Not That I Could Tell

<b>*4.5 stars*</b><br /><br />Picking up an author’s second book—especially one following a debut as stunning as <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/34964877.Almost_Missed_You_A_Novel" title="Almost Missed You A Novel by Jessica Strawser" rel="noopener">Almost Missed You</a>—sparks a certain level of excitement on my part that often coincides with a tiny bit of apprehension. For me, it’s almost a test of sorts. Will that sophomore offering land an author on my must-read list going forward or prove them to be a one-hit wonder, instead? Well, for everyone that loved <a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/34964877.Almost_Missed_You_A_Novel" title="Almost Missed You A Novel by Jessica Strawser" rel="noopener">Almost Missed You</a> as much as this reader, have no fear—<a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/35485984.Not_That_I_Could_Tell_A_Novel" title="Not That I Could Tell A Novel by Jessica Strawser" rel="noopener">Not That I Could Tell</a> proves to be just as compelling and gripping as <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/1056657.Jessica_Strawser" title="Jessica Strawser" rel="noopener">Jessica Strawser</a>'s fate-filled debut. Maybe even a touch more so.<br /><br />What stood out to me was the way the story was told or rather what wasn’t. We know from the beginning, there was a last minute girl’s night of sorts with a group of neighbors—think wine, the glow of a fire pit and the freedom to relax and let loose without the kids. What we aren’t made privy to is <i>exactly</i> what happened that night. It was the very last time anyone laid eyes on Kristin. Finding that she's simply vanished, along with her young twins, everyone naturally questions if it was her choice or if someone made it for her. Someone like her soon-to-be ex-husband. <br /><br />What this story is <u>not</u> is a police procedural or psychological thriller focused on unraveling every moment that leads up to Kristin’s disappearance. Instead, this work of women’s fiction—that falls on the darker end of the spectrum—is more about two different women, Izzy and Clara, and how they cope with the reality that their friend is gone. The magic of the story comes from the change it provokes in them and their perspective on life, in some shape or form. For me, that's where <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/1056657.Jessica_Strawser" title="Jessica Strawser" rel="noopener">Jessica Strawser</a>’s power lies—in creating deep and lasting impressions with her characters. They’re wholly relatable and real on some level; making the reader/character connection effortless on my part. Honestly, as a reader, is there anything better? <br /><br />Izzy was the first character to grab my attention and she pretty much refused to let go throughout the entire story. <b>Her situation made my heart ache</b>—like being held in a vice grip that’s continuously tightening, just begging for relief. Stronger than even she realized, Izzy’s perspective left me with this message—don’t assume <i>anyone</i> understands your true feelings; speak up before it’s too late and you're left saddled with the regret of what might have been.<br /><br />This story is yet another reminder that no one is perfect—we all come with flaws and life isn't always sunshine and rainbows—regardless of the face we put out to the world. So don't make assumptions—about people or this storyline. What starts to feel like a story headed to a predictable end is anything but. <b>Speechless. Surprised. Awed.</b> That’s all I’m going to say. Well, other than, <a href="https://goodreads.com/author/show/1056657.Jessica_Strawser" title="Jessica Strawser" rel="noopener">Jessica Strawser</a> has definitely earned her spot on my must-read list. <br /><br /><i>*Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

