What July Knew

What an absolutely stunning book.
I read this quickly, devouring the way in which Emily Koch builds up the characters and deftly creates the backstory we need.
July - on a quest to find out more about her mother.
Mick - her father. Unable or unwilling to disclose any information about his previous wife to their daughter.
Sylvie and Shell - the stepsister and step mother who navigate as best they can through the changing events.
I loved the character of July and cared about her hugely. I also thought (spoiler) that the scenes of domestic abuse were terrifyingly accurate.
Well done Emily Koch for blisteringly good read.

Thanks to netgalley for the ARC of this brilliant novel.

July knows 18 things about her mother. But not the truth.
Summer, 1995. On her tenth birthday, July's teacher sets the class a project to find out about a relation they don't know. It's easy for July to choose her subject. She doesn't remember her mother, who died when she was small, and her father refuses to talk about her. Ever. The only memories she has of her are flashbacks from the accident that claimed her mother's life.
But then she receives the note: 'She didn't die in a car accident.'
Determined to discover what really happened, July begins to investigate, cycling around the street where her family used to live and questioning the neighbours. When she is caught snooping round a crumbling house at the end of the road, she learns that the man living there was the last person to see July's mother alive.
In his version of the story, he is a hero. In everyone else's, he is anything but.
Totally couldn’t put it down really enjoyed this book totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Random House Uk Vintage
I just reviewed What July Knew by Emily Koch. #WhatJulyKnew #NetGalley

This is an extremely well written and moving account of a 10 year old child's quest to find out more about her late mother. July was told her mother died in a car accident when she was very young but resistance from her father and others in her family to discuss anything to do with her mother results in July undertaking her own investigations. Lots of twists and turns occur throughout this mystery with several challenging themes addressed as family secrets are eventually revealed and consequences paid.
The author develops the characters particularly well and I was heavily invested in wanting July to discover the truth about her family.
A really enjoyable and emotional book with lots of discussion points making it an ideal book club read.
I am grateful to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

This is one of the most enjoyable books I have read this year, an emotional family mystery with excellent characters that will pull at your heart strings.

It's 1995 and for ten year old July life is a collection of mysteries. She doesn't remember her mother, who died when she was small, and her father refuses to talk about her. All she has are flashbacks from the accident that claimed her mother's life. She asks questions regarding her mother whenever there is an opening to try and piece some sort of memory of her. Then out of nowhere she receives a note telling her that her mother didn't die in a car accident, but struggles to find out the truth because her father's reluctance to talk of his wife.

July needs to know the truth and is determined to discover what really happened. She cycles to where her family used to live to question neighbours but there appears to be a general reluctance to tell her anything she can hold on to. She meets a neighbour who lived next door to them and she learns that he was the last person to see July's mother alive. The neighbours story is completely different to the little she already knows.

Beautifully written with great characters and perfectly paced.

I would like to thank both Netgalley and Random House UK for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

What a captivating read! Uncomfortable in places but I never wanted to give up as I felt like I would be abandoning July when she needed someone. Excellent, brave, well written and well thought out.

The very fact that July only knows 18 things about her Mum is devastating, add to that that the issue her Dad has even speaking of her Mum and it seems July might be forever in the dark.
As the story unfolds an July does some sleuthing around the streets her family used to live in she adds to that little list more pieces of the Mum puzzle and amid great friction, fighting and hatred the truth finally emerges.
I loved the strength and determination of one small girl to find the truth and expand her family- a beautifully written and evocative story

I was amazed that Netgalley approved me to read this book!! I had seen other people raving about this book!! I can see why as it is a very carefully planned story with relatable characters!! The story is told between 2 different years!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story!! I did not want to put the book down!!! There are some moments in the story that will tug at your heartstrings!! I will recommend this book!!

Every now and then I get to read a book which is memorable, which stays with me, which I talk to others about and buy copies for friends. It is rare but this is one of those. On the face of it this seems like a sombre and rather unapproachable subject and plot for an enjoyable book.

As with other reviews I refuse to outline the plot as I think the blurb writers do a better job without giving anything away. Yes, this book deals with the tough subject of unseen and sometimes subtle abuse so it could be a tough read for some but there is also so much hope. The characters, especially July (who I challenge anyone not to fall in love with, especially if like me, you are a mother or a teacher) are wonderfully described and portrayed. I read this well into the night when I should have turned the light off. I wanted to know more about July and her birth right and then I just wanted to be there for her! You will too…..

This story is so well written. It took me through an emotional rollercoaster, with parts that made me smile, but many that made me sad and angry. It’s a talented Author that can write a story like this. You can’t help but fall in love with July Hooper, she’s a wonderful character.
July Hooper has questions, especially about her mother who died. She really doesn’t know anything about her and for some reason her father doesn’t want to talk about it. So much so that he tends to lash out if July brings the subject up. Unfortunately, July believes she deserves what ever terrible treatment is dished out to her. All she wants is her father’s love and approval.
I’m glad I read this story, it really is that good. 5/5 Star Rating.

Well written with a compelling storyline and well developed characters that were believable and relatable. I couldn't put it down and read it super quickly

July is 10yo and knows 18 things about her deceased mom. When her teacher slipa a note into July saying her Mom didn’t die in a car accident. July’s life falls apart. She knows she cannot ask her Dad, who may teach her a ‘lesson’ by asking about her Mom.
I started this book and couldn’t put it down. Emily Koch created great mystery, story keeps you wonder what really happened to July’s Mom.

There is trigger warning about domestic abuse. Author paints a very vivid picture. It made me cry a lot.
However this book is not to be missed. Highly recommend it.
#netgalley #arc @emilykoch @VintageBooks #WhatJulyKnew

What a rollercoaster of a book!!! It had me in tears. It is also the reason that I am dead tired today as I was awake for the majority of the night finishing it.

July’s mother passed away when she was younger however, she knows very little about her mother as no one ever seems to talk about her. On the last day of school the teacher sets the class a project to find out about a relation they don't know about and the teacher suggests July writes about her mother.

Please be aware that this book although an excellent and gripping read, deals with domestic violence and bullying and at times was very upsetting to read, I wanted to reach into the pages and remove July, Sylvie and Shelley from their situation as the neighbours and teachers were of no particular use and if they didn’t think the sun shone out of Mick’s backside they merely, turned a blind eye.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House UK, Vintage, Harvill Secker and the author for the opportunity to read and review this deeply moving book.

Oh my goodness, I fell in love with July! I loved her character and her voice rang so true to me. Loved all the 90’s references as a a child of the same age.
The abuse was handled so well and wasn’t gratuitous at all. Loved the sense of intrigue throughout. I guessed the twist but that didn’t spoil it, I was pleased to have picked up the little clues.
Will be recommending to everyone.

OK, so this is tough to read in places due to the domestic violence and child abuse content. But the character of July, aged 10 (whom I adored) who is hell bent on finding out what happened to her Mum, is a joy. I read it over a few days and it is going to stick with me for a while I think. I have a book hangover and need a couple of days off reading just so it can all sink in.

A phenomenal story that had me laughing, crying and screaming with rage.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

A lovely, thought provoking novel; July wants to know about her late mother, but no-one is prepared to tell her anything so she treasures the few things she has found out. Over the course of the summer she finds out more and more, but what and how she learns things affects everyone in her family. To add any more would not be kind to future readers as the author adds little bits in now and again to build up our picture of the family dynamic.

I have to start out by saying I am not usually a fan of books which are narrated by children. I often find them quite immature and difficult to get in to however the premise of this book really had me intrigued so I wanted to give it a go.....

