quickfire ratings, my significant criticism fell in the believability category. It was the small details that suffered from a lack of credibility at times. Picture an island cottage positioned near the water that’s been untouched for 30 years. There are mouse droppings in the silverware drawer: Believable. But then…June decides to wear her mother’s 30 year-old lace panties from a drawer in the master bedroom—just pulls them out and puts them on. And her mother’s scent still lingers on her clothes. Really? And the water to the island cottage and the fridge have been off for 30 long years and bam, they work flawlessly!!! Questionable details distracted me. However, the plot kept me going and enjoying despite these wishful-thinking inclusions!
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5
Main character’s likability: 4
Development of supporting character(s): 3
Settings/Atmosphere: 5
Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 4
Believability (in the context of the story): 2.5
Satisfying ending: 3
Tension of the story: 4
Stirs the heart (romantic elements): 3
Did I solve the mystery/guess the ending before the reveal? Some aspects, but not all.
Cover: 5+ Wow, right?
OVERALL:
WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW was the perfect 4-star beach read…fast paced and intriguing.
MY TEASE…
June Bennett may have had the best sister in the world and her parents may have owned Lake Champlain’s Avril Island, complete with a waterfront cottage, but June would never have described her childhood as idyllic. How could she? When June was 12, her father abandoned them while they vacationed—left the island, never to be heard from.
Months ago, another family member tragically "abandoned" the now forty-year-old June. Her sister May was killed in a car accident. June is beyond devastated.
Turns out, death isn’t always an ending. Sometimes it’s a beginning. A beginning of dark secrets being unearthed. Secrets like Avril Island. June’s mother (deceased) had always claimed she had sold the place after their father had left them. An unsettling lie because June has just inherited the island from her sister.
That’s not the only secret which will haunt June when she returns to Avril Island after 30 years. Will the secrets that await be June’s ending or beginning?
THOUGHTS…
The plot of WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW kept me glued to the pages. Who doesn’t like a mystery set on a forested island owned by one family who has secrets hidden in the cottage and on the property? I was all in! And the atmosphere and pacing were engaging.
June’s sister May pops in and out of the story as a ghost. I enjoyed May’s added perspective, but I wish she had taken more of an active role throughout the story, versus mostly observing her sister and telling us about it, as well as delivering backstory.
In my quickfire ratings, my significant criticism fell in the believability category. It was the small details that suffered from a lack of credibility at times. Picture an island cottage positioned near the water that’s been untouched for 30 years. There are mouse droppings in the silverware drawer: Believable. But then…June decides to wear her mother’s 30 year-old lace panties from a drawer in the master bedroom—just pulls them out and puts them on. And her mother’s scent still lingers on her clothes. Really? And the water to the island cottage and the fridge have been off for 30 long years and bam, they work flawlessly!!! Questionable details distracted me. However, the plot kept me going and enjoying despite these wishful-thinking inclusions!
QUICKFIRE RATINGS from 1 (ugh) to 5 (woo-hoo)…
Plot (the story): 5
Main character’s likability: 4
Development of supporting character(s): 3
Settings/Atmosphere: 5
Pacing (how fast did I turn the pages): 4
Believability (in the context of the story): 2.5
Satisfying ending: 3
Tension of the story: 4
Stirs the heart (romantic elements): 3
Did I solve the mystery/guess the ending before the reveal? Some aspects, but not all.
Cover: 5+ Wow, right?
OVERALL:
WHAT YOU NEVER KNEW was the perfect 4-star beach read…fast paced and intriguing.
June 29, 2021
What You Never Knew is a story told from the perspective of two sisters, that switches the narrative between them as the action unfolds. Jessica Hamilton has an intriguing concept that works well and is enjoyable reading. The sisters discover their mother never sold their island as previously told, after inheriting it upon her death. Family history and mysteries are uncovered as the island’s secrets and lies are gradually revealed. A promising book from a first-time author, with interesting characters and increasing tension, a three-star rating. With thanks to NetGalley and the author for a preview copy for review purposes. All opinions expressed herein are freely given and totally my own.
November 15, 2020
When I saw the premise for What You Never Knew, I found myself, for the second time in as many weeks, faced with a thriller that had me hooked within the first few sentences of its utterly intriguing synopsis.
Like The Dark and Secret Places, another publication by Crooked Lane Books, I knew that I simply had to read What You Never Knew.
Both novels, interestingly, feature life-shattering revelations about their respective protagonists’ mothers. The former tells of a woman who discovers that her mother has been corresponding with a serial killer for decades. The latter—this novel—alternates POVs between June Bennett and the ghost of May Bennett, her older sister, as the mystery surrounding their mother’s past unfurls in the present day.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
I enjoyed the descriptiveness of the prose, as Hamilton deftly captures the nostalgia of childhood summers and the passage of time between then and June in the present. I liked as well how it portrayed May and June’s relationship with their charismatic and emotionally manipulative mother.
There was, however, a weirdly stilted and staccato quality to the narration that really didn’t work for me, especially when characters were dialoguing. Ultimately, it prevented me from buying into the characters’ stakes or connecting with the events of what had initially promised to be a compelling story.
And gah—the over-exposition!
There was so much telling; it was especially bad in May’s chapters, when she describes what it’s like being dead/a ghost. As a result, the whole The Lovely Bones element—i.e., narrating from beyond the grave, which I was very excited about—fell completely flat.