Having previously enjoyed Jessica Strawser’s debut novel “Almost Missed You”, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to read her new novel “Not That I Could Tell”.<br /><br /><strong> <em>“Ever wonder what your friends really think of you?”</em> </strong><br /><br />Although Izzy is new to Yellow Springs, Ohio, she’s been getting to know her neighbors and even spent Saturday evening overindulging in wine and conversation with five other women from the neighborhood. Izzy doesn’t usually overdo it on alcohol, but got caught up in the excitement of the other women. With the exception of Izzy, all of the other women are married with children, and they were happy for the opportunity to relax around the fire without being interrupted every two seconds by a child wanting their attention.<br /><br />Izzy is surprised when the soon to be ex-husband of one of the women flags her down as she gets home Monday to ask her if she’s seen his wife, Kristen. Izzy hasn’t seen Kristen since Saturday evening. Paul tells her that Kristen didn’t show up for work and didn’t drop the children off at school. All three of them are gone...<br /><br />Clara Tiffin was the host on Saturday evening and her and her husband Benny live right next door to Kristen. Clara is a stay at home mother to four-year old Thomas and thirteen-month old, Maddie. Clara’s son Thomas goes to school with Kristen’s twins.<br /><br />When a detective stops by and asks Clara when she last saw Kristen, she is immediately concerned.<br /><br /><strong> <em>“We’re trying to account for her whereabouts, Mrs. Tiffin. She didn’t show at work today, and Abby and Aaron never arrived at school.”</em> </strong><br /><br />Kristen Kirkland is the mom who always seems to have it together. She’s very involved in her children's school activities. She’s the mom who always helps decorate for holiday parties, brings the fanciest snacks, and knows the name of everyone – teachers, parents and children. So when Kristen and her twins go missing, everyone is stunned…especially the neighborhood women who thought they knew her best. However, the more they start to learn about Kristen..the more they wonder if they really knew her at all.<br /><br />Suddenly the neighborhood turns into a media circus……<br /><br />Though we learn about all of the women from the get-together, the story-line focuses more on Clara and Izzy; the personal issues they are struggling with, as well as their reaction to Kristen’s disappearance.<br /><br /><strong>Where is Kristen? Where are the children?<br /></strong><br /><br />I really enjoyed this novel and I was drawn to many of the characters. I found them very relatable... flaws and all. I was also completely taken in by the little ones, their interactions with each other and adults were adorable. I could “see” little Maddie as she chased after her brother. A game of hide-and-seek between Clara and her four-year old son had me laughing out loud.<br /><br /><em>“Mommy, you count to ten and I’ll go hide behind the curtains in the dining room. Ready, go!”</em><br /><br /><em>“Thomas, hide-and-seek only works if you don’t tell me where you’re going to hide. I’ll count and you pick a new place, okay?”</em><br /><br /><em>“But the curtains are a great hiding place!”</em><br /><br /><em>“But you just told me you’re going to be there. I already know”</em><br /><br /><em>“Okay. Close your eyes-no peeking! I will go hide now—and <strong>do not look behind the curtains</strong>.”</em><br /><br /><em>“Ready or not, here I come”</em><br /><br /><em>Maniacal giggling came from the dining room….</em><br /><br />Jessica Strawser is a tremendous storyteller. With fantastic characterization, a compelling story-line, “<strong>Not That I Could Tell</strong>” is another awesome read that kept me gripped from start to finish. I was thrilled with this novel and I'm already looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next!<br /><br />Highly recommended!<br /><br />Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing a copy of this book for me to read in exchange for my honest review.

<b>4.5*</b><br />Lately I’ve been reading a number of books involving neighbors. How they interact together - and the expectations they have of each other when living so close. This one ranks right up there among my favorite “neighborhood books”.<br /><br />A backyard get-together of the neighborhood gals, where drinking and giggles are the order of the day. Baby monitors turned up high and husbands shooed off to do their own thing. Purely innocent. Just another fun, girl’s night out. Almost.<br /><br />The following morning, one of the women is missing along with her young twin children. Maybe she left on her own, but how? And why? She never gave the slightest hint of any problem at the party last night. <br /><br />As the police begin their investigation, secrets start to unfold. Is anyone on this block safe?<br /><br />I absolutely enjoyed this domestic thriller. A fast passed, easy read. The characters are all vivid, making it easy to keep them apart as the story is told from several POV’s. <br /><br />This was my first book by Jessica Strawser. Though I have her previous one <i>Almost Missed You</i> on my list waiting for me. I plan on bumping it up to the top. I highly recommend!!<br /><br />Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jessica Strawser for an ARC to review in exchange for an honest review. <br />