....and boy I'm glad I did. This was an excellent novel by an author I am not familiar with but will definitely now be keeping an eye on.

Here, July is given a project at school to find out information on a family member that she doesn't know a lot about. Easy, her mother died in a car accident when July was little and July only knows 18 things about her. What a great opportunity for her to find out more.


However as the story develops, it becomes clear that what July knows about her mother is only half the story and she is about to find out a lot more, despite the difficulties put in her way.

It was at times a difficult book to read, there are trigger warnings here for abuse however the author does a great job of opening our eyes to domestic abuse and in particular how hidden it can be.

A really excellent but difficult read that I would recommend to all.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage, Harvill Secker for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of 10 year old July - she knows 18 things about her mum, but she doesn't know the truth. July is keen to find out more, but her dad gets really angry if she asks him too many questions.

I was intrigued and moved from start to finish, July has a difficult home life and is unable to openly ask anyone for help or information on her mum and what happened in her early life.

I really felt this book tackled the subject of domestic abuse well; managing to get across how bad July’s home life is without the descriptions being heavy. July's dad Mick doesn't show love, instead he 'teaches July a lesson' whenever she asks anything about her mother.

A brilliant book which I read in less than 2 days - I was hooked on the story, equally as keen to find out more about July and her past, and ever hopeful she would escape from her home life. The characters are really well constructed, and I loved the 90's references - I had totally forgotten about pogs!

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for a review !

This was an excellent read with complex characters and I particularly like the way the characters built up and developed over time. Would recommend. Thank you Netgalley.

A beautiful coming of age story that will break you then make you as July navigates her quest to find out the truth about her mother - watching her devotion to her father is painful, even more so when that innocence is lost. A gorgeous tale of growing up in the 90s against a dark background, Koch’s book is one for Joanna Cannon fans. Outstanding.

What July Knew is a very powerful and emotional book.A story of a blended Family,domestic violence and a small 10 year old girl July trying to find out how her Mother died but no one is telling her .I very much liked the character of July I thought she was brave and resourceful and quite wonderful a very well written story .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

It’s July 1995 and there’s a heatwave, the kind that boils your blood and induces rage which is always easy to achieve for Mick Hooper, father of July aged ten. July has a notebook in which she writes and stores great questions (they really are great questions too!) and she wants to know about her mum Maggie who is never talked about especially how her life ended. July however, has flashbacks to the accident that claims her. July has listed eighteen things she knows about Maggie but does she dare ask for more information especially as Mick’s reaction is likely to be aggressive? Dare she even consider doing the school project Miss Glover has set over the summers hols to research and write about a little known family member? Then it starts to get twisty and mysterious when July gets a note which claims Maggie didn’t die in a car accident. July sets off on a quest to find the truth and learns that people are hiding a multitude of secrets.

Wow! Emily Koch is one talented writer that’s for sure, I’ve very much enjoyed her books but this one is the most powerful and emotional one so far. The portrayal of July is superb and some of the images the author uses to link (or thread) her to Maggie are wonderful and really resonate. Poor July, she’s so in the dark about so much, she’s not in the secret but others are. It’s an elusive, enigmatic puzzle for her and she has so few pieces and some don’t fit though she gets the scent or a whiff of some truths which then evaporate. She’s a brave, clever intuitive girl who is very easy to like. Mick makes you so angry and despite all his horrific actions July still seeks his love and even justifies his actions. The dynamics in the blended family with stepmother Shell and stepsister Sylvia are incredibly well done too and you tense as they do when Mick walks in the room.

To describe the plot as increasing in intensity is somewhat of an understatement as I can scarcely breathe towards the end. This is clearly not an easy story as domestic violence never is but Emily Koch tells it well, it’s never gratuitous though leaves you in little doubt. This is a gripping, compelling novel from beginning to end.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Random House UK/Vintage for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

What July knew by Emily Koch. What a beautiful book. I loved every word of this book. July is a 10 year old girl who has always been told that her mother died in a car accident but she wants to find out for herself and so she sets out to unearth some truths. This is a book I am so glad I read. Pick up this book you won't be disappointed so many surprises.

It is the summer of 1995. July Hooper has been given a summer school project to write about a family member. Her teacher suggested she write about her mother. July only knows eighteen things about her mother. One of these facts being that her mother died in a car crash when July was very young. She keeps this list of facts hidden away from her father, written in her own secret code, because they are not allowed to talk about her mother. Not ever. Not with her father, stepmother or grandmother, not with anyone.

However, July finds a note in her school bag on her tenth birthday, and it throws her world into turmoil. Did her mother really die in a car crash? Is she really dead? July starts to investigate, and meets someone who seems to be able to give her some answers - if he will talk to her. The more July learns, the more lies she discovers her family have been telling her. Desperate to find the truth, she keeps digging, but what will happen when she finds it?

This book is outside of my normal genre, but something about it called to me, and I am glad I listened. It was beautifully written, and absolutely engrossing. July is a tenacious, sweet and heartbreakingly innocent child, who only wants to find out what really happened to her mother. She idolises her father, Mick, who you quickly come to despise. Her stepmother and stepsister do the best they can, while navigating Mick’s temper, and trying to curry favour with him.

It is an uncomfortable read at times, for what is depicted in it (I will try not give any spoilers) but seen from July’s point of view, it is even more uncomfortable, as her childhood innocence makes it so much more painful to witness. The ending was a real revelation, for all involved in the story, including us, the readers. July’s tenacity and persistence pays off, but certainly not in the way she could have expected. A beautiful read, of a child’s desperate search for a connection with a deceased mother, and the heartbreak along the way.

*I received this copy from NetGalley for review, but all opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this. Great story line and really well written characters. The ending was amazing. Highly recommended.

Interesting and gripping, but also heart wrenching, What July Knew takes you on a wild ride and does not let you go

This is a book I will think about for a long time, but will for sure read again!

What a fabulous read that was! It’s Summer of 1995 and 10 year old July Hooper lives with her father Mick, stepmother Shell and stepsister, Sylvie. Though she loves her father she knows he doesn’t love her and he only hits her to “Teach Her a Lesson” because she deserves to be punished. Be aware there is child and spousal abuse in this book but it isn’t gratuitous and is an important part of the storyline. This was an ‘I don’t want to put this down’ book, brilliantly written with some great characters I was quickly engrossed and read it over a late evening and morning.

Briefly, July has a list. A secret list about the things she knows about her mother, Maggie. Number 2: she died after being hit by a car when July was small. She can’t mention it to her father as he forbids all mention of Maggie. But when her teacher asks the class to do a project about a family member, and suggests that July write about her mother, July tries to find out more. Why will no one talk about Maggie?

This is a bit outside my normal genre of reads but my goodness I’m glad I read this. July is a wonderful character who, despite everything she has to face at home, is a kind and generous child. Whereas Mick is just evil, I could feel his nastiness just dripping from the page and my heart went out to July, Shell and Sylvie; I can’t even imagine what it must be like to live with someone like this who portrays themselves as a kind family man to the world but behind closed doors…. This was a gripping and compelling read and I’m definitely going to be reading this author again.

I genuinely think this will be my favourite book of the year. I LOVED July and her discoveries. It was absolutely brilliant and I’ll recommend it to everyone I see ever.

July knows 18 things about her dead mother, and wishes to learn more.
However, her mother seems to be a bit on an enigma, and no one in her circle is willing to tell July about her. They all say that she doesn't want to know the truth as it will hurt her.
She is always asking questions, which are not welcomed by her family, especially her dad Mick, who has a vicious streak. Will she find out about the crash that killed her mother, and why will no one talk about her?
These questions are foremost in July's mind and she starts to uncover the truth bit by bit.
A great read, well written and covers topics that tend to be ignored like domestic violence and abuse.
Ultimately, this is a book about a 10 year old's love for the mother she can barely remember, and her quest to be closer to her by learning more about her.

