This book was a nice palette cleanser for me. Characters were good and i enjoyed the writing style, it was an easy read.
The story was quite predictable though and none of the twists surprised me.
Would read this author again though.

3.5 stars

What the hell did I just read?! Those were my first thoughts as I finished this book and I think it still stands. The first half of this book felt like a pretty standard thriller and then it went completely off the rails. It definitely got super dark and twisty but also the ending felt a little rushed and incomplete. It felt like once the big reveals had happened about halfway through the book that the author just felt hurried to throw all this action and consequence into the latter half and it wasn't the most successful. There was way more gore in this book than I had expected. I don't think it was really a matter of the twists in this book being hard to predict - in fact, I think if you paid enough attention you could see a lot of them coming or at least guess the outcomes of this book pretty easily but the amount of violence that comes into play throughout the story is where the shock lies. There are very graphic depictions of physical abuse in this and that was hard to read especially since I spent the majority of the novel wishing we were getting more exploration into the characters and their motives. It ultimately felt like we just watched these characters do the things they did and it was just because instead of breaking down the true intentions.

A story of two abused women who come together in a kind of mother/daughter relationship, until a shocking secret is discovered that threatens to destroy one of their lives and puts the other one in danger.

A great premise and an interesting plot, but there was something missing that I can’t quite put my finger on. It didn’t feel like it flowed well and the storyline was quite predictable, with a sudden and maybe a little rushed, ending.

I did enjoy it overall and it entertained me.

3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Jessica Huntley and Inkubator for an ARC in return for an honest review.

This was an eerie thriller that immediately hooked me in trying to figure out the hidden secrets. And let me tell you, I was not prepared for it. I really enjoyed the dual POVs between Vera and Elle, as well as the flashbacks from Vera’s past. Can’t wait to read more from this author!

**Book Review: "Don’t Tell A Soul" by Jessica Huntley**

Jessica Huntley’s “Don’t Tell A Soul” is a psychological thriller that’s so compelling I read it in one sitting. It had me on the edge of my seat so many times that I had to put it down a few times just to catch my breath—my stress levels were through the roof! 😂

The suspense is expertly handled, and while I managed to predict a few twists, most of the plot was full of surprises, which is exactly what I want from a thriller. The ending is particularly impressive, tying together all the plot threads in a creative and satisfying way.

One element that left me a bit puzzled was the spider named Trevor. He’s described as being so large he could take over a mouse and being a comfort to Elle in her basement so she doesn’t feel so alone, which felt unrealistic to me. I initially thought Trevor might be a figment of Elle’s imagination because of his exaggerated size. By the end of the book, Trevor’s role still seemed unclear— perhaps he was a symbol of something? A distraction to the reader to throw them off from guessing?

Additionally, some of the violent scenes were a bit too gory for my taste. I don’t handle gore very well, so while others might not find it as disturbing, it’s worth mentioning for those with similar sensitivities.

Overall, “Don’t Tell A Soul” is a thrilling read with plenty of twists to keep you hooked. Just be ready for some intense moments—and maybe have a break plan if you’re easily stressed!

**Disclaimer:** While I used AI to help craft my review, all thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

I literally could not put this book down! I would finish a chapter and tell myself that I needed to take a break but I just couldn’t. This author knows how to write thrillers and I look forward to reading more from them.

digital ARC was provided by Netgalley and Inkubator Books

Synopsis
Vera was a victim of domestic abuse, and when she saw Elle, she knew she had to take her under her wings. Elle was a runaway and leaned on Vera, but not without suspicion. Soon, she would know why.

What I like
Strong opening. Seriously, it made me care about Vera (and her twin). But nothing, apart from introducing Elle, happened in the chapters after. Expect changes nearing the end, of course. The book is filled with twists that I'm not even sure that they work.

What I don't like
Although the dual Elle/Vera povs performed well, I think Elle deserve more background than just generic abusive Dad/distant Mother. Vera's story was explained quite in detail so I wish Elle would have that too.

Final thoughts
It was an OK book, gripped you right during the climax but lack in everything else.

This thriller was such a quick read, it kept me engaged from beginning to end and even though I saw some twists coming I still was surprised at how the story unfolded.

The characters were definitely interesting even though you can somewhat understand that what they went through made them who they are now it’s still morally dark, I loved the comparison between Elle and Vera and the setting gave the story a unique and eerie feeling making the plot creepier.

Fast paced and full of twists and turns thriller lovers, this one is for you.

Thank you Jessica Huntley, Inkubator Books & NetGalley for an e-ARC copy.

#DontTellASoul #NetGalley

I personally found this book a little bit predictable. However in saying that, it was still a very enjoyable book with so many plot twists along the way. I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

After the first two chapters, I thought I had this story figured out. I am so glad I kept reading because I was wrong about pretty much everything! Talk about a twisting, turning, edge-of-your-seat thriller novel! If psychological thrillers are your thing, then you definitely want to pick this one up.

This was my first book by Jessica Huntley and I have to say, I was impressed! This book was an ultimate page-turner. Every chapter had you wanting to continue on. The intense first chapter made for a very enticing read.
Just like Huntley wanted, you cared for both MCs throughout the book.

I look forward to reading her again.

So I'm on the fence about this. It did have an original plot and som really well plotted out points but it also felt like it dragged and went on a bit about things that were completely unnecessary. It does have quite a dark topic but and maybe a few of the details were unnecessary but those are the realities of those situations I guess. The twists and turns were predicable but well done. It's told from 2 povs and the voices weren't terrible distinctive to immediately identify who's pov it was but all the negative points I've touched on are things that can maybe come with more experience and I do hope the author writes more books! It was still a really good read

I found this to be an okay read. There were some good plot ideas and some were well executed. Others, particularly at the end, felt a little rushed and not seen all the way through.

This was my first book by Jessica Huntley and I was very impressed! This was a fast paced, but detailed, story that delt with the often uncomfortable subjects of alcoholism and child abuse. The many twists and turns kept me guessing, and turning pages, right up the books satisfying conclusion. I'm looking forward to reading more from Jessica Huntley.
Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I love reading books by Jessica Huntley so I was already so excited for this one and I really enjoyed this one, there were predictable points but for the most part I felt invested and wanted to know the truth.

Unfortunately I did not like this book. I didn't like the topic and the writing just wasn't compelling. There were too many boring details (for example, when one of the characters over explained why she chose to drive and not walk somewhere) and it was predictable and weird at times.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

5-stars!! This is my first book by this author. I would have finished this in one day if I didn't have life stuff. This was truly a psychological thriller that kept me thinking. A small bit of twinge with some details given but what a great book.

Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator for this ARC.

This book had good ideas at the base, but they were poorly executed. The writing didn't convince me, it felt a bit juvenile. The book had a double POV, but the characterization wasn't distinctive enough to pull it off, in my opinion. The story and the twists were predictable to me, and I particularly didn't care for the multiple violence/abuse scenes: they felt fake and over the top, which really costs me to say, given the delicate subject.
All in all, not for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Vera has a sad history and a secret. Elle has escaped her abusive father and needs a place to stay. Secrets don't stay hidden forever.

This is a twisty psychological thriller with family drama, relationships, and murder. It kept me interested the whole time and even though it was slightly predictable I had to keep reading to see if I was right and find out what happened! I had never heard of this author before and her writing very much reminds me of Freida Mcfadden, a popular thriller author. I will be on the lookout to read more from this author.

Perfect creepy thriller with an interesting twist at the end. I ended up reading it all in one sitting, as I just needed to know what was happening. Obvs the early twist was predictable and I saw coming, but there still were many twists and turns that were worth reading. Easy psychological thriller for those interested.