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jlsykes323's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.0
araskov's review against another edition
3.0
"What You Never Knew" by Jessica Hamilton is a captivating and intriguing debut novel that delves into the depths of family secrets and hidden betrayals. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, both from the living and the dead, providing a unique and haunting narrative.
The idyllic setting of Avril Island, owned by the Bennett family, sets the stage for a tale of mystery and discovery. June Bennett, still grappling with the grief of her sister's recent death, returns to the island after learning that the family cottage was never sold. As she unravels the truth behind her father's disappearance, June becomes entangled in a web of deception and strange occurrences on the island.
Hamilton skillfully weaves a complex storyline, seamlessly blending past and present. The exploration of June's childhood summers on Avril Island reveals that the memories she held dear were shrouded in lies. The author's vivid descriptions bring the island to life, immersing the reader in its eerie atmosphere.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, with their own secrets and motivations. June's journey of self-discovery and the uncovering of family secrets keep the reader engaged and guessing until the final pages.
Hamilton's writing style is evocative and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the narrative. The pacing is well-executed, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked. The author's ability to balance the emotional depth of the story with the mystery elements is commendable.
"What You Never Knew" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of buried secrets. Jessica Hamilton's debut is a promising addition to the genre, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.
The idyllic setting of Avril Island, owned by the Bennett family, sets the stage for a tale of mystery and discovery. June Bennett, still grappling with the grief of her sister's recent death, returns to the island after learning that the family cottage was never sold. As she unravels the truth behind her father's disappearance, June becomes entangled in a web of deception and strange occurrences on the island.
Hamilton skillfully weaves a complex storyline, seamlessly blending past and present. The exploration of June's childhood summers on Avril Island reveals that the memories she held dear were shrouded in lies. The author's vivid descriptions bring the island to life, immersing the reader in its eerie atmosphere.
The characters in the novel are well-developed and relatable, with their own secrets and motivations. June's journey of self-discovery and the uncovering of family secrets keep the reader engaged and guessing until the final pages.
Hamilton's writing style is evocative and atmospheric, creating a sense of unease and tension throughout the narrative. The pacing is well-executed, with twists and turns that keep the reader hooked. The author's ability to balance the emotional depth of the story with the mystery elements is commendable.
"What You Never Knew" is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of family relationships and the consequences of buried secrets. Jessica Hamilton's debut is a promising addition to the genre, and I look forward to reading more from this talented author in the future.
em_lawther's review against another edition
3.0
This was pretty good! It was easy to read, and had an interesting story.
koldb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
sunflowerhexe's review against another edition
4.0
3.5, so I’ll round up to a 4
The rotating protagonists, who are both inherently unreliable narrators of the environment, kept me from ever fully immersing myself in the pages. I’ll admit I didn’t see the ending coming, but I’m not inherently sure that’s a compliment. The premise was interesting, and I did want the best for June in the end, so not bad.
The rotating protagonists, who are both inherently unreliable narrators of the environment, kept me from ever fully immersing myself in the pages. I’ll admit I didn’t see the ending coming, but I’m not inherently sure that’s a compliment. The premise was interesting, and I did want the best for June in the end, so not bad.
heidisreads's review against another edition
4.0
A suspense-filled story told in alternating voices of a sister who is grieving and confused and the sister who has died and hasn’t had a chance to give an explanation. When May Bennett dies in a car accident, her sister June is shocked to learn their childhood summer home is still in the family. She thought it was sold after her father left their family when she was a child. June returns to Avril Island to find answers... but what she finds is even more haunting than the reason they left the first time.
maralyons's review against another edition
5.0
What You Never Knew by Jessica Hamilton is a fascinating, atmospheric mystery about uncovering family secrets that have laid dormant for decades. The story is told in the perspective of sisters June and May, whose enigmatic, mercurial mother has recently passed away. They learn that their family still owns the small island on Lake Champlain, where they vacationed as kids, but left abruptly as young teenagers. In the first chapter, older sister May is killed, but her spirit remains to narrate some of the sections. Still grieving the loss of her sister, June travels to the island to try to find answers about their family’s past and father who disappeared during that final summer on the island. I loved the isolated setting and how the story slowly unfolds revealing more and more about her family’s actions and how we’re not sure who to trust as she reconnects with more people from the area. Hamilton does an excellent job including tidbits of information that foreshadow what may have happened. I listened to the audiobook which is well-narrated by Sarah Mollo-Christensen and Laura Jennings. This is a well-crafted mystery perfect for a summer vacation!
Thank you Crooked Lane Books / Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing this audiobook and e-book ARC.
Thank you Crooked Lane Books / Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for providing this audiobook and e-book ARC.
avkesner's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun, quick-read mystery. Told from the perspectives of two sisters: one alive and trying to uncover the truth behind her childhood lake house and her father's mysterious disappearance, the other is dead and trying to also discover the truth. I wished I had heard more from the dead sister and had trouble connecting with the main character, June. That said, it was an engaging read that I didn't put down. I figured out half the mystery, but the other was a surprise. 3 stars.
I just reviewed What You Never Knew by Jessica Hamilton. #WhatYouNeverKnew #NetGalley
I just reviewed What You Never Knew by Jessica Hamilton. #WhatYouNeverKnew #NetGalley