Honestly, this book is super emotional. I really really felt for July and her struggles to find out more about what happened to her Mum. This book continually kept me guessing and I came up with many theories throughout, all of which were wrong but I certainly wasn’t disappointed by the outcome.

Read in just over one sitting. Dark with an undercurrent of DV and abuse, this is not a book for the faint hearted although its not overly graphic, just hinted at. I adored July, with her complex relationships and love-hate relationship with her stepsister. Having lost her mother at an early age, this book focuses on a single summer but dips in and out with other periods. I raced through it and loved it, despite an unsettling feeling as i read it. Well worth a read, can’t stop thinking about July and other kids like her with difficult home lives.

What July Knew Emily Koch
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wow, just wow, totally blown away by this book. I started it yesterday and was up until 4.30am reading it, woke up at 9 this morning and finished it - the last 4% on my phone as my Kindle rudely ran out of battery!

I can 100% hand on heart say that this is in my top 5 books of all time, I'm so, so glad I came across it and was intrigued by the title and synopsis. I've already pre-ordered a signed physical copy on release, to reread and annotate.

The story is mainly set in the UK in 90s (a few letters peppered throughout from the 2000s) so lots of nostalgia and details that were very familiar.

The story is about a girl called July who has just turned 10, and given a project over the summer holidays to write about a family member she doesn't know well, her first thought is of her mum who died when July was two. But finding out any information about her is tricky as it's a subject that upsets her Dad and Grandmother and others seem reluctant to talk about - or confused by her questions.

Over the summer, July has to find out what she can without upsetting anyone or knowing who to trust.

The writing is exceptional, domestic and child abuse are central themes and they are written in a way that isn't gratuitous, that will make you catch your breath and feel genuine fear of the abuser and nervous about what the other characters say that could send him over the edge. There really is a sense of tension that you can imagine is felt within the house throughout the book.

There is beautiful writing, the times when July lies and her reasons for lying are heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. The relationships of characters with July throughout the book (grandmother Yaya, stepmother Shell and stepsister Sylvie), and how they change with revelations are one of the reasons I will read it again, and how reading it with that knowledge will change the book.

I worry I have made this book sound bleak, but it really is a beautiful, uplifting story of a girl trying to figure out who she is. I cannot recommend this book enough.

What a truly Powerful &moving story.
We often hear about acts of Domestic Abuse ,how one member of a relationship wants to completely mould & sculpt the other into their version of how that person should behave ,dress etc & with no freedom to be themselves ,to punish them if & when they do try ,& to manipulate that person into thinking they deserve all the violence be it physical or mental , that it's their mistakes that cause it. I think that this is a Book that should be read by every Teenager in School so as to highlight one of the worst sides of humanity .#NetGalley, #GoodReads,#FB,#Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/358a5cecda71b11036ec19d9f7bf5c96d13e2c55" width="80" height="80" alt="100 Book Reviews" title="100 Book Reviews"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.

Set in 1995, the year July (the name sounds like the month because July was born in July) is given a project by her teacher - to undertake some research about somebody. For July the most logical person to research is her mother, about whom no-one will speak and relating to whom she knows a mere handful of facts. But July knows that she shouldn't research her mother ... that her dad will have to teach her a lesson if she does.
This was a compelling read ... I really did want to know what actually happened to July's mother and felt propelled along by the narrative. I did not want to put the book down. But at the same time I have admit that some may not like the very real and disturbing account of what it is like for a 10-year-old girl to live in a house beset by domestic abuse and where it is only possible to survive by watching every word and deed
I'd definitely recommend it though and I am grateful to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review What July Knew

Telling a convincing story through the eyes and voice of a young child is a difficult novelistic challenge but it is one Emily Koch manages with aplomb in ‘What July Knew’. The child in question is July Hooper, who turns ten in the hot summer of 1995. Although she lives with her father, stepmother and stepsister Stacey, July is bitterly lonely. She suffers from flashbacks to what she thinks is her very early childhood. It is a childhood that included her mother who purportedly died when July was only two. But is this assumption correct? When July receives an anonymous note telling her that her mother did not die in a car accident at all, this sets in motion a chain of events, all instigated by the formidable little girl who wants to find out the truth. Despite the many serious topics this novel hints at and that include cruelty, assault and murder, the young narrator’s narratorial voice and her uplifting believe in the good in mankind make this a very rewarding read. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for the free ARC that allowed me to read this unusual, engaging book, and to produce this honest and unbiased review.

From The Cover📖

Summer, 1995.

July Hooper knows eighteen things about her mother.

Like number thirteen: she loved dancing on the kitchen table. And number eight: she was covered in freckles.

And then there's number two: she died after being hit by a car when July was small.

She keeps this list hidden in a drawer away from her father. Because they're not allowed to talk about her mother. Ever.

But an anonymous note slipped into July's bag on her tenth birthday is about to change everything she thinks she knows about her mum.

Determined to discover what really happened to her, July begins to investigate, cycling around the neighbourhood where her family used to live. There she meets someone who might finally have the answers.

July wants her family to stop lying to her, but will the truth be harder to face?



Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off thank you to the publishers, author and netgalley for giving me the chance to read this outstanding book before publication in exchange for a fair, unbiased and honest review…

This book was not what I was expecting at all…

I thought it was going be a very uplifting book with a touch of sadness among the sweetness of it all. A classic coming of age story.

I was wrong this book is so much more.

Told mainly though the eyes of July we learn that not all is what it seems,
tenderly told and beautifully written we hear July’s story to find out who her mother is, what happened to her mother, why is her dad the way he is and what does the truth mean?

It looks at heart of family life with its complexity and sometimes unsettling dark side. This book contains very graphic scenes of domestic abuse but it is needed to really explore the life of July and her character. It highlights the heartbreaking feelings victims go though and at times is hard to read and heartbreaking but the writer has woven this into the story in such a way that it’s needed and really gives the story edge.

This is a utterly compelling mystery it is as full of twists and surprises as it is of heart and wonderful (90’s nostalgia( I was the same age as July in 95 brought back some great memories). It was mystery that really kept me guessing right till the end. I loved the letters that were scattered though the main chapters they really added depth , really provided a twist and tied up any loose threads perfectly.

The characters in the book are varied bunch that are ever changing throughout I found myself changing my opinion of them as I read and they developed . The author masterfully adds nuance to each character making them seem real and true. I loved the relationship between July and her stepsister Sylvia it beautifully captured the love heart feeling all sisters have growing up. Furthermore the relationship between July and Shell really moved me it sound the strange balance of feelings one can have within a blended family not just one with a dark side full of secrets.


A gloriously nostalgic and affecting
Heart-wrenching, deeply moving and compelling novel I urge anyone to read. While there is trigging content the story will stay with you for a long time but in the best possible way. Made my top 20 books of the year list easy. People will be talking about this book come publishing date and rightly so this is book that deserves to discussed and pondered over. Would make the perfect book club reading choice.

Highly highly recommended

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. This story is so well written with compassion and love, balanced against a very difficult family life. July is 10 years old and is keen to learn more about her mother who she believes was killed in a car accident when she was 2 years old. When set a school project to learn more about 1 family member, she hopes this is to be her chance. Her father Mick is not willing to share more about his first wife and her step mother Shelly is unable to tell her more. Mick also discourages contact with her natural grandparents. Secretly, July sets out to fi d out more, encouraged by comments from her step sister that her mother is still alive..
The story is an emotional read and at times hard to believe that the truth was so well hidden for 10 tears.
Definitely a book that should be read by all. I love the way Emily Koch tied up the ending by sharing letters written to the next generation. All the characters are sensitively portrayed.

