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No One Needs to Know
In July 1970, actress Elaina Styles was slain in her rented Seattle mansion along with her husband and their son's nanny. When the baby's remains were found buried in a shallow grave close to a hippie commune, police moved in—only to find all its members already dead in a grisly mass suicide. Now, decades later, a film about the murders is shooting at the mansion. On-set caterer Laurie Trotter ignores gossip that the production is cursed. But then people start dying . . . As Laurie digs deeper into what happened all those years ago, she discovers that the truth is more twisted than any whispered rumor, as a legacy of brutal vengeance reaches its terrifying climax.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published July 28, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
August 9, 2015
No One Needs To Know is a multi-layered and complex mystery thriller. Kevin O'Brien delivers an intense and suspenseful story.
I loved the beginning, I loved the ending, and once I had the many characters and intricate storyline figured out the middle was quite enjoyable too.
I loved this authors earlier novels and hope to re-read them again in the near future.
I loved the beginning, I loved the ending, and once I had the many characters and intricate storyline figured out the middle was quite enjoyable too.
I loved this authors earlier novels and hope to re-read them again in the near future.
December 28, 2015
2 1/2 stars
The title is misleading, for it seems everyone wants to know....
I found this book more than a little confusing and difficult to follow in places. This is my first Kevin O'Brien book, and I am not sure that I will bother with any others. There really was too much going on with the plot.
Laurie Trotter, caterer, mother of baby Joey, and widow of a deceased war hero, leaves town suddenly after being stalked by her ex-lovers brother.
She gets a job on a catering truck on a movie set where a film is being made about a massacre which happened many years previously. Cheryl, the woman she is working for, seems to have an ulterior motive for everything, including employing Laurie; and oh yes, did I mention her previous assistant had met with a suspicious death? Or that she has moved Laurie into the deceased woman's apartment? And that people around Cheryl keep dying?
All too much for me I'm afraid.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the gift of a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The title is misleading, for it seems everyone wants to know....
I found this book more than a little confusing and difficult to follow in places. This is my first Kevin O'Brien book, and I am not sure that I will bother with any others. There really was too much going on with the plot.
Laurie Trotter, caterer, mother of baby Joey, and widow of a deceased war hero, leaves town suddenly after being stalked by her ex-lovers brother.
She gets a job on a catering truck on a movie set where a film is being made about a massacre which happened many years previously. Cheryl, the woman she is working for, seems to have an ulterior motive for everything, including employing Laurie; and oh yes, did I mention her previous assistant had met with a suspicious death? Or that she has moved Laurie into the deceased woman's apartment? And that people around Cheryl keep dying?
All too much for me I'm afraid.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the gift of a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 1, 2015
Caterer Laurie Trotter has a stalker. She takes her small son and leaves literally in the middle of the night. Now in a new city and feeling safer, she goes to work catering a movie set based on a true life murder that happened in 1970. The movie set seems besieged with problems one right after the other and thinks these problems are tied to the original murder. When she starts sniffing around for the truth, she finds herself in more danger.
This is not the first Kevin O'Brien book I have read, but it was a bit of a disappointment. After a slow start, it got a little muddled and a little difficult to follow. Dealing in minute detail felt that this should have been 2 books ... one on the original murder and then present day. And I really hate to say it, but there were spots that actually bored me.
I liked the character of Laurie. A war widow with a young son to support shows her strength and willingness to do what she needs to do in order to survive. I think a better story would have started with her marriage and then onto the stalker.
I gave it a 3.5 because some of it was very good, but not enough of those moments.
My thanks to NetGalley / Kensington Books for furnishing a copy of this book in enchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
This is not the first Kevin O'Brien book I have read, but it was a bit of a disappointment. After a slow start, it got a little muddled and a little difficult to follow. Dealing in minute detail felt that this should have been 2 books ... one on the original murder and then present day. And I really hate to say it, but there were spots that actually bored me.
I liked the character of Laurie. A war widow with a young son to support shows her strength and willingness to do what she needs to do in order to survive. I think a better story would have started with her marriage and then onto the stalker.
I gave it a 3.5 because some of it was very good, but not enough of those moments.
My thanks to NetGalley / Kensington Books for furnishing a copy of this book in enchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
September 24, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! I can't wait to read another book by this author. He is so descriptive and the characters are vividly drawn and you care what happens to them. I especially liked the fact that the story took place in Seattle and I knew many of the places he referred to because I have been there. The story is suspenseful and clever. I was not able to guess the ending. If you like well written thrillers you should rush out and find this one!
August 1, 2015
Laurie is the main character in this book for me.
She has a baby named Joey.
White her husband was away she had a 'fling' with Tad.
Tad is trouble.
His brother is even worse
Laurie works in a diner.
Tad always thought that Joey was his son from the 'fling' they had, but hes not and Tad won't take that information in and makes life hard for Laurie. Even though she confessed to her husband and a DNA test proved Tad was not the Father.
When her husband dies, she is confronted one night near closing time and all alone in the diner by Tads brother Ryder.
Things are not good.
Laurie loves her job and her baking. But things are getting scary for her and her son Joey.
Its time for Laurie to relocate.
Now this is where it gets very very VERY interesting because past events have some bearing on what is going to happen once Laurie takes a job in another place, working for Cheryl.
There is going to be a film crew and this diner is going to be the place to feed the actors.
Laurie doesn't want to be seen, she doesn't want to be discovered. But with film cameras around there comes News media.
In the blurb it says:
A SECRET WORTH KILLING FOR…
In July 1970, actress Elaina Styles was slain in her rented Seattle mansion along with her husband and their son's nanny. When the baby's remains were found buried in a shallow grave close to a hippie commune, police moved in—only to find all its members already dead in a grisly mass suicide
There are a lot of consequences that happen which make you ponder so many times.
Its exciting.
My thoughts
This is a very "busy" book with a lot going on. You never get confused, you just get more and more intrigued. You end up glued to the pages.
At the end we see all the events piece together. Its a climatic read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I would like to thank the author for this great thriller. And also to Kensington Books via Net Galley for my copy
I would most definitely recommend this if you like fast paced thrillers.
