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sondrakaye84's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
4.0
judithdcollins's review against another edition
5.0
Talented crime writer, Jennifer Jaynes returns following Never Smile at Strangers, and Ugly Young Thing with her “best yet”- DON’T SAY A WORD, an enthralling psychological crime mystery suspense thriller, guaranteed to keep you glued to the pages from the first page, to the explosive ending- leaving you breathless!
Allie Callahan has not had an easy life. An orphan, with a horrific past and childhood—her mom and brother suffered from mental illness. In her younger years, she even attempted to end her own life, when left all alone to face the brutal world. She still has scars and fears.
At sixteen, she was given the opportunity to have a real life. A real family. A new start. She was adopted by her kind older foster mom, Bitty Callahan. She loves and respects her. A home she has always dreamed of.
Now twenty-two, Allie and her young son, Sammy and dog Piglet--- reside with Bitty, in their comfortable home in Texas. She is putting her demons behind her. However, she has to continue to put the old unhealthy voices from her biological mother aside. Bitty always taught her, “Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.”
Allie always feared losing her mind, and becoming incapable of being the type of mother her four- year-old son, Sammy deserved. Sammy was her reason for living. For everything. Allie was excited about the new chapter in her life, in terms of her career, she was following in Bitty’s footsteps as a wellness practitioner. She was drawn to the work for many reasons, but mainly because it was rewarding and flexible.
As the book opens there is a brutal murder. Two twelve-year-old twin girls (Zoe and Carrie), are left in their home alone for days with their murdered parents. They are traumatized. When the authorities arrive, the girls are sent by child protective service to reside in foster care with Bitty.
Allie was a little nervous when foster children came to stay. She always felt uneasy each time a new kid arrived; however, she could not tell Bitty. Allie admired the fact Bitty fostered kids. Bitty had given her a second chance at happiness—a chance most kids with past like hers never got. So she would help any way she could. She owed it to Bitty.
The twins are NOT ordinary. They were coming from the rich Sherman Landing area nearby. Even though the girls had lived in a poor white trash trailer park, their deceased dad had recently won $1.2 million dollars. From drugs and abuse from mom, and truck driver dad, on the road the majority of the time.
When the caseworker brought the girls to stay with the Callahan's, they soon learned the girls are very disturbed. Carrie would not speak and very withdrawn. Zoe tended to be more outspoken, and even manipulative, at times. Could she trust them to be around her son? Zoe-dissociative amnesia. Carrie selective mutism.
Due to their trauma, the caseworker mentioned in addition to their parent’s murder, the younger brother was hit by a truck and killed three years earlier and the girls witnessed the tragic event. The grandmother wants nothing to do with them. Total dysfunction.
From detectives, forensic therapist, Child Advocacy, and caseworkers-- everyone was involved in the case. Allie knew all too well, people never healed from the horror of murder. Not completely. Allie always helped Bitty with the foster children—she was never emotionally invested. This time she becomes involved.
As the investigation continues, Gary, the mom’s boyfriend shows up, putting them all in danger. Allie’s former boyfriend, Johnny (Sammy’s dad) shows up without any notice, and she is ready to put him out of her life. Their personal lives and home become insanity. A check was written for seven hundred thousand the day before the murders,
Prone to depression and anxiety attacks, Allie had learned to control her thoughts before they spiraled out of control. However, since the twins came to live with them, nothing is normal. Strange phone calls, cars, hang-ups, and weird behavior with both girls. Another murder. Since she laid eyes on these girls, the whole safe world that had taken her years to build felt as flimsy as a house of cards.
There is tension between the twins, and something is not right. Carrie was more self-conscious (Allie can relate to her if she will let her in). Carrie has been cutting herself and is slowly slipping away. Zoe tends to want to bond with Allie; more confident--her personality goes from good to bad.
Allie wants to trust the girls around her son Sammy, however, she is overprotective. Is she putting him in danger around the girls? From blood-curdling shrieks, screams--the girls needed her help—she could not deny them; she can sympathize—she has been there; however, is she putting her life and her son’s in harm’s way?
Who really murdered the twin's parents?
Wow, this is one intense saga---secrets and lies. Flashing back and forth we hear from the time prior to the murders. Slowly the author cleverly peels back the layers of the events leading up to the murders. Nothing is as it appears.
Chilling, dark, gripping, shocking, and un-put-downable! When I looked up from the book for the first time 50% through the book. From 50%-75%, the intensity is mind-blowing. From 75% to the ending, fast-paced action--twists and turns you do not see coming! You are totally invested in the characters—Damaged with a Capital “D”. Forget about sleeping.