June also felt like a poorly rendered simulation instead of a flesh-and-blood woman. On page 88 we suddenly find out that she’s apparently a one-time smash-hit novelist….?? It’s at this point I realized that I knew pretty much nothing about either May or June, apart from what each sister info-dumped about the other. We’re told that June wrote “the female version of Catcher in the Rye” in her twenties, and yet I don’t even know what she’s done for a living in the two decades since.
And how does the woman have ZERO friends?? When they reconnect on the island, she tells Ezra—her best friend from when she was twelve—that apart from May, he’s been her only best friend (….they haven’t seen each other in 30 years).
Personally, I would’ve enjoyed knowing more about June’s backstory, or more about her, period.
Finally, that HOT MESS of an ending! I saw one of the big plot twists coming from 20% in, though I have to admit that what I’d imagined was worse than what actually happened. . The rest was pure info-dump, absurd details heaping upon each other, each more baffling than the last. You’re going to need a healthy amount of suspension-of-disbelief to get through it.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
Other things—that I’m sure will be fixed with editing before publication—included weird placement of commas: a conspicuous shortage of them when needed, their appearances between words that didn’t require commas, and also numerous comma splices. There were also some typos, more than I’m used to with my e-ARCs. I haven’t factored copyediting issues into my star rating, but I did want to note down that this was my experience with my advance copy.
Bottom line: There was so much potential for the Lovely Bones-esque narration to add to the plot, but it felt almost extraneous. And though I devoured it in a day, I was really disappointed by how contrived I found parts of this story—the ending especially. :(
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Like The Dark and Secret Places, another publication by Crooked Lane Books, I knew that I simply had to read What You Never Knew.
Both novels, interestingly, feature life-shattering revelations about their respective protagonists’ mothers. The former tells of a woman who discovers that her mother has been corresponding with a serial killer for decades. The latter—this novel—alternates POVs between June Bennett and the ghost of May Bennett, her older sister, as the mystery surrounding their mother’s past unfurls in the present day.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
I enjoyed the descriptiveness of the prose, as Hamilton deftly captures the nostalgia of childhood summers and the passage of time between then and June in the present. I liked as well how it portrayed May and June’s relationship with their charismatic and emotionally manipulative mother.
There was, however, a weirdly stilted and staccato quality to the narration that really didn’t work for me, especially when characters were dialoguing. Ultimately, it prevented me from buying into the characters’ stakes or connecting with the events of what had initially promised to be a compelling story.
And gah—the over-exposition!
There was so much telling; it was especially bad in May’s chapters, when she describes what it’s like being dead/a ghost. As a result, the whole The Lovely Bones element—i.e., narrating from beyond the grave, which I was very excited about—fell completely flat.
June also felt like a poorly rendered simulation instead of a flesh-and-blood woman. On page 88 we suddenly find out that she’s apparently a one-time smash-hit novelist….?? It’s at this point I realized that I knew pretty much nothing about either May or June, apart from what each sister info-dumped about the other. We’re told that June wrote “the female version of Catcher in the Rye” in her twenties, and yet I don’t even know what she’s done for a living in the two decades since.
And how does the woman have ZERO friends?? When they reconnect on the island, she tells Ezra—her best friend from when she was twelve—that apart from May, he’s been her only best friend (….they haven’t seen each other in 30 years).
Personally, I would’ve enjoyed knowing more about June’s backstory, or more about her, period.
Finally, that HOT MESS of an ending! I saw one of the big plot twists coming from 20% in, though I have to admit that what I’d imagined was worse than what actually happened. . The rest was pure info-dump, absurd details heaping upon each other, each more baffling than the last. You’re going to need a healthy amount of suspension-of-disbelief to get through it.
◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️◻️
Other things—that I’m sure will be fixed with editing before publication—included weird placement of commas: a conspicuous shortage of them when needed, their appearances between words that didn’t require commas, and also numerous comma splices. There were also some typos, more than I’m used to with my e-ARCs. I haven’t factored copyediting issues into my star rating, but I did want to note down that this was my experience with my advance copy.
Bottom line: There was so much potential for the Lovely Bones-esque narration to add to the plot, but it felt almost extraneous. And though I devoured it in a day, I was really disappointed by how contrived I found parts of this story—the ending especially. :(
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 9, 2021
This one had me with the first line and never let go:
“One hour before I died, I was sitting in a stuffy lawyer’s office dealing with the probate details of my mother’s will.”
As with most books, I went into this without reading the blurb. I loved the cover and saw that it had received good reviews, so that was enough for me, lol. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was a ghost story! So if you’re looking for a ghost story, but don’t like the scary kind, this one is for you. It is a bit sad, though.
It was easy for me to relate to the two sisters—May and June—because I also grew up with an alcoholic mother and had to deal with a lot of the same issues. And, like them, it pushed me and my sister into a very close relationship to endure my mother’s outbursts and moodiness. It’s always interesting to read about similar family situations.
The story is narrated by the two sisters. One is dead and the other is alive. They are both alive in the beginning, but May but dies soon after the book starts. There are so many family secrets in this one, I wouldn’t even know where to begin giving some details. If I got started, I’d go on forever, haha. I listened to the audiobook version of this one and thought it was wonderful. It fit perfectly into the October/Halloween theme. It seems this is another debut book for this month. I will certainly be keeping my eyes out for new books Ms. Hamilton comes out with!