She has a baby named Joey.
White her husband was away she had a 'fling' with Tad.
Tad is trouble.
His brother is even worse
Laurie works in a diner.
Tad always thought that Joey was his son from the 'fling' they had, but hes not and Tad won't take that information in and makes life hard for Laurie. Even though she confessed to her husband and a DNA test proved Tad was not the Father.
When her husband dies, she is confronted one night near closing time and all alone in the diner by Tads brother Ryder.
Things are not good.
Laurie loves her job and her baking. But things are getting scary for her and her son Joey.
Its time for Laurie to relocate.
Now this is where it gets very very VERY interesting because past events have some bearing on what is going to happen once Laurie takes a job in another place, working for Cheryl.
There is going to be a film crew and this diner is going to be the place to feed the actors.
Laurie doesn't want to be seen, she doesn't want to be discovered. But with film cameras around there comes News media.
In the blurb it says:
A SECRET WORTH KILLING FOR…
In July 1970, actress Elaina Styles was slain in her rented Seattle mansion along with her husband and their son's nanny. When the baby's remains were found buried in a shallow grave close to a hippie commune, police moved in—only to find all its members already dead in a grisly mass suicide
There are a lot of consequences that happen which make you ponder so many times.
Its exciting.
My thoughts
This is a very "busy" book with a lot going on. You never get confused, you just get more and more intrigued. You end up glued to the pages.
At the end we see all the events piece together. Its a climatic read which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I would like to thank the author for this great thriller. And also to Kensington Books via Net Galley for my copy
I would most definitely recommend this if you like fast paced thrillers.
June 11, 2015
Last summer, I read "Tell me you're sorry" by this author and it was fantastic, so I was very excited to receive an ARC copy of his newest book.
This thriller had a few things going on at once. We first meet Laurie and are brought into her life in Ellensburg. She's a widow raising her son Joey, but is being stalked by a former boyfriend and his crazy brother. They both insist that Joey is her ex boyfriend's, regardless of all proof to the contrary. She decides to quietly relocate and begins a new life in Seattle. But this isn't the fresh start that Laurie imagines. She becomes caught up in a web of mystery as she begins her new job catering with another woman, Cheryl, on a movie site of an enactment of a famous 44 year old murder case. Soon, Laurie's new life takes on a sinister slant of its own. Are the things happening related to her old life or her new one?
As I found with the other novel I read last summer, you just don't want to put Kevin O'Brien's books down. Both were over 400 pages, but still fast paced. He doesn't give anything away and I was constantly guessing who did what, and trying to figure things out. This author is a master at writing thrilling mysteries that are worth the ride.
Thank you net galley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this book.
This thriller had a few things going on at once. We first meet Laurie and are brought into her life in Ellensburg. She's a widow raising her son Joey, but is being stalked by a former boyfriend and his crazy brother. They both insist that Joey is her ex boyfriend's, regardless of all proof to the contrary. She decides to quietly relocate and begins a new life in Seattle. But this isn't the fresh start that Laurie imagines. She becomes caught up in a web of mystery as she begins her new job catering with another woman, Cheryl, on a movie site of an enactment of a famous 44 year old murder case. Soon, Laurie's new life takes on a sinister slant of its own. Are the things happening related to her old life or her new one?
As I found with the other novel I read last summer, you just don't want to put Kevin O'Brien's books down. Both were over 400 pages, but still fast paced. He doesn't give anything away and I was constantly guessing who did what, and trying to figure things out. This author is a master at writing thrilling mysteries that are worth the ride.
Thank you net galley and Kensington for the opportunity to read this book.
October 3, 2018
NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW
Written by Kevin O'Brien
2015, 419 Pages
Genre: mystery, suspense, thriller
Rating: ★★★
The first book I finished for August 2015 turned out to be a bit disappointing. No One Needs to Know is a suspense thriller written by Seattle writer Kevin O’Brien. The premise of the novel was right up my alley, but the execution of the plot fell a bit flat.
First, we meet Laurie Trotter – a widowed single mother working as a cook/waitress at the local diner, has a stalker. Not just any stalker, but the man who she had a brief fling with 2 years ago, while her husband was off fighting for his family and country. To escape the situation she moves to Seattle and manages to get a catering job with Cheryl. Cheryl, meantime, has lost her former employee to an explosion of her food truck that was really not an accident. Insert a hitwoman, cult leader and a very large set of secondary characters that don’t always fit in the plot. Oh, and did I mention the Holbrooks? They come later and I’m still wondering about them.
In the 1970s an actress, her musician husband, son and nanny are brutally murdered by a cult that later commits mass suicide. (Nope, not the Manson Family.) Now, some 40 years later a writer puts out a screenplay about the “truth” behind the murders that will “blow the lid off” everything! The movie, like many other horror films, is fraught with bad luck and Laurie is starting to believe she may have put herself, and young son, further in danger.
I don’t think this was a horrible book but it seemed to lack a bit cohesion and ran on a bit too long. We are given so many suspects and red herrings that when we get to the climax we already have it figured out. Too many characters, story lines and uneven pacing often had me putting down the book to try and figure out what’s happening (and so I lost a bit of the scary thriller and edge of your seat suspense feeling). I just felt by 2/3 of the book I didn’t care as there was too much going on but enough loose ties beginning to come together. I do like what O’Brien was trying to do (cold case mystery tying in with the present) and enjoyed parts of the novel where he was able to create suspense.
Honestly, for great West Coast (USA) suspense I would recommend a Rick Mofina novel.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
Written by Kevin O'Brien
2015, 419 Pages
Genre: mystery, suspense, thriller
Rating: ★★★
The first book I finished for August 2015 turned out to be a bit disappointing. No One Needs to Know is a suspense thriller written by Seattle writer Kevin O’Brien. The premise of the novel was right up my alley, but the execution of the plot fell a bit flat.
