In Unspeakable Things, middle-schooler Cassie lives with her older sister and parents in small town Minnesota in 1983. There are serious, scary issues at home and she’s trying to figure out how to deal with that without much help. Then boys start disappearing and coming back changed. Reading this book, my heart hurt for the kids that come home and those that don’t, for those who are believed and those who aren’t.

I very much enjoyed Cassie’s voice as she attempts to investigate the attacks, while simultaneously trying to make sense of her home life and remain safe herself. Utilizing a middle schooler as the main character was perfect for this plot. Cassie’s point-of-view illustrates well the fear and confusion experienced by the whole community when something like this occurs, as well as the fact kids often know and are affected by more than you may think. A sense of foreboding permeates the entire novel. The subject matter addressed is not light or easy but the author does a fantastic job portraying this community and the stomach-churning anxiety the events create while also keeping a pace that has you soaring quickly through the novel. Unspeakable Things is about serious issues but it doesn’t preach. This book is a coming of age novel and a mystery, plus high suspense and tension from page one.

Content Warnings: <spoiler> sexual assault; homophobic language </spoiler>

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #UnspeakableThings #mystery #suspense

Such a unique and engaging story. So well written and beautifully layered. It’s a sad story but told in such a way that it wasn’t to depressing and gruesome. Jess Lourey’s writing is beautiful. Can’t wait to read whatever she comes up with next.

This was such an amazing title! This book was so compelling and intense and I could not put it down. The author does a great job of pulling in the reader until the very end. This one will stick with you long after you are through.

I received a digital advanced copy from the author via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Although the readers are warned that this book is dark and one where children get hurt, it’s also based the author's, Jess, childhood and family secret. Although Jess wrote this as a fiction novel, I sense I’ll dive into an emotional roller coaster. Getting a chance to have a glimpse of one of my favorite authors’ personal life will be awe-stricken. Because it reminds us readers that in the end, authors are human too.

With that said....'Unspeakable Things' dives into the world of Cassie, a young girl living in a rural part of a small Minnesota town. While Cassie daydreams about how to get her boy crush to date her, she also struggles with having to keep a family secret to herself (because family matters are to be kept in the home) all the while boys are being harmed around town.

Be forewarned that the novel is written in more a 12 year old narrative that can get a bit childish (because duh).

Normally while reading any of Jess's novels, I dive right now and cannot escape the story. However, with this novel, I had mixed feelings and therefore it's a bit difficult for me to write a review. Some points of the novel it felt like the chapters were dragging and other chapters I couldn't stop reading. I felt anger towards Cassie's family and their dynamic of living (seriously, if I could jump through the book and kick her dad in the balls, I would). Her sister reminds me of my relationship I use to have with my sisters; distant but yet close.

I wish the character development went a bit deeper into who they were (i.e. the villain, the sheriff, the mom, the aunt, the dad). Some of those characters probably would have helped to get a clear insight into Cassie and her life.

Would I re-read this novel again? I'm not really sure. However, I hope this novel left some grief for Jess. It's not easy to try and communicate about your childhood trauma and I applaud her. As I always, keep writing, your stories are beautiful.

This story touches on subject matters otherwise not spoken about. The storyline is gentle and transitions smoothly yet bold and uncomfortable at times.
I found myself being challenged to always be aware of what's going and to be available to people who may need help.
Jess Lourey does a great job of drawing the reader in and keeping your attention. I'm a fan of her work.