I received this book "Not That I Could Tell" from Netgalley for my honest review.

This was a good read. I like the story and trying to guess what would happen next. This was a page turner that kept me interested and I liked the ending.

Kristin and her four year-old twins disappear without a trace from their seemingly perfect lives. Her neighbors are all bewildered. Kristin had been the model mother and neighbor. Sure, she was in the middle of getting a divorce, but even that seemed amicable - or at very least, Kristin didn't reveal anything troubling.

In the days that follow, Kristin's soon to be ex-husband moves back into their home, and neighbors Izzy and Clara try to make sense of the situation. Did Kristin run because she had money from her first husband, and was afraid the divorce settlement would force her to split it with Paul? Did she run for darker reasons? Or did something terrible happen to her and her twins?

I thought this was a very good novel. It's being billed as both a mystery and women's fiction, and often women's fiction gets a bad rap for being "fluffy." This is anything but. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, and the mystery unravels in a satisfying way. I particularly loved the ending.

*Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an ARC*

I absolutely loved Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser. This was so well written. The writing style is both sophisticated and smooth. The author uses the disappearance of Kristen to flesh out her characters, especially Clara and Izzy, giving them depth and inner life.

The mystery is interesting and keeps you guessing, and while it is the driving force behind the events, the characters are truly what kept me turning the page. The little twist at the end was done well, and I was glad for the closure. I was genuinely surprised to find that I read it in 4 hours, but it was such a fast read. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.

https://thebookobserver.blogspot.com/2017/09/drinks-in-hand-group-of-neighborhood.html
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2134699561

A group of neighborhood friends gathered around the fire pit at Clara's house for a night of relaxation. The next morning, one of the women has disappeared. The details of the night are a bit foggy because the women were tipsy from a few too many drinks but all of the women swear that, aside from a few embarrassing secrets that were shared, it was a normal night and nothing in particular stands out as wrong. As days pass and there is no sign of the missing friend, the police and the neighborhood women try to piece together the mystery of why she went missing and where she could be.

I would categorize this as a mystery but certainly not as a thriller or even a suspense novel. It has elements of women's literature - relationship trouble, parenting issues, local gossip, etc. In this respect, it wasn't quite what I expected. The description and the reviews made it seem much more sinister. It was still a good read and totally worthwhile so I do recommend it. I also think the cover is perfect for the story and for drawing the attention of readers!

I received this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Netgalley.com, to St. Martin's Press, and to Jessica Strawser.

This book is a great summertime read, neighbors, bonfires, and then someone goes missing. The book grabs you right from the beginning, and keeps you interested till the end.

Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser was a wonderful read! Perfect for a book club or for a shared read between friends. I would and will suggest this to current book clubs I'm in and will be purchasing the paperback for a few friends once published!

I had not read one of Jessica Strawser’s novels before and I was not disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed the drama that a book only centered on women could only provide.

In a small neighborhood of families who barely have time to get to know one another, Clara makes an effort to turn acquaintances into friends. There’s Kristin Kirkland, the well put together doctor’s wife, who is a working mother with twins whose skills would make Martha Stewart envious. Izzy, youngest and probably the most vulnerable of the bunch who recently took a job with a radio station far from her family, her newly married sister in particular. Natalie is a bit frazzled as a currently single parent, taking classes while her military husband works overseas. Rhoda and Randi, are a couple raising their newborn while running their local fair trade business. And don’t forget Clara, who dearly loves her handsome Benny and two children, especially after the events she witnessed years ago. They gather in Clara’s backyard enjoying sitting around her new firepit with their baby monitors in tow. And as they enjoy many adult beverages private secrets are shared…

Kristin and the twins go missing. Detective Bryant interviews all the neighbors, particularly the women. They quickly realize they know little about Kristin as her current situation comes to light. Did her soon-to-be ex-husband, Paul have something to do with their disappearances? Did Kristen pack up her children and flee so she wouldn’t have to split her assets? Is someone else involved?

It’s a page turner for sure. I loved the mystery and that I didn’t know what was going to happen until the very end. I was on team Kristen. And then team Paul. And then I just couldn’t decide. Jessica Strawser gives us a bird’s eye view of what’s happening with the investigation and what has happened within these women’s lives. Sometimes their perspectives cloud their judgment or lead them to astray. It was an exciting read. I love not being able to figure out the end!

I received an advance review copy of this book from Great Thoughts Ninjas. All opinions are my own.

So....wow. I started this book not knowing what to expect. I didn't read the blurb that gives an overview--I knew I liked the author, the opportunity presented itself, and I jumped on it. I am so glad I trusted my instincts. This book was awesome(insert cool fire emoji).

I liked that we figured out the story through the perspective of two characters, but there was also a lot of other enjoyable characters sprinkled in. The mini chapters from a third POV were just enough to give you chills and they kept the story moving--you had to know what happened to this woman! During a really dramatic, chilling part, I came back to reality finding that I was sitting in a tub that had NO water--it had drained during the action and I didn't even realize.

The characters were likable, easy to relate to, and at time a little infuriating. This book scores a big 5 stars for me--frankly I wish there were more stars available.

I received this book via the Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team!

I loved her first novel so I knew this one would be good and it did not disappoint! When friends have a "girls' night" at one of their homes, they have no idea that by the next morning one of them will have disappeared with her twins. Because she's going through a divorce, there is speculation about what could possibly have happened and suspicion initially turns to her doctor husband, but with no leads the investigation eventually meets a dead-end. But the novel focuses on her friends and how they react to her disappearance. Dealing with themes of family, friendship, love, betrayal, and domestic violence, this novel reveals relationships at their best (and worst) but is well-written and deeply satisfying!