A strong, and sometimes disturbing, book which I was thoroughly engrossed in, reading it in a day. A well written mystery which stealthily develops with plenty of twists and turns. At the same time as being heartwarming there are some shocking moments involving domestic abuse and the convoluted relationships within families. I totally empathised with July, and behind her and rooting for her throughout. A beautifully written emotional rollercoaster.

Written from the perspective of 10 year old July, through the long hot summer of 1995, this is a sensitively written novel that touches on some tough subjects. It is part mystery and part ‘coming of age’ story, filled with emotion.
The voice of a July is powerful and believable from a child development perspective. Her story is touching, heartbreaking and really well written with the right balance of humour, childish naivety and sadness. Her yearning for her Mother, who died when July was very young, runs through the book There are some excellent supporting characters, from the adults keeping secrets to her feisty step-sister:
I definitely recommend this book, It is not always an easy read, but it is worthwhile and July will touch your heart and stay with you. I will certainly be looking out for other novels by Emily Koch.

July Hooper’s school project for over the summer holidays is find out as much as she can about a member of her family. She wants to find out more about her mother. July only knows eighteen things about her mother and number two on the list is that she died when July was very young. But July doesn’t dare ask her dad about her mum because it makes him angry which forces him to “teach her a lesson.” The lessons always involve his fists. July is desperate for her dad to love her and tries her hardest not to make him hit her.
However, after finding an anonymous note in her bag saying that her mother didn’t die on her second birthday in a car accident as she has been told, July is determined to find out the truth. Undeterred by the constant threat of another “lesson” July revisits her childhood home, the place where she was born. Mr Salter, the man next door, was there the day that July was born and he can tell her things about her mum, things that the rest of the family keep quiet about.
He tells July that her mum did not die in an accident on her second birthday. If that’s the truth, when did she die and how? It is July’s mission to find out.
This book deals with child abuse so isn’t always an easy read, in fact, all of the way through there is a tense feeling of what will July’s dad do to her next. That said, I was completely enthralled by this book and was rooting for July from beginning to end.
Many thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am not sure how I ended up requesting a review copy of this book – I think perhaps the cover drew my attention. I can say that I am glad I did and a big thank you to Random House UK and NetGalley for this brilliant review copy. This was a fantastic read. A heart-warming story about family secrets and growing up that will keep you up at night.
This was my first time reading Emily Koch and this book has turned me into an instant fan. Her other books have been added to my wish list (I hope I am in time for Christmas) The author manages to place the reader into the head of a ten-year-old girl – sharing all her emotions. I fell in love with this little girl and my heart broke a little further with every turn of the page.
July Hooper knows eighteen things about her mother. The family does not talk about Maggie Hooper, even July’s grandparents do not say very much about her mother. All July wants is to learn more about her mother, no matter what she needs to do. Despite upsetting her father, July breaks all the rules as she searches for answers. While the adults in July’s life never expected this young girl would be able to undercover the truth they have been keeping from her.
I was heartbroken by the number of people who turned a blind eye to what was happening in this house. The author shows how easily domestic violence goes unnoticed. I was totally engrossed in this book and found that I could not turn the pages fast enough. This story was beautifully told and full of surprises along the way that keeps you guessing all the way.
July Hooper is a character that will crawl into your heart and stay there. The author did a marvellous job sharing this girl’s emotions and showing how discovering the truth made her mature. I cannot remember ever reading a book told from a child’s perspective that kept me this captivated.
I was not impressed with Yaya – July’s grandmother. While I understand that she was mourning the loss of her daughter, it has been ten years and she really should have made more of an effort to help July learn more about her mother. She knew who Mick was yet she left July with him and turned a blind eye – I found myself infuriated by her.
This book has sailed into my top ten for 2022 – I loved it! This book is a fantastic read, I cannot wait to have someone to discuss this one with. I will have to get Alicia a copy and convince her to read it as well.
If you enjoy a heart-warming story about family and growing up, with mystery and a fabulous twist thrown in – then this is the book for you. I loved this book and I cannot recommend this one highly enough. This is a book you must add to your TBR – you do not want to miss this one.

Wow! I absolutely loved this book. I couldn’t put it down.
July receives a note saying her mother Maggie didn’t die in a car crash. This sets July on a journey to find out the truth and she learns that people are hiding a multitude of secrets.
This is a gripping, compelling novel from the beginning to the end. It’s an emotional family mystery with brilliant characters that pull at your heart strings.
Beautifully written with great developed characters and a well crafted storyline.
Definitely recommend.
Thanks to #NetGallery #RandomHouseUK #VintageBooks for an arc of #WhatJulyKnew in exchange for an honest review.

What July Knew by Emily Koch

On July Hooper's tenth birthday she finds a note telling her that her mum didn't die in a car accident as she'd always thought. July knows very little about her mum and sets out on a quest to find out more. But her dad goes to extreme lengths to prevent her from finding out the truth.

Oh my.... this book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and I couldn't put it down. The characters, story and the setting (heatwave of 1995) are so well done and utterly compelling. Everyone is going to fall in love with July and root for her, and this book deserves to be huge. Very VERY highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book.

Set in the 1990s, a period in time when peoples reactions to domestic abuse was cautious; a reluctance to interfere,; a fear of making unwarranted allegations. A belief that decent church going folk, pillars of their community were to be taken at face value. July, our ten year old protagonist, innocent in the realities of life , believes the beatings and brutality inflicted on a regular basis are her punishment in order to teach her the lessons of life. Given a school project, it becomes her mission to learn more about her deceased mother, killed in a car accident. The child’s voice as the narrator expertly captures the thoughts and actions of a troubled mind as she delves into secrets and lies a decade old. The complicit reactions of a community, demonstrating an unwillingness to intervene or involve themselves. Slowly, in harrowing detail we the reader are led through the torture of this girls journey to find truth, love and safety in an uncaring or unwilling community prepared to accept at face vale or acknowledge even to themselves the reality. Many thanks to author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

Wow what an incredible read! It addresses some tough issues really beautifully and takes you on a brilliant journey.

July Hooper is a 10 year old with a mission - to find out everything she can about her dead mother, Maggie. July believes if she can be more like Maggie, she will make her father happy and earn his love. But all the grown-ups in July's life are keeping secrets about Maggie's death, and her perfect step-sister Sylvie isn't much help either.

I loved What July Knew. There's 90s nostalgia, a spooky vibe, some absolutely chilling depictions of domestic violence as witnessed and ignored by the community around July. The biggest twist wasn't entirely unguessable, but what I couldn't have predicted is how emotional I would feel at the denouement. Any book that makes me cry like that is an automatic 5 stars, but that's not to play down Emily Koch's brilliant writing or the twistiness of the plot. It was so good!

Thank you Random House and NetGalley for an advance proof copy of #WhatJulyKnew

Seldom find a book worthy of 5 stars but this is most definitely one. What a character, 10 year old July Hooper trying to find out about her mother, who died in an accident when July was 2. Or so she thinks!

She has loads of questions and what wonderful questions they are, masked with names of celebrities because she doesn’t want to upset her Dad. If he does get upset he has a tendency to “teach her a lesson”. So yes July is a victim of domestic violence but she is also a tenacious and brave person so when given a summer school project to research a family member that is exactly what she sets out to do.