First, we meet Laurie Trotter – a widowed single mother working as a cook/waitress at the local diner, has a stalker. Not just any stalker, but the man who she had a brief fling with 2 years ago, while her husband was off fighting for his family and country. To escape the situation she moves to Seattle and manages to get a catering job with Cheryl. Cheryl, meantime, has lost her former employee to an explosion of her food truck that was really not an accident. Insert a hitwoman, cult leader and a very large set of secondary characters that don’t always fit in the plot. Oh, and did I mention the Holbrooks? They come later and I’m still wondering about them.
In the 1970s an actress, her musician husband, son and nanny are brutally murdered by a cult that later commits mass suicide. (Nope, not the Manson Family.) Now, some 40 years later a writer puts out a screenplay about the “truth” behind the murders that will “blow the lid off” everything! The movie, like many other horror films, is fraught with bad luck and Laurie is starting to believe she may have put herself, and young son, further in danger.
I don’t think this was a horrible book but it seemed to lack a bit cohesion and ran on a bit too long. We are given so many suspects and red herrings that when we get to the climax we already have it figured out. Too many characters, story lines and uneven pacing often had me putting down the book to try and figure out what’s happening (and so I lost a bit of the scary thriller and edge of your seat suspense feeling). I just felt by 2/3 of the book I didn’t care as there was too much going on but enough loose ties beginning to come together. I do like what O’Brien was trying to do (cold case mystery tying in with the present) and enjoyed parts of the novel where he was able to create suspense.
Honestly, for great West Coast (USA) suspense I would recommend a Rick Mofina novel.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Life
July 29, 2015
I loved this book! I have never read this author before and if I were to believe the reviews that this was his worst book, I cannot wait to read the next. This book had me at Chapter One. There was so much going on in this book. I found myself yelling at the characters so many times. Telling them "no, don't do that!". Or whatever I needed to yell to help them.
Of course, the take off the Manson murders led me to want to read this book. It's like a car wreck, I have to see what happened! Ha! This book is full of murder, lies, secrets, deceptions, idiots - that would be Tad and Ryder, movie star glamour, love, second chances, family, food trucks and salt. It definitely kept me riveted and I sped through it. Unfortunately, I did fall asleep around 4:30 in the morning, but it was the first thing I picked up when I woke up. I only had two more hours to go, I couldn't wait. This is one that will stay with me for a long time. I definitely recommend it!
I am so glad I requested and that Kensington Books and Net Galley approved me to read and review this book. It was seriously good.
Of course, the take off the Manson murders led me to want to read this book. It's like a car wreck, I have to see what happened! Ha! This book is full of murder, lies, secrets, deceptions, idiots - that would be Tad and Ryder, movie star glamour, love, second chances, family, food trucks and salt. It definitely kept me riveted and I sped through it. Unfortunately, I did fall asleep around 4:30 in the morning, but it was the first thing I picked up when I woke up. I only had two more hours to go, I couldn't wait. This is one that will stay with me for a long time. I definitely recommend it!
I am so glad I requested and that Kensington Books and Net Galley approved me to read and review this book. It was seriously good.
July 29, 2015
A special thank you to Kensington, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Kevin O’Brien returns with an intense complex mystery thriller with multiple crimes, NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW. The author delivers twists and turns, keeping you glued to the pages, as he seamlessly weaves the past and present for a fast-paced gripping thriller!
Set in Washington, as the book opens, we meet Laurie, a trained chef working at an isolated Superstar Diner. A graduate of Central Washington University, she had been married briefly to the star player on the football team, before he joined the army and been sent overseas. Before she wound up here, she traveled to Paris and studied with master chef and living in a tiny expensive studio with a view of the Eiffel Tower. She and Brian got together on the weekends, while they explored Europe.
Brian had at least gotten to see his infant son, Joey before dying a hero five months earlier. With some recent robbers in the area, she was not wild about working late nights. However, when a man comes in stating she whored around while her hero-husband got shot in Afghanistan. The man said she had everyone fooled and she was just a fraud. Someone was after her and she wanted to protect her son and get away from her past.
She then realizes the guy, Tad (her worst mistake), she slept with a few times while her husband was fighting in Afghanistan (in one of her weaker moments) is stalking her along with his sociopath brother, Ryder. They knew where she lived, and where she worked. Now what? She has to get out of town and away from these stalkers. However, before she can a string of events happen making her move more urgent. Can she ever get away from this family of crazies?
However, she has no clue what she is stepping into when she makes the move to Seattle. Next we meet Cheryl Wheeler, the owner of Grill Girl, a popular Seattle food truck recently profiled on the FoodNetwork. Her boss did not know this, but for the last two months, Laurie had been sending her desserts to various Seattle and Portland restaurateurs, in hopes of getting hired—and getting out of Ellensburg.
Little does she realize, someone is after Cheryl --her former partner, Maureen was murdered (food truck explosion) and now Laurie is living in her former Hacienda apartment, plus another victim in a years ago murder. Laurie is excited to be working with Cheryl, food, and her passion. However, seems everyone has a past and secrets, running from something or someone. Cheryl also has strange requests from Laurie--she wants to connect with Laurie's Godfather, Gill Garrett a film producer, and get into Evergreen Manor? Can she trust Cheryl, as she seems to know a lot about the long ago murder, and how is she involved?
In addition to the mystery surrounding these two gals, there was a murder back on July 7, 1970, an actress, Elaina Styles, along with her husband and son’s nanny. Now, decades (forty-four years) later, there is a film about the murders and the shooting at the Seattle mansion. The stories all connect, when Laurie and Cheryl are caterers for the production set. Caught up in a web of deceit and mystery, a copycat killer-- people start dying, Laurie is afraid for her life and for her young son, while digging into the events years ago. Is Laurie part of Cheryl’s plan for revenge? The movie brings back old resolved issues and the real killer has something to hide—who is the real killer?
A multi-layered chilling complex mystery thriller with secrets of the past. As always Kevin O’Brien delivers suspense and intensity for a haunting tale. Loved the tie in with the movie aspects of the seventies with twists and turns around every corner, keeping you guessing. There is a past and someone knows the truth for a whodunit mystery with lots of surprises. Readers will enjoy the one at the end as all the characters connect.
My son was born on 7/7/75 (not 70); however, gave me the chills, none the less. In addition to the e-book, I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Jonathan Yen with a wide variety of voices for its multiple characters. Well-done!