With Allie’s delicate complex and tortured past, co-mingled with the twins domestic current and past mental situation, strongly emphasizing the psychology of its characters and their unstable emotional states. Obsessive, pathological, moral conflicts, fear, and anxiety are strong drivers. No one can write EVIL better than Jennifer.
I enjoyed hearing from Sammy's perspective; a four-year-old’s view (priceless), as well as Zoe, Carrie, and Allie. (Since the author is a mother of younger twins, she shines here). Sammy is full of wonder and curiosity- very observant. You will love him and want to give him a big hug. He likes to spy on others. He is innocent and he thinks it is fun. A cautionary tale for mothers--you never know what secrets your child may be keeping. A strong mother’s love. Sammy is her priority.
You will love Bitty, and readers root for Allie, to the end--and sympathize with her situation. Hoping Allie will find some happiness in the next book with a possible new budding romance with the sexy Detective. (Knowing Jaynes, it will not be a smooth road). Can't wait.
If you are looking for a scary crime thriller that sends chills down your spine, leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very end---this one is for you.
A mix of Gothic, domestic, crime, psychological, detective, action, drama, horror, suspense, mystery, and thriller. The author rocks! Integrating personal character elements into mystery and suspense, toeing the line between a dramatic character study and a plot structure you'd expect from a strong psycho-crime horror thriller movie. (would make for a great Prime series).
For fans of Mark Edwards, Kathryn Croft, Lisa Unger, and Jennifer Hillier.
Recommend reading Jennifer’s first two books above, while awaiting the release date of her third installment. Even though Don’t Say A Word, may be read as a standalone -the author does an outstanding job of getting you up to speed; however, in order to really get a good grasp of the main protagonist, you will want to read the previous books----All three are top quality!
The author just keeps getting better (if this is possible). Thanks, Jennifer, all your efforts have not gone unnoticed. A winner!
A special thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
Allie Callahan has not had an easy life. An orphan, with a horrific past and childhood—her mom and brother suffered from mental illness. In her younger years, she even attempted to end her own life, when left all alone to face the brutal world. She still has scars and fears.
At sixteen, she was given the opportunity to have a real life. A real family. A new start. She was adopted by her kind older foster mom, Bitty Callahan. She loves and respects her. A home she has always dreamed of.
Now twenty-two, Allie and her young son, Sammy and dog Piglet--- reside with Bitty, in their comfortable home in Texas. She is putting her demons behind her. However, she has to continue to put the old unhealthy voices from her biological mother aside. Bitty always taught her, “Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.”
Allie always feared losing her mind, and becoming incapable of being the type of mother her four- year-old son, Sammy deserved. Sammy was her reason for living. For everything. Allie was excited about the new chapter in her life, in terms of her career, she was following in Bitty’s footsteps as a wellness practitioner. She was drawn to the work for many reasons, but mainly because it was rewarding and flexible.
As the book opens there is a brutal murder. Two twelve-year-old twin girls (Zoe and Carrie), are left in their home alone for days with their murdered parents. They are traumatized. When the authorities arrive, the girls are sent by child protective service to reside in foster care with Bitty.
Allie was a little nervous when foster children came to stay. She always felt uneasy each time a new kid arrived; however, she could not tell Bitty. Allie admired the fact Bitty fostered kids. Bitty had given her a second chance at happiness—a chance most kids with past like hers never got. So she would help any way she could. She owed it to Bitty.
The twins are NOT ordinary. They were coming from the rich Sherman Landing area nearby. Even though the girls had lived in a poor white trash trailer park, their deceased dad had recently won $1.2 million dollars. From drugs and abuse from mom, and truck driver dad, on the road the majority of the time.
When the caseworker brought the girls to stay with the Callahan's, they soon learned the girls are very disturbed. Carrie would not speak and very withdrawn. Zoe tended to be more outspoken, and even manipulative, at times. Could she trust them to be around her son? Zoe-dissociative amnesia. Carrie selective mutism.
Due to their trauma, the caseworker mentioned in addition to their parent’s murder, the younger brother was hit by a truck and killed three years earlier and the girls witnessed the tragic event. The grandmother wants nothing to do with them. Total dysfunction.
From detectives, forensic therapist, Child Advocacy, and caseworkers-- everyone was involved in the case. Allie knew all too well, people never healed from the horror of murder. Not completely. Allie always helped Bitty with the foster children—she was never emotionally invested. This time she becomes involved.
