July Hooper lives with her dad, her stepmother Shelley and her stepsister Sylvie. It’s 1995 and amidst a raging heatwave it’s July’s birthday. She receives a brand-new bike from her maternal grandmother. July has a list of things she knows about her mum but due to being set a summer holiday school project she wants to know a lot more. July doesn’t know who to ask, her grandmother who gets upset when the subject is raised or her dad who gets angry at the slightest thing. July’s dad is abusive to both her and her stepmother, one minute treating her to sweets and teaching her a lesson the next.
Determined to find out the truth, July visits the newspaper section of the local library as well as paying a visit to the previous family home. July meets some neighbours including a man who was the last person to see her mum alive, but his version of events is quite different than the one she has been led to believe. July is compelled to find out the true story.
Overall, an ok read although I really struggled to get into this book, but the unforeseen twist at the end was really clever.

What July Knew is one of those books that comes with a delayed reaction. One you may only appreciate after you’ve had time to digest and reflect on what you’ve just read. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, I’m not sure. I think I prefer at least some of my pleasure to be immediate.

As is my wont, I went into this blind. I don’t do blurbs, preferring to let an author do the hard graft to pull me into their story. But this was slow. I had no idea where it was going and struggled get a foothold until well into the second third. What then unfolded was a disturbing tale of domestic and child abuse.

The focus of the story is ten year-old July, who lives with her father, stepmother and stepsister; her mother having died in a car crash when she was two. July is desperate to know about her mum, but asking questions ends in one of three ways: a “lesson” from her dad, tight lips from her stepmum, or a flood of tears from her grandma. Undeterred, though, July sets out to follow up what scant clues she has.

Once all the pieces started falling into place, this turned out to be a deeply unsettling read. As the story develops, so does the underlying sense of menace, which explodes into some graphically shocking scenes towards the end. The narrative also contains some clever twists, which I especially appreciated.

Koch does a magnificent job in crafting the character of July. I easily identified with her need to feel a connection to her mum. I admired her dogged determination and felt her thrill at every snippet she picked up. I hated that she was so starved of love and that she constantly craved her father’s approval in spite of the way he treated her. And I fumed at the blind eyes and tied tongues of the grownups who should have been protecting her.

Koch wrote What July Knew with the express intent of shining a light on abuse. And in this she has succeeded. July is a little girl I won’t forget in a hurry.

Can I give this book the justice it deserves??? I hope so.

📖Possibly one of the most compelling books I've ever read!

🕰️I picked this up yesterday morning and I literally couldn't put it down, I can't remember the last time I got so lost in a story, I was late to pick my kids up from school, I forgot to feed my cats, dinner was on the table half an hour late!!! It literally stopped me in my tracks!

😢At the core of this tale is the heartbreaking topic of domestic abuse, but the protagonist, 10 year old July Hooper brings such innocent hope and beauty that it overpowers the pain of the story. July is one of the loveliest characters I've read in a long time, strong, sweet and so investable. I was so lost in this book that I can picture it like I just watched the film of it rather than read it, I can picture everything.

✅With an incredible storyline, solid characters, twists and mystery this book really has everything.

💕This author is knew to me but, by gum, she has a way with words.... I didn't come up for air!!!

Summer 1995, a never ending heatwave, and July Hooper has a school project for the holidays: research an unknown family member. July doesn’t know much about her mother except for the handful of facts that she secretly keeps in her notebook, but she can’t choose her mum because she’s strictly forbidden from asking questions about her. However, as things take an unexpected turn on her tenth birthday, July decides she wants to know what really happened to her mum.
I was absolutely gripped by this story. The choice of a ten year old girl as the main protagonist really does strike a chord with the reader (especially as a recently retired teacher), yet the subject of domestic abuse is dealt with very carefully and sensitively and really does highlight how these things, sadly, can remain hidden for so long. July is such a wonderful character: clever, sensitive, caring and just wanting to be loved. I thought the family dynamics were extremely well executed and I spent many a moment literally chewing my fingers and wanting to wrap July up. There were also plenty of twists and surprises as the story unfolded. This is one of those books that you won’t forget in a long time.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-arc in exchange for a review.

This book takes a long hard look at domestic violence and is very well told through the pen of Emily Koch. The characters are well drawn portraying the main character JULY who is strong and determined to get to the truth of what happened to her mother. Others seem to know but she has been left in the dark.

I’m completely opposite to all the other reviews on this book because I did not love this story. The plot was weak and nothing in the book holds up to inspection. I found it difficult to imagine the setting as although somewhere in England it never rang true. The speed that July could get about on her bike compared to her dad in his van after their trip to the beach ( I can’t explain more without giving a spoiler) was simply ridiculous. So sorry but this book needed a strict editorial review for me.

