Play Book Tag discussion

If You Tell: A True Story of Murder, Family Secrets, and the Unbreakable Bond of Sisterhood is based on the true story of an almost unfathomably abusive family headed by Michelle Knotek. Shelly is a domineering woman whose abusive ways appear to have no explanation. She tortured and abused nearly everyone who crossed her path, including boyfriends, husbands, her three daughters, Nikki, Sami, and Tori, and some unfortunate friends who paid the price.

The story was intriguing, unbelievable, and disturbing all at the same time. The abuse was extremely dark and hard to read. Olsen did a wonderful job researching and telling this horrific story and what all the victims endured.

Most of us are aware that the warning signs of abuse were often ignored or misunderstood. Today, we have a better understanding of trauma responses, PTSD and the lasting effects of abuse, but this book is a stark reminder that many victims still suffer in silence. And back then, the police rarely acted on reports of abuse.

My only real criticism was that it somewhat dragged on in places and felt repetitive.

I watch and read a good deal of true crime, but I had never heard of Shelly Knotek before picking up this book. It was hard to put down, yet emotionally difficult to read.