This may be told from the point of view of a 10 year old but it deals with difficult topics, domestic abuse, violence, animal abuse among others. It can make for difficult reading at times as the reader is drawn in so well that they can feel part of the scene. While it concentrates on July and her family along with a former neighbour there are several minor characters that don’t appear to have a role. However their role does become clear as possibly representing all of us you witness something not quite right but fail to act.

Despite the topics dealt with this is not a sad book, July’s character does not allow us to feel that but she certainly does make us think and will stay with you long after the final page is read.

Go read this book.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for this review

(Trigger warning: domestic violence.)
What July Knew is a poignant coming-of-age mystery story set in England back in 1995 when July Hooper turns ten years old. She knows just eighteen things about her mum, one being that she died after being hit by a car when July was a toddler. But then at the end of school term, an anonymous note throws that memory into question, along with everything she thinks she knows about her mum. The problem is, the subject is forbidden. And if she ever breaks that rule, she is taught a Lesson by her dad. Mind, he doesn’t need any good reason to lash out at July — her very existence seems enough. But she is determined to learn what really happened to her mum, launches an investigation, cycling around the neighbourhood where her family used to live, and finds somebody who holds some of the answers, at least. But the truth will come at a fatal cost. What July Knew is narrated mainly in young July’s voice in the current time of 1995, with two other voices interspersed in the form of notes, which adds another layer to this touching, compelling mystery. With a very young narrator, a gentle, naïve tone, the themes around the impacts of domestic violence and family secrets are sensitively managed and extremely moving. Highly recommended.

The story of July, who turns 10 as the book starts.July lost her mother early in her life and now lives with her father and step-mother. Fairly quickly it becomes apparent that her father is a bully who decides what happens in the house and does not allow July to know anything about her mother. A school summer project into a family member gives July an excuse to look for information about her mother and she is quite inventive in finding out about her bit by bit.
The three members of the family are played off against each other by the father. He also isolated the family and ensured that any clues were not picked up on. Both July and her step-mother cover up for him and allow themselves to be manipulated . I found this part of the book quite harrowing to read and the correspondance July has with her father at a future time offered relief and hope for the future July.
The characters are well written, the situations all too realistic and the book is a thought provoking read. At times uncomfortable, but rightly so, abuse within a family should not be pushed under the carpet.
Thanks to Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I wasn’t at all sure I was going to finish this book but I’m so glad I did. July Hopper’s mother died when July was about 2 years old or so she seems to remember. Her abusive father has since moved in with a woman and her daughter but he has bouts of violence that affects the all. July is asked to do a school summer holiday project about what happened to her mother. She ends up going back to the street where she was born. And finds out probably more than she was bargaining for. I was cheering for her all the way I loved this book and so glad I hit the opportunity to read it. Brilliant

At ten years old July Hooper knew just a few things about her mum, Maggie Hooper. Having died in a car accident when July was just two years old she had only a short list of things she knew. Her family, grandmother yaya and her father were reluctant to talk about Maggie as it upset them too much, so every little snippet she learned was secretly kept so she could piece together her mother.

But when July and her step sister Sylvie are tasked with a summer project of finding out about a member of their family, July can think of only one person she wants to know more about, and that is Maggie Hooper. But as she delves deeper into her mothers life, she learns more than she could ever have possibly imagined.

I received this book through netgalley and I’ve really enjoyed it. This book has a big domestic violence theme throughout which could trigger some people.

There were a lot of upsetting moments during this book but these moments were essential to the telling of the story. There were a couple of great twists in there one I sort of expected but one I didn’t see coming at all. I loved the 90’s nostalgia in there, the pogs reminding me of my younger brothers vast collection that at one point he had framed.

In all it was a book that had me pulled into the story that kept dishing out small nuggets of information, making me keep reading and wanting to know more. Highly recommend!

Loved loved loved this book!

I do like Emily Koch i find her books easy to read, with a good plot.

Little July Hooper, lives with her dad, step mum and Step sister Sylvie.

July doesn’t know much about her birth mum she knows 18 things in total and that she is dead; she wants to know more - but her father an overbearing thug won’t discuss it.

July is on a quest to find out the truth, living a hard life under a strict, often cruel environment.

The story of an inquisitive innocent child, who lives in a loveless world, cycling round the neighbourhood meets someone with the answers she yearns.

Brilliantly written, some parts were hard to read, but that’s the unfortunate grim reality. However, the story was told perfectly…

Thank you Netgalley for my free ARC, in return for an honest review! ;-)

Quite sad really. But a good book. Well written and a bit of an emotional book. Not my usual genre but good all the same.

It' was a hard book to read and really difficult to write this review without giving too much away but there are definitely triggering occurrences which some readers will find upsetting.

The book is mainly set in Summer 1985 during a heatwave. July is a 10 year old child who knows her mum died while she was very young but knows very little else. This makes her thirsty for knowledge and facts about her which she records in her notebook.

My heart breaks for this poor girl for so many reasons but mainly due to the way the adults in her life treat her. Also her step sister who is very mean to her but one might expect that more from a sibling,

Without giving too much away there are lots of upsetting themes in this book which I was not prepared for. The author handles them well and the characters are very believable, if very flawed.

I remember 1985 well and the only slight niggle was use of CDs and portable CD players. I don't think that cds were commonplace having only been released a couple of years prior to this and were expensive. Cassette tapes were what we mainly used.

It is 1995. July Hooper is ten-years-old, and she is desperate to know more about her mother. She has a vague memory of seeing her mother killed in a road accident when she was two-years-old, but her father will not talk about it. It is a no go area. Her father is ultra-strict and physically and emotionally abuses her if she falls short of his rules, repeating the fact that she needs to be taught a lesson. Truth be told she is frightened of him. All she wants is to be loved. She believes everything is her fault, and she feels guilty and miserable.
Her blended family consists of her father Mick, her stepmother Shell, and Shell’s daughter Sylvie, who is her self-absorbed and spoilt stepsister. Her maternal Grandmother is called Yaya, but she is unwelcome to visit July, and certainly does not like her son-in-law. For her birthday this year Yaya gives her a bike, and this gives her wings. So far July knows eighteen facts about her mother and she is determined to add to her list. The school summer holidays are nearing and her teacher gives them a task to complete in their long, hot holiday. She suggests that they pick a relative that they don’t know very well, and find out more about them. July is really excited because what she is doing is homework, and dad can’t moan about answering questions about her mother. Oh yes he can, and he does. She must pick someone else and research their lives, but definitely not her mother. July is deflated.
She doesn’t give up. She decides to go to her last home where she used to live before her dad met auntie Shell. This will be her secret. She will take her list of what she already knows about her mum and add to it as and when she can. First she meets her ex next door neighbour Mr Slater and this starts her off very well. She has more information from him and this encourages her to continue with her quest. She is determined to find out more truths.
What July finds out is astounding. She is the narrator of her own story, courageous, meticulous and driven. She is a wonderful character, my favourite of them all. I really disliked her overbearing, angry and boarish father. His treatment of his daughter is totally unwarranted and well beyond reasonable parental guidance. I lapped up the beautiful storytelling and felt compelled to read this novel whenever I could. July’s story touched my heart. It was like a runaway train that can’t stop, deeply emotional, but relatable and believable. July had to know the truth to settle her mind once and for all. Throughout this novel I felt tension, a sense of mystery, and a fierce need for July to quell her worst fears.
This novel is powerful, terrifying and immensely sad. The issues it raises are contemporary and involving: a blended family, grief, parenthood, guilt, buried secrets and domestic abuse. I received a complimentary copy of this excellent novel from publisher Vintage Digital through my membership of NetGalley. Thank you for my copy sent in return for an honest and unbiased review. Emily Koch has a huge talent and has used it to inform her impassioned writing. I am happy to share my review with you and class it as unmissable and highly recommended. It’s a very well deserved 4.5* review from me.