#WhatYouNeverKnew #JessicaHamilton #CrookedLaneBooks #DreamscapeMedia #LibbyApp #AudiobookReview #Bookstagrammer #ThrillerAddict #Spooktober #FallReads #GhostReads #Bookaholic #BookLove #JustFinishedReading #MustRead #FourStarRead #BookRecommendations
“One hour before I died, I was sitting in a stuffy lawyer’s office dealing with the probate details of my mother’s will.”
As with most books, I went into this without reading the blurb. I loved the cover and saw that it had received good reviews, so that was enough for me, lol. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was a ghost story! So if you’re looking for a ghost story, but don’t like the scary kind, this one is for you. It is a bit sad, though.
It was easy for me to relate to the two sisters—May and June—because I also grew up with an alcoholic mother and had to deal with a lot of the same issues. And, like them, it pushed me and my sister into a very close relationship to endure my mother’s outbursts and moodiness. It’s always interesting to read about similar family situations.
The story is narrated by the two sisters. One is dead and the other is alive. They are both alive in the beginning, but May but dies soon after the book starts. There are so many family secrets in this one, I wouldn’t even know where to begin giving some details. If I got started, I’d go on forever, haha. I listened to the audiobook version of this one and thought it was wonderful. It fit perfectly into the October/Halloween theme. It seems this is another debut book for this month. I will certainly be keeping my eyes out for new books Ms. Hamilton comes out with!
#WhatYouNeverKnew #JessicaHamilton #CrookedLaneBooks #DreamscapeMedia #LibbyApp #AudiobookReview #Bookstagrammer #ThrillerAddict #Spooktober #FallReads #GhostReads #Bookaholic #BookLove #JustFinishedReading #MustRead #FourStarRead #BookRecommendations
May 8, 2021
I listened to the audio version of this book and unfortunately it wasn't the easiest listen for me. I had a hard time getting into it and staying engaged. I didn't particularly enjoy the narration and felt that if I had read the paper copy instead I would have enjoyed it so much better.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jessica Hamilton for the opportunity to listen to this book.
Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jessica Hamilton for the opportunity to listen to this book.
May 2, 2021
What You Never Knew is a slow burn family drama told from the perspective of two sisters, one alive and one dead. Long buried secrets come to life and lies are uncovered revealing devastating truths. The past comes back to haunt the present in this suspenseful tale of loss and deception. The narration adds an element of despair and foreboding to this tragic story of betrayal and devastation. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook.
March 29, 2021
Wow. I picked this up and could not put it down that I read in a day. Hamilton’s writing is so descriptive that I was transported to Avril Island with all its eerie, spine chilling beauty. Her brilliant plot and well-developed characters take you on roller coaster of twists and turns that keep you riveted from page one.
Told from alternative points of view of two sisters, one living, one dead. Reeling from grief of losing her sister, June returns to Avril Island after thirty years. Upon her arrival, June learns that the town’s folk believe that her father may have been murdered and thus begins her search for the truth. But is everyone happy that a Bennett is back on Avril Island?
This book had me engrossed…can’t wait for the authors next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Told from alternative points of view of two sisters, one living, one dead. Reeling from grief of losing her sister, June returns to Avril Island after thirty years. Upon her arrival, June learns that the town’s folk believe that her father may have been murdered and thus begins her search for the truth. But is everyone happy that a Bennett is back on Avril Island?
This book had me engrossed…can’t wait for the authors next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2021
"When you grow up and are finally able to step behind the curtain of childhood, the truth can be blinding." (Loc. 3242)What You Never Knew opens with elder sister, May Bennett, driving to meet her younger sister, June, to share an unexpected and disquieting revelation that's arisen out of their recently-deceased mother's estate. Their mother - the manipulative and narcissistic April - had always led them to believe that the family's summer retreat, located on picturesque Lake Champlain in Vermont, was sold after their father deserted the family. However, that wasn't in fact the case, and Avril Island now belongs to them.
But May never arrives to share the news - in her emotional state, she's momentarily distracted and killed in a car accident before she reaches June. And yet she continues to exist, both as a ghostly presence occasionally percieved by June, and as a narrative voice in the story, as she desperately tries to convey a devastating truth from the family's past. I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of paranormal fiction, but felt this element was handled both sensitively and imaginatively by author Jessica Hamilton.
June, reeling from May's death in addition to the recent breakdown of her own marriage, travels to Vermont to visit Avril Island. She hopes that this will prove a cathartic experience for her in reconciling her relationship with her late mother, and overcoming her grief at May's death. She becomes reaquainted with her closest childhood friend at Lake Champlain, the handsome, helpful but enigmatic Ezra Keen, whose father was caretaker for Avril Island. It quickly transpires that the Bennett family's reappearance at Lake Champlain, in the person of June, is a not entirely welcome surprise for the nearby permanent and summer visitor population. June also becomes aware, for the first time in her life, of the mystery and potentially sinister circumstances surrounding her father's disappearance in 1991.
I found What You Never Knew an enthralling character-based psychological drama/mystery. Jessica Hamilton portrays June's process of discovery, from hazy childhood recollection to adult comprehension, showing great insight into the human psyche generally and the effects of living with a narcissistic parent in particular. June's developing relationship with Ezra gives some moments of lighter relief, in the shape of romance, but also carries some dark undertones and a sense of foreboding as June closes in on the truth. Hamilton also captures an evocative sense of setting in the rather dilapidated cottage and natural surroundings on Avril Island. There are powerful metaphors at play - as June dusts off, repairs and sorts the physical relics of her idyllic childhood summers, her own perceptions of the past undergo a parallel renewal. Articles of clothing, smells, sound and light prompt unbidden flashes of surpressed memory, and her occasional perception of her beloved sister's presence with her creates a sense of tension, both for June as a character, and for the reader. Hamilton's use of dual timeline and the narrative shift between June and the ghostly May combine to amplify the sense of foreboding and mystery as the story moves towards its dramatic crescendo.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading What You Never Knew and would highly recommend it to lovers of psychological mysteries, strong characterisations and great settings.