JDCMustReadBooks
Kevin O’Brien returns with an intense complex mystery thriller with multiple crimes, NO ONE NEEDS TO KNOW. The author delivers twists and turns, keeping you glued to the pages, as he seamlessly weaves the past and present for a fast-paced gripping thriller!
Set in Washington, as the book opens, we meet Laurie, a trained chef working at an isolated Superstar Diner. A graduate of Central Washington University, she had been married briefly to the star player on the football team, before he joined the army and been sent overseas. Before she wound up here, she traveled to Paris and studied with master chef and living in a tiny expensive studio with a view of the Eiffel Tower. She and Brian got together on the weekends, while they explored Europe.
Brian had at least gotten to see his infant son, Joey before dying a hero five months earlier. With some recent robbers in the area, she was not wild about working late nights. However, when a man comes in stating she whored around while her hero-husband got shot in Afghanistan. The man said she had everyone fooled and she was just a fraud. Someone was after her and she wanted to protect her son and get away from her past.
She then realizes the guy, Tad (her worst mistake), she slept with a few times while her husband was fighting in Afghanistan (in one of her weaker moments) is stalking her along with his sociopath brother, Ryder. They knew where she lived, and where she worked. Now what? She has to get out of town and away from these stalkers. However, before she can a string of events happen making her move more urgent. Can she ever get away from this family of crazies?
However, she has no clue what she is stepping into when she makes the move to Seattle. Next we meet Cheryl Wheeler, the owner of Grill Girl, a popular Seattle food truck recently profiled on the FoodNetwork. Her boss did not know this, but for the last two months, Laurie had been sending her desserts to various Seattle and Portland restaurateurs, in hopes of getting hired—and getting out of Ellensburg.
Little does she realize, someone is after Cheryl --her former partner, Maureen was murdered (food truck explosion) and now Laurie is living in her former Hacienda apartment, plus another victim in a years ago murder. Laurie is excited to be working with Cheryl, food, and her passion. However, seems everyone has a past and secrets, running from something or someone. Cheryl also has strange requests from Laurie--she wants to connect with Laurie's Godfather, Gill Garrett a film producer, and get into Evergreen Manor? Can she trust Cheryl, as she seems to know a lot about the long ago murder, and how is she involved?
In addition to the mystery surrounding these two gals, there was a murder back on July 7, 1970, an actress, Elaina Styles, along with her husband and son’s nanny. Now, decades (forty-four years) later, there is a film about the murders and the shooting at the Seattle mansion. The stories all connect, when Laurie and Cheryl are caterers for the production set. Caught up in a web of deceit and mystery, a copycat killer-- people start dying, Laurie is afraid for her life and for her young son, while digging into the events years ago. Is Laurie part of Cheryl’s plan for revenge? The movie brings back old resolved issues and the real killer has something to hide—who is the real killer?
A multi-layered chilling complex mystery thriller with secrets of the past. As always Kevin O’Brien delivers suspense and intensity for a haunting tale. Loved the tie in with the movie aspects of the seventies with twists and turns around every corner, keeping you guessing. There is a past and someone knows the truth for a whodunit mystery with lots of surprises. Readers will enjoy the one at the end as all the characters connect.
My son was born on 7/7/75 (not 70); however, gave me the chills, none the less. In addition to the e-book, I also purchased the audiobook, narrated by Jonathan Yen with a wide variety of voices for its multiple characters. Well-done!
JDCMustReadBooks
July 27, 2015
There's a new movie in production. It focuses on a 44 year old solved multiple murder and promises to uncover new startling information. When a few of those involved with the movie have "accidents" people start thinking it is cursed. Can the new production really be cursed or is it more simply that someone doesn't want this new information coming to light? Is there more to the murders than was uncovered at the time?
Laurie has escaped her previous life and stalker and relocated to Seattle to work with Cheryl whose previous employee has just died in what appears to be an accident. When they set up their catering van on the set of the movie, Cheryl starts to act odd and what follows next is a twisty, turny convoluted journey to discover the truth of what happened.
I found the plot to be a tad convoluted in parts, occasionally I had to revisit previously read parts to try and keep up. Probably more to do with my levels of concentration rather than the author's fault but it did take me away from the plot at times and had me in a bit of a pickle a couple of times!
I found the characters to be sometimes a bit contradictory but after reading more of the book, it became evident that that was what was intended. I think my issue was more to do with the sheer quantity of such characters in this book, more than on average anyway!
The pacing was a little jumpy too, there were times that it all happened fast and then others where it was a little slow for me. Again, now I have finished the book, I realise why but during the book, I found it sometimes a little hard to keep going. That said, the final part of the book raced by and I had to rein myself in so I didn't miss any!
I get why we needed the Laurie stalker/relocation story but at times couldn't help thinking that it was intruding into the main murder mystery. I can't see what could change, I am no writer myself, I just know that for me it was sometimes just a little too much.
With all the above reservations, I did finish the book and although I was satisfied with the outcome I can't help thinking it was somewhat a little too neat and contrived given all the convolution that proceeded.
Would I read another by this author? Yes I probably would, but I would do it with reservations.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Laurie has escaped her previous life and stalker and relocated to Seattle to work with Cheryl whose previous employee has just died in what appears to be an accident. When they set up their catering van on the set of the movie, Cheryl starts to act odd and what follows next is a twisty, turny convoluted journey to discover the truth of what happened.
I found the plot to be a tad convoluted in parts, occasionally I had to revisit previously read parts to try and keep up. Probably more to do with my levels of concentration rather than the author's fault but it did take me away from the plot at times and had me in a bit of a pickle a couple of times!
I found the characters to be sometimes a bit contradictory but after reading more of the book, it became evident that that was what was intended. I think my issue was more to do with the sheer quantity of such characters in this book, more than on average anyway!
The pacing was a little jumpy too, there were times that it all happened fast and then others where it was a little slow for me. Again, now I have finished the book, I realise why but during the book, I found it sometimes a little hard to keep going. That said, the final part of the book raced by and I had to rein myself in so I didn't miss any!