As the investigation continues, Gary, the mom’s boyfriend shows up, putting them all in danger. Allie’s former boyfriend, Johnny (Sammy’s dad) shows up without any notice, and she is ready to put him out of her life. Their personal lives and home become insanity. A check was written for seven hundred thousand the day before the murders,
Prone to depression and anxiety attacks, Allie had learned to control her thoughts before they spiraled out of control. However, since the twins came to live with them, nothing is normal. Strange phone calls, cars, hang-ups, and weird behavior with both girls. Another murder. Since she laid eyes on these girls, the whole safe world that had taken her years to build felt as flimsy as a house of cards.
There is tension between the twins, and something is not right. Carrie was more self-conscious (Allie can relate to her if she will let her in). Carrie has been cutting herself and is slowly slipping away. Zoe tends to want to bond with Allie; more confident--her personality goes from good to bad.
Allie wants to trust the girls around her son Sammy, however, she is overprotective. Is she putting him in danger around the girls? From blood-curdling shrieks, screams--the girls needed her help—she could not deny them; she can sympathize—she has been there; however, is she putting her life and her son’s in harm’s way?
Who really murdered the twin's parents?
Wow, this is one intense saga---secrets and lies. Flashing back and forth we hear from the time prior to the murders. Slowly the author cleverly peels back the layers of the events leading up to the murders. Nothing is as it appears.
Chilling, dark, gripping, shocking, and un-put-downable! When I looked up from the book for the first time 50% through the book. From 50%-75%, the intensity is mind-blowing. From 75% to the ending, fast-paced action--twists and turns you do not see coming! You are totally invested in the characters—Damaged with a Capital “D”. Forget about sleeping.
With Allie’s delicate complex and tortured past, co-mingled with the twins domestic current and past mental situation, strongly emphasizing the psychology of its characters and their unstable emotional states. Obsessive, pathological, moral conflicts, fear, and anxiety are strong drivers. No one can write EVIL better than Jennifer.
I enjoyed hearing from Sammy's perspective; a four-year-old’s view (priceless), as well as Zoe, Carrie, and Allie. (Since the author is a mother of younger twins, she shines here). Sammy is full of wonder and curiosity- very observant. You will love him and want to give him a big hug. He likes to spy on others. He is innocent and he thinks it is fun. A cautionary tale for mothers--you never know what secrets your child may be keeping. A strong mother’s love. Sammy is her priority.
You will love Bitty, and readers root for Allie, to the end--and sympathize with her situation. Hoping Allie will find some happiness in the next book with a possible new budding romance with the sexy Detective. (Knowing Jaynes, it will not be a smooth road). Can't wait.
If you are looking for a scary crime thriller that sends chills down your spine, leaving you on the edge of your seat until the very end---this one is for you.
A mix of Gothic, domestic, crime, psychological, detective, action, drama, horror, suspense, mystery, and thriller. The author rocks! Integrating personal character elements into mystery and suspense, toeing the line between a dramatic character study and a plot structure you'd expect from a strong psycho-crime horror thriller movie. (would make for a great Prime series).
For fans of Mark Edwards, Kathryn Croft, Lisa Unger, and Jennifer Hillier.
Recommend reading Jennifer’s first two books above, while awaiting the release date of her third installment. Even though Don’t Say A Word, may be read as a standalone -the author does an outstanding job of getting you up to speed; however, in order to really get a good grasp of the main protagonist, you will want to read the previous books----All three are top quality!
The author just keeps getting better (if this is possible). Thanks, Jennifer, all your efforts have not gone unnoticed. A winner!
A special thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Thomas & Mercer for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
JDCMustReadBooks
whaney's review against another edition
5.0
Just as good as the first two. Kept you wondering what really happened, at towards the end you kept thinking 'faster, faster!!!'.
chicktaylor_'s review against another edition
5.0
If you are into psychological thrillers, this trilogy should be on your "to-read" list. It was dark and kept me interested the whole time.
kylieeason's review against another edition
5.0
Duh, of course this book was incredible!
This is technically the third book in the Strangers series, but Jennifer does a fab job of filling you in so you're never confused! It's been a long time since I've read the first two, and it all came rushing back pretty quick.
This twisted tale of twin sisters is different than the first two, but just as incredible. You develop feeling towards the characters pretty quick, both good and bad.
Throughout the story you get snippets of multiple characters POV, and normally that can be overwhelming and make the book tough to read- but it was done seamlessly in 'Don't Say a Word'.