A totally absorbing psychological drama from Emily Koch, you'll read Juky's story and fall utterly in love.

It is compelling from the get go, you are with July all the way as she seeks the truth about her lost mother whilst navigating a challenging home life.

Emily Koch breathes passionate life into all her characters and the story is addictively emotional and genuinely clever.

I absolutely loved it. Highly Recommended.

In places this book felt deeply uncomfortable and challenging. July is trying to find out more about her mother but the truth is not what she is expexting. Fascinatinh insight into domestic abuse and brilliantly written. Would really recommend this book

What July Knew grabbed me immediately. When July received a note telling her that her mum isn’t dead, I was gripped. Then to get to know Sylv, Shell and Mick and how he affects all of their lives you want July to keep digging and keep searching for the truth. What she finds is full of twists and turns that I didn’t always see coming, making it all the more enjoyable.

Firstly I would like to start by saying thank you to NetGalley for this early arc of 'What July Knew.' What a pleasure it was to read this book. Althought the theme of the book can be quite distressing and triggering for some, you ultimately fall in love with July. The sweetest little girl, and you root for her through out the whole book.

I wasn't sure I would enjoy a story based around a 10 year-old girls character but she was fantastic and determined and I really loved how the story played out. I think her character was realistic to her age and it was quite different for a child to be the main character but it completely worked. I also adored the fact the book was set in the 90's. Ingenius. Especially as thats what age i would have been in the same year.

The book follows July as she navigates her way through life with her Dad Mick, step-mum Shell and sassy step-sister Sylvie. You get the feeling all isn't ok in the family but I wont spoil it to much for any future readers. Julys real mum died when she was a baby in a devasting car crash and no one seems to want to talk about her. July only knows a few things about her mum and she has them written down on a list. But then July recieves a note saying her mum didn't die in a car crash. Everybody has been lying to her, but why?

We follow July as she unearths the true story of her mums death with some heartbreak along the way. Not one to be missed!! This was a fab little read full of little twists and turns and it pulls on your heartstrings.

Loved this story. July didn't know a lot about her Mum at the beginning of this book, but, after her teacher decided to set the class a task that would purposefully lead July to the truth the rollercoaster of emotions begin.
July is a delightful character and it is hard to read about the abuse she experiences. This tale has great twists and turns and keeps you interested throughout. I read it in just a few sessions. Highly recommended! .

A very clever book, with a memorable main character. I found it hard to read at times because of the subject matter, but it is a well-written and thought-provoking book.

July Hooper lives with her dad, step mum and step sister. This story starts on her 10th birthday, a day July loves and dreads in equal measure. Try as she might, July can’t help but rub her dad up the wrong way, and events always come to a head on her birthday.

This is a very touching story, beautifully written with compassion and empathy. The author handles a disturbing plot line so well. I really loved July, she was a feisty little girl who wouldn’t let life get her down, and her determination to find out the truth about her mother was compelling reading.

The book, in my opinion, was superb and I absolutely loved it apart from Chapter 44! This seems to have been by a totally different writer, and was a bit sentimental and twee, which had definitely not been the case throughout the rest of the book. Nevertheless, Chapter 45 brought the book back on track, especially items number 9 and 10, a perfect summing up!

As the rest of the book is so good, I won’t let one chapter put me off awarding 5*, a brilliant read, definitely recommend.

Thank you NetGalley.

A beautifully heartbreaking book with so much soul. I was rooting for July the whole time. This is one of those tales that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. Written so perfectly that you are truly invested in July. Full of hope and resilience and the complicated workings of the human mind. I can’t wait to read something else by Emily Koch.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I was hooked from the first chapter! Absolutely absorbing read. It was told through a 10 year old child's view and her name is July. It made uncomfortable reading in some places but I didn't want to stop reading it because I wanted and hoped for a good outcome for July. The research that the author has put into this very sad subject is incredible and it is a story that was very well thought out and brave to undertake but very necessary too.

I thought this was a beautifully written book. It was compelling and difficult to put down. I felt so sorry for July and wanting to know more about her mother but being unable to ask questions about her for fear of the consequences from her father. It was a very good and well constructed story and very sad that so many people lived in fear of the consequences of them speaking out. July appeared to be a strong and determined young girl and determined to find out the truth about her mother. Excellent read.

Gripping and heartfelt tale of young July who lives with her Dad, his partner Aunt Shell and her daughter Sylvie. July’s homework over the summer is to complete a project on one of her family members, and she chooses her mum who she knows just 18 things about.

Told mainly through the perspective of July, the mystery of who her mum really was and what happened to her unfolds. I really loved July and Sylvie, individually they were such strong characters and their dynamic was one of the highlights of the novel for me.

As other users have mentioned, the story deals with some difficult topics (I would consider checking the trigger warnings as some parts can be graphic and upsetting!) but Koch navigates these thoughtfully.

It would make for a great book club pick as it is rich in themes, compelling and easy to follow/polish off in a day if you’re the one who leaves the reading to the day before.

Pick up this book if: you’re after a mystery with meaning

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

It is a hot summer in 1995 and the children have broken up from school for the summer holidays. They have holiday homework and that is to write a story about someone in their family which needs research. July is 10 and lives with her father, stepmother and stepsister Sylvia. July knows nothing about her mother, Maggie, as her father will not talk about her at all and if she does ask questions he gets really cross and usually lashes out at July. He says that her mother was killed in a car accident and that was the end of the story. I really took to July as she was like a lost child only wanting to know her past her mother. The home itself is volatile with Mick, her dad, having mood swings. He is a man who lashes out and even his wife gets hit when he is unhappy. This frightens Sylvia and she blames July for a lot of this and causes friction between July and her dad to save her mum. July overhears things about her past and decides to write her homework about her mother but she has to be very careful her father does not know. Obviously this plan does not work out so well. She hears an address mentioned. She goes investigating and things go from bad to worse. She meets the neighbour to the house where she first lived and he tries to discourage her from visiting but she continues anyway as she feels he is the link to her story. Eventually she goes to the local library and looks up the time of the alleged car accident and it opens up a whole can of worms. She goes back to see the neighbour, Mr Salter, and the story takes pace and eventually the story of Maggie is resolved. I loved this book and was surprised with the twists and turns and did not expect how it would end but I felt happy with this ending. Domestic abuse is not talked about often enough and this brings it to the fore and we should take note and be aware of our own surroundings and help when necessary

July knows 18 things about her mother. But not the truth.
Summer, 1995. On her tenth birthday, July's teacher sets the class a project to find out about a relation they don't know. It's easy for July to choose her subject. She doesn't remember her mother, who died when she was small, and her father refuses to talk about her. Ever. The only memories she has of her are flashbacks from the accident that claimed her mother's life.
But then she receives the note: 'She didn't die in a car accident.'
Determined to discover what really happened, July begins to investigate, cycling around the street where her family used to live and questioning the neighbours. When she is caught snooping round a crumbling house at the end of the road, she learns that the man living there was the last person to see July's mother alive.
In his version of the story, he is a hero. In everyone else's, he is anything but.
Totally couldn’t put it down really enjoyed this book totally recommend
Thank You NetGalley and Random House Uk Vintage

July is ten years old and lives with her father, stepmother and stepsister. Her own mother died when she was only two. On beginning a school project, she finds a note saying, “she didn't die in a car crash”. This leads July to try and find out more and to add to her list of things she knows about her mother which as yet hasn’t reached twenty. Why the mystery over her mother and is she really dead?