My thanks to author Jessica Hamilton, publisher Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this title.
June 16, 2021
A wonderful debut novel!
This story drew me in quickly and didn't let me go. I'm still feeling it hours after finishing this story.
This story is told in two POV.
One sister is dead and the other is alive trying to deal with the death of her Sister.
June and May's mother told them that she sold Avril Island long ago. But June learns that her mother lied. She lied about everything! June heads back to Avril Island thirty year's after she was wisked away by her mother. As she starts to uncover truths from her past, nothing is as it seemed. June also meets back up with her childhood crush, Ezra. They begin a relationship and soon both of them discover that so many secrets and lies were told all those year's ago. Some secrets want to stay hidden, but are forced to be seen as this story unravels it's sad truths. I loved the relationship between June and Ezra and felt that it needed to happen in order for them to deal with both the past and the future.
This is a slow burn story that draws the reader in at the turn of every page. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
This story drew me in quickly and didn't let me go. I'm still feeling it hours after finishing this story.
This story is told in two POV.
One sister is dead and the other is alive trying to deal with the death of her Sister.
June and May's mother told them that she sold Avril Island long ago. But June learns that her mother lied. She lied about everything! June heads back to Avril Island thirty year's after she was wisked away by her mother. As she starts to uncover truths from her past, nothing is as it seemed. June also meets back up with her childhood crush, Ezra. They begin a relationship and soon both of them discover that so many secrets and lies were told all those year's ago. Some secrets want to stay hidden, but are forced to be seen as this story unravels it's sad truths. I loved the relationship between June and Ezra and felt that it needed to happen in order for them to deal with both the past and the future.
This is a slow burn story that draws the reader in at the turn of every page. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next!
May 26, 2021
3.5 stars. The book opens with a meeting between a lawyer for her mother's estate and May Bennett. He gives May the deed to property on Avril Island on Lake Champlain that May thought had been sold years ago. Most of May's memories from there are not good ones. May dies in a car accident a few minutes later.
June, May's younger sister now inherits everything. Since they left Avril Island when she was 12, June only has distant memories but she is so devastated over her sister's death, she travels to the property. Their mother had always told them their father abandoned them, but June finds out he simply disappeared one night and so did another man that her mother was involved with.
Dead June narrates some of the chapters although I wouldn't characterize this as a ghost story. Quiet twists are revealed as the story is told. I guess I wanted a fairy tale ending but I didn't get that. I've read some pretty good debut novels over the last few weeks and I think this is an author to watch.
June, May's younger sister now inherits everything. Since they left Avril Island when she was 12, June only has distant memories but she is so devastated over her sister's death, she travels to the property. Their mother had always told them their father abandoned them, but June finds out he simply disappeared one night and so did another man that her mother was involved with.
Dead June narrates some of the chapters although I wouldn't characterize this as a ghost story. Quiet twists are revealed as the story is told. I guess I wanted a fairy tale ending but I didn't get that. I've read some pretty good debut novels over the last few weeks and I think this is an author to watch.
March 23, 2021
This was an interesting, emotional family drama mystery. When June Bennett's mother dies, her older sister, May, finds out in the will that the family island is still owned by the family even though they were told long ago that it was sold. May is on her way to tell June when she is in a fatal car accident. June is then left to put together the pieces of family history and what secrets still lie on the island of their childhood summers.
There was a quote from the book that captured it perfectly in my opinion:
"Mothers are not always good just because they're mothers and fathers are not always good just because they're fathers. Wives are not always faithful, husbands are not always honest, daughters cannot be perfect and sisters cannot be saviors. The sooner we accept those variables and forgive people for them, the sooner we heal."
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
There was a quote from the book that captured it perfectly in my opinion:
"Mothers are not always good just because they're mothers and fathers are not always good just because they're fathers. Wives are not always faithful, husbands are not always honest, daughters cannot be perfect and sisters cannot be saviors. The sooner we accept those variables and forgive people for them, the sooner we heal."
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
November 8, 2021
My thanks to Crooked Lane books, Jessica Hamilton and Netgalley. I liked this story. I liked it so much that I finished in a fairly quick time. Except for the character's crazy family "my family had their own crazy!" I connected with this story. I really disliked the ending. That's my only quibble.
May 22, 2021
There’s a lot to be said for a quiet, introspective psychological thriller. It can be a welcome change from the fast paced, tense thrillers that cause heart palpitations and make your head spin. This audiobook was a composed slow burn that involved an old family mystery and long buried secrets that took place on Avril Island.
Avril island is where sisters May and June spent their summers growing up. The island was a gift to their French mother, April, from their father. Hence, it became known as Avril island. After their mother’s death, the now adult sisters inherit the island but are shocked because April told them long ago that she sold the island. The last memory the sisters have of the island is packing up quickly and leaving in a rush after their father suddenly left them when they were kids. There has been no contact from him ever since. Shortly after inheriting Avril island, May suddenly passes away, which leads to June returning to the island to face her grief and memories, and to try to figure out what really happened to her father all those years ago.
