“So I make sure it’s obvious to everyone there what happy, healthy, cherished little people my kids are. I never forget to dress them in their pajamas for pajama day. I always sign up to bring the most elaborate snacks to the class parties. I help other moms in the parking lot when their pumpkin seats jam or their strollers collapse. I make a point of knowing all their names. You probably think I care a lot about what my friends think. I don’t.”
Not That I Could Tell
By Jessica Strawser
Published: March 2018
Source: Advance review copy
One evening a group of women friends gather around in their backyard. Enjoy some drinks, laughs and even sharing some secrets. After the weekend the quaint and calm neighborhood will be never be the same as Kristin, one the women is missing as well as her small children.
Could Kristin’s soon-to-be ex-husband, Paul, have anything to do with the disappearance. As the detectives question Kristin’s friends, the women realize that they didn’t know Kristin very well at all. How come they had no idea that Kristin had inherited a large sum of money from her first marriage after her husband was killed?
The once quiet neighborhood is now under intense media scrutiny. Paul moves back into Kristin’s home and meanwhile all the women who were Kristin’s friends start to re-think their lives and relationships. Clara and Izzy the other two main women characters have their own issues they are trying to work out and something this major happening in their lives upends what they thought was a nicely controlled new life.
I really enjoyed the description of the town and could just imagine what it was like. I also liked the young girl who is a budding reporter. The character that was harder to get behind though was Izzy. At first I felt bad for her because of her unrequited love but after a while, I’m thinking enough with your pity party. Mostly though while it was an easy story to get into, for a thriller it just didn’t surprise me enough.
I have this one in print, but haven’t read it yet. I selected it as one of my Book of the Month Club picks – though I’m not a member anymore. I’ve been putting off reading it as I had heard some mixed reactions and also my quasi-burnout of books like this. Your review makes me want to try it soon though. We’ll see.
I’ve had this one on my list. It sounds interesting, but I’ve been seeing mixed reviews. I still plan to read it, but I’m not sure when.
So a good read but not a great one?
The premise sounds interesting enough to pique my curiosity. Will see if my library has a copy.
It does sound interesting. Sometimes I don’t mind if it meets thriller standards…as long as it keeps me interested. 🙂
Kay – It does seem like these “suburban noir” books are all the rage lately aren’t they? I’m getting a bit burnt out too.
Kim@Time2Read – It was entertaining but maybe I’m thinking I need a bit of a change of pace when it comes to my mysteries!
Lark – Pretty much. I had high hopes for this one but it was just ok.
Melody – This would be a good library book so you can easily return it if it’s not working for you.
Jenclair – That’s true! It doesn’t have to wow but it does have to tell a good story right?