<b>4.5 Stars* (rounded up).<br /><br />When a group of women get together, trouble always follows. Am I right or am I right? Not where I’m from, but whatever. Blame the alcohol.<br /><br />“Not That I Could Tell” is a STELLAR follow up to Jessica Strawser’s debut, “Almost Missed You.”</b> In this novel, after a group of gals spend the night drinking around a bonfire, one goes missing along with her two children - Kristin is nowhere to be found. And unfortunately, all of her friends had way too much to drink to remember anything they talked about. Anything that would help figure out what might have happened to her, at least. They don’t know if she ran off, or if her soon to be ex-husband Paul had something to do with it. <br /><br />Each of Kristin’s neighbors cope with her disappearance differently, including Kristin’s best friend Clara, and the newest resident of Yellow Springs, Izzy. There are a couple of side stories involving both characters. How they interact with friends, the police and school administrators – simply fascinating. In my opinion however, the one involving Izzy stole the whole shebang! I won’t ruin it, but I will say that I think we’ve all been in her shoes and my heart ached for her. <br /><br />All of the characters in this novel GRAB your attention. My favorite? Why Izzy, of course! The character development is spot on. And the ending? Not what I was expecting at all! <br /><br /><b>This is an easy, quick read. You can’t help but dig in and you don’t want to stop until you reach the very last page. </b> This book FAR surpasses Ms. Strawser’s debut, “Almost Missed You”, which was was good - “Not that I Could Tell” however is simply fantastic. <b> <u>A must-read.</u> </b><br /><br />Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jessica Strawser for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. <br /><br />Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 9.17.17. <br /><br />*Will be Published on Amazon on 3.27.17.

<br /><b>*3.5 Stars*</b><br /><br />This book had one hell of an <b>amazing</b> kick off, presenting an atmospheric tone that was both enticing and mysterious: Women in a small neighborhood coming together one fateful night to let loose around a backyard fire pit—wine glasses and baby monitors in hand. <br /><br />Although these women tend to exude an I-have-my-shit-together appearance by day, their composed exteriors begin to fall away with the night, revealing dark secrets and hidden insecurities—all exposed...fire pit-side. <br /><br />Quite a freeing night, but the next morning they find themselves greeted by massive hangovers, along with the frightening news that one of these women has suddenly disappeared. <br /><br /><blockquote> <i> <b>“It’s no great accomplishment to get someone to believe a lie. It’s not that hard, really. Look at me: a doctor’s wife, working mom, good neighbor. You’ve already summed me up, haven’t you? You’re already filling in the blanks...But whatever you’re writing there, it’s not the truth.”</b> </i> </blockquote><br />This explosively alluring opening sparked a high level of excitement and intrigue that held tight for a while, but then began to simmer, taking a slow but steady decline all the way to a somewhat lackluster finish. <br /><br />There were parts I <b>loved </b>and found incredibly interesting, and then others that made the story feel like it was coasting in the mundane. <br /><br />I didn’t particularly care for the ending, and not because of <i>what</i> happened, but more of <i>how</i> it happened. It sort of played out like an ending to a movie: dramatized and predictable. I couldn’t help but feel there was more suggested than was ultimately delivered. <br /><br />I do have to gush over this author’s writing style, which was superb and remained solid throughout. I found myself rereading certain parts, so drawn in by the wording alone. <br /><br />The characters were flawlessly brought to life, each one unique from the next and harboring her own real-life demons. I think readers will most certainly enjoy this contrasting cast of characters. <br /><br />Overall, an enjoyable read, and I do intend to check out other works by this author!

I really enjoyed the second novel of Jessica Strawser. <br /><br />Several women meet around the firepit of Clara’s backyard one Saturday night. All of them except Izzy are married with kids. They all have a little too much to drink. By Monday afternoon, the soon-to-be-ex-husband of Kristin flags down Izzy to ask if he’s seen his wife and kids. When the police come to ask questions soon after, the women’s stories of Saturday evening—the last time anyone saw Kristin—are unfortunately a little hazy, but none of them can think of any reason for Kristin’s disappearance—as well as her twin children’s.<br /><br />Did she go on the run from her almost-ex-husband, Paul, or is he being unfairly blamed (since the husband is always the first suspect in a suspicious case)? Paul is an OB-GYN. His job is to care for women during a turbulent, sometimes scary time in their lives. He works so much, no one on the block knows him very well.<br /><br />Told from the alternating points of view of Izzy and Clara, the challenges of being single and being a mom are represented with sensitivity and depth. This is a well-paced mystery with likeable, complex characters.<br /><br />Thanks so much to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to review this novel, which RELEASES MARCH 27, 2018.<br /><br />For more of my reviews, please visit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="http://www.theresaalan.net/blog">http://www.theresaalan.net/blog</a>