I get why we needed the Laurie stalker/relocation story but at times couldn't help thinking that it was intruding into the main murder mystery. I can't see what could change, I am no writer myself, I just know that for me it was sometimes just a little too much.
With all the above reservations, I did finish the book and although I was satisfied with the outcome I can't help thinking it was somewhat a little too neat and contrived given all the convolution that proceeded.
Would I read another by this author? Yes I probably would, but I would do it with reservations.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2021
First I have to address some of the reviews I've read here that contain complaints that this book has too much plot. Seriously?! With so many mystery/thrillers that have chase/romance/escape filler to disguise the fact that there is hardly any plot, I found the many complex and disparate threads that wove into one final tapestry exceptionally well written. I've decided Mr. O'Brien must have written this from the end backwards. There are so many plot lines that eventually feed into each other it was astonishing to me. And, though I hadn't figured out the denouement, I had to admit all the clues and arrows were pointing there and readily available to somebody more quick-witted than I!
Now, how disparate are those threads? The book is about a 30 year old Manson-like thrill killing spree and a contemporary copy cat killing. And there is a film being made of the original gruesome crime that has been plagued by disasters, including deaths, of the people involved in the making of it. So why disparate? Because the protagonist and main character in the book is young mother/widow of a war hero who works as a cook in a gourmet diner and is being stalked by her ex-lover. And she has absolutely nothing to do with the film, the original murders or the copy-cat murders. How is that for out of left field? LOL
I loved this book. I enjoyed every page. The characters are vivid and sharply drawn. The plot is complex and smart. The dialogue is believable and each character has a voice of their own. And I enjoyed that it was about Hollywood film and celebrities and nostalgia - but takes completely in Washington state. I found the whole thing refreshingly original. This is one of my rare 5 star reviews! I think it's about as close to perfect as a murder mystery gets!
Now, how disparate are those threads? The book is about a 30 year old Manson-like thrill killing spree and a contemporary copy cat killing. And there is a film being made of the original gruesome crime that has been plagued by disasters, including deaths, of the people involved in the making of it. So why disparate? Because the protagonist and main character in the book is young mother/widow of a war hero who works as a cook in a gourmet diner and is being stalked by her ex-lover. And she has absolutely nothing to do with the film, the original murders or the copy-cat murders. How is that for out of left field? LOL
I loved this book. I enjoyed every page. The characters are vivid and sharply drawn. The plot is complex and smart. The dialogue is believable and each character has a voice of their own. And I enjoyed that it was about Hollywood film and celebrities and nostalgia - but takes completely in Washington state. I found the whole thing refreshingly original. This is one of my rare 5 star reviews! I think it's about as close to perfect as a murder mystery gets!
July 8, 2015
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Kensington Books!
Laurie is a young war widow with a bad stalker on her trail. Cheryl has a food truck and many secrets. When they both collide, a cold case from the past will mess up their lives. I really liked the plot, mixing the old murder of a movie star by a cult leader (á la Charles Manson) and new crimes to cover it up. There were twists that I didn't see coming. My issue with this book is that I found it a little too long, and that the characters sometimes do really stupid things. Why won't Laurie get a dog, the best burglar alarm there could possibly be? I really liked Cheryl just because she's smart (even if she can be wrong). I enjoyed No One Needs To Know, and I was looking forward to unraveling the mystery.
Laurie is a young war widow with a bad stalker on her trail. Cheryl has a food truck and many secrets. When they both collide, a cold case from the past will mess up their lives. I really liked the plot, mixing the old murder of a movie star by a cult leader (á la Charles Manson) and new crimes to cover it up. There were twists that I didn't see coming. My issue with this book is that I found it a little too long, and that the characters sometimes do really stupid things. Why won't Laurie get a dog, the best burglar alarm there could possibly be? I really liked Cheryl just because she's smart (even if she can be wrong). I enjoyed No One Needs To Know, and I was looking forward to unraveling the mystery.
August 19, 2015
Oh my oh my oh my. I am struggling with a star rating on this one.
Why is it so hard to decide how much I liked this book?
Because it felt like I was reading TWO DIFFERENT BOOKS!
I loved the cult/murder thing..... Love it! I love a good thriller and a good mystery and hell, when you read books like this you better love murder.... That being said I still feel like a few too many people died in this book. Two many killers in too many places and just too damn much going on!
The Laurie/stalker plot? I believed could have been skipped completely. She could have had the same back story(minus cheating on her husband who was serving our country) and I think she would have been more like able and believable. I didn't believe this terrified woman would do the things in this book that Laurie does. Taking a job at a movie set with cameras and reporters and press everywhere? No. Trying to solve a mystery while more people are getting killed everyday? No. Leaving your small son for even one second with the door open, knowing someone is after him? No. I just flat out did not like this character at all. I realized about 400 pages in, that none of the characters leave a lasting impression. I couldn't even tell you their descriptions and to me they were all faceless and blurry and not well thought out......
On a different note, I did like Adam as a whole. And Dino and Duncan..... It seems the guy characters were better than the girls I guess.
Too many coincidences for me. She gets stalked and coincidentally ends up in a cult mystery surrounding her very own godfather. Coincidentally every single person in this book collided in an unbelievable way. With the exception of Ryder the redneck cult leader stalker of Laurie's. He basically has no point in the book.
Like I said it's hard for me.
As for the murder/cult/movie/ plot, I really, really and truly did enjoy it. It kept me interested and on edge waiting for the thing to happen and trying to figure it out.
As for the stalker and all that, thumbs way down. It was distracting to the best part of the story and completely unnecessary and unbelievable.
The writing was really good but could have been a bit more descriptive of the characters and less of the landscaping and vintage furniture. Also a little humor never hurts. On a whole it was a decent book. It makes me sad because I believe it could have been great with a different editor.......
Why is it so hard to decide how much I liked this book?
Because it felt like I was reading TWO DIFFERENT BOOKS!
I loved the cult/murder thing..... Love it! I love a good thriller and a good mystery and hell, when you read books like this you better love murder.... That being said I still feel like a few too many people died in this book. Two many killers in too many places and just too damn much going on!