In What July knew Emily Koch shows what a great talent she has for voicing people you don’t normally hear in books. Here it is a 10-year-old girl. July is living with her father, Mick Hooper, her stepmother Auntie Shell and her stepsister Sylvie. Poor July has to live according to a lot of rules – rules set by the other family members. Her father is very strict and often Teaches Her A Lesson, Sylvie is as mean as any jealous stepsister can be and Auntie Shell means well but is too weak to do anything against Micks and Sylvies behaviors, although she sincerely loves July.
July already knew a lot of things, but she still has a lot of questions too. She writes everything down in her notebook and is set on finding the answers, especially for the questions she has regarding her mother. The most important question in this book is: did July’s mother die when July was two or not?
It is very hard not to feel for all characters. July is abused by her father, but thinks she deserves it. Her father abuses her for a very special reason, and although it is never, never ok to abuse your child (or partner), he is full of sorrow and pain too. Auntie Shell tries to change Mick, but you can never change someone who doesn’t want to be changed. Sylvie is just not happy she suddenly must share the love from her mother with two other people.
At the start of the very hot summer of 1995 July’s teacher gives all children homework to do for the holidays – and July thinks it would be a good idea to dedicate this to her mother. Sadly, not a very good idea.
I just loved reading about July and how determined she was. She’s a wonderful character and I’m happy the author decided to give us a small peek in her future too. At times it is a disturbing book to read, at other times it brought a smile to my face. Excellent! I’m looking forward to the next book by Emily Koch.
Thanks to Random House and Netgalley for this review copy.

Twists and turns in this great book. What a pleasure it was to read this. 5 stars and well worth it.

Thanks to Netgalley and publisher for this ARC

This is an outstanding book about a girl's search for the truth about her mother in a family where everyone is keeping secrets. brilliantly written, this book kept me gripped all the way through as I read July's story. Avoiding all the pitfalls of writing for a child's point of view, Emily Koch has done a great job with both plot and character, taking us back to July's childhood living with her stepmother and stepsister and father - and nobody is talking about what happened to her mother. It's hard to write more without spoiling the plot which has some fabulous twists, and does end up with July knowing the truth and developing new and unexpected family relationships.

July (10) knows her mother died in a car accident seven years ago, but her father, Mick, blocks all requests for details with angry words – or a fist. She has no real memories of her mother, no pictures, no history except for some odd scraps she’s picked up over the years. Her stepmother, Shell, is sometimes on the edge of saying things, but always holds back; her stepsister, Sylvie, only a few months older, can’t enlighten her. There are little clues, little hesitations, among their neighbours, but mostly her mother is never mentioned except as some beautiful, saintly person. Is that a true picture or one silently enforced by Mick. Then, on her tenth birthday her teacher, Miss Glover, sets the class a summer holiday project to write about someone from their family and suggests July writes about her mother. Backing this up is one her signature notes, stuck to July’s exercise book, with an enigmatic message saying that she didn’t die in a car accident. Knowing that Mick will “Teach her a Lesson” if she is seen to be asking about her mother, she pretends to be researching his grandfather. What she discovers about her mother’s life and death leads to a dark and complicated story of secrets and abuse, with a dramatic ending that affects the lives of everyone it touches.
Although psychological thrillers frequently address the way in which childhood traumas affect their adult protagonists, it is rare (i.e. I can’t think of one) to find a psychological thriller that is set around, and is mostly seen from the viewpoint of, a ten-year-old girl. July is a confusing character, she clearly displays many of the features you might expect; naiveté and unworldliness in particular, but she also displays tenacity and courage beyond her years and experience, so there is a contrast of virtues. This conflict is handled well, although it’s a bit of a stretch to believe it's feasible. The other principal characters are quite well drawn, but it’s hard to believe July would have reached ten without a single person, especially another child, having revealed anything. There are a few reveals which are predictable, and a few which are more surprising, and it moves along at a fair pace, so it is quite entertaining overall.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harville Secker publishing for the opportunity to read this advance copy of a truly amazing thought provoking book.
It deals with hidden domestic violence from a child's prospective. Initially suspected but not acted on by her teacher.
So well written. I can highly recommend this poignant read

July Hooper is a lonely girl who knows that her mother died in a car accident when July was very young. There are very few other facts that July knows because no-one will talk about her mother. Her father is a bully; her step-sister wants her to leave home and her step-mother loves her but fears to show it.
July is clever and idolises her father who is quick to 'teach her a lesson' if she upsets him. Asking questions about her mother definitely upsets him! Asking questions is part of July's make-up ... asking questions about her mother, asking questions about celebrities ... desperate to soak up information.
July is a very likeable child who from the start I liked and had empathy for. Over the course of a few days and interspersed with letters from her mother written before she was born and letters from her father who is in prison, July sets out to learn all she can about her mother. That she is now being fed information and direction as to what happened to her mother leads to surprising consequences.
Many thanks to Netgalley/Emily Koch/Random House UK for a digital copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