4.5 stars, rounded up.<br /><br />Boy, do I love a little bit of soapy neighborhood melodrama and mystery...<br /><br />"It's no great accomplishment to get someone to believe a lie. It's not that hard, really. Look at me: doctor's wife, working mom, good neighbor. You've already summed me up, haven't you? You're already filling in the blanks. But whatever you're writing there, it's not the truth. And that's fine by me. It's easier, knowing you don't know me at all."<br /><br />One Saturday night, a group of female neighbors gets together around the firepit of one of their houses. They're excited with the prospect of adult company, and by the fact that their baby monitors actually work in the backyard. They all have a little too much wine that night, leaving everyone feeling a little worse for the wear the next day. But all agree it's a price worth paying, and the conversation flows all over the place.<br /><br />Life proceeds as usual on Monday until they get a real shock: Kristin, the seemingly near-perfect mother of twins, the class mom always willing to pitch in, has disappeared along with her children. Some of her clothes and the children's clothes and favorite toys are missing, as is her mother's heirloom china. But her cell phone was left behind.<br /><br />Kristin didn't seem at all dismayed that her divorce from her gynecologist husband Paul was nearly final. No one knows what to think about her disappearance, and as the police begin investigating, they uncover secrets that she never shared with her friends, secrets which make them fear the worst. As public suspicion centers around Paul, he tries to focus attention back to his soon-to-be ex-wife, all the while trying to make himself seem more sympathetic.<br /><br />Kristin's friends and neighbors try to make sense of what has happened, and how they were unaware of what Kristin was going through. For Clara, who lived next door, Kristin's disappearance and the facts swirling around remind her of an incident from her past that she has tried to put behind her, but she finds herself in the middle of the scandal, which causes issues for her husband and her young children. And Izzy, the neighborhood's newest resident, tries to stay above the fray and not pass judgment, because she is dealing with emotional issues of her own.<br /><br />How well do we know our friends? Should we listen to those around us or should we trust our own instincts? <b> <i>Not That I Could Tell</i> </b> follows the model of books like <b> <i>Big Little Lies</i> </b> and Marybeth Mayhew Whalen's <b> <i>When We Were Worthy</i> </b>, providing a compelling narrative, a healthy dose of melodrama, and a mystery that eats at the fabric of friendships and the neighborhood.<br /><br />Jessica Strawser does a great job with this book. I devoured it in practically one sitting, and although I had my suspicions of how things would resolve themselves, that didn't dampen my enthusiasm one bit. You've seen this before, but Strawser's storytelling ability keeps you turning the pages. I think this would make a great TV movie, too.<br /><br />I was looking for something a little lighter, and this definitely fit the bill. This will make a great vacation read!<br /><br />NetGalley and St. Martin's Press provided me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making this available! <br /><br />See all of my reviews at <a href="http://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com</a>, or check out my list of the best books I read in 2017 at <a href="https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">https://itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com/2018/01/the-best-books-i-read-in-2017.html</a>.