The Laurie/stalker plot? I believed could have been skipped completely. She could have had the same back story(minus cheating on her husband who was serving our country) and I think she would have been more like able and believable. I didn't believe this terrified woman would do the things in this book that Laurie does. Taking a job at a movie set with cameras and reporters and press everywhere? No. Trying to solve a mystery while more people are getting killed everyday? No. Leaving your small son for even one second with the door open, knowing someone is after him? No. I just flat out did not like this character at all. I realized about 400 pages in, that none of the characters leave a lasting impression. I couldn't even tell you their descriptions and to me they were all faceless and blurry and not well thought out......
On a different note, I did like Adam as a whole. And Dino and Duncan..... It seems the guy characters were better than the girls I guess.
Too many coincidences for me. She gets stalked and coincidentally ends up in a cult mystery surrounding her very own godfather. Coincidentally every single person in this book collided in an unbelievable way. With the exception of Ryder the redneck cult leader stalker of Laurie's. He basically has no point in the book.
Like I said it's hard for me.
As for the murder/cult/movie/ plot, I really, really and truly did enjoy it. It kept me interested and on edge waiting for the thing to happen and trying to figure it out.
As for the stalker and all that, thumbs way down. It was distracting to the best part of the story and completely unnecessary and unbelievable.
The writing was really good but could have been a bit more descriptive of the characters and less of the landscaping and vintage furniture. Also a little humor never hurts. On a whole it was a decent book. It makes me sad because I believe it could have been great with a different editor.......
August 1, 2015
My View:
The Pros – Scarily atmospheric – the sense of impeding violence and bullying was real and pulse raising. The night I read this I was home alone, well almost alone, I had two dogs with me, if not for their company and protection if need be, I would have stopped reading this book and left it for the daylight hours…in places this was creepy.
The intro was superb providing a great emotional hook – a mothers worst fear…
The Cons – This narrative was complicated with back stories that became precursors to main events, at times it felt like this was three stories badly meshing together trying to flow as one. I don’t think my understanding of the multiple plot lines was assisted by reading this book in a pdf format on my ereader. I usually enlarge the font when I reading a novel on my ereader – this seems to then through all the page breaks/chapter breaks out the window and I think this lead to confusion on more than one occasion – where for example I was hearing the voice/story of one character and the next line was immediately in the view point of someone else – without a pause or obvious or break, very confusing…I found myself re reading pages often trying to work out what was happening. I also thought the narrative could have been more effective told with fewer words. I also had trouble suspending my disbelief on a few occasions.
Overall – I think if I had read this narrative in the shape of a physical book my understanding and therefore my enjoyment of the complex plot would have been greater. Kevin O’Brien excels in creating spooky atmosphere and psychological suspense and tension.
The Pros – Scarily atmospheric – the sense of impeding violence and bullying was real and pulse raising. The night I read this I was home alone, well almost alone, I had two dogs with me, if not for their company and protection if need be, I would have stopped reading this book and left it for the daylight hours…in places this was creepy.
The intro was superb providing a great emotional hook – a mothers worst fear…
The Cons – This narrative was complicated with back stories that became precursors to main events, at times it felt like this was three stories badly meshing together trying to flow as one. I don’t think my understanding of the multiple plot lines was assisted by reading this book in a pdf format on my ereader. I usually enlarge the font when I reading a novel on my ereader – this seems to then through all the page breaks/chapter breaks out the window and I think this lead to confusion on more than one occasion – where for example I was hearing the voice/story of one character and the next line was immediately in the view point of someone else – without a pause or obvious or break, very confusing…I found myself re reading pages often trying to work out what was happening. I also thought the narrative could have been more effective told with fewer words. I also had trouble suspending my disbelief on a few occasions.
Overall – I think if I had read this narrative in the shape of a physical book my understanding and therefore my enjoyment of the complex plot would have been greater. Kevin O’Brien excels in creating spooky atmosphere and psychological suspense and tension.
February 17, 2016
No One Needs To Know by Kevin O'Brien is a five star read, start to finish. It is the first book I have read by this author but I just added all of his books to my wish list. He is a masterful story teller. While the story line kept me guessing moment to moment, the characters are well written & believable.
It gave me a sleepless night because I kept telling myself: Just one more chapter. The suspense was intriguing. Now I've got a book hangover. That's the best recommendation I can give a book.
The main character Laurie was being stalked by the brother of the man she had a brief fling with while her husband served in Afghanistan. She contacted the police.
"The local police had already had several brushes with Ryder McBride. 'Him & his gang on that farm off Highway 97 have been a major thorn in my side,' Don Eberhard had said earlier, switching off the tape recorder on his desk for a moment. 'McBride's been arrested several times--& each time's he walked. We couldn't make any of the charges stick. The scumbag's as slippery as a greased flag pole.'"
There were brief moments of confusion that arose toward the end of the book when the same woman was described but without the clarity that they were aliases. With continued reading, the meaning became clear & it did not detract from the book as a whole.
If you enjoy suspense-filled thrillers, I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank the author, Kensington Books, the publisher & NetGalley for a complimentary kindle copy of this book. This did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P...
It gave me a sleepless night because I kept telling myself: Just one more chapter. The suspense was intriguing. Now I've got a book hangover. That's the best recommendation I can give a book.
The main character Laurie was being stalked by the brother of the man she had a brief fling with while her husband served in Afghanistan. She contacted the police.
"The local police had already had several brushes with Ryder McBride. 'Him & his gang on that farm off Highway 97 have been a major thorn in my side,' Don Eberhard had said earlier, switching off the tape recorder on his desk for a moment. 'McBride's been arrested several times--& each time's he walked. We couldn't make any of the charges stick. The scumbag's as slippery as a greased flag pole.'"
There were brief moments of confusion that arose toward the end of the book when the same woman was described but without the clarity that they were aliases. With continued reading, the meaning became clear & it did not detract from the book as a whole.
If you enjoy suspense-filled thrillers, I highly recommend this book.
I would like to thank the author, Kensington Books, the publisher & NetGalley for a complimentary kindle copy of this book. This did not change my opinion for this review.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P...