I thought the audio performance was good. And although I really liked the premise of the mystery and I loved the chilling and atmospheric backdrop, the story itself had a number of loose ends that were never resolved or didn’t fully make sense. For example, we are never told how May dies and I wondered what was the point of having her perspective from the after life? There were characters brought in like Caroline only to never be mentioned again. I also guessed the big reveal early on, which deflated the ending for me.
I think this is a thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy a slower paced mystery that is long in undertones, has a supernatural element and are okay with a few loose ends.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Crooked Lane and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
Avril island is where sisters May and June spent their summers growing up. The island was a gift to their French mother, April, from their father. Hence, it became known as Avril island. After their mother’s death, the now adult sisters inherit the island but are shocked because April told them long ago that she sold the island. The last memory the sisters have of the island is packing up quickly and leaving in a rush after their father suddenly left them when they were kids. There has been no contact from him ever since. Shortly after inheriting Avril island, May suddenly passes away, which leads to June returning to the island to face her grief and memories, and to try to figure out what really happened to her father all those years ago.
I thought the audio performance was good. And although I really liked the premise of the mystery and I loved the chilling and atmospheric backdrop, the story itself had a number of loose ends that were never resolved or didn’t fully make sense. For example, we are never told how May dies and I wondered what was the point of having her perspective from the after life? There were characters brought in like Caroline only to never be mentioned again. I also guessed the big reveal early on, which deflated the ending for me.
I think this is a thriller that will appeal to readers who enjoy a slower paced mystery that is long in undertones, has a supernatural element and are okay with a few loose ends.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media, Crooked Lane and Netgalley for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2021
Loved the family drama - the frantic unfolding of two missing fathers and the truth.
May visits the family lawyer shortly after her mother's death. She learns the family island supposedly sold 30 years ago is still owned by her mother- now May holds the deed. She tears up the deed and head's to her sister's for dinner. Only to be killed in a tragic car accident.
Struggling with both the death of her mother and sister, June heads to Avril Island. Why did her mother keep them away, moving them across the country 30 years earlier? What really caused her father to disappear the last night her family stayed in the cabin?
June visits the town- trying to uncover why her mother kept Avril Island. She learns about her father's disappearance. Her mother's manipulation of all around her. A possible affair with her best friend, Ezra's, father. So many secrets.
And intense connection between Ezra and June - strong, nostalgic and seductive.
Does June want to know her family's truths?
I figured out within the first few chapters what really happened that last night. I still enjoyed reading about the Bennett family, May's ghost still trying to protect June, and of course June reconciling her adoration of her mother with the truth.
May visits the family lawyer shortly after her mother's death. She learns the family island supposedly sold 30 years ago is still owned by her mother- now May holds the deed. She tears up the deed and head's to her sister's for dinner. Only to be killed in a tragic car accident.
Struggling with both the death of her mother and sister, June heads to Avril Island. Why did her mother keep them away, moving them across the country 30 years earlier? What really caused her father to disappear the last night her family stayed in the cabin?
June visits the town- trying to uncover why her mother kept Avril Island. She learns about her father's disappearance. Her mother's manipulation of all around her. A possible affair with her best friend, Ezra's, father. So many secrets.
And intense connection between Ezra and June - strong, nostalgic and seductive.
Does June want to know her family's truths?
I figured out within the first few chapters what really happened that last night. I still enjoyed reading about the Bennett family, May's ghost still trying to protect June, and of course June reconciling her adoration of her mother with the truth.
December 2, 2020
This was a unique idea, but the story itself fell a little short for me. It centers on sisters May and June- May who recently passed away and narrates from beyond the grave, and June, battling with the grief of losing her sister while uncovering family secrets. The girls and their parents spent their summers as the only inhabitants of Avril Island until they were 12 and 13 years old, and stopped going there after their father left the family. They were under the impression the island had been sold but June finds out upon May's death that their mother actually held onto it all of these years.
On the good side, the way the island was described was really engaging- I am a sucker for abandoned places and the description of the island, the cottage, and even the resort that June visits were atmospheric; I was able to clearly picture them. I also thought that the alternating narrative between May and June was unique, and felt sad about May's desperation to connect with June.
Otherwise, I felt that the story was predictable- I had pretty much figured out what happened within the first quarter of the book, though it didn't play out exactly the way I thought it would. I also felt that the characters weren't well developed- I understood their close friendship and could picture their summers on the island when they are kids, but had no indication of what they were like in the 25+ years since then- the author drops some clues about June but never goes into any detail, and doesn't give us any info on May. Were they still best friends as adults? What did they do? Did they never discuss what happened to their dad, or try to find out more?
Overall, this was a unique idea but just an OK read for me. More character development and less predictable twists would have given it more stars from my POV. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
On the good side, the way the island was described was really engaging- I am a sucker for abandoned places and the description of the island, the cottage, and even the resort that June visits were atmospheric; I was able to clearly picture them. I also thought that the alternating narrative between May and June was unique, and felt sad about May's desperation to connect with June.
Otherwise, I felt that the story was predictable- I had pretty much figured out what happened within the first quarter of the book, though it didn't play out exactly the way I thought it would. I also felt that the characters weren't well developed- I understood their close friendship and could picture their summers on the island when they are kids, but had no indication of what they were like in the 25+ years since then- the author drops some clues about June but never goes into any detail, and doesn't give us any info on May. Were they still best friends as adults? What did they do? Did they never discuss what happened to their dad, or try to find out more?