This is a very touching story. July is bullied and intimidated by her father who she desperately wants love and attention from. She hence finds life at home rather precarious at times. She is shown love and care by Yaya (her grandmother) and has a sort of a friend in her stepsister, but Sylvie only ever has one person in mind- herself. Brilliantly written this evokes childhood memories and the innocence of youth wonderfully. A book I loved and didn’t want to end. More than one twist which kept the pages turning from this carefully crafted, well thought out read. Loved it.

(Rest of links on publication)

This is a book that captivated me. July is a beautifully crafted character who you take into your heart as she questions what happened to her mother and questions her position both at home and at school.
She is a girl that wants to please, that wants to belong, but is living a life made up of secrets, and a life where she can never quite feel secure.
This book is tense and will have you holding your breath in the same way as the characters must, but it is also warm and engaging and not without humour. It explores relationships and family and how they can give us strength and break us down. It forces you not to assume anything and to look behind the surface of both person and situation. It is raw but also beautiful. I loved it!

What a brilliant read! I loved this book and read it avidly, desperate to find out what happened.
In a similar vein to 'The Trouble with Goats and Sheep' the story is told through the eyes of a child, July is 10 years old, and living with her Dad, her stepmother Shelly and her stepsister Sylvie. Her mother died when July was a baby and she is desperate to know more about her as a person,but noone will talk to July about her. This book deals with tough topics including domestic violence which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat at times, but I also loved the way the author tells July's story and I really loved July! This book is a must read! Wonderful story-telling, beautifully developed characters that you find yourself really caring about. A brilliant read overall. Highly recommended!

What a beautifully written book. Koch has demonstrated yet again what an accomplished wordsmith she is. Engrossing and immersive. Full review will appear in my book column.

What July knew is outstanding - definitely my book of the year
Told from July's perspective, her story is set during her last summer of primary school. July has been told that her mum died in a car crash - but no one will talk about it - no July's stepmother, her step-sister, or her dad - definitely not her dad.
July's relationship with her dad is heartbreaking, and some of the issues may be triggering for some readers.
As the story unfolds, July gets stronger and without revealing too much, the reader truly empathises with her and roots for her outcome.

Exceptional, edge-of-your-seat reading.

Totally engaging story about love, family and the dangerous assumptions we can make about them. What starts as one version of events, is completely changed by the end with no sense of this twist to come. The book becomes harder and harder to put down as each layer of the truth is revealed.

It is the summer of 1995 and there is a heatwave. But it is also July Hoopers tenth birthday. She wished her mother was with her, but she has been told that she died in a car crash when she was two years old. She yearns to find out about her mother as she has flashbacks of the little time, she spent with her and wonders if she herself looks or acts like her but, when she asks the people that knew her, including her father nobody will tells her anything. Her dad gets angry when she mentions her. Not just because of him but her has now moved on with Stepmother and stepsister Stacey. She goes on a journey to discover more about her mother. But it is not all plain sailing. Especially regards to her father who abuses her not just her his relationship he has with her stepmother.
Thank you, Random House for a copy of What July Knew by Emily Koch. I have read the authors previous novels which I really enjoyed, so I was interested in her latest offering. This is a powerful and emotional story of July’s trying to find out about her mother and her own identity. I felt sorry for July as why wouldn’t she told the truth and why is she being treated in this way. There is some hard subjects dealt with in this story but the author has written it sensitive way. 5 stars from me.

Wow this was incredible. Very harrowing, but so well written and gripping. July is a great protagonist and her story is so very moving.. I couldn’t stop reading this until I’d finished it, and all the threads didn’t come together until the satisfactory ending.

Thanks Netgalley for giving me the chance to read this, I found it compelling. Well done to the author for writing about the very horrible issue of domestic abuse and making it such a jolly good, thought provoking story. This is a book that will stay with me for a long time.

Wow, what a story. Read in 2 days as I couldn't wait to find out what happened. It's such a great and sad plot, and it did trigger me after my own issues through childhood. People turning a blind eye etc. But it also triggered the good old 80/90's memories, brilliantly. A devastatingly wonderful book that I will recommend to all.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this lovely book.

As someone who knows little about my birth family this book resonated greatly with me.

Through the book we follow July Hooper, a young girl desperate to learn more about her mother and a family who seem to desperate to keep the past, the past.

Content Warnings - Domestic Abuse, death, murder, child abuse, animal cruelty and mentions suicide.

I've never read anything by Emily Koch before, but this book will have me reading more. It was such a powerful story. It wasn't easy to read what with the domestic violence however the author did it justice, showing us what domestic abuse looks like within relationships both with spouses and with other family members.

The characters were so well developed, their personalities really came through as the story progressed and I felt my opinions of each character constantly changing throughout I think this added to how blown away I was with the ending.

The ending really shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel and I think that was really important in this story because of how serious the topics are that have been covered.

Overall this book is a very emotional read with a well crafted and engaging plot. This will definitely be one for my list of recommended books to read with my book buddies.

Huge thankyou to Emily Koch, Netgalley and Random House Publishers for the chance to read this book.

A big thanks to NetGalley and Kate at Penguin Random House UK for an ARC of Emily Koch’s What July Knew.

I went into this mystery not too sure what to expect other than that it would probably be good. I’d previously read If I Die Before I Wake by the same author and had quite enjoyed the story and the unique perspective. What I got was something quite different.

Genre:
Mystery

Blurb:
In 1995, ten-year-old July Hooper receives a summer assignment to write a report on any family member. She wants to write about her mother. Because July knows only eighteen things about her mother, memories collected over time through excerpts of conversations she’d caught. Her father never spoke about her mother, and she wasn’t allowed to ask him about her. She has a hidden list of those memories and the second one on that list is that her mother died in a car accident when she was small. Unsure of how to even begin asking her father, July almost gives up on the idea, until she receives a note.
She didn’t die in an accident.
July decides that she wants to know the truth. And if her father won’t help her, she’ll find it out herself. She begins her own search, returning to the neighborhood where she was born, and where her mother died, and asking questions to whoever she can. Until she meets someone who might have the answers she’s looking for. But can she trust this stranger’s side of the story? Is there a really good reason her family has been hiding the truth from her? And is she prepared to know the truth?

Overall Rating:
10 out of 10 stars

Plot:
10 out of 10 stars

Characterization:
10 out of 10 stars

Primary Element:
8 out of 10 stars for its mystery, and 10 out of 10 stars for its unexpected emotional impact

Writing Style:
10 out of 10 stars

Part of a Series:
No.

Highlighted Takeaway:
Emily Koch has this amazing ability to pull you right into the world she’s created, whether she’s telling the story from the point of view of a person in a coma or a ten-year-old child. And the star of What July Knew will have you incredibly invested in her tale.

What I Liked:
A simple concept, told beautifully, What July Knew has a good mystery that keeps you turning the pages. What I really loved though was its emotional impact. The characterization is subtle yet accurate, and makes the entire scenario seem extremely real. Trigger warning: it goes into the topic of domestic violence and emotional abuse in a painfully realistic way. But that very authenticity packs the emotional punch.

What I Didn’t Like:
There was nothing to dislike in this tale.

Who Should Read It:
If you enjoy mysteries, psychological thrillers, and stories told in a simple but genuine style, you should definitely read What July Knew.

Who Should Avoid:
The book does go into topics that some people could find traumatic. If you’re uncomfortable with stories that contain domestic violence and emotional abuse, I would recommend steering clear from this book.

Read It For:
The unique, endearing perspective of ten-year-old July, and her tenacity and strength.