August 10, 2015
I had very high hopes for this book by O'brien being that it I loved the first book I read from him a few years back called Disturbed. While No One Needs to Know does have suspense and mystery, it did not fill my expectations. The story revolves around Manson style murders that occurred years back, are now coming back to life again with what appears to be copy-cat murders.
Even though there are various stories among the leading characters in the book, they all mesh together in the end smoothly. I liked the story over-all and there were times where I was spooked while reading it at 3 am, like when the 2 teens trespass into Maureen's home. There is no denying that O'brien has the talent to make his readers hold their breath.
So why then didn’t I give this a higher rating? I felt that the ending did not live up to what I was expecting. I wanted there to be a huge twist to the story, but it never came. I was surprised with who was behind the copy-cat murders, but I would have liked it more if the story would have ended more realistically and with a BANG like the previous book I have read by O'brien. In the end I guess you can't love all the books your favorite authors write. O'brien will still remain an author whose books I will purchase if I come across them.
Copy provided by publisher for review
Even though there are various stories among the leading characters in the book, they all mesh together in the end smoothly. I liked the story over-all and there were times where I was spooked while reading it at 3 am, like when the 2 teens trespass into Maureen's home. There is no denying that O'brien has the talent to make his readers hold their breath.
So why then didn’t I give this a higher rating? I felt that the ending did not live up to what I was expecting. I wanted there to be a huge twist to the story, but it never came. I was surprised with who was behind the copy-cat murders, but I would have liked it more if the story would have ended more realistically and with a BANG like the previous book I have read by O'brien. In the end I guess you can't love all the books your favorite authors write. O'brien will still remain an author whose books I will purchase if I come across them.
Copy provided by publisher for review
April 22, 2016
In No One Needs to Know, Laurie Trotter needs to leave her home, as she is being tormented by a stalker, so she takes a catering job in Seattle. The caterer, Cheryl, has signed on to provide food for a movie, based on a true story, about a multiple murder. Part of the filming is being done in the house where the murders took place. As Laurie becomes intrigued with the story and wonders what really happened, it becomes clear that her life and others are in danger.
This book had a really good premise and I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, although I had a hard time liking the main character, Laurie. As the book went on, the storylines started to tie together in unlikely ways and it seemed that there was way too much going on. I felt that it didn't live up to the potential it had in the beginning. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
This book had a really good premise and I thoroughly enjoyed the first half, although I had a hard time liking the main character, Laurie. As the book went on, the storylines started to tie together in unlikely ways and it seemed that there was way too much going on. I felt that it didn't live up to the potential it had in the beginning. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an ARC in return for an honest review.
August 17, 2015
I think he had too much going on and I really didn't relate to the protagonist Laurie. Disappointing because I really look forward to his books and his last one was excellent. I didn't find the story that interesting or believable and as far as the antagonist went we knew nothing about them or the assassins. It took me a long time to finish it.
August 9, 2015
I am normally a big fan of Kevin O'Brien books but could just not get into this one. Long held secrets and resentments from a 1970 Hollywood murder case come to light during the current day filming of a movie based on the crime. Many bodies strewn along the way.
November 14, 2015
Not my favorite Kevin O'Brien book. A little too coincidental. I still enjoyed it though. 3.5 stars
June 17, 2018
Kevin O’Brien is one of my favorite Authors and probably rates #1. I wasn’t a big fan of this book. So much different than the other books I have read by this Author...
June 30, 2018
A heart-pounding page turner. This could have been five stars except I found it difficult to accept the coincidence of the main character moving cities to escape one very bad situation, only to find herself in a worse scenario. The storylines and characters were also slightly difficult to keep track of at times.
January 15, 2021
Many different directions in this book,but it was enjoyable
July 16, 2021
A little slow in the beginning, but the end was worth it. This is not a s good as some of his books
August 23, 2025
this was pretty good. the plot was definitely plotting
August 12, 2015
This was my first post-exam book that I finished, and I'm glad that I chose it. It's not light-hearted, but gripping and enough for me to forget about school (to a certain extent - since I still have assignments going on).
No One Needs to Know follows Laurie Trotter, who in my opinion, has the worst luck ever. Not only did her husband die in Afghanistan, the guy she made a mistake with has started stalking her, and his crazy brother and followers are determined to grab her baby from her. When things escalate and she has to move away, she ends up working for a Cheryl, who seems to be surrounded by death. And while my description may seem quite flippant, the book was anything but.
There are basically two plot lines here - Cheryl and her stalker situation, and the 7/7/70 murder case. The 7/7/70 murder case is something like Charles Mason, with a hippie-ish guy and his followers killing celebrities in a gruesome way. And now, a movie is being made about it. But, there's a secret behind the case, and poor Laurie is caught up in it.
While I'm not too crazy about the book having two such big storylines (one of them was a bit neglected), I can sort of see the rationale for it. One plot (the stalker one), kick started the other. But it did leave me confused as to which part of the story I should have focused on at first, until the story found its stride and the 7/7/70 case took over.
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. My thumb was basically going tap, tap, tap on the iPad as I tried to read as fast as possible because I wanted to find out what happened. I finished it in two days (I started reading it yesterday, and even had it as my Teaser Tuesday), and that was only because I had to work from 1-5, and do translation work before and after that. It would have been a day otherwise.
I liked Laurie and her little son Joey (when he appeared), and thought the characters were pretty interesting. If you can follow the two plots and multiple POVS, you'll probably enjoy this book too.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
No One Needs to Know follows Laurie Trotter, who in my opinion, has the worst luck ever. Not only did her husband die in Afghanistan, the guy she made a mistake with has started stalking her, and his crazy brother and followers are determined to grab her baby from her. When things escalate and she has to move away, she ends up working for a Cheryl, who seems to be surrounded by death. And while my description may seem quite flippant, the book was anything but.
There are basically two plot lines here - Cheryl and her stalker situation, and the 7/7/70 murder case. The 7/7/70 murder case is something like Charles Mason, with a hippie-ish guy and his followers killing celebrities in a gruesome way. And now, a movie is being made about it. But, there's a secret behind the case, and poor Laurie is caught up in it.
