If You Don’t Tell

by Alana Sommers

In 1985, a ten-year-old girl and her mother vanished in the night without a trace. The mystery of their disappearance was never solved, and the case went cold. Twenty-five years later, a Sullivan's Island resident takes interest in the disappearance, and their story finally starts to unfold...all while the perfectly carved lives of three friends--Beth, Sarah, and Mary Ellen--become hopelessly enmeshed in secrets, lies, and regrets.

When you live in a small island town, you learn to keep secrets because your past never leaves you--but just because a town is small doesn't mean its secrets are too. Beth decides to Google her boyfriend only to discover that he has a dark, sad secret. Sarah witnesses her daughter cause a fatal car accident, and now she's faced with an impossible decision: Should she report the mistake that could ruin her child's life forever or take matters into her own hands? Mary Ellen discovers that the passenger in a fatal accident is connected to an unsolved missing person's case, but before she can tell anyone, she is rendered unconscious. The three friends are suddenly entangled in a frightening web of danger, mystery, and deceit. Then one night, it all ends in murder...



If You Don't Tell is a page-turning suspense novel full of twists, turns, and dark secrets, intricately spun in a compelling plot until the very last page.

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Mystery Thriller

238 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2022

Reviews

[Amanda G. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like it and the storyline was pretty good, but the characters didn’t feel real to me and a lot of the dialogue felt forced or awkward. The Charleston references were intended to be nice, and I had picked the book hoping for some solid references to my hometown... But the author is obviously not someone who grew up here or spent a lot of time in the area. The twist at the end was interesting but it was a real stretch to believe the characters would all just move on so quickly from the traumas they experienced.

[Jaida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story and all the unexpected twists. It’s a fun read with nice local landmark references to Charleston but clearly the author didn’t want murders happening at local businesses and kept those locations fiction. Well played. And it’s not a book about Charleston so the setting details were just enough to help move along the storyline and create character depth keeping it enjoyable for any local readers such as myself. I loved the fast pace, and the writing style it was a nice change from some of the other more dragged out detailed stories I’ve been reading lately. And as the story keeps going everything just explodes, making the ending half of the book impossible to put down until I finished it! Well done. And highly recommend!

[Andy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mind Blown!!!💥🧠 Loved every single page!!! The twists & turns will definitely have you needing to “sit up” from elevated blood pressure & anticipation. Awesome job Mrs. Alana Sommers!!! You perfectly nailed every character in their relatability in range of “life”, from everyday friendship to each’s crisis of conscience. Well done on every level!!! 10/10 ❤️❤️❤️ -Andy Anderson

[Amy S. Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in ONE day! I couldn’t put it down. Story of friendship, secrets, and murder. Add to it a disappearing twin who is later reunited, and wow!

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, this book is wild! Beth’s boyfriend, Bobby, had a tragic childhood. His mom and twin sister disappeared, and the case went cold. Beth shares this with her two best friends, Mary Ellen and Sarah, as she dives deeper into his past. As the book progresses, all three women come to have major secrets, and they are all connected. I love the plot and drama and how all the stories intertwine!

My critique is mostly with the writing and editing. I really have no business talking about the writing process, because what do I know? At the same time, it takes a lot for me to notice issues, and I did here. It almost felt like a rough draft that I would love to have someone rework to perfect. Maybe that’s rude, but I think it has so much potential!

⭐️RATING⭐️: I recommend this one to those looking for a quick and dirty suburban thriller. At ~240 pages with short chapters and alternating POV’s, it’s easy to whip through! (3.5⭐️)

Similar Vibes IMO:
- One of Us is Dead b Jeneva Rose
- Watching You by Lisa Jewell
- The Hunting Wives by May Cobb

[Amanda McQuillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not what you expected

Loved this book. Buckle up and get ready for a ride. I had the pleasure of meeting the author after reading this book, what a wonderful woman she is. Can't wait to see what she has in store for us next!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down, only did to sleep lol. I read this in less than 24 hours!

[Lesley-Anne Caporelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I did not expect the ending at all which is always a wonderful surprise. I typically figure out endings at least 3/4s of the way in. I live in the area and found the references fun because I could visualize the scenes.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Sara. Alana kept me wanting more. Amazing book.

[Laura Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book on Goodreads Give Aways. This was a very good story. I liked the way the author wrote. She got me interested form the beginning and I wanted to keep reading. The story moved along very quickly but toward the end the story seemed rushed and lacking some details. The book was not long so the ending could have been elaborated on. Beth, Mary Ellen and Sarah were friends. Mary Ellen and Sarah had been friend for 30 years. Mary Ellen and her husband are having financial problems due to him losing his job. Beth is single and dating Bobby who seems to be keeping secrets about his past and family from her. Sarah has 2 children and her husband travels a good bit but she is financially well off. Beth confides in her friends and when she learns Bobby has a twin sister that disappeared with his mother many years ago, they encourage her to find out more. Sarah's teenage daughter gets in trouble and while she is grounded she sneaks out of the house. There is an accident and Sarah is determined to keep what happened a secret. The story has twists, turns and surprises.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing and kept me reading. It follows three friends as navigate small town living and secrets between themselves and of other peoples secrets. This is also a mystery, and a good one at that. You follow the story of a child disappearance and realize that things are not what they seem. This book kept me on my toes and wanting to know more, so much so that I read this book within 24 hours. This book has 3, sometimes 5 points of views and the author does a good job at keeping you engaged with the story but not confused with so many point of views. 10/10 recommend this book.