Overall, this was a unique idea but just an OK read for me. More character development and less predictable twists would have given it more stars from my POV. Thanks to Netgalley for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2021
This was a bizarre story told from the POV of a living sister and a dead one. Both coming to terms with their past and the mistakes and secrets of their parents. I wanted to like it more, and it may have just been me, but their were parts when I just wanted to be finished because it was just laying flat. However, I’m glad I finished it, even though I predicted what was coming. There are some triggers including death of parents, siblings, mental illness among them. The author did do a good jib of setting the scene in a creepy way.
Upon April’s death, she leaves the family summer home and island that her husband bought for them as a wedding gift, but that April and her daughters, June and May had never been back to since the night her father left. April had always told them that he had just walked off and left anyway, but after talking to some of the neighbors on the mainland, June realizes that there’s way more to the story and decides to look into it, all the while dealing with the loss of her mother, and even more recently, the death of her beloved sister, who she was extremely close to.
This was very atmospheric and hearing May’s voice from beyond the grave was a twist that you don’t see often, because May was there with June trying to put the pieces together.
Overall, this was a quick listen-only took me the morning. Worth it as well. My fav book of the year? No. But worth the listen nonetheless.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
Upon April’s death, she leaves the family summer home and island that her husband bought for them as a wedding gift, but that April and her daughters, June and May had never been back to since the night her father left. April had always told them that he had just walked off and left anyway, but after talking to some of the neighbors on the mainland, June realizes that there’s way more to the story and decides to look into it, all the while dealing with the loss of her mother, and even more recently, the death of her beloved sister, who she was extremely close to.
This was very atmospheric and hearing May’s voice from beyond the grave was a twist that you don’t see often, because May was there with June trying to put the pieces together.
Overall, this was a quick listen-only took me the morning. Worth it as well. My fav book of the year? No. But worth the listen nonetheless.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for this Arc in exchange for my review.
May 2, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Enjoyed this one! 👍🏻
PROS
-- Gorgeous cover. 👍🏻
-- Well written and very readable. 👍🏻
-- Intriguing plot that kept me turning the pages. 👍🏻
-- Atmospheric setting. 👍🏻
-- Interesting characters. 👍🏻
-- Satisfying ending. 👍🏻
CONS
-- Lacking a little in background information. 🤏🏻
-- June and Ezra needed more fleshing out. ✅
-- Although satisfying, the ending felt rushed with a lot of information thrown at us in a short amount of pages. 😵
-- Although I enjoyed the "ghost May" aspect of the book. I'm not sure the "ghost" aspect really added anything to the story. 🤔
**ARC Via NetGalley**
Enjoyed this one! 👍🏻
PROS
-- Gorgeous cover. 👍🏻
-- Well written and very readable. 👍🏻
-- Intriguing plot that kept me turning the pages. 👍🏻
-- Atmospheric setting. 👍🏻
-- Interesting characters. 👍🏻
-- Satisfying ending. 👍🏻
CONS
-- Lacking a little in background information. 🤏🏻
-- June and Ezra needed more fleshing out. ✅
-- Although satisfying, the ending felt rushed with a lot of information thrown at us in a short amount of pages. 😵
-- Although I enjoyed the "ghost May" aspect of the book. I'm not sure the "ghost" aspect really added anything to the story. 🤔
**ARC Via NetGalley**
August 9, 2021
Avril lsland is full of secrets and they are about to all come out in What You Never Knew by Jessica Hamilton. This debut started in a way I wasn't expecting at all and has a ghost aspect that I found very intriguing although I wouldn't call this a ghost story. I was sad that we didn't get much of alive May but when June travels to the island to the family cottage everyone thought was sold, weird things start to happen, and they entirely made up for losing May in the beginning. I was first drawn into this book because of the cover which is absolutely gorgeous, and it also ended up being very fitting for the story. The cottage on the island has somewhat of an eerie feel, and it makes for a very secluded setting even with other people living on the island. It was interesting to see how off June's memories of her childhood were compared to the things that actually happened. Hamilton slowly teases these memories out as the book goes on, and this was a slow-burn mystery that focuses mostly on family secrets and memory.
The audiobook for What You Never Knew was so good and narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen & Laura Jennings. I probably should have questioned going into it why there were 2 narrators when May is dead, but alas I didn't and got a fun surprise. Both of these ladies did a wonderful job with their narration, and I was so happy I choose to listen to the audio. They gave voice to both May and June, and I thought their voices fit perfectly with both the characters and the book in general. The mystery and secrets that come to light really surprised me, although the reveals at the end did get a little confusing and complicated for me. It took me a minute to figure out what was going on but when I did, I was very shocked indeed and wouldn't have guessed what was coming. I definitely shed a few tears during this one and loved the addition of sisterly bonds and family. Hamilton is clearly an author to watch and I am already looking forward to reading her next novel!
The audiobook for What You Never Knew was so good and narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen & Laura Jennings. I probably should have questioned going into it why there were 2 narrators when May is dead, but alas I didn't and got a fun surprise. Both of these ladies did a wonderful job with their narration, and I was so happy I choose to listen to the audio. They gave voice to both May and June, and I thought their voices fit perfectly with both the characters and the book in general. The mystery and secrets that come to light really surprised me, although the reveals at the end did get a little confusing and complicated for me. It took me a minute to figure out what was going on but when I did, I was very shocked indeed and wouldn't have guessed what was coming. I definitely shed a few tears during this one and loved the addition of sisterly bonds and family. Hamilton is clearly an author to watch and I am already looking forward to reading her next novel!
