Lesley Kara

After reluctantly moving in with her mother, ex-alcoholic Astrid tries to rebuild her life and make amends for her past wrongs, but someone is following her and won't stop until she learns that some mistakes can't be forgiven.

A Novel

Who Did You Tell?

Kerri McDonald

Before we go on, I want to say thank you to Netgalley, Ballantine Books, and the author for sending me a free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Last year, I had the privilege of reading Lesley Kara’s novel, The Rumor, before it was released in the United States. I requested it on Netgalley while I was on a thriller kick because it sounded like it would give me some proper goosebumps. I ended up completely engrossed in the story! So, when Who Did You Tell? appeared on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to dive into another Lesley Kara thriller!

In her new thriller, Kara weaves the story of Astrid Phelps, a recovering alcoholic who finds herself living with her mother in the sleepy town of Flintstead. Astrid has hit rock bottom and, after exiting rehab, is determined to get her life back on track. But there are things, and people, from her past that are refusing to stay buried. When she starts getting threatening letters, Astrid not only has to struggle with the fear of this unknown stalker but the ever increasing urge to drink.

What can I say, this author knows how to write a compelling thriller! I was completely wrapped up in Astrid’s fears, her struggles, and I couldn’t tear myself away. I think my favorite part of this book was how well the feelings of hopelessness and raw need were weaved throughout. I could feel Astrid’s frustration with herself and her addiction. Reading about her cravings was so visceral and heartbreaking. I can’t imagine how hard it must be to give something up when you’re body and brain keep trying to tell you that you need it. Lesley Kara does a masterful job of conveying those feelings so that you empathize with Astrid throughout, even when she’s making… questionable decisions.

Also, I will freely admit that the ending surprised me! Thrillers are probably my third favorite genre after fantasy and sci-fi. Though I can’t claim to be an expert, I’ve read quite a few twisty-turny books where someone is in mortal danger. I also watch an unreasonable amount of true crime shows. What I’m trying to say other than I know how to hide a body is that I usually tend to guess how thrillers are going to end about halfway through. This one, however, kept me on my toes! I would think I had it all figured out and *BAM* some new twist would have me rethinking everything! I, for one, appreciate the effort.

The one thing I could have done without is the slap-dash romance with some beach rando. Though I can see why that element was added, it just didn’t seem believable to me. Perhaps I’m just getting cynical in my old age… I say as a thirty-seven year old woman 🙃🙃🙃 Still, reading about Astrid and Josh did remind me of that feeling of giddiness when starting a new relationship. The emotions in this book are just so well conveyed in this book!

Final thoughts: This is a twisty and emotional thriller that will keep you on your toes! The emotions are written so viscerally that you can’t help but put yourself in Astrid’s shoes. And that can be a truly terrifying experience!

Allison Garber

Caitlin Dignan

THE ADDICTIVE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER! Someone knows Astrid's darkest secret. And they're going to have fun with it . . . Prepare to feel paranoid with this addictive new stand alone psychological thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Rumour. It's been 192 days, seven hours and fifteen minutes since her last drink. Now Astrid is trying to turn her life around. Having reluctantly moved back in with her mother, in a quiet seaside town away from the temptations and painful memories of her life before, Astrid is focusing on her recovery. She's going to meetings. Confessing her misdeeds. Making amends to those she's wronged. But someone knows exactly what Astrid is running from. And they won't stop until she learns that some mistakes can't be corrected. Some mistakes, you have to pay for . . . __________________ 'Certain to leave you reeling' Daily Express 'Instantly immersive, then intriguing, then insanely suspenseful, then ... the truth. Believe me, Lesley Kara knows what she's doing.' Lee Child ***** 'Like The Rumour it had me gripped from the start.' ***** ' This is by far one of the best suspense books I've ever read.' ***** 'A wonderful page turner that had me gripped long into the night - a story that deals with the issues of addiction, blame & forgiveness - loved it.' ***** 'A great mix of grit, psychological thriller, suspense and drama, wrapped up in a story that really had me on my toes.' __________________ IF YOU'VE ALREADY RACED THROUGH WHO DID YOU TELL? THEN LOOK OUT FOR THE DARE, THE CAPTIVATING NEW THRILLER FROM LESLEY KARA. *COMING SOON AND AVAILABLE TO PRE-ORDER NOW!*

Who Did You Tell? A Novel

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