While I'm not too crazy about the book having two such big storylines (one of them was a bit neglected), I can sort of see the rationale for it. One plot (the stalker one), kick started the other. But it did leave me confused as to which part of the story I should have focused on at first, until the story found its stride and the 7/7/70 case took over.
Personally, I really enjoyed this book. My thumb was basically going tap, tap, tap on the iPad as I tried to read as fast as possible because I wanted to find out what happened. I finished it in two days (I started reading it yesterday, and even had it as my Teaser Tuesday), and that was only because I had to work from 1-5, and do translation work before and after that. It would have been a day otherwise.
I liked Laurie and her little son Joey (when he appeared), and thought the characters were pretty interesting. If you can follow the two plots and multiple POVS, you'll probably enjoy this book too.
Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted at Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
June 5, 2015
No One Needs To Know -- Kevin O'Brien
Can a movie set be cursed?
That depends on who you ask. The movie The Ghost of Goodnight Lane wasn't a huge blockbuster, but the events on set would make your skin crawl.
It was inspired by a haunted movie set owned by Media World Company in Texas.
The staff had had visions of an unknown male while on set. Film equipment was moved when no one was around, and someone even got a slap in the face by an unseen hand. These types of unnerving incidents had been going on for quite a while. The producer of the film, Alin Bijan confirmed that he and his crew actually kept a record of all the unexplained incidents. In 2010, paranormal investigators confirmed that the set was haunted based on the results from several tests and EVP recordings.
The producer was inspired by this and started working on the script for The Ghost of Goodnight Lane. He also thought it would be a good idea to use the same haunted set to film the movie. The cast and crew reported flickering lights while they were on set, as well as fixtures falling from the ceiling without warning. Perhaps the creepiest of all, some of the crew heard their names being called by disembodied voices.
So No One Needs To Know comes with a setup not unknown in movie history.
An actress and her family were killed in the 1970s.
Decades later a movie is being made about that event, filming at the same mansion.
Laurie Trotter, a caterer, becomes involved in the history and uncovers some truths she should leave well enough alone.
No One Needs to Know is a fantastic thrill ride of action. To say more would spoil it for readers, but the premise of the book is brilliantly executed.
Worth a read!
Can a movie set be cursed?
That depends on who you ask. The movie The Ghost of Goodnight Lane wasn't a huge blockbuster, but the events on set would make your skin crawl.
It was inspired by a haunted movie set owned by Media World Company in Texas.
The staff had had visions of an unknown male while on set. Film equipment was moved when no one was around, and someone even got a slap in the face by an unseen hand. These types of unnerving incidents had been going on for quite a while. The producer of the film, Alin Bijan confirmed that he and his crew actually kept a record of all the unexplained incidents. In 2010, paranormal investigators confirmed that the set was haunted based on the results from several tests and EVP recordings.
The producer was inspired by this and started working on the script for The Ghost of Goodnight Lane. He also thought it would be a good idea to use the same haunted set to film the movie. The cast and crew reported flickering lights while they were on set, as well as fixtures falling from the ceiling without warning. Perhaps the creepiest of all, some of the crew heard their names being called by disembodied voices.
So No One Needs To Know comes with a setup not unknown in movie history.
An actress and her family were killed in the 1970s.
Decades later a movie is being made about that event, filming at the same mansion.
Laurie Trotter, a caterer, becomes involved in the history and uncovers some truths she should leave well enough alone.
No One Needs to Know is a fantastic thrill ride of action. To say more would spoil it for readers, but the premise of the book is brilliantly executed.
Worth a read!
December 31, 2015
I found No One Needs To Know by Kevin O'Brien, a bit disappointing. The book was enjoyable, but seemed to lack the dark, eerie tension, and edge of your seat suspense found in many of the authors previous books. I was shocked that I could actually put the book aside, noting that it took me 9 days to complete.
The books synopsis sets the stage for what should be a thrilling story, one that has lots of twist and turns, mysterious characters, false leads, gothic themes, and plenty of people to link to the past. Alas the book has at least 4 themes all running in parallel, and for the first ¼ of the story, it actually had me questioning if I was reading the correct book.
The majority of the action happens in the wrap up starting around the 80% point of the story. The jumping between the plot threads was not as smooth as it could have been, but it all worked out, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
My Favorite part of the book was the yummy sounding food and deserts that seemed to be the glue that tied the various themes together. I love books and videos that include food themes, and characters, so this was a standout positive for me.
I received my copy of the book from NetGalley on behalf of Kensington Books / Pinnacle.
The expected publication date is July 28th, 2015
For me overall this was a 3 star read
June 14, 2015
I received a copy of No One Needs To Know in exchange for an honest review.
Laurie Trotter, a trained chef, leaves her town with her young son to get away from trouble. Big trouble. But she finds more than she bargains for when she goes to work for a food catering truck. The movie is about a famous Manson style murder; complete with dead movie star, haunted mansion, and a dead baby. The persons responsible were found dead from a mass suicide. The problem is, people associated with the movie are dying. And Laurie's boss seems to be involved somehow. Is Laurie safe in her new location, or will trouble find her here, too? What is the terrible secret about the night that the actress and the others were killed? What happened at the farm when so many were killed with poison laced lemonade? Who is responsible for the murders of the people connected to the movie?
I enjoyed No One Needs To Know. There were a few surprises, and twists. Lots of action, and kept my interest. I look forward to more from this author.
Laurie Trotter, a trained chef, leaves her town with her young son to get away from trouble. Big trouble. But she finds more than she bargains for when she goes to work for a food catering truck. The movie is about a famous Manson style murder; complete with dead movie star, haunted mansion, and a dead baby. The persons responsible were found dead from a mass suicide. The problem is, people associated with the movie are dying. And Laurie's boss seems to be involved somehow. Is Laurie safe in her new location, or will trouble find her here, too? What is the terrible secret about the night that the actress and the others were killed? What happened at the farm when so many were killed with poison laced lemonade? Who is responsible for the murders of the people connected to the movie?
I enjoyed No One Needs To Know. There were a few surprises, and twists. Lots of action, and kept my interest. I look forward to more from this author.
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