My heart is broken for July Hooper, 11-year-old heroine of this moving story of a motherless girl who knows very little of her dead mother - and is afraid to ask! For July's father in a controlling bully, handy with his fists, and both July, her stepmother Shelley and stepsister Sylvie tiptoe round him.
But encouraged by her teacher, and by hints she picks up from the grown-ups around her, July summons her strength and courage to go in search of the truth - a truth very different to the one she has been fed of her mother's death in a car crash.
This was a dramatic and deeply moving story, with a very brave little girl at its core, Sassy, clever, kind, loving and desperate-for-love July will capture your heart immediately, while the strength of the plot and the unexpected twists it takes will keep you gripped to the story.
The subject of domestic violence is always upsetting, and the author doesn't shy away from it, but there is so much gentle humour and understanding radiating from July herself, who is wise beyond her years, that it never becomes too harrowing.
A deft, heartbreaking and ultimately heartwarming exploration of family bonds, the importance of telling the truth to young children, and their over-riding need for love. This book has heart, soul and passion. I loved it.

This is a very emotional book, really tugs at the heart strings.
July is 10 years old, and knows 18 things about her dead mother, apart from how she died. Her father, Mick, never talks about this, but it isn’t grief that creates this silence between them. Anger and domestic violence feature prominently in this novel, it is not gratuitous, but necessary, but bullying and coercive control is upsetting in context and distressing to read about.
I felt great sympathy for July and her step mum, Shell , and her step sister Sylvie , as they try to help July in her questions, whilst trying to avoid provoking retaliation from Mick. July is brave, stubborn, opinionated and very resourceful, she wants answers.
Secrets and deceits can destroy a family. There is an intense plot here, with a twist at the end.
Two time lines are used, July 1995 and September 2001. The latter date involves letters from a prison.
A very thought provoking read. The conclusion turns all feelings of revenge and justice on its head, you gain a greater understanding of the deep undercurrent in this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Random House UK and Vintage books for my advance digital copy, given in exchange for my honest review. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon UK. A five star read.

A decent book. A good book. The story kept me turning the pages. I felt as confused and frustrated as July whilst I read it. The characters are, on the whole, dreadful, apart from the obvious which adds to the frustration. Even the acknowledgements are worth reading.

What July Knew is a compelling and original thriller. It’s written in a mixture of different narratives and timelines, although the main events take place in mid-90s. I liked the quirky writing style and how the author handled the sensitive topics. Although the ending was slightly disappointing, with everything over explained and dragging on a bit, I really enjoyed this book and going to look for others but Emily Koch.

A challenging read however well worth the effort. Seen through child's eyes, this is July's story of finding her identity within challenging circumstances and working out who she can really trust in a cruel world. Beautifully written and I had to finish it.

I have read and enjoyed a couple of Emily's books before and this was no exception and something a little different to my usual reads.

July has had a difficult start in life having lost her mum very early in her life but as she nears her tenth birthday and wants to find out more about her mum, her life becomes even more difficult especially when she is not allowed to ask any questions otherwise there are "lessons" that she needs to learn.

I absolutely loved July and was immediately drawn to her and her story. Her innocence was endearing and I matched her desire and need to find out more about her mum and what happened to her.

This was a tough read in parts as it deals with domestic and child abuse and although it isn't gratuitous, if these are triggers for you, I would think strongly whether you want to read it.

Although it's a little slow to start, there is a pervading sense of unease amongst the drip drip of information that makes you want to keep reading and I would recommend to those of you who enjoy a great mystery but, more than that, a strong story of friendship, family and finding out where you belong within that complicated structure.

Thanks to Random House UK, Vintage and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of What July Knew.

Beautifully written, funny and heartbreaking. The author seems to have perfectly captured the voice of a ten year old who is trying to find out about her mother. One that will stay with me.

It's the summer of 1995 and 10 year old July Hooper lives with her father, her stepmother Shell and step sister Sylvie. She knows 18 things about the mother she isn't allowed to talk about and one of them is that she died when she was hit by a car when July was 2. After receiving a note saying that her mum didn't die in a car accident July is on a mission to discover the truth about her.

This is the first novel I have read by the author and I was drawn to it by the cover, the synopsis and rave reviews. It covers the important issue of domestic violence with sensitivity and I liked the 1990s small town setting. However I am definitely in a minority as overall I found it to be a slow paced novel that didn't flow for me. I found it difficult to connect with the plot or the characters and the writing felt a little forced.

Please read the reviews of others who have obviously loved this.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.