[Kelly Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have absolutely speechless at how amazing this book is! I love the writing style of this author the way she separated each character and getting all sides of the stories. I deff did not see the end coming it was so freaking good! Like I can’t express enough that everyone should read this book, it’s deff a book that you can’t put down!

[Brittni Weatherly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely wonderful. It’s a somewhat short read. There are many twists and turns that flow together for the story to all come together. I really enjoyed the different pov between characters and seeing how they all came to realization of things on their own.
I believe the author done a wonderful job with this story, and I look forward to reading other books from her as well as she continues to grow as an author. Highly recommend.

[Alana · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love a good mystery and don’t have any plans(you’ll be too busy with anticipation),this book is for you. It is unputdownable! This was a shorter read and it was nice to have as I usually read books that is 350+ pages. I love that it’s based in Sullivan’s Island(one of my fave places). You get to know the characters and their lives so well, trying to figure out this huge mystery in the process. The twists are ones I did not see coming! That’s why I couldn’t put it down, it was so so good! The end was a huge surprise. All POV’s were amazing, well written, and detailed! @alana_sommers_ did amazing on this book, and I could totally see this in film! You all go check out this book. The author is the sweetest! I’m so thankful for my signed gifted copy she sent me!

[Tony Melendez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down. I loved the storyline and the way it builds around the characters. The short chapters were cool. The characters were so amazing. I loved how you delved into their lives and how the story weaved them into it. Highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for the next book from Alana Sommers!!

[Rob Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Pulled me in right from the beginning. Highly recommend!!!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW what an AMAZING book. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it. Definitely a must read!!!

[Chelsie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Couldn’t put it down! Definitely wasn’t expecting how it ended. If you want a book you really can’t put down then this is the book for you!!

[Hot Mess Book Lover · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very captivating! Alana Sommers had my attention the entire time. Things got extremely exciting, and the book became a real page-turner in part two.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun storyline! This one touched on how complicated a woman’s mind really is and intertwines love, lust , friendships, mystery, and so much more into the storyline to present a page turning finale! Fun, easy read for any traveling or staycation you may have! Author is genuinely thoughtful and talented!

[Guy R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book online and was intrigued to read it so I bought it. Turns out it was well worth the money! I really enjoyed the author's twists and turns. I see a budding new Author here that I cant wait to read her next book! I believe you will really enjoy this mystery novel!
Guy Phillips

[Shannon Grice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Excellent coastal thriller from a Charlestonian! Can't wait for the next one. Great first book. It was quite the page turner.

[Amanda Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother and her child go missing in 1985- the case is still unsolved. 25 years later, 3 friends- Sarah, Beth, and Mary Ellen become entangled in a web of deceit. Lots of twists and turns in this suspenseful mystery that takes you through to an emotional ending. Definitely recommend this book!

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun read!! It’s a fast pace, page-turner. And I didn’t want to put it down. I’m a Charleston native, so I also loved that this book’s setting is in the Lowcountry. Highly recommend!!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely take the time to write a review, but had to for this book. It was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm so glad he did. With all the twist and turns, and exceptional storytelling by this author, I couldn't stop reading! Also loved reading a book based in the Lowcountry in an area I grew up going to the beach :). If you're looking for your next suspenseful thriller, I highly recommended this book.

[Billie Walden · Rating 2 out of 5]

Book was interesting enough to hold my attention for the few hours it took to read, but I really didn’t like the characters-too paper-thin. Stupid and unrealistic behaviors.

[Ashley Gladden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, just felt a little rushed.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first part of this book was fast-paced and intriguing… And then I got to the second part and I was like “whoa!” because everything was happening! This is such a good story where I didn’t know what was coming next but everything tied together in the end. Don’t wait any longer, just click add to cart so you can read this book ASAP.

[Kalan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ooff. Well…as a pro - it was a quick read. Also happy to support a local author.

We picked this book for our book club because the author is local and we enjoy reading about Charleston.

Unfortunately, this book felt like someone that had seen Charleston on a map but has never been here before. The references were not real and did not make sense for our actual town (there are definitely not 15 story buildings on Sullivan’s Island…nor a pier. Why not use actual bars/restaurants/places to help locals and those that left feel an instant connection? Certainly not the biggest plot hole of the book, but just felt unnecessary to not be realistic with the setting.

As for the story line itself…seemed like it had the makings of something good, but just way too many eye-rolling coincidences and things that made no sense. One woman is barely hanging on financially yet can throw a $20k birthday party for her friend? What was the point of either of the husband characters? Authorities can pull out DNA from an accident but can’t tell what kind of car was in the accident? The d-bag from high school that no one has seen for 20 years is at the birthday party?! A note so special that Connie carries it with her for 20 years is just left in the floor of the bar? Odd amount of driving/car scenarios with no one around to witness.

I hope the Author has another shot at a novel and really leans into the actual place we live for inspiration!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

Lots of twists and turns. Couldn’t put it down!
Enjoyed writing style and aspects of Lowcountry living. Overall great book!