I was left with a few unanswered questions at the end, BUT they can easily be answered in the next book or a novella :)
Jennifer has to be one of my absolute favorite thriller authors, as her books ALWAYS get my heart racin', and I'm usually wrong about the 'who dunnit'. (Which is so rare for me!
Jennifer is wonderful, and this book is absolutely worth the read! Get it on your TBR, and keep your eyes out in May for the release!
This is technically the third book in the Strangers series, but Jennifer does a fab job of filling you in so you're never confused! It's been a long time since I've read the first two, and it all came rushing back pretty quick.
This twisted tale of twin sisters is different than the first two, but just as incredible. You develop feeling towards the characters pretty quick, both good and bad.
Throughout the story you get snippets of multiple characters POV, and normally that can be overwhelming and make the book tough to read- but it was done seamlessly in 'Don't Say a Word'.
I was left with a few unanswered questions at the end, BUT they can easily be answered in the next book or a novella :)
Jennifer has to be one of my absolute favorite thriller authors, as her books ALWAYS get my heart racin', and I'm usually wrong about the 'who dunnit'. (Which is so rare for me!
Jennifer is wonderful, and this book is absolutely worth the read! Get it on your TBR, and keep your eyes out in May for the release!
jreason's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent series. Set 6 years from the ending if the previous book (I think or around that) you see a grown up Allie living with Bittie with a range of new characters introduced. The author successfully created the image of Allie having grown up in this time and growing up even more throughout the story. I have to admit I didn't really like her as a character in the previous stories (and that severely effected my star rating), however she really becomes someone I like in this one.
Having had little, if anything to do with mental illnesses I can't say with any certainty about how accurately they are portrayed in this story. But they seem to be made to be fairly truthful from the little I know of them.
Even though this entire series is not something I'd normally read I really enjoy it. The writing style and themes have changed ever so slightly between books, but if asked how I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Having had little, if anything to do with mental illnesses I can't say with any certainty about how accurately they are portrayed in this story. But they seem to be made to be fairly truthful from the little I know of them.
Even though this entire series is not something I'd normally read I really enjoy it. The writing style and themes have changed ever so slightly between books, but if asked how I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
dawnesap2525's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
skyfox24kd's review
4.0
Two twins, one dark and one light ., found alive in the house with their murdered parents. They are fostered by previous characters in a very caring and warm environment. So much happens, will the girls get through what happened ? Will the police figure it out? Sometimes the truth is as disturbing as it can get. This was a good read and I loved being with Allie, Bitty, and meeting the new characters.
This was one of my favorite Jennifer Jaynes books so far.
This was one of my favorite Jennifer Jaynes books so far.
charmainelim's review against another edition
4.5
Jennifer has done it again, drawing me in with a wonderful book that I basically read in a day. I couldn't put it down once I started reading it and found myself thinking about it during dinner.
Full review - https://charmainelimen.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/review-dont-say-a-word-by-jennifer-jaynes/
I feel like Jennifer can do no wrong when it comes to her mysteries, as I am always so engaged in her stories and writing. The only reason I didn't rate it as a full 5 stars is because I did have some trouble telling a couple of the voices apart. Aside from that, I loved everything else about the book.
I'm already looking forward to her next work, which I'm sure will be fantastic as well.
Full review - https://charmainelimen.wordpress.com/2016/04/22/review-dont-say-a-word-by-jennifer-jaynes/
I feel like Jennifer can do no wrong when it comes to her mysteries, as I am always so engaged in her stories and writing. The only reason I didn't rate it as a full 5 stars is because I did have some trouble telling a couple of the voices apart. Aside from that, I loved everything else about the book.
I'm already looking forward to her next work, which I'm sure will be fantastic as well.
cmaze's review against another edition
5.0
I was lucky to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review. This was a no brainer for me since I read the first two books in this series and still think about the characters. Allie lives with Bitty, her foster mother and now has a young son. She has turned her life around from her very tragic past which you MUST read about in the previous book in this series. Bitty is a foster parent and takes in children who need her love. Bitty takes in twin girls who lost their parents. What happens after this, is just unbelievable. It's twisty, creepy and a psychological thriller at its best. My mouth literally dropped open and I couldn't even read on due to the shock of what I just read. It would benefit you to read the entire series so you can put all of the intricate pieces together to weave a tale like no other. Do not miss this series. You will not be disappointed. I read it so fast, Just like the first two books, that I want to reread the series just to savour it. Wow!! Just wow! Thank you Jennifer Jaynes for this amazing ride!