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I loved it. The mystery kept me wondering until the last chapter. Very well written

WOW. I enjoyed the authors debut novel but this one is above par!! It's such a breath of fresh air to find an author like this who I know I can depend on to always give me a gripping read. I can't wait to see what she writes in the future because she is always going to be on my watch list.

If you like a tense read, this is the book for you! I was hanging by the edge of my seat almost the whole way through.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read Not That I Could Tell by Jessica Strawser.
A Indian Summer evening, neighborhood women enjoy each other's company around a firepit. They get "feeling good", so good that their memories are a bit foggy the next day. And, one of the women has disappeared and no one can remember what really happened.
The plot is solid and the characters are developed in this story of secrets and lies, what goes on behind closed doors in the suburbs, and what appears to be - isn't.
Well written and will keep you guessing. Recommend.

4.5 Stars* (rounded up).

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.

“Not That I Could Tell” is a STELLAR follow up to Jessica Strawser’s debut, “Almost Missed You.” 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.

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.

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!

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. This book FAR surpasses Ms. Strawser’s debut, “Almost Missed You”, which was good - “Not that I Could Tell” however is simply fantastic. A must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jessica Strawser for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 9.17.17.

*Will be Published on Amazon on 3.27.17.

Thrilling second novel from this author. No sophomore slump here! Fast paced mystery. Couldn't wait to find out what happened next!

*4.5 stars*

Picking up an author’s second book—especially one following a debut as stunning as Almost Missed You—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 Almost Missed You as much as this reader, have no fear—Not That I Could Tell proves to be just as compelling and gripping as Jessica Strawser's fate-filled debut. Maybe even a touch more so.

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 exactly 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.

What this story is not 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 Jessica Strawser’s power lies—in creating deep and lasting impressions with her characters. Their wholly relatable and real on some level; making the reader/character connection effortless on my part. Honestly, as a reader, is there anything better?

Izzy was the first character to grab my attention and she pretty much refused to let go throughout the entire story. Her situation made my heart ache—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 anyone understands your true feelings; speak up before it’s too late and you're left saddled with the regret of what might have been.

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. Speechless. Surprised. Awed. That’s all I’m going to say. Well, other than, Jessica Strawser has definitely earned her spot on my must-read list.

When neighbors gather for a ladies wine night everyone is happy to "get out", but still in spitting distance to their homes. Talking, drinking, laughing and commiserating about life in general is the what happily transpired. Fun was had by all...or so it appeared. Two days later the ladies are stunned to learn that their friend, along with her two children, have simply vanished!! All of women try to recall the foggy details of the (now missing) neighbor from their wine night. As details of their friendship and interactions with her emerge, conspiracy theories start to develop and that's just the tip of the iceberg!! Ohhhhhh my!!!

What a twisty turny masterpiece Jessica Strawser has written!!! I was really in the mood for an addictive read that I wouldn't be able to put down and Not That I Could Tell came through--big time!! I am in awe of how utterly shocked I was by the ending-- I honestly had no clue what was coming. Having read Jessica Strawsers debut novel, Almost Missed You, I knew she was an extremely talented author, but she really outdid herself with this book!! If you were a fan of Big Little Lies, than Not That I Could Tell will be right up your alley!! This is a full 5 star read that needs to go on top of you TBR list!

I was so excited to see that Jessica Strawser had a new book coming out – I read and really enjoyed “Almost Missed You.” This one does not disappoint, either. From the opening paragraph it become evident that everything is not what it seems, and the story and the characters drew me in right away and kept me guessing until the end of the book.

Kristin’s neighbors have a gathering in her friend Clara’s backyard one Saturday night, drink a little too much wine, the night becomes fuzzy, and have a hard time waking up the next AM after overindulging. The soon learn that Kristin and her children went missing after the party broke up…

The neighborhood is friendly, and the women in the neighborhood are the kinds of neighbors I wish I had. They are likeable, and not overly concerned with gossip, but are very concerned about the absence of Kristin and her twins. Both Izzy and Clara are concerned about their friend, but also dealing with their own issues from their past that color their view on the situation they find themselves in – being worried about their friend, being questioned by police, but trying to continue their own lives in the meantime.

This is a suspenseful book that brings a mystery to life in suburban America…where everything may not be exactly what it seems. A great read!

This book was just what I was looking for. Suspenseful, and something I couldn't put down. It had a bit of homeyness to it. Like I wanted to be friends with the people in the neighborhood.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from The Great Thoughts Ninja Review Team. All opinions are my own. This book has it all. It's dramatic, emotional and has a strong plot that will keep you reading until the end. Definitely pre order or put this is on your TBR list because it's a book not to be missed.

This thriller follows a group of neighbor girlfriends who spent Saturday night around the firepit, enjoying wine and secrets. On Monday, one of them is missing. Kristin seems to have the perfect family and perfect life but as her secrets come out as her disappearance is investigated; her neighbor girlfriends realize they don’t know her as well as they thought. All eyes go to the husband of course but others aren’t so sure that he is the reason behind her disappearance.

This book was interesting, I felt like the flow was really good, the twist at the end got me! I loved the cover, it pulled me in right away. The story was engaging and kept me interested.