May 18, 2021
After remembering how much I loved the book The Lovely Bones, I could not wait to get my hands on this book! This is the author’s debut book so I can’t wait to see what she writes next. I really enjoyed this story and it kept me awake late at night. Highly recommend this one!
April 13, 2021
What You Never Knew by Jessica Hamilton is such a great family drama and mystery thriller! The eerie and isolated atmosphere truly makes the story which is phenomenally executed. This story is told from the perspective of two sisters; one living and one dead. Reading from the perspective of a ghost is really unique and adds a supernatural spookiness to the whole narrative.
A one hundred year old family cottage on a private island with acres of forest has been abandoned for decades. When tragedy strikes, reeling from the loss and attempting the grieve, the living daughter of the cottage owners revisits the long forgotten property, only to uncover a whole host of family secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen and Laura Jennings. This is a fast paced thriller with a lot of moving parts.
Only a couple things to criticize; I wish there had been more background and history on the sisters themselves in order to develop a deeper connection to them. And... how many times can someone forget to charge their phone, seriously?! This was a frequent plot catalyst that I found repetitive and frankly a bit annoying. Otherwise, this story was a great read/listen!
Thank you, NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jessica Hamilton for a copy of this audiobook for review!
A one hundred year old family cottage on a private island with acres of forest has been abandoned for decades. When tragedy strikes, reeling from the loss and attempting the grieve, the living daughter of the cottage owners revisits the long forgotten property, only to uncover a whole host of family secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen and Laura Jennings. This is a fast paced thriller with a lot of moving parts.
Only a couple things to criticize; I wish there had been more background and history on the sisters themselves in order to develop a deeper connection to them. And... how many times can someone forget to charge their phone, seriously?! This was a frequent plot catalyst that I found repetitive and frankly a bit annoying. Otherwise, this story was a great read/listen!
Thank you, NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jessica Hamilton for a copy of this audiobook for review!
June 11, 2021
“To what lengths would you go to protect your family, and what can you do if you’re no longer around?” Good book...and good question for the “ghost story junkie”. A story of love...loss... deep dark secrets...and whether it’s possible to ever truly escape your past; or who you are. It’s atmospheric...intriguing... and downright creepy at times. I was never sure May was actually in the house or if she was only real to June. In several chapters she was very present...others as only a constant memory. I learned this was a debut novel for Jessica Hamilton and I would have to say she has a winner. I’ll be looking for more by this author.
April 3, 2023
Check out the link to the spoiler discussion on my blog: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/wha...
What You Never Knew is a slow-burn mystery crossed with family drama, told from the perspective of June and her deceased sister May, who watches over June as she grieves. I'm a sucker for a home renovation setting, so I loved the atmosphere of this creepy abandoned island.
I'm not normally one for ghost stories, but I really like how it was done in this book. The ghost part was tasteful and believable, and served to provide another perspective rather than a cop-out explanation for why spooky things were happening.
I really felt for June. She has lost her mother and her sister, and is beginning to discover that her childhood was nothing like the way she remembered it. Her character had a lot of depth for a thriller, and this book explores grief in a very thoughtful way.
This audiobook was high quality and I enjoyed the narrator. It was easy to speed this one up, which I love since I prefer when the narrator speaks clearly enough for me to listen at 3x speed. This was a very enjoyable story to listen to while completing my mundane household chores!
What You Never Knew is a slow-burn mystery crossed with family drama, told from the perspective of June and her deceased sister May, who watches over June as she grieves. I'm a sucker for a home renovation setting, so I loved the atmosphere of this creepy abandoned island.
I'm not normally one for ghost stories, but I really like how it was done in this book. The ghost part was tasteful and believable, and served to provide another perspective rather than a cop-out explanation for why spooky things were happening.
I really felt for June. She has lost her mother and her sister, and is beginning to discover that her childhood was nothing like the way she remembered it. Her character had a lot of depth for a thriller, and this book explores grief in a very thoughtful way.
This audiobook was high quality and I enjoyed the narrator. It was easy to speed this one up, which I love since I prefer when the narrator speaks clearly enough for me to listen at 3x speed. This was a very enjoyable story to listen to while completing my mundane household chores!
February 14, 2023
2.5 stars
Was not a fan of the reveal. Also what was that ending?
Was not a fan of the reveal. Also what was that ending?
February 17, 2021
Reading this thriller, felt like being immersed in a beautiful general fiction novel. It came with clear character focus and had a very soothing - even meditative effect on me.
June has just lost her sister in a terrible car accident and has fallen into a state of depression. When she receives the news that long-forgotten childhood retreat Avril Island has been bequeathed to her, June decides to re-visit this island where the last event she remembers, is her father suddenly, disappearing overnight. Since that had happened, nobody from her family has returned to Avril Island ever again.
I loved the sensitivity with which June’s character was drawn, she felt like a real person coming with a mix of weakness & flaws but also, loveable sides. Her stay on Avril Island and the events that help her solve the mystery – the process which also, shapes and supports her to find a way out of the depression .. all this, has felt wonderfully calming.
But don’t be all smoothed in, because this story does contain a dark secret 😱 at its very core. And also a special second POV which I definitely, do not want to spoil.