<br /> The book starts out with Kristin and her two kids disappearing, they are missing and vanish without a trace. There was a neighborhood party the night before they disappeared. They were drinking wine and sharing stories, sitting around a fire with baby monitors turned up. They started getting drunk and don't seem to remember anything of that night. <br /><br /> As the investigation starts lots of secrets appear and everyone seems like they could be a suspect. The setting is in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The investigation turns up with more questions than answers.<br /><br />This is a story about neighbors and their relationships. The book reminded me of the old television show of Desperate Housewives but not as humorous. The book deals with friendship, love, family, betrayal and domestic violence. I loved the ending which was unexpected and very sutprprising with some suspense.<br /><br />I struggled with this book. To me, this wasn't a fast paced thriller. It was a slow burn and didn't seem to have any twists or turns that I actually look for. I think that this would fit the chic lit genre a lot better.<br />I feel that those that love that genre will love this book. I am not really into that genre. This book has the theme of Desperate Housewives, remember that old television show? It just wasn't as numerous as that show. The story was based on neighbors and their relationships. <br /><br />I felt like I did not have a strong connection with the character and for me to love a book, I have to love the characters. These are just my feelings though and I unfortunately have to be honest. <br /><br />If you have been interested in this book, I would read all of the four and five star reviews. There are lots of five star reviews. Lots of people loved it. <br />I was hooked in the beginning then it seemed to go flat throughout the book until the end which was quite unexpected and surprising. <br /><br />I do recommend this book to those that love the chic lit genre. I think you will love it. <br /><br />This was a Traveling Sister read and want c n though I struggled with it, I enjoyed reading this with them.<br /><br />I want to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Jessica Strawser for the copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

<b>4 intriguing stars to the light mystery/domestic suspense, Not That I Could Tell!</b> ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ <br /> <br />Having read Jessica Strawser’s debut book, Almost Missed You, I knew I had to read her second! <br /><br />The women of the neighborhood gathered around the fire pit at Clara’s house and had a carefree evening while indulging in perhaps too much alcohol. The next day, Kristen’s husband, Paul, flags down one of the women and asks if she knows where Kristen is. It turns out that Kristen and her two children disappeared after the get-together. The police begin to question all the women, but their memories are hazy, and they don’t know why, other than the alcohol. <br /><br />The first suspect is always the husband, right?! Is Paul the culprit, or he is falsely accused? <br /><br />The narrators are Izzy and Clara, two of the neighborhood women who attended the party. Izzy is single, and Clara is married with children; the challenges for each of their lifestyles were explored and contrasted. I liked Izzy. She was fallible and interesting, and I admired her growth as a character. <br /><br />Overall, Not That I Could Tell is a slower-building mystery. It’s an easy read, perfect to relax into and watch it gradually unfold. <br /><br />For this and other Traveling Sister Read reviews, please check out Brenda and Norma’s amazing blog: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" href="https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com">https://twosisterslostinacoulee.com</a><br /><br />Thank you to Jessica Strawser, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the ARC. Not That I Could Tell will be released on March 27, 2018!

<b>4.5 Dramarama Stars ????.5</b><br /><br />This was a really fun read for me..... set in small town Ohio where the houses were as eclectic as the citizens..... whenever I read a book that takes place in a small town I always feel a little jealous, having lived in major cities my entire life..... and Yellow Springs was so picturesque and ideal, just the place you’d want to raise your family.....<br /><br />The neighbor ladies get together for a girls night out.... kid free and husband free... The wine is flowing, the fire is burning, and the tongues are loose..... and the next day Kristin is gone along with her twins... did she leave of her own volition? Or has something more sinister happened?<br /><br />This book really was about Clara and Izzy and how they coped with the disappearance of their friend/neighbor..... I really liked both of these ladies and related to them both in very different ways.... Clara is a stay at home mother with a fabulous husband (I must say) raising two kids and trying to be the best mom she possibly can.... Izzy oh Izzy... my heart broke for you girl! Caught in an impossible situation filled with regret... fighting her way back.... I really loved her character growth in this book... and I actually would appreciate another book with her to see where she goes from here......<br /><br />I loved being the nosy neighbor without having to leave the comfort of my own home or peak out my window..... I loved getting a glimpse into all these characters lives... the good, the bad, and the ugly.... and a very special mention needs to go out to the very precocious 12-year-old Nancy Drew A.k.a. Hallie.... there were some times during this book I absolutely felt as though she was more in touch with what was going on then the adults... and the girl had spirit!<br /><br />Absolutely recommend two fans of domestic thrillers with a slower pace.... this book didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat however I really wanted to know what was going on and The sooner the better....<br /><br />*** thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this book ***