Emily Koch’s What July Knew will go on sale in February 2023.

I loved this story, it was so well written and really well done. I couldn't stop reading and actually stayed up until 1am so I could finish it. What seems like such a simple thing - finding out more about her mum, actually ends up to be a lot more for July. I almost felt emotional when I'd got to the end as I felt so invested with our characters.

I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in one sitting. Great characters with a tough storyline. A great setting that reminded me of my childhood. I will definitely be recommending this to everyone.

Summer, 1995.

July Hooper knows little (18 things) about her mother who died. Her father won't talk about it, her stepmother is not allowed to, and her grandmother finds it too sad.
But July gets a note telling her that what she does know may not be true and she sets out to find out what happened.
This story made me realise how quiet the voices of children can be but how much they know and learn.

July is an excellent quirky heroine, and I loved how she changed over the book. It is story of listening and how support can come from unlikely places.

In the sweltering hot summer of 1995 July Hooper turns ten. July's birthday has always been a bittersweet event as it's also the anniversary of her mother's death. On her second birthday July's mother was killed in a car accident. Since that day no-one talks about her mother, Maggie. Overtime July has become desperate to know more about her mother and has managed to glean 18 facts about her, facts she keeps hidden like secrets. July desperately wants to know more and when her teacher sets a holiday project to learn about a family member it seems like an ideal opportunity. Little does July realise that her quest to know more is going to have cataclysmic effects on her life.

Right from the start this is a story that is going to break your heart. July Hooper is a child desperate to be loved but only seems to receive rejection, antipathy, derision and violence. Despite being described as "nice, sweet and good natured" little affection is shown towards her. July isn't an annoying, needy child trying to wheedle her way into people's affections, she spends the vast majority of her time in the shadows, trying to stay out of everyone's way and not annoy anyone.

July is desperate for her father's approval. Over time she has learned the signs for when he is in a bad mood and she will have a "lesson to learn", a lesson that will involve some form of physical abuse. I was filled with anger that a young child should have to live in a situation like this and incredibly sad that July believes this type of behaviour is normal and acceptable. July tries to excuse the abuse as she is aware that in the following days her father's temperament will have improved and he will show her some affection; the loving touches and comments she craves.

Contrasted with the abuse July receives is the kindness shown towards her step-sister, Sylvie, who is the same age. Sylvie is an attention seeker who thinks nothing of telling tales, thus causing more problems for July. Sylvie's mother, Auntie Shell, is cool towards July. The behaviour of these characters make you want to snatch July away from the household and protect her. It is only as you move through the story that you realise they are terrified of July's father, Mick. He hasn't abused them physically but there is definitely coercive abuse happening.

July's maternal grandmother offers some relief. She adore's her grand-daughter but is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her daughter, she's also no match for Mick Hooper.

Unable to ask questions about her mother July begins to seek information elsewhere. Being set in 1995 this means having to ask people, use parish records or search newspapers stored on microfiche. This all adds to the nostalgic feel of the story. During her search July receives lots of conflicting information, this raises her hopes that her mother may still be alive. As a reader I then had just as many questions as July. Where is Maggie Hooper? Why won't anyone talk about her? Why has she abandoned July?

Excellent read, loved this one.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publishers for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.

I loved the twists and turns and the way this story developed, very slow at first but as the story continued the pace quickened.
July Hooper turned ten on 20th July 1995. She knows very little about her birth mother and she is not allowed to talk about her mother with her father of Stepmother. Over the years July has collected snippets of information but desperately wants to find out more. The information she has collected she keeps hidden.
July’s teacher set a summer project where students had to write about a family member which sends July on a dangerous course to find out how her mother died.
Set mostly in 1995. July tries to unravel her family secrets and avoid her father’s bad temper. This was about identity, families, secrets and domestic violence.

I adored this novel - Emily delivers such tragic, emotive themes yet in a strangely comforting way as July's voice is so endearing and likeable. It was a slow burn particularly the first half, but I love novels that build character, backstory and plot because it makes the ending so satisfying and believable, and the finale did not disappointment.

I absolutely loved Emily Kock's What July Knew, it was incredibly heartwarming yet also heartbreaking.
The character development was stand out, July is inquisitive, endearing, naive and likeable from the get go, a brilliant protagonist. Accompanied by the development of Auntie Shell and Sylvie it made for a powerful read.
5 stars.

Absolutely loved this story. There was a character I despised greatly in it, and would encourage people to check out trigger warnings for this book.

We follow July Hooper. And her journey into finding out about her mother Maggie. July knows that her mother died when July was only two years old. But, nobody talks about her very much. She has written a list of what she knows, and it's not very much.

But, those around her start to help her uncover the truth.

I felt a huge amount of love towards July. I felt sorry for her and her naive outlook at life and her circumstances. She is one of those characters that you just want to hold in your arms and protect at all costs.

The relationship between July and her step sister, Sylvie was fabulous to watch unfold. I can't say too much obviously as I don't want to spoil the storyline.

The story is told from 2 main perspectives. July as a 10 year old in 1995, setting out on the discovery of finding out about her mother. I enjoyed the nods to the 90s. I'm old enough to remember everything 😊

The other narrative came via letters from 2001. Signed her father. Again I won't divulge too much information here as I want you to find out yourself. But this narrative added more mystery to what happened to Maggie Hooper. And the unravelling of this was a cracking storyline.

What July Knew is a tale that will send your emotions into a whirlwind. I found myself in tears of sadness, venting with anger. Overcome by sheer joy. Emily Koch has outdone herself with this story.

A dark tale of domestic violence and lies. Set in the heady summer of 1995 and told mainly from the point of view of a young girl, it is an emotionally absorbing story. I loved the character of July, who displayed an intelligence and maturity beyond her tender age. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc.

Could not put this down. July is the most wonderful protagonist. The cast of surrounding characters are all beautifully developed (both good and bad) and the pacing is perfect. When July is "with" her mother in her imagination the writing is so deceptively simple I literally ached for her. Cannot recommend highly enough.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (there are other reviews like that out there if that's what you are looking for).

I really enjoyed this book - it's not always easy reading though, dealing with several hard-hitting issues like domestic violence, secrets and lies.

The main character, July, is an interesting young girl with a determined streak, who strives to follow her own path and remains optimistic in spite of her difficult past - not to mention her difficult present, walking on eggshells for fear of upsetting her father, even years after the death of her mother. The other supporting characters are well written and well observed - for instance the barely-suppressed violence of Mick's attitude towards July (and eventually other characters) is compelling - you can see what is likely to happen but wish upon wish that it won't!

I was relieved at the way the story eventually unfolded - the ending is far happier than I feared. I don't want to say any more for fear of giving anything away - all I will say is that I would really recommend this book - provided you are not likely to be triggered by any of the issues it covers of course).

I will happily read other books by this author - really like her writing style, and the way she covers issues at the same time as telling a really compelling story.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

*Potential triggers: Domestic violence, general violence, maternal death

This book was amazing from start to finish, it start in 1995 it does jumpers 6 years ahead to 2001 and then another 17 years within this stories timeline. The story does cover hard subject matter and for that reason alone I would recommend that it is for both mature readers and only when they feel comfortable picking it up to read.

Loved this book. Not always a fan of the heavy and sad reality of domestic abuse, but I found myself in awe of July and her interpretations of her family dynamic. I loved her need to find out more about her mother, and the mystery around it. I loved how the author depicted a child's view; it was spot on, and heartbreaking in its own way. I enjoyed the sibling relationship playing out, and July's sister's way of imposing "rules" and the slow reveal of their true connection.