What You Never Knew
by Jessica Hamilton
My Rating: 4 🌟 out of 5
Recommended as the perfect palate-cleanser particularly, to readers who want to get lost in an atmospheric novel with character focus.
I will keep looking for Jessica Hamilton's upcoming works 📖 Her ability to write a thriller in such a calming & sensitive way, has definitely left a mark.
June has just lost her sister in a terrible car accident and has fallen into a state of depression. When she receives the news that long-forgotten childhood retreat Avril Island has been bequeathed to her, June decides to re-visit this island where the last event she remembers, is her father suddenly, disappearing overnight. Since that had happened, nobody from her family has returned to Avril Island ever again.
I loved the sensitivity with which June’s character was drawn, she felt like a real person coming with a mix of weakness & flaws but also, loveable sides. Her stay on Avril Island and the events that help her solve the mystery – the process which also, shapes and supports her to find a way out of the depression .. all this, has felt wonderfully calming.
But don’t be all smoothed in, because this story does contain a dark secret 😱 at its very core. And also a special second POV which I definitely, do not want to spoil.
What You Never Knew
by Jessica Hamilton
My Rating: 4 🌟 out of 5
Recommended as the perfect palate-cleanser particularly, to readers who want to get lost in an atmospheric novel with character focus.
I will keep looking for Jessica Hamilton's upcoming works 📖 Her ability to write a thriller in such a calming & sensitive way, has definitely left a mark.
May 25, 2021
I enjoyed this one a lot. The book is told by two sisters, one of whom has just died. It slowly unfolds as the other goes back to her family's long-deserted island cabin. The end was a little implausible and unsatisfying, but I really enjoyed it as a whole. A fun read.
I read a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
I read a digital ARC of this book via NetGalley.
February 7, 2021
📷📷📷 (three stars as rated in cameras with the pesky habit of photographing stuff you'd rather no one else knew about)
I was given a free Advanced Reader Copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Alright, I thought this book was pretty fun. I'll admit, the story itself was fairly predictable. Still, it managed to throw a couple of curve balls at me near the end and I was pleasantly surprised by the "who-dun-it." The classic tropes of thrillers are tropes for a reason; because they work. So I can't really fault this book for relying on a lot of the old standards. The author did a good job of developing a creepy atmosphere and keeping me engaged. There were a few relationships that I wish had been better cleared up near the end, though. Regardless, this is almost exactly the kind of read I want with me on an airplane so if you're looking for an easy "beach read" sort of book, then this was a fairly good one.
Content warnings for this book: death of a parent, death of a sibling, divorce, depression, mental illness, harassment, death of an animal, toxic relationship with a parent, dysfunctional family, infidelity, attempted murder, kidnapping, general violence, missing persons
May 3, 2021
A good debut novel! The descriptive writing was excellent and I could really picture myself in each and every scene. I felt the story had some originality to which also made it a good book. Although, the characters were underdeveloped - explored - it made the twists good but lacked any concern or feelings as a reader to care about the outcome. I understand the idea behind the characters' names (April, May, and June), but made it difficult to tell who was who and remember who was who even with the chapter heading help. Especially when May and June's characters sounded identical - it would have worked well if it was a movie but doesn't translate well on paper. I do look forward to reading Ms. Hamilton's next novel.
May 21, 2021
RATING: 3.5 STARS
2021; Crooked Lane Books/Dreamscape Media
Narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen and Laura Jennings
I love the gorgeous cover of this book, and I have to say it works perfectly for the story. What You Never Know is a difficult book to describe genre-wise. It has a bit of mystery and domestic suspense elements but also dips into supernatural and even a bit of dark humour. The novel starts with May's death, which sucked as I was already getting attached. Trying to come to terms with her sister's death, and their mother's passing before that, June goes back to Averil Island, a place of haunting memories. I didn't click with June right away, and often found her exasperating, but I was also invested in the story. By the end, I was not sure I bought some of the storylines, but I am so glad I read it. As I read this one, it reminded me of Charlie Donalea's Summit Lake. This is Jessica Hamilton's first novel, and I think she did a grand job in giving this book a more gothic tone as it is haunted with grief and secrets. I am looking forward to more.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook and audiobook from the publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
2021; Crooked Lane Books/Dreamscape Media
Narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen and Laura Jennings
I love the gorgeous cover of this book, and I have to say it works perfectly for the story. What You Never Know is a difficult book to describe genre-wise. It has a bit of mystery and domestic suspense elements but also dips into supernatural and even a bit of dark humour. The novel starts with May's death, which sucked as I was already getting attached. Trying to come to terms with her sister's death, and their mother's passing before that, June goes back to Averil Island, a place of haunting memories. I didn't click with June right away, and often found her exasperating, but I was also invested in the story. By the end, I was not sure I bought some of the storylines, but I am so glad I read it. As I read this one, it reminded me of Charlie Donalea's Summit Lake. This is Jessica Hamilton's first novel, and I think she did a grand job in giving this book a more gothic tone as it is haunted with grief and secrets. I am looking forward to more.
***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook and audiobook from the publishers through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
June 16, 2021
“What You Never Knew” could be called what you briefly knew but then promptly forgot. I read this a couple months ago but then forgot about it so thoroughly that I did not remember to review it. I seem to recall an implausible romantic union with an unlikeable neighbor and a bunch of really wild plot points, but the descriptions of the island and weather were very nice. Overall, a pleasant enough read but I wasn’t left with any grand takeaways.
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