It was a good book and I enjoyed reading it a lot. I always struggle not to think what’s logical, if a 17 year old would think that way, etc etc - I need to let characters be. It was a lot happening in this book, but it wasn’t hard to follow the story and all side stories. I would definitely read another book by this author.

Jessica Huntley’s Don't Tell a Soul is a gripping psychological thriller that combines suspense, twists, and a chilling exploration of secrets and lies. With its dark atmosphere, well-crafted tension, and unexpected revelations, the novel keeps readers hooked from the start, making it a solid choice for fans of thrilling mysteries.

The story centers around a young woman who becomes entangled in a web of secrets, deceit, and danger after a shocking discovery. Huntley does an excellent job of gradually building suspense, revealing layers of the plot and characters as the story unfolds. The pacing is steady, with the tension rising at just the right moments, keeping readers on edge without overwhelming them with constant action.

The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, whose internal struggles and emotional turmoil make her a relatable and sympathetic figure. As the story progresses, her determination to uncover the truth—and her willingness to confront the lies around her—adds depth to her character. The secondary characters are intriguing as well, with hidden motives and secrets that contribute to the overall sense of mystery.

The twists in Don't Tell a Soul are well-executed, with Huntley keeping readers guessing until the very end. While some plot points may feel familiar to seasoned thriller readers, the author’s ability to layer the mystery and deliver unexpected revelations ensures that the story remains engaging. The psychological elements, particularly the exploration of guilt, shame, and betrayal, are thought-provoking and add emotional weight to the plot.

One minor issue with the novel is that the pacing slows down in certain sections, especially when focusing on character development or backstory. While this provides necessary context and depth, it may feel like a slight lull in the middle of the book for readers who prefer a faster-moving narrative. However, the story picks up again with renewed intensity, and the ending delivers a satisfying, though dark, conclusion.

In conclusion, Don't Tell a Soul is a well-crafted psychological thriller that offers a compelling mix of suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. Jessica Huntley’s writing keeps the story engaging and her characters relatable, making this a satisfying read for fans of the genre. While the pacing can be uneven at times, the twists and psychological exploration make it a thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking novel.

I enjoyed this one alot. I like the different point of views from each character. The story line great from the very beginning. I hope to read more books by Jessica. I would recommend this one to anyone into thrillers.

Don't Tell a Soul by Jessica Huntley is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. The twists are unexpected, and the suspense builds with every chapter. The characters are complex and well-written, adding depth to the already intense plot. The pacing is fast, with just the right amount of tension to keep you hooked. A solid 4.25 stars—smart, engaging, and full of surprises that make it hard to put down. Perfect for fans of thrilling mysteries.

Don't Tell a Soul by Jessica Huntley is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story follows Elle, who escapes one form of entrapment only to find herself ensnared in another, more sinister situation. Huntley masterfully crafts a narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns, ensuring that just when you think you have it figured out, another surprise awaits. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is both engaging and suspenseful. If you're a fan of thrillers that keep you guessing until the very end, this book is definitely for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The characters are exceptionally well done, each with their own layers of complexity that add depth to the unfolding drama. Their interactions and decisions are both realistic and compelling, making the stakes feel incredibly high. Huntley's crisp, evocative writing style ensures that every scene is vividly brought to life, immersing the reader in a palpable atmosphere of tension and intrigue.
Beyond the thrilling plot, Don't Tell a Soul offers a thoughtful exploration of themes like trust, betrayal, and resilience, adding an emotional weight to the story.

NetGalley ARC review: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Life got in the way of reading this book for a while, but it was worth the wait so thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I had taken a break from the entire thriller genre - until this book landed on my screen, that is. It's suspenseful, mysterious, and ominous from start to finish. There is everything you want in a psychological thriller here, including characters working through trauma (TW: violence in many forms). Well worth being perched on the edge of your seat until you learn how it ends.

Ughhhh this book had so much potential for me but I feel like it was pretty easy to tell what was going to happen. I just feel like sometimes it's so hard to read the synopsis on the back because it can really make it so there are no surprises. This book was definitely engaging and I would be interested in reading another book by this author, I just have a really high expectation when it comes to thrillers.

This was a great spin on the traditional domestic thriller genre. Our current generation lives for these types of fast paced plots with hidden clues embedded throughout the story. This is well written with an easy to follow plot. Highly enjoyed!

This book was definitely weird—but in an intriguing, unsettling way. Elle’s journey starts with promise as she escapes her past and begins rebuilding her life, and Vera’s seemingly kind demeanor draws her in. But as the layers of the story peel back, it takes a dark and unexpected turn.

The mysterious house and the forbidden basement create a creepy, suspenseful atmosphere. If you enjoy psychological thrillers with unexpected twists and a touch of macabre, you might find this one worth a read.

Thank you to Inkubator Books and NetGalley.

Don't Tell a Soul is a great psychological thriller. It is full of twists you would never guess. Elle escapes her home and is running from her alcoholic father that has abused her for years. When she arrives in a new town everyone is so secretive but soon finds a place to stay. The owner of the place she lives has very strict rules and most of the house is off limits to Elle. When Elle runs to the basement to hid she finds Vera is not who she thinks at all.

Another quick and fast paced read by Jessica. She is such a talented author. This was a fun read with a great storyline, well constructed plot and engaging story. It kept me invested from start to finish. So many layers to this story and I just loved it.

This was actually really good, I would recommend this to a lot of people. I liked how realistic two main characters were and how dark the book could get at times. And what was really enjoyable was the whole plot twist we got at the end.!

This book was definitely deceiving… It starts off slow by showing us a girl escaping an abusive home and finding shelter in Vera’s house. The plot, however, thickens and makes you go on a spiral with how much is not as it seems. it is definitely a book that will keep you on your toes because you never know what’s going to happen next.
Thank you so much to NetGalley for allowing me to have this book way before it was published.

So twisty, but also a lot to handle.

Lots of flashbacks of child abuse which make it sensitive material.

Although, it is extremely engaging and will hook you a couple chapters in. I couldn’t put this one down. Highly recommend.

I really enjoyed the book! The cover captivated me and the plot made me stick around!

It truly did not disappoint!

I was hooked on Jessica Huntley's writing after I read "How to Commit Murder in Ten Easy Steps." So, when I got approved for "Don't Tell a Soul," I was really excited.

The way the main characters, Elle and Vera, unveil their dark and turbulent pasts through alternating chapters had me on the edge of my seat. Their shared secrets and the sinister mysteries lurking within the story left me guessing until the end. While I found it slightly less gripping than the author's previous work, I couldn't deny the intense and chilling atmosphere that Jessica Huntley was able to create.

This book was a psychological thriller story. It had a relatively quick pace, which made it an easy read. I found it to be somewhat predictable with the foreshadowing that was provided, but not in a way that ruined the read. I think it would be a good read when you don't need to give your full mental attention to a book!

There are some trigger warnings that should be considered if you are cautious of exposure to certain themes, so make sure to check those out as needed.

I think it was a medium read overall, but not a waste of my time.

This was great! It's paced really well and I was on the edge of my seat wondering how it was going to end. This is a really solid thriller! I would highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Jessica Huntley, Inkubator books and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Slightly predictable but caught my attention and held it. Super good and quick thriller! Definitely worth the read.